SIBONGILE LIYABA WORK RIDERS MAIDEN PLATE (F & M) (For Maiden Fillies and Mares)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) ANTONIA AUGUSTA (+L Thanda) was stubborn loading and jumped slow, losing two lengths. b) LIKEABLE (+M Naki) was stubborn loading. c) RED CENTRE (+X Mlunguzi) was stubborn loading and slow into stride. d) GIRL SCOUT (+M Khaka) was slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) Trainer JVA Strydom (HEREWEGOJO) sought permission for work rider H Tsewu not to carry a crop in this race, which was acceded to by the Stewards. b) When questioned regarding the running and riding of RED CENTRE (+X Mlunguzi) Trainer GD Smith told the Stewards that his instructions to Work Rider X Mlunguzi were to ride the filly as he felt her during the course of the race. He added that the filly had jumped on terms and that Work Rider X Mlunguzi had ridden her quietly in the early and middle stages in line with his instructions. He stated that the filly's first run did not inspire any confidence and that she had been extremely green during that race on 15 July 2022 and in today's race as well. When it was put to Mr Smith that the filly had an awkward head carriage and appeared to show a tendency to hang inwards, he concurred and added that she had a soft mouth and required regular work from the equine dentist. Mr Smith added that the filly had closed the race off strongly but the margin at the finish had been flattering, in his opinion, as the winner had won the race comfortably. Work Rider X Mlunguzi was questioned with the assistance of riding master Marthinus Mienie and told the stewards that he had ridden in line with Trainer Smith's instructions and that the filly had closed the race off strongly, despite being detached from the rest of the field in the early and middle stages. Mr Mienie added that, in his opinion, Work Rider X Mlunguzi would have been better served encouraging the filly forward out of the stalls to avoid her becoming detached from the rest of the field. The Stewards noted Mr Smith's, Mr Mienie's and Work Rider Mlunguzi's explanations but advised that horses should be ridden in a fashion where they are competitive in races and are able to close their races off strongly so as to avoid any room for query that may arise from the Stewards. The veterinary surgeon was requested to examine this filly. c) In view of the performance of LIKEABLE (+M Naki) the veterinary surgeon was requested to examine this filly. d) CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer GD Smith was advised. (LM) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) Work Rider M Khaka rode GIRL SCOUT (declared 08h29 on 20220916) Work Rider G Futshane was advised that he is suspended indefinitely until such time as he can prove to the Stewards that he can draw the correct weight on horses on which he is engaged) b) Work Rider H Tsewu rode HEREWEGOJO (declared 13h10 on 20220914) c) HEREWEGOJO raced with blinkers (declared 15h00 on 20220914) d) CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE raced with a compression mask (declared 15h21 on 20220915) e) LIKEABLE raced without pacifiers and with blinkers and a compression mask (declared 08h25 on 20220916) f) ANTONIA AUGUSTA raced with a compression mask (declared 08h18 on 20220916) g) RED CENTRE raced with alumites in front (declared 05h25 on 20220916) Race 1 cont. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) LIKEABLE : Messrs Z Oosthuizen & G L Chrisochos Colours : Black, dayglo pink stars, collar and cuffs, black cap, dayglo pink stars and peak (sold with engagement) THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) LIKEABLE - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected b) RED CENTRE - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected c) GIRL SCOUT - abnormal respiratory noise SCRATCHED: a) BOLD LEAH - retired (declared 08h43 on 20220915)