International breeding powerhouse Ridgemont celebrated a glorious 1-2 in their sponsored feature at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, when two products of the famous farm fought out a grandstand finish to the R1,5 million Ridgemont Gr1 Garden Province Stakes.
It was vintage Piere Strydom stuff, when the ‘Blonde Bomber’ led from the front to conjure up a dazzling victory for the gallant 5yo Humdinger, that after the 58 year old jockey was left smarting amidst the rough and tumble of the Hollywoodbets Durban July an hour earlier.
Piere Strydom has Humdinger (outside) in full cry to hold Kabelo Matsunyane and Happy Chance in a thriller (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“This was a terrific ride,” said trainer Mike de Kock who suggested there was ‘life in the old dog yet’, after the multiple champion rider judged matters perfectly in a race where things panned out perfectly.
A first Grade 1 winner for Joao da Mata’s International Racing Club, who race her in partnership with the top trainer, Humdinger was easy to back at 14-1 and held off the 33-1 longshot Happy Chance by a neck in a time of 96,63 secs.
Sponsor and breeder of the top two, Ridgemont’s Craig Kieswetter was told by Mike de Kock that he would now have to pay ‘substantially more’ than they had sold her for.
“She’s the kind of racehorse that we would all dream to own. And while I was worried about the mile, she showed her mettle,” he added.
“I am so glad we could celebrate this milestone with a jockey and friend like Piere Strydom,” added Da Mata.
The fancied Double Grand Slam (9-10) ran a fair 1,35 length third , but she’s clearly more effective at 1400m.
The winner’s stablemate Silver Sanctuary (11-2) ran well downfield in a disappointing effort.
A R180 000 2020 National 2yo Sale purchase, the versatile Humdinger, a full-sister to the speedy East Cape-based stakes winner and 2021/22 season award-winner Glacier Gold, has now won 8 races with 15 places from 33 starts for stakes of R2 384 375.
Bred by Ridgemont from the Equus speed champion What A Winter (Western Winter), Humdinger is out of the five time – winning Fort Wood mare, Himalayan Hill.
