Charles Savage

Charles is Wild for the new Captain

 

CHARLES Savage and his party were decked out in his racing colours of pink and black at Turffontein on Saturday – and got payback for their support. 

Captain’s Wild, the gelding Charles owns in partnership, won a MR103 handicap to register a third win in five starts for the Penny Kimberley stable.

The four-year-old son of Captain Al beat classy opposition in the 1600m event and is now being targeted at summer season features.

“He’ll have a rest and his injections now, and maybe we’ll bring him back in October,” says Charles. “We’ll take a view then on where we’re going, but the Charity Mile has been mentioned as a possibility.

“We haven’t seen the best of him,” added Charles. “His ability is obviously higher than we thought. He won impressively. He is still green and I never believed he’d do it from where he was on the turn; but he proved me wrong.”

Charles grew up with a racing background, his father having been part-owner of Guineas winner and Durban July favourite Sword Dancer.

But Charles only became personally involved six years ago after playing a round of golf with soccer legend and racing aficionado Terry Paine.

He and his business partner Brad Leather joined Terry in an ownership syndicate of the filly Summer Passion – who went on to win five races. Charles and Brad now own Summer Passion at stud, with a foal at foot.

Saturday’s winner Captain’s Wild is a full brother to Summer Passion.

His mare died foaling him, and at sale he failed to make the reserve price set by Klawervlei Stud. Charles Koster, brother of Klawervlei boss John Koster, acquired the youngster, then sought out the sibling’s owners and brought them in.

Slow development and illness meant it was a while before Captain’s Wild made his racing debut – in April this year.

But it looks like he is rapidly making up for lost time. “We are very appreciative that Penny Kimberley has taken the time needed with him,” says Charles.

Charles is CEO of derivatives broker Global Trader. – Mike Moon

 

Pictured leading in Captain’s Wild (apprentice jockey Nooresh Juglall up) are racing and business partners Brad Leather, left, and Charles Savage.