OWNERS Costa and Billy-Ann Livanos seem to find a decent runner to sport their gold-and-blue silks every few years. They’ve kept a low profile since their Gr1 2011 Summer Cup winner Flirtation’s retirement, but two-year-old Kingmambo’s Legacy, raced in partnership with Chris Gerber and Mike de Kock, has got them excited again.

The colt by Mauritzfontein’s promising sire Ideal World raced home four lengths clear on his 1200m debut at Scottsville on Wednesday and the Livanos family was on course to lead him in.

“We knew that he’d been running two weeks ago so we planned the trip. We’re all very fond of this horse,” said Costa after collecting a small winning bet. He’s known to open his shoulders on occasion, but the stable felt that this young colt would need more ground and that his unfavourable draw would be hard to overcome first time at the racetrack.

Kingmambo’s Legacy did it in good style, however. He seemed to labour a bit when they came towards the last 300m of the race, but once in full stride made it look easy as jockey Anthony Delpech eased him going to the line.

“He’s smart horse and I think he has a bright future,” Delpech commented.

Raised at Balmoral Stud, Kingmambo’s Legacy is described as a “laid-back horse with a lovely nature”. Delpech pointed to his ears being pricked near the line as he was looking around. Once he learns to race, good things can be expected!

“It’s always been a pleasure to train for Costa and his family, they’re in it not only for the thrills of racing but because they truly love horses. Thanks also to Chris Gerber for his taking a share in Kingmambo’s Legacy.”