Brent's visit to see Clan Classique.

Thanks for sharing, will stick up a couple of pics and see you on the 18th?

Clan Classique – the greatest filly in training (at least according to my kids)

From the moment they heard that they had a racehorse as a pet my children Angela (6) and Robert (4) have been dying to meet Clan Classique.

In fact when I told them about my buying into the syndicate (a word they are not aware of so as far as they are concerned I am the only owner) they have been nagging as to when she can come home with us and when they can ride her.

I explained that our 30 sqm town house garden may be a bit small for her morning gallops but promised to take them to meet Clan Classique as soon as I could.

With school holidays on the go and with me taking a bit of leave (most of which I have spent studying up on the Masters and Super 14) there was no time like the present and a quick e-mail to Natalie of T&L Stables and we were all set for a trip to the Vaal to watch her work.

As excited as they were to finally see CC in the flesh (they both shouted her home from the couch when she shed her maiden) they looked a bit bewildered as I shook them awake at 05h30 this morning and deposited them and a very grumpy looking mom (Trish) into the car.

Before long we were caught in the Joburg traffic and if that was not enough both kids got car sick and mom had to move quickly to get them plastic bags into which they swiftly deposited remnants of the sandwiches she had so lovingly prepared for the road trip the previous night.

Fortunately they had fully recovered as we met Lucky Houdalakis at security and followed him to the stables. Lucky has what many consider to be a tougher job than Barack Obama – he trains this filly which is owned by the African Betting Clan and whose every move is scrutinized on the website by a number of eager posters and hundreds of sadistic viewers.

After rustling us up a quick cup of tea and buying the kids affections with a pack of boudoir biscuits it was into the yard to see CC for the first time. Most of the horses stood quietly in their boxes but not this filly who popped her head out for a few seconds at a time before pacing around the stable.

Robert and Angela eventually plucked up the courage to move in and pat her and once I saw they were ok I did the same. Remembering what Cuckoo had told me last time I saw him at the track I made a point of looking into her eyes (at least for a couple of seconds while she stood still) and I was left in no doubt that here was a filly with plenty of character but also tons of attitude – I see the same look in Trish’s eyes every night.

After a photo session during which CC mistook Angela’s wild hair for a clump of hay she was saddled up and taken to the galloping tracks while we hopped into our car and followed Lucky as he went to watch his string work.


Lucky stopped to pick up a work rider whom he credits with figuring this very complex filly out and we watched in awe as he barked instructions and various horses set off to different parts of the track for their gallops. Our girl was dispatched to the 1000m marker for a solid gallop and Trish and the kids ran to the railing with Trish under strict instructions to get an action pic.

I hung back and followed the action on Lucky’s binoculars enthralled by the site of our filly in full cry a mood dampened only slightly when Lucky commented that she was under pressure and that he had expected a bit better. I did not tell him this was probably related to the 3kg of grass she was fed by Ang and Rob from the yard floor just before she was saddled up.

Having watched her pull up I dashed over to Trish and the children to get up close to a few more galloping thoroughbreds – you really get a sense of their power that watching on TV or even from a grandstand at the track just can’t emulate.

I asked to see the photo of Clan Classique in action and Trish hesitated before showing me a pic with 2 piles of sand suspended in mid air. She had snapped one pic too early and the delay on our antiquated machine meant by the time she clicked again the fillies had gone cruising by leaving only dust in their wake. That’s her story but my belief is that the sheer speed of CC on the move caught her off guard and Trish’s brain did not send the message to her finger fast enough!

Back to the stables this time with the kids and I on the back of Lucky’s bakkie and Trish following dutifully behind in my car no doubt silently praying we would all stay aboard as Lucky did he best impersonation of Clan Classique breaking from the starting stalls.

We were just in time to see CC get a roll in the sand and once again she showed attitude standing around while the others frolicked in the soil before eventually succumbing to groom Hendrick’s urgings and going down for a lightening quick roll.

Back to the stables for ice packs on her knees which I found out are a bit gammy (Trish asked me if I knew this before I acquired additional shares in her and I nodded pretending to have taken all of this into consideration) and a drink of water from the hose pipe. Then it was into the stable for a bite to eat and a kiss from the kids leaving Lucky and I to talk strategy.

It was close to 10 am when we waved goodbye to Lucky, Hendrick and the gang departing for our final stop which was breakfast at the Country Butchery just down the drag. Lucky had phoned ahead to order us Country Breakfasts and things went really well until a big truck pulled up as we were settling the bill and workers began to remove bloodied carcasses transporting them into the building before our eyes. I saw Trish turn green as she pictured where the bacon and sausage she had just eaten had come from and I hoped like mad that we had another plastic packet or two in the car for the ride home.

Overall an excellent morning and the fun my kids had has just reinforced my view that buying into Clan Classique was a great decision and whether or not she ever runs another win or a place again she will always have a special place in our hearts as the very first filly we ever owned.

Thanks to Lucky for a great day, I can assure the Clan that our girl is in great hands!

Good read. I remember the day I bought my first horse , I would call the trainer every two hrs to find out how she's doing. haha

This is what being involved in a syndi is all about, nice read

Put a couple of pics on home page, but they are as big as Brent!!

Here`s the pictures you asked me to post scotia,some great snaps here!




Trish, Angela and Rob cannot contain their excitement




CC looking relaxed ahead of her workout




A nice head on pic




“Man I swear that looked like hay”






CC confirms I am her favourite member of the syndicate!




A pre gallop snack while Lucky isn’t looking




Groom Hendrick warms her up




Work rider on board and a mischievous look from our girl




Now that’s fast – all we could see was a puff of dust!




A very reluctant roll in the sand




A well deserved drink, if she wins her next race we will make it something
stronger




What a strapping filly!




Still sweating after the workout




Former jock Houdalakis explains to syndicate member Graham why he will not be able to ride Clan Classique in her next run.




Hendrick and Clan Classique bid us farewell

Nice one Brent - cant wait until I get my turn to own. Really looking forward to the day.

I never watch from the grand stand on race days alway right on the rail.

Thanks Hibby, owe you a few drinks.

Thanks Hibby, nice ones - my kids will be happy they are famous!!!!

Cheers

cheers Brent and Hibby, great stuff! I think our girl would have appreciated the visit!

ouzo guys, well she'll have to win her next now!

Nice read!!!!!!!!!

Wish I was a owner! Really awsome creatures!