Anthony Delpech was one of the country’s great riders and his forced retirement through injury was not only personal but also a blow to his legion of followers.

Saturday, April 7, 2018 was the fateful career-ending day for Delpech. As he hunted a gap on the well-fancied Majestic Mambo in the SA Classic, his mount clipped heels dislodging Delpech who landed on his feet. It was a jackhammer-like landing that caused spinal compression that would eventually force the 49-year-old rider, still at the top of his game, to call time on his riding career.

The three-time South African Champion, whose record of 334 winners in a season is unlikely ever to be challenged let along broken, will be honoured by Gold Circle at Greyville on Sunday where fans will have the opportunity to have autographs signed.

But for a jockey who partnered some of South Africa’s equine greats, it is slim pickings where the Igugu Handicap, a lowly rated MR 81, is top of the menu.

It is an open affair but Lowan Denysschen’s gelding High Green has been knocking on the door for some time now and due a change of fortune. He goes well over course and distance and has a good draw to add to his appeal.

The Duncan Howells-trained Legend was hopelessly out at the weights in a conditions race contested by a smart field of three-year-olds last time out. Prior to that he was a fast-finishing third when coming from a long way back and from a better draw he should be a big runner.

Of the balance, Collabro, touched of last run, goes well on the poly and the extra will suit while Saltoro Ridge may find this mountain too high but has shown his best current form over course and distance.

In the card opener, Cosmic Cutter is the best rated and shows some promise. He was a close-up second when tried in blinkers for the first time and should make a bold bid. Winter Twilight, demoted from second when making his poly debut, is a possible threat.

One always needs to take cognisance of Highveld raiders and Clinton Binda saddles Sugoi in the second. He has useful Highveld form over the trip and although he makes his poly debut, he should have a big chance. Bravo Zulu goes well over course and distance and has a light weight while Spring Breeze takes on males but was a beaten favourite last run. She now tries a tongue-tie and drops in trip and rating. 

The opening leg of the Pick 6 is a wide open affair but Boeing City goes well over course and distance and with a 4kg claimer up should be right there. Bonnie Dawn was running on well behind Making Waves over course and distance last time out and is now 1kg better off and can turn the tables.

Dancing Princess and Elusive Diva will be popular choices in the fourth but a lively outsider is Misty Heath who has shown some recent improvement and from a good draw can feature prominently.

Stuart Pettigrew and Diego De Gouveia have gelled into a formidable combination and they team up with Oona in the fifth. She does take on males but has improved in blinkers and was narrowly beaten on this course last time out. Daredevil Aviator and Solsbury Hill are others to consider.

In the seventh, Pettigrew and De Gouveia team up with Zulu Dawn who is way better than her last run and goes very well over this trip. Adorable Analia and Forehand look the biggest dangers.

The last is another tricky affair but Gareth van Zyl is in good form and Second To None took on stronger at her last start. She has also shown up well in two outings since her maiden win and can still improve. Jo Mambo has improved steadily since arriving in her new stable and Louis Goosen’s mare looks primed for this race.

By Andrew Harrison