HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY (Grade 1) – 
Open to all Horses – 2200m – R 5000 000

 ORIENTAL CHARM             

Trainer: Brett Crawford

Jockey: Juan Paul van der Merwe  

       

Winner: ORIENTAL CHARM Vercingetorix – Souk by Greys Inn (USA)

BRED BY: Cheveley Stud

OWNED: Messrs Greg Bortz & Leon Ellman & Ms Gina Goldsmith

CRAWFORD ‘CHARMS’ THEM ALL IN THRILLING JULY

ANDREW HARRISON

BRETT CRAWFORD recorded back-to-back wins in the R5 Million Hollywoodbets Durban July when three-year-old Oriental Charm made most of the running to record a famous victory in the 128th renewal of Africa’s greatest horse race. The colt is owned by Greg Bortz, Leon Ellman and Gina Goldsmith. Rider JP van der Merwe put it all on the line by taking his mount to the front shortly after the start and the colt held on gamely from outsider Cousin Casey with Royal Victory and Flag Man filling the minor placings. “It wasn’t easy,” said Van der Merwe post-race. “He does it aggressive,” he said of his mount. “He’s a bit of a boytjie and still a colt. He did it a bit hard and only settled at the 1800. He’s gutsy and a proper racehorse.” Crawford praised Van der Merwe. “JP’s ride was flawless.” Top weight See It Again was a touch unlucky after being involved in some scrimmaging around the 1400m mark and Piere Strydom was then forced to check off the heels of the winner who cut across his bows shortly before that line. Favourite Green With Envy had every chance and although running on stoutly he did not make up the ground fast enough and finish some two lengths off the winner. Oriental Charm enjoyed the exact same preparation for the race as stable companion Winchester Mansion last year, running second in the Gr2 WSB 1900 and following up with by winning the G3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial as Crawford plotted a meticulous passage into the big race. “He had the exact same preparation as Winchester

last year and it’s funny he had some of the exact same mannerisms as he refused to go into the box to saddle,” said James Crawford who together with his father prepared Oriental Charm on the Highveld at the Crawfords satellite yard at Randjesfontein. “It’s so great to have a second winner with my father,” concluded James. The race was enjoyed by a crowd of over 40 000 who were entertained by South African super group Mango Groove who also sang the National Anthem.