Tromso (Thabiso Gumede) gets up to beat favourite Thomas Henry (Warren Kennedy) in the final strides (Pic-Candiese Lenferna)
The most hotly anticipated race on SA soil in many a year, the R70 000 Maiden Plate opener on Monday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville card went the way of the Summerhill-bred longshot Tromso, who got the better of the well-fancied Thomas Henry in the final strides under a strong ride from fourth year apprentice Thabiso Gumede.
Gumede, who grew up close to Summerveld and the SA Jockey Academy at Shongweni and credits his Uncle, a former SAJA Security Guard, with having introduced him to racing and a possible career as a jockey, was thrilled to have carved a mini milestone in our racing history at the first meeting since 26 March.
Veteran trainer Pat Lunn saddled the winner, who produced a powerful late finish up the outside. Lunn runs the Summerveld satellite yard of Gauteng conditioner Johan Janse van Vuuren.
The winner, who produced a creditable performance over a distance that looked a bit sharp, is a Summerhill-bred son of 2004 July winner Greys Inn out of the Rambo Dancer mare, Andaman Dancer.
Tromso was having just his third start and races in the silks of Gr1 winning owner Mike Destombes.
Facemask, screens and social distancing looked to be the order of the day at a deserted Hollywoodbets Greyville, with post-race interviewer Warren Lenferna decked out in headgear that would not have been out place on the Spacex Dragon that was launched on Saturday evening.
