The tussle for the East Cape trainer championship remained static after the Fairview racemeeting on Friday, with reigning titleholder Gavin Smith holding a two winner lead over chief rival Alan Greeff, with one meeting to go. It was a grand day for Chase Maujean, but there was bad news for top rider Smanga Khumalo.
Emmanuel Kaknis and sister Christine enjoyed a double ridden by Chase Maujean (Pic – Pauline Herman)
While Chase Maujean was in red hot form with four terrific winners (two for Emmanuel Kaknis and one each for Zietsman Oosthuizen and Kelly Mitchley), the former SA Champion we all know as Bling 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 his mount Demigod more than 12 times in the sixth race.
Khumalo signed an admission of guilt and was fined R35 000 and suspended for 14 days.
In determining the penalty, the Stewards took into account his record and the number of strikes – in this case 14, which is 2over the 12 limit.
Demigod was beaten 0,35 lengths into third.
The penalties in relation to contraventions of this rule and guideline increased on 14 April 2023, and past contraventions from 1 September 2022 are now taken into account when considering penalties.
In the trainer championship, Hollywoodbets-sponsored Gavin Smith held a two winner lead over Alan Greeff going into the meeting, and with both having a relatively quiet day with one winner apiece, the two win margin sets up an exciting climax for the final term slot on Friday 28 July.
Richard Fourie will be crowned East Cape Champion jockey next week, and is on 98 winners – chasing Greg Cheyne’s 100 winner record.
Prior to the commencement of the race meeting, it was reported to the Stipes that the sweat box was unavailable.
This matter was brought to the attention of the Racing Operator. As a result, no jockeys were sanctioned with regard to overweights. Anybody get fined for this?
