Deputy Jud scoops up Supreme Cup
JP van der Merwe running a double winning the main and feature race at Vaal Sand.
RUNNING clear from the field, Deputy Jud, came in storming to win the R1-million Supreme Cup sponsored by SAP over 1 450m on the sand track at the Vaal Racecourse on Saturday, September 26.
It was befitting to welcome on-board the enterprise software company, SAP, as a sponsor of South African horse-racing. The Supreme Cup boasted a festive atmosphere that included the first ever prawn festival at the Vaal Sand, live entertainment, a thrilling R20 000 grooms race and big screen Rugby World Cup action between the Springboks and Samoa.
Jockey JP van der Merwe had Deputy Jud clear off the rest of the field and denied a late charge from last year’s winner, Uncle Tommy.
Ultimate Dollar clung on for third position ahead of the favourite Toro Rosso, who used up energy in the heat to find a good position to attack from a wide draw. Solar Triptych was back in fifth place.
Trainer Mike Azzie was delighted for Deputy Jud, who started 6-1 joint second favourite with Mootahadee and Ultimate Dollar behind 4-1 shot Toro Rosso, who started from the widest draw.
Mike Azzie’s son and assistant, Adam, confirmed afterwards that the yard had deliberately kept Deputy Jud away from the sand in order to have him well weighted for the Supreme Cup, knowing that he was very good on this surface.
The Britehouse Supreme Fillies and Mares Stakes over 1 450m was won by Peep Show. Van der Merwe had let her off the leash too early but she ran on well to beat Run For Revelry by 2.30 lengths.
