THE return to racing at Greyville on Tuesday evening produced two winners and a second for Mike de Kock’s yard.

First-timer  Samhaan (AUS), ran out a comfortable winner of Race 1 over 1200m, a 25-1 chance for jockey Sean Veale, while Stowaway (Anton Marcus, 9-20), followed up half an hour later with a 1.75-length success over stablemate Fortuny.

Samhaan finished strongly to win.

Samhaan, considered immature and raced over a distance too short, proved to be suited by a good pace. He came from many lengths off the call, made rapid headway over the last 200m and won going away.

“He’s still a baby, as we could see in the ring today, but he’ll be a nice horse once he matures,” said assistant trainer John Buckler.

Veale commented:  “Samhaan was very green but he’s quite a smart horse. He will improve plenty when he strengthens up.”

Samhaan was bred and is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum. He is by Encosta De Lago from Candy Critic, the Candy Stripes mare who was purchased by the Sheikh just before she won the 2006 SA Oaks, which heralded his entry into South African racing.

Stowaway is by Captain Al from Muthaiga, one of Klawervlei Stud’s foundation mares. She finally got it right after four narrow defeats and enjoyed the 1400m of this race. Stowaway is from the family of South Lake, Buckarina, Fine Fancy and several other top handicappers from Mike de Kock’s early years as a trainer and she can be watched for more improvement to come.

Anton Marcus, post-race on Stowaway.