Sean Tarry’s 5yo Litigation grows wings over the Turffontein 1800m and the son of Greys Inn went all the way for one of his most impressive victories to date when holding all at bay to win the R400 000 Betway Gr3 London News Stakes on Saturday.
Ridden again by Gavin Lerena, who is in the form of his life with 10 winners in the bag this month, Litigation (25-2) did the donkey work and found a second breath and surge of energy at the 200m over his preferred course and distance, to win going away by 2,25 lengths in a time of 110,77 secs.
Gavin Lerena guides Litigation to his second feature success on the trot (Pic – JC Photos)
The 7-1 Street Art stayed on well in a blanket finish for second, with the 8-1 Meridius in third and Pure Predator (33-1) rounding off the quartet.
The winner’s stablemate and favourite Bless My Stars (2-1), who returned from a break and was racing for the first time in the Team Valor strip, clearly needed it and could do no better than a 3,25 length fifth.
Bred by Avontuur, Litigation is a son of Durban July winner Greys Inn (Zabeel) out of the thrice winning Jet Master mare, Jeter.
Raced by Laurence and Jaryd Wernars, Harry Wilson and Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh, Litigation was sold privately during the covid-19 reshuffle of the 2020 National Yearling Sale in a transaction brokered by Justin Vermaak.
Litigation in the Avontuur paddocks as a baby (Pic – Supplied)
Avontuur’s Pippa Mickleburgh told the Sporting Post that she had simply loved Litigation as a foal – have a look at him in the image above – and is very happy that she is part of the partnership that race the gutsy gelding!
Litigation, who was victorious at his last start in the Listed Richard Maponya Handicap, has now won 8 races with 8 places from 30 starts for earnings of R1 231 875.and looks set for a good season.
Enjoy the replay:
