Mike de Kock’s former Durban July winner Ipi Tombe retired to Denali Stud in Lexington Kentucky a few years ago, and is happy and living the retired life in grand style.
Kirsten Wellman took this recent photo of her, aged 22.
Mike de Kock’s website reports that Ipi Tombe won 12 of 14 starts against all comers, from sprints to routes, and often as the top-weight in a field of males. She won races in 4 different countries on 3 separate continents and was named a champion in 2 of them. Ipi Tombe was 2002 Champion 3 Year-Old Filly in South Africa, and 2003 Horse of the Year in Dubai.
Zimbabwe bred Ipi Tombe, by Manshood, came to Mike de Kock early in 2002. After a second in the Gauteng Fillies Guineas, she reeled off four straight wins – Fillies Classic, SA Fillies Guineas, Woolavington and Vodacom July.
Ipi Tombe – 2002 Vodacom Durban July
The July triumph was one of the most dramatic ever, as she beat subsequent J&B Met victor Angus by a short head, with less than a length covering the first seven finishers.
2003 brought even greater exploits, as she was undefeated in three Dubai outings. She warmed up with easy Listed and Gr3 victories. But her greatest moment (and payday) was undoubtedly the Gr1 Dubai Duty Free (now called the Dubai Turf) on World Cup night.
Under regular pilot Kevin Shea she romped to a spectacular three length win over a top class international field in the $5m event.
www.mikedekockracing.co.za
