Dancewiththedevil Does KZN Proud Once More!

KZN-Bred Dancewiththedevil, under Gavin Lerena, won the Grade 1 Horse Chestnut Stakes for the second year in a row at Turffontein today in convincing style again, this time by almost 3.5 lengths (she won last year by 5.5 lengths) from Rudra and Solo Traveller with Kavanagh finishing fourth. Kavanagh defeated Dancewiththedevil last time out in the Hawaii Stakes Grade 2, however once again, Dancewiththedevil proved what a class horse she is. Her winning time was 98.95 seconds.

Bred, owned and trained by St John Gray, the KZN Breeders Horse-Of-The-Year defeated a strong field of colts and geldings. Cathy Martin of Hadlow Stud, which incoroporates Graystone Stud where the dam of Dancewiththedevil, Emperor’s Dance stands, says: “Awesome stuff! She has had her setbacks this year. It just proves what a good mare she is to have overcome all of this and win a Group One going away against the boys!” St John Gray started the day off victorious with Announce filly Caribbean Cruise winning the first race of the day under Glen Hatt.

Mike de Kock had the first two past the post with Checcetti, a daughter of Kahal bred and partially owned by Summerhill Stud, who won the Grade 3 Jacaranda Handicap over 1800 metres by just over a length from Flirtation and Secret Babe. Backworth-bred Varlet ran a brave fourth, finishing just two lengths off the winner. Checcetti has now won four times.

Congratulations to the connections of these horses!