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High drama at Durban July
2011-07-02 18:14
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Anthony Delpech and Igugu (Gallo Images)
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Durban - The Vodacom Durban July produced a mixture of emotions at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday.
It was a great occasion for the punters when the favourite, Igugu, stormed home to an easy victory.
It was a sad day, however, for trainer Glen Kotzen and the owners of Big City Life, as he broke his fetlock shortly after crossing the finishing line in sixth place.
Big City Life, a previous winner of South Africa's premier race, having taken the title in 2009, had to be euthanised.
Igugu, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum, stamped herself as one of the greatest fillies to have raced in South Africa with her seventh victory in 10 starts.
Many doubted whether a filly of her age would be capable of challenging some of the older horses and the colts of her own age.
She gave a most emphatic answer when she stormed into the lead shortly after turning for home and won full of running to cross the line clear of Pierre Jordan who was in his third race since November 2010.
Igugu was always the favourite, having caught the imagination of punters throughout South Africa with her fantastic pre-race form.
It was the second time that trainer Mike de Kock, who turned her out in magnificent fashion, had won the race with a filly.
His previous success with a filly came with the mighty Ipi Tombe in 2002.
It was De Kock's second win in succession after turning out Bold Silvano to win last year's race.
Jockey Anthony Delpech, who secured his fourth win in the Durban July, also bagged a double after partnering last year's winner.