On a thunderous and rainswept Friday evening at Turffontein eight years ago, trainer Brett Crawford won the R1 million Laurie Jaffee Empress Club stakes with the Jet Master flyer Thunder Dance for Ian Longmore under the now Hong Kong star, Karis Teetan.
Flashback to 2013 – Crawford’s Thunder Dance wins the Gr1 Empress Club Stakes
(Pic- JC Photos)
On Saturday Brett will be a long way from his Philippi home base again when he takes on the SA Horse Of The Year Summer Pudding.
He saddles the Dynasty filly Kelpie for Ridgemont Racing in the R750 000 Gr1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes at Turffontein.
The talented Kelpie ran a cracker at her opening Turffontein start three weeks ago and has been based at Randjesfontein for some time now.
“We felt she would have a chance to put on a big showing, although we are under no false illusions about taking on Summer Pudding at level weights! But Kelpie is fit and well. It’s a big plus that Anton Marcus will be there to ride her and it’s a prestigious race,” Brett told the Sporting Post on Wednesday.
The well-related Kelpie has won 5 of her 19 starts and is the third-highest rated runner in the race behind Summer Pudding and the year older Running Brave.
On the move – Brett Crawford (Pic- Candiese Lenferna)
The undisputed reigning Queen Of Turffontein, SA Horse Of The Year Summer Pudding scored her tenth victory from eleven starts when romping home in the R250 000 Gr2 Colorado King Stakes at the end of March after a short break.
The daughter of Silvano will strip fitter on Saturday and looks a tough nut to crack.
1st R450000, 2nd R187500, 3rd R75000, 4th R37500
HSH PRINCESS CHARLENE EMPRESS CLUB STAKES (Grade 1)
For Fillies and Mares at Weight-for-Age
WFA: 2yrs-12.5kgs 3yrs-2.5kgs 4yrs-0kgs
No Apprentice Allowance
| 1 | 3 | Summer Pudding | 60 | 129 | A | Warren Kennedy | Paul Peter | |
| 2 | 9 | Running Brave | 60 | 119 | A | Muzi Yeni | Fanie Bronkhorst | |
| 3 | 6 | Kelpie | 60 | 115 | A | Anton Marcus | Brett Crawford | |
| 4 | 7 | Lady Of Steel | 60 | 111 | A | Gavin Lerena | J A Janse van Vuuren | |
| 5 | 5 | Wisteria Walk | 60 | 107 | T A | Craig Zackey | Lucky Houdalakis | |
| 6 | 10 | Marygold | 60 | 105 | CA | S’manga Khumalo | Alec Laird | |
| 7 | 2 | Rio’s Winter | 60 | 104 | T A | Luke Ferraris | Stephen Moffatt | |
| 8 | 4 | Seehaam | 60 | 100 | A | Lyle Hewitson | Sean Tarry | |
| 9 | 1 | Rouge Allure | 60 | 96 | TBA | Ryan Munger | Stephen Moffatt | |
| 10 | 8 | Due Diligence | 57.5 | 105 | BA | Callan Murray | Mike de Kock | |
| 11 | 11 | Zimbaba | 57.5 | 98 | A | Calvin Habib | Sean Tarry | |
| Same Trainer – Not Coupled on Tote | ||||||||
| (7,9) (8,11) | ||||||||
The feature enjoys the support of HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, his wife HSH Princess Charlene and the South African Sport of Kings Monaco Group who contribute towards the stake of this prestigious race.
Locally, Mike Wittstock, father of HSH Princess Charlene, has been instrumental in assisting with the promotion of the day. The Racing Association recently acknowledged his important role.
