RACING TODAY OPEN MAIDEN (For all Maidens)

a) MEDITERRANEANFLAME (MK Katjedi) was stubborn loading. b) TIMELINE (*S Bungane) was unruly behind the stalls, stubborn loading and jumped slow, losing one length. c) SMIDDYBURN (R Fourie) was nervous in the stalls, kicked the back gates and jumped slow, losing one length. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) All horses selected for TCO2 were within the required levels and no retests were recorded. (14h01) b) Permission was granted for GALE WARNING (M Yeni) to be saddled at the back. c) TIMELINE (*S Bungane), GALE WARNING (M Yeni), GOOD SHINE (S Khumalo) and WORLD SOPRANO (C Zackey) proved difficult proceeding to the start and were led, riderless, causing a delay. Trainers JVA Strydom, SB Kotzen on behalf of GS Kotzen, JP Nel and DG Smith respectively were advised that should these horses behave in a similar manner in future engagements, they may be suspended. d) At approximately the 150m WORLD SOPRANO (C Zackey) had to be eased severely when carried inwards by RIVER FERN (*B Soodoo), which was hanging in and shifted inwards from approximately the 300m. Thereafter, MEDITERRANEANFLAME (MK Katjedi) had to steady momentarily off the heels of ELUSIVE BOMBA (*G Dookhit), which was carried in slightly by RIVER FERN (*B Soodoo), which continued to shift inwards. Apprentice B Soodoo was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7 in that as the rider of RIVER FERN, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to WORLD SOPRANO at the 150m when he shifted in from the 300m. Apprentice B Soodoo signed an Admission of Guilt and is suspended from riding in races for a period of 7 days. (Dates to be advised) e) Jockey M Yeni (GALE WARNING) appeared before the Board and was advised not to pull his mounts up in an abrupt manner after the finish line. f) In view of the report from the Starter regarding TIMELINE (*S Bungane), Trainer JVA Strydom will be advised to have this filly re-schooled prior to her next engagement in terms of Rule 61.6.10. g) GALE WARNING, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer SB Kotzen, acting on behalf of Trainer GS Kotzen, was advised. (LM) h) WORLD SOPRANO, unplaced, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer DG Smith was advised. (LM) Trainer DG Smith was reminded of his obligation, in terms of Rule 10.5.7 read with Rule 4.2.7 to advise the Stewards when he is intending to run a horse in his care, which has not run for 120 days or more. JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) MEDITERRANEANFLAME raced with blinkers (declared 07h34 on 20251204) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER a) Nil THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) ALESIAN BEAU - coughing b) SMIDDYBURN - coughing c) ELUSIVE BOMBA - coughing d) MISS MACKIE - scalp wound right hind THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS