Narrow Creek-bred Isivunguvungu had South African racing followers on their feet near midnight on Saturday, winning his American debut in the Da Hoss Stakes for trainer Graham Motion over 1200m.
The Equus Sprinter of the year in the previous season with two Gr1’s under his belt, previously in training with Peter Muscutt, looked a picture on Graham Motion’s Herringswell Stables social media lead up to the race, and Isivunguvungu, named by Odwa Ndungane, showed his incredible turn of foot under Manuel Franco who enjoyed a red letter, booting home seven winners of which five were Graded Stakes winners.
It was a significant and special win for the Heffer family of the Hollywood Syndicate whose dream it is to have a runner in the Breeders Cup, part of the foundation of the establishment of Hollywoodbets, which was run at Hollywood Park. The team at Hollywoodbets send guests to the Breeders Cup each year, and to have a runner in this meeting of world champions would be a dream come true.
Renee and John Everett’s Narrow Creek Stud have been churning out winner after winner in recent years, and this is their second Gr1 winner produced after Red Saxon (Red Ray). Isivunguvungu was sold privately in the early days of Covid in 2020, and this season they will be foaling down 51 mares.
They average 40% winners to runners produced and have the likes of Buffalo Storm Cody and Khetiwe’s Destiny (also owned by Hollywood Syndicate) to look forward to for the next season.
Renee Everett advised that the dam of Isisvunguvungu, Miss Tweedy, will be visiting Malmoos this year. “We also have a half sister to Miss Tweedy – Chicks For Free as well as two half sisters to isivunguvungu – Bat out Of Hell and Damned If I Do. Chicks for Free had her first foal, an Erupt filly, last week.” Miss Tweedy, also by Tiger Ridge, is a 4-time winner and this is the family of Lady Of The Turf and South African born King Of Pain. Asked about thoughts on Isivunguvungu prospects of heading to the Breeders Cup, Renne commented that “Its an incredibly exciting time for us and I imagine all involved. Win, loose or draw its going to be one hell of a party!”
