Picture: Isivunguvungu wins cosily at Laurel Park after a ten month layoff. Photo by Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club (Herringswell Stables website)
A layoff of more than ten months benefited the South African-bred sprinter Isivunguvungu (What A Winter) as he recorded his second win in the USA today (Friday) when landing an Allowance Optional Claiming contest over 5.5 furlongs (about 1100m) on the turf worth $57,000 and a first prize of $33,600.
It was the Narrow Creek Stud-bred and Hollywood Racing-owned gelding’s first victory since winning the Da Hoss Stakes at Colonial Downs on his USA debut in September 2024.
Jumping from a draw of seven, Isivunguvungu settled well and took up what the Americans call a stalking position, He was produced on the outside with a sustained effort to get on terms before asserting close to home and winning in impressive style by half-a-length.
All seven of the runners carried 123 pounds and Isivunguvungu started 7/5 favourite.
Isivunguvungu is an eight-year-old by American rules at present but the big Graham Motion-trained speedster looks to have a lot of racing stil left in him.
Speaking to SAHorseracing.COM after the victory, winning jockey Jorge Ruiz paid tribute to the team behind the talented sprinter.
“I would like to thank the Graham Motion team and everyone involved with Isivunguvungu. I am truly grateful to Hollywood Racing for the opportunities they have given me,” said Ruiz.
“I hope to continue winning many important races with them and, of course, to win Group 1 races. That is my dream, especially while carrying the colors of Hollywood Racing from South Africa.
“Congratulations to the entire team, the owners, and everyone involved in this great organization in South Africa. Thank you for your support and confidence.”
Motion has done exceptionally well with South African-breds and this was his second win with an SA-bred in the space of six days as Gimme A Nother won at Monmouth Park last Saturday.
