Dennis Drier was the king of Scottsville yesterday. The master Summerveld trainer saddled the winners of both the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint and the Gr 1 Tsogo Sun Medallion for owners Ingrid and Markus Jooste.

Captain Of All, a magnificent son of Captain Al, was an absolute picture in the paddock and showed his superiority on the track as he lumped top weight to victory in a devastating display of galloping. The 4-1 chance put over a length between himself and second placed Gulf Storm with rank outsider Sheiks Brashee a head back in third.

Captain Of All, a winner of the Gold Medallion two season’s back, has been patiently handled by Drier who has always had faith in the colt. “I picked him at the sale but he had such an off-set knee that I said to Derek (Brugman) that I can’t ask Markus to buy him. But Markus did and handed me the release papers.”

“He had a couple of niggly problems (after his juvenile season) and I said to Derek that he needed a break, a long break. He was good enough to have faith and thank God it has worked out.”

“This was always his race and now that he has a Group 1 behind his name I think he will be the first son of Captain Al to go to stud. If all goes well I think the Mercury will be his next race.”

In spite of top weight, Captain Of All was always up with the pace along with Normanz, Gulf Storm and Willow Magic. But when the pressure was on Captain Of All kept up a relentless gallop that had the opposition floundering. Gulf Storm, given a hefty penalty for his last win, was game in second while rank outsider Sheik’s Brashee ran a cracker in third with the filly Bichette the best of the Sean Tarry-trained trio.

By Andrew Harrison

Picture: Captain Of All (Nkosi Hlophe)