Race # 5 at the Vaal on 16 January 2025
MAIN DEFENDER ridden by Gavin Lerena was beaten a head into 2nd by MELECH with Muzi Yeni on board. The pair had half a length separating them at the 400m pole and a nose separating them at the line. MELECH received 4kg and was hard pressed to the line.
The bump was from MELECH coming onto MAIN DEFENDER about 50m out and must have had an effect on MAIN DEFENDER who was fighting back after MELECH had a slight edge.
The common perception that MELECH could have won easily if Muzi so wanted is utter nonsense.
We have all witnessed lesser interference that upheld the outcome.
So did the stipes get it right?
Well I suppose it's who you ask. One camp will say, "yeah," and the other, "Nah".
But the question remains did the stipes get it right?
I did not have an interest in the race so the outcome made no difference to my pocket but I was curious to see the head on footage on the objection.