HORSE RACING
Animal Lover will have weight edge over rivals
Renowned US owner and breeder Barry Irwin has had the thrill of many winners but none more so than 2011 Kentucky Derby hero, Animal Kingdom. The victory prompted Irwin, 75, to write a book on the horse and he has followed the progress of Animal Kingdom’s offspring with great interest. For many years, Irwin, CEO of Team Valor International, was a big supporter of South African racing and breeding, but that came to an end in April when he announced he was liquidating his stock in this country as a result of the sport "being tainted" by the Markus Jooste saga. "I personally tried to cause a change, but I must sadly report that not enough support was received. So it’s business as usual, but it will toddle on without my involvement," he said. South African racing is poorer for Irwin’s withdrawal from the sport, but happily we do have one of Animal Kingdom's progeny, Animal Lover, competing here and the four year-old filly runs in Thursday’s fifth race at Turffontein. It is fair to say th...
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