Another SA trainer makes International Headlines

PROFESSIONAL MAN storms home on the outside to win the Yang Di
Pertua Ngeri Gold Cup

Azhar Ismail capped a championship season by winning the RM1.35m Yang Di Pertua Ngeri Gold Cup for the first time astride PROFESSIONAL MAN here today.

Previously untested beyond 1700m, PROFESSIONAL MAN (Royal Academy - Mi Signora by Mi Preferido) raced fiercely and refused to settle early in the 2200m handicap event.

Azhar had to work overtime to place him in midfield racing in the back straight and he still had a lot to do making the home turn. Azhar managed to switch him out from the fence at the top of the straight to go after the leaders.

At the 200m, pacemaker SAGAR'S GREAT was tackled by KIKO'S RETURN. He was joined by MIGHTY CHIC, YAKIN and PROFESSIONAL MAN, making it five in a line momentarily.

But PROFESSIONAL MAN managed to draw away from the rest to win by one and a half lengths from MIGHTY CHIC, giving owner Golden Knight Stable and trainer Kevin Coetzee a 1-2 finish. KIKO'S RETURN and YAKIN shared third placing.