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Features NEWS

Gypsy’s Warning is Team Valor’s 200th stakes winner

Published by charl on March 31, 2009

SATURDAY’s win by Gypsy’s Warning in the SA Fillies Classic at Turffontein was an historic one for Team Valor’s owner Barry Irwin, who was represented by stakes win number 200 for a racehorse he has syndicated since 1987.

“To have stakes win number 200 come in a Grade 1 with a potential Champion is a dream come true,” said Irwin, who was racing in Dubai at the World Cup meeting and was unable to see the race. “She’s a top filly and will go to Dubai next season.”

Gypsy’s Warning strides away from a weary Zirconeum to win the Grade 2 SA Fillies Classic by 2 lengths as the 3 to 2 favorite. She provided Barry Irwin with stakes win number 200 for a racing partnership he has formed since 1987.

Veteran trainer Ormond Ferraris sent out both Gypsy’s Warning and Sweet Theresa, who along with Mike Azzie-conditioned On Her Toes formed a three-horse entry for the stable.

Barry Irwin said “This was a good day for us, as Gypsy’s Warning proved she is the top staying filly in her crop, having won the Grade 1 Thekwini over a mile at 2 and the Grade 1 SA Fillies Classic over 9 furlongs at 3. And Sweet Theresa showed that she is a Grade 1 filly, albeit a better performer over a mile than 9 furlongs. On Her Toes needs to revert to a mile as well. She finished sixth today.

“I am happy for Mr. Ferraris and Striker. They make a formidable pair. I was forced to run against Dancer’s Daughter last time, so I am glad they were able to win this Grade 1 event. They both deserved it.”

Irwin said that he is not keen to run in the 12 ½-furlong South African Oaks, preferring instead to wait for the Woolavington because of the timing. “I want to have a filly left when she leaves for greener shores,” said Irwin. “She will follow the path of our other SA Classic winner and subsequent Champion filly Irridescence and go to Durban for the next Grade 1. Then she will go to Dubai with Mike de Kock after July.”

PHOTO: Barry and Kathleen Irwin at Nad Al Sheba Dubai 2009.