TAB EMPRESS CLUB STAKES (Grade 1) (For Fillies and Mares at Weight-for-Age)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) VJ'S ANGEL (C Habib) was difficult to load. The starting stall certificate for this filly has been withdrawn. Trainer A P Peter was advised (GT). b) LET'S GO NOW (C Zackey) was slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) VJ'S ANGEL (C Habib) refused to gallop. When questioned, Jockey C Habib told the Stewards that this filly had arrived at the start in good time, well before the start and that she had appeared to be nervous and reluctant to load. After the start, and being slow away, the filly commenced to give ground and appeared to be reluctant to participate in the race. He added that VJ'S ANGEL commenced to hang outwards and gave him the impression that she wanted to turn around and gallop back in the direction of the start. He stated that he managed to keep the filly moving and in fact she had galloped freely upon straightening. His explanation was noted. In view of this report, the Stewards suspended the filly in terms of Rule 93.2.4, until she proves tractable galloping from the starting stalls with a companion on Raceday. Trainer A P Peter advised (RH). b) Jockey C Zackey (LET'S GO NOW) and Jockey R Fourie (BEATING WINGS) appeared before the Board and were advised to ride their mounts to the finish with sufficient vigour and determination to prevent any room for query from the Stewards. c) In view of the Starter's report with regard to VJ'S ANGEL, this filly's starting stall certificate has been withdrawn and she is suspended in terms of Rule 61.6.10 for a period of 7 days and until such time as she proves tractable loading and jumping with a companion. Suspension dates: 30 March 2025 to 5 April 2025. VJ'S ANGEL may not be presented for re-passing during this period. Trainer A P was advised. d) Jockey S Khumalo reported that LADY FALLON did not stride out freely in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this filly. e) FATAL FLAW (G Lerena), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer J Crawford advised (AH). JOCKEY CHANGES: None. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER: a) SPUMANTE DOLCE raced with a tongue tie on (declared 22 March 2025 at 09H02). b) LET'S GO NOW raced equipped with blinkers (declared 26 March 2025 at 14H08). Race 6 contd. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) LADY FALLON blowing post race. b) VJ'S ANGEL examined post race, nothing obvious detected. c) LET'S GO NOW fatigued. THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS. DISQUALIFIED / DECLARED NON-RUNNER: None.