The St Leger – why tradition matters

On Saturday night Globe Derby’s main event was the time honoured South Australian Ladbrokes St Leger Stakes. The race itself only attracted six runners but in keeping with previous harness racing tradition turned out to be an entertaining affair.

The Victorian entry Captain Perfect (Captaintreacherous) from the powerful Emma Stewart stable was the hot favourite and the best of the locals was considered to be Machette Roulette trained by Dale Afford who had won two previous St Legers with Hezashark and Tembie.

Leading driver Wayne Hill on Captain Perfect drove him out but he had to battle hard early to take over from the outside Oakhay. Once in front though Hill kept Captain Perfect on the job and he moved away even when Splash of Paynt issued a challenge which proved to be short lived.

Kept going by Hill Captain Perfect who won the Vicbred Alabar as a two year old was able to record a comfortable win over Splash of Paynt with Machette Roulette in third. The winner returned a sparkling mile rate of 1.55.7.

CAPTAIN PERFECT MAY 10 REPLAY SA ST LEGER STAKES

The St Leger like many other of the older classics has fallen by the wayside with the advent of Sires and Breeders stakes racing but it still has a role to play.

While these days events like the St Leger don’t attract the best performers of their age it gives an opportunity for some of the lesser pacers for an opportunity to earn themselves a classic of sorts.

The event has a long and proud history ever since the inaugural running in 1963 which was run for the princely sum of $1100 and won by the great Minuteman.

Then in the 70s we had winners in Bonnie Eden, Bon Jara, High Advice and Achamar Chief.  In addition Bonzatross, Impressionist, Sheza Mona, Greek Gambit, Lombo Skyrider, Glengowan, Whats Emma Got, Bulletproof Boy and Tembie can be added to the impressive honour roll.

Harness racing like other industries has had to evolve over time and we now have a new focus on what trainers and owners are looking for in their horses. But there is definitely a place for established classics such as the Sapling and Youthful Stakes as well as the Sires Produce and St Leger which is only run in South Australia. The South Australian Harness Racing Club is to be congratulated for maintaining the St Leger as well as connections of horses that are prepared to continue supporting such older classic races. Let’s hope that in years to come that the St Leger can continue to be patronised and be rightly considered as a time honoured feature worthy of attention.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink