The almost legendary status of Alistair Gordon in the KZN training ranks is unquestioned. From training and mentoring fellow trainers, to a man known for his value purchases, he has come into some nice horses in the past, but always maintained that they find you rather than the other way around. With a limited budget, this is normally the case. After racing on Sunday, Gordon, who had a bad car accident a few years back and looking more towards retirement than the next big thing, may have found just the tonic to get him up in the morning.

Monks Hood, ridden by Mary Slack's stable jockey Anthony Delpech and trained by the Summerveld based trainer, proved too good in the GR. 2 Dingaans at Turfffontein on Summer Cup day. The son of Querari was a bit of a bridesmaid after his oh so impressive maiden win, but due to some unlucky breaks in his events and  decent close efforts he finally seems to be growingintohimself and maturing 

The Dingaans attracted all the big guns in Gauteng and it seems like Monks Hood is the best 3 year old at the moment after beating some highly touted horses at level weights in one of the most important classic pointing mile contests on the South African turf calendar.

He beat home some highly touted hot shots from the Tarry and De Kock stables as well as two nice Robbie Sage runners.

This small stable from KZN with the ability to take a good horse all the way to the top and look after him along he way, could just have found the jackpot. There will be many wishing him well.

Image Gold Circle