The scenic Hollywoodbets Durbanville was the stage for another feature contest, with four-year-old gelding Call To Unite making his mark in the Settlers Trophy Listed on Saturday. In a gripping finish, the Justin Snaith-trained son of Vercingetorix displayed a resolute effort under Rachel Venniker to win in the pink and light green colours of her sponsor, Mr Nick Jonsson of Jonsson Workwear. The gelding is a R900 000 graduate of the 2022 National Yearling Sale.

Notably, Call To Unite hails from a strong family. His dam, Siren’s Call (Elusive Fort), was a highly talented filly, trained by Sean Tarry. Siren’s Call captured the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic and G2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas and was a whisker away from claiming the Triple Tiara of her year to finish second in the Gr1 SA Oaks. She notched up five wins in total and has produced three winners to date for breeders Drakenstein Stud, including Gr1 Allan Robertson champion runner up, Sound Of Warning (Trippi).

It is the third career win for Call To Unite who relished his first time over 2000m. It was an exact result for owner Nick Jonsson, whose Danon Platina gelding Rapidash finished second.

Drakenstein Stud have up to Race 7, enjoyed a treble on the day at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, including Little Susie breaking her maiden for her breeders and owners. She is a daughter of Trippi out of Oh Susanna (Street Cry), whose Frankel half-brother is standing at Drakenstein Stud this season, Sharp Frank.

Well done to all concerned.

Image: Chase Liebenberg