MIKE de Kock and his connections were satisfied with the No.6 draw for Mubtaahij ahead of Saturday’s 2015 KentuckyDerby at Churchill Downs, USA.
The draw ceremony was staged on Wednesday night and Mike attended with wife Diane and son Mathew, while Warne and Wendy Rippon (part-owners of Umgiyo) have also made the trip and were present in support.
Mike de Kock, snapped moments after the draw was announced: That’s a happy trainer.
“I am told the No 1 draw is the kiss of death in this race so we’re happy to have gotten No 6,” Mike told Andrew Bon, whose roving camera has made it to Kentucky to keep South Africans abreast of developments.
Asked if he would have preffered draw 17 (next to the favourite American Pharoah), Mike joked, “Yes, I believe in keeping my enemiers close to me!”
Scroll down for a link to full interview at the draw and the final field for the race, with ante-post betting.
2 Comments
(Looks like Far Right is living up to his name w.r.t. the draw, LOL!) All the best for Saturday, Mike and team, and may your dreams come galloping home in front.
Mike: Best wishes for your well-earned success and that of Mubtaahij. Loved your comments on the lack of a need for Lasix. Tell Mubtaahij to channel Animal Kingdom. I’m American; we don’t need drugs. I’ve covered racing at Meydan since it debuted. I hope to see you and this special colt at Belmont. Just hope for him to come home safely.