Prime Minister graces horseracing day

By The Squirrel

The Geoffrey Griffin Memorial Race Day, sponsored by Kenya Shell and supported by Starehe Boys and Girls School, was a success. The afternoon’s sport was boosted to a large degree by the presence of the Prime Minister, The Rt Hon. Raila Odinga and his wife.

Mr Odinga is no stranger to racing and he told me that he used to go to Ngong in the seventies. Just before the Kenya St Leger 2009, each of the nine jockeys were presented to the Prime Minister in the parade ring before they mounted their horses.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) congratulates Ibrahim Wachira (second right). Looking on are Mrs Odinga and the horse owner, David Armstrong. [PHOTO: MARTIN MUKANGU]

The St Leger winner, Silverdale, confirmed, without doubt, that he is one of the best stayers in the country. Sired by The South African Stallion Ashtontown out of Gilded Cage (owned by Mr David Armstrong) trained by Gavin Laurence, ridden by Ibrahim Wachira and bred by Bruce Nightingale, I foresee Silverdale, barring accidents, has a bright future ahead.

Second Horse

Second horse in the Classic, Miritini (Triarius USA — Hester Bateman) owned by Ray Warner, trained by Oliver Gray, ridden by P. Mungai and bred by Mr/s A. Grammaticas, was 3 _ lengths behind; third was Howie Matthrews Shujaa (Mahaarum USA-Ocean Song) trained by G. Laurence, jockey E. Kiptoo and bred by Nakuru Heights Limited. Fourth was the favourite On-a-Promise (Heard-a-Whisper GB — Fun Hour) who clearly does not stay. Winner of the Kenya Guineas, it is my opinion he is at his best over middle distances, say1,400m to 1,800m.

Unfortunately, one of the favoured horses in the St Leger Mr P. L. Mahajan’s Jai Jai, ducked out at the 1,800m stage, unseating his jockey P. Kiairie who was unhurt. The Stewards recommended that this colt should be gelded. Next meeting is on June 21 following one week later with the OBTS Annual Yearling Aales and the OBTS Sales Day 2009.