An opportunistic swoop by jockey Muzi Yeni on the Elusive Fort filly Lauderdale turned a horror moment for Mike De Kock into joy for outgoing KZN Champion trainer Duncan Howells, as the complexion of the R600 000 Gr1 Thekwini Stakes changed dramatically in a matter of strides, courtesy of a shadow on the Greyville track.
The dangers and unpredictability of race-riding were demonstrated in no uncertain terms as S’manga Khumalo set sail for home on the previously undefeated Gr1 debutante Persian Rug, who had led from the jump, and looked for all intents and purposes, to be going just too strong for her rivals.
But drama struck as the daughter of Ideal World lugged out and appeared to want to jump a shadow at the 150m marker.
Muzi Yeni rode the winner
Like a vulture swooping for the kill, jockey Muzi Yeni, who had been tracking the leader all the way, grabbed the opportunity and Lauderdale swept forward as Melliflora ran on best from some way back for a 0,25 length second.
The luckless Persian Rug looks a top filly in the making and ran an absolutely courageous race to come right back for third, ahead of the dead-heating pair of Flying Ice and Chestnuts N Pearls.
The latter, the winner of the Gr1 Golden Slipper and a 15-10 favourite, raced for the first time in the Drakenstein silks, but was never a threat.
Lauderdale won a good race at her first try at a mile and clocked a time of 98,81 secs.
The Winning Form-sponsored Muzi Yeni thanked trainer Duncan Howells and said that when Persian Rug ducked, the race became ‘a bit of mambo jambo’.
“I was in a good position to pounce and things worked out well. I am privileged as many guys would love to be riding quality horses like these,” he said.
Duncan Howells – saddled the winner
Bred by Dr Jim Antrobus, the daughter of Elusive Fort is out of the three-time winning Western Winter black-type mare, Tropicool.
She was originally purchased off the CTS March Yearling Sale for R40 000 by David Allan and then resold (pinhooked) for R220 000 on the Emperors Palace Ready to Run Sale for R220 000.
Lauderdale has now won 2 races with 4 places from 7 starts for stakes of R492 050.
She also banked the BSA Valued Added Bonus of R150 000.
This race is traditionally run as a 2yo Gr1, but due to the postponement of Super Saturday into the new season, it has been won for the first time ever by a 3yo. Not everybody is happy about that.
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Gr1 Thekwini Stakes (SAf-Gr1)
Greyville, South Africa, August 1, R600k, 1600m, turf, soft, 1.38.81
1 – LAUDERDALE (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Elusive Fort (SAF) – Tropicool (SAF) by Western Winter (USA). Owner Mr B D Burnard; Breeder RJ Antrobus; trainer DC Howells; jockey M Yeni
2 – Melliflora (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Querari (GER) – Malata Beach (SAF) by Count Dubois (GB)
3 – Persian Rug (SAF), 60.0, b f 3, Ideal World (USA) – Queen Of Persia (SAF) by Fort Wood (USA)
Margins: 0.25, 0.25, 0.25
