With the SA Derby being run at Turffontein on Saturday, Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Anthony Delpech takes a look back at the 2017 South African Derby where he rode the son of Silvano, Al Sahem to victory for the Sean Tarry stable.
Al Sahem – champion stayer
“Al Sahem came into this race with good form, after two second place finishes in the Gauteng Guineas and SA Classic. But he wasn’t the most straight-forward horse to ride. He used to be a difficult sort, and I had to take him down to the start early.
“I felt to be in the race I needed to jump well and get in front of Mike de Kock’s horse Heavenly Blue (the grey who had won the SA Classic three weeks earlier). If I got ahead of him, I’d have him to come and fetch me later in the race. I also believed if the pace of the race was on, they’ll have to beat me because Al Sahem stayed very well. That’s exactly why I made my move early in the race at the top of the straight. He kept up the gallop, and the plan worked out perfectly. He outstayed Heavenly Blue and ended up winning a very good race.”
Read more on Hollywoodbets.net and also watch the 2017 SA Derby replay
