Locally bred Son of Raj gallops to glory
Local owner-breeder, Steven Chetty, hailing from Chatsworth, celebrated a string of successes, as his pride and joy, Son of Raj, a three-year-old gelding thoroughbred scooped a monumental Grade 1 victory at the World Sports Betting SA Derby at Turffontein, recently.
Trained by hall-of-famer, Weiho Marwing, the majestic gelding was steered to victory by Keagan de Melo and cleared 2, 25 lengths ahead of his closest competitors. Poetically, rider, de Melo, had also ridden Mr Chetty’s first-ever winner over a decade ago.
“My passion for horse racing started around 2010 and the breeding side started in 2015. I have won many races and minor features, and have bred several horses. The best thus far is Son of Raj and Arumugam, out of my own winning mare, Freudiana, whom I raced many years ago and who has brought me fond memories. My biggest win and achievement came on April 1, when Son of Raj won the R1, 5 million Grade 1 SA Derby, becoming the first Indian breeder and owner to win this race, making history in the process. I am ecstatic,” said Chetty.
The day marked an incredible success for the Chetty family, who had all attended to celebrate Son of Raj, who has become the first Chatsworth-bred horse to win a Grade 1 race.
No stranger to success, Chetty has achieved success en masse in the sport, having won over a dozen races throughout his time owning horses.
None, however, have won quite like Son of Raj, winning four races in seven rides. Son of Raj became the first horse since Legal Eagle to claim the Listed Derby Trial and the Grade 1 Derby double.
He has since qualified for a spot at the Durban July and Chetty hopes to hit the ground running and cement his legacy as not only a successful owner but also a successful breeder.
He hopes his success can be a source of inspiration for Chatsworth residents that have never dipped their toes in horse racing.
“To have an entry to the Durban July is an indescribable feeling that no amount of money can be. I look forward to the build-up, making history once more,” added Chetty.
