A ROYAL ROMP!
ROYAL TIME! A RIGHT
06
Royal Ascot ‘26
Five fantastic days
20 Equus 2026
The latest logs
25
Hollywoodbets Durban July
Not long to go!
110
SA-Bred Lights Up USA Magic in Motion!
118
Speed Star Steps Out
‘Isi’ runs at Laurel Park
On the cover
That’s the back of 20-year-old Billy Loughnane after landing his first Royal Ascot Group 1 win on Tuesday in the £700 000 St James’s Palace Stakesdespite ‘not one of my finest rides’, as he termed it. In the rematch between the 2000 Guineas first and second, Bow Echo kept his unbeaten record intact after a photo-finish with Gstaad. Image courtesy of Royal Ascot.
Read more on page 30.
Issue: 23/2026
MZANSI’S FLASHES OF BRILLIANCE AT ASCOT
Nothing quite matches the pomp and splendour of the historic Royal Ascot meeting, a five-day spectacle which, in the best tradition of horseracing, showcases the finest equine talent around.
Stage of stars! | Credit: Royal Ascot
The Berkshire racecourse founded in 1711 by Queen Anne plays host to royalty, where morning coats and top hats are mandatory and ladies pull out all the stops to show off their finery and millinery.
South Africa too, has been represented at this historic meeting, albeit on a limited scale. And while a locally-bred horse has yet to grace the winner’s enclosure, modern day history shows that those with South African connections have come close on more than one occasion, the first of which the pioneer London News, who back in 1997, finished a gallant third behind Bosra Sham in the Gr2 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.
The 2010 meeting featured the progeny of former Maine Chance powerhouse stallion Silvano, when champion son Kings Gambit ran second in the Listed Wolferton Handicap over 2000m. Allowed to start at generous odds of 25-1, the former
Gr1 SA Derby hero made his move in the straight and although he proved no match for the eventual winner Rainbow Peak, he ran on strongly in the closing stages to snatch second on the line.
Silvano celebrated a Royal Ascot winner 24 hours later as the sire of Bergo, winner of the 4350m marathon finale, the Queen Alexandra Stakes in a new course record time. After tracking the pace for most of the race, the German-bred seven-yearold collared his rival and drew clear to score by a comfortable 1.50 lengths.
Twelve months later, South African-bred Sweet Sanette came within a length of pulling off an epic British Gr1 sprint victory after making most of the running in the Gr1 King’s Stand Stakes on opening day.
Trained by Tony Millard and ridden by Jamie Spencer, the daughter of Jallad was quick to break and disputed the pace before moving into the lead at the quarter mark. Approaching the final furlong, it was clear that only Prohibit and Australian challenger Star Witness would be able to throw down a challenge to the leader and it was the former who produced the most telling burst of speed to take the spoils. He had a half-length to spare over Star Witness, with a gallant Sweet Sanette a similar margin back in third. The 2013 King’s Stand Stakes was an even closer affair, for only a neck separated
Kieswetter family’s Barnane Stud flagbearer Candleford wins Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes | Credit: Megan Ridgwell
South African ace Shea Shea from a Royal Ascot victory .Backed down to favouritism for the 1000m dash, Brian Joffe and Myron Berzack’s star sprinter was aiming for an international Gr1 sprint double, having landed the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on World Cup night. Indeed, as the field spread across the track inside the final furlong, it appeared the gelding would succeed in his quest, having come through with a decisive burst under Christophe Soumillon.
However, it was not to be, as Sole Power blasted home on the stand side under Johnny Murtagh to deny the favourite on the line. The winner had previously landed the Gr1 Nunthorpe Stakes and would complete the King’s Stand double twelve months later.
Trainer Mike de Kock took defeat on the chin and was delighted with Shea Shea’s effort: “I’m very proud of him and I suppose second is better than third! He was beaten by a pretty decent horse and I think he acquitted himself well but things didn’t go exactly as we wanted them and in a race like that, a head here and a neck there can make all the difference.”
While Shea Shea was the last South Africanbred horse to compete at the Royal meeting, Wilgerbosdrift’s Mary Slack boasts a Royal Ascot winner as the owner of Claymore, who landed the 2022 Gr3 Hampton Court Stakes by overturning the fancied Royal runner Reach For The Moon.
As an interesting aside, the son of New Bay was bred in a foal-share by German breeder Guenther Schmidt, whose father had won the 1973 German Oaks with a filly called Oraza and subsequently sold her to Mary’s father Harry Oppenheimer.
Oraza’s stakes-placed daughter Countess Palotta, by the great Brigadier Gerard, was sent to Mauritzfontein where she produced Derby Trial winner and Gr1 Gold Cup third Ile Maurice. She also features as the grandam of the imposing Seventh Plain, whose victories in the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion and Gr1 Durban Golden Horseshoe earned him Champion Juvenile honours in 2015.
Just 24 hours after Mary Slack won the Hampton Court with Claymore, the Kieswetter family of Ridgemont in the Cape made it another Royal Ascot celebration for South African connections.
Candleford produced the performance of his career on Royal Ascot Day 4 to slam his Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes rivals by an emphatic six lengths, much to the delight of his owner/breeders Barnane Stud. The sizeable son of Kingman, sent off a well-backed 11/2 chance, burst out of the pack and stormed passed eventual runner-up Ajero in the manner of a horse that will have Pattern-class contests on his agenda going forward. Northern raider Contact (15/2) finished well from off the pace to grab third, with Brilliant Light (20/1) also running on well for fourth.
Candleford was a 14th Royal Ascot winner for trainer William Haggas.
Former Wilgerbosdrift-based stallion Tiger Ridge also has the distinction of siring a Royal Ascot winner, the American-bred Strike The Tiger. Trained by Wesley Ward, the colt strode into the history books as the Royal meeting’s first American-trained winner with his game neck victory in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes in 2009.
Not to be outdone, fellow juvenile Jealous Again made it a quick Ward double when she demolished a high-class field in the Gr2 Queen Mary Stakes. Her five-length victory firmly put the spotlight on her sire Trippi, who had arrived at Gaynor Rupert’s Drakenstein Stud the previous year after a successful stint at stud in Florida.
The Ruperts have yet to celebrate a Royal Ascot winner. They came close last year when Skukuza finished second in the Listed Britannia Stakes over 1600m. Bred at their British division Cayton Park Stud, he is out of Trippi’s South African-bred daughter, the multiple Gr2-placed Shingwedzi.
The light blue silks were set to be represented again this week by Skukuza, as well as the high-class three-year-old homebreds Thesecretadversary and Venetia.
OMBUDSMAN DOUBLES UP IN PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES
Ombudsman became only the fourth horse to win back-to-back editions of the Gr1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes after producing a stunning display in the 10-furlong showpiece on Wednesday, on Day 2 of Royal Ascot 2026.
Held up off the gallop set by tearaway leaders Mississippi River and Devil’s Advocate, William Buick waited until the home straight before pulling Ombudsman out towards the middle of the track.
Minnie Hauk and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero Daryz were bang there as well two furlongs out, but they had no answer to Ombudsman’s finishing surge. The winning distance was four lengths to Minnie Hauk (15/2), with Daryz (2/1) a length and three-quarters further back in third.
Ombudsman’s co-trainer John Gosden also saddled Muhtarram to successive Prince Of Wales’s Stakes victories in 1994 and 1995. The other dual winners are Connaught (1969 & 1970) and Mtoto (1987 & 1988).
The crowd figure for day two of Royal Ascot on Wednesday was 42 315, up 1.8 per cent on 41 571 last year, and with great weather today’s action is expected to be even hotter!
It’s a massive day for the Gosden yard at Ascot on Thursday - we rank their chances in each race
Thursday of Royal Ascot has often been a fruitful day for the Gosden yard. In 2019, John linked up with Frankie Dettori on a day that threatened to mirror the ‘Magnificent Seven’ in 1996.
Races such as the Ribblesdale, Gold Cup and King George V all suit a yard that tends to get the best middle-distance stock around, with the exception of Ballydoyle.
The King George V Stakes looks the right space for Guildmaster, who has the classic King George V profile as a handicap debutant, owned by Godolphin and with a smart middle-distance pedigree. He is also drawn in stall 15 of 20, and in this race wide has often proved the place to be. It is not all upside, though.
The Teofilo colt will wear blinkers for the first time today and, while his maiden form is solid, he ran in the Dante last time and saw his mark rise from 92 to 100 after finishing a nine-length seventh of eight. He would have been a lot more interesting off his pre-Dante mark.
The Gosden team have won five of the last eight runnings of the Gold Cup and return with another strong hand. Not only is last year’s hero Trawlerman back and 2lb clear on Racing Post Ratings, but they also have Sweet William, whose form figures at Ascot read 23332421 and who has twice made the frame in this race.If it were not for a strange preparation, with no prep run because of a well-publicised eye condition, Trawlerman would
probably be close to favourite to regain his crown. He was so impressive when he won last year that a reproduction of that might prove enough.
But don’t discount Sweet William. He is quirky, but just the sort who could produce an out-of-the-blue performance.
If the Gosden team come away empty handed from the Ribblesdale Stakes then they might be inclined to think it’s just not their day.
Their biggest hope of the afternoon has to be Legacy Link, who finished second in the Oaks at Epsom last time. That is the best form on offer according to Racing Post Ratings – and not just a little bit better, it’s 6lb higher than anything else has achieved.
A lot will be made of the quick turnaround after what was potentially a hard race at Epsom and many will see that as a negative, but it should be seen as a positive. The Gosden yard is 6-20 with runners who ran in a British or Irish Group 1 last time out and then returned to the track within two weeks, for a £1 level-stake profit of £4.93. That suggests they know that they are doing when turning one back out again quickly and Legacy Link is their banker of the day.
THE GOING AT ASCOT TODAY IS GOOD TO FIRM
Chris Stickels, Ascot’s Clerk of the Course, said: “It was a similar story on Wednesday to Tuesday, Good to Firm ground, and the times indicated that too. We watered Wednesday evening with 5mm on everything.
“Today is set to be warmer, with temperatures set to go up a bit from what we were expecting on Wednesday– although it turned out to be
better weather than I was anticipating. We are looking at temperatures of 26 degrees today.
“On the Round Course, the rail that pushes them out about four yards will be removed today. The track will be at its widest configuration all the way round, giving us fresh ground on the inner from about nine furlongs out to turning in.”
BILLY THE KID! BOOM
The rematch between Betfred 2000 Guineas onetwo Bow Echo and Gstaad lived up to its billing in the Gr1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, with George Boughey’s stable star emerging victorious after a final-furlong showdown.
The unbeaten Bow Echo (5/6F), who had almost three lengths in hand at Newmarket, was made to work harder here as Gstaad (2/1) benefited from a smooth inside trip under Ryan Moore.
Bow Echo moved up strongly out wide of the six runners approaching the final two furlongs, but the Night Of Thunder colt was unable to get away from his main market rival once asked to win his race by Billy Loughnane.
Gstaad rallied doggedly after the duo forged ahead passing the furlong marker, with Bow Echo showing a great attitude to prevail by a short-head. Talk Of New York (11/2) ran a creditable race in third on his first start at this level, almost two lengths further back.
Boughey said: “I think that was the first time Bow Echo got into a proper battle. Obviously, I have only watched it once, but it was quite a scrap early doors. He was almost keen at one point, William’s [Buick] horse came past, and I think we’ll see a better horse now that he’s been in a scrap like that. He has done everything we’ve hoped; it’s fine margins in this game and luckily he was on the right side of it.
“I think Billy said that the Amo horse was starting to come into his lap and he didn’t want to break his
stride and, at Billy’s own admission, he might have committed a bit sooner than he’d hoped. This is very much as far as this horse wants to go – I’ve thought that for a while – and I think being able to ride him a little bit colder in a straightforward, evenly run race, hopefully we can see him continue to progress.
“It is a dream to be training horses like this, to be trusted with them, and to do it with Billy makes it even more special. He’s like a younger brother, like a friend; we chat the whole time, and to be able to have that affinity with a jockey is amazing. I’ve been lucky to have a lot of good riders ride for me but he’s an exceptional talent, both on and off the horse. He’s meticulous in his planning and I think it’s showing on the track. To be able to provide him with an unbeaten Guineas winner to come and win at Royal Ascot is as good as it gets.
“Plan A would be to go to Goodwood for the Sussex Stakes. He is taking his racing very well; he was ready to go a couple of weeks ago. He’ll have had a race today, he’ll know that, but it’s very much all systems go for Goodwood.”
Loughnane said: “The first furlong was crucial and I got squeezed out early. There were five of us in a line and I slightly lost my position and Bow Echo got lit up. It was then a case of trying to manage things. The Amo horse came back into our lap and it meant I had to move probably sooner than ideal, but his guts got him through. He’s a very determined horse with a great turn of foot and fantastic ability.
“You kind of have to adapt, and it was a case of getting him back relaxed, breathing again and into
his rhythm. Once he found that, he was powerful. I felt a bit of pressure coming here today on an unbeaten Guineas winner, but thankfully we managed to get the job done.
“He travelled very powerfully and has a great turn of foot. Gstaad and Ryan probably had a more economical route than we did, so we wasted a lot of ground, but he’s a very talented horse and was tough towards the business end.
“Obviously there’s pressure riding a horse like him, but it’s pressure you want. I’m very privileged to be in a position to partner him and I can’t wait for the next couple of races to come up. It is a pinchyourself moment, and I can’t thank George and the owners enough for having faith in me.”
Aidan O’Brien said of Gstaad: “I am delighted. Ryan gave him a great ride. The race was a little bit rough early for him. Ryan ended up a little bit further back than he wanted to be, but the way he went to the line, we are over the moon with him. A furlong down, you would never say he was going to run that close,
and every stride to the line he was closing, closing, closing. The line just came a little bit quick. We are delighted that he is coming forward – and are looking forward to him.”
Asked if he is going to stick at a mile, he said: “We will see. He gets the trip very well. We always thought he was a horse who was going to get further. I would say he will if we ever need to step up.”
Charlie Appleby said: “I feel we’ve got a nice horse that is going to progress with his career. He still showed signs of inexperience there. In the paddock he just got a bit warm – that didn’t really concern me, it’s a warm day with a hood on and sometimes that can do that to those horses. It was a bit rough for the first furlong or two and he just ran as though he got a bit frightened in amongst it. We are not too far off them.”
William Buick, rider of Talk Of New York, said: “It was a super run. I am delighted with him. I felt like I had quite a nice trip round – and the front two are two very good horses.”
- THE FIRST LOGS EQUUS AWARDS 2026
With the completion of 2026 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and TAB Jubilee Stakes meetings on 6 and 7 June, the numbers have been collated for the publication of the first 2026 Equus Awards logs.
The 2026 Equus judging panel comprises Graeme Hawkins (Chairman), Robert Bloomberg, Karel Miedema, Aveen Sewpersad and Darryl Maree.
While the panel will have the deciding vote on the winners in each category, both the list of nominees and the final results are drawn from the Equus Logs.
The current log standings reflect that this season’s dual Grade 1-winning See It Again (Justin Snaith) holds a 14-point lead over Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge winner Questioning (Vaughan Marshall) in both the Champion Older Male and prestigious Horse Of The Year categories.
As far as the Two-Year-Old awards are concerned, the Sean Tarry-trained Get Up enjoys a substantial lead over Mike / Mathew de Kock charge Good Day Sunshine in the Filly category, while Haute Couture (Mike / Mathew de Kock) has an 8-point advantage over Cape contender, Rich Man’s World (Vaughan Marshall) for Champion Two-YearOld Colt/Gelding.
Wish List (Justin Snaith) holds a strong lead in the Champion Three-YearOld Filly category, ahead of Quickstepgal (Tienie Prinsloo) and Hazy Dazy (Corne Spies), while Tin Pan Alley (Sean Tarry) has a 24-point advantage over Star Major (James Crawford) for Champion Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding.
Double Grand Slam (Justin Snaith) is 31 points ahead of Asiye Phambili (Duncan Howells) and 32 ahead of Callmegetrix (Sean Tarry) in the Champion Older Female Category
Nominees for this year’s Champion Sprinter category are very closely matched with the Tony Peter stablemates Buffalo Storm Cody and Taxi To The Moon tied on 48 points each, and Kingdundee, the charge of young Dean Smith, not far behind on 40 points.
Vaughan Marshall charge Questioning holds a 36-point lead over nearest rival Tin Pan Alley (Sean Tarry) for the Champion Miler Award , while See It Again seems an unassailable 64 points clear of nearest rival Mocha Blend for Champion Middle Distance honours.
Things are a lot less cut and dried in the Champion Stayer category, with only 5 points between Ahead Of The Facts (Justin Snaith), Holding Thumbs (Glen Kotzen) and Enflame (Candice/Tammy Dawson).
With everything to play for, there is plenty of competitive racing to look forward to as the season progresses.
The next log will be published after the conclusion of 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July day.
Further updates and information will be published on the official Equus Awards website ( www.equusawards.co.za ) and social media channels.
• Media release by 4Racing on Monday, 15 June 2026.
JULY
DE KOCK RACING BOXING ON TO THE LAST!
While the big race panel was, after publication of the last official log on 9 June, in agreement on 90% of the composition of the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July final field at that juncture, it’s not quite done and dusted for the De Kock Racing team who send out Curious Girl in Saturday’s Lucky Fish Gr3 Winter Fillies Stakes.
The well-bred Hollywood Racing-owned 3yo steps out in the hope that a good performance could give the daughter of Futura a last gasp squeak, and some possible additional grey hair, for the committee as they sit down to finalise the class of 2026 on Monday 22 June.
Curious Girl, an entry in the final 28 alongside supplementary entry stablemate Aladdin’s Lamp, has the distinction of being the first filly to win the 2450m TAB Gr2 SA Derby 2450m in the 109 years since Noble Lady scored in 1917, romping home in cavalier fashion at Turffontein on Champions Day in early April.It was an astute move by the veteran Mike de Kock to take on the boys in what he conceded was not a vintage renewal of the third leg of the SA Triple Crown. And De Kock senior surely knows what vintage
looks like. The maestro has trained six SA Derby winners, dating back to probably his greatest, Horse Chestnut in 1999, and including Greys Inn (2004), Bouquet Garni (2009), Irish Flame (2010), and then consecutively Malmoos (2021) and Aragosta (2022).
“If she puts in a good performance on Saturday, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is still on the cards,” Mat de Kock told the Sporting Post on Wednesday. His Dad is level-pegging with his junior colleague Justin Snaith on five past winners of the KZN showcase. Coincidentally, that De Kock July honour roll is book-ended by two fairer sex winners, in Ipi Tombe (2002) and Sparkling Water (2022), as well as star filly Igugu (2011), as well as one of his former SA Derby winners in Greys Inn (2004). So the CV and the science is there!
Curious Girl is one of five entrants under sufferance at the 52kg base of the entry list, and is on paper effectively taking the brunt of it, being all of 6kgs out. Purists will suggest that’s a lot of concession to sacrifice in the hustle and bustle that is the 2200m Hollywoodbets Durban July test of guts and courage.
Curious Girl – looking for a big performance on Saturday | Credit: JC Photos
THE STARS IN THE FLESH ON 25 JUNE
Racing fans are invited to experience the anticipation and excitement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July at the annual Gallops Morning, taking place at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Thursday 25 June from 06h30.
The popular event offers racegoers a unique opportunity to see the Hollywoodbets Durban July contenders going through their paces on the track ahead of South Africa’s premier horse racing and lifestyle event.
Adding to the excitement, East Coast Radio’s Breakfast Show team; Darren Maule, Carmen Reddy and Sky Tshabalala will be broadcasting live from the course,
bringing listeners all the action, insights and atmosphere throughout the morning.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including:
• Watching the Hollywoodbets Durban July contenders gallop on the track
• Exclusive photo opportunities
• Coffee and pastries available throughout the morning, with complimentary coffee options available
• A special racing panel discussion featuring respected racing personalities Alistair Cohen, Lucinda Woodruff and Anthony Delpech, who will share their insights on the contenders and prospects for the big race.
Visitors are also encouraged to keep an eye out for some familiar faces on course.
Invitations have been extended to members of the Hollywoodbets family, including Hollywoodbets-sponsored sporting personalities, ambassadors and representatives from the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Hollywoodbets Dolphins, adding to the excitement and atmosphere of the morning.
The Gallops Morning has become a highlight on the Hollywoodbets Durban July calendar, offering fans, media and racing enthusiasts an up-close look at the horses, trainers and connections preparing for the country’s biggest race day.
Event Details
Event: Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops Morning
Venue: Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse
Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026
Time: From 06h30
Entry: Free
Members of the public are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full experience and soak up the excitement as the countdown to the Hollywoodbets Durban July continues.
With free entry, live entertainment, racing insights and the chance to see the country’s top thoroughbreds in action, the Gallops Morning promises an unforgettable start to a thrilling Hollywoodbets Durban July week.
For more information, visit: www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za / www.racecoast.co.za
Hollywood Sportsbook is a licensed betting operator. Hollywoodbets supports responsible gambling. No persons under the age of 18 years are permitted to gamble. Winners know when to stop. South African Responsible Gambling Foundation toll free counselling line 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp Help
04 JULY 2026 GRAB YOUR PLACE IN THE SUN!
With limited Hollywoodbets Durban July day hospitality availability remaining, now is the perfect time to secure your place in one of Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse’s sought-after Main Building venues.
Whether you’re looking for vibrant social hospitality, premium race-day viewing or exceptional value, the Silver Ring, Palm Court and Centenary Room offer three unique ways to experience the excitement, fashion and celebration of the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026.
The Silver Ring Experience
Premium Hospitality. Vibrant Atmosphere. Unforgettable Race Day.
R2 500 per person
Experience the Hollywoodbets Durban July from one of the event’s most exciting hospitality destinations.
Situated within the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse precinct, the Silver Ring combines premium hospitality, spectacular race-track views, live entertainment and race-day excitement in a stylish social setting.
Whether you’re there for the racing, the fashion, the entertainment or the after-party, Silver Ring places you at the heart of the action from start to finish.
Your Experience Includes:
• Hollywoodbets Durban July Admission
• Reserved Seating
• Buffet Service from 11h00 – 19h30
• Direct Balcony Access with Track Views
• Betting Facilities & Race Viewing Screens
• Live Entertainment Throughout the Day
• Cash Bar Facilities
• Silver Ring After Party Access
• Entertainment Until 23h00
Book Now:
Available exclusively through TicketPro Gather your crew and enjoy the day together. Silver Ring seating is arranged at tables of 10, making it ideal for groups looking to experience the excitement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July together. Smaller bookings will be accommodated at shared tables.
Palm Court
Premium Hospitality. Prime Viewing. Unforgettable Moments.
R2 990 per person (Incl. VAT)
Experience the Hollywoodbets Durban July from one of Greyville Racecourse’s most sought-after hospitality venues.
Overlooking the iconic Parade Ring and offering direct access to grandstand race viewing, Palm Court delivers exceptional hospitality, premium dining and front-row access to the excitement of race day.
Your Experience Includes:
• Hollywoodbets Durban July Admission
• Reserved Seating
• Premium Buffet Menu Throughout the Day
• Outstanding Parade Ring Views
• Direct Grandstand Race Viewing
• Betting Facilities
• Cash Bar Facilities
Book Palm Court (Limited capacity. Advance booking is essential)
eventkzn@racecoast.co.za
031 314 1961
Centenary Room
Great Hospitality. Great Atmosphere. Exceptional Value.
R1 495 per person (Incl. VAT)
The Centenary Room offers a comfortable and vibrant race-day experience at an accessible price point.
Follow every race on large viewing screens and enjoy easy access to nearby outdoor viewing areas while soaking up all the excitement, fashion and entertainment of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Your Experience Includes:
• Hollywoodbets Durban July Admission
• Reserved Seating
• Premium Buffet Menu Throughout the Day
• Large-Screen Race Viewing
• Betting Facilities
• Easy Access to Outdoor Viewing Areas
• Cash Bar Facilities
Book The Centenary Room (Limited capacity. Advance booking is essential)
eventkzn@racecoast.co.za 031 314 1961
Choose your experience. Embrace Country Allure. Join us for an unforgettable Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026.
#GoBigGoBoldGoUnbridled
SON OF VERCINGETORIX PUTS IT ALL TOGETHER
Registering his maiden stakes success, the Justin Snaith-trained National Yearling Sale R1 million ticket Native Ruler won the R400 000 Lucky Fish Gr3 Winter Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday and confirmed his readiness in good style for his big test in Africa’s greatest race on 4 July.
Native Ruler went off a 5-2 tote favourite and was one of a quintet of Hollywoodbets Durban
July entries to contest the former KZN Derby over 2400m.
After Gavin Lerena had dictated matters up front at his own sedentary pace aboard another July entry in Shoot The Rapids, matters were hastened in the run for home, and despite drifting in with an awkward head carriage, Native Ruler carried too many guns as he powered home to record a time of 153,24 secs
Native Ruler (Keagan de Melo) winds up his Hollywoodbets Durban July prep in style | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
and beat the fast-finishing Imilenzeyokududuma (16-1) by just over a length.
It was a second winner on the day for the SnaithDe Melo combination. Shoot The Rapids, who is outside the top 20 of the Hollywoodbets Durban July log, hung on a neck back for third.
Keagan de Melo was satisfied by the performance of the winner, who was saddled by Frank Robinson. “He needed to win this type of race, and he has earned his chance to run in the Hollwyoodbets Durban July,” he quipped.
Of the balance of the big race hopefuls, Tenpenny appeared to have every chance as he ghosted up quite early down the inside but had no answers and ran a 2,80 length fifth.
Holding Thumbs was in touch with the leaders for a long way, but faded to seventh, 5 lengths off the winner. Top Highveld stayer Enflame was under a ride early into the first turn, and never responded to Serino Moodley’s urgings, running second last and 12,20 lengths off the winner.
Raced by Greg and Gina Bortz in partnership with Mukund Gujadhur and Rikesh Sewgoolam, the winner was bred in partnership by Maine Chance and Coolmore.
Native Ruler is a chestnut son of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the Captain Al mare, Pine Princess.
A R1 million BSA National Yearling Sale purchase, Native Ruler was registering his third win with 5 places from 15 starts for stakes of R792 038.
DAMPER ON SA CHAMPIONS SEASON DURBAN DAWDLE
The Cape Crawl is an institution. Now the Durban Dawdle sets a new standard. Won in a time 4,73 seconds slower than the class average, and over a second slower than the C Stakes run 35 minutes earlier which was won by Vihaan’s Bomb carrying 4kgs more, the bill -topping Gr3 Lucky Fish Winter Stakes run over 2400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday was yet another feature event this SA Champions Season to be run at a false pace.
It may be time for connections to consider utilising a ‘hare’ in the form of a support pacemaker, to ensure some sort of respectable pace.
The late maestro Terrance Millard used the principle to great effect, although it did turn out wrong a few times, and senior players will recall Occult winning the 1986 Durban July from the front under Bartie Leisher, when Terrance Millard’s third choice!
Mr Millard told the Sporting Post at the time: “We wanted to run Fools Holme from just off the pace. I had my own jockeys on two of my horses – Felix Coetzee on Fools Holme and Mark Sutherland on Enchanted Garden- but I had to engage an outside jockey for Occult and the ride went to Bartie Leisher. The instructions were for Bartie to go to the front and set a good pace and for Felix to settle Fools Holme a little further back. Bartie went to the front, but instead of keeping a good gallop, he slowed the pace down. Felix followed instructions and stayed back, but when it came for the run to the line, nobody could catch Occult. Fools Holme was second and Enchanted Garden third.”
But back to Saturday, five of the nine runners in the Lucky Fish Winter Stakes were entered in the
prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July, amongst them the winner Native Ruler (9/4 out to 5/2).
Another Durban July hopeful Shoot The Rapids ridden by replacement rider Gavin Lerena (3/1 into 2/1 favourite) made the running, and on reaching the 1000m marker they were more than 3,4 seconds slower than the aforementioned C Stakes.
But Keagan de Melo had matters under control and Vercingetorix’ son Native Ruler quickened well coming off the bend and went on to score with authority after striking the front 200m from home.
The fastest 400m to finish time in the race was recorded by the runner up Imilenzeyokududuma.
Gareth Van Zyl’s charge was also the fastest finisher in the race when fourth to Zeitz in the Grade 3 Cup Trial last week.
The Tote For The Win Class 2 over 1000m was the supporting act and in what proved comfortably to be the fastest of the two races over the distance, the visiting Rafeef gelding AFRICAN PRIDE (restless in pens) registered his fourth win from just twelve starts.
A winner six days earlier at Turffontein, Corne
Spies’ charge broke well and was soon positioned just a neck off the speed in second.
He put his head in front at the top of the straight and ran on strongly without being given a hard ride to beat a wall of horses, headed by the heavily supported favourite Position Of Power (15/2 into 3/1).
Amazingly, less than four lengths covered all fourteen runners at the wire.
Fifth placed Talk To The Master ran the fastest 400m to finish time in the race, and that proved to be the fastest for that segment of the afternoon on turf.
Talk To The Master had raced some seven and a half lengths off the pace in twelfth and was only beaten a length and a quarter.
Trainer Corne Spies said that he would bring African Pride back to Hollywoodbets Greyville for the two big race days which suggests that he thinks a lot of this gelding. The vet reported that African Pride had a nasal discharge and that Position Of Power was coughing.
Track Conditions: Going: Good to Soft (turf) –Standard (poly)
Penetrometer: 24 (turf)
Rain: Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 4mm
Irrigation: Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 15mm (turf)
False Rail: 5m (turf)
Wind: 10-30km/h South Westerly tail wind
Course Variant: 0,28s slow (turf) – 0,31s fast (poly)
By far the quicker of the two 1200m events for 2yo’s was the opening Gallop TV Maiden Juvenile Plate won by Stuart Ferrie’s only runner on the card KID FROM THE SOUTH.
After losing a length at the start, the Real Gone Kid gelding raced at the back early on.
He soon began to make headway once into stride though, and coming off the bend he raced fifth with just four and a half lengths to find. He ran on best of all in the straight and after striking the front 200m from home, he won comfortably by three quarters from Deonarie.
Two of the afternoon’s nine races took place on the poly track.
Both were staged over 1200m and in the quicker of these, the Gallop Form Class 4, the lesser fancied of Nathan Kotzen’s two runners CHICARITO (8/1 out to 20/1) scored a gutsy victory.
Taken straight to the front by apprentice Dezahn Louw, the 3yo son of Soqrat set a brisk pace.
Indeed, although he led by just a length and a quarter at the halfway mark, he did have the field well strung out.
Red Bomber challenged strongly early in the straight, and after fending off that one, he found extra over the final 200m to beat his running on stable companion Bangladesh (5/1 out to 10/1).
Fastest Times:
1200m poly (2) Black Frost 70,22
400-finish poly Bangkok Magic 22,51
2000m turf (2) Star Major 122,25
400-finish turf Star Major 122,35
60 YEARS ON ASCOT A SOURCE OF QUALITY
Established in 1966, Ascot Stud has long been renowned as a source of top-class thoroughbreds. Among the top horses to have emerged from Ascot’s paddocks over the years are champions such as Rock Opera and Warning Zone, as well as the likes of Coral Fever, Elusive Gold, and Pacific Trader.
Ascot will be offering six well bred yearlings at this year’s KZN Yearling Sale, with their draft including youngsters by resident sires Global View and Heavenly Blue, as well as the likes of Digital Age, Erik The Red and Fire Away.
Dr Ashley Parker is pleased with the draft he is bringing to KwaZulu-Natal and had the following comments to make about his yearlings:
Lot 9: Fire Zone f Fire Away - Flight Zone
Fire Zone is a scopey, well made filly out of a six time winning Jet Master half-sister to Champion and July winner, Bold Silvano.
Lot 18: Global Patrol f Global View - Global Trade
This is a good-quartered, powerful filly who is a half-sister to exciting, facile two-year-old winner Global Thriller.
Lot 35: Java Tech c Digital Age - Java House
He is a strong, powerful colt out of a half-sister to Betway Gr1 Summer Cup winner Mocha Blend and Gr2 winner Barahin, the family of Hunting Tower.
Lot 42: Red Desire f Erik The Red - Lady Of Choice
Red Desire is an athletic, scopey filly out of a half-sister to Gr3 winner Silvan Star, family of July winner Bold Silvano.
Lot 46: Light Step c Fire Away - Light On Her Toes
This is a flashy, good-looking and strong colt out of a stakes placed mare, whose dam won the Gr1 Allan Robertson. This is the family of Champion Broodmare Pretty Falcon.
Lot 144: Widow’s Joy f Heavenly BlueWidow’s Lamp
She is a racy filly out of Oaks winner Widows Lamp who is a half -sister to Norton Sound, the family of champion National Bay.
This draft can be found in Block D at the Suncoast Casino in Durban.
CAN WE FIND ANOTHER JAN?
In 2024 Boland Stud sold a Master Of My Fate colt for R600 000 at the KZN Yearling Sale. Subsequently named Jan Van Goyen, the bay won three of his first four starts culminating in a triumph in the World Pool Moment Of The Day Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes. Jan Van Goyen, named Equus Champion 2YO Colt of 2024-2025, went on to record an emphatic victory in this season’s Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas.
Boland Stud will be offering another highclass draft at this year’s KZN Sale, with this consignment including yearlings sired by popular stallions like Legislate, One World, Rafeef, and Vercingetorix.
Lot 15: f Vercingetorix - Garden Tea Party
By reigning champion sire Vercingetorix, this half-sister to three winners is out of a winning full-sister to Gr3 Jubilee Handicap runner-up Rainy Day Blues and to Betting World Gr2 1900 hero Solid Speed.
Lot 20: f Rafeef - Golden Earrings
By the same sire as recent Gr1 Gold Medallion winner Haute Couture, this filly is out of a fullsister to the dam of East Cape stars My Best Shot, Questor and Danish Dynamite.
Lot 26: f One World - Hidden Thought
This filly, who shares her sire with such standouts as One Stripe and Rich Man’s World, is a half-sister to the classy filly Buttercup Baby, from the family of champion filly Imperious Star.
Lot 73: f Hawwaam - On Captain’s Side
A daughter of five-time Gr1 winner, and Equus Champion, Hawwaam, this filly is a half-sister to this season’s promising two-year-old First Officer.
Lot 77: c One World - Perfect Tigress
Out of G2 Joburg Spring F & M Challenge third Perfect Tigress, this colt is from the family of classy sprinter Big Sky Country and stakes winning stayer Odd Rob.
Lot 167: c Rafeef - Bebop
By one of South Africa’s best stallions, this colt is out of a winning What A Winter half-sister to July winning champion Heavy Metal.
Lot 178: f Legislate - Captive Gold
This filly shares her sire with current star performers Legal Counsel and Wish List, and her dam is a half-sister to four stakes winners led by Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Elusive Gold.
Boland will also be offering, as agent, the following yearlings at this year’s KZN Sale:
Lot 59: f Jet Dark - Meghan
By a five-time Gr1 winner and multiple Equus Champion, this filly is out of a winning halfsister to the G1 winning sires Eden Roc and Sandringham Summit.
Lot 76: c One World
-Pelican Point
Out of a four- time winning daughter of Jet Master, this colt is a half-brother to 5 winners, including Listed Dahlia Plate second Turbo.
Lot
83: f Querari
-Purple Merchant
By the same sire as recent Gr1 winners
Questioning and Star Major, this filly is out of a stakes placed daughter of champion sire Trippi.
Lot 92: Royal Silver f Danon Platina - Royal Trip
Royal Silver, a daughter of Japanese champion Danon Platina, is a half-sister to three winners including this season’s Listed Ibhayi Stakes runner up Royal Kingdom.
Lot 95: Dreamoutloud f Real Gone KidRush Hour Girl
This filly is by one of South Africa’s leading first season sires and her stakes placed dam is a half-sister to Winter Solstice Listed Stormsvlei Stakes winner Eva Eileen.
Lot 163: f Querari - Barbara Anne
By the same sire as Gr1 winning fillies Bavarian Beauty and Querari Falcon, this filly hails from the same female line as outstanding half-sisters Captain’s Lover and Ebony Flyer.
Lot 164: f Hawwaam - Bargeme
A full-sister to a winner, this half-sister to the stakes placed Miss Platina is out of a twice winning Var half-sister to Klawervlei Gr1 Majorca Stakes winner Nightingale- sired, like Hawwaam, by Silvano.
Lot 177: c Rafeef - Captain’s Wish
By one of South Africa’s top stallions, this colt is out of a mare by Captain Al and his third dam was second in the G1 The Oaks.
Lot 179: f Digital Age - Carbonado
By a Gr1 winning son of outstanding sire Invincible Spirit, this filly is out of a four time winning daughter of Querari.
This draft can be found in Blocks F and G at the Suncoast Casino in Durban.
SWEET…LIKE CANDY!
There is no doubt that Ronnie’s Candy was a top-class performer. The daughter of King Of Kings won or placed in 15 of her 20 starts, while earning more than R1,137 million in prize money.
Ronnie’s Candy won no fewer than four graded stakes during her career, led by the HSH Princess Charlene Gr1 Empress Club Stakes. In that contest, Ronnie’s Candy accounted for high-class graded stakes winners Vistula, Queen Supreme, Saragon, Mill Queen, and Running Brave.
Aldora Stud will be offering a close relative of this wonderful mare at the KZN Yearling Sale this year.
Keen Jim (Lot 14), a colt from the first crop of Gr1 Gold Medallion winner Eden Roc, is out of twice winning King Of Kings mare Franking, a full-sister to Ronnie’s Candy. In turn, Franking’s dam Bennie And The Jets, a daughter of Jet Master, won three and ran second in the Gr3 Jacaranda Handicap.
Jill Fox likes what she sees in Keen Jim, and says, “This is a big colt with a lot of quality.”
Find the colt in stable D6 at Suncoast!
TRUE-BLUE CLASS!
Just a matter of a weeks ago, the Blue Sky Thoroughbreds -bred Prayersandpromises romped home to win the Highveld Winter Juvenile Stakes, while 24 hours earlier the Blue Sky bred Legal Counsel was beaten just a short-head when second behind Questioning in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge.
Blue Sky will be offering an exceptionally highclass draft at the upcoming KZN Yearling Sale. This consignment is not only about quantity but also quality, with the Blue Sky string including yearlings sired by the likes of Act Of War, Chimichuri Run, Digital Age, Eden Roc, Erik The Red, Malmoos and What A Winter.
The latter, who recently enjoyed a big-race double thanks to his daughters Get Up and Asiye Phambili, is the sire of Russian Fox (Lot 165) , a half-brother to the smart performers Nikiya and Russian Roll.
What A Winter’s classy daughter Winter Sun is represented in this draft by an Eden Roc filly (Lot 146) , hailing from one of the best families in the studbook. Var’s Gr1 winning son Eden Roc is also represented in this draft by a filly (Lot 136) out of Gr3 Sycamore Sprint queen Tropic Sun, and closely inbred to champion sire Captain Al.
Other attractive yearlings residing in Blue Sky’s KZN Sale draft include the Digital Age colt (Lot 38) out of a five time winning daughter of Kahal, the Malmoos colt (Lot 85) , whose twice winning dam is a half-sister to a Gr1 winner in Argentina, and the Act Of War colt (Lot 94) out of a dual stakes winning daughter of Jet Master.
Blue Sky Thoroughbreds will also be offering, on behalf of Gerald Kalil, Setmysightonu (Lot 28) , an Act Of War colt from the family of champion Circle Of Life and fellow Gr1 winners African Lion, Deo Juvente, Tecla Bluff and Zebra Crossing.
This draft can be found in Blocks B and C at the Suncoast Casino in Durban.
SUMMERVIEW’S FAB FAIRER SEX QUARTET
Colleen and Gary de Klerk’s Summerview Stud will be offering buyers the chance to buy a filly sired by a top-class Gr1 winner at this year’s KZN Yearling Sale. The farm will be bringing four classy fillies to the Durban auction, with their quartet made up of daughters of Chimichuri Run, Danon Platina and Eden Roc.
Understandably, Colleen De Klerk is proud of her draft, and she had the following comments to make about the four fillies:
Lot 57: Luminescent f Chimichuri RunMaster Keys
A quality, athletic filly from the family of the stakes-performed Master Keys, placed at both Grade 2 and Grade 3 level. Well-made with good balance and scope, she is an attractive representative of her sire Chimichuri Run.
Lot 74: East Of Eden f Eden Roc - Over The Anvil
A well grown, scopey filly from a highly productive family. Out of Over The Anvil, the dam of multiple winners including black-type winner Green Lantern, she is an attractive daughter of Eden Roc with plenty of quality and scope.
Lot 124: Beautiful Sound f Danon PlatinaSweet
The Sound
A very correct and attractive filly from a family that knows how to perform on the track. She is out of Sweet The Sound, a half-sister to the durable and talented eight-time winner Joy And Peace. A quality well balanced individual with plenty of presence, she is an appealing daughter of Danon Platina. She represents an appealing combination of performance pedigree and athleticism, making her an attractive prospect for both racing and future breeding purposes.
Lot 134: Above And Beyond f Chimichuri Run - Transcend
A strong, well-balanced filly by Chimichuri Run out of the Dynasty mare Transcend, whose first two runners are both winners, giving her an outstanding 100% winners-to-runners record to date. A correct and athletic individual with plenty of substance and quality, she combines a proven female family with an appealing physique.
This draft can be found in Block A at the Suncoast Casino in Durban.
CAMARGUE’S SUPER SIX
Camargue Stud will be offering a well-balanced and attractive string at this year’s KZN Yearling Sale.
All six of Camargue’s yearlings were sired by stallions who have had at least one graded stakes winner this season, with their draft made up of the progeny of Act Of War, Declarationofpeace and Master Of My Fate.
Master Of My Fate, whose flagbearers this season include Anotherdanceforme, Aladdin’s Lamp, Atticus Finch and Jet Force, is represented by a filly (Lot 11) bred on the same cross as recent TAB Gr3 Jubilee Stakes winner Aladdin’s Lamp. This filly is out of a winning full-sister to the stakes winning Maleficent and Gr1 SA Derby second, Rocketball.
Declarationofpeace, whose progeny include this season’s TAB Gr2 SA Nursery hero Better
Never Ends, has two lots on offer, including a full-sister (Lot 22) to the very smart Golden Operator, and this filly’s dam is a winning halfsister to Vodacom Durban July winner and successful sire, Pomodoro.
Act Of War, the sire of Gr1 winners Battle Force, Hazy Dazy, and War Of Athena, is represented by three yearlings in Camargue’s KZN Sale draft. His trio includes a three-parts brother (Lot 64) to Listed Stormsvlei Stakes winner Future Girl, and a filly (Lot 117) out of a stakes-placed winner of five.
This draft can be found in Block A at the Suncoast Casino in Durban.
THE CIRCUIT
CAPE TOWN’S NEWEST NIGHTLIFE
EXPERIENCE LAUNCHES
Cape Town gains a new addition to its nightlife calendar this winter. The Circuit launches on Saturday 25 July 2026 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, bringing together live music, a handpicked DJ lineup, premium drinks and one of the city’s most distinctive settings for a single, carefully curated evening. Doors open at 17h00.
Billed as more than just another event, The Circuit opens with a live performance from Jordan Baker, setting the tone before six DJs take over across the night.
The lineup — DJ Shane Langdon, DJ Clint Supreme, DJ Ghiaan, Waggy The DJ, DJ Kixi and DJ Dre — spans deep house, R&B, commercial favourites and old school classics, giving the dancefloor something for every taste.
Seven artists, one stage, one ticket to the entire experience.
Tyrone Paulsen joins the lineup as MC keeping the vibes going until the lights turn on.
Set against the backdrop of the racecourse and Table Mountain, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth offers one of Cape Town’s more unique event spaces.
The Circuit is a strictly over-21 event — a
premium but welcoming crowd, with the atmosphere pitched as the standard for the night.
Every ticket includes free secure parking, with food available to purchase at the venue and drinks specials running throughout the evening.
Groups can upgrade to a VIP table at R4 500 per table of ten, which includes entry for ten guests, a dedicated table in the VIP area, free secure parking and a bottle of Casamigos Tequila.
General Access tickets cost R300.
Tickets are available on Computicket –please click here.
With capacity limited for the first edition, organisers expect strong demand and encourage early booking.
EXPERT EYE
ACCLAMATION
EXPERT EYE (GB) | 2015 | 16 hh
Try My Best
Waajib
Royal Applause
Flying Melody
Ahonoora
Princess Athena
Shopping Wise
Danehill
Dansili
EXEMPLIFY
Hasili
Northern Dancer Sex Appeal
Coryana Sassafras Rosolini
Auction Ring Bold Bidder Hooplah
Whispering Star Sound Track
Peggy West
Lorenzaccio Klairon Phoenissa
Helen Nichols Martial Quaker Girl
Floribunda
Sea Melody
Danzig
Princely Gift Astrentia
Tudor Minstrel Cowes
Northern Dancer Pas De Nom
Razyana His Majesty Spring Adieu
Kahyasi Ile De Bourbon Kadissya
Kerali High Line Sookera
Mr Prospector Raise A Native Gold Digger
Quest To Peak
Distant View
Seven Springs Irish River La Trinite
Nureyev Northern Dancer Special
Viviana
ACCLAMATION’S GLOBAL CHAMPION ROMANTIC WARRIOR
ACCLAMATION
ACCLAMATION went on to prove himself a leading sprinter before becoming Champion First Season Sire. He subsequently achieved great success at stud and went on to sire G1 producing sons and daughters, which heaps enormous credit on this son of Royal Applause
Acclamation was bred to be precocious - his dam Princess Athena won the G3 Queen Mary Stakes (1000m), and his sire Royal Applause won the G1
Nijinsky Star Nijinsky II Chris Evert
Middle Park Stakes (1200m), G1 Haydock Sprint Cup (1200m), G2 Gimcrack Stakes (1200m) and G3 Coventry Stakes (1200m). Royal Applause is also the broodmare sire of multiple G1 winner Blue Point
Acclamation won the G2 Diadem Stakes and was placed in the G2 Temple Stakes, G2 King’s Stand Stakes (behind Choisir, beating Oasis Dream), and the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes (behind Oasis Dream)
Acclamation has sired some of the best sprinter/milers of recent timesRomantic Warrior (Triple Crown Champion - the World’s highest-earning racehorse - £28,028,453), Battaash, Harry Angel, Real World, Mecca’s Angel, Equiano, Marsha (sold for a record 6 million guineas as a filly in training), Harbour Watch, Aclaim, Dark Angel, Mehmas, etc. Acclamation has founded his own ‘sire-line’, and is the sire of current leading sires Mehmas, Harry Angel and Dark Angel (Champion Sire of GB & Ireland 2024).
DANSILI
DANSILI was Champion Sire in France in 2006 and has become a Champion Broodmare Sire producing group winners Minnie Hauk, Ombudsman, Bluestocking, Los Angeles, Cliffs Of Moher, Time Test, Snow Sky, Naval Crown, Expert Eye, Danon The Kid, Uni, etc. His successful sire sons include Bated Breath, Zoffany, Harbinger, etc. Dansili’s influence will be felt for many years to come through his sons and daughters.
FEMALE LINE
1st Dam
EXEMPLIFY (Dansili) - winner at 2. Dam of 7 winners incl: EXPERT EYE (Acclamation), won 5 races, £1,369,751 in GB and USA, Breeders’ Cup Mile G1, Vintage S G2, Jersey S G3, City of York S G3; 2nd Sussex S G1, Greenham S G3; 3rd Prix du Moulin G1, from 10 starts. TFR 124. Sire.
2nd Dam
QUEST TO PEAK (Distant View) - raced once. Dam of 7 winners: SPECIAL DUTY (Hennessy), Champion 2yo Filly in Europe Champion 2yo Filly in France & GB 4 wins 2 at 2 from 1100-1600m, £323,589, €434,240, Poule d’Essai des Pouliches G1, Cheveley Park S G1, The One Thousand Guineas G1, Prix Robert Papin G2; 2nd Prix Morny G1, Prix Yacowlef L; 3rd Prix Imprudence G3. Dam of: TASK FORCE (Frankel), 2 wins at 2 in 2023, Champion 2yo Trophy L ELEGANT VERSE (Galileo), 2 wins including Prix Dirickx L. Structure, dam of: Snow House (Twirling Candy), 2 wins; 3rd Dwyer S G3, Carle Place S L South Bank (Tapit), 2nd Prix Yacowlef L. Dam of: LAMBETH (Arrogate), 4 wins; Temperence Hill S L Blue Watch (Tapit), raced once. Dam of: Garamond (Uncle Mo) 2 wins; 3rd Gotham S G3. Presidency (Oasis Dream), Champion Male Sprinter in Spain 7 wins; 3rd Prix Servanne L; 4th Prix de Ris-Orangis G3. Sire. Ventoux (Galileo), winner at 2400m in France. Dam of: Colombier (Kingman), 4 wins 1400-2000m; 3rd Prix Daphnis G3 Distant (First Defence), winner. Dam of: Loughville (Mastercraftsman), 4 wins, 3rd Daisy Warwick S L; 4th Gillies S L, River Eden S L
Icespire (Frankel), 2 wins; Dam of: Arolla (Kingman) 2 wins, 2nd Queen of Scots Fllies’ S L
3rd Dam
VIVIANA (Nureyev) - 3 wins at 2000m, incl Prix des Tuileries L, Prix Mélisande L; 2nd Prix de Psyché G3. Sister to Willstar (dam of ETOILE MONTANTE, UNO DUO), three-quarter-sister to DANCE DREAMER, half-sister to REVASSER, HOMETOWN QUEEN (dam of BOWMAN’S BAND). Dam of 5 winners: SIGHTSEEK (Distant View), Joint second top filly on The 2003 International 4YO+ Classification 12 wins from 1200m to 1800m, $2,445,216, Beldame S G1 (twice), Ruffian H G1, Ogden Phipps H G1 (twice), Go For Wand H G1, Humana Distaff H G1, Rampart H G2, Top Flight H G2, Raven Run S G3; 2nd Santa Margarita H G1, Santa Monica H G1, Go for Wand H G1, La Canada S G2. Dam of:
Romanticism (War Front), unraced. Dam of:
IMAGINATIONTHELADY (Not This Time), 3 wins; Edgewood S G2, Jessamine S G2; 2nd Appalachian S G2, 4th Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf G1. TATES CREEK (Rahy), 11 wins from 1100m to 2000m, $1,471,674, Yellow Ribbon S G1, Gamely H G1, Diana H G2, Las Palmas H G2, San Gorgonio H G2, Noble Damsel H G3, Jenny Wiley S G3, Finlandia Cup H L; 2nd John C Mabee H G1, Just A Game H G3. Dam of: SPIRIT RIDGE (Nathaniel), 7 wins, Summer Cup G3, Premier’s Cup G3; 2nd Sky High S G3, Premier’s Cup G3, Tattersall’s Cup G3; 3rd Hobart Cup G3, Launceston Cup G3 Routine (Empire Maker), dam of: TIDE OF THE SEA (English Channel), 5 wins, $543,237, WL McKnight S G3, Japan Turf Cup L; 2nd Fort Marcy S G2, Mac Diarmida S G2, Grand Couturier S L; 3rd John’s Call S L Flourish (Distorted Humor), 2 wins at 1700m, 1900m. Dam of: FULSOME (Into Mischief), 8 wins, $1,244,553, Matt Winn S G3, Smarty Jones S G3, Governor’s S G3, Oaklawn Mile S G3; 2nd Fayette S G2; 3rd Clark S G1, Indiana Derby G3
CUP
TURF MILE WINNER WITH 2YO BRILLIANCE - TIMEFORM 124 -
EXPERT EYE
(GB) 2015 by Acclamation - Exemplify (Dansili)
Sire of International Stakes Horses:
• WITNESS STAND - Lennox S G2, Dubai Duty Free Cup L; 2nd Hungerford S G2, Horris Hill S G3, City Plate S L, etc.
• SNELLEN - Meld S G3, Royal Ascot Chesham S L; 2nd Royal Ascot Kensington Palace S; 3rd Mutamakina S G3; 4th REHRC His Royal Highness The Crown Prince’s Cup L, etc.
• ENTRANCEMENT - Prix Belle de Nuit G3, etc.
• JUNIPER BERRIES - Dick Poole S G3; 4th Royal Ascot Queen Mary S G2, Newbury St Hugh’s S L, etc.
• BESET - Champion Older Female in Ireland (Long) in 2025. Won Finale S L, Naas Devoy S L; 2nd Alleged S G3, Bluebell S L, etc.
• Nesthorn - 2nd Prix des Chenes G3, etc.
• Naina - 3rd Prix de Saint-Cyr L, etc.
• Lavender Hill Mob - 3rd Rose Bowl S L; 4th Cocked Hat S L, etc.
• Beautifulnavigator - 2nd Allen Black Cat LaCombe Memorial S L, etc.
• Violet Gibson - 3rd Honey Ryder S L, etc.
• Isabel Alexandra - 3rd Galway S L, etc.
• Rock Hunter - 2nd National S L, etc.
• Magic Basma - 2nd Cecil Frail S L, Flying Fillies’ S L; 3rd Wentworth S L, 4th Ellen Chaloner S L, Arran Scottish Sprint S L, etc.
“Expert Eye was naturally precocious, very well-balanced, well developed and mature. You would have to say that he was one of the best two-year-old that I have had. He was been pretty natural from the beginning. Before we ran him we knew that he was smart, as he had always shown speed and been very athletic”.
- Sir Michael Stoute
EXPERT EYE (GB) - RACE RECORD
AGE STARTS WINS PLACED EARNED 2yo: 3 2 - 117,463 3yo: 7 3 3 1,252,288 TOTAL 10 5 3 £1,369,751
TWO YEAR OLD
Joint 4th top rated 2yo colt in Europe in 2017.
Won Insurance Novice Stakes, Newbury, (1300m. beating Mutakatif and Barraquero).
Won Vintage Stakes G2, Goodwood, by 4,5 lengths (1400m. beating Zaman and Mildenberger).
THREE YEAR OLD
Won Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile G1, Churchill Downs (1600m beating Catapult and Analyze It).
Won Jersey Stakes G3, Royal Ascot, by 4,5 lengths (1400m beating Society Power and Could It Be Love).
Won Sky Bet City of York Stakes G3, York (1400m. beating Gordon Lord Byron and Arbalet).
2nd Qatar Sussex Stakes G1, Goodwood (1600m to Lightning Spear).
2nd Al Basti Equiworld Supporting Greatwood Greenham Stakes G3, Newbury (1400m to James Garfield).
3rd Prix du Moulin de Longchamp G1, Lonchamps (1600m to Recoletos).
Vintage Stakes G2, Goodwood.
Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile G1, Churchill Downs.
Jersey Stakes G3, Royal Ascot.
Sky Bet City of York Stakes G3, York.
EXPERT EYE (GB) - PROGENY
WITNESS STAND wins the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (Group 2) over 1400m by 2,75 lengths.
The globe-trotting filly SNELLEN (left) - winning the BoyleSports Meld Stakes (Group 3) over 1800m.
FINISHING SCHOOL! TALK ABOUT
When Social Graces made an impressive winning debut to win the first race at Turffontein last Sunday, she became the first leg of a two-yearold double for her red-hot sire Rafeef. The son of Redoute’s Choice’s second two-year-old winner that day came in the form of Evening Parade, who caught the eye when romping home to a facile two and a quarter length win in open company.
South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 20202021, Rafeef has already been responsible for 18 two-year-old winners this season, and, at the time of writing, is South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2YOs for 2025-2026.
His juveniles this season include a number of highclass sorts including unbeaten Gr1 Gold Medallion winner Haute Couture, Gr2 Allan Robertson
Championship second Flower Island, Gr3 Winter Nursery second Shezaripper, and Listed Wilgerbosdrift Ruffian Stakes heroine Secretary Bird.
Breeder Pippa Mickleburgh has retained a share in the powerful partnership that races the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained filly.
“She’s a lovely filly. I sold her as a weanling off the farm to passionate owner DJ Jazzy D, the Groovemaster. He subsequently put her on the BSA August 2yo Sale where she fetched R500 000 to the bid of MGAS Bloodstock. We are very excited and there were some serious horses behind her on Sunday, including the impeccably-bred Beautiful Rosie, who ran on for fourth. She looks promising!” Pippa told the Sporting Post. The exciting Social Graces hails from an outstanding family. She is
out of the winning Var mare Comedy Of Manners, which means that Sunday’s winner is bred on the same Rafeef/Var cross as Gr1 winning sires Master Archie and Thunderstruck, this season’s TAB Gr2 Hawaii Stakes winner Cats Pajamas, as well as the aforementioned pair of Haute Couture and Shezaripper.
Var is also broodmare sire of the outstanding Australian performers Autumn Glow and In The Congo -both of whose sires, like Rafeef, were sired by Redoute’s Choice.
To date, Var is broodmare sire of more than 30 stakes winners with this tally also including such champions as Golden Palm and Tempting Fate.
Social Graces’ dam Comedy Of Manners was produced by champion and dual Gr1 winner Lady Windermere. A daughter of triple South African champion sire Western Winter, Lady Windermere was named Equus Champion 3YO Filly of 2009 following a season which saw her win all of the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes, Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint, Gr2 Sceptre Stakes and Gr2 Southern Cross Stakes.
Comedy Of Manners is one of six winners produced by her dam, with Lady Windermere herself a half-
sister to a trio of stakes winners including Gr3 Byerley Turk Plate winner Olympic Flag (Allied Flag) and Listed John Lindbergh Memorial queen Sharp Affair (Sharp Romance). The latter, in turn, produced Gr3 Three Troikas Stakes winner Sharp Mistress (Tamburlaine), the dam of Listed Compendium Insurance Brokers Handicap hero Xavion (Futura).
Ballad Of Reading was herself directly descended in female line from Hellespont (Gay Crusader), the ancestress of such notable performers as Airborne (Derby, St Leger) and Tirol (2000 Guineas, Irish 2000 Guineas).
Further back, this is also the family of influential stallion Prince Rose (Rose Prince) among others.
In South Africa, this family has been responsible for a number of outstanding performers including Classic Flag (Allied Flag) and Summer Pudding (Silvano), both named Horse Of The Year, as well as champions Cherry On The Top (Tiger Ridge) and Royal Aproval (Al Mufti), as well as Gr1 SA Oaks winner Serena (Jan Ekels). The latter made her mark at stud overseas through her Gr1 Sword Dancer Invitational Handicap winning son Broadway Flyer (Theatrical).
Brewer – returns from his international stint, a more polished rider | Credit: Supplied
Kaidan
BREWSKI’S BACK!
SA Jockey Academy graduate Kaidan Brewer is set for a return to South Africa following an incredibly successful six-month stint in Malaysia.
The Pietermaritzburg-born Carter High graduate has opted to return home having gained some international experience and exposure.
“We fly back on Wednesday 24 June,” his manager and Dad, Andrew, told the Sporting Post last Saturday.
Kaidan made waves abroad, proving his capabilities on the international stage and enhancing his racing tactical abilities riding on different tracks and against international jockeys.
The pinnacle of his time in Malaysia came in late March 2026 at the Perak Turf Club, where he secured his maiden Gr1 victory from his first elite race ride in the prestigious Perak Derby on Guru Fight, having delivered a tactical, perfectly timed ride.
Brewer made his move at the top of the straight and despite the horse running on empty in the final 100 meters, his determination and grit pulled them through to hold off a late surge from Winning Stride, securing the career-defining victory by a half-length.
Brewer’s tenure in Malaysia was characterized by standout performances right from the start. He made an immediate impact during his very first weekend in the country by winning the Tabcorp Trophy at Sungai Besi aboard Thunderous.
Demonstrating his skill on the fast Malaysian tracks, he consistently brought home winners, accumulating 20 firsts, 13 seconds and numerous placings on various types of runners, including four individual victories on his eventual Derby partner, Guru Fight. Looking back at some of the differences between our racing and what he experienced in Malaysia, Kaidan says that the barrier loading is done in numeric sequence. “So, 1 first followed by 2 then 3 etc. and only one at a time. The jockey is responsible to remove the blindfold/hood before the jump and not the handlers, like here.”
Asked about the race itself, Kaidan says that the pace is ‘exceptionally fast’ and the draw is critical over the sprint races.
“There is plenty of jostling for positions after the jump. A slow jump or racing three deep on the turn is the proverbial kiss of death to winning a race. The crop usage is encouraged, but not to be abused and should a trainer want to change a horse’s tactics
from leading, to say sitting in, then this must be made known and declared to the Stipes in advance, so that he betting public is informed.”
On the quality of horses, Kaidan believes that the Malaysian horses, which include a number of Aussie imports, compare favourably to ours, especially in the group races.
“Generally, many of their horses are still competitive at the ages of 8,9 and even 10. Your lower end Class 5 horses are however a bit weaker on average than ours and have low MR’s,” he says.
As to the Malaysian hospitality, Kaidan’s face lights up. “The hospitality from everyone was warm and welcoming.
That includes from the Local Committee (the Board as we refer to it in SA) to the officials of the Turf Club, the Stipendiary Stewards, fellow jockeys and apprentices, the trainers and valets. The general public were also accommodating and were wishing me well while circling in the parade ring. Hospitality in the jockey room was also great with warm camaraderie.”
We asked if he made any new friends. “Yes! Simon Dunderdale’s family and mainly people and owners within the Dunderdale yard as we interacted more with them. And I must mention the local cuisine and local food and beverages. They are brilliant!”
It’s been a long and winding road since Kaidan broke the ice on Monday 7 December 2020 in a modest Apprentice Handicap at Hollywoodbets Greyville, on the Foxwedge gelding Roy’s Magic for Kumaran Naidoo.
Behind him there were names like Luke Ferraris, Kabelo Matsunyane and Kyle Strydom – all upwardly mobile young jockeys today, set to make their mark on the game.
Proud Dad Andrew, a former owner, and his son’s manager/agent, was a key mentor in Kaidan’s journey.
With a breakthrough Group 1 title on his resume, and invaluable international experience in the irons, Brewer returns to South Africa with his stock higher than ever and looking forward to pitting his skills and experience against his former colleagues.
GIVES THEM THE SLIP RAFEEF MARE
The Rafeef mare Heliotrope was consistent when racing with Candice Bass in the Western Cape but made it two wins from three starts for Dean Smith in the Eastern Cape when winning the R175 000 Non Black-Type Wedgewood Handicap at Fairview on Friday.
Beautifully ridden by national log-leader Craig Zackey in a slow-run run, Heliotrope gave her field the slip at the top of straight and stayed on powerfully at 4-1 to beat the 11-10 favourite, Homing Pigeon by three quarters of a lengths in a time of 134,88 secs for the 2000m.
“She’s better on the turf,” added Zackey, clearly impressed with the mare who will be aimed at the Listed Jockey Club Stakes which is run on the turf over 2000m on 14 August, in her quest for black-type.
Raced by Marsh Shirtliff’s Greenacres Trust in partnership with David Hepburn-brown and the Estate of his late wife Dr Sandy Hepburn-Brown, Heliotrope has now won 4 races with 14 places from her 27 starts. She was purchased by Bass Racing for R360 000 off the 2022 BSA Cape Yearling Sale.
Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, the winner is by the red-hot Rafeef (AUS) out of the Irish-bred Dalakhani mare, Wisdom Stone.
On the day, Alan Greeff saddled three winners, while Richard Fourie enjoyed a double.
The next Fairview racemeeting is on Friday 19 June, when the East Cape Breeders Stakes heads the card.
Heliotrope (Craig Zackey) holds on smartly as Homing Pigeon (Richard Fourie) tries hard | Credit: Pauline Herman
GIBOSKI GRABS GOLD ON YOUTH DAY
Champion trainer Justin Snaith saddled four of the eight runners in the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Youth Day feature event, the Dare 2 Dream Syndicate Middle Stakes over 1400m, and in a very false-paced affair, one of them, Gold Giboski (3/1 joint favourite out to 8/1), found the winner’s enclosure under Craig Zackey.
On leaving the stalls it was Handsome Prince who elected to make the running and in what proved to be the fastest of the five races around the turn between the 1000m & 600m markers, he had the field well strung out. Indeed, he raced five lengths clear of the second horse who in turn raced four lengths clear of the pack.
The 3yo son of Gold Standard meanwhile raced at the back and going through the 600m was at least twelve lengths adrift.
Once in the straight though the early effort soon began to take its toll on the leader. Gold Giboski ran on strongly in the closing stages of the race and in a classic finish he got up 20m from home to deny his stable companion Mente Et Manu (raced second; led 200m). This was marginally the fastest of the afternoon’s four 1400m races.
Run in a time just 11/100th of a second slower than the middle stakes was the Lucky Fish Monopoly Live Class 4 over 1400m, and here we saw a smart performance from the heavily supported Clark Griswold.
Backed throughout the day into 9/4 second favourite from 7/1, Candice Bass’ charge was confidently ridden by Aldo Domeyer, and always travelling well, sat some six lengths off a strong, but much fairer pace set by District Master.
Devil A Saint was the first to make a move in the straight and after striking the front 300m out, he kept on strongly under a very determined ride from Mickaelle Michel.
The 3yo son of Horizon quickened well when given rein though, and after having looked a winner a long way out, he went on to score with authority after hitting the front 100m from home.
Track Conditions:
Going: Soft (both tracks)
Penetrometer: 28 (straight) – 26 (bend)
Rain: Last 24 hours Nil –Last 7 days 51mm
Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil
False Rail: 1m out from 1700m with a 4m spur at 450m
Wind: 25-40km/h Southerly cross wind
Course Variant: 1,15s slow (bend)
The Lucky Fish Chilli Heat Maiden Juvenile Plate was the quicker of the two 1400m events for 2yo’s that had gotten proceedings underway and here the second favourite UNCLE SAM won a little more easily than the form book will reflect. Warrior Of Destiny made the running whilst the son of Master Of My Fate raced four lengths away in fifth.
He quickly took closer order in the straight but then had to wait for a gap against the inside rail between the 250m & 150m. He bravely went through when the space began to widen and after striking the front 100m out, he was asked to do no more than was necessary by Richard Fourie below the distance. The winners of both 1400m maiden juvenile events were trained by Vaughan Marshall.
By far the quickest of the three sprinting events comparatively was the closing Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 5 over 1200m.
However, the times of these three races were considerably slower than those around the bend, and with the three comprising of two maiden events and this class 5, no meaningful course variant could be determined for the straight course.
The Class 5 was won by the 4yo Rafeef gelding Gold Dust. Soon nicely positioned in the box seat in second, Michelle Rix’s charge was ridden to lead shortly after passing the 200m marker and won well from the staying on pacemaker Avignon.
Trainer Michelle Rix was also on the mark with the easy pillar to post winner Swift Serenity in the Bet With Tote www.tote.co.za Maiden Plate over 1000m.
Mickaëlle Michel was the leading jockey on the day with a well-taken double, while trainers Vaughan Marshall and Michelle Rix shared the saddling honours with two winners each.
Fastest Times
1200m (2) Gold Dust
77,57
1400m (4) Gold Giboski 87,91
Gimme A Nother and Jorge Ruiz are well clear | Credit: Equi-Photo / Herringswell Stables
FROM RUSSIA
A TOP SA FAMILY WITH LOVE!
A nine-month layoff proved to be no problem for the former Mike de Kock charge and Newstead Stables-owned Gimme A Nother in the $150 000 Gr3 Eatontown Stakes run on Saturday at Monmouth Park.
A multiple Gr1 winner South Africa, Gimme A Nother was coming off a win in her last start, the Gr2 John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar last September.
Herringswell Stables said: “Gimme A Nother (SAF) settled early on to stalk the pacesetter, bid two wide on the far turn, took over, responded when roused at the top of the lane, finished willingly, drew clear and was ridden out.”
Visually, she took off like an absolute rocket when Jorge Ruiz asked, hitting the wire 3-1/2 lengths the better of Whiskey Decision. “First, thanks to God, the entire Graham Motion team, and the owners for
the opportunities,” Jorge said after the race. “I am very grateful to everyone! She made the job very easy for me.”
By Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) out of the Tiger Ridge mare Nother Russia (SAF), Gimme A Nother was bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein. She is owned by Newstead Stables LLC and has now won 9 of 13 career starts and was her second graded stakes victory in six starts since she began racing in the United States in March 2025.
She was previously undefeated in seven races in South Africa, where she was a multiple group 1 winner.
RYAN MOORE MBE
Jockey Ryan Moore has been appointed MBE for services to racing and British sport in the recent King’s Birthday Honours list.
Moore, who rode Estimate to victory in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013 for Queen Elizabeth II, is widely regarded as the best jockey of his generation, with 93 victories to his name at the royal meeting after Tuesday’s Day 1, as well as partnering 18 British Classic victors, including four Derby winners.
Moore has won every Grade 1 in the UK.
The accolade for Moore, who lives in Newmarket, in Suffolk, was ‘well deserved’, said his father Gary, a former jockey. “I know I’m his father, but he does a lot of good things behind the scenes as well as what he does out on the track and this is fantastic. I’m obviously very proud,” he said.
“I know he was very well liked by the (late) Queen and she had a huge respect for Ryan. I was fortunate to meet her a few months before she passed away and I was amazed by how she spoke about him. I think Ryan will be proud deep down, even though he won’t probably show it. I think he will be very shocked as well as much as anything. It’s another great moment in his career.”
Ryan Moore - a file image ahead of his runner-up finish on Rainbow Bridge in the 2020 Met won by One World. It was his first racemeeting in South Africa. | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
ISI RETURNS TO RACE ACTION
Former star SA sprinter Isivunguvungu is set to return to the track ten months after his last run.
The son of What A Winter runs in the third race, a $56 000 OPT Allowance/ Claiming over 1100m, at Laurel Park on Friday.
Jorge Ruiz takes the ride. The Graham Motion-trained galloper worked 800m in 50 secs flat on Saturday 13 June and could enjoy running fresh.
More details on racetimes and where to watch the race – visit www.sportingpost.co.za
Isivunguvungu – lightning fast son of What A Winter returns on Friday at Laurel Park. It will be his first start since August 2025. Credit: Maggie Kimmitt
NHA CALENDAR
ALL THE ADMIN UNDER ONE UMBRELLA
The Sporting Post presents the National Horseracing Authority calendar per 12 June 2026.
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:
AUSSIE JOCK MAKES MORE WAVES
Ethan Brown jubilated in the best day of a burgeoning short-term Hong Kong stint with a dominant display at Sha Tin on Saturday, when the Australian posted a treble and fulfilled an ambition to ride a winner for John Size.
Ethan Brown celebrates a treble | Credit: HKJC
Ethan Brown jubilated in the best day of a burgeoning short-term Hong Kong stint with a dominant display at Sha Tin on Saturday, when the Australian posted a treble and fulfilled an ambition to ride a winner for John Size.
Brown, 26, excelled with victories on Country Dancer (125lb) in the Class 5 Shearwater Handicap (1200m) and Endued (132lb) in the Class 3 Spoonbill Handicap (1600m) for 13-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer Size and also triumphed on Prestige Hall (125lb) for David Hall in the first section of the Class 4 Swan Handicap (1400m).
“It’s unreal, it hasn’t sunk in yet. I thought I came here with a good book of rides and often, when that’s the case, you tend to go average, but today’s been great,” Brown said.
“It feels great. It took me a while to get the monkey off the back here (ride a winner at Sha
Tin) but to come back the following week and knock over more, it means a lot.
“I’m getting very good support, and it feels like things are starting to clear up. I’m getting the hang of the racing here and it’s probably proven that the last couple of races, but the main thing is getting on the right horses and getting the right support from the right trainers.”
Brown was especially thrilled to post his first win for Size after Country Dancer swooped late to deny Always Fluke (129lb).
“As soon as I got off the horse, I said, ‘I’ve always wanted to ride a winner for you (Size)’ and I couldn’t be happier to do it for him today. It was a good feeling, very honourable,” Brown said. With only eight meetings left in the season, Danny Shum (58 wins), Francis Lui (54), David Hayes (52) and Size (50) all edged closer to Caspar Fownes (62) and Mark Newnham (58) in
Francis Lui’s impressive Superb Spirit makes it two wins from three starts | Credit: HKJC
the battle for the 2025/26 Hong Kong trainers’ championship.
Lui enhanced his championship hopes with a three-timer, striking with Meaningful Dragon (135lb) in the second section of the Class 4 Swan Handicap (1400m) under James Orman, Superb Spirit in the Class 4 Anser Handicap (1200m) under Zac Purton and Baby Sakura (124lb) for Vincent Ho in the Class 3 Owl Handicap (1400m).
Trailing Fownes by eight wins, Lui said: “It’ll be difficult to win the premiership. Unless every day is three winners, it’ll be tough. You never know – of course, I will really try my best.”
Purton was impressed with Superb Spirit. “He obviously drew the right gate (barrier two) to get the right run… and when he let go, he let go nicely,” Purton said of the Zousain three-year-old.
Lui indicated Superb Spirit would be aimed at next season’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
“He’s a good horse – he has a lot of potential. He’s only a three-year-old and has only had a few runs, he looks like he keeps improving,” Lui said. “I think he’ll have a break now. He’s a four-year-old series horse. Zac said he has a lot of potential. He said if he can handle the further distance, I’m sure he has a good chance of winning more races.”
Shum also maintained hopes of a first trainers’ title when Forever Folks (134lb) resisted his rivals under Derek Leung to win the Class 4 Flamingo Handicap (1800m). Purchased at Hong Kong International Sale, the seven-year-old showcased his versatility with success on Sha Tin’s turf following victories this season on Sha Tin’s dirt and Happy Valley’s turf.
Hayes-trained Jedi Spurs (121lb) impressed with a four-and-a-half length victory in the Sunbird Plate (1000m) for Griffins, clocking 55.81s under Brenton Avdulla. By Cosmic Force, the two-year-
Jedi Spurs dashes away on debut under Brenton Avdulla | Credit: HKJC
old justified his 1.6 odds in forging to the front before accelerating strongly over the last 400m in 21.60s on yielding ground.
“He was more impressive today than the barrier trials (indicated) because Brenton gave him a little slap to learn. He’s done everything so easily his in his life and to run that time, in these conditions, he might be very good. You couldn’t do a better debut than that. The opposition weren’t super, but the time was there and the margin he won by excites me,” Hayes said.
“He’s probably got to win the next Griffin race (to be Hong Kong Champion Griffin), but if he does, it would be pretty impressive.”
Soleil Fighter (124lb) slotted his first Sha Tin victory with a courageous performance to land the Class 2 Peacock Handicap (1600m) under Nichola Yuen. Allowed to dictate in front, the six-year-old boosted his earnings to HK$16.9 million from 33 starts.
Formerly known as Connemara Coast when he raced in England for Richard Hughes, Soleil Fighter won the 2024/25 DBS x Manulife Million Challenge in Class 3 races and above at Happy Valley and Hayes was delighted with the gelding’s effort to prevail at Sha Tin.
“I think Nichola did a very good job. I asked Nicola to let the horse run today and she did a very good job,” Hayes said. “This is a good horse, he’s a Happy Valley champion, and now he’s winning at Sha Tin – I wish I had 10 of them.”
PI Legend (117lb) earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million after a brilliant effort in the Class 3 Snipe Handicap (1200m, dirt) for Brett Crawford and Karis Teetan, while Mega Captain (127lb) broke through for his first win at this fourth start with success in the Class 4 Sand Martin Handicap (1200m, dirt) for Purton and Dennis Yip.
REMEMBERING TREVOR TAYLOR
30 NOVEMBER 1951 – 12 JUNE 2026
The Sporting Post is sad to learn of the passing of former Bass Racing assistant Trevor Taylor after a short illness, last Friday afternoon.
Trevor’s involvement in horses began in 1967 when he joined the SA Jockey Academy working under the late Allan Higgins. He later joined Allan as his assistant trainer for a decade.
Trevor joined Mike Bass at his original Milnerton Sungari Lodge stables in 1982 as his assistant trainer, which was to culminate in a 44 year long partnership.
An unassuming man, he was never one for the limelight, but was an extremely hard working and dedicated horseman and was pivotal in the yard’s success through the decades. Trevor was exceptional in heading up groom and stable management and was a vital and trusty cog in the Bass racing operation.
His dedication and loyalty to Mike and Candice Bass for over four decades was unwavering and will always be cherished and never forgotten.
“He was part of the family” said Mike “This is one of the saddest days of my life.“
BOB DYLAN, PINK FLOYD AND A LIFE IN RACING
Trevor was a true character in every sense of the word.
He was one of a kind and extremely knowledgable on a wide array of life topics. His passion for music was wide and varied, and ranged from Bob Dylan to Pink Floyd Music. He also loved sport, history and racing.
Trevor always had many tales to tell at the track to anyone that crossed his path and was willing to listen.
He was widely respected throughout the industry and by his long-term peers and former work colleagues, who grew up with him in racing.
The Bass Racing team said that it was with tremendous sadness that they say a final goodbye to a man that was so dedicated to their family and racing interests.
“Our hearts and souls go out to his wife Lutzy, brothers Clive and Basil , daughter Shontell, and his three grandchildren Declan, Juliet and Kristen, as well as his extended family,” Bass Racing said.
Never forgotten! May his dear soul rest in peace.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 24 June at View Church, 3 Wood Drive, Table View. Time to be announced.
TRAINERS
JOCKEYS
BREEDERS
