Celebration time – Dean Kannemeyer, Tracey Attree, Lady Christine Laidlaw and Jehan Malherbe
The Vodacom Durban July produced the anticipated thrilling finish and I had the hair on my back stand up as I watched in awe, from Singapore. I haven’t seen the head-on replay, so I am not going to join in the debate on justice of the objection, writes Gareth Pepper.
This is why we love this game! There is such wonderful competition and always something to keep us talking.
A hearty congratulations to Dean and the team at Kannemeyer Racing. A well deserved victory indeed and the win dividend, even at R20 on the tote, would not have surprised their supporters, I am sure!
I am so thrilled for jockey Stuart Randolph. He is a great guy and an awesome rider that doesn’t always get the opportunities that he deserves in my opinion. And that just adds to the romance of it all.
For the runners-up, I can only sympathise and say hard luck – but they added to the spectacle in so many ways.
Stan Elley
It would have been the stuff of fairytales for Cape trainer Stan Elley to have bowed out in a blaze of glory.
Mr Elley is a thorough gentleman ( but you already knew that) and when I saw Punta Arenas closing like a steam train, I shouted the roof down. He has always been kind to me and I will always be grateful for the advice he has sent my way.
It was quite bitter-sweet for me to watch from here as I alluded to last week.
And I will do my best to never miss another July!
I was just really glad to be able to find a feed that worked because, since my arrival in Singapore, it has been very tough to find a reliable one. A quiet night was spent reminiscing about past Durban July’s in between racing and after the big race I had a drink for all concerned.
A huge word of congratulations must also go to Maine Chance Farms. The feat they achieved with resident super stallion Silvano siring first, second and third in this great race is unbelievable.Three cheers to a top farm and a champion sire.
My family were in attendance so I fortunately received regular updates during the course of the day and it seems like I really missed out!
Singapore Derby
War Affair Singapore Horse of the Year – goes for the clean sweep
But life goes on in the East and it is a big week in Singapore.
On Sunday we host the final leg of the 4YO series, the Emirates Singapore Derby Group 1.
War Affair looks a picture in the mornings and he has a serious chance of claiming the clean sweep. It will be a tough task and I wish him well, but the field looks really hot and it will be wonderful spectacle to witness.
I am just so excited and honoured to be a part of this major broadcast and we are even airing the race on Channel News Asia – really looking forward to it all!
Although i have healthy respect for the champion, Pat Shaw’s Quechua really trialled well last week and has lowered the colours of War Affair before – so he must rate a chance and I also like the chances of Hughsy, Blue Swede, and Fastnet Dragon – who will be partnered by leading Aussie Jock Hugh Bowman.
If you get the chance please tune in. It will be a great spectacle and with SG$ 1 150 000 on offer, it is one of our premier races with an awesome stake pool to boot.
From a very hot, humid and dry Singapore until next week.
