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Cliffie Milller raids with Grandalea and wins Listed Handicap

Published by charl on August 31, 2009

Kimberley-based mare Grandalea, ridden by Donovan Habib, ran on powerfully to win the Listed Emerald Fillies Handicap over 1450m at the Vaal on Saturday, pocketing near R85 000 for her owner/trainer WGC “Cliffie” Miller.

Backed at long odds from 16-1 to 12s, she came to the front approaching the 150m mark and when the others ran out of steam, she kicked away on the surface and won in commanding fashion.

“She had good earlier form, from the Vaal which people may have overlooked,” said Miller, a multiple champion trainer in Kimberley before the ascension to the throne of Peter Miller.

Miller said he would like to win an open handicap with Grandalea before attempting a big race like the Emerald Cuo, which takes place on 26 September during the Emerald Casino Festival of racing.