Despite a bad weather week for SA racing which was compounded by the loss of our fourth meeting in seven days on Saturday, a major proportion of the jockeys riding at Fairview on Friday went against a decision comprising two of their peers, two trainers, a Veterinary Surgeon and the Track Manager, to continue racing.
After the running of the fifth race in the Windy City, the Jockeys lodged a protest in terms of Rule 5.2.3 citing that the underfoot conditions were unsafe for racing.
The mud can be seen on Rachel Venniker as she steers Mount Anderson to victory over stablemate Ferrari Ice (Keagan de Melo) in the fifth at Fairview on Friday – racing was abandoned after this race (Pic – Pauline Herman)
A panel was formed in terms of the rules and evidence was taken from two Jockeys, two Trainers, the Veterinary Surgeon and the racecourse Track Manager.
The Panel was of the opinion that the track was not unsafe for racing, and overruled the Jockeys’ protest.
The Jockeys however, disagreed with this decision and each rider was consulted individually.
All Jockeys, with the exception of Charles Ndlovu, Teague Gould and Sandile Khathi, were adamant that they were unwilling to continue riding in the remaining races.
This left the Stewards with no option but to abandon the remaining three races on the card.
While this is an old debate and it’s ultimately the jockeys and the horses who risk life and limb and not the trainers or owners, one wonders what the point is of having a rule that accommodates a properly constituted panel, if the jockeys can just hijack the show and veto it? Why not just give them the keys to the show?
The trio of riders who were happy to continue were coincidentally all locals.
The balance included a few locals but mostly visitors who have opportunities to ride at other venues on other days.
On the flipside of the coin, it’s not cheap to fly into Gqeberha, unless it’s the owners or trainers who are footing the bill for the airfares?
On Monday, we have Hollywoodbets Kenilworth slotted.
The weather is beautiful in the Cape, but why a Monday billing? Monday used to be a great Kimberley day for all of us who live our lives by the racing clock!
On Tuesday we are back at the Vaal. Let’s wait and see.
