HOLLYWOODBETS PUNTERS CHALLENGE MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHTS (For all Maidens)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) LAUGHING WILLIAM (G Lerena) reared in the stalls, was taken out, examined by the course veterinary surgeon, passed suitable to race and thereafter was withdrawn by the Stipendiary Stewards. b) BENNELONG POINT (*J Solomons) and AUTUMN MOON (J Jacobs) were slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) LAUGHING WILLIAM (G Lerena), which reared in the stalls, was taken out, examined by the veterinary surgeon who advised that this gelding trotted sound and was suitable to race. Notwithstanding the veterinary surgeon's opinion, Jockey G Lerena was concerned that this gelding had struck its head in the stalls, was not comfortable and elected not to ride LAUGHING WILLIAM. The Stewards, having regard to the fact that the field barring GEOPOLITICAL (C Orffer) had loaded, were of the opinion that it was in the best interests of the other runners to withdraw LAUGHING WILLIAM and instructed the Starter to continue loading and start the race. The veterinary surgeon was requested to re-examine LAUGHING WILLIAM (G Lerena) on his return to the parade ring. b) Leaving the 600m BENNELONG POINT (*J Solomons) brushed the inside running rail and then took an awkward stride when steadied off the heels of GEOPOLITICAL (C Orffer), which raced awkwardly on the bend. Thereafter, Apprentice J Solomons reported that BENNELONG POINT felt uncomfortable in its action and he did not persevere with his riding in the straight. The veterinary surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. c) HEKNOWS (G Behr) was hanging out in the straight and had to be straightened at the 150m. d) The saddle on HERO'S DESTINY (P Strydom) slipped back in running. This was confirmed by a Stipendiary Steward. e) In view of the report from the starter regarding LAUGHING WILLIAM (G Lerena), this gelding's starting stall certificate has been withdrawn and he is suspended for 7 days in terms of Rule 61.6.10 and until such time as he proves to be tractable with a companion.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: 13/11/2022 to 19/11/2022 inclusive). LAUGHING WILLIAM may not be presented for re-passing during this period. f) KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer SJ Snaith was advised. (SC) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) HEKNOWS raced with blinkers (declared 10h53 on 20221111) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) BENNELONG POINT - examined post-race. Marks on left flank (brushed the rail); Not striding out left hind b) LAUGHING WILLIAM - examined post-race. Abrasion right hip SCRATCHED: a) LAUGHING WILLIAM - withdrawn by the Stipendiary Stewards.