OWNER Sean Philips enjoyed his first Gr1 success when Wild One won Saturday’s eLan Property Group Gold Cup over 3200m at Greyville. He also had the distinction and thrill of watching his silks carried into third place in the same race by the Joey Soma longshot Savage Wind.

Sean Philips, wife Jackie (right) and stepdaughter Caitlyn Wiggill with Wild One.

“I became a bit despondent with racing last year and I put my horses on a dispersal sale,” Philips told. “At the sale Graeme Hawkins opened the bidding on Wild One at R500,000 and when there were no bids he went down to R200,000. There was still no interest so I decided to buy him back. I think he is over his problems now and he has much more to come. We are delighted!”

Mike de Kock commented: “It is so seldom that everything just goes so well. This horse had a perfect prep, which doesn’t happen very often. He suffered what could have been a career-ending injury a year ago and it is a tribute to Sean’s heart and patience that we are standing here today.”