Leading owner and breeder Gaynor Rupert is generally very low profile but her call on the Stipendiary Stewards during the post-race interview after Saturday’s World Sports Betting Gr2 Green Point Stakes to properly punish dangerous riding, has attracted some attention.
The Drakenstein owned and bred Trip Of Fortune had just beaten Universal in the traditional L’Ormarins King’s Plate stepping stone, and coincidentally both of these horses were on the receiving end of interference during the 2021 Cape Guineas.
Gaynor Rupert – plea to Stipes (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
In a short address painted with grace and dignity, Mrs Rupert raised the incident that occurred during the Cape Guineas almost a year ago when she said Trip Of Fortune had been knocked into the rail.
“I don’t blame the trainers, the owners or jockeys if they are allowed to ride like that. But I really do believe it is the responsibility of the Stipes to punish bad riding when it is dangerous. That was the worst day of my racing life and Aldo (Domeyer) could have been killed,” she added.
She went on to say that Trip Of Fortune had been vindicated by his victory on Saturday.
“To win the way he did today and beat these horses showed that he was worthy of his place as favourite in the 2021 Cape Guineas.”
She then went on to remark that it was wonderful to see all the people at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. “I haven’t been here for a while. It’s a beautiful track and the best in the world – and it’s now showing its true colours. Well done to all of those responsible,” she added.
The incident referred to by Mrs Rupert in the Cape Guineas had a sequel when Jockey Anton Marcus was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7.
The particulars being that as the rider of Double Superlative he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to Universal and Trip Of Fortune when he shifted outwards when insufficiently clear, leaving the 400m in the Gr1 Cape Guineas at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 18 December 2021.
Marcus pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty as charged.The Inquiry Board, after considering all the factors stated in mitigation and aggravation, imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of eighteen (18) days.
