‘Major’ scratching for Crawford

THE South African racing industry fraternity reverberated with shock and disappointment shortly after lunchtime yesterday when news filtered through that the Hollywoodbets Durban July favourite Star Major had been scratched due to an elevated temperature.

- DAVID THISELTON

This was a blow to trainer James Crawford as well as to owners Ravi Naidoo of Kalinga, Jonathan Bloch and Prakashni Pillay.

However, Ravi later looked at it philosophically and said, "I’m ambivalent about it. Part of me thinks it’s a blessing in disguise. We can chart a more purist route with our entire. If he is in outlandishly good nick, come month end, we could have a tilt at the G1 Champions Cup in open company, at weight for age.

“Otherwise, like James said, we have accomplished our goal this season. We aimed for the Daily News.

“Mission accomplished. I feel privileged to be racing a horse of this calibre. He’s been a revelation. We must just catch our breath, recollect and refresh."