Azzie / Semela - I find this a bit strange

Muhtiman wrote: ....watched this race from the sales with a few trainers....it seemed like the bit had twisted and got locked.... or if a soft bit was damaged....hence the lack of control.....however the stipes report did not reflect if the equipment was checked post race.... and instead have opened an enquiry.....Mike was not on course.... as I saw him just before the race.....

06Aug17 TUR G 11 MdnmG 95k 56 1600R A 63 L Hewitson 60 12-14 8-1 16-1 14 13.0 10 9.6 3 3.75 Collabro 60 99.73 23.5 1 -1.0 .06286 40 0/0........Bit/mouth-hung out
Those were the comments in the Comp Form on its last run -

To me my first reaction watching the race was that the bit had gone again and the horse was uncontrollable.

Very sad we dont see a comment from the Jockey or James Maree as to what is the other side of the story.

Warren Laird wrote:

Muhtiman wrote: ....watched this race from the sales with a few trainers....it seemed like the bit had twisted and got locked.... or if a soft bit was damaged....hence the lack of control.....however the stipes report did not reflect if the equipment was checked post race.... and instead have opened an enquiry.....Mike was not on course.... as I saw him just before the race.....

06Aug17 TUR G 11 MdnmG 95k 56 1600R A 63 L Hewitson 60 12-14 8-1 16-1 14 13.0 10 9.6 3 3.75 Collabro 60 99.73 23.5 1 -1.0 .06286 40 0/0........Bit/mouth-hung out
Those were the comments in the Comp Form on its last run -

To me my first reaction watching the race was that the bit had gone again and the horse was uncontrollable.

Very sad we dont see a comment from the Jockey or James Maree as to what is the other side of the story.

last 2 runs he featured in stipes report
At approximately the 1000m TAPENZEE (*L Hewitson) which commenced to over race, clipped the heels of MANITOBA (G Lerena), thereafter TAPENZEE shifted both ways away from the crop from the 200m.

Apprentice L Hewitson reported that TAPENZEE pulled the bit through its mouth. As a consequence of this TAPENZEE hung out badly and proved difficult to assist.

Sounds like Déjà vu with the Azzie Comments - I am sure we all remember this Grooms race :-

2017/04/17 Turfontein

7 SOLAR QUEST Goodman Dadamasi Azzie 3 f 2 1 -2.50 9/2 22/10
5 YES DEAR Sabelo Siphika 4 f 3 2 2.50
4 LITTLE TOKOYO Phelisile Mongqawa 4 f 5 3 3.75
6 AYESSAYPEE Tshepiso Matsoele 6 m 4 4 20.75
2 JUST A JET Francis Semela Azzie 4 f 1 5 99 9/20 16/10
3 SAINTE MAXIME Siyabonga B Mthembu 3 f 6 6 99

Just watched a good few replays of this horse and he is mad - He gave Hewitson a torrid time in his 2 starts prior to this one - If you watch his run to Edisson Lyle almost comes down at about the 1200m.. the horse turns his head almost 90 degrees for no reason and Lyle is lucky to stay on - In the straight he veers sharply im the final 200m almost contacting the horse on his inside They have used blinkers and pacifiers to try to get him to run straight - I wonder how much Pierre Strydom would want to be paid to ride this horse!

Semela deserves an unreserved apology from the Azzie's.

Also to the racing websites that published the story and video of Azzie's version without the stipes report or their own investigation surrounding the issue as maliciously damaged Semela's reputation. They need to retract their story and apologize to him as well. Also they should have asked Semela for his explanation of what happened. Couple months back the then editor of Huffington Post South Africa had to resign after she published a blog by what was presumed written by a feminist but it was a white male.

....horse may have a "soft" mouth which would require a softer rubber bit or a French link snaffle.....may have already been tried as Mike is normally on top of these types of problems.....in this last race the horse seems to want to spit the bit as the work rider has given to much reign and not seated the bit at the back of the mouth.....

I see he got shagged today

90 day ban

Incredible

Very Strange and harsh

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held at the Vaal Racecourse on Tuesday 29 August 2017, Mr Francis Semela (assisted by Mr James Maree), was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.1, in that he failed to ensure that he took all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that TAPENZEE was given a full opportunity to win, or to obtain the best possible placing in Race 1 run at the Vaal Racecourse on 17 August 2017.


The particulars being:

a) At the 1200m Mr Semela encouraged TAPENZEE around the turn, against the instructions of Trainer A Azzie;
b) At the 1000m Mr Semela placed TAPENZEE at the rear of the field after hanging out around the turn and by doing so, lost considerable ground to the field;
c) Between the 800m and the 400m Mr Semela made no attempt to make up ground on the field when TAPENZEE showed no signs of being difficult to assist;
and

d) between the 400m and 200m Mr Semela, after encouraging TAPENZEE to make up ground, took a tighter hold of the reins to restrict this gelding from running on.
Mr Semela pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.

The Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of 90 days.

Mr Semela has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.

IMO a shocking call

Lacck of consistency by the NHA, Callan Murray did almost the same thing yesterday in Kenilworth race 4 no 5 (Made to conquer). I rewinded this race so many times and could not believe the kak ride he gave this horse. never mind the bad draw he just sat stone last throughout the race, did not even try to place the horse and while turning for home he moved only once or twice. To me that ride is very suspicious. ..

I have never seen a court case or a Hearing where the person admits guilt off the bat, Normally its not guilty and up to the other side to prove guilt.

Smacks of Intimidation and Bullying with a fear of loosing to much.

I wonder if there was even an interpreter present in the hearing.

Warren Laird wrote: I have never seen a court case or a Hearing where the person admits guilt off the bat, Normally its not guilty and up to the other side to prove guilt.

Smacks of Intimidation and Bullying with a fear of loosing to much.

I wonder if there was even an interpreter present in the hearing.

My sentiments exactly. By pleading guilty, Semela acknowledges that he deliberately did something wrong. The sentence then is valid.

The real question now is why did he plead guilty in the first place? Personally, the manner in which this was handled by the Azzie yard leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, and coupled with some comments he made post the AvV episode, I can honestly say that I have zero respect for him anymore :sick: