Greeting My Master Wins Betway Victory Moon Stakes In A Thriller

Above: Greeting My Master wins the 2024 Betway Victory Moon Stakes in a thriller (photo: JC Photos)

Johannesburg, 11 November 2024 – Alec Laird charge Greeting My Master was sent to post in the 2024 Betway Victory Moon Stakes (Grade 3) with the postage stamp impost of 51kgs.  Saturday’s downpour, which prompted the meeting to be postponed by 2 days, had rendered the going soft and in addition to the ground-saving ride by jockey Chase Maujean, the 4-year-old son of Master Of My Fate needed every ounce to fight off a courageous challenge from Main Defender.

The white-faced Greeting My Master jumped well from his 6 draw and was quickly manoevered into a rail position by Chase Maujean to lead the charge.  He was followed in close order by Atticus Finch, Home Of The Brave and Main Defender. 

This remained the order of things until the turn for home, when Chase Maujean set sail, drawing 3 lengths clear of the field with Main Defender in close contention under Gavin Lerena. With 200m to go, Main Defender took the lead, but his 62kg took its toll and Greeting My Master rallied for a thrilling finish, prevailing by half a length in a time of 112.68.

Bred by the Syrilla Stud and raced in partnership by Messrs J F & L M F Wernars & Mrs L C A Bouwer, Greeting My Master has done little wrong since relocating to the Highveld in June and now has 4 wins and 5 places from 14 career starts.  Greeting My Master doesn’t currently hold an entry for the 2024 R6-million Betway Summer Cup, but in case his connections change their mind, entries remain open until 09h00 on Monday, 18 November 2024, after which weights will be announced.  Declarations must be in by 11h00 on Wednesday, 20 November and barrier draws will be conducted at a Betway event on 20 November.

Greeting My Master provided a 3^rd Victory Moon Stakes trophy for trainer Alec Laird, who won the race with Bezanova in 2016 and Atticus Finch in 2023.

Stablemate and 2023 winner Atticus Finch, a 5-year-old son by Master Of My Fate from Varsfontein Stud, gave notice of his well-being to finish 3^rd, with a fast-finishing Thunee Playa 0.4 lengths behind him in fourth. 

The 1000m Betway National Colour Stakes (Listed), for fillies and mares, went the way of the imposing Fabian Habib charge, Ice Star. The 4-year-old daughter of William Longsword from Lammerskraal Stud, who races in the interests of Tri-Deal Sixteen CC (Nom: Mr Z L Nassif), Messrs M G Bothma, Andre Fouche, G, K & M M Nassif, G J Nassif & J Nassif,  was settled off the early pace by Piere Strydom, and, when asked for her effort from the 200m marker, moved up smoothly to deny Elegant Ice by 0.25 lengths.  Almond Sea, who jumped the 2/1 favourite, did not get the best of starts, but rallied impressively to finish 1.25 lengths 3rd with Troppo Veloce filling the minor placing.  Ice Star now has 5 wins and 9 places from 19 career outings.

For the remainder of the month, 4Racing’s ‘November to Remember’ offers Turffontein fans access to the Summer Garden. This al fresco marquee offers an inviting trackside experience, with shaded seating, easy access to totes and refreshments, and a vibrant atmosphere that provides a refreshing alternative to the grandstand. Visitors can enjoy all the Summer Garden has to offer at Night Racing on Friday, 15 November,  headlined by the Summer Pudding Handicap (Listed), and again on Saturday, 23 November. Visitors can also take advantage of our special offer of a set of complimentary general access tickets to the Betway Summer Cup at each of these meetings.

For all hospitality enquiries, including Betway Summer Cup 2024, email Reservations@4Racing.com, call 011 681 1796 or WhatsApp 066 058 6327.

Here’s the full list of winners for Betway Victory Moon Stakes day:

Race 1: Betway Welcomes You Maiden Plate, 1000m

Horse: Cosmic Queen
Trainer: Johan Janse van Vuuren
Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 2: Betway Maiden Plate, 1600m

Horse: One More Star
Trainer: Sean Tarry
Jockey: Piere Strydom

Race 3: Betway Maiden Plate, (F & M), 1600m

Horse: Glamorous Lady
Trainer: Weichong Marwing
Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 4: Betway Graduation Plate, 1600m

Horse: Greaterix
Trainer: Mike de Kock
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane

Race 5: Betway Pinnacle Stakes, 1160m

Horse: Dyce
Trainer: Lucky Houdalakis
Jockey: Piere Strydom

Race 6: Betway National Colour Stakes (Listed), 1000m

Horse: Ice Star
Trainer: Fabian Habib
Jockey: Piere Strydom

Race 7: Betway Victory Moon Stakes (Grade 3), 1800m

Horse: Greeting My Master
Trainer: Alec Laird
Jockey: Chase Maujean

Race 8: Betway MR 106 Handicap, 1800m

Horse: Rule By Force
Trainer: Joe Soma
Jockey: Calvin Habib

Race 9: Betway Pinnacle Stakes (F & M), 1400m

Horse: White Pearl
Trainer: Mike de Kock
Jockey: Piere Strydom

Race 10: Betway MR 80 handicap, 1000m

Horse: King Of Venus
Trainer: Sean Tarry
Jockey: Calvin Habib

END