TAB TELEBET 0861 000 822 MAIDEN PLATE (F & M) (For Maiden Fillies and Mares)

THE STARTER REPORTED: a) BRAZILIAN STORM (R Munger) and FEEL THE MAGIC (J Greyling) were slow losing one length. THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: a) FEEL THE MAGIC (J Greyling) commenced to over-race from the 1600m and as a consequence raced awkwardly with its head up into and around the turn. b) When questioned regarding his riding of BRAZILIAN STORM, Jockey R Munger told the Stewards that this was this filly's first race at the Vaal racecourse over a longer trip which was around the bend and that she had been fitted with blinkers for the first time. He added that he was drawn on the extreme outside, and even though this was the filly's second race, he considered the field in general to be a weak one and did not want to get caught behind other runners. He said that in the early stages, he elected to take the filly to the lead with the intention of dictating the pace and slowly but surely to create a lead from his competition. When it was put to him that he had a lead as per his pre-race intention, and only commenced to ride with vigour with his hands and heels from approximately the 200m, he replied that the filly had a relatively short run-in and that he wanted the filly to finish the race off strongly. He added that he had commenced to use his crop on multiple occasions in the concluding stages. When asked if the filly had finished the race strongly and if he felt that if he had started his vigorous hand ride earlier, if the filly would have maintained a lead at the finish. He stated that the filly had come to the end of her run at the finish and had tired badly. The Stewards advised Mr Munger that his explanation would be recorded and that he needs to ride in a fashion where all opportunities to win the race are explored and that there is no room for query from the Stewards. Trainer B Botes was also questioned and confirmed that Jockey R Munger rode to instructions and to his pre-race intentions that were discussed with the stable connections. c) BLUE ERUPTION (M Yeni), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Stable Employee C Jena, acting on behalf of Trainer P F Matchett, was advised (LN). JOCKEY CHANGES: None. RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER: a) JANE WILSON raced equipped with alumites in front and unshod behind (declared 30 August 2022 at 08H57). b) CASSOWARY raced equipped with alumites in front, unshod behind (declared 31 August 2022 at 08H35) and without blinkers (declared 6 September 2022 at 08H37). c) BRAZILIAN STORM raced equipped with blinkers (declared 1 September 2022 at 13H48). THE VETERINARY SURGEON HAD NO REPORTS. SCRATCHED: a) QUEEN THEODORA virus (Trainer) (Rule 53.5 applies). DISQUALIFIED / DECLARED NON-RUNNER: None.