Emerald Cup: Tommy Gun wins Africa’s richest horseracing event on sand
Surprise win by Tommy Gun in Emerald Cup at Vaal Race course.
“IF you choose the right horses to run then you have won most of the race,” said Corne Spies after winning horse Tommy Gun was shooting down the straight to win Africa’s richest horse racing event on sand, The Emerald Cup.
Corne Spies trained Tommy Gun, who won the R1 million Grade 2 Emerald Cup, which was held in gusty weather conditions on Saturday September 27 at the the Vaal race course. The event started the 2014/2015 season in great fashion with a record crowd attending.
Fanie Chambers held Tommy Gun in good position from his starting position to storm down the straight and win by a clear margin to record a surprise win. He held off some early attempts by favourite Jet Jamboree, and which was recorded the best yet field for the Emerald Cup walked away with the honours.
“We are very proud of jockey, Sean Chambers, who was impressive on Tommy Gun,” said Spies. “We knew that he will come out and win big.”
Forgotten by all, Tommy Gun, with Chambers on his back, waited for the turn and shot clear at 400m to clock a time of 89,94 seconds for the 1 450m. The gelding started at 16 to 1.
The duo never looked like being caught and cruised in 3.0 lengths clear of Uncle Tommy, trained and ridden by the Marwing brothers Weiho and Weichong. The Hassen Adams-owned Kahal gelding had to be content with second.
Killua Castle ran an improved race and came down in the final 300m as he found reserves of stamina to rake in the third cheque.
Sean Tarry’s seven-year-old Across The Ice pipped a tired Jet Jamboree for fourth.
A great race was had by the horsing fraternity and entertainment was at the order of the day till late for the tenth running of the Emerald Cup.
Another highlight of the day was the annual grooms sprint, which saw a field of 40 participants take to the race track, competing for the R15 000 stake.
Phumelela’s Marketing Manager Michael Varney commented: “As Racing It’s A Rush we are pleased with the success and growth of the Emerald Cup. Today’s crowd and proceedings echoed our message wonderfully, racing isn’t just about gaming; a day at the races is part of a tangible lifestyle.”
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