SP Sprint - Wednesday 28 May 2025 by Sporting Post

JOHNNY Be Good

Aces Of Pace

KZN Capital City speed

The News

Snaith 3yo tees off

Drakenstein Dazzler A winning weekend

Is Money

the clock 122

Size Sure Counts

Hong Kong trainer stars

On the cover

Marco van Rensburg judged the Hollywoodbets Greyville fourth race, a Radisson Blu, Durban Umhlanga Class 3 race on Saturday, finely! He got Johnny The Thief up on the rail to win from a wide draw. Fourth-placed Tobacconist (Sean Veale) in the Hollywood Racing silks, came home smoking, but missed the Place Accumulator. Candiese Lenferna took the photograph.

THE FAST SET STEP OUT ON SATURDAY!

Unbeaten Canford Cliffs flyer

Chase Liebenberg

A R500 000 Carryover to Jackpot One, which is expected to reach R1,5-million, adds sparkle to the annual Golden Horse Festival of Speed race meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 31 May.

Gold Circle report that the fifth race, the R1-million Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship for 2yo Fillies over 1200m, is the opening leg of Jackpot One which sees the unbeaten Alan Greeff-trained East Cape Star, Direct Hit, go head-to-head with Sean Tarry’s One Fine Winter.

One Fine Winter was beaten by another Greeff filly, Golden Palm, in the Gr2 SA Nursery a month ago, but Tarry’s stellar record at the Golden Horse Sprint race day is unrivalled and

he will fancy gaining revenge on Gqeberha’s Champion Trainer.

The R1,5-million Gr1 Gold Medallion for twoyear-olds over 1200m forms the second leg of the carryover Jackpot and here Tarry has declared Green Diamond, the sole filly in the race, to go against nine colts and geldings.

Green Diamond has won her last two starts by wide margins, but she takes on a competitive

Highveld raider Charming Cheetah | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

field which includes the Peter Muscutt stable companions, Military Command and debut winner Little Boy Blue.

On Nursery form, Robyn Klaassen’s Charming

Cheetah seems well held by Green Diamond, but Charming Cheetah won first up as a gelding following the Nursery and he could make a big impression here.

Zelatoris was a close second behind Charming Cheetah last time and appears to be well above the average.

Grade 1 winners, Double Grand Slam and Rascova, head the 15-strong line-up in the

seventh race, the R1-million Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint (F&M) over 1200m, but it could be argued that neither are at their absolute best over the trip.

Candice Bass-Robinson won this race last year with October Morn and she will be hoping that Symphony In White can deliver back-to-back victories for the stable.

However, both Symphony In White and Mai Sensation will be hard pressed to confirm the Poinsettia Stakes form with Asiye Phambili, who meets each of these talented fillies on far better weight terms.

Military Command will be ridden by Serino Moodley | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Asiye Phambili suffered the misfortune of losing her rider at the starting stalls a year ago, but Hollywood Racing’s 5yo daughter of What A Winter deserves a victory at the highest level, and it could be pay-back time for Duncan Howell’s inmate.

A highly competitive renewal of the R1million Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint over 1200m completes Jackpot One and pin-pointing the likely winner is no easy task. ‘Lady Luck’ will play her part but Future Variety has been teed up for this race and he should be doing his best work over the final 200m.

His stablemate, the exciting Tenango, will be partnered by Aldo Domeyer which appears to suggest he is the stable elect.

Alan Greeff saddles Fairy Knight, a winner of ten races from only 18 starts, but he may have to play second fiddle to fellow East Cape raider Cruise Control from the Gavin Smith yard. Cruise Control forms part of a strong Hollywood Racing presence, as they will also harbour high hopes for recent winner Ziyasha.

Surjay jumps from the stand-side stall but he is already a Grade 1 winner and was runner-up in the Cape Flying Championship behind Gimme A Prince in January.

With a full field of 16 runners, this year’s Golden Horse Sprint should be another nail-biter and is arguably the toughest leg of the carryover Jackpot.

Dean Kannemeyer’s Outlaw King – interesting contender in an open race | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Hollywoodbets Scottsville – one of the weekend’s venues for the Jackpot One pool

SATURDAY’S

FESTIVAL OF SPEED

JACKPOT ONE SET FOR R1,5 MILLION

In a media release published early on Monday, TAB and TAB Gold advise that the Jackpot ONE is a must-play bet this coming weekend with three carryovers totalling R700 000 in as many days.

Jackpot ONE pools at Fairview on Friday 30 May and at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday 1 June will kick off with R100 000 carryovers –and in between those two dates the Jackpot ONE pool at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 30 June will get a mega R500 000 carryover boost.

The Hollywoodbets Scottsville meeting is an ideal platform for a Jackpot carryover because it features four of South Africa’s major sprint races, which comprise the four Jackpot ONE legs on the day.

The four sprints, all over 1200m, comprise three Grade 1 contests and a Grade 2, with the R1,5-million Gold Medallion for two-year-olds heading the show.

The Jackpot ONE pool on the day is likely to total over R1,5 million with the carryovers at Fairview and Hollywoodbets Kenilworth generating pools of more than R500 000 each.

There are more exciting betting opportunities ahead for horseracing fans on Saturday 7 June,

boosts | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

when bets can be taken into the huge Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool tote on Races 7 to 10 at the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge meeting, and on all races at the Epsom Derby meeting in the UK.

In further news, the Pick 6 first-timer rule has been extended to include the Bipot, as seen at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

In terms of the rule, should first-timers finish first and second, the first horse to finish of those to have run before, also qualifies for the Bipot. The purpose of applying the first-timer rule to

the Bipot is to prevent customers from being disadvantaged by first-timers and will be welcomed by the many customers who have requested it apply to both the Pick 6 and Bipot.

It should be noted that in the Bipot, the first-timer rule does not apply in the event of a raced horse finishing first or second.

As with the Pick 6, the first-timer rule only applies to Bipots on South African race meetings. In quickmixes it applies to South African races only.

JULY WEIGHTS RELATIVELY SPEAKING

The Hollywoodbets Durban July weights will be of interest this year as it will bring the question of relativity into it.

Gold Circle reports that some old timers will no doubt repeat what has been said just about every season for the last dozen years, “A threeyear-old can’t carry that weight.”

They will be referring to Eight On Eighteen having to carry 57kg, which would be the highest weight a three-year-old would have ever carried to victory in the iconic race.

Hollywoodbets Durban July countdown – a case could be made for Selukwe | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

However, Eight On Eighteen will be the best weighted runner in the field if speaking relatively.

According to the merit ratings Eight On Eighteen will be 2kg well in.

This is due to the clause in the Hollywoodbets

Durban July conditions that states a three-yearold cannot carry more than 57kg.

In a true handicap, as it stands with See It Again being the topweight carrying 60kg off a 127 merit rating, Eight On Eighteen would have to carry 59kg.

To illustrate how well he is in as things stand, he will only have to give Okavango 2,5kg and Native Ruler 3kg, despite having beaten them by 4,05 and 4,30 lengths respectively on Saturday while being ridden hands and heels and being eased up before the line.

Furthermore, he will be 1kg better off with weight for age than See It Again. In a weight for age race at that time of year over that distance he would receive 2kg from an older horse, but he will receive 3kg from See It Again.

His stablemate Sail The Seas, if he runs, will be the second best in at the weights according to official merit ratings. He will also carry 57kg and would have to carry 58kg off his 127 merit rating had it been a true handicap. He will only be 1kg out at the weights with Eight On Eighteen.

However, some will look at the weights completely differently.

For example a case could be made for Selukwe being up with Eight On Eighteen on paper despite him having only a 111 merit rating and officially being 2kg under sufferance and 4kg out at the weights with Eight On Eighteen.

Selukwe gave Okavango 2kg and a 3,20 length beating in the WSB Gr3 1900.

He will now be receiving half-a-kilogram from Okavango.

As a three-year-old, Okavango would have improved by 1kg since the WSB 1900, if the weight for age scale is used as the measure.

So it could be said he will actually only be 1,5kg worse off from the WSB 1900 as opposed to 2,5kg.

However, that should still see him beating Okavango by no less than five lengths on paper, taking into account that a length over 2200m is viewed as being worth 1,7 pounds (or half-kilograms).

Eight On Eighteen, on paper after their last meeting, should beat Okavango by only 1,15 lengths, although he did win easing up so an extra length can probably be added to that.

Even if that extra length is added that still has Selukwe beating Eight On Eighteen by 2,85 lengths on the maths of this isolated bit of form comparison.

However, the handicapping purists would also take latent ability into account and Okavango’s performance in the Daily News 2000, which was run in an exceptional time, was clearly a better performance than his performance in the 1900, where it didn’t pan out well for him.

On the other hand Selukwe had to jump from the second widest draw in the 1900 and came from right near the back and was behind Okavango entering the straight. How well did that race pan out for him, even if he won and surely he would also have appreciated the good pace of the Daily News 2000.

A few WSB Met runners will also be interesting on paper, with Pacaya being a good example.

He was giving Eight On Eighteen 6kg in the Met and was beaten 1,75 lengths.

He will now be receiving 1,5kg from Eight On Eighteen, which makes him 7,5kg better off.

The weight for age scale says Eight On Eighteen should have improved 4,5kg from the Met by July day.

However, that would still put Pacaya at 3kg better off so on this paper calculation Pacaya beats Eight On Eighteen by 1,75 lengths.

However, Eight On Eighteen has created the impression he has improved at a faster rate than the weight for age scale predicts he should.

He was also said to have needed the Daily News outing and any improvement on that magnificent performance is going to see him being hard to beat, although luck in running does usually play a part in the July too!

WHAT A ROUND!

Justin Snaith’s smashing 3yo Eight On Eighteen underlined his SA Horse Of The Year claims as he took his career earnings to over R6 million when registering his third Grade 1 success off the back of a scintillating effort to win the R2 million Daily News 2000 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

With late drama courtesy of the TCO2 withdrawal of Fabian Habib’s Gr1 SA Classic winner Confederate, only six horses (five Hollywoodbets Durban July entries) jumped in the first Grade 1 of the 2025 SA Champions

Season and it was literally no contest, as Ridgemont-sponsored SA champion Richard Fourie earned his easiest elite level commission in some time.

Richard Fourie is looking for the opposition as Eight On Eighteen sails home | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

“The great thing is he was still needed the run,” added Fourie who dropped the newsmaking Met and Cape Derby winner out, as stablemate Makazole cut out the fractions in front.

As they spun for home, Fourie brought the exciting son of ill-fated Lancaster Bomber around his field and he lengthened to simply demolish his opposition.

Tightening to 4-10 after the departure of Confederate, Eight On Eighteen hardly raised a sweat to beat Mike de Kock’s gallant filly Spumante Dolce (3-1) by 3,80 lengths in a time of 122,37 secs for the 2000m.

Okavango (14-1) was given every chance and a firm ride, but and was beaten a further quarter length back into third, with Native Ruler (33-10) in fourth.

The last of the Hollywoodbets Durban July quintet, Parisian Walkway faded to finish 8,75 lengths off the winner.

Justin Snaith was as excited as Fourie, saying that one just knows that Eight On Eighteen’s ‘engine is ticking over but it hasn’t yet kicked into gear.’

Eight On Eighteen was Snaith’s third winner of the Daily News after Russian Sage (2008) and Legislate in 2014. Fourie has ridden all three.

This was owner Nic Jonsson’s second Daily News success after Michael Roberts saddled See It Again under Piere Strydom in 2023.

The winner, a R700 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, made it 5 wins with 5 places from his 10 starts for stakes of R6 030 213.

Raced by Nic Jonsson and Johann Rupert, Eight On Eighteen was Drakenstein Stud’s second feature success of the afternoon. He is a son of deceased War Front stallion Lancaster Bomber out of the unraced Captain Al mare, Sempre Libre.

WILL HE RUN ON 5 JULY?

The million dollar question as to whether Justin Snaith’s star 3yo Eight On Eighteen, an emphatic winner of Saturday’s Gr1 Daily News 2000, will take his place in the R5 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July remains unanswered as the connections exercise their prerogative to weigh up the options in the build-up to final declarations for the big race, which close at 11h00 on Monday 23 June.

The Sporting Post has been inundated with enquiries from racing fans to get the scoop on whether Nic Jonsson and Johann Rupert’s treble Grade 1-winner will start in the historic race on 5 July.

“It’s a decision that needs plenty of contemplation and consideration and one that will be made in the best interests of the horse and his future,” said Jonathan Snaith on Monday afternoon in a chat with the Sporting Post.

We drew Jono’s attention to his response to the same question back in March, where he indicated to us that the Drakenstein-bred 3yo would be aimed chiefly at the stallion-making features,

including the Gr1 Daily News 2000, which he doddled in, apparently still in need of it, on Saturday, and culminating in the Gr1 Champions Cup at season end.

“The plan hasn’t changed, but naturally there is more public awareness and interest after his

The Snaith brothers and owner Nic Jonsson grab a selfie Credit: Candiese Lenferna

top performance on Saturday. We are looking at the bigger picture, and are very well aware that the Hollywoodbets Durban July is a tough and no-holds barred race. As Justin (Snaith) said after the Daily News on Saturday, when the gates flash open in the July, the jockeys practically lose their heads and it’s all eyes on a prize that everybody wants. We will make the announcement when the decision has been made, and we are very aware of the weight of public interest,” concluded Jono.

A stallion prospect and a horse with international performance potential, Eight On Eighteen was hiked to a 129 by the NHA handicappers following Saturday’s win. That means he would carry 57kgs if the big race was run today, with See It Again at topweight of 60kg. Eight On Eighteen is technically 2kgs well in as 3yo’s are capped at 57kgs.

His stablemate Okavango was bumped up to a 120 after running a 4,05 length third behind Eight On Eighteen on Saturday, and would carry 54,5kgs on 5 July.

Interestingly, Eight On Eighteen is now our joint fourth highest-rated galloper alongside Piet Botha’s Montien, and behind Gimme A Prince (134), the exported One Stripe (132), and Tony

Peter’s Main Defender (130).

Snaith, who is well ahead on the SA Champion trainer log, is bidding for his sixth Durban July trophy.

The yard have not won Africa’s greatest race since Belgarion scored in 2020, rounding off a hat-trick that was launched in 2018 and 2019 by the iconic Do It Again.

Hollywoodbets have priced Eight On Eighteen at 5-2 in the ante-post market.

Spokesman Patrick Bradley told the Sporting Post that punters would ultimately have to take a view as to what they felt would be the outcome of the final decision on the Hollywoodbets Durban July by the top colt’s connections.

“It all boils down to opinion. If you feel Eight On Eighteen going to run, then he is wellpriced as he’d probably be around 2-1, when confirmed. The positive for those whose fancies lie elsewhere, is that Eight On Eighteen’s firming in the market has meant that there is value to be had amongst a number of the other entries,” added Bradley.

THE CAPTAIN IS STILL CALLING THE SHOTS

Results at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday once again confirmed the outstanding contribution of the late Captain Al.

The illustrious son of Al Mufti is the broodmare sire of Saturday’s Gr1 Daily News 2000 winner Eight On Eighteen (Lancaster Bomber) and is also the damsire of the Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000 runner -up My Soul Mate (Master Of My Fate).

Remarkably, three of the six runners in the Daily News 2000 this year were produced by daughters of Captain Al.

Another Captain Al mare, Run Like Hell, is the dam of Run Forest Run (Vercingetorix), who won the third race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

Eight On Eighteen, also victorious in this season’s World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Town Met and SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby, is out of the Captain Al mare Sempre Libre, while My Soul

Captain Al wins the Cape Guineas in 2000 – 25 years on his legacy grows | Credit: Supplied

Mate is one of three stakes winners produced by the Captain Al mare Secret Obsession.

The latter also ranks as the dam of graded stakes winners Bunker Hunt (Gr2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes) and Salvator Mundi (Gr2 New Turf Carriers Cape Stayers).

Captain Al, who is heading the Leading Broodmare Sires for 2024-2025, has also had a fine season as a sire of sires.

His sons Captain Of All (Fiery Pegasus) and One World (One Stripe) have both been responsible for Gr1 winners this season, while another son, Erik The Red, looks set to be

Secret Obsession ranks as one of Captain Al’s more prolific broodmare daughters, with other Captain Al mares to have produced two or more stakes winners including Townsend (dam of Gr1 winners Eden Roc and Townsend), Betty Burke (dam of graded stakes winners Freedom Charter and Pretty Betty, as well as Listed Sophomore Sprint hero Ernie), Fidelity (dam of graded stakes winners Due Diligence and Ghaalla), Wheredowego (dam of dual Gr3 winner Questioning and Listed Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy winner Senso Unico) and Earth’s Orbit (dam of graded stakes winner Taikonaut and Listed World Sports Betting Perfect Promise Sprint heroine Mercury Rising).

crowned South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2024-2025.

One World, South Africa’s Leading Second Season Sire of 2024-2025, has had a wonderful year which has confirmed the Equus Champion as one of the most exciting stallions currently at stud in South Africa.

South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2023-2024, One World’s stellar first crop has produced 11 horses who have won or finished second or third in stakes races , while One World’s second crop includes impressive Gr3 Winter Nursery winner Dreamworld, among a slew of other promising two-year-olds.

Captain Al’s Gr1 Cape Guineas winning son William Longsword, whose progeny include 2024 Gr1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship winner Dyce, is the sire of this season’s Gr2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge winner Back In Business, among others.

Another son of the prolific Captain Al to have made his mark in 2024-2025, albeit in the sales ring, is the blue-blooded Triple Crown winner Malmoos.

The latter had yearlings make up to R1 100 000 at the 2025 Summer Sale, and up to R1 400 000 at this year’s National Yearling Sale.

Artist Robin Kitunyu and the Captain Al life-size bronze statue at Klawervlei | Credit: Michael Pace

VEALE WAKES UP WELL-BACKED DAUGHTER OF TRIPPI

Sean Veale salutes as Little Suzie storms home | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

The subject of inspired betting support, Justin Snaith’s Little Suzie followed in the hoofprints of her illustrious dam Oh Susanna at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, who won the then 3yo restricted Grade 1 feature in 2018.

Bred and raced by Drakenstein, Little Suzie stormed home under Sporting Post-sponsored Sean Veale in what looked to be a scrappy race, to deservedly claim honours in the R500 000 Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000.

After shedding her maiden certificate at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in September 2024, Little Suzie had shown flashes of serious ability, but found her proverbial mojo in the best way possible on Saturday. Never too far off the gallop headed by Highveld visitor Indian Ocean, Sean Veale weaved his way through and had the well-backed Snaith runner in front where it mattered, getting the better of a storming My Soul Mate (14-1) by 1,10 lengths in a time of 124,51 secs for the 2000m.

Three of the five Hollywoodbets Durban July entries finished third, fourth and fifth. Frank Robinson celebrated feature success in the Lonsdale a half hour earlier and he would have been pleased with Mocha Blend (16-1) running a further 0,40 lengths back in third, with Rainbow Lorikeet (4-1) appearing to suffer some traffic

issues but staying on for fourth. Beating Wings was next best a half-length back in fifth.

Indian Ocean (6,45 lengths back) and Regeneration (11 lengths) did not impress as big race entries.

“I was just grateful to keep the ride. After I rode her in the Guineas recently, I pleaded to get another chance,” said the delighted Sean Veale, who is enjoying a great season.

“She ran from a bad draw in a slow-run Fillies Guineas. You can’t hide from breeding. We couldn’t script this better for a breeder. Well done to Gaynor Rupert and her team – this is special,” added Justin Snaith, who confirmed that the winner was possibly not as good as her Mom but possessed the same lionhearted spirit.

Little Suzie is a daughter of retired champion Trippi (End Sweep) out of a milestone mare for the Snaiths.

The 2018 Wollavington queen, Street Cry daughter Oh Susanna, who was foaled in Australia, was the family operation’s first Met

Gold Circle Commercial Executive Dean Sawarjath and trainer Justin Snaith on the podium | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

winner in 2018 – when ridden by Grant van Niekerk – and was the first 3yo filly in 100 years to win the Cape flagship. She went on to SA Horse Of The Year honours.

Oh Susanna’s dam Sharp Susan was an A$1 million sales topper at a broodmare sale in Australia, and was bought in foal to champion stallion Street Cry, the sire of the two brilliant mares Winks and Zenyata. Sharp Susan lost the foal but Sheik Mohammed, owner of

Darley Australia, kindly gave a free return service to Street Cry – the resulting foal was Oh Susanna.

Oh Susanna’s half-brother Sharp Frank, a magnificent looker with an equally brilliant pedigree became the first Frankel to retire to stud in South Africa. He stands at Drakenstein.

Little Suzie has now won 2 races with 3 places from 8 starts for stakes of R534 788.

A proud Jonathan Snaith with Little Suzie | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

FEMALE DYNASTIES FLOURISH DRAKENSTEIN’S

It proved to be yet another a stellar weekend for Drakenstein Stud on the racetrack and marked significant pedigree updates for a number of its resident broodmares, one of which its champion Oh Susanna.

The country’s Horse of the Year in 2018, she came up trumps with her very first foal, the threeyear-old filly Little Suzie, who joined the stakes winners ranks with a scintillating victory in the Gr2 Woolavington 2000 at Hollywoodbets Greyville. By the stud’s formidable flagship stallion Trippi,

Little Suzie not only emulated her illustrious dam Oh Susanna (who won this race seven years ago), she also continued her owner/ breeder’s stranglehold on the race as the fourth consecutive Drakenstein homebred winner and fifth overall.

Oh Susanna beats Last Winter to win the Met in 2018 | Credit: Hamish Niven Photography

To add to the occasion, the female family simultaneously received a transcontinental boost when Oh Susanna’s English-bred half-sister Marksman Queen carried the Drakenstein silks to victory in the Listed Keertana Stakes at historical Churchill Downs. A three-time winner in Britain last season, she too notched up her first full black type success under none other than Frankie Dettori.

Significantly, Oh Susanna has now joined a growing throng of stakes winning Drakenstein-

raced mares whose progeny have emulated their dams on the track, and let it be said, there are an enviable number of those roaming the stud’s paddocks.

For instance, there is Snowdance, a dual Gr1 winner of the World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas and Klawervlei Majorca Stakes, who made a dream start to her broodmare career when her first foal, the Lancaster Bomber colt Snow Pilot, captured the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas.

Snowdance wins the 2018 Majorca Stakes | Credit: Hamish Niven Photography

Her second foal Symphony In White, also boasts Gr1 black type, courtesy of a third in last season’s Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship. She returns to the Pietermaritzburg track on Saturday in a bid to give her owner/breeder a coveted first victory in the Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint.

Jet Belle won the Gr2 Gold Bracelet for Drakenstein and Colin Bird. Also a dual winner of the Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes and multiple Gr1-placed, this daughter of Jet Master became a Gr1 producer with her second foal, the Silvano filly Silver Darling, who captured the Woolavington 2000 two years ago. A return to Silvano resulted in Kenilworth Cup third Groovejet.

Gimmethegreenlight filly Green Diamond.

‘Oh Susanna and her stakes winning paddock pals are not only continuing to add to the burgeoning Drakenstein trophy cabinet through their progeny, they are also

establishing powerful female dynasties

which should

serve the stud well in years to come’

Second in the Listed Ruffian Stakes on debut, she broke her maiden next time out with a 6.50 length romp against male rivals in the Gr3 Protea Stakes and again had their measure in the Gr2 SA Nursery. Not surprisingly, she recently earned the Highveld award as Champion Juvenile filly of the season and will again square off against the boys in this weekend’s Gr1 Gold Medallion at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. This is a family which has served Drakenstein with distinction, both locally and overseas. Shingwedzi, a Trippi halfsister to Lesedi La Rona’s dam Barberton Daisy, finished third to Jet Belle in the Gr2 Gold Bracelet and is now based at Drakenstein’s British division, Cayton Park.

Drakenstein is blessed to count numerous daughters of Trippi amongst its broodmare band, one of which, homebred Lesedi La Rona, won the Listed Perfect Promise Sprint and became a stakes producer with her second foal, the

Her Ed Dunlop-trained son, aptly named Skukuza, added to the stud’s phenomenal weekend when he cruised to victory in the Emerald Mile Premier Handicap at the Curragh on the Irish 2000 Guineas undercard.

Yet another stakes winning Trippi homebred mare is One Fine Day.

Twice Gr1-placed as a juvenile when runner-up in the Gr1 Golden Horseshoe and third in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship, she went on to capture the Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes at three. She too, has transferred her racetrack prowess to the paddocks and counts the talented Drakenstein juvenile One Fine Winter amongst her brood. Campaigned exclusively in stakes company, this daughter of What A Winter has run three times for a win in the Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes and seconds in both the Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery and Listed Storm Bird Stakes.

She will take her place in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship on Saturday where she will bid to make up for dam’s defeat in 2014.

Trippi’s stakes-placed daughter Se Agabor also struck with her first foal, the Kingsbarns filly Gabor. She became the first Gr1 winner for her short-lived sire when she lifted the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes at two and has since bolstered the family fortunes as the dam of this season’s Gr3 Godolphin Barb third Malmesbury Missile.

Third in the Gr1 Allan Robertson, she matured into a formidable sprinter and again blitzed male rivals in the Listed Golden Loom Handicap at Turffontein. Her half-sister Wild Wild Green won this season’s Listed Heineken Summer Juvenile Stakes and together with One Fine Winter, makes up Drakenstein’s two-pronged attack on this weekend’s Allan Robertson.

Although a black type victory eluded Philanthropist homebred Sail, she returned to Drakenstein with an enviable string of Graded stakes places to her name, most notably thirds in both the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes and the Gr2 Daisy Fillies Guineas.

Trippi also features as the sire of stakes-placed Trip To India, who produced as her first foal the fleet-footed Sheela, who made a spectacular winning debut in the Listed Storm Bird Stakes, where she ran her male rivals off their feet to score by the best part of four lengths and immediately followed up with another splendid win in the Gr2 SA Nursery over subsequent Senor Santa winner Smorgasbord.

She became a stakes producer this season as the dam of the smart three-year-old Sail The Seas, who chased home Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 Cape Derby before turning the tables in the Gr2 World Sports Betting Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Speaking of Eight On Eighteen, he too is a product of the Drakenstein paddocks and racked up a third Gr1 success with an emphatic victory in the Daily News 2000, just thirty-five minutes after Little Suzie’s Woolavington win.

While his dam Sempre Libre never raced, she boasts impeccable bloodlines as a daughter of Captain Al and the phenomenal blue hen mare Mystic Spring, the dam also of champions Rabiya and Bela-Bela and ancestress of abovementioned Snowdance and Snow Pilot as well as champion All Is Secret and Gr1 winner The Secret Is Out.

As for Oh Susanna and her stakes winning paddock pals, not only are they continuing to add to the burgeoning Drakenstein trophy cabinet through their progeny, they are also establishing powerful female dynasties which should serve the stud well in years to come.

Drakenstein raced and bred One Fine Winter runs in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship on Saturday Credit: JC Photos

STAYS ON BEST SON OF LANCASTER BOMBER

After a feature success at Fairview on Friday, Lammerskraal Stud celebrated a double at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday when the 3yo Lancaster Bomber gelding Field Marshal registered his maiden stakes success when winning the R225 000 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup.

On Friday, Lammerskraal product Paris Lass won the Listed Milkwood Stakes for the second year running.

On Saturday it was the Sid Moodley-owned Field Marshal, the only 3yo in the field, who scored a career peak success.

In an eight-horse field that included four Hollywoodbets Durban July entries, the Frank Robinson charge Field Marshal took full advantage of his galloping weight and was given a confident ride by the talented Kabelo Matsunyane, who produced him fairly early in the run for home.

Kabelo Matsunyane pushes Field Marshal out as Future Turn (Richard Fourie, in the background) stays on for second Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Trainer Frank Robinson is flanked by owners Chevay Moodley and Sid Moodley | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

In the drive to the wire, Field Marshal collared long-time pacemaker Future Swing, but then had to withstand a flying finish from his stablemate Shoot The Rapids.

At the line, Field Marshal (7-2) beat the dogged Future Swing (20-1) under 63,5kgs with the winner’s stablemate Shoot The Rapids (33-10) a head back in third.

The winner clocked 149,05 secs for the 2400m.

While Future Swing and Shoot The Rapids performed best of the Hollywoodbets Durban July entries, Holding Thumbs had every chance back in fourth and 1,75 lengths off the

winner, while Marauding Horde was ridden prominently but fell right away to run over 27 lengths back.

Bred by Lammerskraal Stud, Field Marshal is by ill-fated War Front stallion Lancaster Bomber out of the once winning Western Winter Mare, Marcheline.

A winner of 4 races with 6 places from 13 starts, Field Marshal took his stakes earnings to R446 965.

EXACTS HIS REVENGE FLOWER ALLEY GELDING

The R350 000 Listed Pocket Power Stakes produced another grandstand finish at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, giving owners Greg Bortz and Gina Goldsmith a third winner on the afternoon.

The Bortz-Goldsmith partnership could so easily have had four winners, after Dawn Till Dusk looked a winner in the fourth, only to have the official photo show him to have been beaten by the favourite Air Raid. Read more about that here.

There were no signs going into the fourth race, a R135 000 B Stakes, that the first leg of the Pick 6 was going to be of any newsworthy consequence on what was a busy weekend of racing.

Louis Mxothwa drives Otto Luyken up the outside as Gavin Lerena and Garrix chase hard | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Aldo Domeyer was riding the 14-10 favourite Air Raid – yet another classy Lancaster Bomber product – and the 3yo looked ready to win after his narrow defeat by Dumbledore at his last start. The betting public certainly thought so.

And Domeyer looked to have done everything right as he hit the front at the 100m.

But JP ‘Winx’ van der Merwe, riding the 25-1 Dawn Till Dusk for the newly engaged Greg Bortz and Gina Goldsmith, had other ideas as he launched from nowhere to seemingly ‘pip’ the favourite.

Dawn Till Dusk got it. Experienced racecaller Alistair Cohen thought so. We thought so. Most of our readers seemed to think so.

How wrong we all were! The Judges looked at the official photo and awarded the race to Air Raid, much to the relief of favourite followers.

the sole and final decision – and the correct one at that – by the NHA, would be recognised as such by the public.

“Can you imagine what the conspiracy theorists would have been saying had the ownership of the two horses been reversed and I was on the ‘winning end’ of the photo decision. And it was not a generally favourable result in the end for the bookmakers either, with the 14-10 favourite beating the 25-1 longshot. But I am satisfied that the NHA got it 100% and that our technology is up to scratch and that there are no concerns,” concluded Greg Bortz.

The Sporting Post also spoke to the Acting Chairman of the Stipendiary Board, Langa Douse, who confirmed that the individual broadcast and photo-finish cameras are all on the same level, and that the alignment of the view that we are seeing on Gallop TV could be out marginally as the photo-finish camera takes precedence and is positioned directly on the winning line as the sole secure source of reference for the official Judges.

“The photo-finish cameras are surveyed and aligned and checked prior to every

racemeeting. The public should note that the television broadcast picture is not used in any final decisions as regards placement of runners. The Judges are able to utilize high quality technology to demarcate the finishing position with the use of the ruled line – or even multiple lines, depending on the finish,” concluded Douse.

Cape

Racing Executive Justin Vermaak

confirmed that the camera placement for

the broadcast view on the winter track is the same as it has been for decades.

“It is not quite in line with the winning post.

This is the same at many tracks around the world, including Hollywoodbets Scottsville where, on countless occasions, we await the photo to get the official result as the camera angle is known to favour the inside horses, while the official photo shows the outside horse is closer than what the broadcast angle

The official photo-finish | Credit: NHA

makes it out to be. As mentioned, this is commonplace at many racetracks around the world.”

Veteran racecaller Rouvaun Smit, who spent 25 years calling close finishes, told the Sporting Post that the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth winter course finish is the ‘trickiest’ in South Africa.

“I was convinced Dawn Till Dusk had won, but in slow mo I thought, maybe a dead-heat. The Judge got it right in the end and it’s always best to wait on the photo!”

Part-owner Greg Bortz and the Crawford Team lead in their winner Otto Luyken and Louis Mxothwa

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

BOMBS AWAY!

Justin Snaith capped a terrific intercontinental feature weekend for the Drakenstein Stud team when Beware The Bomb led from start to finish under Richard Fourie to win the R200 000 Listed Stormsvlei Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.

The burly 3yo daughter of Lancaster Bomber joined the Drakenstein weekend feature honours list, that included Lancaster Bomber’s 3yo son Eight On Eighteen, who won the Gr1 Daily News 2000, the Trippi filly Little Suzie won the Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000, and Marksman Queen, the Rupert bred daughter of Dubawi who won the Listed Keertana Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Having her second start of the year after a short break, Beware The Bomb (33-10) bowled along out front in the back-stretch and then upped the ante down the winter course home straight o hold on smartly to beat the older Gold Poker Game (3-1) by 1,25 lengths in a good time of 110,08 secs for the 1800m.

The runner-up’s stablemate Fun Zone (8-1) stayed on best of the balance a neck back in

Homeward bound - Beware The Bomb (Richard Fourie) led from start to finish | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

third, with the tote favourite Time For Love (15-10) beaten out of the Place Accumulator in fourth.

Richard Fourie said that Beat The Bomb was a bit mouthy so they chose to let her run along.

“She’s a beautiful filly and very gutsy! I must thank Greg Bortz and Cape Racing for sorting out our watering equipment at Futura Park. This means we could maintain the track throughout the summer and she’s a product of that,” added the SA champion, who won’t be whinging after a productive weekend at the office.

A Drakenstein home-bred, Beware The Bomb is yet another feature winner sired by the farm’s ill-fated War Front stallion Lancaster Bomber and is out of the unraced Philanthropist mare, Shout Out Loud.

Now a winner of 3 races with 2 places from 7 starts, Beware The Bomb took her stakes earnings to R351 263

TOP WIN BY

DAUGHTER OF DUBAWI

Just hours after her Drakenstein Stud raced and bred relative Little Suzie won the Tote Gr2 Wolavington 2000 at Hollywoodbets Greyville, Gaynor

Rupert’s Clayton Park Stud raced and bred Marksman Queen asserted herself early and led every step of the way under Frankie Dettori to defeat Dreaming of Mo by a half-length in Saturday’s 12th running of the $219,665

Listed Keertana Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Frankie Dettori keeps Marskman Queen going to beat Dreaming Of Mo (Laneri) in a rousing finish | Credit: Churchill Downs

It was a red-letter day for Drakenstein Stud’s beautifully bred stallion Sharp Frank who gained a handsome update to his pedigree in the process.

Sharp Frank’s close relative Little Suzie, who was produced by the stallion’s champion halfsister Oh Susanna, picked up her biggest win to date when she won the Woolavington. Little Suzie is out of the outstanding Street Cry mare Oh Susanna, South Africa’s Horse Of The Year in 2017-2018, Champion 3YO Filly and Middle Distance Horse of 2017-2018 and Champion Older Female in 2018-2019.

Remarkably, the same day, Sharp Frank and Oh Susanna’s half-sister Marksman Queen won the Keertana Stakes at Churchill Downs.

A five-year-old daughter of Dubawi, Marksman Queen picked up her first black type win when she stormed home, under Frankie Dettori, to land Saturday’s feature by half a length.

Marksman Queen is one of four stakes horses produced by the top-class Sharp Susan, winner of six races including the Gr2 Lake Placid Stakes.

Marksman Queen (GB) stopped the clock in a stakes record 2:26.74 for 2400 over firm turf under Frankie Dettori, who rode the winner for trainer Graham Motion and owner/breeder

Gaynor Rupert’s Clayton Park Stud.

Marksman Queen (GB) eclipsed Miss Yearwood’s Keertana time of 2:27.45 in 2023.

Sharp Frank’s outstanding sire Frankel also enjoyed black type success on Saturday with Frankel filly Victoria Harbour landing the Listed Betgoodwin Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood.

“I had two starts with her and I know her better,” Dettori said. “It’s all about the mentality with her. If she’s in a good rhythm, she can do that.”

Marksman Queen (GB) broke well from post No. 5 in the field of eight fillies and mares and dictated the pace of :24.16, :49.27, 1:14.37, 1:39.02 and 2:02.85. Strikingly Spun, the 5-2 favourite, put in a challenge around the final turn to come within a neck of Marksman Queen (GB) but she put that rival away in mid-stretch and held the rest of the field at bay in the final stages for the win.

“When she’s behind horses, she pulls too hard,” Dettori said. “Sometimes when she’s in front, and the outside horses take her on, she gets burnt out. I think today with the smaller field,

there wasn’t much speed in the race. So, when she was able to get to the front, she was able to relax. When I got to the three-eighths pole, I thought it’ll be hard to catch her.”

The win was worth $120,280 and improved

Marksman Queen (GB)’s career earnings to $232,424 with a record of 4-3-2 in 16 starts.

This was the first stakes win for Marksman Queen (GB), whose 2025 campaign also includes a 10th place finish in the $150,000 La Prevoyante (GIII) at Gulfstream Park in January and a fourth-place effort as the mild 7-2 favorite in a Keeneland allowance on April 18.

Marksman Queen (GB), a 5-year-old daughter of Dubawi (IRE) out of the Touch Gold mare Sharp Susan, was bred in Great Britain by her owner. Marksman Queen (GB) broke well from post No. 5 in the field of eight fillies and mares.

Strikingly Spun, the 5-2 favorite, put in a challenge around the final turn to come within a neck of Marksman Queen (GB) but she put that rival away in mid-stretch and held the rest of the field at bay in the final stages for the win.

front, and the outside horses take her on, she gets burnt out. I think today with the smaller field, there wasn’t much speed in the race.

So, when she was able to get to the front, she was able to relax. When I got to the threeeighths pole, I thought it’ll be hard to catch her.”

The win was worth $120,280 and improved Marksman Queen (GB)’s career earnings to $232,424 with a record of 4-3-2 in 16 starts.

Marksman Queen (GB), a 5-year-old daughter of Dubawi (IRE) out of the Touch Gold mare Sharp Susan, was bred in Great Britain by her owner.

“When she’s behind horses, she pulls too hard,” Dettori said. “Sometimes when she’s in

SEASON MILESTONE

100 UP FOR HOLLYWOOD RACING!

Hollywood Racing celebrated their century of winners this term with their only runner at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday. Sean Veale enjoyed something of an armchair ride on the Beaumont Stud-bred Pathfork filly, Inside Voice.

“Finally, I managed a milestone for Hollywood Racing!” enthused a delighted Sean Veale after he put it all together at the 5-4 favourite’s third start with a thrilled salute at the line.

Veale rode a balanced race in perfect sunshine weather down the 1000m straight and was always in the firing line on the Vaughan Marshalltrained 2yo filly before drawing off to beat the 3-1 shot Du Maurier in a time of 59,13 secs.

A fist bump from Sean Veale as Inside Voice streaks home | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The winner is out of the three-time winning Captain Al mare Latifah and was purchased for R300 000 at the BSA Cape Yearling Sale.

One Voice took her tally to a win with 2 places from her 3 starts for gross stakes of close on R100 000.

There were Hollywood Racing milestone awards all round, with winning jockey Sean Veale and trainer Vaughan Marshall picking up R10 000 apiece, while Groom Themba Ndzweni earned R2 000 and commentator Alistair Cohen capped a happy call with his R2 500 bonus.

“Thank you to all the jockeys, trainers, grooms, breeders and race-callers that have been

involved in Hollywood Racing reaching our century of winners this season. We couldn’t do it without you! We now need to break our record of 124 winners in a season,” added Hollywood Racing Manager, Anthony Delpech.

Sean Veale is on 99 winners in what will be his best season in over 22 years in the saddle.

Hollywood Racing currently head the SA Champion owner log.

Sean Veale and Vaughan Marshall earned R10 000 each for the milestone | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

BORTZ TREBLE AND ONE NEARLY!

Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz led in three winners at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday and it could so nearly have been four, had he not been denied by reality, courtesy of technology and the Judges, in a race where most of those watching on television or streaming thought his horse had got up to win.

“I led Dawn Till Dusk in all smiles but then had to cower in embarrassment. I have new respect for the ‘wait for the photo’ maxim!” laughed Greg Bortz in a chat with the Sporting Post after a race where he had to cancel his lead-in photo order and instead congratulate the connections of the official winner.

There were no signs going into the fourth race, a R135 000 B Stakes, that the first leg of the Pick 6 was going to be of any newsworthy consequence on what was a busy weekend of racing.

Aldo Domeyer was riding the 14-10 favourite Air Raid – yet another classy Lancaster Bomber

The finish that caused all the fuss! Favourite Air Raid (Aldo Domeyer) powers home down the inside as JP van der Merwe flashes up on outsider Dawn Till Dusk | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

product – and the 3yo looked ready to win after his narrow defeat by Dumbledore at his last start. The betting public certainly thought so.

And Domeyer looked to have done everything right as he hit the front at the 100m.

But JP ‘Winx’ van der Merwe, riding the 25-1 Dawn Till Dusk for the newly engaged Greg Bortz and Gina Goldsmith, had other ideas as he launched from nowhere to seemingly ‘pip’ the favourite.

Dawn Till Dusk got it. Experienced racecaller Alistair Cohen thought so. We thought so. Most of our readers seemed to think so.

How wrong we all were! The Judges looked at the official photo and awarded the race to Air Raid, much to the relief of favourite followers.

“I most definitely should have waited for the judges before going to lead in our horse. I feel a bit silly having smiled for the camera and having led JP and Dawn Till Dusk in,” chuckled Greg Bortz as he said he hoped that the sole and final decision – and the correct one at that – by the NHA, would be recognised as such by the public.

“The photo-finish cameras are surveyed and aligned and checked prior to every racemeeting. The public should note that the television broadcast picture is not used in any final decisions as regards placement of runners. The Judges are able to utilize high quality technology to demarcate the finishing position with the use of the ruled line – or

even multiple lines, depending on the finish,” concluded Douse.

Cape Racing Executive Justin Vermaak confirmed that the camera placement for the broadcast view on the winter track is the same as it has been for decades.

“It is not quite in line with the winning post. This is the same at many tracks around the world, including Hollywoodbets Scottsville where, on countless occasions, we await the photo to get the official result as the camera angle is known to favour the inside horses, while the official photo shows the outside horse is closer than

what the broadcast angle makes it out to be.

As mentioned, this is commonplace at many racetracks around the world.”

Veteran racecaller Rouvaun Smit, who spent 25 years calling close finishes, told the Sporting Post that the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth winter course finish is the ‘trickiest’ in South Africa.

“I was convinced Dawn Till Dusk had won, but in slow mo I thought, maybe a dead-heat. The Judge got it right in the end and it’s always best to wait on the photo!”

The official photo-finish | Credit: NHA

CAPE JUDGES GET THUMBS-UP

A representative of the American company that manufactured Cape Racing’s photo-finish technology has confirmed that the Judges got Sunday’s highly debated Hollywoodbets Kenilworth fourth race result correct.

Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz, who owns the runner-up Dawn Till Dusk in partnership with his fiancé Gina Goldsmith, told the Sporting Post that the equipment was regularly calibrated and maintained, and only two years old.

As a means of achieving further transparency, he had the fourth race photo sent to the suppliers for a comment.

For more than 30 years Lynx has been a world leader in the production of digital photofinish and sports timing technology and a representative has subsequently confirmed that the favourite Air Raid did, in his opinion,beat the longshot Dawn Till Dusk.

“To me, it is obvious that the Judges made the correct call,’” said the representative. Listen to his thoughts here.

Mr Bortz has reminded the racing public that all photo-finishes of races in the Cape and KZN are published on www.gallop.co.za

Veteran Rouvaun Smit – ‘trickiest angle in the country’

NHA CALENDAR

AS PER 23 MAY ’25

The Sporting Post keeps you updated with last week’s National Horseracing Authority Calendar.

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

Last Wednesday’s racing action at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

There was plenty of action on track at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday |

TACTICS THE KEY! NO BLINKING OR BLUFFING

In our weekly column Time Is Money, we again look at some of the past weekend’s highlights, commencing with Saturday’s racing action at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

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. Enjoy!

Hollywoodbets Greyville 24 May

Track Condition

Going: Good

Penetrometer: 23

Rain: Last 24 hours Nil –Last 7 days 10mm

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Irrigation: Last 24 hours Nil –

Last 7 days 15mm

False Rail: 2,5m

Wind: 13-33km/h North,

North Easterly head wind

Course Variant: 1,3s slow

Gr1 Daily News 2000m

Trainer Justin Snaith saddled four of the six runners in the top liner and with the lessor fancied of these Makazole being taken straight to the front it was clear that a good pace would be assured. Indeed, his very talented stable companion EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN (4/10) soon found himself detached by some four lengths at the rear. Makazole did his job well, whilst Eight on Eighteen, still at the back, crept up to within five lengths of the leader going through the 700m.

Richard Fourie cleverly began to circle runners at this point and whilst the remainer were sat ready to ambush the frontrunner coming off the bend, the son of Lancaster Bomber had already moved up a couple of gears. He struck the front shortly after passing the 400m marker and cruised clear in the closing stages of the race to score by three and three quarters. As with last week’s top liner, the Daily News was

comparatively the fastest race on the card.

Tote Woolavington 2000

Run in a time over 2 seconds slower than the Daily News, Hat’s Off reluctantly made the early running in the first 400m of the Woolavington, and this is where the two seconds were lost.

Indian Ocean then injected some pace and they actually rounded the turn quicker than the Daily News. The heavily supported LITTLE

SUZIE (16/1 into 11/2) meanwhile was always positioned close to the speed and quickened well when the leaders all began to fade early in the straight. She struck the front going through the 300m and running on strongly under a determined ride from Sean Veale she landed the gamble by a length.

Lonsdale Stirrup Cup (L) 2400m

The first of the afternoons’ three feature races to be run was the listed Lonsdale Stirrup Cup and in what proved to be a very false paced affair victory went to the nibbled at FIELD

MARSHAL (9/2 into 7/2). One of three runners from the stable of Frank Robinson, the lightly weighted son of Lancaster Bomber raced fourth some four lengths off the sedate pace set by the heavily burdened Future Swing

(63,5). He took closer order coming off the bend and as the race developed into a sprint, he quickly struck the front. He ran on strongly under his featherweight of just 52,5kg and won comfortably from the gallant Future Swing by a length and a half.

Five 1200m Races

Five of the afternoons’ ten races were staged over 1200m and amazingly just 9/100th of a second separated the winners of the three

quickest of these. The Independent Media Class 4 event was the fastest and here another gamble was landed when BUTTERCUP BABY (lost 1 length at start) scored a facile victory.

Positioned in midfield for most of the journey, the 3yo daughter of What A Winter ran on strongly in the straight and under a well-judged ride from Richard Fourie she struck the front 100m from home. When interviewed after the race, Richard said that he would like to stick with this one.

Two maiden juvenile plates over 1200m had opened up proceedings. Neither were fast run with the second division open to the boys being marginally the faster. All the money was for the Gr3 Protea Stakes runner up Vanakkam and the newcomer Golden Operator. Both raced handy and in turn struck the front over the final 200m. Running on stoutly from off the pace though, Mike Miller’s newcomer SOLDIER

BOY ran on best of all and in a thrilling finish he got up 20m from home. This Royal Mo gelding covered the final 400m in 23,14 seconds which was the second fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon. Both the winner (Tristan Godden) and the runner-up dislodged their jockeys shortly after crossing the line as a result of the heavily supported runner-up Golden Operator (Craig Zackey) ducking in sharply away from the shadow cast by the grandstand.

Quickies

Fairly flying at the finish, the aptly named WHO BLINKED recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon when third in the E-Editions Class 4 event over 1200m.

Fastest Times:

1200m (5) Buttercup Baby

2000m (2) Eight On Eighteen

400-finish Who Blinked

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth (Winter course)

25

May

Track Condition

Going: Soft (both tracks)

Penetrometer: 27 (both tracks)

Rain: Last 24 hours Nil –Last 7 days 39mm

Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil

False Rail: Original position back straight with a 3,5m spur at 450m mark

Wind: 7-14km/h North Westerly tail wind

Course Variant: 0,75s fast (straight) –1,7s fast (bend)

Pocket Power Stakes (L) 1950m

As was the case in the Gr1 Daily News at Greyville a day earlier, the lessor fancied of Justin Snaith’s runners ensured a decent pace. Taken straight to the front by Musi Yeni, Call To Unite led by four for most of the journey. The

always handy OTTO LUYKEN was the first to make a move and struck the front 300m out. He was then headed by the 13/10 favourite Garrix 150m from home but fought back gamely below the distance to get the verdict by a short head.

Stormsvlei Stakes (L) 1800m

The supporting act was the listed Stormsvlei Stakes and here we saw a gutsy performance from the Justin Snaith trained 3yo BEWARE THE BOMB. With nobody interested in making the running on leaving the stalls, the very hard held Lancaster Bomber filly gained a soft lead. She began to quicken the gallop going through the 1400m, and strung the field out rounding the turn. She kept on strongly under a determined ride from Richard Fourie and had the rest held by a length at the wire.

Three 1400m Races

The Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 4 event was comfortably the fastest of the three 1400m races on the card and in what proved to be a real thriller, the lightly raced THOMAS JENKINS recorded his second career victory. Dalmeny Factor ensured a good pace and rounding the turn quickest of the seven races to negotiate

that segment, he had the field well strung out. Indeed, coming off the bend the winner was easily nine lengths adrift. Undeterred though, Andrew Fortune (four winners on the afternoon) steadily guided the Buffalo Bill Cody gelding through the field and with just half a length separating the first four home, they got up in the dying strides.

Quickies

There was officially no time taken in Race 9, the C Stakes over 1000m. We recorded the time as 58,45 and significantly the runner up Bluff On Bluff recorded a 400m to finish time of 22,37 on our clock. This was the fastest for that segment on the afternoon.

Fastest Times:

1000m (2) Flying Finley 58,45

1400m (3) Thomas Jenkins 85,45

1800m (2) Beware The Bomb 110,08

400-finish Bluff On Bluff 22,37

DAUGHTER OF VISIONAIRE DOES IT AGAIN!

The Lammerskraal Stud-bred Visionaire filly Paris Lass made it back-toback wins to crown the Hollywoodbets-sponsored Gavin Smith exacta with the more fancied Gimme’s Lassie in the R150 000 Listed Milkwood Stakes at Fairview on Friday.

Interestingly, the same racemeeting a year ago was also switched from the turf to the polytrack.

While it’s never ideal to have racemeetings switch surfaces, and that is underscored not

only by stakeholder frustrations and the 15 related withdrawals, it can work for the poly specialists and Paris Lass’ shares soared as she flashed her speed in style to register a fourth all-weather victory from her five firsts.

Gavin Smith Racing 1-2! Stallone Naidoo keeps Paris Lass going to hold off Gavin Lerena and Gimme’s Lassie Credit: Pauline Herman

Beautifully ridden by a delighted Stallone Naidoo, Paris Lass (20-1) led practically all the way to hold off a serious late challenge from Gavin Smith stablemate Gimme’s Lassie (5-1) to register a half-length title defence in a time of 56,44 secs for the 1000m.

“I rode her in work a week ago and I knew she’s back to where she should be,” quipped Stallone Naidoo.

Assistant trainer Dean Smith thanked owner ‘uncle’ Carlos Goncalves and said the 1000m on the all-weather was a touch on the short side for Gimme’s Lassie, who was not disgraced in second.

The Candice Bass-Robinson trained Trip To Maputo (2-1) went off tote favourite, despite the surface switch, and ran a good third, a head behind her former Milnerton stablemate, Gimme’s Lassie.

Raced by Carlos Goncalves, the winner is a R50 000 Cape Yearling Sale graduate and has now won 5 races with 4 places from 15 starts for stakes of R393 738.

Bred by Lammerskraal Stud, she is a daughter of Visionaire (Grand Slam) out of the five-time winning Western Winter mare, French Lass.

In a sad twist, Porque Te Vas fell heavily unseating Mpume Mjoka after about 300m. We believe that Mjoka is stable, but no word was available on the Mike Stewart-trained mare at time of writing.

GREEFF AND FOURIE HAT-TRICK FOR

Ridgemont-sponsored Richard Fourie and trainer Alan Greeff landed a genuine hat-trick at Fairview on Friday, crowned by a facile victory for the former Highveld-based Mercantour in the non black-type R175 000 Fairview 1400.

After breaking his existing season high mark of 119 winners with Smashing in the fourth race, Fourie followed up with another Ridgemontbred strike for Hollywood Racing, as Canford Cliffs’ speedy son Cliff Top got back to winning ways in the fifth.

On the only race on the programme not impacted by the surface change withdrawals, Fourie made short work of his eight rivals when the 8-10 Mercantour, another winner for high-riding owner Peter Moor, took the 1400m in his stride to beat Bush Tracker (7-1) by 1,25 lengths in a time of 80,89 secs.

Mercantour (Richard Fourie) wins the Fairview 1400 | Credit: Pauline Herman

“Life after racing is going to be so much fun for this horse. He hasn’t got a bad bone in his body,” added Fourie.

Trainer Alan Greeff appeared happy about the move to the poly as it clearly enhanced the confidence about Mercantour’s prospects.

Formerly based with Stuart Pettigrew, the winner is a son of the deceased speed champion VAR (Forest Wildcat). Bred by Varsfontein-bred, Mercantour is out of the Western Winter mare, Winter Wood.

A R200 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, Mercantour is a winner of 8 races with 14 places from 35 starts and has earned R933 875. He looks set to continue to earn in the Eastern Cape and can be followed.

Ed – for interest sake, the winner appears to have been named after the Mercantour National Park, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes provinces.

RECORDBREAKER RICHIE ON FIRE!

After a record-shattering 2023/24 season, reigning SA Champion jockey Richard Fourie continues to rewrite the history books and broke the East Cape season winner record at Fairview on Friday.

Involved in a dramatic three-way tussle with Gavin Lerena and Craig Zackey on the current season championship log, the Ridgemontsponsored rider broke the East Cape record of 119 set by himself last term when steering the Hollywood Racing-owned Smashing home in the fourth race.

The Hollywood Racing team marked their 663rd lifetime winner and there was plenty of poetic irony in the victory – the daughter of Rafeef was bred by the champion’s sponsors Ridgemont and is trained by Alan Greeff, with whom Fourie has formed a formidable team.

On 12 July 2024, Fourie rode the Alan Greefftrained Grazinginthegrass to his recordequalling 116th winner of the term in the Eastern Cape. Greg Cheyne originally set the East Cape record in 2017/2018 with 90 wins, bettered that

tally by one in 2018/2019 up to 91, and then made history as the only jockey to exceed 100 wins in Gqeberha in one season when riding 116 winners in the 2019/2020 term.

Richard Fourie broke the Eastern Cape season winner record on Friday at Fairview | Credit: Pauline Herman

2000 BOOSTS EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN UP TO 129

The official merit rating of Eight On Eighteen has been increased from 127 to 129 following his victory in the Daily News Gr1 2000 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

The runner-up, Spumante Dolce, was identified as the most appropriate line horse for assessing this race, and her rating remains unchanged at 117.

In addition to Eight On Eighteen, two other participants in the Daily News Gr1 2000 have received merit rating adjustments based on their performances:

• Okavango, who finished third, has had his rating elevated from 105 to 120, having finished 0.25 lengths behind the 117-rated line horse, while conceding 2.5kg in weight.

• Native Ruler, who finished 0.3 lengths behind the newly 120-rated Okavango, has been increased from 103 to 119.

These merit rating adjustments have been made in accordance with Rule 47.3.2, which stipulates: a handicap, which shall be a RACE in which the weights to be carried by the HORSES are allocated by the handicapper for the purpose of equalising their chances of winning.

Furthermore, the Handicappers believed the performances recorded in this race warranted full recognition.

Notably, the winning time for this event was 2.14 seconds (equivalent to around 12 lengths) faster than that recorded in the Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000 over the same distance. The race was structured as a test, as evidenced by sectional time analysis.

The only rating downgrade in this race was applied to Parisian Walkway, who has been adjusted from 121 to 119 following a failure to confirm his merit rating over his latest four runs.

Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000

The official merit rating of Little Suzie has been increased from 106 to 108 following her triumph in the Tote Gr2 Woolavington 2000 over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

The runner-up, My Soul Mate, was determined to be the most suitable benchmark for evaluating this event, and accordingly, her merit rating remains unchanged at 107.

Previously, Little Suzie received a 14-point merit rating adjustment following her sixth-place finish in a Grade 2 race, which was her fourth career start.

Her victory here, along with the subsequent rating increase, serves to validate both the Handicappers’ initial assessment of her ability and her trainer’s early decision to campaign her at Graded level shortly after her Maiden Plate victory.

The only other rating increase following this race was given to Mocha Blend, whose merit rating has been elevated from 94 to 102.

Merit rating reductions were applied to the following horses:

• Beating Wings – reduced from 114 to 113.

• Gerbera – adjusted downward from 99 to 98.

Lonsdale Listed Stirrup Cup

Field Marshal has had his official merit rating increased from 102 to 105 following his success in the Lonsdale Listed Stirrup Cup over 2400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

The Handicappers determined that the secondplaced Future Swing and third-placed Shoot

The Rapids were the most suitable line horses for assessing this contest, and their respective ratings remain unchanged at 117 and 112.

No further merit rating adjustments were applied to any other runners in this event.

Listed Pocket Power Stakes

The merit rating of Otto Luyken has been elevated from 109 to 114 following his victory in

the Listed Pocket Power Stakes over 1950m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.

The third-place finisher, Magic Verse, was deemed the most appropriate line horse for assessing this race, resulting in his rating remaining unchanged at 113.

The runner-up, Garrix, has received a six-point increase, rising from 112 to 118.

In accordance with the specific race conditions - which prohibit rating increases for horses finishing outside the top three - The Futurist remains rated at 107, despite achieving a slightly higher performance mark.

The only rating decrease in this race was applied to Billy Bowlegs, whose merit rating has been adjusted from 111 to 107.

Listed Stormsvlei Stakes

Following her triumph in the Listed Stormsvlei Stakes over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Beware The Bomb has had her merit rating increased from 107 to 108.

for assessing this race, leaving her rating unchanged at 105.

Previously, Beware The Bomb had received a significant 18-point increase for securing second place in a Grade 2 event, and her most recent victory further substantiates both the Handicappers’ and her trainer’s early evaluation of her ability.

Additional adjustments:

• Gold Poker Game – raised from 103 to 105.

• Fun Zone – capped at 94 (up from 89), in compliance with race conditions restricting merit rating increases to six points for the top three finishers.

No rating reductions were applied to any runners in this event.

Listed Milkwood Stakes

The merit rating of Paris Lass has been increased from 100 to 103 following her victory in the Listed Milkwood Stakes for fillies and mares over 1000m at Fairview Racecourse on Friday.

The fourth-place finisher, Time For Love, was deemed the most suitable line horse

The runner-up, Gimme’s Lassie, was identified as the most appropriate line horse for evaluating this race, leaving her merit rating unchanged at 100.

The third-place finisher, Trip To Maputo, has been given a merit rating increase from 93 to 99 for finishing a short-head behind the 100-rated Gimme’s Lassie at level weight terms.

Three horses received merit rating reductions following this contest:

• Three Rocks – adjusted downward from 105 to 103.

• Bomber Girl – reduced from 89 to 88.

• Polynomial – lowered from 88 to 85.

Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.

A COMMITMENT TO RACEDAY UPDATES TCO2 TESTING

Designed to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders, riders, and horses, the National Horseracing Authority introduced a specimen analysis procedure for TCO2 measurement on racedays in March 2024.

The TCO2 (total carbon dioxide) test is performed on the blood of racehorses as a means of fighting the practice of administering alkalizing agents for the purpose of enhancing performance

TCO2 testing is standard practice at every race meeting and is reported on during the course of the racemeeting and via the official Stipendiary Stewards.

Image for illustration purposes only | Credit: Vecteezy Stock

Racing operators countrywide have confirmed that TC02 testing related information is broadcast on racedays.

In a letter dated Saturday 24 May 2025, copied to the Sporting Post, reader Neil Guravaya addressed the National Horseracing Authority to express his continued concern regarding the

inconsistent communication around TCO2 testing during race day broadcasts.

He writes that it is commendable that announcements are made during the broadcast confirming that TCO2 testing is being conducted. However, on other days, no mention is made at all. This lack of consistency creates a vacuum of transparency that

NHA CEO Vee Moodley –

significantly undermines trust in the fairness and integrity of the sport.

Let me be clear: the same way testing is publicly confirmed on-air during certain meetings, it should also be explicitly communicated when testing is not being conducted. This information should not be left to speculation. It must be provided regularly and reliably during the live broadcast—not just once at the start of the day, but throughout the meeting, as is sometimes already done.

In particular, I would like to ask why, on such a high-profile race day like Saturday—

featuring the Daily News 2000 and the Woolavington—there was no mention during the broadcast of whether TCO2 testing was being conducted. Days of this magnitude demand full transparency, and the absence of communication raises legitimate concerns.

Following concerns noted in his own research, Mr Guravaya called for a formal and enforceable a broadcast policy that ensures TCO2 testing status—whether conducted or not—is routinely announced throughout each race day. Punters, owners, and all stakeholders deserve to be properly informed.

Image for illustration purposes only | Credit: Vecteezy Stock

In a response dated Sunday 25 May 2025, NHA CEO Vee Moodley stated that at least 90 minutes before the running of a race, a list of the horses that are selected for testing are displayed in the designated area, for viewing by trainers & others. After the procedures of testing are completed, the results are disseminated to the On Course commentator for further dissemination to the general public.

Mr Moodley writes that the Chief Stipe on duty, advises the commentator as follows ,as an example: ” Dear Commentator, please note that ALL horses selected for TCO2 have been passed & clear to race, 2 horses X & Y have passed on a 2nd sample”.

Mr Moodley said that this is done to ensure that the public are aware of horses that were selected for a second sample and were subsequently passed to race.

In other instances, it is stated that all horses selected for TCO2 are all clear to race. In the case where there is no need for a second sample, and obviously, in other circumstances, if a runner fails at its second sample testing, the runner is scratched.

At all stages, throughout this process, the Racing Operator Representative (ROR) is in the Stipendiary Stewards boardroom and has full access to all the information.

The further dissemination of information resides with the Racing Operators.

Mr Moodley says that Neil Guravaya’s concerns are valid and it was for those very reasons, since the middle of May 2024, that the NHA introduced the above procedures, such that the largest stakeholder group, the betting public, obtain the outcomes, in a simple, yet effective manner.

In the spirit of transparency, Mr Moodley copied the Racing Executives of the Operators on the correspondernce to further respond to concerns of proper communication & dissemination.

The Sporting Post has received written confirmation that the operators are acting accordingly.

• Ed – Mr Guravaya’s letter to the NHA was edited for publication.

INJURED JOCKS ON ROAD TO RECOVERY

After a nasty fall in the Listed Milkwood Stakes feature at Fairview on Friday, Mpume Mjoka underwent surgery at Greenacres Hospital for a fractured femur this weekend and is likely to be out for three to six months.

At approximately the 700m Porque Te Vas stumbled, fell and dislodged Mjoka. Porque Te Vas was attended to on course by the Veterinary Surgeon, while Mjoka was attended to by the paramedics. Very sadly, the Mike Stewart-trained mare fractured her left fore and was humanely euthanised.

Thanks were conveyed to local trainer Lunga Gila for assisting the family with transport to the hospital. The Mjoka family travelled from the Cape to attend the racemeeting and were being accommodated by a local racing family.

One of our bright young talents, Mpume became one of the few SA jockeys to have ridden a winner in Ireland when he booted Fleetfootsoldier home for trainer Kevin Coleman at Dundalk in April 2023.

Mpume Mjoka puts on a brave smile from hospital after his operation | Credit: Supplied

The Durban-born rider also represented South Africa in the Prix Longines Future Stars Challenge in France back in 2017.

In a quicker recovery turnaround, following a frightening incident in the literal shadow of the winning post at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, Sporting Post-sponsored rider Tristan Godden is hoping to return to race-riding on Saturday.

Tristan Godden and Craig Zackey had their Daily News Saturday engagements cut short when both were dislodged from their respective mounts, both first-timers, after finishing first and second in the second race on the big day.

The good news is that both horses emerged unscathed, while Tristan Godden was reportedly in good spirits on Sunday with no fractures reported. Craig Zackey is said to have suffered a concussion and a sprained ankle.

The Stipes reported that shortly after the finish Godden (Soldier Boy) and Zackey (Golden Operator) were dislodged from their mounts which ducked in sharply away from the shadow cast by the Hollywoodbets Greyville grandstand.

Tristan told the Sporting Post on Monday evening that his mount shied away from Golden Operator, and saw the shadow.

“They are youngsters and just got spooked. It’s one of those things and it’s just frightening how quickly it happens. I hit the turf, but had horses behind me, so a combination of pain and auto self preservation kept me on the turf!”

Asked whether he was feeling rattled, Tristan said that he was physically ready and mentally 100% happy to ride.

“I got the green light from my Doctor on Tuesday. The best thing to do in these cases is to get back into the saddle as soon as possible. There is no room for nerves in race-riding,” he laughed.

For the title-chasing Zackey, being sidelined is a real blow as it was just over a week ago that he was kicked by a horse at Fairview and has just returned to the saddle. His absence will give his opponents Gavin Lerena and Richard Fourie some opportunity to build up a lead on the national log.

We wish the trio a speedy recovery.

TRIPLE GR1 WINNER TOPS DAY 1 OF NATIONAL BROODMARE

Triple Group One winner Zougotcha became the most expensive horse sold at auction in the Southern Hemisphere this year when she realised A$5.25 million at Tuesday’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

The prized daughter of Zoustar was offered as part of a quality Chris Waller Racing draft and she became the second highest priced horse ever sold at the National Sale following Imperatriz’s virtual sale at A$6.6 million twelve months ago.

Coolmore’s Tom Magnier secured Zougotcha –one of 14 fillies and mares to sell for the magical seven figures – on a sensational day of selling on the Gold Coast.

“Well done to Chris Waller and all his team,”

a delighted Magnier said. “She was a beautiful mare and everybody was on her this week.”

“Olly Tait and his team were underbidders. They are very good judges. She will go to Wootton Bassett.”

“Having Wootton Bassett back this year, it gave us the confidence to find these mares and what he is doing both in Australia and Europe, we are very fortunate to be in this position and to get this mare.

Zougotcha was the sales topper on Tuesday | Credit: Magic Millions

“We are very close to Sophie Baker and the Waller team. When you look at these top ones that they keep putting through the sale, they’re blue chip mares for everyone.”

“Hopefully they might be buying the offspring in years to come,” Magnier added.

Christine Cook, one of Zougotcha’s delighted part owners during her racing career, wiped away tears when the gavel fell.

“I only ever cry happy tears,” she said. “It’s the end of one era and the start of another.”

“That’s crazy stuff (the sale price). It’s just what every racehorse owner ever dreams of doing.”

“It’s not what you think of when you buy them, but it’s so lovely to see that she’s so well thought-of as an animal, as a horse, that somebody thinks she’s worth that.”

“She was just such an amazing animal. The people we were in her with were just incredible, we had so much fun with her – there was never any arguments about where she was going and what she was doing. We just went on her ride, which was wonderful.”

“It’s just unbelievable, genuinely unbelievable,” Cook added. “I just hope she makes beautiful babies.”

Another triple Group One winner from the Chris Waller Racing draft offered today was the Go Racing syndicated star Atishu.

The outstanding daughter of Savabeel was purchased by the powerful Yu Long Investments (Australia) team for A$2.7 million.

“Mr Zhang was very impressed when he saw her,” Yulong’s Sam Fairgray said. “She’s a beautiful type so it is great to have her in the broodmare band.”

“She doesn’t need to take on Via Sistina (on the track) so she’s going straight to the breeding barn.”

“She will probably go to Alabama Express. I think it is a really nice cross. She’s a beautiful mare so it is exciting to have her.”

“She’s always been one of those very consistent mares in good races, so to have a three-time Group One winning mare and she gets in there with some lovely other blue hens,” Fairgray added.

Group One winner Lady Laguna was another star to sell – she sold to James Harron Bloodstock for A$2.5 million after a spirited bidding battle.

The Canterbury Stakes winner was offered as part of the Newgate Consignment for OTI Racing.

“She’s an outstanding mare,” Harron said. “Really tough, durable, resilient, across all age groups.”

“Just a stunning individual who presented in just incredible health. Very excited to get her.

I think that is what we’ve come to learn that these mares are worth.”

“We’ll get her back home and work out a mating and go from there. The plan was to see how it went this evening,” Harron added.

The other multi-million-dollar seller was Climbing Star, another Group One winning daughter of Zoustar. She went to Tom Magnier for A$2.1 million from the Widden Stud draft.

“She’ll go to Wootton Bassett,” Magnier confirmed. “In fairness, Zoustar is going to be an unbelievable broodmare sire, we’ve sent a lot of mares to Zoustar and we will continue to do so and I’d like to think Antony is going to give me a discounted rate now!”

“These are very special mares, very well-bred, very good-looking and we’ve got a great bunch of people behind us.”

“We’re looking at horses that we think will work with Wootton Bassett and these are the ones you have to have and broodmare sires are very important.”

“The market’s very strong and there’s a crowd here that would be at a yearling sale so it shows the appetite that is in the industry at the moment,” Magnier added.

In all there were 14 lots that sold for A$1 million or more on the day with Revolutionary Miss (A$1.6 million), Femminile (A$1.5 million), Moesha (A$1.35 million), Skirt the Law (A$1.35 million), Written in Code (A$1.2 million), Alsephina (A$1.1 million), Socks Nation (A$1 million), Amazonian Lass (A$1 million), Kuroyanagi (A$1 million) and See You in Heaven (A$1 million) all achieving seven figure prices.

“I thought it was an unbelievable day,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. “I thought there was great confidence and electricity in the ring from the very start.”

“I think the first two hours set a great tone that it was a very genuine market. There were horses buyable at all ends of the market. I think our owners were willing to put their horses on the

market and let the market find its feet.”

“I think buyers got involved accordingly. It was great to see a huge cross section of buyers and not any one buyer dominating the market.”

Bowditch said being able to market and sell Zougotcha on behalf of her ownership group was an incredible honour.

“I thought from the time we understood that she was going to go to market this year that she was the number one seed and evidently she was clearly the number one seed.”

“Delighted with what she made and delighted that there was great, spirited bidding – three or four parties on her at a higher level.”

“Tom Magnier is always very hard to beat on the best mares. He bought Sunlight, a similar article, here for A$4.2 million some years ago. It is fantastic to see him back here, contributing and playing an important part in the market.”

“We’re delighted for Chris Waller and his team, (led by) Sophie Baker. They’ve brought an outstanding group of mares here today and they’ve been rewarded accordingly.”

Bowditch was delighted with the depth of buyers participating across all levels of the market.

“I think there were eight buyers above A$1 million today – there were 14 lots but they were bought by eight different parties. That shows that there’s not any one dominating.”

“To secure a catalogue of this quality is a fantastic effort. An unbelievably pleasing result.”

“The gross at this point is A$47.5 million. Last year we might have catalogued 40 more lots so we are A$4 million down – I think that is a great result. The average of A$363,000 lines up well ahead of last year’s A$309,000 and we had a $6.6 million horse (in Imperatriz) last year.”

To view the results of Tuesday’s sale or to make an offer on a passed in lot click here.

Sale Results – (2024 Day One in brackets)

• Lots Catalogued: 199 (230)

• Lots Sold: 131 (167)

• Lots Passed In: 31 (32)

• Lots Withdrawn: 37 (30)

• Sale Gross: A$47,574,500 (A$51,725,000)

• Average Price: A$363,164 (A$309,731)

• Top Price: A$5,250,000 (A$6,600,000)

• Median Prince: A$160,000 (A$120,000)

• Sold %: 81 (83)

Top Sellers

A$5,250,000 – Zougotcha (Lot 503)

• Vendor: Chris Waller Racing (As Agent) / Buyer: Tom Magnier (NSW)

A$2,700,000 – Atishu (Lot 517)

• Chris Waller Racing (As Agent) / Yu Long Investments (Australia) Pty Ltd (Vic)

A$2,500,000 – Lady Laguna (Lot 563)

• Newgate Consignment (As Agent) / James Harron B’stock (NSW)

A$2,100,000 – Climbing Star (Lot 540)

• Widden Stud (As Agent) / Tom Magnier (NSW)

A$1,600,000 – Revolutionary Miss (Lot 466)

• Yarraman Park Stud (As Agent for Triple Crown Syndications) / Katsumi Yoshida (Japan)

A$1,500,000 – Femminile (Lot 561)

• Newgate Consignment (As Agent) / Wei Jiaoqi (Vic)

A$1,350,000 – Moesha (Lot 445)

• Widden Stud (As Agent) / Tom Magnier (NSW)

A$1,350,000 – Skirt the Law (Lot 567)

• Eureka Stud (As Agent) / Widden Stud/ Double R T’breds (NSW)

A$1,200,000 – Written in Code (Lot 501)

• Yarraman Park Stud (As Agent) / Watership Down Stud/McKeever B’stock (UK)

A$1,100,000 – Alsephina (Lot 510)

• Newington Farm Premium Consignment (As Agent) / Katsumi Yoshida (Japan)

A$1,000,000 – Socks Nation (Lot 483)

• Newington Farm Premium Consignment (As Agent) / Katsumi Yoshida (Japan)

A$1,000,000 – Amazonian Lass (Lot 511)

• Newgate Consignment (As Agent for Gai

Waterhouse & Adrian Bott) / Nocab Racing Pty

Ltd/Kestrel T’breds (Qld)

A$1,000,000 – Kuroyanagi (Lot 571)

• Glenesk T’breds (As Agent) / Dean Hawthorne B’stock (NZ)

A$1,000,000 – See You in Heaven (Lot 572)

• Vinery Stud (As Agent) / Yu Long Investments (Australia) Pty Ltd (Vic)

GOLD SOARS!

Field of Gold was a dominant winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas as the evens favourite finished three and three quarters of a length clear of Cosmic Year at the Curragh.

After a fast-finishing second at the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket this month, jockey Kieran Shoemark was replaced by Colin Keane as Field of Gold matched the feat of his sire, Kingman, who won the race in 2014.

Starting from wide, the horse trained by John and Thady Gosden emerged from the pack with a few furlongs to spare before sprinting clear of the remainder of the nine-strong field.

Cosmic Year (4-1) came home three quarters of a length ahead of Hotazhell (10-1) in third.”It was as good a feel as I’ve had off a horse in a long time,” Keane told RTE Sport.

“He’s just so straightforward and powerful.

“I just stepped in for today, but he seems to be

a horse going the right way.”

Keane added that he had been in contact with Shoemark before the race.

“Kieran is an absolute gentleman.He put me straight and told me everything I need to know.

I’m very thankful for that.”

Field Of Gold is back to best under Colin Keane | Credit: Curragh Racecourse

FRANKEL DAUGHTER SHOWS CLASS IN IRISH 1,000

Willem Ackerman and Heversham’s Advocate Nigel Riley were delighted on Sunday when the Aiden O’Brien-trained, Lake Victoria (Frankel) took victory in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

Ackerman and Riley acquired her half-brother The Equator, by Galileo, at the 2024 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training sale.

In an impressive response under Ryan Moore, Lake Victoria had to be patient before showing her class, moving up along the rail before gliding ahead of

The Equator, a half to Lake Victoria, is in training with Highveld trainer Tony Peter | Credit: Heversham Park

California Dreamer to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

The Equator ran six times, winning over 2000m and placing twice. Fourth in the Gr3 Gallinule Stakes, his most recent start saw him finish second at York in late August, 2024.

He is a full-brother to Gr2 Dante Stakes third Bluegrass, bred from Showcasing’s champion daughter Quiet Reflection, a dual Gr1 winner of the Commonwealth Cup and Haydock Park Sprint Cup.

The Equator is in training with Tony Peter at Turffontein and has been nominated for the Gr3 Cup Trial and the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July. He will ultimately be retired for a career at stud.

LOS ANGELES SHOWS GREAT TENACITY!

The Tattersalls Guineas weekend at the Curragh was a great advertisement for horse racing with dominant victories by Field Of Gold and Lake Victoria in the Irish 2000 and 1000 Guineas.

Another highly anticipated contest was the Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, and it certainly delivered in terms of spectacle.

The 2025 renewal featured a high-class field of ten-furlong specialists headed by last year’s Irish Derby winner Los Angeles;

Los Angeles (Ryan Moore) heads the field | Credit: Coolmore Stud on FB

2024 Champion Stakes winner Anmaat; Gr1

Fillies and Mares star Kalpana; and White Birch the defending champ. The big grey was too quick for the top-class Auguste Rodin last year, beating him by three-lengths.

A slowly away stablemate Continuous was rushed around the field to set ideal fractions for Los Angeles who had been settled perfectly on the rails in third by Moore until the field rounded the bend into the straight.

Ryan Moore’s strikingly handsome colt has always had great tenacity, and he needed all of it to repel the late surge of the reappearing Anmaat, who emerged with credit by pushing Aidan O’Brien’s mount to half a length.

Like the returning Champion Stakes winner, Kalpana ran on strongly to be a length further back in third, with fourth-placed White Birch most unlucky having finished best of all.

Last year’s winner of the €500,000 Group 1 was all dressed up with nowhere to go down the inside under Colin Keane as Moore stole a march from the two pole. His job was made a lot harder by the tiring Continuous who had no more to come halfway up the straight.

Keane had elected to ride for luck by following the Oisin Murphy-ridden Kalpana through on the rail, but by the time he got racing room, Los Angeles was gone.

Now a Group 1 winner at two, three and four, Los Angeles’s campaign is being geared around a return to Longchamp for the Arc, in which he was third last year.

“Ryan gave him a brilliant ride,” O’Brien said of the 9-4 favourite, his 11th winner of the race.

“He’s a good, hardy, tough horse, and he’s at his best when the pace is on. The second horse came to him, a very high-class horse, and the pace was solid.”

“The plan was to come here, then go to the Prince of Wales’s and have a look at the King George before a little rest and an Arc trial before the Arc,” O’Brien confirmed.

Moore was similarly impressed, suggesting Los Angeles was maturing with age.

“That was the best he has been, and it was a proper horserace, there was no hiding place,” he said. “The second horse is proven at the top level and he put it up to me, but my fellow found plenty.”

Royal Ascot’s Gr1 Prince of Wales’s could see a number of these take each other on again.

Jim Crowley and Owen Burrows both said they were delighted with Anmaat and were now looking at the Ascot race.

“It was a heck of a run, the lack of a run just told,” Burrows said. “Put it this way, I look forward to taking him on again now he has a run under his belt.”

George Murphy, son of White Birch’s trainer John, suggested they would also now consider the same race at Ascot, with an eye on the Arc in the autumn as well.

All being well, they’ll get another go in a few weeks’ time at the royal meeting.

VOYAGE BUBBLE SURGES INTO HONG KONG RACING HISTORY

Rewriting Hong Kong racing history with a stunning triumph in the HK$13 million Gr1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday, Voyage Bubble made light of stamina concerns with a recordequalling performance to draw the highest praise from James McDonald and Ricky Yiu.

Given a perfect ride by McDonald, Voyage Bubble streaked to a three and a half-length victory over Rubylot and Cap Ferrat in 2m 26.67s to become only the second horse in Hong Kong racing history after River Verdon

in 1993/94 to complete the Triple Crown by winning the HK$13 million Gr1 Stewards’ Cup, HK$13 million Gr1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup in the same season.

Voyage Bubble surges into history with a commanding performance | Credit: HKJC

Demolishing nine rivals, Voyage Bubble claimed a fifth Group 1 as the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby winner secured a HK$10 million Triple Crown bonus, plus the winners’ purse of HK$7.28 million, to take his career earnings to HK$107.4 million for the Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate.

Ricky Yiu celebrates Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup glory | Credit: HKJC

McDonald, the reigning LONGINES World’s Best Jockey, revealed he thought the race –Hong Kong’s 12th and final Group 1 of the season – was in his keeping at the 600m after Zac Purton’s mid-race move on Ensued to join Moments in Time and Dubai Honour (fourth) at the head of the field.

1 wins and is still perplexed that the pair was beaten by 89/1 outsider Red Lion in the HK$24 million Gr1 FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin last month.

With Ensued’s acceleration stringing out the 10-horse field, unflustered McDonald simply bided his time before gradually upping the tempo and hitting the front at the 270m before sweeping into history.

“I couldn’t have dreamed of it panning out as well as that – that’s once in a blue moon,” McDonald said. “The stars aligned and with that sort of run, he was always going to be hard to beat – he was going to be hard to beat even without such a good run, but it all worked out.

“From the 600m, he tacked up beautifully, the pace increased, everything was smooth, nothing was cluttered up. I just had a really smooth run the whole way. He’s a brilliant horse. He just keeps raising the bar and he keeps on surprising every time I ride him.”

McDonald has been aboard Voyage Bubble in all five of the Deep Field gelding’s Group

“I still can’t believe he got beat last time, to be fair, but he was just a different horse today. He was in the zone. He was ‘prepped’ up just beautifully by the Yiu stable,” McDonald said.

“So lucky to be riding him and he’s just a brilliant racehorse. He just does everything you ask of him and he’s so willing. He was on song today and he’s just such a star.

“He just switches off and allows himself to get the distance so well and I just want to pay credit to the Yiu stable – they’ve done a remarkable job with this horse.

“It’s a great training effort – a mile to 2400m. They’re absolutely incredible. They’ve got a champion racehorse on their hands and Voyage Bubble deserves all the accolades he gets. It’s awesome. I’m very proud of him.”

Yiu, who has trained a string of champion sprinters including Sacred Kingdom, Fairy King Prawn and Amber Sky, was jubilant after saddling his first winner at 2400m.

“Dreams came true, since I won the first two legs of the Triple Crown I started dreaming. Now today, dreams have come true –it’s amazing,” Yiu said.

“The closer I looked at the race today, the closer I thought he would have a winning chance –he’s done so well and his preparation was so good. He’s pure athletic. If you look at him, you can tell he’s a high-class racehorse. He’s performed up from a sprint to the maximum distance in Hong Kong – he’s a genius.

“When we first ran him over 1200 and 1400m it was like a game for him. The whole team is thrilled.”

Voyage Boss (127lb), who is also raced by members of the Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate, triumphed on the undercard for Frankie Lor and Derek Leung, landing the Class 4 Makarpura Star Handicap after Irishbred three-year-old Light Years Glory (126lb) surprised at odds of 44-1 for Cody Mo by winning the Pakistan Star Plate for Griffins under Matthew Chadwick.

Jamie Richards-trained Goldentronicmighty made it two wins in a row with success for Keith Yeung in the Class 4 Viva Pataca Handicap before Francis Lui’s Packing Hermod slotted

his sixth win from 10 starts by landing the Class 2 River Verdon Handicap under Zac Purton.

“He’s more mature now and had a good draw today – the small field helped too,” said Lui, who will set the four-year-old for the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Premier Cup Handicap at Sha Tin on 22 June.

Lui sealed a double when Luke Ferraris piloted Do Your Part to victory in the Class 4 Russian Emperor Handicap as Mister Dapper clinched the Class 4 Helene Super Star Handicap for David Eustace and Brenton Avdulla, who later partnered John Size’s 1600th Hong Kong winner Stellar Express in the Class 3 Indigenous Handicap.

Purton’s winning ride on Shamus Storm in the Class 4 Exultant Handicap was hailed as a “master-class” by trainer David Hayes as Andrea Atzeni notched his 50th winner of the season aboard Manfred Man’s Gold Master in the Class 3 Vengeance Of Rain Handicap.

Purton finished with a treble after Top Dragon’s win in the Class 3 Oriental Express Handicap for Chris So.

SIZE CELEBRATES 1,600 HONG KONG WINS MILESTONE

John Size after the success of Stellar Express at Sha Tin | Credit: HKJC

Trainer John Size’s legend grew on Sunday at Sha Tin as the revered horseman celebrated a 1,600th Hong Kong win with Stellar Express in the Class 3 Indigenous Handicap.

The only 12-time champion trainer in Hong Kong racing history, Size, 70, is the second handler to reach the towering mark after former trainer John Moore.

The Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductee Size arrived at Sha Tin in the 2001/02 season, surprising all with a then record 62-win first campaign and maiden trainers’ championship.

“I’ve taken my time but finally got there. It’s always nice to get some sort of milestone or number up – that’s the one today,” Size said.

Hailing from Dalby in Queensland, Australia, Size quickly moved to the city of Brisbane, where he worked for trainers Pat Duff and Henry Davis. He then transitioned to the Sydney circuit, achieving instant results with a strong reputation of rejuvenating out of form horses. Size has trained two Hong Kong Horse of the Year recipients: Electronic Unicorn (2001/02) and Grand Delight (2002/03). His many other turf heroes include top-level winners Beat The Clock, Waikuku, Hot King Prawn, Contentment,

Sight Winner, Super Kid, Mr Stunning, River Dancer and Glorious Days amongst others.

A three-time Hong Kong Derby-winning handler, Size has captured the city’s most desired prize with Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015) and Ping Hai Star (2018).

His 12 championships are unmatched and, Size leads the current standings on 57 wins in pursuit of a 13th crown after previous accomplishments in 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2011/12, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19 & 2022/23.

Size said: “I’m hanging on by the skin of my teeth. We’ll just keep trying.”

Brenton Avdulla, who rode Stellar Express to victory, said: “It’s worked out well because I was a bit upset, thinking I would miss out on riding it for him because John has gone three or four meetings without a winner when I wasn’t riding.

“I thought he might have got it (1,600th) when I was off but it’s actually an honour to ride the

winner that brings up the 1600th for John and it’s great that it’s for Larry Yung, who’s a big supporter. It’s a brilliant result and hopefully we can help John onto another premiership.”

Avdulla kicked off his Sunday double at Sha Tin as Mister Dapper rolled to a comfortable success in the Class 4 Helene Super Star Handicap for trainer David Eustace.