OVERSEAS CAMPAIGN STILL ON THE CARDS FOR IGUGU

Igugu - Ipi Tombe Challenge (Gr2)
(Photo : JC Photos / Summerhill Stud)

IGUGU (Aus)
2009 Summerhill Ready To Run Graduate

Charl Pretorius
www.freeracer.co.zaMike de Kock, who was involved in negotiations with the UAE government and veterinary authorities about bloodstock export protocol in Dubai recently, is still hoping that Igugu will have an opportunity to compete overseas in 2012.

“There is a small chance that the relevant agreements will be in place early next year and if that happens I’d love Igugu to take on international runners, perhaps at Royal Ascot,” he said after the star filly pulverised her rivals in the Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday.

Igugu won from pillar to post under Anthony Delpech, beating Queen’s Bay by 5.25 lengths, with Checcetti in third.

“She’s a once in a lifetime filly,” enthused Delpech and De Kock added : “When you look at horses at the training track every day you get used to them, but when I saw her in the parade ring it struck me how much Igugu had grown and filled out. Her chest and shoulders are bigger. She was impressive, not wound up, and there’s lots to come.”

Igugu will be aimed at the Gr1 TBA Paddock Stakes over 1800m at Kenilworth on 7 January, followed by the Gr1 J&B Met on 28 January.

“If she stays in the country we’ll probably take another shot at the Vodacom Durban July,” Mike said.

Igugu (Aus) (Galileo (Ire) - Zarinia (Ire) by Intikhab (USA)) has won 9 of 11 starts with 2 places and over R4,25million in stakes for co-owners Sheikh Mohhammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and Andre and Joyce Macdonald.