Buddy Boy is the punters friend

ALLAN MURRAY is a tall ‘reed’ of a figure. Turned sideways you would hardly notice that there was anyone inside of the breaches and racing silks. But what ever he eats, or doesn’t eat, has little to do with his performance in one of the most demanding jobs in sport.

- ANDREW HARRISON

Privy to his start at the South African Jockey Academy when cutting his teeth at the then Ashburton Training Centre where most apprentices, make that all, got their first taste of the system, Murray looked destine for an early exit given his stature.

He started off well enough in South Africa after coming out of his time before a stint in Australia where he has obviously honed his tactical skills and managed his weight.

He was in top form at Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday, posting three winners, two for the Mike and Mathew de Kock partnership for whom he is attached and one for Duncan Howells.

The first of his De Kock winners came on Buddy Boy who looked to be a setup for the yard.

Stable companion Sunnybills Ferrari set a solid gallop up front with Buddy Boy biding and Murray biding their time in the pack. But when all had cried enough, Murray brought home Buddy Boy with a storming run down the outside fence that caught all by surprise, cruising home by the best part of six lengths.

Kannemeyer

Runner-up was Dean Kannemeyer’s colt Green Glow, making his debut, who came from well back to snatch the minor money.