VODACOM DURBAN JULY - Second consecutive race review in Vodacom Durban July as POWER KING powers home

There was another drama filled end to the Vodacom Durban July in two years. There was an almost a repeat of last year's incident which cost WYLIE HALL the race last year. This time the jockey of PUNTA ARENAS, Ian Sturgeon aboard PUNTA ARENAS, objected against the horse that finished ahead of him, POWER KING, with Stuart Randolph aboard. The incident happened close to the line and it took about twenty minutes for the stipendiary stewards to resolve the issue. The objection was overruled and the result stood.

HELDERBERG BLUE was the first to show, followed by DEPUTY JUD. The favourite, LEGAL EAGLE, was well placed in the early stages but was unable to find a way through in the home straight. The pace was a fair one.

At the 1600m mark DEPUTY JUD took over the lead from HELDERBERG BLUE with TAMAANEE in third. HELDERBERG BLUE slipped back into third. LEGAL EAGLE tracked them about four lengths behind the leader.

The field was very bunched from the middle to outside at the the 400m mark and this cost many of the runners a way through. The action was on the outside where the two Cape Town trainers, Dean Kannemeyer (POWER KING) and Stan Elley (PUNTA ARENAS) literally fought it out at close quarters over the last 200m. Both had run on very well with TELLINA running on very fast along with FUTURA, who was not disgraced in fourth. LEGAL EAGLE should not be written off and he will be back!

Trainer Dean Kannemeyer has had a fantastic KZN Winter Season and this win was the icing on the cake for what he has achieved thus far this season in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. One has to feel for Stan Elley, the veteran trainer, who will be retiring from training at the end of the season. His exploits over the years have been exceptional and he has been a wonderful advertisement to the Sport Of Kings.

This was jockey Stuart Randolph's biggest day as a jockey.

The four year old son of SILVANO has now won six from nineteen runs. The win boosted his earnings by just over R2 million to R2.8 million. The first three past the post were all sons of SILVANO and bred by Maine Chance Farms.

POWER KING 4 b G Sire: Silvano (GER) Dam: Northern Gale DamBy: Northern Guest (USA).

BRED BY: Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd.

OWNED BY: Khaya Stables (Pty) Ltd.