THERE'S A HORSE FOR EVERYONE IN THE READY TO RUN
Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 11:43PM 
The Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup
(Photo : Gareth Du Plessis)
“YOU CAN’T GET A GOOD MAN DOWN…”
Three months ago, Mooi River farmer, Rob Pickering picked up an unraced colt for R5,000 at a “fat stock” auction. His name is “Chip Shot” and Tuesday the Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup’s selection panel gave him the green light for a place in the line-up for Saturday’s R1,5 million prize.
Hardly credible, you might argue, but Rob Pickering is a seasoned stockman, and between him and his wife Michelle, they’d know a good thing when they see it. A R100,000 buy from the Summerhill draft at last November’s Ready To Run sale, Chip Shot (Solskjaer - Civil Affair) was one of a couple of youngsters picked by one of the game’s “old master’s”, Herman Brown Snr, for English-based owner, Dr Jim Hay. A “clear-out” programme initiated by Dr Hay, resulted in Chip Shot’s consignment to the Mooi River auction, and there must’ve been any number of sceptics out there, wondering why a horse of this value should be part of a breeding stock auction, and particularly an unraced colt.
Our team was on hand, and we have to confess to a missed opportunity. He looked like a “progressor,” and Rob Pickering had the “balls” to put up his hand. Who knows, the better part of the R900,000 winner’s cheque could be in the vaults of a Mooi River bank, come Monday morning.
Editors note :
You can’t get a good man down. Herman Brown Snr’s been looking at horses for nearly 70 years now. And you’d have to say, he’s picked a few. They include; Sledgehammer, Sun Monarch, Foveros, Rock Star, Gatecrasher for size. And Chip Shot wasn’t his only pick from last year’s sale for Dr Hay. Also in Saturday’s line-up is the Way West filly, Danehill Darling, who goes to post as one of the Mike de Kock quintet.
Dates to remember :
Saturday 6 November 2010 - Raceday
Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup
Sunday 7 November 2010 - Auction Sale
Emperors Palace Ready To Run Sale
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