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For decades it has been the same story, but racing fans in Nelson Mandela Bay never tire of the rivalry between the two top stables in the province.
Gavin Smith and Alan Greeff have dominated the East Cape title chase for many years, and the fierce battle for glory is something to behold. It certainly gets the best out of these two masters as they look for ways to train more and more winners.
But how nerve racking do they want it to be for their supporters?
Last season the title was only decided at the very last meeting, and guess what is happening now if one takes a look at the trainers’ log for the most winners for the season?
Well, after a brilliant showing by the Smith yard at Friday’s meeting at Fairview, there is nothing separating the two giants on the log.
There was just no stopping the Smith machine on Friday. The stable won four of the eight races, including the big one on the day, the Founders Trophy. As was predicted, this was a fantastic race won by the four-year-old Perfection. Smith kept it in the family because it was his son-in-law, JP van der Merwe, who steered the horse home.
Smith and Greeff have saddled an astonishing 41 winners each since the season started in August last year. Yes, it is still a long way to go, but at these two stables they won’t be looking forward to taking a break during the festive season; no sir, the surge to find more winners must continue.
This Friday is a public holiday to acknowledge the Springboks World Cup triumph, and Nelson Mandela Bay Racing will celebrate with a meeting of eight races. Entry is free and lots of hospitality specials will be on offer.
There are four race meetings left for the year. A meeting on Tuesday the 19th has been added to the regular slot on Fridays, and some very competitive and exciting racing await.
Although Smith and Greeff are way ahead of the others, there is another huge battle lower down on the trainers’ log.
Nelson Mandela Bay Racing publishes the “Fairview Five” from time to time to indicate who will be the top five trainers at that stage of the season. It has created even more interest as it has become a bit of a thing to get your name on that list.
Kelly Mitchley is firmly in third position with 22 winners, but then it gets very interesting.
The Jacques Strydom Racing Team is enjoying a fine season in fourth with 11 winners, one ahead of Sharon Kotzen Racing.
Keep an eye on the Kotzen stable in the upcoming meetings. After a lean spell she saddled two winners at the last meeting and is back in business!
