There was high drama at the start of the R400 000 Gr2 Topbet Mike O’Connor Joburg Spring Challenge when top jockey Smanga Khumalo had a change of heart about riding the favourite William Robertson.
A happy win for Muzi Yeni and William Robertson (Pic – JC Photos)
In a bizarre, albeit procedurally legitimate, course of events that saw Khumalo get off at the start, despite the Vet clearing William Robertson to run, the tough as teak Muzi Yeni grabbed the opportunity to earn a nice commission and another Gr2 credit.
And Muzi brought home the bacon, riding a confident race on the 5-4 favourite to get William Robertson to stay on well ahead of the flashy almost white entire After The Rain (5-1) who rallied late.
In the end, a quarter length separated the top two with a time of 88,40 secs recorded for the 1450m.
Trainer Corne Spies spoke to the Sporting Post prior to the race and said he was happy with his charge’s wellbeing but had aged ten years in a matter of minutes.
The Ridgemont Highlands-bred William Robertson (a second feature winner for the Kieswetter family operation on the day) is by the champion farm’s top-class sire Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice) out of the thrice winning Trippi mare, Massachusetts and cost R500 000 on the BSA National 2yo Sale.
A winner of 6 of his 18 starts with 8 places, he has earned R1 171 625.
Spring has sprung and 4Racing’s Topbet Spring Challenge Family Fun Day on Saturday also proved a winner with a nice crowd turning out for a four-feature programme characterised by competitive racing.
