IT was a sensational 1-2-3 for Maine Chance Farms and their superb stallion Silvano when Dean Kannemeyer’s Power King snuck in to win the G1 Durban July with the co-low weight of 53kg under jockey Stuart Randloph.

Power King took South Africa’s richest race by three-quarters of a length from Stan Elley’s Punta Arenas and the Geoff Woodruff-trained Tellina.

For the second year running the objection hooter sounded not long after the running of South Africa’s premier race. In 2014 the result was reversed with runner-up Legislate being awarded the race in the stipes’ room. This year an objection of behalf of the runner-up was overruled.

Power King, nearest camera, won another controversial Durban July. Pungta Arenas (obscured), finished second.

Helderberg Blue was the early leader but gave way to Deputy Jud about 600m into the race. Dynastic Power moved into second, leaving Helderberg Blue in third alongside Tamanee. Pine Princess was next with Tellina, about four lengths off the pace. Legal Eagle, Wylie Hall and Halve the Deficit were midfield with Power King and Majmu not much further behind. Punta Arenas and Futura were near the back.

Tellina swept to the front in the straight as Deputy Jud faded, but his glory was short-lived. Power King swept past him but hung left towards the outside rail and appeared to make contact with Punta Arenas, who had charged into contention on the outside.

Power King fought on and kept Punta Arenas ay bay with Tellina staying on well for third. Futura ran on strongly but too late and could only manage fourth. Best of the three-year-old brigade was Legal Eagle, who beat his stablemate French Navy into sixth.

Mike de Kock will furnish reports later on Majmu and Pine Princess, who both finished unplaced and below expectations.