Du Plooy on comeback trail
CRAIG du Plooy (pictured) is optimistic that he can resurrect his career with the backing of Snaith Racing and the tuition of Felix Coetzee.
The Final Fling Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday proved his point as he delivered 6-1 shot Cat And The Moon with a perfectly timed challenge to head her much better fancied stable companion Jet Supreme 100m out. As he passed the post nearly two lengths to the good, Du Plooy punched the air in delight.
The 40-year-old said: “It’s been a long time since I last won a feature as I have been off with a lot of injuries including breaking my shoulder, hand and wrist - each one in different falls. Almost as soon as I got going each time I broke something else. Recently Felix has been working on changing my style and making me look stronger in a finish - and he has been a big help.’’
The master was on hand to witness his pupil’s success. The former champ explained that he had been asked to help by the Snaiths. “It is fun working with Craig. He is keen, enthusiastic and works hard, and I’m thrilled that it has paid off.’’
Du Plooy, who has taught many of the Cape Town work riders the rudiments of race-riding, has long been recognised as a good horseman but in recent months Justin Snaith has become convinced that he is a under-rated jock. “He is improving a lot as a race-rider and deserves to be given the opportunity.’’
Forward Drive is a significant step nearer a place in the lineup for next January’s CTS Million Dollar after blitzing the older horses in the Itsarush.co.za Handicap under Brandon May.
Paul Reeves said: “This was a phenomenal performance and I am ecstatic. It’s hard enough to win from the front, never mind in this ground (heavy after 170mm of rain).’’
Reeves earlier got off the 13-winner mark when Devin Ashby drove 12-1 chance Star Academy into the lead almost on the line in the Juvenile Fillies Maiden while May, 19, initiated his 2nd double on the Stan Elley-trained Ledbury in the Mandela Day Maiden.
Grant van Niekerk, who turned down an invitation to take part in the Rider Cup, is still three short of his century after drawing a blank. He had to be content with two seconds and two thirds.