Magic Mare. Salutation (purple & yellow) gets up to win the Listed Spook Express
When it comes to genuine courage and the heart of a lion, they don’t come much better than Stuart Pettigrew’s bargain buy Salutation. The good mare added the R150 000 Listed Spook Express run over 2600m at Turffontein on Hennenman Memorial Sunday to her impressive cv.
The Summerhill Stud bred Salutation is always on the fringes of the action in these fillies staying events, and recorded her first win this season in impressive fashion after being up with the leading bunch for much of the trip.
Conne Mara Black dashed off at breakneck speed to set the pace and she drew eight lengths clear Rhythmic Roxy, Salutation and Markofdistinction.
Rhythmic Roxy took over from Conne Mara Black at the 1400m, with the remainder in much the same order.
Rhythmic Roxy continued to lead into the straight, with Salutation moving up powerfully to challenge early, while Atlantic Oak unleashed her challenge.
Into final 300m Salutation continued powerfully as Atlantic Oak challenged the gallant Rhythmic Roxy.
But it was Salutation, who jumped at 9 to 2, who galloped on powerfully to win by 0,75 lengths in a time of 168,57 secs.
Trophy Time. RA CEO Larry Wainstein presents winning rider Marco Van Rensburg with the trophy
Atlantic Oak showed a promising return to form, after being switched in and pipping the always prominent Rhythmic Roxy for second place.
Winning jockey Marco Van Rensburg said that the mare was honest and always tried her heart out.
He said that it was always the plan to sit in the top three, and the way the race had panned out had worked right into their hands.
Winning trainer Stuart Pettigrew thanked owner Peet Diedericks for his support, and said ‘without him in my yard I wouldn’t be where I am today.’
Pettigrew, who has a noted eye for quality at bargain basement prices, said that Salutation had not been sold at R40 000 and he had offered Micky Goss R50 000 subsequently.
The Summerhill Stud bred Salutation registered her seventh win from her 45th start, with 22 places. She took her stake earnings to R900 400.
The R50 000 Ready To Run graduate is by Requiem out of the once winning Desert Team mare, Tribute.
For those interested in getting involved in this bighearted and very talented family, have a look at Lot 223 at next weekend’s National Yearling Sale.
He is the cleverly named Plaudit, a half brother to Salutation by the exciting Admire Main, who sired his first winner last week at Scottsville.
