20210519 - Sporting Post Sprint v1.4

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Cover Image: An emotional win in the first at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday. AJ's Captain wins for Mauritian connections Purple Kingdom Syndicate and jockey Warren Kennedy - both owners and jockey were close to the Late Nooresh Juglall and dedicated this win to him. Image courtesy of Candiese Lenferna

4 Richard Fourie and Warrior nab Greg Cheyne and Firealley in the first leg – a repeat on Saturday?

Chase Liebenberg

WINTER WARRIOR TO FIGHT AGAIN

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The second legs of the World Sports Betting Cape Winter Series will be run at Kenilworth on Saturday and headline the local feature racing programme this weekend.

While the R125 000 WSB Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes and the R85 000 WSB Listed Stormsvlei Stakes could only attract 14 runners between them – 6 of which are from the Snaith yard - both first leg winners return and there should be plenty of attractive racing on offer as temperatures drop in the region.

The champion Snaith team won both sex’ first legs and the Futura colt Warrior could follow up over the 1800m. He takes on Candice BassRobinson’s Firealley, who tried

to dictate matters in the mile first leg of the World Sports Betting Gr3 Variety Club Mile.

The well-bred Warrior was a R1, 2 million buy from the 2019 Cape Premier Yearling Sale from the draft of Ridgemont Highlands and looks a 2022 SA Champions Season prospect!

Justin Snaith ran 1-2-3 in the fairer sex first leg, the WSB Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes, and his trio of Really Royal, La Quinta and Rain In Newmarket make up 50% of the field in the Stormsvlei on Saturday.

They should dominate again, although Candice BassRobinson’s Marina is back against the girls after taking on the males in the first leg. She could be a danger.

The stellar honour roll of those

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who have swept all three legs in this series include nine times multiple Gr1 hero and iconic legend of the turf, Pocket Power, who managed the feat in 2006; top class current Vodacom Durban July entry African Night Sky – who may well have scaled even greater heights after his 2017 exploits barring a subsequent career limiting injury; and 2020 victor, Katak – recently arrived in France, eight months after departing these shores, as he endures arduous quarantine protocols en- route to seeking his fortune in Singapore.

Past July winners Marinaresco and Power King are also Winter Guineas alumni, as is one of the greatest milers ever produced in SA – internationally acclaimed, Variety Club.

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The shockwaves and sadness that followed the untimely passing of reigning Mauritius Champion Jockey Nooresh Juglall over the weekend has been unprecedented.

Mauritius, helped his uncle water the Champs de Mars racecourse every evening from the age of 15, and eventually trained as a Workrider and Groom for two years under Ricky Maingard.

The SA Jockey Academy graduate, and a multiple SA Champion Apprentice, Nooresh passed away just over two months short of his 30th birthday.

He was always determined to be a jockey and eventually found his way to the SA Jockey Academy outside of Durban.

He was hospitalized after being injured in a shocking accident on the opening day of the 2021 Mauritius Racing Season on Saturday.

Nooresh, who grew up in

His first ride under rules was on 8 November 2009 on Subtle Beauty for Greg and Karen Anthony at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, while his very first winner was a pick-up ride on 16 March 2010 on Shine The Gold for Roy Magner at Turffontein.

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Nooresh was the first Mauritian to be crowned SA Champion Apprentice, a feat he achieved in consecutive seasons in 2011/12 and 2012/13.

He made Singapore his professional home for five years, and won the first of his 217 winners in the citystate on his very first ride on Majestic Moments on 5 June 2014. He was always in the top ten on the jockey log.

He called it a day in April 2019 in Singapore, citing family reasons for his wish to cut his contract.

Colleague and Hong

Candiese Lenferna Kong-based friend Karis Teetan paid an emotional tribute.

“Waking up on Sunday morning it was like someone shot me in the belly,” Teetan said. “Back in South Africa I was a year or two in front of him and when he got there he was alone just like when I got

there and of course I showed him the way.

“I must say we were like brothers from day one. When he got there we shared the same room and we did everything together in the academy.Since day one we just clicked, we did so much together and I can’t believe we’re not going to be

doing that any more.”

Nooresh is survived by his wife Chaaya and young family, as well as his father Satanand, his mother Kavita, his sister Sweta and younger brother Tajesh, who also trained at the SA Jockey Academy and rides on the Indian Ocean Island.

Investigation Launched The Mauritius Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has announced an investigation into Saturday’s fatal accident at the Champ de Mars.

The DPP, Satyajit Boolell, said that it is his duty to launch a judicial inquiry.

“It is important to shed light on the circumstances that led to the death of the rider”,

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Boolell told the media.

“Was there negligence regarding the track’s condition or was it a pure accident?”

JC Photos Happier days: Nooresh and Chaaya Juglall, with sons Aryaan and Ahaan

PLEASE GIVE A LITTLE BIT Abbi van der Merwe has written to the Sporting Post from Singapore and has requested that we spread the word about Nathalie Fradd’s fundraising efforts for Chaaya Juglall, and her sons Aryaan and Ahaan.

“Times are tough and these two beautiful young boys have their whole life ahead of them. I was wondering if you would maybe be able to help us share the word with our racing community in South Africa as I am sure there are a few that would love to help

and support. If they cannot, it is totally understandable,” says Abbi.

Nooresh Juglall was a young man who came from a very modest background and his dream was to become a jockey one day.

After years of hard work and sacrifice, his dream became a reality.

He went to South Africa to start his apprenticeship and he was champion apprentice for 2 yrs.

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His riding career took off and he went on to ride in different countries and he became a talented rider.

Little did he know that his final destination was going to be his home country.

If you are able to assist his young family in any way please click here.

Gold Circle's moving tribute at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday - please watch here

FEED YOUR DESIRE TO WIN ANOTHER GRADED STAKES WIN FOR RAINBOW BRIDGE

RAINBOW BRIDGE

WINNER OF THE INDEPENDENT ON SATURDAY DRILL HALL STAKES (GR.2) Trainer: E. SANDS Jockey: L. FERRARIS Owner: Mr. & Mrs. M.L.P. RATTRAY

By kind permission of trainer Image: Candiese Lenferna

Contact our distributor: Ridgemont Highlands 80 Haaskraal Road, Wellington, 7655 Tel: 0829206005 Email: ross@ridgemont.co.za Ireland: +353 59911 775 800 Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland Email: info@redmills.com

www.redmills.com

KEEPING IT CLASSY!

On a sombre Sunday for South African horseracing following the tragic passing of Mauritian jockey Nooresh Juglall hours earlier, Plett-based breeder Rob Knuppe and his partner, PE Attorney Jonathan Connellan, kept their Vodacom Durban July dream on track when their lightly raced She’s A Keeper stormed home to win the R300 000 Gr2 World

Sports Betting 1900 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

The Sunday headline feature was weighted on merit-rating bands and offers the clearly talented victress a ‘preferential consideration’ ticket into Africa’s Greatest Race on 3 July.

Running off an admittedly unexposed rating of 90, the Gareth van Zyl-trained She’s

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A Keeper is ‘protected’ under the WSB 1900 race conditions, which limits any raise in MR to six points.

So she may get into the Vodacom Durban July well under sufferance – but who really knows how good she is?

Having only her sixth start on Sunday, the recent Listed Scarlet Lady winner bounded

Candiese Lenferna

Warren Kennedy salutes as She’s A Keeper stays on track for the Vodacom Durban July

clear at 16-10 under 50kgs in the hands of regular rider Warren Kennedy to beat fellow July hopeful Matterhorn (12-1) by just under a length in a time of 114, 58 secs.

MJ Odendaal’s very decent 3yo Shavout (33-10), one of only two non July entries in the field, is finding his form again, and was 0,60 lengths away in third after looming

dangerously late in the race.

The rest may have to pick up their July feet, with Snaith’s Crown Towers, ridden with more restraint than usual, showing no kick to finish 4,60 lengths away in fourth.

Defending Durban July champion Belgarion was scratched from this race 48 hours earlier due to an abnormal blood count.

The winner was bred by the Missing U Syndicate and is a very lightly raced (she was off for 18 months as a result of a tendon injury) daughter of boom sire Gimmethegreenlight out of the Trippi mare, Gold Trip.

She’s A Keeper has won 5 of her 6 starts with 1 place for stakes of R400 750.

The Merits The specific conditions of this event do not permit the winner to be raised more than six pounds and no increase in the ratings of placed horses. As such, despite running to a mark of 104, SHE’S A KEEPER has had her merit rating raised from 90 to 96 following her success in the above

event on the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf course on Sunday.The Handicappers were of the view that 4th placed CROWN TOWERS made for the most suitable line horse, which leaves him unchanged on a rating of 115.

Runner-up MATTERHORN and 3rd finisher SHAVOUT remain unaltered on 100

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and 87, respectively, even though they actually both run to a mark of 110. Two horses received a rating’s drop. TRISTFUL was trimmed from 113 to 112, while MARCHINGONTOGETHER is down from 106 to 104.

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Chase Liebenberg Top trainer Joey Soma – July plans all coming together

JULY GREEN LIGHT Joey Soma’s multiple Gr1 winning champion Got The Greenlight will not run again before his date with destiny in the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 3 July.

That was the word from the master trainer in a catch-up with the Sporting Post earlier this week.

The Equus champion had a good blow-out at his Turffontein home-base on

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Friday and Joey’s over the moon with his progress.

“I keep saying it. But this horse is just getting stronger every day. I can see it in his work times and his general demeanour and presence.

Chase Liebenberg Got The Greenlight and Muzi Yeni – big July dreams!

Our plan is to give him a serious gallop at month-end.

That will hopefully be at Turffontein before a raceday, and we could look at recording or broadcasting it for the racing public’s benefit. Then it will be his official July gallop on 24 June. After that it’s straight on to the Theatre of Dreams on 3 July!”

The veteran conditioner and his 4yo flyer have been in the forefront of the Vodacom Durban July news after three cracking runs this season produced a Gr2 runner-up cheque, and two Gr1 trophies.

It was Got The Greenlight’s sensational victory in the Premier’s Champions

Challenge, billed as the clash of the generations, on 1 May that has had the whole world talking that they may just have witnessed a likely 2021 July winner.

And his trainer’s successful appeal last week against an MR award of 128 following his Premier’s win has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons.

A panel upheld the protest by Mr Soma and the Gimmethegreenlight five-time Gr1 winner will likely line up lumping 55kgs in the big race, off his new rating of 124.

Joey said that while there may be valid arguments in some quarters to pack away the 134 year history and convert the

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Durban July to a ‘straightforward’ weightfor-age race, he felt that the change could be both good and bad for racing – and that the event would lose some of its mystique and aura.

“The July is a race that every owner, trainer and breeder aspires to win and it’s the build-up debate and the twists and turns, as much as the race itself, that make it what it is for stakeholders and the racing public. One doesn’t just turn up. It’s teamwork, tactics, strategy, long-term planning and programming. Sometimes dreams pan out, sometimes they don’t. Our plan has worked this year – but it’s a long way yet to that victory canter-past!” he laughs.

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Explaining the decision not to run again prior to the big race, Joey said that the Vodacom Durban July was their designated target from the moment Got The Greenlight ran second in the race in 2020, and that it would be folly to give away any advantage at this late stage of the game.

“It was tough resisting the temptation to take on horses he had beaten while they were winning races earlier this season. The partnership would say, ‘hell we should be there’. But we stuck to our guns and we are now within just over six weeks of a plan come together!”

The Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge is an obvious final stepping stone into the July.

“I see the sponsors Hollywoodbets have commendably stepped up and doubled the stake to R1 million. So it’s tempting.

But I’m sure we would finish in the top three and do we risk that and then jeopardise our

goal of a July victory?”

He points out that the decision to take the weight ‘discount’ and sacrifice a run had it’s own inherent risks.

“History may yet prove us wrong. But we have given it plenty of thought. We feel we can do it with good homework, and I believe I will have him fit and firing on 3 July.”

On the sportsmanship of appealing his 128 rating, Joey is adamant that he is merely playing within the rules.

“It’s my job as a trainer to optimise my horse’s opportunities to win races. Our merit rating appeal was merely exercising an option available to us within the structure and system. We always maintain our professional respect for the handicappers, irrespective of whether we enjoy their decisions and whichever way the cookie crumbles. And after the Classic last year I called the handicappers and pointed out that our boy had to be better

than the likes of Ikigai and Shango. But they had their own ideas and their processes.”

When asked if he felt in his heart of hearts whether his charge was a 124 or closer to a 128, Joey laughs.

“Got The Greenlight has been top of his class in his 2yo, 3yo and 4yo season. After three Gr1 victories, he wasn’t even our highest rated 3yo of the term – that was Dean Kannemeyer’s African Warrior. He ran under a length behind Belgarion under sufferance in the July last year. Do It Again and Rainbow Bridge were behind him. Ten months and three races each down the line, Belgarion is a 130 and my horse, now a five-time Gr1 winner, is a 124. Work it out for yourself!”

Snaith Keeps 9 Alive!

Justin Snaith’s 2020 Peninsula Handicap winner Nexus has been supplemented into the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July.

The Rathmor-bred son of Dynasty has not seen

action since running fifth in the Premier Trophy on L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate day on 9 January.

He has been priced up at 33-1 by Hollywoodbets and joins Snaith’s now nine strong

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Vodacom Durban July attack.

The former SA champion is bidding for his fourth consecutive victory in the race.

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20 Keep On Dancing wins the Listed East Coast Handicap under Warren Kennedy beating Scented Mistress (Jabu Jacobs)

Candiese Lenferna

JUST KEEP ON DANCING! 21

The Northern Guest mare First Arrival has been very special to owners Bruce and Anne Nicholas, providing them with much joy, both on the track and in the paddocks.

A champion in Zimbabwe where she won that country's Oaks, her accomplishments as a broodmare have far outstripped those on the track.

Just this past weekend, four-year-old daughter Keep On Dancing gilded her dam's already outstanding record with a first stakes success in the Listed East Coast Handicap at Hollywoodbets Greyville. The Silvano filly is First Arrival's sixth stakes winner amongst eight black type performers and ten winners from as many runners.

First Arrival took to stud an exemplary pedigree to back up her racetrack record. A daughter of nine-time leading broodmare sire Northern Guest, her siblings included the Tibouchina winner Clifton Queen, Gr2 Merchants third Opening Night and Gr2 Golden Slipper third Hyperdrive. Their dam First Debutante was sired by another standout in Elliodor and she was a granddaughter of the blue hen Party Time.

A grand racemare, who won all of the Cape Fillies Guineas, Paddock and Majorca Stakes, her accomplishments as a broodmare need no elaboration, suffice to say, her descendants continue to grace the South African turf to this day.

Party Time's daughter First Party features as the grandam

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of First Arrival. By Gimcrack winner Double Jump, her racing career was restricted to just one start, however, she made good in the paddocks as the dam of six winners from seven foals, the best of which SA Oaks winner Lambarina.

All in all, First Arrival's credentials promised a recipe for success and she has not disappointed. Two of her eight black type performers earned champion status.

Muhtafal gelding Let's Rock 'N Roll won the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint and was voted the Equus Champion Sprinter while Jet Master daughter In The Fast Lane became the champion three-year-old filly of her year following victories in the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and Woolavington

The top-class First Arrival 2000. To Western Winter, First Arrival bred the stakes winning brothers Rock The Country and Light The Lights.

The latter, a winner of the Gr2 Peninsula Handicap, subsequently scored at Gr3 level in the UAE. Philanthropist son Pack Leader ran third in the Gr1 Cape Derby and won three Listed races for Glen Kotzen before his move the Highveld stable of Alec Laird. Let's Rock 'N Roll's full brother Beat Patrol was runner-up in the Gr3 Tommy Hotspur

Handicap, while Pack Leader's year-older full sister Party Crasher ran third in the Gr3 Final Fling Stakes. After foaling Keep On Dancing, First Arrival twice visited Silvano's champion son Vercingetorix and produced her final foals, the three-year-old colt and a juvenile filly.

Mindful of the fact that First Arrival was getting on, the Nicholases retained Keep On Dancing, who was born when her dam was twenty.

First Arrival was a boarder at

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Cathy and Jonathan Martin's Hadlow Farm until her death last year. She is buried on the farm with trees strategically planted around her to provide shade for other horses. Cathy takes up the story of Keep On Dancing and her illustrious dam.

"First Arrival was a big, dark bay mare who produced the most beautiful looking foals, which were easy to sell on looks alone. Compared to her other foals, Keep On Dancing was a late developer and due to her

claustrophobic issues as a result from being box-rested following a leg injury, Jane Thomas (who pre-trained her) and I recommended Wendy Whitehead as the best person to train this special needs girl."

Wendy is to be commended on her sympathetic handling of her newly-minted stakes winner.

"She was quite slight when she arrived in training," she mused. "Over time, she has strengthened up considerably.

For the first year, she would stress when stabled and I trained her from an outside lean-to shelter! Thankfully, she appears to have overcome her claustrophobia since I put her next to a companion.

She's a typical Silvano in that she is is improving all the time and is sure to reach the height of her powers as she matures further. The Oaks at Scottsville is next, that has been her main target for the season."

KEEP ON DANCING has had her rating increased from 78 to 82 after she captured the Listed East Coast Cup for fillies and mares.

The Handicappers took the view that runner-up

Wendy's fervent wish would be to get some Gr1 black type into the filly, no easy feat, considering she would have to take on the boys for the simple reason that there are no Gr1 races for older fillies over 2000m and beyond. Notwithstanding the filly's amazing ability to quicken, Wendy feels the mile Gr1 Garden Province will probably be too sharp. Time will tell.

Given her achievements, First Arrival must rate as one of the country’s famous matrons and as the dam of two Gr1 winning champions, it remains a mystery why she has not been honoured with a Broodmare of the Year award.

Be that as it may, her legacy is bound to mushroom through her daughters. In The Fast Lane is already off to a promising start as a broodmare with her first foal, the threeyear-old Real Gone Kid. The progressive Australian-bred Snitzel colt has scored three times for Ridgemont and Brett

The Merits

SCENTED MISTRESS made for the best line horse and accordingly her rating remains unchanged on 91. In assessing the race this way, 4th placed ELECTRIC SURGE runs to her rating of 78 and she effectively becomes a line horse as well.

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Crawford, who will also train his juvenile full sister.

Party Crasher is now a member of Varsfontein's powerful broodmare band.

Her first foal is a filly by Gimmethegreenlight and she is currently in foal to Master Of My Fate.

While those two are enjoying the tranquil life of a broodmare, Keep On Dancing will hopefully build on her first stakes success.

As a late bloomer with comparatively few miles on the clock, she may just stay in training for another season and continue to provide her adoring owners with more thrills and success.

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Three runners were however given a rating’s drop. SILVA MAGIC is down from 86 to 85, JACQUELINE drops to 80 from 83, and lastly FLICHITY BY FARR was cut from 94 to 91.

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Pauline Herman

Marco van Rensburg rounds up a happy Friday as Jaeger Moon powers to victory

SALUTE THE MOON The Hollywoodbetssponsored Gavin Smith Racing Team completed another terrific day at the office with a hat-trick at Fairview on Friday. The veteran’s purple patch included an eyecatching victory in the R85 000 WSB Listed East Cape Derby by his budding regional champion 3yo male, Jaeger Moon.

On Tuesday Smith marked his century of winners this term, and together with Alan Greeff celebrated another three winners on Friday, headed by a superb effort from the Frank Burggraaf raced Capetown Noir colt, who achieved the Guineas-Derby double.

After a slow start that probably worked to his advantage, a relaxed Jaeger Moon made all of the running and stayed on

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powerfully under regular pilot Marco Van Rensburg to win in a time of 153,10 secs.

The fillies Colorado Springs (11-10) and the recent Oaks winner Swazi Queen filled the second and third positions, with the winner’s stablemate Find Me Unafraid (8-1) not disgraced in fourth.

The fact that Jaeger Moon stays the 2400m will be music

to his connection’s ears with a multitude of options, and he looks a really smart colt.

A R140 000 2019 BSA Ready To Run graduate, Jaeger Moon has won 7 races with 3

places from, 11 starts for stakes of R250 250.

pion son of Western Winter, Capetown Noir.

He was bred by Summerhill Stud and is a son of the multiple Gr1 winning Equus cham-

Jaeger Moon is out of the five-time winning Parade Leader mare, Maritime Mist.

The Merits JAEGER MOON has had his rating raised from 94 to 108 after he defied top weight to land the Listed World Sports Betting East Cape Derby over 2400m on the Fairview turf course on Friday. It was 3rd placed SWAZI QUEEN who was used as the line horse here, which leaves her unchanged on a mark of

100. Runner-up COLORADO SPRINGS also remains unchanged on a rating of 100.

It must be factored into calculations that JAEGER MOON was conceding 3.5 kgs to COLORADO SPRINGS and 2.5 kgs to SWAZI QUEEN, and it is also should be borne in mind that JAEGER MOON has won seven times from eight starts

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this season. 4th placed FIND ME UNAFRAID was the only other horse to receive a rating’s increase and goes up from 88 to 94.

This keeps him in line with 5th placed HEARTBREAK HOTEL, who finished 3.5 lengths or six pounds behind FIND ME UNAFRAID and who remains unchanged on a rating of 88.

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JC Photos

BILLY’S YOUNG AT HEART

30 Hollywoodbets newest sponsored trainer, Billy Ruiters

There can’t be too many 62 year old trainers who ride their own work. Turffontein -based ‘Billy The Kid’ Ruiters is a rare example of such a professional. The fit-as-a-fiddle horseman is also one of the most positive and enthusiastic trainers we have spoken to in a long while.

A man with a bright and youthful disposition, Billy Ruiters’ battle against the odds in his close on 50 years in the sport of kings has clearly fashioned his character.

He is particularly proud of his achievements, and his physical state of fitness.

“As an aside, I was at the Department of Labour on Monday. The counter clerk demanded I produce my identity document as she said I wasn’t a day older than 38. The more she looked at my ID, and the more I said I am 62, the less she appeared to believe me! It’s actually quite a compliment I suppose, and I must put it down to the early to bed, early to rise philosophy.

And a life outside amongst horses, while generally doing everything in moderation. Even frugality!” he laughs.

A former assistant to Chris Erasmus who packed up and moved to KZN recently, Billy doesn’t pretend that the obstacles of a tough economy, bleak times in racing, and the

fact that he only has five horses in his starting string, are not there – he is just determined to change perceptions and make it work.

and said that I could do other jobs beyond being a jockey.

He guided me to become an honest player in the racing profession.”

“I believe I could inspire many!

It’s a pity that some guys that have gone before have caused problems – left horses to suffer and been reckless.

Who knows what drives a man to act like that? But my horses are my children and I have had plenty of guidance from good people and experience over 45 years to make a success of this venture. My nickname ‘Billy The Kid’ is based on my first name and the translation of my surname – but, hey, I’m no cowboy outlaw or gunslinger at heart or nature!”

Billy fondly recalls jockeys like the late Jo-Jo Myburg, Domingo De Allende, Martin Shum, Bill Spencer and Claude Walker.

The fifth of twelve children born to Emily and Willem Ruiters in the Elandsriver District of Uitenhage, Billy started out life wanting to be a jockey.

But black and coloured applicants were not allowed at the SA Jockey Academy at the time and the eager young man’s ambitions were dashed.

“I dreamt of a career as a jockey for many years. And then one day I experienced a lifechanger. I met a trainer by the name of Mr Lynton Ryan at Fairview Racecourse. He was like a Dad to me. He took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. He inspired me

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“These were the jockeys I worked with every day. They would teach me how to hold the reins. How to sit on a horse. And how to remain honest to one’s morals. I was an impressionable 18 year old when I started in the racing industry in 1976.”

An early highlight for the passionate young man was saddling the Jackpot at Arlington, ‘way back when’.

“Mr Ryan had left for Durban to help his father Mr Terry Ryan, and I was in charge of managing the PE stables on his behalf. I was also responsible for riding work. Mr Ryan told me to work all the horses myself. The jockeys were a bit peeved off about it.

But when the yard saddled the Jackpot that week, everybody was thrilled!”

Today Ruiters Racing is based at Turffontein and it’s a humble start in more ways than one, with just five horses.

His neighbours are David Niewenhuizen, Tyrone Zackey and Erico Verdonese.

Billy had his first two runners at Turffontein on 4 April and has his next runner at the Vaal on Thursday.

“Ray Of Sunshine runs in the second race. She was a bit of a dilly filly, but we have worked hard on her behaviour and she should improve on her first run and improve to run a better race.”

His founding owners are Juan Moller and Edwin Scheepers.

“I am truly grateful to Juan and Edwin for having the confidence in me to train their horses. And we already got our first lucky break with Hollywoodbets becoming my new sponsors. They have offered to sponsor me with Grooms and my uniforms.

Their support is a massive boost because they helped me with my equipment too,” he adds.

Billy says it makes him immensely proud to be associated with a leading industry brand like Hollywoodbets.

“My team is so excited, and we cannot wait to receive our new kit and step out in style.

What an honour!”

While on the subject of his team, Billy says that dedication and commitment, coupled with a love and knowledge of horses and racing, is what he looks for in a Groom.

“I have been fortunate again to be blessed with loyal staff.

Moses has been working for me since I worked for Mr Chris Erasmus. Valentine has been in the racing industry for 3 years and is a hardworking guy.

Wellington arrived here in Johannesburg almost 40 years ago and has been in the industry ever since. One cannot buy loyalty and experience!”

He goes on to point out that the racing industry can be beneficial to fighting the national scourge of unemployment and sustaining many households.

“Things seem to be improving with 4Racing on board and we need government on our side.

Racing is a major contributor to the economy.”

When taxed on his corporate philosophy, Billy proudly states that Ruiters Racing stands for professional horsemanship and a dedication to the horse and the industry.

“I keep reminding myself that my success would be my way of acknowledging and thanking each and every person that has supported and helped me along the way.”

He certainly has walked a long road since attending D.S Kroneberg Primary School and then graduating to David Livingstone High School in Uitenhage, where he participated with passion in rugby and marathon running –

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two sports that embraced his competitive fighting spirit.

Billy married Johanna Ruiters in 1994 and today they have 7 children and 12 grandchildren.

His eyes brighten when he talks of his family.

“I am truly thankful for my family and their support through my journey. Things haven’t been easy but we are here today and are proudly watching our grandchildren grow up. Family is a blessing.

Professionally, I would dedicate my success to my mentor and inspiration, Mr Lynton Ryan and also thank all of the jockeys that played a role in my life. My legacy will hopefully reflect my journey and the support of all the people who played important roles in my life.”

Billy has empty boxes to fill and his fees are reasonable – please give him a call or whatsapp on 071 287 9705.

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34 The beautiful In Like Flynn (#38) is on the De Grendel sale on Thursday

WINNING FAMILIES ARE THE KEY!

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Champion Robertson nursery Ridgemont Highlands will offer a high quality draft of ten mares at the De Grendel Wines Mare & Mixed Sale on Thursday.

The draft includes mares in foal to the likes of South Africa’s Leading First Season for 2020-2021 Rafeef, and Ridgemont Highlands’ multiple Gr1 winning international performer Canford Cliffs, who produced yet another Australian Stakes winner on Saturday.

A champion son of Redoute’s Choice out of a former South African Horse Of The Year National Colour, Ridgemont’s

resident fast ascending star Rafeef has been the talking sire of his first season, and produced his tenth first crop winner just last Friday.

‘power-packed with paddock potential’.

“The Ridgemont Highlands team can be proud of the quality and diversity of our draft for Thursday’s sale.

Proving a perfect foil to the exciting Rafeef on the They are tough, well-bred quality mares in foal to a Ridgemont Highlands stallion selection of a quartet of sires, roster is the internationally including our resident acknowledged five-time Gr1 flagbearers Rafeef and winner Canford Cliffs, who has Canford Cliffs, that are going sired 367 winners and has produced 31 international stakes to make a big impact here winners in both hemispheres. over the next few seasons.

The bloodlines, performance Between the dazzlingly diverse and statistics are there on paper to do the talking. I wish duo, they have covered seven of the ten Ridgemont Highlands the prospective new owners the very best of champion mares offered at the beautiful De Grendel Wine Estate, in what good fortune,” Carey told the Craig Carey describes as a draft Sporting Post.

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Rafeef’s quintet of coverings kicks off with #20 Cup Of Rubies, a Mogok daughter who hails from the same female line as breed- shaping sire Fappiano. The three time winning half-sister to Durban July winner Hunting Tower has already produced two smart winners, including Gr1 2yo, Crimson King.

Also in foal to the Gr1 winning Rafeef, Jallad’s daughter, #55 Murmering Sky is out of a stakes placed daughter of champion US sire Thunder Gulch. Murmering Sky won six and ran second in the Gr3 Flamboyant Stakes.

Jet Master’s stakes winning daughter #64 Princess Of The Sky is a close relative of Gr1 winner Love Is In The Air, and is another who sells in foal to

Rafeef.

Another of the Rafeef quintet is #72 Sassy Sal, a dual winning High Chapparal own sister to Ladies Mile & Olympic Duel stakes victress Chevauchee.

Her granddam won the Irish Oaks!

Var’s Milkwood Stakes winner #86 Variety Star is the last of the Ridgemont Highlands draft to sell in foal to Gr1 winning sprinter, Rafeef.

Two mares in foal to Canford Cliffs will also be offered on the Ridgemont Highlands draft. #25 is Double Black, a three-time winning Twice Over half-sister to Champagne Stakes winner Nastergal. #38 is the almost snow white In Like Flynn, a National Assembly

half-sister to the high-class Zimbabwean runner Lucky Sam. In Like Flynn is a course record setting stakes winner, and a Gr3 Prix du Cap runner up.

Deep Impact’s Gr1 winning son Danon Platina is the covering sire of two of the ten strong Ridgemont draft.

First up is #3 Always Dancing, the Oratorio winning half-sister to Gr3 Starling Stakes winner She’s A Giver. Next of the Danon Platina coverings is Spectrum’s daughter #69 Russet Savannah, who is out of a Badger Land mare and is a winning half-sister to Gr1 winner and Fillies Guineas victress, On Her Toes.

Last, but definitely not least,

37 5 of the Ridgemont mares at the sale have been covered by their star resident, Rafeef

Gr1 Cape Guineas William Longsword, a son of Champion Sire and Sire-of-sires Captain Al, and a half brother to Gr1 winner Real Princess, is the covering sire of Trippi’s daughter #66 Royal Trip.

The latter is a stakes winning half-sister to recent Gr1 Horse Chestnut Stakes runner-up Copper Mountain.

The Ridgemont Highlands team is ready to welcome you at the 2021 De Grendel Wines Mare

& Mixed Sale, in partnership with Meerkat Online Auctions, to be held at the De Grendel Wine Estate on Thursday at 14h00.

CTS & CAPE RACING TEAM UP

Cape Thoroughbred Sales (CTS) and Cape Racing have announced that they will join forces to stage the 2021 CTS Ready To Run Stakes at Kenilworth on Saturday, 30 October.

The race is worth R900 000.

going through tough times.

We have been hit hard economically, but as a collective we can do more. Our aim is to work together to make racing stronger.

The popular Ready To Run Gallops and the 2021 Ready To Run Sale will both be held at Kenilworth too, incorporating the events of this exciting weekend at one venue. The gallops will be staged on Friday, 29 October, followed by the race on Saturday and the sale on Sunday, 31 October.

“Cooperating, bringing things to a single platform like this will result in a better, more streamlined experience for all, and we are pleased to welcome CTS back home to Kenilworth. We feel it is a step forward, and we look forward to hosting the Ready To Run weekend which will start with a breakfast at the gallops, a top-class race day experience, and then the sale itself.”

Donovan Everitt, Commercial Manager, Marketing and Events for Cape Racing, said that this joint venture with CTS was just the start of what Cape Racing had set out to accomplish going forward.

“Racing has been, and is,

Grant Knowles, Marketing and Bloodstock Director for CTS, commented: “We are excited to be teaming up with Cape Racing, and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship. We have a similar vision, and we are pleased to be planning

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this event together.”

Knowles added: “We wish to thank Patrick Davis at Phumelela, who agreed to move our race to an earlier date, 30 October, to coincide with the sale. This actually works well from a programming perspective, as the horses that run in the Ready To Run Stakes can also compete in the Concorde Cup (on 20 November), if qualifying, instead of clashing directly with the Ready To Run. The R900 000 stake for this year’s Ready To Run race will be broken down to eighth place, as it was last year, giving more runners an opportunity to earn.”

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Gold Circle Basil and the happy connections lead in The Secret Is Out after her 2016 Strelitzia Stakes victory at Hollywoodbets Scottsville

LIFE GOES ON FOR BASIL

Thursday’s CTS Mare and Mixed Sale at De Grendel marks an emotional watershed event in close on forty years of breeding for the passionate Basil Nelson.

A staunch and loyal stalwart of Cape racing, Basil formed the BBP Syndicate with Garth Miller in 2004. But with the late Pharmacist’s heirs not wishing to continue in the game, the partnership will be dissolved.

“The association brought us

much joy, especially with Secret Of Victoria being such a successful broodmare. I’m disappointed that Garth’s heirs do not wish to continue the syndicate. I suppose that’s the norm today. We are selling the BBP lots and I will be continuing with the syndicate after the sale,” says Basil.

Five of nine lots offered by the BBP Syndicate will be sold in absentia.

“John Koster kindly agreed to make the mares and weanlings available for viewing at 43

Klawervlei. Secret Of Victoria is 18 years old, and in foal to Vercingetorix, so we didn’t want her and the other mares to travel.”

The mares are Lot 28 (Entrench, by Oasis Dream), Lot 74 (Secret Of Victoria

by Goldkeeper), Lot 82 (The Secret Is Out, by Captain Al) and the weanlings are Lot 96 (William Longsword colt out of Entrench) and Lot 109 (William Longsword colt out of Secret Of Victoria).

Racing needs a lot more of

the likes of Basil Nelson. An educated and knowledgeable student of breeding, he is currently writing a book based on the evolution of the thoroughbred.

“God willing, I hope to complete the book by mid 2022,” he adds as he sketches his background.

Born in East London of farming stock - the Dells in the Karoo were distant family - Basil attended Cambridge Primary School.

“My Dad had a few horses at Nahoon where I used to watch from the car park about a furlong from the finish. My grandfather passed away when my Dad was 7. I only saw two photographs of him - one at his wedding and the other on the back of his horse. I suppose that’s where the passion began!”

At a shilling per dozen, farming pineapples was not lucrative in the 1950’s, so the Nelsons moved to Kimberley where Basil’s Dad was involved in building construction.

“I attended Kimberley Boys’ High where I was chosen to play Nuffield cricket in 1964.

I also played 1st team rugby

for both schools and 1st team soccer as well for a club.”

Basil feels that a passion for sport and its allied competitive spirit fuels a love for racing.

In 1969 he moved to Cape Town to attend a Computer school, which proved to be a scam and later rather completed a diploma in Business Management.

“In Cape Town I developed a love for playing Squash which was ideal in the winter weather.

In the 1970’s I caught the golf bug and joined the Royal Cape Golf Club.”

Basil’s interest in breeding began when he started analysing pedigrees. He commenced breeding in the mid 1980’s. It was a flying start as the first foal he and his wife bred was Maid Of Mecca, a daughter of Mecca Road, who won the Ladies Mile in 1988.

On what he feels were the high points, he says undoubtedly All is Secret and The Secret is Out winning Gr1 races like the Allan Robertson were the racing highlights.

“I believe we still hold the national record for the sale of a filly, being Best Kept Secret at the CTS sale!”

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While Thursday marks a change, he says that he will continue with breeding and racing.

“You can’t remove this passion from your blood. I still have two other mares who are in foal this season. One is a maiden mare by Querari, and the other mare has a beautiful William Longsword filly at foot. It will be very difficult parting with her. I kept them as Garth did not want them. I have no horses in training right now, but believe that won’t be long in happening!”

We asked Basil about the future of our breeding.

“I think we are very fortunate in having such good lines in South Africa, despite our weak currency and inability to shuttle stallions, as they do in Australia. When Jet Master, Fort Wood and Captain Al were no longer available, all breeders must have been very concerned.

With all three being prevalent in our breeding, new kids like Gimmethegreenlight and Querari arrived and have performed admirably. One must include the Gone West stallion, Western Winter, as where would we be without Mr Prospector in this country?

He adds that now that Jet Master is becoming such a great broodmare sire, he feels either Gimmethegreenlight or Captain Al will sire the

champion of the future.

On racing’s future and survival strategies, the Accountant says there are no straightforward answers but is pleased at the news of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s announcement last week to support our breeding industry.

“In all businesses, one has to

The late Garth Miller and Basil Nelson – an end of a happy association

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maintain existing business as well as create new. And we really have to go all out to keep those already in racing and breeding, who have the passion. This includes even the small punter and owner, as well. We also have to also rid the game of disparities, as well as finding a friendlier and fairer MR system than what we have today!”

Candiese Lenferna

All of these sires, bar Querari, have stallions or potential stallions at this stage, which augurs well for our industry.”

PETER’S PURSUIT OF PERFECTION 46

Michaela Stewart and Peter de Beyer lead Hollywood Belle in as trainer Mike Stewart looks on

Bay Media

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Ideal World’s stakes winner Helen’s Ideal (#36) should attract plenty of interest

ELUSIVE & A LITTLE EXCLUSIVE!

Peter de Beyer’s boutique breeding operation Black Swan Stud is situated in the calcium rich climes of Robertson in the Western Cape. It’s on magnificent land that produces superior bone strength in our thoroughbreds, and astute matings over the years have combined to make it a successful quarter century for the man who started with a solitary mare in 1998.

Black Swan Stud sells Helen’s Ideal (#36) as agent on Thursday’s CTS De Grendel Wines Mare & Mixed Sale.

She’s a three-parts sister to Gr3 Track And Ball Oaks winner Zante and won six races from 1200m-1600m, including the Sweet Chestnut Stakes and Stormsvlei Mile.

Peter de Beyer explains that as his numbers grew, he bought a piece of land in the Robertson

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district in 2007, developed the necessary infrastructure and moved the mares there in 2010. The 2011 crop were the first to be born at Black Swan Stud.

“We aim to maintain about 20 mares, although I also have had a couple in partnership, most notably Princess Victoria at Maine Chance and Siren’s Call at Drakenstein,” he tells the Sporting Post.

Their land covers 12 hectares of grassed, irrigated paddocks and a similar number of dry paddocks.

They also have a few hectares of lucerne, and another few hectares of Shiraz vineyards.

“Siren’s Call Shiraz has been produced on my behalf

by Arendsig Winery since 2014!”enthused Peter.

Most of his mares were originally bought as yearlings to race, although he has bought a few mares over time and they now have some second and third generation

mares.

“Jane Grey was our first stud manager and after her retirement in 2017, Walter Cowe took over,” says Peter.

On to his single lot on Thursday, Peter says that Helen’s Ideal was the first foal of Tequila Blush, a two-time winning filly that he raced.

“The Ideal World/Fort Wood cross has been proven to be very successful and she is another example of that. Paul Barrett bought a half share when she was a weanling and we raced her in partnership.

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She won two legs of the Cape Winter series, both Listed races. She has won 6 races in all, and is a nice sized mare, with good bone and correct conformation.

Paul is keen on racing, and not breeding, and so she is being sold to dissolve the partnership.

“Helen’s Ideal has a strong pedigree to compliment her race record and conformation, and a notable close relative is Oaks winner Zante.

“Her dam, Tequila Blush, is a young mare, and her second foal unfortunately died as a

yearling. Her third foal, Helen’s Blush, by Marchfield, has already won 2 from just 8 starts and looks to be very promising. The next foal, another filly by Marchfield, is in training. Tequila Blush’s yearling filly by Duke Of Marmalade recently sold for R175 000 at the 2021 CTS Premier Yearling Sale.”

Peter is looking forward to the sale, although he is realistic that recent sales have been tough for vendors. He latches on to the positive that mare numbers are now down to very low levels, and if racing recovers, there could be a shortage of stock in two or three years.

He understands that these are difficult times for the

racing and breeding industry, as we all await the restructuring of the ex-Phumelela racing assets under the new owners, 4Racing.

“Racehorses are a luxury product, and a weak economy, exacerbated by the pandemic has taken its toll. It is essential that the racing industry improves its product in terms of the racing and betting experience, revitalises its marketing, and rebuilds the fan base.

“Tote turnover and sponsorships are the engines for prizemoney, and stakes have lagged the costs of ownership badly over the past two decades. The breeding industry needs the racing side to recover, and also desperately needs acceptable

50 Elusive Fort stands at Black Swan Stud

export protocols to be re-established,” he says.

Initiatives such as the recent Hong Kong Funding Boost are very welcome and make a big difference. Peter feels it is essential that we improve the quality of information to the betting public and that we restore trust in the integrity of the racing product.

“The examples of the successful racing jurisdictions such as Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia need to be understood and emulated by our operators and regulators.”

While he hopes for improvement in the racing industry, Peter is steadfast in his goal as a breeder to

produce superior racehorses.

“This requires the right quality of mares, and we have been upgrading our mare band consistently over the years with careful selection of yearling with good pedigrees and conformation to race, and to then go to stud.”

Some successful examples include stakes race winners Field Flower, Siren’s Call, Princess Victoria, Silvan Star, Omaticaya, Elusive Heart and Golden Dawn.

Their stakes winner producing mare honour roll includes Sylvie, Betty Burke, Tequila Blush, Forest Vixen and Meaningful.

“We have also sold some of

our top race fillies from time to time to assist in the viability of the farm. Here examples include Lady Windermere, Final Judgement and Freedom Charter.

“We have held shares in a number of successful stallions such as National Assembly, Dynasty, Western Winter, Master Of My Fate, Vercingetorix, Querari, etc and have supported many others.

“I was instrumental in bringing Elusive Fort back to SA and syndicating him. He is now resident at Black Swan Stud and has proven to be enormously successful. He produces both top class fillies and colts. Examples of filles include Siren’s Call, Lauderdale, Safe Harbour,

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Freedom Charter, Elusive Heart and Secret Potion, while the boys number SA Champions Season big names Catch Twentytwo and Kommetdieding, SA Derby winner Out Of Your League, Ernie and Sunday’s WSB 1900 placer, Shavout.

Peter explains that a ‘black swan event’ is a statistically rare and significant occurrence. Hence the name of the stud, as he and his team strive to produce those rare champions.

Some proud produce of the farm include the likes of Siren’s Call, KZN sire Last Winter, Sarah, Forest Fox, Freedom Charter, Ernie, Helen’s Ideal and Desert Wisdom. Not bad going!

Godolphin

Hurricane Lane is led in after the G2 Dante Stakes at York last Thursday

FRANKEL TAKES ON DAD When Hurricane Lane captured last Thursday's Gr2 Al Bastiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York, he became the latest potential classic horse to have emerged from Frankel's current crop of three-year-olds.

Galileo's greatest son has a tremendous crop of three-year-olds to his name this year, with all the signs suggesting Frankel is on course for an excellent

season in 2021.

Unbeaten in three starts, Hurricane Lane became Frankel's 68th stakes winner with his three-parts of a length win in the Dante-a race won this century by subsequent Derby winners Authorized, Golden Horn, Motivator and North Light.

Frankel, whose Southern Hemisphere based threeyear-old daughter Hungry Heart has captured the Gr1

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Vinery Stud Stakes and Gr1 The Star Australian Oaks at her two most recent starts, appears to have a very exciting crop of three-yearolds this season.

This crop also includes another likely Derby contender in the form of Newmarket Stakes winner Mohaafeth, the promising and unexposed John Leeper (a son of the great racemare Snow Fairy and winner of Saturday's Listed

Betway Fairway Stakes despite racing very green), Gr3 Prix Vanteaux 1-2 finishers Rumi and Petricor, and Adayar -runner up in both the Gr3 bet365 Classic Trial and Listed Novibet Derby Trial Stakes.

Frankel is also sire of another smart three-year-old in the form of King Frankel, runner up in Saturday's BetVictor London Gold Cup Handicap.

Another potentially exciting three-year-old by Frankel this season is the blue blooded filly Snow Lantern. Herself a daughter of two Guineas winners (her dam is 1000 Guineas victress Sky Lantern), Snow Lantern ran third in Friday's Listed

Michael Seely Memorial.

A brilliant winner of the 2011 2000 Guineas, Frankel is no stranger to British classic success, with his daughter Anapurna and son Logician capturing the 2019 Gr1 Investec Oaks and 2019 William Hill St Leger respectively.

Coincidentally, Frankel's own brother Noble Mission is the sire of Friday's Gr2 Matchbook Yorkshire Cup winner Spanish Mission.

Ironically, if somewhat inevitably, Frankel's greatest challenge for classic honours this year could well come from his legendary sire Galileo. The latter, who is bidding for a sixth Derby win at Epsom this year,

appears to hold his customary strong hand in the upcoming classics, with Galileo son Bolshoi Ballet currently favourite to win this year's Cazoo Derby.

Galileo, broodmare sire of Sunday's Gr1 Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) winner St Mark's Basilica, is also sire of former Derby favourite High Definition, who lost his unbeaten record when finishing third to Hurricane Lane.

Between them, Frankel and Galileo account for the top four colts in the betting for this year's Cazoo Derby.

Juddmonte

53 Frankel Galileo: Kind (Danehill)

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STALLION SERVICES – DON’T MISS IT! Services to some of the country’s top stallions and most promising young sires will be on offer at the 2021 Cape Breeders Club Stallion Auction.

One of the most popular platforms of its kind, this year’s stallion auction represents a great opportunity to acquire services to stallions who may be otherwise fully booked for the upcoming season.

The auction, which will take place after the popular golf day on 24 May will be restricted in numbers due to COVID19 protocol – so any breeders interested in attending are asked to book quickly to avoid disappointment.

Services to the following stallions will be available via a live auction• Danon Platina Mauritzfontein • Erik The Red -Varsfontein Stud/Freeman Stallions • Futura -Drakenstein Stud/ Freeman Stallions • GimmethegreenlightVarsfontein Stud/Freeman

Stallions • Ideal World -Mauritzfontein • Lancaster Bomber Drakenstein Stud/Freeman Stallions • One World -Drakenstein Stud/ Freeman Stallions • Oratorio -Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm • Querari -Maine Chance Farms/Freeman Stallions • Rafeef -Ridgemont Highlands • The United States Moutonshoek • Vercingetorix -Maine Chance Farms • What A Winter -Drakenstein Stud/Freeman Stallions Other stallions with services to be offered via the silent bid system include Canford Cliffs (Ridgemont Highlands), Captain Of All (Klawervlei Stud), Elusive Fort (Black Swan Stud), Erupt (Maine Chance Farms), Fire Away (Wilgerbosdrift), Global View (Ascot Stud), Legislate (Cheveley Stud), Louis The King (Sorrento Stud), Pathfork

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(Sandown Stud), Pomodoro (Klawervlei Stud), Potala Palace (Ridgemont Highlands), Soqrat (Sandown Stud), Talk Of The Town (Winterbach Stud), Twice Over (Klawervlei Stud), and Visionaire (Lammerskraal Stud).

The Cape Breeders Club would like to thank all farms and stallion managers who have donated services to this year’s stallion auction.

Parties keen to bid on services but who are unable to attend the event are asked to contact Wendy Probert at secretary@capebreeders. co.za

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SUNCOAST GLOBE HOSTS KZN YEARLING SALE After not being held last year, due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the BSA KZN Yearling Sale makes a welcome return to South Africa’s thoroughbred auction calendar this year.

The two-day sale is set to take place at the Suncoast Globe in Durban on 1 and 2 July, and the online catalogue can now be viewed at www.bsa.co.za.

One of the best value for money sales in South Africa, the KZN Yearling Sale has a long and impressive list of

past alumni, with notable graduates of this sale include the likes of notably Gr1 winners Camphoratus, Eyes Wide Open, Happy Valentine, Louis The King, Same Jurisdiction, Seal and Wild One. No fewer than 266 thoroughbreds have been catalogued for the 2021 KZN Yearling Sale, with many of South Africa’s top stud farms set to be represented here.

Promising and proven sires represented at this year’s sale include Act Of War, Captain Of All, Duke Of Marmalade, Elusive Fort,

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Flower Alley, Futura, Gimmethegreenlight, Global View, Master Of My Fate, Oratorio, Pomodoro, Querari, Rafeef, The United States, Trippi, Twice Over, Var, Vercingetorix, What A Winter and Willow Magic.

Stallions with their first local yearlings on offer include Canford Cliffs, Erupt, Gold Standard, Ideal World, Rabada and Wings Of Desire.

The Gr1 Vodacom Durban July will be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 3 July.

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COURT ORDER On Tuesday 18 May the Johannesburg High Court granted an order in an application brought by Trainer Mike de Kock against The National Horseracing Authority. The effect of the order is that the NHRA will make available to Mr de Kock’s analyst, portions of urine specimens taken on two occasions, namely 28 November 2020 and 12 December 2020, from the horse Queen Supreme, which specimens the NHRA has alleged have tested positive for Caffeine and have subsequently been confirmed, containing such by the nominated reference laboratory.

RIP JOE MERCER Joe Mercer, the oldest jockey to win the British Champion Jockey title, died on Monday aged 86. He was best known for piloting Brigadier Gerard in all his eighteen starts for seventeen wins. Born in 1934, Mercer rode his first winner in 1950 and went on to win 2810 races in Britain between 1950 and 1985.His stint with Brigadier Gerard, who won 13 group races, was a highlight among his fifteen classic wins. One of the great wins aboard Brigadier Gerard came in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1972, only two days after Mercer survived a plane crash. Crowned Champion Apprentice in 1953 and Champion Jockey in 1979, Mercer was also awarded an OBE for services to horse racing in 1980. From 1987-2006, he was the racing manager for Gainsborough Stud.

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WELL DONE GAVIN

Horseracing fan Ayden Dirksen has been following former SA Champion Jockey Gavin Lerena’s career for as long as his Mom, Lee Ann Dirksen can remember. When Lee Ann began the journey of raising funds for her 16 year old son’s new wheelchair, her cousin quickly jumped at the opportunity to help – showing John Bester at Turffontein racecourse a picture of Gavin and Ayden, taken a few months prior. John contacted the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein-sponsored Gavin and explained the situation. Ayden suffers from cerebral palsy – a congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone and posture. When Gavin heard of his young fan in need he went all out. He contacted sponsors, trainers, created a Facebook post – all to raise awareness of Ayden’s need for a new wheelchair.

In three days he had raised all the money necessary for Ayden’s wheelchair.

CHINA PLANS The Hong Kong Jockey Club has unveiled a HK$4 billion investment strategy that includes holding four race meetings a year in mainland China from March 2025. “This is part of the Greater Bay Area development – we have the policy endorsement and we have the surety of government-to-government dialogue if this strategic development would run into issues. That gives us confidence to make such a significant investment and plan our future strategy,” said HKJC chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.

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DAZZLING DOOMBEN A top shelf edition of the Doomben Cup headlines another Saturday of Gr1 racing in Australia. There’s black-type racing in four of the five major racing jurisdictions across the nation but it’s Brisbane’s Doomben meeting that will be the main event. 12 runners will greet the starter in the A$700,000 Doomben Cup. This will be the 87th running of Queensland’s premier weight-for-age staying contest after it wasn’t run in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Hollindale Stakes winner Zaaki will start from barrier 9 in Saturday’s feature while Cox Plate and Tancred Stakes winner Sir Dragonet has drawn to perfection in barrier 2.

HARDLY FINE Former SA Champion jockey S’manga Khumalo may need to be talking to his bank manager soon. He paid R5 500 in fines over two Gauteng meetings recently. On 6 May at Turffontein he failed to ride Northern Glow out to the end of the first race, and picked up a R1 000 ticket. On the same day he misused his crop by striking Royal Wulff more than twelve times and copped a R2 000 fine. Then two days later he again misused his crop by striking Twin Turbo more than twelve times. He was fined R2 500.

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Robert Bloomberg says NHA is waging war on our industry

FRUSTRATED BLOOMBERG LASHES OUT There is a famous poem by Lewis Carroll called ‘The Walrus and the Carpenter’, writes Robert Bloomberg.

One of the verses reads: “The time has come the walrus said, to talk of many things: Of shoes and ships and sealing wax. Of cabbages and kings. And why the sea is boiling hot and whether pigs have wings.”

So read on dear friends, read on…

The press release published last Friday afternoon by the National Horseracing Authority advising that on 14 May 2021, a full bench of the South Gauteng High Court upheld an Appeal by Afresh Brands Cape (Pty) Ltd and Afresh Brands KZN (Pty) Ltd and ordered the NHA to deliver information , strictly in compliance with the terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA), is completely misleading and selective in its content.

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Click here for the press release It in fact borders on arrogance as it makes no mention of the fact that the NHA was “ordered to pay the costs of the application (including the wasted costs of the postponement of 13 March 2018), such costs to include the costs of two counsel where so employed.”

They downplay the fact that they failed to comply with the Afresh PAIA request and

flippantly state that they are now “at liberty to proceed with the inquiries” but then add that they must still supply “the information requested by Afresh.”

Well, if it was that simplistic, why then did they not just comply with the PAIA request in the first place and avoid all of this litigation?

The court has ordered that the NHA “is directed to comply fully with the applicants’ “Request for Access to Record of Private Body.” In other words, if they

can’t provide a specific document requested, then they had better have a damn good reason.

They also of course omit to state that these matters involving 13 trainers and 21 caffeine positives, has been ongoing for nearly 4 years!

Common sense would decree that you look at the end game before you decide to litigate.

You can decide for yourself at the conclusion of this article.

Click here to read Bloomberg’s thoughts

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70 Love takes on the boys in the Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup

Coolmore

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The Curragh in Ireland hosts classic racing over the weekend with the Gr1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas on Saturday and the Gr1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday.

On Saturday, fourteen colts have accepted, and Poetic Flare and Lucky Vega first and third in the Gr1 Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket earlier this month head the market.

There was only half a length separating these two at the finish with the injured Master Of The Seas between them.

Last Sunday, Jim Bolger raided Longchamp with his winner attempting to also lift the French Guineas trophy.

But he could only manage to finish sixth to St Mark’s Basilica. Jim Bolger is dual accepted as Mac Swiney also takes his place in this event.

This New Approach colt ran two weeks ago at Leopardstown in the Gr3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial over 2000m and was beaten over 6 lengths by the new Epsom Derby favourite Bolshoi Ballet.

Aidan O’Brien is represented by four runners - Battleground, Van Gogh and Wembley who all finished unplaced in Poetic Flare’s Guineas, as well as a maiden winner San Martino.

Charlie Appleby saddles two

runners for Godolphin - La Barrosa whose last start was contesting the Gr3 bet365 Craven Stakes at Newmarket in April.

He finished a close second beaten three-quarters of a length by stable companion Master of The Seas. One Ruler who finished sixth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket is also declared.

There are still eighteen fillies nominated for the Gr1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday. The 1000 Guineas form is represented by Fev Rover for Richard Fahey, the only English trained runner.

This filly stayed on well at the finish to be beaten just over a length by the winner Mother Earth from the Aidan O’Brien stable.

O’Brien has nominated four runners. Jockey bookings have not yet been declared, but Joan of Arc is the form standout from the yard. Joseph O’Brien has a strong hand with five fillies nominated including Pretty Gorgeous who has the highest official rating. Aiden’s younger son, Donnacha sends out Shale a Gr1 winning juvenile when beating Pretty Gorgeous by three-quarters of a length at this course over 1400m.

The much-vaunted champion three-year-old filly of last season Love takes on the boys in the Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup

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for four-year-olds and older over 2100m earlier on the Sunday card. Declarations are again not finalised, but Aidan O’Brien has included stable companions Armory, Broome a three-time winner this season, Japan, Serpentine winner of last year’s English Derby, Tiger Moth and Mogul.

Dermot Weld has declared the highly rated mare Search for A Song.

On Friday, the last Cazoo Derby trial takes place at Goodwood – the listed Cocked Hat Stakes run over 2200m. Yibir, a son of Dubawi contests his third race this season for Charlie Appleby and William Buick.

Law of The Sea from the John Gosden stable with Dettori in the irons also represents Godolphin. Etonian for Richard Hannon and Lone Eagle trained by Martin Meade are the highest rated runners in the field and both have their second starts of the season.

Reviewing last weekend, the Gp1 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes was run over the Newbury straight mile and Palace Pier won this prestigious prize in emphatic fashion. Placed slightly further back then mid-field after the start, the champion miler was moved out wide towards the rails going through the 600m mark. At

One Ruler could run in the Gr1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas this point the great showman Frankie Dettori could be seen on two occasions looking behind for any potential dangers.

Thereafter he kicked for home and although the only filly in the race Lady Bowthorpe showed a lot of resolution to stay on gamely for second, the race was no longer a contest as Palace Pier won easing up and had a strong field beaten many lengths. The John Gosden trained colt has now won three Gr1’s over a mile.

Earlier on the card, the Gr3 Al Rayyan Stakes over 2400m

was contested by a small but select field of five. As the field rounded the turn into the long Newbury straight Dettori elected to move the 2019 St Ledger winner Logician to the middle of the track whilst most of the field led by Thunderous stayed on the rail. Jim Crowley aboard the 10/11 favourite Al Aasy followed Dettori on the grey until 400m from home when he was pulled out for his run. Al Aasy then glided past the leader to win effortlessly by four lengths under a 3lb penalty. Winning trainer William Haggas said, “he looks like Nijinsky at home in his work and we’re seeing his class on the track now.”

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John Leeper, named after trainer Ed Dunlop’s father, has thrown his name in the hat for the Cazoo Derby next month with a taking victory at Newmarket in the Listed Betway Fairway Stakes over 2000m. Cut as low as 6/1 ante post for Epsom glory this son of Frankel has only had three starts but is unbeaten this season in two and keeps on improving now going over ground. Ed Dunlop knows a good horse having trained amongst others the mighty Ouija Board and this colt’s dam Snow Fairy and has high hopes for Epsom glory.

Rombauer wins under Flavien Pratt

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Pimlico Racecourse

BAFFERT’S SPIRIT IS BROKEN 75

Twirling Candy’s son Rombauer won the 146th running of the Preakness Stakes, the second instalment of horse racing's vaunted Triple Crown.

The unexpected win means the controversial Medina Spirit won't have a shot at the Triple Crown.

"Oh, what a feeling," jockey Flavien Prat said after the race.

NBC News reported that the odds for Kentucky-bred Rombauer were 11-1. His trainer is Michael W. McCarthy, and his owners, and also breeders of the big winner, are John and Diane Fradkin of Santa Ana, California.

"I’m not sure this is really happening," John Fradkin said after the race. "This might be a dream."

Derby winner Medina Spirit's failed post-race drug test.

The Maryland Jockey Club, which runs the Preakness, said on Friday that the Bob Baffert-trained colt passed all drug tests ahead of the event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

Organizers had struck a deal with Baffert, the Southern California-based trainer who has won a record seven Kentucky Derby runs, to test the colt ahead of Saturday's race. Baffert-trained horses Concert Tour and Beautiful Gift also underwent three rounds of testing, the jockey club said Thursday.

However, the tests by Industrial Laboratories in Colorado and by the University of California at Davis' Maddy Laboratory haven't quieted critics.

The bay colt passed Midnight Bourbon, who was second ahead of Baffert hopeful Medina Spirit in third.

"The status quo remains, and it's business as usual in Baltimore," Animal Wellness Action executive director Marty Irby said in a statement Saturday.

The race was run amid controversy over Kentucky

"American horse racing continues to be marred by

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scandal after scandal and the decision to allow Medina Spirit to run in the 146th Preakness Stakes today is no exception," he said.

PETA weighed in on the controversy on Twitter.

"Any trainer who dopes horses is cheating and risks a lawsuit," the animal-wellness group tweeted.

A group of Kentucky Derby bettors on Thursday filed a class-action suit against Baffert in Los Angeles federal court. It alleges "a pattern of racketeering activity" in horse racing.

"Baffert’s multiple and repeated acts of illegally doping and entering horses into thoroughbred races in the State of California and elsewhere constituted a pattern of racketeering activity," the filing said.

Baffert's attorney, Craig Robertson, said in an email that "the lawsuit is completely frivolous and has zero legal merit. We will be promptly moving to have it dismissed."

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updated 2021-05-18

TRAINERS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr S J Snaith Mr P A Peter Mr S G Tarry Mr M F de Kock Mr P F Matche�

1015 788 832 481 658

163 122 103 73 62

133 101 95 62 67

106 74 91 53 47

16.1 15.5 12.4 15.2 9.4

Other Places Place % 126 77 100 58 63

365 252 286 173 177

Win Stake (R)

36.0 32.0 34.4 36.0 26.9

Total Stakes (R)

8,231,225 12,191,500 6,766,700 10,088,550 4,938,800 8,470,700 4,679,600 6,686,050 3,471,388 5,488,363

JOCKEYS Name

Runs Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr L Hewitson Mr W B Kennedy Mr S Khumalo Mr G M Cheyne Mr M A Yeni

1378 923 676 702 960

180 120 69 89 103

151 107 82 111 101

203 151 129 123 109

14.7 16.4 19.1 17.5 11.4

Other Places Place % 212 135 78 99 125

543 362 229 299 329

Win Stake (R)

39.4 39.2 33.9 42.6 34.3

Total Stakes (R)

8,638,475 13,444,100 8,816,725 12,513,850 6,154,500 8,903,613 3,740,400 5,959,600 6,482,400 9,850,825

BREEDERS Name

B.T. B.T. Total Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R) Rnrs %

Wilgerbosdri� & Mauritzfontein Klawervlei Stud Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) Varsfontein Stud

280 410 214

1458 53,436 2126 34,995 1124 41,862

135 140 67

193 192 116

48.2 34.1 31.3

493 712 303

8 10 6

13 14,962,163 12 14,347,763 13 8,958,363

155 120

745 55,800 641 59,025

76 52

130 84

49.0 43.3

279 217

9 6

10 12

8,649,000 7,082,950

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

11 5 5 8 3

9,617,225 7,561,450 7,517,325 7,388,900 7,067,900

SIRES Name Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) Master Of My Fate What A Winter Silvano (GER) Querari (GER)

Runrs Runs AEPR 184 173 160 153 192

944 1049 880 816 1016

52,268 43,708 46,983 48,293 36,812

B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs % 86 76 71 67 70

133 107 112 97 102

46.7 43.9 44.4 43.8 36.5

304 385 310 244 352

See all the detailed standings - Click here 79

9 4 4 6 2

OF POETS AND THINKERS… 80

Robert Lewandowski equalled Gerd Muller’s long-standing record of scoring 40 league goals in a single Bundesliga season and now needs just a single goal to make the record his own.

Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund sealed their qualification into next season’s UEFA Champions League to join RB Leipzig and champions Bayern in the next edition of the elite competition.

While Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen were also confirmed as Germany’s UEFA Europa League participants. All that’s left to play for is Cologne and Werder Bremen attempting to make a great escape from the relegation zone with Arminia Bielefeld within touching distance.

Bryan Naicker suggests that we get into our preview and try to make some extra cash off the best football Das Land der Dichter und Denker (the country of poets and thinkers) has to offer.

Saturday 22 May 1/6 Bayern Munich | Draw 7/1 | Augsburg 12/1 (15:30) An end of era and a beginning of another is upon all Bayern Munich supporters as Hans Flick takes charge of

the Bavarians for the final time, which will soon be followed by Julian Nagelsmann resuming control of the reins at the German juggernaut that will see highly-rated centre back Dayot Upamecano arrive from RB Leipzig as well. Home To Win Both Halves offers decent value at even money.

21/20 Hoffenheim | 28/10 | Hertha Berlin 22/10 (15:30) Hoffenheim have endured a poor season after setting themselves the goal of reaching next season’s Europa League.

The hosts come off a 1-1 stalemate at lowly Arminia Bielefeld and will want to finish off the season in high spirits at the PreZero Arena. Hertha Berlin have managed to avoid the drop and will are not expected to show the same hunger as the previous month of football.

Take Hoffenheim to replicate their 3-0 win in the first meeting at 21/20 odds.

13/20 Borussia Dortmund | 32/10 | Bayer Leverkusen 34/10 (15:30) Borussia Dortmund took a massive step towards possibly retaining the services of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland by booking their ticket to next season’s Champions League, convincingly beating Mainz.

Bayer Leverkusen on the other hand have had a very underwhelming campaign following Kai Havertz departure to Chelsea. “Die Werkself” come off

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a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Union Berlin but will look to close the season in style by beating Dortmund for a third straight game. Select Draw Or Leverkusen in the Double Chance market at even money.

13/20 Wolfsburg | 31/10 | Mainz 36/10 (15:30) Dutch striker Wout Weghorst has spearheaded the Wolves into the Champions League after missing out in the previous five seasons.

Wolfsburg have impressively kept 14 clean sheets this campaign under coach Oliver Glasner, conceded just 34 goals, a record that is only bested by RB Leipzig.

Mainz aren’t expected to be a difficult task to overcome. I suggest taking Wolfsburg: Home To Win To Nil (Yes) at 22/10, if you’re looking more value.

21/20 Eintracht Frankfurt | 3/1 | Freiburg 21/10 (15:30) Eintracht Frankfurt along with Wolfsburg have been the surprise packages of this campaign. The Wolves have relied on defensive assurance, while Frankfurt have thrived by banging in the goals. The Eagles have only been outscored by Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund which is a massive compliment. Surely the trend of high-scoring affairs will continue against Freiburg,

who’ve had 12 goals involved in their last three games.

Home To Win Both Halves (Yes) is my value bet this weekend, at whopping odds of 42/10.

Blues have gone winless on their travels all season, which doesn’t inspire confidence for a team that are already relegated. Add the home win to all multiples.

2/1 Union Berlin | 11/4 | RB Leipzig 12/10 (15:30)

15/10 Werder Bremen | 28/10 | Borussia Monchengladbach 31/20 (15:30) Werder Bremen find themselves in the same situation as Cologne, needing victory to escape the drop zone on the final matchday. The Green-Whites have lost eight of the last nine league games, while the visitors Borussia Monchengladbach come off three defeats from their previous four matches. The Foals have failed dismally in the second half of the season and the gruelling schedule of also playing in the Champions League has seemed to affect the small squad of players negatively. My money is on the draw.

Union Berlin have enjoyed an admirable 2020/21 season given the resources available to them. The Iron One’s had only tasted defeat eight times in the league and will want to keep it that way when the Red Bulls come to town.

Nagelsmann’s troop’s will want their last hurrah with the boss to be a joyous one, however RB Leipzig have been off the pace in recent weeks. My money is on Union Berlin or Draw in the Double Chance market at 6/10.

7/20 Cologne | 46/10 | Schalke 6/1 (15:30) Second from bottom Cologne will be desperate to bag the all important three points against bottom of the barrel Schalke. The Royal

trot, Stuttgart have claimed back-to-back wins against Augsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach despite already avoiding relegation.

Arminia Bielefeld on the other hand will be aiming to claw their way to a victory that is desperately needed to keep themselves in the top-flight.

The visitors ran out 3-0 winners in the first round and with a lot at stake, I suggest backing them to do the league double over Stuttgart.

QUAD @ 67/1 Bayern Munich - Home To Win Both Halves 1/1 Hoffenheim Win 21/20 Wolfsburg: Home To Win To Nil (Yes) 22/10 Eintracht Frankfurt: Home To Win Both Halves (Yes) 42/10

31/20 Stuttgart | 26/10 | Arminia Bielefeld 31/20 (15:30) Following four defeats on the

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