South African Superstar for Galileo
The Group I Vodacom Durban July Handicap at Greyville in South Africa on Saturday was won by freakishly good Australian bred filly Igugu (3f Galileo x Zarinia, by Intikhab).
Igugu has dominated her three year -old filly peers this year in South Africa, sweeping the Triple Tiara on her way to a tilt at South Africa’s greatest race.
Trained by Mike de Kock for Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and Mr and Mrs A J Macdonald, Igugu ran right up to expectation on Saturday, working across from a midfield draw to be second and then sweeping to the lead in the straight.
She defied all challengers in the run home, giving plenty for Anthony Delpech to win the 2200 metre staying test by a length, her overall record now eight wins and two seconds from 10 starts.
Igugu was bred by Kia Ora Stud and fetched $65,000 when offered at the 2009 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale where she was bought by Livestock Traders. She was then sold for 1million Rand from the Summerhill draft at the 2009 Emperors Palace Ready To Run Sale in South Africa.
One of 22 Group I winners worldwide for her champion sire Galileo, Igugu is the second foal of Zarinia (IRE), an Intikhab mare from the family of champion mare and Arc winner Zarkava.