Igugu in a class of her own
With 100m to go, Igugu looked destined to finish second in the J&B Met, but she showed that she is in a class of her own as she dug deep and rallied past a game Bravura to take the honours in the Cape's premier race.The win oozed class and dominance as she had to do it all the hard way, from traveling to the Cape, enduring testing conditions due to the African Horse Sickness quarantine, then a less that perfect path in the big race. The record books, however, will show that she is the best of 2012 in the Met and the remainder of the season's big events look set to be dominated by the lady from Australia.
All credit must go to Anton Marcus and Bravura who put up as game an effort as one is likely to see and any other year they might have come up trumps. Gimmethegreenlight was also sparkling in defeat and showed that he is one for the future.
Igugu ticks all the right Met boxes
With an impeccable race record of 9 wins and 2 placings from 11 career starts and 57kg to shoulder in tomorrow's J&B Met over 2000m at Kenilworth, the Australian-bred import looks to have everything in her favour and should be the horse to beat.Having won the July in emphatic fashion, showing what a class act she is, the four-year-old daughter of Galileo looks set to capture another of South Africa's great racing prizes. The filly has shown that the distance of the Met is no problem, the conditions of the this Grade 1 event ensure that she is the best handicapped horse in the race and from a decent draw she looks set to have the run of the race.
The only concern that has arisen this week is the conditions in which she is currently being held in due to the outbreak of African Horse Sickness in the zone. One can only hope that what she has had to endure with the traveling to the Cape and the stabling arrangements does not affect her detrimentally and cost he the race.
The contest for the second placing in this R2 500 000 race is very interesting and one would have to side with the ultra-consistent and talented The Apache. This son of Mogok was beaten by Igugu in the July but has shown that he is as good as the rest around and looks set to make a bold bid for the second cheque of R500 000. Two runners that deserve mention are the three-year-olds in the race, Gimmethegreenlight and Astro News. Both have shown themselves to be very capable on their day and it would be no surprise to see one or both of them make a bold bid for place money.
Cape Premier Yearling Sale
The Cape Premier Yearling Sale will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Thursday and Friday preceding the Met. A total of 349 lots will be offered and as much as money is tight these days, there are sure to be some big prices and a lot of value too.A yearling about which one can expect a big price is the first offspring of the great Dancer's Daughter. Carded as lot 55 on the Thursday of the sale, the grey filly by Western Winter is sure to get a few bidders excited and she looks set to earn a decent sum for her breeder Highlands Farm Stud.
There are a number of well-bred individuals on the sale, the likes of lot 67, a half sister to Divine Jury and Divine Jet. Another lot that is sure to attract interest is lot 124, a half brother to talented Whiteline Fever by Silvano from the Daytona Stud.
The catalogue looks to cater for all pockets and there is sure to be something for everyone. If interested, call the yard and let Gary guide you.
Ready for the Summer Cup
Pierre Jourdan, the five-year-old son of Parade Leader, showed on Saturday 5 November that he is ready for the up coming Summer Cup at the end of the month.The talented gelding contested the Grade 2 Charity Mile at Turffontein and in a field of 16 runners proved to be too good, comfortably getting the verdict from Engagement, Two Tone and Welwitschia.
The performance was flawless as Pierre Jourdan was placed mid-division and comfortably moved along as the race was run at a decent pace. Coming into the home straight jockey Derrick David elected to take his charge down the inside running rail and has he asked the question for more, the answer was immediate. Pierre Jourdan easily moved away from the opposition to win well.
Having already earned R4,1-million, Pierre Jourdan raised that stakes figure by a further R375 000 with the win and considering he was purchased for a mere R60 000, this was the buy of the decade.
Simply great!
It might not have been victory in the Vodacom Durban July on Saturday 2 July 2011, but in running second to the magnificent Igugu, Pierrer Jourdan showed that he is one of the best around. The four-year-old's performance under world-class Doug Whyte was nothing short of breath-taking and showed that should he go abroad, he will stand his ground comfortably.The question now is what is next for the son of Parade Leader. Options abound and the excitement grows as the world is his oyster and glory awaits this talented equine multi-millionaire. Congratulations to a chmpion, his trainer and owners and all that played a role in the race to remember.
It's July Time
It's that time of year when 20 of the best horses in the country line up to contest the Vodacom Durban July. The R3-million prize money is as lucrative as they get but the honour and glory that goes with winning this event is what every owner, trainer and jockey aspires to.This year will be no different and back-on-track Pierre Jourdan has every chance of taking the lion's share of the R3-million and garnering all the accolades for stable, owners and jockey.
The four-year-olds preparation has been as good as it could be and with international riding star Doug Whyte on board, the story of the R60 000-yearling purchase looks ready to reach it's pinnacle. Well drawn, great preparation and a top rider - all the ingredients to deliver the goods. All that awaits now is luck in running and it could be time to pop the champagne corks - the Pierre Jourdan corks!
Back on Track
Pierre Jourdan might not have won his return to the track after injury but in finishing second over a mile in a Pinnacle Stakes race at Turffontein, the Parade Leader gelding showed that he is in fine fettle and ready to resume his climb to the top of the racing ladder.
Traveling well throughout the race, Pierre Jourdan was given every chance as he took up the lead on the inside of the track but a fast-finishing Earl Of Surrey got the verdict by the narrowest of margins over a game but tiring Pierre Jourdan.
Next up for the star is the Jubilee Handicap and all going well he should take his place in the Vodacom Durban July.
Pierre Jourdan is back
Talented Pierre Jourdan makes a welcome return to the turf this Saturday when he contests a Pinnacle Stakes race over 1600m at Turffontein. This will be the first outing for the son of Parade Leader since he contested the Summer Cup in November and finished sixth, lame.
That was the first time in 11 runs that the R60 000 yearling purchase failed to earn a cheque for his owners.
Pierre Jourdan will meet 13 thoroughbreds in this contest and even though he should be in need of the run, he looks set to give a good account of himself.
A solid performance here is likely to see him have one more preparatory run before he goes for the Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July.
Pierre Jourdan has earned over R3,3-million in his 11 career runs.
PA Page a New Year Winner
Followers of the PA & Best Bet page have started their 2011 off on a high note as at Scottsville on Sunday 2 January 2011 the Place Accumulator and best bet arrived.
The PA required an outlay of just R288 and returned R2350-60 while the best bet came home comfortably at 13-10, making for a good start to the New Year for followers of the page.
Pierre Jourdan sidelined
Multiple group-race winner, Pierre Jourdan, has been sidelined due to an injury sustained in the recent running of the Summer Cup at Turffontein in which he finished a very creditable sixth.
The four-year-old has injured the bone in his off hind hock and has been given five months off to recover by Dr Roy Gottschalk of Witbos Veterinary Clinic.
Should the five-month layoff not be sufficient to repair the injury he suffered, then he will have to undergo surgery which could see his career on hold for up to a year.
Arabian Mist takes the Merchants
Ridden to perfection, Arabian Mist recorded a scintilating victory in the Grade 2 Hertz Merchatns on Summer Cup day, November 27, at Turffontein.
This was the second time that the talented sprinter was victorious in this race, but the manner in which he won this year's edition of the race will stay in the minds of racing fans for a long time.
There was a lot of pace in the race and Mana Mou once again looked to make every post a winning one. Arabian Mist, under Derreck David, could not match the pace of the vanguard and settled comfortably at the rear of the field. As daunting as the task seemed for the pairing, the race was being run perfectly for Arabian Mist who off a fast pace finds a strong finish.
That was the case here and under a driving ride from Derreck, Arabian Mist responded with a finish second to none, resulting in a neck victory over talented Link Man, arguably one of the best speedsters in the land.
Arabian Mist's victory was against the odds but showed that when conditions are right he is as good as the best around.
Pierre Jourdan contested the Summer Cup on the day and under top weight ran a gallant race to finish 6th, beaten six lengths. As good as the effort was it could have been better as the talented four-year-old came back sore. He will be sent to be checked out.
Sparkling return to track for Pierre Jourdan
Cutting through the field like a hot knife through butter, Pierre Jourdan easily accounted for a decent field when winning the Grade 3 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m at Turffontein on Saturday 9 October.
The victory showed that the four-year-old has lost nothing of his ability, if anything he showed maturity as he raced comfortably mid-division before being asked to quicken in the straight.
Winning by half a length, Pierre Jourdan had the beating of Galanthus and Captain Scott with runners like Bulsara, Rudra, Havasha finishing over four lengths by the Parade Leader gelding.
Congratulations to all!
Pierre Jourdan Springs to the Challenge
Pierre Jourdan returned to the track on Saturday in winning ways after a five month break. He notched up his seventh carrer victory from only nine starts in the Grade 3 Spring Challenge at Turffontein over 1450m.
Jockey Andrew Fortune partnered the son of Parade Leader for the first time and was full of praise for Pierre Jourdan in his post race interview "I didn't think it was a great ride, I didn't trust him at all, but he was good enough. All our lives as jockeys, we hang around to ride horses like this."
Pierre Jourdan has passed his first hurdle with flying colours en route to the Sansui Summer Cup (GR1) at Turffontein on the 27 November 2010.
Pierre Jourdan makes his return
Pierre Jourdan, the talented son of Parade Leader, makes his return to the track after having been given a deserved layoff after running second in the SA Derby last season.
The four-year-old will contest the Grade 3 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m at Turffontein this coming Saturday.
The field consists of a number of talented thoroughbreds and will be a stern test for the four-year-old, but one that is sure to bring him on in leaps and bounds and ready him for bigger hurdles later in the season.
He has matured in the time he has been off the track and should prove to be a big contender this season.
Radiant Rock scores a double
Radiant Rock, a five-year-old son of Rock Of Gibraltar, scored his second win in a row when he captured the last race of the afternoon on Saturday 11 September at Turffontein.
The big bay gelding contested a 73 merit-rated handicap over 1800m and had the top weigth of 60kg to shoulder, a handicap that failed to stop him.
Andrew Fortune guided Radiant Rock to a very comfortable victory and the confidence tbat the gelding is showing bodes well for a continued run of victories.
Radiant Rock's career record now reads three wins and 11 placings from 21 runs with stake earnings in excess of R270 000.
Andrew Fortune joins the team
As the new season approaches the Gary Alexander Racing Team is happy to announce that we have secured the services of former South African Champion jockey, Andrew Fortune.
Andrew will be moving to Johannesburg towards the end of July and will also be riding work for us at Turffontein four times a week.
We have had the pleasure of working with Andrew in the past, however not on a full-time basis as will now be the case. We can confidently say that he is a top horseman with superb riding skills and judgment and we know that each and every one of the horses in our care will benefit from the feedback we receive from Andrew.
For the past two months Andrew has been in a Sports Medical Facility determined to deal with his weight problem, which has plagued Andrew most of his career. However, with Andrew’s never say die attitude and his mental strength and determination he has managed to bring his weight down naturally from 63kg’s to 55kg’s, this in itself speaks volumes about his character and his will to achieve.
We are confident that Andrew will add invaluable information about the horses and his world-class riding ability is sure to keep us in front.
Durban July clock is ticking
The World Cup of Soccer is gaining momentum and come 11 July the kings of the beautiful game will be crowned. South African racings King will be crowned at the end of July when the Vodacom Durban July is run at Greyville over 2200m on Saturday 31 July.
At the time of writing there are six weeks to go to the country's premier race and if the betting is anything to go by, there are not too many 'real' contenders for top honours in the premier race.
Irish Flame, winner of the SA Derby and the Daily News 2000, is the ruling, and worthy, favourite at this time. He is priced up at 4-1 favourite, his opening price having been 25-1. Bold Silvano, a close second to his stablemate in the Daily News 2000 and winner of the Greyville 1900, is the second fabourite at 5-1, his odds having come in from an opening call of 33-1 which, if you took those odds, puts you in a great position now.
Big City Life, winner of the July last year, had his odds trimmed to 8-1 after he and new partner Pierre Strydom scored a decisive win in the Gold Challenge and showed that they would be spot on come the end of July. Pocket Power made a scintilating debut to the Winter Season in KwaZulu-Natal but was given too much to do in the Gold Challenge and his odds of 12-1 hold value.
Sister and stablemate River Jetez had her odds trimmed to 16-1 after being claimed from the opening call of 20-1 and she has to be respected. Another horse at a good price.
Looking down the bookmakers board there really does not appear to be anything that looks capable of winning the July and unless there are some really eye-catching performances by them in the weeks leading into the July, one is likely to see their prices stretch.
The betting at 15 July is: 4-1 Irish Flame; 5-1 Bold Silvano, Fort Vogue; 7-1 Aslan; 8-1 Big City Life; 12-1 Pocket Power; 16-1 River Jetez; 25-1 Ancestral Fore, Bravura, Mother Russia, Rudra; 33-1 and upwards the rest.
Pierre Jourdan is the toast of the night
Pierre Jourdan, the three-year-old son fo Parade Leader bred by Summerhill Stud, might have had to settle for second best in the SA Derby but he was the toast of the night at the Highveld Racing Awards held at Emperors Palace on Saturday 8 May.
The multiple group-race winner walked away with the Three Year-Old Colt/Gelding, Champion Middle Distance Horse and, the highlight of the night, The Horse Of The Year awards.
Pierre Jourdan will be given a rest for the remainder of the season and will make his return to the tracks in early summer when is sure to be a stronger and better horse, promising much for his owners and racing.
Pierre Jourdan is a class act
Pierre Jourdan, the three-year-old son fo Parade Leader bred by Summerhill Stud, has established himself as one of the best of his generation by winning the Peermont Emperor's Palace Ready To Run Cup at Turffontein on Saturday 7 November.
The strapping bay gelding easily skipped clear of the opposition in the last 100m of the 1400m contest, going away from the field to win by an ever increasing margin of two lengths.
Rider Sean Cormack, a late stand-in for stable jockey Derreck David who fractured his ankle in two places in a fall at the Vaal on Thursday, rode a perfect race giving Pierre Jourdan every chance and showing what class this thoroughbred has.
Purchased for just R60 000, Pierre Jourdan has won in excess of R855 000 and looks destined to add substantially to that increasing tally.
Congratulations to owners Emilio Baisero and Gary Alexander.
(to view the finish of the race go to http://www.racingassociation.co.za/show_video.php?rid=4217)
Pierre Jourdan makes it two from two
Pierre Jourdan, a three-year-old son fo Parade Leader bred by Summerhill Stud, has been to the track twice and remains unbeaten, his last win coming at the expense of some decent sorts, albeit with the assistance of the Sitpendiary Stewards.
Having shown a touch of class when winning impressively on debut, the youngster comfortably managed the step up in class to win a Progress Plate over 1450m on the inside track at Turffontein on Saturday 24 October 2009. The winning margin is recorded as having been a head, but the verdict had to be delivered in the board room where the stipes agreed that had Piere Jourdan not been interferred with he would have won the race, beating feature-race placed Smanjemanje and two-time winner Winter's Night.
Pierre Jourdan looks destined for bigger things and is sure to give his owners many exciting moments.
Igugu in a class of her own
With 100m to go, Igugu looked destined to finish second in the J&B Met, but she showed that she is in a class of her own as she dug deep and rallied past a game Bravura to take the honours in the Cape's premier race.The win oozed class and dominance as she had to do it all the hard way, from traveling to the Cape, enduring testing conditions due to the African Horse Sickness quarantine, then a less that perfect path in the big race. The record books, however, will show that she is the best of 2012 in the Met and the remainder of the season's big events look set to be dominated by the lady from Australia.
All credit must go to Anton Marcus and Bravura who put up as game an effort as one is likely to see and any other year they might have come up trumps. Gimmethegreenlight was also sparkling in defeat and showed that he is one for the future.
Igugu ticks all the right Met boxes
With an impeccable race record of 9 wins and 2 placings from 11 career starts and 57kg to shoulder in tomorrow's J&B Met over 2000m at Kenilworth, the Australian-bred import looks to have everything in her favour and should be the horse to beat.Having won the July in emphatic fashion, showing what a class act she is, the four-year-old daughter of Galileo looks set to capture another of South Africa's great racing prizes. The filly has shown that the distance of the Met is no problem, the conditions of the this Grade 1 event ensure that she is the best handicapped horse in the race and from a decent draw she looks set to have the run of the race.
The only concern that has arisen this week is the conditions in which she is currently being held in due to the outbreak of African Horse Sickness in the zone. One can only hope that what she has had to endure with the traveling to the Cape and the stabling arrangements does not affect her detrimentally and cost he the race.
The contest for the second placing in this R2 500 000 race is very interesting and one would have to side with the ultra-consistent and talented The Apache. This son of Mogok was beaten by Igugu in the July but has shown that he is as good as the rest around and looks set to make a bold bid for the second cheque of R500 000. Two runners that deserve mention are the three-year-olds in the race, Gimmethegreenlight and Astro News. Both have shown themselves to be very capable on their day and it would be no surprise to see one or both of them make a bold bid for place money.
Cape Premier Yearling Sale
The Cape Premier Yearling Sale will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Thursday and Friday preceding the Met. A total of 349 lots will be offered and as much as money is tight these days, there are sure to be some big prices and a lot of value too.A yearling about which one can expect a big price is the first offspring of the great Dancer's Daughter. Carded as lot 55 on the Thursday of the sale, the grey filly by Western Winter is sure to get a few bidders excited and she looks set to earn a decent sum for her breeder Highlands Farm Stud.
There are a number of well-bred individuals on the sale, the likes of lot 67, a half sister to Divine Jury and Divine Jet. Another lot that is sure to attract interest is lot 124, a half brother to talented Whiteline Fever by Silvano from the Daytona Stud.
The catalogue looks to cater for all pockets and there is sure to be something for everyone. If interested, call the yard and let Gary guide you.
Ready for the Summer Cup
Pierre Jourdan, the five-year-old son of Parade Leader, showed on Saturday 5 November that he is ready for the up coming Summer Cup at the end of the month.The talented gelding contested the Grade 2 Charity Mile at Turffontein and in a field of 16 runners proved to be too good, comfortably getting the verdict from Engagement, Two Tone and Welwitschia.
The performance was flawless as Pierre Jourdan was placed mid-division and comfortably moved along as the race was run at a decent pace. Coming into the home straight jockey Derrick David elected to take his charge down the inside running rail and has he asked the question for more, the answer was immediate. Pierre Jourdan easily moved away from the opposition to win well.
Having already earned R4,1-million, Pierre Jourdan raised that stakes figure by a further R375 000 with the win and considering he was purchased for a mere R60 000, this was the buy of the decade.
Simply great!
It might not have been victory in the Vodacom Durban July on Saturday 2 July 2011, but in running second to the magnificent Igugu, Pierrer Jourdan showed that he is one of the best around. The four-year-old's performance under world-class Doug Whyte was nothing short of breath-taking and showed that should he go abroad, he will stand his ground comfortably.The question now is what is next for the son of Parade Leader. Options abound and the excitement grows as the world is his oyster and glory awaits this talented equine multi-millionaire. Congratulations to a chmpion, his trainer and owners and all that played a role in the race to remember.
It's July Time
It's that time of year when 20 of the best horses in the country line up to contest the Vodacom Durban July. The R3-million prize money is as lucrative as they get but the honour and glory that goes with winning this event is what every owner, trainer and jockey aspires to.This year will be no different and back-on-track Pierre Jourdan has every chance of taking the lion's share of the R3-million and garnering all the accolades for stable, owners and jockey.
The four-year-olds preparation has been as good as it could be and with international riding star Doug Whyte on board, the story of the R60 000-yearling purchase looks ready to reach it's pinnacle. Well drawn, great preparation and a top rider - all the ingredients to deliver the goods. All that awaits now is luck in running and it could be time to pop the champagne corks - the Pierre Jourdan corks!
Back on Track
Pierre Jourdan might not have won his return to the track after injury but in finishing second over a mile in a Pinnacle Stakes race at Turffontein, the Parade Leader gelding showed that he is in fine fettle and ready to resume his climb to the top of the racing ladder.
Traveling well throughout the race, Pierre Jourdan was given every chance as he took up the lead on the inside of the track but a fast-finishing Earl Of Surrey got the verdict by the narrowest of margins over a game but tiring Pierre Jourdan.
Next up for the star is the Jubilee Handicap and all going well he should take his place in the Vodacom Durban July.
Pierre Jourdan is back
Talented Pierre Jourdan makes a welcome return to the turf this Saturday when he contests a Pinnacle Stakes race over 1600m at Turffontein. This will be the first outing for the son of Parade Leader since he contested the Summer Cup in November and finished sixth, lame.
That was the first time in 11 runs that the R60 000 yearling purchase failed to earn a cheque for his owners.
Pierre Jourdan will meet 13 thoroughbreds in this contest and even though he should be in need of the run, he looks set to give a good account of himself.
A solid performance here is likely to see him have one more preparatory run before he goes for the Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July.
Pierre Jourdan has earned over R3,3-million in his 11 career runs.
PA Page a New Year Winner
Followers of the PA & Best Bet page have started their 2011 off on a high note as at Scottsville on Sunday 2 January 2011 the Place Accumulator and best bet arrived.
The PA required an outlay of just R288 and returned R2350-60 while the best bet came home comfortably at 13-10, making for a good start to the New Year for followers of the page.
Pierre Jourdan sidelined
Multiple group-race winner, Pierre Jourdan, has been sidelined due to an injury sustained in the recent running of the Summer Cup at Turffontein in which he finished a very creditable sixth.
The four-year-old has injured the bone in his off hind hock and has been given five months off to recover by Dr Roy Gottschalk of Witbos Veterinary Clinic.
Should the five-month layoff not be sufficient to repair the injury he suffered, then he will have to undergo surgery which could see his career on hold for up to a year.
Arabian Mist takes the Merchants
Ridden to perfection, Arabian Mist recorded a scintilating victory in the Grade 2 Hertz Merchatns on Summer Cup day, November 27, at Turffontein.
This was the second time that the talented sprinter was victorious in this race, but the manner in which he won this year's edition of the race will stay in the minds of racing fans for a long time.
There was a lot of pace in the race and Mana Mou once again looked to make every post a winning one. Arabian Mist, under Derreck David, could not match the pace of the vanguard and settled comfortably at the rear of the field. As daunting as the task seemed for the pairing, the race was being run perfectly for Arabian Mist who off a fast pace finds a strong finish.
That was the case here and under a driving ride from Derreck, Arabian Mist responded with a finish second to none, resulting in a neck victory over talented Link Man, arguably one of the best speedsters in the land.
Arabian Mist's victory was against the odds but showed that when conditions are right he is as good as the best around.
Pierre Jourdan contested the Summer Cup on the day and under top weight ran a gallant race to finish 6th, beaten six lengths. As good as the effort was it could have been better as the talented four-year-old came back sore. He will be sent to be checked out.
Sparkling return to track for Pierre Jourdan
Cutting through the field like a hot knife through butter, Pierre Jourdan easily accounted for a decent field when winning the Grade 3 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m at Turffontein on Saturday 9 October.
The victory showed that the four-year-old has lost nothing of his ability, if anything he showed maturity as he raced comfortably mid-division before being asked to quicken in the straight.
Winning by half a length, Pierre Jourdan had the beating of Galanthus and Captain Scott with runners like Bulsara, Rudra, Havasha finishing over four lengths by the Parade Leader gelding.
Congratulations to all!
Pierre Jourdan Springs to the Challenge
Pierre Jourdan returned to the track on Saturday in winning ways after a five month break. He notched up his seventh carrer victory from only nine starts in the Grade 3 Spring Challenge at Turffontein over 1450m.
Jockey Andrew Fortune partnered the son of Parade Leader for the first time and was full of praise for Pierre Jourdan in his post race interview "I didn't think it was a great ride, I didn't trust him at all, but he was good enough. All our lives as jockeys, we hang around to ride horses like this."
Pierre Jourdan has passed his first hurdle with flying colours en route to the Sansui Summer Cup (GR1) at Turffontein on the 27 November 2010.
Pierre Jourdan makes his return
Pierre Jourdan, the talented son of Parade Leader, makes his return to the track after having been given a deserved layoff after running second in the SA Derby last season.
The four-year-old will contest the Grade 3 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m at Turffontein this coming Saturday.
The field consists of a number of talented thoroughbreds and will be a stern test for the four-year-old, but one that is sure to bring him on in leaps and bounds and ready him for bigger hurdles later in the season.
He has matured in the time he has been off the track and should prove to be a big contender this season.
Radiant Rock scores a double
Radiant Rock, a five-year-old son of Rock Of Gibraltar, scored his second win in a row when he captured the last race of the afternoon on Saturday 11 September at Turffontein.
The big bay gelding contested a 73 merit-rated handicap over 1800m and had the top weigth of 60kg to shoulder, a handicap that failed to stop him.
Andrew Fortune guided Radiant Rock to a very comfortable victory and the confidence tbat the gelding is showing bodes well for a continued run of victories.
Radiant Rock's career record now reads three wins and 11 placings from 21 runs with stake earnings in excess of R270 000.
Andrew Fortune joins the team
As the new season approaches the Gary Alexander Racing Team is happy to announce that we have secured the services of former South African Champion jockey, Andrew Fortune.
Andrew will be moving to Johannesburg towards the end of July and will also be riding work for us at Turffontein four times a week.
We have had the pleasure of working with Andrew in the past, however not on a full-time basis as will now be the case. We can confidently say that he is a top horseman with superb riding skills and judgment and we know that each and every one of the horses in our care will benefit from the feedback we receive from Andrew.
For the past two months Andrew has been in a Sports Medical Facility determined to deal with his weight problem, which has plagued Andrew most of his career. However, with Andrew’s never say die attitude and his mental strength and determination he has managed to bring his weight down naturally from 63kg’s to 55kg’s, this in itself speaks volumes about his character and his will to achieve.
We are confident that Andrew will add invaluable information about the horses and his world-class riding ability is sure to keep us in front.
Durban July clock is ticking
The World Cup of Soccer is gaining momentum and come 11 July the kings of the beautiful game will be crowned. South African racings King will be crowned at the end of July when the Vodacom Durban July is run at Greyville over 2200m on Saturday 31 July.
At the time of writing there are six weeks to go to the country's premier race and if the betting is anything to go by, there are not too many 'real' contenders for top honours in the premier race.
Irish Flame, winner of the SA Derby and the Daily News 2000, is the ruling, and worthy, favourite at this time. He is priced up at 4-1 favourite, his opening price having been 25-1. Bold Silvano, a close second to his stablemate in the Daily News 2000 and winner of the Greyville 1900, is the second fabourite at 5-1, his odds having come in from an opening call of 33-1 which, if you took those odds, puts you in a great position now.
Big City Life, winner of the July last year, had his odds trimmed to 8-1 after he and new partner Pierre Strydom scored a decisive win in the Gold Challenge and showed that they would be spot on come the end of July. Pocket Power made a scintilating debut to the Winter Season in KwaZulu-Natal but was given too much to do in the Gold Challenge and his odds of 12-1 hold value.
Sister and stablemate River Jetez had her odds trimmed to 16-1 after being claimed from the opening call of 20-1 and she has to be respected. Another horse at a good price.
Looking down the bookmakers board there really does not appear to be anything that looks capable of winning the July and unless there are some really eye-catching performances by them in the weeks leading into the July, one is likely to see their prices stretch.
The betting at 15 July is: 4-1 Irish Flame; 5-1 Bold Silvano, Fort Vogue; 7-1 Aslan; 8-1 Big City Life; 12-1 Pocket Power; 16-1 River Jetez; 25-1 Ancestral Fore, Bravura, Mother Russia, Rudra; 33-1 and upwards the rest.
Pierre Jourdan is the toast of the night
Pierre Jourdan, the three-year-old son fo Parade Leader bred by Summerhill Stud, might have had to settle for second best in the SA Derby but he was the toast of the night at the Highveld Racing Awards held at Emperors Palace on Saturday 8 May.
The multiple group-race winner walked away with the Three Year-Old Colt/Gelding, Champion Middle Distance Horse and, the highlight of the night, The Horse Of The Year awards.
Pierre Jourdan will be given a rest for the remainder of the season and will make his return to the tracks in early summer when is sure to be a stronger and better horse, promising much for his owners and racing.
Pierre Jourdan is a class act
Pierre Jourdan, the three-year-old son fo Parade Leader bred by Summerhill Stud, has established himself as one of the best of his generation by winning the Peermont Emperor's Palace Ready To Run Cup at Turffontein on Saturday 7 November.
The strapping bay gelding easily skipped clear of the opposition in the last 100m of the 1400m contest, going away from the field to win by an ever increasing margin of two lengths.
Rider Sean Cormack, a late stand-in for stable jockey Derreck David who fractured his ankle in two places in a fall at the Vaal on Thursday, rode a perfect race giving Pierre Jourdan every chance and showing what class this thoroughbred has.
Purchased for just R60 000, Pierre Jourdan has won in excess of R855 000 and looks destined to add substantially to that increasing tally.
Congratulations to owners Emilio Baisero and Gary Alexander.
(to view the finish of the race go to http://www.racingassociation.co.za/show_video.php?rid=4217)
Pierre Jourdan makes it two from two
Pierre Jourdan, a three-year-old son fo Parade Leader bred by Summerhill Stud, has been to the track twice and remains unbeaten, his last win coming at the expense of some decent sorts, albeit with the assistance of the Sitpendiary Stewards.
Having shown a touch of class when winning impressively on debut, the youngster comfortably managed the step up in class to win a Progress Plate over 1450m on the inside track at Turffontein on Saturday 24 October 2009. The winning margin is recorded as having been a head, but the verdict had to be delivered in the board room where the stipes agreed that had Piere Jourdan not been interferred with he would have won the race, beating feature-race placed Smanjemanje and two-time winner Winter's Night.
Pierre Jourdan looks destined for bigger things and is sure to give his owners many exciting moments.