Following the unfortunate incident at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Wednesday when two jockeys came down and the subsequent criticism of the track on public forums, Gold Circle Management, the NHA and a trainer’s representative made a thorough inspection of the track on Friday morning.
The inspection team consisted of Gold Circle Racing Manager Raf Sheik, National Horse Racing Authority Chairman in KZN, Shaun Parker, trainer’s representative Paul Gadsby and Track Manager Michael Ndlovu.
Ndlovu had not carried out repairs to the area where the falls occurred.
After a thorough inspection of the area and surrounds there was no evidence to suggest that the track surface could be blamed on the incident.
The so-called ‘hole’ or ‘wet patch’ that was reported on the day was a repaired divot that was measured 58 metres before where the incident took place and in no ways could have been responsible for the first horse stumbling.
Ndlovu rubbished claims that the track is not inspected before every race meeting.
“I personally walk the track to check that the rails are correctly position and three of my staff also walk the track to check for anything untoward and take the pen readings.”
“Pen readings are taken in three places across the track after 100m and the average recorded and made public. With four of us on the track before the race meeting any obvious problems would be picked up,” he said.
Gadsby was satisfied that the track was not at fault, in fact he said the surface was in excellent condition.
Parker was also complimentary of the track and felt that there was no way the incident could be blamed on the track.
The next racemeeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville takes place this Sunday.
- Press release issued by Gold Circle on Friday 13 September 2019
