SP Sprint – Wednesday 07 May 2025

Wednesday 7 May 2025

v

HOMETOWN HERO

7 MAY 2025 | 1

1900 REASONS TO

WIN JULY v

04

KZN – A Fresh Start A new dawn

17

Ferrie Star Shines KZN July hope on track

25

Dreams Are Good Friends Marshall’s Winter Nursery

64

Time Is Money Watch the clock – find the winners

104

Godolphin’s Winning Weekend Gr1’s on both sides of the Atlantic

On the cover

Sean Veale takes Gladatorian to post for the IOS Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. The Stuart Ferrie-trained son of Vercingetorix was an impressive winner, recording his second Grade 2 success and will now be aimed at the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge on Saturday 7 June. Read more on page 17.

Candiese Lenferna took the photograph.

Issue: 18/2025

2 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 3

KZN RACING’S BRIGHT NEW DAWN

‘We are fully committed to securing the future of the horse racing industry in KwaZulu-Natal and are privileged to be in a custodial position to carry the baton into what we firmly believe will be a bright and prosperous future for the sport and all stakeholders in the region, and beyond’ – Hollywood CEO, Suren Rampersadh

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

v

South African horseracing awoke to a brand new chapter in its history on the Workers’ Day public holiday last Thursday with the good news that the acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group (Hollywood/Hollywoodbets) has received the final stamp of approval of the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

In a transaction that dates back to the

The investment by Hollywoodbets is set to

commencement of negotiations in 2023, and

ensure job security for the estimated 6 000

culminating in a Special General Meeting of

people employed directly and indirectly by

Members in September of that year, KZN racing

the industry and peripheral services in the

is set to benefit from a R500 million (and rapidly

province, and foster broader stakeholder

escalating) rescue injection by Hollywood in

interest and incentive for investment through

a seriously ambitious and committed plan

the modernisation of facilities in venues and

to resurrect the failing industry in the richly

training centres, while also upgrading prize

culturally diverse province that has enjoyed a

money, which has lagged over the past 30

passionate following of the sport for well over a

years.

century.

The operational aspect of the introduction of It is a reality that, given the combination of

a new-look racing programme, coupled with

the prevailing economic climate and dramatic

incentives to promote racehorse ownership and

changes in the betting landscape, horseracing

boost field sizes, an important component of

countrywide has languished in the doldrums for

the key driver of improved betting turnovers, is

a large part of the 21st century.

already well advanced.

The move by Hollywoodbets is thus seen as

Whilst ownership transferred on 1 May, the

the dawn of a new era of management and

investment began months ago. A huge leap

capitalisation, that will introduce a focus on the

of faith was required. Even before this final

best utilisation of resources, while embracing a

approval by the KZNERA, Hollywoodbets

wider universal appeal that will keep pace with

had confidently commenced its considerable

ever evolving modern entertainment trends,

investment.

directed at a wider customer market.

6 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

To date there has been extensive capital

To have delayed these essential projects until

investment in facilities, which includes wide-

formal approval had been given would have

scale renovation of buildings and equipment

resulted in none of the work commencing until

upgrades, as well as a revamp of the

after the Champions Season.

Hollywoodbets Greyville Polytrack.

The Summerveld Training Centre is also set for Day-night racing has proved immensely

major improvements.

popular in KwaZulu-Natal and a multi-millionRand upgrade of the lighting facilities at the

Plans are well advanced for an extensive capital

home of the historic Hollywoodbets Durban

injection that will result in a material upgrade

July, brings the Durban City racetrack on a par

of stabling, Grooms accommodation, roofing,

with leading night-racing venues internationally.

roads and other infrastructure.

7 MAY 2025 | 7

v

Hollywood CEO, Suren Rampersadh welcomed

with a global reach of over 584 million

the announcement and confirmed that it was

households,” added Rampersadh.

now all systems go for the company’s game

“This has been a long journey, and we are

changing plans to revitalise a sport that enjoys

super-proud that our team has got it over the

a unique place in the hearts and minds of

line. I am sure that our pride is more than

passionate locals and the whole Purple Team.

matched by the relief and renewed enthusiasm of all stakeholders”.

“We wish to reaffirm that we are fully committed to securing the future of the horse racing

The encouraging news arrived in excellent time

industry in KwaZulu-Natal and are privileged

for the much-anticipated launch of the 2025

to be in a custodial position to carry the baton

Champions Season at Hollywoodbets Greyville

into what we firmly believe will be a bright

last Saturday.

and prosperous future for the sport and all stakeholders in the region, and beyond. The

Three months of action-packed top-level

investment that commenced some time ago

horseracing will be headlined by the 129th

will continue, with plans to change the face and

renewal of the historic Hollywoodbets Durban

broad appeal of the business that operates in

July, which will be run over 2200m on Saturday

one of the most exciting sports internationally,

5 July 2025.

8 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 9

Hollywoodbets Devin Heffer – exciting times ahead | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

v

‘A MOMENTOUS DAY’

DEVIN HEFFER

10 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Devin Heffer fittingly led in two winners at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, including the Hollywood Racing-owned MJ Odendaal-trained Flower Alley gelding Tobacconist, who won the last race on the opening day of the 2025 Champions Season.

The rejuvenation of KZN Racing is leaving

been made and those still to come, saying,

no stone unturned and Hollywood Racing

“The changes have obviously started

also now have their own training centre at

already, there’s the new LED floodlights, the

Ashburton.

rejuvenation of the polytrack, the upgrade of the parade ring with the new gazebo, the lead

Speaking to Turf Talk, Devin agreed it

in area, the upgrade of the second third and

was one of the most momentous days

fourth boxes, different camera angles, the

in Hollywoodbets history on Saturday at

upgrade of the LED screen on the big screen

Hollywoodbets Greyville, the first meeting

and then there’s the upgrade of the Durban

since Hollywood have taken over KZN racing

View Room, which is looking amazing, the

and it was the opening day of Champions

hospitality rooms are being redone too. All the

Season to boot.

lavatories and the bathroom facilities are being redone, they’ve been gutted and rejuvenated.”

Devin said, “We were talking about it earlier in the week, how special it was and how the

That is not to mention the redoing of the

whole thing has come full circle. When we

grandstand roof, which was no small task.

became sponsors of the racecourses, that

He continued, “A lot of the stuff we tried to

was really special, and sponsoring the July

get done in the last few months, we don’t

was immense, but this is the start of a whole

want to disrupt Champions Season too much,

new era, it is a whole new journey for us.”

and that was obviously a leap of faith as the agreement had not yet been approved.”

He continued, “I’m just very proud of Owen and the whole Hollywood family. But, it’s not

He added, “But there’s a lot going on, a

all congratulations now. We’ve got a big task

lot still being done, and after Champions’

ahead of us, but we’ve hit the ground running.”

season there’s a whole lot more projects that

He spoke about the changes that have

still need to be done.”

7 MAY 2025 | 11

v

Devin Heffer and Anthony Delpech lead Tobacconist (Sean Veale) in after his win in the final race on Saturday Credit: Candiese Lenferna

12 | 7 MAY 2025

v

He said, “Obviously there’s a lot being done

Sadha Naidoo had been of the new era’s

at the other centres, such as Hollywoodbets

vision and of the changes made to date.

Scottsville and Summerveld. There’s already a lot of work being done there, a lot of

Meanwhile, Hollywood actually have a

projects are underway there, especially

training centre for their own horses on the

Summerveld, which is going to be massive.

site of the old Ashburton training centre.

There is the upgrading of the facilities,

Devin revealed, “It was mothballed a few

the roads, the walkways, the Groom’s

years ago, mainly during Covid, and we

accommodation, the stabling. We really want

started work on it a little under two years ago.

to make it into the world class facility it needs to be.”

Mainly, it started as a life-after-racing barn for our retired horses, then it became our own

At the moment the brand name for the new

pre-training and spelling facility for which we

operator is RaceCoast, which is the same

had another barn and now we’ve got our own

name that is currently being used for the

training facility there with Trevor Brown taking

KZN racing incentive scheme, but the final

out his license and doing our training from

decision on the name will be made this

there. We have already rejuvenated five of the

month and a launch will then be done.

barns. It’s been amazing. It’s really looking like a world-class facility at the moment.

Greg Bortz, who was behind the rejuvenation

We’re still learning a lot though. We’re

of Cape Racing in partnership with

having to take our medicine in a lot of ways,

Hollywoodbets and who has also been

but we’re getting a lot of support from the

instrumental in the take over of KZN racing,

industry. A lot of people are giving us a

is one of the new directors. He was being

helping hand and directing us in the

called the chairman designate from the

right way.”

onset of the take over bid, but that has not yet happened and Devin did speak of how

He added, “But just from Nicole (Wille) for

supportive Gold Circle chairman

life-after-racing, and Trevor and Jo Brown

7 MAY 2025 | 13

v

for the pre-training, and now Trevor doing

back, so I think in that instance Trevor’s

his own training and obviously Anthony

going to play a big role for us.”

(Delpech) and all his input and the whole team there … It’s really looking good. The

It is exciting times for KZN racing fans,

tracks have also been redone and the sand

who have the reputation of being the most

has been rejuvenated.”

knowledgeable and passionate in the country.

He said about Trevor Brown, “Trevor’s going

It is also exciting times for industrymen in

to play a big role for us. He’s got decades of

the Garden Province as the new era begins

experience working with world-class trainers,

and it was fitting that KZN’s trainers, jockeys

especially Mike de Kock. Mike’s been a great

and owners, including Hollywood Racing

guardian for us and guiding us and pushing

and Devin himself, were so prominent in the

us in the right direction and obviously Mike

results on Saturday.

and Anthony’s relationship goes a long way

www.turftalk.co.za

14 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 15

v

16 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Stuart Ferrie on the podium with jockey Sean Veale and Gladatorian’s part-owner, Michel Nairac | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

AN EYE ON

THE JULY In a season that history will reflect on as the era of the rebirth of racing in KwaZulu-Natal, a locally trained winner of the Hollywoodbets Durban July would undoubtedly be a fairytale splash on the tapestry of time.

It has, after all, been 31 long winters since

The Durban July has been won on an objection

Ricky Maingard’s Space Walk earned what

three times.

many regard to be the highest honour in South African racing – and that in the less than

In 1975 Gatecrasher was disqualified and the

glamorous confines of the Stipes boardroom.

race awarded to Principal Boy. In 1994, just two months after the first open elections were held

7 MAY 2025 | 17

v

in a new South Africa, the objection against

“It was a good win and he certainly warrants

Surfing Home by Pas de Quoi was upheld, with

consideration for a tilt at the Hollywoodbets

the race awarded to KZN-based Space Walk.

Durban July, but our confirmed goals right now

In 2014, Legislate got the race on objection

are the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge on

against Wylie Hall, who passed the post first.

7 June and the HKJC Gr1 Champions Cup at

Objections aside, the last KZN-based horse to

the end of the term , on 27 July,” explains the

actually cross the line first in Africa’s Greatest

former Maritzburg College pupil.

Horseracing event was the Dennis Drier-trained Spanish Galliard in 1992.

So including the Hollywoodbets Durban July on his target list would mean three Gr1 races from

Ironically it’s a man who was Assistant to the

a mile to 2200m in 7 weeks.

now retired Dennis Drier for 17 years, who may feel that he has more than a squeak of history

“He has low mileage on the clock. He has had

being made on 5 July.

only two races this year, and he is as sound as the proverbial bell,” adds Stuart who took

The 56 year old Stuart Ferrie saddled

out his licence on April Fool’s Day 2023 and

Gladatorian to a supremely impressive victory

saddled Blazing Light, also ridden by Sean

in last Saturday’s IOS Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes.

Veale, on 12 April of that year for his first winner

The 5yo son of Vercingetorix was produced

after his boss Dennis Drier’s retirement.

with perfect timing by Sean Veale time to beat revitalized fellow home-towner See It Again,

It was only his third meeting and he got off the

with the Snaith’s Great Plains clocking the

mark with a double. Quietly spoken, Stuart is

fastest 400m to finish on the opening afternoon

never one to be over emotional but said at the

of the 2025 Champions Season.

time that he was particularly happy his first winner ran in the colours of Eric Buhr, a long

The Sporting Post asked Stuart if the win,

time supporter of the Drier yard. Mrs Gill Drier

Gladatorian’s second Gr2 after beating

was also fittingly one of the part-owners.

champion speedster Thunderstruck in the 2024 Post Merchants, had earned his charge a run in

Back to Gladatorian, we suggested that the

the big race on 5 July?

2200m of the July could be a bridge too far for

18 | 7 MAY 2025

v

the 5yo in terms of getting the trip. He is a Gr2

Taylor Made Farm in the USA, and then seven

winner over 1200m and clocked 59,59 secs for

years assisting Satish Seemar and Nick

a Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 1000m win early in

Robb in Dubai, I garnered plenty of valuable

his career.

knowledge before I returned home and learnt more through Gary Alexander and his family

“Well the 2200m is naturally the million

on the Highveld. I took over as Mr Drier’s

dollar question. But have a look at the way

assistant from Mike Robinson in 2005/6 and

he won a 1750m Pinnacle at Hollywoodbets

was privileged to work under a legend of the

Scottsville on soft going in December. He is a

training ranks for all those years. Looking back,

horse who settles, so he doesn’t burn energy

I really have been very very lucky to have had

unnecessarily. And his dam Harvard Crimson, a

some great teachers!” he enthuses.

daughter of Dynasty, was out of a Badger Land mare and she herself was a stakes winner at

At time of publication, Gladatorian is quoted at

2000m. So all the signs suggest he could well

40-1 with Hollywoodbets in the big race ante-

get the trip,” adds Stuart with a smile.

post market. Prices are subject to change.

An unassuming and modestly quietly spoken

The Hollywoodbets Durban July timeline:

man, Stuart had to be pressed to talk about his

• First declarations close at 11h00

foundation in horseracing.

on Monday, 12 May. • First supplementary entries close at 11h00

“My Dad ‘Scotch’ Ferrie taught at Maritzburg College with Doug Campbell, Ian Gibson, and Alistair ‘Mat’ Thiselton, and in fact raced his

on Tuesday, 13 May • Second declarations close at 11h00 on Monday, 9 June

first horse Silver Sovereign way back in 1965. I

• Final supplementary entries close at 11h00

suppose it was inevitable that I’d land up after

on Tuesday, 17 June, on which date the

varsity going into racing,” he laughs.

weights will be published.

• Final field and draw announcement will take

Stuart explains that he was very fortunate to

place on Tuesday, 24 June.

have enjoyed a great grounding.

“From spending time on the world-class 7 MAY 2025 | 19

v

20 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Okavango won his last start easily – he steps up on Saturday to book his Hollywoodbets Durban July slot Credit: Candiese Lenferna

SNAITH HOLDS

1900 ACES

Saturday sees the running of the 2025 Champions Season round 2 at Hollywoodbets Greyville, with the R500 000 World Sports Betting Gr3 1900 heading a competitive nine-race card.

The WSB 1900 is an important stepping

July in 2020 and Brett Crawford’s 2023 runner-

stone, often for borderline candidates, to the

up Winchester Mansion also won the big one.

Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Last year, subsequent Hollywoodbets Durban Recent history shows that the Justin Snaith-

July winner Oriental Charm was only beaten

trained winner Belgarion went on to win the

0,30 lengths by Future Swing, who defends his

7 MAY 2025 | 21

v

title on Saturday as one of a quartet of Justin

5,75 length fourth in the SplashOut Gr1 Cape

Snaith challengers.

Derby last time. He also carries 52 kgs and may well be ahead of the handicapper. An unknown

The 5yo son of Futura was not disgraced when

quantity!

finishing 2,15 lengths behind Eight On Eighteen in the WSB Gr1 Cape Town Met last time. He

Glen Kotzen will be hoping for another good

returns from a fifteen week break and while

showing from his 4yo Holding Thumbs, who

well drawn at 6, he has not managed a win in a

won his last two starts with ease.

year.

The son of Vercingetorix set the pace in the His progressive stablemate Okavango looks a

Listed Monaco Sport Of Kings Kenilworth Cup

perfect low-key potential July type. He hacked

last time. He runs well for Sean Veale and the

up last time and received plaudits from that

combination merit healthy respect at a track

good judge Andrew Fortune. Muzi Yeni rides

like Hollywoodbets Greyville, which could suit

him with a galloping 52kgs on Saturday.

him down to the ground.

Only a one time winner, another Snaith runner

Follow the latest WSB 1900 news on

is Native Ruler who comes in off an eleven

www.sportingpost.co.za

week break after running a fair race for a

FAIRVIEW ON FRIDAY FORTUNE RETURNS AFTER EIGHT YEAR ABSENCE

South African racing’s 2025 comeback champion Andrew Fortune takes six rides as he returns to Fairview on Friday after an absence of eight years.

The Candyman last rode in Gqeberha on 19

On Friday his six rides include five for Greeff,

May 2017, booting home the Sail From Seattle

with the unbeaten Anotherdanceformme

mare Perfect Tale for trainer Alan Greeff.

looking a standout in the Listed Dahlia Plate,

22 | 7 MAY 2025

v

where the multiple champion trainer saddles 5

Greeff’s recent record with the fairer sex in the

of the 8 runners.

East Cape Derby suggests Lotus Island is a big runner. He won it with Joy And Peace last

In the Listed East Cape Derby, Greeff saddles

year. She was the second daughter of Master

6 of the 11 runners with Fortune partnering the

Of My Fate to win the East Cape Derby, with the

Ideal World filly Lotus Island, who is undefeated

yard’s American Princess having triumphed in

in the Eastern Cape, having won four on the

2020.

trot since her runaway maiden victory on the polytrack back in December last year.

The first of 9 races on the Fairview card is off at 11h50.

Andrew Fortune – back in ‘The Bay’ after eight years away | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

7 MAY 2025 | 23

v

24 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Sean Veale returns on Gladatorian after a terrific Hollywoodbets Durban July prep | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

FERRIE & VEALE’S

GR2 GLORY

Hollywoodbets Durban July hometown entries Gladatorian and See It Again dominated the finish of the R750 000 Independent On Saturday Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes on Saturday, with a nose separating them in a thriller.

A traditional big season launch pad, the

5yo Gladatorian (9-2), who ran on powerfully

1400m contest produced a grandstand finish

down the centre to get the verdict over the

with 0,30 lengths separating the trifecta, as

revitalized See It Again (5-1) by a short head in

Sean Veale timed things to perfection on the

a time of 84,24 secs for the 1400m.

7 MAY 2025 | 25

v

Delighted winning Sporting Post-sponsored

The Snaith grey Great Plains (25-2) was given

rider Sean Veale said that he felt he got there

every chance by Richard Fourie and ran a

‘too early’, but he knows the Stuart Ferrie

meritorious 0,30 length third. His trainer said,

charge well and things worked to a charm.

‘he probably wins it with a gallop’.

Raymond Danielson is the newly appointed

Dean Kannemeyer was thrilled with The Real

jockey for See It Again, and he said that

Prince (7-1), who was last turning for home and

‘another 100m we probably win it’. That will be

was not disgraced in a 1,35 length fourth effort.

music to the ears of trainer Michael Roberts.

Gladatorian is raced by a Mauritian

The beautiful silverware for the Drill Hall winning connections! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

26 | 7 MAY 2025

v

partnership of the Late Agasthamuni Gujadhur,

A R400 000 National Yearling Sale purchase,

E G Hart de Keating, M L Jean Hardy & Gold

Gladatorian is now a dual Gr2 winner, having

Circle CEO Michel J L Nairac. The latter

won 9 races with 8 places from 24 starts for

was emotional in the post-race interview,

stakes of R1 775 651.

commending Hollywoodbets for what they have done for KZN racing and indicating that it

Beyond the exemplary showing of the top two,

was a big moment for him personally to enjoy

the race included a further three Hollywoodbets

a Gr2 success on a raceday that symbolized

Durban July entries, some of whom delivered

the start of a brand new era.

performances that suggested there’s hope for the big one on Saturday 5 July.

The winner was bred by Erasmus Thoroughbreds and is a genuinely versatile

These include The Real Prince who ran from

son of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the six-

a wide gate but stayed on from last for fourth,

time winning Dynasty mare Harvard Crimson,

just 1,35 lengths off the winner, Cousin Casey

who was trained by Justin Snaith.

(5,65 lengths), and Barbaresco (8,35 lengths).

7 MAY 2025 | 27

v

28 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 29

v

30 | 7 MAY 2025

Erasmus Thoroughbreds bred Vercingetorix’ IOS Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes winner Gladatorian out of the Dynasty mare, Harvard Crimson Credit: Chase Liebenberg

v

Vercingetorix will follow in the footsteps of his own revered sire who garnered the coveted national title no less than five times. That feat has only been achieved once in modern times, when Captain Al landed the 2014 title, thereby emulating his sire Al Mufti, who was SA champion sire in 1999.

7 MAY 2025 | 31

v

There seems to be no stopping the juggernaut that is Vercingetorix. The Maine Chance stallion registered yet another stakes treble over the past weekend as he continues his utter domination of the 2024/25 racing season.

Hot on the heels of the previous week’s

On Saturday, the KZN winter season kicked off

spectacular stakes quartet comprising Mia

on a high at Hollywoodbets Greyville, where the

Moo (Gr2 Camellia Stakes), Quickstepgal

locals drew first blood in the Gr2 Independent

(Gr3 Strelitzia Stakes), Elegantrix (Gr3

on Saturday Drill Hall Stakes, victory going to

Godolphin Barb Stakes) and O’Tenikwa (Listed

Stuart Ferrie’s Vercingetorix son Gladatorian,

In Full Flight Handicap), the Maine Chance

who just held off Michael Roberts’ See It Again

powerhouse enjoyed yet another 48 hours of

by a head.

relentless black type success.

Drakenstein Stud bred Vercingetorix’ WSB Gr2 Guineas winner Sail The Seas out of the Philanthropist mare, Sail Credit: Chase Liebenberg

32 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Maine Chance boss Dr Andreas Jacobs – ‘we are blessed in SA to have him’ | Credit: Hamish Niven Photography

7 MAY 2025 | 33

v

While Vercingetorix three-year-old Spumante

More impressively, the son of Silvano is fast

Dolce had to settle for second in the Gr2

rewriting the record book as far as seasonal

WSB Fillies Guineas on her first appearance

black type winners is concerned. His current

at the city track, paternal half-brother Sail The

tally of 20 individual stakes winners sets a new

Seas righted the ship by claiming the notable

benchmark and is way superior to the dozen

scalp of WSB Gr1 Cape Met winner Eight

of Gimmethegreenlight, who held the previous

On Eighteen in the Gr2 WSB Guineas. It was

modern-time record of 13.

sweet revenge, as he turned the tables on his stable companion, who had beaten him in the

He also is the leading sire of three-year-olds, no

SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby.

surprise, given that he boasts eight sophomore stakes winners compared to three each by One

Twenty-four hours later, the Vercingetorix treble

World and Lancaster Bomber, who fill the next

was rounded out at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth

two places on the log.

when three-year-old Garrix justified favouritism with his defeat of older rivals in the Gr3 Legal

It is scary to think that there are still three

Eagle Stakes.

months to go before the end of the current racing season, by which stage he may well

Needless to say, this extended purple patch

have raised the bar even higher!

further cemented Vercingetorix’s position at the top of the national Sires log, where he tops

In the meantime, Vercingetorix is churning out

virtually every category.

the winners at a rate of knots, as not a race meeting goes by where one or more of his

He currently enjoys what looks to be an

progeny features amongst the winners.

insurmountable lead of more than R7-million over second-placed reigning champion

As befits a top five stallion, Vercingetorix has

Gimmethegreenlight and he leads the way by

had access to top broodmares, consequently,

number of winners on 117, while none of his

he will not suffer from a lack of firepower for the

rivals have been able to match his strike rate of

remainder of the racing season.

53,2% winners to runners.

34 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Maine Chance owner Dr Andreas Jacobs is

It constitutes another piece of history, as he will

clearly in awe of his prized stallion standout

follow in the footsteps of his own revered sire

and remarked: “Silvano was a dream and now

who garnered the coveted title no less than five

Vercingetorix, what can I say. We are blessed in

times.

South Africa to have him.”

That feat has only been achieved once in Vercingetorix looks virtually assured of a first

modern times, when Captain Al landed the

champion stallion’s title, well deserved, given

2014 title, thereby emulating his sire Al Mufti,

that he has been runner-up twice over the past

who was the country’s champion sire in 1999.

three years.

Jagessar bred Vercingetorix’ Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes winner Garrix out of the US-bred Smart Strike mare, Makiwara Credit: Chase Liebenberg

7 MAY 2025 | 35

v

36 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Gavin Lerena drives Garrix forward as Otto Luyken (Louis Mxothwa) down the inside, and Hollywoodbets Durban July entry Mucho Dinero (Richard Fourie) on the outside, threaten late. Fourth placed Magic Verse (JP van der Merwe) is on their heels | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

GARRIX

ONLY JUST! Piet Steyn’s 3yo Garrix made it two out of two in the traditional Cape Winter Series won in 2020 by his accomplished stablemate Katak, when he dug deep under a vigorous ride by the in-form Gavin Lerena to win the R350 000 Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes in a thrilling finish.

Lerena grabbed all three features on the sunny

But after a frustrating places-only sheet at

afternoon, with Garrix requiring some serious

Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, Lerena

persuasion after Louis Mxothwa and the 75-1

produced the goods on his first engagement

pacesetting Otto Luyken kept rolling in what

on the chestnut Garrix, who clearly may have

would have been a knockout result.

found the second-run-after-a-rest hoodoo, and the muddled pace, not to his liking.

7 MAY 2025 | 37

v

In the final analysis, Garrix (8-10) kept his

Originally a R475 000 BSA National 2yo Sale

supporters on the edge of their seats to gain a

purchase, Garrix was acquired after running a

short head verdict over Otto Luyken (75-1) in a

20-1 second on his Hollywoodbets Durbanville

time of 109,80 secs for the 1800m.

debut back in September by a partnership of Mukund Gujadhur, Rikesh Sewgoolam and

First of the quartet of Hollywoodbets Durban

Laurence and Jarryd Wernars.

July entrants home, Mucho Dinero (25-1) ran a terrific race after his 14-week break, another

Bred by Jagessar Limited, Garrix is a son of

short head away in third.

Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the unraced wellrelated US bred Smart Strike mare, Makiwara.

Also, a big race entry, his stablemate Magic Verse (20-1) rounded the quartet in fourth, while Garrix was recording his second stakes La Pulga (3,45 lengths) and Without Question

success and is now a winner of 4 races with 3

(6,45 lengths)were less eyecatching, with just

places from 8 starts for stakes of R795 315.

two months to the 5 July showdown.

38 | 7 MAY 2025

v

The Steyn yard confirmed to the Sporting Post earlier that Garrix was backward and immature and would stay at home this winter, rather than travel to the East Coast for Champions Season.

Gavin Lerena is flanked by Elbert and Piet Steyn after a hard-fought win | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

7 MAY 2025 | 39

v

40 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Muzi Yeni has Sail The Seas in full flight wide out as Eight On Eighteen (Richard Fourie on inside) and Cosmic Speed (Craig Zackey) keep the pressure on | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

SNAITH IS

SAILING! SA Champion trainer Justin Snaith celebrated a sixth KZN Guineas success when his Hollywoodbets Durban July entry Sail The Seas rallied powerfully to beat his boom stablemate Eight On Eighteen to win the R750 000 World Sports Betting Gr2 Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

“This is one of the best 3yo crops we’ve ever

“The winner was more ready, and the short

seen,” quipped Snaith before explaining that

run-in, tailwind and slow pace would have done

the heavy rainfall in the province had made

Eight On Eighteen no favours. They will both

it ‘borderline impossible’ to train horses and

go to the Daily News now,” added the man who

probably favoured the raiders from the Highveld.

celebrated a top two in Saturday’s 7 MAY 2025 | 41

v

2025 renewal of the local classic after saddling

With only six starters, it was always going to be

his first winner Solo Traveller (2011), followed

a tactical battle and Craig Zackey grabbed the

by Legislate (2014), Black Arthur (2016), Do It

initiative, taking Cosmic Speed up to lead Sail

Again (2018) and Wild Coast (2020).

The Seas, On My Honour and Eight On Eighteen.

There was some pre-race drama when Snaith’s

While Cosmic Speed galloped relentlessly

Legal Counsel was withdrawn with a vaccination into the home straight, Muzi Yeni had other discrepancy and the Plattner challenger Zeitz

ideas and he produced Sail The Seas (6-1)

registered a high TC02 reading.

with a sustained effort as stablemate Eight On Eighteen unwound at the rail.

Three wise men! Justin Snaith, Muzi Yeni and part-owner Ravi Naidoo pose for the paparazzi Credit: Candiese Lenferna

42 | 7 MAY 2025

v

With the Snaith pair producing something of a

stakes success. He has now won 5 races with 2

pincer attack on the courageous pacemaker, it

places from 10 starts for stakes of R1 091 212.

was Sail The Seas (6-1) who powered home for a first stakes victory to beat fellow Drakenstein

Raced by Rurik Gobel, Dave MacLean,

product Eight On Eighteen (15-10) by 0,60

Countess S Labia & Kalinga, the winner is yet

lengths in a time of 97,9 secs for the mile.

another Drakenstein bred stakes winner and is

by Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the three-time

Eventual tote favourite, Sean Tarry’s Cosmic

winning Philanthropist mare, Sail.

Speed (13-10) just tired late to be relegated a neck back in third.

A R500 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Sail The Seas was registering his maiden

7 MAY 2025 | 43

v

44 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Mon Petit Cherie seals the deal as Richard Fourie glances across with Spumante Dolce (Gavin Lerena, red cap) and thirdplaced Be Merry (Muzi Yeni ), chasing hard | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

RIDGEMONT DARLING

RAISES THE BAR

The Rafeef purple patch continued in the 2025 Champions Season opener at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday when the champion son of Redoute’s Choice produced another crackerjack performer in the shape of Mon Petit Cherie who won the R500 000 World Sports Betting Gr2 Fillies Guineas.

Successful in the 2024 Gr2 Western Cape

confirmed her status amongst the top of her

Fillies Championship, the Crawford charge

generation with a gutsy win after a tricky passage.

who is raced by Ridgemont and Devin Heffer, 7 MAY 2025 | 45

v

Ridden with supreme confidence from midfield

The winner’s boom sire Rafeef has enjoyed

by Ridgemont’s SA Champion jockey Richard

an extraordinary few months and just a week

Fourie as Be Merry and Frozen Fantasy led the

earlier at Turffontein his daughters Chasing

charge, Mon Petit Cherie (9-2) powered into top

Happiness and Mrs Browning, dominated the

gear in the home straight and went on strongly

R500 000 Gr2 TAB Senor Santa Stakes, filling

to withstand a solid late challenge from the

the exacta in the 1160m contest.

accomplished Highveld raider Spumante Dolce (13-10) by 0,40 lengths in a time of 98,28 secs.

At Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Sunday, Rafeef registered his 24th stakes winner

The Snaith’s Be Merry (20-1) stayed on

when the Lucinda Woodruff-trained 3yo Mai

gallantly for third a half length back, with the

Sensation won the Gr3 Dennis Drier Poinsettia

badly drawn Give Me Everything (14-1) coming

Stakes. Last Monday at Hollywoodbets

from way off the action to run fourth.

Greyville, Rafeef claimed 4 winners on the nine-

46 | 7 MAY 2025

v

race programme, courtesy of Crafty Croft, Rani

While she has never gone further than a mile,

Tarabai, National Dream and Drive By.

Mon Petit Cherie looks likely to go the 2000m – so it’s exciting times!

Now a winner of 3 of her 8 races with 4 places and stakes of R717 876, the exciting Mon Petit Cherie is out of the Galileo mare Exotic, who won over 2400m in Ireland.

WSB Racing Supervisor Aggie Pather presents the trophy to owners Devin Heffer and Craig Kieswetter Credit: Chase Liebenberg

7 MAY 2025 | 47

v

48 | 7 MAY 2025

v

FILLER REQUIRED 150 Words Required

7 MAY 2025 | 49

v

In demand! Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice ex National Colour) | Credit: Supplied

NO STOPPING

RAFEEF! Ridgemont’s super stallion stallion Rafeef is enjoying a fantastic season and marked another smart winner at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday when his son Churchillian, a full-brother to Winterbach’s Grade 1 winning sire Master Archie, won at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday.

After a graded stakes double the previous

when his high-class three-year-old daughter

weekend, Rafeef struck gold again on the

Mon Petit Cherie claimed the second graded

Champions Season opening day on Saturday,

victory of her career when beating the highly

50 | 7 MAY 2025

v

regarded Highveld raider Spimante Dolce in the

Her Gr1 Computaform Sprint winning sire has

World Sports Betting Gr2 Fillies Guineas.

really enjoyed a bumper season with the son of champion Redoute’s Choice other big-hitters

Bred by her part-owners Ridgemont, Mon Petit

including TAB Gr1 Computaform Sprint winner

Cherie had claimed the Gr2 Western Cape

William Robertson and fellow graded stakes

Fillies Championship earlier in the season and

winners Chasing Happiness, Mai Sensation

prior to her Fillies Guineas win had finished

and Outlaw King.

third in the SplashOut Gr3 Prix Du Cap.

Out of the Galileo mare Exotic, Mon Petit Cherie is bred on the same Rafeef/Galileo cross as graded stakes winners Aragosta and Mrs Browning.

7 MAY 2025 | 51

v

52 | 7 MAY 2025

v

The angle is deceptive but Jaycee Botes has timed things perfectly on Warrior Of Royalty as Million Voices (Mat Thackeray) challenges down the inside, with stablemate Holds The Key (Tristan Godden) obscured between them in third | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

QUICK! The R120 000 World Sports Betting Dash provided a thrilling finish and got the 2025 Champions Season off to a flying start at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday as less than a half-length separated the top four home with Apprentice Jaycee Botes getting Warrior Of Royalty up in a finish that went to the judge.

7 MAY 2025 | 53

v

Run over 400m, the WSB Dash is the shortest

The Nathan Kotzen-trained Warrior Of Royalty

horse race in South Africa and enjoyed the

was the enthusiastic young Botes only ride on the

distinction of launching the big season on the

day and his first engagement in the novelty race.

East Coast.

Warrior Of Royalty was bred by Willie Dashing through late in a cavalry charge,

Engelbrecht junior and is a 4yo gelded son of

Warrior Of Royalty (25-2), who races in the

Sandown-based stallion Pathfork (Distorted

popular Royal Victory silks, clearly enjoyed the

Humor) out of the Western Winter mare

paperweight on his back and got up to pip the

Barbara Anne.

3yo filly Million Voices (20-1) by a short head in a time of 24,50 secs for the 400m.

A R180 000 National 2yo Sale graduate, Warrior Of Royalty has now won 3 races with 6 places

This was the fastest time in the past three

from his 17 starts for stakes of R248 500.

renewals after Maquette’s 24,57 secs last year and Trafalgar Square’s 24,87 secs in 2023.

The 2yo Holds The Key (9-2) ran a cracker in third, with the favourite The Abdicator (28-10) back in fourth.

INQUIRY OPENED The highly anticipated first race on the revamped Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack today was well received by stakeholders, but was not without its drama.

After the favourite Cherry Oh Baby was beaten, the trainer and jockey were interviewed and NHA CEO Vee Moodley confirmed to the Sporting Post that an Inquiry has been opened.

The Sporting Post received a number of calls from punters after the favourite was caught in the final stages by

54 | 7 MAY 2025

Tony Rivalland’s Long Street (3-1) to be beaten 0,20 lengths.

Cherry Oh Baby was ridden by Andrew Fortune and tracked the leader before cruising into the lead at the 300m marker.

In his characteristic style, Fortune was sitting dead still in the saddle and the 4yo looked to be going on to win.

But Mxolisi Mbuto had other ideas and ranged up the outside on Long Street, with Fortune glancing across, and suddenly becoming animated.

v

7 MAY 2025 | 55

v

Dreamworld (Gavin Lerena) is led in by owners Ken Truter, Jane Truter, Reiner Gabler and Cheryl Gabler after a superb win in the Winter Nursery | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

THE THINGS THAT

DREAMS ARE MADE OF… One World’s smart son Dreamworld ran his opposition off their feet to win the R300 000 Gr3 Winter Nursey at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday to make it a double for his record-breaking champion freshman sire after One Stripe’s victory in 2024.

Saddled by Vaughan Marshall, who saddled

Gavin Lerena took the fight to his seven

the One World exacta of One Stripe and

opponents for a convincing and confident

Lion Rampart last year, Dreamworld looks

victory, as Dreamworld (33-10) stayed on to

set to step up in ground in the Langerman

beat Absolutely Yes (10-1) by a length in a

after showing courage and smart ability to

time of 64,55 secs for the straight 1100m on a

withstand all challengers.

windless afternoon.

56 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Debut winner All The Rage (33-10) ran a

4-10 Clair De Lune, a 2yo in open company,

cracker a half length back in third, with Orbit

was well beaten by the Plattner galloper

(33-1) boosting the quartet in fourth.

Rikitikkitavi, who stayed on well after a solid debut. The La Plaisance Stud-bred daughter

The 28-10 favourite North Point was

of Querari was ridden by Corne Orffer.

disappointing back in fifth.

A false start failed to create any chaos in the The winner is owned in partnership Reiner and

third as Richard Fourie grabbed his second

Cheryl Gabler and Ken and Jane Truter.

winner courtesy of Des McLachlan’s Jet A One, who exited the maiden ranks at 2-1 to give

A R650 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale

Ambiance Stud their second success on the

graduate, the smart colt was bred by Avontuur

day. Spectacular improved smartly over the up

out of the Oasis Dream mare Dream De Ra –

in trip to run second, while the favourite Past

a granddaughter of their fondly remembered

And Present, who was not given a favourable

superstar, Val De Ra.

chirp by JP van der Merwe, plodded into third.

His day may come in winter.

Now a winner of 2 races with a second place in the Cape Slipper, Dreamworld took his

Richard Fourie made it 3 winners from 4

stakes bank to R567 188.

races for his 195th winner of the term when producing a powerful ride to get Vaughan

Earlier on in the day, Justin Snaith and Richard Marshall’s grey Dumbledore home in the Pick were on the mark in the opener with the

6 opener, for a confidence booster ahead of

Ambiance Stud bred One World filly She’s

the Winter Nursery!

My World who delivered the goods after three placed efforts. It might be worth noting that Andrew Fortune suggested that debutante runner-up Du Maurier should win next time!

There was no joy for the Snaith-Fourie combination in the second race when the 7 MAY 2025 | 57

v

58 | 7 MAY 2025

v

In a stampede to the line, Gavin Lerena (yellow cap, third from inside) keeps Time For Love beautifully balanced as the challenges come from all sides | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

LOVE CONQUERS ALL Winless, while consistent, since her victory in the same race a year ago, the 5yo Time For Love benefitted from a beautifully judged ride from Gavin Lerena to earn a deserved victory in the R200 000 Listed Ladies Mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.

Lerena made it a feature double after his

Callmegetrix (6-1) into the final 350m before

victory on Dreamworld in the Winter Nursery

staying on gallantly to withstand a cavalry

a half hour earlier, when tracking the leader

charge challenge.

7 MAY 2025 | 59

v

At the line Time For Love (9-2) had done

and is a daughter of their Redoute’s Choice

enough to clock 99,35 secs for the mile.

stallion Time Thief out of the twice-winning Jet Master mare, Teresina.

Callmegetrix (6-1) was a further 0,40 lengths at the line and stayed on doggedly for second

Raced by George Nagel, she was a well-bought

ahead of the improved again Gimmethatpearl

R70 000 CTS Ready To Run purchase.

(25-1), with Fun Zone (16-1) crowning the quartet.

She has now won 4 races with 10 places from Just 0,75 lengths covered the first six home.

Saddled by South Africa’s only father -anddaughter training combination, the winner was bred by the late Hassen Adams’ Nadeson Park

60 | 7 MAY 2025

17 starts for stakes of R591 476.

v

COMPREHENSIVE COVER TO INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN EVERY STRIDE

Chat with us about the various cover options available to you for horses that are up for sale at auction.

JO CAMPHER BLOODSTOCK PRODUCT MANAGER M 082 334 4940 E jo@kuda.co.za

7 MAY 2025 | 61

v

Serino Moodley has Mascherina in full flight with Hat’s Queen (Calvin Habib) chasing for second Credit: Candiese Lenferna

MUSCUTT, MOODLEY, MASCHERINA

MAGIC!

Winning Form-sponsored Serino Moodley made good on his first ride back after a fortnight suspension when he steered the Varsfontein flag-bearer Mascherina to victory in the R200 000 The Independent On Saturday Insider Listed East Coast Cup. Trainer Peter Muscutt labelled Moodley’s ride

of Gimmethegreenlight showed that she stays

‘an 11/10 effort’ and there was much joy in

the 2000m, which broadens her opportunity

the yard that the blue-blooded 4yo daughter

horizons into the big season.

62 | 7 MAY 2025

v

“We weren’t sure after her last start over

Justthewayyouare, who won four times from

1700m. But she got a clod in her eye and that

1600m to 2600m.

impacted on her performance. Big thanks to the Varsfontein team for giving us another

Mascherina has now won 5 races with 5 places

throw at the stumps here. She won really well,”

from her 14 starts for stakes of R528 350.

added Muscutt.

This was the opening of the R500 000 Pick 6 She’s A Bomber and Royal Invitation led the

carryover which was expected to produce a

charge early on at a modest pace, before

pool of R3 million but fell short of the target and

Moodley sent Mascherina for home down the

ended on a net R2 480 024,25.

inside of the track in the run for home.

With the thirteen-horse field fanned out across the track, Mascherina was in full cry down the rail and never looked in danger of losing, despite a late rattle from Tony Peter’s Hat’s Queen.

In a drive to the wire, Mascherina (6-1) stayed on well to hold Hat’s Queen (25-2) rather easily in a time of 125,80 secs for the 2000m.

Escapologist (40-1) stayed on to dead-heat with tote favourite Mocha Blend (33-10) for third.

A half-sister to the Ridgemont based 2021 SA Triple Crown winning sire Malmoos, the Varsfontein Stud-bred Mascherina was registering her second stakes score Mascherina is out of the Fort Wood mare

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

7 MAY 2025 | 63

v

64 | 7 MAY 2025

v

A TERRIFIC TWO DAYS OF

FEATURE ACTION

The grey 3yo Great Plains (Richard Fourie) was beaten just a quarter length by See It Again (Raymond Danielson) Credit: Chase Liebenberg

7 MAY 2025 | 65

v

A superb weekend of competitive feature racing is behind us and we look forward to a potential Hollywoodbets Durban July gamechanger in the shape of the WSB Gr3 1900 in Durban on Saturday.

There were some standout performances,

Gr3 Winter Nursery 1100m

including Great Plains’ ring-rusty effort for

Backed into 11/10 clear favourite at the track,

third in the IOS Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes, where

the Vaughan Marshall trained DREAMWORLD

he clocked the fastest 400m to finish on the

was allowed to dictate matters in the Gr3 Winter

Champions Season opening day.

Nursery and led by three quarters of a length for most of the journey.

Sectional timing data can enhance both the form study and horseracing viewing experience

Although not a fast run race, the pace was

on both KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape race

ultra consistent. Indeed, other than the final

meetings, and here are our Time Is Money

segment, less than a tenth of a second

observations.

separated all of his 200m segments. The field was tightly bunched going through the 400m

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth (summer course)

and he was only really asked to race 250m out.

4 May He ran on strongly in the closing stages of the Track Condition

race and beat the running on grey Absolutely

Going: Good

Yes (dropped rein at finish) by a length. After

Penetrometer:

22

racing detached at the rear some eight lengths

Rain:

Last 24 hours Nil –

off the pace, sixth placed Demanding Dave

Last 7 days 12mm

(troublesome loading) recorded the fastest time

Irrigation:

Last 7 days Nil

in each of the final three 200m segments of

False Rail:

1m out from 1700m

this race. He also recorded the fastest 400m to

with a 2m spur at 600m

finish time of the afternoon. Interestingly, jockey

Wind:

7-14km/h North Westerly

Craig Zackey reported that he felt something

tail wind

was amiss with Demanding Dave. Nothing was

Course Variant:

detected by the veterinary surgeon though.

66 | 7 MAY 2025

1,87s fast

v

Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes 1800m

Running on strongly from six lengths off the

It looked as if we might be in for a slow run

pace at the back, Mucho Dinero only failed to

affair during the first few hundred metres of the

get up by a neck and not surprisingly recorded

race, but that soon changed when the rank

the fastest 400m to finish time in the race.

outsider of the eight-horse party Otto Luyken (carried 0,9kg overweight) took the bull by

Ladies Mile (L) 1600m

the horns approaching the turn. They were

Callmegetrix made the running in the Ladies

much quicker on the bend than the other two

Mile and although the race wasn’t particularly

events to round the turn, and the race was

fast early on, she did increase the tempo with

won in a time just 1,5 seconds outside the

each segment from halfway around the turn.

course record. The son of Flower Alley kept

She ran on strongly all the way to the wire and

on surprisingly well in the straight and only

only went down by a half after being headed

relinquished the lead to the odds on favourite

by TIME FOR LOVE 150m from home. In a race

GARRIX 200m out. Otto Luyken found extra

where just three quarters of a length separated

when headed and in what proved to be an

the first six past the post several were flying

absolute thriller, the all-out Garrix only got the

at the finish with the fastest of all over the final

verdict by a short head.

400m being third placed Gimmethatpearl.

FOLLOW US on Instagram! sportingpost_za

7 MAY 2025 | 67

v

Quickies

Independent On Saturday Insider Listed East

When interviewed after race 2 Richard Fourie

Coast Cup 2000m

said that Clair De Lune (runner up) is probably

The first of the afternoon’s four feature events

the best maiden in the country.

to be run was the East Coast Cup and in what comparatively proved to be the slowest race of

Jockey Gavin Lerena rode the winners of all

the afternoon MASCHERINA took her tally to

three feature races on this card.

five wins from just 14 starts.

Fastest Times:

There was no pace on in the early stages

1000m (2)

The Us Of A

57,45

and trying the distance for the first time Peter

1100m (3)

Tanneron

64,02

Muscutt’s charge raced some six lengths off

1200m (2)

Dumbledore

69,43

the leader in ninth. The race still looked wide

1800m (2)

Garrix

109,80

open 250m from home, but recording the

400-finish

Demanding Dave

22,60

fastest 400m to finish time, Mascherina took command 150m out, and won well by just over

Hollywoodbets Greyville 3 May

a length from Hat’s Queen. The runner up ran

Track Condition

on very well below the distance.

Going: Soft Penetrometer:

27

Independent On Saturday Gr2 Drill Hall

Rain:

Last 24 hours Nil –

Stakes 1400m

Last 7 days 36mm

The pace was a much fairer one in the Drill Hall

Irrigation:

Last 7days Nil

and as such plenty ran on well in the straight.

False Rail:

6m

After the field was not particularly quick away

Wind:

20-35km/h South Westerly

the 40/1 shot Texan Red injected some pace

tail wind

and set good fractions around the bend before

Course Variant:

being easily picked off in the straight.

0,72s slow

The heavily supported winner GLADATORIAN (8/1 into 9/2 fav) meanwhile raced eighth some six lengths off the pace and soon began to 68 | 7 MAY 2025

v

make headway in the straight. The 5yo son of

They went visibly slowly on leaving the stalls

Vercingetorix ran on strongly at the business

and coming off the bend they were no quicker

end of the race and in a thrilling three way finish than the fillies 40 minutes earlier. The heavily he only got the verdict by a short head from

supported favourite COSMIC SPEED (4/1

the always handy See It Again. Back in third

into 13/10) made the running and kept on

was Great Plains and interestingly, beaten just

determinedly in the straight. The winner SAIL

a neck, he recorded the fastest 400m to finish

THE SEAS meanwhile sat in the box seat in

time of the afternoon.

second and moved up to challenge 250m out.

WSB Gr2 Fillies Guineas 1600m

Cosmic Speed found extra at that point, but

Neither of the Guineas’ were fast run affairs

couldn’t hold on to Justin Snaith’s charge

and both in different ways were won off a false

below the distance and he was also passed

pace. The fillies broke fairly well, but with no

late by the Cape Met and Derby winner Eight

real pace on around the bend several of the

On Eighteen. The runner up who was expected

runners became unsettled at some stage.

to be a little in need of the outing recorded the fastest 400m to finish time in the race.

The winner MON PETIT CHERIE raced sixth and only three lengths adrift of the leader was

Fastest Times:

always poised to strike. She ran on strongly

1200m (3)

That’s My Baby

71,85

when the race developed into a sprint in the

1400m (2)

Gladatorian

84,24

straight and won well by a half from the well

1600m (2)

Sail The Seas

97,90

supported favourite Spumante Dolce. Very

400-finish

Gladatorian

21,85

interestingly, the fastest 400m to finish time in this race was recorded by Little Suzie who finished ninth beaten 2,75 lengths.

WSB Gr2 Guineas 1600m

TV2

Just seven went to post for the top liner and with no confirmed front runners amongst them the pace was always going to be a concern.

7 MAY 2025 | 69

v

70 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 71

v

72 | 7 MAY 2025

v

GUINEAS

WINNER SAILS TO 127 Sail The Seas’ official rating has been increased from 112 to 127 following his performance in the World Sports Betting Gr2 Guineas over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

The Handicappers used the third-place finisher

lengths (equivalent to five rating points) behind

Cosmic Speed, who dictated his own pace, as

the 115-rated Cat Pajamas at level weights.

the benchmark for assessing the race, leaving him unchanged at a rating of 125.

No merit rating decreases were applied in this event.

On My Honour, who finished fourth, had his rating increased to 116 from 108, despite

Independent On Saturday Gr2 Drill Hall

achieving a higher performance figure. The

Stakes

Handicappers carefully considered the slow

Gladatorian retained his official merit rating of

pace of the race, which may have artificially

123 following his victory in the Independent On

enhanced his performance figure.

Saturday Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Despite this, his rating could not be lower than the 115-rated Cat Pajamas, whom he defeated

The Handicappers considered Gladatorian to

at level weights. As a result, his rating was

be the most appropriate line horse for rating the

adjusted upward to 116.

race, justifying leaving his rating unchanged.

Similarly, Isivivane was adjusted from 91 to

Two horses received rating increases:

98, despite achieving a considerably higher

Great Plains (third) - 112 to 122, after finishing

performance figure, following his proximity of 2.3

0.3 lengths (equivalent to one rating point)

7 MAY 2025 | 73

v

behind the 123-rated line horse at Weight-For-

Four other horses received merit rating

Age terms;

increases: Be Merry (third place) - 104 to 110

The Real Prince (fourth) - 118 to 120, for

Give Me Everything (fourth place) - 103 to 108

finishing 1.35 lengths (equivalent to three

Regeneration (fifth place) - 100 to 108

points) behind the line horse at level weights.

Gimmefabulous - 102 to 104, ensuring she is rated at least on par with Green Sapphire,

The only rating decrease was for Barbaresco,

whom she defeated at level weights.

whose merit rating was slightly reduced from 124 to 123.

Three horses received merit rating decreases:

World Sports Betting Gr2 Fillies Guineas

Spumante Dolce (runner-up) - 119 to 117, due

Mon Petit Cherie’s official rating has been

to failing to confirm her 119 rating over her last

increased from 108 to 113 following her victory

three outings.

in the World Sports Betting Gr2 Fillies Guineas

Vj’s Angel - 119 to 116, due to failing to confirm

over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville. The

her 119 rating over her last three outings.

Handicappers identified Oxalis Gold, rated 107,

Little Suzie - 107 to 106

as the most appropriate line horse for assessing the race, keeping her rating unchanged.

The Independent On Saturday Insider Listed East Coast Cup

The Handicappers ruled out using Spumante

Mascherina had her official merit rating raised

Dolce as the line horse here, as using her

from 93 to 99 following her victory in the

pre-race rating of 119 would inflate the

Independent On Saturday Insider Listed East Coast

performance figures of the other runner in this

Cup over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

race, considering that 3.25 lengths separated

The Handicappers unanimously identified Hat’s

the top 10 finishers.

Queen, the runner-up, as the most appropriate

The Handicappers felt it prudent to adopt a

key horse for assessing the race, keeping her

cautious approach given these circumstances.

rating unchanged at 105.

74 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Due to the specific conditions of this race,

Listed Ladies Mile

the ratings of placed runners could not be

Time For Love retained her official merit rating

increased. Accordingly, third-place finisher

of 105 following her victory in the Listed Ladies

Escapologist remained unchanged at a rating

Mile over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth

of 76, despite performing at a higher level.

on Sunday.

The only horse to receive a rating’s decrease

The Handicappers used Callmegetrix, the

from this race was Miss Platina, whose merit

runner-up, as the line horse for assessing the

rating was lowered slightly from 96 to 94.

race, leaving her rating unchanged at 99.

Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes

Gimmethatpearl was capped at 98 (up from

Three-year-old Garrix had his official merit

95) despite earning a higher performance

rating raised from 109 to 112 following his

figure, due to the specific race conditions,

victory in the Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes over

which limit increases for placed runners

1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.

to a maximum of three points and restrict adjustments beyond the first three finishers.

The Handicappers considered Mucho Dinero, who finished third, to be the most appropriate

As a result, Fun Zone, who finished fourth,

line horse for assessing the race, leaving his

could not be raised from her rating of 88, even

rating unchanged at 115.

though she ran to a higher level.

The runner-up, Otto Luyken, also received an

Four horses received merit rating decreases

increase from 104 to 109.

following this contest: Gold Poker Game - 104 to 103

Three horses received ratings decreases:

Knockout - 103 to 102 My Flower Fate - 89 to 86

Magic Verse - 114 to 113

Omikami - 95 to 94

Billy Bowlegs - 114 to 111 Without Question - 114 to 111

• Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 06 May 2025.

7 MAY 2025 | 75

v

76 | 7 MAY 2025

v

An elated and thankful Lunga Gila goes on his knees after the second leg of his double! | Credit: Pauline Herman

THRILLED LUNGA BOUNCES BACK IN STYLE! In his short career, trainer Lunga Gila has been something of a nomadic groundbreaker. He has moved around, some may say almost restlessly, and things haven’t been easy.

7 MAY 2025 | 77

v

But at Fairview on Friday he was seen kissing

second win in the MR 74 Handicap.

the green grass after saddling his first double since moving back to Gqeberha from Cape

Two races later it was Always Shining(9-2),

Town.

a Pomodoro gelding who looked overdue to shed his maiden and got the better of the

A Transkei-born horseman who started as a

luckless 8-10 shot Golden Grey

Groom, Lunga learnt the ropes from top men like Mitch Wiese, Glen Kotzen and Kumaran

Born and bred in the Eastern Cape, Lunga

Naidoo, before breaking new ground both in

started his own stable two seasons ago at

the Eastern and Western Cape as the first black

Fairview.

trainer to run his own yard.

In his debut 2022/2023 season at Fairview he It’s been a tough 2025 since Lunga packed

ended with the third highest win percentage.

his bags at Futura Park down in Philippi after saddling his last runner at Hollywoodbets

Anyone interested in supporting the stable

Kenilworth on 4 December last year. After a

can contact Lunga on the Facebook page of

year in the Fairest Cape, he moved back to the

Lunga Gila Racing Stables.

Eastern Cape for his family, but the winners have been hard to come by.

On a quiet afternoon for the traditional bighitters, Sharon Kotzen also saddled a double,

That all changed when he broke the ice on 25

while the fast improving Malesele Katjedi

April when the One World filly Midwicket shed

grabbed a personal double, having ridden 8

her maiden at 16-1 under Sandile Khathi.

winners in his last 3 racemeetings!

And on Friday he celebrated a double for

The next Fairview racemeeting is on

owner Patrice Latour, partnered by Sporting

Friday 9 May.

Post-sponsored Louis Mxothwa.

First up was Sound Of The Sea (4-1), a gelded son of Talk Of The Town, who registered his 78 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 79

v

80 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Hear The Drums – a big winner but not the record holder! | Credit: Supplied

NEW SA WIN RECORDS DISCOVERED Until now it has been accepted that the gallant Gqeberha hero Hear The Drums the SA record for most number of wins. New facts reveal this not to be correct.

Ethanicity Research report that the NHA Of SA

no electronic equipment – faxes/email etc

maintains statistics only since its inception.

and everything was hand recorded at source, probably conveyed by steam train or carriage

SA Horseracing is fortunate that detailed annual to a central point, collated, checked, type-set records have been documented in the South

and then only culminated into hard cover in

African Racing Calendar pre-modern era.

Johannesburg.

These annual volumes are an incredible output

Illustrating the magnitude of the endeavour

of the human endeavour considering that for

was the fact that racing took place in numerous

much of their publication period there was

small centres dotted across the SA landscape 7 MAY 2025 | 81

v

such as Barkly West, Bushmanskop, Fort

another discovery was made in that there is in

Beaufort, Harrismith, King Williamstown,

fact another horse that won 44 races.

Kokstad, Ladismith, Matatiele, Outshoorn and even Thab ‘Nchu! Each volume contains every

COMMANDO b2010 (Wilkens Micawber x

detail of all official horseracing information and

Sweetlips) first competed on 5 August 1914 as

record across South Africa in a single horse

a 3 YO and last ran on 27 June 1923 at age 13.

racing year.

He achieved 44 wins from 164 runs. In three consecutive racing seasons he ran a total of 92

And it these detailed SA Racing Calendars

races or a remarkable average of 2.55 races

that contain the proof of some incredible early

per month over 36 months.

horseracing achievements.

Bred at the National Stud Farm, Glen OFS, was Wikipedia advises that HEAR THE DRUMS

from a son of mighty St Simon and 2nd dam

(Gold Press x Winning Glory) 2002-2016 holds

sire Isonomy, who were both exceptionally

the title of “Most Wins By A Racehorse In SA”

high-performance racehorses and outstanding

at 34 from 64 runs from 2005 - 2011. Trained by

stallions of that era.

Des McLachlan and bred at Summerhill, KZN. Owned initially by an H Wessels, he ran for This incredible horse competed for 6 years,

a B Richter for the bulk of his career. Richter

retiring as a 9 year-old and, until now, has been

appears to have been a prominent figure

accepted. However Wikipedia discloses that

in Port Elizabeth and Kimberely where the

unconfirmed reports claimed that “Darius won

horse mainly competed apart from a brief

43 races between the period 1912 and 1929”

unsuccessful stint in Johannesburg at the end

A search through the SARC volumes for

of his career.

that period verified that DARIUS does in fact surpass HEAR THE DRUMS with 41 wins, not

Whilst it is a fact that COMMANDO holds the

the 43 mentioned by Wikipedia.

record number of wins by a South African Racehorse (until proven otherwise), the story

The story does not end there however because

of DARIUS is an astounding one well worth

the celebratory coffee was still steaming when

contemplating for other records.

82 | 7 MAY 2025

v

DARIUS b1910 (Quickmarch x Passionate

hardly arrive, race, and then on the train back

Flower) first ran on 17 October 1912 as

to Johannesburg to race again. His sojourns

a 2YO and his last on 6 February 1929 at

to the Cape, principally Milnerton, were of

an unfathomable 18 years of age with an

understandably longer duration.

astounding 236 runs for 41 wins and 37 places.

(5) Another outstanding fact is the distance His achievements are nothing less than

range of his successes. He was a dead-heat

remarkable for a number of reasons:

winner of the 1913 Natal Breeders Handicap

(1) His breeding is scantily recorded and

over 1400m, but lost the match race a

appears to carry no major significance other

week later to ARCADE. Winner of the 1914

than some high-quality inbreeding located in

Michaelmas Handicap 1800m and the 1914

the very deep pedigree (1700-1800’s).

Johannesburg Summer Handicap (Summer Cup) 2000m. A month later he ran 7th in

(2) As an 8 YO he competed in 30 races, as

the 1915 Goldfields Handicap. In the 1916

a 9 YO in 19 races and at age 10 in 33 races.

That is a total of 82 races over 3 seasons at an average 2.27 races per month, eclipsed only by COMMANDO.

(3) He had 4 owners, initially owned and trained by C E Tod, then briefly C London, G Maddern and finally M Bernstein, who owned/ raced him for the majority of his career.

(4) He campaigned in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Closer study unravels how remarkable this fact is because one must appreciate that travel was by steam rail over a few days. The records reveal that he would often raid for a few races into Natal, presumably

Fanie Chambers – recalls Harbour Patrol | Credit: Supplied

7 MAY 2025 | 83

v

Merchants Handicap 1000m he ran 2nd and

are likely to stand for a long time to come.

at the same Meeting also ran in a 1600m race

Now for a slight twist.

where he ran 10th! In July 1916 he ran 2nd in the Durban Turf Club Handicap (the Durban

Former Kimberley, now Gqeberha-based

July) 2000m.

smiling giant and self-confessed unrehabilitated ‘turn-to’ addict, Zietsman Oosthuizen (a.k.a Mr

Oddly both of these incredible horses were born

Turn-To), regales that that ain’t the true record.

in 1910 and although their achievements were

His late Dad Nico Ooosthuizen, and close

achieved a century ago, these official records

friend Coen Nel, bought a 5-time turf winning

Mr ‘Turn-to’, Zietsman Oosthuizen | Credit: Pauline Herman

84 | 7 MAY 2025

v

thoroughbred horse called HARBOUR PATROL

mowed them all down to win by comfortable

(Jan Ekels x Desert Music) from George

margins invariably going away.

Tambourlas in Johannesburg.

Fanie added that the pace of Bush Racing They took their horse into Bush Racing where

was always helter-skelter due to the relative

he won an incredible 57 of his 59 races (WSR

inexperience of the amateur jockeys and that

of 96.6%!) between 1991 and 1995 under his

HARBOUR PATROL had no preference being

regular pilots, Fanie Chambers and Coen’s 2

able to either run through or around them.

sons, Brandt and Harry Nel.

In fact, if he was allowed to, he would probably have run over them says Fanie!

Bush Racing was not recognised by the Jockey Club and so its statistics do not form part of

So, until proven otherwise, the records as

official records.

confirmed by South African Racing Digest are: --------------------------------------------------------------------

Races were presided over by a panel of judges

COMMANDO - Most Wins By A South African

at every meeting held at Mogol Club (Ellisras),

Racehorse at 44 between 1914 and 19123.

Rustenburg, Nylstroom, Beska and Baltimore.

DARIUS is the 2nd highest with 41 between

All tracks were sand, horses jumped from

1912 and 1928.

Starting Gates and there were no rails with only some near the finish on some of the tracks.

COMMANDO - Most Races Competed over 3 Consecutive South African Racing Seasons

Fanie Chambers remembers the horse as a

- 92 races - 29 (1915/16) + 31(1916/17 +

1400m to 2000m competitor, average sized

32(1917/18)

dark bay horse, with a lovely temperament,

DARIUS - Longest Racing Career Of A South

best ridden with a loose rein and allowed

African Racehorse of 17 years – 1912/29

to switch off at the back typically falling 5-6 lengths behind the 2nd last horse as he

DARIUS - Most Number Of Races Run By

pleased.

A South African Racehorse of 236 races –

The magic happened when he was pushed 500

1912/29.

to 400m from home, when he switched on and 7 MAY 2025 | 85

v

DARIUS - Most Number Of Races In A Single

Readers are invited to participate in the

Racing Season of 33 - 1920-21.

compilation of a SA Horseracing Records Register by submitting information regarding

HEAR THE DRUMS - Highest Win Strike Rate

any record to records@skyekzn.co.za for

By A South African Racehorse at 34 of 64 at

further investigation and report back. The

53.1% - 2005-11

information will be vetted for correctness

--------------------------------------------------------------------

and once verified, placed on record.

Unofficially (Bush Racing is not recognised as

-------------------------------------------------------------------

official horseracing in SA) as told by “Mr Turn-

For those with an appetite for the subject of

To”:

outstanding horseracing achievements visit this

HARBOUR WATCH holds the record for the

web address for global achievements:

Most Wins By A South African Racehorse at 57,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_leading_

and also the Highest Win Strike Rate at 57 of 59

Thoroughbred_racehorses

at 96.6%.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

• Report compiled by Ethanicity Research

How life has changed – today trainers moan about no gallops and waiting a half hour for a flight Credit: Supplied

86 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 87

v

88 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 89

v

Luis Saez has Good Cheer in control | Credit: Godolphin

GODOLPHIN’S KENTUCKY

OAKS GOOD CHEER Good Cheer maintained her perfect record and provided Godolphin with a second Gr1 Kentucky Oaks in the space of three years as she stormed to victory in the 151st running of the fillies’ Classic at Churchill Downs on Friday.

Bidding to emulate the 2023 winner Pretty

After breaking on terms, Good Cheer overcame

Mischievous, the Brad Cox-trained filly lined

some early scrimmaging to race in seventh of

up having won all six of her previous starts,

the 13 runners as La Cara and Tenma set the

including sweeping the Gr2 Rachel Alexandra

early fractions.

Stakes and Gr2 Fair Grounds Oaks.

90 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Luis Saez charted a wide path throughout on

would be rolling, and I thought that we would

Good Cheer and moved up to press Simply

have four or five fillies in front of us. It worked

Joking for fifth leaving the back.

out that way and Luis did a good job of keeping her engaged early. She has plenty of mud on

Good Cheer challenged five-wide at the top of

her but keeping her in the clear was a positive.

the straight and stayed on powerfully on the sloppy track to storm by La Cara and Tenma

“She is hopefully going to be a champion. We

entering the final furlong.

have been very fortunate to have had a lot of good fillies in the barn and she ranks right up

The Medaglia d’Oro homebred readily opened

with them. It’s very special to get her first Gr1.”

up daylight over her rivals and saw out the nine-furlong trip full of running, hitting the line

Luis Saez said: “I felt Good Cheer deserved to

two and a quarter lengths clear of a staying-on

be here and to wear the crown today, because

Drexel Hill.

she is so special. If you look at her, she isn’t that big, and you would never think that she had that

Brad Cox said: “I knew Good Cheer would

kind of heart. This filly is something else.”

keep coming and she’s awesome. She is so classy to deal with – I’ve said it for months – and she’s seven from seven. She’s perfect.

“She was probably a touch closer to the pace than I thought she would be. I figured they

RECORDS BROKEN! The most successful Inglis Australian Weanling Sale in history concluded at Riverside on Tuesday with a record individual top price, record gross and record average.

Two days of the first and biggest weanling sale of the season ended on a total of 53 lots sold for A$100,000 or more over the past two days – up from 49 last year – which helped the sale’s gross climb to A$19,216,950, up 19% year-on-year.

7 MAY 2025 | 91

v

92 | 7 MAY 2025

v

William Buick steers Ruling Court to victory | Credit: Godolphin

BUICK STEERS RULING COURT TO

2000 GUINEAS GLORY Ruling Court continued Godolphin’s outstanding recent record in the Gr1 2,000 Guineas as horses in the royal blue silks finished first, third and fourth in the Newmarket Classic on Saturday.

Coroebus (2022) and Notable Speech (2024)

up towards the rear of the 11 runners on the

had captured the first Gr1 of the UK season in

stands’ side, with Champion Two-Year-Old

recent years, adding to the victories of Mark Of

Shadow Of Light adopting a similar position on

Esteem (1996), Island Sands (1999) and Dawn

the opposite flank.

Approach (2013).

Tornado Alert, stepping up in class for Saeed An easy winner of the Listed Jumeirah 2,000

bin Suroor following a Newcastle maiden

Guineas in March, Ruling Court was held

success, made the running and rallied when 7 MAY 2025 | 93

v

Green Impact, Seagulls Eleven and Scorthy

one point, although Field Of Gold was always

Champ closed in approaching the final quarter-

going to come to the party late on and put it

mile.

up to Ruling Court, but it was a great ride from

Ruling Court made his move for William Buick

William.

soon after and quickened powerfully to press for the lead a furlong and a half out, with

“Ruling Court was a purchased horse but

Shadow Of Light displaying a lightning burst

Justify is a sire we saw a bit of last year and we

of speed under Mikael Barzalona to join his

thought we ought to be involved as well.

stable-mate in front.

“He’s the only horse we have entered in the The Charlie Appleby duo went clear inside the

Derby, but we will enjoy today and let the dust

final furlong before Ruling Court edged ahead

settle before trying to formulate a plan. I would

in the closing strides. Field Of Gold flashed

be confident that we stick to the Derby route,

home to catch Shadow Of Light for second

but those decisions will be made collectively.

near the line, with Ruling Court holding on

Ruling Court has that length to him, you can

comfortably for a half-length verdict. Tornado

see him as a Derby horse, and that’s what we

Alert stayed on tenaciously for Silvestre de

had in our mind over the winter.

Sousa in fourth, three and a half lengths behind the leading trio.

“Mickael felt that Shadow Of Light has seen the mile out, and he’s going to be a fun horse

Charlie Appleby said: “We came into here with

for the summer. He will probably head to the St

a lot of confidence that we had the right horses.

James’s Palace Stakes and I think he will come

It was a hard choice for William, but he saw it

forward for today’s run.

right in respect that he felt Ruling Court would

“Most importantly, it is great for His Highness

see the mile out. He has outstayed them in the

Sheikh Mohammed and team Godolphin. This

end. Everyone had their chance to have a crack

is the only way you can repay a man like that

coming out of the dip.

for putting his support and faith into me. My family is here – it feels like I am getting older! I

“I thought it might be a good match race

enjoy these days, and you learn to enjoy them

between Ruling Court and Shadow Of Light at

because they are special.”

94 | 7 MAY 2025

v

William Buick added: “I feel amazing. These

came out of it, he lengthened all the way to the

races are what it is all about and horses like

line. He feels like a horse who could get further

this are a joy to deal with. To have them at my

as well. A huge engine and that was only his

disposal, I am very grateful. I get to work with

fourth run.

great people and, when you have results like this, it is very special.

“I think it would be hard to not consider the Derby strongly. If you think a horse is going

“We had a very high opinion of Ruling Court

to stay, that is the race everyone wants. The

last year. He was always going to run in Dubai

Guineas is always a very good trial, as we

in the Jumeirah Guineas and he put up an

saw with Masar. We think Ruling Court will get

amazing performance there, which gave me

further, although you cannot know if he will

something to think about on the way home that

get a mile and a half, but I think a mile and a

night.

quarter is within his grasp. You will only find out in the last furlong at Epsom.”

“Bearing in mind you have the Dewhurst winner in the stable as well, I have been thinking a

Saeed bin Suroor said: “I thought Tornado

lot in recent months. As always, I was led by

Alert could be a Guineas horse after he won at

Charlie and the team, but Shadow Of Light

Newcastle. His work has improved every time,

showed what a good horse he is as well. They

and I felt beforehand that a mile and a quarter

are two exceptional horses.

would suit him better. I think we will go straight to the Derby now – he’s a nice size of a horse

“I love the way Ruling Court did it. He is so

and Epsom should suit him.”

uncomplicated, and we treated him like that today. We did not go looking for cover or anything in particular. We were going to let him do his thing, get comfortable, and then ride him as if a mile is well within his compass.

“It did not feel like a quick gallop early, so I got momentum going into the dip and, when he 7 MAY 2025 | 95

v

96 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Ruling Court (Justify) charges home to win the Gr1 Betfred 2000 Guineas | Credit: Coolmore

JUSTIFYING

PURE CLASS! Saturday’s Gr1 Betfred 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court (Justify) has plenty going for him in terms of pedigree. The once beaten colt is out of Inchargeofme (High Chaparral), a three-time winner who ran third in the Gr3 Mint Julep Handicap.

Inchargeofme is a full-sister to Gr1 Racing

broodmare sire Cape Cross.

Post Trophy runner-up, and former Mike De

Incidentally, Justify’s champion son City Of Troy

Kock charge, Johann Strauss, with her dam

was produced by a mare sired by Galileo, like

Inchmina a daughter of outstanding sire and

High Chaparral a son of Sadler’s Wells.

7 MAY 2025 | 97

v

Ruling Court’s fourth dam was the small, but

Other notable descendants of Inchmurrin include

game, Inchmurrin (Lomond), winner of the

the Gr1 winners Harbour Law (Lawman)and

Gr2 Child Stakes and runner-up in the Gr1

Poet’s Word (Poet’s Voice). In turn, Inchmurrin, a

Coronation Stakes.

half-sister to Gr2 Mill Reef Stakes winner Welney (Habitat), is directly descended in female line

Inchmurrin left her mark at stud as the dam of

from Mowerina, the dam of British Triple Crown

multiple group winner Inchinor (Ahonoora),

winner West Australian (Melbourne).

who enjoyed success at stud as the sire of Gr1 winners Cape Of Good Hope (Golden

This is also the family of multiple champion

Jubilee Stakes), Notnowcato (Coral-Eclipse,

sire Bletchingly (Biscay) as well as outstanding

Juddmonte International, Tattersalls Gold

filly Rockfel (Felstead), while in South Africa,

Cup), Silca’s Sister (Prix Morny), Latice (Prix

members of this family include Gr1 SA Derby/

de Diane), and Summoner (Queen Elizabeth

Gr1 Sansui Summer Cup runner-up Magical

II Stakes). Inchinor also sired the top-class

(Labeeb) and Gr1 Mercury Sprint winning sire

broodmares Frappe, In Clover, and Roodeye

Speak No Evil (Caerdeon).

among others.

Inchmurrin has also made her presence felt Inchmurrin also produced Ruling Court’s stakes

in South Africa. Her daughter Inchyre (Shirley

winning third dam Incheni (Nashwan), as well

Heights) is the granddam of 2010 Gr3 Algoa

as another stakes winner in the form of Ingozi

Cup winner Hawk’s Eye (Hawk Wing), with

(Warning). The latter would go on to breed

Hawk’s Eye also running third in the following

Gr1 E.P. Taylor Stakes winner Miss Keller to the

year’s Algoa Cup.

cover of Montjeu.

Inchmurrin’s granddaughter, and French Listed Incidentally, Inchmurrin is also the third dam of

winner, Ingeburg (Hector Protector), produced the

this season’s classic hope The Lion In Winter

useful local broodmare Nu (Sadler’s Wells), while

(by Cape Cross’s outstanding son Sea The

Inchmurrin’s daughter Inchmahome (Galileo) is

Stars), who ironically vanquished Ruling Court

the granddam of multiple winners Tulip Tree (What

into third when the pair clashed in last year’s

A Winter) and Betula (Danon Platina).

Gr3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes.

98 | 7 MAY 2025

v

However, Ruling Court’s South African

champion Hawaii (Utrillo II). Inbreeding to

connections are not limited to his female line.

Hawaii has also resulted in such Gr1 winners as

Ruling Court’s Triple Crown winning sire Justify

Collected (City Zip), Dacita (Scat Daddy), and

(Scat Daddy) is inbred to South African bred

Solaria (Scat Daddy).

7 MAY 2025 | 99

v

v

Sovereignty (Junior Alvarado) storms home for a big Godolphin moment | Credit: Godolphin

SLOPPY TRACK BUT

GODOLPHIN

GET GOLD VICTORY Sovereignty produced a sensational display on a sloppy Churchill Downs track to supply Godolphin with a cherished first success in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

A five-length winner of the Gr3 Street Sense

a closing second in the Gr1 Florida Derby.

Stakes at the same course in October, the Into

Sovereignty’s race nearly ended shortly after

Mischief colt was returning on the back of two

the stalls opened as he stumbled after clipping

excellent runs at Gulfstream Park that included

heels, with Junior Alvarado recovering on the

victory in the Gr2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes and

Bill Mott-trained colt to settle towards the rear, 7 MAY 2025 | 101

v

with only Tiztastic, Sandman and Final Gambit

“We wanted to see the two best horses –

behind him.

Sovereignty and Journalism – running down the straight and may the best horse win.

Switched out rounding the far turn, Sovereignty

We are very happy that it was Sovereignty!”

started to make eye-catching headway approaching the final three furlongs and

Bill Mott said: “I saw Sovereignty gearing up

tracked Journalism as the duo challenged wide

when he left the half-mile pole and I lost him a

turning in.

little bit between there and the three-eighth, but he made up a lot of ground in a hurry.

Owen Almighty took up the running at the top of the straight before he was swallowed up by

“He is a great horse, who comes from a great

Journalism and Sovereignty approaching the

organisation. I can’t say enough about the

final furlong.

horse and the organisation that started him out and did everything to make this happen. It’s

Sovereignty overhauled Journalism with just

great and I think it will probably take a while to

over half a furlong remaining and forged clear,

sink in.”

crossing the line nearly two lengths in front.

Junior Alvarado said: “This means the world to Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock,

me. I thought I had a great chance and I was

Godolphin USA, said: “Winning the Oaks

so confident the whole week. I knew Mr Mott

yesterday and backing up with the Derby

would get it done – if I had to pick someone, it

today – we have never won this one.

would be him. We have been a team for a while and it’s more than a dream come true to do it

“Bill Mott is one of our longest-serving trainers

with him and Godolphin, who have been very

and the symmetry of him helping the first Dubai

helpful throughout my career.”

World Cup by sending Cigar out there. Coming here and winning a first Derby for Godolphin and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed is unbelievable.

102 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 103

CLASSIC CLEAN SWEEP FOR

GODOLPHIN v

104 | 7 MAY 2025

Jockey William Buick and the Godolphin team | Credit: Godolphin

v

7 MAY 2025 | 105

v

Good Cheer, Sovereignty, Ruling Court and Desert Flower made it an outstanding weekend for Godolphin as the quartet completed an unprecedented clean sweep of the Classics at Newmarket and Churchill Downs.

A momentous few days on both sides of the

Shadow Of Light and Tornado Alert also

Atlantic started with the Brad Cox-trained Good

running fine races in behind.

Cheer scoring emphatically in Friday’s Gr1 Kentucky Oaks, handing Godolphin a second

Desert Flower made it a memorable weekend

win in the Classic following Pretty Mischievous

as she made all in Sunday’s Gr1 1,000

in 2023.

Guineas, a fifth win in the fillies’ Classic for

Sovereignty delivered a first Gr1 Kentucky

Godolphin.

Derby success for the royal blue silks 24 hours later – realising a long-held ambition for His

Both Charlie Appleby-trained horses were

Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin.

ridden by William Buick, and the duo become the first jockey/trainer combination for 20 years to win both the 2,000 Guineas and 1,000

It proved fitting that Sovereignty is trained

Guineas in the same weekend.

by Bill Mott, who saddled Cigar to win the inaugural Dubai World Cup back in 1996 and

The chance to create more history now

oversaw the glittering career of 2023 US Horse

beckons for Godolphin’s Classic crop over the

Of The Year Cody’s Wish.

coming weeks and months, starting with the intriguing possibility of potential Triple Crown

Godolphin becomes the first owner since Calumet Farms in 1952 to win both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in the same year, with both winners bred by Godolphin in Kentucky.

At Newmarket, Ruling Court provided a sixth Godolphin victory in the Gr1 2,000 Guineas on Saturday as he beat Field Of Gold, with 106 | 7 MAY 2025

bids in both the USA and the UK.

v

7 MAY 2025 | 107

v

Bundle Award powers home under Zac Purton | Credit: HKJC

AND YET ANOTHER

MILESTONE FOR TONY CRUZ Progressive four-year-old Bundle Award might have earned a start at Group 1 level after displaying impressive staying talent with victory in the HK$4,2 million Gr3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap run over 2400m at Sha Tin on Sunday for trainer John Size and jockey Zac Purton.

Triumphant at 1400m and 1800m at Sha Tin

when Bundle Award fanned to the outside of

this year, Bundle Award handled the rise to

the six-horse field at the home turn accelerating

2400m with aplomb to defeat Noisy Boy by a

from the tail of the field to power to the line

short head in 2m 29.72s after a stirring battle,

in 21.67s over the final 400m as Noisy Boy

with Winning Dragon third, three-quarters of a

resisted bravely for Jerry Chau and Winning

length away.

Dragon refused to yield under Alexis Badel.

While the winning margin was slender, there

Bundle Award’s performance leaves master

was a sense of inevitability about the outcome

trainer Size with the potential option of starting

108 | 7 MAY 2025

v

the gelding – the winner of three races in

today from the stirrup when the gates opened.

Australia when he raced as Prince Prawn for Allan & Jason Williams before export to Hong

“He came out sideways and banged the gate

Kong – in the HK$13 million Gr1 Standard

and it’s my sore foot, too, so it’s in a bit of

Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m)

pain,” Purton said. “They went really slow,

on 31 May at Sha Tin.

which was always going to play into my hands because he’s got the best turn of foot of any

“We’ll see how he is. He’s not rated up to that

horse in the race.

(Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup) at the moment, but let’s have a look and

“It became a sprint home. He had it won a fair

see what’s available for him,” Size said of the

way out, but he just didn’t know how to put

86-rater. “He’s been really good for us and he’s

them away. He’s learning he did a good job.”

performed admirably today. It was a big job for him to do that to go to another distance and

Bundle Award, who finished seventh in the

still win.

HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) to Cap Ferrat on 23 March, is the first horse out

“It was hard to predict how they would run the

of this season’s Classic to win a Group race.

race, but it probably was always going to be a slow-run affair but, a long way from home, he

Tony Cruz swept to another towering milestone

looked like he might be able to win the race.

with a double at Sha Tin, taking his combined

It was just a matter of whether he was in the

career haul as a trainer and jockey in Hong

frame of mind to go on with it.

Kong to 2 500 wins.

“He’s physically fine, I think he’s just got to

The six-time champion jockey rode 946 winners

learn to a little bit more about racing and a little

and his successes here with Liveandletlive,

bit more about how to win a race.”

who earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million

Size last won the Queen Mother Memorial Cup

by winning the Class 3 Chatham Handicap

with Dr Well in 2006, while Purton added to

(2000m) under Angus Chung, and Winning

his wins in the race on Dominant (2013) and

Ovation, who also snared a PP Bonus of

Exultant (2018) after his left foot was dislodged

HK$1,5 million under Badel in the Class 3 7 MAY 2025 | 109

v

Tony Cruz – yet another milestone on Sunday | Credit: HKJC

110 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Austin Handicap, took his tally as a trainer

habits and it’s very hard to keep him straight

to 1 554.

and it might be better for him at 1400m, too.”

“I’m very happy with that. It’s great,” Cruz, a

Britney Wong rode her first winner since March

dual Hong Kong champion trainer, said.

with a clever front-running ride on Manfred Man’s

Chris So-trained Hong Lok Golf continued his

Circuit Victory in the Class 5 Jordan Handicap.

striking progress with victory in the Class 2

“It’s really great and I really appreciate all

Hillwood Handicap for Harry Bentley to earn

the support from Manfred. He’s been a big

a PPG Bonus of HK$1 million. Posting his fifth

supporter even since I was a trainee,” the 10lb-

win from six starts, the Grunt gelding impressed

claiming apprentice said. “It’s a nice feeling to

with his tenacity under a strong Bentley ride to

reward him and his team in this way.”

defeat Cody Mo-trained Pray For Mir.

Lucky Symphony delivered on the promise

“Wow. In the straight when I saw Cody’s

he had displayed in three previous runner-

horse, I thought he would beat us. But I spoke

up efforts with victory for Jamie Richards

to Harry and he just said that he wasn’t that

and Andrea Atzeni in the Class 4 Hung Hom

worried. The last 100m, he did it easy,” So said.

Handicap (1200m).

So indicated the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Lion Rock

“Andrea gave him a beautiful ride. He won it at

Trophy on 31 May could be an option for Hong

the start. Barrier 14 looked a bit tricky but 10

Lok Golf.

out of 10 from Andrea,” Richards said.

Quick Money prevailed for Dennis Yip in the

David Hayes and Brenton Avdulla combined with

Tsim Sha Tsui Plate for Griffins under a patient

Contributer three-year-old Fortune Boy to snare

ride by Chau before Matthew Poon slotted his

the Class 4 Kowloon Cricket Club Centenary

30th win of the season when Mo-trained Ka

Cup Handicap after Size’s Crossborderpegasus

Ying Superb held off Shamus Storm to land the

made it three wins from four starts, triumphing

second section of the Class 4 Cox’s Handicap.

narrowly in the Class 3 Gascoigne Handicap for

David Eustace’s talented Dazzling Fit made

Purton despite racing erratically.

another favourable impression by winning the

“He’s just a really difficult horse to ride,” Purton

first section of the Class 4 Cox’s Handicap for

said of the Rich Enuff gelding. “He’s got bad

Luke Ferraris.

7 MAY 2025 | 111

v

112 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Hollywood Sportsbook is a licensed betting operator. Hollywoodbets supports responsible gambling.

No persons under the age of 18 years are permitted to gamble. Winners know when to stop. South African Responsible Gambling Foundation toll free counselling line 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp help to 076 675 0710.

7 MAY 2025 | 113

v

INGLIS GRADS WIN SEVEN ACROSS FOUR STATES 114 | 7 MAY 2025

Femminile (Lachlan Neindorf) wins the SA Derby at Morphettville | Credit: Inglis

v

7 MAY 2025 | 115

v

The 3YO filly Femminile (Dundeel) scored a stunning victory in Saturday’s Gr1 South Australian Derby as Inglis graduates had a day out Australiawide, winning seven Stakes races across four States.

Femminile was the headline act, leading in an

“I was confident we were a place chance,

Inglis graduates quinella in the day’s feature at

Phillip has been building her up nicely and

Morphettville, defeating race favourite Statuario.

this was her grand final but to win the race, it’s unbelievable.’’

The Phillip Stokes-trained filly is now a Stakes winner at two and three, having won at Listed

Vinery’s Adam White added: “We sold a few

level at just her second career start as a juvenile.

Dundeel fillies out of that Easter draft and one of them was Polymnia, which ran an unlucky

Bred by Simon Delzoppo’s Aralet Pty Ltd,

3rd in the Gr1 Australasian Oaks last weekend

Femminile was purchased by Stokes and Rick

so it could have been a back-to-back Group 1

Connolly for A$150,000 at the Easter Yearling

double for the Dundeel fillies out of our 2023

Sale, where she was offered by Vinery Stud.

Easter draft.

She becomes the 107th individual Gr1-winning

“That said I’m over the moon for Simon, who

Inglis graduate since 2018.

bred Femminile and still owns a good chunk of her and for Neil Jenkinson, who does a lot of

Delzoppo described the victory – his first Gr1

Simon’s work, it’s fantastic to get a result like

as a breeder and he also retained 50% of the

this for them.’’

filly as an owner – as “incredible’’.

Vinery will offer a draft of 10 weanlings at the “I’ve been breeding for 10+ years, this is my

Inglis Australian Weanling Sale at Riverside

first Gr1 win as a breeder, it’s just the most

on Monday and Tuesday, which have been

unbelievable feeling,’’ Delzoppo said.

parading the past couple of days.

“It was amazing to watch. When she hit the

“Parades have been going really well, we’ve

front a couple of hundred metres out we were

got some good pedigreed weanlings in the

like ‘she’s in front, she’s in front’ and then she

draft, an Ole Kirk, a Toronado, they’ve all been

showed so much fight to hold off the favourite.

very popular,’’ White said.

116 | 7 MAY 2025

v

The Australian Weanling Sale begins on

In Queensland on Saturday the 4YO entire

Monday.

Libertad (Russian Revolution) took another

Femminile becomes the second Inglis-sold filly

step toward a stallion career with victory in

to win the South Australian Derby in the past

the Gr2 Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm.

two years following Coco Sun’s success 12 months ago.

It was a third Group victory from just 11 starts for Libertad, who is raced by Trilogy Racing and

Inglis graduates have now won 12 Stakes races

partners.

in Australia in little over a week, following the successes of Dashing, Reserve Bank, Highvol,

His co-trainer Annabel Archibald bought

Spicy Martini and Watchme Win in the seven

Libertad for A$210,000 at the Inglis

days prior to Saturday.

Ready2Race Sale, where he was offered by Tal Nolen, who had originally paid A$40,000 for the

Earlier on Saturday’s Morphettville program

colt at the Classic Yearling Sale out of the draft

fellow 3YO filly On Display (Fastnet Rock)

of Rheinwood Pastoral, who bred the horse

scored a deserving first black type victory in

with Somerset Services.

the Listed Adelaide Guineas.

“He’s the most beautiful colt,’’ Archibald, who The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr-trained

trains Libertad with her husband Rob, said.

filly finished a luckless 4th in the Gr2 Queen of the South at Morphettville seven days ago but

“He’s a magnificent looking horse, he’s very

made up for that disappointment with a last-to-

talented and he’s only going to improve off that

first win this afternoon.

because he’s still not fully wound up. It’s great for Trilogy and all the rest of the owners and

Bred by Linda and Graham Huddy’s

he’s still an entire so to win a Weight For Age

Peachester Lodge, On Display is a A$1.1m

Gr2, he’s now a three-time Group winner, it’s

Easter Yearling Sale purchase for Sheamus

very exciting.’’

Mills Bloodstock from the Lime Country draft.

Libertad, who led in an Inglis quinella in She races in Heath Newton’s colours.

the Victory Stakes defeating Jedibeel, will 7 MAY 2025 | 117

v

now likely contest the Gr1 Doomben 10,000

at the Premier Yearling Sale, where he was

in a fortnight on his way to a possible Gr1

offered by Bombora Downs.

Stradbroke Hcp start in early June.

And the 6YO Dragonstone (Mikki Isle) crashed At Hawkesbury Inglis graduates dominated the

through the A$1.2m prizemoney barrier with

program, winning three of the features.

victory in the Listed Hawkesbury Gold Rush.

Media World (Written Tycoon) scored a first

It was a third career Stakes win for the

black type victory when winning the Gr3

Joe Pride-trained Dragonstone, a Classic

Hawkesbury Guineas.

Yearling Sale graduate out of the Holbrook Thoroughbreds draft.

The Peter Snowden-trained 3YO colt is a A$1.4m Easter Yearling Sale buy for Yulong

Meanwhile popular mare Pride of Jenni (Pride

from the Fairview Park Stud draft.

of Dubai) returned to the winners’ stall with a

Bred by Francis and Christine Cook’s Mystery

dominant all-the-way win in Saturdays Listed

Downs, Media World led in an Inglis graduates

Anniversary Vase at Caulfield, conceding a

quinella today, defeating Just Party.

minimum 5.5kgs to each of her rivals.

In the Gr3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup the Anthony

Trained by Ciaron Maher, Pride of Jenni

and Sam Freedman-trained Punch Lane

has been one of Australia’s best-performed

(So You Think) led all the way to score a

racehorses in recent seasons, with today’s

commanding victory.

victory her 10th overall and took her career prizemoney tally to almost Á$10.5m.

It was a second consecutive victory for Punch Lane, which races in the William Street

Tony and Lynn Ottobre bought Pride of Jenni

Syndicate colours worn by other racetrack stars

for A$100,000 at the Classic Yearling Sale,

including Santa Ana Lane and Gurner’s Lane.

where she was offered by Segenhoe.

The William Street Syndicate teamed up with

She is bred by Trelawney Stud and the Taylor

Justin Bahen to buy Punch Lane for A$220,000

Family Trust.

118 | 7 MAY 2025

v

Flight Plan wins the Ladbrokes Thirsk Hunt Cup | Credit: Hannah Ali

CREAM RISES TO TOP IN

THIRSK FEATURE Class came to the fore in the Ladbrokes Thirsk Hunt Cup as Gr2 winner Flight Plan (8/1) denied former 2,000 Guineas runner-up Hi Royal in the highlight of Thirsk’s season on Saturday.

Both horses were making their handicap

well strung out at the top of the home straight.

debuts off a mark of 102, with Flight Plan lining up after a fourth in the British EBF Michael

Flight Plan continued to find as the chasing pack

Foster Conditions Stakes at the course three

closed approaching the final furlong, with Hi Royal

weeks ago.

and La Trinidad emerging as the main dangers.

With that comeback run under his belt, Flight

Both horses challenged on either side of Flight

Plan was given a positive front-running ride by

Plan as the winning post loomed but could not

Sam James and the duo had the 13 runners

get on terms with Karl Burke’s runner, with the 7 MAY 2025 | 119

v

distances half a length and a head.

“It is a great training performance from Karl. To run him in a conditions, race the last day, which

Flight Plan is the highest-rated winner of the

was a very hot race, served as a prep run. It

Ladbrokes Thirsk Hunt Cup this century,

is great for the horse’s new owners as well,

eclipsing 2012 scorer Farhh, who overcame

especially when a plan comes together.

a mark of 100 before going on to win two Gr1 prizes in 2013.

“Thirsk should be very proud of the horses running here today. You have this horse, a Gr2

James said: “Flight Plan did it all for me. He

winner in Ireland, and a Guineas second. There

has been highly campaigned, and we have

were some top horses running in the race.”

always thought a lot of him. He has always been a good horse and, dropping down into a

Asked if the Royal Hunt Cup could be a target,

handicap, I think he was able to dictate easier

James said: “A race like that could be up his

than he potentially would in a Group Two or

street. I will obviously leave it to Karl, but it is just

Group Three. That will hopefully have given him

good for him to get his head in front today and

some confidence.

hopefully his confidence will grow from here.”

120 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 121

v

122 | 7 MAY 2025

v

7 MAY 2025 | 123

v

REMEMBERING

UNCLE JOHNNY AND AUNTY JEAN

Jean and Johnny Cawcutt at a Christmas celebration some years ago | Credit: Joe Nagel

124 | 7 MAY 2025

v

We are going down memory lane again this week and remember a grand couple of Western Cape racing – Johnny and Jean Cawcutt.

A seventeen-times Cape Champion jockey,

She had also warmed the bottles and changed

Johnny Cawcutt, passed on at the age of 55

the nappies of trainers Charles and Alec Laird,

in 1989. The famous shout of ‘Cawcutt will

and Dean Kannemeyer and his siblings.

walk it’ will be remembered by racing fans of yesteryear.

But she always spoke most fondly of the evening, now 74 years ago, when she first

Jean was a Mom to their five daughters –

sat next to her future husband in the Grand

Cheryl, Roslyn, the late Terry, Diane and

Bioscope in Maitland.

Mechele - and passed away at the age of 84 on Christmas eve in 2018.

Jean proudly showed us an engraved whip presented on the occasion of Johnny’s 1961

Affectionately known as Aunty Jean to those

winning ride on Appeal Court, in the centenary

whose hearts and lives she had touched,

year of the Queen’s Plate. Johnny was to ride

Jean had suffered a stroke and passed away

three Queen’s Plate winners.

peacefully.

On her life as a jockey’s wife, Jean was always Diane de Kock is Jean’s only daughter directly

adamant that she would not change anything.

involved in the sport today. Jean was also a proud grandmother of eight, and a great

She remembered the highs and the lows and

grandma to five at the time of her passing.

all her husband’s major feature wins, and said that the Queen’s Plate then was very different

In a 2011 interview at her Milnerton home with

to the ‘show’ of today.

the Sporting Post, Jean, a gracious lady with an amazing memory, told how, through her

We salute the memory of a wonderful couple of

association with one of the great legends of

the turf.

the game, she had rubbed shoulders with stars and politicians and met the likes of the late heart pioneer, Dr Chris Barnard.

7 MAY 2025 | 125

v

results up to: 2025-05-07

TRAINERS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places Place %

Mr S J Snaith Mr S G Tarry Mr A C Greeff Mr A P Peter Mr A G Laird

887 483 735 439 205

131 64 132 71 24

14.8 13.3 18.0 16.2 11.7

117 57 77 63 26

107 56 93 51 27

186 109 181 93 43

Name

Rides Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places Place %

Mr C Zackey Mr R D Fourie Mr G J Lerena Mr M A Yeni Mr S D Veale

1102 763 728 900 671

157 110 140 123 78

131 105 106 110 51

226 180 144 212 128

410 222 351 207 96

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

46.2 15,055,781 22,540,913 46.0 7,569,500 11,652,394 47.8 8,353,631 11,449,456 47.2 5,701,563 8,953,350 46.8 7,006,250 8,932,469

JOCKEYS 202 197 189 124 91

18.3 25.8 26.0 13.8 13.6

514 395 390 445 257

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

46.6 17,884,850 25,836,531 51.8 21,606,719 27,868,394 53.6 19,254,063 26,662,350 49.4 9,124,469 15,118,100 38.3 6,832,219 11,182,188

BREEDERS Name

B.T. B.T. Total Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R) Rnrs %

Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein Varsfontein Stud Ridgemont Highlands Klawervlei Stud

187

949 150,667

94 141

50.3

436 17

21

28,174,656

307 1764 82,885 145 208 187 948 113,597 85 133 145 741 90,014 76 106 183 912 57,622 64 85

47.2 45.5 52.4 35.0

789 8 470 14 314 6 362 2

11 16 10 4

25,445,719 21,242,650 13,052,019 10,544,744

B.T. AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs %

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

24 16 8 6 5

26,872,025 19,320,769 15,739,763 13,951,513 13,674,263

SIRES Name

Runrs Runs

Vercingetorix Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) Master Of My Fate * Lancaster Bomber (USA) Querari (GER)

220 1127 122,146 238 1211 81,180 180 909 87,443 110 559 126,832 185 1005 73,915

117 183 103 147 77 112 52 76 73 98

53.2 43.3 42.8 47.3 39.5

507 515 389 259 452

See all the detailed standings - Click here

126 | 7 MAY 2025

20 12 8 5 3

v

7 MAY 2025 | 127