20210526 - Sporting Post Sprint v1.2

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Cover Image: Linebacker seen winning the Jonsson Workwear Gr1 Cape Derby under Grant van Niekerk. The son of Captain Of All lines up in the Gr1 Daily News 2000 on Saturday.

Image courtesy of Chase Liebenberg

4 Cape hero Kommetdieding needs to stamp his July claim on Saturday

Chase Liebenberg

WILL KAAPSE KOMET HIT THE HEADLINES? 5

Saturday’s Gr1 Daily News 2000 has attracted the cream of the country’s Classic three-year-olds in what is one of the most important pointers going in to the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July.

This year’s crop of sophomores has proved to be vintage in every sense of the word and it is a shame that Hollywoodbets Greyville will be closed to the public due to the on-going Covid restrictions.

In a media release published on Monday, Gold Circle suggests that the likely favourite will be recent Gr2 WSB Guineas winner Linebacker.

Vaughan Marshall’s Gr1

Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby winner was most impressive in the Guineas, winning rather comfortably after running into traffic early in the straight.

The hard luck story in that race was Kommetdieding.

Unbeaten until the Guineas he was caught in an argument at the back of the field with Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock, losing valuable ground.

He was finishing like a train from last into the straight to run into third and will have pleased the father and daughter training combination of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix. Johan Janse van Vuuren saddles Second Base and Copper Mountain.

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Second Base is currently seventh on the VDJ log and this will be his first look at the Hollywoodbets Greyville circuit.

However, he ran a cracker in the Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge over the stiff Turffontein 2000, running Got The Greenlight to under a length.

Gavin Lerena has kept the ride and the Highveld form will be fully tested.

Copper Mountain goes this trip for the first time but also gave Got The Greenlight a fright in the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes, only going down a head at the death.

The Gatekeeper, a full brother

to former VDJ winner Legislate, has been touted as Justin Snaith’s big hope for the VDJ. His local KZN debut in the WSB Guineas was below his Western Cape form where he finished third to Linebacker in the Gr1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby.

Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara winner War Of Athena heads the field and given the ease of her three wins, Paul Matchett’s filly will be a strong fancy. However, given the respective handicap ratings, she will be tested by the likes of the Paul Peter-trained Netta, rated only two pounds inferior and Princess Calla, four pounds inferior.

both Vodacom Durban July entries and Matchett has a second runner in Only The Brave, possibly there to make up the numbers in case of the race being abandoned, but also to ensure a decent gallop for her better performed stable companion.

War Of Athena and Netta are

JC Photos

The defection of Captain’s Ransom from the Gr1 Woolavington has left a big hole and the race has cut up into a seven-horse field.

However, what it lacks in numbers is made up in quality.

7 July hopeful Second Base has his first start at Hollywoodbets Greyville

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DON’T BE FOOLED SIZE COUNTS!

dividend is declared in Hong Kong Dollars. This is then converted back at the same predetermined exchange rate and displayed and paid to the punter in the local currency of the tote system.

Gold Circle’s Patrick Loker explains Saturday’s mathematics The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which boasts the biggest tote pools in the world, has classified the Daily News 2000 raceday as a World Pool event This will result in TAB Win, Place, Swinger and Exacta pools on races 2 through to 9 on Saturday being commingled into Hong Kong’s massive tote pools, thus enabling South African punters to wager substantial amounts on these bet types without significantly affecting payouts.

The Pick 6 on the afternoon has received a R1 million carryover boost and Gold Circle Commercial Executive Patrick Loker has indicated that a projected pool of

R5 million is likely for the six-legged exotic.

Patrick explained that the TAB Win, Place, Swinger and Exacta pools are being hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and that their tote uses the Hong Kong Dollar as its base currency.

“Each tote jurisdiction that is betting into those pools will be betting using their own currency which gets converted at a predefined exchange rate for the day to the Hong Kong Dollar. These funds are then added into the Hong Kong Dollar pools. As in all totalisator betting systems, each horse then has a dividend declared for each bet type,” he said.

He went on to explain that upon completion of the race the 9

“Hence a payout of 10 HKD (Hong Kong Dollars) will convert to the local currency of each tote participant. It must be borne in mind that the pool totals and dividends will always display in the currency of the local country as all exchange rate conversions are done by the local systems.”

Phumelela’s Robert Garner added that all currency conversions are done here.

“Remember that with any commingled pool there may be international totes betting in. In the case of Saturday all currencies involved will be instantly converted to HK Dollars with pool totals and bets taken transmitted to the Hong Kong tote every 15 seconds. The Hong Kong tote for its purposes will accept 10 HK-cent bets (penny betting) and then constantly collates these into full-unit bets. As Patrick explained currency rates are predefined.”

We asked Robert what the advantage of the arrangement was for the punter.

“It’s the sheer size of the Hong Kong pools. Thus punters can wager much bigger amounts without significantly affecting payouts than would be the case if Hong Kong was not

participating. That’s always the advantage of commingling, which assists in giving tote pools critical mass or liquidity and making them more robust and therefore more appealing.

For example, there’s no prospect of a big win with a R5k Quartet pool and there’s no sense in spending say R2k

in such a pool because nearly a third of the pool would be your own money.

So for obvious reasons any punter would much prefer to be betting into a R1-million pool,” he added.

The Customer Is King

In a further positive move for racing fans, Hollywoodbets customers now have the convenience of a one-stop betting option, with a real time choice of fixed odds and tote betting available without any hassle on one platform. The customer decides what’s

best and can take a tote bet, an open bet or a fixed odds bet without the time consuming inconvenience and distraction of switching websites or using different accounts.

This means that a Hollywoodbets account holder

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can make the choice of a Tabgold tote bet or a Hollywoodbets fixed odds wager from his account, when betting online, or at a retail outlet.

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Chase Liebenberg Louis Mxothwa and Hoedspruit arrive late to pip the game pacemaker Crimson King

HOEDSPRUIT HITS THE HIGHVELD Equus Outstanding Breeders of last season, Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein celebrated a Kenilworth Saturday feature double as the Legislate gelding Hoedspruit followed up on Marina’s good win a half hour earlier, sweeping through late to win the R125 000 World Sports Betting Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes.

The second leg of the 2021 WSB Cape Winter Series looked to be at the mercy of

the Snaith’s progressive looking first leg winner Warrior, who started in the red.

But after the gallant Crimson King (10-1) had made most of the running and appeared to be staying on powerfully, it was Snaith’s second stringer and Cape Derby fourth-placer Hoedspruit (5-1), who showed his appreciation for the extra.

Coming from some way off, he stormed down the middle under Louis Mxothwa to beat Glen Kotzen’s Crimson King going away by 0,40 lengths in a time of 116,36 secs.

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The Snaiths also banked third cheque courtesy of Somerset Maugham (12-1), who shaded the flying So Flawless (25-1).

The favourite Warrior never really looked like earning and was beaten just over two lengths.

Firealley, who had almost gotten Warrior’s measure over the mile in the opening leg of the series, was beaten over 18 lengths.

A feature success for owner

Suzette Viljoen, Hoedspruit is another first-crop maiden graded stakes winner for the Cheveley Stud bred and based 2014 SA Horse Of The Year Legislate (Dynasty).

He is out of the Trippi mare

HOEDSPRUIT remains unchanged on a rating of 108 after he captured the Grade 3 World Sports Betting Legal Eagle Stakes for three-year-olds over 1800m on the winter course at Kenilworth. The Handicappers were of the view that WARRIOR, who was beaten around two lengths into 5th place while

Londolozi and was a R280 000 purchase from the 2019 BSA Cape Yearling Sale.

A winner of 3 races with 4 places from 10 starts, Hoedspruit has earned R185 850 in stakes.

The Merits

conceding weight to all seven of his rivals, would in all likelihood not have run below his rating and accordingly used him as the line horse, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 102.

HOEDSPRUIT was easily the best weighted horse in the field, and in assessing the race this way he only runs

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The R125 000 WSB Gr3 Pocket Power Stakes rounds off the WSB Cape Winter Series and is run over 2400m on Saturday 26 June.

to a mark of 104, hence his unaltered rating. 2nd placed CRIMSON KING goes up from 100 to 103, 3rd finisher SOMERSET MAUGHAM was raised from 86 to 102, and 4th placed SO FLAWLESS goes up from 93 to 95. The only ratings drop was for DUBAI LIGHTS, who is down from 91 to 89.

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NEW LEGISLATION LIKELY!

16 Team Snaith cool Hoedspruit down after his smart win

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Chase Liebenberg

Hoedspruit's victory in the Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes not only confirmed his talent.

The three-year-old's success is also a remarkable achievement for his sire Legislate.

with his first stakes winner when Hoedspruit's stable companion Speed Machine scored an emphatic two-length victory over subsequent Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock in the Listed Sophomore Sprint.

Found to be sub-fertile as a stallion, the champion son of Dynasty has given new meaning to the adage ' quality over quantity’, Hoedspruit being the sixth stakes performer and fourth stakes winner to emerge from his first crop, which numbered no more than 26 foals.

His dam Tamora is a Western Winter grandaughter of Lammerskraal Broodmare of the Year Fashing, the dam of Horse of the Year Yard-Arm.

Through Monday, 23 have run and 15 have won, which translates into an impressive strike rate of 65% winners to runners.

Although the former Horse of the Year excelled over a mile up to 2200m, he is proving to be a versatile sire as well, his progeny capable of winning both long and short. That two of his stakes winners are sprinters comes as no surprise since his dam, the fleet-footed Champers, never won beyond 1200m, while her half-brother Black Skimmer posted a career-best in the Gr2 Post Merchants.

In addition, grandam Classy Play, a winner up to 1400m, is a Jungle Cove own sister to the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint winner, Jungle Class.

Legislate was off the mark

Drakenstein homebred Zimbaba likewise flashed an impressive turn of foot with a 3.50-length drubbing of Celestial Love in the Listed Swallow Stakes over 1160m, no mean feat considering the runner-up went on to claim both the Gr3 Man O'War and Gr2 Camellia Stakes! Zimbaba is out of Pin Turn, a daughter of the brilliantly fast Pivotal and the incomparable Ipi Tombe.

Fellow Drakenstein homebred Swazi Queen is Legislate's first classic winner. She prevailed in a humdinger finish to the Listed East Cape Oaks at Fairview and, like Speed Machine, is out of a daughter of Western Winter. Her dam, Barberton Daisy won three times up to 2500m and ran second in the Listed East Coast Handicap.

In addition to Swazi Queen, she is also dam of two stakes-performed Trippi fillies, Lesedi La Rona, winner of the Listed Perfect Promise Sprint and Gr3 Flamboyant Stakes runner-up Impala Lily.

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Incidentally, Swazi Queen won the Oaks six years after Barberton Daisy's Gr2-placed Trippi half-sister Shingwedzi suffered a shorthead defeat in the 2000m race.

This is where things become interesting. Hoedspruit is out of Londalozi, who is an own sister to Shingwedzi and a half-sister to Barberton Daisy.

That means two of Legislate's stakes winners share the Drakenstein import Buffalo Dance as their grandam.

A daughter of Sadler's Wells, she showed little on the track, but is a half-sister to French champion and Prix de Diane victress Bright Sky (Wolfhound). Buffalo Dance, who was imported by Drakenstein at age eight is now expanding her legacy, for Barberton Daisy's half-sister Bright Wolf (Wolfhound) is the dam of Philanthropist filly Raven Girl, a winner of the Zimbabwe Oaks and that country's champion threeyear-old filly. She added another four wins in her birth country before joining the Drakenstein broodmare band.

Londalozi placed at three and was acquired by Wilgerbosdrift at the 2017 Cape Mare Sale while carrying Hoedspruit. She is also the dam of a juvenile filly

by Flower Alley.

Given his fertility issues, Legislate was put back into

training at age seven having spent the first two seasons at Drakenstein Stud. After winning a barrier trial at Scottsville, he was pulled up in the Gr2 Post Merchants, his sole official start and he was permanently retired, this time to Cheveley Stud.

Stud master Vaughan Koster was thrilled to have the horse back at his place of birth, especially as his yearlings on the farm were outstanding.

"That played a large part in bringing him to Cheveley," he remarked.

Having sired just 15 foals in his next three crops, Legislate will always find himself on the back foot in a game where numbers are of prime importance as regards a stallion's representation on the track.

Vaughan nevertheless remains upbeat: "He covered 37 mares in 2020, of which he got 32 in

Legislate : Dynasty – Champers (Restructure)

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foal, which is a very impressive conception rate of 86%. I was over the moon with that, considering his fertility, but we found a way to manage him. We will try to get 50 mares to him this year, so let's hope we can pick up his numbers. Things are looking very positive with the horse and he looks well above average."

Major Attraction (Richard Fourie) is led in by Colleen Clarke, Wayne Mealing, Etienne Braun & Sifiso Mkhizwane - Justin Snaith is in background A chance conversation at a tote near the famous Southern Suburbs canineshaped roundhouse the Spotty Dog in Tokai in the early 1990’s provided

Etienne Braun with a relatively inauspicious start to horseracing ownership.

Twenty eight years later, the Bishops graduate and

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successful businessmanfisherman reflects back on a rollercoaster ride that includes multiple international Gr1 success, a Cape Met winner - and his 401st winner

WINNERS – THE MAJOR ATTRACTION

on Saturday!

The Cape Town-born resident of Silverhurst Estate in the leafy upmarket Southern suburb of

Constantia has been married to Pauline for 23 years. Their son Cameron (20) is studying sound engineering, while their 18yo daughter Natasha is in matric at Reddam.

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Whether it’s business or horses, the family man has always adopted a prudent and realistic approach to investment.

Chase Liebenberg

401 UP!

Chase Liebenberg Major Attraction makes it win 401 for Etienne Braun “Owning horses is not a hobby to pursue with one’s eyes closed. If you write off your capital outlay upfront and accept that it’s going to provide you with thrills, disappointments and an opportunity to meet some wonderful people along the way, then you won’t be let down - and you are bound to have a great experience,” says the 56 year old wisely.

Etienne’s first horse Captured Donn was bred by Doc van Rooyen’s parents. The son of Capture Him was also probably one of the slowest he has ever raced. But it’s really not a bad idea to have started with a slowcoach, as he has picked up the tempo and raced some bombs over

the years.

And while Captured Donn, after a few uninspiring double digit distances off the winners, only survived three runs or so, Noordhoek-based Mike Stewart was to provide Etienne with his icebreaker on 30 October 1993.

The late Alan Levy rode the Centenary filly Mooning to victory in a modest R16 000 Fillies Maiden Plate to get the Braun streak under way.

On Friday, Fairview trainer Tara Laing saddled Etienne’s 400th winner when the Just As Well gelding Aranjuez trounced his opposition for an easy 3,75 length victory in a 2000m Pinnacle Stakes.

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“Aranjuez arrived as a three-time winner. On Friday he notched up his tenth win – of which six were piloted by Chase Maujean.

And hearty congratulations to Etienne Braun on his 400th winner. I'm so glad I could pull it off for him. It was also my 455th winner as a trainer.

And well done to breeder Bruce Le Roux. Today was all for you Nooresh, sleep well my son,”added Tara in a sombre closing reference to the recent tragic accident at the Champ de Mars..

All of Tara’s three runners on Friday were for her anchor patron.

“She really is one of the most hardworking and strongest

“The Mayfair Speculators wipeout in 2017 was a major blow for Tara. But she has a good team and an indomitable spirit coupled with an iron will to succeed. I only have about 8 horses with her, but I’d recommend her to any owner. She gets the best out of a horse and she is so motivated,” he adds.

But back to the early days in the 90’s.

Etienne remembers two nice horses in Call Me Sunny and Southern Man who he had with Gavin Blake.

“I also had horses with Mike Bass, including the Cape Classic, Merchants and Cape Derby winner Floatyourboat.

Then Basil Marcus came along and we connected. I had 80 winners with him, including Gold Cup winner Desert Links and the big boy, Jay Peg of course.”

Jay Peg is still South Africa’s leading stakes earner of all time – all R40 million plus of it, achieved via his four Gr1 successes in three different countries.

During the 2006/7 season the son of Camden Park completed the unique feat of a Cape season clean sweep of the 3yo features – the Cape Classic, the Selangor Cup, the Cape Guineas and the Cape Derby.

In the care of Herman Brown junior, Jay Peg took on the world and went abroad to win the US$5 million Gr1 Dubai Duty Free at Nad al Sheba on 29 March 2008 under a

superhuman riding performance by Anton Marcus.

Six weeks later Jayp Peg added the US$2 million Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji to his impressive cv – again under the champion Marcus.

Etienne recalls the difference in pressure between the Dubai evening and Singapore.

“We arrived as 50-1 hopefuls at Meydan and got the thrill of our lives. In Singapore he was favourite and we felt the pressure. But the thrill was just as great in the end!”

Jay Peg was no great shakes at stud, but he had galloped his way into the hearts of his owners and today he enjoys a wonderful semi retirement at Hemel ‘n Aarde, where he still

23 Aranjuez notches up win 400 courtesy of Tara Laing and Chase Maujean

Pauline Herman

people I know,” says Etienne as he reflects back on a tough few years for the lady trainer.

covers a mare or two as the mood takes him.

Basil Marcus’ move to Singapore in 2010 saw Etienne on the hunt for a new trainer. This led to his powerhouse association with the Snaith Racing Team, that continues today.

“Justin hadn’t been training long then and in the ensuing eleven years we have had 178 winners together. I like to have the majority of my horses with one person. I believe in loyalty. And I enjoy the approach and down-toearth nature of the team.”

He cautions about breeding and racing.

business Breco in 2017, Etienne says he is ‘busier than ever’.

Fish remains at the core of his focus today and he has five tuna vessels which operate out of Hout Bay, “They fish commercially mainly for export.

They are out for up to a month for longfin and yellowfin tuna. Our fish are all caught using sustainable methods by reel or pole.”

Then he is also involved with a few racing friends and associates like Nic Jonsson and Bryn Ressell, in an aquaculture farm in East London.

“I still keep a few mares. But as rewarding and enjoyable as it is, breeding is a very emotional hobby. One becomes so attached to these magnificent animals.”

“It’s a first in South Africa. We rear Yellowtail and Kob in captivity. It’s sustainable and the fish are green listed, as opposed to Kob in the sea which are red listed, as they are under huge threat. We started it from nothing and will do our first harvesting for Woolworths towards the end of the year.”

After selling his seafood

On his thoughts about

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racing’s future, Etienne says that Jono Snaith and the team at Cape Racing have brought about some much needed change at the Cape racecourses.

“New brooms have swept clean. The facilities on course here are much better and the old vibe is back. If we can sort out the stakes, we could be back to something like the good old days!” he adds with enthusiasm.

Of his Vodacom Durban July pick, Etienne says that it’s a race that he still wants to win. He feels that Rainbow Bridge’s breathtaking victory in the Drill Hall Stakes is the key.

“Eric Sands and Luke Ferraris appear to have hit on a winning combination with this top horse. The 3yo’s are an impressive bunch. But I think Rainbow Bridge will prove too strong for them.”

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WINE, ART, FOOD…LIFE! A name synonymous with fine wines and champion racehorses, Avontuur is proud to host the Avontuur Art Exhibition in the beautiful estate's new and improved wine cellar venue.

The exhibition will be held from the morning of Sunday 30 May to Sunday 13 June, and features well-known acclaimed artists: • ANDREW COOPER | LESLEY CHARNOCK | VICKI NORCLIFFE | MARION CROSS | SANDILE B CELE Guests can enjoy the

picturesque setting, sipping on some premium wine and bubbly, whilst viewing the wonderful art on display, while interacting with the artists.

All works will be available for purchase for the duration of the exhibition.

For just R250 pp this is a unique cultural experience of pairing wine with art and food, and will be presented by Avontuur winemaker Jan Van Rooyen.

Price includes the tasting of 5 wines paired with food and an exclusive art viewing.

Avontuur Restaurant will be

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open for breakfast and lunch every day. You are encouraged to make reservations to ensure a spot.

Please call 021 855 4296 or click here for a booking Avontuur wines and luxury accommodation packages will be on SPECIAL for all guests attending the OPENING (Invite only) and the WINE TASTING EVENING (T’s & Cs Apply).

Book now for the Art & Wine Tasting Evening – please click here

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30 Marina is led by Dr Karen Norman, Candice Bass-Robinson, Marsh Shirtliff, Carol Bass and Mark van Deventer

MARINA – MARSH & MORE MAGIC!

31 Chase Liebenberg

Candice Bass-Robinson broke the Snaith stranglehold on the 2021 WSB Cape Winter Series when her Silvano filly Marina charged to an eyecatching victory in the R85 000 Listed Stormsvlei Stakes run over 1800m on the Kenilworth shortstraight winter course on Saturday.

A full-sister to the stable’s Equus Champion and Vodacom Durban July winner Marinaresco, Marina (11-10) never looked threatened as she strode away to register her first stakes success in the hands of Keagan de Melo.

Besides the victress being related to Candice’s early Vodacom Durban July winner, the race is named in honour of the Prince Florimund mare, Stormsvlei – best known as the dam of the Bass family’s champions, Pocket Power and River Jetez.

Probably due to in part to the Bass-Robinson surfeit of talent

in the 3yo fairer sex ranks this term, the Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein-bred Marina had taken on the males in the first leg of the series, where she wasn’t disgraced, finishing under a length behind the highly regarded Warrior, who disappointed in the males’ second leg today.

On Saturday the classy Marina swept past the pacesetting Pink Tourmaline (12-1), and despite a vigorous effort from Richard Fourie on Rain In Newmarket (5-2), there was no stopping the classy galloper in the famous yellow and black flag who went away from her five opponents to win by 3,25 lengths in a time of 116,63 secs.

Snaith’s first leg third-placer La Quinta (10-1) was well beaten a further two lengths back in third. Their opening leg winner Really Royal (6-1) was beaten ten lengths.

Almost 18 lengths separated the six runners from first to last.

A classy chestnut winner of 5 races with 2 places from 9 starts for stakes of R197 000, Marina is the 101st stakes winner for retired multiple SA Champion sire Silvano (Lomitas) out of the twicewinning Fort Wood mare, Gay Fortuna.

The final leg of the series is the Listed River Jetez Stakes over 2400m at Kenilworth on 26 June.

Read more on page 46

Keep Up With The

Pace! email advertising@winningmedia.co.za

The Merits MARINA has had her rating raised from 100 to 106 following her success in the Listed World Sports Betting Stormsvlei Stakes for three-year-old fillies over 1800m at Kenilworth on Saturday. In assessing the

race, the Handicappers were of the view that runner-up RAIN IN NEWMARKET and 4th placed Pink TOURMALINE both made for ideal line horses, and as both fillies run to their mark they remain unchanged on ratings

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of 99 and 95, respectively.

The winner aside, there were no other ratings increases, and there were no ratings drop for any runners in this event.

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Pauline Herman

JOLLY GOOD FELLOW GRABS TREBLE

35 Richard Fourie drives Whatever Next up to beat Lyle Hewitson on the luckless Norton Sound

Richard Fourie stepped into the boots of the suspended local champion Greg Cheyne at Fairview on Friday and booted home three winners, including a thriller aboard new local star 2yo Whatever Next in the R85 000 Listed Dahlia Plate.

Fourie narrowly missed a four-timer on the day when pipped by his stablemate Waldorf Astoria, ridden by Charles Ndlovu, in the final race. At least Alan Greeff ended the afternoon with four winners.

But Cape Town’s most hardworking fisherman will be satisfied with his haul, which takes him to 102 winners, and a relatively modest position – for his ability – of 8th on the national log.

Interestingly, Fourie rides at Kenilworth on Saturday, Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday, and then Durbanville on Wednesday. Not a bad work rate!

The West Coaster was at his brilliant best in the Fairview feature on the hat-trick seeking Whatever Next (12-10). The East Cape Nursery winner looked beaten before rallying late to peg back Lyle Hewitson and Norton Sound (16-10) by a nose in a time of 71, 46 secs, in a repeat of the Nursery result.

Fourie said it was a pleasure to come to PE and ride quality horses.

“Both the top two are good horses – Lyle (Hewitson) got first run on me but Whatever Next gave me everything,” he added.

Winning trainer Alan Greeff was just as magnanimous, suggesting that ‘unfortunately there had to be a loser.’

“We have to take our hats off to the runner-up,” he added.

Winning part- owner Anthony Williams appeared quite taken aback and proudly said

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that he had picked both this winner and last year’s Dahlia runner-up, and promising colt, Foreign Source.

“Well done to Alec Foster for breeding such a smart horse.

Well done to Julia Pilbeam at Soetendal. Well done to Allan Greeff. And our jockey – Richard Fourie – you are a champion! We will have you up anytime!” said Mr Williams, who added that he was off to celebrate – or even calm his frayed nerves – with some iced tea.

Whatever Next took his earnings to R137 000 with his third win from four starts.

The son of Equus Champion What A Winter was a R100 000 buy from the 2020 CTS Ready To Run Sale. He is out of the Captain Al mare Petala.

Whatever Next is the second son of What A Winter to win the East Cape Nursery – Fort Winter having scored in 2017.

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NO SECRET – IT’S A RECORD! Candiese Lenferna

told the Sporting Post that the team was ‘very happy’, despite the Cape weather producing challenges and the elements being against them.

Topseller The Secret Is Out in action during her racing days A new South African broodmare auction sale record was set at the De Grendel Wines Mare & Mixed Sale on a wintry Cape Thursday last week when former SA Champion breeders Klawervlei went to R3 250 000 for Captain Al’s Gr1 winning daughter, The Secret Is Out.

The Secret Is Out was one of the mares disposed of to dissolve the BBP Syndicate partnership, after the passing of Garth Miller last year.

Catalogued as lot 82, The Secret Is Out is the sister to triple Gr1 winning champion All Is Secret, dam of the recent National Yearling Sale topseller.

This was set at the inaugural CTS Mare & Fillies For Stud Select Sale which was held at Highlands in June 2016. A Gr1 placed Gr1 winner out of J&B Met winner Imperious Sue, Imperious Star was consigned

by Nutfield Stud in foal to Duke Of Marmalade.

The beautiful mare also numbers dual Gr1 winner Snowdance as a close relative, and sold in foal to Querari.

The previous broodmare auction sale benchmark was the R3,2 million paid by Lammerskraal Stud for the Navarone mare Imperious Star.

Grant Knowles, Marketing and Bloodstock Director of CTS,

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“The demand for the high profile mares was a healthy sign all round that there is still plenty of life in racing. We enjoyed a cosy venue with a great vibe and the De Grendel wines and the gluhwyn were real winners again!” he said.

A total of 68 of the 97 lots offered were sold at an aggregate of R7 755 000.

The sale average was R114 044, while the median of R32 500 emphasised the heady top end.

See the sale price list here Next up is the CTS Farm Yearling Sale at the same great venue on 20 June.

Find the Farm Sale catalogue here

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AMANDA JOINS MAINE CHANCE

42 Amanda Carey takes on a new challenge

One of South African thoroughbred breeding’s most respected and experienced administrators, Amanda Carey is set to join the powerful Maine Chance Farms operation in Robertson in the Western Cape on 1 July.

A lifetime horsewoman, Amanda has made a valuable contribution to the racing and breeding industries in this country in various capacities over the past 30 years.

She started out after leaving school preparing yearlings at the historic Broadlands Stud, where she worked for the late Honourable Pat O’Neil.

The daughter of a National Hunt Jockey, Amanda was born in England and moved to South Africa in 1976.

The mother of three has played a key role in the foundation years of sales companies like Equimark and CTS, and brings a wealth of

varied skills and experience to her new post.

She vacates her current position of Sales Director at Cape Thoroughbred Sales at the end of June.

CTS Executive Chairman Chris van Niekerk told the Sporting Post that Amanda Carey was an asset to any organisation.

“So it is with a sense of loss that we at CTS have to say goodbye to her. We respect her decision to join Maine Chance Farms and can understand that the new environment will make for a more conducive family life. We wish Amanda all the best and congratulate Maine Chance Farms on their gain!” added Van Niekerk.

Amanda said that she was looking forward to a world of new challenges and the privilege of being a member of a dynamic team at the internationally-renowned Maine Chance Farms.

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Maine Chance boss Dr Andreas Jacobs, who purchased the ruggedly beautiful farm from Graham Beck in 2002, welcomed Amanda to his leadership team.

“Amanda will report directly to me, in parallel with Francois Giliomee, who heads our Agricultural department and Tim Bootsma, who is in charge of our horses.

“There is no substitute for experience and passion, and I wish her every success in her new position. She will run our office supervising Marketing, Human Resources, Finance and Administration, and will work in a transitionary phase in tandem with Margaret Louw, who will oversee our 30 June financial year-end. A longserving team member, Margaret is set to retire in September,” concluded Dr Jacobs.

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46 Silvano: Lomitas - Spirit of Eagles (Beau's Eagle)

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Jeremy Nelson

SILVANO’S SCINTILLATING CENTURY

The now pensioned Silvano recently achieved a notable feat when his daughter Keep On Dancing captured the Listed KRA East Coast Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

In landing that Listed feature, Keep On Dancing became the 100th individual stakes winner for her multiple champion sire Silvano.

Out of the remarkable broodmare First Arrival, Keep On Dancing is bred on the same Silvano/Northern Guest cross as July winner Power King, Gr2 winner Arion, and Oaks Trial winner Inaninstant.

Silvano has proven remarkably consistent. His first three South African crops yielded seven stakes winners apiece, with flagbearers from the Lomitas son’s first crop headed by dual Gr1 winning Equus Champion Kings Gambit.

Silvano’s second and third local crops yielded champion Aslan and Met winner Martial Eagle, and Bold Silvano – the first of four July winners for Silvano thus far – as well as Cape Derby hero Bravura, and Summer Cup winning filly Flirtation.

While his runners have not enjoyed such dominance this season as they have previously, Silvano runners have still captured all of the Gr1 World Sports Betting Gauteng Summer Cup, Gr1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes, Gr2 Colorado King Stakes, and Gr 3 Starling Stakes.

Silvano runners finished first and third in this season’s Summer Cup – a race won previously by the stallion’s offspring Aslan, Flirtation and Zillzaal.

Perhaps one of Silvano’s most remarkable achievements in South Africa was siring the 1-23 finishers - Power King, Punta Arenas, Tellina - in the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July of 2015.

Remarkably, Silvano went close to achieving a similar feature in the 2017 July where his progeny Marinaresco, Al Sahem and Nightingale ran 1-2-5 respectively.

He was also responsible for the 1-3 finishers in the 2019 Gr1 Summer Cup, the 1-3 finishers in the 2017 Gr2 SA Oaks, 1-3-4 finishers in the Gr1 Summer Cup, and the first two home in the 2017 Gr2 Betting World Gauteng Guineas.

Silvano enjoyed success with daughters of a number of stallions, notably Al Mufti, Fort Wood, National Assembly and Jet Master, while his success with mares from the Blushing Groom male line is also a striking point in the son of Lomitas’ lasting success in South Africa.

Five times champion sire in South Africa, Silvano’s legacy in this country looks set to live on – both through a number of his broodmare daughters and through his hugely promising sire son Vercingetorix.

Stud plans for Silvano’s champion son Hawwaam remain unknown, but it is to be hoped that the half-brother to Gr1 winners Golden Ducat and Rainbow Bridge returns to South Africa.

Silvano's full-sister Shina is the dam of young Cape sire Horizon - a son of Dynasty, whose young sire sons are making quite a name for themselves.

On Saturday at Kenilworth, Marina became Silvano’s 101st stakes winner when she won the Stormsvlei Stakes in impressive style – read more on page 32

CAN YOU HELP? CARING FOR EQUINES COSTS PLENTY! Please visit us at 48 www.coastalhorsecareunit.org.za

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STILL A WINNING SWINGER!

50 Former champion jockey Karl Neisius tees off at Pearl Valley on Monday, watched by Glen Hatt and Vaughan Koster

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Wayne Marks

GIMME & GOLF

A service to Varsfontein Stud’s leading sire Gimmethegreenlight proved the star attraction at Monday night’s Cape Breeders Club Stallion Service Auction.

Owloon Stud’s Lyn Viviers purchased the Gimmethegreenlight service for R200 000. Lyn also picked up the second top service sold on Monday’s auction, buying a service to Maine Chance Farms’ exciting Silvano stallion Vercingetorix for R190 000.

Services to the likes of What A Winter and Rafeef also proved popular on Monday, with John Everett spending R82 000 to acquire a service to Drakenstein Stud’s inform stallion What A Winter. John went to R70 000 to buy a service to Ridgemont Highlands’ red hot young Redoute’s Choice horse Rafeef.

In total, the Stallion Service Auction grossed a total of

R884 155 – a wonderful result for all involved.

The Cape Breeders Club would like to thank all buyers for their generous support, and all stud farms who so kindly donated services to some of their top stallions.

The event was sponsored by Cape Racing and Interbet, and a big thank you goes out to all those involved!

Please see below – stallion / purchaser / sum paid:

IDEAL WORLD

Ingrid Klug – R15 000 MASTER OF MY FATE Inel Bekker – R38 000 ONE WORLD Suzette Viljoen – R24 000 ORATORIO Camargue Stud – R12 000 QUERARI

DANON PLATINA

Lyn Viviers – R42 000

Suzette Viljoen – R32 000

RAFEEF

ERIK THE RED

John Everett – R70 000

Suzette Viljoen – R19 000

THE UNITED STATES

FUTURA

Hemel ‘n Aarde – R20 000

Jan Mantel – R20 000

VERCINGETORIX

GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT

Lyn Viviers – R190 000

Lyn Viviers – R200 000

WHAT A WINTER John Everett – R82 000

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TWO FOR THE POM Klawervlei Stud’s successful sire, and former Gr1 Vodacom Durban July winner, Pomodoro had a notable double at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday. His son Command Control won Monday’s third race, and another son of the versatile July winner, Montana Sky, captured the fifth race. South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2017-2018, Pomodoro has continued to make waves this season through the deeds of his Gr1 Cape Guineas winning son Russian Rock -who runs in Saturday’s Gr1 Daily News 2000 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Also sire of the likes Cirillo and Return Flight, Pomodoro has 19 lots on the CTS Farm Yearling Sale, and a further six lots on the KZN Yearling Sale.

FAKE NEWS

Australian punters have backed a first-starter off the map for a race at Sale on Thursday but co-trainer Simon Zahra said the reason for the plunge was 'absolute crap'. The Mathew Ellerton and Zahra-trained Phondle has firmed dramatically with TAB for the Ladbroke It Maiden Plate (1000m) at Sale after a viral text message began circulating among punters. The latest viral message claimed jockey Daniel Moor advised Ellerton and Zahra to hide Phondle from the public eye.“As soon as Moor got off her, (he) went straight to the stable and told them to pull her out of all trials, they didn’t want to ruin her price,” the message, which is claimed to be “inside info from Ellerton & Zahra”, read. “Everyone at the stable have piled in.”An angry Zahra said the message was a fake that has caused him plenty of grief before Phondle’s first start.

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GOODBYE BARNEY

Barney Curley, the mastermind behind arguably the greatest betting coup of all time, has died at the age of 81. Few men who have crossed the racing landscape can have divided opinion quite as successfully as the Northern Irishman, whose unlikely recovery from a bout of ravaging tuberculosis as a young man, then his decision to abandon plans for a career as a Jesuit priest and missionary, preserved him for a turbulent life in racing. Born in County Fermanagh on October 5, 1939, Curley failed as both a punter and bookie in his early days but in the process learned lessons that would turn him into one of the most feared and fabled punters on either side of the Irish Sea.He became both an owner and trainer of racehorses and will be forever remembered with the infamous Yellow Sam coup of June 25, 1975.

THE NEED FOR SPEED Ultra Magnus, second in last year’s Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint, is on track to turn the tables on arch rival Warrior’s Rest when both were nominated for the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint to be run at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday, June 5. The meeting boasts a jackpot of four Gr1 Sprints in the province’s Capital.

The 28-horse entry has attracted most of the country’s best sprinters barring Rio Querari. Click here to see all the entries.

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CROWD PILOTS

An England cricket Test match and horse racing's Royal Ascot are expected to be among the next pilot events to test the return of big crowds to sports venues in England.The second Test of the series against New Zealand, beginning on 10 June at Edgbaston, is set to have more than 15 000 fans. And Royal Ascot, which runs from 15-19 June, will be permitted to host about 10 000 spectators each day. That is more than double what the race meeting had been expecting. England's first two group games in Euro 2020 will also be part of the next stage of the pilot project, as has already been reported, with 20 000 fans permitted at Wembley.

NEL FOUR-TIMER

Former jockey turned trainer, Juan Nel had a very good day at the Fairview office on Tuesday, celebrating his maiden four-timer and winning 50% of the all-weather card. Wolfgang won the second under Louis Mxothwa, while Lukas Bester was in the irons when Lets Rock won the fourth. Nel’s third winner popped up in Race 6, a FM70 Handicap over 1000m, where Mxothwa was in the saddle again as Variety Breeze caused quite an upset. Teaque Gould rode Natural Jade who rounded off Nel’s most successful day to date in the lucky last.

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SANTA: CLAWS ARE OUT A notice, co-ordinated by the SA National Trainers Association (SANTA), calling for a Special General Meeting of the National Horseracing Authority where proposed amendments to the NHRA’s Memorandum of Incorporation will be tabled, requires the support of members.

Special General Meeting of the National Horseracing Authority.

Simmering industry discontent with the racing regulator, and a quest for a more representative voice for all sectors, has led to an organised call on NHRA members to support motions to be tabled at a

The notice, co-ordinated by the SA National Trainers Association, contains proposed amendments to the National Horseracing Authority’s Memorandum of Incorporation.

A minimum of 100 signatures is required in support of a request for the Special General Meeting, where the intention is to table matters contained in the notice addressed to the NHRA’s National Board Of Directors.

Read the notice here – click here The Sporting Post has received queries as to where signatures can be sent.

Please direct all signatures, or related queries, via email directly to either one of the following: • Legal Adviser (SANTA)– Robert Bloomberg ringer@telkomsa.net • SA National Trainers Association (SANTA) Chairman – Tony Rivalland tonyr@goldcircle.co.za

Speed On Speed!

Former outstanding sprinter Quilista topped the second day of the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale at the Gold Coast today when selling for A$1 million.

Offered as part of a quality draft from Segenhoe Stud, Quilista was knocked down to leading New Zealand bloodstock agent Bruce Perry on behalf of New South Wales based thoroughbred nursery Cressfield.

"I came to buy her," Cressfield's Bruce Neill said moments after the hammer

fell. "She was the pick of the ones I wanted at the sale.

She's a very fast mare and my strategy is to buy fast mares, clear of Danehill and she fits the bill beautifully.

She'll probably go to Snitzel this season. I think Snitzel will suit her - a fast stallion over a fast mare, it seems a good recipe," Neill added.

Quilista, who started her career in Perth with Justin Warwick, won nine races during her career and earned connections over A$750,000 - not bad considering she was just a $10,000 Perth Yearling Sale buy. A winner at stakes level in Western 58Australia, she transferred east and

subsequently won a Group Two Sapphire Stakes, Group Three Birthday Card Stakes and listed Bright Shadow Handicap.

Quilista is in foal to Gr1 winning sprinter Pierata in her second season at stud.

Her first foal, a colt by I Am Invincible, sold to Fernrigg Farm for A$340,000 at last week's National Weanling Sale.

The final day of the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale will commence at 10am (Qld time) tomorrow (Thursday).

STOP PRESS: SANTA / NHRA LATEST

DE KOCK HAS HIS SAY South African racing has had to endure another costly week under the National Horseracing Authority in a time when betting turnovers are at a worrying low.

Writing on his blog, www.mikedekockracing.com, Mike de Kock says that two notable court judgements against the NHRA reminded us of how much of the industry’s money they have squandered

over the last few years alone, to qualify and protect their legitimacy.

On Thursday, 13 May, a full bench of the South Gauteng High Court upheld an Appeal

by Afresh Brands (suppliers of horse feed) against the NHRA and ordered them to deliver information, strictly in compliance with the terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000

(PAIA).

The court pointed out that the NHRA’s belief that it could reserve a “common law right to privilege” was “misplaced” and that they had insufficient regard to the meaning of PAIA – amounting to unconstitutional behaviour.

Read the De Kock concerns – click here

Bloomberg Explains The Detail The requisition calling for an SGM of the NHRA to consider a number of amendments to its Constitution has been circulated throughout the industry for signature.

Robert Bloomberg writes that although the signatures of only 100 members are required, the fact that the requisition has already been signed by substantially more members from all parts of

the racing community (including prominent owners, breeders, heads of leading bodies and organisations in the industry, trainers and jockeys) is indicative of the industry coming together in unison.

immediate change. Whilst the requisition is a relatively complex document for some, in order to assist all, let me give you a better understanding of what we are trying to achieve and the rationality behind all of this.

The NHRA will see this shortly when the written requisition with accompanying signatures is handed in.

Read the full Bloomberg explanation – click here

This is a collective call for

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HKJC

Karis and Nooresh - were like brothers

JUGLALL FAMILY – FUND GROWS

In the spirit of the kind and generous side of horseracing, Hong Kong racehorse owner Koo Ming-kown will donate HK$700 000 (R1,25 million) to the family of the late Nooresh Juglall, while Karis Teetan pledged his riding fees and a portion of his prize money from last

Wednesday night’s Happy Valley meeting.

Juglall, who became one of Teetan’s closest friends after they met at the South African Jockey Academy, left behind wife Chaaya and young sons Aryaan and Ahaan.

Teetan decided he would

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donate his roughly HK$10,000 (R18 000) in riding fees before last Wednesday’s meeting and Koo showed his generosity after Teetan saluted aboard his horse Xiang Bai Qi in the final race on the card.

“Nooresh was a family man and he provided as much for

his family as he could, so I’m pretty sure this will be a big help,” Teetan said.

“I have spoken to his wife and I have told her about the owner’s generous donation and she is very, very grateful.

She can’t thank the owner enough and to be honest everyone around the world is helping her.

“She has to look into what is happening with his insurance but she mentioned his insurance in South Africa was cancelled and to be honest I don’t think his insurance in

Mauritius is a big insurance, so I think this money will go towards the kids’ education later on and be used for them to look after themselves now as well.”

Teetan paid tribute to his countryman after riding a double at Sha Tin last Sunday and when announcing his donating on social media last Tuesday he said he hopes “this little contribution will help and encourage others to do the same”, something he reiterated on Thursday.

“Like I said before, Nooresh

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was like a brother to me and I want to show my respect to his family and show my support to his wife and kids,” Teetan said.

“I want to start something that other people can keep going and make it a thing. It must not stop just here, it must be something we can do for someone else if something happens – I think racing people should look after each other.”

If you are able to assist the Juglall family in anyway, please click here.

62 Over 600mm of devastating rain fell in 3 weeks at the Have A Heart Equine Sanctuary

HAVE A HEART EQUINE SANCTUARY

THE SUN WILL SHINE SOON! 63

Vicky Ward and one of her many charges enjoying downtime together With over 600mm of rain over the past three weeks, a deluge that equates to more than double their annual rainfall, Vicky and Marc Ward of the Have A Heart Sanctuary in Bonnievale have kept their spirits up and are doing their level best in trying circumstances.

“We are under water, roads are currently not repairable and the flooding just seems to continue. Our neighbour has been an absolute lifesaver, driving out in the late evening to help get our stranded bakkie moving. On the positive side, our grazing is

looking good!” smiles Vicky, as she explains to the Sporting Post that even through all the rain, they make sure that their horses are safe.

“They may be wet and muddy, but they are fed and loved!

And we reflect back today and think how grateful we are that we only have some flooding and minor house damage to overcome. Other families and farmers have not been as lucky in this weather.”

The Have A Heart Equine Sanctuary is a non-profit organization for horses and farm animals founded in 2017 by the Wards.

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Vicky was born into this labour of love! She grew up as an only child, riding and working with horses all her life. She worked as a pre- training assistant for many years as well as backing and schooling horses over that time. She bought her first horse off the track and to this day, she still owns her.

“I strongly believe in forever homes for horses and not just a home for a few years until you’re bored and want a replacement or upgrade,” Vicky tells the Sporting Post.

“The Sanctuary came to be

One of the beautiful rehomed horses now living their best life after seeing so many horses that needed their forever homes. Have A Heart was created to protect and provide a safe haven for any equine or farm animal in need of rehabilitation or just a place to retire and be a horse!”

The Sanctuary provides all equines in need a place of safety, love and a chance for a new life. Their goal is to care for horses that have been neglected, abused, abandoned or are deemed unmanageable by their current owners.

“We take in equines in need of medical attention and/or behavioural training. Their care will be tracked throughout their lives to ensure their permanent

safety. The Sanctuary also aims to educate the public about equine care and rehabilitation.”

Vicky says that they already partner with racing yards to help them find amazing new families for their racehorses in their second careers, as they have been doing for the past 5 years. They are always looking for more yards to partner up with and create a safe environment for horses to be rehomed.

colts and stallions. A very busy time indeed.

“Each year we get volunteers in to train and school our horses, which helps us find the perfect match between home and horse.

“We currently rehome between 70-100 horses on average each year, and we have a 99% rehoming rate,” enthuses Vicky.

“We average on around 3 to 5 volunteers a month who stay anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months, depending on their circumstances. Each volunteer gets horses assigned to them, conditional upon their skill level. They work with that horse and give them all the love they can, showing the horse what it means to be cared for.

At the current time they have 31 thoroughbreds, 20 boerperd cross breeds, and 16 pony

“Each horse gets a report so we can identify the best home.

Our main focus is to ensure

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the adopting family or individual bonds with the horse and that they are a correct fit before we rehome them permanently. We have very strict contracts in place and a home check is always done to a high standard. A contract Is signed when the horses are adopted.” Says Vicky.

They also do random

check-ups after adoption to make sure the horse is still in the best home possible.

horses and that is all that matters.We are hoping for sunnier days ahead!”

“We know that each owner who gives us the responsibility of rehoming or finding a forever home trusts us to make double sure that the horses do not end up in an abused or abandoned situation.While morale can get low at times, we know that we are doing is for the love of

If you’d like to find out more about the Have A Heart Sanctuary, or feel you could be of assistance, please visit their Facebook page here or whatsapp Vicky on +27 73 138 5212

Retirement Owners Are Responsible

The Australians seem to have set the international benchmark for racehorse retirement care with their Living Legends facility.

Melbourne Airport's closest tourist attraction includes retired champions, and is surrounded by parklands with over 1000 wild kangaroos and over 100 species of Australian native birds.

Locally, the National Horseracing Authority of South Africa took some action in the matter of our own racehorse retirement in March 2016.

A statement published by the racing regulator at the time said that the NHRA firmly believes that all racehorses deserve to be treated with care and dignity when their racing career comes to an end. Thoroughbred horses are refined athletes and do excel in order equine sports such as polo, show jumping, dressage and equitation.

However, they are not designed to withstand meagre or rural conditions and every effort must be made to prevent Thoroughbreds from ending up in circumstances where they would be neglected or abused.

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The National Horseracing Authority thus promulgated a new rule to specify how racehorses must be treated once their track careers were over. The new rule recognised that all owners have a responsibility towards their horses, whether they have been successful or unsuccessful, and that owners have certain obligations to make sure that their horses do not end up in unpleasant conditions.

Does the system work?

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HAYDOCK HOSTS ONLY GRADED UK RACING Haydock Park

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The Epsom classics to be run Friday week are the focus of most of the racing world with runners and riders still being finalised. The Cazoo Oaks runs on Friday and the blue riband event, the Cazoo Derby on the Saturday.

This weekend Haydock Park stages the only graded racing in the UK on Saturday with two group three events.

Soft to heavy going has been reported at race tracks throughout the United Kingdom recently with meetings abandoned at Windsor on Monday and Newton Abbot on Wednesday.

Haydock Park is forecasted to be heavy ground.

The Gr3 Betway Pinnacle Stakes (Fillies and Mares) over 2400m is scheduled at 15h55.

Eight runners are declared with Alpinista the highest rated on 113. This Sir Mark Prescott trained four-year-old won on her seasonal return at Goodwood last month on good to firm ground by the minimum margin. Her rating was gained by running second last season in the Gr1 Yorkshire Oaks to the champion three-year-old filly Love.

Albaflora from the inform Ralph Beckett yard is also owned by Miss K Rausing and is likely to start favourite.

This improving daughter of Muhaarar was placed in listed class against the boys last

70 One Ruler is set for Epsom

season – beaten a head by the Gr1 St Ledger runner-up Berkshire Rocco on easy going at Ascot. Then, on her seasonal return earlier this month, she sluiced up by seven lengths at a soft Ascot.

Thirty five minutes later, the Gr3 Betway John of Gaunt Stakes is contested over 1400m. An open contest where sixteen runners have been declared. Course and distance winner and toprated Safe Voyage has won on heavy going and must be respected. The eight-year-old finished last on his seasonal reappearance, but that was behind the champion miler Palace Pier in the Gr1 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes two weeks ago. This lower grade

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will be to his advantage.

Bounce The Blues receives the sex allowance and has the services of the champion jockey Oisin Murphy. She has won on soft ground. Glorious Journey returns from Saudi Arabia where he ran a great race to be beaten a length and three-quarters behind the top-class Space Blues. The Dubawi gelding trained by Charlie Appleby has also won on soft ground. The biggest danger could come from the William Haggas trained With Thanks. This four-year-old filly by Camacho is a real

mud lark having won all her three starts on heavy going, the last a group three at Naas. Tom Marquand takes the ride.

News from gallops at Epsom on Monday where Cazoo Oaks contender Saffron Beach worked around the Tattenham turn with rider Adam Kirby.

Unbeaten in two starts as a juvenile, including the Gr3 Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket, the filly then ran a staying-on second in the Gr1 Qipco 1000 Guineas earlier this month. Her trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam commented

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“She was nice and relaxed today and has won on soft ground.”

Later, Charlie Appleby watched his Dubawi colt One Ruler gallop at Epsom. Last season, he finished second behind subsequent Irish 2000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney in the Gr1 Vertem Futurity Trophy on heavy ground at Doncaster. The Gr1 Qipco 2000 Guineas was his first race this year and he was a respectable sixth on unfavourable fast ground.

Now stepped up in trip, the

Godolphin team are very pleased with his progress and the way he handled the contours and undulations at Epsom.

John Leeper, a son of the mighty Frankel, also had a spin around Epsom on Monday. Out of the 2010 Oaks heroine Snow Fairy

and named after the late John Dunlop, the dual Derbywinning father of Ed Dunlop. After a promising debut, he won a novice contest in good fashion at Newcastle in April and then impressed again when a decisive winner at Newmarket earlier this month in very soft conditions. Ed Dunlop commented “We were

never going to do too much whether the ground was nice or not as he only ran the weekend before last. This was about bringing him to get a bit more experience with Adam Kirby on him. The ground was very soft, almost heavy but he looked to enjoy himself.”

Retirement

A Life Well Lived British racing’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB) has announced the appointment of three individuals to an impressive programme team responsible for taking forward the board’s work.

The appointments represent the commitment of the HWB and racing’s stakeholders to the full implementation of the ambitious ‘A Life Well Lived’ strategy, a five-year plan to ensure the highest standards of welfare for horses bred for racing throughout their lives.

Among the new

appointments is Mike Etherington-Smith, designer of multiple Olympic Eventing courses, who will work across the industry as Equine Safety Advisor. Joining him among the new appointments will be Programme Director Helena Flynn and Welfare Data Projects Lead Stephen Wensley. The programme team will be accountable to Barry Johnson, the HWB’s independent chair, and will work closely with the other members of the HWB. The roles are being funded by the Racing Foundation, as part of their commitment to supporting horse welfare as a key area of focus within

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the industry. Rob Hezel, the Racing Foundation’s CEO, was directly involved in the recruitment process.

As part of its discussions with industry groups last year, the HWB identified the need for dedicated leadership roles, which could support Racing to plan, resource and deliver the 26 projects outlined in the strategy. This included the need for a full time Programme Director, working alongside two more specialised roles that would co-ordinate the various projects linked to equine safety and welfare data.

74 Empress Josephine edges out Joan Of Arc

Coolmore

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Two Galileo bluebloods fought out the finish to Sunday’s Gr1 Irish 1,000 Guineas at The Curragh, with Empress Josephine (3f Galileo – Lillie Langtry,

by Danehill Dancer) edging out stablemate Joan Of Arc (Galileo) in a 1-2 for Coolmore homebreds.

The own-sister to Minding made a winning debut in March and chased home Too Soon To Panic (Gleneagles) in a Listed contest on her third start earlier this month.

Dropping back in trip at the Curragh, Aidan O’Brien’s charge raced towards the back of the field, with Seamie Heffernan waiting until two

furlongs out to deliver a challenge.

Making good headway, she joined the leader close home and dug deep to win by a short head, with another length back to the third.

Empress Josephine becomes Aidan O’Brien’s tenth winner of the Classic, with six of those winners being daughters of Galileo.

“We thought this filly was very good after her maiden and we thought coming back to a mile and taking our time with her might suit,” O’Brien later commented. “We’ll see what the lads want to do but we could have a look at a Coronation with her.”

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The runner-up Joan Of Arc (Galileo) is an own-sister to Gleneagles and Marvellous, she having won the 2014 running, and of her, O’Brien said, “She ran a stormer as well. She might go to the French Oaks next time.”

There should be more to come from the lightly-raced winner, whose sister Minding won no less than seven Gr1 races.

Another full-sister, Kissed

By Angels (Galileo), won the Gr3 Irish 1,000 Guineas Trial, while their dam Lillie Langtry (Danehill Dancer) won twice at the highest level.

Curragh Racecourse

An elated Rory Cleary returns on Mac Swiney

WHILE ON SATURDAY…

Mac Swiney edged out stable companion Poetic Flare to win the Irish 2000 Guineas in difficult conditions and give trainer Jim Bolger a one-two at the Curragh on Saturday.

The race was run in a heavy rain shower as Rory Cleary, riding by far the biggest winner of his career, set out to make all on Mac Swiney, and his rivals dropped away one by one.

Mac Swiney, a Gr1 winner at two, had disappointed on his return to action in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, but was subsequently found to be suffering from a nasal discharge.

Poetic Flare was already running in his third Classic of the season, having won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket before finishing only sixth in the French version just six days ago.

The Guardian reported that Cleary was thrilled to have landed an Irish Classic, but admitted he was struggling to register his achievement.

He said: “I still can’t believe it.

I was quietly nervous about having to ride him. I’ve never ridden a fancied horse in it – in a big race – never mind a Classic.

“He’s such a special horse to get a ride on. The boss this morning just told me to jump

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out good and smart and ride a race on him and see how it unfolds. The further we went, the better he was going under me, and he stayed at it so well. I think the ground, with it being a bit on the wet side, his stamina really came into play.

“He’s so honest – I just can’t believe I’m after winning the Guineas. Kevin [Manning on Poetic Flare] came to me and we quickened away together again. I think they’re two very smart horses. My lad really just stuck his head out for me.

I think somebody was looking down on me because they made it easy for me.”

Curragh Racecourse

Billy Lee drives Epona Play to win on the soft ground

ORATORIO ON THE MARK

Avontuur’s triple Gr1 winning sire Oratorio is the broodmare sire of a very high-class filly in the form of Epona Plays. The latter, a four-year-old daughter of Australia and the unraced Oratorio mare New Plays, showed her class when capturing the €100 000 Gr2 Lanwades Stud Stakes on Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas day on Saturday.

Owned and bred by Renzo Forni Epona Plays was prominent and led after a furlong. The Willie McCreery-

trained four-year-old was pushed along two furlongs out.

Ridden and two lengths clear a furlong out, the successful daughter of Australia was driven out and stayed on well inside the final furlong to beat Soul Search by four lengths.

Remarkably, Oratorio is not just broodmare sire of the winner of this year’s Lanwades Stud Stakes but he is also damsire of the third place finisher Too Soon To Panic (Gleneagles -Scream Blue Murder, by Oratorio).

Now a winner of four of her 12 starts, Epona Plays (a triple group winner) was making it back to back group wins with the progressive filly having won the Gr3 Lodge Park Stud Irish EBF Park Express Stakes last time out.

Twice Champion sire in Italy, and sire of more than 100 black type horses, Oratorio has a single lot on offer at the CTS Farm Yearling Sale, and two lots on the 2021 KZN Yearling Sale.

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updated 2021-05-25

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 A C Greeff

1037 818 857 494 838

166 125 105 75 117

136 105 96 64 115

129 78 103 59 107

16.0 15.3 12.3 15.2 14.0

Other Places Place % 374 261 293 178 336

36.1 31.9 34.2 36.0 40.1

Win Stake (R)

36.0 32.0 34.4 36.0 26.9

Total Stakes (R)

8,374,625 12,421,050 6,900,700 10,328,175 5,022,800 8,604,450 4,763,600 6,823,675 3,420,000 5,649,250

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

1426 944 700 709 975

184 123 71 90 104

157 109 83 112 103

212 153 135 123 112

14.9 16.2 19.3 17.3 11.5

Other Places Place % 216 137 80 101 129

557 369 234 303 336

Win Stake (R)

39.1 39.1 33.4 42.7 34.5

Total Stakes (R)

8,999,475 13,919,600 8,913,225 12,687,600 6,411,000 9,205,113 3,740,400 5,986,650 6,624,400 10,033,325

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

284 416 214

1487 54,179 2173 35,089 1157 42,947

136 142 68

200 196 119

47.9 34.1 31.8

503 723 313

10 10 6

15 15,386,738 12 14,596,888 13 9,190,738

156 122

766 57,323 662 58,766

78 54

135 86

50.0 44.3

288 220

9 6

10 12

8,942,400 7,169,450

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

11 6 5 9 3

9,912,150 7,939,150 7,696,825 7,631,650 7,120,600

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

Runrs Runs AEPR 184 163 175 156 195

969 905 1076 839 1037

53,870 48,706 43,982 48,921 36,516

B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs % 89 74 77 67 70

139 119 109 101 102

48.4 45.4 44.0 42.9 35.9

310 321 392 251 360

See all the detailed standings - Click here 79

9 4 4 7 2

80 Karis Teetan celebrates after Panfield’s supreme staying effort

HKJC

MILLARD & TEETAN SET STANDARD 81

A perfect ride aboard Tony Millard-trained Panfield delivered Karis Teetan Gr1 success in the HK$12 million Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday – and also immeasurable personal solace.

Grieving the death of close friend Nooresh Juglall in a race fall in Mauritius on 15 May, Teetan dedicated the victory to his wife Xaviere after Millard’s brilliant training effort lifted some of the ‘Mauritian Magician’s’ gloom.

“I’m really glad I got this one home. It’s been a tough week.

I needed this (race) to get me back to work, to the track and I want to dedicate this to my wife (Xaviere). She’s been by my side this past few weeks and she’s given me confidence every day,” he said.

“If I did not have my wife by my side, I might not have been here at the moment and she was there and kept on pushing me and gave me confidence.

“I had this horrible news last week where we lose one of my best friends and my brother in racing and I take this pretty hard. This win makes it a little bit better, but we still miss Nooresh.

“It’s been a long time since I got one of these big ones,

but this feels good. You need to just keep working hard and it will come.”

Teetan tracked Exultant and Zac Purton relentlessly behind pace-setter Time Warp before mounting his challenge in the straight, clawing his way past the five-time G1 winner before withstanding a late challenge from Joao Moreira and Columbus County.

Half a length separated Panfield and Columbus County, with Exultant a length and a quarter further back.

“At the 700 (metre mark), I knew this horse would go right through the line because he literally dropped down a gear and started to motor home,” Teetan said. “(But) you know when Joao comes next to you in a race, you know you’ve got a hard battle. In those big ones, he’s come next to me a few times and he’s got the better of me and I was like ‘C’mon Joao, not today’ and it pays off.”

Dual Derby-winning handler Millard posted his first G1 triumph in Hong Kong since Ambitious Dragon’s 2013 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup said Panfield – winner of three G1s in Chile before arriving in Hong Kong – had received a “proper Millard preparation” leading into the race.

“We did a good 1800 metre workout and if any of you saw it, it was unbelievable. He

82

broke 60 seconds for 1000 (metres) and he came home (the last 400m) in 21.8 and Karis was hanging onto him.

I said to Karis after that, ‘I don’t care how good they are, he’s ready’,” Millard said.

“Quite clearly, a lot of the older horses are finished now so that puts him at the top spot as the best staying horse in Hong Kong.

“Karis rode a beautiful race today, that’s exactly how we planned it and it worked out to an absolute tee. I’m very happy for him because it gives him the confidence to know that if he is on the right horse that he can do it. Quite clearly this horse was the right horse today and he did everything 100 per cent.”

In addition to the HK$6,8 million in prizemoney, Panfield collected a Top-Up Bonus of HK$500,000 – a payment available to horses who have already won a High Achievement Bonus of HK$1 million after winning a Class 2 race or higher before turning five.

HEADS I WIN – TAILS YOU LOSE! 83

The ultimate game in club football once again dawns.

It is truly the game which captures the imagination, the wonder of the wise, the joy of the good and the amazement of the gods!

Ryan Liberty writes that Manchester City have finally given themselves a chance to satisfy the pursuit of their owners, it is the first time in the modern era that the Citizens have a seat at the proverbial king’s table. Chelsea have been here before, in 2008 they saw glory slip before them until finally, in 2012, they upset the odds and beat Bayern Munich in Germany.

Manchester City vs Chelsea | Saturday 29 May | Estadio do Dragao | 21:00 We will once again experience an all-English final – if ever we needed another reminder that the Premier League is the greatest in the world – so here’s to an absolute spectacle come Saturday evening!

To Win (90 mins) Manchester City 19/20 Draw 47/20 Chelsea 3/1 To Lift the Cup Manchester City 9/20 Chelsea 16/10 Manchester City Manchester City and Pep

Guardiola are finally on the precipice of achieving the primary objective Guardiola assumed when he was hired.

start this season but I’m very intrigued to see what role the Argentinian ace plays in Porto.

Interestingly, City fielded a fairly strong side against Everton on Sunday, I mean the game was a dead rubber encounter from their perspective and you would expect fringe players to get a run…

Chelsea

But then again, that isn’t exactly the City way. Nevertheless, the party mood eminent at the Etihad will need to be managed, given the fact that the powers that be will have their focus firmly fixed on the Champions League result. In fact, I would go as far as to say that should City lose to Chelsea in the final, their Premier League dominance will quickly be forgotten, and questions and concerns will start to circle Manchester’s Blue Moon.

City have become incredibly patient when attacking, whilst maintaining their defensive compactness. Ruben Dias has single-handedly mended City’s most glaring issues. They have never been a side who shipped an awful lot of goals but in critical moments – before Dias arrived – they would be exposed and undone.

Player for player I think City have a touch more quality, possibly too much for their own good. Sergio Aguero is a phenomenal player who hasn’t had too many opportunities to

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Chelsea have enjoyed playing City since Thomas Tuchel took over, and their fearless approach to this game could be what separates them in the end. When you look at Chelsea today, compared to the Chelsea before the German’s immense impact, the Chelsea today doesn’t do too many favours for Frank Lampard’s CV. But what is an over-reaching feather in Lampard’s cap is the proud display of young academy graduates still playing important roles in the team’s success – Mason Mount even winning the club’s Player of the Year award.

While, N’Golo Kante is, again, invaluable, Timo Werner has still left a lot to be desired (but the patience and unwavering belief in his ability shown by his manager and teammates is admirable).

Its largely Groundhog Day for Tuchel though, once again he is in the final of the Champions League, again the venue is Portugal, again his side are the underdogs but, unlike his experience with PSG, he is now on the side of European pedigree.

I know it doesn’t seem like it,

but irrespective of Chelsea’s domestic performances of late in the league and the FA Cup final, they are one of the most in-form sides in Europe and certainly deserve a place in this final.

certainly wouldn’t want to face City in such a big game with Kepa between the sticks – although he does apparently enjoy a penalty shootout or two.

It almost seems as though Chelsea have become distracted by the Champions League final and will be disappointed by the ‘preparation’ they have had going into the game, but the quality and depth to their squad is undeniable.

Manchester City:

I say preparation only because I’m not convinced Chelsea have gone into any game, since their Champions League semi-final victory, with the focus or intensity that has become synonymous of their German boss.

The Blues will come into this game off the back of a long, drawn out, brutal encounter in the pouring rain at Villa Park. Going down 2-1 to Villa and only having Champion’s league security through a Spurs victory at Leicester, surely demands a massive performance, and what better opportunity than on Europe’s grandest stage.

That game against Villa also potentially cost Chelsea their keeper. Edouard Mendy was replaced through injury and is now a doubt ahead of the final. I know one player doesn’t make or break a game, but I

Route to the final:

City topped Group C unbeaten.

2-0 Vs. Monchengladbach in the Round of 16 2-1 Vs. Dortmund in the Quarter-Final 2-0 & 2-1 Vs. PSG in the Semi-Final Chelsea: Chelsea topped Group E unbeaten.

2-1 & 1-0 Vs. Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 0-1 & 2-0 Vs. Porto in the Quarter-Final 2-0 & 1-1 Vs. Real Madrid in the Semi-Final Predicted line-ups: Manchester City (4-1-3-2) Ederson; Walker, Stones, Ruben Dias, Zinchenko; Fernandinho; Bernardo Silva, Gundogan, Foden; Mahrez, De Bruyne.

Chelsea (3-4-2-1) Kepa; Christensen, Thiago Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Havertz, Mount; Werner.

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Prediction: Chelsea to Lift the Cup (16/10) Manchester City are a complete side. I’ve said enough about how important this game is to the club, but I don’t think it’s a ‘gimme’ for the Champions of England.

Thomas Tuchel would have obviously preferred his side come into this game with a bit more confidence, but he has consistently reiterated that it is under immense pressure and doubt that brings the best out of himself and his side.

Tuchel is a tactical genius with a talented squad, but he meets the most complete and balanced side in the world.

I think this ends in a draw – which would be a brilliant effort from the Blues – until something special separates these sides. For impatient punter: get on the draw at 47/20.

It truly is a coin flip sort of final but those usually are the most intriguing. If the script was to be adapted for the Big Screen, Timo Werner would bring the curtain down on a rather frustrating campaign in heroic fashion scoring the winner and securing his side’s second title – I certainly have my money on the upset!