Lord Victorious (Craig Zackey) on the outside gets the better of Autumn Encore (Jarryd Penny) in the Kimberley Nursery (Pic: JC Photos)
Trainer Tienie Prinsloo and leading apprentice Craig Zackey dominated the Monday afternoon meeting at Flamingo Park, when they also teamed up to produce the thrilling winner of the R100 000 Kimberley Nursery.
The non black-type feature always looked a tricky affair and with Bug’s Bunny withdrawn at the start, the field was reduced to 13 runners.
The engagement of Andrew Fortune to ride Corne Spies’ recent Gr2 Umzimkhulu Stakes placed Paulus was enough to have the son of King’s Apostle posted a weak 7-2 favourite.
But things were not to pan out favourably for punters, on what was a largely forgettable afternoon on the betting front.
With a strung out bunch coming for home, Craig Zackey produced the strong galloping Lord Victorious to lead at the 300m and it looked to be race over – until Jarryd Penny brought the rank outsider Autumn Encore out to challenge with a gutsy looking attack.
Inside the 100m it was heads up and head down between the two all the way to the line – with the judge having to look closely at the photo finish pic.
It showed that Lord Victorious got his head down at the right moment to win by a short head in a time of 87,10 secs.
Autumn Encore could be one to be with after his great showing – and the top two were 8 lengths ahead of the rest.
Craig Zackey leads the SA champion apprentice log
The young Craig Zackey is riding with great confidence and cemented his position at the top of the National Apprentice log with a well-taken hat-trick for Tienie Prinsloo – who saddled four winners.
Fortune’s mount Paulus jumped outwards at the start, while Red Lunar and Zilnox were slow away. The Vet was also requested to examine Zilnox in view of the filly’s poor run.
Jockey Muzi Yeni signed an admission of guilt for unprofessional conduct when dropping his whip on Dr Finley. A warning was imposed.
Formerly with Barend Botes up in Gauteng, Lord Victorious has now won 2 races with 2 places from 7 starts and stakes of R104 550.
Bred by Gavin Walker, he is by Dupont out of the once winning Model Man mare Galaxy Girl.
