Veteran trainer Joey Soma told the Sporting Post late on Friday that the sensational Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas winner Lady Of Power will always have a special place in his heart and wished the filly everything of the very best after news broke that the smashing daughter of Master Of My Fate has moved to the Adam Azzie yard.
A serious contender for SA Triple Tiara honours after master jockey Piere Strydom had ridden a cracker from the front to win the series first leg just under a week ago, a shuffle in the extensive partnership that races her has ultimately led to a transfer of stable.
Piere Strydom drives Lady Of Power to victory in the Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas on Saturday 4 February (Pic – JC Photos)
A typically philosophical Joey Soma responded to Sporting Post inquiries regarding the move after an independent source informed us that there had been an offer from abroad, and that certain top stables were being approached to accomodate her.
“The great thing about being ‘a veteran’ and having been around for decades is that one learns to accept that racing is a game of horses, people, dynamics and change. It won’t be the first time that something like this has happened, and it probably won’t be the last. It’s how we cope and deal with the challenges that define our character and state of mind,” he added.
Joey confirmed that an offer had been forthcoming from Australia, and that there were subsequent circumstances that led to a breakdown in the relationship with certain of the partners.
It is believed that the Australian offer was not accepted but matched by a portion of the original partnership.
“I want a good vibe in my yard. We are a happy family. Racing is tough enough as it is, and we all need to be on the same side. I loved this filly from the first day I saw her. I really think the world of her. She is very special. I can only wish them well and I hope that wherever she goes, and whoever is involved, that she makes them proud. For now I have horses to focus on and winners to train!” he concluded.
The cover of our midweek 8 February edition of the SPRINT shows that a week can be quite long time in racing!
A R175 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, Lady Of Power took her career earnings when winning the Guineas to R579 625 at her 3rd win from 6 starts.
She was bred by James Armitage and is a daughter of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master) out of the Fort Wood mare, Duchess Delight.
The next leg of the SA Triple Tiara is the R1,25 million Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic to be run over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday 4 March.
Let’s hope they at least keep Striker Strydom on board!
