DAGMAR, the first yearling ever purchased by China Horse Club at auction in South Africa, belied longshot odds of 18-1 to break her maiden at first asking in Saturday’s Listed Ruffian Stakes over 100m at Turffontein.

Ridden by Muzi Yeni for Mike de Kock, the 18-1 gamble hopped at the break, but tugged her way up into a prominent position while racing with some cover on the far side. Called upon entering the 400m, she showed a quick burst of energy to open daylight and went on to defeat the more experienced Urban Oasis and River Rafting to lead home a 1-2-3 finish for her Maine Chance Farms-based stallion.

Maine Chance bred Dagmar from the multiple stakes-placed Daffodil Day, by Silvano, herself a daughter of Graded Stakes winner Day Lily Delight. The latter’s brother Bilboa was a Grade 3 winner and third in the G1 South African Derby. Maine Chance also consigned Dagmar to the 2017 CTS Cape Premier Yearling Sale, where she was selected and signed for by CHC’s Michael Wallace at R450,000.

“She is a nice sharp filly, not overly big, but is quick and I’m am delighted for China Horse Club,” said Irish bloodstock consultant and syndicate nominee Mick Flanagan who worked for a while for Mike in Dubai and South Africa. “This is the Club’s first winner in South Africa and for it to be a listed race with my old boss de Kock is a bonus.”

Mike said: “To have a Listed winner first-up for such prominent international owners is a pleasure, well done to all.”

The stable also won Race 2 over 1160m with Gimme Hope Johanna, owned by Valerie Koterba. The Seventh Rock filly was a popular winner at 5-2 and Mathew de Kock said: “Valerie is also a new owner in the yard.  She brought Gimme Hope Johanna to us from James Goodman after he’d closed up shop late last year.

“Valerie came to the races to watch her filly win, we are delighted for her.”

-extracts from TDN.