NIGHT RACING’S BACK!
THE LIGHTS TURNING ON
Autumn Sun Shines Bright
Aussie-bred debuts in SA
Friday’s Just Got Lit! Night racing is all the rage
Honouring The Champions Equus Awards – 18 August
Elite Stock Takes Centre Stage 10 August – Klawervlei Dispersal Sale
On the cover Race Coast is set to transform Hollywoodbets Greyville into Durban’s newest Friday night destination when Lucky Fish Friday Night Racing launches on Friday.
The image is courtesy of Candiese Lenferna.
SHE DID IT!
Moments after Umoyawokubambelela’s debut victory at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, Gavin Lerena and Vengi Masawi share a moment of quiet reflection. It was an opening chapter plan-come-together for a filly that had overcome the odds. Candiese Lenferna took the photograph. Please read the wonderful story on page 06.
Umoyawokubambelela cruises home under Gavin Lerena for an emotional victory | Credit: Julia Marnewick
An intercontinental tale of professional dedication and a dream on the back of a horse with the heart of a lion, wrote its next chapter at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, as Umoyawokubambelela, an Australian-bred daughter of The Autumn Sun, stormed home for an impressive debut victory.
“This was pressure!” exclaimed Ashburtonbased Hollywood Racing trainer Wengesai ‘Vengi’ Masawi, who has just completed his first full season as a licenced conditioner and lauded his team, including assistant Megan Trott, for all the work and effort expended to get the exciting import to the races.
“This is more than a win. It’s about how this filly overcame the odds and all the wonderful people involved in getting her here today,” added an emotional Hollywood Racing Manager Anthony Delpech, after former SA
Champion Jockey Gavin Lerena had guided the 3yo to victory, following a tardy start.
“She was green going down to the start and I could feel in the stalls that she wasn’t going to jump. But even though she is mentally immature, her class pulled her through,” said Lerena.
Umoyawokubambelela is Zulu for ‘the spirit of holding on’, and the 2025 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale graduate has certainly lived up to her name in short time.
Purchased by former KZN trainer and breeder, and now New-Zealand-based Craig Ramsay, she was bred by Arrowfield Group Pty Ltd & Jungle Pocket Pty Ltd.
A thrilled Craig told the Sporting Post on Tuesday that some lighthearted banter
between himself and Owen Heffer about South African and New Zealand sports rivalry and how, in the past, NZ imports had dominated our racecourses for decades, sowed the seeds of an idea of acquiring a few horses to test the waters. That was as the shadows lengthened on 2024.
The thrilled Hollywood Racing team lead the gutsy champion in | Credit: Julia Marnewick
“This led to a scramble to acquire a catalogue for the 2025 Karaka Sale, due to take place in four weeks. The intention was to find 3 colts and 3 fillies, with an emphasis on value and longevity, rather than competing for the most popular precocious yearlings. To assist in the analysis of pedigrees and general logistics of the sale hosted by New Zealand Bloodstock, help was recruited in the form of auctioneer Steve Davis, who has been selling at BSA sales for over 20 years, and is the leading NZB and Magic Millions auctioneer; Andrew Stewart, Bloodstock Manager at Arion Pedigrees based in Cambridge, Waikato; and Andrew Birch, CEO NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. With their guidance and shared knowledge, an initial list of 112 was consistently reduced by eliminating yearlings because of poor conformation or failed vet examinations, until a target of 24 was left,” reflects Craig.
He recalled that out of a catalogue of 1000 yearlings offered over 4 days, 3 colts and only 2 fillies were purchased.
“The elusive third filly that remained on the ever-diminishing list kept selling for more than the value I placed on each of them!” recalled Craig.
The veteran explained that horses are transported on cargo flights, in pallets with jet stalls designed to take 3 horses. Cargo flights accommodate up to 5 pallets, 15 horses, at a time, and as the numbers increase to the maximum of 15, the average price per horse drops, making 15 the most economically viable way to travel.
Umoyawokubambelela travelled nearly 15000km with Craig and Tammy Ramsay | Credit: Supplied
“Not only had I not managed to buy 6 to fill two pallets, but I was then informed the import/export protocols between NZ and SA had lapsed due to inactivity. The prospect of racing them in NZ was considered until IRT (International Racehorse Transport), based in Australia, stepped in and offered to assist. This would require them being sent to Australia to complete pre-export isolation.”
It is a given that flights between New Zealand and Australia are extremely commonplace with thoroughbreds flying between countries to compete, and broodmares travelling to be covered by stallions selected for them in each country. When considering it takes a mare or racehorse in the Cape, or KZN, to visit a stallion or compete in a race in each province nearly 24 hours by road, a three hour flight between the neighbouring countries is much easier and less stressful!
“Again, the Hollywood Racing style of only looking for solutions was adopted, and this option was chosen, but not only for flying from Australia, but also for filling the 5 available pallets on the flight. With the NZ sale completed, work immediately began to find the other 10 at the next available sale – Inglis Melbourne Premier. Sebastian Hutch, CEO of Bloodstock Sales at Inglis, and auctioneer Bret Gilding - who was seen in action at this year’s Race Coast Sale in the Cape - provided advice and support, along with the aforementioned Kiwis,” says Craig.
He and his wife Tammy left for Melbourne to try and find another 10 to fill the plane.
“While still avoiding what we were expecting to be the most popular yearlings, the focus was now on finding fillies with broodmare pedigrees, as their ultimate goal would be to introduce international bloodlines to benefit the SA Stud Book for generations to come,” says the former breeder.
He explained that by concentrating on fillies, they were able to eliminate a large part of the
buying market who only purchase colts for export to the East.
“I purposely filtered out immature fillies or those born in November or late October that would need time to mature before racing, and with pedigrees that indicated they would be able to stay at least 1600m and be able to remain racing for many seasons. With the Australian focus on racing precocious 2yo’s, I hoped this strategy would eliminate another large part of the competition in the sales ring, ensuring the best prospect of achieving value over fashion. High on the list were mares with unraced, but well-bred progeny, while always hoping that half-brothers or sisters would add extra value to the pedigrees if they could win after the sale!” enthuses Craig.
He tells that again, the initial list was quickly narrowed at the sale after conducting physical inspections, and instead of the ten yearlings needed, they were left with only five: but fillies by Champion sires Wootton Bassett, Zoustar and Written Tycoon, as well as two whose sires he hoped would be future stars, Harry Angel and The Autumn Sun.
And it was from this quintet that Umoyawokubambelela, who was consigned by Glen Lee Thoroughbreds on behalf of Australia’s leading breeders Arrowfield Stud, emerged.
Craig’s voice raises a note as he recalls that she was a well-balanced yearling who looked like she could be precocious – she is an August foal - but had open knees and a slight splay.
“Although she didn’t fit the profile entirely, she did, against the background of hoping the SA market eventually is opened to international buyers, have an extremely strong Japanese family to back her up and had an unraced half – sister, who is twice placed from three starts, by champion sire Snitzel at the time of the sale. Her young mother is a two-time winner by a Champion Sire and Broodmare Sire, and halfsister to five winners, including a Gr2 winner
and the dam of Champion Miler and Older Female in Japan, Songline,” explains Craig.
And he goes on quicky to add that if The Autumn Sun’s progeny continued performing as he hoped they would, they may not be available at their current prices again.
“At the time of the sale, The Autumn Sun was standing at a fee of A$66,000 (today A$137,500), and while he was enjoying good success, things quickly improved after the sale as his progeny matured. He is already the sire of Gr1 winners Autumn Boy, Autumn Angel, Coco Sun, Vibrant Sun and the sensational Autumn Glow, and is now being considered the natural successor for his Champion Sire, Redoute’s Choice, who also stood at Arrowfield Stud.”
Craig says he felt that he believed that Umoyawokubambelela represented good value at A$200k, so was very satisfied to have purchased her for A$180 000.
“We now had 10 yearlings, five to go and two sales to find them. The cargo flight available to
transport the yearlings to Johannesburg would board in Melbourne. We had bought 5 yearlings in NZ and 5 in Melbourne, so it made sense to spell them, and then have them complete their isolation close to Melbourne Airport. So Rosemont Stud in Geelong was selected.”
The next sale was hosted by Magic Millions at the Gold Coast, where a filly by Queensland’s national racing hero and ultra consistent sire Spirit of Boom was bought, and the last four –by I Am Invincible, The Autumn Sun and two by Maurice - were secured at the Inglis Sydney Easter Sale.
All, including the 5 from NZ, gathered at Rosemont, and after some work on the veterinary protocols, eventually left for Johannesburg, via Singapore.
“After departing Melbourne at 5 degrees at 01h30, arriving midmorning and spending 5 hours on the runway in Singapore while cargo was offloaded and new cargo loaded with an outside temperature of 42 degrees, we took off and landed late afternoon in Johannesburg, back to 10 degrees,” recalls Craig.
And this is where Umoyawokubambelela, after enduring close on 15000km of air travel, faced her first real challenges.
After nearly three weeks of the required 30 days of mid-winter quarantine in a dry and dusty quarantine facility, despite expert care from Candice Hobday, Rina Linke and their on-site staff, the beautiful filly’s digestive system stalled due to a blockage caused by a build-up of dry feed.
She was transported to Onderstepoort where surgery was performed to rectify the condition, and after 5 days she was returned to complete her time at the quarantine station, and it seemed as if she had recovered.
Craig takes up the story.
“Unfortunately, on the morning of their
discharge, she again showed signs of colic. Instead of joining her friends on the float to Ashburton, she was relocated to the Fourways Equine Clinic, where, after two weeks of treatment to try to avoid another surgery, it became apparent that it would be unavoidable to resolve the condition without another visit to theatre. She was transferred to Witbos Veterinary Clinic where Prof Roy Gottschalk performed another surgery to remove a large impaction and correct the position of the colon. Following surgery, she returned to Fourways Clinic for nursing and was discharged on 20 August.”
After hospitalisation, Umoyawokubambelela transferred to the care of Karen Eekman, owner of Key Equestrian Stables, an expert in holistic treatment and rehabilitation, where she was nursed back to full health. Looking good! Umoyawokubambelela on the road to
When fully recovered, she transferred to Ashburton and into the care of The Life After Racing team, progressing through her pre-training and eventually in the hands of Hollywood Racing trainer Vengi Masawi.
And in 70,1 secs on Sunday 2 August 2026, Umoyawokubambelela lived up to her name and paid tribute to every caring soul that had crossed her path since she first saw the light of day on 29 August 2023 in the Segenhoe Valley, New South Wales.
Her debut victory, which was a small step into the hearts and minds of the South African
racing public, also came within hours of the arrival of Hollywood Racing’s next batch of imports from New Zealand and Australia, who landed safely in Johannesburg to commence their quarantine.
Umoyawokubambelela is a survivor and a pioneer – and she’s only getting started!
The story continues…
You can read more on page 42.
Brothers-in-arms…Hollywood Racing Manager Anthony Delpech and Vengi Masawi express the relief | Credit: Julia Marnewick
PRESENTS A TASTE OF KOREA LUCKY FISH FRIDAY NIGHT RACING
Race Coast is set to transform Hollywoodbets Greyville into Durban’s newest Friday night destination when Lucky Fish Friday Night Racing launches on Friday, 7 August, combining thrilling horse racing with the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of South Korea.
The
evening marks the return of Friday night racing and celebrates the visit of a Korean racing delegation, creating a unique fusion of Korean culture and South African hospitality. Guests can look forward to an unforgettable social experience that extends far beyond the racetrack.
From the moment racegoers arrive, they will be immersed in a lively Koreaninspired atmosphere featuring themed décor, traditional entertainment, K-Pop
performances, live music, roaming entertainers and a vibrant night market feel.
Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with an exciting range of Korean street food favourites, including Korean Fried Chicken, Korean BBQ, Corn Dogs, Bubble Tea, Bingsu and a variety of authentic desserts, while
families can enjoy a dedicated Kids Zone packed with entertainment throughout the evening.
For those looking to elevate their evening, the popular Durban View will offer a relaxed hospitality experience at R325 per person, featuring racecourse views, betting facilities, a Korean-inspired menu and the ever-popular Sip & Paint experience.
While the racing remains the hero of the evening, Lucky Fish Friday Night Racing is designed to showcase that a night at Hollywoodbets Greyville is about so much more than the action on the track.
Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, foodie, family looking for a fun evening out, or simply searching for something different to do after work, Friday Night Racing offers the perfect mix of sport, entertainment and culture.
The launch forms part of Race Coast’s ongoing commitment to creating vibrant race day experiences that appeal to new audiences while celebrating the international connections that continue to strengthen South African racing.
Racegoers are encouraged to embrace the Korean theme, enjoy the entertainment, experience the flavours of Seoul and soak up the electric atmosphere under the lights at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
QUARANTINE EQUINE MANAGER
LOC ATION: Cape Town, WC
We are looking for a dedicated, organised, and experienced Quarantine Facility Manager to oversee the day-today operations of our equine quarantine facility in Cape Town. This is a hands-on management role requiring excellent horsemanship, strong administrative skills, and the ability to maintain the highest standards of horse care, biosecurity, and facility management.
KEY RES PONSIBILITIES
• Oversee the daily management and smooth operation of the quarantine facility.
• Ensure all horses receive the highest standard of care and welfare.
• Supervise and coordinate grooms and facility staff.
• Maintain strict biosecurity and quarantine protocols.
• Liaise with veterinarians, government officials and shipping agents.
• Keep accurate records and complete all required documentation.
• Monitor horse health and promptly report any concerns.
• Manage feed, bedding, medication and facility supplies.
• Ensure the facility is clean, organised, and maintained to a high standard.
• Coordinate arrivals, departures, inspections, and export schedules.
• Assist with loading and unloading horses when required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Matric (Grade 12)
• South African citizen
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Valid driver's licence
• Non-smoker
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office, email and basic spreadsheets)
• Previous equine experience (yard management or similar)
• Excellent horsemanship skills
• Strong administrative and organisational skills
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
• Is calm, confident and experienced around horses.
• Has excellent attention to detail.
• Can work independently and make sound decisions.
• Is a team player, has strong leadership and people management skills.
• Basic knowledge of equine first aid and wound care would be advantageous.
• Is reliable, punctual and professional.
• Can work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Is physically fit and willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays when required.
• Has a strong understanding of horse health and can recognise signs of illness or injury.
• Maintains confidentiality and represents the company professionally at all times.
If you are passionate about horses and have the experience and organisational skills to manage a professional equine quarantine facility, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV together with a brief cover letter outlining your equine experience and relevant qualifications. Email: admin@hee.co.za
RACE COAST REGIONS
GET A BOOST!
The curtain has fallen on another outstanding KwaZulu-Natal Champions Season; one that showcased world-class racing, exceptional equine talent and reaffirmed the strength and momentum of South African racing.
As the 2026/27 racing season officially began on 1 August, attention now turns to the highly anticipated Cape Summer Festival of Racing, where an exciting new chapter will unfold from 1 November.
Building on the success of the past season, Race Coast, in a media release published on Friday 31 July 2026, has announced a significant increased investment across both the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal through enhanced stakes that will benefit participants throughout the industry.
Unlike previous years, the end of Champions Season will not see a reverting back to ‘outof-season’ purses.
Flashback! Craig Zackey drives The Real Prince up the inside as Questioning (Richard Fourie) stays on doggedly in the 2026 Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate in the height of the Cape Summer | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
The current stakes structure and Race Coast Incentive Scheme (RCIS) will remain in place until 31 October 2026 and a new stakes structure will take effect on 1 November 2026, coinciding with the start of the Cape Summer Festival of Racing.
RCIS will fall away on the same date; however, it is important to note that every Rand has been redirected to the stakes pot.
Race Coast has approved a substantial increase in annual stakes across both regions, taking the combined stakes investment to R270 million, an increase of 20% on the past year.
Grooms will now get a 100% increase in their share of the stakes, in recognition of the invaluable contribution they make to the care, preparation and success of South Africa’s racehorses. The stakes earnings for grooms will increase from 1% to 2%, effectively doubling their reward.
This decision reflects the commitment of
Hollywoodbets and Race Coast to meaningful investment in the people whose every day dedication underpins the success of the sport.
In breaking down the new funding, KwaZulu-Natal stakes will increase from R129 million to R156 million, while Western Cape stakes will increase from R96 million to R114 million, providing increased returns and opportunities across the racing programme.
One of the most meaningful enhancements comes at the grassroots level of the sport.
Minor race stakes will increase by an average of 20% during the off-season and 22% during the respective seasons, significantly improving earning opportunities for owners, trainers and racing connections throughout the year.
The minimum stake for all minor races increases from R80 000 to R100 000 during the off-season, while no in-season minor race will carry a stake of less than R110 000.
Good news for minor races | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Feature Race stakes have also been reviewed and standardised across the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with Grade 1 races receiving the largest increases to further strengthen South Africa’s premier racing programme.
The new Feature Race stakes will be released timeously before the respective Cape and KwaZulu-Natal seasons.
To align with the enhanced stakes structure, Entry and Declaration Fees will increase by 20% from 1 November 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the Race Coast companies, Head of Racing Operations WC, Kurt Felix, said that these enhancements represent an important investment in the future of racing and reflect Race Coast’s commitment to growing the industry in a sustainable way.
“Increasing stakes strengthens the racing programme at every level, while the doubling
of the stakes earnings for grooms recognises the vital role they play in the success of every horse and every stable. We believe these changes will provide greater opportunities across the industry and continue to build confidence in racing as we look ahead to an exciting Cape Summer Festival of Racing and the seasons beyond.”
With renewed investment, increased opportunities and the excitement of another Cape Summer Festival of Racing on the horizon, the 2026/27 season promises to build on the momentum of a successful KwaZuluNatal Champions Season and continue the positive trajectory of South African racing.
That is not the end of the good news!
Race Coast is currently in discussions with 4Racing concerning the proposed structure, including meaningful rewards, for the National Championships for both trainers and jockeys for the 2026/27 season. An announcement in that regard will follow shortly.
Race Coast Stakes Investment – Effective 1 November 2026
Now Out!
DIRECTORY OF SIRES 2026 - SOUTH AFRICA
THE NOMINEES EQUUS 2026
With the conclusion of 2026 World Pool Gold Cup Day on 26 July and the final set of logs for the 2025/26 racing season, the Equus Awards judging panel has released the list of nominees for the 2026 Equus Awards.
The categories and finalists for the equine awards are:
Champion 2yo Filly:
• Get Up
• Marchland
• Palace of Arvernia
Champion 2yo Colt/ Gelding:
• Erik Dubois
• Haute Couture
• Rich Man’s World
Champion 3yo Filly:
• Hazy Dazy
• Quickstepgal
• Wish List
Champion 3yo Colt/ Gelding:
• Note To Self
• Star Major
• Tin Pan Alley
Champion Older Female:
• Asiye Phambili
• Double Grand Slam
• Mocha Blend
Champion Older Male:
• Buffalo Storm Cody
• Eight On Eighteen
• Questioning
• See It Again
• The Real Prince
Champion Sprinter:
• Asiye Phambili
• Buffalo Storm Cody
• Kingdundee
• Taxi To The Moon
Champion Miler:
• Double Grand Slam
• Questioning
• Quickstepgal
• The Real Prince
• Tin Pan Alley
Champion Middle Distance:
• Eight On Eighteen
• Mocha Blend
• Note To Self
• See It Again
• Star Major
• Wish List
Champion Stayer:
• Ahead Of The Facts
• Curious Girl
• Enflame
• Holding Thumbs
All nominees qualify for the prestigious Equus Horse Of The Year Award.
The Equus Awards judging panel for 2026 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, the lists of nominees are drawn from the Equus logs.
In addition to the above, there will also be Thoroughbred Breeders Awards for:
• Champion Broodmare
• Champion Stallion
• Champion Breeder
Nominees for the Champion Broodmare category are:
• Massachusetts
• Palace of Dreams
• Real Princess
The Media Award categories are:
• Print/Editorial
• Still Photography
• Video/Broadcast
The Human Achievement Award categories are:
• Champion Apprentice Jockey
• Champion Jockey
• Champion Trainer
• Champion Owner
• Groom Of The Year
The Equus Awards will be hosted by 4Racing for 2026 and will celebrate all that made the season great at The Galleria in Sandton on Tuesday, 18 August.
Further updates and information will be published on the official Equus Awards website ( www.equusawards.co.za ) and social media channels.
READY FOR ANOTHER
BIG SEASON LEADING BREEDERS
Powerhouse breeding partnership Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein ended the 2025-2026 South African racing season as the Leading Breeders in the country.
The partnership were responsible for breeding 11 black type winners in the past season, with Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred horses earning more than R34,703 million in prize money in 2025-2026.
Their season was bookended by the very classy Mocha Blend.
Not only did the latter win the 2025 Gr1 Betway Summer Cup in November but the daughter of underrated stallion Ideal World went on to win the Gr2 Bet With The World Gold Bracelet.
Mocha Blend – classy mare found form at end of season | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
The blue-blooded Mocha Blend will be a very attractive broodmare prospect. Not only is she a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Barahin, but also hails from one of the best families in the stud book, being directly descended in female line from legendary producer Plucky Liege.
The same day that Mocha Blend won the Gold Bracelet, the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred staying stalwart Holding Thumbs landed the World Pool Gr3 Gold Cup.
In winning the 2026 Gold Cup, Holding Thumbs, who hails from the same family as the Mauritzfontein bred Gold Cup winner Hermoso Mundo, made amends for his runner-up effort in the 2025 contest.
The gelding, who has five black type wins to his name, has earned over R2 000 000 in prize money.
In contrast to the venerable Holding Thumbs, Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein were also responsible for breeding some very exciting younger prospects last season.
Blue-blooded colt Haute Couture won his only two starts in 2025-2026, with his wins headed by a courageous win in the Gr1 Gold Medallion.
A son of Rafeef, Haute Couture’s third dam is multiple Gr1 winning champion Ilha Da Vitoria (Candy Stripes).
Haute Couture is closely related to another promising product of Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein in the form of Flower Island.
A daughter of Rafeef and Ilha Da Vitoria’s Gr1 winning granddaughter Orchid Island, Flower Island won her first two starts, including the 4Racing Sales Cup (Fillies), before finishing runner-up in the Gr2 Allan Robertson Championship.
Rafeef was responsible for another high-class, Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred stakes winner last season, with his gelded son Cats Pajamas winning the 2026 Gr2 TAB Hawaii Stakes.
Bred on the same Rafeef/Var cross as the aforementioned Haute Couture, Cats Pajamas is out of Var’s multiple stakes winning daughter Sea Cat.
Keukenhof proved one of the best three-yearold fillies in South Africa last season, with the daughter of The United States winning the Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes and finishing third in both the World Sports Betting Gr2 Fillies Guineas and Lucky Fish Gr2 Woolavington 2000.
Another Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred filly to impress last season was Stormwatch.
After just being touched off when runner-up in the Schweppes Gr3 Diana Stakes, the daughter of Vercingetorix went on to romp home to a three and a half length win in the Listed Ladies Mile.
Other stakes winners representing Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein last season included Aristotle, Epikleros, and Warm Reception.
And let’s not forget about Saturday evening at Colonial Downs, Steven and Jessica Jell’s Newstead Stables LCC celebrated a third consecutive US graded stakes victory for the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein-bred Gimme A Nother, who won the $500 000 Gr2 Beverly D. Stakes.
With some exciting young stallions in the pipeline, the future looks blisteringly bright for the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein partnership.
With no runners yet to show his powers, and his racing career a fading memory, this is the dreaded fourth covering season, when support from mare owners could be in short supply, many of whom are inclined to adopt a wait and see policy and will send their mares elsewhere.
For that reason, it would be more than appropriate to recall the credentials of the 2023 stallion intake, which numbered just a handful, however, what they lacked in numbers, they more than made up for in quality, all being Gr1 winners of the highest order.
We start with Jet Dark , who returned to birthplace Drakenstein Stud and promptly
received the thumbs up from the country’s breeders, to the extent that he was completely oversubscribed, the stud receiving 200 applications for his services.
A monument to all the best qualities of the modern thoroughbred, Jet Dark brought to the table an outstanding race record, a fine physique, and a grand international pedigree.
A five-time Gr1 winner and multiple Equus Champion, he combines the best attributes of two of the most potent stallions of recent time, his sire Trippi and broodmare sire Jet Master, whilst his impressive female line features French Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Peintre Celebre, who became a successful stallion in his own right.
No stud master worth his salt could ask for more and when Jet Dark’s first yearlings entered the sales ring this year, buyers dug deep for his progeny, eight of which selling for seven figures, the most expensive of which a R4-million filly out of stakes winner Amy Johnson.
Respected stallion manager John Freeman, who has overseen the stud careers of standouts Captain Al, Dynasty and Gimmethegreenlight, gave Kommetdieding his stamp of approval when he syndicated the horse at the end of his racing career.
“From humble beginnings, he did it the hard way and showed so much brilliance. Also, he was as sound as a bell throughout his career.”
By Fort Wood’s champion son Elusive Fort out of a stakes-placed mare by Captain Al, Kommetdieding cost novice owner Ashwin
Reynolds a paltry R55 000 as a yearling, yet by the time he returned to his birthplace for stud duties, he had repaid that with a pair of Gr1 wins and earnings of over R4.2-million.
He also had the distinction of being one of just a handful of gallopers to complete the coveted Durban July/ Met double.
Kommetdieding covered more than 70 mares in his first season and those who dived in to acquire his first yearlings included the Tarry, Bass and Rix stables, while Anthony Beck outlayed R900 000 for the half-sister to stakes winners Celtic Rumours and Almond Sea. Kommetdieding will stand for R8 000 this season, an absolute steal.
Historical Mauritzfontein Stud, which built its fame around stallions such as Free Ride, Fort Wood, Strike Smartly and Ideal World, is home to the Irish-bred, but Americanraced, Digital Age .
Digital Age by Invincible Spirit ex Willow View (Lemon Drop Kid) | Credit: Supplied
Rated amongst the top turf performers at four, he scored his signature victory in the Gr1 Turf Classic at Churchill Downs and is a son of Invincible Spirit, who has established himself as a successful sire of sires through top British-based son Kingman, Lawman in France and the Australian champion sire and sire of sires I Am Invincible.
Mauritzfontein’s faith in their new acquisition was rewarded when the Digital Age halfbrother to Gr1 SA Derby winner Aragosta sold for an even million at the National Yearling Sale.
Considering the early success enjoyed by Rafeef, it was always a given that any Gr1 winning son would have stallion potential and the first to enter stud was Master Archie
A speedball of note, the grey went unbeaten in his first three starts and crowned his career
by landing the Gr1 Computaform Sprint, as did his sire before him. In fact, he is a thirdgeneration winner of the Turffontein dash, as Rafeef’s dam National Colour dominated the race in 2006. Master Archie even inherited her grey coat!
Out of a mare by champion sprinter Var (sire of Computaform Sprint ace Rivarine), Master Archie initiated a potent cross which has also yielded fellow Gr1 winners Thunderstruck and Haute Couture.
His female line is up to snuff as well, his dam La Volta being a stakes-winning sprinter out of Gr1 Majorca Stakes queen Sarabande, a daughter of champion Goldmark, who incidentally, found only the mighty Senor Santa too good in the 1991 Computaform Sprint.
Master Archie by Rafeef ex La Volta (Var) |
Master Archie’s first yearlings were snapped up at the sales by the likes of the Bass stable, Lucky Houdalakis, Michael Roberts and the Peter Stable. The handsome grey stands at Winterbach stud for a bargain fee of R5 000 live foal, a fraction of the R120 000 now commanded by his sire.
Fellow sprinter Eden Roc also entered stud in 2023 and took up residence in KZN at Peter and Jenny Blyth’s Clifton Stud.
In a province where mare numbers have dwindled in recent years, it’s no easy task filling a stallion’s book, yet Peter reports that the son of Var covered 100 mares first time round.
That came as no surprise, given that he was a juvenile winner of the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Medallion on just his second start and would train on to land the Gr2 Post Merchants and
finish second, beaten a neck, in the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint.
In addition, he is a half-brother to champion juvenile Sandringham Summit, while his dam Townsend is a Gr2 winning daughter of Captain Al, who had no peer as a sire of precocious juveniles and is the sire of this past season’s leading juvenile sire Erik The Red and freshman sire Malmoos.
Eden Roc’s first yearlings have returned a respectable average of more than twenty times his initial service fee of R10,000 live foal, which remains unchanged for this season.
From sprinters to a classic champion, there is no denying that these stallions all boast the right credentials and hopefully, will enjoy the support they deserve this season.
Eden Roc by Var ex Townsend (Captain Al) | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Umoyawokubambelela (Gavin Lerena) strikes a pose |
Julia Marnewick
SMART DEBUT
DAUGHTER OF THE AUTUMN SUN
Race Coast hosted their first racemeeting of the new term at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, with honours evenly spread amongst jockeys and trainers, and a 3yo Australianbred daughter of Redoute’s Choice five-time Gr1 winner The Autumn Sun, catching the eye with a smart debut victory.
Aptly named Umoyawokubambelela, which is Zulu for ‘the spirit of holding on’, the 2025 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale purchase overcame two colic operations with her calm demeanour and never-say-die attitude and showed much the same when overcoming a sleepy start under Gavin Lerena to come from last and win going away in the second race, a 1200m Maiden Plate.
Raced by Hollywood Racing, who opened their season account at Turffontein on Saturday with the Ridgemont-bred Culturati registering his second career success for Grant Maroun under Gavin Lerena, Umoyawokubambelela drifted in the betting but didn’t disappoint with a promising first effort.
She was described as ‘mentally immature’ by Gavin Lerena.
Purchased by former KZN trainer and breeder, and now New-Zealand-based Craig Ramsay, the winner was bred by Arrowfield Group Pty Ltd & Jungle Pocket Pty Ltd, and
was prepped to perfection by trainer Vengi Masawi, who looked a very relieved man afterwards!
No matter what she achieves on the racecourse, Umoyawokubambelela will make a paddock prospect being out of the Lord Kanaloa mare, Bright Path, a very well-related two-time winner at 1400m in Japan.
After having to settle for second with Ayzal behind the rampant Umoyawokubambelela, trainer Glen Kotzen saddled the exacta in the fourth, with Damyan Pillay registering his 41st career victory on the Normandy Stud-bred Sesame, who held off stablemate Golden Angel, who looked to have the edge on paper.
Sesame has won 5 races with 9 places at her 21 starts for the Woodhill Racing Syndicate and is out of the six-time winning Silvano mare, Tahini, who was Gr1-placed.
Glen Kotzen recently bought Sesame’s The United States half-sister off the farm, and those shares won’t be on the market for long.
Milnerton trainer Paddy Kruyer enjoyed the distinction of providing the recently retired Race Coast Chairman Greg Bortz and his wife Bortz with their first winner of the new season when the Varsfontein Stud-bred Charlie Bucket followed up on his maiden victory, with a convincing end-to-end victory in the C Stakes over a mile.
The slow maturing son of One World took 11 starts to shed his maiden, but looks to have more in the tank, and remains undefeated in KZN. Paddy Kruyer indicated that he is set to return home.
Keagan De Melo started the new season with a bang courtesy of a three-winner haul
at Turffontein on Saturday and put the lid on a frustrating day with a smooth victory on Blazing Fury for Louis Goosen and Harry Govender in the last event of the day.
The Rathmor-bred son of Vercingetorix was scoring an overdue second victory in eleven starts and can be followed.
At the next KZN fixture on Friday 7 August, Race Coast is set to transform Hollywoodbets Greyville into Durban’s newest Friday night destination when Lucky Fish Friday Night Racing launches, combining thrilling horse racing with the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of South Korea. (Grab all the details on page 14)
Charlie Bucket (Rachel Venniker) strides clear for a smooth win | Credit: Julia Marnewick
GOES ALL THE WAY PLATTNER MARE
Comparatively the quickest of the four races around the turn at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday was the Lucky Fish Magic Mile Class 4 (F&M) over 1400m in which the Querari mare Rikkitikkitavi made all.
A length clear for most of the trip, Andre Nel’s charge kept up a healthy gallop throughout.
She ran on strongly at the business end of the race and in an event where just a length and a quarter separated the first five home, she held on by a half from the running on Captain’s Pride.
Two fillies’ maiden events over 1200m got proceedings underway in and in the faster of these, the Race-Coast Bright Future SA Racing Maiden Plate (f) we saw an impressive performance from the newcomer UMOYAWOKUBAMBELELA (raced green).
Sent off a joint second favourite at 33/10 Wengesai Masawi’s charge was slow into stride and raced at the back of the ten early on some seven lengths off the pace. She had to switch out for a run going through the 500m and was then carried out at the 200m mark.
Undeterred though, Gavin Lerena kept her up to her work and after striking the front 100m from home, she cruised clear to score by two.
The subject of two colic operations, it was
very doubtful at one stage if this daughter of The Autumn Sun would ever see a racecourse. Her name means ‘Spirit Of Holding On’ and she and her connections certainly did that. She won very well despite all that went wrong here and clearly has a very bright future ahead of her.
The Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 4 over 1000m very marginally topped the bill and in what proved to be the faster of the two races over the distance, BLAZING FURY registered his second career victory.
Fourth in the Gr3 TAB National Currency Sprint earlier in his career, the son of Vercingetorix faced much weaker than he had done in recent starts here. He raced eighth some four lengths off a good pace early on before taking closer order passing halfway. He shifted in considerably as he moved through to take up the running 150m out, but despite that he went on to score with authority by a length and a half. The time of 22,10 seconds recorded by Blazing Fury over the final 400m was the fastest for that segment of the afternoon.
Track Condition:
Going: Good to Soft (both tracks)
Penetrometer: 24 (both tracks)
Rain: Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 10,5mm
Irrigation: Irrigation last 7 days Nil
False Rail: 7m
Wind: 10-15km/h South Easterly crosswind
Course Variant: 0,61s fast (straight) –0,38s fast (bend)
Another to win well from the front on this card was the 5yo CHARLIE BUCKET in the Gallop TV C Stakes over 1600m.
After failing to find the winner’s enclosure in eleven starts in Cape Town, this son of One World scored an eye-catching victory after losing three lengths at the start over 1400m at this circuit last time out.
Despite being troublesome loading here, Paddy Kruyer’s charge broke well and surprisingly set the pace.
He raced two and a half lengths clear throughout and finding extra when challenged halfway down the straight, he went on to score in good style by two and a quarter.
Fastest Times:
NHA CALENDAR
31 JULY 2026
The Sporting Post presents the National Horseracing Authority calendar per 31 July 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:
BAVISH SOODOO ROAD TO RECOVERY ON THE
The South African Jockey Academy advised on Monday that jockey Bavish Soodoo continues to make encouraging progress following his race riding incident at Fairview Racecourse on Friday.
His doctor is pleased with the progress and has indicated that if all continues as expected, Bavish should hopefully be moved out of the Critical Care Unit later this week.
While Bavish still has a long road to recovery ahead, this marks an incredibly significant milestone.
We wish Bavish Soodoo a speedy recovery
Pauline Herman
Following Bavish regaining consciousness, SAJA’s initial media release on 01 August 2026 advised:
He continues to receive exceptional care from a dedicated team of medical specialists, and we remain deeply grateful for their expertise and unwavering commitment.
During today’s visit by his sister and brother, Riding Master Rocky Agrella, his mentor Jacques Strydom, Amy Radcliffe and Hettie Kruger, Bavish was able to interact with those around him.
He recognised Jacques and Amy, told them his name and, in a moment that brought tears of joy and plenty of smiles, announced that he was hungry and wanted KFC. It was a beautiful reminder of the determined young man we all know and love.
Bavish is a much-loved member of the South African Jockey Academy family and a remarkable young athlete. Throughout his apprenticeship, he has demonstrated courage, determination and humility, and these qualities continue to inspire everyone around him.
On behalf of the South African Jockey Academy family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional medical professionals who continue to care for Bavish. Their dedication, compassion and expertise have been extraordinary.
We also sincerely thank the entire Fairview racing community, whose response in the immediate aftermath of the incident reflected the very best of our sport.
Our gratitude extends to the 4Racing personnel, first responders, medical teams, officials and everyone on course who responded with urgency, professionalism and genuine compassion.
A very special thank you goes to Shandre Hoffman Habib, who remained by Bavish’s side throughout yesterday, offering unwavering support, kindness and comfort during an incredibly difficult time. Your selflessness and compassion will never be forgotten.
Finally, we thank the racing community in South Africa, Mauritius and around the world for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers. Every message has meant so much to Bavish, his family and everyone at the Academy.
The family has kindly asked that their privacy continue to be respected as Bavish focuses on his recovery. We ask that this request be honoured.
Further updates will be shared when appropriate and with the family’s consent.
’26 EAST CAPE RACING AWARDS
CELEBRATES A TOUGH SEASON
The 2025/26 racing season was tough, but the East Cape racing community was tougher.
The worst storms in living memory and ongoing weather challenges required resilience, determination, and unwavering sportsmanship, and the community answered every call.
With competitive racing at home and outstanding performances by raiders representing the Friendly City across the country, the season showcased the very best of East Cape racing.
4Racing advises in a media release issued on Thursday 30 July 2026, that the
operator looks forward to celebrating the season’s achievements – and everyone who helped make them possible – at the 2026 East Cape Regional Awards on Saturday 5 September 2026 in the Bold Silvano Room at Fairview.
The annual awards honour the outstanding equine and human performances of the season while recognising the owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, stable staff, officials and supporters whose dedication continues to drive racing in the East Cape.
The equine award categories for this year are:
• Champion Two year old filly
• Champion Two year old colt/gelding
• Champion Three year old filly
• Champion Three year old colt/gelding
• Champion Older filly/mare
• Champion Older colt/gelding
• Champion Sprinter
• Champion Stayer
• Champion Polytrack filly/mare
• Champion Polytrack colt/gelding
The human award categories for this year are:
• Champion Groom
• Champion Work Rider
• Champion Apprentice
• Champion Local Jockey
• Champion Jockey
• Champion Trainer
• Champion Owner
• Horse of the Season
All nominees qualify for the prestigious East Cape Horse of the Season Award.
“This season asked a great deal of everyone involved in racing in the Eastern Cape,” said Gabriel Soma, 4Racing’s Head of Racing Operations.
“These awards give us the opportunity to recognise those achievements and to thank the many people whose dedication ensured the season was a success. We look forward to celebrating with our East Cape racing community on the night.”
FINAL COUNTDOWN TO KLAWERVLEI BLOODSTOCK SHOWCASE
With just days to go before the landmark Klawervlei Stud Dispersal Sale, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be one of the most significant bloodstock auctions in South African breeding history.
Klawervlei serenity | Credit: Supplied
Buyers will be spoilt for choice across an exceptional catalogue, and among the standout attractions when proceedings get underway at the farm on Monday, 10 August, are the exclusive stallion shares, including eight shares in much sought-after champion sire Vercingetorix.
Grant Knowles, who is assisting auctioneers Andrew Miller and Tom Hodgson, said the offering of stallion shares would ensure the day begins on a high note.
“Vercingetorix’s limited availability is a constant talking point in breeding circles because demand consistently outstrips supply. This is a rare opportunity to secure what is effectively a blue-chip investment.”
Shares in Charles Dickens, Gimmethegreenlight, Rafeef, One World, Hawwaam, Point Lonsdale and several other leading sires complete an exceptional line-up of stallion share offerings.
Buyers can become part of Klawervlei’s enduring legacy through shares in the sons of its iconic foundation stallion, Captain Al – One World and Captain Of All – while Vercingetorix (Silvano) and Kommetdieding (Elusive Fort), both also born and raised on the farm, further underline the strength of its breeding programme.
“A new era begins in Klawervlei’s rich history, and only a handful of buyers will be part of it from the very beginning,” said Knowles.
The stallion shares will be followed by a distinguished band of 89 broodmares representing some of the most accomplished families in the South African Stud Book, including daughters of the farm’s foundation mares.
Most are in foal and due to produce shortly after the auction, offering buyers proven breeding stock with immediate commercial appeal.
The sale concludes with a select offering of recently turned yearlings, presenting buyers with another chance to secure future racetrack and breeding prospects.
Knowles said: “The bidding will be competitive, but there is always value to be found. Every year a few quality lots are overlooked, and Kommetdieding, bought here for just R55 000, is proof of that.”
Prospective buyers can inspect the lots on Saturday, 8 August, and Sunday, 9 August, between 09h00 and 16h00, and on the morning of sale day.
Klawervlei staff will be on hand throughout the viewing days, with soup and sandwiches served to visitors.
The farm’s renowned hospitality will once again be on full display on sale day, with food and refreshments available throughout the day, followed by an after-party in a marquee tent featuring a live musical tribute to Neil Diamond.
An online sales platform and a zoom facility will be available to buyers who cannot make it to Klawervlei on the day, and the buyers card application can be downloaded from the Klawervlei website, here .
Hard copies of the sales catalogue are available on request, and the catalogue can be downloaded on this link .
For more information:
Grant Knowles: 082 882 9774 or centralrtrading@gmail.com
Joanne Knowles: 083 399 6353.
www.vermaakequine.com
TO MAJOR TIM GROUND CONTROL
Tim Woodruff has joined his younger sister, Lucinda, as assistant trainer in charge of her Summerveld string, introducing the next chapter in a career shaped by one of South Africa’s most distinguished racing families.
The 38-year-old is the son of five-time champion trainer Geoff Woodruff and part of a training lineage that stretches back to the legendary Terrance Millard, whose influence continues to echo through generations of South African horsemanship.
Tim arrived in KwaZulu-Natal this weekend with a broad grounding in the profession. He divided his early education between his father’s yard and valuable spells with two leading trainers in Britain before spending the past year as assistant to James Crawford at Randjesfontein.
During that time, he played an integral role in the preparation of several top-class performers, including Graded winners Star Major and Fish Tales, further strengthening an already impressive set of credentials.
Tim Woodruff, horseman and philosopher | Credit: Supplied
While Tim’s racing upbringing and practical experience make him well qualified for the role, they reveal only part of the man.
He is an unusually reflective character whose journey over the past decade has been centred on spiritual inquiry and a longstanding interest in archaeology and metaphysics.
Tim describes the journey as one of two steps forward and one step back. It has been a gradual process of exploration rather than sudden revelation, but one that now increasingly informs both the way he approaches life and the way he understands horses and the craft of training them.
Perhaps fittingly, Tim’s broader outlook began before he committed himself fully to racing.
Although he had been riding racehorses from the age of nine and was a capable work rider by his early teens – track riding champions including El Picha – Geoff was keen that his son receive a formal education before entering the family profession and urged him to study beyond the stable yard.
He completed a Diploma in Film and Music, an experience that reinforced his appreciation of literature, the arts and philosophy. Those interests have since become part of the lens through which he observes horses, people and the world around him.
Geoff moved from Cape Town to Gauteng in the early 2000s, establishing a championship stable at the Vaal. By 2009, Tim had set his sights on becoming his father’s second-
Tim (right) at the start of a point-to-point race in England
in-command. But, as he readily admits, he wasn’t yet ready for the responsibility.
“My dad had excellent assistant trainers back then – Candice and Tammy Dawson, David Rahilly and Johan Jansen van Vuuren. I was not ready for the task and actually on the lazy side, so I ended up wandering around the stables every day instead of working.”
In 2010, Tim decided to take an early sabbatical to Britain, a decision that proved invaluable. He joined the stable of accomplished National Hunt trainer Venetia Williams before spending time with leading Newmarket-based flat trainer, William Haggas.
“My time with Venetia was a revelation because I saw how much exercise thoroughbreds can actually take. She
worked her runners up a 900m hill with a steep incline three times in a row – big, strong horses by mainstream Flat stallions out of jumping mares.”
For a while, Tim even considered becoming a jump jockey and rode in five Point-to-Point races, where amateur riders compete over fences. “I only finished one race and we came in last! But I only fell off once, which I thought was an achievement,” he quipped.
At William Haggas’ Somerville Lodge, every member of staff is expected to do everything from mucking out stables to riding work and travelling with runners to race meetings, an environment Tim relished.
Click on the image below to read the full story…
TO MEMORY OF MONTY ROBERTS DR ANDREAS JACOBS PAYS TRIBUTE
It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of our dear friend Monty Roberts who died on 1 August 2026 at his beloved Flag Is Up Farms in Solvang, California, with his wife Patricia by his side.
Monty was born on 14 May 1935 in Salinas, California.
From an early age, he was surrounded by horses and developed an extraordinary gift for observing their behaviour, understanding them, and earning their trust. This unique ability became the foundation of his worldrenowned Join-Up® method, through which he transformed the relationship between horses and humans and inspired generations of riders, trainers and horsemen throughout the world.
Many people associate Monty with his close friendship with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who greatly admired and supported his work over many years.
To us, however, Monty was much more than an internationally celebrated horseman— he was a cherished friend of our family and of Gestüt Fährhof.
My grandfather, Walther Jacobs, recognised Monty’s extraordinary talent at a time when he was still largely unknown in Europe.
Monty Roberts seen at Maine Chance with the great
He invited him to Germany to work with our exceptionally talented stallion Lomitas, whose future appeared uncertain because of his refusal to enter the starting stalls.
With endless patience, remarkable empathy and his unique ability to communicate with horses, Monty earned Lomitas’ trust.
He achieved what many believed impossible: Lomitas returned to racing, resumed his winning career and went on to become one of the finest racehorses in German Thoroughbred history.
He later became an internationally influential stallion whose descendants continue to make their mark around the world.
That remarkable experience marked the beginning of a friendship that lasted for more than three decades.
Monty remained closely connected with Gestüt Fährhof throughout his life, and his annual visits were always among the highlights of our year.
For over thirty years, he returned each summer to work with our yearlings, helping to break and prepare every young horse for its future racing career.
Among them was the outstanding Silvano, who went on to become a Champion Racehorse and, later, a multiple Champion Sire in South Africa.
Monty’s contribution to the development of generations of Fährhof horses cannot be overstated.
What impressed us most was not only his extraordinary horsemanship and knowledge, but his kindness, humility and his unwavering conviction that trust and respect are the foundation of every meaningful relationship between horse and human.
Monty’s influence extended far beyond the world of racing.
He gave countless people a new understanding of the horse and demonstrated that true greatness is achieved not through force, but through patience, understanding and mutual trust.
His legacy will live on in the horses, the people and the countless lives he touched around the world.
Our thoughts are with Patricia, his family, his many friends and everyone whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Dear Monty, thank you for your friendship, your wisdom and your generosity.
We will remember you always—not only as one of the greatest horsemen of our time, but as a loyal friend who changed our lives and the lives of so many horses for the better.
Dr. Andreas Jacobs
Monty Roberts seen with Alexis Ramsay on one of his many tours around the world | Credit: Supplied
LUKE TAKES ON
BIG GUNS
AT ASCOT
The full jockey lineup for the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup on Saturday 8 August has been confirmed with the legendary Ryan Moore and emerging talent Dylan Browne McMonagle joining Saffie Osborne in the Great Britain & Ireland team.
World Pool ambassador Moore is one of the most decorated riders of all-time with over 200 Group 1 winners to his name.
The 42-year-old is the leading active rider at Royal Ascot with 99 victories, with seven of those coming this year as he won his 13th Leading Jockey title.
Luke Ferraris – after his victory on Rainbow Bridge in the Cape Town Met in 2021 | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Moore has ridden in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup once previously in 2006, winning the Silver Saddle for leading rider as he recorded two victories on the day.
Browne McMonagle’s star is on the rise after multiple high-profile successes across the globe in recent years.
The 23-year-old guided Ethical Diamond to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf last November whilst this year he completed the Oaks and Irish Oaks double aboard Thundering On and Johanna Walsh respectively. The reigning Irish Champion Jockey received an invitation to ride in Hong Kong for three months earlier this year, riding double-digit winners in that time.
The Great Britain & Ireland team will be captained by Osborne who makes her second appearance in the competition - she rode a double on her debut in 2023.
The 24-year-old’s affinity with Ascot was on show just last month on King George Day when she recorded a treble of victories including on-board Amazing Journey in the valuable Moet & Chandon International Handicap.
The home trio all arrive in excellent form as well with Moore’s five winners at Goodwood last week making him the leading rider of the meeting, just ahead of Browne McMonagle on four, with Osborne partnering two.
The three other teams for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup were confirmed last month with the brand-new Team Hong Kong featuring three licensed riders from the jurisdiction.
Vincent Ho, who rode at Glorious Goodwood last week, will captain the team with Luke Ferraris and Jerry Chau making their debuts in the competition.
The Rest of the World team will be captained by Melbourne Cup winning rider Jamie Melham, with Japanese legend Yutaka Take taking part in his ninth Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and the popular Indian rider Suraj Narredu returning after his successful debut last year.
Team Europe, meanwhile, will be captained by Christophe Lemaire who rode Masquerade Ball in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes last month. Fellow French jockey Marie Velon makes her second Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup appearance with promising Norwegian rider Frida Valle Skar completing the team.
The colours and jockeys for each team are now confirmed as:
Great Britain & Ireland – Green with white sleeves
• Saffie Osborne ©, Ryan Moore, Dylan Browne McMonagle
Hong Kong Jockey Club – Blue with yellow sleeves
• Vincent Ho ©, Jerry Chau, Luke Ferraris
Europe – Red with white sleeves
• Christophe Lemaire ©, Marie Velon, Frida Valle Skar
Rest of the World – Yellow with white sleeves
• Jamie Melham ©, Yutaka Take, Suraj Narredu
FOURIE AND LLOYD HEAD TO JAPAN
Richard Fourie and Zac Lloyd will add plenty of interest for SA racing fans to the 2026 World All-Star Jockeys competition to be held at Sapporo Racecourse Saturday 22 August, and Sunday 23 August.
The World All-Star Jockeys (WASJ) is an international event launched by the Japan Racing Association.
Initially established in 1987 under the name ‘the World Super Jockeys Series’, it has
welcomed more than 270 top-calibre jockeys from Europe, North America, South America, Oceania and Asia.
Renamed the World All-Star Jockeys as a summer event at Sapporo Racecourse in Hokkaido in 2015, a team competition was added to the regular individual contest in which the overseas and NAR jockeys’ ‘Team WAS (World All-Star)’ compete against ‘Team JRA’ to attain the most points as a team.
The visitors include Richard Fourie and Zac Lloyd, Canada’s Rafael Hernandez, Australian Damian Lane, Suraj Narredu from India, and French lady rider, Marie Velon.
Richard Fourie – international challenge | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
BREEDERS’ CUP DREAM SA STAR CLOSER TO
Steven and Jessica Jell’s Newstead Stables LCC celebrated a third consecutive US graded stakes victory for the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein-bred Gimme A Nother, who produced a sustained late effort to win the $500 000 Gr2 Beverly D. Stakes at Colonial Downs Racecourse in New Kent County, Virginia.
Trainer Graham Motion enjoyed a very decent double on the Arlington Million raceday, with Gimme a Nother and Roja winning the Beverly D. and Andy Guest Stakes, respectively.
“She’s a remarkable filly, and hopefully we get her back to the Breeders’ Cup.” Motion said following the hard-fought win by the Jell filly who was sent off an 8-5 favourite in the 1900m turf contest.
Gimme a Nother bided her time in fourth under jockey John Velazquez, about six lengths off the early pace set by Achieve, who was a winner of three straight against maiden and allowance company coming into this race.
The pacemaker kicked on nicely in the run for
home and maintained a 1 ½-length advantage in mid-stretch.
But Velazquez had the Saffer outside rivals and rolling, and she prevailed late by a neck over Achieve, with Somethinabouther another neck back in third.
The winner clocked 1:54.28.
“I was not sure she was going to get there. Johnny asked me if I was nervous, and yes, I was, very,” Motion said. “I wasn’t sure she was going to get there, but she’s a remarkable filly.”
Gimme A Nother had a very special guest on hand for the win in Eric Motlou, who foaled her.
Eric Motlou, who was there when Gimme A Nother first saw the light of day, and John Velazquez at Colonial Downs on Saturday Credit:
Gimme A Nother is a well-documented fairytale as a third-generation stakes winner formerly trained by Mike de Kock in her native South Africa.
Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, she is by champion sire Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) out of the Tiger Ridge champion, Nother Russia,
Mary Slack purchased Gimme A Nother’s grandam Mother Russia from Klawervlei Stud as a dual Gr1 winner of the Fancourt Majorca and Empress Club Stakes.
Mother Russia duly rewarded her new owner with victory in the Gr1 Paddock Stakes and in what was arguably the highlight of her starstudded career, the coveted Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, a memorable occasion given that she thwarted the mighty Pocket Power’s bid of a fifth consecutive victory in the celebrated mile race.
Cup dream remains very much alive for Gimme A Nother!
UNNAMED HORIZON x
Sparkled by
DANON SCORPION(JPN)
NEWFOR 2026
Gr1 placed at 2, Gr1 winner at 3.
By a Champion Racehorse, Champion Freshman sire and sire of Champions.
Dam a multiple Champion, Horse Of The Year and recently inducted into Canadian Hall Of Fame
STANDING AT
LORD KANALOA (JPN) X LEXIE LOU (CAN) BY SLIGO BAY
Bay Colt | DOB 2019
BEGINS! A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS!
Wilgerbosdrift Stud is delighted to announce the safe arrival of Danon Scorpion (JPN) following his journey from Japan.
After an arduous trip, the Gr1-winning son of Lord Kanaloa has arrived in excellent condition and is settling in well ahead of the 2026 breeding season.
A winner of the Gr1 NHK Mile Cup , Danon Scorpion is by Horse of the Year and Champion Sprinter-Miler Lord Kanaloa , one of Japan’s most influential stallions. Lord Kanaloa has sired more than 900 winners , including 63 stakes winners , and boasts an exceptional Average Earnings Index (AEI) of 2.04
His dam, Lexie Lou , was crowned Canadian Horse of the Year , a multiple champion, and is a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, giving Danon Scorpion an outstanding international pedigree on both sides.
A Gr1-winner at three and Gr1-placed at two, Danon Scorpion displayed speed, class and versatility throughout his racing career, excelling over 1600 to 1800 metres
Now safely settled at Wilgerbosdrift, Danon Scorpion is ready to embark on the next chapter of his career. He offers South African breeders a rare opportunity to access worldclass Japanese bloodlines and inject proven international excellence into the next generation of champions.
For any enquiries regarding coverings to Danon Scorpion this breeding season, please contact:
Shane van Zyl
Mobile: +27 82 872 8229
Email: shane@wilgerbosdrift.co.za
Jehan Malherbe – Bloodstock Agent Mobile: +27 83 252 8146
Email: jehan@aro.co.za
GOODIE TWO SHOES ON BEST BEHAVIOUR
Melbourne Cup runner-up Goodie Two Shoes (8/1) prevailed in an exhilarating photo finish to the Gr2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes on the final day of Glorious Goodwood 2026 for Joseph O’Brien and owner JP McManus.
Third in the 14-furlong contest 12 months ago, Goodie Two Shoes tracked front-runner Santorini Star before angling out approaching the final furlong as last year’s winner Waardah challenged widest of all.
All three were virtually in line passing the half-furlong marker, with Goodie Two Shoes finding most to edge out a game Santorini
Star (4/1) by a nose. Waardah (9/4F) was just a head further back in third.
Winning jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle said: “Goodie Two Shoes is a lovely filly. She has been improving all the time since she came back this year and has got better with each run. I was quietly confident today that she would get a lot closer to these fillies.
Dylan Browne McMonagle (white cap) gets Goodie Two Shoes home in a humdinger| Credit: Goodwood Racecourse
She ran well last year when the ground turned soft, but she would gallop down the road for you and handles quick ground. She got a lovely split through them and really wanted to win.
“These are very, very special silks to put on. A big thanks to JP [McManus] for putting me up. She is going to have a nice campaign through to the end of the season. I am sure that the Melbourne Cup is probably the main target. The boys will know that, and Joseph [O’Brien] and JP will discuss it, but I would guess that is the obvious target.”
AP McCoy, representing JP McManus, said: “I did not think she had won. She got a good ride. Dylan was going to ride her for that bit of luck down the inside, and he got plenty of it. When you are as good as Dylan Browne McMonagle and riding for Joseph O’Brien, you seem to get a lot of luck.
“Dylan was over at mine a few times when he was 11 or 12. He is very mechanically correct, like Ryan Moore, and he has got that chip –that little thing where he could go the wrong way. I mean it in a good way. As Frankie found out one day at Ascot, he has that little edge to him.
“She was second in a Melbourne Cup and I thought she had been quite well handicapped for the Galway Plate if she had run there! It is nice when you win races like this and, hopefully, she will be able to go back to the Melbourne Cup.”
Tom Marquand said of Santorini Star: “I thought Waardah had beaten us at the furlong pole, but this filly is superb, she just fights back. For a second, I could feel Dylan’s horse carrying us forward to the line, but it was heads up, heads down and, unfortunately, she was on the wrong side of it. She has
been campaigning at a really high level and is going great, so hopefully there is a big one in her this year.
He added: “She just has this behind-the-bridle way of going. It is her biggest asset, but it also makes her quite tricky to ride because it is very hard to judge the tempo on her. It is an asset, though, because she is saving gas all the way round. She has her own way of going and it has meant we have been able to campaign her at a really high level. She is super reliable.”
Waardah’s trainer Owen Burrows said: “She has run an absolute blinder again. We can be nothing but pleased with her. It is just slightly annoying to be beaten by such a short distance again, but she has run a really good race. She does have a bit more of a preference for some ease in the ground, but you could probably say that about most of the field. It could be the Park Hill next. She is also in the Irish St Leger. Let us see how she comes out of this. Callum said she handled the ground fine. She is in on Arc weekend. We shall see.”
Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 2) - 6 Ran
• 1 - Goodie Two Shoes (JP McManus)
Joseph O’Brien IRE 7-9-09 Dylan Browne McMonagle 8/1
• 2 - Santorini Star (Tony Bloom & Ian McAleavy) William Haggas 5-9-12 Tom Marquand 4/1
• 3 - Waardah (Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum) Owen Burrows 4-9-09 Callum Rodriguez 9/4F
Joseph O’Brien – 5th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
Dylan Browne McMonagle – 5th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
ROLLED AT GOODWOOD HOT FAVOURITE
Shayem (17/2) added another Stakes race to his collection as he upset 2/5 favourite Talk Of New York in the HKJC World Pool Gr3 Thoroughbred Stakes.
With three furlongs remaining of the mile contest, Clifford Lee sent his mount in pursuit of the pace-setting Catullus, leaving Talk Of New York and the chasing pack with significant ground to make up.
Shayem overhauled Catullus inside the final furlong and had enough in the tank to deny a strong-finishing Talk Of New York, who reduced the deficit to a half-length. Catullus (10/1) was two and a half lengths further back in third.
Successful in the Listed Silver Tankard Stakes at Pontefract last year, Karl Burke’s winner lined up following a comfortable victory in the Listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket.
Burke said: “We knew Billy [Loughnane] was going to go off at a nice gallop and Cliff was the only one really to keep tabs on him. Cliff is very good with his fractions. From three out, I could see we were closing and the others weren’t. I thought we had a great chance from there.
“Last year, you would have said that he was a soft-ground horse, but he has proven
Shayem (Clifford Lee) causes the upset | Credit: Goodwood Racecourse
otherwise this year. We had no qualms about the ground or the track, as he handled the undulations at Newmarket well.
“Abdulrazaq [Mohamdi] will be delighted, as he is a homebred horse as well. He is a great supporter of ours from Dubai.
“There is a nice race at Kentucky Downs for him in September and one at Colonial Downs as well. I would imagine he will get an invite to one of those on the back of that. If we do not go there, we could come back for the Celebration Mile.”
Lee said: “We always thought quite a lot of him. He is almost a quiet horse at home, but he picks off some nice races, and he has done exactly that today. He was just beaten in the German Guineas and has run a fantastic race today.
“It went to perfection. I knew that Billy [Loughnane] was going to go forward, so I left him alone and just kept my lad in a nice rhythm. I had something to aim at in the last furlong; he has picked up and it was going to take a real good horse to beat me from where I was. He handled the track nicely and has done everything right today.”
Charlie Appleby, trainer of Talk Of New York and Catullus said: “At the top of the hill, I thought they would have to go a bit to get past the lead horse [Catullus] because he is no mug and he likes the track. Stretching to the mile was always going to be the undoing of Catullus. Stop the clock a furlong out and we were a comfortable winner.
“William [Buick] said himself, the front two stole a good march on him and they are two sensible horses. We knew that Catullus was not going to see the mile out eventually, but Will said, ‘I was only just getting rolling there the last furlong’.
“You asked me if Talk Of New York handled the track. Well, it is always hard having to quicken from where he was to make that ground up. I am not using the track as an excuse. I think the winner is sensible and improving. He has done everything right, got a nice lead from us and used it, rightly so, and we have gone and finished the race off.
“You could say, do we need to step up in trip? Possibly. But he has got to learn to settle a little bit as well. That first furlong he does want to be a little bit aggressive, but I do not think that was really the undoing of the race, to be fair. The pace was on and they were not coming back at the end of the day.”
Talk Of New York’s jockey William Buick said: “He relaxed after a furlong or so, and then the front two just stole a march.”
Billy Loughnane said of Catullus: “He ran a cracker. He is a horse who is improving. He is doing everything the right way, and he loves being ridden forwardly. He pricked his ears and ran very well.”
HKJC World Pool Thoroughbred Stakes (Group 3) – 7 Ran
• 1 - Shayem (Abdulrazaq Mohamdi) Karl Burke 3-9-03 Clifford Lee 17/2
• 2 - Talk Of New York (Godolphin) Charlie Appleby 3-9-03 William Buick 2/5F
• 3 - Catullus (Godolphin) Charlie Appleby 3-9-03 Billy Loughnane 10/1
Karl Burke – 8th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
Clifford Lee – 2nd Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
DAUGHTER OF ST MARK’S BASILICA
IMPRESSES!
Diamond Necklace (4/6F) turned on the style on Thursday at Glorious Goodwood to take the Gr1 Qatar Nassau Stakes with the minimum of fuss and stamp herself as the best three-yearold filly in Europe.
Ryan Moore drives Diamond Necklace to victory | Credit: Goodwood Racecourse
A dual Classic winner in France earlier this season, Diamond Necklace travelled powerfully into contention under a confident Ryan Moore and, when he pushed the button, the response was devastating.
The daughter of St Mark’s Basilica swept past Gr1 scorer Friendly Soul (5/2) with a furlong to go and cleared away to win by almost three lengths, with See The Fire (7/1) a further five lengths back in third.
Diamond Necklace is now unbeaten in six starts for Aidan O’Brien, including four at the highest level, and could take in some of Europe’s premier middle-distance contests before the year is out.
O’Brien said: “Diamond Necklace is a lovely filly who has danced every dance. This was up to a mile and a quarter against older fillies, so we did not really know what was going to happen, but we wanted to put on pace to find out. We did not want a Mickey Mouse race.
“She has options now, whether she stays at a mile and a quarter and goes to the fillies’ race in France, or to Leopardstown or an Arc trial. She has all of those options open to her. She goes on soft ground as well as fast ground. She is a great cruiser and progressing well.
“She is very high quality. You can see the way she travels through her races. Ryan was just saying that he was hoping to leave her longer but, when she came out, he had to go on with her because her stride was broken. She has a lot of class.
“It is possible [the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe]. I do not know how far we ask her to go, and it will depend on everything, but the next run will tell us where she is going to go after that. She loves nice ground and a fast track, so she has lots of options.
“Constitution River will get all the options too. At the moment, he is going to York, so we are looking forward to him. The lads are never afraid to run against one another, but we will get the next one out of the way and see where we are at.”
Moore said: “That is the best Diamond Necklace has felt. She is improving with her racing. Aidan said she was up in her weights a bit today, so she is obviously thriving.
“She is classy, very easy really. She travelled smoothly and quickened up well. She is still a little bit idle in front, but she is a proper racing machine. She gives you a classy feel. Every time I have ridden her, she has travelled with loads of pace, loads of enthusiasm, and she has a turn of foot. That is what her father had, a really good turn of foot, and that is evident with her.
“I think 10 furlongs is probably her optimum, but with those classy horses, they do everything right, so there is a chance she would stay further. She would have no trouble dropping back as well. We will see.”
Co-owner Derrick Smith said: “She certainly was an enjoyable watch today. That is what we are in the game for, to see horses like this. She is six from six, she has done a Bow Echo, on all types of ground, so it is fantastic.
“You get nervous when they go in the gates and, when the gates go up and the race is on, you think, ‘Maybe it is not going to be as easy as we thought it was going to be.’ But that is what we are in it for – ‘the buzz’, as they call it, and it never leaves you. You just want more and more.”
Thady Gosden said of Friendly Soul: “She has run a very nice race. Of course, the winner is a fast-moving exceptional filly, so all credit to
her. Friendly Soul ran a very nice race there in second. It is great to have her back over a mile and a quarter. Everything went to plan and she has run a big race.”
Asked whether she will stick over this distance, Gosden added: “We will see how she comes out of it. There are a few options for her. Whether we look at France, there is enough time until then, so we will see how she comes out of it and work out a plan with her owner-breeders, George and Julia Strawbridge. She is a pleasure to train. She is obviously an older mare now, so she knows what she is meant to do and saves her best for the track.”
See The Fire’s jockey Oisin Murphy said: “I thought the winner was very good. See The Fire ran a good race. She probably struggles
on the downhill part of this track, but she hit the line well.”
Qatar Nassau Stakes (Group 1) – 5 Ran
• 1 - Diamond Necklace (M Tabor, D Smith, S Magnier & Westerberg) Aidan O’Brien IRE 3-9-00 Ryan Moore 4/6F
• 2 - Friendly Soul (George Strawbridge) John & Thady Gosden 5-9-09 William Buick 5/2
• 3 - See The Fire (Jeff Smith) Andrew Balding 5-9-09 Oisin Murphy 7/1
Aidan O’Brien – 34th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
Ryan Moore – 71st Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
the 2026
CHARITY THE BIG WINNER
IN MARKEL MAGNOLIA
Imaan Rasul-Healer, a racing industry employee from Newmarket, won the 2026 Markel Magnolia Cup on her mount Khor Al Adaid on Glorious Goodwood Day 3 on Thursday.
Imaan Rasul-Healer wins
Markel Magnolia Cup on Khor Al Adaid
A charity race over five and a half furlongs that features 12 participants, the Markel Magnolia Cup has raised more than £3.5 million since its launch in 2011. This year, the race supports the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation.
The global non-profit organisation transforms the lives of those affected by poverty, conflict and disaster through education and employment opportunities.
It has supported more than 18 million children and young people across 77 countries since it was established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
Rasul-Healer, who initially was first reserve and replaced Molly Hunter in the lineup this week, said: “I have got no words. It is some feeling, it is amazing. I did not think I was going to win after not having too much preparation. I got to ride the horse for the first time last Friday and thought, ‘This horse is kind of cool.’
“Scott [Dixon, trainer] let me ride him, and thank you to everyone at Amo Racing as well. I did not have any boots, and one of the jockeys gave me these on Saturday! They sorted my saddle out too, so they have been a big help.
Markel Magnolia Cup class of 2026 |
“I was in the process throughout, and it h as just been a journey. For every single fitness test, I just seemed to be ill or something was wrong. Then I fell off a two-year-old filly and hit my head and got a concussion, so I was not allowed to do my final fitness test. That is why I was first reserve, and I got the call last week and, thankfully, I have been back riding.
“The experience has been amazing. The variety of girls in the race is just amazing, and you meet so many different personalities and people from different backgrounds. You are doing it for the most amazing reason, and I think that is the main focal point – it is a charity race. It is fun, and it does not matter if you win; go out there, raise some money and just have fun.
“The charity is everything, and I am the second Muslim to win it. Charity is a huge focal point of our religion, so it is just amazing. We have got the Goodwood Ball this evening, which should be so much fun, but I will be celebrating over the next few days. It has been amazing.
“I am based in Newmarket at the moment. I have not been based there for very long at all. I am working for Kevin Philippart De Foy and Amo Racing. He has got some really nice horses in the yard, so it is quite a treat to ride them, to be honest.
“I was in the office and have got a master’s in Equine Performance. I will go back in there at some point, but I am going to keep riding for a bit because I am thoroughly enjoying it. I wish I had got into it 10 years earlier and considered an amateur licence, but I am probably too old for that now.”
Runner-up Ruth Inman, a Riding A Dream Academy graduate who rides work for Andrew Balding, said: “The race was incredible, so much fun. It is great to be at a course like this, at a festival like this – it is incredible. It is such an experience. To be in a charity race with all women… we have all taken different paths in our riding to get to this point. It is such a great thing to be part of. It is exciting. [The preparation] has been great. You have to work a lot, but it is really fun and it pays off. This is a great thing to be a part of and to achieve.”
Third home Zoey Schorsch, an executive for Audrain Group and creative director of ZDS Creative in US, said: “It was absolutely amazing. One of the best things I have ever done. I got a little stuck in the pack during the actual take-off and thought, ‘How am I going to get out of here?’ But luckily, I pushed him up that straight and felt like we were going well. I felt like if I had one more half-furlong, I would have got to the front all the way. Then we got to the end and someone was pulling up just a little bit faster than I was. Luckily, my horse is very smart and got out of the way; I just was not with him, so I came off after the finish! But I still got third and I am good.
“It has been the best day ever. I am having so much fun. All these girls… I am so happy for Imaan, she got told she was riding five days ago, so I am happy for her. I am happy to be placed, I cannot believe I am on the leaderboard. I worked my butt off to be here. It is a great day.
“It has been really hard training in America too, as I have to spend a lot of time travelling to train and coming here to
train. But it has been so good. I feel like I have this whole new community of horseriding friends I did not have before.”
Gemma Owen, a TV presenter and dressage rider who finished fourth, said: “It was an amazing experience. From start to finish, it was great. The horse was an angel and really looked after me. That flag start is a bit difficult; everything is bunched up together, you go round a few times and then the next minute, you are off. My start was not great, I got a little bit boxed in, but I went to the inside rail, travelled well, made up some good ground and finished quite strongly. I think if I had had a better start, then it would have been a different result, but I am happy overall with how it went.”
Asked if she would do another race, she said: “I think so. I want to win now! I will probably end up doing another race and trying to get first place.”
Asked how it compares to a dressage test, she said: “Completely different! Dressage is very controlled and precise and slow; that is obviously the complete opposite. It was an amazing experience, it all just happened so quickly. I do not know which one I prefer.
“It has been amazing from start to finish. I have really loved training and riding out, seeing what goes on behind the scenes. It makes you appreciate all the hard work that goes into it, all the riders at home and the horses – they are amazing. I have a newfound respect for jockeys and appreciate the sport a lot more since doing it a bit myself.”
Her father Michael Owen, former England footballer, said: “ It was quite strange and nerve-wracking to watch for her safety. Going 40 miles per hour on a horse is never the safest thing to do and, when it is your daughter, you are obviously a little bit nervous, but she is obviously a very capable rider. She finished fourth and missed the start by quite a lot, which was frustrating. We all know how important the start is, and she was told 100 times! She rode well, and it was all good.
“I came second in a charity race at Ascot, so I am going to rib her about that! I have a sneaky suspicion this will not be her last one. She has thoroughly loved the process, so I think she could do a few more.
“They have these lady amateur races across the year, and Hugo was already talking to her about those the other week, so she might turn her hand to that, but we will see how she feels about it. I think there are races at Chester and York which would be incredible but let us see if she enjoyed it first.”
Molly Hunter said: “I am thrilled for Imaan – she is a lovely girl. Obviously, I am very disappointed to see the horse I was supposed to ride come home as the winner. He is a beautiful horse, and Imaan did a great job. I am so pleased for her. She took the call-up a week before the race, which is quite a lot to get your head around in seven days, so all credit to her. I am even more determined now to be back next year and make a good fist of it. Ask me again in 12 months!”
BUICK & SCOTT GRAB A GLORIOUS START
William Buick made a perfect start to the 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar last Tuesday as he guided Al Aali (11/2JF) to victory in the opening 10-furlong Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap.
The consistent Night Breeze (14/1) added another placing to his CV in third, while Tony Montana (18/1) came from the back of the field to take fourth.
Scott said: “It has taken a little bit of time to get to know Al Aali and the inside draw [3] really suited him. William just crept away and kept improving his position. It was a good watch – we have had a couple of mishaps in the last few days, so it was nice that it all went our way.
“Since we have had Al Aali, we have just struggled to understand him and, in the last few weeks, we have changed a few things around. Credit to everyone at home for freshening him up. He has spent a lot of time in the paddock, came back in great form and took a lot of confidence from last time out.
“Horses like to be out grazing; they are herd animals, so if you get the opportunity to let them out, they normally thrive. He just goes out, puts his head down and grazes for three hours. He is happy.
“He is a horse that Sheikh Nasser actually picked himself at the Arc Sale last year. We thought we’d slightly overpaid and he has got some way to go to repay us, but that was a big step forward.”
Buick said: “George was very sweet on Al Aali today. He only had 8st 10lb, and it takes a bit of focus to get down to that weight, but he was worth it.
“I had the draw and I had the horse. He was a bit slowly away, but I just managed to wake him up on the inside and get him into a nice position. Once the race developed and the cutaway came into play, I grew in confidence the further the race went.
“George has really sweetened him up. When he’s happy, he travels along and is not a horse you can bully. Once he got into the clear, he picked up really well. It was a nice start to the meeting.
“The ground is beautiful – it’s like a carpet. I don’t think Ed [Arkell] and his team could have done a much better job, to be honest.”
Oli Rix said of Noble Horizon: “Silvestre [de Sousa] has given him a lovely ride. A furlong down I thought we would win, but he just got done for toe late on. He stayed on through the line lovely and we will probably go up to a mile and a half next time. We are thrilled with him.”
Edward Greatrex, rider of Night Breeze, said: “I am delighted with him, big run. Ian [Williams] has placed him beautifully and he is a really straightforward horse. He took me into the race and I just had to switch at the wrong time, but that sort of comes with this number of runners. He is going to be one to look forward to in all the big staying handicaps for the rest of the year.”
Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap – 17 Ran
• 1 - Al Aali (Victorious Forever) George Scott 4-8-10 William Buick 11/2JF
• 2 - Noble Horizon (Seven Seas) Oli Rix
4-8-11 Silvestre de Sousa 13/2
• 3 - Night Breeze (Midtech 2) Ian Williams
6-8-12 Edward Greatrex 14/1
• 4 - Tony Montana (Amo Racing Limited) Kevin Philippart de Foy 6-8-04 Toby Moore (7) 18/1
• 11/2JF Twisting Physics (5th)
George Scott – 2nd Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
William Buick – 42nd Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
SCANDINAVIA SHOWS CLASS
WITH GOODWOOD CUP DOUBLE
Gold Cup hero Scandinavia (6/5F) extended his winning sequence to seven in an eventful edition of the Gr1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, following up his win from 12 months ago.
Ryan Moore and Scandinavia are too strong | Credit: Goodwood Racecourse
There was drama after the stalls opened as Hector Crouch came out of the side door on Amiloc, which impacted the twomile contest later on as the loose horse impeded the run of Trawlerman in the straight
Scandinavia had moved upsides Trawlerman when the incident occurred passing the three-furlong pole and subsequently powered away under Ryan Moore to cross the line eight and a half lengths in front.
Trawlerman (13/8) boxed on to finish second behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained winner, with Yorkshire Cup victor Rahiebb (14/1) three-quarters of a length further back in third.
O’Brien said: “Scandinavia is a great horse, a real, real top stayer. He has a big cruising speed and relaxes when he finds his rhythm. Ryan said that the minute he started asking, he felt him coming alive underneath him.
“We felt he was really going the right way after Ascot. The Goodwood Cup is a great race to win, very prestigious, and it is great that Trawlerman came and all the horses were there. It is what we always want to see – win, lose or draw.
“The plan was that we thought Trawlerman would make the running, and we were hoping he would. Ryan was just going to follow him, like he did at Ascot. It was going to be very simple whether he was going to be good enough or not. That is what we thought and that is the way it played out. There was a little bit of drama. I think Trawlerman was a little slowly away and there was a loose horse. It was one of those eventful races.
“It was great though, Goodwood is a great track, and I think it was a great spectacle to watch. There was so much happening in a race like that and, over two miles, you get a great chance to look at it and take it all in.”
Asked at what point he knows how many seasons he can campaign a horse like Scandinavia, O’Brien added:
“He is very sound, he loves what he is doing, and I think the lads love having a horse like that. When you get a horse who can race year in, year out, with the ability he has, that is what makes it very special. They are very hard to find, nearly impossible, but when they come along the lads love it, and I would imagine he will race for as long as he is able to stay safe and sound.”
Asked whether the horse could emulate Yeats, he said: “I think he could. He is a very high cruiser, very natural, easy to train, has a great rhythm and loves what he does. He has a great mind. He is by Justify, so he has that big rhythm.”
Moore said: “I was just talking to Aidan there and he said it is probably as good a staying performance as he has ever seen. I never asked him for everything either. It was nice for him to have a horse to follow all the way – he probably thinks he got beat! He is a very good horse.
“He has an unbelievable race record now. His stride never shortened, he just kept galloping all the way to the line. What more can you say? He could not have done any more than he did today. He likes fast ground, is a high-class horse and hopefully there are a few more good days to come.”
On the interference, Trawlerman’s jockey William Buick said: “It was significant. It is hard to say how significant, but Trawlerman is a Gold Cup winner, so he stays and he was just going through the gears down the hill.
“To try and outmanoeuvre or manoeuvre around a loose horse is never easy and my worry obviously was that if I found myself on his outside, we could give away a lot of ground and end up on the standside theoretically. I went the short route and really, he only got in the way at the most important part of the race.
“It definitely had an effect and it’s unfortunate. I know the winner won well on the day but, on a horse like Trawlerman in a staying race, when you get hampered at that stage, it is obviously never ideal. He has run a super race considering.”
Trawlerman’s co-trainer John Gosden said: “It was a messy race. He got interfered with early and then the pace early was quite strong. He got into a nice rhythm down the hill, and I noticed Ryan was beginning to ride on Scandinavia and we had a length and a half on him.
“The loose horse came back and visited us again and, once you check and lose your rhythm, that’s it in any race, let alone when you’re finding a rhythm over that trip. That is life and that’s racing, it happens more in Jump racing than Flat racing.
“When you’ve been crossed like that and checked, he’s not the type to turn around and start quickening. He has to build it up, which he was. But look, that’s the way
it is. We got the worst of it and we went from being a length and a half in front to a length and a half behind. That’s racing.”
Roger Varian said of Rahiebb: “He ran well. The race did not set up too well for us because it got a bit messy and they did not go very quick. He got locked away at the wrong time off a steady gallop, and the two big horses got first run. I am not suggesting it stopped us from winning, but I think it probably stopped us from finishing second.
“He got the trip well, which I was pleased about. I would not rule out going further again with him. Watching him today, all he looked like he was doing was staying, so you cannot judge it on one run. He will likely go to York and we will also look at the Irish St Leger. Next year we will see. He will be a stronger horse and I would not rule out going beyond two miles again. He looked a stayer today and I think he will keep getting better.”
Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (Group 1)
– 8 Ran
• 1 - Scandinavia (Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier) Aidan O’Brien IRE 4-9-12 Ryan Moore 6/5F
• 2 - Trawlerman (Godolphin) John & Thady Gosden 8-9-12 William Buick 13/8
• 3 - Rahiebb (Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum) Roger Varian 4-9-12 Ray Dawson 14/1
Aidan O’Brien – 32nd Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
Ryan Moore – 68th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
A decade into his training career, former top jockey Joseph O’Brien has come a long way since earning a bronze medal at the 2009 European Pony Championship!
Just this past week he outshone his illustrious father as he secured a first leading trainer title at the Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar, as the sun set last Saturday.
This achievement followed a remarkable five days last week that saw the Kilkenny-based handler send out four winners –that from just 11 runners.
While Aidan O’Brien is yet to collect a leading trainer award at the Glorious Goodwood meeting, Joseph ended the 2026 renewal on top as he teamed up with Dylan Browne McMonagle for all four of his victories.
Progressive stayer Enceladus followed up his Royal Ascot success with a clear-cut win in Day 3’s Gr3 Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes.
The 33 year old Joseph enjoyed a double last Friday as Defiantly scored in the Coral Goodwood Handicap and Galen gamely prevailed in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Conditions Stakes.
Goodie Two Shoes completed an exceptional meeting for the trainer and jockey combination as she came out on top in a thrilling finish to last Saturday’s Gr2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes.
Michael Halford, who collected the leading trainer award on behalf of O’Brien, said: “I am sure Joseph will be thrilled. It has been a good week, we targeted the meeting with some lovely horses and luckily they have run very well throughout. We were lucky enough to have four winners and it’s been a wonderful week.”
As a 16 year old, Joseph rode his first winner on Johann Zoffany, trained by his father, at Leopardstown on 28 May 2009.
He was one of three jockeys who shared the Irish champion apprentice jockeys’ title in 2010 and gained his first classic success when Roderic O’Connor won the 2011 Irish 2000 Guineas.
In 2012 Aidan and Joseph, 19, became the first father-son/trainer-jockey combination to win The Derby, with Camelot.
He went on to be Irish Champion Jockey in 2012 with 87 winners.
In October 2013, Joseph broke a 20-year-old record with a treble at Navan to get his 117th winner of the season and beat the previous record set by Mick Kinane.
He finished the 2013 season with 126 winners and retained his Irish Champion Jockey title. For all those records, Joseph’s lasting legacy in the saddle will be his Gr1 wins, riding 31 all over the world during his short career.
he highlights were the Derby (twice), the St Leger, the 2000 Guineas, the Irish Derby (twice), the Breeders’ Cup Turf, the Grand Prix de Paris, the Dubai Sheema Classic and three consecutive renewals of the Irish 2000 Guineas.
In March 2016 , weight issues – he is almost six foot tall - forced the announcement that he would be stepping down from race-riding to concentrate on his new career as a trainer.
O’Brien began his training career at Carriganóg Racing on Owning Hill, County Kilkenny and made a remarkable start, saddling four winners on his first day with runners, including winners ridden by his siblings Donnacha and Sarah, with Ana finishing in the frame on one too.
His dream start continued when just a few months later he saddled his first Gr1 winner, courtesy of Intricately who was ridden to success in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh ridden by Donnacha and bred by his mother Annemarie.
He went on to win the Melbourne Cup with Rekindling in 2017 and with Twilight Payment in 2020, the Irish Derby with Latrobe in 2018, and the Pretty Polly Stakes with Iridessa in 2019.
He also trained several good winners under National Hunt rules.
Joseph officially got off the mark at the Cheltenham Festival when the JJ Slevin-ridden Band Of Outlaws won the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the meeting in 2019 and a second winner came in the final race of the Festival with Early Doors in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.
Joseph enjoyed one of his biggest home successes as a trainer when Latrobe won the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh under Donnacha.
Eight years after he became the youngest jockey to win a Breeders’ Cup race, Joseph became the youngest trainer to enjoy success when Iridessa won the Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita in 2019.
That win made him only the second person, only with Freddy Head, to ride and train a Breeders’ Cup winner.
On the same day as his Breeders Cup success Joseph also enjoyed a winner in Australia and a little closer to home at Down Royal, winning three races on three different continents in 24 hours.
While the Covid-19 crisis rocked all of our worlds in 2020, Joseph carried on his relentless rise up the worldwide training ranks.
A memorable weekend in September saw him saddle his first British Classic winner when Galileo Chrome got his head in front in the St Leger at Doncaster under Tom Marquand.
The following day, Joseph saddled another Gr1 winner in Thunder Moon who showed a lightening turn of foot in the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh during Longines Irish Champions Weekend. It was a particularly sweet victory as the winner was also bred by Annemarie O’Brien.
Later that year, despite all of the difficulties of travelling to Australia during the pandemic, the O’Brien team headed by Mark Power still made the trip with four horses to try and win the Melbourne Cup. Remarkably, Twilight Payment
made all the running and crossed the line in front of the eerily empty grandstand to give the Williams family their record breaking seventh winner of ‘the race that stops a nation’.
The story of 2021 was one of continued international success.
Baron Samedi enjoyed a successful stateside raid when winning the Belmont Gold Cup in June, but the star of the show was the remarkable State Of Rest. The son of Starspangledbanner first shot to prominence when winning the Saratoga Derby Invitational in America in August, after which his connections committed to aiming him at the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in Australia despite the introduction of arguably the toughest veterinary entry protocols in the history of the turf.
State Of Rest came through all of them and on a never-to-be-forgotten day in October he won the Cox Plate by a short-head from the Australian champion Anamoe. He had to survive a lengthy stewards’ inquiry, but duly did so.
There was wonderful symmetry to the win too, as he was ridden by the Irishman Johnny Allen, who had once worked on Owning Hill for Joseph’s grandfather Joe Crowley.
The Joseph O’Brien story could fill many more pages, but fast forward to last week, we saw yet another glorious achievement. Dad Aidan has big boots to fill, but Joseph looks to be a shoo-in at this stage!
FAIL TIPPLE TESTS IRISH JOCKEYS
Two jockeys in Ireland were stood down by stewards on the final day of the Galway festival on Sunday after failing alcohol tests.
The Racing Post reports that Eoin Staples and Leigh Roche, who were both due to ride on the seventh day of the summer meeting, were stood down from their respective engagements after failing to pass a pre-race test.
A report made by the doping control officer Sinead Tarrant stated that Staples was tested at 1.27pm and 1.38pm. Although the results of both tests were negative, they did display an amber result, suggesting trace amounts of alcohol.
The jockey then underwent a lab test, which returned a level in excess of 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is the legal drink driving limit in Ireland.
The jockey accepted the findings but told stewards that his need to lose a considerable amount of weight
in a short space of time for racing may have factored into the result.
Roche, who was also subject to testing before racing, returned an amber reading following a test at 3.06pm and a red reading at 3.15pm, after which an Alcometer reading returned a result in excess of 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
Both cases were referred to the referrals committee in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14(i)(c).
www.racingpost.com
AT GOODWOOD! FOR THE GLORY
The end of a vintage Glorious Goodwood festival over the weekend signals the half-way mark of the 2026 British Flat season.
Young jockey Billy Loughnane and the unbeaten three-year-old colt Bow Echo stole the show at Goodwood when victorious in the festival showpiece, the Qatar Sussex Stakes.
The twenty-year-old currently leads defending champ and fellow Irishman Oisin Murphy in the British Flat Jockey’s championship.
After Billy Loughnane emerged from Glorious Goodwood with an 11-winner lead, Oisin Murphy hit back with a four-timer at Chester on Sunday.
With the gap cut to seven, the rivals headed to Windsor on Monday evening, where Murphy managed to claw back another winner.
The jockeys’ championship is really heating up, with official stats on Tuesday morning showing Loughnane leading with 84 winners and Murphy on 78. Third placed Rossa Ryan has recorded 63 wins.
Oisin Murphy admitted title rival Billy Loughnane has “a lot in his favour” after racing’s rising star emerged from Glorious Goodwood with a clear lead in the British Flat jockeys’ championship.
Murphy, the five-time champion rider is relishing this latest British Flat jockeys’ championship race but remains guarded about his prospects of winning a sixth crown.
The reigning champion won the title comfortably last year – his fifth in the last seven years – but faces a much sterner
test this time after Loughnane recorded a career-best monthly tally of 35 winners in July.
The British Flat jockey’s championship concludes on Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 17th October.
The incredible Aidan O’Brien leads the 2026 British Trainers Championship. Positions are determined by total stakes earned for the season which ends on New Years Eve.
The Irish trainer raids the leading meetings and Flat festivals in England from his base at Ballydoyle. He currently has recorded 22 victories in Britain from just 96 runners. Total stakes earned sits at £7m.
Heading the pack is the Hampshire based Andrew Balding whose recent Group 1 success with Kalpana in the King George VI Stakes at Ascot certainly helped propel him into second place with earnings just short of £5.2m. Balding has already hit a century of winners – currently on 125 wins from 608 runners.
Leading Newmarket trainers William Haggas and the Gosdens are in third and fourth positions on £3.6m and £3.2m respectively.
The Godolphin operation is attempting to defend their Owners’ Crown. They lead Juddmonte by half a million pounds at this point. The Owners Championship also concludes on Champions Day at Ascot.
MAURITIUS RACING CALENDAR
HERE’S THE LATEST
The MTC Jockey Club have announced an amended 2026 Mauritius Racing Calendar.
The changes which have been introduced have the net effect of reducing the number of race meetings for 2026 from 27 to 25.
Our next Champ de Mars racemeeting is on 8 August, headlined by the Gr2 Golden Trophy. PLEASE CLICK HERE
