It was a red-letter day at Turffontein on Saturday for trainer Sean Tarry, who sent out both winners of the Gr2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge features — and fittingly, both are graduates of Bloodstock South Africa sales.
The spotlight first fell on Moutonshoek-bred Tin Pan Alley (The United States), who produced a smart performance to land the Gr2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge. Ridden by Malesela Katjedi for owners the Wernars Family and D Chinsammy, the R500,000 August 2YO Sale graduate impressed with a strong finish to secure his first graded stakes success, after finishing second to the talented Jan Van Goyen in his prior start, the Gr1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Premiers Champion Stakes.
Tin Pan Alley’s pedigree adds extra shine to the result. He shares his dam line with a host of top performers — Gabor, Silver Operator, Black Skimmer and Decorated — and notably, the female line carries the influence of the late, great Captain Al, whose stamp continues to shape quality horses across generations.
Callmegetrix.
Earlier in the afternoon, Callmegetrix (Vercingetorix – Clarion Call by Kabool) kicked off her season in style with a victory in the Gr2 Betway Joburg Spring F & M Challenge, giving Tarry a memorable feature double on the day.
Bred and raced by Mr Mario Ferreira of Rathmor Stud, the R450,000 National Yearling Sale graduate registered her sixth career win under a well-judged ride by Luyolo Mxothwa, securing a stable exacta in the process.
Callmegetrix is a half-sister to Listed-placed Spydas Corner, and comes from the distinguished family of Amberpondo, African Ruler and St Tropez. Her female line also features the unmistakable presence of Captain Al, a legendary influence that continues to shine through the pedigrees of South Africa’s top performers.
Notably both aforementioned horses feature Captain Al in their female lines.
The double success not only showcased Sean Tarry’s stable strength, but once again highlighted the calibre of BSA graduates and the enduring legacy of Captain Al in shaping feature race winners.
Images: JC Photos
