Jockey Eric Ngwane appeared before the Stipes Board and was questioned regarding his riding of Torben Spirit in the fourth race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday.
He told the Stewards that his instructions were to race this gelding from a forward position and if this was not possible to avoid the kickback which TORBEN SPIRIT (E Ngwane) resented in its previous races.
Eric Ngwane – Stipes briefing (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Ngwane was advised that his explanation will be noted, however, he had raced wide for a considerable distance and had covered unnecessary ground.
He was further advised to be more resolute in his decision-making during races and if he is unable to obtain a forward position as per his instructions, to place his mounts as close to the inside rail as possible, with cover.
The Dennis Bosch-trained Torben Spirit ran a 13,95 length last.
An objection followed a later incident in the race.
The Stipes reported that at the 200m, MONTANA SKY (J L Samuel) was carried outwards by SECRET IS OURS (A Marcus) which shifted outwards, covering considerable ground.
Thereafter, MONTANA SKY (J L Samuel) raced in restricted galloping room between the outside running rail and the heels of SECRET IS OURS (A Marcus) and was switched in to continue its run. Jockey J Samuel the rider of MONTANA SKY called for a race review into this incident, which was followed by an objection being lodged by him on behalf of the second placed horse (MONTANA SKY) against the winner (SECRET IS OURS) on the grounds of interference from the 300m.
Watch the race here:
The Objection Board, after giving regard to this incident, as well as the finishing margin of 1.30 lengths between these two horses, was of the view that the result was not affected by the incident complained of, over-ruled the objection and refunded the deposit.
Jockey A Marcus the rider of SECRET IS OURS appeared before the Board, was shown the patrol film of the above incident and was advised that he had covered considerable distance toward the outside of the course which had resulted in MONTANA SKY (J L Samuel) being placed in restricted galloping room.
In assessing this incident, with regard to taking possible disciplinary measures against Jockey A Marcus, the Board was of the view that the negligence was not to the requisite standard to sustain a charge against Mr Marcus, however he was advised that a repeat of an incident like this one could result in a charge being levelled against him.
