Race 1: WELCOME TO NELSON MANDELA BAY MAIDEN JUVENILE PLATE (For 2 yo R100 000 Win BSA Bonus Series)

THE STARTER REPORTED:

a)	FAMILY LAW (Y Ramzan) was stubborn loading, causing a delay and thereafter was restless, kicked the back gates in the starting stalls and jumped slow, losing two lengths.
b)	SILVONIAN (C Zackey) and BRAD BROWN (D Schwarz) were nervous in the stalls and jumped slow, losing one length.
c)	GOLDEN LINK (L Mxothwa) was nervous in the stalls.
d)	MY BEST SHOT (R Fourie) kicked the back gates in the starting stalls and thereafter jumped slow, losing one length.
e)	SHOULDA KNOWN (J Gates) jumped slow, losing one length.

THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: 

a)	At the 250m Jockey R Fourie (MY BEST SHOT) hesitated with his riding when racing in restricted galloping room between the inside running rail and SILVONIAN (C Zackey).
b)	Leaving the 50m SERENDIPITOUS (*KJ Lihaba) changed stride awkwardly when carried outwards by SILVONIAN (C Zackey), which shifted out away from the crop and had to be straightened.
c)	Jockey L Mxothwa reported that GOLDEN LINK made an abnormal respiratory noise in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this colt.
d)	Jockey Y Ramzan was questioned regarding his riding of FAMILY LAW in this race. Mr Ramzan told the Stewards that his instructions were to provide this colt with a positive racing experience that would be beneficial to its future career.  He told the Stewards that the colt had been stubborn loading, was restless in the stalls and had lost ground when the stalls opened. He added that the colt had raced green and had demonstrated a tendency to hang inwards. The Stewards advised Jockey Ramzan that they accepted his report as these were also their observations. However, his riding had come under notice as it appeared that he had not encouraged the colt out of the starting stalls and, in the opinion of the Stewards, he had not shown an acceptable degree of vigour and determination in his riding in the closing stages when the colt had finished the race off strongly and it was obvious that it could be competitive for the winning placing.  Mr Ramzan was advised that, notwithstanding that the colt had won the race, he is required to ride with sufficient determination and purpose so that his riding does not come under query from the Stewards.  He was also informed that if he hadn't won this race, he could very well have faced serious race riding charges.
e)	In view of the report from the Starter regarding FAMILY LAW (Y Ramzan), this gelding's starting stall certificate has been withdrawn and he is suspended for 7 days in terms of Rule 61.6.10 and until such time as he proves to be tractable with a companion. (Suspension dates: 10/02/2024 to 16/02/2024 inclusive). FAMILY LAW may not be presented for re-passing during this period.
f)	FAMILY LAW, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer GD Smith was advised. (LM)

JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES:

a)	BRAD BROWN raced with alumites in front; unshod behind (declared 15h47 on 20240206)
b)	SERENDIPITOUS raced with a compression mask (declared 06h31 on 20240209)

RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER 

a)	Nil

THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED:

a)	GOLDEN LINK - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected
b)	SILVONIAN - scalp wound left hind