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SWEET SUSPENSE (A Sandesh) was removed from its stall due to its fractious behaviour, examined by the Veterinary Officer and re-loaded. In view of its behaviour Tr. Raunak Banerji was informed not to accept with his charge until shown to the satisfaction of the Starter in a barrier trial during the hours of morning track work.

CARNIVAL POINT (Md Imran) was slow to begin.

SYLVANA (Surjeet Singh) was re-saddled behind the stalls.

ELUSIVE LEGEND (M F Ali Khan) jumped awkwardly from the gates.

Jockey Surjeet Singh when afforded an opportunity to explain the running of his mount ch f SYLVANA stated that he was instructed to position his mount in 4th/5th position in the early stages of the race and to do his best thereafter. However, he was unable to follow the instructions as the saddle on the filly shifted back soon after the start. He continued by stating that he was unable to improve his position in the middle stages of the race as some of the horses in front were not making progress and that on entering the straight he rode the filly to complete advantage with the use of the stick. The Stipendiary Stewards after due deliberation informed Mr. Surjeet Singh that they were intrigued with his statement that he was unable to follow the trainer’s instructions as the saddle had shifted back on jumping out of the gates and his statement that he rode the horse to complete advantage with the stick in the final stages of the race, however, he was being given the benefit of doubt in this instance and cautioned him that all his future riding engagements would be closely monitored.