TRACK & BALL GAMING MAIDEN PLATE

ETERNAL ICE, DARTING BID and DANCING DIXIE were slow into stride. MUSTANG SONNY lost three lengths and thereafter was slow into stride. ETERNAL ICE was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Assistant Trainer Gareth van Zyl was questioned with regard to the improved performance of ETERNAL ICE, the winner today, compared to this colt's previous performance in a Graduation Plate on the 16 December 2015. Mr Gareth van Zyl explained that in his opinion ETERNAL ICE is not suited to the distance of the previous run and he further stated that the fitting of the blinkers of today's race have accounted for the improvement shown. The Board also noted that ETERNAL ICE had completed against a stronger field in his previous run. Mr Gareth van Zyl's explanation was noted. LONG TOM PASS jumped outwards at the start making contact with ROY'S CANNON resulting in LONG TOM PASS being slow into stride. DANCING DIXIE raced green. Jockey Sturgeon reported that GOOD TEAM took no interest in running. Jockey de Melo reported that he felt something amiss with MANOEUVRE in running. In view of the performances of BRAVE KNIGHT and HIVA-OA KOI, the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine these horses. Jockey Lerena, the rider of LANSON, and Apprentice Ngcobo, the rider of DANCING DIXIE, appeared before the Board with regard to the use of their crops in the closing stages. DYNAMIC FORCE raced with a tongue tie. DYNAMIC FORCE, LANSON and MANOEUVRE are geldings and not colts as carded. Vet: GOOD TEAM and MANOEUVRE - nothing obvious detected. BRAVE KNIGHT - coughed, abnormal respiratory noise and not striding out left hind. HIVA-OA KOI - not striding out left hind. Scratched: WILBER - elevated temperature. The course farrier on duty did not report there to be anything amiss with the shoes fitted to the horses that raced at today's race meeting. The passports of all the runners that raced at today's race meeting were checked, identities, AHS and Equine Influenza vaccinations confirmed.