FOLLOW IN THE BOX SEAT PODCAST MR 73 HANDICAP (Open)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) Fair start. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED : a) CRESTED EAGLE (*R Venniker) was continually baulked for a clear run between the 300m and the 150m. Thereafter, this gelding was switched to the inside of COUNT MARSH (K de Melo) to obtain a clear run. b) At the finish, HIGH VELOCITY (*S Hlengwa) was brushed by WAVE WARRIOR (T Godden) which was hanging in and shifted in, in the concluding stages. c) CAPTAINS WALK (C Dicken) raced clear of the field in the middle stages and thereafter compounded in the concluding stages. d) Jockey C Dicken and Trainer K Naidoo appeared before the Board with regard to the riding tactics adopted for CAPTAINS WALK today. Jockey C Dicken explained that his instructions from Trainer K Naidoo were to race this gelding in a forward position and rather than fight this gelding over the longer distance of 1400m, allow CAPTAINS WALK to race to the front, should the pace of the race prove to be moderate. These instructions were confirmed by Trainer K Naidoo. When further questioned regarding him allowing CAPTAINS WALK to race well clear of the field in the middle stages, Jockey C Dicken conceded with the benefit of hindsight, that he allowed this gelding to race too freely which resulted in CAPTAINS WALK not being competitive in the finish. The Board noted these explanations, however, Jockey C Dicken was advised to be mindful of setting a more reasonable pace when racing from the front in future so as to allow his mounts to be more competitive. Furthermore, both Jockey C Dicken and Trainer K Naidoo were advised to ensure that the Stewards are notified prior to the running of races should they markedly change tactics in future. e) In view of the performance of CAPTAINS WALK (C Dicken) (12.95 lengths, 33/1 in the betting) the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. f) Apprentice S Hlengwa signed an admission of guilt for a contravention of Rule 58.10.2, read in conjunction M, in that he mis-used his crop by striking the horse HIGH VELOCITY more than 12 times in the entire race. In assessing penalty, the Board considered the number of times (14) Apprentice S Hlengwa struck the horse HIGH VELOCITY, the manner in which he used his crop, the fact that he won this race and his record (0) in relation to this Rule. Accordingly, a penalty of a fine of R1500 was imposed. g) HIGH VELOCITY (*S Hlengwa), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer G B Puller advised (DZ). JOCKEY / EQUIPMENT CHANGES : a) Jockey K Matsunyane (HEAD GARDENER) weighed out at 52.9kg, 0.5kg over the carded weight. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER : a) Nil. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED : a) CAPTAINS WALK : Nothing obvious detected. b) CRESTED EAGLE : Returned post-race having cast the right hind shoe. c) COUNT MARSH : Cut into left hind and recurrent interference injury right front. SCRATCHINGS : a) EL DANTE : Insufficient recovery time (Trainer - 18.01.23/7h27). Rule 53.5 applies. DISQUALIFIED / DECLARED NON-RUNNER: a) None