Tenth Aussie Winner for Johannesburg

7th July 2007

World champion two year-old Johannesburg posted his tenth individual Australian winner at Rosehill on Saturday when the Anthony Cummings trained colt Turffontein (2c Johannesburg - Spirit of Grace, by Dr Grace) overcame difficulties to win the open juvenile event over 1200 metres.

Forced to change course on several occasions in the straight, Turffontein surged to the line to grab Mr Unforgettable and score by a short neck at just his second start.

Considered very unlucky when third on debut at Eagle Farm on June 27, Turffontein is held in high regard by his trainer.

“I think he has the makings of a stakes horse,” said Cummings, who is planning a tilt at the $1 million Golden Rose on September 1, with a trip to Melbourne for the Caulfield Guineas also a possibility.

Turffontein was secured by Cummings for $70,000 from the draft of Fulmen Park at the 2006 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne.

He is the fourth foal of the metropolitan winning Dr Grace mare Spirit of Grace, a half-sister to stakes-placed Bails and Broadband from the family of Group One winners Alynda, Penny Gem and Hit the Roof, as well as recently retired Group Three winning sprinter Fast ‘n’ Famous.

Cummings has obviously had an opinion of Turffontein for some time as he returned to Melbourne for the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale earlier this year to purchase his half-brother by Danzero for $90,000.

Johannesburg will return to Australia this spring at a fee of $33,000.