A popular winner – described as ‘a top division horse’ by his rider – the Visionaire gelding Norton Sound continued his rise up the ladder with a resounding victory in Friday’s R150 000 Listed Racing Association Stakes.
Saddled by Hollywoodbets sponsored-trainer Gavin Smith on his wife Marilyn’s birthday, Norton Sound toyed with his rivals, including a few decent Cape raiders, to storm away under a thrilled Ryan Munger amid cheers from the crowd to a facile 1,75 length win in a time of 100,40 secs.
Ryan Munger salutes as Norton Sound charges home (Pic – Pauline Herman Photography)
Paarl-based Glen Kotzen is always effective in the Eastern Cape and after saddling Follow My Star to win the Wedgewood Handicap earlier, grabbed second and third with Chollima (7-1) and Never Ending Rain (16-1) completing the trifecta.
“I haven’t sat on a horse like this in the Eastern Cape since National Park,” said an excited Ryan Munger who picked up a chance ride to win on the progressive gelding at his last start.
“He is an exciting horse. A top division horse. It will be exciting to see where he is going from here. Thanks to the Gavin Smith Racing Team and to the owners,” added Munger.
Bred by Lammerskraal Stud, the winner is by Visionaire (Grand Slam) out of the four-time winning Western Winter mare Iditarod.
A R100 000 National Yearling Sale buy, Norton Sound has won 4 races (2 from 2 since gelding) with 4 places from 8 starts for stakes of R154 375.
The winner’s sire Visionaire has three lots on Sunday’s CTS Ready To Run Sale. Check out Lot 1, 68 & 82.
