Rainbow Bridge, a R300 000 graduate off the 2016 National Yearling Sale, soared to victory in the colours of the Late Chris Gerber to win the Gr1 Sun Met Celebrated with G.H. Mumm.
Flying home under Anton Marcus, Rainbow Bridge finished ahead of Do It Again (also a 2016 National Yearling Sales graduate) and Querari gelding Head Honcho, who almost stole the show under Keagan De Melo for La Plaisance.
Rainbow Bridge was two thirds of the way back about ten lengths off the gallop, with Do It Again near the rear a further four lengths behind as they turned for home.
Head Honcho skipped clear as they entered the straight, and with 300m to go still enjoyed a healthy advantage.
The early effort started to take it’s toll though, and Rainbow Bridge began to assume prominence as they entered the final 200m.
Rainbow Bridge pictured at the National Yearling Sale. Image: Candiese Marnewick
He ran on strongly under a trademark driving ride from Marcus, and sailed on by in the closing stages to win by three quarters.
Do It Again also finished stoutly down the inside to just get the better of a gallant Head Honcho on the line, but never looked like beating Rainbow Bridge this time.
Undercover Agent was fourth and Legal Eagle fifth.
“It’s special. I’m sure Chris (Gerber) is looking down on us. I couldn’t have asked for a better day” said Anton Marcus who has won three races on the card up to the Sun Met.
Rainbow Bridge, unbeaten from his first five starts of his career, by Ideal World out of Jet Master mare Halfway To Heaven, is a half-brother to the talented Hawwaam – both bred by Mauritzfontein & Wilgerbosdrift. Halfway To Heaven has since produced a 2016 colt by Philanthropist named Golden Ducat, and a 2017 filly by Silvano named In Limbo.
Rainbow Bridge has earned over R3,6-million in stakes. Congratulations to all concerned.
