RUFFIAN STAKES (Listed) (For 2 yof R60 000 Win BSA Bonus Series)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) BELLA CHICA (P Strydom) jumped outwards leaving the stalls. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) BELLA CHICA (P Strydom) hung in badly from the 300m, proving difficult to assist. When taking into consideration this filly's previous record with regard to hanging in races, Trainer A B Fortune will be advised to take the necessary corrective measures to keep this filly straight in races. b) In view of the performance of NAARAH (S Khumalo), (distance 3,75 lengths, betting 17/20), the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this filly. c) Jockey S Khumalo appeared before the Board and was afforded the opportunity to place on record any factors which, in his opinion, accounted for the poor performance of NAARAH (S Khumalo). In this regard, he said that he was at a loss to explain this performance. Jockey S Khumalo stated that NAARAH had travelled well to a point in the race but she was unable to finish the race off in the manner of her previous two starts. He further added that her work leading up to this race was very good and that he was disappointed with her below-par run in today's race. Trainer D Sham was requested to report back to the Stipendiary Board on the condition of NAARAH on return to stables. d) Jockey C Habib signed an admission of guilt and was fined R750-00 for a contravention of Rule 62.2.10 in that, whilst riding the horse UNDER YOUR SPELL, he saluted in a celebratory gesture prior to the finish line. e) UNDER YOUR SPELL (C Habib), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer S G Tarry advised (LK). JOCKEY CHANGES: None. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER: None. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) NAARAH examined post race, nothing obvious detected. b) BELLA CHICA fatigued and nasal discharge. SCRATCHED: a) VENETA change of venue. Advised 27 February 2021 at 08H20. DISQUALIFIED / DECLARED NON-RUNNER: None.