Mr & Mrs Macdonald

It's a 'Mac'Met as Igugu wins 

Scintillating does not describe strongly enough the manner in which Igugu captured the J&B Met this past Saturday, sweeping all aside as she showed that she is the best in South Africa.

And many of the best is what co-owners of Igugu, Andre and Joyce Macdonald, have raced in the past. With the likes of Fov’s Favourite, All Will Be Well, Follow The Falcon, Just Do It Joey and back-to-back Gold Cup winner Highland Night, Andre and Joyce have enjoyed the Sport of Kings.

Thirty-five years ago Andre and Joyce acquired their first horse and the three and half decades that have passed since have been filled with ups and downs. As much as there has been success, there has been failure too and as ‘Mr Mac’ said “horses make fools of us”.

The Macdonald’s purchased Igugu and initially the Australian-bred superstar raced in their colours, but after the wonder filly had won for the third time, capturing the Gauteng Fillies Guineas, a share of her was sold to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum in whose colours the filly has raced since the partnership came into being.

The partnership has proven to be an excellent one as Igugu went on to win her next six outings, including the SA Fillies Classic, The Oaks, the Woolavington, the Vodacom Durban July, the Ipi Tombi Challenge and, this past weekend, the J&B Met, amassing in excess of R5,6-million in earnings to date.

When quizzed about what was next for Igugu, ‘Mr Mac’ said it would depend on the meeting in May about Africa Horse Sickness. “If she raced in the July she would have to carry 60kg and no matter how good she is that is a tough ask for a filly,” he added.

The Macdonalds have numerous horses in training, mostly youngsters, of which Andre said a few were promising. Only time will tell if there is another champion that will continue the path of success for the Macdonalds.

CAPTION: A winning team, the Macdonalds (right) flank Debbie de Kock while Mike looks on from the left. Anthony Delpech acknowledges the win. (Picture: Gold Circle)