IT was as deadly as potion when top-class trainer Geoff Woodruff’s Secret Potion, with jockey Gunter Wrogemann, took full honours in the 2018 South African Triple Tiara.
The Intercontinental Village day on May 5 at Turffontein racecourse saw the last leg of the Triple Tiara and the Premier’s Champions Challenge took place in front of the enthusiastic crowd of racegoers.
Secret Potion was well steered by jockey Wrogeman to break the hearts of Takingthepeace, owners and trainers over the lengthy 2 450m Wilgebosdrift SA Oaks Grade 2 R1-million stakes. Takingthepeace was destined to only become the third filly to win all three legs of the Triple Tiara, thus getting the boasting rights for this prestigious event.
Unfortunately, it seems the distance of 2 450m was taking its toll on Takingthepeace and jockey Callan Murray had to settle for far less this time around finishing a gallant 2.75 length in fourth place after her charge came undone over the last 200m.
But it was all smiles from the winning trainer, Woodruff, who waited 11 years for another SA Oaks title.
Woodruff and Wrogemann won in style with Secret Potion taking up the field to win by 1.20 lengths in a time of 154.52 seconds.
The Premier’s Champions Challenge Grade 1 R4-m over 2 000m produced another upset when Coral Fever snatched to win over favourites Legal Eagle and Nother Russia.
Before the race, jockey Muzi Yeni said that he needs this win and what a win it was for him on Coral Fever when they set up a perfect finish for trainer Robbie Sage.
Abashiri went head on head with Coral Fever and finished second at 0.25 lengths adrift under Corne Orffer.
Third was the raiding Cape mare Silvan Star for trainer Glen Kotzen and jockey Richard Fourie.
For more information about upcoming events go to www.itsarush.co.za
Also Read:
Giving back to the community at HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco Raceday
South African National Equestrian Schools Association National Office qualifiers
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.