David Thiselton

It was a dark day in South African racing on Saturday as the Champions Season’s always much anticipated opening meeting had to be abandoned after an unruly mob blocked the exit to the parade ring before the first feature race of “the season”, the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes.

The controversy revolved around the scratching of the hot odds-on favourite Main Defender after being tested to have elevated TCO2 levels.

The connections of the Tony Peter-trained favourite were allegedly the instigators of the protest and they were allegedly joined by punters, who were irate that with one of the meeting’s Pick 6 bankers now scratched they would have to rely on the Tote favourite in a very open race.

The three features that did not happen will now be run at the same venue, Hollywoodbets Greyville, on Wednesday.

Main Defender remains a scratching in the Drill Hall and has been joined by Texas Red, who is trained by Tony Peter’s sister-in-law Robyn Klaasen.

The Gr 2 WSB Fillies Guineas and the Gr 2 WSB Guineas had no card scratchings at the time of writing.

A strongly worded press release by Gold Circle, included the following statement, “Gold Circle firmly intends to sanction those responsible, which may include a banning order from it’s race tracks and facilities going forward, and would like to take this opportunity to apologise to all connections and racing fans who were compromised by the unseemly actions of a minority whose behaviour bordered on anarchy.”

Award winning veteran journalist CharlPretoriusironically wrote an article released before racing on Saturday about the subject of TCO2 (total carbon dioxide).

The administration of sodium bicarbonate (bi-carb) in the hours prior to racing, is viewed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) as performance enhancing. It is performed using a practice widely known as ‘milkshaking’ – commonly via the insertion of a naso-gastric tube between 3 to 5 hours prior to a race.

This is intended to elevate TCO2 and therefore reduce lactate. 

The National Horseracing Authority, mandated and under increased pressure to identify trainers who use illegal methods to gain an advantage, last month introduced a new specimen analysis procedure for TCO2 (total carbon dioxide) measurement on a race day.

These are tests performed on the blood samples of racehorses to combat the practice of administering alkalizing agents for the purpose of enhancing performance.

Blood specimens are taken from selected horses approximately 50 minutes prior to race time, on any given race day. The specimens are immediately analysed using handheld blood gas analysers.

When a sample taken is found to have an elevated pre-race blood TCO2 level above of 36 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) – the threshold set by the International Horse Racing Federation (IFHA) and prescribed to by the NHA – a second blood specimen is collected, between 10 and 15 minutes later. If the TCO2 concentration of the second specimen is more than 36.0 mmol/L, the horse is withdrawn and then detained for additional specimen collection.

During the additional tests, screening can be performed for other illegal substances that may or may not be present in the blood sample.  

Dr. Matthew Bawden, the NHA’s Chief Veterinarian, remarked: “The main goal of measuring TCO2 before racing is to detect horses that may have received an alkalizing agent. Alkalinization of a horse or the use of an alkalizing agent is prohibited on race day, and a level exceeding the international threshold constitutes prima facie evidence of alkalinization. The administration of an alkalizing agent results in a measurable increase in the TCO2 over time with an intent to achieve maximal buffering capacity at the time of the race.”

Charl Pretorius continues by saying, “The implication here is that a horse could pass the TC02 test before the race, but could possibly fail it afterwards, which presents an interesting conundrum.”

He follows by questioning why pre-race tests, which only lead to a scratching at present, are done and not post-race which could lead to a career ending fine?

The tests being done by the NHA have drawn praise from many quarters including from the renowned activist against drug use in horseracing, Barry Irwin, a successful American owner and breeder who is very much involved in SA horseracing.

Irwin said, ““Welcome to the real world of horse racing. It is about time. This technology has been around for decades. This updated protocol will go a long way in levelling the playing field on the Highveld. Targeting trainers whose horses improve is a proven formula used by regulators worldwide. Not to follow this practice would be wasteful and foolish.”

However, there are detractors with one study showing that bicarbonate did not improve horses’ performance at all. The man who did the study, Dr Michael I. Lindinger, PHD, also reckoned the threshold level arrived at by the authorities was  based on statistically manipulated data and he added that the conclusion that an elevated level was caused by the administering of an alkalizing substance was based on assumption not fact.

To put some other points in to summary about a complex issue, some research suggests it is possible that different barns might create different environments for TCO2 readings given their combination of feed and exercise programs. 

The NHA are doing their best to level the playing fields, but it seems there are a few things that need to be looked at.

One of the other implications is the impact sudden scratchings have on punters. This is particularly in the case when they have splashed out on a Pick 6 with a banker, who is suddenly replaced by one with much less chance.  

However, taking the law into one’s own hands is totally unacceptable and hopefully the response to Saturday’s events by the powers that be will prevent the shocking events from happening again.

Graeme Hawkins

Pacaya bounced back to his best form under a driving ride from Richard Fourie to land the R350 000 Legal Eagle Stakes (Gr 3) over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth yesterday. The 5yo Trippi gelding bred by the Drakenstein Stud – who were also responsible for the first four winners on the card – had beaten Winchester Mansion in last season’s WSB 1900m but pulled up distressed in the WSB Cape Town Met at the end of January. On the comeback trail last month, Pacaya hinted at a return to form when running on strongly in the Variety Club Mile over 1600m and he clearly relished the extra 200m of the Legal Eagle Stakes to register an emphatic victory.

The race favourite Rascallion tried gamely to make all the running under top weight of 61kgs but was found wanting over the final 300m and had to be satisfied with third spot. Rapidash made good headway from the rear of the field to fill the Exacta position with fellow three year old Greeting My Master rounding out the Quartet.

Red Palace failed to fire in the R200 000 Ladies Mile (Listed) for Fillies and Mares over 1600m and trailed in a distant ninth as Time For Love (33/1), a lightly raced 4yo daughter of Time Thief bred by the Late Hassan Adams, stayed on strongly from just off the pace to notch up her third career victory from only eight starts. Trained by the Harold Crawford/Michelle Rix partnership and ridden by Craig Zackey, Time For Love comfortably held off My Flower Fate, Rainbow Lorikeet and Princess Izzy to score by a length.

Summer Lily was a late scratching from the Ladies Mile due to elevated TCO2 levels as was the case with the fancied Be Merry in the first, both from the Snaith yard.

Gavin Lerena flew into town to partner One Stripe in the second race, the R300 000 Winter Nursery (Gr 3) for two year olds over 1100m, and he was duly rewarded with a facile win by the ultra-promising son of leading freshman sire One World. Sent off as the 7/10 favourite, One Stripe was given a confident ride as Rama Forcesa cut out the early pace with One Stripe’s stable companion, Lion Rampart, in the slipstream. But once Lerena gave One Stripe his head, the favourite quickly assumed control of the race and ran on strongly to beat Lion Rampart by a length with Roman Agent some way back in third after a slow start.

Vaughan Marshall trains both One Stripe and Lion Rampart and indicated in his post-race interview that the Langerman over 1500m next month could be One Stripe’s next target.

Symphony In White proved too strong for her market rival, Kinda Wonderful, in the opener, a Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1000m. Ridden by Aldo Domeyer for trainer Candice Bass-Robinson, Symphony In White was always travelling too well for Kinda Wonderful and the beautifully-bred daughter of What A Winter had nearly two lengths to spare at the finish.

All Out For Six (8/1) gave Vaughan Marshall a quick race-to-race double when taking out the third race, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m, in very good style. After racing midfield for much of the journey, All Out For Six, yet another juvenile winner for One World, produced a powerful finish under Ashton Arries to win going away from the well-backed Aristotle (9/4) and he looks set for a bright future.

Un Bel Di (2/1), trained by Justin Snaith, was a popular winner of the opening leg of the Pick 6, a Maiden Plate over 1000m.  Having his first run as a gelding, Un Bel Di was always in command prompting Richard Fourie to quip post-race that it was an “armchair” ride. Marshall and Arries were again on the mark in the fifth race, an Open Maiden over 1800m, as Princess Of Bayeux (7/1) stormed home to a comfortable 3-length victory over the favourite English Mistress.

Gold Circle condemns the behavior of a group of racegoers following the scratching of Main Defender from the IOS Drill Hall Stakes, which led to the abandonment of the last five races on the card, including the three Grade 2 Feature events. 
Gold Circle firmly intends to sanction those responsible, which may include a banning order from it’s race tracks and facilities going forward, and would like to take this opportunity to apologise to all connections and racing fans who were compromised by the unseemly actions of a minority whose behaviour bordered on anarchy.
“Our regret extends particularly to our esteemed sponsors, World Sports Betting and the Independent On Saturday, whose unwavering support for the sport of horse racing we deeply value and respect,” said Michel Nairac, Gold Circle’s CEO.”While we are pleased to be in a position to reschedule the Feature events at short notice for Wednesday, this is small compensation for the unacceptable actions of a few who ruined what was meant to be a celebratory opening to Champions Season 2024. We take the matter very seriously and will deal with the transgressors in the strongest possible terms,” he added.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that such behaviour will not be tolerated in any capacity within the racing community. We want to reassure the public that we remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the principles of sportsmanship, order, and integrity at all our events, and we will take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Graeme Hawkins

Having won the first leg of the Winter Series over 1600m last month, the Vaughan Marshall-trained Rascallion should prove difficult to beat in the second leg at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, the R350 000 Legal Eagle Stakes (Gr 3) over 1800m. The 6yo son of Vercingetorix has taken on a new lease on life and was a narrow second in the WSB Cape Town Met back in January before taking out the Variety Club Mile at the beginning of April.

He will be much more comfortable over the added 200m of the Legal Eagle Stakes but will have to produce his best form to hold out the Justin Snaith’s charge Pacaya. Something went seriously amiss with Pacaya in the “Met” and he was pulled out of the race, but he showed signs of life on his return in the Variety Club Mile. Although finishing more than three lengths behind Rascallion, the 5yo Trippi gelding was doing his best work at the finish from off the pace and if he can reproduce the form he showed last season when beating Winchester Mansion in the WSB Greyville 1900, then he would be a serious contender here. Red-hot Richard Fourie has been booked to ride Pacaya while Morne Winnaar retains the ride on Rascallion.

The younger generation is represented by Greeting My Master and Gold Rush winner Rapidash, stable companion to Pacaya. Greeting My Master was only three lengths behind Rascallion last time and is now 2,5kgs better off, which in theory should bring them much closer together. It remains to be seen whether Greeting My Master will appreciate the extra distance whereas we know for certain that Rascallion is more at home over the extended trips. Rapidash has also shown his best form to date over slightly less ground and was never a factor in the SplashOut Cape Derby over 2000m in February. Beating the highly talented Coastal Commander in the Gold Rush was a commendable effort and Rapidash is clearly well above average, but this will be a serious test for the 3yo son of Danon Platina.

Snaith also saddles Sachdev and Navy Strength, either of which could spring a surprise on best efforts, but their stable companions are preferred. Future Prince is holding form well but seems held by Rascallion while the latter’s stable companion, Promettere, is as honest as the day is long and could sneak into the frame.

To summarise, Rascallion’s stated mission has been to take out the Winter Series in Cape Town, rather than head for Champions Season in KwaZulu Natal, and he could take another step forward to realising his trainer’s belief at Kenilworth on Sunday.

The second leg of the Winter Series for Fillies and Mares, the R200 000 Ladies Mile over 1600m, and here Princess Izzy will be looking to build on her victory in the first leg, the 1400m Sweet Chestnut Stakes, which was run a month ago. Her record over the mile is good but she faces stern competition here from the likes of Red Palace, Gold Poker Game and the much-improved Rainbow Lorikeet. In her favour is that Princess Izzy has cracked a nice draw whereas Red Palace and Gold Poker Game are drawn wide in a large field and will need their fair share of luck in running.

Red Palace has Grade 1 form to her credit and need only reproduce her run in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, when runner-up to Snow Pilot, to wrest the laurels here. She followed that by finishing fourth in the Paddock Stakes (Gr 1) over 1800m and then slightly disappointed when a lack-lustre fifth in the Majorca Stakes (Gr 1) back in January. Most recently she was given a pipe-opener in the Cape Merchants over 1200m last month and if anywhere near her peak will prove the one they all have to beat.

That said, Gold Poker Game is no slouch and loves to run at them late. From her wide draw, Aldo Domeyer will probably ride her for luck from well off the pace but she possesses a fine turn of acceleration and can mow them down in the latter stages. If Red Palace does not bring her “A-game”, Gold Poker Game could arrive on time to pick up the pieces. Enemy Territory was runner-up behind Princess Izzy in the Sweet Chestnut Stakes but is now 1,5kgs worse off and also has the worst of the draw to overcome. Looks a tough task!

Rainbow Lorikeet races from a handy barrier position and is still very much on an upward curve. She could certainly trouble the best of them here but preference lies with Red Palace to come ahead of Gold Poker Game.

Disappointingly, the R300 000 Winter Nursery (Gr 3) for 2yo’s over 1100m has attracted only five acceptances and Vaughan Marshall appears to hold all the aces. He sends out Lion Rampart and One Stripe, both impressive sons of leading freshman sire, One World, and Fourie will retain his partnership with Lion Rampart while Gavin Lerena has been flown in to partner One Stripe. The latter ran out a comfortable winner of the R1-million Cape Nursery on Derby Day at the end of February when Lion Rampart was a well beaten fourth, but I suspect they will finish a lot closer together this time around.

Roman Agent has been beaten by both One Stripe and Lion Rampart but the good-looking son of Vercingetorix clearly has loads of talent and plenty of scope for further improvement. He could certainly make his presence felt. Furious Queen, the only filly in the small but high quality line-up, was impressive when winning on debut and could be anything, while recent maiden winner Rama Forcesa appears to have a bit to find.

Following the abandonment of Saturday’s race meeting after the running of the fifth race, Gold Circle is pleased to announce that the R500 000 Independent on Saturday Drill Hall Stakes, the R500 000 World Sports Betting Guineas as well as the R500 000 WSB Fillies Guineas will be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday afternoon. This decision was reached following consultation with the Trainers involved and carries the support of our valued Sponsors.
The original programme for Wednesday’s race meeting has been recalled and a new race card will be issued in due course. “We believe this decision to be in the best interests of all concerned and Gold Circle regrets the events on Saturday which led to the race meeting being called off,” concluded Racing Executive Raf Sheik.