S’manga Khumalo drives Redcarpet Captain up to a convincing win (JC Photos)
A sales-topping son of Captain Al stamped himself as something special with a smooth victory in the R200 000 Gr3 Protea Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday. The Klawervlei Stud-bred Redcarpet Captain maintained his unbeaten record and provided trainer Gavin Van Zyl with a thrilling win.
There was plenty of drama prior to the start of the 2yo male feature with Baahir kicking his rider Anthony Delpech in the pre-race parade and then Slinky Jack breaking away from replacement jockey Grant Van Niekerk in the loading process. Slinky Jack did not run and this reduced the field to ten.
But the field of eleven eventually broke on terms with the pacy Kingoftheworld charging ahead pursued by Arabian Beat and Redcarpet Captain.
At the 400m the Zaki-Zackey combination looked ready to score a feature win as Arabian Beat came on strongly to lead, but he had no answers as Khumalo produced 4-1 Redcarpet Captain.
Gavin van Zyl – smart youngster on his hands
The Captain Al colt came forward powerfully at the 200m and he went away from the gallant Arabian Beat to win by 2,50 lengths in a time of 64,74 secs.
Mogok Master ran an improved race to grab third ahead of first-timer Escape Route.
The disappointment of the race was the Cape visitor, and eventual favourite Buckinghampshire, who floundered down the inside and never got going, eventually finishing 6,50 lengths off the winner. Bernard Fayd’herbe was reminded by the Stipes of his obligation to ride his mounts out to the finish.
Both Baahir and Frosted Honey were examined post-race by the veterinary surgeon.
Jockey S’manga Khumalo was full of praise for the improvement shown by the winner:
“Unlike on his debut, he came out sharper today – but I found myself right up there and almost going too keenly. At the 400m the second horse took over the lead and I then concentrated on balancing my horse and he ran on well.”
Trainer Gavin Van Zyl was naturally pleased:
“We never know what we are up against in these 2yo races. But today Redcarpet Captain knew what racing was about, unlike his first run, and he was in the action and racing. I appreciate my team at moments like this – they do a great job. And Brian and Yolanda Burnard are to be congratulated-they have a lovely horse,” he said.
He was originally bought by Brian Burnard at the CPYS Book 1 for R700 000 when consigned by Klawervlei.
With a R1,2 million price tag, Redcarpet Captain was an eyecatching joint sales-topper subsequently on the Emperors Palace Ready To Run Sale. At the latter sale he was consigned by Balmoral Stud.
He was bred by Klawervlei Stud and is a son of Captain Al out of the five time winning Kabool mare, Divine, a five time winning half- sister to ill-fated Gr1 SA Classic winner Divine Jury, as well as J&B Met hero Martial Eagle, to name but two of the top performers from this good family.
He was a recipient of the R85 000 BSA Value Added Bonus today and made it two from two with race stakes totalling R184 375.
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Gr3 Protea Stakes (SAf-Gr3)
Turffontein, South Africa, March 28, R200k, 1100m, turf, soft, 1.04.74
1 – REDCARPET CAPTAIN (SAF), 58.0, b c 2, Captain Al (SAF) – Divine (SAF) by Kabool (GB). Owner Mr B D Burnard; Breeder Klawervlei Stud; trainer G v Zyl; jockey S Khumalo
2 – Arabian Beat (SAF), 58.0, b c 2, Black Minnaloushe (USA) – Arabian Design (SAF) by Al Mufti (USA)
3 – Mogok Master (SAF), 58.0, b c 2, Mogok (USA) – Bennie Andthe Jets (SAF) by Jet Master (SAF)
Margins: 2.50, 1.00, 0.75
