A filly bred by Bernard Kantor and raced in partnership with Veronica Foulkes (Dupont’s stud master), myself as well as the Chairmen and members of the Gold Circle (Cape) Board won under a hands and heels ride by MJ Beyleveld from the worst possible draw over 1600m at Durbanville on Wednesday. History has it that a bad draw at Durbanville can be the kiss if death. Our filly ran 3 wide all the way but took the lead near the top of the straight and stayed there to win well. Dean Kannemeyer and those of us that were at the track were sufficiently impressed to think that there may be a few more good wins in Diane de Poitiers. Diane de Poitiers is out of a small mare, but she is well made and is bigger than her dam. The most encouraging aspect of this win is that she and most of Dupont's small first crop that we have seen race to-date are showing a need for distance – they were not early 2yo’s but showed enough at 2 to encourage their trainers. He had a winner at Turffontein the day before over 2450m – this one, Holy Field, is out of a Sledgehammer mare who won from 1600 - 2000m and he has also been placed over 1600.

Dupont is represented by a very small first crop of only 11 runners and has 3 winners and all but 2 of these (who have just one visit to the races a piece) have won or placed. In other words 100% of his first crop that have raced more than once have won or placed.

Trainers that I have spoken with are positive about their runners – Dennis Drier has Birchenough – he has always rated the colt and tells me that since he gelded the horse he has taken his training like a rocket and Dennis is extremely positive about his prospects.