Reigning Sprint Champion, What A Winter, did not disappoint, as he demolished a field of seasoned sprinters in the R300 000, Group 2 Diadem Stakes over 1200m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

It was a back-to-back Diadem Stakes victory for the Mike Bass trained entire, the only difference being that the winning margin had stretched from 2.25L in 2011 to 2.75 L in 2012.

What A Winter jumped well from barrier five and jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe tucked him in behind early leader Cap Alright as the field tacked over to the standside rail. Second favourite Depardieu raced midfield, with Castlethorpe (AUS) bringing up the rear.

With the dreaded Southeaster head wind not materialising, Fayd’Herbe had What A Winter under a tight hold as Cap Alright and Sean Cormack led the compact field through the 500m mark. With 300m left to go, Fayd’Herbe finally released his stranglehold on the reins and What A Winter shot into the lead.

From there it was race over as What A Winter disappeared into the distance under a hands and heels ride, stretching the lead to three lengths before being eased down to cross the line in a time of 1.10.11. Aldo Domeyer on Castlethorpe, the second Bass runner, finally managed to change gears and the gelding flew up from the rear of the field to finish second 2.75 L back, while long time leader Cap Alright hung on for third, a further 0.5L back.

Bass rightly called it a “crushing victory” and threw down the gauntlet to reigning Horse of the Year and Champion Miler, Variety Club, by confirming that What A Winter will take his place in the R1 million, Group 1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate over 1600m on January 12.

What A Winter, by Western Winter(USA) out of the Ahonoora mare, Waseela(IRE), recorded his 11th victory from 20 starts, taking his earnings to over R2 million for owners Messrs M W Bass, Bryn Ressell, G N Shirtliff and N M Shirtliff.