Jockey Shadlee Fortune has started the season running at speed!
After a nice winner at the Vaal on Thursday for Paul Matchett, he showed great judgement to get Lucky Lulu home in the R110 000 Wedgewood Handicap at Fairview on Friday.
Shadlee Fortune keeps Lucky Lulu at her task for a good win (Pic – Pauline Herman Photography)
While he has some ground to make up on his illustrious Uncle and Cousin, Shadlee certainly has the pedigree to reach the top. He is a nephew to former SA Champion Andrew Fortune, and a cousin of newly crowned Cape Champion Aldo Domeyer.
Shadlee rode his first winner of his career at Fairview back in April 2014 when he steered National Forest to victory for Hekkie Strydom.
Maintaining his early season surge, he had Lucky Lulu relaxed tracking Christmas Carol and Chit Chat for much of the 2400m of the non black-type feature.
Into the home run he picked up the daughter of Pathfork at the 350m and it was race over as he grabbed a length on the opposition, with the fancied So Enchanting under the whip.
Tara Laing – flying start!
At the line Lucky Lulu was well in control and had plenty in reserve to hold the late challenge of Gitango Tonight by 2,50 lengths in a time of 153.92 secs.
So Enchanting squeaked into third a further 1,25 lengths in arrears.
The winner is trained by Grant Paddock and was bred by Jagessar Limited. She is a daughter of Highlands Sandown Stud-based stallion Pathfork (Distorted Humor) out of Land Of Wilkes (Diesis), who won at 2 in France.
The winner was purchased by Stone Hill Stud for R40 000 at the 2015 BSA Val De Vie Yearling Sale.
She has won 4 races with 10 places from 19 starts and stakes of R322 300.
Tara Laing made a flying start to the new season with three winners – two of which were ridden by the underrated Chase Maujean.
