The big raceday combination of Richard Fourie and Sean Tarry got The Championships 2023 finale underway in style at Turffontein on Saturday when unbeaten Mrs Geriatrix turned on the jets from what looked like a hopeless position to win the R300 000 World Sports Betting Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery.
Jumping from her unfavourable 3 gate, the Listed Ruffian Stakes winner had to break down walls to get across to better ground and through the traffic.
But as usual Richard Fourie had the answers and the Winning Form-sponsored rider got the favourite up in the shadow of the post.
Mrs Geriatrix (3-1) made it 3 from 3 and took her earnings to R337 500 as she got the verdict by a neck in a time of 67,56 secs.
Richard Fourie gets Mrs Geriatrix up late to beat Red Hot Rose (Craig Zackey) in a thriller (Pic – JC Photos)
Mike de Kock’s Red Hot Rose (16-1) was a winner everywhere bar the line, but cost herself, ducking out late.
Maiden So Seductive (20-1) was a further 3,70 lengths back in third, with pacesetter Cullinan Blue (11-2) in fourth.
Sean Tarry said his charge got the job done in ‘spectacular fashion’ from her position at the 200.
“That is a reflection of her ability and heart,” added the former champion trainer.
The Magical Lady Syndicate’s flyer cost R200 000 at the 2022 National Yearling Sale. The Clifton-bred Mrs Geriatrix is out of the Kahal mare Velvet Glove.
She is a ringer for her relatives with a strong likeness to her dam’s star siblings, Prince Of Kahal and Fort Vogue. This is the smart family of Clifton bred Whatalady, and hails back to champions Highland Night, sire Warm White Night, Tristful, Night Watch and Prince Asad.
The big day Pick 6 fell short of the projected R7 million, reaching a respectable R6 484 000.
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