Gaynor Rupert’s Drakenstein Stud look set to be crowned SA Champion Owners at the end of this season – the first time in a decade that the title, long held by Markus Jooste’s Mayfair Speculators, will change hands.
Drakenstein – home of champions
The Drakenstein Stud blue currently lead the owner log with R8,9 million in stakes ahead of Super Saturday on 28 July. Mayfair Speculators are in second position on R7,2 million.
Interestingly at the end of December last year, Mayfair Speculators held a R3,3 million lead over the Rupert Family’s world-class operation. But with their representation on track having dwindled since the early December Steinhoff scandal, the situation has changed dramatically.
Apprentice Lyle Hewitson is set to be crowned SA champion jockey and enjoys an unassailable lead of 40 wins over his nearest rival, Muzi Yeni.
It has been a memorable season for Hewitson.
Lyle Hewitson (photo: JC Photos)
In March he rode his 285th winner as an apprentice to better the record set by Gavin Lerena in 2007. He will also follow in the legendary Muis Roberts footsteps when he takes the national title, while still an apprentice.
In a rare moment for a Cape-based trainer, the high-riding Justin Snaith will lift the national title for the second time – he won it first in 2013/14 with 194 winners and stakes of 19,490,725. This term Snaith has accumulated stakes of over R26 million with 160 winners to date. He won both the Sun Met and Durban July to crown a glorious twelve months. A great team achievement all round!
Reigning SA Champion trainer Sean Tarry, who has held the title for three seasons since wresting it from the Cape team, is trailing Snaith by R7 million.
The season climaxes on Super Saturday on 28 July at Greyville and looks set to be a highlight of the SA Champions Season.
It features two weight for age Gr1’s, two level weights two-year-old Gr1’s as well as the Gr2 Gold Bracelet, the Gr3 Gold Cup and two other Gr3’s – as well as two Listed events.
All the champions will be crowned at the Equus Awards, which will be held on 14 August at Emperors Palace.
