The turffontein racecourse saw a great race unfold. The 2018 L Jaffee Empress Club Stakes is a Gr1 race run over 1600 meters on turf.  Brett Crawford trained filly Thunder Dance won the R1 million stakes run on Friday evening.

Thunder Dance felt the speed from the beginning with Queen’s Command leading the way. Winning trainer Brett Crawford said that the race was a ‘long time plan’ for the filly. “This sort of prize money is not easy to come by. We were fortunate that she settled in so well in Johannesburg and special thanks to Matthew De Kock for all his hard work,” he said. Crawford went on to say that the decision to travel to Johannesburg was weighed against the option of a wind operation. He paid tribute to Thunder Dance, saying she was ‘all heart and courage’ and that his worries about the rain were unfounded. “She actually felt at home thanks to the rain,” he laughed.

The Highlands Stud sponsored winning jockey, Karis Teetan said his mount had never previously felt as well as she did on the evening. “She came out fast but there wasn’t much speed early. She has a lovely turn of foot, and she kicked smartly. I think during that last bit she was a bit scared of the lights,” he said.

By Apurva Chavan, Racing Writer, apurva.chavan@secretariatsworld.com