Brett Crawford marked his 19 years of training horses with the milestone of his 1000th winner at Durbanville on Saturday, courtesy of the Dynasty colt, Bag Of Tricks.
Crawford trains the grey for his staunch patrons Ridgemont and the Kieswetter family have struck a rich vein of form in recent weeks, topping the local owner log.
But Bag Of Trick’s victory was not a velvet smooth pop the champagne moment! The Highlands bred 3yo was not the easiest of rides and Corne Orffer earned his commission the hard way – and picked up an unwanted holiday in the process.
Bag Of Tricks had it all to do inside the final 200m but plugged on to gain the advantage – a neck separated the top four past the post.
Crawford’s 1000th winner came up at a 14,28% win strike-rate.
The Zimbabwean born horseman did his apprenticeship with Mike de Kock, Eric Sands and Dennis Drier before branching on his own. He worked for Sabine Plattner before opening his licence in 2009.
His two other winners on Saturday were the highly progressive Jackson filly Pretty Young Thing who signalled herself a contender for Classic glory this summer.
A race earlier, Kilindini had opened Crawford’s account with a fluent win in the Maiden 1400m.
-sportingpost.co.za
