MAJMU suffered a defeat at the hands of five-year-old entire Wylie Hall in Saturday’s R2-million President’s Champion Stakes over 2000m at Turffontein, but she was graceful all the same and her prospects for the pending KZN Champion Season look as bright as ever.

Majmu (middle), ran a game race. (JC Photos)

Sheikh Hamdan’s champion filly was beaten 1.25-lengths into second, in a field of predominantly older horses with a rare Triple Crown winner, two Durban July winners and a Dingaans winner among them and Mike de Kock said: “Majmu ran a game race in this quality field and she was beaten by a top horse in Wylie Hall. His record speaks for itself. All I can say is hearty congratulations to owner Michael Leaf, who took it on the chin and acted in sportsmanlike fashion when Wylie Hall had the Durban July taken away from him in the boardroom last year. This was a due reward and well done to Weiho Marwing’s stable.”

Mike added: “Majmu was galloped into, near hind, and she may have been a bit flat having her second run after a layoff. Her schedule wasn’t ideal with two Gr1 races in two weeks, but on the day I’d say she was beaten by the better horse and we’re not offering excuses. She ran hard all the way to the line and remains on track for the Durban July via the Woolavington Stakes.”

Three-year-old colt Ertijaal disappointed his followers again when he failed to live up to expectations in the Gr1 SA Derby over 2450m, finishing fourth to Legal Eagle, but Mike felt that he simply ran out of steam over the testing trip, there was no reason for concern and that Ertijaal, too, holds a ‘July’ ticket.

“Ertijaal sliced through the field today and it looked like he would win easily, but he became one-paced over the last 200m and had nothing to come. I don’t think the track condition had anything to do with it this time, to my mind he simply didn’t stay.  He will be back to show his worth over shorter.”

Sheikh Hamdan’s Racing Manager Angus Gold commented: “I’d love to see Ertijaal racing on sand in Dubai, I think the track at Meydan will suit him.”

More Saturday reports to follow – Ed.