Sound Barrier. Shea Shea soars home to break the course record in Dubai
International golfing legend and top South African owner and breeder Gary Player handed out the International Achievement Award at the Equus Awards held tonight at Emperors Palace.
The award went to the Mike De Kock trained Shea Shea.
Mike’ s son Matthew accepted the trophy on behalf of the connections of the smart Klawervlei Stud bred gelding.
This is exciting news with Frankie Dettori having been engaged to ride Shea Shea in the Gr 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes over 1000m at York Racecourse on Saturday, 23 August.
Dettori, who has won the race three times, agreed to ride the former South African star after a meeting with Mike de Kock on Monday. He will be working the six-year-old son of National Emblem in work at Newmarket tomorrow.
Mike said on Tuesday: “Christophe Soumillon was due to take the ride as usual, but he picked up a suspension in France and failed on appeal. He won’t be available on the day. We’re fortunate to have Frankie available to stand in.”
Shea Shea (120) and Aiden O’Brien’s Declaration Of Power (121) are the highest rated among the nominations and Sole Power (117) also appears on the list of entries.
Mike said: “It looks like the usual suspects and if all goes well Shea Shea will be in with a big chance.”
Varsfontein’s Pride and Joy! The bargain buy, Along Came Polly
The Champion 2YO Colt/Gelding award was presented by Vodacom Durban July winning owner Chris Van Niekerk, who is Chairman of Kenilworth Racing.
The award went to the Black Minnaloushe gelding Kockhka, who won the R600 000 Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes on Super Saturday in a thrilling finish.
The trophy was accepted by breeder Nicky Bartlett of Danika Stud, owner John Jones and trainer Alyson Wright, who also celebrated her first SA Gr winner, when the smart Kochka registered his big win.
The Champion 2YO Filly award was also presented by Chris Van Niekerk to Judpot’s daughter Along Came Polly.
The award was accepted by Susan Kalmanson of Varsfontein, trainer Gavin van Zyl and the filly’s owner, Brian Burnard.
Along Came Polly cost just R60 000 on the National Yearling Sale and put the seal on a stunning first season for Judpot.
