I don't think the issue is whether or not the horses should be numbered -
rather, does the number need to be on their rump?
I can say my experience has been I am *always* asked my number by folks at
the VC - they *never* look at the rump. Same thing coming across the finish
line - we're told to at least yell our number as we go by if we're going too
fast to stop immediately and give the card :-). They do not rely on the
numbers on the rump at any rate.
Also, it seems to be the rare occasion here in the SE that at least one VC
isn't done under a rain sheet or wool cooler covering the number anyway.
Tina
Huntsville, AL
hickst@nichols.com