By MYRAH MALINA
The opening cup race at the Ngong Racecourse on Sunday started with huge expectations as the Steve Njuguna trained “Simuni” bravely held off Cherry Bay to win the Vicky Jackman Trophy at Ngong race course.
Her partner on course, jockey James Muhindi said, he knew it was not going to be easy for “Simuni” to steal the show from South African bred Cherry Bay who was in the hands of stable jockey Richard Kibet. “It was a hard race. “Simuni” went ahead of the field then dropped back at some point before picking up a few metres from home,” he said. A catch up with hottest contender “Cherry Bay” created room for a two horse race and only a head of a length separated the duo as they crossed the finish line. For “Cherry Bay” jockey Richard Kibet it was a case of disappoinment.
“Shufti” of South Africa, a notable dynamic performer for trainer Gill Fraser, expressed her joy for long trips as she claimed the Brigade of Guards Trophy over 2800m. This was a major cup race at the Ngong meeting. She travelled the distance under Paul Kiarie beating “Mama Mia” by three lengths.
It was “Irish Flyer”, another South African who woundup the meeting walking away with the Mickey Migdoll Mile ridden by Mark Mburu for his brother Justin.
Results
The Vicky Jsckmsn Trophy 1000m
Winning Horse: Simuni Rider: James Muhindi, Trainer: Steve Njuguna. Distance: Head
2. Cherry Bay-SAF (Richard Kibet)
3. Manzhouli (Peter Lesengei)
The Brigade of Guards Trophy 2800m
1.Shufti-SAF (Paul Kiarie) Gill Fraser. Distance: 3 L
2. Mama Mia (Charles Kimani)
3. Rifle Range (James Muhindi)
The Elephants of Tsavo Handicap 1400m
1.Wesasha-SAF (Peter Lesengei). Joe Karari. Distance: 3 ¾
2. Barbados-SAF (Mark Mburu)
3. African Song (J. Muhindi)
The Flamingos of Lake Nakuru Handicap 1600m
1.Manly Wharf (P. Lesengei). J. Karari Distance.1 L
2. Forewarned (Daniel Tanui)
3. Try To Catch Me-ZIM (Lawrence Karanja)
The Lions of Nairobi Handicap 2060m
1.Royal Glint (J. Muhindi). Steve Njuguna Distance: 2L
2. Call the Tune (HenryMuya)
3. Eternal-SAF (Josephat Kultiang)
The Wildebeest of Maasai Mara Handicap 1200m
1. Espionage (J. Muhindi). S. Njuguna Distance: 1 1/4
2. King of Burma-SAF (Henry Muya)
3. Simply Ravishing (Paul Ngugi)
The Bongo of Mt Kenya Maiden 1600m
1. Ellite (D. Tanui). Wakini Ndegwa. Distance: Neck
2. Talk Time-SAF (P. Kiarie)
3. Catlin (Leslie Sercombe)
The Crocodiles of Lade Turkana Maiden1200m
1. Eighth Wonder (Mark Mburu). Onesmus Mutua.Distance: 6L
2. Ming Dynasty (Paul Ngugi)
3. Loan Shark (R Mbatha)
The Mickey Migdoll Mile 1600m
1. Irish Flyer-SAF (M. Mburu) O. Mutua. Distance:Head
2. NeedSumluck (L.Sercombe)
3. Doubloon (David Miri)
Courtesy of the-star.co.ke