CELEBRATING CENTURION MEMBER ETIENNE BRAUN'S BIRTHDAY CLASS 4 (Open. Benchmark at 60.0kg = 80)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) CHURCHILLIAN (A Domeyer) was restless in the stalls and jumped slow, losing two lengths. b) OCTOBER STORM (G Lerena) jumped outwards and was slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) The Stewards reviewed the start with regard to CHURCHILLIAN (A Domeyer) in stall gate 1 and established that this colt had become restless in the stalls as the start was effected, which resulted in the Handler being slightly slow to release this colt. Taking into account the finishing position of CHURCHILLIAN (A Domeyer) and the provisions of Rule 61.5.10.2, the Stewards took no further action. b) The Stewards interviewed M Yeni (MAJOR APOLLO), R Fourie (FLYING FINLEY) and *B Plaatjies (ESCARPMENT) with regard to an incident that took place approaching the 100m in which FLYING FINLEY (R Fourie) had to be steadied when awkwardly placed between MAJOR APOLLO (M Yeni), which was hanging out and ESCARPMENT (*B Plaatjies), which shifted in slightly. After hearing the evidence, the Stewards will proceed no further with this line of query. c) Jockey G Wright reported that he felt something amiss with NIGHT TIGER, which took a number of awkward strides in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. d) Jockey JP van der Merwe reported that CAVALRY COMMANDER tired quickly in the latter stages. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. e) Jockeys C Orffer and G Lerena reported that, in their opinion, BLUFF ON BLUFF and OCTOBER STORM respectively, did not act in the heavy underfoot conditions. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. f) Jockey M Yeni was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (Guideline 3; Appendix E) in that he mis-used his crop by striking MAJOR APOLLO in front of the saddle on two occasions in the latter stages. Jockey M Yeni signed an admission of guilt and was fined R1 500.00. g) Jockey G Lerena was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (Guideline B) in that he mis-used his crop by striking OCTOBER STORM with the crop arm above shoulder height. Jockey G Lerena signed an admission of guilt and was fined R1 500.00. h) ESCARPMENT, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Assistant Trainer K Snyders, acting on behalf of Trainer PAW Botha, was advised. (SC) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) C Murray rode SHIFTING PATH (declared 08h18 on 20250715) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) BLUFF ON BLUFF - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected b) CAVALRY COMMANDER - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected c) NIGHT TIGER - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected d) OCTOBER RAIN - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected SCRATCHED: a) IRELAND FOREVER - elevated temperature/nasal discharge. Rule 53.5 applied (declared 09h38 on 20250714)