The first entries for the Vodacom Durban July are in and several KZN-breds are amongst them – including half-siblings, dual Gr1 winner Rabada (from the stable of Brett Crawford) and his grey AP Arrow half-brother, Glider Pilot.
Another interesing entry, which is the third from Champion breeders Summerhill Stud, is the filly that South Africa’s eyes are on for this weekend – Takingthepeace, who is attempting to become the first KZN-bred to win the Triple Tiara.
Bush Hill Stud are represented with 2-time winning son of Visionaire – Throng – entered by Champion trainer Sean Tarry along with Matador Man.
Matador Man by Toreador may also try his hand again at the KZN Breeders Million Mile the week before to make it a double and match No Worries record.
Matador Man, who placed third in the Gr1 Champions Cup and won the Secretariat Stakes Listed, won again recently for his connections, interestingly Glider Pilot was just behind him.
Rabada is back in training with Brett Crawford after injury and it will be fantastic to see the twice Gr1 winning son of Brave Tin Soldier back in action again.
The five year old entire last raced in November 2016 and looks a picture in Summerveld.
His year younger brother Glider Pilot, who has half an ear missing from an accident as a youngster, is Merit Rated at 106 and has showed signs of brilliance.
In his last win over 2000m in February this year, he defeated amongst the field Brazuca and Bankable Teddy.
Amongst his four places with two wins from only seven starts, Glider Pilot finished fourth in the Gr1 Daily News 2000 behind Edict Of Nantes (a race his half-brother won previously) and left in his wake the likes of Copper Force, Zodiac Ruler, Africa Rising and Pagoda amongst others.
An exciting entry to see is St John Gray’s Dawn Assault. The only Stakes Winning son of Call To Combat, born and raised at Hadlow Stud for St John Gray, Dawn Assault has won six and placed 14 times.
He recently took the Drum Star Listed from Gr2 winner Secret Captain, with Kilrain and The Elmo Effect amongst the field.
The Vodacom Durban July will be taking place on 7 July this year – with the KZN Breeders Race Day taking place the week before at Greyville, and the Golf Day on 1 June leading up to Africa’s Greatest Horse Race.
Contact us if you would like to join us for the KZN Breeders Golf Day and KZN Breeders Race Day – vouchers towards the purchase of a KZN-bred yearling are up for grabs, for the KZN Yearling Sale taking place at Sibaya just the week after the KZN Breeders Race Day, and before the Vodacom Durban July.
See you there!