This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
Western Ballad Wins Geoffrey Griffin Trophy in Ngong ¶
Seven-year-old Western Ballad, trained by Maralynn Bengough, produced a super finish to win the Geoffrey Griffin Trophy at Ngong Racecourse on Sunday, November 3, 2019.
Western Ballad, ridden by Daniel Tanui, overcame Pharoah's Advocate to win the trophy by a 1.5-length knockout blow. The horse, trained by Maralynn Bengough at Naivasha, had made very few appearances, making its longevity all the more impressive.
Other notable performances included Inca Ruler, trained by Lesley Sercombe, which caused delirious acclaim from the stands with its unremitting endeavour against King of Oxted and Duke Hour in the Tana River Mangabey Handicap.
Oliver Gray also had a successful day, courtesy of Coralline and The Bar, both fillies to note down as potential chippers.
Results:
- 1.10 pm - First Race - Tana River Mangabey Handicap (1,800m)
- 1. Inca Ruler (Lesley Sercombe)
- 2. King of Oxted (Patrick Mungai)
- 3. Duke Hour (James Muhindi)
- 1.45 pm - Second Race - The Geoffrey Griffin Trophy (1,800m)
- 1. Western Ballad (Daniel Tanui)
- 2. Pharoah's Advocate (Patrick Mungai)
- 3. Clothes Horse (Lesley Sercombe)
- 2.20 pm - Third Race - Hirola Maiden (1,600m)
- 1. Coralline (James Muhindi)
- 2. Greys Moet (Patrick Mungai)
- 3. Statuette (Daniel Tanui)
- 2.55 pm - Fourth Race - Sokoke Mongoose Handicap (1,400m)
- 1. My Sam (Richard Kibet)
- 2. Grace O'Malley (James Muhindi)
- 3.30 pm - Fifth Race - Mountain Bongo Condition (1,200m)
- 1. The Bar (James Muhindi)
- 2. Tenacious (Kalvin Nganga)
- 3. Peligroso (Paul Kiarie)
- 4.05 pm - Sixth Race - The Steward's Handicap Trophy (1,000m)
- 1. Caen (Robert Mbatha)
- 2. Kidnap (Michael Kiilu)
- 3. Flash Harry (James Muhindi)
