The Eastern Cape's Head Stipendiary Steward, Langa Douse, has dismissed speculation surrounding the pre-race testing of US Ranger, who produced a dominant 8.5-length victory in the Listed Dahlia Plate.

Speaking to SAHorseracing.COM in response to rumours circulating after the race, Douse explained that the horse underwent the standard testing procedures before being cleared to compete.

"We got communication from the TC02 collectors and the testers informed us that Mr Greeff's horse came up at more than 36 mmol/L for TC02 and then the normal procedure is that the second has to be done. The second test was done and they came back to us stating that the horse passed the test. So there was no question about the second test not being at a lower level or any issue along those lines. The horse passed the second test and that's why it was allowed to run."

When asked whether there was any truth to rumours that the testing process had prompted a reaction from concerned parties, Douse said there had been none.

"There was no reaction from any party, none whatsoever."

Langa Douse himself is one of the most experienced and highly thought of stipendiary stewards in South Africa having worked under one of the legendary names in this area, Harold Taylor when based in KZN more than 25 years ago. 

The clarification confirms that the required testing protocols were followed and that US Ranger was cleared to take his place in the field before recording his emphatic Listed victory for top EASTERN Cape trainer Alan Greeff, record breaking jockey Richard Fourie and owners Pine Lodge Stud & Halo Stables T/A Halo Syndicate (Nom: Mr A C Greeff).

The galloper was bred by the famed Ascot Stud.

Image extraction, Pauline Herman