An enigmatic talent that promised plenty early on but failed to deliver at the top level, the Greys Inn gelding Litigation showed his appreciation of the Turffontein 1800m when benefitting from a top drawer ride by Gavin Lerena to win the R225 000 Listed Dr Richard Maponya Handicap on Sunday.
Gavin Lerena rides a pearler to get Litigation (inside) home ahead of Emirate Gina (Khumalo in hooped cap) and Crimson King (Matsunyane in red cap), in a tight call (Pic – JC Photos)
In the firing line for much of the journey, Litigation, who was gelded after his KZN campaign last year, plugged on resolutely under a simply superb ride by Lerena as the pack closed in from all sides.
But the Avontuur bred was not lying down, and in an exciting finish he went one better than his second cheque in the same race last year when run as the Europa Point Drum Star Handicap in March, when securing a desperately close victory.
Litigation (10-1) held on by a nose in a time of 112,87 secs to beat Emirate Gina (10-1) and Crimson King (25-1) in a blanket finish.
Litigation achieved a career peak success when winning the 2022 TAB4Racing Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes, interestingly, over Sunday’s track and trip!
Bred by Avontuur, Litigation is a son of Durban July winner Greys Inn (Zabeel) out of the thrice winning Jet Master mare, Jeter.
Raced by Laurence and Jaryd Wernars, Harry Wilson and Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh, Litigation was sold privately during the dark days of the covid-19 reshuffle of the 2020 National Yearling Sale in a transaction brokered by Justin Vermaak, and took his earnings on Sunday to R981 875.
Litigation has now won 7 races with 8 places from 29 starts and could yet come into his own in the latter part of his 5yo term.
Enjoy the replay!
