WELCOME TO THE VAAL MAIDEN PLATE (For all Maidens)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) ROCK THE KAZVAR (C Habib) jumped outwards, KARVANI (R Munger) jumped awkwardly and HARRY'S SECRET (S Khumalo) jumped inwards leaving the stalls. b) GINGER JAMES (ZIM) (S Brown) was restless, stood losing many lengths. The Starting Stall Certificate for this gelding has been withdrawn. c) COUNTER RUCK (C Zackey) and VIKING VAR (*K Matsunyane) were stubborn loading. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) SUCCESSFUL RULER proved reluctant proceeding to the start and was led by a Handler. This gelding has been suspended in terms of Rule 93.2.4 and until such time as he proves tractable cantering to the start on a raceday. Trainer S G Tarry advised. b) In view of the Starter's report with regard to GINGER JAMES (ZIM), this gelding has been suspended in terms of Rule 61.6.10 for a period of 7 days and until such time as he proves tractable loading and jumping on terms with a companion. Suspension dates: 15 January 2021 to 21 January 2021. GINGER JAMES (ZIM) may not be presented for repassing during this period. Trainer P F Matchett advised (GT). c) A race review was called into the start of this race regarding GINGER JAMES (ZIM) in stall gate 7. After reviewing the start, it was established that as the start was effected, GINGER JAMES (ZIM) cast his head into the adjacent stall. In assessing this incident the Board was of the view that this was due to horse error and its unruly behaviour and therefore GINGER JAMES (ZIM) was declared to be a runner. d) Jockey M Mjoka reported that DYNAVISION coughed in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. e) Jockey R Munger reported that he felt something amiss with KARVANI in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. f) At approximately the 300m, DYNAVISION (M Mjoka) had to steady momentarily to avoid the heels of COUNTER RUCK (C Zackey) which rolled in. g) Shortly before the finish line, SUCCESSFUL RULER (L Hewitson) and ROCK THE KAZVAR (C Habib) came together and bumped. h) In view of the performance of SUCCESSFUL RULER (L Hewitson), (betting 73/20, distance 10,75 lengths), the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. Trainer S G Tarry was requested to report back to the Board on the condition of this gelding on return to stables. i) In the pull-up area, HARRY'S SECRET (S Khumalo) ducked in sharply dislodging Jockey Khumalo. Jockey Khumalo was attended to by the course paramedics and taken to the Medical Centre. Jockey Khumalo's weight was deemed to be correct in terms of Rule 66.2. j) HARRY'S SECRET (S Khumalo), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Assistant Trainer C Machaelie advised (AH). JOCKEY CHANGES: a) ROCK THE KAZVAR was ridden by Jockey C Habib (declared 14 January 2021 at 07H47). RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER: a) FORT COMMANDER raced with a tongue tie on (declared 8 January 2021 at 09H42). b) ROCK THE KAZVAR raced equipped with blinkers (declared 14 January 2021 at 07H14). c) DYNAVISION is a gelding, incorrectly carded (gelded 20 November 2020). THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) DYNAVISION coughing. b) KARVANI not striding out right front. c) RA'ED knocked left hind. d) SUCCESSFUL RULER examined post race, nothing obvious detected. SCRATCHED: a) DUCHESS OF NOW off feed (Trainer) (Rule 53.5 applies). DISQUALIFIED / DECLARED NON-RUNNER: None.