From small numbers in our province, KZN had a great Summer Cup race day with a Gr2 Merchants win, followed up by several places in the feature races of the day including a very close second in the Gr2 Dingaans. Summerhill Stud are doing KZN proud once again on the seasonal stats, as the current leading breeders of South Africa.
“He’s a very unassuming little horse,” commented Woodruff. “Nobody considered him for the Derby and the winner went on and ran second in the Durban July. There’s the form line!
Three KZN associated horses will be running in the Gr1 Daily News 2000, which was won by Summerhill-bred Rabada last year. The three include Rabada’s grey half-brother Glider Pilot, Varsfontein son of Mogok, Pagoda, and Summerhill-bred Gr3 winning Visionaire colt Africa Rising.
With Varsfontein-bred Pagoda (an entry into the Vodacom Durban July) leading the way for Mogok colts this year, Mogok filly Fortissimus won the East Cape Oaks (Listed) over 2000m on Friday at Fairview for the Justin Snaith racing stable. Owned by Mr EA Braun, the three year old filly won by one and half lengths under…
KZN-breds and horses by KZN sires won four of the nine race card at Turffontein yesterday, including three of the days features – the Oaks Trial Listed, the Derby Trial and the Gr2 Senor Santa Stakes, whilst Rabada’s grey half-brother won over 2000m on debut in the last race.
KZN produces less than 20% of the racing stock annually in South Africa and yesterday’s performances at Turffontein are not to be ignored.