Danie Toerien
Anybody who doubts the excitement of horseracing, should look at the replay of Friday's second leg of the Nelson Mandela Bay Poly Challenge over 1400m.
The official result reads Celtillus, trained by Alan Greeff, beat Cliffie Miller’s Greenlighttoheaven by 0.05-lengths, but the reality is that it was much closer than that. In fact, the pair were separated by a few millimeters at most.
In a heads-up-heads-down contest, it is usually Richard Fourie who manages to dip his mount’s nose at exactly the right moment, and on Friday it was the case yet again.
Fourie just seemed to sense where the line is, and managed to get Celtillus in the right rhythm to snatch the victory from what seemed to be the jaws of defeat.
Although it was Greeff’s solitary winner on the day, it was the one that counted.
Trainers Jacques Strydom and Zietsman Oosthuizen both scored a double while there was also success for Gavin Smith, Juan Nel, and Kelly Mitchley.
The most successful jockey on the day was Ryan Munger with a three-timer.
The day started off with a major upset when 33-1 long shot Begonia took the honours in the opener ahead of Kind Of Blue and 5-10 favourite Divine Design.
Trained by Strydom, Munger timed Begonia’s effort perfectly, with the first three across the line separated by no more than a shorthead in a mad scramble for honours.
“I must say, it’s a very nice surprise,” said Munger after the race. “It’s a good start to the day.
“To be honest, last time I rode her she ran a very good second. I didn’t know much about her then, and I chased her up from a wide draw. But she’s a very feisty filly, she’s a fighter.
“She never gave up that day and ran a good second. After that she went off form a bit, but luckily I got my leg over her again at the right time.
“Today I knew how to ride her, and let her use her speed early.
“I always knew the favourite was going to be flying late and the only way I was going to beat her was to try and get away from her.
“Begonia fought all the way to the line for a great win.
Munger followed up with Chariot Master for trainer Mitchley in the second, restoring order after the early chaos by steering the favourite to victory.
It was his eighteenth career run – the fourth at Fairview – but this Pomodoro gelding has now finally exited the maidens.
“He looked the right horse in this sort of line-up,” said Munger after the race.
“The last time I rode him in the 1200m he just got going too late. Even though this was only 100m more, I felt it was the right race, and he had a good draw.
“He looked well and he went down well. I gave him a very nice warm-up at the start to make sure he jumps well and the race worked out.
“Honestly, he’s not going to Hollywood, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he picks up another win or two.”
Mitchley was equally chuffed with her charge.
“He has been knocking for a while,” said Mitchley.
“He’s just come off a rest and a break after having his first horse sickness vaccine. That’s the only thing I was a bit worried about. But he showed today that he can do it. I think the little bit of a break helped him a lot and he’s done well here in PE.”