3 minute read

Triple Crown champion Louis The King lived up to his name when he turned a likely defeat into a famous victory in the G1 Gauteng Summer Cup at Turffontein.

Half a furlong out his stablemate Killua Castle appeared set to spriung a major upset as the 18-10 favourite seemed to be making no inroads into his lead.

However he then answered the riding of champion jockey Piere Strydom to snatch the verdict by a neck, giving South Africa’s most successful jockey his third Summer Cup win just a week after he finally passed the milestone of 5000 career wins.

"I was in a nice position until all of a sudden they eased up and I had no option but to get off the heels of the horse in front. I ended up three wide,”Strydom said.

"At the furlong I thought I wasn't going to get there but when I really got into my horse he gave me a little bit extra. Killua Castle tired slightly and it was enough for me to get up."

Louis The King’s win in the 2 million rand ($US180,750 ) showpiece gave Gauteng trainer Geoff Woodruff consecutive Summer Cup wins after his triumph last year when his three runners Yorker, Master Sabina, and Tellina filed the trifecta.

This year he saddled four runners with Killua Castle second. He also trained another three winners on Saturday’s card.

Third placed Judicial was another three lengths away with last season's Gold Cup winner Wavin' Flag fourth ahead of Earl Of Derby and No Worries.

Louis The King's career record now stands at seven victories from 11 outings and a bankroll of R4,802,500 ($US434,050).

He clearly saves his best for Turffontein where his seven outings at the Jo'burg track have resulted in five wins including all three legs of last season’s Triple Crown.

Louis The King has been a tremendous bargain for owner Louis Van Der Vyver as he cost only R55,000 ($US4,971) as a yearling.