TAKINGTHEPEACE won Saturday’s R500,000 Wilgerbosdrift  Gauteng Fillies Guineas with a stunning late run from last and there was great jubilation in the winner’s box, with TAB News describing the winning connections as “noisily exuberant”.

The lead-in shows Mathew de Kock, Michael Shea and Murray Makepeace celebrating with cries of joy and waving arms, so much so that even Weichong Marwing on the second-placed horse is seen having a chuckle in the background.

Takingthepeace (Callan Murray) with excited connections Mathew de Kock, Mike Shea and Murray Makepeace.

To start, this first leg of the R1-million Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara was a most exciting race with Callan Murray timing his run to perfection on Takingthepeace, who beat a field of very useful fillies knocking Silver Thursday out of it late, with Green Top and Folk Dance filling the minor positions.`

The winner was selected by Mathew de Kock at the CTS Ready To Run Sale in 2016 and the partnership includes Dad Mike, his childhood friend Shea and Murray Makepeace, an enthusiastic newcomer who flew in from a business trip in Scotland to secure his share in his first horse on the night of the sale, saw her win first time out and has been perhaps her biggest supporter since, announcing before Saturday’s race that he’d “put his money behind her” no matter what the form says.

Mat couldn’t contain his emotions, asked interviewer Andrew Bon to cut the interview short and later said that Mike, who is in Australia attending the Inglis Sale, was similarly tearful as he watched the race from his hotel.

Mike sent us a message, saying:  “This was one of the most emotional races ever for me. The ‘lighties’ bring it out in you. Mat and young Shea been mates since they were kids, Mat found the horse and now they own her together. It really touched me, and I’m very proud.”

Mat said that Takingthepeace would be prepared next for the SA Fillies Classic over 1800m – the way she won the Guineas suggested that 1800m would be up her alley.

Takingthepeace was bred by Summerhill Stud by Visionaire from Lisa Ann (Rambo Dancer). She’s won four of eight starts and over R800,000 in stakes.