October 22 - Last Saturday at Greyville Race Course in the picturesque city of Durban located on South Africa's south coast, top-rated 5-year-old gelding Royal Day had just that as he stormed to an impressive victory in the 1900m Michaelmas Handicap out of a strong and unpredictable 15 horse field.

Royal Day - who is trained by venerable local trainer Bart Rice - was ridden immaculately by top-class South African jockey Alec Forbes who managed to keep the powerful gelding in check for most of the race. This strategy reserved enough energy for the boost needed to carry him across the finish line first.

When the Michaelmas Handicap got underway under a sunny coastal sky, it was Mkushi Gold who made a break for the front, setting a quick pace. Following him were London Guest, Black Eyes and Surfin' USA followed in the middle of the not-too-crowded field by Royal Day, Keats Drift and Cape Town.

By the straight Surfin' USA - ridden aggressively by Stuart Randolph - made a play for the lead. At around the same time Forbes spurred Royal Day into action, whose sheer speed began to close the gap fast with Surfin' USA. Not to be left out, Keat's Drift and Cape Town also made a dash for the front.

Surfin' USA soon began to tire which was just the opportunity Royal Day needed as he swept past him to finish the race by a comfortable length. Running out of track, Keat's Drift did not manage to catch Surfin' USA and finished in third place followed soon after by the impressive Cape Town in fourth place.

Said Rice after the race, 'Obviously we are very pleased with the result and the way Royal Day ran. Earlier in his career he showed a lot of promise but then unfortunately failed to deliver down the line. However, his good form seems to have returned as this convincing Michaelmas Handicap win has proved.'

Bred by Canter Past Breeding, Royal Day (SAF) is by Modern Day (USA) out of Royal Scott (SAF) by Royal Chalice (SAF) and is owned by Mr D de Abreu.

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2012/04/02 09:29:01 PM