TWO-year-old colt Lehaaf’s debut victory under Anthony Delpech in a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m at Greyville on Sunday provided Mike de Kock with his 158th winner for the season, a career best tally following his 157 winners recorded in the 2010/11 racing season.
With a month left of the 2011/12 season, the stable could well add another dozen odd winners to boost the number of winners to a new South African record. Mike’s seventh National Trainers’ title is also as good as in the bag, nearly R9-million clear of 2nd-placed Sean Tarry on gross stakes.
Lehaaf (ARG), is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s right-hand man, Mohammed Khaleel, who breeds with a few of his own mares and Mike commented: “Laheef is a strong, nice-actioned horse with lots of scope and he looks to have a future.”
Lehaaf is by Excellent Art from the Danehilll mare, Sarkha.
The other weekend winner was Sheikh Mohammed’s two-year-old Encosta De Lago filly, Aneefa, who was well placed in midfield by Gavin Lerena, who sent her through a gap between horses with 300m to run. She quickened smartly to win.
“Aneefa is likely to develop into a nice staying filly and she bears watching,” Mike said.