Bang in-form Hollywoodbets Durban July- winning jockey Smanga Khumalo exercised his right to make his own choices as regards his personal safety at Kenilworth on Wednesday. After concerns about the deterioration of the track following persistent rain, he got off Electric Warrior in the last.
The massively talented Khumalo certainly goes on to the list as a newsmaker of note this season, with his memorable Hollywoodbets Durban July victory on Sparkling Water, papal waves and Dettori dismounts included, proving the stuff of public relations dreams for a sport in dire need of a makeover.
Vaughan Marshall and Jane Truter lead Smanga Khumalo and Colloidal Gold in (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Last Saturday at Turffontein, the 36 year old former national champion was dislodged from Home Of The Brave en route to the start of the first race and stood down with a sprained shoulder and hip.
His agent Monty Mariemuthoo assured the Sporting Post that his charge would be back promptly, and he duly returned with a three-timer at the Vaal on Tuesday.
At Kenilworth on Wednesday, Bling maintained his great form with a double for Vaughan Marshall. Colloidal Gold, another winner for Drakenstein sire Gold Standard, proving too strong when winning his maiden, and then Scalini doing the same when winning the very next race – both in the Truter silks.
After the seventh race, the Stipes report indicates that a number of jockeys were of the opinion that the going was now heavy. The official report shows both tracks as ‘soft’ with a pen reading of 27.
Khumalo, who had ridden Chilly Winter in the seventh, then sought permission from the Stewards to stand down from Electric Warrior in the final race.
He reportedly expressed his concerns about the deterioration in the track in the previous race which, in his opinion, made it unsafe for him to continue riding.
Greg Cheyne after he substituted on Run Rudolph Run in the final race (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The Stewards, after careful consideration, acceded to his request, even though according to the official report, in their opinion the track, whilst heavy, was still suitable for racing.
The Stewards, however, accepted that each rider has the right of choice when it comes to their personal safety and wellbeing.
He was replaced by Devin Ashby, with Richard Fourie and Grant van Niekerk also having been stood down earlier and replaced.
Trainer Vaughan Marshall made it a treble on the afternoon when Jabu Jacobs got the clearly improving Keep Shining up to beat the luckless Spirit Of Silvano. Jacobs picked up a fine of R1000 for exceeding the crop strike ceiling by two smacks.
Smanga Khumalo has 7 rides at Turffontein today. He must be worth following!
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