Top class racing at Champions Day

Champions Day was recently held at Turffontein with some top class racing and entertainment, as the Intercontinental Village came to life with various countries, charities and media partners enjoying a family day at the races.

Sean Tarry had a fantastic consolation for Siren’s Call’s defeat in the Grade 1 R2 million SA Derby, as his unexposed gelding Legal Eagle, ridden by Anton Marcus, produced a strong finish to beat the Mike Azzie-trained Deputy Jud and the Tarry-trained Grade 1 SA Classic winner French Navy.

As a result of Legal Eagle’s victory, SOJO earned R45 000. SOJO partnered with Wits University radio station VoW FM.

Phumelela Gaming paid a total of R150 000 to all the participating charities on the day.

The Tarry-trained Siren’s Call, ridden by Piere Strydom from Alberton, was bidding to become the third filly in history to land the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara, but her chances were dented when she lost a shoe before the final leg of the R1 million Wilgerbosdrift South African Oaks over 2 450m.

She expended valuable energy by not co-operating with the farrier, so it was an indication of her class and courage that she still looked the winner going into the final 50m of the race. She had managed to produce her usual strong finish to pass the De Kock-trained and Delpech-ridden Pine Princess, only for the latter to fight back courageously and beat her on the line.