Sun Classique dazzling as South Africa rises

World Cup night, United Arab Emirates – Was the day South Africa rose to stardom. A country distant from racing’s international hierarchy doused some big reputations with three glittering victories on the World stage and collected just under half of the total nights purse of $21million on offer.

While it was Curlin’s devastating act in the feature race of the World Cup meeting which dominated the headlines, it was local hero Mike De Kock that emerged the man of the moment. A one-two with Honour Devil and Royal Vintage in the UAE Derby, A third place with Archipenko in the Duty Free, victory with Sun Classique in the Sheema Classic and second with Asiatic Boy in the World Cup, has made him the second most successful trainer in Dubai History. Trainer Herman Brown’s brilliant training feat with Jay Peg in the Dubai Duty free is most certainly the highlight of his career and will have catapulted his reputation as one to be reckoned with on the International arena.

A day that will live long in the memory of all South Africans.

For us - Family and owners gathered to watch the spectacular days racing, and particularly race 6 on the star studded programme, where Sun Classique carried our hopes in the Sheema Classic.

Exemplifying masterful confidence, Kevin Shea burst clear of a talented field three furlongs out and for a brief moment Viva Pataca looked threatening but when the Sun gained momentum those thoughts were soon forgotten as she drew away to triumph by two lengths. Her winning time of 2.27.45 was just .05 seconds outside the track record.

Her assault in Dubai has turned heads from all corners of the world and she has now asserted herself amongst the very best grass Fillies in the world, infact she is officially ranked second best on the world rankings. A special word of commendation to trainer Mike De Kock who has taken her to such great heights, he has had her spot on for every race and we are tremendously proud of his achievements for our country. For owners Lionel and Caroline Cohen and Warne and Wendy Rippon, a plan of enormous magnitude has come together and words cannot express our happiness for you.

The normally cool and collected Lionel, held back tears in his interview as he dedicated this moment to his family and late father Colin and just five minutes after the race phoned Mike Bass to thank him for his role in this journey.

It must be said that he richly deserves this honour.

And so the journey shall continue, De Kock had mentioned a tilt at the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, but that plan could be side lined with the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket appearing to take priority.

De Kock said: "She's absolutely fine. We will probably take her to Sha Tin for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. She'll then spend the summer in the UK, with the rest of my string from Dubai, and we'll think about Royal Ascot, although that might be a big ask as we won't have much time."

Mike will pack his bags again next month, as he did last year, when he stables around 20 horses with Geoff Wragg at Newmarket. He did much the same with a smaller team last year, only this time he has a string to die for!

Cape Hero and Champion 3yo Jay Peg took center stage in possibly the ride of the night in the Dubai Duty Free. Anton Marcus set a scorching gallop up front but was soon challenged from all sides and looked a beaten Horse two furlongs out. Displaying his trademark relentless courage under an absolutely brilliant ride from Marcus, he found an extra gear to grind down and break the hearts of the worlds best milers. Despite a heart wrenching saddle slip in the closing stages, Marcus kept his cool and proved he is among the Worlds best. Previously trained by Basil Marcus in Cape Town, and part owned by brother Marcus it was a another great moment for the family. However the accolades this time should fall to trainer Herman Brown, A truly magnificent training achievement and one which he will  savor as his best. Often in the shadows of his more accomplished compatriot Mike De Kock, this fine accomplishment will have cemented his presence in Dubai and doors will open fast and furiously for him now.

Co Owners Marsh Shirtliff, Etienne Braun, Selwyn Marcus and Paul Loomes were quietly confident in their son of the now deceased Camden Parks ability, but at the bottom end of the betting boards at 50-1 they surly would not have expected him to romp home in the new course record of 1:46 20. Hearty congratulations to all the connections on a Historic victory. The five year old colt will now have his options wide open and a stallion probability must surly be high on the agenda.

The feast of racing was capped by Steve Asmussen's Curlin running out a thoroughly convincing winner by 7 and half lengths over De Kock's Asiatic Boy in the US$6million Dubai World Cup. In doing this the son of Smart Strike confirmed his status as the best horse on the planet and is now just 6-4 to defend his Breeders' Cup crown later in the year

One cannot digest the enormity the results of this night will impact on our local market. The timing is perfect with the countries National Yearling Sale taking place this weekend. Interest will boom and breeders, trainers and all players in our industry should benefit greatly. They will have realised that not only can we compete with the worlds best but we can beat them too! It took the likes of Mike De Kock and Herman Brown to attract the worlds attention to our abundance of talent, and now its time we all get stuck in and reap the rewards!!

Dunford Retires

It is a rare occurrence to find a Trainer’ allow themselves to get emotionally attached to their Horses. The nature of the game dictates this. But Dunford has been something special to us, not only for his brilliant achievements, but more so for his display of deafening courage he has leant to us through his 6 years of outstanding service to our yard. It is with great Sadness we bid farewell to our hero Dunford !