Sporting Post Sprint 19 October 2022 v2 by Sporting Post

Greg Bortz – takes the reins

CHAIRMAN BORTZ –‘HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH A WORK IN PROGRESS’

Greg Bortz takes the next step on the Cape Racing renaissance road as he takes over from Brad Ralph as Chairman of Kenilworth Racing.

To ensure a seamless transition to build the momentum created in the Western Cape, Ralph will step down as Chairman of Kenilworth Racing and hand over the reins to Bortz.

A media release published on Tuesday by Kenilworth Racing states that Ralph

has committed more than just his time and emotional energy to ensuring the survival of KR and that they wanted to thank him for his service on the board and thankless devotion and effort over the past four years, of which the last two were as Chair.

Added Bortz: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Brad over the past few months. His calm demeanour, comprehensive knowledge and love of racing are just some of the reasons why KR was able to survive the last few years, despite the most challenging of environments. KR

as a whole, and myself personally, look forward to maintaining our deep ties and friendship with Brad.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s return to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Bortz told the Sporting Post that they are in the stages of a year-long project to upgrade the historic Southern Suburbs venue.

“Most things will be completely indiscernible to the public, but were nonetheless critical fixes.

There were some really massive projects, included repairing the entire roof of the Grandstand and next door buildings, which were all leaking terribly. We have changed most of the windows, which were housed in broken frames and a future potential health hazard,” said Bortz, who added that upgrading the broken escalators was a massive repair job. “We have also painted the entire building, installed perimeter fencing and

overhauled all the bathrooms. The carpets were replaced and we have redone the floors throughout the building. Then there are the staff break areas, as well as a new jockey’s room.”

He said that the KR team was working with third parties to add some exciting new entertainment features to help drive traffic to the venue all year round. These will be announced in due course.

“The capex budget is extensive and the project is a work-inprogress. The scaffolding for the roof and window maintenance will

be removed for Saturday’s raceday and put back up afterwards,” said Bortz, who suggested we should watch the news for major new non-racing initiatives (entertainment, food & beverage) that would be announced in the upcoming months.

The first race at Kenilworth on Saturday starts at 12h35.

A major facelift for Kenilworth is underway

Sporting Post photographer Chase Liebenberg captured the memories at Hollywoodbets Durbanville during the Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series Loremipsumdolorsitamet,consectetueradipiscingelit,seddiamnonummynibheuismodtinciduntutlaoreetdolore magnaaliquameratvolutpat.Utwisienimadminimveniam,quisnostrudexercitationullamcorpersuscipitlobortisnislut aliquipexeacommodoconsequat.Duisautemveleumiriuredolorinhendreritinvulputatevelitessemolestieconsequat, velillumdoloreeufeugiatnullafacilisisatveroerosetaccumsanetiustoodiodignissimquiblanditpraesentluptatumzzri delenitaugueduisdoloretefeugaitnullafacilisi. Chase Liebenberg

CHARLES DICKENS WRITES THE

CHAPTER

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Cover Image Cover courtesy of Chase Liebenberg

The sun sets at Hollywoodbets Durbanville today on the inaugural Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series.

The innovative eight racemeeting series, which cast the spotlight on the ‘Country Course’ from 7 September, was a winner in all respects and amongst plenty of intrigue and high-quality racing action was highlighted by cracking renewals of the traditional Cape summer season launchpads of the Hollywoodbets

Gr3 Matchem Stakes and Hollywoodbets Gr3 Diana Stakes on Saturday, 1 October.

Silver Operator and Trip of Fortune fought out a virtual knockdown brawl in the Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes with the former, Vaughan Marshall’s runner edging the Grade 3 1400m contest by a whisker on a photo. However, an objection was immediately lodged by the Stipes on behalf of the runner-up against the winner who they felt drifted off a straight line and caused interference.

After deliberations, hearing evidence from jockeys Aldo

Domeyer and Grant van Niekerk, plus viewing head on video evidence of the bumping bout, the officials decided to uphold their objection giving Hollywoodbets Matchem honours to Trip of Fortune (Domeyer), who looks an exciting prospect for the season ahead.

The Bass-Robinson / Drakenstein/Trippi connections enjoyed a feature double on that memorable afternoon when Santa Maria unleashed a big finish to extend her

record at Hollywoodbets Durbanville to a perfect three wins from three starts in the Gr 3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes over 1400m. The final time was a full two seconds slower than the Hollywoodbets Matchem. She was all out to defeat favourite Chansonette by half a length, after that one had moved up with menace midway down the straight before rolling about towards the finish.

And it was not only the horseracing that entertained. The intimacy and rural ambience of Hollywoodbets Durbanville certainly lends itself to a day of enjoying the racing in a family oriented environment of outdoor entertainment, that over the series included live music, family entertainment, an enthusiastically patronized potjiekos competition and wine and gin tasting. And with the spring weather playing ball, a host of bumper racedays have brought the crowds back on course.

In the final chapter of the 2022 Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series today, a seven race programme commences at 13h35 and includes another chapter of the free-to-enter Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge, with a massive R240 000 bonus jackpot up for grabs.

Adding to the spring infused splash of colour on course, Western Cape horseracing introduced the distinct barrier draw aligned saddle cloths from the first Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series meeting.

This feature has been successfully employed in KwaZulu-Natal racing for the last three years and makes spotting your favourite horse a whole lot easier.

On Saturday the spotlight moves to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, where the R250 000 Gr3 Cape Classic , a strategic stepping stone for progressive 3yos, headlines a top notch programme, with three support features, including the Listed Southeaster Sprint, the Need For Speed Sprint and the Prestige Plate.

Candice Bass-Robinson has high Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas hopes for her smashing Trippi colt Charles Dickens, who won the Listed Somerset 1200 at his second start and then opened his 3yo account with a facile victory at Hollywoodbets Durbanville three weeks ago to keep his unbeaten record intact..

The chestnut now goes the 1400m for the first time in the Gr2 Cape Classic on Saturday and stable confidence is running high. He looks hard to beat.

The Saturday meeting is off at 12h35 and includes nine well filled action-packed races

Looking ahead the Cape Summer Season will be the national focal

point of horseracing from 1 November to 28 February 2023, with high-class feature contests setting the scene for a refreshing return of horse racing to its actionpacked best, where the sky is the limit!

Candice Bass-Robinson adjusts the bridle of unbeaten Charles Dickens who is fancied to make it four-from-four on Saturday Chase Liebenberg

ABDICATION IS ALWAYS AN OPTION

Crawford Racing has one entry on the Cape Racing Ready To Run and unbroken 2yo Sale at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 29 October. He is Lot 48, a bay colt by No Nay Never (Scat Daddy) from Pink Jubilee, by Rock Of Gibraltar, named The Abdicator.

Brett Crawford has high

praise for this one. He said: “The Abdicator is well bred, and exciting prospect with lots of scope and his sire is really flying overseas.”

The Abdicator’s female line is nothing to frown at, either.

His winning dam is a sister to former Equus Champion 3-y-o filly Alboran Sea, herself the dam of Marmara Sea, the 11-time winner and ace runner in Gqeberha for

the last several seasons.

The sale starts at 14h30 on 29 October, with the gallops commencing at 10h00.

Click here for the catalogue.

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PROMISING LIGHTWEIGHT MOVES BACK TO CAPE

Promising multiple Champion Apprentice

Joshwin Solomons has returned to Cape Town after an experience and confidence building twoyear stint on the Highveld.

Probably best remembered for his cucumber cool ride on the then still relatively unknown Captain’s Ransom to win the 2020 Gr3 Diana

Stakes on the subsequent SA Horse Of The Year, who was having just her fourth start, the 21-yearold son of jockey Morne Winnaar has shown top-class ability.

He marked his maiden Graded race success that happy October day at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, as well as bringing up his 20th career winner. The previous month he rode his first treble, for the Snaith Racing team.

He told the Sporting Post that he was looking forward to the challenges in the newly invigorated racing jurisdiction in his hometown, and also to building on his career tally of 78 winners.

Josh suffered a broken ankle in 2020 which set his championship aspirations back and had a late start last term as a result of having a plate removed

The Chase Liebenberg Photography-sponsored Joshwin Solomons Chase Liebenberg

from his ankle.

Western Cape champion apprentice two seasons in a row, he is sponsored by leading Cape racing photographer Chase Liebenberg.

“I think the Cape is going through an exciting phase and I’m fortunate to stand in my boots at 46kgs. There may be more opportunities for lightweight riders here and I will be working hard

and riding plenty of work. I am not attached to any stable as yet,” he said.

He confirmed that he will be residing with well-known horsewoman Wendy Michel, an accomplished former amateur jockey and assistant trainer. Just as Gwen Heyns played ‘Mom’ to a generation of apprentice riders in years gone by, Wendy, whose daughter Genevieve Michel was a leading jockey, will be keeping a watchful and guiding eye on the promising Joshua.

He takes two rides at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday 19 October.

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A NORMANDY KINDA BIRTHDAY!

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Veronica and her 15 year old son Oscar lead In Camera (Garth Puller) in after her debut win

It’s a Mom and good Son birthday celebration today with lifetime Cape breeders Veronica and Oscar Foulkes celebrating their respective special day.

Nobody’s asking and nobody’s telling ages, but Oscar let slip to the Sporting Post earlier this week that he was born on Mom’s 21st birthday.

The Normandy Stud family are a part of the Cape racing fabric and furniture locally, and have bred a host of Equus and Gr1 champions. And it is no surprise that they will

be in action at the Cape Racing Sales Ready To Run Sale at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth next week.

Oscar kindly sent us this beautiful black and white snap of he and Mom leading in the subsequent 1983 Stuttafords Cape Fillies Guineas winner In Camera with Garth Puller up after her debut win.

“I was just 15 at the time, and it was my first day at the racesalthough I’d watched from the car park prior to that,” he recalls.

“My mother has been living with us in Cape Town since August 2020, having had a series of health

crises. She’s bounced back extremely well from those - she’s one of the toughest people I know - and having encountered some tough people in the course of the marathon mountain bikeevents I’ve done - that’s saying a lot,” he adds proudly. He confirms that Veronica spends half the week on the farm, and joins him for the rest of the time in Cape Town.

Veronica was born De Wet and the family settled in Robertson as far back as 1859.

Her parents, Oscar and

Margaret de Wet, farmed and her father ran the finest twice a day milking herd of Fresian cattle in the country from their Excelsior farm.

Oscar and Zandvliet’s Paulie de Wet were cousins. “Willie Langerman boarded horses with my grandfather and then my father. My mother did the Thoroughbreds and she loved it,” explains Veronica. “When my father died, she carried on with the horses. My brother Stephen finished school, studied viticulture in Germany and then came home and also took an interest in the horses.” Did Veronica pursue any studies? “Nothing useful,” she smiles mischievously. Excelsior enjoyed success, producing the likes of Country Cousin, San Louis, Gondolier, Ethno Centric and Bushmanland,

although Stephen later focused on breeding Arabians instead.

Veronica married veterinarian Tommy Foulkes and the original Normandy was established in 1971, on what is today Litchfield Stud. They later acquired the additional tract of land that the current stud occupies, eventually selling the Litchfield portion to Ken MacKenzie. “Tommy did vet work and I did the stud work, although I learnt an enormous amount –even about small animals. I never lost a patient,” she smiles. “But we worked bloody hard. We’d be up at 6am, even after being up all night for foalings.”

Alongside Tommy, Veronica bred Aquanaut, Enforce etc. Being from the Karoo, Tommy knew all the old families and bought three mares from Alec Robertson, including Tramore and Entre Nous, from which the farm has produced a number of good horses. Entres

Nous produced Cape Fillies Guineas winner, In Camera in partnership with the Jaffees. Tramore’s first foal was a colt named Tribesman by New South Wales, who went on to win the 1977 SA Derby. She also produced a Drum Beat filly named Terpsichore, who was a 4-time winner, but more importantly produced French Muse (dam of Horse of the Year, Winter Solstice), and Russian Muse (dam of Mother Russia) with other branches of the family producing the likes of Bravura and Cap Alright.

The story doesn’t end there but you get the idea.

Happy birthday Veronica and Oscar – and many more to both of you!

MYSTERY DAME WELCOMES DECLARATIONOFPEACE FILLY

In a foaling record for the farm in one day, five mares welcomed five fillies at `Macrath Stud for Rathmor Stud on Thursday.

Mystery Dame (Jet Master), the dam of Gr1 winner Lady In Black and Gr2 winner and KZN Mile winner Nexus, produced a filly by Declarationofpeace.

Others to foal included Fiftyshadesdarker (Gimmethegreenlight), a full sister to Gr1 winner Gunnar, by Declarationofpeace as well as Clarion Call (Kabool) – the dam of Hollywood Syndicate’s multiple winning full siblings Spyda’s Corner and Purple Powahouse.

Last but not least were Seeking Venus (Trippi) and the last Noble

Tune foal to be born came from Spice Girl (Var).

Declarationofpeace (War Front) covered a full book last season and has once again received maximum support for the current season.

HEWITSON FAMILY'S SUPER SUNDAY!

S'Manga Khumalo is the picture of confidence as Sea Master returns

Candiese Lenferna

Just hours after his champion jockey son Lyle was demonstrating his ample skills 10 000 km away at Sha Tin in Hong Kong, Summerveld trainer Carl Hewitson celebrated a fine training achievement when the consistent Sea Master backed up just a week after winning at the same venue, when he scored in the R100 000 PinkDrive Michaelmas Handicap at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Earlier on a memorable Sunday for the Hewitson family, S J Tourbillon landed a HK$1 million PP Bonus for his owners with a narrow victory in the H. Moser & CIE. Excellent Handicap after scrambling to a nose margin under the talented multiple national champion Lyle for trainer Douglas Whyte.

Formerly prepared by Aidan

O’Brien in Ireland where he was a two-year-old maiden winner before finishing second in the 2021 Gr3 Hampton Stakes at Royal Ascot, S J Tourbillon had placed only once in 11 starts since export to Hong Kong. But Lyle produced the magic.

Across the world at a cloudy Durban on the PinkDrive raceday, the Varsfontein-bred Sea Master finished with a sustained burst under Smanga Khumalo to register his maiden stakes success - just a week after winning - to make it a fine treble.

Allowed to relax as Super Silver made the fractions in the 1900m contest, Sea Master (3-1) burst through down the inside in the distinctive De Haast yellow and black flag to hold off a solid late challenge from Fight Song (8-1) by 1,40 lengths in a time of 116.94 secs.

Bash (33-10) ran third, a further 1,10 lengths away.

The winner was a sentimental hero on a day when South African racing learnt of the sad passing of Henry Devine, a man who changed our local breeding landscape with the fairytalewriting Jet Master. Sea Master is a son of Master Of My Fate, a R3 million yearling son of the great Jet Master and a multiple Gr1 winning stallion in his own right.

Bred by Varsfontein, Sea Master is a R175 000 National Yearling Sale graduate and out of the multiple winner producing Spectrum mare, Subyan Dreams (GB).

Sea Master has won 5 races with 9 places from 23 starts for stakes of R409 250.

FUTURA FLYING

Drakenstein Stud’s inform sire Futura continues to make waves, with Futura progeny continue to win all over South Africa.

In 12 days, Futura has been responsible for no fewer than eight winners, with his progeny also snaring a further eight placings during that period.

Futura struck again at Turffontein on Saturday afternoon when his classy

daughter Pink Tourmaline defeated a high-class field to win the Furious Room Coffee Shop Now Open Pinnacle Stakes (1800m) in impressive fashion.

Under JP Van Der Merwe, the Crawford trained five-year-old powered away to win by more than a length and a half, while accounting for champion Nebraas, with fellow graded stakes winners Marchingontogether, Bold Fortune, Second Base, Black Thorn, Divine Odyssey, Imperial Ruby and Ultra Magnus among

the beaten runners.

Winner of last season’s G2 Track And Ball Oaks, the Drakenstein Stud bred Pink Tourmaline (who holds an entry for the 2022 G1 Gauteng Summer Cup) has now won seven of 19 starts, with the Futura mare’s other previous wins including a triumph in the 2022 Listed Ardmore Jamaica Handicap.

Another Varsfontein product in the grey Judpot gelding Boundless

Frankie Dettori’s signature dismount from Kinross after Gr1 success at Ascot on Saturday

‘Twenty-four hours later, the female family celebrated a new stakes winner – and, in South Africa of all places!’

Racing TV

That racing continues to transcend international borders was starkly illustrated this past weekend.

On Saturday, the prestigious Qipco British Champions Day took place at Ascot, where the talking point on the day was undoubtedly the shock defeat of unbeaten Baeed in the Gr1 Champion Stakes. However, our focus is on the Kingman gelding Kinross, who flashed an impressive turn of foot to run away with the Gr1 British Champions Sprint Stakes, one of four

others top level races on the undercard.

The five-year-old has taken his form to new heights this season and won his fourth race on the trot whilst completing a fine Gr1 double following his success in the Gr1 Prix de la Foret earlier this month.

Of interest here is the fact that twenty-four hours later, the female family celebrated a new stakes winner – and, in South Africa of all places!

That honour went to the Carl Hewitson-trained Sea Master, a winner of the Listed Michaelmas Handicap at Hollywoodbets

Greyville. There may be somewhat of a difference between a Listed and a Gr1 race, but black type is black type and for the son of Master Of My Fate, this proved a significant milestone.

A model of consistency and every owner's dream, he has not finished further back than second in his last seven starts, whilst also completing a hat-trick of wins in the Michaelmas. Remarkably, he had won over 2300m just a week prior to his stakes success!

Bred by Varsfontein Stud,

Sea Master charges to victory in the PinkDrive Listed Michaelmas under Smanga Khumalo Candiese Lenferna

Sea Master is out of the imported mare Subyan Dreams. A stakes-placed winner in Britain at three, she became a prolific broodmare and is the dam of eleven winners from a dozen foals.

While Sea Master is her first stakes winner, she had already produced two Gr1 performers in Felix The Cat and MLjet. The former, a filly by Black Minnaloushe trained by Duncan Howells, finished second in both the Gr1 Durban Golden Slipper and Thekwini Stakes, whilst MLjet's impressive string of

Graded stakes places was topped by a third in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes.

The salient point of Subyan Dreams' connection to Kinross is that she is a half-sister to his grandam Villa Carlotta, an Irish stakes winner by Rainbow Quest. They are in fact three-part sisters in blood, as both Rainbow Quest and Spectrum are sons of Blushing Groom.

Sadly, Varsfontein Stud no longer has the family. Sentiment has no place in today's ultra-competitive business of horse breeding and Sea Master's stakes success came too late: Subyan Dreams is no more, and the farm has kept none

of her daughters.

Sea Master's success also carried with it a certain poignancy, for it came on the same day South African racing lost one of its stalwart owner/breeders, Henry Devine. Together with his charming wife Pat, he raced and owned the mighty Jet Master, who of course is the sire of both MLjet and Master Of My Fate.

DOUBLE STRIKE FOR CAESOUR DAUGHTER

Caesour matron Bearing Strait enjoyed a notable double recently when both her unbeaten daughter Kiss Me Captain (Captain Of All) and son Master Of Coin won their respective races on the same day at the Vaal earlier in October. Both are trained by the Azzie family.

Bearing Strait's double was a feather in the cap for the Soal family who bred Kiss Me Captain.

The Soals purchased Bearing Strait from Rob Pickering, when she was carrying Master Of Coin (Byword).

Three-year-old Kiss Me Captain has made the perfect start to her racing career, reeling off wins in each of her first three starts. The daughter of former champion sprinter Captain Of All followed up her two length win on debut by scoring nearly three lengths next time out, and most recently caught the eye when powering home to score by a length and a half at the Vaal. That same day saw her half-

brother Master Of Coin pick up his second win when scoring over 2000 metres.

Sadly Bearing Strait died last year, but the mare has done her owners proud.

Courtney Soal admits the family have high hopes for Kiss Me Captain, saying of the filly, "She was a super baby from the start. She showed promise from early on and took to training like a duck to water. She is not a fan of the horse walker, but

Caesour: Nureyev - Don't Sulk (Graustark) bay, 1989 Jeremy Nelson

otherwise she is a big softie at heart."

Her half-brother Master Of Coin, who is closely inbred to Nureyev, is described by Courtney as: "He has always been a bold and flashy horse and I am pretty sure he thinks he still is a stallion! We have already had offers to take him showing."

Caesour, sire of Bearing Strait, is no stranger to enjoying success as a broodmare sire. The late son of outstanding sire and broodmare sire Nureyev is damsire of a host of high-class gallopers including Equus

Champion Dancewiththedevil (Modus Vivendi), Gr1 SA Derby dead-heater Royal Bencher (Greys Inn), Gr1 Paddock Stakes victress Emerald Cove (Captain Al), and Oleksandra (Animal Kingdom). The latter, who is out of Caesour's dual graded stakes winning daughter Alexandra Rose, won eight times notably the 2020 Gr1 Jaipur Stakes.

Bearing Strait, whose Dynasty half-brother Wild Wicket won four times including the 2018 Listed Michael Roberts Handicap and also ran third in the 2018 G3 Gold Cup, also hailed from a strong female line. Her Gr1 placed dam Firstnightbliss was a Jallad halfsister to four black type horses, including the graded stakes

winners Sevillano (Cordoba) and Herod The Great (Tara's Halls) as well as the Caesour sired stakes performer Flavius.

Bearing Strait's granddam Waltzing Wallaby was a daughter of top class sire Kenmare, and Waltzing Wallaby's granddam Evastrive was a half-sister to US champion 2YO, and successful sire, Lord Avie (Lord Gaylord).

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dolore te feugait nulla facilisi. Adam and Mike Azzie – done well with the pair JC Photos

RACHEL LEAPFROGS TO LEAD

Sunday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville turf meeting was the start of the Hollywoodbets Sizzling Summer Challenge 2022 which runs until 30 December. The second meeting in the series was held on the polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday.

After the two meetings Keagan de Melo leads the way on the jockey leaderboard with 88 points. Serino Moodley is nine

points back in second.

In terms of the trainer competition, Michael Roberts is tied for first with Kom Naidoo. Both share 70 points, three ahead of Wendy Whitehead on 67.

Captain Spirit and Natalia top the horse/owner leaderboard with 14 points.

On Monday, Rachel Venniker leapfrogged Malesela Katjedi into first on the apprentice leaderboard. She leads on 49 points with Katjedi five points

worse off in second.

The Hollywoodbets Sizzling Summer Challenge has a total of R1 000 000 up for grabs for owners, jockeys, trainers and apprentices. See all the logs and read more here.

Log-leader Rachel Venniker does it for the ladies on PinkDrive raceday Candiese

Lenferna

Candiese Lenferna Garth Puller with Sporting Post-sponsored Athandiwe Mgudlwa at Hollywoodbets Greyville

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

The Sporting Post is proud to have joined the ranks of jockey sponsors.

Promising riders Athandiwe Mgudlwa and Calvin Ngcobo have joined the SP team, with

more signings to follow!

OLD – BUT SOLID GOLD!

What a Saturday it turned out to be at Ascot. Most of us couldn’t afford to back the son of Frankel, but we were all riding on Baaeed. Amazingly, after his bubble was burst in the Champion Stakes, it turned out that the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Frankie Dettori.

Kinross was one of the best-backed horses of the meeting, halving in price from the widely-available 6/1 earlier in the week to clear 3/1 favourite on the off for the Champions Sprint.

And there was never a

moment’s doubt. “I kicked on earlier than I would with him,” Dettori said. It gave backers the opportunity to roar him home for fully two furlongs. The win came just two weeks on from winning the Prix de la Foret over seven furlongs.

Dettori pushed any thoughts of retirement out of his mind with the QIPCO Champions Day double at - the 51 year old is now looking ahead to the Breeders Cup and his 2022 is not looking half bad after a few rollercoaster moments.

But lest we forget that this is Frankieland – most know it as Ascot. The venue for his Magnificent Seven, now

unbelievably all of 26 years ago. It’s the place where he got the bookies running for cover as he threatened to go through the card again at Royal Ascot in 2019. The track where he has ridden 76 Royal Ascot winners, second only to the late, great, Lester Piggott. A course where racegoers pass a statue of Dettori himself as they filter through into the grand, shiny, setting for Champions Day.

Success in the Qipco Champions Sprint with Kinross and the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes aboard Emily

A pensive Frankie Dettori – now looking forward to Breeders Cup weekend

Racing TV

Upjohn ensured Dettori was in the headlines on Saturday for all the right reasons – despite a short-priced defeat on Inspiral in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

The day had started with the Italian raising the possibility in an article with The Sun that next season could well be his last.

By his own admission he has had an ‘up and down’ year. It began well with him winning the Dubai World Cup on Country Grammer, but he endured a pretty miserable Royal Ascot, which saw his partnership with John and Thady Gosden become strained and led to a brief but wellpublicised ‘sabbatical’.

The weekend of 8 October was also eventful for Dettori, with a heavy fall at Newmarket quickly forgotten after winning the Dewhurst on Chaldean.

On Saturday he arrived at Ascot on the sport’s marquee day with a good book of rides, with arguably Inspiral his best chance –but she blew any possibility of success by completely missing the break.

When questioned about his retirement plans this time next year he said: “I might. It is a possibility. But I didn’t say I was going to. I will keep it going. Everybody is

always asking. So I always tell them it is a possibility.”

Straight after, Dettori was on Emily Upjohn, one of the horses who possibly contributed to his brief parting of the ways with the Gosdens as she slipped coming out of the stalls in the Oaks before being beaten a short head in a dramatic finish.

Drawn wide in stall 10 Dettori did not panic on the filly, who had not run since pulling away her chance in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes back in July.

Emily Upjohn finally produced the performance her connections have long felt her capable of, bolting up by three lengths.

“It would have been heartbreaking not to win a Gr1 with this filly this year after what happened at Epsom in the Oaks,” said Dettori adding that he was delighted and she will stay in training next year.

“Nothing went right at Epsom, then for some reason she ran no race in the King George. John and the owners decided to give her a break. I’ve been riding her last couple of mornings and she has been given me the ‘wow’ factor again.

“It’s an amazing job the team has done. After four months to be pitched into a Group One and do what she did is amazing.”

He went on: “To ride Group One winners on days like Saturday is what it’s all about. I had a tough draw on Kinross and a tough

draw on Emily but I got her relaxed so I wasn’t too bothered I didn’t have cover. When I pressed the button she went.

“I’m ending the season well, this is a massively important day, there’s lots going on. I was unlucky with my draw in the Arc (on Torquator Tasso, second) with 18, I’ve lost a couple of Group Ones through suspension (Lezoo and Commissioning), but overall I can’t complain. I’m not retiring yet!

“I’ll do the last Newmarket meeting then fly to Keeneland, I’ve got five or six rides at the Breeders’ Cup.”

BREEDERS CUP – 4 & 5 NOVEMBER

There are 22 races during the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships weekend. The two-day event, which will offer more than $31 million in purses, is scheduled to be run on 4 and 5 November at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington. The third edition of the Breeders’

Cup in Lexington in the 39 years of the World Championships will see a total of 14 Breeders’ Cup Championships races contested over the course of both days.

Ten races will be held on Future Stars Friday, including all five Breeders’ Cup races for 2-yearolds. On Saturday nine straight Breeders’ Cup contests will get

underway in the third race. The Breeders’ Cup action will conclude in the eleventh, the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. And Frankie will be there!

FRANKIE'S GOING ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE YET!

Frankie Dettori pushed any thoughts of retirement out of his mind with a Champions Day double at Ascot on Saturday. Success in the Qipco Champions Sprint with Kinross and the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes aboard Emily Upjohn ensured Dettori was in the headlines for all the right reasons – despite a short-priced defeat on Inspiral in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

The day had started with the Italian raising the possibility in an article with The Sun that next season

could well be his last.

By his own admission the 51-yearold has had an “up and down” year. It began well with him winning the Dubai World Cup on Country Grammer, but he endured a pretty miserable Royal Ascot, which saw his partnership with John and Thady Gosden become strained and led to a brief but wellpublicised “sabbatical”.

Last weekend was also eventful for Dettori, with a heavy fall at Newmarket quickly forgotten after winning the Dewhurst on Chaldean.

He arrived at Ascot on the sport’s marquee day with a good book

of rides, with arguably Inspiral his best chance –but she blew any possibility of success by completely missing the break.

Earlier, though, Dettori’s old ally Kinross ran out an easy winner of the sprint, just two weeks on from winning the Prix de la Foret over seven furlongs. When questioned about his retirement plans this time next year he said: “I might. It is a possibility. But I didn’t say I was going to. I will keep it going. Everybody is always asking. So I always tell them it is a possibility.”

Racing TV

Drawn wide in stall 10 Dettori did not panic on the filly, who had not run since pulling away her chance in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes back in July.

Emily Upjohn finally produced the performance her connections have long felt her capable of, bolting up by three lengths.

“It would have been

heartbreaking not to win a Group One with this filly this year after what happened at Epsom in the Oaks,” said Dettori.

“She’s won a Group One, I’m delighted and she will stay in training next year.

“It’s an amazing job the team has done. After four months to be pitched into a Group One and do what she did is amazing.”

He went on: “To ride Group One winners on days like today is what it’s all about. I had a tough draw on

Kinross and a tough draw on Emily but I got her relaxed so I wasn’t too bothered I didn’t have cover. When I pressed the button she went.

“I’ll do the last Newmarket meeting then fly to Keeneland, I’ve got five or six rides at the Breeders’ Cup.”

• Racing TV

PAARL DIAMANT'S FLOWER POWER!

Paarl Diamant Estate’s Monique Schabort is a relatively new generation player in the horseracing game but has made a powerful impact in short time. She is looking forward to the Cape Racing Sales Ready To Run & Unbroken 2yo Sale where she offers 3 lots (#13, #44 & #66) – the latter 2 as agent.

ANY CHARITY IN THE DRAWS?

A total of 28 entries were received at first acceptance for the R800 000 Gr 2 Allied Steelrode

On A Mission Charity Mile on Monday morning.

The Charity Mile will again be sponsored by leading global steel manufacturer Allied Steelrode On A Mission when run at the Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday 29 October.

The Allied Steelrode On

A Mission Charity Mile is an important Summer Cup prep race and will also benefit 16 Johannesburg charities this year.

Jointly top-rated amongst the entries is Corne Spies’ recent Gr2 TopBet Mike O ‘Connor Joburg Spring Challenge winner William Robertson and former Paul Petertrained Gr1 winner Astrix (125).

Out of province entries include Gareth van’s Zyl’s smashing grey After The Rain, Peter Muscutt hardknocker Gentleman’s Wager and

Justin Snaith’s Hoedspruit.

Randjesfontein trainers Mike de Kock and Sean Tarry have eleven entries between them.

An independent owner phoned the Sporting Post offices to query, without suggesting any skullduggery, the statistical likelihood of De Kock and Tarry having eight of their eleven candidates pulling sequential draws inside the

JC Photos

MK's Pride - now with De Kock and grabs a 2 gate

first nine slots in a twentyeight horse entry.

Also the fact that De Kock, beyond the 18 for Forever Mine, has draws 2,3,4,5 and 6, while Tarry entrants drew 7,8 and 9, as well as 21 and 24.

The other yard with a substantial entry is Johan Janse van Vuuren, whose quintet drew slots 1,13,14, 22 and 27.

While it’s a numbers game and open to any form of interpretation, we are assured it’s 100% independent and random when querying the process of the computerised draw allocation process. We were told by the National Racing Bureau’s Aveen Sewpersad

that their computer programme did not read horse or trainer names.

“Each horse has an identity/ registration number on our system. Draws are produced within two seconds of request. The draws are not grouped to a trainer. Our system has also been independently verified and may I draw the public’s attention in that regard to the certificate below,” added Sewpersad.

Click here for the certificate of compliance.

A knowledgeable racing man canvassed by the Sporting Post said that the occurrence was simply a case of pure ‘hindsight coincidence’.

“If we had to ask prior to the draw, what are the chances of the two

top yards having 8 of 11 entrants in the first nine slots and eight gates sequentially, we’d say, never! But once something has happened, then it’s no longer a big deal. It’s like when lighting strikes your bird bath where you were standing a minute before. You’d say never, ever. But it’s actually random! We may find Actuaries and Conspiracy

Theorists arguing differently. Sometimes we get Lotto numbers falling sequentially – if they were perfectly staggered with gaps, then we would be seeing spooks too,” he laughed.

Please click here for the entries:

THE EVEREST IS A SELLOUT!

The TAB Everest at Royal Randwick has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s major sporting spectacles and it attracted the biggest crowd in half a century on Saturday. The official attendance was 46 221.

This afternoon’s sixth running produced an amazing result when three-year-old Giga Kick maintained his unbeaten record by storming over the top of his rivals to claim the

A$6.2 million first prize.

The most inexperienced trainer with the youngest horse in the field trumped the world's best sprinters. In one of the most thrilling bigraces in years, Clayton Douglas and his unbeaten colt Giga Kick reigned supreme in the A$15m

The TAB Everest (1200m) before a record crowd of more than 46,221, breaking the record crowd that attended Winx's retirement of 43,833.

Douglas, 27, has only been training for two years, he has

prepared a total of 27 career winners and is still chasing his first Group 1 success –but now he is an Everest champion.

Giga Kick doesn't even turn three by birth date until Wednesday, he had never been tested outside his own age group – but he became the first unbeaten winner of The Everest.

This wasn't supposed to happen. This Everest looked Nature Strip's for the taking,

Giga Kick unleashes a stunning surge wide out under Craig Williams Australian

Turf Club

particularly after second favourite Lost And Running was scratched due to injury on race morning – but no one told Douglas.

"I had a lot of confidence in this horse, he is a really good horse. He's a superstar,' Douglas said. Giga Kick unleashed a stunning surge wide out under champion jockey Craig Williams to run down Private Eye right on the line to win by long neck with Mazu a half-length away third.

Nature Strip was sent out the favourite but was kept three wide without cover through the race before he raced to the front over the rise. Remarkably, the prize

pool for The Everest meant Nature Strip earned $1m which took his career earnings over $20m.

Williams became the first jockey to add The Everest to his grand slam wins in the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup (twice), Cox Plate and Golden Slipper – and it was his endorsement of Giga Kick that convinced connections to aim him at The Everest.

Williams said The Everest concept has changed Australian racing forever.

"They really promote this race. In the five years now, this is the sixth running, you can see how much good promotion is doing,' Williams said.

"The racing is thriving, people are seeing how much love we have

for the equine athlete, the thoroughbred and what goes into it. This is another great story and every time you see these horses line up it's a privilege for a rider to have a ride in this race."

Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said Royal Randwick’s modern-day record crowd – the biggest in many decades – has established The TAB Everest as Sydney’s major day of racing.

“Royal Randwick has hosted its biggest and best day of racing in modern history. The buzz and atmosphere of the crowd was electric from before the first race and right through the day,’’ Mr Barkley said.

“Royal Randwick has never heard or felt such a roar with a fantastic atmosphere and this exciting raceday is now cemented as one of the best days of the Sydney spring.

“The noise from the crowd as the gates opened for The TAB Everest has set a new benchmark in the raceday experience.’ TAB Everest week was heralded by a spectacular drone show on

Sydney Harbour and interest in the race has been at fever pitch leading into today’s meeting on a picture-perfect afternoon.

TAB Everest Day also attracted strong international interest with today’s coverage beamed to nearly 70 different countries around the globe via Sky Racing.

Tabcorp Managing Director & CEO, Adam Rytenskild, said: “The TAB Everest Raceday is one of the world’s great race meetings.

“Every year this race seizes the attention of racing fans and the broader public, and we are proud to have brought the A$15 million sprint to audiences throughout Australia and the world through Sky Racing.

SNAITH BANKS A DOUBLE CHEQUE

Justin Snaith’s Twice Over filly Double Check restored a semblance of civility for shell-shocked punters on quite a tough Fairview Friday when she cruised home under a posing Muzi Yeni to win the non-black type R150 000 Wedgewood Handicap.

Punters generally take the good with the bad and racing would be downright boring if everything went according to plan. But some of the results on the popular Friday slot had many of us

running for the ATM’s as a few knockout blows arrived.

On a cloudy and humid day, with fine drizzle falling at times, Double Check was backed into even-money favourite. She put the cherry on the top of the Snaith team’s Garden Route raid as she never gave her backers a moment of doubt, cruising forward from off the pace after Respectable Miss had set the fractions in the 2400m feature.

At the 200m it was a matter of how far as Muzi Yeni moved up motionless on the 4yo,with a ton

in hand. While the overdue Heartsease (7-2) rattled late, there was never any doubt and the Snaith raider went on under her handy 52kgs, and without being shown the crop, to win by 2 lengths in a time of 151,30 secs.

Wildest Dreams (28-10) was a country mile back in third, with the balance of the six-horse field well and truly hammered. Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, the previously Cape stakes-

A beautiful win by Muzi Yeni and Double Check

Pauline Herman Photography

placed Double Check is a daughter of Twice Over (Observatory)out of the twotime winning Strike Smartly mare Cuir De Russie.

A R65 000 National 2yo Sale graduate, Double Check is raced in a partnership of Dr Dane Arumugam, Messrs

Neville Cooper (Jnr), J J Elley, R L Jonker, S L Moodley, Lesley Naidoo & Jonathan Snaith & Mrs C M Zapheriou and has now won 2 races with 7 places from her 14 starts for stakes of R180 125.

Double Check was a second winner on the day for the SnaithYeni combination after the well

supported Gimme More Time (8-10) won the third to shed his maiden.

Form trainer Gavin Smith saddled a treble to grab the training honours.

OH BOY, BAAEED BEATEN…

Baaeed was sensationally beaten for the first time on his final career start, as Bay Bridge caused an upset in the Gr1 Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Previously unbeaten in 10 starts, William Haggas’ superstar could not produce a challenge when asked by Jim Crowley in the closing stages, failing to involve himself in a late battle between Adayar and Bay Bridge (10-1).

Eventually fourth behind the two aforementioned horses and stablemate My Prospero, the victory so many expected Baaeed (1-4 favourite) to gain went the way of Sir Michael Stoute and Richard Kingscote.

Asked for his reaction, Crowley was in no doubt as to the reason for Baaeed’s reverse.

“The ground, simple as that,” he said. “I turned into the straight and normally where he would pick up, normally he would be able to do it on good to soft, that kick which

is normally there just wasn’t there. It was heavy weather really.

“In the past, it has just been instant. It just wasn’t there, simple as that. I pressed the button today and it wasn’t there.

“It’s unbelievable the journey we have been on. He is a very special horse and it is sad that he does not finish his career unbeaten as we have come so far. For me today, it was

Bay Bridge storms ahead in a race that had us all shocked

Racing TV

just sad as that kick I know he has wasn’t there.

“Baaeed has captured the imagination and I’m sorry we couldn’t do it today. He is a special horse still.”

Haggas said: “It was disappointing, but he’s still a great horse.

“I’m thrilled for Michael, to get that horse back (after disappointing in the Eclipse) was fantastic.

“My other horse (My Prospero) ran a fantastic race. It’s just sad it’s ended like it has.

“He’s been a brilliant horse, he didn’t show that today but don’t take anything away from him, I’m very proud.”

He added: “It’s still deflating, but he is still a good horse. I’m sad he didn’t win for him and his connections, as well as all the people at the yard who have worked tirelessly to get him there. There you go, it’s horse racing.

“Jim felt Baaeed just couldn’t pick up in the ground. I don’t know, I need to watch it again. All I know is he didn’t win.

“I hoped, I was busy watching the others as well. I tend not to make an assessment straight after.

That’s the end of him (racing career), I am afraid so.

“I am thrilled for Sir Michael and we have a few horses with James and Anita Wigan. My Prospero couldn’t quite nut Adyar on the line for second so it looks like we’ll have to wait next year until we have a go at the trainers’ championship.”

Reflecting further, Haggas said: “He has brought untold joy. He is a marvellous horse and a great character. Everyone has loved the journey, obviously my family, but my

staff who are so important to the operation. They will be really sad, but they shouldn’t be sad as we have been privileged to have him.

“He is a belter of a horse and I’m just sorry he didn’t show everyone here his best form today. It’s no one’s fault and that is horse racing.

There are lots worse things going in the world to worry about apart from a few horses going round a field.

“It has been a great ride.”

Shadwell racing manager

Angus Gold said: “Jim just said he could not quicken when he pulled him out on that ground.

“It’s maybe not the greatest surprise, it’s rare, in my experience, for a horse as

good as him on good ground to act as well on really soft ground.

“He tried his best, but he just couldn’t pick up like he does on faster ground.

“You can’t be despondent when a horse gives you everything like he does, I’m just disappointed he hasn’t gone out unbeaten – but he’s still given us some fantastic days.

“I wouldn’t take anything away from the winner, or the second, they are two very good older horses.”

Stoute – triumphant earlier in the season in the Derby with Desert Crown – said: “He was very brave, and I’m absolutely thrilled. The staff have done a great job with this horse, and we’re all delighted.

“He was in very good shape coming here – he came back from

Sandown and had a knock and we had to back off him, so he’s been very consistent this year with the exception of that race. We thought the favourite was unbeatable –or I did – but I thought he had a great chance of being second, because he was in terrific shape.”

The SPRINT is interactive – watch the Baaeed replay by clicking here!

GOLDEN SIXTY, ROMANTIC WARRIOR STRETCH OUT AT SHA TIN

Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior passed their first auditions with flying colours ahead of their respective returns by serving up a pair of head-turning efforts at yesterday morning's (Tuesday, 18 October) barrier trial session at Sha Tin.

Golden Sixty is gearing up to contest the Gr2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) on 20 November, a race that will also feature California

Spangle, Sunday’s (16 October) runaway victor of the Gr2 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m).

Romantic Warrior is also readying for 20 November’s Bank Of China (Hong Kong) Race Day but trainer Danny Shum is yet to decide which race his charge will tackle and that the option remains for a tilt at the Gr2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m).

Both horses – trialling on turf –passed the post first under strong winds and challenging conditions this morning. Golden Sixty was

first to appear in batch one, crossing the line in 59.76s for 1000m under Vincent Ho before unexpectedly dislodging his jockey as he returned.

“I’m happy with him, even if he’s still fresh enough to drop me. He’s still like when he was three or four years old – he looks at everything and he reacts really quickly, not many horses till his age can do that and he’s still very fast,” Ho said.

Please read more here.

RIDGEMONT HIGHLANDS ARE READY FOR SURE!

The Ridgemont Highlands draft presented at the Cape Racing Ready To Run and Unbroken 2-y-o Sale on 29 October includes six lots by resident stallion Canford Cliffs (IRE) the sire of 38 international stakes winners.

Julia Conway of Ridgemont Highlands provided some notes:

Lot 14 – b f Set For Life (Canford Cliffs – Doris Duke by Trippi)

“A neat filly with a nice action. She’s has taken her prep well and enjoys her work.”

Lot 15 – b f Miss Hannigan (Canford Cliffs – Easy Street by Brave Tin Soldier)

“Out of a black type mare EASY STREET, who needs no introduction. Already a proven mare, with her full-brother

Ridgerunner winning for Johan Janse van Vuuren in Johannesburg. This filly is well balanced, with a terrific action and a powerful hind end.”

Lot 40 – b f Quiet Whisper (Canford Cliffs –Murmering Sky by Jallad)

“An eye catching filly from an impressive dam line with winning progeny. Another

Lot 15 b f Miss Hannigan (Canford Cliffs – Easy Street by Brave Tin Soldier)

Canford Cliffs that is bound to impress on the track.”

Lot 46 – b c Single File (Canford Cliffs – Peggy Jay by Jay Peg)

“From the Gr 2 winning mare, Peggy Jay, this is a sharp, quick colt ready to impress.”

Lot 53 – ch c Arturo (Duke Of Marmalade – Royale Noir by Black Minnaloushe)

“A full brother to the group

3 winning filly, NASTERGAL. This colt’s pedigree is as impressive as his movement - scopey, elastic, and light on his feet.”

Lot 58 – b c Bloukrans (Canford Cliffs – Three Blue Cranes by Captain Al)

“A tall, athletic colt from a very smart dam line in Three Blue Cranes, who is a half sister to RUSSIAN SAGE and SMILING

BLUE EYES. Even tempered and takes his work well.”

Lot 65 – b f Lily of the Nile (Erupt – African Lily by Horse Chestnut)

“A powerful Erupt filly with and powerful hind end and strong shoulder. From the family of the Gr2 winner TRIP TO AFRICA and Listed winner Zambaq she will be a sure head turner.”

Lot 65 b f Lily of the Nile (Erupt – African Lily by Horse Chestnut)

SEA MASTER GOES TO 92

Sea Master has had his merit rating raised from 88 to 92 following his success in the Listed PinkDrive Michaelmas Handicap over 1900m on the grass track at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday 16 October.

The Handicappers were of

the view that runner-up Fight Song made for the best line horse here, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 90.

The winner aside, the only other increase was for 3rd placed Boundless Bash, who was 2 kgs or 4 pounds under sufferance at the weights and was beaten 1.10

lengths or 2 pounds by the line horse, goes up from 89 to 91.

Lot 58 b c Bloukrans (Canford Cliffs – Three Blue Cranes by Captain Al)

Qipco Champion Series - the ultimate raceday!

BREEDERS

CUP NEXT Facebook - Air Show UK

Sir Michael Stoute will not be rushed into deciding where Qipco Champion Stakes hero Bay Bridge will next make a race course appearance but did not completely rule out the prospect of a trip to the Breeders’ Cup next month.

The New Bay colt looked a star in the making when running out a most impressive winner of the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May.

He then contested the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at the Royal meeting finishing second to State Of Rest, before picking up an injury when the beaten favourite of the Coral-Eclipse in early July.

Multiple champion trainer Stoute said he did not expect to beat the William Haggas-trained Baaeed at Ascot on Saturday.

“I honestly felt that we would be second, William’s horse has looked to be a machine. So, I was just hopeful. No more than that

– you’d seen that horse winning in the style he had done it, so you’d have to think he would win.”

“He (Bay Bridge) was very good at Sandown (Brigadier Gerard), the race didn’t quite go right for him at Royal Ascot and also the ground was fast enough. When he went back to Sandown he returned and had a little injury. His work at home since has been very encouraging, we knew we had him right back to his best.

His best weight and the way he was working. The team have done a great job with him.”

Asked about Bay Bridge’s chance of competing in the Breeders’ Cup Turf next month, for which the Champion Stakes is a ‘win and you’re in’ race, Stoute replied: “It is possible, but we need to discuss with the owners. Decisions have to be made.”

The opening contest, the Gr2 Long Distance Cup went the way of the favourite Trueshan after a titanic battle with the runner-up Coltrane over the final two furlongs. Hollie Doyle managed to coax that little bit extra from the tenacious Alan King trained runner to deny his

Doncaster Cup winning rival by a head. Things got tight from the top of the home straight with the race stewards reviewing the race, but the result stood. In doing so, this top-class staying sixyear-old became the first horse on Champions Day to win the same race on three occasions.

There was a major upset in the Gr1 QEII when 11/10 favourite Inspiral lost around four lengths at the start. In rear thereafter without making much impression, the race looked to be at the mercy of second favourite Modern Games, for Godolphin. William Buick had the run of the race aboard the Charlie Appleby trained colt, prominent just off the lead, but was passed by the fast finishing 33/1 shot Bayside Boy over the final furlong.

The winner, and another son of New Bay ran on strongly from way off the pace to secure victory of this highly prized contest under a great ride by Tom Marquand for the Varian stable.

GREG CHEYNE'S NEW LIFE AT NEWMARKET

Former jockey Greg Cheyne always looked happy and content with life in South Africa when he was a Top 5 jockey for the largest part of the last 20 racing seasons.

Now, as an all-round stable trainee in the powerful William Haggas stable in Newmarket, UK, where his daily duties include the mucking out of stables, he seems even happier.

We happened upon the Haggas string on the Bury Road crossover that leads to the working tracks on the Newmarket Heath a few days ago. Traffic stops for horses here, not for people.

And there was Greg, at the back of a 35-member third string, sitting atop one of the Haggas powerhouses crossing the road.

We had a chance to chat at the Tattersalls Book 1 Sale a few hours later and we had to open with a

potentially stupid question but asked it anyway. “Greg, was that horse you were on, the superstar, Baaeed?”

Baaeed would probably not be at the back end of the third string around 9am in the morning and Greg explained: “Baaeed, being the special horse he is, has one handler - his groom, Ricky Hall, who is the only one allowed to canter him. Michael Hills is the only

rider who gallops him. Baaeed is royalty here and deservedly so. No, that was not Baaeed under me, I wish!”

Greg’s 46 now, he could’ve ridden his average 120 winners per season in South Africa for another five years or more (he’s ridden 2370 winners), but there is life after a career in the saddle and he and wife Claire have set their sights on progressively more handson involvement in the renowned Haggas yard at Somerville Lodge.

To achieve this, both have to start at the bottom and

work their way up, and have been more than happy to do so.

He told: “In South Africa I rode work for 30 years, I got on and off a number of horses and went home. Now, I am learning proper horsemanship which includes so many other factors. To be starting from scratch in one of the world’s most accomplished and professionally managed racing yards is an honour and a rare privilege. Every day brings new experiences, I have learnt so much and continue to learn working in a focused and respectful team. You have to see this operation to believe it, it is truly amazing!”

The Haggas stable has two yards, one for older horses and one for

two-year-olds. The string can peak up to near 200, but they are culling at this time of year for the new string of youngsters to enter the barn. William has three assistant trainers and four head lads, each with an understudy, a group of permanent muckers and then up to 40 grooms/work riders and a number of office staff.

William and his wife Maureen oversee the entire operation. This Saturday they have 13 runners declared, running at three different courses. A few weeks ago, there were 17 runners at five different

Greg received this trophy on behalf of William Haggas for the King's first Listed winner

tracks, including one in France.

Greg said: “I have never seen the clinical attention to basics like I have here. Each horse has a bridle, grooming kit, rubbers, towels, girth sleeves and sometimes boots. They’re all washed every day, we have washing machines and dryers, a team that takes care of that. Bandages are not used twice. They are washed every time they’re taken off or replaced. When we get to the stables in the morning the whole kit is there for every horse, clean, polished and ready.”

Greg’s day starts at 5.30am when horses for the first string are saddled and sent

to the heath for work that starts at 6am. “There are many options with all the tracks here, and the horses get mileage. They walk a long way to the track, canter for 6 furlongs and then gallop. This is part of the reason they get so fit here.

There is a team that looks after the tracks, they’re up and down all the time. The other day a horse broke through the fence, and it was repaired before lunchtime.”

Haggas sends out four strings every day, after which stable staff enjoy a break between 1230 and 4pm, followed by end-of-theday procedures like mucking and feeding.

“We never do the same tasks every day. Horses are rotated for morning gallops, William sends out a detailed work programme to everyone on our Whatsapp group

every night and he is there in the morning from the first string onwards. He greets every worker by name, every day, and he knows exactly what work you’ll be doing. He has quite a special mind on him, I don’t know how he remembers all the little details about every horse and every groom, but he does.”

Yesterday, Greg told, he and his scheduled work partner Luke had to wheelbarrow stacks of hay to the stable buckets and he laughed: “Trainer Alan Greeff’s head groom in South Africa is Amos and we used to joke with him saying, ‘Amos, you have a silly apron on, you look like a clown!’ I also have an apron now that I

have to wear when we feed, mixing in oils and so on, I want to send them a photo.”

Working just in the same vicinity of thoroughbreds with superstar status like Baaeed makes everything even more worthwhile and Greg commented: “He’s a beautiful laid-back horse. He gets taken out often to show for important visitors, just takes everything in his stride. We are all excited about his last run on Champions Day this Saturday.”

Greg is intrigued by the idea of becoming a travelling assistant and he noted: “I’d like to have opportunities to travel

as an assistant one day and for that to happen I need to have the knowledge and experience. What I am learning now, stable management, poulticing, bandaging, feeding, and so on, are all part of a new journey Claire and I have started.

She’s just recently spent time working with the Haggas team at the treadmill and the spa, she’s learnt about nebulizing, the salt box as well as learning about head duties. She has her physio background. She did her sixmonth course at the National Stud here last year, but she also loves working in the racing yard and we’re both committed to a period of change in our lives. This could really take us anywhere, in time.”

Greg said he had a chance earlier this week to accompany assistant

trainer Isabella Paul to Yarmouth, where they saddled three winners. “One of them was Perfect Alibi, His Majesty King Charles’s first Listed winner. It was a special moment to be there and accept the prize.”

And so, it is clear, an exciting new phase has dawned in the life of Greg Cheyne.

He’s not yet sure where this proverbial rebirth will lead, but with his professional attitude, calm demeanour and work ethic there are good things on the horizon, indeed.

JC Photos

New owner Deshini Harry hosted an intriguing social event at Turffontein racecourse on Saturday in celebration of receiving her jockey silks. She took the initiative to do something different – a tea party at the races! It may not sound like everyone’s cuppa – but it went off with a bang.

“What an amazing day it was!” an enthusiastic Deshini told the Sporting Post.

From a young age, Deshini accompanied her dad, Vasan Harry, to the races.

Her dad owns the well-performed Master Archie in partnership with Sean Hanna.

The horseracing fan grew up in Midrand and has two younger brothers. Her interest in the sport peaked after spending Christmas day at Hippodrome de Vincennes in Paris in 2017. The racecourse was rich in history and the Panoramic Restaurant served gourmet cuisine with amazing views.

“An experience of a life-time!” she recalls.

When Deshini first heard the maxim that Horseracing is the sport of Kings’, her immediate

reaction was to prove that it could also be the sport of Queens.

‘’It’s about respecting the history of horse racing but adapting traditions and phrases by being more inclusive and more relevant to this day and age,’' explains Deshini.

‘’My Dad never asked me to get involved in racing - it was a natural love for the game that developed over time," says Desh.

Deshini is an Accountant by profession. While taking a year off for leisure, she

Deshini Harry beaming in her new jockey silks Audrey Boniwell

created a blog called CluelessCentral.com, which became a successful online beauty store. She built her business on Instagram and has loyal followers. However, it was horseracing that really stole her heart!

“I dived in boots ‘n all and used my content creation experience to explore this incredible industry doing social media freelance work for 4Racing and the recent GTH (Global Team Horse Racing) events,” explains Deshini.

Watching a clip on channel

240 of 4racing CEO Fundi Sithebe buying a horse and sharing her equine journey on Instagram is what drove Desh even further.

"Fundi's energy just radiated – it was absolutely inspiring” she adds.

She is very proud of her beautiful horse that she recently bought shares in.

No Time Is Taken is a 4yo by Twice Over out of the dam Varsity Belle. The horse has moved from Paul Peter to the Johan Janse Van Vuuren stable. She has managed to win 1 race from 4 starts.

"Johan has made my experience of owning a horse educational

and interesting by sharing video clips of my horse training and just generally keeping me updated on her wellbeing. I enjoy visiting his stables and watching my horse train. It makes the whole horse ownership experience worth it." says Desh.

So, Saturday was a day to promote female participation in racing –to bring new people into racing – creating new traditions?

“The idea was to show how fun, interactive and

Delicious!

JC Photos

social racing can be, and being able to share my passion with my fellow lady friends and colleagues is a privilege,” says the excited owner.

“I have met so many

wonderful ladies in the racing industry and I am all for women supporting women.”

Deshini is intent on establishing herself as the go-to social media content creator for the horse racing fraternity in South Africa.

“I will always wear my heart on my sleeve!”

Well done, Desh!

"I loved the colour-themed decor!" - Desh Clyde Basel chats to Desh about her career JC

Photos

JC Photos

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT!

Bruce Le Roux and Tinus Gericke’s Blue Sky Thoroughbreds sold their first R1-million plus colt at Nationals this year.

The farm also stands the likes of stallions Chimichuri Run who has got down to business in his first season with 50 mares as well as New Predator, Willow

Magic, Hat Puntano and Byword. We are proud to showcase our 8 new arrivals.

A reminder that this is your free chance to brag about your future stars!

Just drop us a line with A good quality snapshot to editor@ sportingpost.co.za and tell us the pedigree/sex/date of birth/ family

connections and a back story, if there is one. Future Stars is proudly sponsored by Karoo Breeders.

99 Act Of War ex Just Chaos filly born on 29 September 2022 Hat Puntano ex Lady Negra filly born on 21 September 2022 New Predator ex Dusky Dancer colt born on 2 October 2022 Rabada ex Call Me Maybe colt born on 29 September 2022 El'zara ex Hawwaam filly born on 2 August 2022 New Predator ex Connect Me colt born on 27 August 2022 One World ex Vasalisa colt born on 18 September 2022 Rafeef ex Trippi's Girl filly born on 27 September 2022

Pat and Henry Devine

GOODBYE MR JET MASTER

The Sporting Post is sad to report the passing of one of South Africa’s leading breeders at midnight on Saturday. Henry Devine was 100 years old.

His wife Patricia wrote that Henry was her soul mate, her everything and that she was heartbroken but so grateful for all the amazing years they spent together.

The Devines will forever be known as the folk who

found a breedchanger in the great Jet Master.

Purchased as a weanling for a mere R15 000, the KZN-bred son of Rakeen blazed a trail as a racehorse and a stallion.

Initially trained by Tony Millard, he won the Gr1 Cape Argus Guineas, Gr1 Queen’s Plate, Gr1 Golden Spur and Gr1 Nissan Challenge. When Millard left for Hong Kong, Jet Master joined the stable of brother-in-law Geoff Woodruff, under whose expert care he added

a second Gr1 Queen’s Plate and proved himself the country’s leading sprinter, winning the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship and Gr1 Mercury Sprint, while successfully defending his Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint crown.

With the accolade of Horse of the Year and Champion Sprinter in the bag, Jet Master retired to stud where he confirmed the promise of his remarkable

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racing prowess and proved a roaring success, thereby silencing the sceptics who had doubted his pedigree credentials.

Having made an immediate impact as the Champion first-season sire, he reached the top of the South African sires list with just three crops at the track.

Seven times the country’s leading sire, Jet Master has become the dominant broodmare sire of recent years, whilst his sons Pomodoro and Master Of My Fate are both Gr1 stallions.

Born in (then) Mafeking, Henry served in Palestine with the third The Kings Own Hussars during the Second World War.

After the second world war, Henry studied to become a Chartered Accountant and was in practice for about 25 years before selling out to his partners.

Henry started a lifelong passion for the racing game when he was granted his colours in 1976 and purchased his first yearlings, mainly fillies, at the very last sale held at the old Milner Park. He became heavily involved in racing, to the extent that at one stage, he had about 80 horses in training.

Henry also ventured into breeding and established the Golden Oaks Stud in Paardeberg, outside Paarl, which became home to the stallions Great Brother, Mr Eats and homebred Lauterbrunnen – the latter named after the Swiss village where Henry and Pat spent their honeymoon. Our condolences go out to the Devine family.

South African horseracing has lost an officer and a gentleman.

Henry as a young officer during World War 2

Ada van der Bent

Name Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Rnrs % Places B.T. Winrs B.T. Wins Total Stakes (R) Vercingetorix Master Of My Fate What A Winter Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) Querari (GER) 104 130 120 119 122 196 281 237 245 243 28,371 22,239 23,861 23,984 17,788 29 29 29 29 23 33 35 36 30 26 27.9 22.3 24.2 24.4 18.9 90 129 101 130 91 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2,950,563 2,891,050 2,863,363 2,854,125 2,170,188 S I RE S T R A I NER S Name Runs Wins Win% 2nd 3rd Other Places Place % Win Stake (R) Total Stakes (R) Mr S J Snaith Mr B J Crawford Mr A C Greeﬀ Mr G D Smith Mr K G Naidoo 245 135 214 298 177 30 29 28 22 17 12.2 21.5 13.1 7.4 9.6 33 18 23 36 20 33 12 20 34 16 58 30 57 50 33 124 60 100 120 69 50.6 44.4 46.7 40.3 39.0 1,589,475 1,596,875 1,359,688 1,018,125 919,375 2,625,100 2,072,700 2,068,513 1,920,263 1,479,619 Name Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Rnrs % Places B.T. Winrs B.T. Wins Total Stakes (R) Klawervlei Stud Wilgerbosdri� & Mauritzfontein Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) Ridgemont Highlands Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd 185 179 97 86 91 410 370 177 198 187 20,694 20,287 27,407 29,207 26,585 43 36 25 24 23 51 42 28 27 27 23.2 20.1 25.8 27.9 25.3 174 167 89 102 87 0 1 4 3 1 0 1 4 4 1 3,828,475 3,631,425 2,658,525 2,511,838 2,419,238 BREEDERS Name Rides Wins Win% 2nd 3rd Other Places Place % Win Stake (R) Total Stakes (R) Mr K de Melo Mr M A Yeni Mr S Khumalo Mr K Matsunyane Mr C J Habib 294 321 237 267 373 68 51 43 41 34 23.1 15.9 18.1 15.4 9.1 39 41 38 28 38 42 39 30 35 39 59 75 41 60 87 140 155 109 123 164 47.6 48.3 46.0 46.1 44.0 3,671,850 2,873,113 2,055,100 2,332,175 1,806,250 4,934,375 4,143,219 3,062,475 3,386,300 3,115,188 J O CK E YS results up to: 2022-10-19 See all the detailed standings - Click here

THE HEAT IS ON!

Chelsea vs Manchester United | Sunday 22 October | Stamford Bridge | 18:30

This one is always a tasty affair, two proud clubs with a competitive and passionate approach to life in the league. Yes, one has a history and pedigree which towers over the other (well I’m assuming some might say this…), but that is all put aside come Saturday, writes Ryan Liberty.

It’s the second sort of feature game for United in a couple days, Chelsea come into the game a bit more secure I guess – but either way you won’t want to miss this one!

To Win (90 mins)

Chelsea 19/20 Draw 26/10 Manchester United 11/4 Chelsea

Chelsea is once again showing what a nightmare they can be to play against. They can be expansive at times and ask questions of almost any defence in England and yet at the same time roll up the proverbial sleeves and get to work defensively.

Their last five games have seen them score twelve times and conceded just once! That’s an incredible

statistic considering the injury woes they have had in their defensive quarters. Graham Potter is proving himself to be quite an adaptable coach, he’s come into an environment which is incredibly pressurized and continued to be himself. He has a holistic approach and has stuck by it even where it has been questioned.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is scoring goals and looking comfortable at Chelsea. Lest we forget the talent that exists there, and to be completely honest, with a bit of comfort and an experience of positivity I’m not sure why he cannot return to his lethal self.

I think Chelsea need to take advantage of playing at the Bridge. Yes, there will be an expectation to win and take the game to United, and I can imagine that will add its own pressure… but United have been placid on the road and will likely look for something to help get themselves into the game. Chelsea absolutely cannot allow this to become the case.

Manchester United

I don’t think Manchester United win this – I mean don’t get me wrong; I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think they win. The suggestions that United haven’t improved under Erik ten Hag are complete nonsense! They have certainly adapted an approach which might have nods to systems gone by, but with a fresh spin and undertone.

Their press is systematic as

opposed to being dependent on one or two players, the attacking starting point is solely reliant on them maintaining possession of the football and whilst United boast spectacular players in almost every position –the team has always been seen to come first (this is supported by the selection of the team whilst the Dutchman has been at the helm).

My only concern about United now is they seemingly struggle to find that aggressive energy on the road. I always think back to the Liverpool game at Old Trafford earlier in the season, the first tackle of that game Martinez absolutely clatters into Mo Salah and gives him some lip afterwards – it set the tone and instantly created a mood.

I haven’t seen that when this team plays away from Old Trafford, and I think it is one of those elements which can be taken for granted so often. Manchester United are certainly on the road to recovery in terms of the football being played on the field – but I’m skeptical as to their ability to boss games where the opposition wants the ball just as much.

Chelsea might be vulnerable in certain areas, the pace of the United

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attack can certainly disrupt their last line, but I’m not sold on sticking my neck out and having an out and out punt.

Predicted Line-ups:

Chelsea: Kepa; Chilwell, Koulibaly, Silva, Chalobah; Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek; Havertz, Mount, Sterling; Aubameyang.

Manchester United: De

Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, Ronaldo.

Prediction: Chelsea/Draw + BTTS (21/20)

As I’ve said, I cannot side with United here for a win. They just haven’t shown a temperament away from home to kill games off. Chelsea certainly has the team to cause United issues and if they start the game at full tilt, they might catch their guests napping.

There is certainly value about Chelsea getting a result and when you add both teams scoring, the value is complemented by the price available.

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