The Real Prince showed why he belongs among South Africa’s elite on Saturday at Kenilworth, delivering a performance that will linger in memory long after the 97-second race. The 5-year-old, lightly campaigned with only three outings since his stunning Durban July win over Eight On Eighteen, rose to the occasion with a late surge that left the rest of the field scrambling.

Craig Zackey guided The Real Prince up the inside, slicing through a seemingly impossible gap to catch the front-running Questioning (55-1) in the final strides. A nose separated the two at the finish, with See It Again (5-1) and Sail The Seas (13-1) not far behind, all under half a length apart. It was a finish that highlighted the colt’s grit, acceleration, and racecraft. The stand out and takeout run outside of the winner was that of See It Again, who was sublime in the straight, running on like he is really enjoying his time at Kenilworth. 

Bred and raised at Varsfontein by Khaya Stables, The Real Prince is a full-brother to the recently retired sprinter Gimme A Prince (G1 Cape Flying Championship winner and Equus Champion Sprinter) , the progressive Gimmie Rules, and the accomplished Gimmie’s Countess. Out of Grade 1-winning mare Real Princess (Trippi) and by champion sire Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready), he carries a pedigree built for high-class performance. His dam was last year's Equus Broodmare of the year. 

Saturday’s King’s Plate marked a fourth victory in the mile for trainer Dean Kannemeyer (2000, 2002 with Free My Heart, 2014 with Capetown Noir). It was a second for Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables, she owned Capetown Noir. 

From Varsfontein to the winner’s circle at Kenilworth, The Real Prince added another defining chapter to a career that now boasts six wins and three placings from 13 starts, and cemented his reputation as one of South Africa’s most thrilling milers.