The in-form Craig Zackey gets his first opportunity to ride Red Palace when he partners the daughter of Potala Palace in the R1 million Cartier G1 Paddock Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
When the fields were published earlier today, Sporting Post readers were speculating as to the reasons why Anthony Andrews, who is the son of the breeder and part owner, was not aboard the Sorrento Stud flagbearer.
Terry and Annabel Andrews lead Anthony in (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
In a much publicized short notice sale to dissolve a partnership, Red Palace was bought back by her breeder and majority partner Terry Andrews earlier this month.
The Grade 2 winner was moved from the Candice Bass-Robinson yard to the Dean Kannemeyer stable, and was scratched the morning following the sale from her engagement in the Victress Stakes by her former trainer, a matter that is currently the subject of an NHA Inquiry.
In a chat with the Sporting Post on Monday, Anthony Andrews explained that he was not riding Red Palace as he is currently injured and expects to be out of the saddle for four months.
In what has been labelled a ‘successful operation’, Andrews, who sounded like he was in a measure of pain, explained that he had a plate and six screws inserted into his heel on Saturday morning, after a freak accident.
“Naturally I am disappointed not to be riding Red Palace and my other engagements on the big day, but I won’t be walking for the next three months. I wish my good mate Craig Zackey well and she really could not be in better hands,” added the jockey.
Trainers scratching horses without the apparent necessary authority is not a subject that has been an issue over the years, but just weeks after the Red Palace incident, we note that Gqeberha trainer Kelly Mitchley was charged with a contravention of Rule 9.13 (read in conjunction with Rule 51.3).
This was as a result of her scratching the horses Countess Q from the second race on 27 December 2024 and Oranjemund from the second race on 30 December 2024 when they were removed from her as a Grantee of the Authority and/or sold/leased with engagements, which is prohibited in terms of the rules.
Mitchley signed an Admission of Guilt and was fined R12000, of which R5000 is wholly suspended for a period of two (2) years on condition that Rule 9.13 and Rule 51.3 are not contravened during this period.
