GOLD CIRCLE HORSES TO FOLLOW PODCAST MR 90 HANDICAP (Open)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) BORN TO PERFORM (W Kennedy) was stubborn to load and lost 1 length. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED : a) HAIL COLUMBIA (IRE) (G Lerena) raced fiercely in the early and middle stages. In view of this gelding's performance (6.80 lengths, 33/1 in the betting) the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. b) SACRED BLUES (J Gates) shifted out away from the crop in the concluding stages. c) Jockey D De Gouveia reported that he felt something amiss with ANTIGONUS in the running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. d) Jockey A Marcus reported that PURE STATE did not stride out freely in the running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. Trainer Gareth van Zyl will be requested to report back to the Stipendiary Board on the condition of this gelding on return to the stables. e) Jockey J Gates appeared before the Board and was questioned regarding his decision to deviate from the normal riding pattern on SACRED BLUES. In this regard, Jockey J Gates explained that it had not been his intention to race on the outside of the leader, however, after SACRED BLUES had jumped well, he elected to use this advantage to obtain a more handy position than this mare would normally race in. He further explained that, in the running, he had anticipated PURE STATE (A Marcus), which raced on his outside, would race around SACRED BLUES and provide it with cover. However, Jockey A Marcus (PURE STATE) instead elected to obtain cover behind SACRED BLUES which resulted in his mount over-racing on the outside of VINSON (M Ntuli) and subsequently having no strong finishing effort in the straight. The Board noted Jockey J Gates' explanation and has adjourned this matter in order to interview Trainer G B Puller who was not on course today. f) Jockey M Ntuli appeared before the Board and was questioned regarding his deviation in his riding from the normal running pattern of VINSON. In this regard, Jockey M Ntuli explained that his instructions on VINSON were to commit early from a good draw in order to obtain the lead. The Board noted the explanation, however, Jockey M Ntuli was advised that should he elect to change riding tactics on his mounts in future, the Stipendiary Board must be advised prior to the race. The Board has adjourned to interview Trainer A J Rivalland with regard to the above riding instructions. g) TREAD SWIFTLY (D Dillon), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer P B Muscutt advised (ML). h) MR FITZ (*K Strydom), placed second, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Assistant Trainer C Austin acting on behalf of Trainer S Humby advised (DA). JOCKEY / EQUIPMENT CHANGES : a) Nil. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER : a) Nil. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED : a) ANTIGONUS : Nothing obvious detected. b) HAIL COLUMBIA (IRE) : Nothing obvious detected. c) PURE STATE : Nothing obvious detected. SCRATCHINGS : a) FARLAND : Elevated temperature (Trainer - 29.10.21/9h39). Rule 53.5 applies. b) MR PIGALLE : Reserve runner. c) CASIMIRO : Reserve runner.