WELCOME TO NELSON MANDELA BAY WORK RIDERS MAIDEN PLATE (For all Maidens. R15 000 Win bonus ROA Members)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) GREENLIGHT EXPRESS (+MZ Naki) was reluctant to load and thereafter was slow into stride. b) MAN OF STEEL (+M Khaka) jumped slow, losing three lengths. c) HEART OF THIEVES (+S Tembani) jumped slow, losing two lengths. d) OPERA VERSE (+M July) jumped awkwardly, losing one length. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) TOP DOLLAR was hanging in badly from approximately the 500m, which resulted in Work Rider TG Mogalatladi being unable to fully assist his mount. b) WAR OF HEARTS (+M Ntunja) was hanging in from the 300m. c) HEART OF THIEVES (+S Tembani) was slow into stride and thereafter, failed to muster speed and raced detached from the field until the 100m. d) In view of the report from the Starter regarding MAN OF STEEL (+M Khaka), Trainer E Kaknis will be advised to have this gelding re-schooled prior to his next engagement in terms of Rule 61.6.10. e) Work Rider O Moyake appeared before the Board and was interviewed with regards to his riding of SEEKING THE LIFE. Despite extensive questioning, he could offer no satisfactory explanation for his ride. As a consequence, the Stewards charged Work Rider Moyake for riding in an unprofessional and incompetent manner and riding in contravention of the Rules. Work Rider O Moyake was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.2, in that he rode SEEKING THE LIFE in an unprofessional and incompetent manner. Work Rider Moyake signed an Admission of Guilt and is suspended from riding in races for four (4) work rider races. (Dates to be advised) f) In view of the above interview with Work Rider O Moyake, Trainer K Mitchley appeared before the Board and was questioned regarding the riding instructions given to Work Rider O Moyake. She indicated to the Board that because this gelding has a funny action, she advised Work Rider Moyake to only start riding vigorously from approximately the 50m. Due to the inconsistency of the statements given to the Stipendiary Board, an investigation will be opened with regards to this matter. g) GREENLIGHT EXPRESS, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer Z Oosthuizen was advised. (LM) h) SEEKING THE LIFE, the second-placed horse, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer K Mitchley was advised. (LM) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) TOP DOLLAR raced without cheek pieces (declared 09h50 on 20250116) b) HIERSDIEDING raced with a tongue tie (declared 14h29 on 20250115) c) Work Rider TG Mogalatladi (TOP DOLLAR) rode +0.5kg (60.9kgs) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON HAD NO REPORTS SCRATCHED: a) FEEL THE WIND - reserve runner (declared 09h00 on 20250117) b) LIKE A BUTTERFLY - reserve runner (declared 09h00 on 20250117)