Two runners at Ascot
October 18, 2013Dubai 2014 race programme
October 20, 2013IGUGU (photo) may have reached the end of her career after trailing in 14 lengths behind Seal Of Approval in Saturday’s Gr1 British Champion Fillies and Mares Stakes over 2400m at Ascot. Soft Falling Rain confirmed Mike de Kock’s pre-race concern about the soft track conditions and failed to produce, beaten a distance by Olympic Glory in the Gr 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over 1600m.
Mike de Kock and his connections were understandably most disappointed after the race day, but Mike looked at the scenario in diplomatic fashion, commenting: “The track was very heavy and our horses just haven’t experienced anything like this. Soft Falling Rain gave up after 400m and Igugu ran badly out of steam in the last 200m, looking around uncomfortably and not concentrating for most of the journey.
“I will be discussing Igugu’s future with her owners, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and Andre Macdonald. I think it’s just not fair on her to continue. She has done us proud and I think it’s time to do what is right. Soft Falling Rain will be back to prove his worth.”
He concluded: “This is what racing is all about. It’s not the end of the world and we’ll put this behind us, plan ahead and do our best. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the races with two horses that didn’t finish.”
5 Comments
Taken on the chin , like the true man that he is ! Hats off to MDK. No doubt SFR will bounce back to his best on firm ground. Look forward to your Dubai campaign.
Sorry, Mr de Kock! But still, I remember SFR powering up to the finish at Newmarket – after the blistering opening fractions – and the Ooh! Ah! comments of the commentator. That horse is still there but the mud was flying in gobbets at Ascot and clearly it was all wrong for him that day. He’ll be up and at them another time I’m sure.
WELL SAID MIKE, MOST PEOPLE IN SA DONT KNOW HOW HEAVY THE GOING CAN GET IN THE U.K., S.A. HORSES ARE NOT USE TO RUNNING ON BOTTOM LESS TRACKS AND A VERY TESTING TRACK WHEN IT IS LIKE THAT…..AT LEAST YOU GAVE IT A GO ….WELL DONE WE ARE PROUD OF YOU AND KEEP FOLLOWING YOUR INTERNATIONAL RUNNERS….
Well said Mike..you are a top top trainer and what you feel in your gut is always right!
Well done MDK! Your efforts overseas are remarkable to say the least. IGUGU is a true S.A champion and there was noting left for her to prove in S.A, well done IGUGU, now off to stud you go.