Smanga Khumalo (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The much debated Vaal first race on Thursday, where She’s A Klawer was declared a runner after being given no opportunity, is under the spotlight and the Stipes have adjourned to give the matter further consideration.
A race review was called into the start where it was established that She’s A Klawer (S Khumalo), in stall gate 5, had jumped riderless.
The Stipendiary Board was of the opinion that the Handler allocated to this filly had not impeded her, that the starting stalls were released on time, and therefore declared She’s A Klawer to be a runner.
In arriving at this decision, the Stewards also considered if there was any valid reason as to why Jockey Khumalo was not mounted as he appeared to be under Starter’s orders.
In the prima facie evidence which was considered, there was no compelling reason for Jockey Khumalo not being prepared for the start and having his feet in the irons as is standard and accepted practice.
Following both the Starters’ and Jockey S Khumalo being interviewed and having their evidence placed on record, the Board has adjourned to give this matter further consideration.
