Johannesburg, South Africa — Sean Tarry collected both of the first Gr2 trophies of the season on Betway Spring Challenge day, courtesy of Tin Pan Alley and Callmegetrix.
Three-year-old gelding Tin Pan Alley cantered down to the start of the 1450m Grade 2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge a warm favourite, returning in spectacular style, under his 50kg impost and excellent ride by jockey Malesela Katjedi, to clinch victory by 0.7 lengths.
Smartly out of the starting gates from their no 2 draw, Katjedi secured a ground-saving position on the rail, tracking the early leaders into the straight. Making his bid for the lead at the 150m mark, he was challenged by Atticus Finch, Busstopinhounslow and Choisaanada, but found more to kick again and keep his nose in front all the way to the line.
Tin Pan Alley was bred by Moutonshoek, by their resident sire The United States out of the Querari matron, The Entertainer and races in the interests of the Wernars Family & Dayalan Chinsammy. He also provided jockey Malesela Katjedi with his first Graded Stakes victory.
Speaking after the race, trainer Sean Tarry commented, "His work has been phenomenal. He had the draw and he had the weight... so I'm very pleased it's all come together."
Malesela Katjedi was over the moon with his first Group race win, commenting, "As we hit the bend, I would say at about the 1200m mark, he started taking a hold as the pace came back slightly on to us. I would have liked for him to get a bit more relaxed so that he could get a better finish, but he was still looking around. We did touch the rail twice I think.” He added, "A big thank you and congratulations to Mr Tarry and to Mr Wernars and Mr Chinsammy for giving me this opportunity.”
This victory secured the Spring Challenge double for trainer Sean Tarry after Callmegetrix’s victory in the Grade 2 Betway Joburg Spring Fillies & Mares Challenge over the same distance less than an hour earlier under Louie Mxothwa.
The fillies and mares race was a two-horse affair with the favourite, Callmegetrix, outpacing stablemate Rodeo Drive by 0.3-lengths. Third-placed Destiny Of Fire was a further 7.6 lengths back, slightly ahead of Minogue. Callmegetrix is a 5yo daughter of Vercingetorix out of Rathmore Stud’s Kabool mare, Clarion Call and races in the interests of Mr Mario Ferreira.
Tarry was vocal in his tributes to both riders. “I must just say a very big thank you to Katjedi for taking the ride at short notice. And thanks to Louie Mxothwa for flying from Cape Town to come and help me, because there were jockeys suspended. I always scratch my head in wonder at how we can confirm jockeys and then they get suspended after being confirmed for feature races. But those are the rules, we made a plan at the last minute, and without the help of these two jockeys I would not have been able to get these horses out today. I am very thankful for them. There are no egos, they did their bit, and they deserve the accolades today. I appreciate their attitude and it goes a long way and we don't forget those favours that jocks do for us from time to time."
Ends.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Robyn Louw
robynl@4racing.com
079 394 3088