TAB THE PREMIER'S CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE (Grade 1) (For all horses at Weight for Age)

EN-ROUTE TO THE START, FLYING CARPET PULLED ITS LEFT FRONT SHOE WHICH WAS ATTENDED TO BY THE COURSE FARRIER. THIS CAUSED A DELAY TO THE START OF THIS RACE. THE STARTER REPORTED: a) JOHNNY HERO (D Schwarz), SHANGANI (W Kennedy) and ZEUS (C Zackey) were slow losing one length. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) ASTRIX (J P van der Merwe) was ridden forward from the start and maintained a position in the middle of the racecourse where it raced alone until it was directed inwards to take up a position behind the leader SAVANNAH STORM (M van Rensburg) which set an honest pace in the early and middle stages. Both horses then raced well in advance of the field. Thereafter SAVANNAH STORM commenced to give ground shortly after entering the straight. b) Jockey S Khumalo was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M on the use of the crop) in that he misused his crop by striking SPARKLING WATER more than twelve times in the entire race. Jockey Khumalo signed an Admission of Guilt and was fined R2500 as well as being suspended from riding in two Central Province racemeetings. Dates to be advised. When assessing the penalty, the Board took into consideration the number of times the crop was used (13), the status of the race as well as Jockey Khumalo's recent record with regards to this Rule and Guideline (3) over a sixty-day period. The Board also took into consideration Jockey Khumalo's record with regards to this Rule and Guideline for the current season. c) ASTRIX (J P van der Merwe), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer P A Peter advised (DR). Jockey J P van der Merwe was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline C on the use of the crop) in that he struck the horse ASTRIX more than three times on consecutive strides. Jockey van der Merwe signed an Admission of Guilt and a fine of R15000.00 was imposed. When assessing the penalty, the Board took into consideration the number of consecutive strikes (6), Jockey van der Merwe's recent record with regard to this Rule and Guideline (4) as well as the status of the race. d) SPARKLING WATER (S Khumalo), placed second, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Assistant Trainer A Ndzilana advised (AH). e) PUERTO MANZANO (ARG), placed third, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Stable Employee D Cooper advised (AH). JOCKEY CHANGES: None. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER: a) SAVANNAH STORM raced equipped with alumites in front and unshod behind (declared 26 April 2022 at 08H51). THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED: a) KOMMETDIEDING fatigued. b) MK'S PRIDE abnormal respiratory noise. c) SECOND BASE not striding out in front. d) SHANGO not striding out right front. THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS. DISQUALIFIED / DECLARED NON-RUNNER: None.