WSB BET WITH THE BEST MAIDEN PLATE (F & M) (For Maiden Fillies and Mares)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) GREENSIDE GIRL (R Fourie) was slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) The Stipendiary Board called a race review into the start with regard to GULF OF AMERICA (M Michel) in stall gate 5. It was established that shortly before the start was effected, GULF OF AMERICA (M Michel) was restless, threw its head down, which resulted in the Handler allocated to this filly being late in releasing his hold. Simultaneously, Jockey M Michel became unbalanced and, in an attempt to steady herself, removed her hand from the rein and put it on the side partition. As a consequence of these actions from the Handler and Rider, when the start was effected, GULF OF AMERICA exited the stalls Riderless. The Board, acting in terms of Rule 61.5.10.2, declared her to be a non-runner. Trainer S G Tarry was advised to reschool this filly prior to her next engagement. b) PLEIADES STAR (C Habib), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Assistant Trainer A Smith, acting on behalf of Trainer B Webber, was advised (MduP). JOCKEY CHANGES: None. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER: a) SASSY LASSIE raced equipped with a compression mask and blinkers (declared 18 December 2025 at 07H14). On THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) SASSY LASSIE blowing post-race. b) EMERALD COUNTESS mild post-race distress. c) BABY RED coughing post-race. SCRATCHED: a) RUBY FROM HEAVEN insufficient recovery time (Trainer) (Rule 53.5 applies). b) VARACHINO'S CHAMP insufficient recovery time (Trainer) (Rule 53.5 applies). c) BE ALL YOU CAN BE not striding out right hind (NHA / 12H23) (Rule 53.5 applies) Betting 6/1. DISQUALIFIED / DECLARED NON-RUNNER: a) GULF OF AMERICA declared a non-runner in terms of Rule 61.5.10.2.