ALTHOUGH everyone’s banker bet Inglewood disappointed at Scottsville on Sunday, 12 November, the De Kock team had much to be happy about.

Four-year-old import Carpocrates, by Storm Cat out of Spain, exited the Maiden ranks with a win in Race 3 over 1000m, and Lowther Hills captured Race 3 over 1600m. 

THE McVeigh family with Carpocrates: From the left, Ruari, Tamara, Tom “Big Tam” McVeigh, mother Amanda, Dr. John, James and Patrick. Duck-breaking apprentice Donavan Howell salutes the Gold Circle photographer.

Carpocrates, a problem-plagued colt on lease from Coolmore Stud, led from pillar to post to score under hands and heels from apprentice Donavan Howell, giving him his first career winner.

Part-owner, Dr John McVeigh, commented: “Carpocrates was a record-priced weanling from the Keeneland Sale. His dam won and was placed in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. She won almost US$4 million in stakes, an American record. If we can get him to Graded class, he will be a stallion of great value.”

‘’De Kock said: “There is a long road ahead. With his blood Carpocrates can go to stud right now and be a commercial success, but we’d like to see what kind of progress he can make. He beat a moderate field, but we’re hoping he can improve more and go on from here.’’

De Kock was happy to provide apprentice Howell with his first winner and said: “Carpocrates is temperamental, but young Howell has built up a good relationship with him and deserved the ride.’’

Mary Slack’s Lowther Hills came from many lengths off the pace to win going away under Keegan Latham. “He is closely related to Kildonan and we’re expecting a lot from him,’’ De Kock said.