EAST CAPE PADDOCK STAKES (Listed) (2nd Leg Eastern Cape F & M Challenge)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) On arrival at the start, ROCCAPINA bolted with her Rider. This filly was returned to the start, examined by the Veterinarian and passed suitable to race, causing a delay. Thereafter, ROCCAPINA was fractious behind the stalls, had to be loaded without the Rider and was slow into stride. b) ANOTHERDANCEFORME and EPIKLEROS were slow into stride. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) All horses selected for TCO2 were within the required levels and no retests were recorded. (15h27) b) Permission was granted for EPIKLEROS and EAST COAST GIRL to be assisted by a lead pony when proceeding to the start. c) Shortly after the start, DOITWITHDIAMONDS was buffeted between EAST COAST GIRL, which jumped out slightly and SILVA CITY. d) ICE RAIN was bumped outwards by SPLICETHEMAINBRACE, which shifted outwards shortly after the start. e) ANOTHERDANCEFORME over raced in the early and middle stages and was directed outwards to obtain a clear run at approximately the 1200m. As a consequence, this filly raced wide on the turn. f) Jockey X Ndlovu did not persevere with his riding of DOITWITHDIAMONDS in the straight and thereafter reported that this mare took no interest in running. The Veterinarian was requested to examine. g) HONORABLE MEMBER shifted out away from the crop from the 300m and was corrected shortly before the finish. h) In view of the performance of DESERT CLOUD, which was not persevered with from the 200m, the Veterinarian was requested to examine this filly. Trainer DG Smith was advised to report back should he find anything amiss with this filly on her return to the stables. i) In view of the report from the Starter regarding ROCCAPINA, this filly's starting stall certificate has been withdrawn and she is suspended for 7 days in terms of Rule 61.6.10 and until such time as she proves to be tractable to load on terms with a companion. (Suspension dates: 11/07/2026 to 17/07/2026, both dates inclusive). ROCCAPINA may not be presented for re-passing during this period. Stable Employee A Nzongo, acting on behalf of Trainer C Bass, was advised. j) ANOTHERDANCEFORME, the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer AC Greeff was advised. (LM) k) EPIKLEROS, the second-placed horse, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer TJ Laing was advised. (LM) THE VETERINARIAN REPORTED: a) DOITWITHDIAMONDS - examined post-race. Not striding out right front. b) DESERT CLOUD - examined post-race. Nothing obvious detected. c) ROCCAPINA - blowing. SCRATCHED: a) SWIATEK - Stewards' permission. (advised 14h17 on 20260708) b) FAMILY POWER - change of surface. (advised 06h57 on 20260710) c) MONTELENA - abscess left front. Rule 53.5 applied. (declared 06h15 on 20260710)