INTERBET.CO.ZA 0861 150 160 MAIDEN PLATE (For all Maidens)

Fair start. At the 1100m SOMERSET MAUGHAM (R Fourie) which pulled hard in the early stages, had to be eased off the heels of ALINGALONGA (*J Solomons). BLACK DUKE (K de Melo), which was following, had to be steadied and shifted out as a consequence. Jockey R Fourie, the rider of SOMERSET MAUGHAM, dropped his crop at the 250m. ALINGALONGA (*J Solomons) and HIS CHOICE (R Danielson) raced green. Jockey R Fourie, the rider of SOMERSET MAUGHAM, reported that his saddle slipped back in the running. This was confirmed by trainer SJ Snaith. QUINPOT (K Sakayi) returned suffering from a bilateral epistaxis due to an exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage and is suspended, for a period of 60 days, from racing in any race under the jurisdiction of The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa in terms of Rule 93.1. (Dr J Batt) Trainer M Rix appeared before the Board and was interviewed with regards to the performance of ALTER EGO today as compared to his first run on 02/09/2020. The video footage of that race was reviewed in her presence and the Board noted that ALTER EGO had jumped slowly, pulled hard in the early stages and was placed mid field. Turning for home, after a limited response, he commenced to give ground and the jockey did not persevere with his ride. It was noted, most importantly, the race meeting was abandoned after the running of this race due to the unsafe underfoot conditions. A number of riders had expressed concern with the action of their mounts. In view of this, it is difficult to assess Alter Ego's performance due to the conditions mentioned. With regards to today's run, despite instructions to settle in behind, ALTER EGO, which had pulled hard in the early and middle stages and proved difficult to settle, pulled to the front of the field. Nevertheless, ALTER EGO had stayed on in the straight. Trainer M Rix stated that she had not expected ALTER EGO to stay on in the straight as he had pulled so hard in the early stages. She further stated that ALTER EGO tended to pull hard in his morning track work. ALTER EGO, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer M Rix was advised. (CvA) SOMERSET MAUGHAM, the second-placed horse, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer SJ Snaith was advised. (SC) R Danielson rode HIS CHOICE (declared 15h17 on 20201005) HANDYMAN CAN raced with blinkers (declared 10h10 on 20201005) THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: BLACK DUKE - cut into right hind QUINPOT - bilateral epistaxis. Rule 93.1 applies SCRATCHED: SMILEATTHESUNSET - coughing. Rule 53.5 applies (declared 13h48 on 20201005) JACK THE JETSETTER - reserve runner