There were almost red faces in the Bass-Robinson camp as replacement rider Grant Van Niekerk didn't fully ride out Red Palace in the second last event of the World Pool meeting at Greyville on Sunday.
Red Palace, the Cape Guineas runner up, beating all but one colt in Cape Town on that day, was well fancied in the Gold Bracelet eventually starting as the 5/2 favorite after being backed in from 7/1, won but almost didn't in this Grade 2 event.
With Lady Of Power leading until the 750m mark when Keagan De Melo decided to move the stalking Rascova to the lead and took over. Whilst this was happening Red Palace was in 5th a few lengths off them.
De Melo on Rascova decided to pull the trigger around the bend and went for home rather than rating the filly for a bit longer and stealing a few lengths around the bend. The star miler likely went too early and was left fighting for her position by the 200m when Red Palace starting engaging.
The race looked over as Grant Van Niekerk strode clear confidently and looked to go onto win well when he suddenly relaxed on the lead and around 50m from home nearly stopped riding the filly, momentarily putting his hands down. Saartjie was flying on the outside of her and got within a long lead. It was a rather baffling situation for racegoers.
Shades of Black Caviar moment at Royal Ascot in 2012 came to mind as the jockey took it easy and then started riding a final strife or two. Just like that Royal Ascot moment.
This wasn't quite that close but it was rather an uncomfortable watch. As they say, a win is a win!
Saartjie was second with Rascova really game in third and None Other in fourth.
Credit also goes out to long time assistant to numerous stables Terry Fripp who looked after the Bass-Robinson horse in Durban. He comes out of previous assistant work in Dubai with Grade 1 winners.
Red Palace
Sire: POTALA PALACE
Dam: IN LIMINE
Dam Sire: JAY PEG
Breeder: Mr T D Andrews
Owner: Mr & Mrs T D Andrews, Messrs M F Bass & C A F Goncalves & Mr H G & Mrs N S C Breydenbach & Mrs C L Bass-Robinson
