David Thiselton

THERE was a gulf between the respective purchase prices of the Mike de Kock-trained Malmoos and the Paul Matchett-trained War Of Athena but their now closely related careers provide a fine opportunity to highlight what the oft misused racing term “value” really means. 

Both horses have just one 2450m hurdle between them and respective WSB Triple Crown and Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara glory after being given superb respective rides by Luke Ferraris and Muzi Yeni on Saturday in the Grade 1 WSB SA Classic and Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic.

Ferraris is fast gaining a reputation for his ice cool big race temperament and Yeni displayed his understanding of pace when playing his part in the successful implementation of War Of Athena’s pre-race strategy.  

It is well documented that War Of Athena cost just R30,000.  

The only filly that now stands between her and the Equus Champion Three-year-old filly crown is Cape stalwart Captain’s Ransom.

War Of Athena’s pedigree runs deep too so she is already commanding big paddock value. 

However, she still has some way to go to match the value which Malmoos’ third dam Secret Pact represented. 

Varsfontein Stud broke a South Africa record price for a broodmare when they went to R750,000 to secure Secret Pact at a dispersal sale in 1998.

They had shortlisted her from the Cheveley Stud draught at the 1992 Yearling Sales but held back as they were not convinced by Bush Telegraph as a sire and had questions about the family. 

However, her full-brother London News then set the tracks alight and their determination to not make the same mistake twice was behind the record price of 1998.

Secret Pact was destined to become one of the leading matriarchs in the South African stud book and that R750,000 now looks like small change.  

Varsfontein will reap the rewards of her influence for years to come. This was evident when Malmoos fetched R4,4 million at the 2019 National Yearling Sales and even that price can now be described as good value considering his racing class and his blue-blooded pedigree.   

He is a son of Champion Sire Captain Al and his stakes-winning dam Justthewayyouare is a half-sister to the successful stallion Master Of My Fate. 

Justthewayyouare and Master Of My Fate are the progeny of Secret Pact’s dual Grade 1-winning champion daughter Promisefrommyheart. 

Another of Secret Pact’s Grade 1-winning daughters, Covenant, is dam of the current three-year-old Erik The Red, who has already been retired to stud as a superb looking winner of six races in ten starts, including two Grade 2s and a Grade 3.

Another of her stakes-winning daughters, Secret Heart, produced the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf winner and sire Pluck.

Other bold black type descendants of Secret Pact include Captain Splendid, Ghaala, Due Diligence, Favorita, Hashtagyolo, Hack Green and the USA-bred Three Hearts.

Malmoos unfortunately faces an uncertain future with the recent announcement that his owner Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum will disband the Thoroughbred holdings of Shadwell Stud Australasia and sell off his star horses in Australia and South Africa over the next few months.  

The classy colt will surely still be with De Kock for his WSB Triple Crown bid in the Grade 1 WSB SA Derby on April 3.

However, the question is whether he will still be here for the SA Champions Season as he had Vodacom Durban July candidate stamped all over him in the manner of his victory on Saturday. 

Malmoos has fine gatespeed so from draw six out of ten was going to require some luck, considering the handy to front-running pair Shah Akbar and Bingwa were in the field.  

And so it proved because after initially being caught wide of Binga, who had waited for Shah Akbar to slot into the lead in front of him, Malmoos was provided with fortuitous cover by Dr Doolittle, who on the back of slow initial fractions pulled his way around the favourite into a position one wide and one back. 

In the straight Ferraris soon realised Dr Doolittle was going nowhere so switched Malmoos out at the 600m mark. He did so in the nick of time as he otherwise risked being boxed in by Catch Twentytwo. Gavin Lerena aboard the latter had also summed up the situation and had switched off Malmoos’s heels a split second earlier.

Meanwhile, Second Base was bursting through towards the inside.

Ferraris knew he had a lot of horse underneath him and let out just enough rein to join Second Base.

He remained cool until the 150m mark before drawing the stick. 

Malmoos then accelerated away to win by a cosy two lengths.

Runner up Second Base can also be pencilled in as a July candidate. 

Catch Twentytwo was beaten only 2,25 lengths but could not match the turn of foot of the first two and was only making inroads in the final 100m, so it is questionable whether he will enjoy Hollywoodbets Greyville.

The big Judpot colt Flying Carpet, a 2,75 length fourth, was eyecatching in looks and performance. Raymond Danielson had some difficulty in reining him back into last position and yet he still ran on exceptionally well in the straight.

Fifth-placed Bold Jazz also stayed on well.

War Of Athena’s connections, in planning their strategy, had a number of known factors in their favour, i.e. she was proven better than the field, she relaxes well in the running and she has a tremendous turn of foot. There was only one unknown factor, the 1800m distance. On pedigree she should easily stay that trip but they had no need to risk finding out and thus nullified the stamina question mark by setting relatively slow fractions in front with War Of Athena’s pacemaker Only The Brave. 

The small Act Of War filly used her turn of foot to maximum effect and won easing up by 1,80 lengths from the outsider Netta with Magical Flight a further 2,45 lengths back in third.  

Andrew Harrison

PUNTERS looking to cut down on expenses at Hollywoodbets Greyville today could have a couple of decent opportunities to ease the pressure on their wallets.

Jacob’s Ladder in the third can get the Pick 6 off to a winning start and Myhopesandreams in the seventh may face a more difficult task but should make a fist of it.

Louis Goosen’s runner Jacob’s Ladder steps up in trip but has shown up well in two starts over a mile and he has been ten furlongs before. His pedigree suggests that he should stay the 2400m trip comfortably and rates the one to beat.

The opposition is a little thin but A Thousand Tunes and Do Re Mi, who made sudden improvement last time out, look possible threats.

Justin Snaith will be warming some runners up for the Highveld season that bleeds into South Africa’s Champion Season that officially starts on May 1.

Crown Towers will be warming up for a possible crack at the Champions Cup at the end of April and stable rider Richard Fourie has made the trip up from the Cape to give him a feeler in the fifth where he races over a trip that could be a touch short of his best. However, he is a strong front-runner and one hopes that the opposition will not be caught napping.

In the seventh, Myhopesandreams arrives with smart Cape form and goes well this trip and should make a bold bid. Shane Humby has his runners in a good space at present and Letaba tries a little further. He has smart form over shorter but goes very well over this trip and rates a strong chance. African Sunrise has been costly to follow but has been knocking at the door for some time now and is due a change of fortune. He had a tough draw last time out. Of the others, Banzai Pipeline takes a big drop in trip but shed his maiden over this distance and can be more effective here.

In the card opener, Austen has made steady improvement and was close-up second last time out. She has been around the turn and looks to be the one to beat. Moobheera comes out of a Sean Tarry dispersal and has her first run for Paul and Beth Gadsby. She found market support on debut at The Vaal and with Richard Fourie in town she is one to watch.

Soller has shown up nicely in two starts over further. She can do better over this shorter trip while Capriana has drawn wide but has shown some promise and can finish in the money.

In the second, Humby’s filly Star Act won well second time out and looks capable of further improvement but she does take on some seasoned opposition that includes Arianos Spinner who has shown consistent form on the poly but is distance suited and has a good draw. Matadoras Parade has been dropping in the ratings and can feature prominently.

The fifth is a tricky handicap. Mystic Master was a beaten favourite at his last two but was not far back. He has drawn well and should make a bold bid. Predator has drawn in Marriott Road and has it all to do from that draw but he has been in good form on the poly and must have a strong chance. Casimero has put in two sharp sprints and steps up in trip but his pedigree suggests that he should see this out comfortably. Protea Pride gets the services of Fourie and made good improvement at long odds last start for Corrine Bestel. From the best of the draw he can make further improvement.

The fifth is another competitive handicap but Priceless Ruler is well in here and although he has the widest draw, there are only seven runners. This is his optimum trip. Trip To Africa’s last two wins have come on the poly but he goes well over this distance and is nicely weighted. The cheek pieces have been exchanged for blinkers. Sniper Shot is struggling for his next win but has not been far back of late and will have a change of luck sooner rather than later. Include in everything.  Crown Towers may well be looking to warm up for bigger fish but his class can see them into the money. Not one to be ignored.

The sixth is wide open and it may prove prudent to include as many as possible in exotic perms. Aquae Solis took the step up in class in her stride last run and only got a two-point rise in the handicap. She goes this trip for the first time but the extra should suit. Fire Power is way better than her last start and she stays this trip well. Mike de Kock has not raided KZN for some time so she should be worth watching in the betting.

The last is a difficult maiden with many runners in form. Camora has only missed a place once in five starts and given his pedigree this should be right up his alley. Drogarati should also enjoy the extra, his last two being sprints. This is his third run after a break. My Lord And Master showed up well in a warm-up sprint after retuning from a break while Final Destiny shows some promise and should also benefit from a step up in trip.

David Thiselton

TURFFONTEIN STANDSIDE hosts the second leg of the WSB SA Triple Crown and Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara tomorrow and all eyes will be on Malmoos and War Of Athena, the two horses who are still eligible for those two prizes respectively.

Second Base, an impressive, long-striding gelding by Gimmethegrenlight, stayed on for fourth in the WSB Gauteng Guineas and from a good draw is selected to win the Grade 1 WSB SA Classic over an ideal course and distance. 

Malmoos is a worthy favourite but the question is whether the tricky draw of seven will work against this handy type. If he does get cover he is the one to beat as he has a resolute finish and a lot of heart.

Copper Mountain gave a lot of cheek to Malmoos for a long time in the straight of the WSB Gauteng Guineas and will enjoy this trip -on pedigree.

Catch Twentytwo ran on strongly in the WSB Gauteng Guineas but does take quite a keen hold early and is drawn nine so those two factors combined are a concern. 

Bingwa was swamped in the WSB Gauteng Guineas but then stayed on as well as the four in front of him which makes him interesting from a plum draw of two over this step up in trip. 

Flying Carpet, if ridden more conservatively than last time, should stay on well and is a dark horse. 

Al Muthana will relish this course and distance as he takes an age to get going in the straight, so he is another possible surprise package.

Bold Jazz stays on steadily over shorter and on pedigree should relish this trip. 

Dr Doolittle can’t be ignored either as a typically progressive son of Ideal World who has easily won two open handicaps carrying topweight.

Kingsley’s Heart will enjoy this trip on pedigree but has not struck as being up to this class.

Shah Akbar has become disappointing and can’t be fancied.

They are selected in the order mentioned.

War Of Athena will be the most popular banker on the day as she is proven top class and will enjoy the step up in trip on pedigree. She has overcome tricky draws like this one before.  

Sparkling Water is unexposed and might turn out to be capable of giving War Of Athena a race. She is a big and classy daughter of Silvano out of the classy British-bred Dansili mare Espumanti and she should relish this course and distance.  

Miss Elegance stayed on strongly for third in the WSB Gauteng Fillies Guineas and this improving sort will also relish this trip on pedigree. 

In the Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes ExpressfromtheUS was not tuned up for his last start and can use his fine turn foot to good effect from a tricky draw. MK’S Pride is improving all the time and will be staying on strongly over his optimum trip. Lady Of Steel is full of class and bounced back last time so will be a threat over her optimum trip from draw three. Whorly Whorly has developed into a useful sort and he is also distance suited. Marygold has a lot of class and could pose a threat too. Cirillo won this race easily last year and drops in class, so must be included too.  

Andrew Harrison

THERE is something most satisfying when you watch a race with old campaigners giving it their all. They may not be top of the pile but they have earned their battle honours and those passionate about the sport and not desperate about the pay-outs appreciated their efforts.

Not the bing-bam-bang never to be seen again, Wayward (7yrs), Di Mazzio (7yrs) and Coldhardcash (5yrs), punctuated only by the lightly weighted Herecomestherain (3yrs), fought out a desperate finish to the second at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday with Wayward getting home two short-heads ahead of his rivals.

Ashburton-based trainer Shane Humby is not a ‘bing-bam-bang’ trainer but he gets the best out of what’s he’s got, even when it takes a little time.

Coldhardcash set a blistering early pace and in any lower rated handicap would have broken the hearts of his rivals, but Donovan Dillon and apprentice Kyle Strydom were always stalking the pace. Along with Herecomestherain, who came from near last, the pair took up arms inside the last furlong and in a desperate three-way tussle, with Dillon resorting to hands rather than the stick, Wayward edged them all out of it.

It was a Humby double in the fourth. With much of the expected opposition defecting for one or other reason, Command Control and Decorated looked the most likely pair to fight it out.

In short, it was no race. Command Control lived up to his name and strolled home to give Humby his second winner of the afternoon. Although it was an easy victory, eight lengths and gearing down, Humby was a little disappointed in that he would have liked a sterner test to see where his charge was placed in the handicap. This was only his sixth start and as a mature four-year-old there is scope for more.

The last developed into a two-way contest between Preferential and Diamonds And Pearls with the latter 2 kg better off at the weights and set to give the Humby stable a rare winning treble. But Diamonds And Pearls had the worst of the draw to contend with and that could well have been the difference between winning and losing in a tight race of this nature where a wide draw is almost equal to two points in the handicap.

Multiple Champion KZN trainer Dennis Drier always tries his luck in Cape Town during their season, whether he has the ammunition or not. This year was not one of his best but he his back in the saddle at Summerveld after the Cape sales. Local assistant Stuart Ferrie was on hand to saddle their ‘giant’ Spirit Of My Fate and, after trying to get the gelding to stay a little further, the “boss”, according to stable rider Sean Veale, said the shorter trip was the way to go. There is no substitute for experience in this sport!

David Thiselton

THE Grade 1 WSB SA Classic over 1800m has attracted a strong field of eleven and will serve as the latest round in the intriguing battle for supremacy among the three-year-old males.

Malmoos is the leading candidate on the Highveld in the race for Equus Champion three-year-old male as he is undefeated at home and in two out of province runs won the Grade 2 Concorde Stakes over 1600m and was unlucky when unplaced in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas.

On pedigree he should stay every inch of Saturday’s race over the tough Turffontein Standside track as he is a full-brother to Captain Splendid, whose two Grade 3 wins were in the East Cape Derby and the  Lonsdale Stirrup Cup, both over 2400m.

On running style he should also see it out as he ran handy in the WSB Gauteng Guineas and then emerged the victor of an eye to eye tussle in the straight with Copper Mountain and still had enough left to ensure the closing Catch Twentytwo could not catch him.

He excellent gatespeed helped him from pole position in the WSB Gauteng Guineas but possibly worked against him in the Cape Guineas from a wide draw as he ended up being caught outside of the frontrunning type Seeking The Stars. He will thus need some luck from a tricky draw of seven here and will hope the two known pacemakers Shah Akbar and Bingwa run alongside each other or a gap opens for him to slot in.     

Catch Twentytwo was staying on strongly for second in the WSB Gauteng Guineas and did not have as good a passage as Malmoos despite being drawn two so did well to finish just a quarter-of-a-length back. He is out of Argonaut one-time-winning sprinter Ignition Lady and is a half-brother to Fly Away who holds the course record for 1000m at The Vaal. However, he is by stamina influence Elusive Fort which gives him hope of staying the trip. He took a while to get going in the straight in the WSB Gauteng Guineas which suggested he was looking for 1800m but on the other hand he takes quite a keen hold early on and is drawn out in barrier position nine.

His stablemate Dr Doolittle is drawn widest of all. He should be up to this class as a typically progressive son of Ideal World’s who has twice carried topweight to victory in open handicaps over this trip, which is no mean feat for a three-year-old. He is one of three horses in this field who look suited to 1800m but were not suited by the muddling pace of the Grade 3 Sea Cottage over this trip. The other pair are the long-striding Al Muthana, who takes an age to get going in the straight, and Bold Jazz, who stays on steadily over shorter. Both of the latter have enough stamina on pedigree and could be outside contenders if they get a better pace.  

Copper Mountain stayed beside Malmoos doggedly for a long time in the straight in the WSB Gauteng Guineas and was being eased at the line so could have got closer than his 1,40 length third. On pedigree, being by Noble Tune out of a Fort Wood mare whose only win was over 2000m he should enjoy this trip and he has a fair draw of five although Raymond Danielson does not retain the ride. Callan Murray replaces him and Danielson is aboard Flying Carpet.

Copper Mountain’s stablemate Second Base, fourth in the WSB Gauteng Guines, has been at his impressive best over this trip and this progressive, big-actioned horse will have a fine chance from a good draw of four.

Flying Carpet is unfortunately drawn wide as he could have represented good value. He is way better than his last start, his first attempt at this trip, when caught wide and then being rushed around the field. He not surprisingly faded and this progressive horse could still be a surprise package if Danielson, who is no stranger to Grade 1 success, is able to get him covered up quickly. On pedigree he should relish this trip being by stamina influence Judpot out of a Kabool mare whose two wins were from 1950m to 2000m.     

Bingwa has some class but was exactly 2,50 lengths back in both the WSB Dingaans and WSB Gauteng Guineas which suggests he is held. One case that can be made for him is that having set the pace in the WSB Gauteng Guineas and being swamped he then proceeded to stay on as well as any of the four in front of him so he might be looking for this trip. He is by Pathfork and his dam by Century Stand won from 1200m to 1600m but there is some stamina further down the pedigree.

Shah Akbar has become disappointing after an easy win over the useful Nartje over this trip and will have to bounce back from two below par runs.

Kingsley’s Heart should enjoy the step up in trip on pedigree but he has not convinced he is this class.

MALMOOS and War Of Athena will be looking to keep their respective challenges for the WSB SA Triple Crown and the Wigerbosdrift Triple Tiara alive at Turffontein on Saturday.

Mike de Kock-trained Malmoos won the Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas last month and will line-up in the Grade 1 World Sports Betting SA Classic over 1800m, the second leg of the Triple Crown, on Saturday. 

By the same token, Paul Matchett-trained War Of Athena will be looking to stamp her authority on the Triple Tiara with a victory in the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic, also over 1800m.  

Malmoos, however, will be lining up against Catch Twentytwo, the runner he beat by a neck in the Gauteng Guineas. 

The same is not true for War Of Athena who will not have to contend with arch-rival Anything Goes, as Stuart Pettigrew’s charge did not stand her ground at final acceptance stage.  

Luke Ferraris is back aboard Malmoos and Muzi Yeni renews his relationship with War Of Athena. 

WORLD SPORTS BETTING SA CLASSIC (Grade 1) R750,000 1800m
1 – 7 MALMOOS (M F De Kock) L J Ferraris 60.0 – 117
2 – 9 CATCH TWENTYTWO (P A Peter) G Lerena 60.0 – 116
3 – 5 COPPER MOUNTAIN (J J van Vuuren) C Murray 60.0 – 113
4 – 4 SECOND BASE (J J van Vuuren) C Maujean 60.0 – 112
5 – 2 BINGWA (D Sham) P Strydom 60.0 – 109
6 – 11 DR DOOLITTLE (P A Peter) W Kennedy 60.0 – 105
7 – 10 FLYING CARPET (S G Tarry) R Danielson 60.0 – 101
8 – 3 KINGSLEY’S HEART (W H Marwing) W Marwing 60.0 – 101
9 – 8 SHAH AKBAR (S G Tarry) L Hewitson 60.0 – 97
10 – 1 AL MUTHANA (M F De Kock) C Zackey 60.0 – 96
11 – 6 BOLD JAZZ (P F Matchett) M Yeni 60.0 – 91
Same Trainer: (1,10) (2,6) (3,4) (7,9) 

WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (Grade 1) R700,000 over 1800m
1 – 6 WAR OF ATHENA (P F Matchett) M Yeni 60.0 – 122
2 – 5 GEE FOR GO (P F Matchett) S Khumalo 60.0 – 106
3 – 4 MISS ELEGANCE (M N Houdalakis) P Strydom 60.0 – 106
4 – 7 CARALLUMA (S G Tarry) L Hewitson 60.0 – 101
5 – 3 MAGICAL FLIGHT (S G Tarry) L J Ferraris 60.0 – 92
6 – 2 SPARKLING WATER (M F De Kock) C Zackey 60.0 – 92
7 – 1 ONLY THE BRAVE (P F Matchett) K Matsunyane 60.0 – 88
8 – 8 NETTA (P A Peter) W Kennedy 60.0 – 87
Same Trainer: (1,2,7) (4,5) 

Andrew Harrison

IT could be a case of horses-for-courses in the OPEN A tabGOLD Account Handicap that heads up this afternoon’s poly card at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Duncan Howells has always rated Coldhardcash as top class but his career has been limited by breathing problems. That has not stopped him from racking up six victories and the gelding has always been game in spite of his impediment. He is back over his favourite course and distance.

Coldhardcash was never in the hunt under 62kg on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville grass last time out, possibly the toughest 1000m in the country, and prior to that the extra furlong on the poly found him out the last bit.

He has a plum draw here and although this is a handicap there is little separating the first six in the weights with only Herecomestherain recieving any significant benefit from a light weight.

Di Mazzio is another old soldier and he too is back on his preferred surface. He has been dropping in the handicap and with accomplished apprentice Kyle Strydom claiming he must have a decent chance.

Kayson is ante-post favourite at around 17-10 and deserves his place at the top of the boards. He has been rested but is smart and could well prove too good quick for his older rivals.

The card opener is a tricky juvenile affair with young horses making big improvement as they gain in experience and maturity. Danse Milord has the widest draw but is quick and looks the part on current form. Route Sixty Six is the current ante-post favourite and although a distant fourth on debut she was short in the market. Judged on the betting she is expected to have come on from that. Bingin Beach made a promising debut and on to watch on the betting.  While Miss Quince is the shortest priced of the debutants.

In the third, East Coast Star has been costly to follow but she may be worth another chance given that she’s back on the poly where she has run her two best races. Peter Muscutt has also declared cheek pieces and a tongue-tie in what could be the last throw of the dice. Umkhomazi just needed her last run and should come on lengths from that effort while My Big Vision showed some improvement with blinkers last time out and can feature again.

The fourth looks fairly open as do the balance of the races on the card. Broadway made a promising debut from a wide draw and the extra should suit. He is a smashing looker and can make the required improvement to win here. Decorated has had two starts over shorter and should much prefer this trip. Command Control comes from an in-form stable. He is lightly raced and can still improve.

The fifth is a difficult affair where Theravada and Bernie’s Dream are vying for favouritism.

Theravada goes well on the poly and is overdue a win while Bernie’s Dream has been showing steady improvement in blinkers and should be right there again.  Knights Warrior is the rank outsider in the field but he has been up against stronger at recent outings and 20-1 about his chances may be worth a small each-way wager.

Winter Waves and Fly The Coup are lightly raced and look to have some scope. Winter Waves has made steady progress to shed his maiden and that form has since been franked. Fly The Coup won well enough on debut to suggest that he can take this small step up in class. Majorca Palace and Gentleman’s Way may be worth including in larger exotic perms.

Vivid Jet takes to the poly for the first time and has drawn wide but she came from well off the pace to win first time out after a break. Mark Dixon’s filly looks to be more than useful.

The two older fillies Wizz Of Odds and Georgina Rose are never too far back but a bigger threat could be Stella Act. She was never headed when winning over the Scottsville 1200m last time out and that bodes well for a similar effort this afternoon.

The last could develop into a two-way contest between Preferential and Diamonds And Pearls. They renew rivalry with the latter 2 kg better off at the weights but does have the worst of the draw to contend with. These two look the pick but the betting suggests a difficult fillies handicap. Marsanne steps up in trip and has a smart turn of foot. If the pace suits she will be dangerous while Silva Magic, Vihaan’s Pie and weak ante-post favourite Invisible are all in the shake-up.

Andrew Harrison

TRISTAN MUSTARD, grandson of July winning jockey Leslie who scored on Lightning Shot for Dessie Rich, has taken up a job as groom come workrider for top UK jumps trainer Nicky Henderson.

Mustard has already made a name for himself as a fearless rider, partnering some of the yards more difficult inmates in work. He used to ride Mot A Mot at work but said; “I don’t ride Mot A Mot any more. He’s a quiet ride with a lovely temperament.”

 Mot A Mot made headlines after winning at Chepstow last week when jockey James Bowen produced one of the rides of the season according to the television pundits.

Moments after the start in the Pertemps MPS Maiden Open National Hunt Flat Race, his rein broke. The 18-year-old looked down at the tack problem, which seemed to encourage the 9-2 shot to go faster and take the lead.

Bowen adjusted his balance aboard the grey, firstly to keep the partnership intact, but he then had to deal with the horse veering to his right on the bend.

“There seems to be some sort of issue with the leader who is hanging badly around the turn,” said the commentator.

With just one hand steering the horse, at a top speed of more than 40 kmph, he managed to guide him towards the rail.

Fortunately, the pair were able to navigate the final bend in a straighter fashion, but the drama wasn’t over.

Bowen looked behind him to see where their rivals were and nearly collided with the ‘wings’ that bordered the course.

Mustard was a pleased as punch groom in the winner’s circle.

Watch the race on youtube.