Internationally experienced jockey Weichong Marwing declined a Veterinary opinion at the start of a race at Turffontein on Saturday and elected to forego the ride, resulting in his mount being withdrawn.
Weichong Marwing – opted to stand down
Marwing, the SA Champion of 1996/7, is scheduled to ride for the Gilbert Rousset yard in the Mauritius season which starts in March.
He was carded to ride the Lateral filly Sha-Boom Sha-Boom for the Gary Alexander yard in the sixth race at Turffontein on Saturday.
He requested the Vet to examine the filly at the start. She was duly declared fit to race. Despite the clearance, Marwing took the most unusual option of electing not to ride the filly, as he felt there was something amiss.
According to the Stipe’s report a replacement rider was sought, but none was readily available and the filly was scratched. The trainer has been requested to examine the filly on return to the stable and report back on her condition.
While some may consider Marwing’s actions disruptive and inconsiderate, given the timing and impact on punters, on the connections and on betting turnover, it is his neck on the line if anything should go wrong in running.
That said – why would the other riders in the race be comfortable with a replacement being found for a filly flagged as ‘suspect’ by a colleague – and also being exposed to a potential danger?
