Horses fly flag with honour

The South African flag was prominent in the world's media on the Easter weekend - in two separate pictures that reflected very different impressions of the good old country.

In one, Central African Republic rebel soldiers posed laconically with a captured South African military vehicle, the sad flag stuck on its side an embarrassing symbol of political chicanery and blundering.

In the other, a jockey held aloft a fluttering flag from the back of a horse which had won at the Dubai World Cup.

Let's avert our gaze from the scene painted with taxpayer's money, betrayal of trust and the lives of hapless citizens and focus on the one that was a snapshot of free enterprise, hard work and a brave sporting spirit.

Okay, horse racing is a bit of a marginal activity these days, but the industry has done remarkably well in enhancing South Africa's reputation in its own small way.

When Belgian rider Christophe Soumillon waved the flag, it obviously wasn't out of any sense of his own national pride. It was a foreigner showing appreciation and respect for how much this small racing nation had achieved on a highly competitive world stage.

Soumillon had just raced to victory in a $1-million event on sprinter Shea Shea, trained by the incomparable Mike de Kock, owned by Bidvest's Brian Joffe and Myron Berzack and celebrated by a party of their fellow countrymen at Meydan racecourse.

It was South Africa's second win of the Dubai meeting, with Soft Falling Rain having earlier produced an heroic performance to claim the $1-million Godolphin Mile. Later, The Apache ran a second place and Durban July and Met hero Igugu a gallant fifth, after a troubled preparation.

Shea Shea was bred at Klawervlei Stud on the banks of the Breede River, Soft Falling Rain at Highlands in Robertson and The Apache at Scott Brothers' farm at Nottingham Road. All were bought for a small fraction of the amount of money paid for their Meydan adversaries.

"If the racing world doesn't sit up and take notice of the value of South African bloodstock after this meeting, it never will," exclaimed De Kock.

Well, perhaps it never will. With unfair export rules imposed by protectionist regimes like the European Union and an unsavoury image of this country created by our unspeakable politicians, potential thoroughbred buyers might be still chary.

On the other hand, De Kock and Co's feats might indeed start breaking the ice in the international market. After all, the economic crunch must affect even rich racehorse owners eventually and get them seeking value.

The marketing of South African bloodstock, and the country's image, would get a truly massive boost if De Kock could replicate his triumphs at Royal Ascot in June - which is where he's heading with his string of horses.

Sensationally, Shea Shea might line up against Black Caviar, if the Australian connections elect to ship their 24-race-unbeaten wonder mare to England.

TURFFONTEIN, TOMORROW: PA - 5,7 x 3,6 x 1,5,13 x 7,9,15 x 12 x 1,3 x 3,7 (R144)