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Captain Of All, having only his second run after being off the track for 13 months, completed a remarkable comeback to win the G2 Diadem Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday.
Veteran Copper Parade was not disgraced in second as Fly By Night ran another honest race to take third from Priceless Jewel.
Captain Of All had the advantage inside the last furlong and it became a case of whether Copper Parade and Fly Night, both chasing hard, could wear him down. The 4YO son of Captain Al would not be denied, however, and he kept finding under pressure to record a famous victory.
Captain Of All had shown star potential as a juvenile two seasons ago and was certainly not winning out of turn here. However, he had missed most of his 3-year-old campaign due to an injury-enforced layoff and there were understandable concerns as to whether he could regain his earlier form following an inconclusive comeback effort earlier this month.
Trainer Dennis Drier has done a superb job in bringing him back and, given the emotions involved in seeing him return to his best, it was no surprise to see jockey Sean Cormack punching the air in animated fashion as they crossed the line.
Captain Of All has now won 4 of 7 starts with 2 places and would have been a tonic for the top KZN trainer who has enjoyed mixed fortunes in the Cape Summer season.
Captain Of All went through the ring at the Klawervlei Farm Sale and was purchased by trainer Dennis Drier on behalf of owner Markus Jooste, who is enjoying a purple patch.