The National Horseracing Authority is aware of various media reports regarding veterinary incidents that occurred at the Vodacom Durban July race meeting on Saturday, 6 July 2019.
To set the record straight CAVIVAR received veterinary treatment immediately following Race 5, the Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper (Grade 2), in which it finished in fourth position, it did not collapse during the race, but suffered from severe post-race distress. The Trainer of this horse gave credit to the veterinary treatment that was provided immediately following the race.
HAWWAAM was withdrawn immediately prior to the start of the Vodacom Durban July due to an unfortunate incident which does occur from time to time when one is dealing with highly strung thoroughbred animals. A comment allegedly emanating from an anonymous trainer concerning the standard of the Handling Staff in Durban has absolutely NO merit and is totally baseless.
The NHA Veterinary Surgeon, Dr Roehann Sutherland made the extremely difficult decision to withdraw HAWWAAM after completing an inspection of the colt following the incident. The emotions and the body language displayed by this esteemed professional, speak volumes for his empathy for the horse and his thorough UNDERSTANDING of the effect his decision would have on all the stakeholders and interested parties. As much as the NHA sympathises with the Operators and the connections of HAWWAAM, we are also proud to have such a person in our employ.
Horse welfare is top priority and this weekend’s incidents clearly highlight the FACT that the HORSE comes first.
The vet with hawaam was clearly upset at having to withdraw the horse. He knew the immensity of his call. He made the correct call no doubt. What I would love to know is what Marcus said to the handler and the vet just after the incident! My opinion the handlers remind me of buzzing bees around the horses. Handlers SOP seems non existent between different centers . Never saw the Cavivar incident but I am sure the vets and connections would have ensured best possible care.
We were told that there was an esteemed panel of stipes on duty for the day. How did they allow the horses to start loading so late?
Also, Hawaam was given special treatment and allowed to leave the ring early. Why should this be? This was unfair on the other horses who had to contend with the noise and walk around the ring.
Horses that cannot behave no matter how good they are should be subjected to the rules that applies to others.
You don’t know what you’re talking about! Horses often leave earlier if they are uptight. Marcus and De Kock handled it brilliantly, they sent Hawwaam in and he went once around the ring as required and then off to the start. No preference, if you watch racing, you’ll see this at every meeting at least a few times.
As for the vet at the start, you could see how upset he was yet he made a professional decision. I really felt for him but he did a great job.
I also happened to see Caviar as my wife and I were walking past. Shame she collapsed but it was so well and caringly handled. We watched the entire event. The vets were brilliant and after a long treatment, she got up, they hosed her down and she walked off. Another thing I’ve seen many times at racing.
I’m not the biggest fan of SA racing as I personally love UK racing but I have to say, the day was brilliant, the horses looked amazing, the event were handled brilliantly. Well done to the Stipes, vets, trainers, jockeys, grooms, and everyone involved. It was a great event and the horses of all things looked amazing.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Dave Scott, Sylvester, Garrick, louisg
Dr. Ruan Sutherland is an absolute lover of horses and he is extremely professional in his decisions. To him and to the NHA, the horse and the wellbeing of the horse is paramount. And I am thankful for this fact.
As for Hawwaam leaving the ring early, that is completely within the rules, as long as he walked around the parade ring once, which he did.
Hawwaam left early, to allow the horse whisperer to refresh him behind the stalls, before the rest of the field arrived. This was in the interest of all concerned, including Punters.
A huge day, a lot of pressure on everyone. Well done to the Handlers, Starter, Operator and NHA, on how they handled things.
Imagine what certain Rocket Scientists would be posting if Hawwaam was allowed to run and finished nowhere...!
And yes, Hawwaam's scratching cost the Operators about R1M in revenue...
yet we do not hear them complaining or calling for someone's head.
That's Racing, folks. These things happen from time to time.
There was no hiding from the atmosphere and noise on the day. The horse should have been allowed to acclimatize to the surroundings (job of the jockey, trainer, horse whisperer etc). Making the horse wait so long at the start did not help. All it took was a movement of gates to spook him.
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