Results – Kolkata

ACE HONOUR (C Alford) was restless in its stall and was slow to begin. FASCINATING (Melvyn Maseyk) and OCEAN ELEMENT (Md. Islam) were slow to begin. GONNA BE A ROKSTAR (Gajender Singh) ran detached from the field. Tr. Vikash Jaiswal was advised to get his charge examined by the Veterinary Officer and report ailment, if any and not to accept with his charge until shown to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards in a mock race. Prior to the running of the race Tr. Vijay Singh informed the Stipendiary steward that if circumstances permitted b c ACE HONOUR would be ridden in restrain during the early and middle stages of the race. After the running of the race the Stipendiary Stewards not being satisfied with the performance of the colt, enquired from Tr. Vijay Singh the reason as to why he had instructed Jockey C Alford to ride in such a manner and his opinion regarding the running of his charge. Tr. Vijay Singh stated that :- a) He had instructed his rider to hold his charge back in the early stages of the race as the colt was running over the distance (1400 metres) for the first time in its career and was carrying a heavy impost (62 kgs). b) The colt was slow to begin and had behaved in a similar manner in some of its earlier starts. c) Under the circumstances he was satisfied with the running and riding of his charge and added that he may or may not give similar instructions in its future engagements. However, he would inform the Stipendiary Stewards prior to the race of any change in his instructions. Jockey C Alford when queried :- a) Corroborated the trainer’s instructions and informed that his mount was leaning back when the start was effected thereby causing him to lose some ground at the start. b) Stated that when he intended to improve his position during the middle stages of the race he was hampered by the erratic movement of OCEAN ELEMENT (Md Islam). The Stipendiary Stewards taking into consideration the mitigating circumstances decided not to take any further action, however, advised Tr. Vijay Singh that, he, informing the Stipendiary Stewards of any change in the pattern of running of his charge will not exonerate him from his responsibilities.