Mauritzfontein’s celebrated broodmare Nother Russia (Tiger Ridge) reminded the industry of her lasting influence on Saturday when two of her daughters scored on opposite sides of the globe.
At Turffontein, her grey filly Special Star (by Danon Platina) broke her Maiden in convincing fashion in her third start. Trained by Mike de Kock for Mary Slack of Wilgerbosdrift, she quickened clear by 2.40 lengths against older fillies — the kind of debut win that hints at a bright future. Special Star, reminiscent of the famous South African song from Mango Groove, had Craig Zackey aboard, who ride her dam Nother Russia in all twelve of her starts and multiple Gr1 wins.
Later that same day in California, Nother Russia’s Equus Champion daughter Gimme A Nother (by Gimmethegreenlight) sealed her first American success in the $252,000 Gr2 John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar. She finished second in her prior start by a head in the Gr2 Canadian Stakes at Woodbine.
Having knocked at the door all season in graded company in the familiar yellow and black silks of Newstead Stables, closely resembling the famous Mauritzfontein colours in South Africa, she settled just behind the early leader before producing her run in the straight. Under a well-timed ride from Juan Hernandez, she moved past favourite Medoro and stretched away to win by a length and a quarter. The final time of 1:48.55 reflected both her class and turn of foot.
For trainer Graham Motion, it was a maiden ‘Mabee’ triumph; for Steven and Jessica Jell’s Newstead Stables, it was the breakthrough they had been waiting for after a string of close finishes. Gimme A Nother now boasts eight wins from just 12 starts and earnings of $425,773, adding a new chapter to a career that began with multiple Grade 1 victories in South Africa.
Both Special Star and Gimme A Nother were bred by the Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein partnership of Mary Slack and Jessica Jell, underlining the strength of the family. Nother Russia herself was a multiple Grade 1 winner and Equus Champion, and her daughters are carrying her legacy forward — at home and abroad. All four of her progeny are winners to date.
One afternoon, two continents, and a pair of winners, Saturday 6 September will be remembered as a showcase of what South Africa’s bloodlines can achieve on the world stage.
Nother Russia has recently welcomed a full brother to Gimme A Nother at Mauritzfontein in Kimberley for the 2025 season, the colt boasting a full blaze like that of his famous sister.
Well done to all concerned.
Nother Russian pictured at Mauritzfontein in 2019 – Candiese Lenferna
Watch the race:
2025 $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes (G2) at Del Mar Racing
🍪 GIMME A NOTHER (SAF) ($6.80) out-kicked Medora down the lane in the $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes (G2) at Del Mar Racing. Juan Hernandez had the ride for trainer H. Graham Motion.
