Golf legend Gary Player a part-owner of Blue Diamond hopeful Altruist

Player won nine majors in an illustrious career that included 159 tournament victories around the world, leading him to become an inaugural member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

While Player was consistently notching tournament successes, he also built his own stud farm, Gary Player Stud, halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg in his native South Africa.

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Player’s stock won more than 2000 races, including Grade 1 wins in the US, before he sold his stud in 2016, keeping a small band of broodmares in his homeland.

Player is a part-owner of two-year-old colt Altruist, who is by Snitzel out of the multiple South African Group 1 winner Carry On Alice.

Carry On Alice’s breeder, South African operation Klawervlei Stud, are also part-owners of Altruist along with local syndicator OTI Racing.

Altruist is a $13 chance in early betting on the colts and geldings’ Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) but co-trainer Michael Kent Jr said the well-bred youngster has shown ability.

“It is hard to line up these horses in Victoria because they come from all different angles but our colt is a sound, fast son of Snitzel,” Kent Jr, who trains Altruist in partnership with Mick Price, said.

“He’s been to Sandown for a jumpout where he ran second with a bit up his sleeve.

“We think he’ll run very well.

“We’re delighted with the horse and he’s done everything right since that jumpout.”

Kent Jr said the booking of top jockey Blake Shinn to ride Altruist could be construed as a good lead for punters.

“Blake Shinn, he’s ridden enough good horses, he has a good opinion of this colt,” Kent Jr said.

“Blake was quite effusive with how he went and he was keen to stick with him as well.

“I think that’s a good lead in itself.”

Only three of the 10 runners remaining in the field for the males’ Blue Diamond Preview have raced but punters have been keen to bet early on the $200,000 event.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained The Instructor, a soft debut winner at Pakenham, has been well backed from $3.60 to $2.40.

Last-start Group 3 winner Krakarib has firmed from $7.50 to $4.50.

The well-named Goodes, by Written Tycoon out of the US mare Apologynotaccepted, has eased in betting from $6 to $8.50.

The equine Goodes’ owner, Rosemont Stud boss Anthony Mithen, successfully sought the permission of Sydney Swans champion Adam Goodes before naming the colt.

Originally published as South African golf legend Gary Player a part-owner of Blue Diamond Preview hopeful Altruist