GREYVILLE CONVENTION CENTRE MAIDEN PLATE (For all Maidens)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) THE SARACEN (*C Dicken) was stubborn to load, jumped out and stumbled. b) MIGHTY MASHONA (T Godden) was stubborn to load. c) THE GREEN GALLANT (M V'Rensburg) was squeezed out and lost 1 length. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED : a) Jockey N Patel appeared before the Board and was questioned with regard to the non-vigorous nature of his ride on SILVAN PARK between the 400m and the 200m, and in particular Jockey N Patel's hesitancy before electing to change his hold on SILVAN PARK and draw his crop in his right hand leaving the 300m. In this regard, Jockey N Patel explained that this gelding had shown a tendency to hang in, in its work as well as in races and that when of SILVAN PARK started to hang in from the 400m he elected to attempt to correct his mount using his hands, body weight and by changing his crop from the left hand to the right hand. The Board noted Jockey N Patel's explanation, however drew his attention to his riding from the 200m onwards where he shortened his left rein and rode SILVAN PARK with the hands and queried why this was not a more appropriate option at an earlier stage. In this regard, Jockey N Patel accepted that he could have used this option earlier, however in the running he was of the view that his initial action would be more beneficial for his mount. The Board noted and accepted the explanation of Jockey N Patel. b) In view of the performance of BUSH FIRE (A Marcus) (17.05 lengths, 6/1 in the betting) the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. c) PRINCE VIHAAN (G Lerena), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer K Naidoo advised (ML). JOCKEY / EQUIPMENT CHANGES : a) THE SARACEN raced unshod (advised 23.11.21/13h43). b) PRINCE VIHAAN was ridden by Jockey G Lerena (advised 26.11.21/15h46). c) SILVAN PARK was ridden by Jockey N Patel (advised 27.11.21/10h01). d) BUSH FIRE Jockey A Marcus weighed out at 57.7kg, 0.5kg over the carded weight of 57kg. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER : a) Nil. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED : a) BUSH FIRE : Nothing obvious detected. b) CORAL COPY : Post-race distress. c) ONE MORE TIME : Returned post-race having cast the left hind shoe. THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS