SP Sprint - Wednesday 21 May 2025

MAGIC? More

YOU CAN USE NEWS

04

Daily News – Snaith’s ‘Whole In Won’?

Tough to argue this one 13

Woolavington Woes

Trainer laments the change

36

Highveld Stars Shine Bright

Feature Season smashers

48

Savanna – A New Chapter

SA Lady rider ranks doubles!

108

Preakness Power

Journalism writes his story

On the cover Muscutt, Moodley, Mascherina – Magic! That was our headline after the in-form Winning Formsponsored Serino Moodley steered the Varsfontein bred Mascherina, a half-sister to Ridgemont-based 2021 SA Triple Crown winning sire Malmoos, to her 2nd stakes success in The Independent On Saturday Insider Listed East Coast Cup three weeks ago. This is the view that the opposition in Saturday’s Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000 could be seeing again! Candiese Lenferna took the pic.

Issue: 20/2025

‘The girls enjoyed a purple patch when Roland’s Song (1989), St Just (1990) and Star Effort (1991), delivered a hat-trick of victories’

HOLE IN ONE FOR THE SNAITH BOMBER?

Justin Snaith’s Eight On Eighteen – a benefit day at Hollywoodbets Greyville? | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Reigning SA champion trainer Justin Snaith looks to hold a powerful hand in Saturday’s R2 million Gr1 Daily News 2000, with his dual Gr1 winner Eight On Eighteen quoted at 5-10 by Hollywoodbets and spearheading a fourcornered attack in a field of seven, that includes six Hollywoodbets Durban July entries.

Eight On Eighteen heads the line-up for Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, and the son of Lancaster Bomber looks to be cherry ripe to pick up his third Gr1 victory after a flying second behind stablemate Sail The Seas in the WSB Gr2 Guineas earlier this month.

Justin Snaith has only won the Daily News twice previously – in 2014 with Legislate and in 2008 via Russian Sage. Both were ridden by Richard Fourie, who takes the reins on Eight On Eighteen on Saturday.

Mike and Mat de Kock have introduced an interesting angle with the filly Spumante Dolce, who would be a first fairer sex winner of the Daily News this century.

The girls enjoyed a purple patch when Roland’s Song (1989), St Just (1990) and Star Effort (1991), delivered a hat-trick of victories.

A daughter of one of De Kock’s past Daily News winners, Vercingetorix, Spumante Dolce put a health-related disappointing effort in

Spumante Dolce can make 21st century history for the fairer sex | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic behind her, with a sparkling effort from a bad draw for second behind Mon Petit Cherie in the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas earlier this month.

Mike de Kock boasts a great record in this race, having won the Daily News five times –with Safe Passage (2022), Hawwaam (2019), Spumante Dolce’s sire Vercingetorix (2013), Irish Flame (2010) and Badger’s Coast (2000).

It’s been a long-time between Daily News drinks for top trainer Alec Laird, who last won the race with champion London News in 1996. He saddles the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas

winner Parisian Walkway, who will be ridden by SplashOut-sponsored jockey, Calvin Habib. Daily News defending champion jockey Craig Zackey, who piloted Green With Envy to victory last year, teams up with Fabian Habib on Gr1 SA Classic winner, Confederate. The son of Fire Away has his first start at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Makazole is the only non Hollywoodbets Durban July entry in the field.

• Follow all the latest Daily News 2000 info on www.sportingpost.co.za

A 30 year flashback - Teal wins the 1995 Daily News | Credit: Supplied

KANNEMEYER AND SPIES

‘JUST

WEIGHT A MOMENT!’

Dean Kannemeyer’s multiple Gr1 winner Gimme A Prince was allotted 66kgs when entries for the 2025 Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint were published on Monday. The big speed day is scheduled for Saturday 31 May.

Previously run as a Gr1 contest with a 6kg spread at the weights, the Golden Horse has been downgraded to a Gr2 with a benchmark of 106. This forms a quality control lever of sort, with bottom weights set to carry 52kgs.

Kannemeyer’s star, who won the Golden Horse in 2023, is rated 134 and Cape Racing

Executive Justin Vermaak is on record that a Gr2 handicap is not intended for WFA Gr1 champions, and should be weighted accordingly.

South African horseracing falls under the Asian Racing Federation and the Graded status of races is decided by the Asian Pattern Committee (APC).

If a race fails to meet the APC benchmarks for Gr 1 status on three consecutive runnings it becomes eligible for a downgrade.

Dean Kannemeyer told the Sporting Post that it was a disappointment for anybody with a highclass sprinter that a race

Dean Kannemeyer (far right) with Brooke and Anthony Delpech at a recent KZN racemeeting | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

with such an illustrious honour roll over many years, had been downgraded.

“It is what it is, and processes are processes. I entered Gimme A Prince here as he wasn’t quite ready for the Drill Hall Stakes and I wanted to see what weight they would give him. I won’t run him with 66kgs and that leaves us with the Gr1 Mercury Sprint as probably our only option. He has low mileage on the clock, and he could well race on into next season in the Cape,” he added.

Asked about his remaining duo of Outlaw King and Teflon Man (a kilo under sufferance), Kannemeyer said that Outlaw King was ‘a definite runner’ after his great prep run in the In Full Flight, and he would ‘have a look’ at Teflon Man’s position.

Corne Spies’ multiple Highveld Feature Season Award winner, and 2025 Gr1 Computaform Sprint winner, William Robertson has been allotted 63kgs. The son of Rafeef is a soldier and Spies also felt that the impost was ‘crazy’.

“I don’t think it’s the right way to approach things with such an historic race, but rules and processes are in place and we have to respect them. We will rather take William Robertson the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge route. He was placed over a mile as a youngster and it’s not a tough mile at the City track,” added Spies.

By our estimation, and our readers are welcome to prove us wrong, the last galloper to win a race on SA soil with a seriously hefty impost was Buddy Maroun’s champion Golden Loom, aka ‘Goofy’, who lumbered 65 kgs under Anton Marcus to beat Fov’s Favourite (Jason Jago carrying 60,5kgs) clocking 56,40 secs in a 1000m handicap at Gosforth Park on 29 May 1999. Please post a comment if you can recall a

Corne Spies – headed to Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge Credit: Candiese Lenferna

bigger weight winner in the ensuing years.

Golden Loom raced for nine seasons and chalked up his final race victory at the ripe age of 10. In all, he had 78 starts, won 22 of them and was placed 37 times, for a stakes haul of R2.8-million.

After enjoying his retirement years on a farm at Kyalami, Goofy died in 2010 at the age of 18.

The drop in status of the 1200m Golden Horse has taken some of the fizz and bubbles out of the opportunity of utilizing the catchy promotional blurb of a ‘Jackpot of Grade 1 sprints’, on Hollywoodbets Scottsville’s premier raceday of the year.

That said, the day has nevertheless attracted a high quality entry of 80 across the four features.

The R1 million Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint has drawn 15 entries, including 2024 runner-up Mrs Browning from the Sean Tarry yard. The defending champion October Morn has been exported.

The R1,5 million Gr1 Gold Medallion has drawn an entry of 20, including six fillies, in what looks a very competitive affair.

Gqeberha conditioner Alan Greeff recently supplemented his local Triple Crown star My Best Shot for the Hollywoodbets Durban July and has entered the undefeated Canford Cliffs flyer Direct Hit for the R1 million Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship.

The daughter of Canford Cliffs is a dual Nursery winner and looks an exciting prospect, along with fellow East Caper, Instaworthy, from the Gavin Smith yard. But they are there from all the major centres, and this should prove a top notch renewal.

Supplementary entries for the four features close at 11h00 on Friday 23 May, with declarations due by 12h00 on Monday 26 May.

Legend Golden Loom and the late Buddy Maroun

WOOLAVINGTON’S GRAND HISTORY

The downgrading of a once revered fillies classic and the fact that it is no longer reserved strictly for three-year-olds, has come with a sting in the tail.

Without wishing to take anything from the baker’s dozen of runners carded to face the starter, some serious names are missing from the line-up for this weekend’s Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000, none more so than top three-year-olds Fiery Pegasus and Spumante Dolce.

Joe Soma, the trainer of Fiery Pegasus, makes no secret of the fact that the

downgrading of the once revered Woolavington played a huge part in his decision to bypass the race, not to mention the weight penalty she would have incurred as a Gr1 winner of the SA Fillies Classic.

And with the race no longer restricted to three-year-olds, she would have had to take on older fillies as well.

Summer Pudding wins the Woolavington in 2020 | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

“It used to be a wonderful race to end any three-year-old filly’s classic season,” he lamented, “I finished second with Athina in 2014 and I would have loved to run.”

Fiery Pegasus, who claimed the final two legs of the Triple Tiara, will not race again this season, more’s the pity.

“She’s not a big burly girl and there is always next season to look forward to,” he added.

Trainer Mike de Kock has always maintained that Gr1 glory is the prime target for his top runners, hence the decision to run Spumante

Dolce against colts in the Gr1 Daily News 2000 comes as no surprise.

After all, why contest a Gr2 race, when there is a richly endowed Gr1 classic up for grabs?

The Woolavington has been won by many a champion as reflected by its honour roll, which includes lofty names such as Ipi Tombe, Igugu, Oh Susanna and Summer Pudding, all of which went on to garner the ultimate accolade, that of Horse of the Year.

The Woolavington was first contested in 2001 when it carried Gr2 status and was won by the

Promisefrommyheart – ancestress of Saturday’s duo Give Me Everything and Mascherina | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Jaffee-owned Hoeberg, who by then already had both the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and Gr1 SA Fillies Guineas in the bag.

Trained by David Payne, she was a daughter of their champion Petrava and likewise was honoured with a championship.

The race was upgraded to Gr1 status in 2005, not surprising, given that Hoeberg was joined in quick succession by champions Ipi Tombe, Icy Air and Promisefrommyheart.

That the Woolavington has also made a significant impact on the breeding industry

can be gauged from the success enjoyed by many of its winners/placed runners.

The Oppenheimers’ Oaks winner Carolina Cherry, who chased home Hoeberg, served their Mauritzfontein Stud with distinction as the dam of Champion filly Cherry On Top and grandam of 2020 Woolavington victress Summer Pudding.

Cape Fillies Guineas winner Shadow Dancing, third in the 2005 Woolavington, became the dam of Jet Master’s dual Gr1 winning daughter Thunder Dance, while 2009 second Mother Russia went on to claim four Gr1 wins,

Grant van Niekerk steers Oh Susanna to a gutsy win as Fiorella (inside) and Lady In Black (Sean Veale) challenge

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

including the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.

Her daughter Nother Russia twice won the Gr1 Empress Club Stakes and in turn gave us unbeaten champion Gimme Another, who is now in the States where she placed at Gr2 level in her very first start.

Lammerskraal’s noted broodmare Icy Air counted the 2003 Woolavington amongst her tally of wins and went on to produce Champion Sprinter Russet Air, besides which she is also the grandam of Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Make It Snappy.

Varsfontein’s magnificent champion Promisefrommyheart, who cruised home by 3,50 lengths for Geoff Woodruff in 2004, has cemented her place in racing’s lore as the dam of Master Of My Fate and grandam of Triple Crown winner Malmoos.

Arabian Pearl, who was beaten a neck by Sun Classique in 2007, went on to produce champion stayer Future Pearl.

Third placed Festive Occasion did even better as the dam of the Silvano filly Do You Remember, who avenged her dam’s loss by

Smart Call was too strong for them | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

defeating Blueridge Mountain and Jet Belle in a similar head-bobbing three-way finish to the 2013 Woolavington.

Jet Belle ultimately had the last laugh at stud however, when her Silvano daughter Silver Darling claimed the 2022 Woolavington by a clear margin and finished third behind champion Rain In Holland twelve months later. The 2016 Woolavington result also proved an auspicious occasion, considering that the first three past the post have since become stakes producers.

Winner Bela-Bela’s first foal Cia Bella won the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship; runner-up Negroamaro bred Gr1 Daily News 2000 third Barbaresco, while third-placed Nightingale is the dam of dual Gr3 winner Rainbow Lorikeet, who will take her place in Saturday’s line-up.

In fact, this year’s line-up features a number of runners with tangible links to past runners. Tienie Prinsloo’s Miss Platina is closely related to Rainbow Lorikeet, as she is out of

Nightingale’s half-sister Bargeme.

Promisefrommyheart features as ancestress of no less than two contestants: Mascherina, who enters the race off a fluent victory in the Listed East Coast Cup, is a half-sister to Malmoos, while Dean Kannemeyer’s Cape Oaks winner Give Me Everything is out of grandaughter My Everything.

Last but not least, 2018 winner Oh Susanna’s first foal, the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas third Little Suzie, will attempt to emulate her illustrious dam and also continue Drakenstein’s stranglehold on the race, the stud having won it with homebreds Silver Darling, Rain In Holland and Silver Sanctuary these past three years.

‘2018 winner Oh Susanna’s first foal, the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas third Little Suzie, will attempt to emulate her illustrious dam and also continue Drakenstein’s stranglehold on the race, the stud having won it with homebreds Silver Darling, Rain In Holland and Silver Sanctuary these past three years’

SOMA STAR

WON’T RUN ON 5 JULY

Joey Soma’s high-class 3yo Fiery Pegasus will not be running in this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July.

She was withdrawn at 08h58 on Tuesday 20 May.

A winner of the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic and Gr2 SA Oaks at her last two starts, Fiery Pegasus galloped off with the Champion 3yo Filly award at Saturday evening’s Highveld Feature Season Awards, but will not see further action this season.

Speaking to the Sporting Post on Tuesday, multiple Gr1 winning conditioner Joey Soma said that, while the connections were obviously very keen on taking their chances in the Champions Season arena with their top notch daughter of Captain Of All, a decision had been made collectively in her best interests to allow

The top-class Fiery Pegasus will return in the Spring | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

her time to grow and mature, and then return in the spring.

“The temptation is there but she owes us nothing and deserves her time to develop. She had a tough race in the Oaks and I honestly believe that she is just not where I’d like her to be right now. Taking on big boys in the hustle and bustle of the Durban July is not ideal. We had planned to take in the Gr3 Jubilee Stakes on Sunday 8 June at Turffontein, and then go

straight into the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

But we always do what’s right by our horses and she will have a nice break and come back as an exciting 4yo,” added Joey Soma, who apologised to those punters who had backed his stable star in the ante-post market.

Asked why the Woolavington 2000 on Saturday was not an option, Joey said that ‘it was a combination of factors’.

Flashback! Joey Soma enjoying a cold one with Brian Finch, Larry Wainstein and Chris van Niekerk | Credit: Supplied

“Firstly, we didn’t want to travel her twice to KZN. And the race is now a Grade 2. That’s still worth aiming at, but then that’s if it had not been opened to all ages. So the Jubilee was a better option, when the plan was still on to go to Hollywoodbets Greyville on 5 July. But that’s really all academic now and she will have a deserved break.”

A R300 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Fiery Pegasus was bred in partnership by Greenacres Trust and Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud and is a daughter of speed champion Captain Of All (Captain Al) out of the four-time winning Jet Master mare, Scorched.

She is raced in partnership by Messrs J R Blumberg,D Chinsammy,R G Coppin,E

Naicker,B M Nassif, G, K & M M Nassif,Mr B & Mrs K Ncube,MGAS Bloodstock, Kisten Pillay Racing (Trevelen).

She has won 5 races with 4 places from 11 starts and has earned stakes of R1 636 250.

On Saturday in KZN, fifteen Hollywoodbets Durban July hopefuls step out. Future Swing, Holding Thumbs, Marauding Horde and Shoot The Rapids will run in the

Listed Lonsdale Stirrup Cup.

All of Beating Wings, Indian Ocean, Mocha Blend, Rainbow Lorikeet and Regeneration line up in the Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000.

Six of the seven runners in the Gr1 Daily News 2000 are Hollywoodbets Durban July entries –Confederate, Eight On Eighteen, Native Ruler, Okavango, Parisian Walkway and Spumante Dolce make up the sextet.

• Second Hollywoodbets Durban July declarations close at 11h00 on Monday, 9 June

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

• Final field and draw announcement will take place on Tuesday, 24 June.

• Don’t miss the Hollywoodbets Durban July public gallops on Thursday 26 June.

DE KOCK’S DAVE DIGS DURBAN!

SA Horse Of The Year Dave The King returned to winning ways and capped a good weekend for the De Kock yard and Australian returnee Callan Murray when he went all the way to break the ice at his third start this term, winning a R185 000 A Stakes in facile fashion.

After a double at Turffontein 24 hours earlier, Dave The King made it a three-timer for the reunited combination.

This was also a happy return to KZN for

Murray, who rode his last winner in the province on 4 July 2020 when Warrior’s Rest beat Ultra Magnus to win the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville for Chris van Niekerk and Sean Tarry. That was

Callan Murray steers Dave The King to a welcome first success this season | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Australian returnee Callan Murray rode his last KZN winner in 2020 | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

the forgettable year when covid-19 devastated all before it and the Durban July, won by Belgarion, was run on 25 July.

But back to our Horse Of The Year!

Dave The King reeled off a three win streak that started in the very same race, then a Pinnacle Stakes, a year ago, and culminated with Grade 1 victories in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and the HKJC Gr1 Champions Cup, and the 5yo son of Ascot stallion Global View toyed with his ten opponents and led them a merry dance to beat fast-finishing Hollywoodbets Durban July entry Royal Victory (9-2) by 3,20 lengths in a time of 89,05 secs for the KZN Capital City 1500m

“He simply just doesn’t like Johannesburg. We were really hoping he was going to win here as we know how good he is,” said trainer Mike de Kock after lauding his staunch owners Larry Nestadt, Gary Player and Lindsay Ralphs for their patience.

Dave The King, who started his career with Vaughan Marshall out of Milnerton, has now won 7 races with 8 places from 24 starts for stakes of close on R4,6 million.

He will defend his crown in the R2 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge on 7 June. Entries for the prestigious mile close at 11h00 on Monday 26 May, while declarations are due by 11h00 on Friday 30 May.

Beyond Royal Victory, who is at 5th on the big race log, and ran a decent second for Nathan Kotzen, the Snaiths also sent out Hollywoodbets Durban July entry Pacaya, who was having his first jump since a cracking lowflying fringe run in the WSB Cape Town Met.

The son of Trippi was clearly in need of the outing and gave little away, running seventh and 7,60 lengths off the winner.

At 18th on the official Hollywoodbets Durban July log, Pacaya will now look to make good improvement when he contests the Gr3 Cup Trial to be run over 1800m on Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge day.

STARS IN HEAVEN’S SOLID FRACTIONS PAYS DIVIDENDS

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

Athandiwe Mgudlwa drives Stars In Heaven to a gun-to-tape victory | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

In Time Is Money this week, we look at some of the highlights of the last two KZN racemeetings.

Track Condition

Going: Good

Penetrometer: 23 (both tracks)

Rain: Last 7 days Nil

Irrigation: Last 24 hours Nil –Last 7 days 8mm

False Rail: 5m

Wind: 10-15km/h North Easterly tail wind

Course Variant: 0,56s fast (straight) –0,67s fast (inside track)

Sir Theophilus St George A Stakes 1500m

The 6yo African Skyline (16/1 into 4/1) was all the rage to win the bill topping A Stakes, but positioned towards the rear throughout, he never got in a blow. Returning from a six month layoff here, last season’s Gr1 Champions Cup winner DAVE THE KING made the running. He got to the front without any real effort on leaving the stalls and although the pace was a fair one, he looked to be doing no more than an exercise gallop. Indeed, he was only asked for an effort 200m from home and went on to score in good style by three and a quarter. The

veterinary surgeon reported that Dave The King made an abnormal respiratory noise.

4 x 1000m Races

Four of the afternoon’s ten races were staged over 1000m and in the fastest of these, the Marcus Johnston B Stakes, the What A Winter gelding CONNERY registered his sixth career victory from just 22 starts.

Soon up with the speed in a race that was run just 0,79 seconds outside the course record, Glen Kotzen’s charge put his head in front going through the 400m. He kept on strongly at the business end of the race and although the running on Abaddon (bumped and then squeezed out at the start) did finish marginally the stronger, Connery went on to score comfortably by a length and half.

Abaddon’s 400m to finish time was the fastest of the afternoon, but he was only 11/100th of a second faster than Connery. The fillies’ event was comfortably the quicker of the two Maiden Juvenile Plates over 1000m and here we saw a smart performance from the Duncan Howells trained HIERARCHY.

Highlighted in this column’s notebook when running on strongly to fill third position on debut, this daughter of Erupt raced second

here some four lengths off the brisk pace set by Moscow Miss.

Backed into 8/10 from 5/2, Hierarchy again quickened very well at the business end of the race, and after striking the front 150m from home, she won going away by four and a quarter.

Two 1200m Races

The boys were the quicker of the two maiden plates over 1200m and here victory went to the Trippi gelding TRIPPING THUNDER. Sent off second in the betting market at 33/20, Glen Kotzen’s charge was soon up with the speed.

He asserted his authority passing the 400m marker, and easing down at the finish won very well by three and three quarters. Unfortunately for connections Tripping Thunder suffered a bilateral epistaxis and is now suspended for 60 days.

Two 1400m Races

The Ingobamakhosi 170th Anniversary Class 3 was the quicker of the two 1400m events on the card. The 4yo STARS IN HEAVEN made all and set good fractions throughout.

Gareth Van Zyl’s charge was a length and a half clear for most of the journey and extended his advantage to two and a half coming off the bend. The always handy Plaza Accord ran on well in the closing stages of the race, but staying on strongly, the gallant front-runner still had half a length to spare at the wire.

Quickies

The opening maiden juvenile plate winner LITTLE BOY BLUE recorded a 400m to finish time of 22,60 which was the second fastest for that segment of the afternoon.

Looking back to the Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack meeting of 14 May, it’s clear that the revamped all-weather track has stakeholders in a positive frame of mind and the fixture delivered some competitive racing.

Track Condition

Going: Standard

Rain: Last 7 days Nil

Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil

Wind: 15-35lm/h North,

North Easterly head wind

Course Variant: 0,05s fast

Open Tabgold Account 0313141874 B Stakes

1200m

Three of the afternoon’s nine races were run over 1200m. The bill topping B Stakes was by far the fastest of these and here we saw a smart performance from the What A Winter gelding THISISWHATITMEANS. The pace was a good one and Mattys Odendaal’s charge was at least six lengths off the leader going through halfway. He quickened well in the straight and after striking the front 200m from home won going away with some in hand. His 400m to finish time of 22,74 seconds was the third fastest of the afternoon.

Two 1600m Races

The race open to the boys was the faster of the two Class 4 events over 1600m, and in another true run race, the Dean Kannemeyer trained UZWANO won well. Content to sit tenth of the eleven early on, this 3yo son of Ideal World had eight lengths to find coming off the bend.

Once into stride though, he ran on strongly and comfortably accounted for Imperial Power after striking the front 120m out. The runner up didn’t find the clearest of passages and quickened away well from the remainder in the closing stages.

Two 1400m Races

The pace was fair, but not fast in the quicker of the two 1400m events, a Class 5 for f&m, and here victory went to the former Eastern Cape campaigner SKY VELOCITY. Always available at around 8/1, the Querari mare was soon positioned close to the speed. She put her head in front coming off the bend and ran on strongly over the final 450m to win very comfortably by two and a half.

Quickies

The daughter of Pomodoro PRINCESS

HANNAH recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon when coming from the back to win the Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 4 event for fillies over 1000m.

Fastest Times:

1200m (3) Thisiswhatitmeans 70,21

1400m (2) Sky Velocity 84,64

1600m (2) Uzwano 96,10

400-finish Princess Hannah 22,10

HIGHVELD STARS ON SHOW

An atmosphere of celebration and excellence filled Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday evening as South Africa’s horseracing community gathered for the prestigious 2025 Highveld Feature Season Awards, hosted by 4Racing.

Under the theme ‘It’s in our Veins’, the evening honoured the standout performers, both equine and human, of the recent Highveld Feature season.

Against the backdrop of the Johannesburg skyline, the racecourse was transformed into a

showcase of elegance, heritage, and sporting excellence. The industry’s top talent was in attendance as the much-anticipated winners were announced across various competitive categories.

White Pearl connections collect the award for Champion Older Filly/Mare - Chrisna Strydom, Arun Chadha, Piere Strydom, Salim Shermohammed and 4Racing’s Lunde Bleni | Credit: JC Photos

The Champion Horse of the Season award went to Fire Attack – the connections collect the award - Calvin Habib, Kate Laird, Alec Laird, Caitlin Goss, Evan Lerena, Shirley Cornwall, Grant Cornwall, Karin Basel, Gary Basel, Lance Clark, Denis O’ Driscoll, Jennifer O’ Driscoll, Lauren Clark and 4Racing’s Colin Gordon | Credit: JC Photos

Team Tarry celebrate winning the Champion Trainer award - Jason Tarry, Shylock Mtwesi, Daniel Tarry, Sean Tarry, Siya Mkhumbuzi, Karen Tarry, Ashleigh Leedo and 4Racing’s Patrick Duff | Credit: JC Photos

Hosted by Nico Kritsiotis, the event paid tribute to remarkable performances, hard-earned victories, and an enduring passion for the sport. Industry legends and rising stars alike gathered to applaud the year’s most unforgettable moments, the evening struck a perfect balance between nostalgia, recognition, and forwardlooking optimism for the upcoming season.

“Tonight’s celebration is a tribute to the incredible equine and human athletes who light up our racetracks,” said newly appointed 4Racing Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Duff. “The Highveld Feature season has delivered thrilling moments and world-class performances, and we are proud to honour those who’ve made it unforgettable.”

RAFEEF MORE ACCOLADES AS DREAM SEASON ROLLS ON!

It was another great weekend for Ridgemont’s boom sire Rafeef with an impressive 2yo debut winner at Turffontein and two award winning progeny at the Highveld Feature Season Awards later the same day.

Formerly sponsored by Ridgemont, the talented Callan Murray was enjoying his first race day back on African soil in over four years after a stint in Australia, and was full of praise for the

Ridgemont-bred Take No Prisoners who lived up to his name when making a professional winning debut over 1400m for Ridgemont (nominee: Craig Kieswetter) and Devin Heffer.

Take No Prisoners (Callan Murray) wins a cracker on debut last Saturday | Credit: JC Photos

A son of SA Champion sire elect Vercingetorix, the handsome Take No Prisoners is the second winner produced by the outstanding racemare Takingthepeace. A daughter of Visionaire, Takingthepeace won six times, peaking with massive efforts in the Gr1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic and Gr1 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas.

The Gr1 Computaform Sprint winning sire has a very promising crop of two-year-olds this season, and Take No Prisoners was his thirteenth juvenile winner. Rafeef is currently in the second slot in the 2yo Champion Sire log.

Rafeef juvenile representatives include Listed Wilgerbosdrift Ruffian Stakes winner Glastonbury, the promising All The Rage, and Gr2 TAB SA Nursery runner-up Esteemed, who was one of a duo of Highveld Feature Season Award winners for their sire.

The Mike and Mat de Kock-trained Esteemed, who races for the same partnership as Take No Prisoners, is a 2yo son of Rafeef out of the Australian-bred High Chaparral mare Honour Roll. A runaway debut winner, he received accolades from Canada-based jockey, Ryan Munger:

“This is what good horses do! He’s a classy individual!” enthused Munger. “It was like he’s done it a million times. He has everything about him, all the attributes to be a top horse. He did everything right. I shook his reins at the 300m mark, gave him one smack and it was race over. He cruised in!”

A son of Aussie champion Redoute’s Choice, Rafeef, himself a Highveld Feature Season Horse Of The Season in 2017, was amongst the winners again when his 6yo Gr1 Computaform Sprint winner William Robertson – the third son of his super sire to win the big Highveld sprint – received the accolades in both the Champion Older Horse and Champion Sprinter categories.

Raced in a partnership by Rob Macnab, Keegan Govender, Xander Spies, Corne Spies Racing (Pty) Ltd & Jannie de Lange’s Waste Glass Recovery (Pty) Ltd, the Ridgemont- bred star is out of the thrice winning Trippi mare, Massachusetts.

The 6yo gelding has won 15 of his 42 starts with 16 places and has earned over R3 million.

A lionheart, William Robertson will next be seen in action in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge on 7 June.

ON THE RADAR SA CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

Crowned Highveld Feature Season Champion Apprentice at Turffontein last Saturday evening, the Hopes And Dreams-sponsored Trent Mayhew is a rising star on the SA racing firmament and is looking forward to getting back to race-riding after being sidelined for close on four months.

“The acknowledgement on Saturday was a dream come true for me and I am extremely grateful for the quality of horse I have had the opportunity to ride and the amazing support I have received from trainers, owners, the SA

Jockey Academy and my sponsors Hopes And Dreams Stud over the season,” the Vereenigingborn Trent told the Sporting Post in a catch-up over the weekend.

Trent receives his trophy from SAJA Riding Master, Robert Moore at the Highveld Feature Season Awards on Saturday

Credit: JC Photos

It’s actually been a great few days for the 20-year-old as he got the green light just a few days prior to Saturday’s awards function to start riding work again.

“It feels like it’s been a lifetime! At Turffontein on 26 January I came off Mary’s Greenlight in the canter down. She has a propensity to duck into the chute and I was pretty careful, but she has a mind of her own. I dislocated my shoulder and I sort of knew at that moment that it was going to be months!”

Trent says that he had hurt his shoulder at Fairview a few months earlier and so turned the negative incident into a positive and properly sorted the problematic shoulder out.

“My left shoulder and my bicep was operated on. I have done the rehabilitation and after a checkup last week I was, very happily believe me, cleared to start work-riding again,” adds Trent. Ironically, his body weight has come down to 53,5kgs as he needs to rebuild muscle and get fit again, but he hopes to be back race-riding within four weeks.

Despite his lengthy absence, Trent has maintained his lead atop the SA National Champion Apprentice log and is currently 5 wins ahead of nearest challengers Nirvan Nastili, and Brevan Plaatjies, who has really grown in confidence since his relocation to the Cape.

Trent proudly shows off his sponsor’s Hopes And Dreams cap | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Trent is quoted an even-money favourite on the Hollywoodbets SA Apprentice Jockeys Challenge betting. Nastili and Plaatjies are at a joint 3-1, with the progressive Jacey Botes the potential ‘dark horse’ at 8-1. Reigning SA Champion, the Sporting Post-sponsored Kobeli James Lihaba, is at 16-1.

Find the Hollywoodbets SA Apprentice Jockey Challenge by visiting www.hollywoodbets.net/betting.

Trent was quite surprised to hear he was favourite to lift the national title, and said he was well aware that he faced some serious opposition from his talented colleagues.

“I will probably have 6 weeks of the season left when I’m back and if I can boot home a minimum of a winner a week, it could be interesting as, believe me, all of the guys really want it badly! My personal goal though is to do my best to win the championship - I will be going all out!”

Trent observes that the SA Champion Apprentice title includes some major names over the decades.

“Mr Michael Roberts is a legend way before my time, but this country has continued to produce international stars and looking at the recent

honour board, names like Rachel Venniker, Luke Ferraris, Lyle Hewitson, Kyle Strydom and Craig Zackey, make me very aware of the massive honour it is,” he says modestly.

Trent graduated through the Work rider ranks, similarly to the likes of Lyle Hewitson and Calvin Habib, and presents a living example of the merits of the alternative school of thinking that suggests allowing prospective jockeys to make career choices when they are mature and old enough to do so.

Arriving at the SA Jockey Academy in January 2023, Trent was well prepared. Dad Craig had been training racehorses for many years, sister Kelsey Mayhew-Munger had beaten the males in the Work rider ranks, and his brother-in-law Ryan was setting Woodbine racecourse alight since moving to Canada earlier thar year.

The Sasolburg High graduate rode his first professional winner in August 2023. Piloting the 10-1 Dandolo for Tony Rivalland, Trent kept his head to switch in late before riding a wellbalanced finish to dead-heat with Sporting Postsponsored Athandiwe Mgudlwa on Quandary. “That was an amazing day and I will cherish it forever. But for now, I need to get back to raceriding as life must go on!” he laughs.

Savanna Valjalo proudly poses in the ‘Rhythm silks’ before her first professional ride under rules on Sunday

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

The next chapter in the story of a lifelong ambition that started on the back of a tickey-high pony named Silwan riding from lead rein to 30cm over two decades ago, turned a new page at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday when SplashOut-sponsored Apprentice Savanna Valjalo took her first ride under rules.

“Work until your idols become your rivals,” is the personal philosophy of the clearly motivated and eloquent 26 year old who who wrote her next chapter when she joined the currently sidelined Rachel Venniker in the South African lady jockey professional ranks.

Savanna rode Rhythm for Alyson Wright in the tenth race (16h30) at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on 18 May 2025. They finished a not disgraced seventh and the Stipes approved it as a satisfactory qualifying ride.

“Excited and looking so forward to the experience,” said Savanna in response to our question as to whether she was feeling any nerves and intending to find her rhythm (excuse the pun), early?

The naturally competitive and confident horsewoman , who made her maiden visit to the KZN Capital City track, says she was feeling ‘very positive’.

“I have been supported by so many good people with opportunities along the way and I am really deeply grateful to Mr and Mrs Wright

for launching my career under rules with a quality ride. And I love the natty reference to ‘finding my rhythm’ early,” she laughs.

The fact is that Savanna already has 3 winners to her credit and burst on to the scene as the winner of the 2024 Okapi Ladies Race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the favourite Gravity for Justin Snaith and leading owners Greg Bortz and Gina Goldsmith.

“Besides being my older brother’s 31st birthday, the 2024 L’Ormarins King’s Plate was the best day of my life! Winning the Okapi Ladies International partnered with the special gelding, Gravity was beyond a dream come true! Thank you Gravity, you absolute superstar! I went into the race dedicating it to my late showjumper Shaggy, and I have no doubt my guardian angel was with us,” she said.

While Savanna had been riding since the age of 3, she had only experienced getting on to the back of a racehorse four months prior to that memorable sunny January day!

Since then she won a Work riders race at the Vaal in June on Gold Agent for Paul Matchett and then followed up at the same venue for Barend Botes in November 2024 on My One And Only.

Savanna joined the SA Jockey Academy in January so it’s been a dream year. But as a nearly 27 year old, was it not tough amongst younger students- some in their teens?

“What a privilege it is to have had the

opportunity to have so many inspired and passionate people around us at the Academy. I simply love it and the camaraderie is exceptional. There are four females and we all get on like a house on fire. I have made good friends. And this week Rachel Venniker came to give us a talk. Look what she has achieved in short time both here and internationally!”

Asked where she will be based eventually, Savanna says that lies in the hands of the

Savanna puts Snaith soldier Royal Aussie through his work at Summerveld last week | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Academy management.

“I’m really enjoying Durban, and while Johannesburg is where my family is, I may even land up down in Cape Town as a new branch is being set up down there. I really enjoyed the Cape experience. But have saddle, will travel! I will go where I am needed,” she adds maturely.

Savanna was looking forward to having her Mom and Dad, a racehorse owner in Johannesburg, and twin brother Brandon on course to support her maiden appearance.

Savanna and Brandon were born 20 seconds apart on 11 July 1998 in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The competitive and sporty genes clearly shine bright – Brandon became the first skateboarder to represent South Africa at an Olympics when he competed at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Savanna said she is honoured to be riding under the SplashOut flag!

proud. No pressure, as they say!” she smiled.

And a last word on Savanna and Rhythm from Team Gee Racing’s Kevin Wright, a former champion jockey:

“Savanna has a remarkable work ethic and she has really and truly earned every opportunity. I hope the other yards give her the chances too. Rhythm’s not an easy track worker but we chose him as he is the kind of horse that would help Savanna and provide her with a nice introduction to professional race-riding. Just to mention that the owners were very pleased and excited to be giving her a first professional ride. Savanna ticks all the boxes to make it in this tough game and we are really looking forward to watching her progress,” concluded Kevin.

“I really want to make my parents, all my supporters and helpers, and my new sponsors

DOUBLE FOR LYLE

Lyle Hewitson rode a welcome double at Happy Valley on Wednesday that included the night’s feature race and that put him on 21 wins for the season, although he remains in 13th place on the log.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Report by Leo Schlink said about his two wins:

Seasons Wit (124lb) returned to the winners’ list under Lyle Hewitson to land the Class

3 Choi Wan Handicap (1000m) for Jamie Richards. The winner of four races at Happy Valley in 2023, Seasons Wit reached a careerhigh rating of 99, but had not won in 21 ensuing starts until tonight.

Lyle Hewitson – confidence boosting double last Wednesday | Credit: HKJC

The Capitalist gelding was given a superb ride by Hewitson, who allowed the five-year-old to settle on the fence midfield before angling into the clear and accelerating sharply.

Hewitson completed a brace aboard Mark Newnham-trained King Lotus (127lb) in the first section of the Class 4 Tin Sau Handicap (1200m).

“Fortunately, I’ve stuck with him (King Lotus) from day one – he’s always given me a nice feel,” Hewitson said. “We thought he would

need 1400m, at least, before he wins and we thought he would be a nice miler.

“On debut, he ran a nice race. He got held up over the last few strides, he could have run fourth, and with natural improvement, he showed a bit more today. He’s an uncomplicated horse who’s getting better so the fact he got it right today is pretty impressive.”

Hong Kong racing was scheduled for a 12h40 start at Happy Valley today.

FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & THOROUGHBREDS: THE KOEKEMOER RACING DREAM

Quentin Koekemoer only discovered his interest in horses and racing at the age of 50, just five years ago. What began as a casual curiosity quickly deepened into a profound love for the most majestic of animals, and an allconsuming passion for the sport.

Last Saturday (11 May) at Turffontein, Quentin and trainer Weiho Marwing teamed up to win the Racing 240 Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m with Navajo Nation, a four-year-old gelding acquired from KwaZulu-Natal.

It marked Quentin’s eighth winner as an owner in just over a year since registering his individual racing silks – grey and green halves – and he now has his sights set on stakes success with this good-looking son of The United States.

Navajo Nation (Kobeli Lihaba, green and grey silks), beats Tamarisk Tree (Muzi Yeni) in a driving finish | Credit: JC Photos

Quentin said: “Weiho had identified Navajo Nation as a potential buy some time back and we made inquiries, but we couldn’t come to an agreement with his original owners. The deal was only done recently. We think he is a good stayer, more than he is a miler, and our ultimate mission with him is the (R6-million) Betway Summer Cup.”

Navajo Nation’s share of the R120,000 stake was Quentin’s biggest win to date. His journey in racing began in February 2020, when his very first runner, Flamboyant Flyer, trained by Craig Mayhew, finished a close second in a MR 79 Handicap at the Vaal. “That was a riveting experience,” Quentin recalled. “The bug bit me right there and then.”

He had to wait another six months for his first winner, Lady Eli Mo, who broke her maiden at the Vaal. But the wait, he says, was well worth it. “In this past year especially, horses and horseracing have enriched my life, and the lives of my family!”

Quentin’s youngest daughter, Quinette (17), is a promising showjumper. It was her interest in horses that sparked his own. “When Quinette was younger, she was always eager to own a horse and learn the ropes in showjumping,” he told. “In 2020, we finally decided to buy her a horse and get her started. She made swift

progress, and now she’s competing at national championship level.”

To support Quinette’s ambitions, Quentin imported an experienced jumper from the Netherlands – a horse that had already cleared 1.5m fences.

Quinette is currently jumping him at 1.10m and 1.20m levels as she works her way up the ranks. Meanwhile, Quentin’s own racing string now numbers 23 horses, including 12 young, unraced prospects.

“We bought yearlings and two-year-olds at a number of auctions in 2024, including the Bloodstock SA National Sale and the August Sale. We got three more at the National Sale this April, including a colt by Declarationofpeace and one by Danon Platina.”

Quentin and Weiho have made their purchases mostly in the lower to middle ranges – R100,000 to R400,000 – the same bracket in which the trainer bought formidable international performers Divine Jury (Gr2 Dingaans, Gr1 SA Classic), Oracle West (2nd in the Gr1 Sheema Classic) and

Quentin Koekemoer and Warwick Marwing with Lady Noir (Sam Mosia), at the Vaal | Credit: JC Photos

Grand Emporium (winner of the Gr1 Triple Crown 1600, the Gr1 Daily News and the Gr2 Godolphin Mile) in the early 2000s.

The stars mentioned were owned by Kenny Geemooi, with whom Weiho Marwing enjoyed a spectacular run of success and, interestingly, Geemooi also raced in grey and green silks.

“I’ve seen pictures of those momentous wins on the wall in Weiho’s office,” Quentin mentioned. “Those were great days for his stable, and I’m hoping we can repeat them again, together. Weiho has a proven eye for a good horse, we’re buying carefully, and we get on superbly well. We’ve become good friends. We grew up in the same era, in Johannesburg. We clicked the moment we met.”

Quentin, who cut his teeth in the insurance industry and now owns a diverse portfolio of successful businesses – from insurance to mining – believes firmly in doing things properly.

“I’m very privileged to be able to afford to own racehorses, and it took hard work to get to this stage,” he says. “When you set your heart on something, it makes sense to do it the right way. There are basic rules to follow, a path to walk. There are no shortcuts. I teach this to my family.”

Click on the image below to read the full story…

WILL YOU BE BUYING?

BSA 2025 KZN YEARLING SALE

The catalogue for the BSA KZN Yearling Sale to be held at Suncoast on Thursday, 03 July is now online. The KZN Yearling Sale continues to unleash top-class thoroughbreds on a daily basis.

Among recent flagbearers for this ever-popular auction are the high-class stakes winners Battle Force, Cliff Hanger, Crimson King, Frances Ethel, Just Reckless, and Vernichey. Champion Quid Pro Quo was offered for sale at the 2023 KZN Yearling Sale, while this season’s high-class twoyear-olds Charming Cheetah and Quickstepgal are both graduates of the 2024 sale.

Held just days before the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July, the KZN Yearling Sale is set to take place at the lavish Suncoast Casino in Durban on 03 July.

The auction will commence at 10h00 on Thursday, 03 July and promises, once again, to prove very popular.

Many of the country’s top farms have drafts on offer, while prominent stallions represented in this catalogue include Fire Away, Gimmethegreenlight, Master Of My Fate, New Predator, One World, Querari, Rafeef, Vercingetorix, and What A Winter.

Potential standouts on offer include:

• Lot 15 – a Malmoos colt out of a multiple stake winning daughter of Gimmethegreenlight

• Lot 19 – a What A Winter three-parts sister to Dark Winter

• Lot 31 – a Querari filly whose granddam is a half-sister to 3 graded stakes winners in North America

• Lot 32 – a Rafeef colt out of the stakes winning Caralluma

• Lot 44 – a Declarationofpeace half-brother to three black type horses

• Lot 45 – a Rafeef filly out of a stakes placed daughter of Var

• Lot 46 – a Gimmethegreenlight colt out of a stakes winning daughter of Querari

• Lot 48 – a Querari filly out of Gr3 Magnolia Handicap runner up Dancing Queen

• Lot 51 – a three-parts sister to champion Quid Pro Quo

• Lot 61 – a Pathfork half-brother to Empire State

• Lot 64 – a full-brother to Cruise Control

• Lot 67 – a Rafeef three-parts brother to the stakes winning Empress Of Jade

• Lot 71 – a Master Of My Fate filly out of Gr1 winner Field Flower

• Lot 92 – a Master Of My Fate filly out of champion Hammie’s Hooker

• Lot 110 – a Gimmethegreenlight colt out of champion Lady Windermere

• Lot 117 – a Declarationofpeace half-brother to Gr3 winner Cliff Hanger

• Lot 126 – a Hawwaam filly out of a Gr3 winning daughter of Querari

• Lot 130 – a What A Winter colt out of Listed Devon Air Stakes winner Mohave Princess

• Lot 142 – a colt by New Predator out of Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas runner up Our Destiny

• Lot 145 – a Querari colt out of a twice winning own-sister to Vercingetorix

• Lot 150 – a three-parts sister to champion Quid Pro Quo

• Lot 156 – a Rafeef colt whose third dam is Mystic Spring

• Lot 161 – a colt by Master Of My Fate out of the stakes winning Sailing Ship

• Lot 164 – a Gimmethegreenlight filly out of a six-time winning daughter of Trippi

• Lot 179 –a Rafeef colt out of Gr2 winner Springs Of Carmel

• Lot 202 – a Vercingetorix full-sister to Gr3 winner Quickstepgal

• Lot 203 – a Master Of My Fate filly out of Gr2 winner Vistula

• Lot 205 – a Chimichuri Run half-sister to Gr3 winner Neptune’s Rain

Click on the image below to view the full catalogue online…

GREAT SOUTHERN WEANLING SALE

CATALOGUE NOW ONLINE

Weanlings by I Am Invincible, Zoustar, Wootton Bassett and Justify headline a stellar catalogue for the Great Southern Weanling Sale, for which the catalogue is now available online.

A total of 320 lots have been finalised for the sale, which will be held at Oaklands on Friday 13 June.

Other highlights include 15 Toronado weanlings, five by Too Darn Hot, five by Alabama Express while other leading stallions represented include Siyouni, Ole Kirk, Street

Boss, Home Affairs, Stay Inside, Dundeel, Exceed And Excel, Capitalist, Savabeel, Bivouac, Farnan, Super Seth, Harry Angel, Castelvecchio, Hellbent, Lucky Vega etc.

There are also weanlings by an exciting crop of first season sires such as nine-time Gr1-winning champion Anamoe, Artorius, Best of Bordeaux,

Bruckner, Daumier, Diatonic, Hitotsu, In the Congo, Jacquinot, Paulele, Profondo, Sejardan and State of Rest.

In what is the final chance to purchase a weanling at a live auction on the eastern seaboard in 2025, the Great Southern Weanling Sale catalogue is rich in quality and depth for both pinhookers and end users alike.

The Great Southern Weanling Sale has long proven the right option for buyers, irrespective of their end game.

Graduates such as Montefilia, Behemoth, Extra Brut, Douceur, Gytrash, On The Bubbles, Lunar Fox etc have all been Gr1 performers while in

more recent times the likes of Regal Azmon, Packing Treadmill and Megamea have all stepped up to be Group performers.

The sale also continues to be a proven source for pinhookers looking to achieve quality returns – out of last year’s sale alone are results like A$70,000 into A$380,000, A$100,000 into A$320,000, A$30,000 into A$240,000, A$52,500 into A$220,000, A$70,000 into A$230,000 etc.

Inglis’ Victorian Bloodstock Manager James Price encouraged all buyers to show serious consideration to the Great Southern catalogue.

“There are many vendors who have specifically held back their best weanlings for this sale

so before spending any money elsewhere in coming weeks, I strongly urge buyers to look through the Great Southern Weanling Sale catalogue and consider their options first,’’ Price said.

“This is a mighty fine collection of weanlings. Having key support from the likes of Gilgai, Rosemont, Blue Gum, Yarraman, Twin Hills, Longwood, Makybe, Three Bridges, Supreme, Stonehouse, Noorilim, Rushton Park, Shadow Hill, Musk Creek etc has ensured the strength out of the sale will be as good, if not better, than previous years and it’s very exciting to be offering this appealing catalogue to buyers.

“We are in a phase of the bloodstock cycle

where it’s a buyers’ market so there will be many opportunities to capitalise on at Oaklands next month.’’

All weanlings purchased at the Great Southern Weanling Sale are available for registration into the A$12m Inglis Race Series which features the A$2m Millennium, A$1m Pink Bonus Series and A$5m Xtra Bonus Series.

Supplementary entries for the Great Southern Weanling Sale are now open and will remain so until Wednesday 04 June.

Click on the image to view the full catalogue online…

INTERIM SUSPENSION: ASSISTANT TRAINER SEEBUNDHUN EXPLAINS

International businessman Yoogaysun ‘Nilesh’ Seebundhun, who was served with an interim suspension of his Assistant Trainer licence by the National Horseracing Authority of South Africa on Friday (16 May) afternoon, has spoken out about what appears to be mostly a misunderstanding based on a potential lack of communication and bureaucratic red-tape challenges.

The South African racing regulator confirmed on Friday, that an interim suspension had been imposed upon Assistant Trainer Mr Y Seebundhun in terms of the provisions of Rule 91.2, pending an Inquiry into inter alia the alleged noncompliance of the terms of his conditions of his Assistant Trainer’s Licence, coupled with an investigation of the content of a video clip disseminated by Mr Y Seebundhun.

The media release led to a flurry of queries from the racing public, as many, including this platform, had not known about Mr Seebunhun, who has owned horses here for some years.

Mr Seebundhun, a Chartered Accountant, who carries the letters BSC, ACCA, MIPA behind his name, is a financial specialist with 23 years of experience in investments.

Yoogaysun ‘Nilesh’ Seebundhun – keen to move on and willing to co-operate

He is ACCA qualified, a Member of the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants and a multiple resident of Mauritius, South Africa and Dubai.

Speaking to the Sporting Post on Saturday morning from Mauritius, Mr Seebundhun informs us that he is a registered Assistant Trainer in Mauritius and has owned horses in South Africa for some years. His local trainers are Piet Botha and MJ Odendaal.

With the turnaround in South African racing and the improved prospects here in the Cape and KZN, he decided to establish a syndicate, Galloping Equine, with the goal of creating a unique racing experience. The aim is to start with 20 members and grow it to 100.

He started the ball rolling by applying for an Assistant Trainer’s licence here and was granted same, on the proviso that he would do his ‘apprenticeship’ with Piet Botha at Milnerton.

“I submitted both the AT1 and AT2 forms as part of my application. I am fully aware, and this has been stated in the AT2 form itself, that I require NHRA approval prior to entering into any employment contract. However, I was not

made aware that an approved work permit was a prerequisite for obtaining an Assistant Trainer license. Had this been clearly communicated to me during the Assistant Trainer’s License approval process, I would have ensured full compliance beforehand,” he adds.

The National Horseracing Authority’s concerns apparently lie in part with the fact that Mr Seebundhun only attended stables a few times up to the end of February.

Mr Seebundhun told the Sporting Post that his absence was purely as a result of the delays in the approval process of his work permit.

“The initial application for the work permit was unfortunately declined by the South African Embassy here in Mauritius, owing to the absence of CIPC registration documents from Piet Botha, under whom I was initially supposed to work. Given that I have horses in both Cape Town and Durban with M.J. Odendaal, I sought support from the latter, who agreed and provided the necessary CIPC documentation plus all documents regarding a work agreement. A resubmission of my work permit application is scheduled for this coming Monday (19 May), and I have requested that it be fast-tracked.”

The Sporting Post has had sight of the correspondence from the SA High Commission in Port Louis.

The NHA also referenced the promotional video doing the rounds, wherein Mr Seebundhun makes a statement that he will obtain his Trainer’s Licence in a specific time, and also makes claims to offering investors a ‘50% per month return’ on their money.

The video has been removed from all of his social media platforms, and the Sporting Post has had sight of it.

“I am so sorry for any concerns or misinterpretations caused by my recent absence from the trainer’s yard and my appearance in a well-intended promotional video for a horse racing syndicate. I fully recognize the importance of adhering to NHRA rules and remain deeply committed to upholding the integrity of the sport and the standards of the Authority,” he added, while asserting that he is more than willing to appear and fully co-operate with an Inquiry at the earliest possible time to clear up any misunderstandings.

We asked Mr Seebundhun about his offer in the promotional video of a suggested 50% return on investor’s capital.

“My structure is such that investors will pay an initial sum of R25 000 plus R1100 per horse, monthly. Based on 20 horses, that totals R47 000. With betting and stakes, and I must point out that I will give the betting advice, and that on place bets only, and not rely on tipsters, investors will get back R23 500 per month. That is the basis of the 50% return.”

Asked if he considered the interim suspension a setback, Mr Seebundhun says that his intentions have always been absolutely professional and in the best of good faith.

“I have a good international reputation and I have confidence that the matter will be resolved so that I may continue contributing positively to the sport. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.”

Equine Galloping’s website is under construction, but they are contactable via their Facebook page – Equine Galloping Ltd.

AND

CHEATS FISHING OUT RACE

MATCH-FIXING

KZN law graduate and sports fanatic Ian Smith, who was a pupil of the top KZN School Kearsney College, has had an interesting career from a UK base in the legal aspects of sports administration and this inadvertently had a heavy bias towards match-fixing cases from about 2010 onward.

He gave an interesting insight into the techniques used to identify match-fixing as well as race-fixing in horseracing and after a subsequent Turf Talk interview with NHA CEO Vee Moodley it emerged that South Africa’s horseracing authority is right up there with normal worldwide standards when protecting the integrity of our sport.

This is a relevant subject in SA horseracing at present as it was revealed by the NHA that a scrutiny of betting patterns on various platforms would be included in the investigation into the ride of Andrew Fortune on Cherry Oh Baby at Hollywoodbets Greyville recently.

Ian did his articles in England and broke into the sports industry after the 1995 World Cup when representing a few rugby players who wished to turn professional.

However, by the end of 1999 the vast majority of his work was in the sport he most loved, cricket, as he was being given more and more work by the Professional Cricket Association.

He was the only player representative lawyer in worldwide cricket other than Tony Irish when the Hansie Cronje scandal broke and he represented numerous professional cricketers, including school contemporary Andrew Hudson, when the negotiations around the creation of the new anti-corruption code was being drafted by the ICC.

He became increasingly embroiled in cricket and by 2004 he had moved in-house with the Professional Cricket Association as the legal director.

However, after the founding of the IPL and other such leagues there was an explosion of matchfixing cases to the extent that it was virtually the only thing he dealt with and his focus changed from UK domestic cricket to international from 2010 onwards.

From being naive about betting related matters back in 2000 he was an expert on it by the time he left cricket in 2015 and his expertise in this and in sports regulatory matters led to him setting up an organisation which is today called the Esports Integrity Commission.

There was no governance in the rapidly expanding Esports industry and Ian, who was effectively the job title, became a voluntary regulator. The commission dealt with antidoping and anti-corruption and Ian decided what to investigate and whether somebody was guilty. In much the same way as South African horseracing’s method whereby a jockey or trainer can avoid an inquiry by admitting guilt, the commission only goes to an independent disciplinary panel if the person involved wants to contest the charge.

Ian, who also does a lot of consultancy for traditional sports like football and motor sports, described the process of fishing out match-fixing.

He said, “When bookmakers set up their markets, it is based on an analysis of mountains of historical data. However, the underlying assumption is that the players or the team are doing their best to win. What they

don’t want, of course, is a team deliberately trying to lose or manipulate the outcome to win a bet, because ultimately that is money being stolen. So, what has happened over time is that because of the incredible volumes of digital data, increasingly you know how the betting on any event is going to behave. So, every bookmaker has set up parameters and they use algorithms to check whether the betting stays within those parameters. As soon as the betting pops out of those parameters, they call it either an unusual or a suspicious bet, with suspicious being more highly charged than unusual.

Ian Smith | Credit: Supplied

sends us an alert when they see something suspicious or unusual.”

Unusual is, for example, let’s say I bet 50 quid a week on tennis and golf and then I put 500 bucks on a football match. That’s unusual and there’s scrutiny of that. But what I did was I set up an information sharing network amongst a large number of betting operators, data analyst companies and law enforcement regulators to create an alert network. So basically, any bookmaker or any of the other stakeholders

He continued, “We then disseminate that alert to the rest of the network with a question of are you seeing the same thing? Or do you know why the betting’s behaving as it does? Then we get a bunch of responses. The good ones are when some trader can explain why it’s doing what it’s doing and that’s helpful because it means the red flags that are being raised can

be lowered. An example would be a horse striding short down to the start.”

He added, “The next step happens if the betting is suspicious and there is no logical explanation, so it then looks like a match fix. An example would be a suspicious bet whereby Team A is going to lose match two of the best of three and duly does so. We then get an expert to analyse the match and to form an opinion on whether the player was doing his best or whether, in Esports as an example, there were moments in the game he was deliberately losing by deliberately getting killed or missing shots.”

He continued, “If the answer to that is yes, the play is suspicious, I can proceed on that information alone sometimes if it’s rock solid. But the next usual stage is to try and link the people who placed the suspicious bets to the player that played suspiciously and that’s a separate intelligence investigatory process. I basically use software where I put in the name of a player and then put in the name of the bettor and hope that when the software looks through the internet they find a connection between the two, which is often something like they went to school or university together or they’re Facebook friends or they follow each other on Twitter. Any kind of link then gives me

Credit: Vecteezy

a way forward in terms of the investigation. If there is a link, then generally we’re going to prosecute the player. But that’s just the beginning of the prosecution part of the case.”

Ian said the process used in horse racing was exactly the same. He said, “Obviously there are different doping offences because you’re doping the horse and there are different cheating offences, but effectively the evidence trail is exactly the same. It’s an alert from the bookmaker, the steward, and then various bodies, but particularly every horseracing body has an integrity function, and horse racing has had them for years. They’re quite well developed. A lot of the practice in traditional sport originated from horse racing, which was to then look at the betting data exactly as I’ve described, and then kind of go, okay, did the jockey ride to the bet? Can you reasonably say when you review the video of the race that he or she held the horse back or whatever? You can compare it to the jockey’s normal riding style as well. Again, you’ve got mountains of data, particularly from experienced jockeys, and then of course you get the confidential data from the betting company who take the bets. You then do exactly as I described, you try and link the

bettors to the jockey, for example. Within horse racing you have these really cool powers to confiscate phones, investigate bank accounts, and all of this stuff. It’s actually easier to link the bettors to the jockeys in horse racing than it is in Esport, because whilst I have the power to demand mobile phones and all of this from participants, every time I’ve tried that, the players just tell me to get lost. I end up banning them, but there’s not much more I can do. If a jockey wants to carry on being a jockey, he’s got to hand it over.”

Ian was asked whether the suspicion ever starts with an action on the racecourse, as happened in the Andrew Fortune case.

He said, “I would say less than 50-50, to be honest. In suspicions that are initiated by the ride, a significant percentage of those lead to no evidence in the betting being found that it was fixed. And then it just becomes a riding offence and the jockey could be charged with unprofessional riding.”

The Fortune case is yet to be concluded, but his ride has drawn a wide range of opinions due to his soft style of riding. He has never been hard on a horse throughout his career. He did appear to be caught napping though,

but unless the betting patterns are found to be suspicious, he might just be charged with unprofessional riding.

Ian went on to mention another problem in identifying match fixing or race fixing, and this is what is known as mobile operators.

These unregulated bookmakers take bets by cellphone and have hundreds of cellphones in operation. The bettors have accounts that go up and down per bet and payouts are in cash. These bets are almost impossible to trace unless you have a whistle blower. The biggest of these mobile operators are often controlled by gangsters and are as sophisticated as

the big bookmakers like Ladbrokes, Coral or William Hill.

Illegal betting through unlicensed operators creates a huge dilemma and perpetrators need to be dealt with accordingly. The integrity of the event or race result may have no legitimacy. This is totally unfair to the broader betting public.

Another problem is betting syndicates. One person putting on a £100,000 bet on a horse race is going to raise a red flag, but 100 people each putting on a £1000 bet does not raise any suspicion.

Credit: Vecteezy

These syndicates have anything from ten people to 1000 people and then on their behalf they will have a fixer in different sports. For example, somebody who has a connection to a certain sports team.

In cricket the fix is often just on a tiny section of the game and this is called spot fixing. A bowler could, for example, be bribed to give away a certain amount of runs in one over or even to bowl a no-ball at a given time.

Ian said match-fixing or race-fixing is mostly done with coercion and cooperation, it is very rare for there to be a threat of violence.

Vee Moodley, CEO of the National Horse Racing Authority of South Africa (NHA), confirmed that the NHA have MOUs (Memorandum Of Understanding) and MOAs (Memorandum Of Agreement) with local and international bookmakers and international Betting Exchanges. The alert system is in place in much the same way as explained by Ian Smith above.

Betfair is illegal in South Africa, but in fact contrary to the fears that it would lead to more corrupt activity it has proved to be one of the best tools for weeding out corruption because

those who are laying bets, for example, can be identified and relatively easily linked to a corrupt race or match, if relevant.

Ian Smith has in fact on occasion even linked illegal betting operations to suspicious activity through Betfair, because these illegal operations often lay off bets on Betfair. The SA authorities should hence consider unbanning Betfair.

• Originally published on www.turftalk.co.za

NHA CEO Vee Moodley | Credit: Supplied

ADJOURNED JOCKEY PROTEST INQUIRY

The

NHA

Inquiry into

the

jockey protest

that led to the abandonment of the Hollywoodbets Durbanville racemeeting on 26 March was partly completed on Monday 19 May, and

will continue at a date to be advised.

Nine of the jockeys involved in the protest in support of an interim suspension placed on colleague Grant van Niekerk signed Acknowledgements Of Guilt after being charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.27 in that they, as riders who were carded to participate in scheduled races, and without any lawful justification, were party to an action which resulted in the abandonment of the race meeting. Each jockey was fined R100 000, of which R50 000 of the total was suspended for a period of five years on condition that they are

individually not found guilty of contravening Rule 72.1.27, for the next five years.

Van Niekerk is appealing both his sanction for his ride on All Out For Six in the Big Cap, where a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of 21 days and a fine of R50 000 was imposed, as well as his 90-day suspension from race riding, of which 60 days were suspended for three years, and a fine of R100 000, of which R75 000 was suspended for three years, after his post-race comments that ultimately led to the protest.

SHINING! KZN INVITED DESIGNERS

Sicelo Dlezi from Yatsar Fashion House described her selection for the Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove at the Hollywoodbets Durban July as ‘the opportunity of a lifetime’ | Credit: Supplied

Five homegrown KwaZulu-Natal designers and a powerhouse husband-andwife team from Jozi have been named as the six fashion leaders chosen to take centre stage at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on July 5.

Five of the six selected to show off their marvelous fabric interpretations of this year’s theme in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove are from KZN – the legendary Kathrin Kidger, Zama Mathe (Zarth), Sandile Mngadi (Duke), Sicelo Dlezi (Yatsar Fashion House), and Zama Gumede (Zavier) – and they will be joined by Johannesburg-based Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho from Kosi Nkosi.

The HDJ Invited Designers Showcase is always a glamorous highlight of the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July and an opportunity to see inspiring and iconic creations from some of the country’s top talent. The strong presence of home-grown designers places the province on a strong footing in the fashion industry.

Gold Circle fashion programme director Tiffany Prior is enthusiastic about the 2025 invited designers and excited to see how they interpret the Marvels of Mzansi theme at this year’s event.

“This year we have tried to look after our sponsors as much as possible so Omoda, the

ultra-modern hi-tech car manufacturer, has selected Nobukhozi and Thabo Mukwevho –the powerhouse brand of Khosi Nkosi fashion – who took part in the Milan and Paris Fashion week earlier this year.”

“Sicelo Dlezi (Yatsar) and Zama Gumede (Zavier), who have always embraced everything that is the Hollywoodbets Durban July, remaining true to the brand and who have consistently shown their support – as well as produce beautiful creations – have been selected by DFF (Durban Fashion Fair).”

“Sandile Mngadi, with his Duke fashion brand, is just so ideally suited to this theme and is sure to bring out something truly original, while Zama Mathe (Zarth), who has been part of the industry for so long, is sure to bring out surprises. It has been great working with them all, so good luck to all the designers and here’s to race day,’’ said Prior.

Speaking about being invited to the HDJ Invited Designer Showcase, Kidger said: “It’s always such a privilege to be invited into the very special conclave that is the “Invited Designers

Showcase”. To see the evolution of the fashion platform offered by Gold Circle year-on-year, and their prioritizing and understanding how vital the fashion segment is to race day, is just amazing. The simple ability of a garment to take the viewer on a journey is truly special.”

In response to this year’s theme Kidger has penned a poem entitled “Of Bone and Ash”so fashionistas look out!

Meanwhile, Yatsar Fashion House owner and designer Dlezi described the opportunity to participate in the HDJ Invited Designer Showcase as “the opportunity of a lifetime”.

“This will grow my business drastically, it will bring more exposure, even on an international level, and I want to thank Hollywoodbets Durban July for trusting and believing in my craft.”

Dlezi grew up in Ulundi, northern KwaZuluNatal, and after matriculating, obtained a diploma in clothing before starting Yatsar, a ready-to-wear brand for the young and older women.

“My journey started in 2018 when I was selected to be one of the DFF mentees. From there I never looked back. I grew from being a mentee to an established designer under the umbrella of DFF and I have showcased my brand internationally in Namibia and Turkey, among other places,” she said.

The individual designs of the six selected invited designers will be released individually from 30 May.

• Media release by Gameplan Media on Thursday, 15 May 2025.

#HDJ2025

Lira - The songstress hailed as South Africa’s Diva of Soul | Credit: Supplied

The countdown to Africa’s greatest horse racing and fashion event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, has officially begun – and this year’s entertainment promises to be as iconic as the event itself.

Taking place on Saturday, 05 July 2025, at the renowned Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 will be headlined by some of South Africa’s most celebrated music talent, delivering a spectacular showcase of live performances and DJ sets that will electrify the crowds.

In addition to Zolani Mahola singing the national anthem, the star-studded music lineup includes:

Mafikizolo: The multi-award-winning Afro-pop duo, known for timeless hits like Khona and Love Potion, will bring their signature sound and vibrant stage presence to this year’s main stage.

Lira: The songstress hailed as South Africa’s “Diva of Soul” will deliver a soulful and uplifting performance, fusing jazz, Afro-soul, and R&B influences.

Water promises to set the stage alight with rhythmic celebration.

Hot Water: Known for their high-energy performances and unique blend of traditional South African sounds with rock and folk, Hot

Mafikizolo - The multi-award-winning Afro-pop duo, known for timeless hits like Khona and Love Potion Credit: Supplied

GoodLuck: With their fusion of electronic beats and live instrumentation, GoodLuck will bring a dynamic, dance-ready energy to the festivities, perfect for keeping the party going well into the evening.

DJ Dalootz: Driven by an unwavering passion for music and a deep love for delivering a ‘Rocking Time,’ DJ Dalootz will be providing those in attendance with an unforgettable performance and experience.

Lee Cole: Known for his emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic stage presence, Lee will be creating distinctive pop sounds with his

Sunset Sweatshop - Popularly known as a feel-good rock band | Credit: Supplied

Lee Cole - Known for his emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic stage presence | Credit: Supplied

unique vocal stylings at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Sunset Sweatshop: Popularly known as a feel-good rock band with reggae and folk influences, Sunset Sweatshop will be creating their unique style of music for those at the racecourse.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July ticket, priced at R230, will give attendees full access to see these incredible artists live, bringing top-tier talent within reach.

“This year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just a race – it’s a full cultural experience, where the public will truly feel the pulse and the essence of this lifestyle event,” said Zandile Dlamini, Hollywoodbets spokesperson.

Dlamini went on to state: “We’re thrilled to present an entertainment lineup that celebrates the best of South African music and adds another layer of magic to an already iconic event. At Hollywoodbets, we were passionate about bringing this to the public because we wanted to create unforgettable experiences that fans could be a part of and truly enjoy.”

Beyond the races and live music, attendees can expect dazzling fashion displays, gourmet hospitality experiences, and vibrant social energy that has made the Durban July a highlight on the national calendar.

Media release by Gameplan Media on Friday, 16 May 2025.

DJ Dalootz - Driven by an unwavering passion for music and a deep love for delivering a Rocking Time | Credit: Supplied

JOURNALISM WINS

HIGHEST PRIZE PURSE IN PREAKNESS HISTORY!

Journalism (2) ridden by Umberto Rispoli wins the Preakness Stakes | Credit: Pimlico Racecourse

After falling just short at the Kentucky Derby two weeks earlier, 3-year-old colt Journalism won the 150th Preakness Stakes in a photo finish at the old Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

The victory marks the second Preakness win for trainer Michael McCarthy.

The race featured a $2 million prize purse for the second year in a row — the highest purse in Preakness history, though still less than half of what the Kentucky Derby offered.

“A lot of bouncing around there,” McCarthy said after the race. “When I saw that, I kind of resigned myself to the fact it was another fantastic effort and maybe come up a little bit short. But it just goes to show the testament that this horse has. Couldn’t be prouder of him.”

Gosger was second by a half-length. Internet favorite Sandman, who also made a last-minute push to the front, rounded out the top three, and Bob Baffert-trained Goal Oriented came in fourth. Journalism went 1 3/16 miles in 1:55.37.

Journalism’s victory marks a historic moment for the The Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown as it will be the last win earned in the old Pimlico Race Course, which is set to be demolished and renovated beginning in June.

Journalism’s victory further continued the impact that his sire Curlin and grandsire Smart Strike have exerted on the second leg of the US Triple Crown.

Journalism, who had finished second in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby prior to his classic success on Saturday, is the second Preakness Stakes winner for Curlin.

The latter, long established as one of the top stallions in North America, himself won the 2007 Gr1 Preakness Stakes and is also the sire of 2016 Preakness Stakes winner Exaggerator.

Curlin’s champion son Good Magic is responsible for 2023 Gr1 Preakness Stakes runner up Blazing Sevens with Good Magic’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby winning son Mage finishing third in the 2023 Preakness.

Journalism is one of 25 Gr1 winners for Curlin, surely one of the best active stallions never to be crowned Champion Sire.

At the time of writing, Curlin had been responsible for more than 110 stakes winners

and eight official champions.

While Curlin is yet to sire a Kentucky Derby winner, the champion has nonetheless made quite a mark on the first leg of the US Triple Crown. His sons Journalism, Exaggerator and Good Magic all finished runner up in the Kentucky Derby, with Curlin sons Good Magic (Mage) and Keen Ice (Rich Strike) having both sired Kentucky Derby winners.

The twice US Horse Of The Year is having another excellent season in 2025, with Journalism one of four black type winners for his sire this year.

Incidentally, Journalism (whose Gr2 La Canada Stakes winning dam Mopotism is out of a mare by 2006 Preakness winner Bernardini) is inbred closely to Curlin’s broodmare sire Deputy Minister.

Curlin is one of two sons of Smart Strike to win the Preakness Stakes, with Smart Strike’s champion son Lookin At Lucky prevailing in the 2010 classic.

Smart Strike also ranks as the broodmare sire of 2024 Preakness Stakes winner Seize The Grey (Arrogate), with Smart Strike also damsire of 2009 Preakness Stakes runner up Mine That Bird (Birdstone).

The versatile Smart Strike, who famously , was a full-brother to the late South African based stallion Strike Smartly.

The pair were grandsons of outstanding broodmare No Class (Nodouble), whose numerous high-class descendants included triple Gr1 winning South African sire Jackson (Dynasty).

Smart Strike’s legendary sire Mr Prospector has made an even bigger impact on the Preakness Stakes. Smart Strike joined Woodman and Our Emblem as a son of Mr Prospector to have sired one or more Preakness Stakes winners. Horses descended in male line from Mr Prospector (sire of 1985 Preakness Stakes winner Tank’s Prospect) have won the last five runnings of the Preakness, with Journalism preceded by fellow Mr Prospector line winners

Seize The Grey, National Treasure, Early Voting and Rombauer.

The Mr Prospector male line looks to be as strong as ever, with this line’s current sire stallion representatives including the likes of Dubawi, Curlin, Wootton Bassett, Gun Runner, Street Sense, Candy Ride, McKinzie, Quality Road, Night Of Thunder and Too Darn Hot. No doubt, more stallion stars will emerge from this potent male line before too long.

Ed note – Just for interest, Wootton Bassett has a colt out of a Fastnet Rock mare running at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in the first race on Wednesday. His name is Rockinandrollin and he races in the Sabine Plattner silks.

SON OF DUBAWI SCORES FIRST GR1 WITH LOCKINGE VICTORY

The Juddmonte homebred Lead Artist provided the Gosden stable with a much-needed boost in the Lockinge at Newbury on Saturday after their heartbreak runner-up placing in the 2000 Guineas a fortnight earlier.

The four-year-old son of Dubawi scored his first group 1 win on Saturday in a stellar field when denying the Ryan Moore ridden Dancing Gemini in a thrilling finish.

The strongly backed Lead Artist justified a sustained market move, backed from as big as 18/1 on Saturday morning to a starting price of 17/2.

Last season’s Irish 1000 Guineas winner Fallen Angel led the field until two furlongs out with Lead Artist never far away in second, and Dancing Gemini tracking the eventual winner on the inside of an eight strong field. Last year’s Irish 2000 Guineas winner Rosallion was more towards the stands rail in midfield with the Newmarket 2000 Guineas Notable Speech held up in rear by William Buick.

Lead Artist (Oisin Murphy, pink cap) edges out Dancing Gemini (Ryan Moore) to score his first Gr1 Credit: Newbury Racecourse on FB

In a fairly run race Oisin Murphy wasted no time getting first run on his rivals with only Dancing Gemini managing to mount a serious challenge over the final furlong and a half. Dancing Gemini actually headed Lead Artist inside the final 100 yards, but Lead Artist fought on the stronger to get back on top of the 2/1 favourite Dancing Gemini.

Oisin Murphy, riding his first top-level Group

One winner for owners Juddmonte, edged ahead by a neck in the final strides.

Murphy was riding his first winner in this prestigious race noted: “He has an amazing temperament but was really flat out 500 meters from home. The lads were really confident, and the market told.”

Rosallion was third with Notable Speech fourth and both can be expected to come on plenty for their seasonal debuts.

The first four home let set to provide a mouthwatering rematch in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.

Winning trainer John Gosden commented:

“He’s got a great deal of talent but got stuck in the mud at Sandown last time. He got a peach

of a ride from Oisin. I thought we’d be in the first three, but not necessarily win it.”

“The Queen Anne is the next obvious step, but we hope the weather doesn’t get wet. He’s got so much natural speed, and the stiff mile of Ascot will suit him best.”

Trainer Roger Teal was left to rue the recent dry weather with Dancing Gemini after his neck defeat.

Teal observed: “He’s run a cracker, but that ground was rattling fast. I asked the clerk of the course on Friday if he’d put a bit of water on it Friday, but he wasn’t playing ball.”

“That’s quicker ground than he’s ever been on, but we’ve only gone down a neck. We don’t duck and dive and will go to Ascot next. He went down on his sword and is a group 1 winner waiting to happen.”

THE WARRIOR IS HOME!

Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior will be feted for his record-breaking feats in the Middle East during a special ceremony – “Welcome Home, Our Global Champion – Romantic Warrior” – at Standard Chartered Day on Sunday at Sha Tin.

Romantic Warrior had three starts in an outstanding Middle East campaign, posting a record-breaking win in the Gr1 Jebel Hatta and then twice finishing close seconds in the Gr1 Saudi Cup and the Gr1 Dubai Turf, taking his career earnings to a world record-extending HK$214.70 million.

Trainer Danny Shum said Romantic Warrior is all good after returning Hong Kong.

“He is currently enjoying his holiday and he is a happy horse now. He ate well and I am pleased with his condition now,” Shum said.

James McDonald steers Romantic Warrior to an impressive victory in the Gr1 Jebel Hatta in Meydan | Credit: HKJC

Shum expressed his gratitude to owner Peter Lau and the stable team for their efforts overseas and in Hong Kong.

“I have to thank Peter for his support and his bold attempt to take his horse in the global stage. I have also to thank my team, whether they were working in the Middle East or in Hong Kong, for their dedicated efforts to ensure everything is smooth. It was a good team work and full credit to them,” said Shum.

“Romantic Warrior will make his reappearance in next season’s Gr2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup and then will defend the Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup title in December. After that we will decide whether he will travel again,” Shum added.

James McDonald, who will ride at the Standard Chartered Day on Sunday, will reunite with Romantic Warrior on Sunday as the horse parades under him to greet racing fans at the “Welcome Home, Our Global Champion –Romantic Warrior” ceremony which will start at 3:10pm on Sunday.

To celebrate the return of Romantic Warrior, “Gift at Races” will offer a 25% discount on the designated Romantic Warrior series products

on that day at Sha Tin Racecourse shops only.

Standard Chartered Day is highlighted by the running of the HK$13 million Gr1 Standard Chartered Champions and Chater Cup.

This year’s line-up features top class Great British stayer Dubai Honour, Hong Kong’s fourtime Gr1 winner Voyage Bubble who will bid for the Triple Crown glory, BMW Hong Kong Derby victor Cap Ferrat and Gr3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap winner Bundle Award.

There will be 11 races on Sunday with the first carded for 06h30.

James McDonald is Romantic Warrior’s best partner | Credit: HKJC

ATZENI BIDS

CHARTERED CHAMPIONS & CHATER CUP

Italian jockey Andrea Atzeni, who snared his 100th victory in Hong Kong on Sunday, has clinched the HK$13 million Gr1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup ride on 25 May on Gr3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap winner Bundle Award.

Atzeni will chase his first Hong Kong Group 1 trophy on Bundle Award, who became the first runner from this season’s BMW Hong Kong Derby to win a Group 3 with success in the Queen Mother Memorial Cup at Sha Tin on 4 May under Zac Purton.

With seven-time champion jockey Purton likely to partner Ensued in the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup, Atzeni took the opportunity to familiarise himself with the four-year-old in a 1200m dirt trial at Sha Tin on Friday.

Andrea Atzeni celebrated his 100th victory in Hong Kong on Sunday | Credit: HKJC

Pitted against fellow Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup contenders – fourtime Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble and 2025 BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat – Bundle Award was not pressured to finish seventh behind Cap Ferrat in 1m 11.44s.

“It’s a good ride to get,” Atzeni said. “He’s a horse that stays the trip and he’s only young. He’s done nothing wrong so far and it’s a really good ride.

“He’s won over the mile and a half the last day.

“He stays but he’s got quite a bit of pace, so if it turns into a bit of a sprint like it did the last day it will suit him.”

The 2025 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup features British globetrotter Dubai Honour, Cap Ferrat, Ensued, Five G Patch, La City Blanche, Moments In Time, Noisy Boy, Rubylot, Sword Point, Winning Dragon and Voyage Bubble, who is chasing a HK$10 million bonus as he attempts to sweep the Triple Crown series.

I know they didn’t go really quick and it turned into a bit of a sprint but, in these mile and a half races, they never go a gallop here anyway, so it could set up very similar and he’s a horse who has quite a bit of speed.

BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat (green cap) trials impressively at Sha Tin | Credit: HKJC

Ensued finished fifth in Friday’s second batch of trials behind John Size-trained stablemate Super Express, who clocked 1m 11.01s.Already winner of the HK$13 million Gr1 Stewards’ Cup, HK$13 million Gr1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, Voyage Bubble is bidding to join River Verdon in 1993/94 to win all three legs of the Triple Crown series.

“Voyage Bubble has got to step up in trip, which is obviously a question mark, but with the class that he has, he probably doesn’t need to stay to win it,” Atzeni said.

“Dubai Honour gets this trip very well and last time behind Via Sistina in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 2000m at Randwick, although he had a bit of a tough trip he never gave up and kept going all the way to the line.

He’s a very smart horse.”

Matthew Poon leads the race for this season’s Tony Cruz Award as leading homegrown jockey with 34 wins (at the time of writing), seven clear of 2021/22 winner Matthew Chadwick and injured Vincent Ho (both on 27).

Bundle Award wins the Queen Mother Memorial Cup | Credit: HKJC

Poon, 31, has been a revelation this campaign as he sweeps toward bettering his personalbest haul of 37 wins in a season, a mark set in 2020/21.

“Everybody will get a chance if they work hard. You just never give up, no matter how long it takes. You just have to be positive and you never know when the chance comes,” Poon said.

“You have to be ready and well prepared and wait for the opportunity to come and try to take it.”

Poon’s form has earned a ride in the A$1 million (approx. HK$5.025 million) Gr1 Doomben Cup on Klondike for John O’Shea

& Tom Charlton at Doomben Racecourse in Brisbane, Australia on 24 May.

“I was really surprised. I was very happy to get the opportunity because this is one of my career goals to ride in a Group 1 overseas so I’m really keen on this opportunity and I really appreciate the opportunity,” Poon said.

“I think this will be a really good experience to get rides, especially in a Group 1, in a different country.”

Sunday’s first at Sha Tin is due off at 06h30.

Matthew Poon has been a revelation this campaign | Credit: HKJC

THE NHA CALENDAR A FLASHBACK OF THE WEEK PAST

The Sporting Post keeps you in the loop with last week’s National Horseracing Authority Calendar as per 16 May 2025.

The calendar is a summary of the week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information.

Please click on the image below to read more…

Candiese Lenferna captured all the poly action at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Wednesday (Image for illustration purposes only)

A HORSEMAN AND A BIKER IAN WILL BE MISSED

The Sporting Post is sad to report the passing of Ian van der Merwe on 24 April 2025 at the age of 56 after a short illness.

Ian was very well known within the horse racing community during the 80’s and 90’s, having worked for the likes of Terrance Millard, Geoff Woodruff, and the late Mark Watters.

He was also a passionate biking enthusiast, known for his adventurous spirit and warm camaraderie.

Ian is survived by his wife Tammy Newnham, four brothers and a sister.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on 25 May 2025 at 14h00 at the Viper Lounge in Blouberg.

All who knew Ian or shared in his passions are warmly invited to attend.

Inquiries – please email tamnewnham73@gmail.com

Mr

Mr

Mr

Mr

18,310,631 22,224,688 20,121,719 9,247,750 7,313,156 26,624,713 28,642,994 27,793,706 15,568,575 11,785,675 J O CK E YS results up to: 2025-05-21

S I RE S T R A I NER S Name

9,103,319 7,694,500 6,014,063 5,141,063 23,061,775 12,504,444 11,915,294 9,304,850 9,038,131 Name

28,647,200 26,833,619 22,124,700 13,487,963 10,845,456 BREEDERS

28,000,575 20,033,125 16,384,606 14,235,994 14,196,006