Article posted on -  5/18/2008 6:47:33 AM

Jay Peg wins a Group 1 in Singapore

JAY PEG SMASHES THEM IN SINGAPORE

VIP Thoroughbred's managed Jay Peg took the world by storm in Dubai when he surprised the racing world by beating the world's best in the Dubai Duty Free and he confirmed that form by winning the prestigious Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji on Sunday.

The Herman Brown trained South African bred by Camden Park stole the hearts of Singapore with a courageous run in the home straight at Kranji. The pace was set by the quick Chevron who set relentless gallop upfront. Jay Peg was in perfect position 4 lengths off the led and came into the straight ready to pounce on a tiring Chevron.

Jay Peg passed the front runner at the 400m mark and never looked back to claim a special victory for Brown and patrons. It was a first victory in Singapore for a South African based trainer. Sir Slick, Recast and the fast finishing Balius all tried to overhaul the tough South African champion but to no avail as Jay Peg stormed to a smart victory by 2 lengths. Recast from Singapore was second with Hong Kong QE II Cup runner-up, Balius, in third and World of Delight claiming fourth place.

"It's a fantastic race, if you come off a high like the Dubai Duty Free and it is so hard to get the horse back to that same position and everything went fantastically here during the week. Thanks very much to the Singapore Turf Club, they really looked after us well," mentioned Trainer Brown post race.

"I got a bit nervous because the horse was sweating so much before the race and he sort of unnerves you a little bit, but Anton (Marcus) rode another really good race on him, he got him into a really great position, the pace was on, and I felt pretty confident coming into the straight when he got a bit of a break on the rest of the field as he is a horse that never gives in and he fought them off, it was great win and a great ride.

Jay Peg was bred at the High Season Stud in the Western Cape and he is out of Laptop Lady by Al Mufti.

Jay Peg was a winner of the Grade 1 Cape Guineas and Grade 1 Cape Derby before he conquered the world in the Dubai Duty Free. He has improved under the care of Brown having been trained to great effect by Basil Marcus in South Africa.

Jay Peg matured and developed under Brown as a four year old and credit must go to his astute planning of the horse's career. Credit must also be given to the vision of Basil Marcus and his owners who decided to send this horse to Brown for a Dubai raid.

Jay Peg's owners Marsh Shirtliff, Selwyn Marcus, Paul Loomes and Ettiene Braun have enjoyed the ride of their lives with their champion and they have all brought a great sense of pride to South African racing and breeding.