www.tabgold.co.za MR 72 HANDICAP (Open)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) HIGHER PURPOSE (W Kennedy) was stubborn to load. b) KURT'S APPROVAL (S Moodley) lost 2 lengths. c) KING JULIAN (T Godden) and KING'S COVE (S Randolph) lost 1 length, respectively. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED : a) FIREONTHETRACK (K de Melo) raced wide in the early and middle stages. b) Jockey K de Melo appeared before the Board regarding the change of tactics on FIREONTHETRACK for today's run. In this regard, Jockey K de Melo was questioned regarding his decision to commit his mount from a deep draw around the field and into a forward position. Jockey K de Melo explained that after assessing the field, he elected to ride this gelding more aggressively in order to obtain a forward position outside the leader. Trainer R Hill appeared before the Board and confirmed the above statements of Jockey K de Melo. The Board noted both Jockey K de Melo's and Trainer R Hill's statements and advised each that should they elect to change tactics in such a distinct manner in future, the Stipendiary Board must be advised. c) At the 150m, LEGISLATE'S DANCE (C Habib) shifted out away from the crop. d) Jockey T Godden reported that KING JULIAN (24.60 lengths) took no interest in the running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. e) Jockey K de Melo signed an admission of guilt for a contravention of Rule 58.10.2, read in conjunction with Guideline M, in that he misused his crop by striking the horse FIREONTHETRACK more than 12 times in the entire race. In deciding what action to take against Jockey K de Melo the Board considered the number of times (13) Jockey K de Melo struck the horse FIREONTHETRACK, the distance over which and manner in which, Jockey K de Melo used his crop, the fact that he won the race and his record (2) in relation to this Rule. Accordingly, a penalty of R1000 was imposed. f) FIREONTHETRACK (K de Melo), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer R Hill advised (ML). JOCKEY / EQUIPMENT CHANGES : a) MAMBO SYMPHONY was ridden by Jockey L Hewitson (advised 22.03.21/08h41). b) LEGISLATE'S DANCE raced with a compression mask. c) FIREONTHETRACK was ridden by Jockey K de Melo (advised 22.03.21/08h08). d) STAND BY ME (AUS) Jockey S Veale weighed out at 53.9kg, 0.5kg over the carded weight. e) KURT'S APPROVAL Jockey S Moodley weighed out at 53.7kg, 0.5kg over the carded weight. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER : a) Nil. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED : a) KING JULIAN : Not striding out right hind. SCRATCHINGS : a) LONG REIGN : Reserve runner. b) CANE LIME 'N SODA : Reserve runner. c) QUERARI'S COWBOY : Reserve runner.