Guest Column: It’s All Go In Dubai
| Guest Column: It’s All Go In Dubai |
31 January, 2013
– Lisa Barrett
Tonight sees the debut of one of KZN’s champion horses, The Apache at the Meydan racecourse. Formerly trained by Gavin Van Zyl, the Scott Brothers-bred son of Mogok, is a multiple Group winner in his home province, with wins in the Daily News 2000 (Gr.1), the Champions Cup (Gr.1) and The Dingaans (Gr.2) under his belt. Now based with champion trainer Mike de Kock in Dubai, he was part of a flotilla of horses that included supermare Igugu who left our shores last year for a crack at the world’s richest racing festival, the $10 million Dubai Carnival.
He lines up in the Al Rashidiya (Gr.2) over 1800m on the turf at Meydan with a genuine chance tonight, but will face some stiff competition from the various Saeed bin Suroor-trained entries.
The Apache’s biggest threat is likely to come from Sharestan, the four year old son of Sharmadal, who trashed his rivals in a conditions race recently, showing some impressive form and thanks to a favourable draw looks like being the one to beat.
The Apache will have many fans glued to their TV’s tonight as he lines up for a crack at racing glory. With champion jockey Christophe Soumillion in the seat, and Mike de Kock’s expert conditioning, it’s likely to be a thrilling ride to the line.
| Lisa Barrett – Guest Writer “Lisa Barrett”, her psuedonym, currently works at a stud farm in the KZN Midlands. She is absolutely and totally crazy about horses and every aspect of them. She is fascinated by every aspect of the racehorse business, especially pedigrees and would like to one day write a book on her favourite sire! |
