The courageous chestnut mare Nother Russia rounded off a great Summer Cup day for her deceased sire Tiger Ridge when she dug deep to win the R400 000 Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge and booked her trip to Cape Town in January.
Craig Zackey and Nother Russia are at full stretch to win (Pic – JC Photographics)
At the time of his passing in 2014, Tiger Ridge’s progeny had won $32 000 000 in prize money and he looks to be a serious broodmare sire in the making – with Folk Dance providing him with a double on the afternoon, winning the Gr3 Fillies Mile.
On a day of rocky results, the popular topweighted Nother Russia showed great courage under regular pilot Craig Zackey as she dug deep to resist a flying late assault from the Judpot mare, Bi Pot.
After Nother Russia cruised into the lead at the 400m, she came under serious fire and her win by a neck in a time of 99,94 secs was top drawer stuff.
Craig Zackey – classic and confident ride
Third placed She’s A Giver and fourth placed Sylvan On Fire ran terrific races to finish under a length off the winner. Sylvan On Fire had to be switched at a crucial time up the straight, and she may well have gotten a lot closer.
Young Craig Zackey, who is headed to Mauritius this weekend, had fought a bout of flu during the week but wouldn’t miss his ride on Nother Russia for the world. He said: “I’m excited. She still needed the run but got up. She’s saving her best for Cape Town!”
“This is the rewarding bit of racing, seeing the champions in action,” said Mike de Kock in praise of Nother Russia. “She’s a favourite in the stable and mind you her mother was one of our favourites too,” he added.
Mike added: “Nother Russia was a gift from the great Mother Russia, who sadly died after passing on only one foal to us, but the foal she let is a Grade 1 winner. She is worth her weight in gold as a broodmare.
“Thanks to the team at Mauritzfontein. Nother Russia has had two spells there and has come back better after a break twice.”
Jessica Slack – thrilled
Jessica Slack, who races Nother Russia in Mauritzfontein’s famous black-and-yellow silks, said: “ I can’t begin to express my excitement and gratitude to the stable and to Mum (Mary Slack) for breeding her. And thanks to Craig Zackey for a professional ride. He is always so cool and collected.”
Nother Russia was bred by Wilgerbosdrift and was another winner on the day for Tiger Ridge (Storm Cat) after Folk Dance’s success in the Fillies Mile earlier. The winner is out of the champion thirteen-time winning racemare Mother Russia (Windrush).
Nother Russia was purchased by Form Bloodstock on behalf of Jessica Slack for R550 000 off the National Yearling Sale. She has won 7 races with 5 places from 12 starts and stakes of R1 752 875.
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Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge (SAf-Gr2)
Turffontein, South Africa, November 26, R400k, 1600m, turf, soft, 1.39.94
1 – NOTHER RUSSIA (SAF), 60.0, ch m 5, Tiger Ridge (USA) – Mother Russia (SAF) by Windrush (USA). Owner Mauritzfontein (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Miss J B Slack); Breeder Wilgerbosdrift; trainer MF de Kock; jockey C Zackey
2 – Bi Pot (SAF), 58.0, b f 4, Judpot (USA) – Alexandra Bi (IRE) by Darshaan (GB)
3 – She’s A Giver (SAF), 58.0, gr f 4, Philanthropist (USA) – Valeta by Var (USA)
Margins: 0.20, 0.60, 0.10
