The running of the Gr2 Track & Ball Oaks today follows the still mostly unexplained abandonment of last Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting after just 5mm of rain.
The open Oaks is supplemented to today’s KZN Breeders Raceday programme and will be run on the turf.
The Sporting Post has received enquiries all week since the Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting was cut short after the running of the sixth race on Saturday 11 July.
Derby canter down (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Eric Denman’s editorial in The Witness this weekend also made reference to the ‘incident’.
The Stipes Report excerpts:
After the running of this Race, the Riders raised concerns regarding certain inconsistencies on the track, particularly between the 1100m to 800m. Accordingly, a track inspection was conducted during which time it was established that, the normal racing line was unsuitable to race. Consequently, it was agreed between the Trainer, Rider, Operator and Regulator Representatives that the rail from approximately the 1100m to the 800m would be moved out 4 metres. This would enable the remaining Races to be run on unused ground.
Prior to the running of this race, the Riders were advised that no latitude would be provided by the Stewards in relation to interference, in the best interests of their own safety and horse welfare.
After the running of this Race, the Riders raised further concerns regarding the condition of the track. Consequently, a protest was lodged. In this regard, it was established that notwithstanding the movement of the rail after Race 5, this unused ground raced on was equally inconsistent. Accordingly, after consulting with the Race Meeting Representative, Trainer Representative, the Stewards and the Veterinary Surgeon, the decision was taken to abandon the remainder of the race meeting.
In our book it’s not about the jockeys who protested. That’s their right to protect life and limb.
It’s the racing operator and the racing regulator that have failed in their duty to stakeholders and the public.
Nobody’s arguing that the track was not raceable. But why no communication? No inquiry has been opened. It’s been over a week!
The NHRA, who are responsible for preserving and protecting the integrity of the game, dish out fines and penalties left right and centre at every meeting, but are silent.
Punters, owners, trainers, breeders all deserve an answer.
In these times one could argue that transparent communication is more vital than ever. As Mr Denman suggests in his editorial, owners are leaving the game.
It’s not good enough just to leave this kind of thing to happen again.
And further failure to account will mean other people will construct the history.
