RACING240 MR 96 HANDICAP (Open)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) NEW MEXICO (MK Katjedi) was unruly behind the stalls and kicked the back gates in the stalls, was taken out, examined by the Veterinary Surgeon, passed suitable to race and reloaded, causing a delay. Thereafter, NEW MEXICO (MK Katjedi) was slow into stride. b) BEYNAC (R Fourie) was stubborn loading. c) HOME OF THE BRAVE (*N Nastili) and ACCEPT COOKIES (K Minnie) jumped slow, losing two lengths. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) All horses selected for TCO2 were within the required levels and no retests were recorded. (14h51) b) As the horses entered the parade ring, it began to rain. All grooms were instructed to take their horses back to the saddling boxes. Jockeys mounted their respective horses in the saddling area and proceeded directly to the start. c) Apprentice N Nastili did not persevere with his riding of HOME OF THE BRAVE from the 200m and thereafter reported that this gelding did not stride out freely in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. Trainer WGC Miller was advised to report back should he find anything amiss with this gelding on his return to the stables. d) Jockey K Minnie (ACCEPT COOKIES) briefly dropped his right-side rein at the 100m. e) In view of the performance of BEYNAC (R Fourie) (Betting 13/10; Distance 4.10 lengths), the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. Assistant Trainer A Mtengwana, acting on behalf of Trainer AC Greeff, was advised to report back should he find anything amiss with this gelding on his return to the stables. f) Trainer D McKenzie was questioned regarding his instructions to Jockey M van Rensburg (CIAN THE CONQUEROR), as he had not used his crop on this gelding. Trainer D McKenzie explained that it was only this gelding's second run for him but Jockey M van Rensburg knew the horse well, had ridden him regularly when he raced in Joburg and was of the opinion that he did not always respond to the crop. Trainer D McKenzie advised that he agreed with Jockey van Rensburg's opinion as this was this gelding's best run to date. He further advised that CIAN THE CONQUEROR would be ridden in this manner going forward. His explanation was noted. g) In view of the report from the Starter regarding NEW MEXICO (MK Katjedi), this gelding's starting stall certificate has been withdrawn and he is suspended for 7 days in terms of Rule 61.6.10 and until such time as he proves to be tractable to stand in the stalls with a companion. (Suspension dates: 18/04/2026 to 24/04/2026, both dates inclusive.) NEW MEXICO may not be presented for re-passing during this period. h) PORFIRIO, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Stable Employee KW Paddock, acting on behalf of Trainer K Mitchley, was advised. (LM) JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES: a) R Fourie (BEYNAC) rode +0.5kg. (57.7kgs) RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER: a) Nil. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) HOME OF THE BRAVE - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected. b) BEYNAC - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected. THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS.