The 2014 Vodacom Durban July (Gr 1), run over 2200m at Greyville on Saturday, ended in controversy as Wylie Hall (AUS) (all blue, nearest camera) edged out Legislate (SAF) (pink cap) in a desperately close finish, only to then have the placings reversed in the boardroom after an objection. Futura (SAF) flew up late for third ahead of Tellina (SAF).

As feared, there was no pace early on, a factor that quickly sealed the fate of several of the combatants. With nobody keen to make the running, Richard Fourie opted to take Legislate to the front, with Wylie Hall, Espumanti and Tellina in close attendance. Whiteline Fever was next best, racing ahead of Futura, Halve The Deficit and In The Fast Lane.

The field crawled along for a couple of furlongs, with several runners fighting for their heads and M J Byleveld eventually decided to take Wylie Hall to the head of affairs. Halve The Deficit was one of those to try and make an early move shortly before entering the straight, and most of the runners caught at the back of the field must have known their race was already over as they entered the straight.

Wylie Hall tried to steal a march as they turned for home and Legislate was the only one who was able to come out of the pack to challenge him. This pair drew clear to fight it out with Wylie Hall digging down desperately to repel everything Legislate could throw at him. Futura, meanwhile, added a late twist by flying up the inside but the post came too soon for him and Wylie Hall crossed the line with his nose in front of Legislate.

The stewards had a tough task on their hands in trying to decide on the objection as the two runners clearly came together during their duel. Whether there was sufficient contact to justify overturning the original result is another issue and one that will no doubt divide opinion for some time to come.

Ironically, despite the shambolic pace - or lack thereof - and the unfortunate manner in which Wylie Hall eventually lost the race, it's fair to say that the best horse in the race prevailed. Legislate always looked the one to beat over this course and distance, provided he could overcome a wide draw and the champion 3-year-old and Horse of the Year awards look a formality with this win under his belt. He really is a top-class racehorse and has emulated his brilliant father Dynasty by completing the classic treble of Cape Derby, KRA Guineas and Daily News 2000 before landing the July.

As for the manner in which the race panned out, the reality is that the majority of our big races now seem to be afflicted by what used to be known as the "Cape crawl" and there simply isn't a practical solution. It's worth noting that, in the end, the finish was fought out by the two jockeys who took the initiative and made the best that they could out of an unsatisfactory situation.

There was heartbreak for Wylie Hall and his connections but he ran a cracker in the circumstances, confirming his status as one of the more reliable Gr 1 performers around.

Futura caught the eye with his late rush and justified his inclusion in the field. Trainer Brett Crawford will be looking forward to his 4-year-old campaign as he entered the race as one of the least experienced runners in the field.

Tellina also emerged with plenty of credit. With a big weight and poor draw to contend with, the lack of pace was a death knell for a horse who like to run at them late and he stayed on really well in the circumstances.

3 b c Dynasty - Champers by Restructure (IRE)
Mr W J C Mitchell, Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) & Newbury Racing (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mr D E Evans)
Bred by Cheveley Stud
Winning trainer: Justin Snaith