Drakenstein Stud demonstrated their dominance once again at  Greyville, achieving a remarkable hat-trick of wins in the R1.5 million Gr1 Woolavington 2000. The Mike de Kock-trained Silver Sanctuary, ridden by Richard Fourie, secured her first Grade 1 victory. This win follows Drakenstein's previous successes with Oh Susanna in 2018, Silver Darling in 2022, and Rain In Holland in 2023. However, last year the race was open to older horses for the first time and both times it was open to older, the farm has dominated. This time they did it with a 3 year old. 

Richard Fourie, marking his 310th win of the season, expertly utilized a prime draw to position Silver Sanctuary behind the leader Bellevarde before taking the lead along the inside rail. Hold My Hand, trained by Glen Kotzen, finished in second place, trailing by 0.70 lengths, with Beating Wings and Frances Ethel finishing third and fourth respectively. Saartjie, despite a strong previous performance, did not fare well in this race.

Trainer Mike de Kock commended Silver Sanctuary for her courageous performance, noting her improvement since her previous race in the Oaks. He expressed gratitude to Drakenstein supremo Gaynor Rupert and her racing manager Kevin Sommerville for their support. 

Silver Sanctuary, a full-sister to past Daily News 2000 winner Safe Passage, is the daughter of the late champion sire Silvano and My Sanctuary. With 4 wins and 5 places from 10 races, she has earned R1,895,000 in stakes and turned the tables on favourite, Frances Ethel. Looking ahead, decisions will be made on whether she will compete in the Gr1 Durban July or the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes, indicating exciting prospects for the improving three-year-old filly.

Favourite Frances Ethel was unlucky in the run when running on late beaten just over one and half lengths. Jockey Kabelo Matsunyane took blame for his options in the race and mentioned that he learnt from the run and will be better for it next time.