Hawwaam, no sweat!

HAWWAAM (Gr1 Horse Chestnut Stakes) and Summer Pudding (Gr2 SA Oaks/Triple Tiara) gave breeders Wilgerbosdrift-Mauritzfontein a terrific feature double on Derby Day, courtesy of Maine Chance’s champion stallion Silvano.

Hawwaam’s return was eagerly anticipated and he delighted his followers with a fourth Gr1 success, beating stablemate Queen Supreme into second by 1.40-lengths. Cirillo took third, a neck further away.

Hawwaam was beautifully behaved at the start and while Mike de Kock said the absence of racegoers may have had something to do with it, he praised the stable team for their hard work with him on the track and at the pens.

Mike commented: “Today Hawwaam walked around the ring quietly with the other horses and ran accordingly. He’s been completely different since coming back from Cape Town. He’s started to do a lot of things right again. Sheikh Hamdan is desperate to have him abroad and he’s good enough, he will fly the flag for SA.

“So we have to think hard if we go to Durban or not. He may have to go into quarantine at the end of the month.”

Jockey Callan Murray, who is riding with increased confidence, was chuffed to have won another Gr1 for the stable – his 6^th in total – and said: “Hawwaam settled well and ran home well. He is a special horse. I am grateful for the opportunity. Thanks to Mr De Kock and the team, Sheikh Hamdan and Angus Gold.”

Hawwaam has now won 9 races with 2 places from 12 starts, with earnings of R6 515 775.