Anxiety sets in ahead of Kenya Derby Classic

By Windsor Lass

The OBTS Pavilion will come alive on Saturday, 6.30pm, as selling sweeps for our sponsored Spur Steak Ranches Kenya Derby Classic sets a tone of anticipation in all quarters.

Never mind those five favoured to strike, of the twelve declared runners, each have a prominent file, and buying tickets in an atmosphere of up-tempo happiness, is your own pre-emptive key to a splendid outing the following afternoon.

Remember Muthaiga Country Club, commandeered by Stewart Vetch, have their annual tent prepared for atmospheric infusion.

Last week culminated with the Cheltenham Festival, where Long Run (Sam Waley-Cohen), Big Bucks (Ruby Walsh), and, the massive presence of Kauto Star, reduced an enthralled crowd to tears.

Long Run won the coveted Cheltenham Gold Cup, 6-1. He is co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and Sam’s father, Robert.

Sir Alex also enjoyed a fourth place with What A Friend, to iron out the wrinkles of his recent football dilemma’s. Denman and Kauto Star were no match to Long Run’s imperishable nature.

Thereafter, Conor O’Farrell, rode Minella Four Star 25-1, to an eleven length win over Ballyfitz, Synchronised, and, Gentle Ranger in the John Smith’s Midland Grand National. The 6,400 metre trek, brought its usual hazardous hallmark of drama.

Tricky Trickster reached the second fence with Ruby Walsh, only to come crashing down in a heap. Two by two the rest tumbled or pulled up, until four remained unscathed of 17 starters.

About 13 American-trained horses arrived in Dubai to join Crowded House for the Dubai World Cup meeting, but quarantine and hype, did nothing for them.

It was Japan with a one two, that really produced a tsunami of tears from winning owners, Yoshimi Ishikawa and his daughter Manami when Victoire Pisa provided a major flip to the community. Ridden by Italian ace, Mirco Demuro, Victoire, 12-1, who banged his head on the stalls, leaving last, was sent to the front earlier than expected, shuffling away Transcend by a narrow margin.

Trainer, Katsuhiko Sumi, sent bubbling messages of joy around the enclosure, as he could not contain pent-up emotions. Monterosso took third a head of Cape Blanco, where Twice Over managed ninth place for Henry Cecil.