Earl, Madigan to run at OK Grand Challenge

Swanson yard won the title after the running of the FBC Derby on Sunday.
The win on Sunday by the in-form Madigan marked the first time that Swanson has won the coveted trophy and the trainer has now opted to saddle the gelding for the prestigious Grade Two event set for June 2.

Swanson now hopes his equine athlete stands another good chance at the OK Grand Challenge sprint.
“It’s the first time that I have won the Triple Crown and its great. It feels good.
“The horse ran some decent races and he showed some decency.
“I think after the Guineas Trials, we were a little worried over our chances after two horses from South Africa came but we still won,” said Swanson.

Madigan set himself to winning the Triple Crown when he won the Phumelela Guineas Trial over 1 600m in February before winning the Bloodstock South Africa 2000m in March and then completing the hat-trick at the FBC Derby 2400m on Sunday.
In winning the race on Sunday, Madigan beat That Was Blazing with jockey S’manga Khumalo by two and a half lens. Madigan won in 2 minutes 30.68 seconds to win the US$8 400 in stakes for the first prize in the race worth US$14 000. With a draw of 12 in the OK Grand Challenge, Madigan will get the services of jockey Corne

Orffer as regular rider Quinton Riddle has opted to guide Captain’s Tiger. Coming less on weight at 53kgs, the three-year old Madigan stands a good chance in the Ok Grand Challenge 1800m.

Respected horse racing commentator Adrian Nydam, however, believes that Earl of Surrey, winner of the Triple Crown in 2006 will be the horse to beat.
Earl Of Surrey was one of the favourites for the Castle Tankard 2000m but lost to Code Rock which came from South Africa but this time Harris has not elected yet who will ride the horse.

Both Madigan and Early of Surrey will line up against a classy field, as they will face Captain Tigers who is a seasoned runner.
During the acceptances yesterday, OK Zimbabwe chief operating officer Albert Katsande placed his bet on Captain’s Tiger with Earl of Surrey in second and Madigan third. Katsande said he was pleased with the partnership between OK Zimbabwe and MTC and hopes the 24th edition of the Grand Challenge will be a memorable experience for the racing industry and the punters.

OK Grand Challenge final field:
Early of Surrey (1), Captain’s Tiger (2), Code Rock (3), House of wax (4), Eight Street (5), Alula Borealis (6), Gracie Jones (7), Officer Class (8), Burmese Cat (9), Pressure (10), Madigan (11), Imperial Dice (12), Al Kahtan (13), Mr Indigo (14)