Tragedy strikes at Durban July

2005-07-02 18:00

Durban - The two million rand Vodacom Durban July run at Greyville on Saturday produced high drama when the hot favourite, Rabiya, ridden by Robbie Fradd, had to be put down after breaking his leg.

When the stalls opened, the 18 runners broke well but Rabiya hesitated, losing a considerable amount of ground.

The field, led by Night News, followed by Silver Point and Grey Arrow, galloped through the 16-hundred metre mark with Rabiya in last place. Shortly after that point, Rabiya stumbled, dislodging his rider, and breaking his hind leg.

Fradd was not injured, but Rabiya had to be put down.

A devastating finish

Night News held the lead, followed by Silver Point and Grey Arrow and as they approached the 1 000 metre mark, Night News was still in a clear lead with Silver Point, Grey Arrow and Irridesence all in hot pursuit.

There was no change in the order as the field turned into the home stretch, but once in line for the winning post, Silver Point moved up to challenge the leader while the eventual winner, Dunford, was still fairly well back.

Approaching the last 100 metres, Silver Point looked as though he would stay in front but Dunford swooped up with a devastating finish to race past him and go on to win by half a length.

The top weight, Eventual, also produced a powerful finish to take third place, just ahead of Reveille Boy.

- SAPA