Let’s give it another go!
The prestigious WSB East Cape Derby will be run this coming Friday, after the welcome rain cut the last race meeting short.
It was a drama-filled day at the Fairview track when Nelson Mandela Bay Racing hosted their big Derby Day.
The meeting started in the rain, with a race for the amateur riders. These work riders just love it when they get a chance to ride in a race at Fairview, and enjoyed every moment despite the challenging conditions.
After a second race it was decided to move the rest of the meeting to the poly surface, as the underfoot conditions on the turf made things difficult for horse and rider.
A further two races were run on the poly before it was decided to abandon races five to nine after jockeys raised concerns as to the poor visibility due to persistent rain.
There will now be more interest expected in the upcoming meeting, scheduled for the poly surface, with not only the Derby but also the Dahlia Plate part of the programme.
These two big races will be run on the turf, but the rest of the meeting will be on the poly.
The postponement of the Derby and Dahlia Plate means a feast of big races are coming up for the Fairview faithful.
At the meeting on May 26 the headliners will be the Milkwood Stakes and the Fairview 1400, so there will be plenty of quality racing at the two meetings to look forward to.
Trainer Kelly Mitchley, who will saddle two runners in the Derby, will be looking to follow up on her good showing of last week.
She won two of the four races and is continuing to enjoy a successful season. Her stable has now won 26 races since the start of the season in August last year.
Gavin Smith still tops the log with 102 winners, followed by Alan Greeff (93) and Sharon Kotzen (41).
Unfortunately, Gqeberha-based jockey Charles Ndlovu had a bad fall in the fourth race while riding Secret Is Ours.
His right foot slipped out of the stirrup iron and he was dislodged. Ndlovu is expected to be out of action for about two months after he suffered a broken left foot and fractured collar bone.
Fairview in May
19 May: Poly/Turf – WSB EC Derby
26 May: Turf – Milkwood & Fairview 1400
29 May: Poly
