On a day sponsored by Avontuur Estate, no Hollywood script writer could not have done a better job with the result of the inaugural running of the R200 000, Grade 2 Tony Taberer Southern Cross Stakes(1000m) at Kenilworth on Saturday.
Photo by Gold Circle
Val De Ra, a homebred daughter of Avontuur sire Var, who was unsold as a yearling, showed those who dared to take her on a clean pair of heels to clock up win number ten under a hands and heels ride by Alec Forbes.
The purchase of her sire, European Champion Sprinter, Var, was a lifelong dream of Avontuur's late owner, Tony Taberer and the filly's emphatic win was a fitting tribute to her breeder.
The 2010 Equus Champion Sprinter, trained by Dennis Drier in KwaZulu-Natal will now hopefully take on the boys in the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship(1000m) at Kenilworth on the 21st of January.
Val De Ra flew out the gates straight into a raging Southeaster headwind. Looking for cover, Forbes was content to settle the filly on the rails behind Varushka, while Covenant and State Blue raced midfield.
Coming to the 400m Forbes eased his tight hold on the reins and Val De Ra drew clear of the field under a hands and heels ride. The result was never in dispute and the filly was well clear by two and easing down as she crossed the line.
A fierce battle for second ensued between Covenant up the middle of the track and State Blue, who came flying up the outside. On the line State Blue won the battle by half a length from Covenant with Lake Drawsko a further 2.5L back in fourth.
Drier paid tribute to his classy filly, commented that the filly is incredibly laidback and very easy to train, but adding that he has never been so nervous in his life.
“Well done to Val De Ra. We will see what happens tomorrow before we make plans, but the Cape Flying Championship has always been her main aim” he said.
“She is absolutely brilliant. She is coming off a six month layoff and credit must go to Drier for getting her spot on. She did it easily, she was marvellous” added Forbes.
For Avontuur's general manager, Pippa Mickleburgh, who nursed the filly through a life threatening bout of peritonitis, it was almost too much to watch.
“It is unbelievable that she survived never mind returned to racing. To see her win like this is just incredible. I don't know what to say.”
Val De Ra, by Var out of the Elliodor mare Minelli, recorded her 10th win from 11 starts in a time of 58.72 seconds for owners Avontuur Estate (Pty) Ltd.
