The highly anticipated first race on the revamped Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack on Wednesday was well received by stakeholders, but was not without its drama.
After the favourite Cherry Oh Baby was beaten into second, the daughter of Danon Platina’s trainer and jockey were interviewed and NHA CEO Vee Moodley has subsequently confirmed to the Sporting Post that an Inquiry has been opened into the ride.
The Sporting Post fielded a number of calls from punters after the favourite, who drifted on the betting boards before the off, was caught in the final stages by Tony Rivalland’s Long Street (3-1) to be beaten 0,20 lengths.
Cherry Oh Baby, who is raced by Jessica Slack’s Mauritzfontein Stud, was ridden by Andrew Fortune and tracked the leader before cruising into the lead at the 300m marker.
In his characteristic unflustered style, Fortune nudged her neck and was sitting dead still in the saddle as the 4yo looked to be going on to win.
Mxolisi Mbuto drives Long Street up to beat Cherry Oh Baby and Andrew Fortune (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
But 4kg claimer Mxolisi Mbuto had other ideas and ranged up the outside on Long Street, with Fortune glancing across, and suddenly becoming animated.
Having her 19th start, Long Street finally cracked her maiden certificate.
Trained by Mike and Mathew de Kock, Cherry Oh Baby is no star but has been consistent, delivering seconds at her last three starts. She was having her eighth run here.
She drifted from a call of 3-10 to 11-10 at the off.
Long Street was backed from 7-2 to 3-1.
Once received, the official Stipes report will be published in the comments of this editorial.
