VARIETY CLUB MILE (Grade 3) (For Horses 3-years & older (Leg 1 of the Winter Series))

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) SOMERSET MAUGHAM (C Orffer) jumped awkwardly, losing one length. b) WECANGOALLNIGHT (S Veale) jumped with its head up and thereafter was slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) At the 500m, FUTURE PRINCE (L Mxothwa) was brushed and carried outwards by GREETING MY MASTER (K Steyn), which shifted out sharply and had to be straightened. Jockey K Steyn appeared before the Board and was advised that the Stewards expect him to straighten his mounts sooner than he had on this occasion. b) PORT LOUIS (G Wright) was held up for a clear run between the 400m and the 250m. c) At the 300m PACAYA (A Domeyer) was steadied briefly when tightened for galloping room between the outside running rail and WECANGOALLNIGHT (S Veale), which rolled out. d) Approaching the 100m FUTURE PRINCE (L Mxothwa) and GREETING MY MASTER (K Steyn) brushed. e) Jockey C Orffer reported that he felt something amiss with SOMERSET MAUGHAM. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. f) Jockey R Khathi was charged with a contravention of Rule 55.4 in that he failed to weigh out at the carded weight on GREETING MY MASTER, or at the higher weight confirmed in his engagement with the Trainer, resulting in a change of rider. Jockey R Khathi signed an admission of guilt and was fined R5 000.00. In determining penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey R Khathi's poor record with regard to this Rule. g) RASCALLION, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer VH Marshall was advised. (WM) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) Jockey K Steyn rode GREETING MY MASTER (declared 15h32 on 20240406) b) M Winnaar rode RASCALLION (declared 15h24 on 20240406) c) L Mxothwa (FUTURE PRINCE) rode +0.5kg (56.9kgs) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) SOMERSET MAUGHAM - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS