THE COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS 4 (Open. Benchmark at 60.0kg = 78)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) JOIN THE DOTS (L Mxothwa) jumped outwards. b) PREVALENCE (G van Niekerk) was slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) Shortly after the start MISTER MONOCLE (B Fayd'Herbe) was carried outwards by JOIN THE DOTS (L Mxothwa), made contact with the hindquarters of VOORLOOPERTJIE (S Veale), which became unbalanced. As a consequence, MISTER MONOCLE (B Fayd'Herbe) had to be steadied and lost position. b) ABERDEEN (C Zackey) was hanging in in the early stages. c) At the 500m DIAMOND ROCK (G Wright) was momentarily held up when unable to secure a clear run between MOHANDAS (M Mjoka) and JOIN THE DOTS (L Mxothwa). d) At the 200m BLUE BAY (R Fourie) and AFRICAN TORRENT (C Orffer) were inconvenienced when on the inside of VOORLOOPERTJIE (S Veale), which shifted in. Jockey S Veale appeared before the Board and was advised that his riding had come under notice in races today, where he has permitted his mounts to shift ground without making an immediate correction. He was advised that should this continue, he will face more stringent sanctions. e) In view of the performance of PREVALENCE (G van Niekerk), which was not persevered with from the 150m, the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. f) Approaching the 100m DIAMOND ROCK (G Wright) was held up for a clear run when close to the heels of IGNATIUS (M Winnaar), which shifted in away from VOORLOOPERTJIE (S Veale). JOIN THE DOTS (L Mxothwa), which was following, was steadied as a consequence. g) In view of the performance of JOIN THE DOTS (L Mxothwa), the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this colt. h) Jockey G van Niekerk (PREVALENCE) appeared before the Board, was shown the patrol film of his riding in the closing stages and was advised that he is required to ride his mounts out to the finish with sufficient vigour and purpose and that should his riding have an influence on a horses' finishing margin in future, he will be sanctioned accordingly. i) GREEN MANDARIN, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Assistant Trainer T Woolard, acting on behalf of Trainer GS Kotzen, was advised. (SC) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) B Fayd'Herbe (MISTER MONOCLE) rode +0.5kg (60.4kgs) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) PREVALENCE - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected b) JOIN THE DOTS - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected c) BLUE BAY - cast left front shoe THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS