Saturday’s Turffontein feature, the R125 000 Listed Spring Spree Stakes, produced one of those feelgood stories that makes racing a happier game than some of our local boardroom squabbles would often have us believe.
Owner Andre van Bassen, a handler at the start during his varsity days, and his attorney daughter Teegan celebrated their first stakes success with ex-Al Adiyaat galloper Vaseem, who hasn’t stopped earning since they bought him out of the Mike de Kock yard on a BSA Online Auction.
Muzi Yeni has Vaseem in charge as gallant Mr Flood (Denis Schwarz) chases late (Pic – JC Photos)
The Durban-based Andre van Bassen, the CEO of a Managed Health Care company, told the Sporting Post that he has owned horses for twenty years, and his previous closest stakes high was a third placing.
“During my student days at Tuks, I was a handler at the start. I resolved then that I would own a racehorse one day. It has always been a passion – some would say a sickness! But we love the game and the horses are just so special,” he added.
The Klawervlei-bred 5yo Vaseem originally raced in the world famous Al Adiyaat yellow and blue silks for Mike de Kock.
But when the gelding came up on a BSA Online auction, astute veteran trainer Roy Magner told his loyal client that they ‘had to get him’.
Roy Magner with the trophy – one of the best trainers in the country (Pic – JC Photos)
“We thought we’d pick him up for R60 000 or so. But we had to go to R90 000. That said, we aren’t exactly complaining – he has run two places and won three times from five starts for us in under six months. All credit to Roy Magner. The man is a salt of the earth professional. No nonsense and just an honest assessment. What more can an owner ask for?” says the elated Andre.
The thrilled Durbanite’s 31 year old Attorney daughter Teegan is a partner.
Her and Mom are at Sun City spending some ‘Mom-Daughter’ time away.
Andre says that he was contemplating flying up to Turffontein, but thought about it and felt that the flight was a ‘bit of a schlep’.
“Boy, am I regretting that decision. What an honour it would have been to be there to lead my first stakes winner in. Oh well, we are all just so proud and thankful to have enjoyed the winner and full marks to Roy Magner and his team. Just goes to show what a small trainer can do when given decent horses to train!”
Drawn on the outside in the 1200m round-the-turn sprint, Muzi Yeni rode a cracker and unleashed Vaseem (6-1) up the inside rail to beat topweight Mr Flood (20-1) by 0,70 lengths in a time of 70,85 secs.
Visiway (5-1) showed a lot of toe and finished third.
Puerto Manzano (3-1) returned from a four month break and was run off his feet early, but quickened impressively to run a 3,35 length fourth. He should strip ready for the Charity Mile.
Magner team member Jacob with Vaseem at his weigh-out on Saturday morning – he came in at 531,5kgs
The Zimbabwe-born and Randjesfontein-based septuagenarian Roy Magner has been around horses all his life and has recently enjoyed a nice boost to his string, which now numbers over 40, with a well-known owner joining the team.
Originally a R275 000 Cape Yearling Sale buy, the bang in-form Vaseem has won 5 races and run 5 places from 16 starts for stakes of R1 119 450.
He was bred by Klawervlei Stud from Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the twice-winning Giant’s Causeway mare, Giant’s Bounty.
