Ishnana Takes In Full Flight Listed
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Ishnana defeated a field that included Gr1 winner Tempting Fate and useful speedsters Good Rhythm, Winter Smoke [the first three horses across the line all #kznbred], Traces, Speedpoint and Hard To Play amongst them.
The Al Miqdaam galloper is raced by Thabo Mhlongo and longstanding KZN Breeder Robert Smith, Ishnana was named after a combination of Mhlongo’s children’s names, Ishmael and Nana.
Ishnana’s victory was even more special on the sentimentality front as Garth rode his dam Bird Strike for breeder-owner Robert Smith. Robert Smith also bred Serious Side (Fard), the dam of Gr1 producing sire Captain Of All.
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“I finished second on Bird Strike,” says Garth Puller. I told Mr Smith that if I had ridden her the way I wanted to rather than listen to his instructions, she would have won! Just shows you – trainers aren’t always right!”
Garth also pointed out that the Smith crimson and gold silks worn by Ishnana were an antique button-up version, and were originally carried by runner of the breeder’s late Aunt Joyce Tatham. She was a leading owner and breeder in KZN for many years.
Ishnana has now won 7 races, and finished 2nd in this race previously in 2019.
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Ishnana is unfortunately the last foal of Bird Strike. Bird Strike is by Champion broodmare sire Northern Guest, in turn out of a Bush Telegraph / Royal Prerogative mare, Winged Signal. This female line has produced Gr1 Champions Stakes winner Swan Prince, as well as 1987 Arcsa Champion in 1987, Mark Anthony – a Gr1 J&B Met and Queen’s Plate winner.
Al Miqdaam’s starts on the NHRA website read as follows:
2 runners, 2 wins, 2 winners, AEPR R79 125, 100% winners to runners, 9 places and 1 Black Type win!