FOR any young apprentice winning their first feature race has to be a special moment, writes JACK  MILNER of Racing Express. It is especially memorable when your familyare on course to share that moment with you

It all happened for apprentice Tshwaro Appie at the Vaal on Saturday as 8-1 shot Storm Crossing appreciated the breakneck pace and the dry conditions that loosens the sand and makes the track slightly heavier.

The Mike de Kock runner, who previously preferred a few hundred metres further than the 1200m of the Listed August Stakes came bounding to the front late in the race and won going away, beating stable companion Braggadacio by 6.25 lengths with Gold Game another length back in third and Renegade in fourth.

However, in his xuberance, Appie started his celebrations a few strides too early and incurred the wrath of the stipendiary stewards. He landed himself a fine of R1000 for the contravention of Rule 62.2.10 “in that he saluted in a celebratory gesture prior to the finish line’’.

Appie explained: “This is my first Listed win and my father was here to watch me. I was shouting at him.’’

It was also a great moment for another youngster. Matthew de Kock, son of Mike, did all the on-course formalities at the Vaal. “We weren’t expecting them to run this well. We were looking at the Emerald Cup but they were both well weighted and they were both working well at home.’’

Commenting on the race itself Appie added: “We weren’t well drawn and Matthew told me to stay wide avoid the kick back. When I asked him at the 400m he responded immediately but the horses in front were also stopping.’’

Even though the blinkers had been removed, old habits seem to die hard for Renegade and he once again went tearing off into the lead. Halfway up the straight he was joined by favourite Imali and Gold Game while both Braggadacio and Storm Crossing could be seen improving their positions up the centre. But once Appie let his mount go, he raced past all the opposition and never looked under threat.

Interestingly both the first two home are progeny of Western Winter and were bred and owned by Lammerskraal Stud.