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Gameplan Media
4 Belgarion (Richard Fourie) storms to victory in front of desserted stands in 2020
2020 VISION – 125 YEARS LATER 5
A typically high quality field of 18 was declared on Tuesday for the vintage 125th renewal of the R2 million Gr1 Vodacom Durban July, to be run behind closed doors at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 3 July. With no surprises in the final field of 18 plus 2 reserve runners, the tension will now build into the big race in ten day’s time, with the official public gallops scheduled for 07h00 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Thursday. Justin Snaith goes for his fourth consecutive Vodacom Durban July success armed with a four horse attack, with solid back-up from first reserve runner Silver Host, a good winner of Saturday’s Gr3 Track & Ball Derby. And the debate over what would be Richard Fourie’s
choice in the Snaith arsenal has been answered, with the West Coaster, going for a personal July hat-trick, engaged on dual winner Do It Again for sponsor Nic Jonsson. The 6yo ran third behind Belgarion in this race last year. The son of Twice Over has been sparingly campaigned this term, but broke a class record at the course in May, and comes in as one of two 6yo’s with the red-hot Rainbow Bridge. S’manga Khumalo won the July in 2013 on Heavy Metal for Sean Tarry, and partners defending champion Belgarion. Only Justin Snaith, Sean Tarry and Candice Bass-Robinson have tasted past success, with the balance of ten trainers looking for their first July trophy. One man who will be keen to bury a memory is Tyrone Zackey, who will hope that
Johnny hero can atone for Smanjemanje’s whisker defeat in 2012. The provincial representation is highlighted by a trio from the home province, where Tony Rivalland, Alyson Wright and Gareth van Zyl will bid to hold off nine Cape flagbearers, and a sextet from Gauteng, headed by Joey Soma’s bomb, Got The Greenlight. Vaughan Marshall has a double handed 3yo attack and the veteran must fancy his chances of winning his first July with top-class Linebacker and the dark horse, Rascallion. There are only two fairer sex gallopers in the field, with rising star Gareth van Zyl and veteran Rob Knuppe looking to realise a lifetime dream with the lightly tried 4yo, She’s A Keeper.
Not This Year For Attie “Disappointed, but it’s their choice not ours.” That was the word from Fairview trainer Zietsman Oosthuizen on the news that his stable star Atyaab had not made the cut for the R2 million Gr1 Vodacom Durban July when the final field of 18 was announced on Tuesday. A prolific traveller, Suzette and Basie Viljoen’s Australian-bred gelding has been a model of consistency since his giantkilling act
on Cape Met day when beating July reserve runner Silver Host in the New Turf Carriers Gr2 Western Cape Stayers.
panel sportingly and focus on winning the R150 000 Dstv Gr3 Gold Vase over the 3000m on the same afternoon.
The dream plan declared early on was always to aim the Dundeel hardknocker at the Durban July.
“Attie is fit and ready so we will travel up and take them on,” he said.
A disappointed Zietsman told the Sporting Post that there were a few runners with little chance in the July field, but that the team would accept 6 the rejection by the big race
A former Mike de Kock resident, the Gr1 winner has registered two wins and three seconds from 7 starts for the Oosthuizen yard.
Fanie Bronkhorst has his first July runner with the course
specialist Brave Tin Soldier mare Running Brave who will
be looking to put in another big-hearted performance.
Don’t Burn The Bridge Going for his third try at Vodacom Durban July glory for longstanding owners Mike and Norma Rattray, the bang in-form Rainbow Bridge has pulled a 1 draw. Trainer Eric Sands told Gold Circle’s David Thiselton: “It didn’t pan out well for us last year but I would rather be drawn in one than 18. We will be employing different tactics, he has a rider aboard who has a lot
of confidence and lastly he will be very well on the day.” The gaps between Rainbow Bridge’s three SA Champions Season programmed races, the Gr2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes, the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and the Vodacom Durban July, has been an unusual six weeks and three weeks this season as opposed to a normal five weeks and four weeks. Therefore, Sands left a little bit of condition on him for
the Gold Challenge, where he recorded his third win in succession. He said: “I left a little bit more condition on him than normal in case he ran badly in the Gold Challenge, because I would then have needed something to work with to get him ready for the July. It was not a lot more condition than normal, I would say it was just an extra 4kg or 5kg.” Gameplan Media
Pomodoro (Piere Strydom) holds off Tyrone Zackey's Smanjemanje (Grant van Niekerk) nine years ago. Can Johnny be the hero this time round? 7
VODACOM DURBAN JULY 2021 FINAL FIELD SC#
HORSE
MASS
MR
DRAW
B A T M
JOCKEY
TRAINER
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
RAINBOW BRIDGE JOHNNY HERO SHAH AKBAR EXPRESSFROMTHEUS CROWN TOWERS RASCALLION LINEBACKER SOVEREIGN SPIRIT CIRILLO SHE'S A KEEPER BELGARION NEXUS RUNNING BRAVE GOT THE GREENLIGHT MATTERHORN DO IT AGAIN TRISTFUL KOMMETDIEDING
60,0 53,0 53,0 54,0 53,0 53,0 53,0 54,0 53,0 52,0 58,0 53,0 52,5 55,0 53,0 57,5 53,0 53,0
134 106 119 122 117 123 124 122 120 96 130 117 119 124 101 129 113 122
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
A B A A T A A M A A B A A A A A A A T B A A A A
L J Ferraris K Matsunyane C Habib M V'Rensburg L Mxothwa S Veale G van Niekerk K de Melo L Hewitson W Kennedy S Khumalo C Zackey G Cheyne M Yeni S Moodley R Fourie C Murray G Lerena
ERIC SANDS TYRONE ZACKEY SEAN TARRY STUART PETTIGREW JUSTIN SNAITH VAUGHAN MARSHALL VAUGHAN MARSHALL CANDICE BASS-ROBINSON SEAN TARRY GARETH VAN ZYL JUSTIN SNAITH JUSTIN SNAITH FANIE BRONKHORST JOE SOMA ALYSON WRIGHT JUSTIN SNAITH TONY RIVALLAND HWJ CRAWFORD/M RIX
53,0 53,0
110 111
A B A T
RESERVE 1 RESERVE 2
JUSTIN SNAITH SEAN TARRY
RESERVE RUNNERS
19 20
SILVER HOST SHANGO
GENERAL INFORMATION
TOP 4 TRAINERS ACCEPTED
NUMBER OF FILLIES DECLARED: NUMBER OF COLTS & GELDINGS DECLARED: NUMBER OF 3YR OLDS DECLARED: NUMBER OF 4YR OLDS DECLARED: NUMBER OF 5YR OLDS DECLARED: NUMBER OF 6YR OLDS DECLARED:
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2 18 4 7 7 2
JUSTIN SNAITH SEAN TARRY CANDICE BASS-ROBINSON VAUGHAN MARSHALL
5 3 1 2
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12 Gavin Smith sends Jaeger Moon down the Garden Route
PE STAR TAKES ON MOUNTAIN GOATS 13
Pauline Herman
Six feature races at Kenilworth on Saturday will brighten the winter gloom in the Mother City as the Southern Suburbs venue is injected with a diversity of life. But it’s a raider that could take the lion’s share of the spoils on the day from the locals – or ‘mountain goats’ as Mike de Kock once labelled the Capetonians. Fairview trainer Gavin Smith has enjoyed a terrific season and the East Cape veteran travels to Kenilworth on Saturday with his dual Guineas-Derby winner Jaeger Moon to contest the final leg of the WSB Cape Winter Series.
The Hollywoodbets-sponsored team are on a high after a superb Listed PE Gold Cup success last Friday with Master Supreme, and Gavin’s son Dean will saddle their top-class 3yo as he lines up in a ten-horse field in the R125 000 World Sports Betting Gr3 Pocket Power Stakes (formerly the Winter Derby). Jaeger Moon is the joint top-rated contender alongside Justin Snaith’s second leg hero, Hoedspruit. The latter carries a kilo extra as a Gr3 winner at his last start. Snaith also won the first leg of the prestigious series with Warrior, who probably doesn’t stay and won’t be taking his
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chances over the 2400m of Saturday’s finale. Regular pilot Marco Van Rensburg has been aboard at every one of Jaeger Moon’s seven victories and the Gauteng rider will make a rare trip to the Mother City on Saturday. Assistant trainer Dean Smith will fly down early on Friday to welcome the stable star and look after him as he heads into Saturday’s feature. Gavin Smith, who commands a national trainer championship top ten position, told the Sporting Post that his charge has been working very well and would be fit. “He stays well and he has
certainly earned a shot at this race. And we will never know if we don’t try. Obviously the first time at a strange track, first run on a left-handed turn, and the travelling are factors that weigh against our boy – but we have done what we can to prep him properly.” Smith explained that he had worked Jaeger Moon the wrong way around at Fairview to get him used to the left-handed track. “He will leave Thursday evening with Choice Carriers
and will be stabled at Milnerton with Candice Bass-Robinson. So it will be a literal first sight of Kenilworth on Saturday. But he is sensible and we are hopeful that everything will go well.” The Summerhill Stud-bred R140 000 BSA Ready To Run graduate is a horse that has captured the hearts of the PE locals with his never-say-die attitude. And he never wins by a country mile, so his connections and fans are accustomed to living
on the edge of their seats! He is a son of the multiple Gr1 winning Equus champion son of Western Winter, Capetown Noir and is raced by former Gauteng-based owners Frank and Joyce Burggraaf, who work and live for six months in Port Elizabeth and six months in Saudi Arabia, every year. The Burggraaf’s sons will be shouting the family favourite home in front of their Tellytrack screen in the Windy City.
Lockdown Again Highveld Racing will not be allowing owners, suite holders and guests to attend racemeetings until further notice. Despite the implementation of the recently announced Level 3 restrictions by the President, Gauteng has seen an
Cape-based Bloodstock Consultant and Stallion Manager John Freeman has been involved in racing and breeding for over 45 years. He asks in his latest eNews whether someone would please just push the pause button on the costly never ending dream of an export protocol.
alarming spike in the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths in comparison to other provinces. In an endeavour to arrest the spread of infections and prevent further deaths, both Phumelela and the Racing
Association, in consultation with the NHRA have decided not to permit owners, box holders and their guests to attend race meetings on the Highveld with effect from the Vaal race meeting on Thursday, 24 June.
ENOUGH! With all that is going on around us right now the last thing we need is unnecessary cost and risk in the Cape. I have mentioned this before and alluded to protocol issues contributing to the cancellation of the KZN Yearling Sale. The cost of getting a horse to 15
the sale is one thing. The cost and risk to Cape buyers or breeders who didn’t sell of getting a horse back is in excess of R15 000 per horse. Read more on www.sportingpost.co.za
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EUROPE’S PREMIER MIDSUMMER SALE
Tattersalls July Sale JULY 7 – 9 Horses/Fillies in Training, Broodmares, etc. including major consignments from Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms, Shadwell Estates, etc.
CINNAS RANSOM dam of CAPTAIN’S RANSOM winner of Majorca Stakes, Gr. 1, Cape Fillies Guineas, Gr. 1, etc. purchased at Tattersalls December Mare Sale for 25,000 gns
HARLECH dam of HUNGRY HEART winner of Australian Oaks, Gr. 1, Vinery Stud Stakes, Gr. 1, etc. purchased at Tattersalls July Sale for 60,000 gns
Jeremy Nelson T: +2783 2617953 jeremy.nelson@tattersalls.com www.tattersalls.com 17
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20 Wendy Whitehead and her team lead Keep On Dancing in after a scintillating win
Candiese Lenferna
THE HALLMARK OF QUALITY! 21
Anne and Bruce Nicholas of Hallmark Thoroughbreds bred and race the light-framed temperamental galloper who settled beautifully and swept to victory in the R250 000 Gr2 Track & Ball Oaks at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday, to give retired SA Champion sire Silvano a feature double on the afternoon. A protégé of top trainer Tony Furness, from whom she took over in 2001, Wendy Whitehead has done a sterling job in holding the well conceived plan together and keeping the recent Listed East Coast Cup winner on an upward curve since a modest MR 70 Handicap polytrack victory four months ago.
Reigning SA Champion jockey Warren Kennedy rode his third winner of the day as he produced Keep On Dancing with a sustained late rattle and she stayed on really smartly to beat the 33-1 Electric Surge by just over a length in a time of 152,23 secs. Kannemeyer’s Silva Magic (6-1) made up good ground to edge the original pacemaker Mama Pyjama (33-1) into fourth. Warren Kennedy said that he knew he was a runner when he managed to settle Keep On Dancing in mIdfield ‘without any hassle’ and switched off. He felt that Luke Ferraris upping the tempo out front halfway through the race on the Kotzen’s Catchafallingstar had worked well for him. Trainer Wendy Whitehead that Bruce and Anne Nicholas and said that that the winner was difficult to train. “But Warren gets on well with her and it was a plan come together. I must thank my staff and I was told that she is like a piece of elastic and that she
would win this!” It’s great to see the smaller local yards enjoying success in the big season. Wendy started out with Craig Ramsay at Golden Acres with pre-training and Stud farm duties. She then went on to work for former jockeyturned-trainer Snowy Reid at Summerveld as assistant trainer for 2 years before joining the stable of Tony Furness. She took over after 11 years when Mr Furness retired in 2001. Keep On Dancing is out of the Zimbabwe champion, and top-class producer, First Arrival (Northern Guest). The latter is dam of eight black type horses including the Gr1 winning champions Let’s Rock’ n Roll and the exported In The Fast Lane. Keep On Dancing has won 6 races with 4 places from her 16 starts for stakes of R477 500. This victory certainly adds to her already substantial paddock value.
The Merits KEEP ON DANCING has had her merit rating raised from 82 to 88 after she captured the Gr2 Track And Ball Oaks for fillies and mares over 2400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. The Handicappers were of the view that ultra-consistent third finisher SILVA
MAGIC made for the best line horse here, which leaves her unchanged on a rating of 85. 2nd placed ELECTRIC SURGE was raised from 78 to 85, while 4th finisher MAMA PYJAMA is up from 76 to 82. There were no other ratings increases, but five horses received a drop. JASMINE is 22
down from 100 to 98, CHITENGO was trimmed from 109 to 108, CATCHAFALLINGSTAR is down to 90 from 92, FLICHITY BY FARR drops from 91 to 88, and lastly CHERRY ROAD goes from 83 to 82,
Candiese Lenferna
After twenty years at the Summerveld grindstone, trainer Wendy ‘Cookie’ Whitehead broke the male stranglehold on the 2021 SA Champions Season honour roll for the second time in just over a month when the classy Keep On Dancing registered a fifth win from her last six starts.
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24 Silver Host storms clear to beat Dream Destiny (Thabiso Gumede)
Candiese Lenferna
HOST WITH THE MOST 25
A Vodacom Durban July emergency acceptor, the 4yo Silver Host finished best of all to win the R150 000 Gr3 Track & Ball Derby at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday.
for the Durban July, the now treble Gr3 winning Silver Host annexed the unique-to-KZN ‘open’ Derby in the manner of a decent stayer under his joint topweight to wrap up his prep for 3 July.
There have been suggestions that the Justin Snaith string have endured a quieter SA Champions Season than we have been accustomed to in years past.
He also holds an entry in the July consolation, the Gr3 Hollywoodbets 2200.
But Silver Host's feature success on Saturday followed the victory by Crown Towers in the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Gr3 Cup Trial seven days earlier. And Snaith also enjoyed an impressive performance by Captain’s Ransom to win the WSB Gr2 Fillies Guineas in May.
was a further 1,90 lengths back in third. Silver Host is a son of retired multiple champion Silvano (Lomitas) out of the French Deputy mare Hosta – a US-bred half sister to Gr1 winner Colstar (Opening Verse).
Having his first run in the KZN Capital City, Silver Host was relaxed in midfield by regular pilot Richard Fourie as Share Holder and Merlin From Berlin scrapped over the lead.
Bred by Drakenstein, and raced in partnership by the top breeders with Nic Jonsson and the Estate of the late Jack Mitchell, Silver Host was a R2,6 million National Yearling Sale graduate.
In the run for home Fourie opted for a traffic-free route up the middle outside.
He has won 5 races with 5 places from his 15 starts for stakes of R481 200.
Snaith announced some weeks ago that his horses would peak on 3 July - so this could be the proverbial calm before the storm!
Despite lugging in marginally, Silver Host (2-1) powered on relentlessly to beat a sterling late challenge from Kum Naidoo longshot Dream Destiny (40-1) under Thabiso Gumede to win by 0,70 lengths in a time of 150,69 secs.
Recently labelled by the Cape champions as a ‘dark horse’
The Gauteng raider and favourite Pamushana’s Pride
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The Merits SILVER HOST remains unchanged on a mark of 110 following his success in the Gr3 Track And Ball Derby over 2400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. It was 4th placed FAVOUR who was considered to make for the best line horse here, which leaves him unchanged on a rating of 97. In assessing the race this
way, the winner only runs to a mark of 104, hence his unaltered rating. Second placed DREAM DESTINY was raised from 73 to 98, making him one pound higher than the line horse. In fact, DREAM DESTINY runs to a mark of 101, but the Handicappers opted not to take this literally as it reflects 26 major improvement on any-
thing DREAM DESTINY had previously achieved and opted instead to make him a minimal one pound higher than FAVOUR. There were no other increases, but two horses were given ratings drop. MARCHINGONTOGETHER is down from 102 to 100, while PAYBACKTHEMONEY was dropped from 97 to 92.
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‘Very few modern day South African stallions can match Silvano's unparalleled string of same-day stakes 'doubles'. With three classic crops yet to strut their stuff, the former Maine Chance Farm linchpin will no doubt add to that exemplary record’
30 Silvano daughter Keep On Dancing (Warren Kennedy) powers home. Silva Magic (Keagan de Melo) is in third
Candiese Lenferna
ANOTHER SILVANO DOUBLE
Met Eish! 31
By his own lofty standards, champion Silvano has not dominated this season the way he has for the best part of the past decade. In fact, he currently finds himself trailing in fourth spot on the General Sires List. Nevertheless, the now retired powerhouse showed he's still a force to be reckoned with when his progeny claimed the Oaks and Derby at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. In fact, Silvano is no stranger to siring multiple Graded stakes winners on a single day, classic winners in particular, and on more than one occasion to boot. He sired a same-day classic double for the very first time in 2008 when his Gr1 SA Classic winner Kings Gambit ran out a facile winner of the Gr1 SA Derby under Gavin Lerena, his victory following that of Happy Spirit in the Gr2 SA Oaks. Weiho Marwing's filly crossed the line a neck behind Mike de Kock's Front Of House, but an objection on the grounds of intimidation was upheld and the Maine
Chance-bred was awarded the race. Silvano repeated that same double nine years later in 2017 with Al Sahem and Wind Chill. The Al Adiyaat-owned and bred colt made light work of the Derby, taking the lead fully 400m out and powering home from Derby Trial winner Pagoda and Heavenly Blue, who had beaten him in the Gr1 SA Classic. Silvano also dominated with a one-two in the SA Oaks, his Joe Soma-trained daughter Wind Chill scoring with the minimum of fuss from paternal half-sister Oriental Oak. The final Gr1 classics of the season, the Daily News 2000 and Woolavington 2000, have also been at Silvano's mercy on more than one occasion. In 2013, champion son Vercingetorix capped an unbeaten South African campaign with a hard-fought score in a head-bobbing finish to the Daily News 2000. His victory mirrored that of paternal half-sister Do You Remember in the Woolavington 2000, where the Woodruff-trained filly prevailed by a head from Gr1
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Majorca winner Blueridge Mountain. Old nemesis and Triple Tiara winner Cherry On The Top finished two lengths back in fourth place. Silvano again pulled off that classic double two years ago when champion Hawwaam defeated Twist Of Fate in the Daily News 2000, while daughter Silvano's Pride never saw a rival to claim the Woolavington 2000 with a bold, frontrunning performance. Hawwaam also completed a Gr1 hat-trick of wins on the day, his Daily News success coming on the heels of a stunning tour de force in the Gr1 SA Classic and a four-length victory in the Gr1 Premier's Champions Challenge. Interestingly, the Shadwell champion has featured in more than one Silvano stakes double. His victory in last season's Gr2 Premier Trophy at Kenilworth served as a prelude to Kilindini's success in the Gr1 Cape Guineas. Then on the day paternal half-sister Summer Pudding set the seal on the Triple Tiara with a win in the Gr2
SA Oaks, he defeated stable companion Queen Supreme in the Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes. When Hawwaam won his first Premier's Challenge, paternal half-sister Sunshine Silk completed her sire's stakes double on the day with a gutsy half-length success in the Gr3 Gold Bowl. Twelve months later, it was more of the same. Hawwaam brushed aside his rivals to
claim his second Gr1 Premier's Champions Challenge and Imperial Ruby followed in Sunshine Silks' footsteps with a hard-fought victory in the Gold Bowl. Remarkably, Silvano was back in the limelight 24 hours later with another brace of Graded stakes winners - this time at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Silvano's Pride led her rivals a merry dance in the Gr2 Tibouchina Stakes, while Summer Pudding emulated her
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paternal half-sister by adding the Woolavington 2000 to her Triple Tiara success. Very few modern day South African stallions can match Silvano's unparalleled string of same-day stakes 'doubles’. With three classic crops yet to strut their stuff, the former Maine Chance Farm linchpin will no doubt add to that exemplary record.
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Candiese Lenferna
DONALD BREAKS HIS DUCK! 36
Donald removed his mask for our photographer after his icebreaker on Saturday
Gold Circle
Legends Michael Roberts and Piere Strydom first stared into the dizzying spotlight of the winner’s enclosure at Hollywoodbets Scottsville at the outset of their illustrious riding careers.
career ride when he produced a peach of a balanced and thinking ride to keep the mostly formless Twiceasfast at her task to win the third at the popular ‘Racino’ at Saturday’s Track & Ball Oaks and Derby meeting.
After Saturday, the KZN Capital City may have just introduced another bright star to the racing universe in the shape of the popular second year SAJA apprentice, affectionately called Sipho Dlamuka.
Riding for former Cape, now Ashburton, conditioner Shane ‘Spooky’ Humby, Donald pinged the gates on the daughter of Twice Over, who was always in the vanguard before responding to the urgings of her 16 year old pilot to win a thriller.
A fresh-faced and extraordinarily polite former Pretoria Boys High School pupil, Donald Geerthsen only turns 17 on 22 September. He was having just his fourth
Before we chatted to Donald about the most memorable 64,24 seconds of his life, we asked after the origins of his interesting nickname, Sipho Dlamuka.
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“My fellow first years gave it to me when we got to the academy in January 2020. I know Sipho means ‘gift’ and I think Dlamuka is just an arbitrary surname,” he says almost matter of factly. Racing in the silks of longstanding Humby owner Gavin Almanza, the 25-1 shot Twiceasfast gave young Geerthsen her all. “She was out of the gates quickly. I kept her balanced and under no pressure. As we came up the hill I felt we had a money chance. I started encouraging her and she was staying on nicely. They came at me late, and as we hit the line I really wasn’t too sure whether we had gotten lucky!”
Candiese Lenferna
Donald keeps Twiceasfast at her task to win a thriller Watch the replay and interview here Donald says that he turned to his fellow 4kg-claimer colleague Kayden Brewer, who gave him the thumbs up that he had managed to hold on, despite Nicholas Patel’s low-flying challenge on Leopard Lady. We asked him to describe the moment when he crossed the line on the temperamental soft-mouthed filly. “That’s not easy. It didn’t sink in immediately. But as we returned to the parade ring and I saw my folks and the Humby team, I realised I wasn’t dreaming!” Donald’s elated parents
Klaus and Jean Geerthsen had travelled from Pretoria last Wednesday to watch him have his first ride at the same venue on 100-1 Gaetana for Tienie Prinsloo. He had two further unplaced rides that day, but got his first professional Saturday opportunity under rules off to a memorable flyer on Twiceasfast. “It was a thrill and real honour to have my Mom and Dad on course. Mr Shane Humby has also been really supportive to me and has given me the chances. He was down in Cape Town for the sale, but sent me a message. I don’t think I will forget Saturday 19 June 2021 for a very long time,” he says proudly.
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Donald tells us how he got his first introduction to horses as a showjumper at the age of 7. He fell in love with the beautiful creatures and his natural balance in the saddle and slight build – he walks around today at 46kgs – saw his coach Anton Hoek of the Cornerstone Equestrian Centre arrange an introduction to Robert Moore of the SA Jockey Academy in Johannesburg. The rest is history, as they say in the classics. A member of Generation Z, Donald was born eleven years into our new democracy and has followed in the bootprints of another
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Pretoria Boys High School pupil in East Cape Champion, Greg Cheyne. Hailing from a close family, he has two older brothers Max and Ethan, and has punctuated his time at the SA Jockey Academy, by spending every second weekend with family in Clarendon, Pietermaritzburg. Donald takes it calmly as Twiceasfast holds on in the stampede (Pic – Candiese Lenferna) “It’s lovely to spend every other weekend with my Uncle James and Aunt Nicci Crawford, and my cousins Tye, Layla and Faye in Clarendon, Pietermaritzburg. That’s my home from home, although I really have more than
adjusted past the initial period when I joined the academy.” Donald’s first-year class at the SA Jockey Academy, which included PE born rising star Kyle Strydom, was like no other before them. Covid-19 arrived just two months after he joined. “Moving from home to a structured environment like that naturally took a bit of adjustment. But the friendships and camaraderie make it all worthwhile. And while the lockdown made the landscape more testing, we adapted like every other person in South Africa has had to.” He adds that the schooling and jockey training is excellent and is looking forward to writing his matric in 2022. In a question to rank his academic ability, he
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modestly responds that he is ‘average’ academically – but upgrades that to a ‘good learner’, a moment later. “If I may, I would like to say a word of thanks to our riding masters Martin Ball and Nicky Roebuck. They are really never too busy to listen and to provide advice and guidance. I imagine it’s not a straightforward kind of job turning High Schoolers into professional jockeys!” Taxed to summarise his ambition, Donald says that for now it’s focussing on riding regular winners and ensuring he gets a good matric pass next year. Put this 4kg claimer in the black book!
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Pauline Herman
Stallone Naidoo rides a well-judged race to beat the high-riding Mzui Yeni on Strathdon
SMITH & STALLONE REIGN SUPREME While Muzi Yeni dominated the Fairview meeting on Friday with a glorious five-timer, the multiple Northern Cape champion had to play second fiddle to replacement jockey Stallone Naidoo in the feature, the R85 000 Listed Port Elizabeth Gold Cup. Naidoo had his celebration spoilt by the Stipes who asked signed an admission of guilt for a contravention of Rule 62.2.10 in that, whilst riding the horse MASTER
SUPREME, he saluted in a celebratory gesture prior to the finish line. A penalty of a R750 fine was imposed. Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Gavin Smith has been in a rich vein of form and saddled his 121st winner of the term, while maintaining his rock-solid national top ten standing, when former CK Racing resident Master Supreme produced a top effort at his first start over ground and his first outing in the Eastern Cape.
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Under a well-judged ride from Stallone Naidoo, Master Supreme (9-2) made much of the running in the 3200m feature to stay on resolutely and score a one and a quarter length win in a time of 207,88 secs at the expense of Gr3 Mahala TV Cape Summer Stayers Handicap winner Strathdon (3-1). Bred by Vanessa Harrison and raced by leading Mauritius owner Vicky Veeramootoo, the gelded Master Supreme has now
won three times, from 1800 to 3200 metres, for stakes of R202 875.
The latter is currently third on the South African General Sires List for 2020/21.
Out of the Kahal mare Cousin Annie, Master Supreme is the tenth stakes winner for Varsfontein’s Jet Master stallion, Master Of My Fate.
The Stipes reported that approaching the 2200m, Meeraas ducked out sharply, dislodging Apprentice Ramzan. The gelding was suspended
indefinitely in terms of Rule 93.2.5, until passed tractable galloping with a companion on a raceday to gallop past the junction down the back stretch.
The Merits MASTER SUPREME’S rating was raised from 77 to 83 following his victory in the Listed Port Elizabeth Gold Cup over 3200m on the Fairview turf course. It was 3rd placed AFRICA’S GOLD – who won this race in 2020 – who was deemed to make for the best line horse, leaving him unchanged on a rating of
89. In rating the race this way, runner-up STRATHDON also runs to his mark of 105 and remains unchanged, effectively making him a line horse as well. In winning, MASTER SUPREME actually runs to a mark of 88, but the specific conditions of this race do not permit an increase of more than six pounds for the winner, hence his 83 rating.
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The race conditions do not permit any increase in the ratings of placed horses, and so 4th finisher ONESIE (who won this race in 2019, when it was run over 3600m) remains unchanged on 80 even though she runs to a mark of 84. The only drop was for SAN VERDE, who is down from 78 to 74. q
WEATHER PLAYS BALL AT DE GRENDEL
44 Horses and more horses at De Grendel
Bay Media
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Mother Nature dealt the Cape Thoroughbred Sales team and their vendors a far kinder hand on Sunday than she did a month earlier at their Mare & Mixed Sale. The magnificent De Grendel Wine Estate basked on a glorious Indian summer day in the middle of the Cape winter, with the curtain coming down on the inaugural new-look CTS Farm Yearling Sale. The unique and popular sale started as a sales and social and event of popular proportions by John Koster and his Klawervlei team some years ago, went online in 2020 for the first time, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic fallout.
The joining of hands with all breeders and a partnership with CTS saw the 2021 renewal take the next step up on Sunday at the De Grendel Wine Estate, a venue described as ‘world-class’ by CTS Marketing and Bloodstock Director, Grant Knowles. While the recent cancellation of the KZN Yearling Sale scheduled for Durban July week was a blow for breeders across the country, the bidding both physical and online on Sunday was spirited with a great vibe prevailing as ice-cold beers, short sleeves and aircons replaced the gluhwein, windbreakers and heaters of a month earlier. Topseller on the afternoon was
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#126, a Wilgerbosdrift -bred daughter of Kingmambo sire Ideal World. Catchily named Fur Baby, she is out of a winning three-parts sister to Peninsula Handicap winner Wonder Lawn and was knocked down after some spirited mixed-platform bidding to leading owners Basie and Suzette Viljoen for R300 000. See the results – click here The sale aggregate was R7 645 000, with an average of R72 123 and a median of R60 000. Klawervlei sire William Longsword, who produced his third first-crop winner when Imbewu won for Sean Tarry
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The topseller – Wilgerbosdrift’s #126 Fur Baby and the Hollywood Syndicate at Turffontein last Thursday, led the sire averages with his ten lots totalling R790 000 at an average of R79 000. See the sires chart – click here While Klawervlei topped the vendor tables with their 32 lots selling for an aggregate of R2 290 000 at an average of R71 562, Wilgerbosdrift outpointed the former sale hosts on averages with their octet grossing R1 195 000 for an average of R149 375. See the vendor chart – click here Sean Tarry Racing bought 8
lots for a gross R565 000, averaging R70 625. The Gauteng team narrowly outgrossed KZN operation Paul Lafferty Racing, who spent R5 000 less on their quintet, for an average of R112 000.
substantial increase in prize money for the 2022 CTS Farm Sale Stakes Race. Scheduled for June 2022, it will now be worth R400 000, doubling its current R200 000.
See the buyers chart – click here
“Given the economic climate, and thanks to the support from a wide range of vendors and buyers, I think we can feel very satisfied with the results. It was also encouraging that eleven yearlings were purchased by Zimbabweans. The average was good for what was a solid sale at a world-class venue,” a buoyant Grant Knowles told the Sporting Post afterwards.
With an honour roll boosted by the new generation ‘people’s horse’ and Vodacom Durban July fancy Kommetdieding, a R55 000 Farm Sale graduate of his year, the sale enjoyed staunch support. And there was no harm done either that Cape Thoroughbred Sales recently announced a 48
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President Cyril Ramaphosa made the level 3 announcement last week
KZN SALE CANCELLED In a blow to breeders, Bloodstock South Africa announced last Friday that the popular KZN Yearling Sale has been cancelled. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 15 June 2021 that Adjusted Alert Level 3 will be in place from 16 June 2021. Bloodstock South Africa said in a release that the company is committed to align to any updates from the South African Government with regard to the respective restrictions. As such the upcoming KZN Yearling Sale has had to be reviewed in terms of the new
legislative restrictions imposed as a result of the announcement to move to the Adjusted Alert Level 3. Having taken into consideration the compliance implications of hosting a sale at Suncoast Casino in Durban under the Adjusted Alert Level 3 Restrictions and more importantly the focus on the safety of the people attending such a sale – from our vendors and their grooms coming in from all over the country, to buyers and racing enthusiasts, as well as staff, it was decided that it would be in the best interests of all parties to cancel the upcoming KZN Yearling Sale.
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It goes without saying that Bloodstock South Africa will be guided by any updated rulings from the South African Government and would always adhere to the respective regulations. The board of Bloodstock South Africa is very aware of the logistical and financial pressures that the above changes will place on breeders, but feel the decisions taken are required to manage any potential impact to the lives of everyone concerned during the third wave and hopefully allow time for the vaccination programme to be accelerated.
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Design by Winning Media
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Chase Liebenberg
'DAD-BOD' ALDO’S THUMBING A RIDE! 56
Aldo Domeyer - anxious to get back after an injury
A fractured bone in his thumb has Cape star & Drakenstein Stud-sponsored Aldo Domeyer enjoying his ‘dad-bod’ perhaps a little more than he should, as he takes a break from racing. The incident occurred during an unfortunate training accident a few weeks ago. “My weight has escalated a bit, so I’ll have to get into a serious routine to get back into shape. But I am enjoying the dad-bod - it’s something I’m not used to. But I am very comfortable in it!” Aldo told the Sporting Post with a chuckle.
“I just have to be patient. I was trying to make a racemeeting last week but unfortunately the doctor said I just have to wait it out a bit longer. “It’s been a bit difficult watching the babies run without me, but I obviously will continue to support them. I just have to be patient with this journey and actually do what’s right. I’m hoping that in a few weeks’ time I’ll be able to start getting back in shape.” With the injury keeping Aldo out for a few more weeks, he won’t be back in time to make the Vodacom Durban July. He is an eternal optimist and says
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the support he has received has been encouraging. Looking back at his career, Drakenstein Stud-sponsored Aldo agrees that it was only a matter of time before he followed Dad Andrew Fortune into the sport of racing. “Every race is special but when you get to the Gr1 and international level, things escalate and there is just a different feeling. Those are the kind of wins that only come around once in a lifetime. “I’ve been fortunate enough to win quite a few big races. I
think a turning point in my career was Martial Eagle winning the J&B Met in 2013. I always got good opportunities and support from the start of my career, but I think that win was the turning point and to elevate my career to a new level!” He enthuses.
Bass-Robinson racing team. “Clouds Unfold, who has recently retired, was the darling of the yard and I had a nice relationship with her. I think we won about 5 Group races together. She’s beaten the boys and beaten the girls. Every time she was asked to step up to the plate, she did!”
“The fans create that buzz at the races. It helps us elevate our game and you find yourself racing for them. I can’t wait for the day when the fans are allowed back, looking out and seeing those old familiar faces always there supporting us, come rain or come sunshine!
“Things have been going pretty well since then and I started getting associated with some decent horses. Not long after the Met win I joined the Mike and Candice
With the latest restrictions placed on social gatherings, Aldo says he can’t wait for the day when the fans are allowed back at racing.
“I’m really glad the old faithful Joe Public are still supporting racing despite the fact that it’s all behind closed doors,” Aldo concludes with a smile.
Insured! The UK-based Professional Jockeys Association has announced that Ascot Racecourse has agreed to fund a one-month extension to the Professional Jockeys Association’s Career Ending Insurance scheme whilst discussions continue between key racing stakeholders to establish a sustainable long term funding solution.
Board.
The PJA’s Career Ending Insurance Scheme, underwritten by Royal Sun Alliance and brokered by Howden Group, pays out a capital sum should a jockey suffer a career ending injury. The scheme has traditionally been funded by the PJA seeking commercial sponsorship but for the last two years has been funded out of PJA reserves, assisted for the last six months by a grant from the Horserace Betting Levy
“Jockeys of both codes put themselves at risk of serious injury for our entertainment every day. We strongly believe that it is the industry’s responsibility to make sure that there is appropriate protection for them in place in the event of career ending injury.
The insurance was due to expire on 20 June and Ascot’s decision will ensure jockeys continue to be covered whilst discussions around a long-term funding solution progress. Guy Henderson, Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse, said:
“At the end of the 2021 Royal Meeting, I would like to congratulate and thank them 58 all, especially those who had landmark wins, from
Frankie Dettori’s 75th to the six who’ve ridden their first. “As always, we have had unstinting support from all the jockeys this week in terms of participating in extensive domestic and international media activities and our own press conferences and opening ceremonies.” Paul Darling QC, Chairman of the Horserace Betting Levy Board, said: “I applaud the team at Ascot’s farsighted generosity and determination. This gives breathing spacefor the industry to come up with the permanent solution that is obviously essential. I am determined that this will be achieved.”
2022 CAPE PREMIER YEARLING SALE Cape Thoroughbred Sales (CTS) has confirmed that the date for the 2022 Cape Premier Yearling Sale is Sunday, 6 February, 2022, a week after the 2022 Cape Met. Grant Knowles, Bloodstock and Marketing Director for CTS, commented: “We are pleased to advise vendors and buyers of this date, so that they can plan well ahead. As per tradition, the 2022 sale will be held in the spectacular late Cape summer and will be preceded by a golf day, and social functions. The sale itself will offer the customary CTS hospitality.” Knowles reminded breeders that the deadline for entries for the 2021 CTS Ready To Run Sale at Kenilworth on 31 October has been extended from 1 July to 20 August 2021. “We have had an increased demand from vendors after the cancellation of the KZN Yearling Sale, and our Ready To Run Sale will assist those breeders who have not yet had an opportunity to sell their horses.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PICKS One of the great characters of the South African turf, retired trainer Ivan ‘Picks’ Pickering celebrated his 86th birthday on Tuesday at his home in Bloubergstrand on the Cape West Coast. While Ivan is suffering from emphysema, he is reportedly generally in the pink of health according to longstanding carer Rosa Vincent, who accepted the Sporting Post’s good wishes on his behalf. “His health is perfect beyond the emphysema – and seen he smoked cigars for years as if they were going out of fashion, it’s no great surprise,” added the Scotland-born Rosa, who hosted a lunch on Saturday for a few friends and racing personalities. Rosa said with a laugh in her voice that it was wonderful that Ivan ‘still has all his marbles too’. The lunch was attended by former jockey turned NHRA Stipendiary Steward Nicholas Shearer, retired Gold Circle Racing Executive Colin Aitken (in the photograph), Vodacom Durban July trainer Harold Crawford and his sister Denise, as well as former owner of Black Legend, amongst other good horses, Ron Rennison.
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SPURRED BY STAKES?
Ahead of the transfer of the horseracing and tote business from Phumelela to 4Racing, the parties are pleased to announce that initiatives are being undertaken to enhance the business through additional support of horseracing. In a media release published on Monday 21 June 2021, Phumelela advise that stakes for minor races in the Eastern Cape will increase from R50 000 to R60 000 per race in July. Additionally, Listed and Non-Black Type feature races in the Eastern Cape will increase from R85 000 to R100 000 and R80 000 to R90 000, respectively. From the start of the Highveld Spring Season in October, minor races in the three current tiers will increase from R70 000 to R85 000; R77 500 to R92 500 and R85 000 to R100 000, respectively. Simultaneously, Maiden Plates will receive an even bigger increase and rise from R70 000 to R90 000. In addition, SAEHP (SA Equine Health & Protocols) has been provided with funding to stabilise its operations which were disrupted during lockdown.
CREDITORS CELEBRATE In some positive news for unsecured creditors of Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Limited, Business Rescue Specialist John Evans has given notice of an additional distribution which should mean a full settlement of claims. This flows from the terms of the PCF-B Facility provided by Mary Oppenheimer Daughters (Pty) Limited being amended to align repayment of the facility with the implementation of the sale of horse racing transaction to 4 Racing. This includes the waiver of interest charges from the date the facility was paid down to match the selling price of the horse racing business and assets. The back ranking of the PCF-B Facility has a significant benefit for unsecured creditors who will now receive payment sooner than would otherwise have been the case. The business rescue practitioner says that as a result of the contributions to the Plan Fund in May and June, and the abovementioned amendment to the PCF-B Facility agreement, unsecured creditors will be paid their claims in full, i.e. 100 cents in the rand. Payment will be processed in the next few weeks of the unpaid balance of amounts due to those creditors whose claims have been adjudicated and accepted. Equalisation distributions, of 100 cents in the rand, will be paid to those creditors whose claims are subsequently reconciled, adjudicated and accepted. These equalisation dividends are paid regularly. 60
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FRANKEL THE ASCOT ROYAL
62 Mohaafeth wins the Hampton Court Stakes
Megan Ridgwell
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The unbeaten Frankel made another big impression at Royal Ascot last week. The son of Galileo, whose ten Gr1 scores include wins in the Royal Ascot features the St James's Palace Stakes and Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes, has already had a superb year in 2021, and the champion's success continued at the Royal meeting last week. Frankel, whose son Adayar won the 2021 Cazoo Derby by four and a half lengths with another Frankel colt, Hurricane Lane, finishing third, supplied a trio of winners at Ascot, and Frankel's promising three-year-old daughter Snow Lantern caught the eye when running second in the G1 Coronation Stakes at the Royal Meeting. Not only was Frankel responsible for the impressive Gr3 Hampton Court Stakes winner Mohaafeth and Listed Wolferton Stakes hero Juan Elcano, but Frankel colt Amtiyaz beat Frankel mare Dubious Affair into second place when the pair finished first and second in Tuesday's Copper Horse Stakes.
Mohaafeth, now a winner of four of six starts, is out of a mare by Sea The Stars -the brilliant half-brother to Frankel's own sire Galileo. Mohaafeth has a South African connection -his third dam, former Cherry Hinton Stakes runner up Red Rita, is a daughter of the former South African based stallion Kefaah. Interestingly, Juan Elcano and Amtiyaz are out of mares sired by half-brothers Daylami and Dalakhani respectively, making both colts closely inbred to Miswaki. Frankel's triple Gr1 winning own brother Noble Mission also made the frame at Ascot, with his son Spanish Mission finishing third in Thursday's G1 Gold Cup. However, as successful as Frankel was at the 2021 Royal Ascot meeting, his remarkable sire Galileo exerted even more influence over proceedings. Broodmare sire of a pair of winners on Saturday - he is maternal sire of Golden Gates Stakes winner Foxes Tales and Queen Alexandra Stakes victor Stratum - Galileo is also
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responsible for Love, who was such a game winner of Wednesday's Gr1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Ascot. Galileo is also the sire of the unbeaten Teofilo -whose son Subjectivist captured this year's Gr1 Gold Cup, while other sire sons of Galileo to taste success at Royal Ascot in 2021 include Nathaniel, Gleneagles, and Australia. The latter went close to having a notable double with Australia's son Point Lonsdale running out an impressive winner of Saturday's Listed Chesham Stakes and Point Lonsdale's full-brother Broome taking second spot in the same day's Gr2 Hardwicke Stakes. The uber impressive 2021 Gr1 St James's Palace Stakes winner Poetic Flare is a son of Galileo's St James's Palace Stakes winning grandson Dawn Approach, while Galileo is also broodmare sire of rising star sire Night Of Thunder - whose daughter Highfield Princess captured Thursday's Buckingham Palace Stakes.
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66 Oisin Murphy playfully sticks his tongue out as Alcohol Free wins the Coronation Stakes on day four of Royal Ascot 2021 last Friday
Ascot Racecourse
Wela-kapela, MURPHY’S LAW & THE REST! 67
Champion jockey Oisin Murphy secured his first Leading Jockey title at Royal Ascot on Saturday with five victories, one ahead of Ryan Moore, with Frankie Dettori and William Buick both partnering three winners during the meeting. Murphy, whose final day success on Foxes Tales in the Golden Gates Handicap yesterday helped clinch the title, said: “I wouldn’t have expected it if you had asked me on Tuesday morning if I would be leading jockey this
week – of course not. It normally belongs on Ryan or Frankie, but they gave me a turn this week. Thanks very much to the fast horses. It has been a super week. It’s special, because as I get older, I appreciate these days more and more. I know I’m only 25, but life, as we learnt this week, is precious, and it’s a continuous reminder. “My best moment of the week was Alcohol Free. She came along at a very important time in my career last year – I was under a lot of pressure and I managed to nail a Gr1 – and yesterday was a similar
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scenario. The pressure was on.” John & Thady Gosden broke new ground as the first training partnership to take Leading Trainer honours at Royal Ascot. The father and son combination sent out four winners, the same total as Andrew Balding, but took the title by virtue of Reach For The Moon’s second in Saturday’s Listed Chesham Stakes. John Gosden said: “First of all, we had the most glorious weather for three days – cool
on Thursday, stunningly hot and summer on Tuesday and Wednesday, and great racing under those conditions. It was wonderful to see people back in here; 10,000 people, all socially distanced, tests taken. “There is no doubt with the rain that came heavily here on the Friday. The Ascot executive and all the groundstaff did a magnificent job in changing some of the railing, organising to get away from some of the places that were a little bit waterlogged, and we raced right through yesterday and right through today. “Fabulous racing and horses seemed in great order, and I think it’s a testament to willpower that it’s been pulled off with government blessing to go ahead, and I think it’s a very safe environment. Of course, we are in big, open spaces, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, but it was
very safe at the same time. “The first race on the first day, Palace Pier, was wonderful for us. The Gold Cup – we didn’t have the best trip with Stradivarius] but I thought the winner was the best horse, and I think he won in great style. We had a great meeting with some fillies winning G2 races, and it was a good atmosphere here – safe, sensible and people actually coming out and living their lives again.” Godolphin received the Leading Owner award thanks to three victories, including Kemari winning the Gr2 Queen’s Vase and Creative Force beating Naval Crown to provide the operation with a 1-2 in the Gr3 Jersey Stakes.
success and to be crowned Royal Ascot Leading Owner once again is very special. We hope for more success throughout the rest of the year.”
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Hugh Anderson, Godolphin Managing Director (UK and Dubai) said: “I am delighted for everyone at Godolphin and of course His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. This has already been a memorable season for Godolphin with Derby
£129 million Racing fans betting into World Pool, pioneered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Tote and Ascot racecourse in 2019, and played in Britain and Ireland via the Tote, once again
enjoyed exceptional value at Royal Ascot last week. For the third year at Royal Ascot, World Pool saw over 20 leading racing nations, including the UK, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, South
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Africa and the US betting into a single pool for the 35 races which generated total liquidity of £129 million (over US$178 million).
TELLYTRACK – TAKING NOTES? 70
Ascot Racecourse
ITV must be commended for their professional presentation of the Royal Ascot festival last week. The focus was all about the racehorse. The production was so successful that television ratings once again hit record levels. The quality of this presentation should surely convince South Africa’s racing authorities that by upgrading the technology of on-course cameras and the efficient management of the presenters and guest analysts, things will improve here. The slick production at Royal Ascot included a panel of retired champion jockeys, commentators and leading racing pundits. After an introduction of the panel and an overall description of the day’s races and conditions, the panels nap bets were aired. Not four or five selections per race, but only the winning selection and a possible danger. The input from the panel was concise and informative regarding the runners and delivered in a professional yet easy manner. Presenters in the parade ring provided the viewer with insight into each of the runners’ physical wellbeing - not the form of the horse which can be found in a race card. Graphics at the bottom
of the television screen highlighted each horses’ connections, draw and weight in the saddle. The on-course camera work was excellent, focussing on each horse in turn. The high-quality images of the horses was so lifelike that the viewer could see the horse’s dapples and gleaming coats. The horses appeared bigger than usual on the screen.
enclosure.
Race betting was provided via a leading bookmakers board and then disseminated clearly onto the screen showing the name of horse, the trainer of the runner, and jockey and the latest betting odds. The presenter highlighted any changes.
Francesca Cumani, one of ITV Racing’s co-presenters, said of the high ratings: “From my perspective, it’s all very positive because there was focus from us on the horses, pre-race, post-race, and in-depth analysis, looking at every horse in the paddock, having a presenter down at the start. You’d like to think people were staying tuned in because they were learning and were more invested in the outcome.”
Race time, and the commentator called the races in a professional manner, clearly and with limited hype. The commentary was always informative, witty and very exciting at the finish. The cameras positioned around the track and on the vehicles moving with the horses during each race produced highquality resolution images of the race. Again, it felt like one was much closer to the action. Post-race interviews with every winning jockey, while still in the saddle near the finishing post, were interesting and entertaining. Owners were given their moment of glory in the winner’s
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Informative analysis after each race was provided by luminaries like Sir AP McCoy and Johnny Murtagh. They provided a jockey’s perspective on how the race unfolded. The tactics used that determined the result of the race were explained in an easy and interesting manner.
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HKJC
CASPAR GHOSTS INTO LEAD 72
Caspar Fownes’ five-timer on Sunday gives him the edge
Drakenstein Stud
In a phenomenal show of strength crowned by victories in the final two Group races of the Hong Kong season, Caspar Fownes has taken a decisive upper hand in the battle with John Size for the 2020/21 trainers’ championship with a quintet at Sha Tin on Sunday. Bidding for a fourth title, Fownes leads 11-time champion Size 74-67 with seven meetings left in the current term after his imposing 12-horse string dominated with five victories and two seconds across ten races. Champion in 2006/07, 2008/09 and 2013/14, Fownes entered the 81st meeting of the season with a two-win buffer over Size. By day’s end, he had boosted his stocks in spectacular fashion with victories by Joy Master, Lucky Quality, Southern Legend, Sky Field and Killer Bee to equal his previous best haul at Sha Tin. Symbolically, Fownes’ show of strength traversed the age gap – from veteran Southern Legend’s G3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m) triumph to Sky Field’s effort to lead home stablemate and BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) victor Sky Darci in the G3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) to the continued
emergence of Killer Bee. “We needed to do something good, something big that makes a statement and we’ve done that today. Now it’s good luck, we’re there and we’ve got the momentum going. I’ve got a lot more winners coming so I’m happy, feeling good. It’s been a great day,” Fownes said. Sky Field’s rasping finish validated Fownes’ faith in the Deep Field gelding and provided Blake Shinn with a massive thrill, leaving Fownes to plot a possible course to December’s 2021 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. “I’ve told you how good he is and it was wonderful to see Blake get the result with him. He settled beautifully for Blake last start and again today over an extra furlong he settled really well. In the run ‘I said ‘I know what he can do’. The best is yet to come with him, so it’s wonderful,” Fownes said. “Caspar just emphasised to switch the horse off and use his best asset, which is his turn of foot. The horse did everything right,” the Melbourne Cupwinning jockey said. “When I produced him, he picked them up effortlessly and ran right through the line. It’s great because we’ve all believed in this horse’s ability and he stood up and beat a quality field. It’s just fantastic
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to win a Group race here in Hong Kong.” Describing Sky Field’s acceleration as “electric”, Shinn said the chestnut “feels like a genuine Group 1 horse and he’s been placed in the sprint two runs ago at the highest level in Hong Kong and from the first time I got on him, I thought he was a Group 1 horse.” “Even though he didn’t win a Group 1 today, I’m sure next preparation he’s only going to flourish and become a really big force in the coming season,” the Australian said. “To win this race here today for Caspar, who’s been a supporter from day one, is very meaningful. It’s Caspar’s day today.” Fownes said Sky Darci will now be spelled. “He was great, he’s had a huge season and it was a great effort to come back again at the end of the year. You know how hot it is and we’ve kept them up all season,” he said. Hong Kong racing continued at Happy Valley today.
updated 2021-06-22
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�
1158 890 947 532 714
182 137 122 81 67
148 113 107 71 69
119 88 103 57 57
15.7 15.4 12.9 15.2 9.4
Other Places Place % 150 90 109 61 66
417 291 319 189 192
36.0 32.7 33.7 35.5 26.9
Win Stake (R)
Total Stakes (R)
9,037,825 13,441,975 7,431,700 11,327,800 5,941,300 10,130,700 4,987,100 7,196,300 4,239,388 6,378,488
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
1560 1036 779 787 1068
203 131 79 99 112
179 124 93 127 109
238 161 141 132 129
15.3 15.5 18.1 16.8 12.1
Other Places Place % 231 153 98 118 137
613 408 270 344 358
Win Stake (R)
Total Stakes (R)
39.3 10,081,475 15,666,850 39.4 9,380,975 13,636,725 34.7 6,679,000 9,816,613 43.7 4,044,600 6,555,675 33.5 7,699,650 11,396,200
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
302 432 218
1628 56,036 2364 38,563 1243 49,267
141 216 155 220 74 131
46.7 35.9 33.9
553 781 336
10 10 7
16 16,922,938 13 16,659,138 16 10,740,113
164 132
856 60,476 733 59,559
84 147 57 95
51.2 43.2
320 242
10 7
12 13
9,918,000 7,861,800
B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs %
B.T. Wins
Total Stakes (R)
15 6 6 11 5
10,704,875 8,698,125 8,553,950 8,283,275 8,026,950
SIRES Name Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) What A Winter Master Of My Fate Silvano (GER) Querari (GER)
Runrs Runs AEPR 192 176 184 163 205
1065 995 1179 914 1142
55,755 49,421 46,489 50,818 39,156
91 82 83 71 76
149 131 122 108 114
47.4 46.6 45.1 43.6 37.1
345 354 429 276 397
See all the detailed standings - Click here 74
12 4 5 7 4
BEST BETS OUTSIDE
EURO 2020/21 While much of the focus is clearly on Euro 2020 right now, Chad Nagel takes a look at the lesser-known leagues around the world and picks out a six-leg multiple bet in an effort to make some extra cash. Thursday 24 June 15/20 Kristiansund BK | Draw 9/4 | Mjondalen IF 33/10 (18:00) Looking at the fixtures in the Norwegian Eliteserien, Kristiansund BK look a sure bet
against Mjondalen IF. The hosts are third in the table with five wins from their last six matches. The visitors, meanwhile, languish in 13th spot and have lost the last Three meetings with the Owls. Jump on the home win at 15/20 and thank me later.
Santos given 34/10 odds to win at Gremio. It's quite strange because Gremio have got off to an awful start, losing their opening three matches. Also, they haven’t managed to beat Santos in the last four meetings. The away win is a great bet.
Friday 25 June
Saturday 26 June
19/20 Gremio | 2/1 | Santos 34/10 (02:30)
27/20 Melbourne City | 22/10 | Sydney 17/10 (08:05)
In Brazil's Serie A championship, there appears to be an absolute gift for punters with
Heading to the Australian A-League, another good bet to include in your multiples
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would be Both Teams to Score (Yes) in the Melbourne City-Sydney matchup. Both of these sides are in incredible form and it could prove to be a free-scoring game if both attacks are on song. You can get Both Teams to Score at 5/10. 3/10 Soligorsk | 37/10 | Brest 9/1 (19:45) In the Belarusian Premier League, Shakhtyor Soligorsk look a top bet to beat Dynamo Brest this weekend. The reigning champions have won all of their 13 matches played and boast the best attack and defence in the league, having scored 31 goals and conceding just six. Add the 3/10 home win to all weekend multiples. Sunday 27 June 26/10 Grotta | 34/10 | Fram Reykjavik 7/10 (18:00)
Here's a banker for you in Iceland’s second division. Fram Reykjavik have been strolling in the second tier, winning all seven of their games, scoring 24 goals while conceding four. The runaway leaders should ease past seventh-placed Grotta, who have suffered back-to-back losses. Make sure you include them.
MULTIPLE @ 31/1
2/7 FK Bodo/Glimt | 44/10 | Stabaek 33/10 (18:00)
Fram Reykjavik Win 7/10
If you're searching for a winning bet, you just have to include Bodo/Glimt in your multiple this week, here's why – both these sides are at opposite ends of the table with Bodo/Glimt top of the Norwegian Eliteserien, while Stabaek are 15th with just one win from their opening six games. I know they are very short priced but I can't see anything other than a win for the table toppers.
Kristiansund Win 15/20 Santos Win 34/10 Melbourne City vs Sydney BTTS 5/10 Soligorsk Win 3/10
Bodo/Glimt Win 2/7
CAN YOU HELP? CARING FOR EQUINES COSTS PLENTY! Please visit us at www.coastalhorsecareunit.org.za
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