Apprentice Lyle Hewitson proved yesterday he can mix it with the best even on a level playing field when winning the Gr 3 World Sports Betting East Cape Derby over 2400m at Fairview aboard the Justin Snaith-trained Captain Al gelding Captain Splendid.

Hewitson dropped his mount out to last from a wide draw and had him perfectly relaxed behind a decent pace.

The Fred Crabbia-owned horse made steady progress up the inside rail to catch the favourite Welsh Emperor and win comfortably in the end.

Hewitson has been making record-breaking progress in the apprentice ranks.

However, this was an especially significant victory as he was not allowed to claim his usual 2,5kg.

It was Hewitson’s first Graded race success.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Lyle Hewitson (Nkosi Hlophe)