SOUTH AFRICA: Derby Win Too Late For Master Plan

Tuesday, 26 June 2012: Trainer Greg Ennion had strong words for the Vodacom Durban July selection panel following Master Plan's emphatic victory in Sunday's G2 Betting World Derby over 2400m at Clairwood.

“It's unfortunate for the racing public that the powers chose to eliminate Master Plan from the final field. It breaks my heart to see a top horse like this not getting recognised,” Ennion said after Master Plan's victory.

It has been a memorable Champions Season for the Cape trainer.

He registered his third feature win from less than 15 runners when Master Plan took advantage of a slow pace to win the Derby at Clairwood.

Ennion also won the Listed East Coast Handicap and the Listed Queen Palm with Feel My Love.

Jockey Muzi Yeni agreed with Ennion after he brought Master Plan on the scene late as he swept past Tribal Dance to win by two lengths.

“He's a very nice horse and he turns it on when you need him to,” said Yeni.

“It's a pity he won't run in the Durban July.”

Master Plan ran second behind Durban July contender Beach Beauty in the Betting World 1900 but was seven lengths off July favourite Jackson in the G1 Daily News 2000.

“We had to run him in the Daily News to qualify for the July but it came too soon after the 1900 and he could not give of his best,” said Ennion.

Ennion also saddled Rock Of Gibraltar filly Europe To Africa for third in Sunday's G2 Betting World Oaks at Clairwood won by the Mike de Kock-trained Tajmeel, ridden by Anthony Delpech.

The Australian-bred Tajmeel wears the instantly recognisable blue and white silks of owner Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum.

Tajmeel started her career in storming fashion winning two of her first three outings but lost the plot when unplaced in the KZN Fillies Guineas at the beginning of May and was also out of the money behind Feel My Love in the East Coast Handicap last month.

However she showed an appreciation for the increased distance on Sunday and may well have found her niche as a stayer.

Tajmeel won by an effortless 2.25 lengths in 1.92 seconds faster time than the colts in the Derby.