The Paul Peter-trained MK’S Pride (Willow Magic) won the Grade 1 HF Oppenheimer today under Muzi and although it will be viewed as an upset it was clear he was more suited to the 1600m trip than “The People’s Horse” Kommetdieding.

 

MK’S Pride was comfortable on the fence throughout and turned it on superbly in the straight to go clear before holding on to win cosily.

 

Puerto Manzano (Seeking Again) had a welcome return to form by staying on for second.

 

Kommetdieding (Elusive Fort) looked to be travelling well just outside of MK’S pride in the early part of the straight, but in the same way he was unable to go with Jet Dark (Trippi) in the Grade 1 wfa L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate he was unable to go with the more speedy MK’s Pride.

 

His run was similar in many respects to his Queen’s Plate run and he then won the WSB Met so hopefully this race puts him spot on for the Grade 1 Premiers Champions Challenge over the Met 2000m trip.  

 

Astrix (Vercingetorix) finished fourth ahead of Flying Carpet (Judpot) and second favourite Al Muthana (Deep Field), who prefers soft going, was disappointing in sixth.

 

The win was a fairytale anyway as MK’S Pride is the first horse owned by lifelong racing fan MK “Koos” Nkale.

 

Nkale thanked the Paul Peter team for the faultless way from day one they have trained MK’S Pride, then thanked Muzi Yeni for a fine ride and thanked his family for staging an all night vigil for the horse. He went on to dedicate the win to his beloved Kaizer Chiefs and also to the innocent victims of the conflict in Ukraine. 

 

Picture: JC Photos.