PLAY SOCCER 6, 10 AND 13 MAIDEN HANDICAP (For Maidens with 3 or more runs)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) ROGUE MALE (K Steyn) was stubborn loading. b) COSMIC EMPIRE (S Khathi) was nervous in the stalls and rushed the front gates of the stalls. c) NAIROBI (L Mxothwa) and MISS UNITED STATES (M Mjoka) were slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) In view of the performance of LAST SURVIVOR (JP van der Merwe), which gave ground to the field quickly and was not persevered with from the 700m, the veterinary surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. b) In view of the performance of GREEK MAFIA (R Fourie), which was not persevered with from the 150m, the veterinary surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. c) Jockey D Ashby (ST PATRICK'S DAY) was advised by the Stewards that they had sufficient reason to question his riding in the concluding stages in relation to whether he had ridden his mount to the finish line. The Stewards reviewed the patrol film from various angles with Jockey D Ashby and advised him that, in their opinion, there was sufficient doubt as to whether he had ridden to the finish, but this was not to the requisite degree to sustain a charge relating to if he could have finished in 4th position. Jockey D Ashby was advised to ensure that his riding is not open to query in future. d) COSMIC EMPIRE (S Khathi) returned suffering from a bilateral epistaxis due to an exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage and is suspended, for a period of 60 days, from racing in any race under the jurisdiction of The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa in terms of Rule 93.1. (Dr T Luz) e) JOYOUS JUBILEE (AUS), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer TJ Laing was advised. (LM) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) GREEK MAFIA raced with blinkers (declared 08h42 on 20221230) b) COSMIC EMPIRE (S Khathi) raced in club colours - Steward's permission c) C Maujean (TEXAS TORNADO) rode +0.5kg (52.8kgs) d) M Mjoka (MISS UNITED STATES) rode +0.5kg (52.9kgs) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) LAST SURVIVOR - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected. A veterinary certificate is required prior to racing. Rule 49.7 applies. b) GREEK MAFIA - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected c) COSMIC EMPIRE - bilateral epistaxis. Recommended 60-day suspension. Rule 93.1 applied d) ST PATRICK'S DAY - brush wound right hind THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS