A man who has never forgotten where he started, Milnerton trainer Piet Botha registered a notable milestone at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, courtesy of the gallant Jackson gelding Baratheon who bounced back from an eight week break since his last victory in KZN to score an impressive win in the R165 000 Cape A Stakes to bring up the Dare To Dream Racing century of winners.
The former jockey, now sponsored by World Sports Betting, took his licence out in 2018 and today he runs one of the fastest growing customer-centric racing stables around, in what is set to be his best season ever.
Joyous Dare To Dreamers lead Tristan Godden and Baratheon in (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Ridden by Sporting Post-sponsored jockey Tristan Godden, Baratheon led early before being overtaken by Richard Fourie and Future Turn who were keen to up the ante.
In the run for home, the six horse field fanned out as Baratheon powered home at 14-1 to bring up the Botha century and beat the game Future Swing (5-1) by 1,75 lengths in a time of 109,88 secs.
Course specialist Otto Luyken (5-1) stayed on for third.
It wasn’t a memorable race for the Snaith yard – Rapidash (33-10) was not at his best, while the 28-10 favourite Pacaya finished tailed off – clearly something amiss.
There was some reservation expressed in advance of the race that Baratheon had not travelled well on his return from Durban. He showed no after effects!
Tristan Godden didn’t sing us happy birthday – but he is forgiven after a cracking ride! (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Bred by Millstream Farm, Baratheon is a son of Jackson (Dynasty) out of the four-time winning Jet Master mare, Pure Class.
A R60 000 Cape Yearling Sale buy, Baratheon has won R614 125 in stakes and made it 6 wins from 35 starts and 9 places.
Well done Piet!
