Rainbow Bridge stalked a competent field in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and was never in doubt as he loomed over them the whole way round.
With stake earnings now over R8 million, the son of Ideal World and Halfway To Heaven’s 134 rating all but guarenteed to hold back the field. Originally a R300,000 purchase from Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein to the late Mr MC Gerber, the Rattray’s chose extremely well to try and get to their missing July win, ironically winning two Mets on his journey.
Luke Ferraris seals the hattrick on Rainbow Bridge (Pic- Candiese Lenferna)
In a race last won back-to-back in 2012/13 by Variety Club, Rainbow Bridge affirms that elite status of ratings at 130 in a race with a roll of honour that includes many, many, July winners.
Luke Ferraris who now has 3 wins and two 2nds from 5 runs with Rainbow Bridge said, “It’s a credit to Mr Sands’ team to manage a horse that has it’s quirks”. He chirped that his plan went awry when he lost his cover in the race, but he was never worried from the feel he got in the race which was much easier than how it may have appeared on screen.
Eric Sands explained that keeping his horse in Natal is a matter of trust, and he has full trust in his host trainer, Peter Muscutt.
Muscutt who has looked after Rainbow Bridge this season was assistant to Sands in Cape Town in the 90’s before he moved on his own.
Flattered in 2nd position, Catch Twentytwo, the 3yo son of Elusive Fort, got another 1.60 lengths closer to Rainbow Bridge over the extra 400m compared to their previous meeting in the Drill Hall Stakes. Entire Chimichuri Run, a son of Trippi showed his never-say-die courage once again gave us a solid performance although that finish over the 1600m would have surprised many.
Rainbow Bridge who looked the proverbial million dollars, did new sponsors Hollywoodbets proud to make a memorable performance by a proper champion in the R1 million Gr1 Gold Challenge.
