THE CLASSIC OF KINGS! TIME FOR…
Africa’s Greatest – And Richest! A stakes turbo boost
The Classic Of Kings
The boys set to bump heads 36 Tienie’s Moment In The Sun WSB Cape Fillies Guineas thriller
A Magic Mare
Asiye Phambili moves forward
Longines International Jockeys’ Challenge A humdinger!
On the cover
Leading owner Lawrence Wernars only poses for his Grade 1 winners on the podium. Here he raises the magnificent WSB Cape Fillies Guineas trophy after Quickstepgal’s end-to-end victory as sponsor’s ambassador Piere Strydom looks on. Candiese Lenferna took the photo.
Issue: 49/2025
BALLROOM BLITZ!
Gavin Lerena and Quickstepgal en route to winning the World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last Saturday. The Greenacres Trust-bred daughter of Vercingetorix is trained by Tienie
and is raced by the
Candiese Lenferna took the photograph.
Family and
Prinsloo
Wernars
Harry Willson.
OUR SOLDIER OF FOURTUNE!
Andrew Fortune has Demanding Dave in charge as Elusive Winter (Sifisokuhle Bungane) tries hard
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
After plucking SA champion trainer Justin Snaith out of the proverbial fires of frustration at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, Andrew Fortune was in top form again at the Southern Suburbs venue yesterday with a smoothly taken four-timer for four different yards.
Following a rare day of seven seconds and other places, Fortune stepped in for the champion Philippi team to steer Supreme Fate to victory in the ninth on Saturday, with a typically accomplished ride.
Love him or hate him, the 58 year old former SA champion is pure magic in the saddle and has comprehensively defied his detractors with a comeback to the saddle in February this year that often sees him riding colleagues, some half his age, to bed some days with magic hands and impeccable balance.
He has professed to be his own biggest supporter, and it’s not unusual that an average Fortune post-race interview often goes half viral -in racing terms, that is.
“The funny thing is, there are some damned decent riders down here in the Cape. There are no giveaways or freebies. But I take my work seriously – I can tell you the Saturday where I am drawn the following Wednesday. And some of the other guys are more interested in computer games and things. But I a fortunate – I grew up in the nineties in an era of proper horseman and learnt my lessons. I am just proud and privileged to see that what some saw as a potential embarassment of a comeback from an old boy nearing 60, has worked the other way, mostly,” added the charismatic senior statesman of the riding ranks with a broad smile.
After banging home a genuine four-timer on Her World (6-1) for Ricky Maingard, Fast And Free (5-1) for Glen Kotzen, Pushing Limits (6-1) for Andre Nel, and then the progressive
Demanding Dave (33-10) for Mike Stewart, Fortune declared himself fit and ready for Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas day on Saturday.
Asked to mark our card, the Candyman labelled Theshowmustgoon and See It Again as his likely two best rides on the day.
“It’s a very competitive card, as big days tend to be. I have been working Aldo’s Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas ride Happy Verse, and I reckon he is the horse to beat in the headliner. He needed it last time, but he is flying back home and I see him as a potential Met 3yo. See It Again has been with the Snaiths for close on two months and he is just a bloody good horse. I can’t see him out of the first four in the Ridgemont Gr2 Green Point Stakes, frankly.”
On Theshowmustgoon who runs in the second, the Booming Games Open Maiden, and the veteran says ‘don’t worry about the weights turnaround on his last run’.
“This is a lovely 3yo. He is having his third run here and he is lengths better. Include in all bets!”
The Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday programme is off at 12h45. The Pick 6 carryover of R500 000 is likely to reach R3 million – the first leg is the fourth race, off at 14h30.
Ed – both See It Again and Good For You, who run on Saturday, have been passed tractable by the NHA.
Her World (Andrew Fortune) returns to the winner’s enclosure with the
Ricky Maingard team | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY R10 MILLION!
The historic and time-honoured Hollywoodbets Durban July is set to deliver its most compelling blend of sport, style and celebration yet on the occasion of the 130th renewal on Saturday 4 July 2026 with the news that big-race sponsors Hollywoodbets have raised the bar with a record-breaking R10 million stake.
The move reinforces the iconic event’s position as Africa’s richest ever graded race –both in prize money and in cultural impact!
The announcement was made at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Friday evening,
during a vibrant ‘July in Christmas’ twilight racemeeting that offered guests a festive taste of the July magic to come.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July remains South Africa’s most iconic racing event and an internationally recognised lifestyle spectacle, where high-performance horse racing meets high-fashion energy, and where the nation gathers for the race that stops South Africa.
In 2026, the horse racing story at the heart of it is set to be as exciting as the style in the stands.
Internationally acknowledged as Africa’s Greatest Horse racing Event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July has been run without interruption every year since Saturday 17 July 1897.
It is steeped in the colourful tapestry and drama that only a great handicap can deliver: big fields, unpredictable outcomes and the belief that on the day, anything can happen.
Hollywoodbets took over sponsorship of the Durban July in 2022, when it raised the stake from R2 million to R5 million.
In 2026, the year-on-year 100% boost in stakes money will be celebrated with a bold return to its true handicap heritage,
reintroducing a more ‘open handicap’ designed to boost competitiveness and elevate the spectacle for racing fans and casual viewers alike.
In handicap horse racing, weights are adjusted according to each horse’s rating, age and sex to level the playing field, thus
helping to deliver the kind of edge-of-yourseat finish that has built the July’s legend.
Key changes for 2026 include a return to a wider weight spread across the field:
Bottom weight has been reduced from 53kg to 52kg.
The spirit of Christmas at the home of the Hollywoodbets Durban July | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Horses and jockeys joined in the fun Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Visitors dressed up and bought into the vibe! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Hollywodbets brand ambassadors Eben and Anlia Etzebeth enjoyed the evening | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Top weight increased from 60kg to 62kg. Restoring a full 10kg spread in the range of weights means the race boasts the hallmark of a true, open handicap.
The R10 million prize money –twice its previous level and R8 million up from the COVID years – is a key factor in the evolution to increase opportunity and reward performance across the field, and expand the prize-money distribution to recognise more finishers.
In 2026 the first 12 horses past the post will now earn prize money (up from 10 previously), while the winning connections will bank R6 million – the biggest cheque in the history of graded stakes racing in Africa.
To uphold the integrity of this world-class contest, Race Coast will assemble a fiveperson national panel of racing experts, which will be announced in due course, responsible for determining the final field.
“The Hollywoodbets Durban July is an internationally recognised raceday where sport, style and South African spirit come together — and we’re proud to be raising the stakes for the milestone 130th running,” said Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager at Hollywoodbets.
“With a record R10 million on offer and a bold return to a more open handicap, the racing will be as dramatic as the day is stylish. It’s a celebration of our heritage — on the track and in the culture — and 2026 is set to be unforgettable.”
While the racing is the heartbeat, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is defined by the full experience that embraces heritage, fashion, hospitality and Durban’s winter social season.
The 2026 theme will be announced in February 2026, which signals the start of the creative countdown that turns designers, stylists and racegoers into storytellers, and transforms Hollywoodbets Greyville into a vibrant runway alongside a world-class sporting stage.
Gallop TV’s Warren Lenferna was also present (sic) | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
THE CLASS OF ’25 HOLLYWOODBETS CAPE GUINEAS
Saturday’s R2 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas has attracted a typically high-quality field of 15 and looks to have the potential of being a vintage renewal for the ages.
Milnerton neighbours Dean Kannemeyer and Vaughan Marshall are both bidding for a seventh victory, Mike and Mathew de Kock are aiming for their maiden partnership winner in the timeless classic, and Justin Snaith brings five runners to the party, and will be hoping to put last Saturday’s frustrating results behind him.
Dean Kannemeyer is the 21st century’s winningest Cape Guineas trainer and the
Milnerton veteran saddles three runners, headed by the exciting Gimme Rules who has cracked a perfect gate at 6 and bids to become the third Khaya Stabels flag-bearer after Noordhoek Flyer (2009) and Capetown Noir (2012) to win the stallion-making classic.
Vaughan Marshall saddles Vapour Trail, an Erik The Red half-brother to the yard’s 2024 Cape Guineas winner One Stripe.
The veteran conditioner’s first Cape Guineas winner was Sea Warrior in February 1986, and he has subsequently won it with Face North in February 1990, Captain Al in January 2000, William Longsword in December 2016, Tap O’Noth in December
Dean Kannemeyer’s Russian Rock (Grant Behr) silences the crowd as he beats Linebacker in the 2020 Cape Guineas Credit: Chase Liebenberg
2017 and made it six with One Stripe last year.
The rematch between Glen Kotzen’s Race Coast Cape Punters Cup winner Good For You and Justin Snaith’s runner-up Randolph Hearst has the makings of a mouthwatering sub-plot after the track and boardroom drama of three weeks ago.
While Good For You jumped from a 2 gate in the Punters Cup versus Randolph Hearst’s 11, the Snaith galloper is at 10 on Saturday while the Kotzen star faces the revenge challenge from a 13 stall.
The Cape Punters Cup third-placed Pay The Palace returns to the fray for Piet and Elbert Steyn.
Glen Kotzen and Chad Little enjoyed three winners on Cape Fillies Guineas day last
Saturday and come into the final Grade 1 day of 2025 on the SA calendar with their tails up.
Just as Kotzen had a memorable day, Justin Snaith endured seven second cheques and five third placers with a fourth last Saturday and had to call on the Andrew Fortune genius to get him out of it with Supreme Fate, winning the penultimate of the day.
Logic suggest that after his seven runner-up cheques, five third places and a fourth, Snaith will bounce back with vigour on Saturday and the SA champion trainer brings a quintet into the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas bull-ring, in search of adding to his success with Solo Traveller (2010) and Double Superlative (2021).
Mike de Kock has won the Cape Guineas five times, dating all the way back to Horse
Marshall’s maiden Cape Guineas winner
Chestnut in 1999, with his most recent being present day Sandown stallion Soqrat in 2018.
Now in partnership with his son Mat, the De Kock team field the highest rated 3yo in the line-up in Jan Van Goyen (118), who comes in off a sterling second behind Trust in the Jackpot City Gr2 Dingaans on Summer Cup day at Turffontein.
The very upwardly mobile Lucinda Woodruff enjoyed two winners, including a Gr3 feature last Saturday, and saddles the exciting and lightly exposed Beware, who jumps from a wide gate under Gareth Wright for Hollywood Racing. Recordbreaking former SA champion jockey Richard Fourie has never won the
Cape Guineas and partners the Canford Cliffs colt Fox On The Run from the widest gate for the Ridgemont team. He is one of two runners from the James Crawford stable, who are making their maiden appearance. James’ Dad Brett won the Cape Guineas with Elusive Gold (2013) and Kilindini (2019).
Only four of Saturday’s Cape Guineas jockeys have won the Cape Guineas previously. Gavin Lerena won last year’s renewal on One Stripe, JP van der Merwe won the Guineas in 2023 on Snow Pilot, Aldo Domeyer rode Charles Dickens to victory in 2022, while Corne Orffer was aboard 2019 winner, Kilindini.
The Race Coast Cape Punters Cup thriller – we can witness the revenge match on Saturday! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Jan Van Goyen chases Trust home in the Jackpot City Dingaans | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Celebrate summer, family and world-class racing at the Festive Fair featuring the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas — a full-day holiday experience that brings together the thrill of Grade 1 racing, festive shopping, delicious food and vibrant entertainment.
On Saturday Hollywoodbets Kenilworth opens its gates at 11h00 for a joyous event designed for all ages.
The Festive Fair offers something for everyone. Wander through the bustling market for last-minute festive gifts, enjoy a selection of food trucks and café favourites, or settle in at one of the bars throughout the venue for refreshing summer drinks.
Families can enjoy a safe and engaging Kids’ Zone (ages 2–12) open from 11h00 to 17h30, complete with activities and a treats station.
101 YEARS ON – IT REMAINS THE CLASSIC OF KINGS!
Little Ballerina wins the 1993 Cape Guineas under Andrew Fortune | Credit: Supplied
Boasting great tradition and a proud history, the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas has been a rich source of champions, its honour roll studded with many of our most famous horses.
First run a century ago in 1924 as the Western Province Derby and renamed the Western Province Guineas in 1945, the race officially became the Cape of Good Hope Guineas a decade later when it was won by Marion Island, who would go on to claim the Met two years later.
The swinging sixties was the decade of the mighty Colorado King and Hawaii. In 1963, Colorado King won what was then the Cape’s richest race whilst setting a new record time over the Milnerton mile. Hawaii followed suit in 1968, outclassing his rivals by two lengths. Both subsequently continued their
distinguished careers in the States, with Hawaii named Champion Grass Horse in 1969.
Many still regard the seventies as the “golden age’ of South African racing, a notion which would not be out of place, given that the list of Guineas winners includes the likes of In Full Flight, Jamaican Music, Gatecrasher, Politician and Bold Tropic, all giants of the turf. In Full Flight, Jamaican Music, Gatecrasher and Politician would all go on to glory in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and barring Jamaican Music, won the Met as well, Politician not once, but twice. Bold Tropic followed Colorado King and Hawaii across the Atlantic where he too, proved himself in the best of company.
Incidentally, 1973 winner Ocean City redeemed his sire, the legendary Sea Cottage, who could only finish fourth behind Savonarola in 1966.
Jet Master beats Classic Flag
Following that dazzling array of winners, one could be forgiven if the eighties came across as somewhat of an anti-climax, albeit that 1980 Guineas winner Quarrytown would scoop the Horse of the Year title at four. This was also the decade where the dreaded equine flu led to the cancellation of the 1987 Guineas.
The early half of the nineties was dominated by the fairer sex, with no less than three fillies beating the boys in successive years. Star Effort set the tone in 1991 when she became the first female winner in 26 years and the first to complete the Fillies Guineas/Guineas double. Trained by Geoff Woodruff and a champion at two, she won ten of eleven starts, six at the elite level.
Twelve months later, Cape racegoers witnessed another female winner, the Argentinian bred champion Empress Club, who counted the Guineas amongst a seven-win streak at three. Trained by Woodruff’s brother-in-law Tony
Millard, the “galloping goldmine” as she was fondly known, won no less than eight Gr1 races and was voted Horse of the Year in 1992.
Rounding out the treble was was ill-fated Little Ballerina, who ran out a facile 2.25 length winner in the 1993 renewal. Sadly, that proved to be her only stakes success, as she died in training. No filly has won the classic since and there are no fairer sex gallopers in Saturday’s line-up.
A pair of superstar colts closed out the nineties, during which time the Guineas had moved to Kenilworth following the sale of its former home Milnerton in 1996.
The Devines’ champion Jet Master triumphed in 1998, setting the tone for a stellar career at four and five. The Joint Equus Horse of the Year in 1999, he was lethal up to a mile and at stud became a stallion sensation.
Empress Club wins the Cape Guineas of 1992 | Credit: Supplied
The 1999 Guineas witnessed another legend of the turf, the Oppenheimer homebred Horse Chestnut, who turned the classic on its head with a sublime 6.75 length tour de force. A true champion and trained by Mike de Kock, he was voted both the Champion 3yo and Equus Horse of the Year before leaving for the States, where he won his only start in runaway fashion.
The new millennium started with a bang when Jeff Lloyd piloted Vaughan Marshall’s Captain Al to victory. The son of Al Mufti has since contributed to Guineas history as the only modern-time winner whose progeny have emulated their sire in the mile classic, with William Longsword claiming victory in 2016 and Tap O’Noth making it a double twelve months later. Who knows, we may yet witness a fairytale third-generation success this year, as Captain Al’s grandson One Stripe, also trained by Marshall, tops the bookmaker boards.
In 2002, trainer Mike de Kock again came, saw, and conquered with Flight Alert and for good measure, returned twelve months later to repeat with Domino Man. However, it was local trainer Dean Kannemeyer who dominated the first decade of the millennium, saddling no less than four winners, Rabiya (2005), Express Way (2006), Le Drakkar (2008) and Noordhoek Flyer (2009).
The jockey/trainer duo of Anton and Basil Marcus teamed up Jay Peg to claim the 2007 renewal in a season which saw the colt named the Equus Champion Classic Colt.
In 2010 trainer Justin Snaith landed his first Cape Guineas with Solo Traveller leading home a one-two for the stable.
Twelve months later, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racegoers witnessed the maiden Gr1 win of budding superstar miler Variety Club. The Guineas was the chestnut’s first of five Gr1
victories in a stellar career which brought with it two Horse of the Year titles and three championships, not to mention that famous Hong Kong win in the Gr1 Champions Mile.
Dean Kannemeyer’s Capetown Noir added his name to a star-studded honour roll with a visually impressive score in the 2012 renewal to give his trainer a fifth Guineas success, a tally shared by Mike de Kock, whose most recent winner Soqrat outgunned his rivals in 2018, this despite a 27-hour road trip from home base Randjiesfontein and a week off work.
Dean Kannemeyer closed out the year 2020 on a high when he claimed his sixth Guineas success with Russian Rock, a striking grey grandson of 1998 winner Jet Master.
In 2022, prize money for the Guineas was upped to a record R2-million, the bulk of which was won by budding champion Charles Dickens, the chestnut making it six wins from as many starts by blowing away a star-studded field.
The 2023 renewal nearly resulted in an upset when unfancied filly Red Palace came close to running her male rivals into submission, only to be caught late by Snow Pilot, who made it a superb double for owner-breeder Drakenstein Stud.
In 2024 the Cape Guineas was won by One Stripe, who was to go on and make history less than a month later when he became only the third horse in history to win both the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate in the same season
The first to ever do the Guineas/King’s Plate double was Convalesce (by Asbestos II out of Recuperate). He did it in the year 1948 when the King’s Plate was run on October 30. Most of the field were three-year-olds and Convalesce
only had to carry the equivalent of 48kg, whilst topweight amongst the older horses was 60.5kg.
The second to do it was the legendary In Full Flight in 1972. David Payne still rates this son of New South Wales as the best he ever trained. In the Guineas run at Milnerton on February 5 1972, Sentinel under Michael Roberts got first run on him and in one of the most famous results in the big race’s history In full Flight, under Clive Hyde, could only get up to deadheat. However, In Full Flight showed who was boss in the Queen’s Plate. He beat Sentinel
by 2,45 lengths under Raymond Rhodes with the ten-year-old stalwart William Penn beaten 4,25 lengths into third and twice Queen’s Plate winner Chichester finishing a 4,50 length fourth.
Interestingly, In Full Flight carried only 50kg and received 7kg from the older topweights, while One Stripe only received 5kg on Saturday. The race must have had other conditions attached back in 1972.
Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas looks a vintage renewal!
The Guineas Day racecard cover of 1981 had a pic of the late Kenny Michel winning on San Louis Credit: Supplied
ROYALTY RETIRES KANNEMEYER
Craig Zackey and Gimme A Prince slam the field in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
In the same week that Dean Kannemeyer bids to win a seventh Cape Guineas and an overall tenth in the ‘classic of kings’ for the half century old family operation, the veteran conditioner has announced the retirement of Khaya Stables Equus Champion Sprinter Gimme A Prince to a ‘magnificent home’.
On Saturday Gimme A Prince’ 3yo brother Gimme Rules, currently a 22-10 favourite, heads a three-pronged Dean Kannemeyer Racing onslaught on the prestigious R2 million Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas.
On Gimme a Prince’s retirement, Kannemeyer told the Sporting Post that the gelding owed them ‘absolutely nothing’ and deserved a wonderful pension after an illustrious career.
“He was one of the best we have had the privilege of training and showed his true class
in his penultimate start in the HKJC World Pool Gr1 Cape Flying Championship, when slamming a Grade 1 field by over 5 lengths at weight for age. That takes some doing. Unfortunately along with his brilliance, he was a horse that was not sound and we had to tread carefully with him, thus the low mileage on the clock. I spoke to Lady Christine Laidlaw and her Racing Manager Jehan Malherbe and told them I wasn’t 100% happy with the way he was moving. Like true horse loving people, they said let’s call it a day. He is going to a magnificent home and he leaves us with the most wonderful memories,” added Kannemeyer.
Gimme A Prince appropriately bowed out in the Khaya Stables Gr2 Diadem Stakes at the end of the 2024/25 summer season, with credentials of three Grade 1’s, including 8 wins and 8 places from 17 starts and stakes of R3 649 513.
Beautiful baby! Gimme A Prince on left with Mum Real Princess (Trippi) at Varsfontein – Lady Christine Laidlaw and her sister Patricia Woollett are alongside Dean Kannemeyer, with Khaya Racing Manager Jehan Malherbe at the rear | Credit: Supplied
Dean Kannemeyer’s extraordinary success for longstanding patrons Khaya Stables with the offspring of reigning SA Champion Broodmare Real Princess, matched with the outstanding Gimmethegreenlight, seems to have endless chapters and Hollywoodbets Durban July winner The Real Prince commences his campaign in the Ridgemont Gr2 Green Point Stakes on Saturday.
That’s with the emergence of the 3yo Gimmie Rules, who was an easy winner of the R120 000 Class 4 contest run over 1250m, as the shadows lengthened over Hollywoodbets
Durbanville on Wednesday. And the exciting news is that the next generation of Khaya royalty, a 2yo aptly named Continue The Dream, is in training at Milnerton.
“The youngster is a very different kind of horse to Gimmie Rules. He’s a lovely type, but more short-coupled. Gimmie Rules is a brute of a horse and we expect him to stay 2000m. Again, what a family and the foundation mare herself was a top notch Grade 1 winner. These don’t come around too often in a lifetime,” concluded Kannemeyer.
KIMBERLEY TO KENILWORTH
– NO QUICK STEP!
Tienie Prinsloo proudly received the WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas trophy from WSB ambassador, Piere Strydom | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
From the dusty wasteland of Kimberley in the Northern Cape to the lush environs of Hollywoodbets Kenilworth! Another chapter in the extraordinary story of a true survivor of one of the toughest professions on earth was written on Saturday when the Tienie Prinsloo-trained Vercingetorix filly Quickstepgal made every post a winning one and scored a first victory in the R1 250 000 World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas for reigning SA Champion jockey Gavin Lerena.
The never-say-die Hollywoodbets-sponsored Tienie Prinsloo won the trainer championship title in the Diamond City back in the day with just 13 horses in his string, and on Saturday saddled his maiden Grade 1 winner with a stable of 12 horses at Summerveld!
While the horseman made the move to Ashburton with the assistance of Gold Circle, at the time of the closure of Flamingo Park, and then moved on to Summerveld, he has leaned on the staunch support of men like leading owner Laurence Wernars and his partner Harry Wilson, who stuck loyal to the yard after they
purchased Quickstepgal from KZN owner Rakesh Singh at the start of this term for an undisclosed sum.
Originally a R450 000 KZN Yearling Sale graduate, Quickstepgal changed hands as a winner of 3 of her 5 starts as a 2yo, having won the Tote Gr3 Strelitzia Stakes and the Ridgemont Listed Devon Air Stakes, as well as registering a cracking second in the SplashOut Gr2 Golden Slipper behind the then undefeated Anotherdanceforme on Hollywoodbets Durban July day.
In what has been a purple out-of-province patch for KZN trainers, with a second Gr1 success in consecutive weeks after Tienie’s neighbour Frank Robinson saddled Mocha Blend to win the Betway Summer Cup at Turffontein on 29 November, Quickstepgal (101) galloped resolutely and was kept at her task by Gavin Lerena.
And, much in the same fashion as Piere Strydom rode the 2024 winner Fatal Flaw, the daughter of Vercingetorix stayed on from gun-to-tape to clock 100,14 secs and beat the gallant previously unbeaten Reet Petite (5-1) by 0,75 lengths.
Gavin Lerena has Quickstepgal in command into the latter stages | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
On a bizarrely rare frustrating day for the Snaith Racing Team to that point, the Legislate filly Wish List (25-1) bounced out of the pack to hold third ahead of Princess Of Gaul (6-1) in fourth.
Gqeberha raider Golden Palm (9-10) was never in the hunt and ran sixth, some 3,80 lengths off the winner.
Leading veteran owner Marsh Shirtliff has always dreamt of owning a Cape Fillies Guineas winner but was thrilled to stand on the podium as Quickstepgal was bred by the staunch racing man’s Greenacres Trust.
She is the second daughter of Vercingetorix (Silvano) to win the classic after Chansonette in 2021 and is out of the three-time winning Jet Master mare Victoriana. She is thus bred on the same Vercingetorix/Jet Master cross as former
top-class performers African Warrior, Padre Pio and Rascallion.
It was just over five years ago in the dark Covid-19 days of August 2020 that Tienie Prinsloo saddled his first winner in KZN when Miss Generosity won under Richard Fourie at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
At the time he told the Sporting Post that he and his wife Elsa stood on the deserted grandstand before the race and she said –“Maybe this is the race that gets our KZN dream under way?” Well, you could say the circle is now complete.
Eric Sands was thanked by the connections for looking after Quickstepgal at Milnerton.
What a day of great stories!
Tienie and Elsa Prinsloo proudly lead Quickstepgal (Gavin Lerena) in after her massive victory | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
SUPER TUESDAY! SANDOWN STUD’S
Sandown winner 1! Bavish Soodoo drives Gorgeous Bomb home | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
James Armitage and his Sandown Stud team enjoyed a remarkable day at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Tuesday with seven runners born and raised on the beautiful farm producing three winners, two seconds and a fourth.
The famous Southern African thoroughbred breeding family have been churning out the winners for many decades and with the Sandown Stud alumni including topclass gallopers of the ilk of French Navy and Magnificent Seven, and more recently Choisaanada, winner of the 2025 Highveld 3YO Winter Series, winners are part of their DNA.
“We are really thrilled and we celebrate the big and the small winners with equal joy,” said James Armitage after a day that was a great mobile billboard for his top-class establishment.
“What is really pleasing is that two of the three winners, Eventidor and Winter Waves
have shown nice ability and longevity and are now nine-time winners! It makes us so proud to see our customers enjoying success on the track,” quipped the third generation breeder as we spoke about the results.
The Alyson Wright trained Gorgeous Bomb, a daughter of Lancaster Bomber bred by Brad Bougardt and born and raised at Sandown was the first winner, followed by the Sandown bred Elusive Fort gelding, Hollywood Racing’s Eventidor, who registered his ninth career victory when prepped to the moment by Siboniso Ngcobo.
Dreamstar Racing bred the 8yo Winter Waves, who was born and raised at Sandown and registered his ninth win for Alyson Wright.
Sandown winner 2! Dezahn Louw drives Eventidor to his ninth win | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
He was chased home by his stablemate the Brad Bougardt bred Gorgeous Dude, who was also born and raised at Sandown.
Another second placer on the day was the Sandown bred Happy Fortune
who was saddled by Darryl Moore.
The Sandown bred El Rey Viene completed a red-letter strike rate day when he managed a fourth placing for Hollywood Racing and Duncan Howells behind Eventidor.
Sandown winner 3! Damyan Pillay steers Winter Waves to victory, for his ninth win! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
FROM WHAT A WINTER MARE CLASSY TITLE DEFENCE
Returning from a break of 18 weeks and having her first start for Milnerton-based Lucinda Woodruff, the top-class What A Winter mare Asiye Phambili demonstrated her class with a successful defence of her title in the R250 000 World Sports Betting Gr3 Southern Cross Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the opening Grade 1 day of the 2025/26 summer season in the Cape.
Ridden with calculated confidence by the Sporting Post-sponsored Sean Veale, Asiye Phambili (10-1) was ridden from off the gallop set by the Plattner speed queen Candy Town, and given her head at the 250m marker, the 6yo swept into the lead and easily held off a late challenge from Symphony In White (101), who could make no impression in receipt of 8 kgs.
Asiye Phambili clocked 58,89 secs for the straight 1000m and put three quarters of a length between herself and the runner-up.
She’s My World (10-1) was the first 3yo home, with the well-backed Disting (6-1) rounding off the quartet.
The previously unbeaten tote favourite Direct Hit (7-2) was in the vanguard for a long way but faded late to run sixth and 2,60 lengths off the winner.
It was a second winner on the day for the Lucky Fish-sponsored Lucinda Woodruff, who is enjoying plenty of success for Hollywood Racing.
Bred by Hemel ‘n Aarde, Asiye Phambili has won 9 of her 29 starts with 10 places and stakes of R1 493 801.
A R500 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale book 1 graduate, the winner is a daughter of four-time Gr1 winning stallion What A Winter (Western Winter) out of the six-time winning Rambo Dancer mare, Cast A Spell.
Sean Veale steers Asiye Phambili to a successful title defence | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
EYES A GRADE 1 IN 2026 STAR MARE
Hollywood Racing’s accomplished sprinter Asiye Phambili looks primed to make a huge impact on the sprinting division this season.
Asiye Phambili cruises home under Sean Veale as fourth-placed Disting (Malesela Katjedi ) finishes well Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Making her debut for the Lucinda Woodruff stable, she wasted no time in reminding punters of her talent when she launched her six-year-old campaign with a successful defence of her crown in the World Sports Betting Gr3 Southern Cross Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth by defeating paternal half-sister Symphony In White. What made her victory even more impressive is that she did it from the front whilst lugging top weight of 63,5 kg, as opposed to the runner-up’s 55,5 kg.
It was Asiye Phambili’s fourth success at Graded level, to go along with victories in the Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes and Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes.
A coveted Gr1 victory has so far eluded this daughter of What A Winter. She came closest when beaten a shorthead in last season’s Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint, after having the misfortune of losing jockey Rachel Venniker at the start of the 2023 dash. She closed out her fiveyear-old campaign with a fast-finishing third in the Mercury Sprint from a wide draw.
A R500 000 yearling purchase, Asiye Phambili has been a wonderful servant to Hollywood Racing who have managed her with great skill, considering that she has racked up plenty of miles over the past couple of seasons whilst traversing the long trek between KZN and the Western Cape.
When she’s not travelling, the mare, whose name means ‘we moving forward’, is based at Summerveld with Duncan Howells. The decision to keep Asiye Phambili in training as a six-year-old is a bold one, yet as he remarked: “She’s just a special horse, she’s evergreen. Shows you that patience bears fruit in the long run.”
Lucinda too, is in awe of the mare: “She is so easy to work with and so eager to please. She does everything you ask of her,” she told the Sporting Post.
Whether she makes her next start in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship or Gr3 Sceptre Stakes is still to be decided by the Hollywood Racing team.
Asiye Phambili is led in by Lucinda Woodruff, and Hollywood’s Devin Heffer and Ian Strangman | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
When she eventually retires to stud, Asiye Phambili will take with her a first-class pedigree as well.
By champion sprinter What A Winter, she is out of the Rambo Dancer mare Cast A Spell, who in turn is out of American import Flying Magic.
Sent to South Africa by the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, this daughter of Hansel boasts a top drawer pedigree, being out of the Danzig mare Magic Gleam, who was rated amongst the top rated three-year-old fillies of her generation. A winner of the Gr2 Child Stakes, she ran her finest races in defeat when second in the Gr1 Coronation Stakes and Gr1 Prix Jacques Le Marois.
Flying Magic was a prolific mare, producing no less than 13 foals, the best of which being Cast A Spell, who raced in the Eastern Cape with marked success, winning six races, including the Listed Breeders Guineas.
As a broodmare, Cast A Spell has made a name for herself as the dam of an impressive six black-type earners from nine winners. In addition to Asiye Phambili, she has produced Little Genie, winner of the Banyana Handicap and Gardenia Stakes; Luna Child, who emulated her dam by claiming the Breeders Guineas; Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship runner-up Trickster; Olympic Duel Stakes third Neala, and the only thorn amongst the roses, the multiple Gr2/3 placed Silvano gelding Ollivander.
Judpot daughter Little Genie has already set the tone for the next generation as the dam of Listed Spook Express Stakes winner Littlemarysunshine while her five-year-old son Aladdin’s Lamp looks a live candidate to join the ranks of stakes winners following his fluent recent win in the Betway Summer Cup Consolation.
With other daughters doing broodmare service for some of the country’s leading studs and visiting top stallions like Vercingetorix, Master Of My Fate and One World, the influence of Cast A Spell is likely to mushroom in the future.
Sean Veale shows his delight as he retuns on Asiye Phambili
Credit: Candiese Lenferna
BRING THEIR A-GAME! CHAD AND JP
A fortnight earlier Chad
Little and JP ‘Winx’ van der Merwe entertained us with a dose of drama in the Race Coast Cape Punters Cup .
On Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth the same two riders for the same two stables delivered the goods again – this time with the tough as teak Little grabbing the honours again for Woodhill Racing, but without any boardroom interference.
The memory of the Good For You – Randolph Hearst Cape Punters Cup grind and objection debate is fresh in the minds.
Holding Thumbs (Chad Little - black & white) fends off Ahead Of The Facts (JP van der Merwe) to win the Cape Summer Stayers | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
And when Holding Thumbs and the more fancied Ahead Of The Facts came together to fight out the final 250m of the R225 000 World Sports Betting Club Prive Listed Summer Stayers Handicap at a windswept Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, the stage was set for an unlikely return match.
But thankfully, that was not to be as Chad Little eked every ounce of energy out of Holding Thumbs under his 63,5kgs topweight to come again and beat the younger more fancied challenger, who carried 11kgs less –a lot of pudding over 2500m!
After drifting from 4-1 to 16-1, Holding Thumbs got the verdict by a bob of the nose
in a time of 158,77 secs to successfully defend his title
Ahead Of The Facts (1-1) was a frustrating fifth second from five races on the day for Justin Snaith, with the yard’s Triple Time (25-1) staying on for third a further 1,75 lengths back, with the gallant pacesetter Congressman (11-2) capping the quartet.
Holding Thumbs, who races in the Gary Player Stud silks in partnership. was bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein out of the Fort Wood mare Withbatedbreath and has now won 8 of his 25 starts with 9 places and earnings of R1 235 489.
AND STAYING ALL DAY!
Chad Little shows his delight after winning a thriller on Holding Thumbs | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
South African racing has long been decried for the paucity of high-class stayers and sources of stamina. The country’s breeding industry and racing program is focused around, by and large, in producing high-class sprinter milers, and horses at their best up to 2000 metres.
However, the likes of King Pelles and Holding Thumbs, to name but two from recent times, have highlighted the pleasure and profit that owning a good stayer can bring.
The gallant Holding Thumbs made it back to back wins in the WSB Club Prive Listed Cape Summer Stayers Handicap when he won the 2500m feature at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
One of two feature race winnersVercingetorix is also the sire of World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Quickstepgal- on Saturday for his champion sire, Holding Thumbs shares is one of more
than 60 stakes winners including former Equus Champion Stayer Nebraas, by the son of Silvano. This season alone, Vercingetorix has been responsible for seven black-type winners, including the graded stakes stars Quickstepgal, Princess Of Gaul, Callmegetrix, and The Ultimate King.
Both Holding Thumbs’ paternal grandsire Silvano and maternal grandsire Fort Wood proved consistent sources of classic thoroughbreds, and both made their mark in South Africa’s most famous long distance horse-race, the Gold Cup.
Silvano’s 113 stakes winners included the (then Gr1) Gold Cup winners Aslan and Wavin’ Flag, while Fort Wood’s 78 black-type winners included Equus Champion and 2007 Canon Gold Cup victor, Thundering Star.
Remarkably, no fewer than four of Fort Wood’s sons were named Champion Stayer in South Africa.
Champion sire Vercingetorix in his racing days | Credit: Supplied
Fort Wood is also damsire of the 2009 Canon Gold Cup winner Mokaro, while his champion son Dynasty sired the Gold Cup winners Ancestral Fore and It’s My Turn.
Dynasty’s champion son Futura added further to this sire line’s success story when his own champion son Future Pearl won the 2023 World Pool Gr3 Gold Cup.
Holding Thumbs is out of the three time winning Fort Wood mare Withbatedbreath, who finished runner-up, beaten just a neck, in the Listed Oaks Trial of 2015.
Bred on very similar lines to champion, and successful sire Elusive Fort, Withbatedbreath is a full-sister to 2018 Listed Woolavington Handicap winner Benjan (Fort Wood) and a half-sister to 2023 Listed Ormonde Ferraris Oaks Trial heroine, Ipso Facto (Rafeef).
Withbatedbreath, Benjan and Ipso Facto were produced by Awaited, a winning daughter
of outstanding sire, and broodmare sire, Machiavellian and Argentine champion Esperada.
The latter, a daughter of Equalize, is out of Esmerada, a full-sister to legendary champion Empress Club and half-sister to champion Ecurie and dual South African Gr1 winner Epoque. Esmerada (whose full-brother Ethique sired champion stayer Kelly) is out of outstanding broodmare Elysee, with the latter a daughter of the taproot broodmare Empiric.
Other top-class descendants of Empiric include Hermoso Mundo (Ideal World), South Africa’s Champion Stayer of 20162017, Hermoso Mundo’s champion dam Escoleta Fitz (Fitzcarraldo) and 2025 Betway Gr3 Got The Greenlight Stakes winner Greaterix. The latter is bred on similar lines to Holding Thumbs, with both horses sired by Vercingetorix.
CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE
The SAJA pupils pose for a group photo last Friday | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
The South African Jockey Academy proudly hosted its annual Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony at the Summerveld Training Centre last Friday, in the process recognising the outstanding achievements of apprentices across academic, athletic, and riding disciplines
The event was attended by Chairman of the Academy Board Mr Basil Thomas, Board Members Mr Vee Moodley, Mrs Babongile Mkhize and Mr Raf Sheik, Chief Operating Officer Mrs Tarryn Mason, and Headmaster Mr Marius Nel, along with parents, supporters, and members of the racing community.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence in remembrance of members of the Academy’s extended family who passed away
during the year. This was followed by an Opening Prayer from Apprentice Blaine MarxJacobson and the traditional Ode to the Horse delivered by Apprentice Savanna Valjalo.
Addresses by Chairman Basil Thomas and COO Tarryn Mason highlighted the dedication, growth, and perseverance shown by the apprentices.
National Riding Master Mr Robert Moore presided over the Riding Awards, which honoured exemplary performance, improvement, and commitment in the saddle.
EQASA Module Achievements:
• Gylann Sham – EQASA Module 1
• Wilmien Fourie – EQASA Module 2
• Fezile Ngobese – EQASA Modules 1 & 2
SAJA Board Chairman Basil Thomas delivers his address | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Special Riding Awards
• Athinesh Boolkah – Justin Bircher Trophy (Most Improved Athlete), presented by Tanne Smith of Justin Bircher & Associates
• Bongani Makhubo – EQASA Module 1 & Elizabeth Jonsson Trophy (Top Grade 11 EQASA Results)
• Elrico Sesingi – EQASA Modules 1 & 2 & Greg Holme Trophy (Top Grade 10 EQASA Results)
• Qiniso Ngcobo – EQASA Modules 1 & 2 & Keri Strachan Excellence in Nutrition and Weight Award
• Divesh Ramkhalawon – EQASA Module 1 & Ben Jonsson Trophy (Outstanding Values & Conduct)
• Savanna Valjalo – EQASA Modules 1 & 2;
Amanda Jonsson Trophy (Top Post-Matric EQASA Results); Lindsay Family Floating Trophy (Most Riding Progress – 1st Year); Rakesh Jeewanlall Award (Conduct & Improvement)
• Dezahn Louw – Shoe Shac Trophy (Most Riding Progress – 2nd Year); Oric Pretorius Trophy (Esprit d’corps); Ronald Khumalo Cash Prize; Saint Sebastian Trophy (Honesty & Integrity)
The prestigious Robbie Thompson Award, presented by Debbie Govender of Robbie T Horseracing, recognised apprentices who consistently displayed exceptional courtesy and manners. The 2025 recipients were Dezahn Louw and Blaine Marx-Jacobson.
Visiting apprentice Nichola Yuen is seen with Craig du Plooy, Colinda Austin and Brevan Plaatjies Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Senior Riding Awards
• Damyan Pillay – Justin Bircher Athlete of the Year Trophy
• Mxolisi Mbuto – Bennie Norton Trophy (Success Against All Odds)
• Iannish Taka – SAJA Ambassador Trophy (accepted on his behalf by Head Riding Master Martin Ball)
Academic Awards
Headmaster Mr Marius Nel presented the Academic Awards, honouring top achievers across mainstream academics and specialist equine studies.
• Qiniso Ngcobo – Racing and Equestrian Floating Trophy (Top Grade 10 Aggregate)
• Bongani Makhubo – Racing and Equestrian Floating Trophy (Top Grade 11 Aggregate)
• Mxolisi Mbuto – Certificate for achieving over 75% in isiZulu FAL
• Blaine Marx-Jacobson – Over 75% in Life Orientation & Nicky Armstrong Proxime Accessit Trophy (Second Highest Grade 12 Results)
• Jacey Botes – Over 75% in Life Orientation & Afrikaans FAL; Half-Colours Academic
• Fezile Ngobese, Divesh Ramkhalawon, Wilmien Fourie – Certificates in Introduction to Equine Studies
• Wilmien Fourie – Summerveld Equine Hospital Trophy (Dedication & Excellence in Equine Studies)
The Hollywood Foundation plays an integral role and here Brand & Communications Manager Devin Heffer delivers his inspiration | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Team Award
The Vinay Harry Inter-House Trophy was awarded to Lambert House, recognising excellence in academics, sport, professionalism, and participation in special events. Representing the house were:
Ruding Master Rocky Agrella, Divesh Ramkhalawon, Eduan Muller, Elrico Sesingi, Jacey Botes, Mxolisi Mbuto, and Wilmien Fourie.
Major Awards 2025
National Riding Master Mr Robert Moore presented the Academy’s highest honours:
• The Elevation Trophy awarded to Apprentice Brevan Plaatjies (National Champion Apprentice)
• The Headmaster’s Trophy awarded to Apprentice Savanna Valjalo (Courage, Determination & Perseverance)
• The Apprentice Challenge Trophy awarded to Apprentice James Lihaba ( Apprentice who accumulated the most points during the Apprentice Races )
• The McDonald Trophy awarded to Apprentice Jacey Botes (Outstanding Jockeyship, Courtesy, Horsemanship, Integrity & Conduct)
• The Nicky Armstrong Dux Trophy awarded to Apprentice Jacey Botes (Top Grade 12 Academic Achiever)
NHA CEO Vee Moodley and Race Coast’s Raf Sheik attended the awards | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
SRC Announcements 2026
Headmaster Mr Marius Nel proudly announced the 2026 Student Representative Council
• Dezahn Louw
• Head Boy 2026: Damyan Pillay
Apprentice Damyan Pillay delivered the Final Vote of Thanks, followed by a closing prayer from Apprentice Fezile Ngobese.
The South African Jockey Academy extended sincere appreciation to all families, sponsors, and industry stakeholders for their unwavering support in developing South Africa’s next generation of professional riders.
“We are immensely proud of every apprentice who has worked tirelessly this year,” said Headmaster Mr Marius Nel. “Their resilience, passion, and commitment to excellence promise a bright future for the racing industry.”
Robert Moore hands Jacey Botes his award | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
LEAGUE OF HIS OWN THE GREY’S IN A
Sandown joy! Il Etait Temps connections Lesley Heffer, Belinda Kieswetter, Paul Townend and Topsy Squarey - groom
Luke Turner is on right in background in blue jacket – enjoy the outstanding performance | Credit: Supplied
On a memorable weekend in both hemispheres for the Kieswetter and Heffer families, the Hollywood Racing and Barnane Stud -raced Il Etait Temps boosted his burgeoning following amongst racing fans in the UK and South Africa, and claimed a sixth Gr1 victory with a dazzling win in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the seven-year-old favourite cruised to victory by nine lengths to claim a seventh win in nine chase starts. The top-notch Jonbon, who won the past two editions, was second and L’Eau Du Sud third.
Jockey Paul Townend told ITV Racing: “Il Etait Temps is living up to all the promise he showed as a young horse. He’s so straightforward now and so tough.”
A fourth defeat in his last five starts for a horse who was 17 from 17 away from Cheltenham as recently as April has left Nicky Henderson strongly considering a step up in trip for runner-up Jonbon.
Henderson conceded Jonbon had gone out on his shield in finishing nine lengths behind the Willie Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps. “The Ascot Chase is an option, but the Clarence House is there as well. I don’t know what Willie’s thinking, he’s probably got six for it, but we might have something else sat in the background, you never know.”
Henderson was full of praise for the winner and added: “We’re not going to beat him [Il Etait Temps] over two miles at the moment. We thought after the Celebration he was at the end of a long season and he [Il Etait Temps] was fresh, but the winner has proved that over two miles he’s a sharper horse now. He beat us last season, but Jonbon has proved there it wasn’t because he was tired.
We thought after the Celebration he was at the end of a long season and he [Il Etait Temps] was fresh, but the winner has proved that over two miles he’s a sharper horse now.”
Il Etait Temps’s joint-owner Wayne Kieswetter, father to World Cup-winning England cricketer Craig Kieswetter, said: “Jonbon has been a champion in his own right and to come and do that is stellar for us. We don’t see ourselves as giant-slayers but hopefully we can get there. I think he might go to Leopardstown [for the Dublin Racing Festival] and from there we always hope for Cheltenham. We’ve been more lucky than we should have over jumps. This is his sixth Grade 1 and we’ve had three others from only six jumpers – long may it last.”
Coral cut Il Etait Temps to 5-2 favourite (from 5-1) for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, while Paddy Power went 4-1 (from 6) for the same race.
Il Etait Temps is now seven from nine over fences and, due in part to not having done it yet at the festival – although Townend disputed the suggestion he may not be as effective there – and the sense others within Closutton may burn brighter, Townend has been on board for just four of those nine chase starts. He has been something of a slow burn on the consciousness of racing fans.
The Racing Post suggested – ‘It is about time we realise just how good this horse is!’
Ridgemont’s Craig Kieswetter told the Sporting Post that the enjoyment and thrills provided by a soldier of a horse like Il Etait Temps had been mirrored in South Africa.
“Reet Petite ran a fantastic race in the WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and she looks really
special! It was a fabulous two days between Sandown, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and Turffontein and may the great form continue,” he added.
A half hour earlier at a windy Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in Cape Town, the Ridgemont Stud-bred Rafeef filly Reet Petite came into the WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas undefeated in three starts, and the jointly least experienced galloper in the field. But her class shone brifgrran a cracker off a slowpace to get within three quarters of a length of winner Quickstepgal, who dictated off the modest pace. “She’s exciting and just lacked a bit of pace and experience when the winner bounced clear. There is plenty to come,” assured Ridgemont’s former SA champion jockey Richard Fourie.
Earlier in the afternoon Fourie partnered the very exciting Ridgemont-bred One World colt Give It Laldy to victory.
In the very next race, Rafeef’s son Signor Dante produced a post-maiden pearler when he went start to finish for trainer James Crawford and owners Ross Kieswetter, Lance Sherrell, Gwen MacGregor & Delma Sherrell.
Hollywood Racing were on the mark in the World Sports Betting Gr3 Southern Cross Stakes when the tough-as-teak 6yo mare Asiye Phambile successfully defended her title in the feature sprint.
At Turffontein on Sunday, Ridgemont bred a Canford Cliffs double when the De Kocktrained Miami Mountain made it 3 wins in 5 starts, while the Clint Binda-trained Old Fashioned made it two on the trot when the duo won for Hollywood Racing.
Please read more on page 108.
Il Etait Temps – no stopping the champ! | Credit: Supplied
SETS SIGHTS ON CAPE RACING’S ROYAL MILE EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN
Reigning Equus Horse of the Year Eight
On Eighteen will not take his place in the Ridgemont Green Point Stakes on 13 December.
In a media release on Friday evening (05 December), trainer Justin Snaith confirmed the decision, citing fitness levels that are “not at an acceptable mark” for a first-up run at that level.
Instead, the colt will head straight into the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate on 10 January
2026, with a public grass gallop scheduled beforehand as his final prep.
British Champion jockey Oisín Murphy, who has been booked to ride, commented: “Cape Town’s biggest stage, Horse of the Year, world-class trainer—sign me up!”
“His main mission will be the WSB Cape Town Met double, but I’d love him to deliver a huge effort in his first attempt at the L’Ormarins King’s Plate,” said an upbeat Justin Snaith.
Oisin Murphy (far right) and Lizzy and Bjorn Nielsen, with Snaith Racing’s Tap Shoes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Credit: Wayne Marks
TO MAGIC MUZI! HATS OFF
Muzi Yeni enjoyed a profitable Friday at Fairview with four winners, including success in the afternoon’s headliner, the R175 000 Non Black-Type Founders Trophy.
A former multiple Northern Cape Champion, the hardworking Stone Stamcor-sponsored Yeni firmed his hold on the fourth place on the national log with 56 winners, booting home a double apiece for Glen Kotzen and Kelly Mitchley, to ride the jackpot.
After stalking the pacesetting Final Try and Joker Man, Yeni got Hat’s Pride (17-10) in the right position and he went on to beat Joker Man (40-1) by a quarter length in a time of 94,48 secs for the polytrack mile.
The runner-up’s more fancied stablemate Guy Gibson (28-10) was a further 1,25 lengths back in third.
Raced in partnership by Glen Kotzen and Rob Macnab, Hat’s Pride was bred by Summerhill Equestrian and is a son of Hat Puntano (Hat Trick) out of the Mambo In Seattle two-time winner Mambonick.
A stakes-placed 5yo, Hat’s Pride has won 3 races with 12 places from 29 starts for stakes of R430 981.
While the Alan Greeff team endured a rare blank day, Juan Nel and Smanga Khumalo enjoyed a double.
• The next Gqeberha meeting is scheduled for the polytrack on Friday 12 December.
Muzi Yeni and Hat’s Pride win Fairview’s Friday feature | Credit: Pauline Herman
QUICKSTEPGAL STEPS UP TO 115
Quickstepgal has earned a revised merit rating of 115, rising from 109, after her impressive victory in the World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
In assessing the race, the Handicappers identified Princess Of Gaul as the most appropriate line horse, and accordingly her rating remains unchanged at 110.
In addition to the winner, several other runners received increases to their merit ratings:
• Reet Petite’s rating was increased to 113 (from 94) for finishing 1.75 lengthsequivalent to 3 points - ahead of the 110 rated line horse.
• Wish List, who finished 0.5 lengths (1point) ahead of the same line horse, was raised to 111, up from 103.
• Lowveld Lily received an increase, rising to 108 from 105.
• Call Me Secret was raised to 105, ensuring she is at least level with Keukenhof, whom she narrowly defeated in this event.
• Lastly, Tulip Fields was adjusted upward to 95.
World Sports Betting Gr3 Southern Cross Stakes
Asiye Phambili has had her official merit rating increased to 119, up from 116, following her victory in the World Sports Betting Gr3 Southern
Cross Stakes over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The Handicappers believed that the runner up, Symphony In White, was the ideal line horse to assess this race, and her rating remains unchanged on 103.
There were no further upward adjustments; however, three horses received merit rating reductions:
• Candy Town was lowered to 104 from 105
• Artiste was reduced to 90 from 92
• Wild Wild Green also received a downward adjustment, dropping to 93 from 95
World Sports Betting Club Prive Listed Cape Summer
Stayers Handicap
The official merit rating for Holding Thumbs has been raised to 117, up from 113, following his victory in the World Sports Betting Club Prive Listed Cape Summer Stayers Handicap over 2500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
In assessing the race, the Handicappers identified the third placed runner, Triple Time, as the most suitable line horse, leaving his rating unchanged on 108.
The runner up, Ahead Of The Facts, was the only other horse to receive a rating adjustment, with his merit rating increasing to 97, up from 94.
• Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 09 December 2025.
IS FASTEST 400M TO FINISH KANNEMEYER FILLY
The World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas run over 1600m topped the bill on the Summer course at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday and in what proved to be a slowly run affair, the Vercingetorix filly Quickstepgal scored a pillar to post victory.
She broke quickly when the gates opened and with nobody else wanting to go, she was soon in command of a strung-out field.
The pace she then set under a tight hold was a sedate one. Indeed, between the 1000m & 600m markers they were almost 2 seconds slower than the two 1400m events that followed. The leader was given rein shortly after passing the 400m marker when challenged by Storm Watch and quickly asserted her authority. The always handy Reet Petite chased hard in the closing stages of the race, but try as she might, she couldn’t make any impression.
The odds on favourite Golden Palm couldn’t find a clear passage when the race began in earnest and although she was running on strongly at the finish she couldn’t make the frame. Running on from the back alongside Golden Palm over the final 200m was Keukenhof who had raced at the back. She recorded the fastest 400m to finish time in the race.
The Listed World Sports Betting Club Prive Cape Summer Stayers Handicap over 2500m had been the first of the afternoon’s three feature races to be run and here we saw a gutsy performance from last seasons’ winner HOLDING THUMBS.
Heavily burdened with 63,5kg here, the runner up in all of the Gr3 KZN Derby, the Gr3 Gold Vase, and the Gr3 Gold Cup last season, was allowed to drift in the betting market as if a win was out of the question (4/1 out to 16/1). He was always handy off a steady pace set by Congressman here and responded well when that one quickened going through the 700m.
The whole field moved towards the outside rail at the top of the straight and passing the 500m mark less than 2,5 lengths covered all except one. The son of Vercingetorix put his head in front at the 200m marker and was joined 100m later by the lightly weighted favourite Ahead Of The Facts (52kg), who had tracked him throughout. Holding Thumbs gave his all below the distance, and in what proved to be an absolute thriller, he only held off the son of Futura by the narrowest of margins.
Going: Good (both tracks)
Penetrometer: 22 (both tracks)
Rain: Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 1mm
Irrigation: Last 24 hours 10mm – Last 7 days 55mm
False Rail: Original position back straight with 1,5m spur at 600m
Wind: 30-36km/h South Easterly cross wind
Course Variant: 0,04s slow (straight) – 0,97s fast (bend)
Amazingly, last seasons’ winner, (also under 63,5kg here), ASIYE PHAMBILI did the same in the WORLD Sports Betting Southern Cross Stakes over 1000m.
Last season’s seventh place finisher Candy Town fairly flew when the gates opened and set a fast pace. The winner meanwhile raced in the backend of midfield and was easily six lengths adrift at halfway. She was ridden to lead approaching the 100m marker and ran on strongly in the closing stages of the race to beat the luckless Symphony In White by three quarters.
The runner-up had raced behind the Western Winter mare and after shopping for a clear passage she only saw daylight approaching the 200m marker. She ran on best of all in the closing stages of the race and did well to get as close as she did. The fastest 400m to finish time in this race was recorded by Disting. She ran on from the back to finish fourth.
The two 1200m races were both maiden events and in the faster of these, the Neville Isdell Maiden Plate , the strongly fancied
GIVE IT LALDY opened his account at just the second time of asking. Sent off favourite at even money, the One World colt broke well and was soon positioned in second just a length off the pace.
He put his head in front going through the 400m, and after responding quickly when given a few taps 150m out, he went on to score with authority by a length and three quarters. Trainer Lucinda Woodruff has made no secret of the fact that she rates Give It Laldy very highly.
Backed all the way in to 18/10 favourite from 10/1 to win the In Memory Of Jack Mitchell C Stakes over 1800m , MIAMI SUMMER (slow into stride) recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon when running on strongly late to finish fifth. Miami Summer had been positioned at the back at the top of the straight.
Fastest Times:
1000m (3) Asiye Phambili 58,89
1200m (2) Give It Laldy 73,86
1400m (2) Touched By Angels 85,61
400m-finish Miami Summer 21,78
ALL OF THE ACTION UNDER ONE UMBRELLA
NHA CALENDAR
The Sporting Post presents this week’s National Horseracing Authority Calendar. The calendar is a summary of the past week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information.
Please click on the image below:
FRESU FLIES IN FOR JET-PROPELLED EL NASSEEB
Group 1 winning jockey Antonio Fresu is based in California these days, but he still rides Meydan Racecourse as well as ever.
The Italian guided El Nasseeb to victory in the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint [sponsored by Al Tayer], the feature race on Friday’s Dubai Racing Carnival card.
In truth, El Nasseeb probably didn’t need much guiding. Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s fouryear-old faced a hot field, including Gr1 winner Dark Saffron and multiple Gr3 winner Mufasa, but was able to settle just behind a pace battle and pounce when the leaders began to tire.
He unleashed his effort at the 400metre marker, led inside the final 200 and powered clear for a three and a half length win over Colour Up.
“When races go like this, I don’t mind taking dirt,” said a kickback-spattered Fresu, who was stable jockey to Al Mheiri prior to moving to the US two years ago.
“I watched all his races and he goes really well fresh but doesn’t have the early speed against those super-fast horses.
“I tried to save some ground around the turn and tip him out when he was ready. As soon
Antonio Fresu guides El Nasseeb to victory | Credit: DRC
as he switched his lead, he found another gear and he finished up really nicely. I think he’s a really nice horse, so let’s see what the future holds for him.”
Father and son training duo Simon and Ed Crisford collected their first win of the season thanks to a gritty display from Telemark in the 1400metre Ford Handicap.
The Night Of Thunder gelding was having his first run on dirt but got there when it mattered, beating longtime leader Khanjar by a quarter of a length, in the hands of William Buick.
“He took a lot of kickback early and I was worried the leaders would get away, but credit to the horse, he stayed with them,” said Ed Crisford. “He didn’t have the cleanest run in the straight, but when he got out you could see him motoring.
“It’s his first run on the dirt, so I’m very pleased. He’s a tough little horse and he battled well.”
A winner on debut, Union Security was well fancied to defy a penalty in the opening Lincoln Aviator two-year-old Conditions race but never traveled with the same fluency. The win went to Six Speed, third behind him last time, who traveled up with the leader Miss Yechance throughout and cleared away from that rival by a length and three-quarters at the line. Tadhg O’Shea was onboard the son of Not This Time for trainer Bhupat Seemar.
“He’s been training really well but in his first race he fluffed the start and then ran out of gas,” said Seemar. “This time he was well schooled, and the gate crew has done a great job.
“His homework was so good that we expected him to run better first time out, but he’s put it to bed this time with a bit more experience.
“He does have a lot of speed – that’s why he’s called Six Speed – but hopefully his stamina can at least stretch to the [UAE 2000] Guineas.”
O’Shea and Seemar collected a quick double when Lino Padrino ran out the impressive debut winner of race two, the Lincoln Maiden, over 1400metres.
Charlie Appleby’s Ruler Of Time was sent off the hot favourite but never quite handled things as Lino Padrino cruised to a four-length victory over the fast-closing Awesome Fleet.
“He trialed well but was slow away in the trial and it was the same tonight,” said O’Shea. “I kept him wide to the 800metres, then he really jumped out at the 600metres, then it was just hands and heels riding.
“I’ve said all along you won’t see the best of him until he goes two turns. I’ll leave it to the trainer but maybe he will work back from the UAE Derby and take in an Al Bastakiya en route.”
Two soon became three for Seemar and O’Shea when their new recruit Welcome Dream battled home in the 1200metre Ford Mustang Handicap.
Previously trained by Doug Watson, Welcome Dream was quickly across from his wide draw in 11 and led all the way, pulling out more when Sir Harmony challenged in the straight. He then had just enough left to hold off Don Pacifico, who rattled home for an eye-catching second, just missing out by a head. “Tadhg was moaning about all the bad
draws but now it’s fallen into place he’ll be a happier jockey!” said Seemar.
“There’s a lot of teamwork in place and thanks to Sheikh Abdul Aziz [bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, owner] for sending me the horse. I thought he was a bit short [of fitness] tonight, as he had a little niggle when he came in, so hopefully there’s some improvement left.”
Seemar and O’Shea were denied a four-timer in the Ford Mach-E Handicap when Norato just got there just in time to deny their Gray Boss in a thrilling finish.
It was two in a row for Julio Olascoaga’s grey, who arrived with big powerful strides to deny
Gray Boss and Military Artist by half a length
“He’s a horse who has improved since his last run and we thought he had a good chance, said the reigning UAE Champion Jockey. “I felt he was a bit fitter and the tempo of the race was hotter than last time. He gets a mile well and could go further.”
and two lengths, under Silvestre De Sousa.
Book Review likes nothing more than being able to dominate a race and Salem bin Ghadayer’s reliable eight-year-old did just that in the penultimate Lincoln Navigator Handicap, over 2000metres.
Ridden by Bernardo Pinheiro, he bounced straight into the lead and was never really challenged, winning by two lengths from Moon Blade.
“He’s a lovely old horse, he’s won a lot of races here,” said Pinheiro after the gelding’s fifth course success. “It’s spectacular how Salem and the team keep him fresh. Last time he went very hard in front, but today he found a softer lead which is what he needs.”
The closing 1600metre Ford Expedition Maiden went to the Ahmad bin Harmashtrained Honest Moon who grabbed a good position just behind the pace and took control in the straight. Ridden by Saif Al Balushi, the Listed Al Bastakiya third registered a convincing four and a quarter length win over leader Elusive Trevor.
• Meydan races next on Friday 12 December, when the Gr2 Madjani Stakes is the feature.
HISTORY DAWSON SISTERS
WRITE THEIR CHAPTER
A chapter of racing history was written at Turffontein on Sunday when the Hollywoodbets-sponsored Candice and Tammy Dawson saddled three runners and in the process became the first ever sister partnership to train in South Africa.
The fairer sex sibling combination in racing is a rare occurrence, and this was demonstrated when North Yorkshire-based sisters Sam and Jacqueline Coward made headlines in the UK in July this year after they became the first siblings to hold a combined training licence.
A Gr1 winning conditioner who made up her mind about her career path when joining the powerful Geoff Woodruff yard 26 years ago, Candice Dawson saddled recent feature winners Trust, who won the Jackpot City Gr2 Dingaans, and Whistle The Tune (Betway Listed
OF
National Colour Stakes), and told the Sporting Post on Saturday that it was ‘all systems go’ for her and Tammy and their 48 strong string at Randjesfontein.
“We are really looking forward to taking on the challenge in an exciting time for SA horseracing,” said Candice, who between her and Tammy have worked together for many years and are two of our most accomplished horsewomen.
Between them, the sisters who loved Summerveld from the days that their Dad had horses with Herman Brown, have worked with some of the illustrious names of the 21st century, including the likes of Jet Master, El Picha, Eventuail, Promisefrommyheart and Vercingetorix.
Thrilled Trust connections after the Jackpot City Gr2 Dingaans win, included Annie, Larry Nestadt, Trust’s Groom Thobile, Gary Player, Serino Moodley, Tammy and Candice Dawson, Lindsay Ralphs, Physio Carey and long-serving Shepard | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Tammy also worked for Geoff Woodruff for over a decade, and Mike de Kock for 5 years.
So the pedigree and experience is there!
Asked how they get along as sisters, Candice smiled and said: “We are normal sisters, and
further united in our love of the horse!”
The Dawson’s first ever runner Power Of Pearls ran third.
We wish them well.
OF TRAINER FRANK ROBINSON INSIDE THE LIFE AND PHILOSOPHY
In racing, fairy tales rarely arrive on cue, but trainer Frank Robinson wrote his own in the 2025 R6 million Betway Gr1 Summer Cup on Saturday, 29 November at Turffontein.
A loner by nature and a horseman by instinct, Robinson watched his 100-1 outsider Mocha Blend (Ideal World) deliver a victory as sweet as its name, giving him his first Gr1 success, achieved in Africa’s richest race, and with his first runner trained for the storied Oppenheimer family.
There is an old adage in racing: “You don’t find a good horse, it finds you!”
Robinson had met Jessica Jell (then Slack) at his Summerveld stables when he was caretaker trainer for Cape-based Brett Crawford in 2015 and Jessica owned a share of Crawford’s classic prospect, Maybe Yes.
“Jessica came around to see her filly and we had a chat. We saw each other just a few times after that. Nine years later, Steven Jell phoned me out of the blue to ask if I’d be interested in training Mocha Blend. Wow, as if I was ever going to say, no! I felt very privileged, even more so when Mocha Blend arrived at the yard. She was smashing, I liked her from the day I first laid eyes on her.”
Betway’s Jonathan Blumberg and Summerveld trainer Frank Robinson | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Having worked with dozens of high-quality fillies in his long career, including Bold West, Jungle Class, Fanciful, Olma and Chocolicious, Robinson suspected that Mocha Blend was not an ordinary specimen, and told his new patrons as much. “She turned out a bit in front but was otherwise perfect, with a beautiful temperament.”
Mocha Blend finished third, first-up, and then won two races off the bat late in 2024. After that she placed in three features during the KZN Summer Season, performing with much promise.
But Robinson raced her sparingly and explained: “The tracks are hard in winter. Mocha Blend had some issues with her legs,
so I took it easy with her. She was a bit light too, had some maturing to do. But when spring came around, she started blossoming and filled out. She has been sound as a bell this season. Every time I feel her knees after a gallop they are cold as a fridge. No heat, no trouble.”
Mocha Blend had two prep runs into the Summer Cup, including a fast-finishing second to Kisshoten in the Listed Syringa Handicap over 1600m.
Robinson recalled: “On paper that didn’t look good enough to make her a serious contender. Jehan Malherbe phoned me to discuss the fact that off her 105-rating she’d be running several pounds under
Mocha Blend stays on to win the 2025 Betway Summer Cup
sufferance. I told him that she was much better than her merit rating, that she was approaching her best and that the long straight at Turffontein’s standside track would allow her to settle, find her rhythm and run on.
“That, to our delight, is exactly how things panned out. If you watch the replay, you’ll see how Mocha Blend builds up her run in the straight, coming from near last. She got a bit tight on the fence behind The Equator and The Ultimate King and had to switch out to get a clear passage, which adds more merit to her win. My heart pounced when I saw Olivia’s Way running hard at us at the finish, but Mocha Blend held on. She was courageous!”
This breakthrough gave the stable a whopping stakes boost and propelled Robinson into the Top 5 on the National Log — a fitting reward for a man whose gentle demeanour and quiet dedication to animals have long spoken louder than he ever does.
That he was bizarrely and opportunistically maligned in media releases by the National Horseracing Authority in 2020 and earlier this year, would have made this success even more gratifying.
Click on the image below to read the full story…
KEEPS UPPING HIS GAME! ‘IRON HORSE’
Il Etait Temps (Paul Townend) – winner of the Gr1 Betfair Tingle Creek | Credit: Supplied
Il Etait Temps won the Gr1 Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday for owners Hollywood Racing and Barnane Stud.
Ten-time Grade 1 winner Jonbon had won the last two renewals but defeat at the hands of Il Etait Temps in the course and distance Celebration Chase in April and to L’Eau Du Sud in the Shloer Chase on his reappearance resulted in him jumping off the 3/1 second favourite.
His younger rival Il Etait Temps was the well-backed 8/11 favourite and he tracked Jonbon and L’Eau Du Sud through the early exchanges as outsiders Boothill and Libberty Hunter trailed.
The field largely jumped well with Jonbon, in first time cheekpieces, taking them along until the Pond Fence where he still held a marginal advantage.
Rounding the final turn jockey Paul Townend gave Il Etait Temps his head and the grey quickened up stylishly on Jonbon’s inside, edging into a clear lead.
Jonbon refused to go down without a fight and was almost alongsides at the second last but Il Etait Temps was travelling much the better, landed running and eased two or three lengths clear approaching the last.
An energetic leap at the last by the Irish raider was met by applause from favourite backers in the crowd and the Willie Mullins inmate was nine-lengths superior at the line from a gallant Jonbon with a further nine lengths back to a disappointing L’Eau Du Sud in third.
Representing Barnane Stud, Wayne Kieswetter Barnane Stud told Racing TV: “It’s a horse of a lifetime, isn’t it? This is his sixth
Grade 1 now so what can you say? These fellows don’t come along that often.”
“We love this horse. He’s small but he’s actually maturing and becoming better and better which is nice to see.”
When asked about running plans between now and the Cheltenham Festival, Kieswetter was happy to leave that to the trainer, replying: “We’ll leave that to Willie the Wizard.”
“I think we might go to Leopardstown and then, from there, we always hope for Cheltenham, that’s the only box he hasn’t ticked yet, and if all goes well, we might get to Cheltenham.”
Townend was interviewed on the way back to the winner’s enclosure on ITV Racing and said: “He answered every question I asked him today.”
“I feel a bit silly for not picking him so many times in his career but thankfully we’re getting on him now and he’s living up to all the promise he showed as a young horse.”
“He went through the race really, really easily today and because he’s relaxed so much now you can do what you want with him. In years gone past you’d be afraid to ask him for a jump early in case you set him alight and you wouldn’t get him back but he’s so straightforward now and so tough.”
Jonbon’s trainer Nicky Henderson said: “When the winner beat us here last year it was at the end of a long season but today proves that over two miles, he is a sharper horse than we are. You have to be tempted to look at going over further with him now. But let’s just see.”
Il Etait Temps completed a 6/4 double for odds-on backers after Lulamba’s emphatic success on a tight rein in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Chase.
The four-year-old was taken off his feet in the early stages, but once he found his rhythm towards the back of the field, he looked to be travelling in good style. On what was just his second chase start Lulamba moved into contention down the back and cruised into a decisive lead after the second-last.
From there jockey Nico de Boinville could be seen sitting motionless and glancing at the big screen looking for his opposition that were trailing in behind.
“It’s always been a question of how good he could be?” Nicky Henderson, Lulamba’s trainer, said. “We didn’t learn a lot over hurdles. He was a bit unlucky not to win a Triumph Hurdle [in March] but this was always going to be his game whether it was now or we waited another year.”
CONGRATULATIONS TRISTAN!
Sporting Post-sponsored jockey Tristan Godden received a R25 000 bonus at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Friday evening after his career milestone first G rade 1 victory on Mocha Blend in the Betway Summer Cup on 29 November. Hollywoodbets’ James Rich officiated at the ceremonial handover. Candiese Lenferna took the photograph.
RYAN MOORE IS
IJC CHAMPION!
Ryan Moore delivered a timely reminder of his world-leading status with a supreme performance to land a third LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC)
in a thrilling contest which remained wide open right up to its conclusion at Happy Valley yesterday.
With four riders tied in the lead heading into the last of the four rounds with 12 points under a scoring format of 12 points for a win, six points for second and four points for third, it was just the kind of competitive event the evening was designed for.
Hugh Bowman, Moore and William Buick already had a winner apiece while Zac Purton’s two second places kept him in the hunt. Others lurked with the potential to take the overall prize with victory in the final leg over 1200 metres.
Moore saved the best until last on the appropriately-named Triumphant More (130lb) in the 4th Leg, who was closer to last than first turning for home but threaded his way through the field to score by three-quarters of a length from Umberto Rispoli and Tourbillon Golfer (121lb).
Moore, previously a LONGINES IJC winner in 2009 and 2010 and a four-time recipient of the LONGINES World’s Best Jockey award, had been sidelined due to a stress fracture in his femur since late August and returned to race riding only last week.
“I’m very fortunate to have been coming back here for so many years and it’s a long time since I last won it,” said Moore, who won the 2nd Leg on front-runner Corleone (134lb) over 1650m for Caspar Fownes.
“It’s fortunate I had two very good rides today and it worked out nicely for me. I’m just thankful to be coming back here and I had the luck tonight.”
Buick, who finished joint runner-up with Bowman with both jockeys earning HK$200,000, had been delighted to reach a milestone in the 1st Leg over 1000m.
His mount Bunta Baby (123lb) was without a victory in 11 previous starts in Hong Kong, for all that he had shown the potential to get off the mark particularly with a fast-finishing second over course and distance last time.
Manfred Man’s charge came with a late challenge and passed Purton and Beauty Thunder (126lb) shortly before the line.
“It’s my first winner at Happy Valley, so I’m very happy to have achieved it,” Buick said.
“He was coming off the back of a good run last time and was one of my better chances on the night so it’s great to get it done.”
Bowman had not featured heavily with his first two rides but seized the moment in the 3rd Leg over 1650 metres. His mount, David Eustace-trained Silvery Breeze (131lb), needed to wait for an opening in the straight but picked up stylishly to power past Purton and Flying Fortress (134lb).
“It was very important actually for the way things were going,” Bowman said. “He was knocking on the door, his recent form has been very consistent and he got the set-up to suit him this evening.”
Fownes won the LONGINES IJC trainers’ bonus with 16 points on countback from Cody Mo. Fownes earned HK$300,000 for the win, while Mo received HK$125,000 while third place prize of HK$75,000 was shared by Eustace, Lor and Man, who all scored 12 points.
Four-time Hong Kong champion jockey Joao Moreira knows the Happy Valley bends as well as any and was touched by the reception from the crowd as he claimed the first two races on the undercard for Fownes-trained Family Fortune (123lb) in the Class 5 Ventris Handicap (1650m) and Lucky Generations (118lb) in the Class 5 Morrison Hill Handicap (1200m).
“Even before the race before I got on the horse’s back, people started cheering and all the hard work I’ve done here in Hong Kong, it’s still being appreciated by a lot of people and that means a lot to me,” he said. “Everything that I’ve put in, it was worth it.”
Trainers Francis Lui, Danny Shum and Michael Chang all posted winners on the undercard, along with jockeys Luke Ferraris, Keith Yeung and Bowman.
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday 14 December with the HK$130 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.
The Hon Martin Liao GBM GBS JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, presents a silver whip and cheque for HK$600,000 to Ryan Moore | Credit: HKJC
T R A I NER S Name
6,018,981 4,450,444 4,022,069 3,906,638 10,571,983 8,252,452 6,883,138 7,443,134 6,140,699 J O CK E YS results up to: 2025-12-11
S I RE S
4,093,500 3,164,688 3,396,844 2,713,438 3,797,938 6,857,313 4,956,275 4,740,215 4,312,913 4,135,163
8,195,868 6,139,110 4,573,301 4,282,704
11,855,600 7,603,844 5,516,269 5,419,716 5,335,056
