Trainer Justin Snaith feeds hay to Vodacom Durban July winner Legislate at their Clairwood stable in 2014. Picture: Supplied
“He’s 95% sound,” said Snaith yesterday. “He was cut into during the closing stages of the race and we had strap up his leg but he was never in any danger of being put down.”
Saturday’s Durban July ended in controversy as 33-1 shot Wylie Hall, trained by Weiho Marwing and ridden by MJ Byleveld, crossed the line in first, a head in front of Legislate. However, an objection was lodged by Richard Fourie, the rider of Legislate on the grounds of interference, which the stipendiary stewards upheld, thus declaring the Snaith-trained runner the winner.
READ MORE: Legislate ‘could have won by a length’ – Fourie
“Legislate suffers from a condition called carpal canal syndrome which is caused by increased pressure to the soft tissues,” said Snaith. “He gets it when he goes hard, and the bumping in the straight put added pressure on the right leg because his weight was being forced onto that leg.”
Video: Watch Legislate and Wylie Hall during Race 7 at the 2014 Vodacom Durban July
“It’s all settled now and he is fine.
Durban July winning jockey Richard Fourie and horse Legislate trot back to the parade ring following their 2nd place finish at the Greyville racecourse in Durban, 05 July 2014. Fourie lodged an objection which was upheld and the pair were declared winners of the July. Picture: Refilwe Modise
“Legislate is due a month break in any case, which he will have. We will probably send him off the Drakenstein Stud for a break. Then we’ll bring him back and aim him at the Queen’s Plate and J&B Met at Kenilworth in January.
“After that he’ll hopefully go to campaign overseas, I will discuss it with the owners.”
Snaith said he was delighted to win the race, even in the board room. “I felt it was the right decision. I obviously feel sorry for Weiho and the connections of Wylie Hall and I also don’t blame (jockey) MJ Byleveld. He was trying whatever he could to stop Wylie Hall from hanging.”
After the objection was upheld Marwing reacted angrily and there will be an inquiry into his behaviour as well.
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