Brave Tin Soldier gelding Merlin From Berlin has now won three races in a row for his elated owner and KZN Breeders Club Chairman, Ted Hughes.
It was a joyous occasion in particular as Ted’s wife Ruth, who owns the massive horse Paybackthemoney (Marchfield), was a fast finishing 2nd under Anton Marcus.
Just the week before, both geldings met at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and saw the Hughes’ collect their first silver trophy, with Merlin From Berlin taking the KZN Summer Challenge Final over 2000m under Warren Kennedy for a stake of R150 000.
Both horses, Merlin From Berlin and Paybackthemoney are trained by the in form Nathan Kotzen.
Bred by Rupert Plersch, Merlin From Berlin is out of a Fort Wood mare Woodcut – who is a full sister to Limerick – in turn the dam of exports Noah From Goa and the immediate family of Forries Waltz. This is also the family of champion stayer in Europe, Royal Gait. Ted purchased Merlin From Berlin for R35 000 off the 2017 KZN Yearling Sale, and he has earned over R350 000 in stakes.
Ted Hughes is also the owner of sire Golden Sword, who stands at Yellow Star Stud.