Gold Circle Pty (Ltd)

Today's Racing :

First winner for De Melo

David Thiselton
Apprentice Keegan de Melo had his first winner aboard the Bart Rice-trained Western Gem at Scottsville yesterday in just his fourth career ride. De Melo’s parents and sister were at the course to witness the win.
De Melo said, “It was a very exciting moment. I had ridden him three or four times in work. I only knew he was going to win right at the end when he found extra.”
Western Gem fought off a challenge from the Colin Scott-trained Bold Alliance in the final stages.
De Melo had never sat on a horse before joining the South African Jockey’s Academy.
His uncle Ricky de Melo used to own horses, while his father used to have the odd bet and this influenced his decision to make a career of race riding.
There was also a nasty incident in the seventh race at Scottsville yesterday when the Gavin van Zyl-trained Saffron Blue crashed through the inside rail shortly after the start of the 1400m race.
Saffron Blue was caught by handlers after running away along the inside of the track. He appeared to have sustained a fractured nose according to racecourse veterinarian Dr Robin Gatley.
If a possible wiring operation is successful and his breathing has not been affected he might be able to continue racing, although he is likely to be out for a while.
Jockey Aldo Domeyer walked away from the accident unharmed. The stipendiary stewards will hold an enquiry into the incident.
The rest of the meeting went smoothly and Derryl Daniels rode a treble while trainer Mark Dixon saddled a double.

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