A race that demanded nerve, balance, and late resolve produced a fitting climax on Saturday as The Real Prince captured the King’s Plate (G1) in a dramatic four-horse finish at Kenilworth, South Africa. Trained by Dean Kannemeyer and partnered with patience by Craig Zackey, the Khaya Stables homebred edged clear by the narrowest of margins, confirming his place among the country’s elite milers.
Settled quietly through the early stages of the King’s Plate (G1), The Real Prince was never far from the action despite racing toward the rear of the large field. A strong early tempo saw the leaders stretch the field heading into the bend, but Zackey kept his mount tucked in along the rail, conserving ground and waiting for the moment to strike.
That opportunity came approaching the final furlong. As the early pace-setter began to weaken, challengers fanned across the track, with Legal Counsel briefly striking the front and Sail the Seas pressing close behind. Questioning surged from the outside with a determined run, but it was The Real Prince who found the most when it mattered, digging deep to thrust his nose in front right on the line.
Questioning was a close second, producing a bold effort, while See It Again finished strongly for third. Sail the Seas completed the quartet, with little more than a length separating the first four at the finish, a testament to the depth and competitiveness of the contest.
The Real Prince stopped the clock for the mile in 1:37.00, recording the sixth victory of his career from 13 starts. A son of Gimmethegreenlight, he continues to reward the confidence of his connections with performances marked by resilience and tactical maturity.
King’s Plate (G1) Day Delivers Across the Card
Earlier on the programme, the filly Wish List produced a polished display in the Paddock Stakes (G1), sweeping through along the inside in the closing stages to score by a length. Trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by Andrew Fortune, the Legislate daughter completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.70, confirming her credentials among the leading turf fillies of her generation.
Speed took centre stage in the Cape Flying Championship (G1), where Kingdundee dominated from the outset. The Dean Smith-trained sprinter, partnered by Calvin Haub, never surrendered his advantage, extending his winning sequence with a determined front-running performance. He covered the 5/8-mile distance in :57.91, underlining his standing as one of the country’s premier speedsters.
The international flavour of the Challenge Series continued earlier in the week in Uruguay, where Herr Kitten prevailed by a nose in the Gran Premio Pedro Piñeyrúa (G3) over a mile at Hipódromo Maroñas. The three-year-old completed the distance in 1:34.81, adding further global context to a series that continues to link elite racing jurisdictions worldwide.
For the winners, success in these races carries significant rewards, including automatic qualification into their respective championship events later in the year, with logistical support provided to assist international participation.
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