Trainer Paul Peter and SA log-leading jockey Warren Kennedy maintained their dream run as 2019 draws to a close when they teamed up with the relatively inexperienced 3yo Riverstown to win the weather-delayed R500 000 Grand Heritage at the Vaal on Thursday.
The original 28 horse field was trimmed with the visitors crying off, but the visual spectacle of the stampede – in two imbalanced groups – down the Vaal 1475m straight, was not lost.
Warren Kennedy keeps Riverstown going to hold off Gavin Lerena and Social Order (Pic – JC Photos)
And the only 3yo in the field was to show his class with a smart effort – trainer Paul Peter having taken his chances with the lightly exposed youngster, who had demonstrated his ability with a smart third to Frosted Gold in the Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes in early November.
It was Riverstown’s irst run at the Vaal, but his astute trainer had shown him the surroundings a few weeks earlier.
After being relaxed near midfield, Social Order and Riverstown came together, with Cordillera looking threatening, but the middle outside sector held sway.
In the drive to the wire, the high-riding Kennedy kept Riverstown (5-1), racing in the yellow and black of Mauritzfontein, committed to his task and the smart 3yo dug deep to keep the well-performed Social Order to a neck in a time of 88,10 secs.
The 50-1 Full Mast stayed on best of the rest for third, with Cordillera the first filly home in fourth.
Cheques were paid all the way down to R5000 for tenth – Paul Peter’s Florida Quays banking that consolation.
Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, Riverstown is a son of Byword (Peintre Celebre) out the Irish-bred three time winner Carraig Aonair (Fastnet Rock).
He has win twice in five starts for three places and stakes of R385 625.
Byword is the sire of Gr1 winner Camphoratus, who was crowned KZN Breeders Horse Of The Year recently.
