Wagner holds on for shock Summer Cup win
Report: South Africa, Saturday
Turffontein: Sansui Summer Cup (Grade 1 handicap) 1m2f, turf, 3yo+
Wagner (Joe Soma/S'Manga Khumalo) made every yard to spring a 16-1 surprise in the Summer Cup, beating 50-1 shot Shogunnar by half a length.
The winner came under sustained pressure in the straight but kept answering Khumalo's every call. Last year's runner-up Ilsanpietro fared best of Mike de Kock's massive assault on the big handicap, finishing a length back in third at 35-1, but favourite Mujaarib never looked dangerous and came 12th.
The winner carries the colours of the country's leading owner Markus Jooste but comes from one of the smaller stables and Soma, winning only his fifth race this season, was close to tears afterwards.
He said: "I dedicate this to my late wife and I am just honoured to be part of today's race. If I was given the choice of winning the Durban July, the J & B Met or the Summer Cup I would opt for this - and it was a great ride from S'Mango."
Khumalo added: "Mr Soma had faith in me from the first moment I walked into his yard. He said ‘believe in me and I will make you famous'."
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