Orange sky over Hollywoodbets Greyville (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
While it may come down to semantics, it seems it was ultimately the Veterinary Surgeon, and not the jockeys, who decided in consultation with the Stipendiary Stewards to abandon Friday evening’s Hollywoodbets Greyville racemeeting.
In simple terms, Gold Circle apparently declined the offer from the jockeys of a second confirmatory gallop in the afternoon, after a gallop in the morning suggested that the track could dry out.
On arriving at the start of the first race, the jockeys drew the Vet’s attention to the uneven patches.
The jockeys are adamant that they never protested!
“We need to ride in races to earn and many of us are not as reluctant to ride or as ‘flush’ as some sectors of the industry may have been led to believe,” suggested a rider who spoke to the Sporting Post on Sunday afternoon in a bid to clarify the circumstances under which the second KZN meeting in a week was abandoned.
“Think about it – two meetings lost could mean 25% of our potential monthly income. We ride – we earn. We don’t ride, we don’t earn. The only way to properly and safely test the surface is with a gallop.”
Watch this interview with Gold Circle CEO Michel Nairac:
On request by the Sporting Post, Gold Circle Racing Executive Raf Sheik provided this report by the NHRA on the abandonment.
Prior to the commencement of this race meeting, an early morning track inspection was conducted in order to assess the condition of the course. This inspection panel consisted of an Operator Representative, a Stipendiary Steward, a Trainer and two Riders, who agreed to gallop 2 sets of 2 horses. During the course of these gallops, it was established that, the main area of concern was the 1100m which had not drained as well as other areas on the course. Consequently, after considering the clear and warm weather conditions, the decision was taken to afford the track an opportunity to dry, and the Track Manager the opportunity to harrow and conduct the necessary maintenance on the track. Subsequently, upon arrival on course, initially 60 minutes and thereafter 30 minutes before the commencement of the race meeting, an inspection was conducted by the Stewards and Riders, both of which were satisfied with the condition of the track. However, whilst the horses proceeded to the start, the Riders raised concerns regarding inconsistencies on the track. These concerns were confirmed by the Course Veterinary Surgeon. Accordingly, the horses were returned to the parade ring and a panel was convened in order to establish the way forward in respect of this race meeting. During the course of this discussion, it was established that the Riders were of the opinion that the track condition was irreparably inconsistent. Consequently, a decision was taken to abandon this race meeting.
