Symbolik draws clear under Karl Zechner to win the feature (Coastal Photos)
A botched start to the R100 000 Founders Trophy put the poison cherry on top of a traumatic Fairview meeting for many punters on Friday. A horse not in his stall as the gates were released, assumptions from three jockeys and a trigger-happy starter, created a circus that will leave a bitter aftertaste for many involved.
Accidents and mistakes can happy in this game, with temperamental two-legged and four-legged flesh and blood operating under massive pressure.
But other than a few bombshell results, there was little inkling of the drama to follow when Jacques Strydom’s consistent topweight Gogetthesheriff was standing behind the stalls at the mile marker, after being partially in, when the gates were released for the feature.
The starter apparently took the cue to press his button from certain jockeys shouting ‘let’s go’ and from the observation that two horses’ hoods had been removed by the handlers.
The jockeys are meant to play to the proverbial whistle, but who can really blame Wayne Agrella (Lockheed Jetstar), Francois Herholdt (Zestful) and Craig Zackey (Samhaan) for not riding their mounts from the jump, after having sight of their colleague Greg Cheyne and Gogetthesheriff standing out?
It goes without saying that the trio were never in the running.
Gogetthesheriff was declared a non-runner and an inquiry will be opened into the riding of the three dawdlers, as well as the starter’s conduct.
Karl Zechner – top form with three winners
Full credit must go to Chief Stipe Mike Jones for providing an explanation on live television, as soon as possible after the event.
It is surely high time too that the National Horseracing Authority brings an official to book for negligence.
Given the publicity and speed with which Piere Strydom’s error was dealt, it may just happen that the East Cape starter may well have to be made an example of for failing to exercise care when there was no all-clear from the rear of the stalls.
When last did we hear of a starter being formally disciplined?
Sadly, some of the lustre of Symbolik’s victory would have been lost in the chaos of the start controversy.
Symbolik powered clear at the 300m after stablemates Black Toga and Distinguished had led and went clear to beat the late finishing King Jace by 2,25 lengths in a time of 94,79 secs.
Dorrie Sham – four winners for Granny
King Jace, formerly with Garth Puller in KZN, was having his first run in PE for the form Jacques Strydom yard, and should not be long in winning.
Symbolik capped a happy day for PE racing’s newest Granny, Dorrie Sham, and jockey Karl Zechner, who partnered for a hat-trick.
Brandon Morgenrood laid the foundation for a Sham four-timer when he booted home My Friend Fred at 20 to 1 in the opener.
A 5yo gelding, Symbolik was bred by the Kjell Foundation and is by the ill-fated Kahal out of the unraced National Emblem mare, Protea.
A R120 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Symbolik took his winning tally to 5 from 23 starts and and has 8 placed efforts to his credit.
He started his career with Johan Janse van Vuuren in Gauteng, where he was quite moderate – winning once in ten starts.
A genuine earner since relocating to PE, he is a versatile sort who appears at home on turf and polytrack.
Based on his good recent form, he was not winning out of turn here – despite the gap provided by the starter.
