WELCOME TO THE VAAL WORKRIDERS MAIDEN PLATE

Jockey Khumalo (injured - medically indisposed) and Jockey van der Merwe (shingles - medically indisposed) did not ride at today's racemeeting. They were replaced on their mounts. During the loading process, the starting stall gates opened for no apparent reason, and as a consequence STRIKERS BOY, REVENTADOR, CARPE NOCTEM, ROYAL STANDARD and DAWN QUEEN broke through, were restrained by their riders, examined by the Veterinary Surgeon, passed fit to race and reloaded. This caused a delay to the start of this Race. Phumelela Race Day Representative was advised that this occurrence was unacceptable and that a full report is required regarding the circumstances that led to the gates opening without reason. DOMINICO was stubborn loading. Assistant Trainer Habib was advised to re-school this gelding prior to its next engagement. SEVEN SOVEREIGNS and MUSIC MAKER were slow. Trainer Botes and Stable Employee N Radford were advised to re-school their mounts prior to their next engagements. When deciding on what action to take against these horses, the Stipendiary Board considered that they may have been unsettled by the starting stalls opening on two occasions, therefore their starting stall certificates were not withdrawn and the trainers were advised to re-school their horses. The Stipendiary Board called a race review into the start of this race with regards to SEVEN SOVEREIGNS in stall gate 7, and MUSIC MAKER in stall gate 4. After reviewing the patrol films of the race, it was established that the horses concerned had received a fair start and therefore declared both of them runners. At approximately the 250m, ROYAL STANDARD was brushed out by DOMINICO, which rolled out marginally. Thereafter DOMINICO shifted out away from the crop in the concluding stages. ROYAL STANDARD and BLING BALL were selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Vet: DOUBLE GOLD - abnormal respiratory noise.