SP SPRINT - 29 October 2025 by Sporting Post

JUST THINK…

PRETTY IN PINK!

New Generation

Three sires with 2yo’s this season 10 Doing It For

Charity

Another great raceday 30

Cape Sale – Magic!

The trend continues

60 NHA SGM

Time for change

Melbourne Cup Fever

The latest

On the cover

Our cover is pure pink this week as we signal our support of PinkDrive who are holding hands with Hollywoodbets and Race Coast to turn the Hollywoodbets Greyville track pink on Friday evening in support of breast cancer awareness. A great cause!

Issue: 43/2025

HAPPY 90 TH , MR PLAYER!

The 2025 Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational at Sun City this weekend promises to be an extraordinary homage to one of South Africa’s most illustrious sporting figures.

This year’s event will not only mark the prestigious tournament’s legacy but also celebrate the racehorse owner, breeder and golf’s greatest global ambassador Gary Player’s 90th birthday on Saturday.

The Sporting Post wishes the legend a memorable day and many more iconic years ahead.

A FIERY FRESHMAN TRIO FIRST 2YO’S STEP OUT SOON

It’s almost time for the new crop of two-year-olds to make their racetrack debuts and those guaranteed to pique the interest of any keen racegoer will be runners by new sires, those who retired to stud in 2022. Three years on, their racing careers are but a fading memory, so this week,

let’s recall the credentials of the more prominent newcomers.

Malmoos, a R4,4 million National Yearling Sale graduate, impressed from the moment he stepped onto the racetrack in the silks of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He lived up to his lofty price tag and retired to Ridgemont Highlands not just a Triple Crown winner, but a dual Gr1 winner to boot.

Malmoos – last Gr1 winning son of Captain Al | Credit: JC Photos

As the last Gr1 winning colt sired by Captain Al and out of a stakes winning Fort Wood half-sister to Master Of My Fate, Malmoos was always going to be a valuable stallion prospect, hence it came as no surprise that he was warmly received by local breeders, to the extent that he has covered three-figure books in his first three seasons to date.

Racing is very much a numbers game and having enjoyed such strong support, Malmoos will have a sizeable first crop of runners to go to war with, one which features siblings to Gr1 winners Rascova and VJ’s Angel, foals out of Gr1 winners Europa Point and Arcetri Pink, the SA Oaks winner Wind Chill, as well as Graded stakes winners Heavens Girl, Sylvan On Fire, Girl On The Run and Pin Up, to name but a few.

Australian-bred chestnut Real Gone Kid joined the Ridgemont stallion roster at the same time as Malmoos. Trained by Brett Crawford, he proved himself a lightningfast performer, winning six races up to 1250m and although he failed to garner any black type, his best run arguably came in defeat, that when fifth, beaten no more than a length, in the Gr1 Cape Flying Champion.

Real Gone Kid’s pedigree always guaranteed him a place of stud, given that he is a son of multiple Australian champion sire Snitzel, besides which he boasts a smashing, dyedin-the-wool South African female line which goes back to that wonderful taproot mare Party Time.

He is out of Equus Champion, and Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and Gr1 Woolavington 2000 winner In The Fast Lane, a daughter of seven times South African champion sire Jet Master. His Northern Guest grandam First Arrival likewise was a champion, albeit in Zimbabwe, and produced no less than seven stakes performers from ten runners, among which Champion Sprinter Let’s Rock’N Roll, Gr2 Oaks victress Keep On Dancing and Gr1 Cape Derby third Pack Leader. The dam of two champions, it remains a travesty that she never received the Broodmare of the Year award!

Be that as it may, her grandson received ample support in his first season at Blue Sky, resulting in an initial crop which includes siblings to stakes winners such as Beating Wings, Olympic Owen, Speedy Suzy and Team Gold. There are fillies out of stakes winners Cuvee Brut, Eva Eileen, Glacier Gold, Strong Scent and Whose That Girl, as well as a colt out of that grand stayer Onesie, whilst other mares who foaled to him include half-sisters to Gr1 winners Jackson, Captain Of All and Flying Carpet.

Brett Crawford had high praise for his former charge: “Real Gone Kid is a smashing individual who had electrifying speed and a bloodline that could hold its own anywhere. He is throwing a good-looking yearling, strong, racy types, who all look like they will come early to hand and quick. He’s an exciting prospect.”

Last but not least there is KZN-based Chimichuri Run. A tough-as-nails son of champion Trippi, he proved himself the ultimate sprinter-miler for the Chris van Niekerk/Sean Tarry team, winning eight races from 1000-1600m and was highlighted by a defeat of stable companions Trip To Heaven and Africa Rising in the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. He won the 1200m dash in track record time virtually twelve months to the day after finishing third in the Gr1 Gold Medallion as a juvenile. Twice third in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint, he also placed over a mile when third in the Gr1 Gold Challenge at age five.

Chimichuri Run – tough as nails son of Trippi | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

His dam, the Kahal mare Spiced Gold finished third in the Gr1 Golden Slipper at two and trained on to share the honours in the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic at three. She traces to the Kosters’ famed blue hen mare Majorca, through her stakes-winning daughter Haiti.

Chimichuri Run was well-received by KZN breeders, to the extent that his first crop juveniles features siblings to stakes winners Neptune’s Rain and Chijmes, foals out of stakes winners Tropic Sun, She’s A Stunner and Flowers Of Spring, as well as the offspring of sisters or half-sisters to Gr1

winners Jay Peg, Jackson, Cataloochee, Wagner and Querari Falcon.

Feedback from trainers has been positive, one being trainer Michael Roberts, who sent his five-time winner Nikiya to Chimichuri Run. She foaled the colt Bon Appetite, who by the way, is a fourth-generation homebred tracing to the English import Priluki. Said Michael: “He’s a typical first foal, neat, but well put together and looks like an early sort.”

CHAMPIONING CHARITY! IN THE NAME OF

A capacity field of 16 and 3 reserve runners will line up for the R1 million Allied Steelrode-Onamission Gr2 Charity Mile to be run at Turffontein on Saturday.

Six Betway Summer Cup entries are amongst the final field, although in the past 20 renewals no galloper has achieved the Charity MileSummer Cup double.

The Gr2 race has a storied history.

Originally run as the Germiston November at Gosforth Park, it moved to Newmarket in 2002, before transferring to its current home at Turffontein in 2007. The honour roll includes some of South Africa’s turf greats, including Foveros and Wolf Power, who famously won back-to-back renewals in 1982

and 1983, and more recently the likes of 2022 Summer Cup hero, Puerto Manzano, and 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner, Winchester Mansion.

Leading global steel manufacturer Allied Steelrode has sponsored the race since 2021, and this year, they are donating R1million distributed across 20 deserving charities. This will range from R140,000 to the charity paired with the winning horse to a minimum of R40,000 for the charity whose horse finishes in last position, as well as those paired with reserve runners.

Find the race preview on www.sportingpost.co.za.

Charity Mile hopeful Imilenzeyokududuma will be ridden by Smanga Khumalo | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

THE STARS AND THEIR CHARITIES

TO CHARITY MILE IN 2024 FLASHBACK

Winchester Mansion, winner of the 2024 Allied Steelrode - Onamission Gr2 Charity Mile, certainly lived up to expectations on the racetrack.

The 2023 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July winner is one of 94 stakes winners for Trippi, South Africa’s Champion Sire of 2015-2016.

Trippi, also responsible for 88 black-type placed horses, was best known in South Africa as the sire of champions Charles Dickens, Winchester Mansion, Hammie’s Hooker, Jet Dark and Trip Of Fortune. The

latter was bred on very similar lines to Winchester Mansion, with his third dam Manuka also the third dam of Winchester Mansion.

A top-class broodmare sire, Trippi is also famous for siring a pair of outstanding broodmares in the form of My Macy Sue and Real Princess. The former produced four US stakes winners, notably outstanding sires Not This Time and Liam’s Map, while Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint winner Real Princess, South Africa’s Champion Broodmare Of 2024-2025, is the dam of three graded stakes winners,

Winchester Mansion wins the 2024 Charity Mile - he retired to Drakenstein after this victory | Credit: JC Photos

notably 2025 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July winner The Real Prince and champion Gimme A Prince. Real Princess is also the dam of this season’s promising three-year-old Gimmie Rules.

Trippi’s son Winchester Mansion, Equus Champion Middle Distance Horse of 20222023, is a half-brother to three winners, including Gr1 Gold Medallion winner Sand And Sea (Twice Over). His dam Sea Point (Spectrum) is a winning half-sister to exported Equus Champion Pointing North (Joshua Dancer), unbeaten in four starts in South Africa, and winner of the 2008 Bloodstock SA Gr1 Cape Guineas.

Sea Point’s dam Compass Point (Model Man) was a four-time winning three-parts sister to Gr1 Computform Sprint winner Rodoille (Elliodor), and half-sister to dual graded stakes winning sire Blue Tiger (Counter Action).

The well related Compass Point, in turn, was produced by Manuka, a stakes placed full-sister to dual Gt1 Met runner- up Waitara (Rainbow Dream) and half-sister to Gr1 Queen’s Plate winning filly Wainui (Complete Warrior).

From the immediate family of outstanding South African champion Sledgehammer, Manuka was directly descended in female line from Pocahontas (Glencoe), one of history’s greatest broodmares.

Pocahontas produced a trio of hugely influential stallions in Stockwell, Rataplan and King Tom. Stockwell’s male line today dominates modern racing through his descendant Phalaris. Pocahontas also features as the ancestress of such classic winners as Dante (The Derby), Sayajirao

(St Leger), Camelia (Oaks) and Kandy (1000 Guineas), as well as more recent Gr1 winners Albahr, Cascadian, Just Fine, Master Of The Seas, and Tornado Alert.

Winchester Mansion’s broodmare sire Spectrum continues to make his presence felt in top-class pedigrees around the world. Dual G1 winner Dutch Art, whose dam Halland Park Lass was sired by Spectrum, is the sire of one of the world’s hottest stallions -Starman. The latter, winner of the 2021 Gr1 Darley July Cup, has already come up with four group winners in his first crop this season, with his first two-year-olds including Gr1 Prix Morny winner Venetian Sun.

Dutch Art is also the sire of outstanding broodmare Suelita, the dam of four stakes winners, notably Gr1 Qipco 2000 Guineas/ Gr1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes winning sire Chaldean (Frankel).

Winchester Mansion never ran again after winning the Charity Mile in 2024.

“We retired him after winning this race as he was not sound enough to continue racing. He is living the good life in our paddocks here with his mates and will eventually travel up to Graaff-Reinet where he will be a nanny to our young horses,” said Drakenstein’s Kevin Sommerville.

SHOULD BE A THRILLER ‘PE JULY’

The R350 000 Betway Listed Algoa Cup, often labelled the ‘PE July’, will be run at Fairview on Friday and boasts a quality field of 14, including Jacques Strydom’s defending champion Firealley.

The Western Cape visitors have dominated the Algoa Cup in the modern era and Firealley’s victory last year was only the second time in the last 20 years that an East Cape horse won the 2000m feature. Coincidentally, it was that man Jacques Strydom who also saddled the previous local

to win when Modern Day’s son Surfin’ USA scored in 2009.

Reigning

East Cape

Horse Of The Year

My Best Shot, one of five runners from the Alan Greeff yard, looks a tough nut to crack from the pole position draw, although both Glen Kotzen and Justin Snaith hold a two-fisted attack and aren’t travelling for the fabulous Fairview hospitality.

The first of 8 races is off at 12h25.

PE Horse Of The Year My Best Shot – massive runner on Friday | Credit: Pauline Herman

A CLASSIC RETURN TO

HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH!

The R350 000 Gr3 Cape Classic heads the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth card on Sunday as racing makes a long-awaited return to the Southern Suburbs venue.

The ten-strong field sets the tone for the stand-out sophomores this summer and

includes two visitors in Chapbook (Clint Binda) and Count Of Rouen (Peter Muscutt).

The nine-race meeting starts at 12h50 and will be previewed on www.sportingpost.co.za.

PRINCIPLES & PASSION OLD SCHOOL

Whenever chatting to Gr1 winning Turffontein-based trainer Erico Verdonese, we recall that his wife Cathy once affectionately suggested that it would make more financial sense for the 65 year old to play golf every day than run a racing yard. That may well also apply to a number of his colleagues countrywide, but Erico’s balanced, conservative and gentlemanly approach to his profession sees him ticking over nicely, with a live runner to look forward to in Saturday’s R1 million Allied Steelrode Onamission Gr2 Charity Mile.

Erico once told the Sporting Post that he doesn’t do social media and would never dream of asking an owner to give or buy him a horse.

“It’s just not in my nature. I suppose that some will say that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. But I’m old school and my experience, dependability and integrity comes standard with every horse in our yard,” quipped Erico who started out in 1978 with Richard Stranger, who failed on only one lesson when it came to his eager young student. That was the request that Erico was not

Erico Verdonese hugs Gavin Lerena – the duo partner for Charity on Saturday | Credit: Credit

allowed to wear green. “I personally am not a superstitious guy!” he laughs.

Erico’s other tutors along the way included the likes of the legend Syd and Alec Laird, Henry Eatwell, Stanley Ferreira, and the late Michael Roberts, to mention just a few, before the quiet horseman took the plunge and applied for his own licence in 1996. His first winner arrived at Newmarket on 25 January 1996 when Final Top’s daughter Lady Pickering skated home under Marthinus Mienie.

On Saturday, Erico’s flagbearer, the Shadwellbred 4yo Choisaanada, who last season became the first-ever winner of all three legs of the Highveld Winter Series, and bagged

a lovely R500 000 bonus for his delighted owners Isabella Lombard and octogenarian Brian Jossel in the process, will jump from a wide gate in a capacity field for the Charity Mile.

The son of Querari is out of the unraced Aussie-bred daughter of Redoute’s Choice Musaanada and cost R180 000 at the National Yearling Sale. Choisaanada has earned over R1 million with only 11 runs on the clock.

Making his season debut earlier this month after a break of three months, Choisaanada had his first start as a 4yo in the Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m. Drawn wide, he stayed on well to be beaten just a

length by the clearly progressive 3yo Tin Pan Alley.

“Choisaanada is such a pleasure to train and he keeps doing everything asked of him. After his win in the Sea Cottage Stakes, he just got stronger and better, but there is still improvement and more strength to come. He is not far off match fitness at the moment. He drew a bit wide in the Spring Challenge, but we expected a good run to bring him on,”Erico said after that run.

SA Champion jockey Gavin Lerena won the first leg of the Winter Series on Choisaanada and returns to partner the talented gelding on Saturday. Lerena has been serving suspensions since 12 September and would have been out of the saddle for seven weeks when he returned on Wednesday 29 October. As a professional, he is sure to be razor sharp on Saturday.

The Gr2 race, offering a stake of R1million, has a storied history. Originally run as the Germiston November at Gosforth Park, it moved to Newmarket in 2002, before transferring to its current home at Turffontein in 2007.

The honour roll includes some of South Africa’s turf greats, including Foveros and Wolf Power, who famously won back-toback renewals in 1982 and 1983, and more recently the likes of 2022 Summer Cup hero, Puerto Manzano, and 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner, Winchester Mansion.

Leading global steel manufacturer Allied Steelrode has sponsored the Charity Mile since 2021, and on Saturday they are donating R1 million distributed across 20 deserving charities. This will range from R140 000 to the charity paired with the winning horse, to a minimum of R40 000

for the charity whose horse finishes in last position, as well as those paired with reserve runners.

Allied Steelrode’s Group CEO Arun Chadha said that horse racing has long been known as the sport of kings, but with this event, it becomes the ‘sport of kindness’ — bringing together passionate individuals, owners, jockeys, and supporters in pursuit of a greater cause.

“Beyond the excitement on the track lies our shared purpose: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Every race, every cheer, and every contribution made, helps advance the vital work of our chosen charity partners. We are deeply grateful to 4Racing and their team, participants, and volunteers whose dedication and enthusiasm make this day possible,” added Mr Chadha.

Choisanaada carries the hopes of the Bokang Montjane Foundation which has already impacted thousands through female health education, school shoes and empowerment programmes. The foundation is run by Miss South Africa 2010, Bokang MontjaneTshabalala, who is also a philanthropist, entrepreneur and autism advocate.

A reminder that ante-post betting on the R6 million Betway Gr1 Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 29 November is also available on www.hollywoodbets.net.

WITH ONE STRIPE’S GATE MOTION HAPPY

‘I’m happy with the draw – it’s the shortest way around!”

The words of multiple Breeders’ Cup-winning trainer Graham Motion after his SA-bred dual Grade 1 winner One Stripe drew the pole position gate for the $2 million FanDuel Gr1

Breeders’ Cup mile to be contested at Del Mar around two turns on the turf course, in the early hours of Sunday morning for SA fans. The world’s top grass milers compete in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile presented by Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).

It is a demanding race favouring horses quick out of the gate and securing a strong position for the stretch drive to the wire.

One Stripe works at Del Mar this week | Credit: Zoe Meltz

One Stripe, an impressive winner of both the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas and L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate, will have his supporters – even at odds of 30-1.

It’s set to be a long day into night in front of the telly, with the Springboks taking on Japan at Wembley just hours earlier!

The vastly experienced Graham Motion told the Sporting Post on Tuesday that the 1 draw ‘helps us on a tight course’.

“One Stripe seems to have travelled well and is in good form which he will need to be in what appears to be an extremely solid group,” added the Maryland-based conditioner who

endured the disappointment of his other SAbred pre-entry Gimme A Nother having to be scratched after a minor injury incurred last week.

And ‘a solid group’ indeed it is!

Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile winner More Than Looks was retired without racing again, but the runner-up and third-placed, Johannes (12-1) and favourite Notable Speech (18-10), are back for more and jump from the 7 and 2 gates respectively – and should be right in the mix again.

Notable Speech heads the European contingent and will be making his third start in North America. His connections have walked this road before – owner Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby, and jockey William Buick –won the Mile in 2021 with Modern Games, in 2022 with Space Blues, and in 2023 with Master of The Seas.

Notable Speech lost his four overseas starts this year before shipping to Canada to win what was considered a modest renewal of the Woodbine Mile. In his previous start, he’d finished a close second to Diego Velazaquez, fifth in the Turf Mile at Keeneland.

Johannes didn’t kick off his 2025 campaign until August, when he suffered through a dismal trip and finished ninth in the Fourstardave at Saratoga. He overcame a little trouble of his own making when he rebounded to win the City of Hope Mile in late September at Santa Anita.

The 12-1 Formidable Man (barrier 8) could be worthy of consideration. His connections skipped the City of Hope to bring a fresh horse to Del Mar, where Formidable Man is 6 from 6!

The FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile is off at 01h05 on Sunday morning. Gallop TV will be showing every stride of the action.

The Race Coast Sales 2yo Sale, which hosted a combined catalogue of breezeup and unbroken 2yo’s, brought the curtain down on a terrific year of South African ‘bricks ‘n mortar’ thoroughbred auction sales late on Saturday evening at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

With all numbers on an exponential upward curve, 2026 looks to hold plenty of promise of greater things to come.

“It was a very good sale, solid throughout and with lots of new support. Very encouraging, indeed!” said energetic RCS Sales Director Pippa Mickleburgh in a midnight interview with the Sporting Post, as she called last round, flicked the light switches, and bid farewell to the last of the visitors, who had made their way to the scenic sales venue from across the country

After a lifetime running the show at champion nursery Avontuur, Pippa has made a seamless transition from no-nonsense vendor to mine hostess, and is clearly relishing her new challenge.

The numbers reflect pleasing growth over three annual renewals under the new management, with the aggregate up close on 146%, while the average has bolted to 62%, and the median a healthy 81% ahead.

On Saturday 127 of the 131 lots that went through the ring sold for an aggregate R45 925 000, at an average of R361 615, and a median of R300 000.

Varsfontein presented the top-seller, an athletic Master Of My Fate colt (#35) named Diaval, out of a stakes-winning own sister to Gr1 SA Derby runner-up Rocketball.

He was purchased by Sterling Miller’s Pound Bloodstock for R1,6 million.

While it’s largely academic, last year’s topseller was a Maine Chance Farms’ consigned Vercingetorix filly who was acquired for R1,3 million.

“I absolutely loved him. I felt he was the best horse on the sale. He has the looks and pedigree to match, and even though we had to go slightly over budget, we hope things will work out and we are very excited. He will go straight to my Dad at Summerveld,” Sterling Miller told the Sporting Post, before adding that Race Coast Sales had been ‘excellent hosts’.

“We enjoyed top-class service and they were extremely accommodating,” he added.

The top-selling filly was #147, Gallic Flight, a daughter of champion sire Vercingetorix (Silvano) offered by Suzette Viljoen’s Hopes And Dreams Stud as agent, and sold to prominent Highveld owner Trevelen Pillay for R1 million.

She is a beautiful specimen and is out of the six-time winning Jet Master mare Flight Zone, a half-sister to Durban July winner Bold Silvano.

The demand for reigning SA champion sire Vercingetorix was once again evidenced by the fact that the son of Silvano topped the aggregate and averages tables, his seven offspring selling for a gross R5,1 million at an average of R728 571.

His Robertson barn-mate Querari (Oasis Dream) sold 9 for a gross R4 675 000, at an average of R519 444.

Friday’s first-crop winner recordbreaker One World (Captain Al) – he beat Jet Master’s nineteen year benchmark – was in third position, selling 12 for an aggregate R4 475 000 at an average of R372 917.

Julia Pilbeam’s Soetendal Estate topped the vendor charts, selling 15 as agent for a gross R5 690 000, and a further 9 for own account, for R2 725 000.

Maine Chance Farms (12 for R5 450 000) and Klawervlei (who sold 13 as agent for R4 635 000) were heads up heads down in third.

Both Varsfontein, who averaged R775 000 for their four, and Winterbach as agent, who

averaged R668 750 for their quartet – as well as a cool million for their duo for own account – produced healthy averages.

The top six buyers by aggregate purchased 30 of the 127 lots to sell between them, with Justin Vermaak buying ten 2yo’s for an aggregate of R4 910 000, at an average of R491 000.

Sterling Miller’s Pound Bloodstock included the sales-topper in their haul of five 2yo’s, which grossed R3 375 000 at an average of R675 000.

Lucinda Woodruff (4 lots for R1,9 million) and Herman Brown (4 lots for R1 825 000) were the top buying trainers.

Suzette Viljoen sold the top-priced filly as agent and chats to Summerveld senior trainer, Louis Goosen Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Lucinda purchased the intriguing #49, Pearly Beach, a son of German-based dual Gr1 winner Japan offered by Maine Chance Farms.

The handsome colt was secured on behalf of a buyer in Sri Lanka.

“It’s not very often one finds a horse for sale on African soil in-bred to Urban Sea,” said a delighted Lucinda, who is living proof that positive PR and marketing pays dividends!

Pearly Beach is the third horse purchased for her by the owner, who originally found

Terrance Millard’s talented granddaughter via her website.

The Sprint is interactive – please have a look at all of the 2yo Sale results here.

Looking ahead, the next Race Coast Sales platform is the March Yearling Sale on 13 & 14 March 2026 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. The 2026 renewal of Saturday’s sale is rostered for 24 October at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

There was a buzz in the marquee! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The Race Coast Sales team received accolades for a well-run October 2yo Sale held at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday evening. Here we look at some of the faces and emotions. Chase Liebenberg took the photographs.

Breeder Dr Veronique Kritzinger greets Vaughan Marshall

A pensive Lucinda Woodruff keeps an eye on the action

Visitors Kevin and Alyson Wright

Veteran retired trainer Dennis Drier keeps his finger on the pulse

Etienne Braun and Jono Snaith in search of the next champion, while Greg Bortz studies the page Hopes & Dreams’ Basie Viljoen enjoyed a good sale

Willempie Englebrecht bought a nice one from Varsfontein – here Carl de Vos congratulates him Matt de

and Anthony Delpech talk turkey

Kock

A big player from years past, Chris van Niekerk watches the bidding

BREAKS THE MASTER’S RECORD ONE WORLD

Described as something of a ‘miracle horse’ after surviving a massive colic op as a weanling, Fairview Friday winner Pibe De Oro has twice been a history maker for his champion sire, One World.

The operation on the young Pibe De Oro left him without a cecum, which is described as one of the most important parts of a horse’s digestive system. The cecum is a large muscular sac, which serves as a storage site for water and electrolytes, and takes up much of the right half of the abdomen.

But Pibe De Oro is tough as teak, and with plenty of love and care from Zietsman

Oosthuizen and his team, he is upping his game and produced a gutsy winning performance under Sporting Post-sponsored jockey, Louis Mxothwa on Friday.

On Summer Cup day in November 2023, the Syrilla Stud bred Pibe De Oro made his debut as One World’s first ever runner in a Maiden Juvenile Plate at Turffontein.

Trained at that time by veteran Robbie Sage for longstanding owner Colin Bird, Pibe De Oro, who is out of the Easing Along mare Anasa, was a R220 000 buy from the 2023 National Yearling Sale and was to go on and run a number of places on the Highveld

Louis Mxothwa has Pibe De Oro in charge as Cliffie Clavin (Girish Dookit) tries hard | Credit: Pauline Herman

before being purchased by Zietsman Oosthuizen for R32 500 off the BSA May Online Sale this year

On Friday at Fairview Pibe De Oro, a regular earner with 5 places in the Eastern Cape, won at his eighth start for Joao da Mata’s Glistian Events, and again made history for his outstanding sire when he became the son of Captain Al’s 60th first crop winner, in the process assisting his sire to pass Jet Master’s first crop winner record, which has stood for 19 long years.

Trained, like his champion Dad Captain Al, by Vaughan Marshall, One World won 10 races including the 2020 Gr1 Sun Met, Gr2 Concorde Cup, Gr3 Winter Guineas, Gr3 Matchem Stakes, Listed Langerman, Gr2 Green Point Stakes and Gr3 Winter Classic.

One World notably was also runner-up in the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and placed third in the Gr1 Cape Guineas.

He was named Equus Champion Older Male in 2020 and retired to Drakenstein with a merit rating of 135.

One World went on to be crowned Champion Freshman sire, with his record-breaking 30 individual first crop winners. He also equalled the record for the highest number of 2YO winners in a season.

Both records were previously held by his Champion Sire.

His first crop of runners included the dual Gr1 winner One Stripe, who was announced earlier this week as a pre-entry for the 2025 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar next weekend.

As for his dual milestone hero son Pibe De Oro, who was a regular earner with 5 places in the Eastern Cape prior to his win on Friday, his ever-bullish trainer feels he can only gain in confidence and go on from this!

PENCIL PERILLA IN!

An important scientific complimentary tool of the trade for punters and racing enthusiasts, sectional timing data can enhance both the form study and horseracing viewing experience on both KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape race meetings.

In our Time Is Money column this week, we look at some standouts from the Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack fixture on Monday.

In terms of prizemoney the Form Guide www. gallop.co.za Middle Stakes (f&m) over 1400m topped the bill and in what proved to be by far the slowest of the three races over the distance, CONVOCATION registered her seventh career victory.

Rain fell throughout the race and for most of the journey just five lengths covered all. The daughter of Flying The Flag led throughout, and all out at the finish she held on by a half.

Back in sixth was the enigma Perilla. Very unsettled and pulling strongly early on, the 6yo Erupt mare recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon. She also recorded the fastest 400m to finish time on the card last time out, and she was the third fastest on the card in her outing before that! Rated nine points above her mark here earlier in her career, Perilla has now not won for 311 days.

Going: Standard

Rain: Last 7 days Nil Wind: 25-40km/h South Westerly tail wind

The www.gallop.co.za D Stakes was by far the fastest of the three 1400 races and here the Querari gelding LEXICAN POINT landed a gamble.

Backed into favouritism at the track (9/2 into 28/10) , Frikkie Greyling’s charge ran on strongly from off the pace and won going away by two and three quarters after striking the front 200m from home.

The Live It. Love It. Own It Class 4 was comfortably the faster of the two 1600m races at the meeting and here the best bet on the card for many, KANAAL SKATER did the business. The only runner on the card for trainer Dean Kannemeyer, the son of One World raced fifth just four lengths off the pace set by the veteran Afropolitan.

He quickened nicely early in the straight and after getting the better of the fancied Safe Travel 150m from home, he won a little bit more easily than the official winning margin of half a length would suggest. The lightly raced runner up Safe Travel was coming off a three month break here and looks sure to come on plenty next time.

Just 6/100th of a second separated the winners of the two 1200m races that brought proceedings to a close and in the quicker of these, the Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 5 (f&m), DAWN SURPRISE poached her third career victory.

Just a length off the pace, in another race where it rained throughout, the Elusive Fort mare made her move early and struck the front 500m out. She quickly grabbed a useful advantage and under a determined ride from Cole Dicken she kept on to score comfortably by two from the well-supported favourite Littleblackgem.

HIS SUMMER LINE EQUATOR DRAWS

Favourite on the ante-post betting boards for the big race, Tony Peter’s Galileo entire The Equator looks set to step straight out of his Graduation Plate victory at Turffontein on Sunday into the R6 million Betway Gr1 Summer Cup at the same venue on 29 November.

After suffering a potentially programmealtering setback of nail bind – which occurs when a nail is driven in too close to the sensitive structures of the hoof – Willem Ackerman and Nigel Riley’s imported Galileo stallion prospect came out firing on all

cylinders under Richard Fourie, showing good health and pace resolve over a trip short of his best, in what was a well paid exercise gallop.

Purchased at the Tattersalls Sale at Newmarket last year, and with his pedigree page subsequently boosted by the victory by his half-sister Lake Victoria (Frankel) in the 2024 Gr1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, the handsome athlete looks all set to line up on 29 November in the Highveld showpiece.

Richard Fourie guides The Equator to a smooth victory | Credit: JC Photos

After failing to make an impact on his, in hindsight, possibly rushed SA debut on Hollywoodbets Greyville’s showcase day last term, The Equator won a Pinnacle Stakes in early August on his adopted home track.

The Equator ran six times in the UK, winning over 2000m and placing twice, including a fourth in the Gr3 Gallinule Stakes. His final start before changing hands from the Coolmore Partners to the Ackerman-Riley partnership was a runner-up finish at York fourteen months ago.

Held tight by Richard Fourie on Sunday, The Equator (8-10) strode clear to register his third career victory, beating Beynac (9-2) by 2 lengths in a time of 98,63 secs for the Turffontein standside mile.

Stablemate Bay Empire ran off the course, and finished a distance back.

Trainer Tony Peter thanked Gavin and Vicky Lerena for the work they had done with The Equator. The SA Champion jockey, whose current suspension ends on Tuesday and takes six rides for the Snaiths at Hollywoodbets Greyville in midweek, has apparently not confirmed his Summer Cup engagement.

The Equator’s merit rating of 116 will remain intact.

Richard Fourie and Tony Peter enjoyed a double on the afternoon when last season’s Gr1 Mercury Sprint winner Buffalo Storm Cody won his first start as a 4yo when skating home to beat the impressive Fire Attack in a 1160m Conditions Plate.

Young SplashOut-sponsored apprentice Savanna Valjalo is making good progress this term and rode the third winner of her short career – her second from a handful of rides at consecutive meetings – when Key Worker won the fifth for Stuart Pettigrew.

With Fourie’s double, and Craig Zackey booting Xenophon home for Sean Tarry in the final race of the afternoon, the duo start the new week on 58 winners each.

Zackey takes four rides at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday, and six at the Vaal on Tuesday – so the chances are he may be marginally ahead again when they bump heads, with Gavin Lerena in the mix, at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday.

The Betway Summer Cup timeline:

• Second Entries close: 11h00 Tuesday 4 November 2025

• Final Entries close: 09h00 Monday 17 November 2025

• Weights: Monday 17 November 2025

• Declarations close: 11h00 Wednesday 19 November 2025

NOTICE OF SGM CALLED BY MEMBERS NHA

Following the NHA media release of 8 October 2025, notice is hereby given, in terms of Clause 12.3.1 of the NHA Constitution, that the Special General Meeting shall take place on 19 November 2025 at 12h00 at the Head Office of the NHA, Turffontein Racecourse, 14 Turf Club Street, Turffontein.

The relevant documents, amended Constitution, and Proxy Form was uploaded on the NHA website yesterday.

On Wednesday 8 October 2025, the NHA issued a media release entitled, ‘Requisition for SGM’:

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) wishes to advise its members that a written requisition with signatures, as co-ordinated by the “concerned Stakeholders”, to call a Special General Meeting (“SGM”) in terms of clause 13 of the Constitution, was received on 6 October 2025.

After completing the process of internal vetting of the documents the NHA confirms that 182 valid signatures were received. The National Board has confirmed that the Special General Meeting will take place on 19 November 2025 and a notice in terms of Clause 12.3.1 will be published in due course.

The Board will now consider the written requisition and thereafter interact with the concerned Stakeholders with a view to obtaining alignment and provision of support for the amendments proposed by the concerned Stakeholders.

After this process has run its course, members will be provided with the draft constitution (either supported by the directors or not) for their evaluation which will then be voted on at the SGM on 19 November 2025.

EARNS SUPPORTERS A FEW POUNDS TENPENNY

Saturday’s action at the country course was headed up by the Lucky Fish Turf Luck B Stakes over 1600m and here we saw a smart performance from the 4yo What A Winter gelding Tenpenny, who was troublesome loading. There was no real pace on leaving the stalls, but it did then quicken approaching the bend when apprentice Nichola Yuen aboard Call To Unite (abnormal respiratory noise) took the bull by the horns. The well-supported 11/10 favourite Industrial Strength was the first to make a move and on striking the front 350m from home, he looked to have the race at his mercy.

Running on strongly from off the pace though, Paddy Kruyer’s charge loomed alongside 60m out and went on to score with some in hand by three quarters. Positioned at the back a length or so behind the winner turning for home, the third placed finisher Umfula also ran on well and recorded the same 400m to finish time as Tenpenny. That time of 22,3 seconds proved to be the second fastest for that segment of the afternoon.

Going: Good

Penetrometer: 21

Rain: Last 7 days Nil

Irrigation: Last 24 hours 15mm –Last 7 days 45mm

False Rail: 3m back straight with 3m spur at 420m

Inside Rail: 3m out from 420m to pull up

Wind: 16-19km/h Southerly cross wind

Course Variant: 1,32s fast

Albeit by just 0,31 seconds, the Hollywoodbets Bright Future C Stakes was not surprisingly the faster of the two 1000m races and here the 3yo What A Winter colt MAGICAL PLACE registered his second win (both over this trip) from just five starts. There were four in line vying for the lead going into the bend and after cleverly guiding DAME OF TRIX over from a wide draw it was again Nichola Yuen who made the running. They kept up a healthy gallop all the way to the wire and it was only on the nod that the always handy Magical place got the verdict in a three way finish. Beaten just a head into third, Worldly ran on well from the back and recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon. Worldly lost a length at the start and had to be held up 400 out before being directed inwards to make a run.

Three of the afternoon’s nine races were staged over 1800m and in the fastest of these, the Centenary Club Class 4 (f&M) , the nibbled at STRAWBERRY THIEF (slow into stride) gained her third win from just nine starts. After vying for early position the pace then became the slowest of the three 1800m events rounding the turn and the field became tightly bunched.

James Crawford’s charge was content to sit some seven lengths off the leader at the back

and was clearly doing it easily. Switched into gear early, this daughter of Canford Cliffs quickened smartly at the top of the straight and cut through the field like a knife. She struck the front going through the 300m and running on strongly under a determined ride from Richard Fourie she held on by the narrowest of margins from the running on Lavender Bay.

Just 19/100th of a second separated the winners of the two 1500m events with the quicker being the Lucky Fish Maiden Dash Maiden Plate (f) won by the Greg Ennion trained LADY VERITAS. Fourteen went to post and the pace set by Kisses was a strong one.

The daughter of Legislate raced seventh in a strung out field, with six lengths to find as they turned for home. She ran on stoutly over the final 400m and under a well-judged ride from Craig Zackey she struck the front 60m from home. Her stable companion Gin Palace finished second, and she too ran on very well.

GOLDEN!

On a sombre Friday afternoon for the local racing community, which was punctuated by a top-notch showing on 3yo debut by East Cape Champion 2YO Filly, Golden Palm, the proven power combination of Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff won 6 of the 8 races on the Fairview card.

The first racemeeting since the shock passing of popular local champion Gavin Smith was dominated by six tote favourites, five of which were piloted by the Ridgemont-sponsored Richard Fourie, who goes into the weekend level pegging on 55 winners apiece with Craig Zackey at the top of the national log.

The standout performance of the afternoon was undoubtedly that of Peter Moor’s exciting

3yo Golden Palm who coasted home at cramped odds to win the R250 000 Listed Racehorse Owners Association Stakes in a canter.

Ridden by regular pilot Richard Fourie, the 3-10 favourite moved up at the 300m and made it 5 wins from 6 starts to set up an exciting season.

Alan Greeff saddled 4 of the 6 starters, and Golden Palm clocked 96,12 secs for the mile when beating All Systems Go (8-1) by 6,75 lengths.

Golden Palm has won her 5 races, including a Gr1 and Gr2, by a gross 27,35 lengths!

Golden Palm gives Richard Fourie an armchair ride | Credit: Pauline Herman

Her trainer admitted to having a knot in his stomach ahead of Friday’s run, but said he was very happy with the positive start to her campaign, hinting at bigger things to come by adding, ‘I know what I have left to work with’.

Bred by Varsfontein, the winner is a daughter of Varsfontein’s champion home-bred stallion Master Of My Fate (Jet Master) out of the twice-winning Var mare, Croisette

A R260 000 BSA National 2yo Sale purchase, Golden Palm has won 5 of her 6 starts, taking her earnings to R1 011 737.

The next Fairview racemeeting is on Friday 31 October, where the Listed Algoa Cup heads the card.

FIVE FAIRVIEW FRIDAY WINNERS!

With six tote favourites to win at Fairview last Friday, and Richard Fourie riding five of those amongst his personal haul of six winners, it was a classic TGIF day for punters, with five happy players sharing the R100 000 must-be-won jackpot in the free-to-play Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge.

The five winning players, Vvxkcm, Riefie, Jonnq, Dudamel and Misheer took the individual total of Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge Jackpot winners to 149 as they selected all eight winners on the Fairview card to accumulate 112,44 points each on the day’s leaderboard.

The competition requires players to select one horse in each race at local racemeetings, as well as Hong Kong and selected international fixtures.

The Sporting Post chatted to one of the winners, a delighted Jonnq, a 42 year old ‘lifetime’ punter, who is resident on the KZN North Coast.

“Richie (Fourie) is my man! It always looked like he had the right mounts today and when he wins, I usually win too,” added Jonnq, who said that racing is his ‘game of choice’ and that he played just about every day.

“I am studying now for the Hollywoodbets Durbanville racemeeting on Saturday. But whether it’s South Africa or Ireland, or wherever, I enjoy having a win bet on the nose.”

The father of four said that his Dad had introduced him to racing, but he noted that his own children had shown little interest in the sport.

Asked whether his wife enjoyed the racing with him, he laughed and said she was a sensible lady who ‘kept an eye on things’.

“My wife is a Nurse and she supports my racing interest. Obviously when I stretch things, she isn’t over the moon. But God is good and we take the good days and the bad days in the best of spirit.”

While the R20 000 each winner received on Friday isn’t the biggest jackpot prize of all time, they could have multiplied the potential

payout ten times by wagering the R50 minimum on the betslip.

A philosophical Jonnq said that ‘any win is a good win’.

“As a family, any money coming in is welcome and I will share most of it, and reinvest some of it over the weekend.”

Asked why he had not wagered the minimum of R50 on the programmatically generated betslip, which would have boosted the jackpt from R100 000 to R1 million, Jonnq said that he had been in a rush. He works as an Ink Technician in the printing industry.

“I don’t think I will make the mistake again of not playing the R50 minimum bet. But we are grateful and very thankful, and three cheers to Hollywoodbets for giving us the opportunity of having some serious fun on the platform of a sport which we enjoy so much.”

DOUBLES UP CANFORD CLIFFS

Ridgemont’s five-time Gr1 winning stallion Canford Cliffs has maintained the momentum of a super last season and continued on his winning ways with a double for Ridgemont retained jockey Richard Fourie at Fairview on Friday.

Canford Cliffs is the sire of a number of leading gallopers, including the sensational undefeated Grade 1 winner Direct Hit, who looks to be an exciting classic prospect for the season.

First of the Ridgemont-bred Canford Cliffs winners on Friday was the very well-related 4yo Hoerikwaggo, who is out of Our Table Mountain, a past SA Broodmare of the Year and a half-sister to Breeders Cup Mile hero and successful stallion Artie Schiller.

Our Table Mountain is by a Kentucky Derby winner, while her dam, the grand racemare Hidden Light, won all of the Hollywood, Santa Anita and Del Mar Oaks.

Making the step up to the 1400m, Hoerikwaggo, who races in a partnership of

Hoerikwaggo (Richard Fourie) handled the step up to 1400m well | Credit: Pauline Herman

Ridgemont and Devin Heffer, ran green but had the class and won well to make it two wins from eight starts. While she has been previously confined to the sprints, she has the potential to go a mile if she learns to relax.

Returning from a stint on the all-weather and back on the turf, the Ridgemont-bred Happy Wives showed scintillating speed in the final race over 1200m to score an emphatic victory.

Out of the four-time winning Captain Al mare

Three Blue Cranes, Happy Wives raced alone on the outside of her field and caught the eye by sticking to her guns.

In a champagne exacta for Ridgemont, Canford Cliffs’ 3yo daughter Make Believe ran a post-maiden cracker when staying on to run second at just her third outing.

Canford Cliffs stood his first season in SA in 2018 and has continued to be a source of a variety of versatile winners, mixing speed and stamina.

Canford Cliffs won 7 races from 1200 to a mile, including 5 Grade 1 successes on the trot!

Happy Wives (Richard Fourie) cruises home |

Credit: Pauline Herman

GREEFF STAR GOES TO A 115

Following her commanding victory in the Listed Racehorse Owners Association Stakes run over over 1600m at Fairview on Friday, Golden Palm has had her merit rating raised from 110 to 115.

The Handicappers assessed the performance using Augusta Rosso, who finished third, as the most suitable line horse. Consequently, her rating remained unchanged at 86.

The runner-up All Systems Go was adjusted to a rating of 96. This was based on her 3,75-length margin over the 86-rated line horse while conceding 2,5kgs in weight.

The only rating decrease from the race was applied to Arlu, who drops from 92 to 88.

GIRL POWER IN CUP!

Michelle Payne would love one of the talented trio of female jockeys booked to ride in Australia’s most famous race to join her as a Melbourne Cup winning jockey on Tuesday.

A decade has passed since Payne rode 100-1 shot Prince of Penzance to victory in 2015 to become the first female to win

the race. She remains the only female to achieve that feat.

Jamie Melham, who became the first female jockey to ride a Caulfield Cup winner this year on Half Yours, will ride the same horse out as favourite to win the Melbourne Cup. Melham finished third last year in the cup aboard Okita Soushi.

Rachel King will ride Arapaho in this year’s Cup, having ridden in the race four times previously while Celine Gaudray has earned her first ride in the race on Geelong Cup winner Torranzino.

VIA SISTINA AGAIN!

Yulong Racing’s Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina won a second successive Ladbrokes Cox Plate in a photo finish after an extraordinary race at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

In the 105th and final edition of the race in its current form, with the track set to undergo a major redevelopment, jockey James McDonald claimed his fourth Cox Plate and trainer Chris Waller his sixth in a sensational race.

“Via Sistina has done it,” Matt Hill said on Channel 7. “Via Sistina has beaten Buckaroo.

“What a race.”

The reigning Australian horse of the year, Via

Sistina was well back halfway through the 2040m race, but slowly worked her way in front and held off stablemate Buckaroo in the closest of finishes.

The Matt Laurie-trained Treasurethe Moment was third.

“It’s the most extraordinary finish,” Bruce McAvaney gushed. “Incredible champion, horse and trainer and rider combine to win

“The genius of Waller, the magic of McDonald and the heart of Via Sistina.

“Extraordinary ending to the most magnificent dash up the straight.

“It’s the perfect finale. It can’t have been better.”

James McDonald enjoys the moment as Via Sistina returns to the 1 box | Credit: Moonee Valley Racing

Waller was interviewed by Channel 7 shortly after the race and couldn’t hide his emotion.

“Little bit emotional, yeah,” he said choking up.

“It was a great race. It was a classic Cox Plate.James had to get going early and everyone could see him going, she was great. I’m glad via won, but Buckaroo is a real favourite (of mine).”

Asked about winning his sixth Cox Plate, the training great said: “The first one was special, these are bonuses.”

McDonald then capped it off by expressing his gratitude at being entrusted to ride the great mare.

“I think this one’s relief,” he said. “I love this place, I’m blessed to ride champion racehorses and be part of a champion stable. Even though it wasn’t seven lengths, I’m just over the moon.”

A total of 11 stayers from the northern hemisphere remain in contention, including the first American-trained entrant Parchment Party for this year’s Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bill Mott.

Ireland’s two-time Melbourne Cupwinning trainer Joseph O’Brien has two nominees – topweight

Al Riffa and Goodie Two Shoes, potentially the first ever Australian runner for legendary Irish owner J P McManus – while there are also entries from Britain, France, Germany and Japan, each a country that has taken the race before.

Current Lexus Melbourne Cup favourite and Caulfield Cup winner

Half Yours headlines the local stayers for father-son duo Tony and Calvin McEvoy as he seeks to become the 13th horse to complete the prestigious Cups double.

He may be joined by leading local star Buckaroo after his stirring second in the Cox Plate, a year after he was second in the Caulfield Cup. The most recent horses to place in both the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate were

Verry Elleegant and Makybe Diva, both of whom would also go on to win the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Buckaroo’s Hall of Fame trainer

Chris Waller continues to have a strong hand in this year’s race with eight nominations as he seeks a second Lexus Melbourne Cup success.

Also among his entries is Valiant King, who secured his spot after earning a golden ticket via The Lexus Bart Cummings (2520m).

Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning trainers Ciaron Maher (five entries), Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott (Vauban) and Anthony and Sam Freedman (Post Impressionist) are also represented.

New Zealand may also be poised to seek a first victory since 2001 with two Kiwi-trained entrants.

The final field will be announced following Howden Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 1 November.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup will be run on Tuesday 4 November.

HENRI IS OFF TO STUD

A top-flight winner at both 2 and 3 years, Coolmore have announced that Henri Matisse retires to stud not only the fastest ever winner of the Gr1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains but also the only Classic-winning miler by the late, great Wootton Bassett.

Opening his account on debut at the Curragh over 6 furlongs in May of his 2YO season, he quickly followed up with commanding victories in both the Group 2 Railway Stakes over 6 furlongs again and the Group 2 Futurity Stakes over 7 furlongs under a penalty. In doing so, he accounted for subsequent Group

1 winners Hotazhell, Scorthy Champ and Arizona Blaze with considerable ease.

Following a narrow defeat in the Group 1 National Stakes, Henri Matisse went on to justify favouritism in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile round the sharp Del Mar mile under a hands-and-heels ride from Ryan Moore.

After getting his Classic campaign off to the very best possible start with a smooth success in a Leopardstown Guineas Trial, he went to Longchamp for the Group 1

Henri Matisse in action | Credit: Coolmore

Poule d’Essai des Poulains as a short-priced favourite and the choice of stable jockey Ryan Moore. Ridden confidently, Henri Matisse again displayed his explosive turn of foot to score in some style, smashing the track record for the Longchamp mile. Next time out at Royal Ascot, he finished a gallant second, splitting the Irish and English Guineas winners Field of Gold and Ruling Court.

In a career that is marked not only by great class and quality, Henri Matisse can also boast incredible consistency, having won or been placed in nine of his eleven racecourse appearances with the only two unplaced efforts coming on softer ground.

“A very good 2YO winning Grade 1 or Group 2 races over 6 furlongs, 7 furlongs and a mile, Henri Matisse totally outclassed his rivals at the Breeders’ Cup and again showed his brilliance with a track record-breaking win in

the French Guineas,” commented Coolmore’s David O’Loughlin.

“Himself and Camille Pissarro are the only sons of Wootton Bassett to have won Group 1s at both 2 and 3 years, while Wootton Bassett’s first two sons to stud have both sired Group 1 winners in France this year. Henri Matisse hails from one of the best damlines in the book. His dam Immortal Verse, winner of the Coronation Stakes and Jacques Le Marois, set a European record for a broodmare when purchased for 4,700,000Gns and has also bred Champion 2YO Tenebrism and unbeaten Group 2 winner Statuette. When you put all this together with his physique and movement, he is sure to prove popular with breeders.”

A stud fee for Henri Matisse will be announced in due course.

MACHINE MOTORS ON O’BRIEN

Aidan O’Brien – chasing the records | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Aidan O’Brien’s pursuit of a recordbreaking end to the year continued at Saint-Cloud on Sunday with two more Group 1 triumphs leading to a new Derby favourite in Pierre Bonnard and a 2,000 Guineas ante-post favourite in Puerto Rico.

In doing so, the trainer moved to 25 Group 1 victories for the season, just three short of his own record, set back in 2017.

Puerto Rico made virtually all in the Criterium International, showing the step up to a mile from seven furlongs presented no problem when putting a length and three-quarters between himself and Campacite, with Cape Orator a head further away in third.

O’Brien expects a mile will be Puerto Rico’s starting point in 2026 as the Wootton Bassett colt shows so much natural speed. He noted: “He’s pacey, he stays, and we wanted to see what he would be like over a mile. He’ll start in a Guineas. He’s a classy horse who I see as a real miler but because he’s so relaxed I think he will get further.”

Perhaps the most impressive performance was by the Camelot colt Pierre Bonnard in the ten-furlong Criterium de Saint-Cloud an hour later.

Soumillon had the favourite well placed in fourth, a couple of lengths off a strong pace set by his stablemate Endorsement. Turning into the straight Pierre Bonnard was challenged by A Boy Named Susie who had made good headway from the rear of the field under Mickael Barzalona. Outsider and local hope Zambezi was also running on from the back of the field.

However, once shaken up by Soumillon there was only going to be one winner. Pierre Bonnard asserted effortlessly running out a convincing two-length winner.

“Obviously he’s a Derby horse and we’ll start him in a Derby trial and all he should do is get better,” said O’Brien.

The trainer added: “Christophe was always raving about this horse. When he rode him at Newmarket, he was very taken by him and the same here today. He said he has a lot of class.”

STALLION’S GR1 BOOST MOUTONSHOEK’S

Moutonshoek’s blue blooded stallion

The United States gained yet another handsome boost to his pedigree page on Saturday.

Top-class two-year-old Hawk Mountain, whose dual G1 winning dam Hydrangea is a full-sister to The United States, stamped himself a classic prospect for 2026 when he won Saturday’s Gr1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes (1600m) at Doncaster.

The Wootton Bassett colt was made the 8-1 market leader for next year’s Derby with

Coral, replacing his stablemate Benvenuto Cellini, who could only manage third after being sent off the 7-4 favourite.

Christophe Soumillon’s mount was asked to challenge towards the far side of the group of runners and joined his two stablemates in the closing stages before fading to be the third and final Ballydoyle runner home.

“He’s a lovely big horse with an unbelievable mind,” winning trainer Aidan O’Brien said.

Hawk Mountain (Ronan Whelan) gets the better of stablemate Action (Wayne Lordan) in the final Gr1 of the season Credit: Doncaster Racecourse

“He’s great at using himself, he has pace and he stays. He’s out of a great mare, so he’s a very exciting horse.”

Hawk Mountain has won three of four starts including the Gr2 Qatar Racing & Equestrian Beresford Stakes and gave Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 12th success in the William Hill Futurity Trophy

Outstanding filly Whirl (also by Wootton Bassett), whose dam Salsa is a full-sister to both The United States and Hydrangea, won both the Gr1 Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes and Gr1 Qatar Nassau Stakes this year and was also runner-up in the 2025 Gr1 Betfred Oaks.

Henri Matisse (by Wootton Bassett), who hails from the same family, has been retired to Coolmore Stud for 2026. He won the 2025 Gr1 Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains and four other group races.

The United States is set to be represented in Saturday’s Gr2 Allied Steelrode-Onamission Charity Mile by his high-class runners Texas Red and Rodeo Drive, while his Gr2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge winning son Tin Pan Alley is a runner in the Gr3 Betway Graham Beck Stakes on the same afternoon.

SALUTING KHAYA STABLES! STAR GROOMS CAMPAIGN

Race Coast has proudly acknowledged and thanked Khaya Stables for its continued support, and for shining a welldeserved spotlight on the unsung heroes of the sport through the Khaya Stables Star Grooms Campaign.

Running from Sunday 2 November 2025 to Saturday 28 February 2026, the 2025/6 Western Cape Summer Season features 36 Graded and Listed races, including the six premier Summer Festival of Racing days:

• 22 November: Punters Cup

• 6 December: World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas

• 13 December: Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas

• 10 January: L’Ormarins King’s Plate

• 31 January: World Sports Betting Cape Town Met

• 28 February: SplashOut Cape Derby

Through the Star Grooms Campaign, Khaya Stables will reward the grooms of the top five finishers in each of the 36 feature races with cash prizes: 1

This initiative underscores Khaya Stables’ deep commitment to the people who form the backbone of the industry — those who work tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing and peak performance of every racehorse.

Race Coast also extends thanks to Lady Christine Laidlaw for her ongoing support and commitment to South African racing, including her continued sponsorship of the Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes, a race steeped in history and prestige.

“Khaya Stables’ vision and generosity set a benchmark for how partnerships can truly uplift the sport,” said Justin Vermaak, Executive Bloodstock & Racing, Race Coast. “Their commitment to recognising grooms and sustaining iconic events like the Diadem Stakes embodies the collaborative spirit that makes racing in the Cape world-class.”

Race Coast looks forward to a thrilling summer of racing, one defined not only by champions on the track, but by the dedicated teams behind them.

WE RACE AT SHA TIN

ON THURSDAY!

In a deviation from our Wednesday norm, Hong Kong Racing is in a Thursday slot this week.

Mark Newnham is sailing through the 2025/26 Hong Kong racing season with flying colours and the Australian trainer, who has 12 wins in October, takes a five-strong team to Thursday eight-race all-dirt programme at Sha Tin.

Mark Newnham – in top gear! | Credit: HKJC

Leading the trainers’ championship with 18 wins – four clear of nearest rival Caspar Fownes (14) – Newnham heads into Thursday’s fixture aiming to extend his streak to 13 consecutive race meetings with at least a winner.

Newnham, who has celebrated breakthrough victories in the HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) and HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) this season with My Wish, is represented by Mojave Desert (130lb) and New Forest (118lb) in Thursday’s Class 3 Pyramid Hill Handicap (1650m, dirt).

“He’s (Mojave Desert) at his best when he gets covered away and he only really has to sprint about 300 metres,” Newnham said. “He tends to get back anyway, but from the wide draw (11), he’ll just need the right pace and the right horses to drag him forward. His chance to win will be in the last 100.”

Andrea Atzeni rides Mojave Desert, a winner two starts ago, while New Forest, a one-time victor, has gate 13 to overcome under Lyle Hewitson.

Newnham said: “New Forest is the opposite because he’ll be on pace. We have a chance in both areas, we’ll have one on the pace and one back, and probably the pace of the race will determine the outcome.”

Rising star My Wish will trial again before tackling the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) on 23 November.

“His recovery is much better this season as he’s matured. He’s getting through each race in better condition. He’ll trial on the 14th (of November),” Newnham said.

“He’ll get five pounds from Group 1 winners, depending on who lines up. He’s showing that

he’s going to be good enough, but he needs to keep taking those steps and then come December he has to take another step again because it’s all level weights.”

Newnham also saddles Notthesillyone, Impending Legacy and Fatal Blow on Thursday.

Following her first Class 2 win in Sunday’s (26 October) HK$3.12 million Panasonic Cup Handicap (1600m), apprentice Britney Wong is aiming to kick on as she prepares to debut at Happy Valley this weekend (Sunday, 2 November).

Wong reunites with Manfred Man’s Jolly Companion, who shoulders 115lb with her claim, in the first section of the Class 4 Shek Uk Shan Handicap (1200m, dirt).

“He gets back to his favourite track on the dirt, but recently I would say, he’s not in his best form,” Wong said. “We’ll try to be

confident out there, have faith in ourselves and try our best.”

Wong rides Precision Goal (110lb) for trainer David Hayes in the Pyramid Hill Handicap. Hayes said: “We’ve drawn a bad barrier (14). He goes forward, but it’ll be difficult from the gate.”

Hayes saddles Ariel in the same race paired with apprentice Ellis Wong, who takes five pounds off the 71-rater’s assigned 123lb.

Hayes said: “Ariel is good on the dirt and there’s nice speed in the race. He’ll find the box seat probably on his preferred surface. He’s shown he’s in form in that class, so he should run well.”

Thursday’s eight-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 13h15 with the Class 5 Wa Mei Shan Handicap which is run over 1650m on the dirt.

THE NHA CALENDAR- LATEST!

The Sporting Post presents last week’s National Horseracing Authority Calendar.

The calendar, published on Friday 24 October, is a summary of the past week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information.

Click on the image below to read the calendar: