High drama unfolded at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 4 May on the opening day of the SA Champions Season when the heavily fancied highveld raider Main Defender was scratched due to excessive TC02 levels on the eve of the running of the IOS Grade 2 Drill Hall Stakes.
According to the SportingPost website, in scenes reminiscent of a public protest on the levels of that not seen on a racecourse in recent years, outraged connections of the top-class 3-year-old and members of the punting public blocked the exit to the parade ring in advance of the SA Champions Season opener.
Gold Circle eventually abandoned the meeting.
Trainers Mike de Kock, Tony Rivalland and Garth Puller attempted to reason with the protester, but despite their best efforts there was no relenting.
Feature races will be held on Wednesday, 8 May
Meanwhile, following the abandonment of race meeting after the running of the fifth race, Gold Circle announced 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, 8 May.
This decision was reached following consultation with the trainers involved and was supported by 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.