Joshwin Solomons – questioned by the men in suits (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The KZN Stipes questioned apprentice Joshwin Solomons after his ride on the Dennis Bosch-trained Theravada in the fifth race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday.
Theravada finished 8th and 6,20 lengths behind winner Euphoric. He had run five consecutive places in similar class races prior to Wednesday and started an 11-10 favourite
The 5yo gelding reportedly over-raced in the early stages.
Watch the race here
When questioned regarding his riding of the gelding, Solomons told the Stewards that his instructions were to race with cover and as this gelding has a relatively short run-in, to ensure that it was in a position to close its race off strongly.
He said that the gelding had raced keenly in the early stages which had precluded him from having the initial cover that he had managed to secure over the first 400m of the race.
He had then found himself racing besides GRANDE MAESTRO (*N Klink), which was on his inside on the inside running rail, and that these two horses had raced clear of the field until straightening.
The Stewards enquired why he had not placed THERAVADA (*J Solomons) behind GRANDE MAESTRO (*N Klink) when in their opinion, he had an opportunity to do so leaving the 1000m.
Solomns responded that he was unable to do so as he would have been required to take this gelding back and across the heels of GRANDE MAESTRO (*N Klink).
The Stewards noted his explanation but advised him nevertheless that he is required to follow the trainer’s instructions as far as possible, and to ensure that his mounts race in a fashion which allows them to close their races off strongly.
The Veterinary Surgeon reported that Theravada was coughing post-race.
Immediately after the race, veteran SP poster Frankie Zackey made the undermentioned comment:
Make no mistake I got the money on Euphoric…Now this is where I have a serious question that needs to be answered by the stipes…why all of a sudden was is there a change of riding tactics on Theravada when my great great grandson knows that it can’t possibly win with those instructions? Shouldn’t the stipes have notified the public? Who is controlling racing ? I know who…It’s an absolute disgrace to the industry that this is allowed – and if you don’t know any better,, just clock how Theravada drifted off the boards.
