“You don’t have control of what’s done to you but you can control how you react and Corrie said he will train until people see he CAN train … so I do believe he showed he can train.” (Emmie Le Grange)

Emmie Le Grange was talking about the challenge her partner Corrie Lensley faced following the closure of Flamingo Park two-and-a-half years ago.

The words were spoken in the winner’s enclosure after the horse Corrie trains Alesian Chief (Vercingetorix) had won Saturday’s Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

 

Corrie was not present because he was at his son Leon’s wedding. 

Lensley found the horse on the farm of Dr Marianne Thompson’s Ambiance Stud.

He purchased him for just R50,000 thanks to passionate owner Peet Boonzaaier agreeing by phone to take a 75% share..

Peet also gave some memorable quotes in the winner’s enclosure, including, “”We’ve done it”, “I always told you he was a champion” and “I was going home tomorrow but I don’t think so anymore!”

Picture: Emmie Le Grange is second from the left as part-owner Graham Palmer next to her and chief owner Peet Boonzaaier lead in Alesian Chief