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Tr. Vijay Singh when afforded an opportunity to explain the improved performance of his charge SCARTELLA (Shailesh Shinde) as compared to its previous outing in Race No. 114 run on 17th September, 2014 stated that in Race No. 114 the filly had run with some minor health set backs and had during that race indicated that she was not comfortable when crowded for room. Therefore, he decided to accept her in this race as it was of a longer distance with a less number of runners. Further, the filly was helped in achieving its winning status by the unduly long lead taken by both MASSACHUSETTES (Sameer Khan) and the favourite MISTER POSITIVE (Sandeep Rajput) from approximately the mile marker to the 400 metres, which in his opinion had an eventual bearing on the result of the race. The Stipendiary Stewards noted his explanations.

Tr. Shafiq Khan when afforded an opportunity to explain the running and riding of his charge MASSACHUSETTES, stated that he had instructed Jockey Sameer Khan to place his charge in 2nd /3rd position but should he find it convenient to go to the front he was to do so without putting the colt under too much pressure. However, he was disappointed that the rider had gone to the front and set a scorching pace along with the rider of MISTER POSITIVE, this in his opinion had a bearing on the eventual placing of his charge in the race. Jockey Sameer Khan corroborated the trainer’s statement and stated that once his mount came along side the front runner the colt started to race freely and he found it difficult to ease back his mount. The Stipendiary Stewards while accepting their explanations cautioned both trainer and jockey that their horses should be run and ridden in such a manner that leaves no room for query.

Tr. Vikash Jaiswal when afforded an opportunity to explain the running and riding of his charge MISTER POSITIVE stated that he had instructed Jockey Sandeep Rajput to go to the front in the race but should he be challenged for that position he was to ease back his mount. He was of the opinion that when MASSACHUSETTES came along side his charge passing the mile marker the gelding started to race too freely and took an unduly long lead along with MASSACHUSETTES and continued to do so till approaching the 400 metres. Thereafter when asked for an effort by the jockey his charge was unable to offer any further acceleration. Jockey Sandeep Rajput corroborated the trainer’s instructions and opinion. The Stipendiary Stewards while accepting their explanations cautioned both trainer and jockey that their horses should be run and ridden in such a manner that leaves no room for query.