The Paul Lafferty-trained Equus Champion colt Harry’s Son is healthy and sound but has had his last run in South Africa.

Meanwhile, the yard are happy with the preparation of their Gr 2 Betting World 1900 candidate, “the miracle horse” Double Clutch.

Harry’s son jarred his knee in the week of his intended run in the Gr 2 KRA Guineas. The heat in the knee had disappeared by the time of the race, but the yard had already scratched him knowing that he would have had to miss the finishing touches to his preparation.He will be entering quarantine at the end of the first week of July and faces an arduous five month journey via Mauritius and Europe to the UAE, where he will be a member of Lafferty’s first Dubai string.

Another candidate for the Dubai string will be Vodacom Durban July entry Run Rhino Run, whom the yard believe has as good a chance as any of winning the Gr 1 Daily News 2000.Lafferty said about this talented Silvano gelding, “He has only been running over his minimum trip (1400-1600m) and all he wants is a bit of ground. Wait until he gets that because he is a really good horse.”

Double Clutch has won his last three races, all of them over 2000m at Greyville, and has been able to quicken from the front on all three occasions. However, he was only taken to the front because there was no pace in any of those races. He had shown in his maiden win that he is capable of coming from last too. Friday night’s Betting World 1900 looks to lack pace and the yard would like to see him going handy from his wide draw.

Double Clutch was knocked sideways at one stage when winning the Listed Easter Handicap on April 10 and consequently pulled a muscle. He had to have a bout of physio, but was soon back in full work. He worked very well on the Summerveld grass on Monday and left his moderate companion way behind.The Stronghold gelding is a big, strong horse and the yard hope he can defy the handicapper yet again.Double Clutch was diagnosed with West Nile disease in the first half of last season. This is the same disease that was believed to have killed the mighty Jet Master.

Double Clutch weighed 100kg less than he does now and was close to being euthanized. The veterinarian had also advised that even if he did recover he would never race again. On one occasion the yard were unable to help him walk from his stable across a strip of concrete onto a grass patch. He was simply too weak. He eventually managed to achieve this short trip after being fitted with special foam shoes. It is quite incredible that he has won five races since making a full recovery from his illness and is an entry in the country’s premier race the Vodacom Durban July.

By Dave Thiselton

Picture: Double Clutch (Nkosi Holphe)