Tombe makes successful debut

Ipi Tombe made a winning start to her career in America taking the Grade Three Locust Grove Handicap at Churchill Downs.

The five-year-old daughter of Manshood, a star filly in South Africa before switching to America, collared front-runner Kiss The Devil close home to land the nine furlong event by half a length.

Ipi Tombe was continuing a winning streak that stretches back seven races and trainer Elliott Walden was pleased with Ipi Tombe’s run.

“It’s a relief that she ran well, It’s a relief,” Walden, who took over training duties from Mike de Kock when Ipi Tombe arrived in the United States, told the Thoroughbred Times.

“She’s an amazing filly and you wonder if she’s going to come over here and acclimate well, so it is a relief.”

“The only anxious moment was when she first jumped away from the gate behind the field, and then got a little bit rank on me,” added winning jockey Pat Day.

Walden is now aiming Ipi Tombe at the Grade One Diana Handicap at Saratoga on July 26.