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THE STARTER REPORTED: a) WAR OF HEARTS (S Naidoo), MAYOR OF MERRIVALE (Y Ramzan) and MAN OF STEEL (DB Geerthsen) were slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) MAN OF STEEL (DB Geerthsen) proved difficult proceeding to the start and had to be led by a Handler. Trainer E Kaknis was advised that should this gelding behave in a similar manner in future engagements, he may be suspended. b) WORLD SOPRANO (R Fourie) had to momentarily steady when awkwardly placed on the inside of CHAMPONELLE (M van Rensburg), which was carried inwards by GRAND OASIS (*J Botes), which shifted sharply inwards from approximately the 1100m when this gelding's saddle slipped back in running. This was confirmed by the Veterinary Surgeon. c) As the saddle on GRAND OASIS had slipped back in running, Apprentice J Botes was being unable to fully assist his mount. As a consequence, GRAND OASIS (*J Botes) shifted inwards sharply and almost made contact with the inside running rail as he came off the bend and into the straight. Apprentice J Botes appeared before the Board and was advised that, although the Stewards were aware that the saddle on GRAND OASIS had slipped back in running, they expected him to make more of an effort to keep his mount straight in future races. He was further advised to check if his equipment is correctly fitted prior to loading. d) In view of the performance of WORLD SOPRANO (R Fourie) (Betting 5/2; Distance 15.25 lengths), the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. Assistant Trainer DG Smith was advised to report back should he find anything amiss with this gelding on his return to the stables. e) In view of the performance of SMART VIEW (JP van der Merwe) (Betting 25/2; Distance 18.50 lengths), the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. Assistant Trainer DG Smith was advised to report back should he find anything amiss with this gelding on his return to the stables. f) CHAMPONELLE, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer WGC Miller was advised. (LM) g) MAYOR OF MERRIVALE, the second-placed horse, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer JP Nel was advised. (LM) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) MAYOR OF MERRIVALE raced without cheek pieces and without a tongue tie (declared 09h00 on 20241219) b) MAN OF STEEL raced with blinkers (declared 09h56 on 20241218) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) WORLD SOPRANO - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected b) SMART VIEW - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected c) MAYOR OF MERRIVALE - coughing d) WAR OF HEARTS - coughing e) GRAND OASIS - brush wound right hind f) BOMPAS - cast right front shoe SCRATCHED: a) MITREDAT - not eating up. Rule 53.5 applied (declared 07h20 on 20241220)