SP SPRINT - 26/10/2022 by Sporting Post

CHARITY WILL WIN ON SATURDAY

Johannesburg’s most meaningful and special race day, the R800 000 Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile, takes place at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday 29 October and the true winners will be the 16 charity beneficiaries of the race.

Each of the 16 runners competing in the Grade 2 race over 1600m on the Standside track at Turffontein on Saturday were paired at Tuesday’s official draw with a charity, who will each receive a payout based on where

their horse finishes in the race.

As part of its sponsorship of this prestigious race, global steel manufacturer Allied Steelrode On A Mission have made R500 000 available to be shared by the 16 deserving Johannesburg charities.

This will range all the way from R200 000 for the charity whose horse wins the Charity Mile main race and a minimum of no less than R20 000 for the charity whose horse finishes in last position.

Each charity was present at the official draw and a representative from that charity was allowed to draw for one of the runners in the race.

Speaking on behalf of sponsors Allied Steelrode, CEO Arun Chadha said that as a company they have always been involved in supporting charity initiatives.

“What better way for us to do it than with a passion we have, which is horseracing. Good luck to all the charities, they are all going to be winners some way or another. So, let’s hope we can carry this Charity Mile on and maybe have more races and more charities involved in the future,” said Chadha.

Gr1 star Safe Passage heads the Mike de Kock quartet

JC Photos

“We are excited as 4Racing to see Allied Steelrode

On A Mission back for the next running of the Charity Mile. It is fantastic to see the event returning to its charity tradition and to see Arun Chadha and Warne Rippon throwing their might behind the event, especially in terms of supporting the charities. We are looking forward to a wonderful day and the charities are all excited about their horse’s chances,” said 4Racing Chief Operating Officer, Colin Gordon.

Horses from the Mike de Kock yard dominate the

race as he will saddle four runners which include Gr1 Daily News 2000 winner Safe Passage and Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes champion MK’s Pride, who will be having the first run for his stable.

Also in the field is last year’s winner Bingwa, who has drawn in pole position and has Gavin Lerena in the irons.

Another special element of the event this year will be the Gr3 Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene Starling Stakes being run on Saturday on the race card at Turffontein, with Princess Charlene of Monaco making a personal charitable contribution on the day.

“In the spirit of the race day and the Princess’s passion for charities, the Racehorse Owners Association is proud to announce that together with HSH Princess Charlene, donations of R50 000 each will be made to the following two charities; The Earth Centre and The United Cerebral Palsy Association of SA,” said Natalie Turner, Chief Executive at the Racehorse Owners Association.

The Sprint is interactiveplease click here to see the field.

Representatives from all 16 beneficiary charities participated in the official draw for the Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile at Turffontein on Tuesday 4Racing / JC Photos

4RACING BALANCES STAKES

After recent inputs from stakeholders 4Racing considered inputs that the stakes structure could be better balanced.

Mike de Kock Racing reports that the proposed changes were then considered and ratified by the Programming Committee who were extremely complimentary about the changes. These changes result in a slight increase to the committed Stakes Allocation during this period but provides a far more balanced and structured outlook to the stakes of the various divisions. The committee also felt it provided a good

foundation to work with in the future.

There was consensus that the difference in Stakes from a Maiden Plate to the next Division is out of kilter and closing the gap would be healthier for the game. By reducing the Maidens and Maiden Juvenile Plates across the board by 10% (100k to 90k),we are able to increase the majority of our handicap races along with some Plate races.

The only two maidens not affected by the change are the Maiden 1160m on Summer Cup Day and The Work Riders Vs Jockeys Maiden Plate on Champions Day. There has also been an increase to a number of Fillies and Mares

handicaps with a slight decrease for some of the divided handicaps, Pinnacle Plates and Graduation Plates.

In turn there will be increases in the bands for Classified and Middle Stakes and Pinnacle races.

4Racing will also be adding a further 12 MR 66 races to the program through the period at a gross stake of R75 000 for each to accommodate the lower rated horses.

Click below to see changes: Stakesadapt

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.Merle Parker – retires on Monday after a lifetime of racing

FAREWELL AFTER A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

A lifetime horseracing administrator and onetime CEO of Turffontein Racecourse, the low-profile Merle Parker is known to anybody who has been in the game for five minutes as an old school pillar of reliability. Merle, or ‘Aunty Merle’ to some, embarks on a new journey this week as she retires from the Racehorse Owners Association, after close on 20 years service. Much like her younger, but equally dependable colleagues Penny Morsner

and Angie Basel, who collectively have over 50 years service between them, Merle is one of those rare people in racing. She always answered her phone and seldom didn’t have a guiding word to offer. The Sporting Post can attest to the reality that such people are a relatively rare species indeed in racing!

We had to practically break down the glamorous 70 year old Granny’s office door to get her to talk, but retirement is a strange tonic – people somehow open up and talk as they aren’t really answerable to whoever is dictating media perceptions or the way they should think, any longer.

“Should I start at the beginning? I am proud to say that I come from extremely humble beginnings, having been born in Gqeberha in a suburb called North End. I firmly believe that it is important that we should always remember where we hail from. I am the second eldest in the family, having had three brothers, one who has passed,” says Merle.

As a young girl she tells us how she was very involved in sporting activities.

“We lived in Newton Park so my brother and I used to go to Fairview Racecourse, which at that time was on the Cape Road, to do fitness training running around the track. On Saturdays we often went to watch the races as my uncle was an avid racing fan. We were under-age so we were not permitted to go onto the racecourse, but watched from the car park and always enjoyed those family outings. The memories of the people involved in racing are vague - but I do remember Roy Curling, who was a very successful jockey,” she

recalls with a distant glance out of her Turffontein office window.

Merle was educated at Alexander Road High School and matriculated in 1969. She recently attended a school reunion which she thoroughly enjoyed.

“It was good catching up with the loyal and friendly people from ‘die Baai’. I must say I was very impressed with the way in which the school has developed since those early days and the young scholars are doing us proud,” she says sentimentally.

Merle married in 1972 and has two children, Louise and Steven.

“I’m very proud of them and my beautiful grandkids, Luke and Shannen. I regard them as my anchors in life. Their (late) father and I had both been involved in the motor industry, and I spent the first 10 years of my working career at Ford Motor Company.”

Merle’s route into horseracing happened by a corporate twist of fate.

“My husband was transferred to Johannesburg and I went to an agency to seek employment. I was sent for an interview

at Germiston Racecourse, as it was then known, and was very impressed with the gardens and the peace and tranquillity of the racecourse. I was offered other positions but really wanted that job, so I held on until I heard from them that my application had been successful. And that is where my lifetime in the horseracing industry started!” she says proudly.

Merle describes herself then as a jack of all trades - working as a secretary to the Assistant GM, John Alexander during the week. On racedays she would work on reception, go upstairs to meet guests and do hostess duties until racing started, and then went back to resume her reception duties.

After a few years, a job came up at the Star newspaper in the racing department under the Racing Editor, Robert Garner.

“It was a half-day job and we attended all Transvaal racemeetings and many social events. I suppose I moved mainly to learn new skills in horseracing.”

Two years later John Alexander was appointed CEO at Turffontein Racecourse and offered Merle a position as his PA.

“My time at Turffontein proved to be very happy and successful and after a few years John decided to return to New Zealand. A few years later I was offered the position as CEO. I believe that much of my success was due to the fact that I was extremely hard working, I had the ability to listen to people and always got the best out of the superb team who supported me at Turffontein. The Stewards of the Club, as well as my counterparts at the other racing clubs and racing bodies who were seasoned campaigners, were always willing to give advice if I needed it.”

Racing corporatized in 1999 and Turffontein was the one racecourse that had not outsourced any of their staff in the lead up.

“Our racecourse was a racing club, a horse training centre and an entertainment venue, and we gave it our best shot right up until the end. As a result, the retrenchment at Turffontein affected a lot of staff members which was traumatic. However, during the years leading up to the change, I brought Ike Shirindi on board as Human Resources manager to assist with education and training. Ike had been a barman in the Stewards quarters as a part-timer, but he was in fact a deputy headmaster at a school in Soweto. He was an absolute gem and I also have to thank the stewards and management in office at the time who supported our transformation programme.”

Merle tells how prior to

retrenchment, many of the staff at Turffontein Racecourse had received diplomas from recognised training institutions.

“Ike found a seamstress to provide sewing classes in order that, when the staff left the racecourse they had a skill and could put food on their tables. Turffontein assisted with loans and purchased the sewing machines. It was indeed a sad day when we left Turffontein, but the legacy that we left was one that we were extremely proud of,” she adds with humility and a tinge of sadness.

In 2003 Colin Gordon was looking for an assistant and offered Merle a position at the then Racing Association.

“Retrenchment takes its toll on one’s self-belief and I have been along that road and understand what people go through following that experience. I have had just short of 20 happy years at the ROA and, once again, it was the horses and the interesting people who made a huge difference in my life. The ROA has grown tremendously during the time that I have worked here. Much has changed over recent years -including the name - and I wish the ROA success for the future.”

The once introverted ‘girl

from the plaas’ says that working with powerful people like Graham Beck, Ken Palmer, Colin Dunn, Laurie Jaffe, Arthur Taylor and Eric Gallo, to name but a few, taught her a lot about life and helped her develop confidence and a belief in herself.

“The transition in this maledominated industry is taking place, albeit slowly! But as much as I respected my male counterparts, I saw myself as being equal and I can look in the mirror and like what I see.”

Looking back today, Merle says the champion horses and determined folk she worked with will always be an inspiration.

“Horses are amazingly beautiful animals, and we can feel at peace in their presence. Their gentle eyes seem to enquire ‘how are you old friend?’ and suddenly all one’s troubles seem to fade away. Some of my best memories are about champion thoroughbreds, and the determined people who I worked with and made a difference in their lives. These wonderful people, and there are many, went out and did the very best that they could and were successful. Kudos to them. To my lifelong friends who I still communicate with practically every day, you will always be special to me, wherever you are!”

As to her plans after she closes her office door for the last time on Monday 31 October, Merle says that she has now come to the end of a road and can count her blessings for her life experiences.

“I am indeed a lucky lady. It is good to see youth coming into senior positions in the industry and I consider it a privilege to have worked with some of them over recent years. My plans going forward will be to take a break until the new year and then I will decide where my skills and passion will be best suited. Watch this space! Thanks to all of racing’s good people. It’s been a privilege to serve each and every one of you.”

WILL GQEBERHA JULY TROPHY STAY IN CAPE?

The Gqeberha trainers will have another crack at bringing the Tab4Racing Algoa Cup silverware back home on Friday. It’s a race that the Western Cape raiders have dominated in recent years.

Paarl powerhouse Glen Kotzen has a quartet of runners in the race known as the ‘Gqeberha July’, and together with local champion Gavin Smith (5), will saddle nine of the sixteen runners that will line up at the 2000m at 15h50 on Friday.

Candice Bass-Robinson

and Justin Snaith will travel up from the Cape with a runner each. Snaith’s 2021 winner Hoedspruit is currently being prepped for the Gr1 Gauteng Summer Cup on 26 November.

Jacques Strydom is the last Eastern Cape trainer to have won the Algoa Cup, and that was back in 2009 with Surfin’ USA.

“It was a photo finish, a real nailbiter, and a good thing that my brother owed me a favour,” Jacques said, referring to champion Pieré Strydom that gave his all in the saddle to secure the victory. They also had to survive an objection!

The recent winners of the Algoa Cup: 2021: Hoedspruit 2020:Silver De Lange 2019: Cat Daddy 2018: Magnificent Seven 2017: Nebula 2016: Nebula 2015: Stonehenge 2014: Disco Al 2013: Disco Al 2012: Hill Fifty Four 2011: Forest Of Dean 2010: Hawk’s Eye 2009: Surfin’ USA

The Sprint is interactive –click here for Friday’s final field.

Flashback to 2016 – Nebula wins the Algoa Cup for Brett Crawford

Liebenberg

DICKENS STAMPS GUINEAS CLAIMS

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Chase

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Charles Dickens takes off to maintain his unbeaten record under Aldo Domeyer Cover Image Candice Bass-Robinson and Bazile Nkunzi share a magic moment at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday - image courtesy of Chase Liebenberg

Veteran trainer Mike Bass was never a vintage protagonist of prepping Cape Guineas winners. But his daughter Candice Bass-Robinson sent out an ominous warning of pending classic success when Charles Dickens stormed to victory in Saturday’s Gr3 Grade Classic at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

After Trip Of Fortune’s victory in the same race in 2021, Charles Dickens registered a double for the Drakenstein-TrippiDomeyer-Bass Robinson combination.

Facing his biggest test to date and stepping up to

the 1400m for the first time in his brief but impressive career, the handsome chestnut produced his customary turn of foot as he came right away from his opposition to record an impressive three length victory.

No time was recorded and, despite drifting marginally in the betting, his backers had no cause for concern. The consistent At My Command (5-1) led for much of the journey but had no answer for the superior victor. Dave The King (16-1) was a further length back in third.

Now undefeated in four starts, Charles Dickens is a Drakenstein home-bred son of past SA Champion sire Trippi (End Sweep) out of the five-times stakes winner Demanding Lady (Dynasty), who

scored up to 2200m.

He took his stakes earnings to R361 250 on Saturday.

On a superb day, the BassRobinson stable saddled 5 winners.

The Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas will be run for a boosted stake of R2 million at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 17 December.

Aldo Domeyer is eyeing the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas trophy already as he alights from Charles Dickens. Mark Bass looks onv

TIME TO DREAM BIG WITH DICKENS!

When the unbeaten Charles Dickens ran out an impressive winner of Saturday’s Gr3 Cape Classic at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth he continued the great run enjoyed by both his sire and his dam this season.

Trippi has made a flying start to the 2022-2023 season with the former South African champion sire having already supplied

Gr3 Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes winner Trip Of Fortune, Gr3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes queen Santa Maria, and Listed Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy victor Somerset Maugham.

Trippi has also made his presence felt as a broodmare sire in North America this year. His maternal grandson Not This Time is sire of this year’s brilliant Gr1 Runhappy Travers Stakes winner Epicenter, with the latter also runner up in both the 2022 Gr1 Kentucky Derby

and Gr1 Preakness Stakes. Somerset Maugham and Charles Dickens were both produced by Dynasty’s highclass daughter Demanding Lady.

A winner of five races, including the 2012 Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge, where ironically she beat Louvre (dam of Trippi’s classy son Trip Of Fortune) into second place, Demanding Lady

Chase Liebenberg

has enjoyed great success at stud when mated to Trippi, having produced not only Charles Dickens and Somerset Maugham, but also Gr1 Gbets Cape Derby runner up Charles.

A stakes winner at two, and looking destined for much bigger things, Charles Dickens has a pedigree which suggests he could well be a very attractive stud prospect in time to come.

Not only is he a son of a champion sire and a topclass producer, Charles Dickens hails from a female line which has produced numerous high-class performers all over the world.

His granddam Demanding Damsel was a winning halfsister to Kissimee Kyle, a multiple stakes winner in

the US, while Demanding Damsel’s third dam is Prix Jacques le Marois winner Gris Vitesse (Amerigo). The latter more than made her mark at stud as the dam of Gr3 Craven Stakes winner Silver Hawk, who proved one of very best sire sons of Roberto.

Silver Hawk, whose high-class son Grass Wonder is the grandsire of sensational young sire Maurice, left behind 70 stakes winners and is broodmare sire of 100 black type winners. Among Silver Hawk’s notable stars were Epsom Derby winner Benny The Dip, St Leger hero Mutafaweq, outstanding racemare Memories Of Silver and French Oaks queen Lady In Silver.

Silver Hawk is also sire of outstanding broodmare, and Gr3 Musidora Stakes queen, Magnificent Style – whose progeny includes Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Nathaniel, sire of outstanding champion Enable and this year’s

Gr1 Cazoo Derby winner Desert Crown.

Gris Vitesse is also ancestress of such Gr1 winners as Rollout The Carpet, Hit The Road and War Command.

Charles Dickens traces back directly in female line to Epsom Oaks winner Lonely, whose notable descendants also include Austalian star Maltster, the Champion Sire in Australia on five occasions.

Trippi, whose son Gold Standard was responsible for Saturday’s Prestige Plate winner Golden Hostess, boasts 89 stakes winners and looks set to reach the 100 stakes winners landmark before too much longer.

odio dignissim qui blandit praesent

Trippi: End Sweep – Jealous Appeal (Valid Appeal)

Drakenstein Stud

Dev Pretorius – new man in the eagle’s nest NO EXCESS FOR DEV – JUST A RACE AT A TIME! Chase Liebenberg

A brand new voice in the Cape commentary box, 21 year old Devon Pretorius is determined to make a success of the challenges behind the mic as he walks in the giant footsteps of seasoned veterans Jehan Malherbe and Rouvaun Smit.

“The lad has potential,” concedes the Cape’s ‘Golden Voice’ Rouvaun Smit after Devon politely introduced himself to the Sporting Post team at a sundrenched Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. Looking at him, he is a ringer for his Mom, Carolyn.

To break the ice, we wanted to know his nick name.

“I have always been ‘Dev’, which is quite unimaginative, I suppose. At school I was called ‘Tom Cruise’ for a while – that’s after the rugby guys went to see Top Gun. I quite liked it, but it sadly never really stuck!” he laughs.

We can all do imitations, so we asked if 'Dev aka Tom Cruise' copies or mimicks existing commentators. After all, we have a variety of styles from the legendary Bumpie Schoeman to Alistair Cohen, and even Brandon Bailey. We have our favourites and all are very, very different!

“I really don’t try and

copy directly from existing commentators and am determined to not becoming a ‘copycat’ version of any of them. I’d like to try and build my own unique style of calling and I really hope that someday I can join the ranks of the legendary SA commentators. One has to aim high!”

When taxed about his work commitments, the Wynberg Boys High School graduate explains that he currently only calls a few races a meeting, while employed in the Racing Operations team alongside

Justin Vermaak and Theresa Esplin during the week.

“The work is really interesting, as I have learnt so many new and different aspects of racing that one would not actually see or hear about in the normal course of events. But commentating is definitely my first love and passion, and with every call I am starting to become a little more confident - especially with the guidance and

Dev and Mum, Carolyn

support of the senior commentators,” he adds.

Devon is very aware that he is not the finished product yet. “But I really hope I can continue to improve as I still have a long way to go. It was great to be a part of the big day back at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday,” he observes with youthful enthusiasm.

“Those weren’t my first at the Southern Suburbs track. I called two races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in August just before racing returned to Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Hollywoodbets Kenilworth is definitely ‘slower’,

whereas at Fairview and Hollywoodbets Durbanville the runners absolutely fly home from all different directions! This difference has actually helped me in understanding the tempo of a race-call for different tracks.”

We asked him if he got butterflies and started sweating as the field was loading – after all, it’s a nerve wracking job for a relative newbie.

“I don’t really get nerves, to be honest. I have always dealt well with pressure quite well, and when there is a job to be done, especially commentating, your focus and concentration levels are so high that you don’t worry about the distractions or smaller things that can throw you off.” Has he experienced any nightmare

moments in his short career so far?

“My worst moment probably came in Gqeberha. it must have been my fifth call, and as they were loading my mind hit a complete blank and I couldn’t tell the difference between the silks, what colour was what, the names of the runners - and I couldn’t read or make out any words! This was quite a scary moment. But I never said anything on air. I just turned off the mic, took very deep breaths, and thankfully everything came back as soon as the gates opened and I called the race like I normally do,” he laughs

Dev with proud Dad, Neil

with obvious relief.

Devon says that a few months later, a similar thing happened in the office.

“I actually had a seizure and had to be taken to hospital. I think Justin Vermaak’s face is still white after seeing what happened. I found out I actually have epilepsy and this weird moment that happened was actually the build up to a seizure. Thankfully I’m on medication now and have

never come close to that feeling again.”

Devon was born and raised in Cape Town where he grew up in two households.

He explains. “The one being with my Dad Neil and the other with my Mom Carolyn, sister and stepdad.”

It was up to the age of 12, and while with his Dad Neil, a dedicated racing fan and well-known racing television personality, that most mornings

he would visit the stables before school. That is where his love for racing found its first seeds. Neil owned a few decent horses in his time – the good stayer Hautcar is one that springs to mind.

“Being with the horses, feeding them carrots and making sure I said hello to each horse just so none of them felt left out, was a daily routine. The best for me was actually going to the races where the adrenaline rush and excitement is second to none, and where the so called ‘bug’ for the game bit me.”

In the mould of his former schoolteacher Dad, a talented and something of a fanatical sportsman, Devon excelled at rugby and cricket.

“I was a student at Wynberg Boys High School and stayed in the hostel for 5 years. If you ever visit the school please do not look for my name on the 'Academic Of The Year’ honours board as it is definitely not there! One of the main reasons I wanted to attend Wynberg Boys High School was actually to focus on cricket due to the fact that it is the alma mater of Jacques Kallis.”

But there was an obstacle in the road. In his firstDev - in his Michael Hutchence days!

year at Wynberg, Devon’s eyesight took a bad turn, which forced him to change direction and pursue a sport where he didn’t have to squint to see the ball flying past his head.

“My cricket actually dropped so badly that I eventually went from being a decent bowler to playing wicket-keeper in the space of a few months! I only started playing rugby in grade 8, but fortunately being a natural sportsman I really picked up on it quite quickly and eventually ended up playing for the 1st XV in grade 11 and captaining the team in my matric year. After high school I played for the

Griquas U21 side in Kimberley, and also played in Poland for a few months before picking up quite a serious ankle injury. That was the final straw and I decided to pursue commentating instead!”

Devon is charmingly selfdeprecating and has a keen sense of humour – which should help him as he develops his career in a sport that can lift one up, but also drag you down and spit you out.

He smiles and tells that away from racing he finds peace and enjoyment in his love of music‘but nothing after 2000’.

“My entire playlist is only made up of 70’s, 80’s and 90’s music and I am a huge fan of Aussie rock band INXS, which is a really underrated outfit in my opinion. At

one stage, I even grew my hair out to try and look like the late lead singer Michael Hutchence! That wasn’t my best moment in life, but one lives and learns! I thought I pulled it off but according to everyone else, that certainly wasn’t the case. I also prefer movies to series, I try to stay fit and active in the gym or even playing 5’s football on a Sunday.”

Good luck Dev - you’re cruising!

Dev putting the boot in on the rugby field

RESONATE TAKES ON A NEW MEANING

Chase Liebenberg Resonate storms to his second stakes victory under Aldo Domeyer

Candice Bass-Robinson strengthened her already substantial Cape Summer season prospects, when the handsome chestnut Resonate produced a career peak performance to win the R175 000 Listed Southeaster sprint at a vibrant Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

The return of racing to cape Town’s premier Southern Suburbs venue produced its fair share of tricky results, but after some top-class work during the week, it was no surprise to see Resonate register his second stakes success.

The talented son of Twice Over was earmarked for better early on and produced a sustained finish at 11-2 under regular pilot Aldo Domeyer to beat the classy Gimme A Prince (6-1) by a half-length in a time of 64.41 secs.

Surjay (11-2) ran his usual gamerace to plug on for third ahead of the winner’s stablemate and quartet kicker Mr Cobbs (50-1) in fourth.

The weak-favourite Future Prince (5-1) appeared to be run.

Bred by Ridgemont Highlands, Resonate is a 4yo gelded son by Twice Over (Observatory) out of the well-performed Doowaley

mare Rei Rei, a four-time winner, who raced in the care of veteran Stan Elley.

Resonate has won 5 races with 5 places from 13 starts for stakes of R457475.

The Pick 6 continued to gain serious momentum after this result.

BADGES OF HONOUR – THE SHOW GOES ON!

Chase Liebenberg Aldo Domeyer drives Resonate up the outside for a cracking victory

That the partnership of Cape owners Mike Fullard and James Drew has stood the test of time was underlined at Kenilworth on Saturday, when their homebred Resonate carried their distinctive white, gold, and blue silks to victory in the Listed Southeaster Sprint.

"It's been a lucky partnership," mused Mike Fullard. "We've enjoyed more than 415 winners at last count."

The four-year-old is also

the latest in a string of stakes winners campaigned over three decades, of which some names are instantly recognizable. Think of the champion juvenile filly Paraca, KZN Guineas winner and multiple Gr1placed performer Kapil, the fine Argentinian-bred galloper Pablo Zeta, and the grand stayer Red Badge, who also ran third twice in the Durban July.

It all started in 1989, when the partners enjoyed their first success with the Elevation gelding Peaceful Paradise.

Bred by Maine Chance Farms, he was produced from the Plum

Bold mare Star Affair, whose grandam, the Durban July winner Diza was a granddaughter of the wonderful Birch taproot mare Drohsky.

Peaceful Paradise would go on to score eight times and prove his prowess as a sprinter. Although stakes success eluded him, he was twice Gr2-placed when third in both the Computaform Stakes and Gilbeys Trial.

Significantly Peaceful Paradise was just the forerunner of the future

Owner James Drew hugs his trainer Candice Bass-Robinson Chase Liebenberg

success the partners would enjoy with this family. Fast forward to 2004, when the Fine Edge mare Late Night Live gave birth to a filly by Doowaley at the now defunct Odessa Stud. The mare just happened to be a daughter of Stay The Night, a half-sister to Peaceful Paradise.

Mike and James acquired the diminutive Doowaley filly as a yearling, named her Rei Rei and sent her to Stan Elley, who also trained Kapil and Red Badge

A precocious juvenile, Rei Rei won two of her first three starts, was beaten a whisker in the Gr3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery and came into her own at three when she captured the Gr2 KZN Fillies Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Ridden by Karl Neisius, she took command fully 300m out and strode to a commanding victory over Sahara (who was to become dam of Gr1-placed, dual stakes winner Matador Man).

Exactly a year later to the day, Rei Rei returned for a second Graded stakes success, this time at the now defunct Clairwood. She again put a quality field to the sword to land the Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes by the best part of three lengths, with favourite and

Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Sparkling Gem featuring amongst the vanquished.

History will show that as a broodmare, Rei Rei has provided the partners with a steady stream of success, the latest of which being Resonate. He is one seven winners from the mare's first nine foals, which also include the Laisserfaire Stakes winner Anime.

"We have raced all Rei Rei's progeny," Mike adds proudly. "She is at Ridgemont Highlands and has returned to Twice Over, the sire of Resonate. Her most recent foal is a yearling Potala Palace filly we have named Lhasa."

Meanwhile, this successful partnership has moved into the second generation as owner/ breeders, as Anime has joined her dam at the Robertson farm. Mike Fullard elaborates: "Her first foal is a magnificent filly, a grey, just like her sire Danon Platina. She is named Devilishlygorgeous, and we have sent her to Brett Crawford. Anime's second foal is a Var yearling, also a filly, and is called Tanneron."

Resonate's Southeaster win is his second at stakes level, he joined the black type ranks in February when defeating champion Good Traveller in the Listed Ibhayi Stakes at Fairview.

Having regained the winning thread, it's hopefully onwards and upwards for the bonny chestnut, who has now won five times.

"We will discuss future plans, but for now, we will keep racing him over sprints, I think," Mike added. "His last run over 1400m in the Matchem Stakes was a bit too far."

That brings into the equation races like the Gr2 Cape Merchants and Gr2 Diadem Stakes and the ultimate prize, the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship. There's much to look forward to.

CAPE GROOMS ARE STARS!

Khaya Stables will be continuing their generous three-tiered sponsorship through the Cape Summer Festival of Racing. This commenced with the Gr3 Cape Classic at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last Saturday.

Khaya Stables’ Star Grooms initiative will acknowledge the unsung heroes of the sport with the top five grooms in all Graded and Listed races to receive cash incentives: 1st place: R5000; 2nd place: R2000; 3rd place: R1500; 4th place: R1000; 5th place: R500.

The winning groom of each major race will also

be awarded a trophy.

Grooms play such an integral role in caring for thoroughbreds during their racing careers, so it is apt that their contribution to the sport is properly recognised. Their labours are carried out far away from the limelight, yet their loving care and work is essential to the performance and wellbeing of these athletes.

A groom’s responsibilities include the welfare for three thoroughbred horses by feeding and watering, providing regular grooming of the horse, conducting physical inspections to detect soundness problems, including treating smaller physical problems based on veterinary advice.

Grooms work gruelling hours, a six-day week and additional days during the Season. All their work is done behind the scenes and rarely do they attain the visibility of credit for the important role they play in this Sport of Champions.

All of their work is done behind the scenes and rarely do the grooms attain the visibility of credit for the role they play in this sport. The Khaya Stables Star Grooms campaign was conceived to recognise how integral they are to the sport and the horses. It is a gesture to acknowledge and reward them

for their tireless dedication.

Khaya Stables has raised its sponsorship of the Graded Diadem Stakes – a prestigious 1200m sprint event at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth catering for South Africa’s fastest speed merchants. The total stakes for the 2023 Diadem will be raised to R600,000, set to take place at the expansive and scenic Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse which is the oldest racecourse in South Africa with AAA Grade Heritage status.

The Jockeys and Work Riders Challenge is a pioneering collaboration that has been exceptionally well-received since its

inception. It will again be staged on Cape Derby Day 2023 as the final race on the program, though with a slight “tweak.”. This year, Jockeys and Work Riders will pair up in teams drawn to increase the level of competition.

Khaya Stables’ generous support is perfectly opportune as Cape Racing is presently going through an exciting revival with R350 million rand allocated to uplifting the industry, and R35 million to be spent on venue upgrades.

The RaceCape powered by Hollywoodbets programme has pumped in R15 million to reward owners/trainers for running their horses, which will increase fields sizes and boost betting turnovers – key to making the game sustainable. Together with stakes/ prize money being significantly

ramped up, these incentives have already piqued the interest of visiting trainers and 300 additional horses are expected to swell the local population, adding to the drama and spectacle for this year’s Season.

The sustainable support of Khaya Stables, along with many other supporters, is key in the development of the industry and provincial economic development at large and for contributing to making Cape Town a desirable destination to international and local tourists.

• Media release by Cape Racing

BLING HAS THE NEED

Chase Liebenberg Trompie and Khumalo's need for speed

After an eyecatching debut victory followed by an inexplicably dismal second run, the Captain Of All gelding Trompie returned from an eight month break to run a mixed bag of eight rivals off their feet in the R150 000 non-black type Need For Speed Sprint at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

Eric Sands’promising 3yo Hithemhardsunshine looked the class in the race after his decent second behind emerging star Charles

Dickens at his last start. But going off at 11-10, the son of What A Winter had no answer for Trompie and his 4kg pull at the weights.

Coming into the final 200m, Grant van Niekerk had Hithemhardsunshine in top gear, but Smanga Khumalo held the ace and Vaughan Marshall charge Trompie went on to win by 1,25 lengths in a time of 58,46 secs.

Red Impact (6-1) was a further 2,75 lengths back in third.

Bred by Beaumont Stud, Trompie is a son of Captain Of All (Captain Al) out of the thrice

winning VAR mare, Wake Up Maggie.

Trompie has won 2 of his 3 starts for stakes of R151 875.

THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST!

Chase Liebenberg Golden Hostess finishes powerfully under Aldo Domeyer

On a terrific day at the races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday for the Candice BassRobinson team, the lightly raced Golden Hostess scythed through the centre late in the race to win the inaugural R150 000 Prestige Plate in eyecatching fashion.

The Bass-Robinson team ran riot through the bumper nine-race programme, with five winners that included capturing three of the four features.

Their feature rout commenced with an eyecatching win by Gold Standard’s talented daughter Golden Hostess (12-1) who charged clear under Aldo Domeyer to beat

Hold My Hand (10-1) by 0,30 lengths.

The top two are both Drakenstein home-bred daughters of Trippi stallion, Gold Standard. Ironically, it was another Drakenstein home-bred who was to be the disappointment of the race.

Dynasty daughter Inara’s Dynasty never showed and ran downfield.

A winner of 2 races with 3 places -including a decent fourth in the Gr2 Topsport International The Debutante on Marshalls World Of Sport Gold Cup day - from 5 starts, Golden Hostess is a very well-related Drakenstein homebred daughter of Trippi stallion Gold Standard out of the US bred French

Deputy mare, Hosta – a half-sister to US Gr1 winner, Colstar.

With his son Gold Standard producing the exacta, it was certainly a memorable day for Drakenstein Stud’s champion sire Trippi, whose unbeaten son Charles Dickens romped to a brilliant win in the Gr3 Cape Classic.

Trippi also enjoyed success as a broodmare sire on Saturday, with his daughter Agra dam of Saturday’s Need For Speed Sprint runner up Hithemhardsunshine, and another daughter, former Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint winner Real Princess, dam of Saturday’s Listed Southeaster Sprint second place finisher Gimme A Prince.

GLEN KOTZEN'S EARLY BIRTHDAY EXACTA!

While the Woodhill Racing Team has much bigger fish to fry this season, astute trainer Glen Kotzen graciously accepted a welcome confidencebooster ahead of the big day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, when he saddled the exacta in the R175 000 East Cape Polytrack Challenge 1600 at Fairview on Friday.

With two runners in Saturday's Gr3 Cape Classic, and other big guns in the Cape summer season wings, Friday's result will be a tonic

for the Boland team.

Earlier this month, the Kotzen family celebrated 21 years at the magnificent Woodhill Estate, one of the most prestigious private training establishments in Southern Africa.

And the energetic Glen, who celebrates his 57th birthday on Sunday, has been a shrewd picker at the sales and tireless traveller to wherever there are races to be won.

On Friday he travelled up the Garden Route with just two runners and came away with the feature exacta.

After former Kotzen charge Herodotus dashed off too fast to lead the way, Lois Mxothwa produced the classy well-travelled 7yo Cat Daddy (5-1) with a sustained late charge to win going away in a time of 95,02 secs.

Stablemate My Bestie (8-1) ran a cracker a halflength back in second, with the luckless, but supremely consistent, Greenlighttoheaven (11-2) back in third.

Cat Daddy is certainly as evergreen and versatile as they come. A winner of the

A thrilled Lois Mxothwa gives Cat Daddy a love as Loyiso Bonani enjoys the moment

Pauline Herman Photography

Algoa Cup, or ‘PE July’, in 2019 at Fairview, he racked up another stakes score with a gutsy victory in the Listed Darley Arabian on the Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack and earlier this year, he registered a first stakes win on turf in KZN when he ran them ragged to win the R150 000 Listed Kings Cup.

Cat Daddy is raced by The Great 8 Stables and LLC Syndicate (Nom :Mr D H

Barton) and was bred by the Gary Player Stud. A winner of 8 races with 14 places from 40 starts, he took his earnings to R922 700 on Friday.

A son of the dual stakes winning Kingmambo stallion Ideal World, the 7yo is out of the Black Minnaloushe mare Eyona, a winning half-sister to the stakes placed Elusive Model and to the dam of Castle Tankard hero Peggson.

This is the famous ‘E’ family, which

produced South African champions Empress Club, Ecurie, Escoleta Fitz, Eventuail, and successful sire Elusive Fort. Former Equus Champion Stayer Hermoso Mundo, also sired by Ideal World, is another notable member of this family.

COUNTDOWN TO SATURDAY’S SALE

Saturday’s 2022 Ready To Run and Unbroken Two-Year-Old Sale at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse will be a pleasing and enjoyable experience for vendors, buyers and casual visitors and by account of the weather bureau the stage is set for a mild, sunny afternoon with no rain forecast.

The sales team at Cape Racing has crossed the t’s and dotted the i’s ahead

of this year’s renewal to ensure a memorable auction, which starts with viewing opportunities of the catalogued entries on Thursday, 27 and Friday 28 November.

The popular Ready To Run gallops will take place before the sale, starting 10am on Saturday. They will be streamed live on the Cape Racing website (www.caperacing. co.za) and on www.galloptv.co.za, and followed by lunch to be served in the 1881 Lounge on the grandstand.

The sale commences at 14h30.

Justin Vermaak, Head Of Racing Operations for Cape Racing, commented: “The setup for the Ready To Run Sale will be the same as for the others held here. The horses will ring around the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth winner’s box and the actual auctioneering will take place in the 1881 Lounge just above the winner’s box where everyone will be seated during the course of the sale.

“The tables have been

booked up, over 150 people have confirmed, but we can possibly squeeze a few more in. There will be bidding on the phone and via zoom links from elsewhere, we’ll also be welcoming some overseas buyers including Ricky Maingard from Mauritius.

“We’re expecting a full house of buyers and an excellent sale. This is the last opportunity to acquire a two-year-old which qualifies

for the Cape’s big two-year-old races, the Summer Juvenile Series, the R750,000 Sales race itself in 2023, also the R400,000 race for colts and the R400,000 race for fillies on Derby Day. Pinhooked horses bought at the BSA Sales also qualify for a R100,000 bonus.

“We expect that these financial incentives for two-year-olds will translate into a good sale. We have a quality catalogue and we invite everyone to have a look and get involved!”

• To view the catalogue and other detailed sales information - please click here to visit the Cape Racing website.

• Enjoy our lot-by-lot snapshot as your guide to buying that champion –please click here to read more.

KLAWERVLEI'S

BEST TIME OF YEAR!

John Koster has picked five outstanding lots among 13 raised at Klawervlei Stud, going under the auctioneer’s hammer at Saturday’s Cape Racing Ready To Run and Unbroken Two-YearOld Sale at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

“Our draft is excellent and includes a few that you will not easily find at other sales,” said Koster.

His Top Five, with notes, below:

Lot 3: Unnamed filly by William Longsword out of

Cashel Palace by Fort Wood “The Captain Al on Fort Wood cross has been extremely good, producing William Longsword himself and also Captain America. This is a very well-balanced filly, beautiful quality out of Cashel Palace, who won four races and was Gr3 placed – herself a full-sister to champion mare Celtic Sea, who is about to foal down to Starspangledbanner at Gainesway with Anthony Beck.”

Lot 19: Unnamed colt by What A Winter out of Freddy’s Sister by Tiger Ridge “This is a very athletic son of What A Winter, look at Julia Pilbeam’s comments on him in our advert, she prepared him at Soetendal. A super colt out of the family of Marinaresco and Marina.”

Lot 27: Unnamed filly by Pomodoro out of Jenna, by Captain Al “Another of Julia’s favourites, she reckons this filly is born to run. She has the same shape as Return Flight. She is a half-sister to five winners, including 11-time winner Sir Duke, from the great old Koster family of Majolica and Majorca.”

Lot 36: Unnamed filly by Vercingetorix out of Mana Mou by Captain Al “A serious filly! The Vercingetorix, Captain Al cross has already produced a Gr1 winner in champion Vernichy. This filly is bred

Klawervlei Stud - as handsome as always!

to be extremely fast and looks speedy as well. Her dam Mama Mou was a five-time winner, she won the Man O’War Stakes and has already had two blacktype horses. She, in turn, is a half-sister to SA’s former champion sprinter,

Mythical Flight.”

Lot 59: Unnamed filly by Gimmethegreenlight out of Thunder Dance by Jet Master “A filly by a champion sire out of a champion mare by a champion broodmare sire. Thunder Dance and her mother Shadow Dancing

were both dual Gr1 winners and Shadow Dancing is a half-sister to Captain Al. This is a fantastic filly with the kind of blood you don’t get often in a catalogue, a must-see for buyers and breeders alike.”

NADESON PARK DELIVERS - TIME AND AGAIN!

Nadeson Park Stud, top 10 breeder twice in the last three seasons, has a six strong draft coming to the 2022 Cape Racing Ready To Run and Unbroken 2yo Sale on 29 October at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. They are all be sold under the unbroken section of the auction.

Three of the Nadeson sextet are by its resident sire Time Thief and the stud’s Hassen Adams commented: “Time Thief is deserving of more recognition. He had a terrific season with 56% two-yearold winners to runners last

season, in the top eight among the big guns like Vercingetorix and Gimmethegreenlight. It is a feat of note for a stallion who only demands a fraction of the fees the leading sires stand for. He has a number of smart sorts in training, including Time Fo Orchids (out of Amber Orchid) which I believe will go places as a three-year-old this season.”

Nadeson offers six fillies and Adams commented: “I don’t need to touch on each one’s conformation in detail, they are all well conformed and racy, just look at their photos and you will agree. It is one of the best drafts of twoyear-old fillies I have seen in a long

time. I think the prices will be reasonable and buyers will have a lot of fun with them.”

He summed up: “Lot 72: Time In Paris is a beautiful Time Thief filly out of a five-time winning mare by Danzero.”

“Lot 78: Time For Katie is by Time Thief out of a four-time winning mare by Fort Wood who has already produced a two-time winner by Gimmethegreenlight.”

“Lot 85: Rocking Peonie is by Captain Of All from a

Candiese Lenferna

family of winners, I owned her grandmother. This is a family of racers and I think the mating will produce a good track horse.”

“Lot 98: Successful Lady is a very strong, bull of a filly by Captain Of All out of Wafiqah and comes from a strong female line featuring

bold black type in Kiribati. I think she will run like the wind.”

“Lot 102: Sahnish Girl is by Time Thief out of Arikara, a first foal, from the family of top runners like Rock Lobster and Tellina. One of my best on the sale, a magnificent specimen.”

“Lot 105: Grecian Palace by Potala

Palace out of Grecian Dancer, by Antonius Pius. I did not race her dam, she was the last foal of Isadora Duncan, one of the best and most prolific families in the stud book – I bought her specifically for the breeding shed. Her first foal by Time Thief is already a winner.”

MORE MAGIC FROM MILLSTREAM

Jan Mantel’s Millstream Farm is producing, quality drafts year after year. Millstream is sending three lots to the 2022 Cape Racing Ready To Run and Unbroken 2-y-o sale on 29 October, all having been prepared by trainer Piet Botha, and looking the part. Botha furnished comments on the trio and expressed his satisfaction with their preparation.

Lot 43 is a filly by Potala Palace out of New Money, an unraced mare by ace broodmare sire Captain Al

from the close family of Cinnamon Sugar and Greenacre.

Botha reported: “She is very forward, has a lot of pace and moves well. I am excited about her, I think she will gallop well and is the type of filly that will win early.”

Lot 57 - Queen Lagertha, a filly by Royal Mo out of Sukiwarrior, by Power. “She is a nice, low-actioned filly, covers decent ground. She is sweet and sensible and does everything right, but still a baby and will need a few more months. She is a stunning filly, nice and strong and moves well.”

Lot 71 is Big Fella, a colt by

William Longsword out of the Gr3 Nursery winner Hot Affair by Jay Peg. “He is quite forward and ready to do a lot. He has a very nice action, a good mover that covers ground and has pace, he is sensible and is another that should come early, doing well,”

Botha said.

Millstream’s Lot 70 has been withdrawn from the sale.

Please see the catalogue here.

NORMANDY - THEY SURE CAN RUN!

Oscar Foulkes is enthusiastic, as always, about this year's Cape Racing Ready To Run sale.

Normandy Stud has been a strong supporter of the Ready To Run concept since its inception and has always prided itself on producing the goods with horses that don’t cost the earth.

"When it comes to our horses, we’ve often said that this could be our favourite time of year. Firstly, it’s foaling season. What’s not to love about foals, as they

continue our ongoing cycle of hope. Which of these will be the stars of the future? Dare we dream of adding to our tally of L’Ormarins King's Plate, Cape Derby or Guineas winners? Will we finally breed a Met winner, after five second-place finishes?"

It’s also the time of year when Normandy's Ready to Run babies start showing their mettle. They have selected them especially for this sale, so they always begin with high expectations.

Previous drafts have delivered the Grade 1 winners Rio Querari and Sergeant Hardy, as well as

numerous Grade 2 and Grade 3 winners. For Normandy Stud, this is a Select Sale, and it’s important to them to have runners that will build on their RTR tradition.

"Closing the circle, RTR prep is when we start seeing the realization of the hopes and dreams of the foal crop from two years ago," said Oscar.

We generally augment our RTR drafts with yearlings purchased during the course of the year. A few notable

Normandy graduate Rio Querari wins the 2021 Gr1 Computaform Sprint Chase Liebenberg

Graded stakes-winners from this cohort include Homely Girl, Wonderwall and Bishop’s Bounty.

Oscar's notes on the current draft:

Lot 16 filly Magmalicious (Erupt (IRE) – Ekaterina)

On both sire and dam sides, this racy filly’s pedigree is very much on the up. She is the half-sister to one of last season’s better juveniles, in Grinkov. He’s recently gelded, and as a Twice Over, is sure to relish classic distances. She’s also a half-sister to a mare that’s produced a couple of promising runners. And,

of course, she’s by Erupt, who is having a great run with his first crop of three-year-olds.

Her dam is a half-sister to Mother Russia, backing up her paddock value.

20 filly Public Benefit (Erupt (IRE) –Good Cause)

This big, scopey filly is out of a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Crowd Pleaser, who is one of the horses on our RTR honour roll. She looks like the type of Erupt that will excel from a mile upwards.

31 filly Gimme Shelter (Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – Lady of the Fleece)

We’ve loved this strapping filly since she was just a few days old. She’s by the sensational

Gimmethegreenlight, and she looks every bit a racehorse. Her dam has already bred a black type performer, and she is a half-sister to Fabiana and Star Empire. Lady of the Fleece is also a half-sister to the dam of GG’s Dynasty, a stakes-winner from our 2017 RTR draft.

41 filly Marpori (Potala Palace – Night on the Hill) This filly gets her name from the hill on which the Potala Palace is built. In this filly’s case, ‘built’ is an appropriate word, because she is … well … built. She makes many colts look weak by comparison. She

goes under the heading “could be anything”. Not only is she ‘built’, but she also moves extremely well. This is a prolific winnerproducing branch of the Terpsichore family.

42 colt Take a Mulligan (Twice Over (GB) – Nordic Light)

This colt is a half-brother to the rapidly improving Beerenberg, who has won three of his last four starts. His dam is a half-sister to the dam of Rio Querari, and we can see this colt showing pace, too.

You get just one chance to

buy this colt on RTR – no Mulligans available – so don’t miss out!

Normandy Stud (agent)

4 colt Unnamed (Duke of Marmalade (IRE) – Coby)

The dam of this colt was a topclass staying filly, and he looks like he’s headed in the same direction. After all, he’s by the same stallion as Ascot Gold Cup winner, Big Orange. He’s big, he’s scopey, and he moves well.

5 colt Tail of the Comet (Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) –Comet Chaser)

This is a cracker of a Gimme colt. He’s got size, scope and substance, and he looks like he

can gallop. His stakeswinning Jet Master dam has already produced a black type performer, also by Gimmethegreenlight (full sister).

8 colt Prince of Denmark (Duke of Marmalade (IRE) –Cutey Me)

A neat, high quality colt by the sire of We’re Jamming. He moves exceptionally well.

21 colt Unnamed (Master of My Fate – Greendale)

This is a very smart colt, out of an underrated Captain Al mare. His half-brother, De la Cruz, reeled off three

impressive wins at two before being exported (or having the opportunity of earning the black type that was surely headed his way).

28 colt Follow the Band (Vercingetorix – Jo Piper)

He is by South Africa’s hottest stallion, Vercingetorix, out of a fivetime winning mare that has a 100% record of winners to runners. A ringer for the 2023 Sales Race.

30 filly Unnamed (Quasillo (GER) – Keep on Dreaming) Quasillo is producing the goods with very small crops. This filly is a rare opportunity to buy one. Her stakes-placed dam was a five-time winner.

35 filly Montreal (Querari (GER) – Lorne Cottage)

This is a good-sized, scopey filly by top two-year-old sire,

Querari. She’s from the family of Horse Chestnut, out of a five-time winning mare with a 100% record of winners from runners. She could be a very smart buy.

55 colt Unnamed (Lancaster Bomber (USA) – Sidera (AUS)) Lancaster Bomber was a rare stallion opportunity for South Africa. This colt is out of a stakeswinning Galileo mare who is out of a Danehill mare, making this a rare opportunity to get a truly international pedigree, but paying in rands!

56 colt Spring Palace (Potala Palace – Spring Orchid)

This high quality colt represents one of the finest Grade I producing families in the Stud Book. This could very well be the next Katak!

64 colt Bohemian Grove (Querari (GER) – Bella Spumante)

This well-grown, high quality colt is a real head-turner. His sire, Querari, goes from strength to

strength. We can see this colt adding to his sire’s already lofty reputation. He is likely to be one of the standouts on the sale.

Please see the catalogue here.

DE MELO, VENNIKER BOUND AHEAD

The Hollywoodbets Sizzling Summer Challenge 2022continues to heat up and after the latest KwaZulu-Natal racemeeting on Sunday, Keagan de Melo continues to lead the way on the jockey leaderboard with 145 points. Smanga Khumalo and Richard Fourie are both 39 points back on 106.

Birdwatcher – who has run twice since the start of the competition –leads the horse/owner leaderboard on 19 points, five ahead of second-place Fabulous.

Rachel Venniker has opened up a big lead at the top of the apprentice leaderboard. She tops the pops with 95 points with Malesela Katjedi back in second with 63.

The Hollywoodbets Sizzling

Summer Challenge will see a total of R1 000 000 awarded to owners, jockeys, trainers and apprentices with the competition kicking off on 16 October and coming to a close on 30 December.

Read all about it by clicking on the image below:

Have a look at the latest tables here.

Keagan de Melo - in great form

A thrilled Tristan Godden rode his first winner under the Sporting Post branding

Candiese Lenferna

SP JOCKS RIDING CREST OF A WAVE

Sporting Post sponsored jockeys proudly won 4 of the eight races at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Tuesday.

South Africa’s longest established and leading horseracing publication has only recently taken the decision to sponsor jockeys, and there has been an instant reciprocal spin-off.

Athandiwe Mgudlwa was the man in form on Tuesday, when he booted home a terrific treble, including debutante Shipholia and Zinikele for the Hollywood Syndicate, who enjoyed a threetimer on the afternoon.

The newest addition to the Sporting Post saddle crew is Tristan Godden, who opened his account for us when steering the promising Bevie’s Delight to

victory for Peter Muscutt. Calvin Ngcobo is the third member of the SP saddle crew and he has already enjoyed success in our branding after making a welcome return to riding after a long break.

Athandiwe Mgudlwa – a terrific treble on the day Candiese Lenferna

Auguste Rodin, ridden by Ryan Moore, impresses in the Gr1 Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster

Facebook - British Champions Series AUGUSTE RODINFAVOURITE FOR 2023 DERBY

The final Group 1 contest in the UK, historically the most informative juvenile event for next year’s Classic’s, was run over the weekend at Doncaster.

The Vertem Futurity, raced over the straight mile, was won by the Aidan O’Brien trained Auguste Rodin. Run on heavy ground the colt by Deep Impact was held up in rear behind two horses, stablemate Salt Lake City and market rival Epictetus, that elected to race on the stands side of the track whilst the remaining five runners kept to the middle, inside.

Last of 8 approaching the final two furlongs, with his stablemate Salt Lake City setting a good pace, he found plenty when Ryan Moore asked him to go and win his race. Ridden to lead over the last 2-furlongs, Auguste Rodin went clear over the final 110yds, winning readily by three and a half lengths from the staying on Epictetus in second.

Auguste Rodin earned a

Timeform rating of 121p for his authoritative success which places him only behind stablemate Little Big Bear (126p) among this season's juveniles. Little Big Bear, by No Nay Never, looks more like a Guineas horse so Ballydoyle look to have a major chance of securing both Classic’s next season.

Due to the heavy underfoot conditions and Aidan O’Brien’s pre-race comments that this wellbalanced colt would prefer better ground, he eased in the market from 5/6 to a starting price of 9/4!

O’Brien stated post-race: “We came here with the intention of taking him out. We discussed it and the lads said if the ground is heavy, we won't run. Ryan rode in the first ground and said it was soft, he didn't think it was heavy. We walked the track and we felt it wasn't heavy, we thought it was worth letting him take his chance.”

Explaining the bold tactical move of heading across to the stands rail, he added: “The ground was very cut up in the middle and had been raced on over the far side, this was the only bit that wasn't raced on. We felt we weren't going to see him at his best, but the experience was going to do him good.”

“It was brilliant it worked out; it doesn't always work out. He really is a horse to be a little bit excited about next year.”

Bookmakers were getting more than a little excited about Auguste Rodin, who is now a best-priced 5-1 for the Guineas and 4-1 for the Derby.

“I'd say he'd have no problem starting off in the Guineas,” O'Brien said. “He has a lot of class.”

“He'll love good ground at Newmarket, and you'd imagine he'll get a mile and a quarter on his ear. Usually if horses are that good and that classy, they don't have any problem getting a mile and a half. He looks to have all the right things.”

SHADES OF OUR CHAMPION CAPTAIN!

The 2021 Sales Gr2 Cape Merchants winner Erik The Red is turning heads with his first crop foals vividly showing the stamp of his champion sire, Captain Al. Impeccably-bred, with movie star looks, Erik The Red was marked as a sire prospect from the day that he won his first start in January 2020 for the Snaith team. Just three weeks later, on Met day, he won his first black type race in the Summer Juvenile Stakes equally impressively and then went on to become Cape Champion 2yo of the year.

“We are really happy with how Erik is producing, especially with how the influence of his sire

Captain Al is coming through so dominantly. Erik The Red is producing strong, imposing foals that are physically at such an advantage. We are very excited to see how they will furnish as yearlings at the sales,” added Varsfontein’s Carolyn Erasmus.

The quartet this week include the filly first foal by Listed winning Master Of My Fate mare American Princess, a full sister to Gr 1 winner Sentbydestiny. The family has done well to Captain Al as she has two bold black type sisters by him in Princess Peach and Princess Alberta.

The handsome Aunt Polly colt is a looker! This mare is by Gimmethegreenlight and is a half-sister to champion 2YO Along Came Polly.

The Gypsy Madonna filly is out

of a Fort Wood mare who is a half-sister to 3 bold black type horses, including multiple Gr 1 winner Gypsy’s Warning.

The colt is out of Kawakami, a Master Of My Fate mare who is a half-sister to Captain Al’s daughter, The Merry Widow.

Breeders are reminded that the Sporting Post welcomes your future star foal images! Just send the pic/s together with sex, date of birth, breeding and any family / achievement back story to editor@sportingpost.co.za.

Future Stars is kindly sponsored by Karoo Breeders.

108

109

Erik The Red ex American Princess (Master Of My Fate) filly Erik The Red ex Aunt Polly (Gimmethegreenlight) colt

110Erik The Red ex Kawakami (Master Of My Fate) colt Erik The Red ex Gypsy Madonna (Fort Wood) filly

STARS ABOUND IN HONG KONG SPECTACULAR

The 2022 HK$110 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races has attracted a world-class cast of overseas entrants with 127 elite horses, including 43 individual Gr1 winners, featuring in a stunning collection of contenders for Hong Kong’s flagship meeting at Sha Tin on 11 December.

Japan leads the way with 63 entries, including dual Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) winner Glory Vase and fellow topliners Salios, Songline and

Panthalassa, while Australia has 15 nominations headed by Nature Strip, the top-ranked sprinter in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, The Everest (1200m) winner Giga Kick and Eduardo.

Aidan O’Brien has eight entries, notably Gr1 Epsom Oaks (2420m) winner Tuesday, Order Of Australia and Broome while Jessica Harrington has nominated Gr1 Irish Oaks (2414m) victor Magical Lagoon among a glittering combined entry from eight different regions – Japan, Ireland, Australia, Great Britain, France, Germany, the United States

and Singapore.

Offering record prize money this year, entries for the four Group 1 features – the HK$34 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m), HK$30 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), HK$24 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) and HK$22 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) – will be bolstered next Monday (24 October) with the close of nominations for Hong Kong-trained contenders likely topped by Golden

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Glory Vase is chasing a third Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) victory

HKJC

Sixty, California Spangle, Romantic Warrior and Wellington.

Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years, the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races continued under a closed loop system which allowed overseas-trained horses to successfully compete, including Japanese stars Loves Only You, Glory Vase and Danon Smash and Ireland’s Mogul.

The strength of this year’s international entry is evidenced by the might of a phenomenal Japanese contingent, which has risen from 40 in 2021 to 63 this year, and features 17 individual Group 1 winners including LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint aspirants Gendarme and Naran Huleg, crack milers Salios, Songline and Schnell Meister, Geoglyph and outstanding stayers Glory Vase – the 2019 and 2021 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase champion – Dubai Turf deadheater Panthalassa and 2021 G1

Tokyo Yushun (2400m) winner Shahryar and winner of Sunday’s G1 Shuka Sho (2000m) Stunning Rose.

The Sprint is interactive –please read more here.

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JOOSTE BACK IN THE NEWS

Former Phumelela CEO Rian du Plessis said last week that he remains close to ostracised former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste.

Du Plessis is well known in SA business circles, as a former executive at RMB, and CEO of two JSE-listed groups in Comparex and Phumelela.

Du Plessis also serves as one of two external trustees on the Jooste family trust Silveroaks, in which capacity he was named in the Anton Pillar court order requested by and granted to the SA Reserve Bank, resulting in this week’s raid on Jooste’s assets.

He explains to Alec Hogg of BizNews why the SARB’s raid was such a surprise, what the attachment of Jooste-owned

properties, motor vehicles, art, furniture and Mrs J’s jewellery actually means – and what comes next.

Du Plessis also shares his perspective after watching the Steinheist miniseries, currently airing on Showmax.

Former multiple SA champion owner Markus Jooste has endured one

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Markus Jooste - five years after the implosion there are developments

Hamish Niven Photography

of his worst weeks since the Steinhoff implosion in December 2017 rocked the horseracing industry and the world at large.

The one-time flamboyant owner and breeder has had certain assets held or linked to him frozen by the SA Reserve Bank.

These include a wine farm in Stellenbosch and a

property in the coastal town of Hermanus where the 61-year-old is understood to have been living, according to the papers filed at the High Court in Cape Town. Various other assets are also included.

The move represents a potential advance in the painstaking process of bringing charges against Jooste, who numerous legal authorities, regulatory probes and lawsuits have pointed to as the architect of the accounting scandal that

engulfed retailer Steinhoff in late 2017.

The Sprint is interactive - watch the Du Plessis interview: by clicking here.

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Name Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Rnrs % Places B.T. Winrs B.T. Wins Total Stakes (R) What A Winter Vercingetorix Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) Master Of My Fate Querari (GER) 128 109 126 139 129 264 213 274 312 269 25,390 29,489 25,171 22,069 20,191 34 33 31 31 26 41 37 33 37 30 26.6 30.3 24.6 22.3 20.2 111 95 144 139 106 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 3,249,863 3,214,288 3,171,500 3,067,550 2,604,588 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 Mrs C L Bass-Robinson 268 163 224 322 124 33 32 30 24 18 12.3 19.6 13.4 7.50 14.5 35 22 23 39 10 35 15 21 38 7 60 33 58 55 29 130 70 102 132 46 48.5 42.9 45.5 41.0 37.1 1,731,975 1,765,625 1,441,250 1,099,688 1,306,250 2,835,550 2,404,300 2,159,725 2,081,825 1,645,950 Name Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Rnrs % Places B.T. Winrs B.T. Wins Total Stakes (R) Wilgerbosdri� & Mauritzfontein Klawervlei Stud Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) Ridgemont Highlands Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd 190 195 101 93 95 410 444 204 230 209 21,486 20,844 31,039 30,506 29,628 40 44 28 28 27 47 53 33 31 32 21.1 22.6 27.7 30.1 28.4 188 188 99 110 95 1 0 5 4 1 1 0 5 5 1 4,082,338 4,064,588 3,134,950 2,837,013 2,814,638 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 R D Fourie 330 353 262 271 207 77 54 45 41 37 23.3 15.3 17.2 15.1 17.9 48 46 40 28 40 48 41 33 37 28 66 78 45 60 40 162 165 118 125 108 49.1 46.7 45.0 46.1 52.2 4,190,600 3,029,363 2,194,475 2,332,175 1,905,625 5,742,325 4,415,769 3,266,975 3,402,300 2,935,450 J O CK E YS results up to: 2022-10-26 See all the detailed standings - Click here

GET ON THE HOME WIN!

THE WIN!

Last week gave us our usual dose of thrill and spill, but with it came unbridled joy, frustration and well humour all rolled into one! There were some huge wins, embarrassing losses and frustrating draws – but it’s given us something to speak about all week.

Europe’s crown jewel is back for another round of action, and we are right here with you!

Saturday 29 October

8/1 Leicester | Draw 54/10 | Manchester City 2/7 (13:30)

City once again proved their worth bouncing back in emphatic fashion against Brighton. They played as though they had a point to prove – and in that environment it's always going to be difficult for anyone who comes up against them.

Leicester have begun to start keeping clean sheets and earning valuable points for them…I doubt this happens on Saturday though. City and Over 2.5 Goals is trading at around 6/10.

17/20 Newcastle | Draw 26/10 | Aston Villa 32/10 (16:00)

Eddie Howe needs more praise than just the media

giving him praise for his work at Newcastle. They are currently in the upper echelons of the toughest league in the world –and we are well past the so-called honeymoon phase.

Aston Villa have effectively shown that they just didn’t enjoy Steven Gerrard’s company…yeah… Newcastle win.

39/10 Bournemouth | Draw 3/1 | Tottenham 13/20 (16:00)

I’m starting to make myself look a little silly with my willingness to believe in Spurs…don’t get me wrong, they have a classy squad of players and a more than competent manager, and so success should surely follow? Bournemouth at home could be a tricky affair though, they are starting to play with a degree of confidence, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take something out of this game. Under 2.5 goals at even money is my value pick though.

39/20 Brighton | Draw 47/20 | Chelsea 29/20 (16:00)

Brighton is without a win in five games under their new boss, and I suspect things might be becoming less comfortable. One thing about Roberto de Zerbi though is that he will not shy away from the belief in his system – which I am all for.

Chelsea should have been put to the sword against United – and had they played a better team they probably would have. I think there might be something in this for Brighton, they will take the

game to Chelsea and ask the Blues to deal with them. I’m on the home Win/Draw Double Chance at 5/10.

19/20 Crystal Palace | Draw 26/10 | Southampton 29/10 (16:00)

I’m inclined to suggest that Palace were just off the boil last time out against Everton. They haven’t been that poor for ages and so I think we can tentatively put a proverbial line through that performance. Southampton earned a fantastic result against Arsenal, and they will surely be hoping this helps them kick on…I don’t think it’s as clear cut, but Over 2.5 Goals at 19/20 is attractive.

12/10 Brentford | Draw 49/20 | Wolves 9/4 (16:00)

Brentford have been pumped in consecutive away games (5-1 at Newcastle and then 4-0 to Villa) but they always seem to show up at home. If ever there was a football team which lived to personify the effect of a crowd it is surely the Bees!

Wolves have been poor; they just cannot score. I know we say that every week, but until it changes, I say pile in. Back the home win.

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27/20 Fulham | Draw 49/20 | Everton 2/1 (18:30)

Fulham are almost unapologetic in their reliance on Aleksandar Mitrovic. Their talisman leads the line, very rarely disappoints and without doubt gives his side a degree of confidence.

Everton will come into this fixture with supreme confidence though and will certainly want to have a say. Dominic Calvert-Lewin clicked into gear and well the rest is history.

Fulham on the Win/Draw Double Chance and Both Teams Scoring at 17/10 is incredible value though –get on.

1/3 Liverpool | Draw 48/10 | Leeds 7/1 (20:45)

Liverpool will surely want to set the record straight once again, but even so I think the prices on offer

are ridiculous. Yes, Leeds have shown they can be awful and have nothing going forward – but surely, they too find an exodus soon?

Liverpool is static at times, and I think they become their own worst enemy…nevertheless, they are playing at Anfield and certainly have the caliber to put Leeds to the sword.

Back the home win and over 2.5 goals at 13/20.

Sunday 30 October

1/5 Arsenal | Draw 6/1 | Nottingham Forest 12/1 (16:00)

Arsenal suffered a frustrating setback against the Saints, but this is a different Gunners side. Their belief and mentality around their own team has significantly shifted and they know they will need to have more quality.

Forest might be chippy after their monumental win against Liverpool, but this is Arsenal. A team playing at the top of their game, not relying on individuality

and reminiscing about their recent past!

Arsenal on the Half-time/ Full-time double at 11/20.

7/10 Manchester United | Draw 3/1 | West Ham 36/10 (18:15)

This should be a brilliant game to watch, neither side will give an inch, and both will be confident of getting a result. United at home will come into the game with plenty confidence, a lot has been made of their mindset recently and I completely agree! There is irrefutable evidence of improvement under their new manager.

West Ham are another side brimming with quality but bogged down by inconsistency – if they don’t start lively, I think United might have too much for them, writes Ryan Liberty.

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