Fairview Abandoned – But Three Locals Happy To Ride On
Despite a week of inclement weather for SA racing, compounded by the loss of our fourth meeting in seven days on Saturday, a majority of the jockeys racing at Fairview on Friday opposed a decision involving two of their peers, two trainers and one Vet embraced surgeon and the course manager to continue the race.
After conducting the fifth race at the Windy City, the jockeys protested under Rule 5.2.3 arguing that the ground conditions were unsafe for the race.
The mud can be seen on Rachel Venniker as she steers Mount Anderson to victory over stablemate Ferrari Ice (Keagan de Melo) in Friday’s fifth race at Fairview – the race was abandoned after that race (Picture – Pauline Herman).
A panel was formed on the rules and evidence was taken from two jockeys, two trainers, the veterinarian and the racecourse director.
The panel was of the opinion that the Route was not unsafe for racing and overruled the protest of the jockeys.
However, the jockeys did not agree with this decision and each rider was consulted individually.
All the jockeys, with the exception of Charles Ndlovu, Teague Gould and Sandile Khathi, were adamant that they were not ready to continue racing the remaining races.
This left the stewards with no choice but to abandon the remaining three races on the card.
Whilst this is an old debate and ultimately it is the jockeys and the horses who risk life and limb and not the trainers or owners, one wonders what the point of a rule considering a properly constituted body is when the jockeys that can simply kidnap show and reject? Why not just give them the keys to the show?
The trio of drivers happy to keep going all happened to be locals.
The rest included a few locals but mostly visitors who get the chance to ride other places on other days. On the other hand, isn’t it cheap to fly to Gqeberha unless it’s the owners or trainers who foot the bill for air fares?
Thanks to Albert Falls-based Sporting Post regular Cecil Pienaar, word is that the sun is beating down on Hollywoodbets Scottsville so Sunday’s meeting should be with the first start at 12:40pm.
We look forward to Sunday! (Image – Candies Lenferna)
On Monday we slotted Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
The weather is nice in the Cape, but why a Monday reckoning? Monday used to be a great Kimberley day for all of us who live our lives by the race clock!
On Tuesday we’ll be back in the Vaal. Let’s wait and see.