■ Race 1 ? the pacific ocean cup

Jockey Orffer reported that Spirit hit its head very hard on the gate at the start. A subsequent veterinary examination of the horse revealed the presence of a bit of blood in its mouth, however, in the Veterinary Surgeon?s opinion it was not of a serious nature. Upon jumping, Gandolf brushed the left side of the gate, was slow out, Coventry Kid jumped awkwardly and Go Spook was slow, all losing about one length. Turtleback and Spirit raced wide throughout. Approaching the 900 metres, when the pace slowed, Midnight Mint over-raced and had to be taken out off the heels of King Arms. Near the 150 metres Go Spook was taken in off the heels of Coventry Kid and was subsequently disappointed for a run when attempting a run between Gandolf and Coventry Kid. Jockey Sooful reported that Midnight Mint hung out badly throughout the race. Jockey Herholdt was questioned as to why he did not ride his horse with the whip in his usual style in the final straight. He explained that each horse is different and he rides them accordingly. In this case, Eastern Exodus was a long striding horse and proved difficult to ride, the moreso that it was hanging out. Secondly, he was asked why he hesitated for one stride near the 100 metres. He stated that as he had previously pointed out, the horse was hanging out and had to be straightened. His explanations were accepted.

■ Race 2 ? The j. ange cayeux cup

At the start Star Of Houston and Extreme Force jumped outwards, brushing Jose Mourinho and Bang On Time respectively. Trade Wind and Laicep?s were slow out, both losing about one length. Trainer V. Allet, jockeys B. Woodworth and H. Rawa were questioned as to the disappointing performance of Sardonyx and Extreme Force. Trainer V. Allet explained that three weeks ago Sardonyx had contracted a debut of colic and hence the horse had to be rested for some days. Jockey Woodworth added that although the horse had over-raced somehow in the early stages of the race, when asked to quicken from the 300 metres Sardonyx did not respond and he felt that he might have needed the run. Concerning the disappointing performance of Extreme Force, trainer Allet explained that this horse gives its best when able to set the pace but today was unable to do so and was caught wide. Jockey Rawa added that his mount was not able to lead and raced fiercely and from the 300 metres, when asked for an effort, failed to quicken and was striding short in the final straight. A subsequent veterinary examination of Extreme Force revealed no apparent abnormality.

■ Race 3 ? The reynolds coquet cup

Shortly before entering the final straight Bold Plum was held up for a run behind Horn Beam and jockey Herholdt reported that the horse was reluctant to take the gap on the inside of Horn Beam and near the 100 metres shifted out and had to be restrained, thus could not be properly assisted. Upon entering the final straight Ashton Manor had a tendency to hang out and had to be straightened over some distance.

■ Race 4 ? The winner?s challenge cup

An objection was lodged by jockey S. Mahadia, rider of Hero?s Hope, which finished 2nd, against Midnite Mass, being declared the winner, alleging interference in the final straight. After taking evidence from the riders and trainers concerned and viewing the relevant videos, the objection was dismissed. At an inquiry into the running and riding of Lump Sum, apprentice Bussunt pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 158 (2), the particulars being that shortly after the start he over-restrained his mount up to the 500 metre-mark, contrary to his instructions, thus failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that his mount was given full opportunity to win. Apprentice Bussunt was suspended from riding in races for eight race meetings. At an inquiry into an incident, jockey Herholdt (Midnite Mass) pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 161 (c) in that from passing the 200 metres he carelessly allowed his mount to shift in and near the 100 metres Hero?s Hope was cramped for room, had having to be eased and taken out. Jockey Herholdt was fined Rs.20,000.

■ Race 5 ? the blyth centenary cup

The Club?s Veterinary Surgeon reported that Cherry Bite was lame and unfit to race. Consequently, the horse was withdrawn at 7.45 a.m. today. As a result, all bets on this horse were ordered to be refunded and betting with bookmakers was re-opened. Trainer H. Maigrot was told that Cherry Bite will need a veterinary certificate of soundness before being allowed to race again. At the Start Spy In The Sky was slow out, losing about one length. Jumpin Joshua jumped awkwardly, shifted out, brushing One For The Road. Near the 100 metres Germany On was taken out off the heels of Heliotrope in order to obtain a clear run.

■ Race 6 ? the philippe ducler des rauches cup

At the start Casey?s Bluff was slow out, losing about one length.

■ Race 7 ? the E. Maxime sauzier cup

Near the 100 metres Eli?s Romance shifted out abruptly, resulting in Long John Silver on its outside being inconvenienced. The Club?s Veterinary Surgeon reported that Paranui was lame on the off fore leg. In view of this report, trainer B. Gujadhur was told that Paranui will need a veterinary certificate of soundness before being allowed to race again.

■ race 8 ? The botanique cup

Jockey F. Herholdt who was stood down by the Club?s Doctor, was replaced on Golden Kahir by jockey S. Mahadia. Near the 300 metres Voodoo Child had to be eased off a tiring Marrakesh and Double Lock, which was following, also had to be eased, both horses being taken in. Shortly after, Double Lock had to be eased off the heels of Voodoo Child over a short distance. Near the 100 metres Double Lock was disappointed for a run and had to be steadied.