South Africans to the fore at Cranbourne

There was a winner for South African connections at Cranbourne, Australia, on Friday, when Stormy Grey (Arrogate) broke her Maiden at her third attempt, racing over 2520m. She is owned by South Africans Mike de Kock, Larry Nestadt and Lindsay Ralphs, trained by former South African Mathew de Kock (in partnership with Robbie Griffiths) and was ridden by former SA Champion apprentice Callan Murray.

Stormy Grey took over late in the race and then drew clear nicely, winning by 3.5-lengths and Mat said: “We were looking to get some mileage into Stormy Grey for a G3 race for three-year-old fillies we have planned for her in Adelaide in two weeks’ time, so we’re very happy. Thanks to Callan for travelling here to ride her, he is an Adelaide local and we’re happy he’s now had a feel of her. She has been a late maturing filly, but she’s getting better with every run.”

Stormy Grey was acquired in a package deal from the United States and Matt told: “There were three horses by Arrogate offered and they are all nice. It was a challenge in itself, a brave move to bring progeny of a sand horse like Arrogate across the waters to race on turf, but things are working out and we are pleased with them. There is Stormy Grey, then there is a three-year-old filly Ariana Blue and a colt called Sacred Arrow who is a two-year-old. Ariana Blue had one run, it didn’t go well but she pulled up sick, she is a nice filly. We’ve taken on a few local partners in the colt who also looks promising.”

“Larry Nestadt put us on to the Arrogate package and he put the partnership together. We’re going to have fun with all of them. Thanks to Larry and the other partners.”