The abandonment of Monday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville opening racemeeting of 2024 with only two races to run has been described as ‘outrageous’ in some quarters, with trainer Michael Roberts expressing his utter disappointment with the almost flippant nature of the decision.
“I rode for long enough to understand and appreciate the dangers of unsuitable track conditions to both horse and rider, and I find it bizarre in an age where we are trying to rebuild the game and when every owner and punter needs to be safeguarded and looked after, that this can just happen without consultation and for no apparent good reason other than rain,” the former multiple international champion jockey told the Sporting Post.
There was consistent rain throughout the afternoon and the nine-race card was abandoned following jockey concerns after the running of the seventh, the second of the feature races.
Ironically, the rain abated almost immediately after the announcement.
A wet, wet, wet Richard Fourie on Monday at Hollywoodbets Greyville (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Roberts explained that cognizance should surely have been taken of the fact that they were running on ‘fresh ground’ on Monday, after the 8m false rail was used on Sunday.
He also said that horses don’t get hurt in wet weather – it’s the hard dry ground that causes more injuries.
“Did nobody consider for one moment that we had two 1000m races left? One with seven runners and the other with nine. They weren’t massive fields. I went down to look at the divots – there were hardly holes to be filled. It is a disgrace for owners and the punting public. It can take months to ready horses to run. And because a group of riders decide they would rather pack up, that’s it?” he added.
The Sporting Post has learnt that it had already been apparently agreed upon in mid meeting to only go as far the seventh race.
“That’s why they must even run the feature as the last race as a consideration, if necessary. This also happens on the big days when the jockeys choose to stand down. It’s not professional,” added Roberts.
The Sporting Post has learnt independently from a source who did not wish to be named that some of the local riders were happy to continue, and that only an elite group are effectively earning the big bucks to find the rain a discomfort.
Chairman of Gold Circle’s Racing Committee Dr Manfred Rohwer responded to our query for a comment and said that he could assure us that the KZN racing operator would be looking at formalizing a structure, which would establish measurable criteria and diverse stakeholder participation, and would also enjoy the trust and support of all stakeholders.
“We understand the frustrations and we need an ordered standard operating process, where all participating stakeholders are represented and which is clearly understood,” said Rohwer.
