POST MERCHANTS (Grade 3) (Open)

During the loading process O'TENIKWA (S Moodley) and OUTLAW KING (C Zackey) became restless. These geldings were removed from the starting stalls, examined by the Veterinary Surgeon, passed fit to race and reloaded. Thereafter TEXAS RED (K Matsunyane) refused to load and was subsequently withdrawn by the Starter. These incidents led to a delay to the start of this race. THE STARTER REPORTED: a) MAI SENSATION (A Mgudlwa) kicked the back gates, resulting in O'TENIKWA (S Moodley) and OUTLAW KING (C Zackey) rushing the front gates. MAI SENSATION (A Mgudlwa), O'TENIKWA (S Moodley) and OUTLAW KING (C Zackey) were removed from the stalls, examined by the Veterinary Surgeon, passed fit to race and reloaded. b) TEXAS RED (K Matsunyane) refused to load. c) ROYAL AUSSIE (P Strydom) lost 1 length. d) GREAT PLAINS (S Khumalo) lost 3 lengths. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED : a) At approximately the 1000m WILLIAM ROBERTSON (W Kennedy) was carried outwards by ZIYASHSA (R Danielson) which raced fiercely and was steadied when carried out by TRUTH (M Yeni) which was directed outwards away from O'TENIKWA (S Moodley). b) In view of the performances of TRUTH (M Yeni) (14.60 lengths, 14/1 in the betting) and ROYAL AUSSIE (P Strydom) (8.10 lengths, 25/1 in the betting), the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. c) In view of the Starter's report with regard to TEXAS RED (K Matsunyane), this gelding's starting stall certificate is withdrawn and it is suspended in terms of Rule 61.6.10 for a period of 7 days and until such time as it proves tractable with a companion. Suspension dates: 06.07.2025 to the 12.07.2025. TEXAS RED may not be presented for re-passing during this period. Trainer R Klaasen will be advised. d) I AM GIANT (S Veale), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer S H Ferrie was advised (SP). e) MAI SENSATION (A Mgudlwa), placed second, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer L V Woodruff was advised (NS). f) O'TENIKWA (S Moodley), placed third, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer W A Nel was advised (SR). JOCKEY / EQUIPMENT CHANGES : a) TRUTH raced equipped with blinkers (advised 02.07.2025/10h56). b) ROYAL AUSSIE raced equipped with blinkers (advised 26.06.2025/06h33). RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER : a) Nil. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED : a) TRUTH : Not striding out left hind. b) ROYAL AUSSIE : Nothing obvious detected. THE MEDICAL OFFICER REPORTED : a) Jockey P Strydom was stood down after the running of this race with an upper respiratory tract infection. Rule 25.12 was applied. SCRATCHINGS : a) CATS PAJAMAS : Reserve runner (05.07.2025/08h00). b) RODEO DRIVE : Reserve runner (05.07.2025/08h00). c) HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE : Reserve runner (05.07.2025/08h00). d) TEXAS RED : Refused to load. Withdrawn by the Starter at 17h44, 40/1 in the betting) DISQUALIFIED / DECLARED NON-RUNNER: a) None.