Tana Malinga
The 2025 Betway Summer Cup delivered a thrilling day of world-class racing at Turffontein after a week of uncertain weather, with the skies finally clearing for a festive Johannesburg crowd.
The day belonged to KwaZulu Natal raiders trainer Frank Robinson, jockey Tristan Godden, and the courageous Mocha Blend, a 4 year old Mauritzfontein home bred filly (Ideal World Mocha Special) who stormed home to claim the coveted Grade 1 trophy.
Godden settled Mocha Blend near the rear early on before unleashing her down the inside rail turning for home. At the 300m mark, boxed in behind The Equator and The Ultimate King, he switched her out and surged to the lead. She held off a fierce late charge from Olivia’s Way to win by half a length in 127.32, securing Godden’s first-ever Grade 1 victory.
“It doesn’t feel real,” said Godden. “People didn’t like her, but I did, I backed myself.” Robinson echoed the confidence: “I knew she wanted 2000m and today the conditions were perfect.”
Bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, and racing in Jessica Jell’s famous yellow-and black silks, Mocha Blend was proudly led in by Mary Slack. The Ultimate King ran third, Busstopinhounslow fourth, and second favourite The Equator finished fifth. Remarkably, five of the first eight finishers started at 100-1.
Her victory lifts her earnings to R3,734,462.
OTHER FEATURE WINNERS
New Turf Carriers Merchants (Gr3): Pistol Pete, trainer Tony Peter, jockey Richard Fourie.
Ducat Fillies Mile (Gr3): Hazy Dazy, trainer Corne Spies, jockey Trent Mayhew (earning his white blazer).
Jackpot City Dingaans: Trust, trainer Candice Dawson, jockey Serino Moodley, with Gary Player leading the winner in.
STAY UPDATED
Website: betwaysummercup.co.za
Instagram & X: @summercupracing
Race replays: racingtoday.co.za
Bet with TAB: tab.co.za | #TABSouthAfrica
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