Search
where the horse is always the hero
Article Item  
Posted 2012-07-01 21:05:08  
Il Saggiatore beaten for first time in Mauritius

 

Touted as the best horse in Mauritius for some time and adored by the fanatical public, Il Saggiatore, started as the warm 1/5 favorite to make it back to back wins in seven days at Champ de Mars on Saturday.

The fairytale however was ended by the talented first time Mauritian starter, Ice Axe, the son of Western Winter, who won in a course record time.

The Ricky Maingard trained inmate was the second favorite and the talk around town was that he was well and the stable were excited about this prospects.

As the race developed over a distance of 1500m, 100m shorter than the Il Saggiatore victory last weekend, Ice Axe took a commanding lead around the bend leading into in the straight with the favourite some way back but running on like a freight train. Unfortunately, the extremely short straight at Champ de Mars is unforgiving to horses making a late run and the champion failed to collar the raising star on the line in a heads up heads down verdict.

There was no disgrace in defeat but it left the punters disappointed. Jockey Robbie Burke made it up in a small way by taking out the very next event.

The Prime Minister of the island made an appearance to present the Group 1 trophy to connections in what was a grand gesture by the no.1 citizen.

This Mauritian group 1 was an enthralling end to a week of festivities and celebration. 200 years have passed since the initial races at this famed track to place and long may the history of Mauritian racing carve its niche in the world of thoroughbred horse racing.

 

Rate: Views: 1060
Email link to a friend | Printable Version
Text Comments
Displaying 4 Results
Nirmal, India, (2009-04-11 16:03:37) (322 days ago)
Two top SA thoroughbreds fought it out at the CDM in a historic race..
san, Mauritius, (2010-07-31 23:33:37) (321 days ago)
Il Saggiatore is by far better than Ice Axe...People are praising Ice Axe so much but they aren't taking into consideration the fact that Il Saggiatore was carrying 5.5 kg more than Ice Axe, he was drawn 10 which is very detrimental to the chances of a horse carrying 61 kg while his opponent jumped from barrier 3 with only 55.5 kg, Ice Axe had a dream run on the fence while the Champion had a very tough race one-off and sometimes 2 or 3 wide, Il Saggiatore had to switch in the home straight for clear run from behind Ice Axe, he was running for the 2nd time in 7 days while Ice Axe was fresh and horses crossing the finish on the outside (in this case, Ice Axe) always have an advantage over those on the inside (Il Saggiatore). The only thing Ice Axe fans will eventually come out with is that the horse was at his first run in Mauritius and still managed to beat Il Saggiatore on the line...The next clash between these two horses at equal weight and over longer will be the story of the one and only, Il Saggiatore.
Kunal, Mauritius, (2012-07-02 17:33:26) (321 days ago)
Il Sag will bounce back !!!
Raymond K Smith, South Africa, (2009-02-27 14:49:52) (317 days ago)
So!!!!!! Watch Sage Throne in the JULY!!!!! Look at the form of....The July Winner!!
Add Comment
Post Comment
Latest News
Latest 10 news articles
8 hours ago
8 hours ago
17 hours ago
17 hours ago
19 hours ago
  • South Africa
    Displaying 10 ResultsSee All
    snaith proves the true master on derby day7 days ago
    (305 views)

    Trainer Justin Snaith enjoyed an amazing day at Fairview on Sunday as he saddled seven winners on th...

    View | Add Comment | 0 Comments
    flash drive, wheredowego take nursery honours at kenilworth2013-05-11
    (332 views)

    The juveniles took centre stage at Kenilworth on Saturday with the running of two Gr 3 Nursery event...

    View | Add Comment | 1 Comments
    derby day highlights fairview card2013-05-07
    (377 views)

    Fairview Racecourse takes centre stage this weekend with a double bill of racing in Port Elizabeth....

    View | Add Comment | 1 Comments
    no hanging about as readytogorightnow takes winter guineas2013-05-05
    (232 views)

    Readytogorightnow (AUS) has always looked capable of maturing into a feature race contender and he l...

    View | Add Comment | 0 Comments
    beach beauty all class in drill hall stakes2013-05-04
    (202 views)

    Beach Beauty (SAF) thrilled the Greyville crowd with a commanding victory in the Gr 2 Drill Hall Sta...

    View | Add Comment | 1 Comments
    festival of fire proves too hot in fillies guineas2013-05-04
    (219 views)

    Festival Of Fire (SAF) produced a powerful late burst to land the Gr 2 Korea Racing Association Fill...

    View | Add Comment | 0 Comments
    vercingetorix hits the big time in k r a guineas2013-05-04
    (327 views)

    Vercingetorix (SAF) handled a big step up in class with aplomb as he edged out hot favourite Capetow...

    View | Add Comment | 1 Comments
    beach beauty can kick off winter campaign with drill hall victory2013-05-03
    (191 views)

    The trip will be on the sharp side but Beach Beauty may still prove too good when she contests the G...

    View | Add Comment | 0 Comments
    izora could be the one in fillies guineas2013-05-03
    (179 views)

    The Gr 2 KRA Fillies Guineas, to be run over 1600m at Greyville on Saturday, has attracted a smart f...

    View | Add Comment | 0 Comments
    capetown noir the main attraction in k r a guineas2013-05-03
    (251 views)

    The Korea Racing Association Guineas (Gr 2) tops the bill at Greyville on Saturday and all eyes will...

    View | Add Comment | 0 Comments