David Thiselton
See It Again proved himself the best middle distance horse in the land on Saturday at Turffontein Standside when adding the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge to his Gr 1 WSB Met victory.
Justin Snaith, who was holidaying in Mauritius, was elated on Saturday night on the island as he also won the Gr 1 TAB Empress Club Stakes with the best older female in the land, Double Grand Slam.
Snaith said, “See It Again was always travelling like the winner, he never really looked in danger and didn’t give us any anxious moments as he was perfectly handled by Craig Zackey. He cruised into the race with plenty in hand and, when asked, asserted himself decisively over his stablemate Okavango.
This victory is the culmination of three months of meticulous planning, and finally conquering the altitude is incredibly satisfying. It’s been a long-standing challenge for us, one we’ve worked at through years of trial and error, so to see it all come together like this is immensely rewarding.
Thanks to 4Racing and in particular, Joe Soma for being so accommodating.”
The Snaith participants on the day stayed at Joe Soma’s yard upon arriving at Turffontein on Friday morning after traveling up from their Summerveld base.
Snaith continued, “I watched the race with my brother and family in Mauritius, and it was a moment of real pride and joy. More than anything, it’s a testament to the team behind the horse. Nick Jonsson’s support has been unwavering – his loyalty and passion for the game are second to none, and success like this is thoroughly deserved. He’s not just an owner, but a true friend.
A huge effort from the team on course – Gokhan Terzi and Jenna Le Roux had everything spot on, with valuable support from Frank Robinson, who brought his experience from Summerveld. Andrew Fortune was also instrumental behind the scenes, always willing to lend a hand – even down to feeding the horses when he wasn’t in the saddle. There are many others who played their part – thank you!
And, as always, credit to Drakenstein Stud – phenomenal breeders year in and year out. Their horses are tough, resilient, and full of class.
I hope the punters capitalised on the day!
Both See it Again and Okavango will be aimed at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.”
See It Again’s task was made easier on Saturday by the scratching of the three-year-old pair Grand Empire and Trust, which is somewhat ironic because they were officially 10kg and 9,5kg under sufferance respectively according to their lowly merit ratings of 111 and 110, the ratings they ended up on after a merit rating appeal adjusted them down from the 120 and 119 merit ratings given to them by the professional handicappers after they had finished one-two in the Gr 1 SA Classic. The bookmakers seemed to agree with the professional handicappers as they had Grand Empire and Trust as joint second favourites for the Champions Challenge before their scratchings.
It seems Grand Empire and Trust’s merit ratings will both be protected for the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July. See It Again will thus have an ultra tough task in the July. As things stand he will have to give both Grand Empire and Trust, as well as the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdift Gauteng Guineas winner and SA Classic third-placed Splittheeights, 10kg apiece.
Justin Snaith said about Double Grand Slam, “There’s not much more I can ask of Double Grand Slam – she’s the standout filly of her generation and continues to prove it every time she steps onto the track. She’s been an absolute joy to train, and on the strength of today’s sensational performance, she’s far from finished on the racetrack.
Craig Zackey gave her a superb ride. The instructions were simple: sit on her for as long as possible, and he executed it perfectly. He barely moved a muscle, and when he finally asked, she showed an incredible turn of foot, quickening through the gears to win with authority and plenty in hand. She displayed her sheer brilliance.
It’s a privilege to train for owners like Gaynor Rupert, Gary Player and Dave Maclean. They never apply pressure and handle defeat with as much grace as they celebrate success – that’s the mark of true racing people.
A huge thank you to the entire team – Jenna Le Roux, Gokhan Terzi, Frank Robinson, Andrew Fortune, Robbie Miller, and many others behind the scenes. This result is the product of months of planning and collective effort. New Turf Carriers get our horses to their races swiftly and safely.
We were also very well looked after by 4Racing and Joe Soma – their hospitality was outstanding, and we are extremely grateful.
Hopefully punters were able to capitalise on the double, and we appreciate the continued support on the Highveld.
Congratulations to Varsfontein Stud on breeding yet another Gr1 champion.
Looking ahead, Double Grand Slam will target the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint and the Gr1 Garden Province. There’s unfinished business in the sprint after her luckless run last year, and and we’re eager to set the record straight.”
Snaith was full of praise for groom Sokhe Mwelase, who is known to the yard as “Isaac”.
He said, “Isaac is the trusted handler behind both Double Grand Slam and See It Again. He spends more time with them than anyone else, and his natural feel, patience, and understanding of horses make him truly exceptional at what he does.”
