Oliver Gray trained “River King” claimed Sunday’s Derby trial, walking away with the Soprani Challenge Trophy at the Ngong racecourse in stimulating fashion.
The bay colt by South African “Secret War” had won the majority vote to dominate this challenge. With stable jockey James Muhindi aboard, “River King” finished third in the Guineas behind “Bestow” but many believed he could perform better than that. “Spring Run” by the same sire settled for second in this seven-strong field race.
This trial came barely two weeks to the prestigious Kenya Derby in mid April.
Earlier in the day, “Simuni” made her way home with ease against stable companions to grab the “Airforce Cup” for her connections. The four-year-old filly who won from the same distance in early January finished second on her last outing over 1000m. South Africa’s “Military Song” gave a good chase to finish second while “Riskovary” was third. Things did not go well with “Baba Mousta” who was expected to strongly challenge “Simuni” who collected her seventh win from the distance she enjoys.
Trainer Njuguna earned another win through another of his great sprinters “Glitzern” during the Acacia Lahal Handicap. Even at her age she was able to outsmart the young ones and emerge tops.
“Usurper” of South Africa suffered another setback in her race claimed by compatriot “Shakara Man”. The batch of five from Joe Karari’s yard teamed up to take the 2,800m trip and the fancied ones did not impress. It was “Shakara” who made it to the winner’s enclosure after a long time advantaged by the bottom weight. “Mama Mia” followed in second.
Results
The Airforce Cup 1200m
Winning Horse: Simuni Rider: David Miri Trainer: Steven Njuguna
2. Military Song-SAF (Paul Kiarie)
3. Riskovary (Patrick Mungai)
The Acacia Abyssinica Maiden 1000m
1. Knighthood (Leslie Sercombe) Patsy Sercombe
2. Red Raider-SAF (P. Kiarie)
3. Hatton Gardens (P. Mungai)
The Acacia Lahai Handicap1200m
1.Glitzern (P. Mungai) S Njuguna
2. Tempesta (L. Sercombe)
3. Gossip Girl (Mwangi Kariuki)
The Acacia Nilotica Maiden 1800m
1. Dragonara (L. Sercombe) P. Sercombe
2. Vivayshus (Richard Kibet)
3. Ari G (P. Kiarie)
The Acacia Seyal Handicap 1600m
1. Maridai-SAF (J. Kultiang) Joe Muya
2. Mean Mistress-SAF (R. Kibet)
3. Try To Catch Me-ZIM (P. Kiarie)
The AcaciaTortilis Handicap 2060m
1. Irish Flyer-SAF (Mwangi Kariuki) Onesmus Mutua
2. Red Empress-SAF (Jacob Lokorian)
3. Foretu (Wycliffe Matee)
The Soprani Challenge Trophy-Derby Trial 2060m
1.River King (James Muhindi) Oliver Gray
2.Spring Run (P. Mungai)
3. Rifle Range (J. Lokorian)
The Brigade of Guards Trophy 2800m
1. Shakara Man-SAF (P. Kiarie) Joe Karari
2. Mama Mia (Henry Muya)
3. Manly Wharf (Charles Kimani)