MIKE de Kock provided some feedback about his runners on Champions Day at Turffontein, last Saturday, and some other comments following his earlier reports on Majmu and Banaadeer.

Having trained South Africa’s first Triple Crown winner, Horse Chestnut 15 years ago, Mike said: “First up congratulations to trainer Geoff Woodruff and his team for their success on the day, of course the highlight being their Triple Crown winner Louis The King. I know only too well what pressure a horse like this brings. This was a marvellous achievement by Geoff and I wish him all of the best for the future with this top class runner.”

Mike gave credit to Phumelela Gaming and Leisure, saying: “After all our major meetings in Gauteng there are reports about big crowds – I have to say the crowd last Saturday was huge, the biggest I’ve seen in many years. Well done to Phumelela, let’s give credit where credit is due.”

Honorine, coming into her own. (Also see headline photo by JC Photos).

Mary Slack’s four-year-old filly Honorine, like Majmu a daughter of Redoute’s choice, found the winning trail again with a good win in the Gr2 Camellia Stakes over 1160m. Ridden by Bernard Fayd’Herbe, Honorine clocked a faster time over the trip than both the Graded-winning two-year-old fillies had done earlier.

“Honorine’s coming into her own now, she finished on top of some very good male runners in a stronger race last time after suffering interference late so this win did not come out of turn. Tayba surprised us in third, running on late, she’s obviously approaching some good form and can be watched. Welwitschia ran below par and will now be retired.” (See report elsewhere).

Espumanti battled out the finish of the Gerald Rosenberg Stakes over 2000m with Triple Tiara winner Cherry on The Top and was gallant in second, beaten three quarters. “Espumanti ran a cracker. They drew well clear of the third-placed Orator’s Daughter, a good sort herself, there is bound to merit in this formline going forward.”

Espumanti (red cap), cracking second.

Ilitshe set a good pace in the SA Derby but faded right out and Mike said: “He over-raced and I’m not convinced he stayed. Keep an eye on him. Taarish ran midfield, but he is better than this too and needs a good rest. Gone Baby Gone got fourth running a good race, that may have been third had he kept a straight course over the last 200m. He’s possibly better up to 2000m and will win more.”

Ilha Bela was again disappointing with a lacklustre effort in the Gold Bowl. Mike commented: “Ilha Bela is not putting in her best, we’re getting close to a point where we will have to decide where to go with her – she may be best retired to stud, like Welwitschia. I will be discussing her future with Mary Slack.”