A South African megastar of the 1960s: SEA COTTAGE

South Africans have always had an affinity for stars, especially superstars – those with that special quality that elevates them above the rest, an X-factor. It is a society that reveres superstars of the sporting arena and accords them special attention and admiration. It is in this respect that a fellow by the name of Sea Cottage became a much respected and adored hero – he was a racehorse that was imbued with a special STAR quality.

Horses have touched a sensitive nerve in this peculiar region of sub-Saharan Africa. Horses have served in every conflict that has beset Southern Africa until well into the twentieth century. They have displayed extraordinary bravery and displayed deep loyalty in their unstinting service. These beasts have served their human compatriots with exemplary stamina and some have risen to cult status as megastars in their own right.

The fascination with equine heroes harks back to the days of yore when Cape Dutch dairy farmer Wolraad Woltemade saddled his horse and embarked on a valiant effort to rescue stranded sailors on De Jonge Thomas in Table Bay. Every South African child of the twentieth century was regaled by parents and teachers about the herculean struggle of Woltemade and “Vonk” to save the souls on that stricken vessel which had been swept onto a sand bar near the mouth of the Salt River by one of the many gales for which the region is well known. On 1 June 1773, two at a time, they rescued 14 men and finally, upon their final return in the strong current, drowned as six desperate fellows grabbed hold of the horse consigning rescuers and victims to a watery grave. The act of bravery was the stuff of legend. Woltemade’s body was found the next day. His horse, Vonk, had been swept out to sea, never to be seen again.

The racehorse, Sea Cottage, showed evidence of bravery somewhat akin to that of Vonk as he overcame adversity and went on to win against all odds. Having sustained what would have been a devastating injury inflicted by a sniper’s bullet, he forged ahead through pain and discomfort, to win another day.

His stamina, too, was legendary. It was akin to the equine brood that enabled the famous Dick King to undertake a desperate mission in 1842 to seek assistance for a besieged British garrison in Port Natal. A 960km journey over ten days garnered the help sought by Captain Smith (a veteran of the Battle of Waterloo) from the British military stationed in Grahamstown. In the nick of time relief arrived for the garrison which had been well and truly pinned down in Port Natal by the great Boer commander Andries Pretorius.

These were stories with which South Africans of the ‘60s were well acquainted and which enhanced their deep respect for horses that showed any hint of these fine qualities. Well known, too, were the exploits of the outstanding Boer generals who perfected the art of guerilla warfare at the turn of the century – all undertaken with the help of their trusty steeds that enabled rapid deployment in an age before mechanised battles.

Sea Cottage was not a particularly handsome horse, by all accounts. But he had a character and heart that elevated him above all others. South African punters had the utmost confidence in Sea Cottage as the famous trainer Syd Laird honed the skills of this unique creature in anticipation of the 1966 Durban July Handicap. Favourite at odds of 2 to 1, Sea Cottage was widely expected to demolish his opposition in South Africa’s premier racing event of that time. He was robust and had a heart for the race in every event in which he participated. Moreover, he was a cunning lad, customarily holding back until the final 100 metres or so, when he would burst ahead of the cluster and blow all and sundry out of the water, as ‘t were. It was with much anticipation that punters up and down the country looked forward to the grand spectacle about to unfold.

Then defeat appeared to be snatched from the jaws of certain victory. As Sea Cottage entered the last month of his workout for the Durban July, a malevolent sniper (believed to have been acting at the behest of “Big Money”) felled the mighty warrior. In his rump was lodged the sniper’s bullet. Sea Cottage, on 10th June 1966, had been shot! The headlines reverberated in the Press throughout the country. Shock and Horror was almost universally felt – even by South Africans not in the horseracing fraternity and not usually active punters. 

Syd Laird and his veterinary specialists, however, knew the fine qualities of Sea Cottage only too well. In their judgment they could, in the weeks ahead, rehabilitate the injured horse, despite heavy bruising, much shock and clearly in pain. They would never retrieve the bullet, mind you. The heat and speed of the lead precluded the risk of infection and need not be extricated, they determined. No bone or major vessel had been severed and Sea Cottage was undeniably at the peak of fitness prior to the vicious attack. Ten days after the bullet had entered his body he was already undertaking a light canter. One would like to think the myriad get well telegrams and cards from the public helped him in some way – even if it was only in respect of giving the jockeys and trainers the will to fight for him.

Race Day! Odds-on favourite still. Sea Cottage put in a valiant effort and would have won the race had Cuff Link not collided with him as he was about to pull out all the stops and undertake his final 100 m dash for the finish line. He finished fourth, his stable mate Java Head winning the race. Sea Cottage was nevertheless feted as the hero of the day for his outstanding performance in the face of unprecedented adversity.

This fine stallion went on to win the Durban July in 1967 and in the final stages of this great career harnessed 20 wins out of 24 starts. Simply astounding!

One of the most illustrious racing careers was capped by his semi-retirement as a breeding stallion. He sired some fine foals in his final years. None, however, were his equal in the public consciousness.

What a racehorse! Salute, Sea Cottage!

Reference:

Jaffee, Jean (1980) They Raced To Win 1797-1979 : A History of Racing in South Africa 

©Paul M Haupt