WELCOME TO THE VAAL MAIDEN PLATE (FILLIES & MARES)

Before the start of the racemeeting, there was a downpour of rain which resulted in some riders expressing doubts about the safety of the sand surface. A track inspection was carried out by the Stewards, the Veterinary Surgeons, the Racecourse Manager, Trainers and Jockeys and it was decided that as the course was draining it would be viable to run the first race. After this decision was made there was a further shower which resulted in the riders in Race 1 expressing serious concerns about safety to both horse and rider whilst the field was at the start preparing to load. A decision was made to order the field back to the saddling enclosure. A panel was formed and after taking evidence from two Trainers, two Riders and the Racemeeting Representative who relayed the concerns of the Racecourse Manager, it was decided that with the forecast of more rain throughout the afternoon, the sand track would not improve and would be unsafe to race. The decision was made to move all races to the outside turf surface instead of the sand track in terms of Local Condition 4.8. All trainers were given the option to withdraw their horses and the race times changed and the distances of Races 2 and 5 amended to 1400m. The substantial delay was in order to allow this decision to be communicated to all parties concerned. RACE 1: TO YOU (BRZ) broke open the front gate dislodging Jockey van der Merwe, was immediately restrained, returned to the start and reunited with its rider causing a delay. TO YOU (BRZ) broke through the front gate, dislodging its rider, restrained by the Handler, returned to the start, examined by the Veterinary Surgeon and reloaded. The Starting Stall Certificate for this filly has been withdrawn until recertified tractable. ARROW IN FLIGHT and LINK LADY lost one length. TO YOU (BRZ) took an awkward stride shortly after the start. MELTON MOWBRAY commenced to hang in badly from the 400m and thereafter shifted out away from the crop in the closing stages. Jockey Simons, the rider of WEST WE GO, reported that the bit pulled through this filly's mouth shortly after the start which placed him at a severe disadvantage and he could not persevere with his riding from the 150m. AMBER JET was hanging in throughout. SEATTLE LADY was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. STRICTLYCUMDANCIN raced equipped with alumite bar shoes in front and alumites behind. AMBER JET raced with a tongue tie. ARROW IN FLIGHT raced equipped with cheek pieces. Vet: A NEE A - speedy cut right front. RUNAWAY TIME and BRIGTNUMBERFOUR - abnormal respiratory noise. Scratched: BEST OF THREE and CORAL KEY - were eliminated in terms of field size restrictions.