A 6yo with no history of start antics was declared a runner and under starter’s orders at Greyville on Sunday in another show of lack of discretion on the part of the starter and stipes.
Anthony Delpech drives Rio De La Plata up to beat Stuart Randolph and Caprivi (Pic – Gold Circle)
A race review was called into the start of the second race regarding the Garth Puller-trained Big Si(W Kennedy).
According to the official stipes report, the Board noted that Big Si hesitated, threw his head up and lost significant ground to the field.
The Stipendiary Board after reviewing the patrol video was of the view that this was the action of Big Si (W Kennedy) and declared him to be a runner.
In view of the Starter’s Report concerning Big Si this gelding has been suspended in terms of Rule 61.6.10 for a period of 7 days and until such time as it is recertified tractable with a companion. Suspension dates : 25th March 2018 to 31st March 2018. Big Si may not be presented for repassing during this period. Trainer G B Puller advised (SH).
Visual observation, and following investigations by the Sporting Post, it is clear that there is a great likelihood that the vigorous arm movement and removal of the hood from horses by the stalls handlers on either side of Big Si, could well have spooked him.
On that basis, and given the horse’s history, surely a discretionary call could have been made in favour of his backers and the softer option of a non-runner call?
To add insult to injury, Big Si is also effectively suspended for an event that may well not have been his doing.
Garth Puller, who had three runners in the race, enjoyed some consolation, when Dubai-bound Anthony Delpech rode a terrific race to get Big Si’s stablemate and favourite Rio De La Plata home.
Despite recent calls by senior jockeys and trainers, the National Horseracing Authority have done nothing to address the issues. But we will look forward to their monthly newsletter filled with innocuous waffle.
The eighth race at Greyville was abandoned due to strong winds that caused a large section of the inside running rail to collapse.
The ground staff had difficulty in reinstating the rail in place due to the strong winds.
Furthermore, the weather deteriorated in that lightning and thunder prevailed in the vicinity of the racecourse.
