Sporting hugs and camaraderie marked the running of the 2019 R110 000 Qatar National Stud Apprentice Cup at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
Apprentice Abdullah Rashid keeps his mount going powerfully (Pic – Candiese Marnewick)
The relationship between the SA Jockey Academy and the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club is celebrated annually with the no crop apprentice dash down the KZN capital city straight and, while outside of the exotic bets, the race attracts plenty of support and interest.
While trainers Paul Lafferty and Michael Roberts saddled five of the eight runners between them,it was Ashburton trainer Duncan Howells who celebrated the 28-1 winner Hamronica, who got the better of the 5-2 favourite Celebration Rock after an incident-filled tussle in the final 200m.
Having his first ride, apprentice Abdullah Rashid rode the Backworth Stud-bred chestnut with the hands and the son of Byword had too much in hand as he held Celebration Rock to a 0,30 lengths margin in a time of 63 secs.
The top two riders hugged and embraced in a show of rare sportsmanship!
Harmonica has now won two races from six starts for stakes of R137 000.
