SP Sprint - Wednesday 14 May 2025

Wednesday 14 May 2025

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EYES ON

THE JULY!

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PAVING THE PATH TO

JULY v

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Plattner Flag Flies Selukwe sets his sights on 5 July

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In Winning Form Serino in the hot seat

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Stallions, Chart Toppers & Legacies A trip to 1988 with Oscar Foulkes

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Top Speeds Clocked At 1900 This week’s Time Is Money

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Teetan On Top Of World Shergar Cup countdown

On the cover

In the spotlight - Winning Form-sponsored rider Serino Moodley and Selukwe after an explosive performance in Saturday’s WSB Gr3 1900 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

The 5yo son of Pomodoro, Selukwe scored a career peak success under Serino, who appears to enjoy a special affinity with the winner.

Read more on 24. Candiese Lenferna took the photo

Issue: 19/2025

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BOOTS ON THE MOON! Rachel Venniker proved a hit last Saturday as a guest presenter on Gallop TV at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the WSB 1900 raceday.

South Africa’s only female jockey is currently out of action after breaking her leg in an accident at Summerveld last month.

She is recovering at the Venniker family home and is likely to be off for five to six months.

Candiese Lenferna took the photograph.

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EAST CAPE

GIVE JULY THEIR

BEST SHOT!

Delighted connections of My Best Shot (Richard Fourie) after the WSB East Cape Derby last Friday – they will be hoping to repeat this pose at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 5 July! | Credit: Pauline Herman

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The last Gqeberha connected horse to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July was the Ascot Stud-bred Bold Silvano who won the big one in 2010 under the Mike de Kock flag.

After 49 entries stood their ground at first

• Public gallops on Thursday 26 June at 07h00.

declaration stage for the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Monday, two supplementary

• The final chance to supplement an entry for

entries were filed on Tuesday 13 May.

the big race closes at 11h00 on Tuesday 17 June.

Alan Greeff’s recent Eastern Cape ‘Triple Crown’ star My Best Shot (111) and the Lucky

Please click to see the 49 who stood their

Houdalakis galloper Musical Score (112), a 3yo

ground at first declaration stage.

son of Oratorio, and a winner of his last two starts, are the two newbies in the traditional

The following entries reflect as scratched from

chase for ultimate honours in SA horseracing.

the original 61.

A reminder that the Hollywoodbets Durban

• Cape Eagle

July public gallops will be held at 07h00 on

• Champagne Cocktail

Thursday 26 June at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

• Red Palace • Bristol Hercules

The Hollywoodbets Durban July timeline:

• La Pulga • Fire Attack

• Second declarations close at 11h00 on

• I Salute You

Monday, 9 June.

• My Soul Mate • The Ultimate King

• Final supplementary entries close at 11h00

• Kamensky

on Tuesday, 17 June, on which date the

• Barbaresco

weights will be published.

• Without Question

• Final field and draw announcement will take

A final field of 20 horses will be carded (18 + 2

place on Tuesday, 24 June.

Reserves).

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Bold Silvano (Anthony Delpech) – the last East Cape connection to win the big one | Credit: Supplied

The Reserves to be scratched by 08h15 on

Ed – read more about My Best Shot’s Derby

Friday 4 July. Elimination will be at the sole and

win on page 49.

unfettered discretion of Gold Circle.

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Serino Moodley and Selukwe storm clear to an eyecatching victory | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

THIS COULD BE

THE PLATTNER TEAM’S YEAR!

A staunch investor in South Africa and our racing and breeding for many decades, Sabine Plattner was denied a victory in Africa’s greatest race when Angus went down a head to the champion filly Ipi Tombe back in 2002.

While the son of Northern Guest went on to

While it’s early days yet, the Andre Nel yard,

win the Met the following year, and the Plattner

under the KZN satellite management of

flag has enjoyed plenty of Grade 1 success,

Assistant Byron Foster, may have unearthed

including another massive day when Martial

a genuine contender for top honors on 5 July

Eagle stormed home to win the Cape flagship

in the shape of the 5yo Selukwe who scored a

in 2013, the much-prized Hollywoodbets

career peak success under Serino Moodley in

Durban July trophy has remained an elusive

Saturday’s R500 000 World Sports Betting Gr3

dream.

1900.

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In the winner’s circle – Serino Moodley with World Sports Betting’s Steve Karam | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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A son of Sean Tarry’s 2012 Durban July star

a time of 115,38 secs for the 1900m.

Pomodoro, Selukwe is a Plattner home-bred who only won 1 of his first 12 starts before the

There was plenty of emotional irony in the

penny appeared to drop almost a year ago at

victory as Serino Moodley, who really appears

Hollywoodbets Scottsville when winning a lowly

to enjoy a special affinity with the winner, had

MR 78 handicap.

received a substantial fine and a two-week holiday for exceeding the crop use limit by one

Since that 19 May day, the gelding has cracked

strike when Selukwe had gone down narrowly

a total of 5 wins with 4 places from his 12 starts,

to I Salute You in the Listed Sledgehammer at

never finishing more than 2,40 lengths off the

his previous start.

winner.

The only current non Hollywoodbets Durban July On Saturday he registered a maiden stakes

entry in the field, Underworld (7-1) finished best

victory in a race that has generally been a fair

of the Snaith quartet to run third a further 0,30

pointer to Hollywoodbets Durban July success.

lengths back, with stablemate Okavango (11-2), who was apparently running 17kgs over his

In a fourteen-horse field dominated on the

previous Cape fitness, making up some ground for

betting boards by the Cape visitors, Selukwe

fourth, after a notable drift on the betting boards.

was relaxed at the rear as Indian Ocean, and

Trainer Justin Snaith has regularly bemoaned

the well backed Holding Thumbs, led the

the lack of work opportunities in the province.

charge.

Of the balance of the ten Hollywoodbets Third last turning for home, the 5yo gelding

Durban July entries, Highveld raider Thunee

was angled out and lengthened his stride

Playa (50-1) finished next best in fifth and 4,10

impressively as Narina Trogon looked

lengths off the winner.

dangerous.

He was followed by Shoot The Rapids (4,30 But inside the final 250m it was pay-pay as

lengths), I Salute You (4,90 lengths), defending

Selukwe (16-1) stormed clear to hold the

champion Future Swing (6,30 lengths), Native

gallant Narina Trogon (25-2) by 2,20 lengths in

Ruler (6,40 lengths), Infinite Winder (7 lengths), 14 MAY 2025 | 13

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On the podium – Steve Karam and Byron Foster | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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the winner’s stablemate Cape Eagle (7,60

have been a reality check for a number of

lengths), the well-backed Holding Thumbs

hopefuls today.

(9,20 lengths), Madison Valley (10,60 lengths),

Justin Snaith will be thoroughly pleased though

and pacemaker Indian Ocean, who ran last and

that his lowest rated entrant, Regulation, won

11 lengths back.

the Class 4 1900m contest a half hour later in the fashion of a really promising 3yo. He is not

Bred by La Plaisance Stud, Selukwe is a son

likely, though, to be taking on his big-hitting

of Pomodoro (Jet Master) out of the Captain Al

stablemates Eight On Eighteen and Sail The

mare Sovereign Flo.

Seas in the Daily News 2000.

He has won 6 races with 10 places from 23

• First declarations for the Hollywoodbets

starts for stakes of R844 025.

Durban July closed at 11h00 on Monday.

• First supplementary entries closed at 11h00

The Champions Season action takes a break

on Tuesday, 13 May

for two weeks, with the Gr1 Daily News 2000

• Second declarations close at 11h00 on

and Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000 headlining

Monday, 9 June

the racemeeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville on

• Final supplementary entries for the big race

Saturday 24 May.

close at 11h00 on Tuesday, 17 June, on which date the weights will be published.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July dream sands

• The final field and draw announcement will

of time are slowly running out after what will

take place on Tuesday, 24 June.

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Selukwe’s victory in the WSB Gr3 1900 added further lustre to a great family | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

SELUKWE IGNITING GOLDEN MEMORIES OF YESTERDAY

When Selukwe carried Sabine Plattner’s familiar silks to victory in last weekend’s Gr3 World Sports Betting 1900, he added further lustre to a female family which stretches all the way back to the fine racemare Arctic Sweep, who, we are sure, will be remembered by KZN racegoers of a more vintage era.

An own-sister to the great Renounce, this

As good as her race record was, she far

Karoo-bred was leased to well-known KZN

surpassed it as a broodmare, producing

owner and breeder Des Scott for whom she

nine winners from as many runners, while

won nine races, the highlight of which was

achieving lasting fame as the dam of three

her victory in the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes

exceptional Gr1 winners, a feat which earned

under ‘Tiger’ Wright.

her a Broodmare of the Year title.

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She made an immediate impact with her first

champion jockey Pat Eddery for trainer Fred

foal High Frequency, the result of a mating to

Rickaby.

Hartford Stud’s Middle Park winner Masham.

Campaigned by the larger-than-life figure of

Selukwe descends from her own-sister

Cyril Hurvitz and trained by Buller Benton, he

Amberflo, who features as his fifth dam.

won the Smirnoff Plate (now Gold Medallion)

Amberflo never raced and produced just

as a two-year-old and matured into a sprinter

three foals, all fillies, one of which being

of the highest order, also winning the Gr2

Goldenflo, by Jungle Cove, so technically a

Durban Merchants.

three-part sister in blood to Arctic Cove.

Arctic Sweep’s finest foal was arguably Arctic Cove, a son of Jungle Cove.

Trained by the legendary Terrance Millard, he proved himself amongst the leading colts of his generation as a Gr1

Successful in the

‘When Selukwe carried Sabine Plattner’s familiar silks to victory in last weekend’s Gr3 World Sports Betting 1900, he added further lustre to a female family which stretches all the way back to the fine racemare Arctic Sweep’

winner of the Met,

Gr3 Breeders Fillies Champion Stakes at two, Goldenflo eventually retired to the Kahan family’s The Alchemy, where she bred no less than five stakes performers and achieved lasting

Cape Derby and Champion Stakes, was

fame as the dam of Flobayou, who dominated

runner-up in the Cape Guineas, Schweppes

the sprint division in the mid-nineties to the

Challenge and Queen’s Plate and finished

extent that he was named Joint Horse of the

third twice in the Rothmans July.

Year in 1995.

Rounding out Arctic Sweep’s trio of Gr1

Trained by Eric Sands for Sir Robert Bellinger,

winners was the Ambiopoise filly Forever

this grand stamp of a horse lifted three

Amber, whose career haul included the then

champion sprinter titles and scored 18 times

Gr1 Natal Fillies Guineas under English

from three to seven, amongst which three

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Goldenflo achieved lasting fame as the dam of Flobayou, who dominated the sprint division in the mid-nineties to the extent that he was named Joint Horse of the Year in 1995 | Credit: Supplied

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renewals each of the Gr1 Mercury Sprint, Gr2

Betting Guineas and Gr3 Lebelo Sprint; and

Merchants and Gr2 Diadem Stakes. Truly a

Gr3 Cape Nursery third Mr Crumford.

horse for the ages.

Now rising 18, Sovereign Flo is alive and well Half-brother Royal Flo was no slouch either,

and living at Sabine Plattner’s La Plaisance,

winning the Gr2 SA Invitation Stakes and

where Selukwe was born and raised.

reaching the frame in both the Gr1 SA Guineas and Daily News 2000.

Stud manager Morne de Villiers is understandably delighted with the five-year-

However, it is their half-sister Foverflo who is

old’s 1900 win.

of interest here, as she became the third dam of Selukwe. Sired by Foveros, she too lacked

“Thankfully he found a gap and his turn of

nothing in talent and strutted her stuff on the

foot got him there,” he commented on the

racetrack, landing the Gr3 Sceptre Stakes

race.

and running second to Jallad in the Gr2 Durban Merchants.

Elaborating on Sovereign Flo, he remarked: “She hasn’t given us a foal for the last three

Her broodmare career was sadly limited to

years and we were toying with the idea of

just four foals, three colts and a filly named

retiring her, but she is in such great nick, we

Final Flo, a winner of three races up to

may just have one final crack with her.”

1200m. She too returned to her birthplace The Alchemy, where she bred Gr2 Golden

As for Selukwe, he now has his sights firmly

Slipper runner-up Let It Flo.

on the Hollywoodbets Durban July where he will bid to emulate his own sire Pomodoro,

In contrast, Final Flo’s Captain Al daughter

who captured the historical race thirteen

Sovereign Flo showed little on the track,

years ago.

but in the paddocks did her bit to maintain family honours as the dam of three stakes performers: Selukwe, Supreme Warrior, who was runner-up in both the Gr2 World Sports 22 | 14 MAY 2025

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All smiles – Byron Foster and Serino Moodley enjoy a chat post the win | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

SERINO

‘I’D GO TO WAR WITH SELUKWE’ In an often no holds barred and cut-throat competitive world, the palpable emotion shown by Winning Form-sponsored jockey Serino Moodley, as he quelled the adrenaline rush on the WSB Gr3 1900 winner’s podium at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, was both refreshing and special.

The 27-year-old Serino had just partnered the

often-rocky road to the Hollywoodbets Durban

Sabine Plattner-owned Selukwe to a scintillating

July.

victory for the Rondeberg-based Andre Nel and his team in the WSB 1900, a race that history

Chatting to the Sporting Post on Monday, the

shows can be a potential game-changer on the

quietly spoken Serino, a man who is seldom

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seen saluting at the finish, explained the

horseman like Byron Foster even realizes what

host of emotions at play on a big day when

a pivotal role he plays in my professional life,”

riding for a powerful yard.

adds Serino as he chats about an association that he clearly values deeply.

“Riding for a top yard is not a right – it’s a privilege and I absolutely never forget what Mrs

“I have made mistakes in a race but can come

Plattner and her entire team have done for me

back and tell Byron, without making stupid

over the years. They gave me a break when

excuses. He doesn’t hold it against me or dish

I was knocking at unanswered doors. The

out punishment. He says it’s in the past, let’s

loyalty has been amazing – I don’t think a top

learn from it and look ahead. The loyalty and

An emotional Serino Moodley after the WSB 1900 victory on Saturday | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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integrity is absolutely mind-blowing. And I am

the Joburg Academy. In a matter of months,

already hard on myself! But the support instills

Diego (de Gouveia) and I were race riding as

such enormous confidence and I want to do

apprentices in Zimbabwe.”

my best and more. That’s why I am focused – failure is not the end of the world, but it’s also

While in Zimbabwe, a more mature Serino says

not really an option for me!”

his confidence grew. He rode his first winner – Princess Kate – for present day Snaith Assistant

The Meyersdal-raised Serino tells how he

trainer Gokhan Terzi, and also bagged another

joined the SA Jockey Academy in 2012

three.

alongside Diego de Gouveia, Callan Murray and Tristan Godden.

He returned to South Africa in 2016, but things were not easy.

“I wasn’t much of a student or sportsman at school – I suppose that’s why I became a

“In five months, I only had four rides, I think.

jockey,” he laughs as he told of a tough initial

But Byron Foster and Andre Nel gave me a

experience.

chance. That’s why I am proudly talking to you today, almost nine years later!” he adds.

“I was just too young and immature in my first

Serino came out of his time in 2019 and with

year and battled to adapt. I left the Academy

the Winning Form backing he had the world at

at the end of that same year and went back

his feet.

home.”

“I must also thank Winning Form for the great But a job riding work at the James Maree

moral and team support and the privilege of

school saw him recognised by legendary

having me in their stable. The association with

now retired SA Hall Of Fame trainer, Ormond

an industry-leading brand is a confidence-

Ferraris.

booster in itself. I hope I can make them proud as the Champions Season ticks over.”

“Mr. Ferraris asked me why I am not raceriding. I explained what happened. What an

Beyond Selukwe and his scope for greater

amazing man he is. He wrote to Martin Ball at

things this season, Serino has enjoyed a

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few highlights, including that extraordinary

can get down to 50kgs for a quality ride. He is

runaway 21,25 length win by Run Rhino Run

also keen to ride overseas but wants to grow

at Hollywoodbets Greyville in October 2017.

as an accomplished rider here on African soil.

“I learn every day in this wonderful sport,” he

“That was an unbelievable race. We intended to

quips modestly.

give him a chance, but he was so determined, and I decided not to fight him. We were in two

A very private person, Serino shares that he

different races – the jockey leading the second

and his wife, a stay-at-home Mom, live with

pack assumed I was out of the race as we were

their two young children in Hillcrest. The Cityhill

all over the place. That horse was a character –

Church is an important focal point for the

but had rocks in his head, and stamina!”

family.

Serino’s first Grade 1 winner also came at

Serino tells that when he is riding in KZN

Hollywoodbets Greyville when the Robbie Hill-

on a Sunday, his day starts by attending the

trained longshot Pearl Of Asia won the 2021

morning service.

Gr1 Mercury Sprint.

“I ride work 6 days in an average week, and Asked how his season has developed so far,

we try and live a balanced and private life as a

Serino says a few suspensions have slowed

family as is possible. My Mom and Dad are in

his progress. He currently stands on 49

Joburg, and they are my biggest fans. I sadly

winners.

lost my Uncle Cedric this year – he really was my most fanatical and proud supporter.”

“My focus is on riding more feature winners at this stage. I am happy to travel for rides in other

Serino’s younger brother Tristan is an

provinces and have done so for a number of

apprentice in New Zealand and doing very well

trainers. But it’s very competitive out there!” he

for himself.

laughs.

“My brother was a work rider at James Maree’s Probably the best value lightweight jockey in

establishment, and he was signed up by

South Africa, Serino walks around at 52kgs but

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the time difference makes it awkward.”

So how good is Selukwe and can we expect to see him line up in the Hollywoodbets

And what about Selukwe, and his

Durban July?

extraordinary low-key rise up the pecking order.

“Well that is Mrs Plattner and Andre Nel’s decision. It was tough to get off Cape Eagle,

“Eight months ago, he was racing off a 79. I

but Selukwe is an amazing horse – I’d honestly

attribute every ounce of this wonderful horse’s

go to war with him!”

upward mobility to Byron Foster. He is an absolute master. What a team they are – Andre

Selukwe is currently quoted at 25-1 in the

Nel, Hayley Crawford, Callan Dixon, and all

Hollywoodbets Durban July ante-post betting.

of their staff. There is such a great vibe at the

Prices are subject to change.

yard. Everybody knows what they are doing, and they go about it with heart and passion. An amazing team.”

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Raymond Danielson has Ziyasha in control as Athandiwe Mgudlwa (obscured) delivers Hithemhardsunshine late for a Hollywood Racing 1-2 | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

RAFEEF’S BAREFOOT BOMBER

BOUNCES BACK! A 4yo who showed an early penchant for Hollywoodbets Greyville, the Ridgemont bred Rafeef gelding Ziyasha bounced back unshod from a 24week break to win the R185 000 KRA Cup at the Theatre Of Champions on Saturday.

The Korea Racing Authority has maintained

into stride after a champagne opening a week

close ties with South African racing over many

earlier.

years and after their representatives visited the Cape during the week, they attended the WSB

The R185 000 KRA Cup was run as an A

1900 raceday as the Champions Season got

Stakes contest over 1000m and produced a

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memorable finish for the red-hot Hollywood

November and powered on to hold off the

Racing team who had the pleasure of

revitalised Hithemhardsunshine (100-1) by

watching their flagbearers run 1-2 -4, the trio

0,90 lengths in a time of 58,92 secs for the

from different stables.

1000m.

Unleashed late in the race by Raymond

Future Variety (8-1) took off late for third, with

Danielson, Ziyasha (8-1) showed no ill effects

tote favourite Luhamba Phambili (5-2) capping

after his enforced break after winning the

the quartet.

Bantry Bay Stakes in Cape Town during

Raymond Danielson, Hollywood Racing’s Anthony Delpech and trainer Clinton Binda enjoy the moment Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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Trainer Clinton Binda explained that his charge

winning Kingmambo mare Kelly’s Olympics.

developed an abscess in his foot during the Cape summer where his connections had

One of the highest rated non-stakes winners

Grade 1 aspirations.

in the country, Ziyasha is now a winner of 6 races with 9 places from his 20 starts.

“Thanks to all at Hollywood Racing and to my team. We put pressure on ourselves and this

Ziyasha took his stakes bank to R657 494 after

horse. Now we look forward to the Golden

today’s victory.

Horse Sprint,” added the Highveld conditioner.

He cost R325 000 at the National Yearling Winning Form-sponsored jockey Raymond

Sale.

Danielson said that Ziyasha felt good and much better than when he won on him at

We are likely to see Ziyasha’s name in the mix

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He indicated that

when entries for the R1 million Gr2 Golden

he was of the opinion that there was a lot

Horse Sprint open on Friday 23 May. The race

more to come from the gelding – which bodes

will be run at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on

well for the balance of this season.

Saturday 31 May.

Bred by Ridgemont, and a second winner on the day for their super sire Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice), Ziyasha is out of the four-time

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HOLLYWOOD RACING ON THE POLY

Ibutho (Calvin Habib) wins the lucky last, making it four on the day for Hollywood Racing | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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The opening day of racing on the revamped and upgraded Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack last Wednesday proved a memorable one for all stakeholders, and for the Hollywood Racing team in particular, who celebrated four winners with four different trainers.

After the announcement of the dawn of a new

group, Saturday’s SA Champions Season

era in KZN racing last Thursday, following

launch signified a champagne milestone, and

the approval by the KwaZulu-Natal Economic

this was followed in short time by the relaunch

Regulatory Authority of the acquisition of Gold

of the upgraded polytrack at the Theatre Of

Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings

Champions on Wednesday.

Trainer Alyson Wright and Hollywood Racing Manager Anthony Delpech lead in Calvin Habib and Ibutho Credit:Candiese Lenferna

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On an eventful afternoon, the Hollywood

to the last race of the day

Racing team took their lifetime total to 655 winners after they visited the winner’s circle

Asked by Gallop TV on-course presenter

four times.

Warren Lenferna whether he would be celebrating after races, Hollywood Racing

Sean Veale booted home the first two legs of

manager Anthony Delpech said that they were

a genuine hat-trick when the Peter Muscutt

thrilled to have enjoyed a red-letter day on the

trained Gimemethegreenlight filly Woza Nawe

new racing surface but would keep the big

won the third.

celebrations for the Gr1 winners!

Mike and Mathew de Kock saddled Trois Trois

Dean Kannemeyer, who saddled the good-

Quatre who celebrated a hard-earned victory

looking Arvernian Goddess to an overdue

in the fourth. The son of Rafeef got his head

second win, summed up the general

down where it mattered most to register his fifth

consensus after the day’s racing.

victory.

“It’s wonderful to see that they can now run on Apprentice Jacey Botes is growing in

from any position. That makes for much fairer

confidence and he rode a confident race after

racing and it’s encouraging for all stakeholders.

a shaky beginning to cap the hat-trick on

Well done to Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets

Eventidor to win the fifth. The son of Elusive

for making these things happen. Racing will

Fort is now a five-time winner and was good

be the winner at the end of the day,” added

winner for a thrilled Siboniso Ngcobo, who is

Kannemeyer.

enjoyed a good run with his small string.

Alyson Wright brought the 7yo soldier Ibutho to races in fine fettle and the gelding clearly grows another leg on the polytrack! The son of Duke Of Marmalade benefitted from a finely judged and supremely determined ride by Calvin Habib to pip Masterbling in a grandstand finish 14 MAY 2025 | 37

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PROTEST ACTION

TWO MORE JOCKEYS SIGN AOG Richard Fourie – signed an AOG | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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In a further sequel to the jockey protest on 26 March 2025 that led to the abandonment of the racemeeting of that afternoon, Richard Fourie and Oswald Noach have joined their colleague JP van der Merwe and have signed respective individual admissions of guilt.

Following the action of 26 March, the jockeys

The Sporting Post learns that an Inquiry has

present at the protest in support of an interim

been set down for Monday 19 May, where the

suspension placed on Grant van Niekerk were

balance of the jockeys charged in the protest

charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.27

action will face the music.

in that they, as riders who were carded to participate in scheduled races, and without

We believe that the Acknowledgement Of

any lawful justification, were party to a protest

Guilt option of the R100 000 fine, with a 50%

action which resulted in the abandonment of

suspension and the five year condition, was

the race meeting.

offered by the NHA to all the jockeys. JP van der Merwe stepped forward late last month.

On Tuesday 13 May 2025 Fourie and Noach signed an Admission of Guilt and thus received

The matter is now in the hands of the Inquiry

a monetary fine of R100 000 each. R50 000 of

Board, and it remains to be seen whether some

the total was suspended for a period of five

of the other jockeys involved step up and go

years on condition that they are individually not

the AOG route, or face the Inquiry Board, where

found guilty of contravening Rule 72.1.27, for

the penalty could well vary.

the next five years.

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Credit: Candiese Lenferna

GOLD CIRCLE’S

NEW BOARD ANNOUNCED Following the acquisition of Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd by Hollywood Racing Enterprises (Pty) Ltd (Hollywood), a shareholders meeting was held on 2 May 2025.

At the meeting, the following Directors were

hold until the conclusion of the Champions

appointed to the Board of Gold Circle:

Season on 31 July 2025.

• Suren Rampersadh • Zandile Maseko

The Board requested Mr Naidoo to accept this

• Morgan Shandu

position in recognition of the part that he has

• Greg Bortz

played throughout the transition.

• Sadha Naidoo

At the same meeting, Mr Greg Bortz was appointed as the Chairman Designate, to take

Subsequently, at a meeting of Directors held on

office on 1 August 2025.

7 May 2025, Mr Sadha Naidoo was appointed Chairman of Gold Circle, an office that he will

• Media release by Gold Circle on 7 May 2025.

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CRS TWO-YEAR-OLD SALE:

2025 ENTRIES NOW OPEN!

In a media release on Monday, 12 May, Cape Racing Sales announced that entries are now open for the highly anticipated Cape Racing Sales Two-YearOld Sale, taking place on Saturday, 25 October 2025.

The timing of this sale is crucial for the horses

class performer topped the 2023 sale at

who require more time in the paddock and to

R1 400 000.

mature.

The son of One World was a dominant force It responds to the growing demand from buyers at two, winning both the Gr3 Cape Of Good seeking high-quality stock ready for training.

Hope Nursery and Gr3 Winter Nursery,

Cape Racing Sales is offering a dedicated

and then continued to excel at three with

platform that meets this need, with a curated

victories in the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate,

catalogue of juveniles from many of South

Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas, and Gr2

Africa’s most prominent breeders and

Cape Punters Cup. With career earnings

consignors.

exceeding R4.3 million, One Stripe stands as a flagship graduate of this sale.

Last year’s sale experienced a diverse buyer bench and sales-topping prices, so the 2025

Other notable performers include Frances

edition is expected to draw strong interest once

Ethel, winner of the 2024 Wilgerbosdrift

again.

Bridget Oppenheimer Gr2 SA Oaks, who was purchased for R220 000 at the 2022

Entries close on Monday, 04 August 2025,

sale. Fellow graduates Coastal Commander,

and due to limited capacity and high demand,

Dixieland Band, and Winter Snap have also

consignors are urged to enter early.

gone on to earn black type and multiple wins, reinforcing the quality available at this sale.

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Justin Vermaak, Racing and Bloodstock

Hollywoodbets Durbanville remains the ideal

Executive for Cape Racing, commented:

venue for this progressive and vibrant sale.”

“Last year’s two-year-old division was one of the strongest we’ve seen in recent seasons,

Entry forms and full information are available at

and it confirmed the importance of offering a

www.caperacingsales.co.za or by contacting

focused platform for unbroken juveniles. The

Vicky Minott at vicky@caperacingsales.co.za.

2025 Two-Year-Old Sale will provide buyers with access to horses of real depth and potential.

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Richard Fourie steers My Best Shot to a historic win | Credit: Pauline Herman

GREEFF 3YO FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS

WHAT’S NEXT? Alan Greeff and Varsfontein Stud celebrated a feature double at Fairview on Friday with the Fire Away gelding My Best Shot making history in scintillating style as the first horse to win the local ‘Triple Crown’ and bank a R250 000 bonus in the process.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Sophomore

Derby, which was run over 2400m on Friday.

Challenge is a testing series for three-year-olds,

It is no mean feat to win at feature level from

which comprises the 1400m Ibhayi Stakes, the

1400m to 2400m, but My Best Shot proved

1600m East Cape Guineas, and culminates in the

equal to the task and set himself up for East

R350 000 World Sports Betting Listed East Cape

Cape Horse Of The Year honours as he swept 14 MAY 2025 | 51

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through down the middle under Richard Fourie

A R120 000 Cape Yearling Sale graduate,

at 11-10 to beat Cape raider Ardabil (9-4) by

My Best Shot is a half-brother to the region’s

5,25 lengths in a time of 148,42 secs.

Champion 2yo colt of 2022/23 Questor and was bred by Varsfontein Stud.

A stablemate to the winner and the first filly home, First Wish (25-1) ran on into third all of

He is a gelded son of Wilgerbosdrift’s War

1,75 lengths off the runner-up, with another

Front stallion Fire Away out of the twice-winning

Greeff charge in Mister Speaker (25-1) capping

Fort Wood mare, Gypsy Madonna.

the quartet.

Raced in partnership of racing stalwarts in Nick & Val McFall, Greg Blank, Gary Piha, Hilton Yutar, Darryl Yutar, and the trainer and his wife, Glennifer, the winner registered his 9th victory with 5 places from 15 starts for stakes of R847 975. This total does not include the R250 000 Triple Crown bonus,

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Anotherdanceforme (Andrew Fortune) cruises home for Listed Dahlia Plate glory | Credit: Pauline Herman

CANDYMAN RETURNS TO THE BAY WITH FEATURE WINNER

East Cape Nursery winner Anotherdanceforme maintained her impeccable record from her four starts when she ran out a facile winner under Andrew Fortune of the R175 000 World Sports Betting Listed Dahlia Plate at Fairview on Friday.

The Candyman last rode in Gqeberha on

Relaxed two lengths off the gallop early, the

19 May 2017, booting home the Sail From

Peter Moor-owned filly cruised into the lead

Seattle mare Perfect Tale also for trainer Alan

at prohibitive odds of 5-10 at the 500m and

Greeff, and it was a happy return after an eight

lengthened to beat King Prawn (25-1) by 3,25

year absence – and it couldn’t have been

lengths in a time of 69,42 secs for the 1200m

more of an armchair ride on the impressive

straight.

Anotherdanceforme.

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Course-and-distance debut winner Hot Sauce

A Winter mare Destiny Dancer. She is thus

(3-1) was a quarter length back in third.

a full-sister to Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes winner Princess Izzy.

“She’s good enough to win in Durban,” quipped Andrew Fortune, who said ‘this is the

She was a R650 000 buy from the 2024

type of horse I love to ride’.

National Yearling Sale.

“The sky’s the limit and she just needs to

This feature was shown on SABC Sport –

mature. I have some lovely 2yo’s this season

something of a milestone moment in itself.

and she is right up there with the best of

We have no details of the background to that

them,” added Alan Greeff.

decision.

Now a winner of all her 4 starts for stakes of R303 750, the Varsfontein Stud-bred Anotherdanceforme is a daughter of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master) out of the unraced What

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Mathew Thackeray steers Action Zone to a career peak win as Jaeger Moon (Deryl Daniels) chases hard | Credit: Supplied

CANFORD CLIFFS SON WINS CASTLE TANKARD

Ridgemont’s red-hot five-time Grade 1 winning sire Canford Cliffs enjoyed a prestige success North of the Limpopo on Saturday when his Daytona-bred son Action Zone stormed to victory under Mathew Thackeray to win the 65th renewal of the US$ 50 000 Gr1 Castle Tankard at Borrowdale Park.

Action Zone beat the former Gavin Smith-

the Tankard was first run over 1200m at

trained 2021 East Cape Derby winner Jaeger

Borrowdale Park on 18 April 1960 with the

Moon (Deryl Daniels) by three quarters of a

great SA-bred sprinter Riza winning the race

length in a time of 120,63 secs for the 2000m.

from the highly-fancied My King, who had

The runner-up is a 7yo twelve-time winner.

been imported to Zimbabwe in 1958. My King was a magnificent thoroughbred and won 18

A domestic Grade 1 in a part 2 racing country, 58 | 14 MAY 2025

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Purchased by Thomas Mason for R170 000

“My timing wasn’t great as covid arrived.

off the BSA August 2yo Sale, Action Zone is

But anything after that start is good and we

a ten-time winner from 1100m to 2000m and

are doing well. Action Zone is a lovely horse

is raced by Craig Danckwerts, who, with his

and it’s amazing how versatile the progeny

wife Roxy, breeds elephants at the Wild Is Life

of Canford Cliffs have proven to be over the

sanctuary at Dindingwe.

world. I stand to be corrected, but he may well be the only Canford Cliffs in this country,”

The winner is trained by Thomas Mason, who

concluded Mason.

kept his 100% record from just two runners in the Tankard intact after he saddled True

Johannesburg-based commentator Nico

Beauty to win the big race in 2022.

Kritsiotis travelled up to call the race.

Bred by the now closed Daytona Stud, the Action Zone is out of the Judpot mare, Private Dancer.

Mason, who was an assistant to Kirk Swanson for many years, and also an on-course presenter and commentator, went on his own in 2019.

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The NHA have opened an inquiry into Andrew Fortune’s ride | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

SPOTLIGHT ON FORTUNE RIDE

PUBLIC REACTION DIVIDED An investigation into betting patterns, both locally and internationally, has been launched by the National Horseracing Authority, following the running of the first race at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Wednesday.

The investigation will include scrutiny of betting

Andrew Fortune’s ride on the favourite Cherry

exchange activity on various platforms and

Oh Baby, who was beaten into second in the

follows the NHA opening an Inquiry into Jockey

opening race.

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She drifted from a call of 3-10 to 11-10 at the

• 62.1.1. A HORSE must be ridden in such a

off. Eventual winner Long Street, who was

manner as to benefit its best interests of the

receiving 8kgs from the favourite, was backed

RACE in general. [Amended 10.05.2019]

from 7-2 to 3-1.

62.2 The RIDER of a HORSE shall:- 62.2.1 This is how we reported the matter on

take all reasonable and permissible measures

Wednesday – see the replay.

throughout a RACE to ensure that his HORSE is given a full opportunity to win or to obtain the

There has been mixed reaction to the incident

best possible placing;

on social media, with some calling for Fortune’s head, while other stakeholders suggest that

• 62.2.2 ride his HORSE in a competent and

the ride was acceptable and very much in

professional manner

Fortune’s customary unflustered style of perfect balance and minimal crop action.

By the high standards of the De Kock yard, the Mauritzfontein Stud-owned Cherry Oh Baby is

It is likely that the filly was running on empty

clearly fairly moderate, having been tried in her

from some way out and that the veteran jockey

eight starts with various riders from 1160m to

was holding her together. He only went for

1800m. She has achieved regular places along

the crop when Long Street ranged up on his

the way. Last Wednesday was her first run on

outside – but the Tony Rivalland charge had too

the polytrack.

much momentum and went on by, drifting in slightly on to Fortune’s mount

On enquiry, Mathew de Kock informed the Sporting Post that the stable would not

The inquiry will focus on NHA Rule 62, which

comment, and they will allow the Inquiry to

states:

follow its course.

62.1 Every HORSE shall be run and shall be

Fortune, who has been riding with his flair of

allowed to run to the best of its ability and on its

old, celebrated a Fairview feature winner on

merits.

Friday, after riding in Nelson Mandela Bay for the first time since 2017. He is taking time off

14 MAY 2025 | 63

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for a separate suspension from Saturday 10

the procedure for Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2)

May 2025 to Friday 23 May 2025.

analysis on raceday, a second blood specimen was collected.

After the Andre Nel-trained Zeitz’ late scratching from Saturday’s (03 May 2025)

Trainer Odendaal was informed that the

WSB Gr2 Guineas, a further TCO2 excess

second blood specimen, analysed at 12h50

led to a scratching last Wednesday.

had revealed a level of over the threshold of 38 mmol/L. Consequently, Johnny The Thief was

MJ Odendaal’s Johnny The Thief was selected

scratched from the fourth race in terms of the

for the taking of specimens for TCO2 testing.

provisions of Rules 72.1.23; 4.2.14 and 4.2.18.

He was withdrawn at 13h12, 5/2 in the betting.

The first specimen analysed at 12h40 revealed a level of over 36 TCO2. mmol/L. In terms of

YENI SUSPENDED – TWICE ON RULE 62.2.7 Charge 1 – 11 May 2025 As the rider of RACEWAY, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to WINGS OF ICE (Chase Maujean) and HAWKSDALE (Gavin Lerena) when he shifted in, in the concluding stages of Race 1 at Turffontein on 1 May 2025.

After considering the mitigating factors presented, the Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of seven (7) days.

Charge 2 - 9 May 2025 As the Rider of BLOSSOMING MIND, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to DANCING IN WINTER (Gareth Wright), TWILIGHT BAY (Craig Zackey) and DUCHESS OF SEVILLE

64 | 14 MAY 2025

(Richard Fourie) when he shifted out at the 100m in Race 5 at Fairview Racecourse on 11 April 2025.

After considering the mitigating and aggravating factors, along with Muzi Yeni’s recent record under this Rule, the Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of seven (7) days.

Muzi Yeni pleaded not guilty to both these charges, however, he was found guilt.

He was given the Right of Appeal against both the finding and penalty imposed for both.

• Media release by NHA on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.

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COUNTDOWN TO THE HIGHVELD FEATURE SEASON AWARDS BEGINS

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The countdown has begun for the 2025 Highveld Feature Season Awards.

4Racing has unveiled this year’s nominees, who have demonstrated exceptional form, tenacity and talent throughout an exciting Highveld Feature Season.

The awards ceremony will take place on

as Masters of Ceremonies. With their deep

Saturday, 17 May 2025, at Turffontein

knowledge of the sport and dynamic presence,

Racecourse in Johannesburg.

Basel and Kritsiotis are sure to add an engaging and insightful flair to the occasion.

The event will bring together the industry’s finest to celebrate the standout performers of

“This time of year is always a highlight for us at

the past season, from dazzling juvenile stars to

4Racing,” says Colin Gordon, Chief Operating

proven champions.

Officer. “It’s an opportunity to recognise the incredible athletes, both equine and human,

The 2025 theme “It’s in our Veins” honours the

who’ve brought the sport to life on the Highveld

industry’s shared passion for horseracing in an

tracks. These nominations are more than just

evening of glamour and recognition for the best

names on a list; they reflect stories of hard

in the business.

work, resilience, and champion spirit. We

The evening will be hosted by two of South

extend our heartfelt congratulations and best

African racing’s most esteemed voices, Clyde

of luck to all the nominees — your dedication

Basel and Nico Kritsiotis — who will serve

continues to inspire the industry.”

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2025 HIGHVELD FEATURE SEASON AWARDS – NOMINEES CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLY

CHAMPION OLDER HORSE

• Golden Palm

• Atticus Finch

• Green Diamond

• Main Defender

• One Fine Winter

• William Robertson

CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD COLT/GELDING

CHAMPION SPRINTER (1000–1200m)

• Charming Cheetah

• Chasing Happiness

• Esteemed

• Mia Moo • William Robertson

CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY • Fatal Flaw

CHAMPION MILER (1400–1600m)

• Fiery Pegasus

• Cosmic Speed

• Olivia’s Way

• Fatal Flaw

• Spumante Dolce

• Greaterix

• World of Alice

• Spumante Dolce

CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD COLT/

CHAMPION MIDDLE DISTANCE HORSE

GELDING

(1800–2000m)

• Confederate

• Atticus Finch

• Cosmic Speed

• Confederate

• Fire Attack

• Fiery Pegasus

• Greaterix

• Fire Attack

• Legend of Arthur

• Olivia’s Way

CHAMPION OLDER FILLY/MARE

CHAMPION STAYER (2400m+)

• Chasing Happiness

• Fiery Pegasus

• Let’s Go Now

• Legend of Arthur

• Mia Moo

• Taxhaven

• White Pearl 14 MAY 2025 | 69

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All equine winners are then eligible for the

• Champion Work Rider

Horse of the Season award.

• Champion Apprentice • Champion Breeder

The Highveld Feature Season Awards are

• Champion Owner

adjudicated by a panel of racing experts and

• Champion Jockey

based on a points system. The panel was

• Champion Trainer

chaired by Collin Gordon, with Clyde Basel and Darryl Maree completing the panel.

The following points structure was applied: • Grade 1:

12

9

7

In addition to the equine honours, the

• Grade 2:

9

6

4

evening will also recognise human

• Grade 3:

6

3

1

excellence in the following categories:

• Listed:

2

–

–

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COMPREHENSIVE COVER TO INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN EVERY STRIDE

Chat with us about the various cover options available to you for horses that are up for sale at auction.

JO CAMPHER BLOODSTOCK PRODUCT MANAGER M 082 334 4940 E jo@kuda.co.za

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Gavin Lerena steers Choisanaada to a smart win. Second-placed Immediate Edge (Kabelo Matsunyane, blue cap) and fourth-placed Dance King (Wes Marwing) try hard | Credit: JC Photos

VERDONESE-TRAINED SON OF QUERARI SIGNALS FORM RETURN One of SA horseracing’s closely guarded secrets, the 2025 Highveld Winter Series launched with the running of the R175 000 non black-type Betway Secretariat Stakes at Turffontein on Mother’s Day. The 3yo series continues with the Egoli Mile at

hours after the running of the Hollywoodbets

Turffontein on Sunday 8 June and culminates

Durban July down on the East Coast. A bonus

with the running of the Gr3 Sea Cottage Stakes

of R500 000 will be paid to the connections

to be run over 1800m at Turffontein some 24

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Highveld Winter Series.

with his third win and a place from 8 starts.

Highveld veteran Erico Verdonese saddled

Bred by Shadwell Stud, the winner is a son

Choisanaada to a good victory in a 2025 form

of Querari (Oasis Dream) out of the unraced

return for the son of Querari.

Aussie-bred daughter of Redoute’s Choice Musaanada.

The bang in-form Lerena, who grabbed 4 winners on the afternoon, guided Choisaanada

Brian Jossell, who at the age of 89 is one of

(9-2) into the lead at the 300m and the gelding

the staunchest owners around , races the

ran on well to beat Immediate Edge (7-1) by a

gelding with the Lombards, who celebrated

length in a time of 85,30 secs for the 1400m.

their 40th winner, and said that he was pleased that he got involved. “Erico said you buy

Zathar (33-1) was a further 0,30 lengths back in

another horse, you buy another car!” added the

third.

delighted Mr Jossel.

The tote favourite Royal Force (2-1) ran a

Erico Verdonese well and truly deserves a good

dismal last some 13,70 lengths off the winner.

horse. The veteran started out in 1978 with

It’s best we wait on the Stipes report for more

Richard Stranger and his tutors along the way

information.

include the likes of Syd and Alec Laird, Henry Eatwell, Stanley Ferreira, and the late Michael

A R180 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, the winner takes his stakes tally to R261 750

74 | 14 MAY 2025

Roberts, to mention just a few.

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CHART TOPPERS AND

LASTING LEGACIES

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The musical hits of 1988 did not age well. An exception was Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car, successfully covered in 2023 by country singer Luke Combs. Chapman and Combs closed the circle by performing this song together at the 2024 Grammys.

Oscar Foulkes writes that 1988 was also the

covering season for Mexico, whilst Peaceable

year that Volume 4 of the Form Stallion Register

Kingdom had a few more seasons to go.

was published. Plenty of fast horses were produced by those stallions, and in some cases

Foveros and Elliodor were still firing, along with

leaving lasting legacies.

Golden Thatch and Harry Hotspur.

Two stallions – Mexico and Peaceable Kingdom

As always, this look-back focuses on stallions

– deserve special mention, for appearing in all

making their first appearances in the Stallion

four Stallion Registers. 1988 was to be the last

Register, so here goes.

Mexico II | Credit: Supplied

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National Assembly | Credit: Supplied

The picks of the bunch were National

National Assembly was the best-looking son of

Assembly, who sired 22 crops (the final one

Danzig at stud in South Africa, which was no

covered when he was 25 years old), with Secret surprise given his $2.5 million yearling sale tag.

Prospector at the what-might-have-been end of the spectrum, dying after siring just six crops.

He was unraced, but went to stud floating on high praise from his trainer, Vincent O’Brien.

National Assembly’s influence has been massive, with 16 individual Grade I winners,

Based on his looks, as well as his stud record,

clocking in at 66% winners from foals and 7.3%

I’d work on the assumption that he did have

stakes-winners. He is also the broodmare sire

all the promise he was claimed to show on the

of Vercingetorix.

Ballydoyle training tracks.

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Secret Prospector’s six crops delivered a

He showed top-class sprint form on the tough

similar percentage of stakes-winners, and three

New York circuit without winning a stakes race.

Grade I winners. The underrated Elusive Fort

Negotiations to purchase him started while he

is out of a daughter of his, so their respective

was in the middle of something of a winning

influences are stretching well beyond their own

streak in Allowance races, with the price going

lifetimes.

up every time he hit the wire in front.

It’s worth digging into Secret Prospector’s

The Form Bloodstock team, with Charles Faull

credentials just a little, because he was the best

doing the cheerleading, was working overtime

son of Mr Prospector at stud in South Africa (as

with Aldora Stud’s Guy Landon to get the

National Assembly was the best son of Danzig).

deal done. I happened to land in New York

Secret Prospector | Credit: Supplied

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Charles Faull | Credit: Supplied

in the middle of it all and was taken by Joe

impression he made physically. It’s a subjective

Brocklebank (who rode Danzig to one of his

factor I keep coming back to; even though it’s

victories) to see him. My pictures of him, on

impossible to measure, a stallion’s looks/look

a gloomy November morning, won’t win any

are important.

awards, but I was blown away by his presence

The more time I spend on this exercise of

and all-round athleticism. “You have to buy

looking back over stallion successes (and

him”, was the sum total of my conversation with

failures) of the past, the less I’m fixated on

Charles when I’d finished my visit.

Grade I winners. Five of Secret Prospector’s six victories came in Allowance races, and his

I need to make it clear that I was not

best stakes performances were a second and

instrumental in his purchase. He was going to

a third. Better quality Allowance races can be

be bought anyway. I’m mainly illustrating the

likened to Pinnacle Plates, where the fields

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would also comprise horses with graded stakes

Champion filly Spook Express, who was bred

form. I should mention that Danzig, while

by the Jack Syndicate.

unbeaten in his three starts, never progressed beyond New York Allowance races.

The Jack Syndicate (for Jehan, Alan, Carl & Karl) was formed with the express purpose of

This is a good time to introduce Comic Blush,

exploiting the Blushing Groom x Nijinsky nick

who contested the New York sprint circuit at

when they bought the Green Dancer mare,

a high level, with eight wins (including two

Park Walk. There can’t be many breeding

stakes wins and a Grade III second). This son

operations in the history of the sport to have

of Blushing Groom was a rig, which resulted in

been formed specifically to exploit one genetic

him being sub-fertile. His 10 crops yielded just

strategy!

172 foals. His four Grade I winners included the

Bush Telepgraph | Credit: Supplied

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In support of the success of this cross, Comic

Grade I winners, including London News. With

Blush produced 17 foals out of granddaughters

56% winners and 6.9% stakes-winners, we can

of Nijinsky. Five of those ended up being

put a tick next to him as being a success and a

stakes-winners (two Grade I winners). That’s a

tragic early loss.

mythical strike rate; imagine if this cross hadn’t been limited to just 10% of his foals!

Model Man had a full stud career, with his 18 crops totalling 809 foals. His winners and

Two sons of Alydar made an appearance in

stakes-winners strike rates were similar to Bush

Volume 4. The one with graded stakes form

Telegraph, but his longer career enabled him to

was Steady Beat, but the sire of two Guineas

get to 13 Grade I winners. Another success.

winners was Centenary, who did all his racing in Allowance company (and didn’t break his

Prince Florimund didn’t share the success of

maiden until he turned five). In those days we

his compatriots, but he did sire the dam of

accessed Daily Racing Form on microfiche.

Pocket Power.

I can still remember my excitement as I started

Perhaps the biggest surprise for me was

looking through the collateral form of the Turf

realising the extent to which Imperial Dilemma

horses he raced against in California. He wasn’t

was a loss after siring just four crops.

far off the Grade I winner Great Communicator, which made him something of a bargain buy at

Producing 7% stakes-winners from foals, out of

R4000 per share.

second-string mares, was a very good record.

He started his racing career in Britain and

Centenary sired no stakes-winners in his final

Germany, before moving to the US as a three-

eight crops (half his foals), which dragged

year-old. He raced there until the age of seven,

down his strike rate to below par. He is the

with a Grade I third along with his Allowance

broodmare sire of Bravura, as well as several

form. He must have been a very sound and

other stakes-winners.

honest horse. As a son of Damascus, out of a Buckpasser mare (in turn, out of a Bold Ruler

Two South African bred stallions left their mark.

mare), he deserved more attention when he

Bush Telegraph’s five crops produced three

went to stud.

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Once again, Volume 4 delivered a cautionary

considerable excitement. However, by the time

tale, in the form of Best By Test. He was a top-

the curtain came down on his stud career, his

class sprinter, winning 13 races on the New

tally was a below-par 43% winners and 2.6%

York circuit and breaking an 11-year-old track

stakes-winners. Sometimes we’re in too much

record over 1200m at Belmont. He was the

of a rush to anoint the next king.

second-top rated sprinter in the US, with all the looks one would want from a stallion. His sire,

We now know that Cox’s Ridge was Best Turn’s

Best Turn, was the sire of the successful stallion

only successful son. A similar view could be

Cox’s Ridge.

taken of Riverman, who had several sons retire in South Africa, but internationally he had just

When Best By Test’s first crop came out

one success, in the form of Irish River.

firing, with five stakes-winners, there was

Model Man | Credit: Supplied

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With National Assembly and Secret Prospector

European racing than any other stallion in the

as prime exhibits, one would easily conclude

20th century, only raced on dirt. The criticisms

that this game is a lot easier when you’re

came thick and hard.

dealing with good individuals by the likes of Danzig and Mr Prospector.

Mr Prospector (and other Raise A Native) line stallions have clicked perfectly happily with

The theory is easy. In practice it’s a lot harder.

Eurocentric South African pedigrees. In a way, it’s no different to Luke Combs presenting his

In the late 80s, South African breeders were

country version of Tracy Chapman’s hit.

highly skeptical of sons of Mr Prospector. The main criticism was that he was “a dirt stallion”

Excellence shines through, regardless of genre

and we race on turf. No matter that Northern

(or racing surface).

Dancer, who arguably had more influence on

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Under Your Spell wins the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

SA BRED MARE

SELLS FOR R14 MILLION EQUIVALENT Not for the first time in recent memory, a South African bred and raced mare made headlines in Australia last week.

The top class Under Your Spell (Capetown

an impact in Australia, notably for producing

Noir) was knocked down to Growing Empire

current superstar 3YO filly Autumn Glow..”

Syndicate for AUS$1,2 million (Approx ZAR 14 million) at last Thursday’s Inglis Chairman’s

Catalogued as Lot 18, Under Your Spell, who

Sale.

had the added bonus of selling in foal to multiple champion sire I Am Invincible, was a

The noted site breednet.com.au had the

top-class performer and graded stakes winner

following to say about Under Your Spell, “Elite

for Sean Tarry at two, three and four.

South African race mares have made quite

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Chocolicious wins the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship | Credit: Supplied

At two, she captured the Grr1 Allan Robertson

as Gr1 Prix de Diane heroine Sweet Mimosa.

Championship, G3 Protea Stakes and Listed Ruffian Stakes, while the following season she

Another South African mare to catch the eye

captured the Gr2 World Sports Betting Fillies

this year, albeit as a granddam, is another Gr1

Guineas before going on to claim the Gr2

Allan Robertson Championship winner in the

World Sports Betting Hawaii Stakes as a four-

form of Chocolicious (Kahal).

year-old.

The latter is the dam of Gr3 Yarraman Park The well related Under Your Spell, a half-

Tibbie Stakes runner-up Notation, whose two-

sister to dual Gr3 Track And Ball Oaks winner

year-old daughter Memo (Capitalist) captured

Witchcraft (Kahal), sports the famed mare

this year’s Gr3 ATC Magic Night Stakes.

Feemoss (Ballymoss) as her fifth dam, with Feemoss also the dam of Gr1 Gold Cup

Incidentally, Chocolicious was not the only daughter

winning siblings Le Moss and Levmoss, as well

of Kahal to enjoy success at stud in Australia.

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The Kahal sired Gr1 Computaform Sprint

Rose winning sire In The Congo (Snitzel), and

winner Noble Heir produced Gr3 MRC Quezette unbeaten dual group winner Autumn Glow (The Stakes heroine Crown Witness to the cover of

Autumn Sun).

Star Witness.

In The Congo, whose first weanlings have The South African influence continues to be felt

made up to AUS $190 000, has proved

Down Under.

extremely popular since he retired to Newgate Farm in 2023. The busiest first season sire in

Few South African mares made more impact in

Australia of his year, In The Congo looks poised

Australia than champion Via Africa (Var).

to make his mark at stud.

A triple G1 winner herself, Via Africa has been

The late South African champion Warning Zone

responsible for a pair of high-class Australian

is the granddam of Gr1 VRC Coolmore Stud

runners thus far in the form of Gr1 ATC Golden

Stakes/Gr1 MVRC William Reid Stakes winner

Top class Via Africa | Credit: Supplied

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September Run (Exceed And Excel) as well

Alice, has already had foals by Flightline and

as Steel City (Merchant Navy), with the latter

Life Is Good, the future looks bright for this

victorious in the 2023 Gr3 ATC Magic Night

family.

Stakes.

Legendary South African broodmare Ethane Yet another champion, Rock Opera (Lecture),

features twice in the pedigree of US Triple

produced French Gr1 winner Royal Meeting,

Crown winner Justify (Scat Daddy), whose

whose first crop yielded Gr1 MRC Blue

two-year-old son Just Too Fly won the Gr3

Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi.

Quayclean-WA Sires Produce Stakes in Australia last Saturday.

While bred in Australia, the 2019 Gr1 Jaipur Stakes winner Oleksandra was produced by

To date, Justify has been responsible for five

the high-class South African mare Alexandra

group winners in Australia, including Learning

Rose (Caesour). Given that Oleksandra, whose

To Fly, Australia’s Champion 2YO Filly of 2022-

half-sister Alice Springs is the dam of this

2023.

season’s high-class three-year-old World Of

Heavy Metal (GB), son of Rock Opera (SAF), wins the US$1 million Godolphin Mile at the 2018 Dubai World Cup Credit: Twin Spires

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FILLER REQUIRED 150 Words Required

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Winner of the KRA Cup, Ziyasha was always well-placed to strike | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

PLATTNER POWERHOUSE

STAKES BIG RACE CLAIM Our sectional timing observations after the weekend’s WSB 1900 racemeeting has once again unearthed some horses to keep an eye on. An important scientific complimentary tool of the trade for punters and racing enthusiasts, sectional timing data can really and truly enhance both the form study and horseracing viewing experience on both KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape race meetings.

Hollywoodbets Greyville 10 May

Wind:

Track Condition

head wind

Going: Good

Course Variant:

5-15km/h North Westerly

0,23s fast

Penetrometer:

23

Rain:

Last 7 days Nil

World Sports Betting Gr3 1900

Irrigation:

Last 24 hours Nil –

Plenty were vying for good early position on

Last 7 days 10mm

leaving the stalls and although the pace may

False Rail:

4m

not visibly have looked too hot at that point,

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there was a good even tempo throughout.

Cup. The pace was good on leaving the stalls

Indeed, comparatively the fastest race on the

and, nicely positioned in fourth, the eventual

card, they were 3 seconds faster than the only

winner ZIYASHA was always well-placed to

other 1900m event on the day and the overall

strike. He quickened nicely when the early

time was just 2,13 seconds outside the course

effort took its toll on the leaders approaching

record.

the 400m marker and after striking the front 100m later he won well by just under a length.

The well supported third favourite Holding

Finishing best of all in this race was third

Thumbs made the running and he, along with

placed FUTURE VARIETY. Easily 8 lengths off

the handily placed runners, soon came under

the pace at the back turning for home, Candice

pressure in the home straight.

Bass-Robinson’s charge cut through the field like a knife and recording the fastest 400m to

Plenty held chances when the field began to

finish time of the afternoon, he did very well

concertina and with fancied runners finishing

indeed, to get within a length of the winner.

strongly from towards the rear, it was an exciting race.

1400m Races Four of the afternoon’s nine races were run

The winner SELUKWE came from second last

over 1400m with by far the fastest of these

and producing the fastest 400m to finish time

being the Middle Stakes for fillies and mares.

in the race, he won with authority by two and

Sonic Jet made the running, and they rounded

a half after striking the front 150m out. The

the turn considerably faster than any of the

deposed favourite Okavango (18/10 to 11/2)

other five races negotiating that section. She

who finished fourth, only really got going late.

did then begin to slow coming off the bend

He recorded the second fastest 400m to finish

and when the always handy Sohot Sowhat

time in the race and looks sure to improve

struck the front approaching the 300m marker

further.

the race looked wide open. Finishing best of all was the Peter Muscutt trained BEVIES

The KRA Cup (NBT) 1000m

DELIGHT, and in what proved to be a real

By far the fastest of the three 1000m events

thriller, the Vercingetorix mare got up in the very

was the afternoon’s supporting act, the KRA

last stride.

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Quickies

Benni In The Area made the running, and

Positioned at the back five lengths off the pace

he was easily six lengths clear coming off

coming off the bend, the newcomer POSITION

the bend. He was soon found wanting in the

OF POWER ran on strongly late and did well to

straight though and several headed by Master

get up in the dying strides.

Bling began to close in quickly. Garth Puller’s charge looked to have done everything right

Fastest Times:

on striking the front 100m out, but in a classic

1000m (3)

Ziyasha

58,92

finish he was nabbed on the nod in the very last

1400m (4)

Bevies Delight

84,59

stride. Finishing best of all was fourth placed

1900m (2)

Selukwe

115,38

Hope Is Power who recorded the fastest 400m

400-finish

Future Variety

22,33

to finish time of the afternoon.

Hollywoodbets Greyville 7 May

Racecard www.goldcircle.co.za 1600m

Track Condition

Much the quicker of the two 1600m races was

Going: Standard

the B Stakes won by SUNDANCE KID. The

Rain:

Last 24 hours Nil –

son of Master Of My Fate got away well when

Last 7 days 5mm

the gates opened and was soon at the head

Irrigation:

Last 7 days Nil

of affairs. He led at a fair pace by a length and

Wind: 10-17km/h North

half for most of the journey before Calvin Habib

North Easterly head wind

cleverly doubled that advantage coming off the

Course Variant:

0,51s fast

bend. He ran on strongly in the straight and with the pack closing in quickly at the finish he

Three 1200m races

only held on by the narrowest of margins.

After a short break for upgrading, racing returned to the poly track on Wednesday

Two 1800m races

afternoon. Just 0,55 seconds separated the

The Open Maiden Plate was surprisingly

winners of the three 1200m races on the card

the faster of the two 1800m events and here

with the fastest being the Class 4 event won by

victory went to the Cape Town visitor MASTER

the nibbled at outsider IBUTHO (25/1 into 14/1).

BOMBER. Run in a time 0,8 seconds faster than the D Stakes, Glen Kotzen’s charge set a

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fair pace and dictated matters throughout. He

best and had a 4kg claimer on board to boot.

led by two and a half for most of the trip before

This Elusive Fort gelding has gained all five of

turning up the speed to go four lengths clear

his career wins on the polytrack.

early in the straight. Silver Platter ran on well over the final 400m and was gaining quickly at

Fastest Times:

the finish. Once again though, that move at the

1200m (3)

Ibutho 70,62

top of the straight would prove to be decisive.

1600m (2)

Sundance Kid

95,08

1800m (2)

Master Bomber

109,71

400-finish

Hope Is Power

22,59

Quickies Backed into favouritism at the track, the winner of the 1600m D Stakes EVENTIDOR raced off a mark 10 points lower than that of his previous

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1900 WINNER MOVES UP!

Selukwe’s official merit rating has been adjusted from 103 to 111 following his impressive victory in the World Sports Betting Gr3 1900 over 1900m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

The Handicappers determined that the

securing a comfortable victory in the World

consistent Narina Trogon was the most

Sports Betting Listed East Cape Derby over

suitable line horse for assessing this race.

2400m at Fairview Racecourse on Friday.

Consequently, his rating remains unchanged at

The Handicappers opted not to use My

106.

Best Shot as the line horse, as his expected dominance in the race may have led to an

The ratings of the following horses were

inflated assessment of the other runners.

increased:

Instead, First Wish, the third-place finisher,

• Underworld, who secured third place, had

was chosen for this purpose, with her rating

his rating increased from 108 to 109.

remaining at 91.

• Okavango, who was weighted to run last, outperformed his pre-race rating and was

Two horses saw their ratings increase

accordingly increased from 96 to 105.

following their performances: • Ardabil, the runner-up, was increased from

Two horses received merit rating reductions:

90 to 99 for beating the 91-rated line horse by

• Infinite Wonder dropped from 102 to 100.

1.75 lengths (3-points) while conceding 2.5kg

• Madison Valley, who failed to confirm his

(5-points) to that rival.

adjustment for the Grade 1 Betway Summer

• Mister Speaker, who finished fourth, was

Cup in three subsequent runs, was reduced

elevated from 93 to 95.

from 117 to 113.

No horses received merit rating decreases in World Sports Betting Listed East Cape Derby this race.

The best-weighted runner, My Best Shot,

• Media release by the NHA on Tuesday,

maintained his official merit rating of 111 after

13 May 2025.

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Mauritian jockey Karis Teetan has ridden over 700 winners in Hong Kong | Credit: HKJC

SHERGAR CUP:

KARIS TO CAPTAIN REST OF WORLD TEAM Star jockeys from across the globe including Hollie Doyle, Ryusei Sakai and Karis Teetan will headline the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup in 2025 which features a new-look team format.

Leading British rider Hollie Doyle will make

Dubai Duty Free’s title sponsorship of the event

her fourth appearance at the Dubai Duty Free

is also continued for a 20th year, with £500,000

Shergar Cup as she captains the Great Britain

in prize money on offer across the six-race card

& Ireland team in the popular event which takes

as well as £25,000 in stable bonuses.

place at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, 09 August 2025.

Japanese jockey Ryusei Sakai will be the star attraction in the newly-created Asia team.

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Sakai is already a household name on the

Duty Free Shergar Cup concert in 2018.

international scene through his partnership with the globe-trotting Forever Young, the

Sakai will be joined in the Asia team by

world’s highest-rated horse currently, and Shin

compatriot Mirai Iwata who won the World All-

Emperor.

Star Jockeys title in 2023, while Suraj Narredu from India will captain the team. They will wear

The Asia team replaces the Ladies team in the

red silks, replacing the pink of the Ladies.

competition for 2025, recognising that female jockeys compete on a level playing field with

Ten-time Swedish champion jockey Per-Anders

their male counterparts. The Ladies team was

Gråberg will make his first appearance in the

first established in 2012, after the format had

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup since 2018 when

expanded to four teams in 2007.

he captains Europe. Gråberg’s teammates will be Switzerland’s Sibylle Vogt, the first female

The Ladies team won four of the six most

rider to win the German 1,000 Guineas on

recent editions of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar

board Novemba in 2021, and Italy’s Dario Di

Cup including last year’s dramatic victory

Tocco, who has ridden over 850 winners in his

secured with Hayley Turner’s success in the

home country including partnering Goldenas in

final race aboard New Image.

last year’s Derby Italiano.

Doyle, who became the most successful female

Rest of the World will be captained by Mauritian

rider in Britain when recording her 1023rd

jockey Karis Teetan, who has ridden over 700

victory on Saturday at Ascot, will be joined in

winners in Hong Kong including the likes of

the GB & Ireland team by Robbie Dolan, winner

top-level stars Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying

of the Lexus Melbourne Cup in November on

Rising. The remaining two jockeys for Rest of

Knight’s Choice.

the World and the final rider for GB & Ireland will be confirmed closer to the time.

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Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public

female jockeys on the same team, is a nice

Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said:

reminder that we as jockeys complete on a level playing field internationally.”

“We’re pleased to have secured top talent from across the world to compete at the Dubai Duty

After racing, the ever-popular concert will get

Free Shergar Cup with at least eight different

underway, with the 2025 headliner confirmed

countries set to be represented already. We feel

as Perrie, supported by Joel Corry and Marvin

now is the time to move away from a Ladies

Humes. Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free

only team, and this new evolution of the format

Shergar Cup and Concert are available from

keeps the event fresh.”

£35 with Best Price savings available until midnight Friday 2nd May.

Great Britain & Ireland captain, Hollie Doyle, added:

• Media release by Ascot Racecourse on Monday, 12 May 2025.

‘The Ladies team over the years has had great success, but the new changes that have been made which include integrating the male and

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Class is in session! | Credit: SAJA on FB

SAJA’S GLOBAL STANDARDS

A FOUNDATION FOR WORLD-CLASS JOCKEYS The South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) at Summerveld has long been known for producing some of the world’s top jockeys, with a reputation built over decades.

But in recent years, the academy has faced

including a stronger focus on mentoring and

criticism - questions around discipline, a

structured rider development. Early signs are

perceived drop in riding standards, and

promising.

concerns about the direction of its training programme.

Accomplished horseman Gavin van Zyl has been appointed as a mentor to apprentices

After a strategic planning session in December

at Summerveld, while others - including the

2024, SAJA introduced new initiatives for 2025,

well-versed training veteran, Louis Goosen -

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Headmaster Marius Nel with apprentices at SAJA | Credit: 4Racing

14 MAY 2025 | 105

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have generously shared their time and industry

Academy and also makes himself available

knowledge to help young riders navigate

to them at race meetings which, in itself, is

the demands of one of the toughest working

support they didn’t have before.”

environments in the sporting world.

Van Zyl said he firmly believes that jockeys, The recent reopening of the Western Cape

as professional sportsmen, require the same

Academy has added further momentum.

level of coaching and support as athletes in other disciplines - such as tennis players. He

SAJA’s Headmaster, Marius Nel, said that

said: “We’re all on the same page - the riding

all industry stakeholders contributed to the

masters Robert Moore, Martin Ball, Rocky

strategy meeting. “Our main objective is to

Agrella, Nicky Roebuck, and myself. Our

guide SAJA into the future, considering both

shared goal is to take race-riding apprentices

the evolving needs of the industry and the

to the next level.”

pressures of today’s more challenging and socially transparent world, compared to years

In reality, the Academy is responsible for

past, as well as the personal pressures these

educating a yearly intake of 12 or more young

young men and women face.”

teenage boys and girls, both academically and professionally. “It’s a formidable task,” Van

Nel explained that SAJA’s academic classes

Zyl said. “Doctors study for nine years before

take place after the morning gallops at the

they can practise independently. Lawyers take

Summerveld training centre, from 10h30 to

seven or more years to qualify. Meanwhile,

14h45, during which time standard subjects are

we’re working with youngsters - really wet

taught. As a result, there’s limited opportunity

behind the ears - who are expected to ride in

to address the crucial mental and emotional

their first races after just 18 months of training.

aspects within regular academic hours.

It’s a rigorous, demanding process, and they’re thrown into the deep end of a highly

“We brought Gavin van Zyl on board as

competitive sport.”

a mentor because of his comprehensive experience as both a jockey and a trainer.

Van Zyl’s own mentor was the legendary

He visits the apprentices twice a week at the

champion jockey Gerald Turner. He also gained

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Gavin van Zyl in action during a race riding class | Credit: SAJA on FB

14 MAY 2025 | 107

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valuable insight while training and guiding

There’s no room for weakness. When the pens

apprentices who rode for him during his time

open, you have to hold your own, because

as a trainer. However, he emphasised that the

no one gives an inch. There’s simply too

mentoring he provides today draws on world-

much at stake. Race riding requires shrewd

class techniques and insights from some of

tactics and real grit. Older jockeys will often

the best jockeys globally. “I’m not trying to

try to intimidate younger riders, whether by

teach them to ride like Gavin van Zyl,” he said.

shouting or by fighting for position. Apprentices

“We cover a broad spectrum - race tactics,

must learn to stand their ground. We teach

positioning, pace judgement, fitness, you name

professional respect, that’s essential. But

it. We watch race replays, break things down,

mental toughness is just as important. It’s all

and interact constantly. It’s a shared process.”

about striking the right balance.”

In light of recent disciplinary issues and

Click on the image below to read the full

overly aggressive riding among some senior

story…

professionals, Van Zyl offered a candid perspective: “A jockey has to be tough.

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Jockey Smanga Khumalo – charged for misuse of crop | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

BLING’S HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY RIDE

APPEAL DENIED The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, and was finalized on Friday, 9 May 2025.

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For background purposes, it should be noted

• A fine of R54,500 (fifty-four thousand and five

that at an Inquiry held in Pietermaritzburg

hundred rand).

on Sunday, 21 July 2024, Jockey Smanga Khumalo was charged with a contravention

Jockey Khumalo was given the right to appeal

of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M in

the penalty imposed, which he exercised.

Appendix E regarding the use of the crop).

Appeal Board Ruling: The specifics of the charge were that he misused his crop by striking COUSIN CASEY

The Appeal Board issued the following

more than twelve times (15) during Race 7 of

order:

the Hollywoodbets Durban July (Grade 1) at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on

• The appeal is dismissed.

6 July 2024.

• The appellant (Jockey S. Khumalo) is This action was deemed unwarranted under the

ordered to pay the wasted costs related to the

circumstances of the race.

postponement of the hearing held on 30 April 2025.

Jockey Khumalo pleaded guilty and was found guilty of the charge.

• The appellant (Jockey S. Khumalo) is ordered to pay the costs of the Appeal Hearing held on

After consideration of the mitigating factors,

9 May 2025.

including Mr Khumalo’s recent disciplinary record related to similar contraventions and

• Jockey Khumalo’s appeal fee is forfeited.

the Grade 1 status of the race, the Inquiry Board imposed the following penalties:

• Media release by NHA on Friday, 09 May 2025

• A suspension from riding in races for a period of fourteen (14) days.

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Place of beauty – Avontuur Estate | Credit: Supplied

AVONTUUR CLOSES BREEDING OPERATIONS It’s the end of an era in South African breeding with the news that Avontuur Estate has officially closed the stud operations of a farm that has flourished since the late 1980’s under the expertise of general manager Pippa Mickleburgh.

The home of famed stallions like Var and

Mickleburgh confirmed that the last transport

Oratorio, Avontuur Estate will continue as

carrier left Avontuur in early May and that it has

a wine farm, restaurant and manor house

been a huge wrench for her.

accommodation, plus its use as an events venue and activities such as padel will be

“This farm has been my life for 35 years. My

unaffected, but in thoroughbred breeding terms

blood, sweat and tears are in the soil. The

the barns have shut.

memories will remain forever. It’s a very sad

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time for my staff as well. Many of the staff have

The last sale that Mickleburgh attended as

been around for 20 years and some even for 40

representing Avontuur was last month’s 2025

years and are like family.

BSA National Yearling Sales where the colt October Rush, by Rafeef out of the Gr1-winning

“The decision to close the farm is that of

mare Miss October, was knocked down to Form

the owners. All of the horses have gone to

Bloodstock for a sales-topping R4.25-million.

Ridgemont, including 27 mares. Avontuur

In total, Avontuur’s seven lots at the sale

was a very successful stud farm, built up over

fetched R6.45m, at an average of R921,429.

the years. You’d have to go back into the history books, but for many seasons we have

In the days that the final thoroughbreds

produced a Grade 1 winner.”

were being transported out of Avontuur, the exciting One World colt, Dreamworld – bred by

Mickleburgh is undecided about her own

Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm out of the Oasis

future.

Dream mare Dream de Ra, won the Gr3 Winter Nursery at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

“I think I will take a break when my employment with Avontuur ends on 30 June. I need

Mickleburgh was there at the lead-in and could

some time to reflect. Avontuur is in my DNA.

be seen wiping a tear from her eye.

Seeing the windup of the breeding part and saying goodbye to all the horses on the farm

“I’d just attended my final Sales, and this was a

continues to be very tough and emotionally

final group winner for Avontuur while it was still

draining.”

operational as a stud farm. All other activities at Avontuur will remain, but the breeding side has closed.”

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Jockey Rachael Blackmore has retired from racing | Credit: Irish Racing on FB

FIRST WOMAN TO WIN

GRAND NATIONAL RETIRES

Leading Irish jumps jockey Rachael Blackmore has retired. The 35-year-old enjoyed major racing success with triumphs in the Grand National, the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase.

In March she completed the ‘grand slam’ of the

“My days of being a jockey have come to an

Cheltenham Festival’s marquee events when

end,” she wrote in a post on X. “I feel the time

Bob Olinger landed the Stayers’ Hurdle, and

is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful

Blackmore decided to bring the curtain down

for what my life has been for the past 16 years.

on her career.

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the horses I have, and to have experienced

“I rode my first winner for Shark Hanlon, who

success I never even dreamt could be

then helped me become champion conditional.

possible.”

I will be forever grateful to Shark for getting behind me, supporting me and believing in me

Blackmore, who spent three months on the

when it would have been just as easy to look

sidelines towards the end of last year with a

elsewhere. He was the catalyst for what was to

serious neck injury, departs the stage with a

come.”

string of trailblazing firsts to her name.

“A conversation between Gigginstown House She won each of the Cheltenham Festival’s

Stud’s Eddie O’Leary and Henry de Bromhead

feature races, famously executing one of

in a taxi on the way to Aintree took my career

the great Gold Cup rides of modern times to

to a whole new level. Eddie got me in the door

secure the sport’s pinnacle event in 2022 on A

at Knockeen Stables, and what came next

Plus Tard, who, like so many of her big winners,

was unimaginable: Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard,

was trained by her most devoted ally Henry de

Minella Indo, Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger,

Bromhead. He was among those she thanked

Minella Times, among many others . . . all with

on Monday.

one thing in common – Henry de Bromhead.

He’s a phenomenal trainer who brought out

“The people to thank are endless, it’s not

the best in me. Without Henry, my story is very

possible to mention everyone, as I don’t want

different.”

this to be another book, but I’m going to get a few names in here anyway and to everyone

In 2021, Blackmore secured an unprecedented

else, you know who you are, as they say,”

landmark when beating all her male

Blackmore said.

counterparts to be crowned leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival.

“First, my parents who provided me with the best childhood, and a pony I couldn’t hold! This The following month, she rode the crest of a set the seed for a life of racing. Aidan Kennedy

wave all the way to Aintree, claiming a heroic

gave me my first ride in a point-to-point.”

Grand National success on JP McManus’s De Bromhead-trained Minella Times that resonated

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all over the world. Last year’s Champion Chase

“I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the

victory on Captain Guinness meant she joined

career I’ve had. To have been in the right place

an elite group comprising just Ruby Walsh,

at the right time with the right people, and to

Tony McCoy, and Barry Geraghty to have won

have gotten on the right horses – because it

jumping’s four most prestigious races, and this

doesn’t matter how good you are without them.

year’s Stayers’ on Bob Olinger was icing on the

They have given me the best days of my life

cake.

and to them I am most grateful.”

Rachael’s 17 victories aboard the star mare Honeysuckle, including their 2021 and 2022 Champion Hurdle triumphs, will never be forgotten. They looked like they were made for each other.

HIS MAJESTY – AIMS AT ROYAL MILE The 2026 L’Ormarins King’s Plate will be the target for the imported No Nay Never colt His Majesty who is set to join the powerful Vaughan Marshall yard at Milnerton in the next few months.

Vaughan Marshall won the 2025 renewal of the prestigious weight-for-age mile with the now exported 3yo, One Stripe.

A very smart juvenile of his year when landing the Listed First Flier Stakes at the Curragh, His Majesty ran second in the Gr2 Prix Robert Papin, third in both the Gr2 Railways Stakes and Gr3 Marble Stakes, and fourth in the Gr2 Norfolk Stakes.

His Majesty is one of three winners from as many runners out of Galileo’s

grandaughter Czabo, who won the Gr3 Park Express Stakes and Listed Prix des Lilas and finished fourth in the Gr1 Irish The colt was one of a quartet of purchases at the October 2024 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training sale by Willem Ackerman and Nigel Riley, who were assisted by Paul Peter.

The draft includes the Tony Peter trained Galileo colt The Equator, an interesting entry in the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

He faces a race against time to be ready for the 5 July showdown.

Paul Peter was recently quoted in media reports that the quarantine period was longer than they had anticipated.

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Lady’s Choice stays on under Matthew Poon | Credit: HKJC

LUKE’S PATCH OF PARADISE IS UNBEATEN

Michael Chang will consider a tilt at the HK$4,2 million Gr3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap on 31 May with Lady’s Choice after the much-improved gelding upstaged a class field of rising talents to win the Class 2 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road Handicap at Sha Tin on Saturday.

By Charm Spirit, Lady’s Choice (119lb) led all

Clocking 1m 08.44s, the five-year-old

the way under Matthew Poon to score at odds

posted his fourth win of the season and

of 13/1, defeating Bottomuptogether (132lb)

took his earnings beyond HK$10 million for

by three quarters of a length with Tomodachi

connections, the HK Association of Lady Horse

Kokoroe (120lb) a head further way in third.

Lovers, having started this preparation on a mark of 66.

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Rated 87 before Saturday’s race, Lady’s Choice

Hopefully, he continues on this natural

was brilliantly rated in the lead by Poon before

improvement path. From indicators, it looks like

fending off Bottomuptogether and Tomodachi

he’s a horse that we’re going to have fun with,

Kokoroe as Fast Network (135lb) finished fifth

so it will be exciting to see his future.”

with Wunderbar (130lb), eighth.

Ting also struck with Flash Current (133lb), who “He’s now fully mature. Mentally, he’s improved

posted his second win from five starts with a

a lot. Last year, he was still mentally a little

strong display in the Class 4 Tuen Mun Public

bit hot, but he’s now calmed down a lot. He

Riding School Handicap (1400m), scoring

relaxes, he knows the racing and he tries, and

impressively under Zac Purton, who fired in a

he keeps improving,” Chang said. “Maybe I will

treble.

run him in the Group 3 race at the end of this month. He will carry a light weight, he holds his

Ting said: “It’s my first one (double) for the

form well.”

season and I hope that later I will win more. I need some more winners and I think I can get

Ridden patiently by Luke Ferraris, Little

some.”

Paradise (133lb) maintained his unbeaten record by landing the Class 4 The Hong Kong

Patch Of Stars (134lb) also showcased his

Riding For The Disabled Association 50th

potential with an easy win in the Class 4 Lei Yue

Anniversary Cup Handicap to provide Jimmy

Mun Public Riding School Handicap, clocking

Ting with a double.

1m 22.00s under Purton after being eased down over the final 100m.

Taken to the centre of the track in the straight, the Toronado gelding made it two wins from as

“He’s only three, still learning and does a little

many starts, impressing Ferraris.

bit wrong,” Purton said. “He wants to grab the bit and get a bit aggressive in the run and in the

“He showed his versatility, which is very

straight, he was hanging in quite bad. I think

important for a young horse like him,”

there’s a little bit more there and next season

Ferraris said. “It was good to see him settle

when he’s a bit more mature, he’ll start to show

and quicken up when I pushed the button.

his best.”

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Purton also partnered Light Years Charm to an

out so he was thinking he was going to do the

eye-catching victory, scoring for David Eustace

same thing again,” Purton said.

in the Class 3 Lung Mun Road Handicap after being slowly away.

“So, he was right on the back of the gates and flopped out. They didn’t go fast which was a

“He doesn’t make it easy for himself at the start. concern and I was in a bad spot, so I had no It didn’t help that prior to the start, he was able

option but to ride for luck – and luckily the runs

to pop the gate open and reverse himself back

came. He won well and there’s more to come

Luke Ferraris keeps Little Paradise beautifully balanced to make it two from two | Credit: HKJC

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because he cooks himself before the start.

Class 4 Chai Wan Road Handicap (1000m) for Derek Leung.

“Next season, hopefully he’s better.”

Charming Steed continued his excellent form

Dragon Air Force (122lb) claimed his third win

on the dirt with victory in the Class 4 Pok Fu

of the season for Ricky Yiu with a courageous

Lam Riding School Handicap (1650m, dirt) for

performance for Matthew Chadwick in the

Ellis Wong. Trained by Caspar Fownes, the

Class 3 Lei Yue Mun Park Handicap (1650m,

Hong Kong International Sale graduate has

dirt) before James Orman notched his sixth

won three of his past four starts on the dirt,

win in Hong Kong when Francis Lui’s Call

as well as slotting a runners-up effort on the

Me Glorious landed the Class 3 Pok Fu Lam

surface.

Country Park Handicap (1200m).

Benno Yung’s Jolly Jumper broke through at his ninth start with success in the Class 5 Castle Peak Handicap (1600m) for Britney Wong before Moon Rocket underlined his promise for Danny Shum with victory in the

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Capitalist son Reserve Bank storms home | Credit: Inglis

CAPITALIST COLT WINS GR1 GOODWOOD! Dynamic 3YO colt Reserve Bank (Capitalist) capped off an unbeaten Adelaide carnival with victory in Saturday’s A$1m Gr1 Goodwood at Morphettville.

In three Adelaide runs the Mick Price and Michael

Price/Kent Racing purchased Reserve Bank for

Kent Jr trainee has won the Listed Redelva

A$410,000 at the Premier Yearling Sale, where

Stakes, the Gr2 Tobin Bronze Stakes and now his

he was offered by his breeder Segenhoe Stud.

first Gr1 in the Goodwood, collecting A$750 385 in prizemoney along the way.

He becomes the 108th individual Gr1-winning Inglis graduate since 2018 and the 31st Gr1-

Saturday’s victory also cements Reserve

winning colt in that time, joining recent Gr1-

Bank’s standing as one of the most desirable

winning colts like Switzerland, Private Harry,

colt’s in Australia and sets him up for a career

Nepotism and Vinrock.

at stud in the future.

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Segenhoe’s Peter O’Brien described Reserve

Reserve Bank has now won five of his nine

Bank’s win as ‘sensational’’.

career starts.

“He was as good looking a horse as you’ll ever

Reserve Bank was the headline act on a day

see in your life and he made a big number at

where Inglis graduates won 10 Stakes races

the Inglis Premier Sale and deserved every cent

across four tracks Australia-wide, including four

of it,’’ O’Brien said.

on the big Morphettville programme.

“That cross with Fastnet Rock mares over

Earlier at Morphettville Cleo Cat (American

Capitalist, we’ve stuck religiously by it, it’s off

Pharoah) made it seven wins from eight career

the charts and I remember speaking to Mick

starts with a dominant front-running display in

Price at Oaklands before he bought Reserve

the Gr3 Proud Miss Stakes.

Bank and we were both saying how good that cross worked and it’s got a Gr1 winner today.

Trainer Tom Dabernig bought the Colm

I’m delighted for Mick and Michael, the horse

Santry-bred Cleo Cat for A$50,000 at the

has been close to perfect this preparation, at

HTBA Yearling Sale, where she was offered by

least in Adelaide, and he’s only going to get

Coolmore.

better and better.’’

The ownership group includes Sam Jenkins, Winning co-trainer Mick Price added: “He’s

who along with her late mother Joy, made

a sizeable colt with a big, long stride on him

the pedigree of Cleo Cat famous through

and he was strong at the end of 1200m.He’s

the exploits of the likes of Cats Whisker and

a lovely colt and he’s won a Gr1 now, it’s

Catchy, the latter of whom sold for A$800,000

fantastic. He’s got a good temperament and a

at The Chairman’s Sale on Thursday night.

good brain…that said he’s a typical colt, he’s full of himself, he’s a lad, a big alpha male-type

The Danny O’Brien-trained 3YO filly Litzdeel

of colt but more importantly, he’s a Gr1-winning

(Dundeel) scored a valuable first Stakes

colt.’’

success when winning the Gr3 SA Fillies Classic.

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The Premier Yearling Sale graduate of Widden

The 4YO from the Paul Messara and Leah

Stud is bred by Paul Lanskey, whose mighty

Gavranich stable has been a revelation this

broodmare Geblitz is now the producer of

preparation, earning A$1.1m in the past seven

three Stakes winners – all of which are Inglis

weeks thanks to victories in the Country

graduates – in Litzdeel, Lycurgus and Gr1

Championships Wildcard, the Country

Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare.

Championships Final, today’s Stakes race and another Saturday Randwick victory.

And ageless 7YO Regal Azmon (Magnus) scored arguably the win of the day, coming

Raced by the Ladbrokes Racing Club, Know

from last with a stunning turn of foot to defeat a

Thyself was bought by Andrew Williams

big field in the Gr3 Cummings Stakes.

Bloodstock for A$300,000 at the Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Arrowfield, who bred the

Regal Azmon is only lightly raced, with today’s

4YO with LNJ Foxwoods.

outing just the 23rd of his career and resulted in his eighth victory.

“It’s great to get a quality, consistent horse for a high-profile syndicate like Ladbrokes,’’ Williams

Trained by Phillip Stokes, Regal Azmon is a

said.

A$25,000 Gold Yearling Sale buy for Mark Burckhardt’s Regal Bloodstock and Leonard

“He seems very genuine and that’s reflective of

Russo’s Bluegrass Bloodstock, from the draft of

his prizemoney levels which now sits at almost

Linda Treloar, who had initially purchased him

A$1.3m.

for A$5000 as a Great Southern Sale weanling from his breeder Musk Creek.

“Credit where credit is due, Paul and Leah have trained and placed the horse to perfection and

At Gosford – the primary NSW meeting – today,

he still has plenty of upside.’’

Know Thyself (The Autumn Sun) made it four wins in a row with victory in the A$500,000

Know Thyself’s victory capped off a memorable

Listed The Coast.

week for Williams, who had four of his yearling purchases sell at Thursday night’s Chairmans Sale – Bella Nipotina (A$4.2m), Lekvarte

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(A$750,000), Ethereal Star (A$450,000) and

Wednesday winners too,’’ Litt said.

Waimarie (A$400,000).

Also at Gosford Les Vampire (Pierro) led all

“I look at all the Inglis Digital catalogues,

the way to win the Listed Gosford Gold Cup.

especially when there are Godolphin offerings, I really love them but the catalogues always have

It was a third win from his past four starts for

something in there to look at closely.’’

Les Vampire, a A$200,000 Easter Yearling Sale buy for his trainers Gai Waterhouse and

Barber was one of two Inglis Digital Stakes

Adrian Bott – along with Bruce Slade’s Kestrel

winners today following the success of

Thoroughbreds – from the draft of his breeder

Rockribbed (Night of Thunder) in the Listed

Coolmore.

ATC Trophy on the Gold Coast.

And Barber (Exceed And Excel) led in an

Elliott O’Shea paid just A$27,500 for the Tony

Inglis graduates quinella when defeating

Gollan-trained Rockribbed, which has won

Brudenell in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes.

almost A$400,000 since.

Monarch Bloodstock’s Jason Micallef bought

Bred by Brian Coyle’s Bridsan Bloodstock,

Barber from the Godolphin draft for A$215,000

the now 7YO was initially bought by Adrian

in the Inglis Digital December Online Sale last

Corboy’s Polaris Bloodstock for A$14,000 at

year and gave him to Richard Litt to train.

the Gold Yearling Sale, where he was offered

by Flinders Park Stud.

He has raced twice since for an unlucky 3rd at

The Inglis Digital May (Early) Online Sale,

Canterbury and now today’s Stakes victory.

which has 531 entries, is now open for bidding, with the final countdown beginning from 10am

“The Monarch boys have been great

Wednesday.

supporters of mine and the ex-Godolphin horses I’ve either purchased or been given to

To view the catalogue, CLICK HERE.

train off Inglis Digital have been a wonderful bunch of horses for my stable, there’s been

Later on the Gold Coast card, on a worsening

Stakes winners and plenty of Saturday and

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(Trapeze Artist) scored a tough yet dominant

a A$210,000 Classic Yearling Sale purchase for

3.3L win in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet.

his trainer Luke Fernie, from the Riversdale draft.

Godolphin purchased Pinito for A$260,000 at

It wasn’t only Stakes racing that saw happy

the Easter Yearling Sale, where she was offered

owners of Inglis graduates celebrate today.

by Widden.

At Ararat in Victoria the Ciaron Maher-trained The progressive 3YO, who will likely take high

Bold Strike (Too Darn Hot) won the A$100,000

rank amongst the leading candidates for the

Inglis Xtra Maiden.

Gr1 Queensland Oaks, was bred by the Vieira Group, who purchased her dam, Waltzing

Sporting the MyRacehorse silks, Bold Strike will

Wodka at The Chairman’s Sale in 2019.

pick up A$116,065 for his delighted owners.

And in Perth tonight Just Too Fly (Justify)

A total of A$2.7m in bonuses have now been

scored a strong win in the Gr3 WA Sires’

won by 25 individual trainers in the Xtra Bonus

Produce Stakes at Ascot.

Series since the concept was introduced last August.

Bred by Waratah Thoroughbreds, Just Too Fly is

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• www.inglis.com.au

v

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No persons under the age of 18 years are permitted to gamble. Winners know when to stop. South African Responsible Gambling Foundation toll free counselling line 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp help to 076 675 0710.

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Lot 40 (c) by Night Of Thunder x Date With Destiny | Credit: ZuzannaLupa

BREEZE UP 2025 RECORD TURNOVER OF

€27,444,500 Taking place, the day before the French Guineas and following on from Ruling Court’s success in the 2,000 Guineas, the ARQANA Breeze Up Sale was held on Saturday in Deauville following the canters last Thursday at Deauville-La Touques Racecourse and a day of inspections on Friday.

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The sale confirmed its place as the leading

hands for an average of more than €200,000,

sale in Europe of its kind with the 2025 edition

establishing a European record, and a median

establishing new records.

of €120,000, up 22% and 20% respectively.

For the first time, four lots made €1 million or

The final turnover registered was a record

more in the ring. Underlining the strength of

amount of €27,444,500, up 27% from the

the market, 87% of the lots offered changed

record 2024 edition.

Lot 164 (c) by Siyouni x Soteria | Credit: ZuzannaLupa

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Very active around the ring, Anthony Stroud

from the talented Who Did It And Run, Giant

bought six lots at the sale, including the top

Run, Who’s In Town and Wet My Beak.

price of €1,9 million, on behalf of Godolphin.

Eagerly awaited in the ring, a son of Siyouni (lot Consigned by C. F. Bloodstock, the colt is a

164) was knocked down for €1 million in favour

son of Night Of Thunder (lot 40) out of the

of Coolmore.

black-type mare Date With Destiny. A halfbrother to Group winner Beautiful Morning,

Consigned by Mocklershill, the colt is a half-

he hails from the family of talented performers

brother to the black-type Naboo Baby and hails

Ombre Legere, Germinal, Best Name and

from the family of the Sussex Stakes (Gr1)

February Sun.

scorer Mohaather, as well as the Queen Anne Stakes (Gr1) winner Accidental Agent.

“He’s a superb colt,” said the agent. “He breezed very well on Thursday. Night Of

“He’s a lovely colt that did a great breeze,” said

Thunder is a very good stallion, with whom we

MV Magnier. “He’s by Siyouni – the sire of St

won a Classic last weekend.”

Mark’s Basilica – an exceptional stallion. We hope this col can achieve great things as well.”

A little earlier in the day and also on behalf of Godolphin, he signed the docket at €1 million

Click on the image below for the sale

for a son of the young sire Maxfield (lot 5) out of

statistics…

the Stakes winner American Victory. The wellbred colt is a half-brother to the black-types Victory Rally and Charmed Victory and hails

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DUDLEY BASEL

GONE 30 YEARS TODAY This week we remember Natfed Chairman Dudley Basel who sadly lost his battle against cancer on 14 May 1995.

He served on the Natal Owners and Trainers’ committee from 1978, became vice-chairman in 1980 and was chairman from 1983 until 1987.

He became a steward of Clairwood Park Turf Club in 1986, but still continued to serve on the NOTA committee.

He was invited to join Natfed at its inception in February 1984, became vice-chairman in 1986 and was elected as chairman in 1988, a post he held at his death.

He took his racing duties so seriously that he was still flying to Natfed, TBA and Jockey Club meetings and serving as duty steward at Clairwood Park Turf Club until late April.

Dudley Basel – loved the game | Credit: Supplied

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results up to: 2025-05-14

TRAINERS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places Place %

Mr S J Snaith Mr A C Greeff Mr S G Tarry Mr A P Peter Mrs C L Bass-Robinson

908 777 504 452 593

135 139 65 74 70

14.9 17.9 12.9 16.4 11.8

119 83 58 64 74

111 99 58 52 71

191 190 113 93 110

Name

Rides Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places Place %

Mr C Zackey Mr R D Fourie Mr G J Lerena Mr M A Yeni Mr S D Veale

1150 792 751 932 690

163 113 144 130 79

136 110 107 116 52

238 187 149 224 137

421 372 229 209 255

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

46.4 15,342,344 23,045,150 47.9 8,955,819 12,314,444 45.4 7,638,250 11,775,794 46.2 5,857,813 9,137,600 43.0 5,141,063 9,038,131

JOCKEYS 208 202 195 126 94

18.1 25.5 26.0 13.5 13.6

537 410 400 470 268

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

46.7 18,254,381 26,428,488 51.8 22,077,188 28,466,744 53.3 19,650,938 27,210,763 50.4 9,247,750 15,568,575 38.8 7,075,656 11,502,456

BREEDERS Name

B.T. B.T. Total Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R) Rnrs %

Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein Varsfontein Stud Ridgemont Highlands Klawervlei Stud

189

969 151,071

96 144

50.8

446

17

21

28,552,375

311 1815 84,240 150 213 190 984 115,871 88 138 146 763 90,895 77 108 184 931 58,292 64 87

48.2 46.3 52.7 34.8

815 489 323 369

8 14 6 2

11 18 10 4

26,198,588 22,015,481 13,270,600 10,725,706

B.T. AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs %

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

24 16 9 6 5

27,595,769 19,819,456 16,241,538 14,149,581 14,024,463

SIRES Name

Runrs Runs

Vercingetorix Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) Master Of My Fate * Lancaster Bomber (USA) Querari (GER)

223 1162 123,748 240 1246 82,581 180 933 90,231 110 579 128,633 186 1027 75,400

120 191 107 153 80 116 53 77 74 101

53.8 44.6 44.4 48.2 39.8

520 525 402 273 460

See all the detailed standings - Click here

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