The 100th renewal of the 2400m R175 000 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup turned into a sprint for home, and probably blunted the prospects of the more fancied runners in the process. But there is no denying the accolades for a meritorious showing by Sean Tarry’s enigmatic 5yo, Shango.
The 2019 Gr2 Dingaans champion was winless coming into Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville support feature since capturing the Gr3 Hollywoodbets 2200, or consolation July, in 2021. But he produced a powerful finish under Gavin Lerena to get the better of Flying Bull, who looked to have been given a near perfect tactical ride by Richard Fourie.
Gavin Lerena gets Shango up on the outside to beat the gallant Flying Bull (Richard Fourie) in an exciting finish (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The good-looking Flying Bull (33-10) led for much of the trip but Lerena kept him in his sights and challenged at the 300m.
Shango (13-2) eventually got the upper-hand to gain a quarter length victory in a time of 152,89 secs.
One Way Traffic (5-1) received some solid betting support but was probably doomed from halfway off the pedestrian gallop. He nevertheless took flight late to get up for third, a further half length back.
Winning jockey Gavin Lerena confirmed that Shango had jumped clear of his field at the start.
“I would have led but Richard (Fourie – Flying Bull) came around us and eased it up to a walk at the 1400m. It worked out well,” he added.
Trainer Sean Tarry said that he was pleased that Shango was coming to form at the right time.
“It has been a tough season and we may have expected more. But Bruce and Jo Gardner know the game well and love this horse. We are happy to take the win,” added the former multiple champion.
The Heritage Stud-bred Shango was a R425 000 CTS Ready To Run graduate and has won 5 races with 9 places from 25 starts for stakes of R883 250.
Watch the replay here:
Interestingly, when winning the 2018 Gr2 Dingaans Shango was a first ever graded stakes winner for his sire, a former SA Champion Sprinter Captain Of All, and a son of the legendary Captain Al.
Shango is out of the four-time winning Jet Master mare, Scorched. Sean Tarry has enjoyed plenty of success with the family.
The R1 million carryover Hollywoodbets Greyville Pick 6 reached a very decent total of R6 040 199.
