SOUTHEASTER SPRINT (Listed) (Handicap for 3-yr old horses and older)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) DEAN STREET (S Khumalo), which was loaded first as per his stalls grading, was restless and reared in the stalls. b) RAVEN BLACK (G Wright) was restless in the stalls and jumped slow, losing one length. c) TEFLON MAN (C Zackey) was slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) GEM KING (L Mxothwa) took an awkward stride leaving the stalls. b) After being slightly slow to begin, TEFLON MAN (C Zackey) was directed inwards and towards the inside running rail. Thereafter, between the 400m and the 200m, TEFLON MAN (C Zackey) was held up for a number of strides behind SCOTTISH KISS (C Murray) and then had to be steadied briefly when close to the heels of GEM KING (L Mxothwa), which rolled in. When questioned with regard to his riding of TEFLON MAN in the latter stages, Jockey C Zackey told the Stewards that, after being slow away, this gelding had been inconvenienced on two occasions and that he had only been able to secure clear running from the 200m. He was further questioned regarding the vigour he had shown between the 200m and the finish to which he responded that, in his opinion, TEFLON MAN would not have benefited from a stronger ride and that he was pleased with the manner in which this gelding had finished his race. The Stewards accepted his explanation. However, Jockey Zackey was advised to ride his mounts with sufficient vigour and determination so as to leave no room for query from the Stewards. c) UN BEL DI (*B Plaatjies) was hanging out in the latter stages. d) Approaching the 400m NORDIC CHIEF (S Moodley) was inconvenienced and KAIBOY (A Domeyer) had to steady briefly when awkwardly placed between ZIYASHA (C Habib), which rolled out and THE US OF A (R Fourie), which was improving on the outside of NORDIC CHIEF (S Moodley), which rolled in. e) In view of the performances of DEAN STREET (S Khumalo) and LION RAMPART (S Veale), the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine these geldings. f) In view of the report from the Starter regarding DEAN STREET (S Khumalo), Trainer L Woodruff will be advised to have this gelding re-schooled prior to his next engagement in terms of Rule 61.6.10. g) THE US OF A, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer PP Kruyer was advised. (SC) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) A Domeyer (KAIBOY) rode +0.5kg (60.3kgs) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) DEAN STREET - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected b) LION RAMPART - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected. Trainer VH Marshall was advised to report back should he find anything amiss with this gelding on his return to the stables. THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS