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The Justin Snaith trained four-year-old Bela-Bela under Anthony Delpech stormed to victory in the R1m, Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes (1600m) at Greyville on Saturday to just about bring down the racing curtain for this flashy grey mare.

Snaith said after the win that Bela-Bela may have one further race at the end of July, but no matter what decision Snaith and owners Varsfontein Stud make her win on Saturday at the Vodacom Durban July meeting was one for the ages.

Delpech settled Bela-Bela in mid-field on the rails and then he waited for the cut-a-way rail after which the race was over. He sent Bela-Bela down the inside and she simply left the field behind and it was no wonder that Delpach declared that the mare had never felt better. She was an inspiring sight under the lights of the track.

The winning margin was 3 3/4L with more no doubt available should Delpech let the mare off the leash.

She’s A Giver (Philanthropist) and Gavin Lerena were second with Bella Sonata (Silvano) and Norresh Juglall third, the margin 3/4L.

“She is lovely, you know she is very unfortunate that she has raced against colts and that has always been a big ask of her. When you put her back against her own sex she is by far the best filly in the country, she has proven that over any distance and she is an absolute pleasure to train every day of the week,” said Snaith.

“I have never felt her this good. I have won two Grade 1’s on her and I have never felt her so well. I was in a lovely position and it was a true run race and she switched off. She is a very good filly,” said Delpech.

Bela-Bela is by Dynasty out of the Royal Academy mare Mystic Spring. This was her seventh win, three at Grade 1 level, from just 13 starts and with two placings she has earned stakes of R2,580,625.