A snap of the surface on Tuesday
The uncertainty prevailing around the status of Thursday’s Vaal meeting has been further clarified with the news that the jockeys requested that Phumelela track management roll the track rather than irrigate it ahead of the meeting tomorrow.
After a protest on Tuesday, the jockeys were apparently concerned that irrigation would make the track more unplayable than it was and indicated that they would feel safer with a roller ensuring that the going came up truer and harder.
The likelihood of heavy rain has thrown the proverbial spanner into the works.
While there has been no information from the racing operator, the Sporting Post has been informed that the Stipes will be inspecting the surface at 09h00 in the morning.
While the racing regulator does not employ the track staff or direct their work processes, the safety of horse and rider falls within their control and any final decision to proceed or abandon would rest with the NHRA.
