The Port Elizabeth stables will have another crack at winning the Algoa Cup on Friday, a race that the Western Cape raiders have dominated in recent years.

Jacques Strydom is the last Eastern Cape trainer to win the Algoa Cup, back in 2009 with Surfin’ USA.

He spoke to Henk Steenkamp about that nerve wrecking victory.

“Ah what a big day it was but what still stood out for me today about it was the objection.

“It was a photo finish, a real nailbiter, and a good thing that my brother owed me a favour,” Jacques said, referring to Pieré that gave his all in the saddle to secure the victory.

“I told Pieré I am not asking many favours but I asked him to ride Surfin’ USA in that race. He got to the line first but then there was an objection. Luckily the result stood.”
Striker Strydom was at his very best and got his mount in a challenging position in the Fairview straight.

With 200 meters to go Surfin’ USA and Bill Of Rights, the 2008 winner with Karl Neisius in the saddle, was left to fight it out.
Surfin’USA just got there but Neisius lodged an objection on the grounds of intimidation in the latter stages of the race. That was overruled and the result stood.

Jacques said he was very excited when the owners first spoke about the possibility of sending Surfin’USA to him in Port Elizabeth.

“I told them I will be there (in Durban from Port Elizabeth) in a hour if they give me the horse to train. When they gave the go ahead I was on my way!”

After that victory the Cape Town raiders were too strong in this race over 2000m but Strydom feels the Polytrack surface will give the locals the home town advantage on Friday.
The race is on the Poly because the grass track is not ready to race on yet. That meant the connections of only two raiders found it worthwhile to travel from Cape Town.

Strydom feels the race programme in the Eastern Cape should be adjusted to give the PE horses better prep races leading up to the Algoa Cup.

The recent winners of the Algoa Cup:
2019: Cat Daddy
2018: Magnificent Seven
2017: Nebula
2016: Nebula
2015: Stonehenge
2014: Disco Al
2013: Disco Al
2012: Hill Fifty Four
2011: Forest Of Dean
2010: Hawk’s Eye
2009: Surfin’ USA