Gerald Kalil’s Quid Pro Quo, a home-bred daughter of Jet Master sire Lance, cemented her claims of being the best two-year-old filly in the country with a stunning victory in the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday and in so doing was elected the World Pool Moment of the Day.
This was her fifth win in succession coming off victories in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship and the Gr2 Golden Slipper, to become the first filly to ever win the unofficial 2-year-old triple crown.
Barend Botes is all smiles as Asithandile Mgadeni puts his cap on Quid Pro Quo (Pic- Chase Liebenberg)
Quid Pro Quo’s groom, Asithandile Mgadeni, said that even though the filly finished second in her first two starts, she never ran a bad race.
He went on to say he was very happy for his boss, trainer Barend Botes, for the supporters, and her jockey, S’manga Khumalo.
Quid Pro Quo’s task was made more difficult as she pulled a shoe going to the start and after consultation Botes decided that the course farrier should take off both front shoes.
S’manga Khumalo switched her in as the field entered the straight to join Fatal Flaw. The pair raced head-and-head for a few strides, but Quid Pro Quo finally got the upper hand to win well.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club introduced the World Pool Moment of the Day in South Africa last year and the initiative rewards the Groom of the horse selected with a R100 000 prize.
Congratulations go to all the connections of the star filly, Quid Pro Quo, especially her Groom, Asithandile Mgadeni.
“Nobody deserves or needs the R100 000 more than Asithandile. He went home due to ill health but returned to help us with Quid Pro Quo. I’m thrilled for him,” added trainer Barend Botes.
