EPOL UMKHOMAZI STAKES (Grade 2) (For 2 year-olds)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) SUN BLUSHED (*R Venniker) and QUESTION MASTER (J Gates) were slow losing one length. b) CAPTAIN BOMBSHELL (G Lerena) was restless in the stalls. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED : a) At approximately the 350m, RIDGERUNNER (K de Melo) had to ease when awkwardly placed on the heels of FORMAGEAR (C Zackey) which was hanging in badly proving difficult to assist. Thereafter, FORMAGEAR (C Zackey) continued to hang in despite the rider's efforts to straighten his mount. In view of this report, the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. b) In view of the Veterinary Surgeon's report concerning FORMAGEAR, and in terms of Rule 93.1, this gelding is suspended for 60 days from racing in any race under the jurisdiction of the National Horseracing Authority. Trainer P Muscutt was advised. (Suspension Dates : 31.07.22 - 28.09.22) c) In view of the performance of RIDGERUNNER (K de Melo) (7.45 lengths, 7/1 in the betting) the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine. d) Jockey S Veale 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 CAPTAIN CASEY more than 12 times in the entire race. When determining the penalty, the Stewards considered that this was Jockey S Veale's 22nd transgression of Rule 58.10.2 (Guideline M) since 1 August 2021 and his 2nd offence inside the preceding 60 day period. Accordingly, a fine of R2500 and a suspension from riding at two KZN Racemeetings were imposed. (Suspension dates to be advised) e) Jockey K Matsunyane signed an admission of guilt for Rule 58.10.2, read in conjunction with Guideline M, in that he mis-used his crop by striking the horse MERCANTOUR more than 12 times in the entire race. In assessing penalty, the Board considered the number of times (13) Jockey K Matsunyane struck the horse MERCANTOUR, the distance over which and manner in which he used his crop and his record (4) in relation to this Rule. Accordingly, a penalty of a fine of R2000 was imposed. f) SWING UPON A STAR (W Kennedy), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer P A Peter advised (SM). g) SUN BLUSHED (*R Venniker), placed second, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer M L Roberts advised (SM). JOCKEY / EQUIPMENT CHANGES : a) QUESTION MASTER raced with cheek pieces and without ear muffs (advised 28.07.22/9h09). RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER : a) Nil. THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED : a) RIDGERUNNER : Nothing obvious detected. b) FORMAGEAR : Unilateral epistaxis. Confirmed 60 days suspension. c) MAGIC TATTOO : Abrasion right hind. THERE WERE NO SCRATCHINGS DISQUALIFIED / DECLARED NON-RUNNER: a) None