GALILEO filly Igugu (AUS) is well on her way to recovering her R1 million purchase price after toying with the opposition in Saturday’s Grade 3 Joburg Filles and Mares Spring Challenge over 1450m at Turffontein.
The three-year-old came from the back of the field, mowed them down and won going away by 2.75-lengths, stamping herself as the leading contender to the Emperors Ready To Run crown. The R2 million race will be contested on 6 November at Turffontein. Stablemate Headstrong plugged away gamely for fourth, racing under top weight.
Part-owner Andre Macdonald said on Sunday: “I won the Computaform Sprint with Fov’s Favourite, the Mercury with All Will Be Well and two Gold Cups with Highland Night, but Igugu is giving me bigger thrills, she is dazzling. She wins the same way every time, she has the most amazing turn of foot and a magic stride.”
He said that he hoped Igugu would remain unbeaten. “She’s from the family of the unbeaten Zarkava and like Zarkava she seems to rise to every task. I don’t think Mike has even pushed all her buttons yet!”
Igugu means “Jewel” in Zulu. She fetched R1 million at the 2009 Ready To Run Sale, due for 7 November this year.
Igugu wins and again jockey Randall Simons looks over his shoulder for a challenger. (JC Photos)
See video feature for a race replay.
3 Comments
Could be as good as Empress Club or Ipi Tombi.Time will tell. But great to have a new champ to watch. How does Mike do this time after time?
When Mike says, a horse is championship material. Believe the man, he knows it!!!!!!!!!!
my friend has half sister to igugu by holy roman emperor paid $14500 australia for her she is a lovely filly