Mauritzfontein stallion Danon Platina’s maiden stakes winner could well be overshadowed momentarily by the news that Winning Form-sponsored rider Richard Fourie produced a beautifully judged ride to win the R200 000 Hollywoodbets Sharks Listed Gatecrasher Stakes on the Justin Snaith-trained Great Plains to equal Anthony Delpech’s SA season winner record of 334.
Winning Form-sponsored rider Richard Fourie and the handsome grey Great Plains made history at Hollywoodbets Greyville today! (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“It’s been hard work and I’m very grateful for the support. It’s an honour to have equalled the record. And a special thanks to Anthony Delpech – he’s being behind me all the way and an utter gentleman about it,” said Richard Fourie.
And what a ride it was to reach the record!
Great Plains was drawn widest of all, and jumped tardily and outwards, before trailing his field into the home straight.
Fourie was confident though and clearly knew what he had under him as he slipped the handsome grey down the inside rail.
In a drive to the wire, Great Plains (18-10) proved too classy and hit the line full of running to beat stablemate (Makazole) by 1,20 lengths in a time of 85,62 secs.
Mike de Kock’s recent maiden winner Waheed (16-1) finished well for third, just 0,30 lengths behind the runner-up.
Raced by Nic Johnsson, the Drakenstein bred Great Plains is a first stakes winner for Danon Platina (Deep Impact) out of the one-time winning Var mare, Mara.
He cost R700 000 at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale and took his stakes tally to 3 wins from his 4 starts and stakes of R287 500.
