Article posted on -  3/29/2008 10:53:01 PM

Jay Peg wins the Dubai Duty Free (Image: DRC)

JAY PEG HEADLINES SA'S GREATEST RACING NIGHT

The VIP Thoroughbreds managed Jay Peg (SAF) launched an amazing fightback to land the US$5m Dubai Duty Free over 1777m at Nad Al Sheba this evening, in the process landing the biggest ever payday for a South-African bred horse. The race marked the realisation of a long-cherished dream for trainer Herman Brown, who was achieving his first ever winner on World Cup night and was highlighted by an astonishing ride from Anton Marcus who had to contend with a bad saddle slip inside the final furlong.

In a brilliant tactical effort, Marcus took the 4-year-old son of Camden Park (USA) straight to the front from his outside draw and dictated the early fractions to his liking. As expected, he came under pressure upon swing into the straight and looked a beaten horse as the flying filly Darjina(FR) made her move in the famous Aga Khan colours. However, Marcus knows Jay Peg well enough, having driven him home in his Cape Guineas win last season and with Darjina at her best over a mile, he was banking on Jay Peg staying on better in the final stages. That's exactly what happened as Jay Peg found a second wind and, fighting back courageously, rallied to wear down Darjina in the dying strides and secure a famous victory. Archipenko (USA) unleashed a late rattle and was finishing best of all but his effort came too late and he had to settle for third.

The real drama only became apparent to television viewers as the field crossed the line. Marcus was almost out of the saddle, so badly had it slipped and there was a hint of the miraculous that he had managed to stay on board. Afterwards, the multiple champion jockey commented on Jay Peg's fighting qualities and said he had been very confident after being allowed to set the early pace. Remarkably, this was his first ever ride in Dubai and he understandably rated it the greatest win of his career .

Anton Marcus

Brother Basil, who trained Jay Peg with such distinction during his champion 3-year-old career, flew over to watch the race and he warned afterwards that Jay Peg would be even better as a 5-year-old! The fact that a third Marcus, brother Selwyn is a part owner of the winner, made this a real family affair.

Jay Peg's victory represents a phenomenal success for a South African-bred horse, especially when one considers that the field contained nine Gr 1 winners from around the globe. Well-known to his own countrymen as a horse who thrives in the heat of battle and is difficult to pass once on front, he should get further opportunities to make his mark on the world stage. He may actually be even happier over slightly further and it will be intriguing to see how his future plans pan out.

Regarding those plans, they couldn't be left in better hands than those of trainer Brown. A man of few words and considerable ability, he has shown yet again that given the opportunity, he is more than capable of holding his own on the big stage and today's long-awaited victory was well deserved. At the time of writing, he had not yet been interviewed on television, but we will post his reaction on the site once we have heard from him.

Jay Peg is a 4-year-old gelding by Camden Park (USA) out of Laptop Lady (SAF) by Al Mufti (USA). He was bred by High Season Stud and is owned by Messrs M Shirtliff,E Braun, P Loomes and S Marcus.

Winning trainer: Herman Brown