MPUMALANGA-based engineer Nivesh Sirputh enjoyed the rare pleasure of leading in his first winner when 9-20 favourite Fancy Footwork ran out a 3.25-length victress of a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1600m at Clairwood on Sunday, capably handled by Muzi Yeni.

Fancy Footwork comes home lonely! (Gold Circle).

He owns Fancy Footwork  in partnership with Moneyweb journalist Hilton Tarrant (a first for him too), the “Italian Boertjie” Giancarlo Filomeno, Brett Parker and John Finlayson.

The filly by Solskjaer from Radiant Lass, by Northern Guest, was sent to Mike de Kock’s stables as a replacement for the partnership’s first purchase, Desire who, as Mike succinctly put it, “had no desire to run!”

Mike added: “This was a wonderful gesture by Mick Goss of Summerhill Stud. The guys put their money down, suffered a quick disappointment but have now been rewarded for their patience. More breeders should follow Mick’s example. If you’re good to your clients, they will come back again with  more support.”

Fancy Footwork is an improving type by a stallion who is making a big impression with his second crop and Mike said: “She’s improving and there wasd a lot to like about the way she beat the draw and kicked on for an easy win. She didn’t beat much, but looks like she has a few more wins coming.”

Fancy Footwork was secured for the partnership by Charl Pretorius’ Freeracer Bloodstock.