What could have been the most emotionally charged informative post-race interview in a long while was cut off midway when a clockwatching Turffontein employee flicked the power switch after past dual SA Horse Of The Year Legal Eagle had stormed to victory in his comeback pipe-opener.
The night meeting, featuring the Victory Moon stakes, had ironically up to that point proved a commendable victory for Phumelela as well as the jockeys and trainers, after rain threatened to scuttle the important Summer Cup stepping stone.
But whoever flicked the switch while an emotional Anton Marcus was talking about one of his most thrilling moments in a long and illustrious career in the saddle, warrants some coaching at the least.
With the eighth race running almost two hours after scheduled start, it is understandable that employees have families and homes to go to and maybe public transport to catch.
But to cut such an important interview in midstream after a rush of a race, was uncalled for.
In the Tellytrack studio an exasperated and embarrassed Brandon Bailey assured viewers that the offender was on course.
But the blunder could not detract from the sensational Legal Eagle, who scored a sensational victory over the 1160m.
In the process he must have set a record for the latest victory on SA soil in a decade, as the race was run shortly after 11pm.
Anton Marcus and Legal Eagle
Tabnews report that twice a Gr1 runner up, established top sprinter Pinnacle Peak looked to have done everything right when he got the better of Clever Guy late on.
But close to the outside rail Anton Marcus got the now seven-year-old into full stride, and he low flew home late to win going away by a rapidly widening half a length.
The execution was both clinical and breathtaking after being virtually last at the 400m mark, and any inkling that Sean Tarry’s star could be on the decline will have to rapidly be consigned to the dustbin.
Sean Tarry – great training feat
As could be expected Sean Tarry was elated post race.
“We are thrilled with Legal Eagle’s win and it gives us confidence for the big races ahead. There are some top horses around this season and they’re waiting for him. They won’t be pushovers, but of course our horse is no pushover himself This was a massive win!”
A breathless Anton Marcus, whose day had started at 5 am with a flight to fulfill his engagements in the Cape, said the win was something special and had given him one of the greatest moments in his racing career.
Not bad for a jockey who has won multiple international Gr1’s!
Legal Eagle is likely to be seen next in the Green Point Stakes before making a bid for a fourth LÓrmarins Queen’s Plate.
