From: John Freeman
One could throw a blanket over the first 6 horses past the post at the Vodacom Durban July. It was truly a thrilling spectacle with deserved reward for the grand-dame of the South African turf and her truly remarkable stallion Fort Wood.
We have used every opportunity in the past to give Fort Wood the accolades he deserves as the greatest stallion of the modern era in this country. The only sire to get three Horses of the Year including “our own” Dynasty who has a magnificent first crop of foals for sale next year.
The result of this year’s big event was especially significant for Fort Wood. It signified his 2nd individual Gr1 winner older than 3. There was no doubting Fort Wood’s ability to get them to stay but what he lacked were older Gr1 winners. He now has two of these this year alone. The R1.5m 1st prize was not sufficient to push him into 2nd place as Western Winter was R1m clear of him before the race and he bagged R250,000 with Jagged Ice’s 3rd place but had added Gr1 Golden Horseshoe 1st prize courtesy of Argonaut’s (Cheveley Stud) expected easy win. The sire runner up spot is an interesting contest (reminiscent of that wonderful duel between Jallad and Western Winter for the sire premiership some years ago). Though Jet Master’s representatives finished 4th (Pocket Power) and 17th (Ravishing) and did not add much to his tally, his lead this year remains unchallenged.
The question over whether Kildonan (Rich Man’s Gold) and Biarritz (Count Dubois) would stay the trip has been answered as we expected. Finishing within 4,5 lengths in this calibre of race is no disgrace. The freemanstallions’ main hope was Jallad’s son Successful Bidder who finished 6th just three quarters of a length behind Hunting Tower - it has to be said that there was a good deal of scrimmaging which the two main racing scribes feel cost Jallad’s son at a crucial stage. The move was started by stable companion Buy and Sell who shifted out briefly pushing Jay Peg onto Pocket Power with Hunting Tower angling in to avoid the clash with Successful Bidder the possible victim. We would like to hear what Brett Smith had to say.
The Golden Slipper provided a wonderful opportunity for Al Mufti who has been short of Gr1 winners of late. We were delighted that Golden Minaret (out of a Dancing Champ mare) prevailed for Mike de Kock and partners. This is a smart filly who looks to have a bright future. Jallad’s daughter Kiss For Kate was 3rd and Manshood’s Supper Club ran a credible 5th 2,5 lengths back.
All in all it was a fantastic race day. Gold Circle’s organisation was, as always, spot on the mark and South Africa’s friendliest city upheld its tradition. Everyone you met in Durban, from hotel staff to waiters in restaurants, the people at the races and, believe it or not, even the SAA ground staff served with a bright smile on their faces. What a pleasure! We have already booked to go back next year and we urge everyone else to do the same. It is getting harder to find a bed in Durban.
