New South African recruit Shingwedzi.
According to the official website of the Kruger National Park, located in the North Eastern corner of South Africa, the Shingwedzi rest camp “lies close to where hungry opportunists once panned for gold”.
Lying on the river of the same name, the rest camp is a popular spot for tourists visiting the Limpopo Province, and those fortunate enough to make the journey are offered the prime spot from which to sight an elephant.
This may all seem of little significance, but Shingwedzi is about to come much closer to home in the shape of a five-year-old mare.
Owned by Mrs Gaynor Rupert, Shingwedzi is a triple winner who has twice been placed at Grade Two level in her native South Africa. Mrs Rupert has very kindly suggested she be trained in Newmarket and we are delighted to welcome her on to the La Grange rostra.
We already train for Mrs Rupert in the shape of Imvula, the Aqlaam half-sister to South African Champion Dancer’s Daughter, who landed a Goodwood maiden in pleasing style last month. And we are delighted to double the tally through this exciting new recruit, whose best form came when finishing third behind Jet Belle in the Gold Bracelet at Greyville last July.
As many of you will know, Mrs Rupert is a leading figure in South African racing as the owner of Drakenstein Stud, home to Duke Of Marmalade. The five-time Group One winner has enjoyed a breakthrough season as a stallion, siring Prix de Diane winner Star Of Seville and Deutches Derby victor Nutan.
Drakenstein also stand Trippi, sire of Shingwedzi, and we hope to further enhance her excellent race record when she joins us following her quarantine period.
We will keep you updated on her progress.