British syndicate eyeing up lucrative South African prize on one of the country's biggest racedays

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A British-based syndicate is looking to take South Africa by storm, with a runner being lined up for a race worth R1,500,000 (£68,000/€78,000) on one of the country's most prestigious racedays.

On Tuesday, Warrior Of Destiny will test his credentials for the Cape Slipper, a sales race on the undercard of the Cape Town Met day, for a 15-strong syndicate organised by racing travel group Venatour.

The plan has been more than a year in the making and was hatched when a group of racing fans visited Cape Town on one of Venatour's experiences last January and purchased a yearling at the sales.

Warrior Of Destiny is being lined up for the Cape Slipper on Cape Town Met day

He was named Warrior Of Destiny, put in training with Piet Botha and will make his second start in a maiden juvenile plate at Kenilworth on Tuesday, with a view to returning for the Cape Slipper at the end of the month.

"Met day is such a prestigious day and we wanted to try to organise another trip for it and have a runner," said syndicate manager Marc Blackford. 

"Last year we took a group to Cape Town and they loved it. We went to the sales and thought maybe we could have a horse in South Africa, and there was plenty of interest.

"We bought 75 per cent, with our trainer Piet taking the rest, and it's exciting to see how we get on. It's a great place to go racing, with the big difference being the weather. It's great and Cape Town is such a brilliant city. 

Met day at Kenilworth racecourseCredit: Brenton Geach (Gallo Images via Getty Images)

"Kenilworth is a great party, with everyone dressing well and live music afterwards. There's a brilliant feel to it, very laid-back, and our members are all-in for the experience. It's like Goodwood, but with nice weather all year round!"

The low cost is also a major difference, with the total training fees per month amounting to £480. Each member paid £1,000 for a five per cent share and contributes around £30 per month for training fees.

Warrior Of Destiny's syndicate are looking forward to the Cape Slipper

"Not everyone is coming out but we'll have eight or nine, which is great," added Blackford. "A lot of the members have shares in horses in the UK, but the beauty with South Africa is the cost. It's just a bit of fun, and I think the training fees work out to between £30 to £40 a month – although you can't really pop out there to see him on the gallops every weekend!

"I just hope we can run okay on Tuesday ahead of the main target. We're going out on the 25th and the race is six days later. It's going to be a great trip."

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