Jockey MJ Byleveld performed a rare feat at Kenilworth when riding all four legs of the Jackpot. The SP four timer worked out at odds over 20 000/1, with the official Tote Jackpot dividend declared being R24 286.00!
Afterwards, the modestly spoken MJ said, “Some jocks work smart, but in my case it’s hard work and opportunity paying off.” Now close to 40 years old, Byleveld’s long been a middle of the log type of rider, scoring at around 8% wins to mounts, and has also overcome some serious injuries over the years. Critics may slate his lack of style, yet his work ethic can’t be faulted and accomplished trainer, Vaughan Marshall has stuck by him through thick and thin. The enduring partnership won Leg 1 with the speedy, Winter Assembly (s/s 89) and Leg 4 with Labyrinth (s/s 87.)
Leg 2 fell to Cartel Captain (s/s 103) for trainer Dennis Drier, a most impressive victor in the Need for Speed Sprint, as he made a telling rails run to defeat promising contemporaries, Golden Tractor (s/s 99) and Constable (s/s 97.) Elusive Trader scored in Leg 3, the Southeaster Sprint as Byleveld carried out hard- to- execute hold up tactics on the gelding with a potent, but short, burst of acceleration.
Lucky Houdalakis got Mr Flood (s/s 106) to come back after a long layoff and take the Lebelo Sprint at Turffontein. “I train according to the horse, not the program,” were his sage words post- race. Smart conditioners are guided by horses’ natural development and can sense when to push their charges with aggressive training routines, or read warning signs and back off because the thoroughbred is not up to vigorous work-outs.
Mr Flood fought off Winter Storm (s/s 104), Oravar ) (s/s 102) and Romi’s Boy (s/s 102) in an exciting finish. This son of Pathfork has won four out of six starts – based on this game effort and the fine speed score he might be able to win at higher than G3 level.