Hatt And Crawford Celebrate Gold

Wavin’ Flag (pink cap) is too strong for Wild One as he goes to the line for Gr1 Gold Cup glory

Trainer Brett Crawford and jockey Glen Hatt ended their KZN Champions Season campaign on a high with a well taken Gr1 double at Greyville on Saturday. The improved again Silvano gelding Wavin’ Flag stormed to victory in the R1 ,25 million Gold Cup despite only ever having won his maiden and a modest lowly-rated handicap previously.

Wavin’ Flag was Hatt’s fourth Gold Cup winning ride and was the first leg of a glorious Gr1 double for a combination who have enjoyed a season of mostly ups but with scattered downs.

The 4yo Wavin’ Flag stays well but has not always been a friend of punters with his formline peppered with some indifferent preformances.

But he showed that he has flourished in KZN and that his flying second behind Gold Cup favourite Hot Ticket in the 3000m Gold Vase three weeks earlier was no fluke. He comprehensively turned the tables on the Kannemeyer runner on Saturday.

Canterbury Tale led early but Serissa took over past halfway and he led Canterbury Tale, Wild One and Ash Cloud into the home straight.

At this stage of the game Wavin’ Flag was some eight lengths in arrears down the inside but beginning to gain his momentum.

Wild One moved up strongly down the centre at the 300m as Wavin’ Flag loomed with Gold Onyx powering through down the outside.

Gold Onyx looked a possible winner at the 200m marker but he just failed to see out the trip and this allowed Wavin’ Flag to grab the advantage. Wild One shaded Gold Onyx for second, with the favourite Hot Ticket running on too late into fourth.

Wavin’ Flag stayed on best at 7 to 1 to beat Wild One by a half length in a time of 204,22 secs with Gold Onyx showing plenty of guts in the twilight of his career to be nosed into third.

Gold Cup number 4 for Glen Hatt as he returns with the winner’s sash

The favourite Hot Ticket, who drifted to 9 to 2 just before the off, came on well but had no answer to the top three and had to be content with fourth a further 2,25 lengths back.

The likes of tabGOLD 2200 winner Master Sabina (3,10 lengths) and Run For It (4,15 lengths) were not disgraced but appeared to not see out the 3200m.

The fancied Alexander finished 19,90 lengths back but had excuses and was found to be lame on the right fore.

Gavin Van Zyl’s Shogunnar was pulled out of the race after having fractured his pelvis.

Last year’s winner Jeppe’s Reef (20,65 lengths) faded right out and was reported coughing.

Mike Azzie’s gallant mare Magic Smoke was never in it and finished 5,15 lengths after being cut into on the left hind.

Mike Stewart’s Cape raider Paddy O’Reilly was found to be lame on the right fore and also coughed post-race.

A thrilled Glen Hatt, who appeared to have hurt himself in the face as they went past the post said that Wavin’ Flag ‘deserves it’ and was a changed horse since arriving in KZN. “He is only a three-time winner now, can you believe it!” he smiled.

Trainer Brett Crawford said that they had experienced a minor hiccough a ‘while ago’.

“I am so glad for the owners and appreciate their support. They came to the party when help was needed with the placement of this Grooms Co-Op horse.”

The winner looks a picture and is seen cantering to the start

Part owner Grant Knowles added that Wavin’ Flag had a ‘lovely story’ behind him and it was strange how a ‘good horse often finds you.’

Wavin’ Flag was only recording his third career win with 9 places from his 17 runs.

He took his stake earnings to R1 050 350.

Wavin’ Flag was bred by Mr and Mrs John Slade and bought as a weanling by a Grooms’ Co-Op. He ended up a R200 000 National 2yo Sale buy-back .

He is by Silvano (what a season he has had!) out of the five-time winning Capture Him mare, Garland.

A great way to end the KZN Champions Season and it will be interesting to see how the Equus panel votes in the champion stayer category.

On the subject of stayers, the term does not ordinarily apply to sponsors of this premier staying event.

The eLan Property Group have come on board this year and while there may be synergy as they have been tasked with the overall responsibility of the Greyville Racecourse as a conferencing, hospitality and functions venue, it is rather strange that there is not a solitary mention of the race on their website.