“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
Harold Wilson once said a week is a long time in politics. Well, the same holds true for racing and there are so many things to report on this week, I hardly know where to start.
We had the Graham Beck gallops on Thursday, followed by the reduction sale on Friday. It was a solid sale with no ‘not solds’, and offered value for both vendors and purchasers.
The big highlight of course was the 150th running of the l’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and I will add my voice to the host in singing the praises of a truly sumptuous day’s racing. When something is as well run as Saturday’s event, it is easy to forget all the hard work behind the scenes, so a huge thanks to everyone for such a thoroughly gracious and elegant day’s racing.
In contrast, an encounter with a GC board member in the parade ring served as timeous reminder of the Gold Circle AGM this Wednesday. With the heady mix of the recent racing turbulence and exciting words from Gary Player regarding advances on the export protocols, 2011 promises interesting times for local racing and Wednesday will no doubt be a nerve-wracking one for current and would-be future board members. To those putting themselves forward, may you be guided by sound and honorable intentions and to all the voters may I remind you of another presidential quote – “A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.”
But back to the racing. Kenilworth lay bathed in sunshine, sparkling under its new coat of paint and the smart blue and white l’Ormarins flags. We were guided into the spacious parking on the infield and there was already a queue of people being ushered through the gates. Everyone entered into the spirit of the blue and white colour scheme (with the Snaith brothers leading the way!) and it made for a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
I dashed to the parade ring just in time for the first race where Mzwandile Mjokwa opened the card with a 2.5 length victory on By The Nation for Mrs Plattner and Eric Sands. Mzwandile has caught my eye over recent weeks – this is his third consecutive Work Rider’s victory and he is certainly turning into a force to be reckoned with. Mrs Rupert proved herself a generous hostess by matching the prize money to all the riders.
The day picked up momentum in Race 2 as the two Adams’ runners took off at the 200m mark and drove for the line together. It was an impressive win from Richard Fourie on first time out Gimmethegreenlight. They beat a bit of a personal favourite in Soweto Slew (who incidentally also won his first outing in mid-December) in an exciting 1-2 result for the Snaith stable.
Karl Neisius hit his stride early and chalked up consecutive victories on Jack Bauer, reversing form from last to first for Dean Kannemeyer Racing in race 3; and Croc Valley, who led from start to finish for Mike Bass and Drakenstein Stud in race 4.
The parade ring was buzzing with photographers and reporters all vying for a few words and an inside scoop for the main race, which really added to the tension in the 5th for the Paddock Stakes. Summer Cup heavyweights Randall Simons and Flirtation took to the stalls alongside some of the best XX chromosomes around, however despite a desperately close finish, Felix and Emerald Cove had their number and made appropriate and popular winners in the blue and white silks of Mr Ken Truter and the late Mr Jim Russell.
I escaped to the marquee briefly for some refreshments and to do some star and fashion spotting. I am no fashionista, but there was some beautiful couture on show (while I’m sure most of it was outrageously expensive, there did not always seem to be a lot of material to go round, but this did not bother any of the gentlemen in the crowd !!). I was congratulated on my inspired choice of teal by none other than ever bubbly Jen Su (in one of the prettiest hats of the day) and I noted a few TV personalities and ex Miss South Africa’s in the crowd. My ‘GQ’ duties done, I sped back to my comfort zone nearer the horses.
Richard Fourie chalked up his second victory of the day in the 6th race with Greg Ennion’s Louisiana Dandy by Doowaley in a fighting finish from Aldo Domeyer on Komatipoort. Interestingly, the 3rd place was filled by another son of Doowaley in the form of Piet Steyn’s Stirling Range.
In the Antonij Rupert Handicap, Bernard Fay d’Herbe and Karl Neisius made it a 1-2 for the Bass yard on Kiss Again (by Al Mufti) and Brown Penny (by Fort Wood).
Legend of the Turf
l'Ormarins stallion Horse Chestnut on Queen's Plate day (photo Hamish NIVEN)
In one of the highlights of the day, Horse Chestnut was brought out to parade in front of the grandstand. He wore a beautiful white and blue silk blanket, reminiscent of a boxer’s gown. It was the first time I have seen him since his emphatic J&B victory in 1999 and boy has it been worth the wait. He is a truly magnificent beast. Life at stud definitely agrees with him and the blanket comes off to reveal those powerful hindquarters and a copper coat glowing with good health. What a privilege to witness such a racing legend and piece of history in the flesh ! But the real impression was seeing that all the reports about his kind and generous temperament hold true. While he certainly knew he was on show, he was a consummate gentleman and stayed perfectly to hand throughout.
Horse Chestnut famously returned home after a long stint at Claiborne Stud. In a tenuous connection to that famous bluegrass breeding bastion, the Secretariat movie opens in South African cinemas this Friday. I believe the Cape Breeders Club is hosting the premier at the Waterfront Nu Metro for anyone who’d like to watch it in like-minded company.
I’m not sure whether it was my nerves playing up, but there seemed to be an interminably long wait before the main race. I found myself a spot in the middle of the action, under the trees between the saddling enclosure and the parade ring so that I could see the horses arriving.
The Bass string formed the advance party with Super Storm in the lead, followed by Rushing Wind in the black blinkers and Captain’s Secret. I have a big soft spot for the big chestnut son of Rakeen and enjoyed being able to appraise him from close quarters. He looked relaxed and happy and took the big game atmosphere in his stride. Blue Tiger was out next and Pocket Power was so revved up and raring to go that in a wryly amusing role reversal, Boy Boy had the ride into the saddling area with Robert Fayd’Herbe leading him in.
Justin looked casual leaning against the wall, but eventually nerves seemed to get the better of him and he went in search of his charge. I have said before what a magnificent specimen Ebony Flyer is and seeing her without her saddle on really reinforces every superlative that has ever been lavished on her. Every angle and glossy black inch reaffirms her power and quality.
Tales of Bravery does not do anything to announce his presence, but simply arrives and gets on with the job in quite a business-like fashion and I find myself becoming rather fond of this little brown horse. He is, as expected, plaited and turned out to a standard that would make a showing diva weep.
I make out the big painted face of Past Master hidden behind his black blinkers in the no 2 box as Blue Tiger jigs past me into the parade.
The horses started arriving thick and fast after that and the individuals are rather lost in the general melee. I am used to the De Kock runners arriving on parade at rather the last minute, so was surprised to see Mother Russia out fairly early. She was quite sweated up and looked worryingly small with her big, black rival in her wake.
Suddenly the bell clanged and a hole opened up in my stomach. This was it. Destiny was calling. All eyes turned to the small figure in pink, white and blue quietly sitting on the prancing bay horse that all our hopes rested on.
I think there is a quote that goes something along the lines that there are two ways to ruin a wish – one is to deny it and the other to grant it. I wanted Pocket Power to win. But I wanted Mother Russia to trounce the boys. And I also wanted Ebony Flyer to maintain her unbeaten record… As we watched the string of colourful silks make their way down the chute I lament to Steve Naude what a tragedy it is that only one could win.
Well, history has borne out the result of the race. The diminutive Mother Russia and Anton Marcus triumph and walk away with the floral blanket, the accolades and the cheers. Tales of Bravery, in his honest, business-like way grabs second from Ebony Flyer, traveling along seemingly effortlessly in third. Bernard and Pocket Power, both at full stretch, chase them home across the line for fourth.
So Pocket Power is denied his record, Ebony Flyer’s copy sheet is blotted. But in the end, it is an honest and noble result. Mother Russia is a worthy winner, popular for triumphing over the boys, but given the strength and class of the field, no runner is disgraced. So I am disappointed, but consoled at the same time. I am particularly pleased at the symmetry of Rushing Wind finishing in 5th to make it 2 each to Jet Master and Windrush in the lineup.
For those of you who fancy tilting at windmills, Normandy Stud offers a full sibling to Mother Russia on the forthcoming Cape Premier Yearling Sale (lot 184).
Instead of attending the prize giving, I find myself in the parade ring. As the saddle is lifted off his steaming back, Pocket Power is characteristically lively – defeated perhaps, but not beaten. As he makes his way back to the stable area, I strain to catch every last glimpse, realizing I may be watching the old man leave the arena for the very last time.
There is not a lot of time to regroup before the next race, so I stay to watch the next round of gladiators enter the ring. Solo Traveller is his usual impetuous self. Il Saggiatore is very easy on the eye and it is always a pleasure to watch this horse. However, the laurels go to Richard Fourie in his 3rd win of the day on Mystic Moon and Greg Ennion makes it a 1-2 with Karl Keisius on Nysean Bolt in second.
Big race days are always a treat as we have the opportunity to see some of South Africa’s biggest riding talents in the saddle. I love the riding style of Piere Strydom, so was thrilled that he made it a working visit and only sat out 2 races on the card.
However, as much as I enjoy our visitors, the plaudits on the day really go to our local riders with Richard Fourie riding 3 winners in total. Bernard Fayd’herbe also produces my favourite result of the day by riding like a man possessed to just pip Karl Neisius to the post on Just Tiger in the last of the day.
Louise Carver is two songs into her set before the jockeys have left the showers, seamlessly changing gear and steering us into the evening’s entertainment. Despite every intention to leave early, we linger long into the balmy night and only make our way past the twinkling lights as the last strains of music fade into the sky.
I reflect on the horses, the racing, and of course the thing that makes it all worthwhile, the great company. It has been a day to remember. But I have my Pocket Power flag, smudged race card and a bit of sunburn to remind me that I was there.
