DIVINE ODYSSEY ---- WTF how is this horse still a runner 9 11 19

THE STARTER REPORTED:

a) MARCHINGONTOGETHER (W Kennedy) and ZILLZAAL (P Strydom) were restless in the stalls.
b) DIVINE ODYSSEY (C Maujean) was unruly behind the stalls, injuring itself. Scratched by the Veterinary Surgeon. The Starting Stall Certificate for this gelding has been withdrawn.

THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED:

a) In view of the Starter’s report with regard to DIVINE ODYSSEY, this gelding has been suspended in
terms of Rule 61.6.10 for a period of 7 days and until recertified tractable loading into the stalls. Suspension dates: 3 November 2019 to 9 November 2019. DIVINE ODYSSEY may not be
presented for repassing during this period. Trainer J J van Vuuren to be advised (GT).

I'm sure an exception was made following an appeal to let this horse run given the timing of this available race, along with the fact that it would doubly serve as preparation for the summer cup as well. Also sure that the relavent stalls training was done in the interim to prevent the situation repeating itself.

We should applaud things like this, rather than ask why. We actually want horses to run, and bring in money, rather than sit in a box like the Cape.

Thor I applaud your enthusiasm and half-full attitude. I think however that you are being generous in your summation of the situation. You have got to ask how this horse was allowed to run taking into consideration the very clear guidelines on the suspension dates. Perhaps a press release from the Jockey Club would have been in order explaining the reasons why they allowed this horse to partake in a race during a very clear suspension period.

Perhaps the ownership of the horse used influence that normal owners do not possess. Do you think if the horse were owned by D Scott and trained by L Goosen as an example, it would be running today? You are correct that we do want horses to run. In my opinion we also want the JC to regulate fairly, firmly and without favour.

What about protecting punters? A misbehaved injured horse surely should not be allowed to run so quickly after a transgression(and the stipes initial ruling suggested just that) - Do you put it into your perms or leave it out? There has been no statement issued to punters that confirms the horse has been rehabilitated in less than a week so who knows

8 2 Divine Odyssey Ear Muffs On 11:06 20191107 J A Janse van Vuuren

Think I mentioned this on another thread - this is clearly not right; according to the rules there is NO WAY this horse should be allowed to run today -

The Starting Stall Certificate for this gelding has been withdrawn

This gelding has been suspended in terms of Rule 61.6.10 for a period of 7 days and until recertified tractable loading into the stalls. Suspension dates: 3 November 2019 to 9 November 2019. DIVINE ODYSSEY may not be presented for repassing during this period


So although the 'relevant starting stall training' may have been done, it could not have been 'presented for re-passing'

This horse was my Summer Cup hopeful since the Ante-Post betting opened - but even so, rules are rules and it should not be allowed to run today - or are rules only there to be followed when it suits ?

Next time this happens to a non "high ranking " owner we should ask the RA to help ( sure a board member owns this horse )

Its about the ownership Bob no question about it.

Cast your mind to when last the NHA "reconsidered" anything that they have ever done on a voluntarily basis. It has never happened - this lot are incapable of being proactive