An investigation into betting patterns, both locally and internationally, has been launched by the National Horseracing Authority, following the running of the first race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday.
The investigation will include scrutiny of betting exchange activity on various platforms and follows the NHA opening an Inquiry into Jockey Andrew Fortune’s ride on the favourite Cherry Oh Baby, who was beaten into second in the opening race.
Andrew Fortune – ride under spotlight (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
She drifted from a call of 3-10 to 11-10 at the off. Eventual winner Long Street, who was receiving 8kgs from the favourite, was backed from 7-2 to 3-1.
This is how we reported the matter on Wednesday – see the replay.
There has been mixed reaction to the incident on social media, with some calling for Fortune’s head, while other stakeholders suggest that the ride was acceptable and very much in Fortune’s customary unflustered style of perfect balance and minimal crop action.
It is likely that the filly was running on empty from some way out and that the veteran jockey was holding her together. He only went for the crop when Long Street ranged up on his outside – but the Tony Rivalland charge had too much momentum and went on by, drifting in slightly on to Fortune’s mount
The inquiry will focus on NHA Rule 62, which states:
- 62.1 Every HORSE shall be run and shall be allowed to run to the best of its ability and on its merits.
- 62.1.1. A HORSE must be ridden in such a manner as to benefit its best interests of the RACE in general. [Amended 10.05.2019]
- 62.2 The RIDER of a HORSE shall:- 62.2.1 take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout a RACE to ensure that his HORSE is given a full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible placing;
- 62.2.2 ride his HORSE in a competent and professional manner
By the high standards of the De Kock yard, the Mauritzfontein Stud-owned Cherry Oh Baby is clearly fairly moderate, having been tried in her eight starts with various riders from 1160m to 1800m. She has achieved regular places along the way. Yesterday was her first run on the polytrack.
On enquiry, Mathew de Kock informed the Sporting Post that the stable would not comment and they will allow the Inquiry to follow its course.
Fortune, who has been riding with his flair of old, is engaged at Fairview on Friday for the first time since 2017, and will then take time off for a separate suspension from Saturday 10 May 2025 to Friday 23 May 2025.
After the Andre Nel-trained Zeitz’ late scratching from Saturday’s WSB Gr2 Guineas, a further TCO2 excess led to a scratching on Wednesday.
MJ Odendaal’s Johnny The Thief was selected for the taking of specimens for TCO2 testing.
The first specimen analysed at 12h40 revealed a level of over 36 TCO2. mmol/L. In terms of the procedure for Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) analysis on raceday, a second blood specimen was collected.
Trainer Odendaal was informed that the second blood specimen, analysed at 12h50 had revealed a level of over the threshold of 38 mmol/L. Consequently Johnny The Thief was scratched from the fourth race in terms of the provisions of Rules 72.1.23; 4.2.14 and 4.2.18. He was withdrawn at 13h12, 5/2 in the betting.
