Another Look at the Winner’s Circle

I was one of the members of the Hersh party ushered from the winner’s circle on March 5 after the Santa Anita Handicap.

My parents, Phillip and Sophie Hersh, had just been told that our horse, The Wicked North, had been disqualified and were all shocked and very upset by the stewards’ decision. My mother is 75 with a breathing disorder, and my father is also 75 with a heart condition. My husband and I were concerned about their well-being, and I was trying to gather our party and get them out of the winner’s circle when a group of men loudly asked an attendant to “get those people out of here.”

The attendant very rudely demanded we leave. This all took place within seconds of The Wicked North’s number being taken down.

While it is true that the Paulson party did not come down immediately after the race, the stewards’ inquiry lasted more than 10 minutes, which afforded the party time to reach the winner’s circle. The rudeness occurred seconds after learning of the disqualification.

LORETTA H. SELINGER

Los Angeles