The much talked about 2014 Vodacom Durban July was a race that will go down in history as one filled with drama and post race debate. The stipendiary stewards upheld an objection and changed the result of the event, the first since Space Walk's July win. Here is the full report. 

THE STARTER REPORTED :
a) CAPTAIN AMERICA (S Cormack) was restless in the stalls and as the start was effected jumped awkwardly losing 1 length.
b) CAPETOWN NOIR (K Neisius) and JET BELLE (M Yeni) both lost 1 length.
c) Jockey S Cormack the rider of CAPTAIN AMERICA was fined R1 000.00 for showing dissent towards the Starter. In terms of Rule 61.5.17 this fine has been confirmed by the Stipendiary Board.

THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED (ER) :
a) WYLIE HALL (AUS) (M Byleveld), the winner, placed second on an Objection. Selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer W Marwing advised (RJ).
b) LEGISLATE (R Fourie) placed second and eventual winner after Objection. Selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer J Snaith advised (RJ).
c) FUTURA (G Hatt), placed third. Selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer B Crawford advised (TN).
d) In view of the performances of ESPUMANTI (GB) (A Delpech) (15.60 lengths) and LOUIS THE KING (K Shea) (11.35 lengths) the Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this filly and this colt.
e) KING OF PAIN (B Fayd’herbe) and LOUIS THE KING (K Shea) raced wide throughout.
f) ESPUMANTI (GB) (A Delpech) pulling hard in the early stages difficult to restrain.
g) In a slow run race CAPTAIN AMERICA (S Cormack) pulling hard and difficult to settle, clipped the heels of IN THE FAST LANE (G van Niekerk) at approximately the 1800 metre mark and stumbled.
h) At approximately the 700 metre mark LOUIS THE KING (K Shea) clipped the heels of CAPTAIN AMERICA (S Cormack) and stumbled becoming unbalanced.
i) Approaching the 250 metre mark LEGISLATE (R Fourie) shifted inwards and brushed the hindquarters of WYLIE HALL (AUS) (M Byleveld) and was straightened. Leaving the 200 metre mark WYLIE HALL (AUS) (M Byleveld) shifted outwards and brushed LEGISLATE (R Fourie) outwards and thereafter between the 100 metre mark and the 50 metre mark WYLIE HALL (AUS) (M Byleveld) continued to shift outwards brushing LEGISLATE (R Fourie) on two occasions.
j) An Objection was lodged by Jockey R Fourie, rider of the second placed horse LEGISLATE, against the winner WYLIE HALL (AUS) (M Byleveld) on the grounds of interference over the final 300 metres. The Objection Board after considering the evidence were of the opinion that but for the interference LEGISLATE ( R Fourie) would have beaten WYLIE HALL (AUS) (M Byleveld)and therefore upheld the Objection and amended the result.
k) An Inquiry will be held into Trainer W Marwing’s behaviour in and around the Boardroom after the running of the 7th Race.
l) WHITELINE FEVER (R Danielson) returned post race having cast the left hind shoe.

JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES :
a) Jockey R Danielson replaced Jockey S Khumalo on WHITELINE FEVER (advised 07h32/5.7.2014).
b) WYLIE HALL (AUS) did not race fitted with cheek pieces (advised 09h15/3.7.2014).

RACE CARD CHANGES / OTHER :
a) Nil.

THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED :
a) ESPUMANTI (GB) : Nothing obvious detected.
b) LOUIS THE KING : Not striding out right hind.
c) WHITELINE FEVER : Cut into left hind.
d) LEGISLATE : Lame right front.

THE MEDICAL OFFICER REPORTED :
a) Jockey P Strydom – Treated for dehydration. Unfit to ride for the balance of the meeting (Sgd) Dr A Chetty. He was replaced on the balance of his mounts.