Trainers Mike de Kock, Tony Rivalland and Garth Puller attempted to reason with the unruly group (Sporting Post Picture)
Gold Circle press release
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.
Main Defender, whose scratching just before the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes due to elevated levels of TCO2, has been scratched from Wednesday’s rescheduled event.
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.
* It has been reported that outraged connections of Main Defender as well as members of the punting public blocked the exit to the parade ring before the 6th race (Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes)
