RUGBY 5 (MR 72) APPRENTICE HANDICAP

The start of the 5th Race was delayed as a result of DAVID'S FLOWER (AUS) dislodging Apprentice Murray en route to the start and bolting. This horse was taken in hand, examined by the Veterinary Surgeon, declared fit to race and sent to the start. HIGHLAND FLING and CRIME VICTIM were slow into stride. JET AVENGER refused to load. SACRED JEWEL was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. HIS APPROVAL became momentarily cramped for galloping room on two occasions approaching the 200 metre mark. SACRED JEWEL shifted out at approximately the 200 metre mark, resulting in AUTO PILOT clipping the heels of SACRED JEWEL and falling dislodging Apprentice van Staden. As a result, KING PROTEA racing to the outside of AUTO PILOT, became cramped for galloping room for a number of strides. An Inquiry will be held into this incident. Apprentice Zackey reported that CRIME VICTIM was not striding out freely in the latter stages and as a result did not persevere with his ride. Apprentice Godden reported that he felt something amiss with NICK JAGGER in running. Apprentice Godden, the rider of NICK JAGGER, and Apprentice May, the rider of KING PROTEA, both had satisfactory qualifying rides. In view of the Starter's report concerning JET AVENGER, the starting stall certificate for this gelding has been withdrawn for a period of 30 days and thereafter until recertified tractable with a companion on a race day. The Medical Officer reported that Apprentice van Staden fell whilst riding. He was examined and found to be fully conscious but complaining of pain to left shoulder and left thumb, referred to hospital. Vet: AUTO PILOT, NICK JAGGER and CRIME VICTIM - nothing obvious detected. Scratched: JET AVENGER - refused to load and was withdrawn by the Starter.