Corrupt scores hard-fought win

Muzi Yeni (on Corupt) and Rachel Venniker (on Damova), played a bit of 'ping-pong' down the back straight of their 2400m contest at Turffontein - both on strong, grinding staying types. That Corrupt eventually settled, gave way and decided to relax, probably won him the race.

Muzi said: "I was going to ride him cold. He wanted cover but there was none, so he took a hold. Eventually he got in behind Damova and was able to sleep a bit for the 500m up the hill and into the straight. He showed a lot of courage late to reel in Damova and fight her off."

Mathew de Kock said: "Keegan de Melo said that Corrupt just needed his last run and he has been doing well. The way the race worked out suited him. He always stays on at one pace and doesn't slow down."

Corrupt is owned by the Wernars family, represented on course by Laurence Wernars, who had only the one runner for the day. Laurence enjoys it when they win easier, but this would have been a satisfying success too.

Corrupt is a gelding by Erupt, bred by Andre Nel out of his mare Lil' Bacio, by Windrush.