Steven Chetty’s homebred Duke Of Marmalade gelding Son Of Raj landed the Gr 3 Betway London News Stakes over 1800m at Turffontein Standside on Saturday under Gavin Lerena and it was in fact the now Tony Peter-trained five-year-old’s first win since his magnificent Gr 1 SA Derby win for Weiho Marwing back in 2023.
Son Of Raj was well weighted and was supported onto 2/1.
He drew away in the final stages to beat Purple Pitcher by 1,90 lengths.
The latter rallied well after looking to be going backwards halfway down the straight.
The former SA Oaks runner up My Soul Mate kept up her consistent recent form to finish a 3,10 length third.
Son Of Raj had a holdiday at Grace Stables after the Champions Season and Stephen Chetty spoke of the good TLC he received and physio sessions from Physiotherapist “Bridget” which has seen him return to have two thirds and a win.
Son Of Raj was raised at Boland Stud and is a son of deceased Cartier Champion and is out of the three-time winning Black Minnaloushe mare, Freudinia.
He has now won 5 races with 5 places from 20 starts for stakes of R1 587 250.
