Betway Summer Cup (Group 1)

ATTICUS Finch sprang a 20/1 shock in South Africa’s richest Grade 1, the 10-furlong Betway Summer Cup, at Turffontein last Saturday.

Ironically, the son of Master Of My Fate had started joint favourite in last year’s race, only to suffer severe interference at a crucial stage and finish halfway down the field.

“I was super-confident last year, but we were unlucky in the race,’ recalled rider Calvin Habib. “However, I always believed in the horse and this time I made my move early.”

The five-year-old, bred by the successful Varsfontein Stud, is trained by the legendary Alec Laird, who bought him privately for only R150,000 (€7,900) after he failed to sell at the National Yearling Sale, and said: “This win has come at a great time for me, because things have been a bit slow. It’s not just me, though. It’s a team effort, with the head groom and everyone else at home – and it’s great to do it for the guys (a partnership of four), who support me so well.”

Oisin on TV

Oisin Murphy, riding in South Africa for the first time, made a big impression – in a TV interview as well as with his riding - even though second (on Fiery Pegasus in the Betway Fillies Mile) was as close as he could get. He hinted that he might return for the Met in Cape Town at the end of next month.

Quid Pro Quo, last season’s champion two-year-old filly, gained even further kudos, when outclassing her male rivals in the Betway Dingaans.

After the daughter of Lance (by Jet Master) had led well over a furlong out, coming away to win easily under veteran Piere Strydom, trainer Barend Botes declared: “She is amazing, an unbelievable animal.”

IN one of the few occasions since the arrival of democracy 30 years ago, South African racing looks set to benefit from having a genuine enthusiast in government.

John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance and Minister of Agriculture in the present coalition, nailed his colours to the racing mast at Turffontein.

“I have been a racing man for many, many years – mainly because I am from Durban,” he said. “And now that we have the reopening of sales into Europe, we can see a large opportunity for growth and jobs in this sector.”

THE long-running dispute between trainer Tony Peter and the National Horseracing Authority is in danger of setting a world endurance record.

It began just over a year ago, when the NHA ordered the withdrawal of most of Peter’s runners on Summer Cup day. The ruling body followed up by publishing a list of damaging allegations against the trainer and some of his relations.

These charges were to be the subject of an inquiry in January but, before it could take place, Peter’s lawyers served a R70 million summons on the NHA.

I spoke to both sides last week and, while they were insistent that I must not quote them, they each said they expected that nothing would be decided until late next year!

MATTHEW de Kock, son of the legendary Mike, has decided to return to South Africa after four years training in Australia. It is a move that has surprised many, but de Kock jnr intends to be reunited with his father’s training operation.