RACING240 MR 82 HANDICAP (Open)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) PAS DE NOM (*B Soodoo) jumped slow, losing four lengths b) EL ROMIACHI (*W Fourie) threw its head up and fly-jumped leaving the stalls. c) SOVEREIGN'S CALL (*J Botes) jumped awkwardly, made contact with the left side front gate of the starting stalls and thereafter, was slow into stride. d) SILVONIAN (*G Dookhit) and RED LEGEND (MK Katjedi) were slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) All horses selected for TCO2 were within the required levels and no retests were recorded. (14h03) b) Permission was granted for RED LEGEND (MK Katjedi) to be assisted by a lead pony when proceeding to the start. c) After fly-jumping leaving the stalls, EL ROMIACHI (*W Fourie) over raced in the early and middle stages, raced wide around the turn and was hanging in from the 300m. Apprentice W Fourie appeared before the Board and her attention was drawn to the Rules pertaining to her obligation to report any circumstances which might affect the performance of her mount. d) NEW MEXICO (W Agrella) was bumped in by COASTAL PATH (*I Taka), which was carried inwards by SILVONIAN (*G Dookhit) shortly after the start. e) DIAMOND JIM (K Minnie) over raced in the early and middle stages. f) Leaving the 800m NEW MEXICO (W Agrella) was steadied momentarily to avoid running onto the heels of MOLOTOV COCKTAIL (X Ndlovu). g) PORFIRIO (M Yeni) was switched in to continue its run at the 200m. h) SOVEREIGN'S CALL (*J Botes) was switched out towards the outside and raced in isolation parallel to the outside running rail. Apprentice J Botes appeared before the Board and was advised not to shift ground when unnecessary to do so. i) Jockey R Fourie reported that EXQUISITE choked up in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this filly. j) Jockey M van Rensburg reported that PLAY ACT did not stride out freely in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. Trainer WGC Miller was advised to report back should he find anything amiss with this gelding on his return to the stables. k) RED LEGEND (MK Katjedi) returned with a bilateral epistaxis due to an exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage and is suspended for a period of 60 days from racing in any race under the jurisdiction of The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa in terms of Rule 93.1. (Dr M Bawden) l) In view of the report from the Starter regarding PAS DE NOM (*B Soodoo), this gelding's starting stall certificate has been withdrawn and he is suspended for 7 days in terms of Rule 61.6.10 and until such time as he proves to be tractable to jump on terms with a companion. (Suspension dates: 28/02/2026 to 06/03/2026, both dates inclusive) PAS DE NOM may not be presented for re-passing during this period. m) PORFIRIO, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer K Mitchley was advised. (LM) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) Nil. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER: a) Nil. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) EXQUISITE - examined post-race. Abnormal respiratory noise. b) PLAY ACT - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected. c) PAS DE NOM - abnormal respiratory noise. d) SILVONIAN - abnormal respiratory noise. e) CHEEKY LADDIE - blowing. f) RED LEGEND - bilateral epistaxis. Suspended 60 days. Rule 93.1 applied. g) MOLOTOV COCKTAIL - saddle rub.