The American-bred, three-year-old Greys Inn gave the opposition a galloping lesson in the R1,5-million Vodacom Durban July Handicap over 2 200m when he streaked through the field down the home stretch to win with ease.
For Bridget Oppenheimer it was a real triumph as she not just only owns Greys Inn but also bred him.
This was the second win in South Africa’s premier race for trainer Mike de Kock and jockey Anthony Delpech as De Kock was successful two years ago and Delpech rode Classic Flag to victory in 1998.
He made the trip especially from Hong Kong for the classic and he certainly gave Greys Inn a perfect ride.
The pace from the start was a good one and Delpech allowed Greys Inn to settle near the back of the field. Then he timed his run perfectly and brought Greys Inn with a sustained run down the centre of the track to win. Just before crossing the line Delpech stood up in the irons and gave the victory salute.
The disappointment of the race was the odds-on favourite Yard-Arm. He looked a picture in the pre-race canter but had to be content with ninth place after having every chance.
The surprise of the race was Yard-Arm stablemate Superwood at 40-1 who came home in second place. Another surprise was Red Badge who had been unplaced in his past four starts — he ran a great race to finish close behind Superwood.
Cousin John was the early leader followed by James Jaguar, Yard-Arm and Grand Emporium. There was no change in the order until nearing the final bend where Yard-Arm moved up and James Jaguar began to improve. At that stage Greys Inn was in 14th place.
Once in the home stretch Yard-Arm looked as though he would fulfil the confidence placed in him by the punters, but his effort was short-lived when he was tackled by Grand Emporium and James Jaguar.
Once in line, Greys Inn produced a great run and raced away for the field just outside the 200m.
There was a great finish to the Garden Province Stakes when Anthony Delpech got Battle Maiden home in the last stride to beat the even-money favourite, Ilha Da Vitoria. — Sapa