Rainbow Bridge Beats the Odds to Win Sun Met Race

Do It Again may have been the bookie favourite to win the Sun Met at Kenilworth on Saturday, but in the end, it was Rainbow Bridge who grabbed the honours. Before the race, it was understood that Do It Again was tipped to win the R5 million 2,000 meter race, cementing his status as the best horse in the country. However, it was Rainbow Bridge, partnered by Anton Marcus who eventually raced first to the finish line, despite his questionable temperament.

Before the race, Do it Again’s rider, Richard Fourie sang the horse’s praises, ensuring punters that the four-year-old would remain unbeaten. Last year, Do It Again won the Vodacom Durban July, as well as the 1,600 meter Queen’s Plate. But many warned the rider for being too confident and told him not to ignore the threat the Rainbow Bridge and several other horses presented. Another rival was seen in the filly, Oh Susanna, who was ridden by Bernard Fayd’Herbe. Thirteen horses lined up at the course on Saturday, the ninth race in the event’s history.

After the Sun Met on Saturday, Fourie was called in to explain his ride on Do It Again and his second-place finish.

In a report put out by STIPES (The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa), it was noted: “Jockey R Fourie (DO IT AGAIN) appeared before the Board with regards to his ride on this gelding. He explained to the Board that the gelding had not travelled to his expectation in the early stages and having raced with cover he had to encourage DO IT AGAIN from the 600m, which was far earlier than he had expected. This had resulted in him entering the straight about four lengths off the eventual winner, which was more than he had envisaged. DO IT AGAIN had then proceeded to hang out in the straight when encouraged. His explanation was noted.”

The winners of the 2019 Sun Met at Kenilworth were as follows:
• Rainbow Bridge
• Do It Again
• Head Honcho
• Undercover Agent