Fire Lord and Humdinger: That’s more like it!

Three-year-old Humdinger  put it all together after a string of places to win a Graduation Plate over 1500m at Scottsville on Sunday for the International Racing Club and partners.

She turned into the straight with the proverbial ‘double handful’ and jockey Richard Fourie had an armchair ride all the way through as she maintained her momentum this time.

Humdinger has come to the business end of a few races looking like she’ll win going away, but she’s run out of steam every time, 

Joao Da Mata, who is in South Africa with his son, Jessy, commented: “When I saw her coming into the home run I just said, ‘sit, Richard, sit, don’t let her go yet!’ and that’s we he did. She put them away this time, it was really satisfying to see.”

Joao added: “To lead in a winner with Jessy was a dream come true for me. There was an owner here the other day who enjoyed his first winner in over 20 years of trying, one can’t push buttons and expect them to win when it suits you. To have this pleasure was a rare treat, thanks to Mike and his team and to Richard.”

Stable employee Michael Nzalani accpted Humdinger’s groom bonus on behalf of David Blaai.

Fourie said: “It was nice to have all Humdinger’s owners here, that’s what’s racing is all about. She was impressive today, did a bit of pacework. She may have had a run or two, too many, in Johannesburg and Mike pulled her back to return fresh.”

Mike confirmed: “Yes, her rest did her the world of good and she’s also filled out physically, she is stronger and that, I think, has made all the difference as she ran all the way through here. I am thinking of a Listed race for her in August, also at Scottsville, she loves it here.”

Humdinger is by What A Winter from Himalayan Hills by Fort Wood. She’s 3 from 11 now with stake earnings over R250,000. She was an R180,000 buy from the 2020 Bloodstock SA National Two-Year-Old Sale.

Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables own Fire Lord, who shed his Maiden ticket with a commanding win in Race 4 over 1400m. He was expected to win sooner in his career and Mike said: “He’s another who really enjoyed a break and benefitted from it. He came back stronger and this was more like what he is capable of.”

Fire Lord, by Silvano, is also one that can be watched for more improvement and Mike said: “Lady Christine invests a lot in our industry and anthything we can give in return is good. We’ll cross fingers Fire Lord goes on with it after this win.”

Fire Lord (Keagan De Melo), wins his Maiden,