Variety Cub joined a host of international class horses to have won the prestigious Gold Challenge, sponsored by Rising Sun and run over the mile trip at Clairwood on Saturday.

Only five horses lined up for this Gr 1 event but it was a high-quality field with each of the runners in with a chance on his best form. In the end, though, it was the 9/20 favourite who posted a rare victory for 3-year-olds in the province's premier mile event, leading nearly all the way to see off Castlethorpe (AUS) with Pierre Jourdan (SAF), Tales Of Bravery (SAF) and What A Winter (SAF) completing the procession home.

Castlethorpe held a narrow lead early on but, as expected, nobody looked particularly keen to commit up front. Anton Marcus eventually took Variety Club to the front after the first furlong, leading by just over a length from Castlethorpe with Tales Of Bravery racing close up to that ones outside. What A Winter was next best with Pierre Jourdan at the rear, about five lengths off the pace.

The field headed for the centre and outside in the straight with Variety Club still travelling comfortably. Castlethorpe and Tales Of Bravery immediately went after him but the latter was soon under pressure and only Castlethorpe looked likely to give Variety Club a race. Even that thought proved to be fleeting as Variety Club gave another kick a furlong out and put the issue beyond doubt

There were inevitably some mixed feelings after the race: delight at getting another opportunity to see this champion miler in action locally but disappointment that the export protocols have conspired to keep him from competing on the world stage sooner rather than later. There's little doubt a race such as the Hong Kong Mile would be right up his alley. Derek Brugmann, speaking on behalf of owners Markus and Ingrid Jooste, said afterwards that Variety Club would most likely be put away now until the Cape summer season and an international campaign could then be on the cards.

Trainer Joey Ramsden  paid tribute to his team afterwards and the yard has good reason to be pleased, having done a superb job of  keeping their stable star on the boil despite a very busy and demanding season.