One of the best horses that we have bought in the last two decades, Sarangani was purchased out of Ian Balding's yard from Tattersalls Horses in Training Sales in October 2001 as part of the late Robert Hitchins dispersal sale.
On 22nd April 2002 Sarangani won his first race for his new owner when he came home first at Ripon at rewarding odds of 33/1. He was ridden that day by Terry Lucas. Better was to come as he followed up in remarkable fashion winning a competitive York handicap with such ease that he never came off the bit. The winning margin said two lengths but it could have been 20 as he walked across the line under jockey Jamie Spencer.
The facile York win saw him rocket to the top of the ante post Ebor betting. Kept up to his work at home he was a regular work ride of the late Phil Greally.
In August he was sent off as one of the leading fancies for the Ebor Handicap at York. Going nicely catastrophe struck at the six furlong post as Jamie Spencer pulled him up. Sarangani had broken a leg and was sadly put down. Ironically the Ebor winner was Hugs Dancer, the horse that Sarangani had trounced last time out over course and distance. We will never know how good he might have been.
The year was to take a further tragic twist as in December 2002 jockey Phil Greally (pictured with Sarangani), died in an accident at the yard.
Sometimes racing can be so cruel. Rest In Peace Sarangani and Phil, reunited again.
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