African Pride took a significant jump in class in a Graduation Plate over 1000m at the Vaal on Tuesday, 14 October. He won with a minimum amount of fuss, and stopped the clock in 55,78s, just outside of the course record.

Apprentice Trent Mayhew had African Pride galloping in his hands, and on the bit, and he said: "He pinged the gates and he was gone. He knew what he had to do. He was a lot more forward today. He is a very nice horse, I think we can get excited about him."

Corne Spies looked understandably very chuffed with African Pride, another huge son of Rafeef who is showing the same early signs as his stablemate, William Robertson, who shares the same sire. "He's a top horse going the right way, he should go right to the top. He is one people can follow. A big thank you to his owners, the I Spy Syndicate. I am sure the syndicate nominee Chris Brown and his merry mates are enjoying this, the pubs in the UK must be buzzing!"

African Pride was raised at Paardeberg Stud and Corne said: "With Sally Bruss at the helm, we can expect good things."

Hazy Dazy made history repeat itself quickly when she came out of her Maiden to win a Handicap, completing a double alongside African Pride, like they did on 1 October.

Jockey Kabelo Matsunyane commented: "When I rode her first time out I thought she had a bit of a ability. She's definitely a smart filly."

Corne said: "This was a double-double, so to speak. I think this was the first time we've had it. She was still dumb, but she's improving. It's nice to have things come the full cirlce. We trained her dam and bought Hazy Dazy on the David Makins dispersal."

Xander Spies congratulated his partners in Hazy Dazy - Rob Macnab, Stergio Poriazis, Vikash Sobaren, Dhiresh and Chantelle Dasrath and Diveshen Vauapuri and said: "She followed up in a stronger field, a brilliant double for the stable. I think this filly will keep on progressing."