After crossing the line first in an impressive Barrier Trial run, The Bayou’s first race start at Scottsville saw him get left behind at the gates, and he ran courageously to fly up for third place under Diego De Gouveia.
Its no surprise therefore that he started as favourite at Greyville over 1400m and flew home comfortably by over two lengths – the way he finished the race suggested he will go further as he was finding more at the winning post.
The Bayou was purchased for R150 000 at the National Yearling Sale in 2016. Trained by Paul Lafferty, he is owned in partnership by Messrs R Maingard, M L Jean Hardy & K & K Syndicate (Nom: Mrs K S Mahabeer).
His full brother has the accolade of defeating the great Pocket Power in the Gr1 Champions Cup at Clairwood.
Blue Bayou, one of the last left by the great Scott Bros sire Foveros, has produced six winners from nine foals, including Melson, who placed in the KZN Guineas Trial (Listed) and has gone on to success in Mauritius.
This is the family of Dean Kannemeyer’s Gr3 winner Mr Winsome, as well as Blushing Fairy, Onyx, Kal Sufi and Fast Break.
Orbison won five races and stakes of R977,630 over 1200 – 2000m. Aside from winning the Gr1 Champions Cup, he placed four times, including third in the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July and the Guineas Trial (Listed). He was exported to Dubai, however returned to South Africa after he sustained an injury. He is one of four Gr1 winners for Mogok.
Keep a watch for Blue Bayou’s 2016 Eightfold Path colt coming through.
Congratulations to Paul Lafferty and his owners who look to have an exciting prospect on their hands.