TIGER Territory won his first race since joining Mike de Kock’s yard when he pipped Blazing Al after an exciting duel in a Pinnacle Plate over 1000 on sand at the Vaal on 13 November. The two rivals were the most fancied among the form runners in a small field, though Blazing Al drew the bulk of betting support. His odds were  trimmed deep into the red before the jump.

Tiger Territory (nearest camera), won his head-bobbing duel with Blazing Al.

Akash Aucharuz rode a good race on Tiger Territory,  who was taken from the middle of the track to the far side rail to join issue right alongside Blazing Al, who was going hammer and tongs under S’Manga Khumalo.  With 200m to go they drew away as a pair and fought neck-and-neck all the way to the wire. The judge’s photo showed that Tiger Territory had stuck his nose down as the camera flashed to edge out the favourite  in a time of 57,56s.

Tiger Territory,a four-year-old gelding by Trippi, is owned by the partnership of Ivan Snyman, Mike Wittstock and UK-based Andrew Mikhail and assistant trainer Mathew de Kock commented: “Mike and Andrew bought into Tiger Territory and we’re pleased for the partners, they’ve had to be patient. Well done especially to Andrew, this was his first win in South Africa and we’ll look for more.”