NEXT FAIRVIEW RACEMEETING FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER CLASSIFIED STAKES (For horses with nett rating of 71 and below)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) The Starter called a false start. b) AFRICA'S ROCK (D Schwarz) was stubborn loading, nervous in the stalls and thereafter was slow into stride. c) PATH OF CHOICE (R Fourie) and DIRTY MARTINI (*KJ Lihaba) were slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) Starting gates 5, 6, 7 and 8 in which SIRNIHALLONGSWORD (A Arries), STORM COMMANDER (S Khumalo), PATH OF CHOICE (R Fourie) and PHANTOMOFTHEFOREST (M Yeni) were installed opened on their own accord. Immediately after this, AFRICA'S ROCK (D Schwarz) broke through its front gate, which resulted in the Starter calling a false start. All runners were restrained by their respective riders and returned to the start with the exception of PHANTOMOFTHEFOREST (M Yeni), which took charge of its rider and bolted. The course Veterinary Surgeon subsequently scratched PHANTOMOFTHEFOREST (M Yeni) as, in his opinion, it was not suitable to race. b) From the 150m SIRNIHALLONGSWORD (A Arries) was brushed on two separate occasions and was carried inwards by STORM COMMANDER (S Khumalo), which shifted inwards. Jockey S Khumalo (STORM COMMANDER) appeared before the Board, was shown the patrol film and was advised that although he had dropped his crop during this incident and had attempted to maintain this gelding's momentum using his hands, it should not be at the expense of other runners. Mr S Khumalo was advised that, in similar circumstances, he is required to ensure that he straightens his mounts and is not a source of interference to other runners. c) Jockey C Maujean reported that ABSOLU NOIR did not stride out freely and he did not persevere with his riding in the closing stages. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this horse. d) In view of the performance of DIRTY MARTINI (*KJ Lihaba), which was not persevered with from the 150m, the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. e) STORM COMMANDER, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer GD Smith was advised. (LM) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) *KJ Lihaba (DIRTY MARTINI) weighed out at 53.4kgs and did not claim his apprentice allowance. An Admission of Guilt has been issued regarding this matter. b) L Mxothwa (MANCHESTER FIGHTER) rode +1kg of which 0.5kgs was declared (57.3kgs) c) C Maujean (ABSOLU NOIR) rode +1.5kg of which 1kg was declared (53.8kgs) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) DIRTY MARTINI - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected b) ABSOLU NOIR - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected c) AFRICA'S ROCK - abnormal respiratory noise SCRATCHED: a) KUZNETSOV - nasal discharge. Rule 53.5 applied (declared 07h14 on 20231105) b) PSYCHEDELIC ERIC - retired (declared 07h13 on 20231105) c) PHANTOMOFTHEFOREST - false start; bolted the course (declared 16h45 on 20231105) (Betting 10/1)