SEEING…BELIEVING!
RCS BIG CAP COUNTDOWN TO
07
The Big Cap Racing for Riches
18 National Yearling Sale
1 week to go!
22
Snaith Sees It Again
Another Gr1 for son of Twice Over
52 Bo’s Big Day Summerveld Trainer makes history
88
Sprinting To 19
Ka Ying Rising does it again
On the cover Craig Zackey shows his appreciation for See It Again after last Saturday’s Grade 1 victory as Snaith Racing’s Sokhe ‘Isaac’ Mwelase looks on. Image courtesy of Chase Liebenberg.
Issue: 14/2026
LITTLEMISSMILLION
SA CHAMPIONS SEASON
LAUNCH ON SATURDAY
The 2026 SA Champions Season hosts nine Grade 1 contests, headlined by the R10 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, over the next sixteen weeks, and gets underway at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday with R8 million worth of Race Coast Sales features on the nine-race card.
Declarations were finalized on Tuesday for the big season launch programme, headed by the R5 million non black-type Race Coast Sales Big Cap, which will be run over 1400m.
The Big Cap, which is open to RCS sales graduates, was moved from the Cape after making its debut there last term.
The groom of each runner will receive R12 500 irrespective of their particular horse’s finishing position. The groom of the winning horse will receive an additional R17 500.
The RCS Big Cap will be run as a handicap, with conditions, and is open to 3,4 and 5 year olds.
It is a slots race with 14 berths being sold at R350 000 each. The slot-holders can either use their slots for their own qualifying horses, or sell or share them with connections of other horses that may become eligible for the final lineup.
Thirteen of the slots were taken up by Tuesday’s deadline, with Bass Racing coming to the proverbial party late with the Hangover Syndicate’s consistent 4yo What A Fortune,
who carries 50,5kgs and gets the services of Athandiwe Mgudlwa.
SA Champion trainer Justin Snaith saddles four of the thirteen runners, with the Futura Park conditioner’s quartet headed by 63kgs topweight Great Plains.
With the spread of weights, there are a number of runners with featherweights, and even under sufferance could make it interesting. The race should prove a fascinating tactical contest.
Sean Tarry’s 88-rated Johannesburg raider Tintin carries 50kgs and is clearly on the up. The gelding comes in off three straight wins. The Sporting Post believes that the connections have bold plans for their son of Rafeef and Malesela Katjedi gets the chance at a big payday.
We suggested in a recent report that Tarry’s move to also enter Gary Harvett’s Master Of My Fate mare That’s My Baby could yet prove a mini masterstroke.
The Hollywoodbets Greyville specialist is the only reserve runner – there were no entries fees and one wonders why other connections of qualifying
RCS graduates would not have taken a dip and their chances with a back-up runner? Nobody wants to benefit from others’ disappointment, but if there is a scratching That’s My Baby could come into the race.
The R3 million Race Coast Sales Slipper for 2yo’s will be run over 1200m and attracted a capacity field of 14 runners, with 3 reserve runners.
It is good to see Milnerton father-and-son Piet and Elbert Steyn making the trip with their Ridgemont Gr3 Cape Of Good Hope Nursery winner Red Spice.
Unfortunately the son of Erik The Red drew wide out at 12, but he is a horse who runs from off the pace and gets the services of the in-form Craig Zackey.
Red Spice’ regular pilot Keagan De Melo is contractually bound to leading owner Lawrence Wernars and jumps off to ride the promising Tarry charge Turn It Up – a winner of his last two starts by a combined margin of over 8 lengths.
See the fields – https://www.sportingpost.co.za/ sa-champions-season-starts-on-saturday/
Red Spice (inside) – travels from Cape but has a wide draw to beat in Slipper | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
The Hollywoodbets Durban July returns for its landmark 130th edition, with tickets now officially on sale for Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event.
Mark your calendars for Saturday 4 July 2026, when Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse sets the stage for one of the most anticipated highlights on South Africa’s racing and social calendar. Expect a winning blend of world-class horse racing, high fashion, music and entertainment — all coming together to create an unforgettable experience.
This year’s theme is “Country Allure”, inviting designers, fashion enthusiasts and racegoers to explore the interplay between rural landscapes and equestrian elegance. The result is expected to be a celebration of bold, imaginative and unbridled creativity.
Stephen Marshall, Head of Marketing, Major Events and Broadcast at Race Coast, says the Hollywoodbets Durban July has long been a magnet for those who share a passion for horse racing and the glamour that surrounds it. “‘Country Allure pays homage to the elegance and authenticity at the heart of the sport’s heritage. It reflects the beauty of the
landscapes where thoroughbreds are raised and trained, while inspiring creativity, and celebrating the charm of the countryside,” he says.
General admission entrance tickets are now on sale via Ticketpro ( www.ticketpro.co.za ). For a limited period, these are available at a special, Early Bird price of R250.
These will grant you access to the racecourse and includes unreserved grandstand seating, access to public bars and food trucks, access to the official after-party, and access to the tote. Picnic sites and VIP hospitality package tickets are to be sold separately and must be bought from Ticketpro, in addition to a general admission entrance ticket. These provide exclusive access to luxurious enclosures,
premium viewing areas, and top-tier catering. Options vary and can be explored on the official event website ( www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za ).
Red Dot public parking, for R170 a car, is available on the golf course, with access from DLI Avenue. Please note: Your parking ticket does not include entry to the Hollywoodbets Durban July or the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse.
Tickets are now available for those looking to experience Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Early ticket pricing is available for a limited time, with general admission set to increase to R280 at a later date to be announced.
Bloodstock South Africa will host an outstanding catalogue for South Africa’s oldest premier yearling sale, the National Yearling Sale, which is set to take place at the TBA Complex on 16 & 17 April.
The 2026 National Yearling Sale has attracted the cream of the crop from many of the country’s top breeders.
The first 230 lots will be sold on Thursday 16 April, when trading commences at 10h00 sharp, with the remaining yearlings to sell on the following day, where the sale will, once again, begin at 10.
The Sporting Post Sprint BSA National Yearling Sales Supplement will arrive in your inbox, and be available on the www.sportingpost.co.za website, on Thursday 9 April.
FOURTH GRADE 1 FOR SON OF TWICE OVER
On a Turffontein Saturday afternoon dominated by top-rated horses, Justin Snaith flexed his equine muscle as stablemates See It Again and Okavango dominated the R2 million HKJC World Pool Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge.
National log-leader Craig Zackey proved something of a super-sub for his senior colleague Andrew Fortune who was sidelined in a nasty twist to the greatest comeback seen in our racing in the modern era.
After booting the magnificent Double Grand Slam home for Snaith in the TAB Gr1 Empress Club Stakes earlier on the day, Zackey again rode a confident Andrew Fortune-mentored race on the WSB Cape Town Met winner See It Again (5-4), who travelled up from Summerveld and crowned his fourth Grade 1 victory in style, downing a persistent stablemate Okavango (9-4) by a comfortable 0,60 lengths in a time of 124,34 secs for the 2000m.
“He’s got a great action. He was still unwinding at the line,” said a delighted
Zackey, who added to his career Gr1 haul and added a new dimension to his bow by doing duty for the champion team.
“Andrew Fortune said ride it like any other race. Relax. You’ve got the horse. How right he was!” he added.
A R125 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale purchase, See It Again was bred by Drakenstein Stud and is a son of Twice Over (Observatory) out of the Visionaire mare Supreme Vision.
As noted, this was his fourth Grade 1 success, and he took his tally to 9 wins with 15 places from 31 starts for stakes of a remarkable R10 197 625!
DANCER’S DAUGHTER IN 2009 SNAITH’S FIRST SINCE
Currently South Africa’s highest-rated fairer sex galloper, the Vercingetorix mare Double Grand Slam made her Turffontein debut a glorious Grade 1-winning moment when she destroyed her opposition to win the R1 million TAB Empress Club Stakes on Saturday.
In the process she gave SA Champion trainer Justin Snaith his first winner in the mile contest since Mark Khan partnered Dancer’s Daughter in 2009.
After regular pilot Andrew Fortune’s injury, Craig Zackey was called up to deputize, and guided home his fourth winner in the prestigious Grade 1.
Zackey absorbed the anticipation and pressure on his national champion elect shoulders with aplomb.
“I felt what Andrew Fortune has been talking about. She’s a freak. Thanks to the Snaith team and the owners. And my Dad Simon, who secured me some top rides today,” added Zackey.
With Gqeberha raider Golden Palm failing to play ball on her trainer Alan Greeff’s birthday, it was a beautifully relaxed Double Grand Slam who relaxed near the rear as Past Is Prologue led the gallop.
At the top of straight, Callmetgetrix swept into the lead. But all the side shows were short-lived as Double Grand Slam (14-10) sprouted wings and drew clear to beat Minogue (16-1) by 5,40 lengths in a time of 97,47 secs.
With the Snaiths enjoying a Mauritius holiday, the winner was saddled by Gokhan Terzi, with Jenna Le Roux assisting.
A R1 million National Yearling Sale purchase, Double Grand Slam races in a partnership of Gary Player, Dave Maclean and Drakenstein Stud.
Bred by Varsfontein, she is by Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the two-time winning Captain Al mare Princess Peach.
Double Grand Slam has won 11 races (a quartet of Grade 1’s!) with 8 places from 22 starts for stakes of R4 315 588.
Craig Zackey and Double Grand Slam are on their own at the finish | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
SON OF BUFFALO BILL CODY IS TOO FAST
Kenneth Pillay’s Kestorm Investments and trainer Tony Peter celebrated a Grade 1 exacta at Turffontein on Champions Day when the newly blinkered Buffalo Storm Cody blew his opposition away under a rampant Richard Fourie to win the R1 million TAB Gr1 Computaform Sprint.
While this was his personal first, Tony Peter’s retired Dad Paul won the Computaform Sprint in 2022 with Winterbach Stud stallion Master Archie
The field for the 1000m sprint was reduced to 14 runners after three scratchings but produced a grandstand finish worthy of its glittering history.
After Mover And Shaker had led Chocolate Soldier early, Richard Fourie produced the 8-10 favourite Buffalo Storm Cody who only had to grab his stablemate Taxi To The Moon (17-2) late in the race.
Surging forward, Buffalo Storm Cody gave Fourie his third feature success of the afternoon to win by 1,90 lengths in a time of 56,55 secs.
While he had not celebrated a winner up to that point, Sean Tarry would have been well pleased with the showing of his Drakenstein raced fairer sex pair of 5yo Mia Moo (33-1) and the 3yo Green Diamond (25-1) who completed to quartet in very courageous showings.
The winner was bred by Narrow Creek Stud and is a son of Wilgerbosdrift-based Redoute’s Choice stallion Buffalo Bill Cody out of the one-time winning Trippi mare, Musical Romance.
A R410 000 Cape Yearling Sale purchase, Buffalo Storm Cody took his win tally to 10, with 6 places from his 18 starts and stakes of R2 056 500.
A MAGIC DAY
FOR BACKOS & ZACKEY FAMILY
While the Hazy Dazy SA Triple Tiara dream sadly lay in tatters as the shadows lengthened at Turffontein on Saturday, the R750 000 Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer Gr2 SA Oaks produced another wonderful story as Nadine and Kevin Backos’ R50 000 BSA Online Sale purchase Littlemissmillion powered home.
Trained by Nadine’s Dad Tyrone Zackey and ridden by the bang in-form Craig Zackey who enjoyed a dual Gr1 winning dream day, Littlemissmillion (3-1) broke the heart of the gallant Hazy Dazy (13-10) to beat the Corne Spies star by 2 lengths in a time of 158,22 secs, after grabbing first run on the daughter of Act Of War.
Apprentice Trent Mayhew did little wrong on the runner-up, but Littlemissmillion showed her appreciation for the ground after decent efforts in the first two legs of the Triple Tiara.
In an age of big-ticket dominance, both of the first two fillies home are relative ‘cheapies’Nadine and Kevin Backos having forked out R50 000 on the BSA Online platform for the Croft Stud & Helene Taylor bred daughter of SA Derby winner, Elusive Fort. Hazy Dazy cost just R38 000.
A delighted Nadine Backos, who was celebrating her 234th winner since taking out her colours in 2000, was over the moon, but was sad for the Hazy Dazy camp, who had suffered the disappointment of falling at the final SA Triple Tiara hurdle.
“There are such conflicting emotions. We were screaming with joy, but I felt for the runner-up. That’s racing. We all get our turn. Today was ours.”
Nadine has been a massive supporter of her Dad through some tough years.
Craig Zackey drives Littlemissmillion home |
“Dad lost one or two relatively big owners, and we decided to restock his yard. There is not too much science in the purchases – just dreams and lots of love. Our top guy Smanjemanje was by Kahal (broodmare sire of Saturday’s winner) and I have always wanted an Elusive Fort baby. Dad loves training stayers, so we bought Littlemissmillion from Neil Croft and Helen Taylor in Stilbaai. It was quite funny as we had to wait two weeks for her to arrive as we had to arrange special transport – there is no regular float in that part of the world!”
Nadine conveyed her congratulations and thanks to the Croft Stud team.
“She’s not big but she is beautiful and she has a turn of foot on her!”
Littlemissmillion marks the biggest success for the passionate family after La Moohal’s victory in the 2024 Gr3 Sea Cottage Stakes.
“He was bought on the same sale as Littlemissmillion!” adds Nadine.
By Elusive Fort (Fort Wood), the winner is out of the four-time winning Kahal mare Brigtnumberfive, who won from 1400m to a mile.
Now a winner of 4 races from 7 starts, Littlemissmillion took her stakes bank to R712 345, with a bright career ahead of her.
As to future plans, Nadine is leaving that up to Dad.
“Right now, he is enjoying his Johnny Walker Black which we gave him as a gift and we are celebrating. Just to say again, we are so proud. We have never had big numbers or spent big money. But we have enjoyed our racing and are very fortunate to be blessed by a passionate man who loves his horses like Tyrone Zackey. He’s a trainer in a million!” concluded Nadine.
Proud owner Nadine Backos holds the trophy for her 234th winner, flanked by Wilgerbosdrift’s Mary Slack and trainer Tyrone Zackey | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
The
ELUSIVE FORT RELOCATES
TO OLDLANDS
Elusive Fort - last son champion Fort Wood at stud
Credit: Jeremy Nelson
Elusive Fort Syndicate has announced that successful sire Elusive Fort has relocated to Barbara Sanne’s Oldlands Stud Farm in the picturesque Hemel en Aarde Valley.
The move follows the sale of Black Swan Stud Farm and their upcoming dispersal sale to be held in Robertson on 7 May 2026.
Elusive Fort (Fort Wood- Ever Seeking) is the last remaining son of champion sire Fort Wood at stud, and although he is 23 years old, he is in good health and his fertility and enthusiasm are undimmed.
The Fort Wood line, which has been of immense value to South African breeding since he was imported to stand in SA by the Oppenheimer family at their historic stud, Mauritzfontein, continues through his many high performing daughters, as well as his grandsons, through champion sire Dynasty, as well as Elusive Fort’s son Kommetdieding.
Elusive Fort had a memorable Easter Weekend, with the highlight being the
success of his daughter, Littlemissmillion in winning the Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer Gr2 SA Oaks at Turffontein on Saturday, as well as Royal Invitation capturing the World Sports Betting Highland Night Cup at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
Littlemissmillion thwarted the dreams of Triple Tiara success for gallant runner-up, and winner of the first two legs, Hazy Dazy.
Ironically, in 2015, Elusive Fort’s daughter from his first crop, Siren’s Call, was pipped on the post in the SA Oaks having won the first two legs of the Triple Tiara.
Elusive Fort will stand at a fee of R10k plus VAT live foal for the 2026 season.
Enquiries to Syndicate principal, Peter de Beyer.
ANOTHER KZN RAIDER TO FORE ON CHAMPIONS DAY
The Nathan Kotzen-trained Cats Pajamas made it two Champions Day feature victories for Summerveld-based gallopers when the son of Rafeef finished strongly to win the R500 000 TAB Gr2 Hawaii Stakes
Ironically a false start played into the hands of Cats Pajamas, who lived up to his name and fell asleep in the gates and then stumbled.
“Some of them took a while to load. So, he relaxed. The false start was a blessing in the end. I had him right up there and he was cantering at the 400m. He stayed on well,” added Fourie, who seems to have benefitted from his recent overseas holiday and is back to his brilliant best.
Just as the smart 3yo One Eye On Vegas (7-10) was weaving his way through from last and looking a serious threat, Cats
Pajamas (25-2) kicked away and stayed on to beat the De Kock sophomore by 2,10 lengths in a time of 84,85 secs for the 1400m.
Pacemaker Money Heist (16-1) ran a cracker to stay on for third, with defending champion Main Defender (33-10) capping the quartet, 4,75 lengths off the winner.
Bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, the winner is raced by leading KZN owner Sid Moodley and is a son of Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice) out of the well-performed six-time winning Var mare, Sea Cat.
Selected by his former trainer Frank Robinson at the 2023 BSA National Yearling Sale, where he was bought for R600 000, Cats Pajamas took his career earnings to R1 156 050 on Saturday, with his sixth victory, including seven places, from 19 starts
Cats Pajamas (Richard Fourie) finishes strongly | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
1-2 FOR HOLLYWOOD RACING AS FOURIE TAKES 4 ON THE DAY
The De Kock family and the Hollywood Racing team celebrated a memorable R1 250 000 TAB Gr2 SA Derby success at Turffontein on Champions Day when Futura’s progressive daughter Curious Girl became the first filly to win the 2450m contest in the 109 years since Noble Lady scored in 1917.
The high-riding Ridgemont-retained Richard Fourie enjoyed a red-letter day with four feature winners, substituting for the indisposed Gavin Lerena, and riding a typically professional race on the perennial motion longhauler.
Fourie had Curious Girl beautifully positioned and the 11-10 favourite moved up down the inside in the home straight, staying on best to register 157,36 secs for the 2450m, beating fellow Hollywood Racing flagbearer, the Gareth van Zyltrained Salani Kahle (14-1), by 1,20 lengths.
Sean Tarry’s Master Spy (33-1) looked momentarily dangerous, but didn’t quite go through with his late surge, finishing a length back in third.
This wasn’t entirely new ground for Mike de Kock!
Prior to joining forces with his son Mathew, he trained 6 SA Derby winners, dating back to probably his greatest, Horse Chestnut in 1999, and including Greys Inn (2004), Bouquet Garni (2009), Irish Flame (who won in 2010 and coincidentally sired Listed winner Enflame on Saturday), and then consecutively in 2021 and 2022, courtesy of Malmoos and Aragosta.
The astute De Kock senior conceded he was ‘a purist’ who preferred to leave the girls with the girls, and the boys with the boys.
“With respect, this did not look like a vintage renewal of the Derby, and the thought of the impact on her rating in the event of her running on top of one of the higher rated fillies in the Oaks, was a further consideration. She has a future and we’d like to make sure she gets the best chances,” added the master conditioner, who thanked his team and Hollywood Racing for the support.
Hollywood Racing 1-2 as Curious Girl (Richard Fourie) beats Salani Kahle (Sean Veale) | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
“We don’t always get it right. But when we don’t, there is no finger pointing!”
Bred in the Eastern Cape at Riyo Stud, Curious Girl, now a winner of 5 of her 7 starts, and only once out of the money when trying the KZN allweather, has earned R1 037 639.
Sold by Ascot Stud as agent, Curious Girl was a R160 000 National Yearling Sale purchase – a smart selection as she is classically-bred, being out of the Fort Wood mare Idaho, whose Global View half-brother Tabebuia was runner-up in the Derby Trial (now Hawwaam Stakes) some years back.
Idaho never saw a racetrack but has come good as a stakes producer. In addition to Curious Girl, she is also the dam of Global View’s son Ideal View, who blossomed in Zimbabwe, notching up nine wins including the Castle Tankard over 2400m.
Curious Girl is from the same female line as SA Oaks winner Frances Ethel, who is by Ridgemont
kingpin Rafeef out of Daphne Garland, an own sister to Laurel Tree – the grandam of Curious Girl.
Interestingly, their full sister Bay Tree was the first to produce a classic winner, her Strike Smartly son Bouquet-Garni carrying the Oppenheimer silks to victory in the 2008 SA Derby for Mike de Kock, as we noted earlier in this story.
The female line has fired on all cylinders in recent years – the aforementioned BouquetGarni’s unraced own sister Tagine features as the grandam of Oriental Charm, whose finest hour came in the 2024 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July.
Blood once again rules the land.
Ed – Ashley Parker’s Ascot Stud, who sold Curious Girl as agent, have a lovely Futura filly (#350) on the BSA National Yearling Sale out of Rich Man’s Gold mare Coral Tree – the dam of 2018 Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge winner, Coral Fever (Judpot).
The trophy is on its way to KZN – Hollywood Racing’s Dermot O’ Connell, Devin Heffer and Ian Stangroom eye the silverware | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
RACING IN SHOCK AFTER VAAL TRAGEDY
JANNIE BORMAN WILL BE MISSED
The South African horseracing community awoke to the shocking news on Easter Sunday morning that veteran trainer Jannie Borman was murdered at the Vaal Training Centre on Saturday evening.
Jannie Borman had a small string of horses and had just turned 73.
“It is a very sad and terrible time for all who knew Jannie. He was a colourful person. He loved baking, played rugby for Griquas and lived for his horses,” Emmie Lensley told the Sporting Post.
Jannie Borman started training on a farm with his Dad Henry Sham and took out his own trainers’ licence in 1997, starting with 18 horses based alongside Bertie van der Merwe, Mike McLachlan and Kevin Coetzee at the old Bloemfontein track.
He was initially supported by the late Stefaan Botha and Faan Mynhardt and got going
Jannie Borman –
well with horses like Pounds For Pennies (Shalford) and Enchanted Angel (Dolpour), who won several races between them.
He moved to Kimberley in 2005 and was a regular in the winner’s enclosure with up to 40 horses.
“Those were good days because Kimberley was flourishing and there was a spread of horses between trainers. I had winners almost every week,” he once said.
His best horse was a reject, Beach Flight (Jet Master) a colt bought for just R5 000 at the pre-July Sale in KZN in 2010.
Beach Flight was troublesome, but talented won four races in a row at Flamingo Park between March and May 2011.
Beach Flight was improving so much he travelled to the Vaal on 19 May of that year and he ran away from them, winning by five lengths under Marthinus Mienie. Beach Flight won seven of 15 starts.
When Flamingo Park was closed, Jannie Borman moved to the Vaal just before the
onset of Covid, and lost horses and patrons as a result.
“I am here for the love of my horses and the game, I have a happy stable and I am capable of training a good horse. It’s not easy to train moderate horses, one goes much faster driving a Mercedes Benz than a Tata!” he quipped at the time.
The Sporting Post believes that the Borman string has been placed in the care of Chris Jonker.
A man has been arrested by the SAPS in connection with the incident.
Jannie Borman is survived by a son and daughter in Kathu in the Northern Cape, and another daughter in Cape Town, as well as five grandchildren.
His son Jan told the Sporting Post that the family was reeling from the shock and that their Dad and Oupa would be dearly missed.
No arrangements have been made as regards a memorial or funeral service.
The jockeys in the Hollywoodbets Scottsville opening race on Sunday wore black armbands as a mark of respect for the late Jannie Borman Credit: Chase Liebenberg
FOR DECLARATIONOFPEACE FIRST STAKES WINNER
“There is no good reason that a R500 000 race should have so few runners.” Well said Muzi Yeni after the Stone Stamcor-sponsored jockey rode a tactically astute race to register a milestone victory in the R500 000 TAB Gr2 SA Nursery for owner Johannes Manoko and Summerveld trainer Siboniso ‘Bo’ Ngcobo.
“I thought it was a little bit ambitious – he’s immature and needs gelding. But when the field cut down, I felt we had a chance and I watched the fancied two runners fighting it out in front. When they were finished fighting, I pressed the button,” added Yeni who enjoyed the moment of the day for smaller players in the game.
Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Bo Ngcobo has an amazing back story of a lifetime dream, family support, and gritty perseverance.
The 48-year-old qualified Mechanical Engineer, and former Fireman, is no stereotype generational trainer, and only celebrated his first ever winner when the courageous Lightning Jimmy stormed to victory at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in 2024. The unique aspect about the charismatic Bo is that he had only one horse in his yard when breaking the ice!
Muzi Yeni drives Better Never Ends to a dramatic first win as The Bronx Bull (Kyle Strydom) stays on for second | Credit: JC Photos
But adopting the maxim of ‘no ticket, no chance’, his bid at unlikely glory on Champions Day was realised when the 40-1 Better Never Ends cruised up the outside to beat The Bronx Bull (9-4) by jut under a length in a time of 68,62 secs for the 1160m.
The 5-10 Gimme A Vodka was comprehensively beaten a further 3 lengths back in third.
A five-times raced maiden, the Clifton Studbred Better Never Ends was a R360 000 August 2yo Sale buy and took his stakes earned to R363 663. He also earned the BSA Juvenile winner incentive of R100 000, while
his trainer was paid R50 000 by 4Racing for the visitor’s incentive. A bumper day!
Johannes Manoko, who is the nominee of the Dladla Family Trust who race Better Never Ends, said that it was a thrill to have a big winner after buying a few ordinary horses along the way. He had suggested the Joburg raid and the fitment of blinkers.
Bred by Clifton Stud, the winner was a first graded stakes success for War Front stallion Declarationofpeace and is out of the four-time winning Hussonet mare, Endearment.
What a great story!
Bo Ngcobo hugs Muzi Yeni on a memorable day | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
IN WINNER’S ENCLOSURE DAWSON SISTERS
Irish Flame’s son Enflame is one of the most progressive stayers around and the 4yo cracked his maiden stakes success when he finished well to win the R300 000 Wilgerbosdrift Listed Caradoc Gold Cup at Turffontein on Champions Day.
Trained by sisters Candice and Tammy Dawson, Enflame is no easy ride but Winning Form-sponsored Serino Moodley has gotten to know him well and the super-fit gelding asked his jockey for an energysapping ride, but maintained his consistent form with an emphatic victory, and a popular one at that in the carryover Pick 6.
Starting at 5-2, Enflame beat Aladdin’s Lamp (9-4), by 5 lengths in a time of 184,23 secs for the 2850m.
The runner-up was having his first start for the De Kocks and is another gelding who doesn’t know how to run a bad race.
Bred by Tawny Syndicate, the winner is a son of Dynasty’s Equus Horse Of The Year, Champion 3YO Colt and Champion Stayer, Irish Flame, out of the twice winning Where’s That Tiger mare, Tigerlace.
Enflame has won 5 races with 5 places from his 13 starts and stakes of R598 370.
The carryover Pick 6 on the day fell short of the R5 million target, ending on R4 206 570, with live tickets of 1 167 023.11 after the opening leg and paying a minimum of R3,60.
Serino Moodley brings Enflame home lonely for his maiden stakes strike | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
IN SA NURSERY SUN SHINES ON RIDGEMONT FILLY
The Ridgemont-bred Vercingetorix filly Good Day Sunshine maintained her unbeaten record when she powered home under Richard Fourie to win the R350 000 Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery to open the 2026 Champions Day feature bill at Turffontein on Saturday.
Fourie, who rode three winners at Fairview 24 hours earlier, expressed his surprise when seeing the winner in the preliminaries.
“I won on her first time out. I didn’t recognise her. She has grown into a beautiful filly. She showed her class and ability in the race,” added the former SA Champion.
After Queen Leila led the way, Good Day Sunshine (9-2) was brought
through from off them and she went on impressively to beat Griselda (9-2) by 0,40 lengths in a time of 68,94 secs for the 1160m.
The 18-10 favourite Get Up finished a halflength off in a disappointing run for her Bipot fans.
Now a winner of 2 races from her 2 starts for stakes of R385 001, Good Day Sunshine is a daughter of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the Gr1 winner Miss Florida, a daughter of Captain Al, who has already produced a stakes winner with her first foal, Miami Mountain (Canford Cliffs).
Mat de Kock labelled the Ridgemont Racing and Devin Heffer-owned flyer ‘an exciting prospect’.
Richard Fourie steers Good Day Sunshine ahead of Griselda (Keagan de Melo) | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
EVEN BETTER THAN BETTER! BO’S BOMB
When Summerveld trainer Siboniso ‘Bo’ Ngcobo walked through the gates of Turffontein on Champions Day last Saturday it was the first time in his 50 years on Mother Earth that the man born on the dusty streets of Imbali in KZN had set foot on the historic 139 year old Johannesburg South racecourse.
“I had runners at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening. So my wife Wendy and I flew in to Johannesburg early Saturday morning. I have seen Turffontein on television, but needed to familiarize myself with the weighing room, the parade ring and the rest of the facilities. I was coming in ‘blind’ on the big day! Thankfully, my runner Better Never Ends had arrived safely the previous evening and was in the care of Nathan Kotzen at the course. So, most importantly of all, he was sorted!”
Just hours later, the Hollywoodbets-sponsored Bo and his team were celebrating an unlikely – and remarkable victory - made more special by the fact that he only has 9 horses, in the R500 000 TAB Gr2 SA Nursery for owner Johannes Manoko.
“Saturday 4 April 2026 will go down as a special day. My first travel experience with a runner. My first graded stakes runner. My first graded stakes winner. My first time at Turffontein. I am still on cloud nine, I think!” he laughs in a chat with the Sporting Post on Monday, as he explained that the Declarationofpeace gelding had always been highly regarded.
“The moment Better Never Ends walked into the yard after being purchased for R360 000 at the August 2yo Sale last year, he was earmarked by my eagle-eyed Head Man Oscar Gwampa as ‘special’. He didn’t want to allocate him to anybody else to look after. Oscar was there with us on Saturday. It was so special and thanks to Clifton Stud for breeding such a remarkable horse!”
Muzi Yeni drives Better Never Ends to victory for the KZN visitors | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Bo tells that when Better Never Ends ranged up the outside under Muzi Yeni after the pacesetters had cut throats up front, his wife Wendy was shouting him home, running alongside the running rail.
“I thought – we are visitors in another man’s house. Shouldn’t we be a little more reserved? Then when he hit the 250m and looked all over a winner, I lost my composed demeanour and joined Wendy with her joyous celebratory encouragement. I never do that! But hey, what a moment!”
The Stone Stamcor-sponsored Yeni rode a tactically astute race.
“I thought it was a little bit ambitious – he’s immature and needs gelding. But when the field cut down, I felt we had a chance and I watched the fancied two runners fighting it out in front. When they were finished duelling I pressed the button,” added Yeni who enjoyed the moment of the day for smaller players in the game.
“It was owner Johannes Manoko who suggested our small team from Summerveld travel into the lion’s den to take on the big guns. No ticket, no chance. Just shows – if you don’t have a dream, you don’t have a squeak of glory,” said Bo.
4Racing’s Partnerships Manager Matthew Daniel hands Bo his incentive | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
The 50 year old qualified Mechanical Engineer, and former Fireman, is no stereotype generational trainer, and actually only celebrated his first ever winner when the courageous Lightning Jimmy stormed to victory at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in 2024.
The unique aspect is that he had only one horse in his yard when breaking the ice that memorable day!
Bo was born in 1976 – a tumultuous year in South Africa’s history – and grew up in the poverty-stricken environs of the Imbali Township near Pietermaritzburg.
Fortunate to be educated at Adams College near Amazimtoti, Bo went on to rise up above the obstacles that he faced, eventually qualifying as a Chemical Engineer at Mangosuthu University Of Technology.
He worked in a variety of jobs after qualifying, but his Grandfather – the racing man in the Ngcobo family – had planted the seed, and despite doing well enough at some big companies, including Nampak Tissue, Bo’s heart was not in it, and he kept dreaming of becoming a racehorse trainer.
On 1 March 2015 his incredible journey began under the mentorship of leading KZN trainer Tony Rivalland, and in 2022 Bo wrote his exams and passed the requirements to become a trainer. Eleven years later he celebrated his Gr2 winner!
“One’s life turns for the better when you work hard, adopt the correct principles, treat everybody with respect, and enjoy the guidance and support of good people. Hollywoodbets gave me a major confidence boost when offering to sponsor my yard. They have supported me with horses too. It makes a massive difference being associated with professionals!”
Bo will be at the National Yearling Sale and is looking forward to finding his next champion.
“I have had a terrific response to Saturday. I hope that I can be blessed by picking up a horse or two at the sale. I have empty boxes and need to up my numbers. But let’s see what happens. Everything comes to those with patience,” he adds philosophically.
We asked how he enjoyed Turffontein?
“The racecourse will obviously always hold a special place in my heart after Saturday!”
And the lunch facilities?
“Mr Manoko hosted us beautifully! But I was so adrenaline charged, I didn’t notice the décor or the menu – and I wasn’t hungry or thirsty. Maybe we will go back there soon for another try!”
And the plans for their champion, Better Never Ends?
“He has had a bit of racing. So we will give him a short break and possibly enter him for the Gold Medallion at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. But we have time to consider the options!”
And will he be celebrating the Gr2 success with his team?
“I have a team of five top gentleman, including a trainee. They have told me that they don’t really want the traditional stable braai. They are thinking more of a Spur meal. They are all from the rural areas and the majority of them have never eaten out at a restaurant. So it’s a daunting and exciting experience for all of us, but I’m going to treat them to a steak – after all, they did all the hard work!”
JET FORCE MAKES IT THREE ON TROT
Recent Play ‘N Go Listed Jet Master Stakes winner Jet Force stepped up the ladder again when the 4yo son of Master Of My Fate stormed home to win the R350 000 Gr3 Variety Club Mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Family Day, as the sun set on the Easter long weekend.
Possibly a last SA winner this term for Grant van Niekerk, who has just about wound up his Mauritius travel arrangements, Jet Force enjoyed a confident ride from much closer to the pace that we are used to seeing him.
Once Otto Luyken had done his job up front, Jet Force was given the green light halfway down the summer course home straight by Van Niekerk and the progressive 4yo gelding stretched clear at 17-10 to beat the eyecatching late effort of Gallic Dream (14-1) by a length in a time of 99,13 secs for the mile.
Paddy Kruyer’s Tenpenny (8-1) maintained his consistent formline to run a further 0,40 lengths back in third, with Viva’s Liberte (28-10) running a very decent fourth.
Van Niekerk said that he felt that Jet Force would hold his own in the SA Champions Season, but that his best trip was the mile, possibly dashing any ideas of going for the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Trainer Des McLachlan has done a terrific job with the gelding and said that a KZN visit would be discussed with the connections.
The 4yo gelding was bred, like champion Variety Club after whom the feature is named, by Beaumont Stud and is a son of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master) out of the Var mare, Ooh La Var a half-sister to champion, Legal Eagle.
A R350 000 BSA November 2yo Sale graduate, Jet Force has won 6 races with 2 places from 10 starts and stakes of R663 269.
Candice Bass and Aldo Domeyer enjoyed a treble and led the winner’s enclosure visits on the afternoon.
IN SWEET CHESTNUT QUERARI’S QUEEN RULES
Winx-sponsored JP van der Merwe took full advantage of a galloping weight and a sedentary pace to go all the way to win the R200 000 Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes, the support feature on the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Easter Monday card, on the bargain buy, Queen Regent.
A runner-up in the OTT Listed Cape Fillies Classic on Lucky Fish Cape Derby Day, Queen Regent (28-10) went one better and registered a maiden stakes success when holding off the late challenge of Roccapina (7-2), who would have been a fourth winner on the afternoon for the high-riding Bass-Domeyer combination.
But the Justin Snaith-trained Queen Regent was full value for her half-length victory, which she achieved in a time of 85,79 secs for the 1400m.
Viva La Vida (20-1) showed some of her better form to run third, with the tote favourite Stormwatch (18-10) capping the quartet.
Selected by Gina Bortz and signed for at a bargain R60 000 by Greg Bortz at the 2024 RCS Winter Yearling Sale when consigned Maine Chance on behalf of Pendenra Stud’s Glyn and Judy Davies, Queen Regent took her stakes earnings to R373 588 with her 3rd win and 6 places from 12 starts.
By Querari (Oasis Dream) the winner is out out of the twice-winning Dynasty mare Maria Theresa and is a half-sister to Listed Irridescence Stakes and Listed Betting Stormsvlei Stakes winner Maria Querol.
JP van der Merwe drives Queen Regent to victory as Aldo Domeyer chases on Roccapina | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
RED-HOT
ZACKEY
WIELDS A SLEDGEHAMMER
National log-leader Craig Zackey made it eleven winners, including two Grade 1 successes, in just five days of April 2026, when he led the riding honours and rode a cracker to win the R225 000 World Sports Betting Listed Sledgehammer on Field Marshal at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
Craig Zackey drives Field Marshal to victory as stablemate Shoot The Rapids (Keagan de Melo) chases
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Currently riding at a 17% win strike-rate, which matches his achievement of last term, Zackey banked a treble on Easter Sunday and is on 192 winners, looking well set to surpass his 2024/25 win tally of 247 win.
His ride to win the listed feature on Sunday’s programme spoke volumes of his confidence.
Winless in eleven months since his Lonsdale Stirrup Cup victory last season, the 4yo Lancaster Bomber gelding Field Marshal was allowed to lope along at the rear as Bruh led the charge at a decent gallop.
Still at the back inside the final 350m, Field Marshal (33-10) cut through his field to beat stablemate Shoot The Rapids (8-1) by 1,60 lengths in a time of 107,5 secs for the 1750m.
Bruh (8-1) stayed on for third, with the tote favourite I Salute You (5-4) running a rare indifferent race to finish out of the top four.
excellent form with a good win under Tristan Godden.
The feature exacta completed a memorable 24 hours for trainer Natie Kotzen and owner Sid Moodley, after Cats Pajamas won the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes at Turffontein on Champions Day.
Winning Form-sponsored Serino Moodley won the Listed Caradoc Gold Cup at Turffontein on Saturday, and rode a double in the KZN Capital City, while Candice Bass was the leading conditioner with two winners.
UNNAMED HORIZON x
Sparkled by
CLOCKING THE KZN SUNDAY ACTION
Run in a time of 1,18 seconds faster than the Listed Sledgehammer at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, the pace set by the best weighted runner Ice Rain in the Non Black-Type World Sports Betting Scarlet Lady over 1750m, was a good one.
The winner Rahhabba raced third and turning for home she only had three and a half lengths to find.
She was ridden to lead shortly after passing the 300m marker, but did have to be kept up to her work all the way to the wire to hold off a determined late challenge from the running on Tomyris.
The first two home in the bill topping World Sports Betting Sledgehammer over 1750m were both saddled by Nathan Kotzen.
Just six runners went to post and although not fast, the pace was nonetheless a reasonable one. The Kotzen runners raced 5th & 6th with the winner FIELD MARSHAL (lost 1 length at start) eight lengths off the pace at the back. Both ran on well over the final 500m and with the rest well beaten, the son of Lancaster Bomber comfortably accounted for the runner from the same ownership (Mr Sid Moodley) Shoot The Rapids, by a length and a half.
The Non-Black Type World Sports Betting Highland Night Cup over 2400m had been the first of the afternoon’s three feature events to be run and here victory went to the best weighted runner in the race, ROYAL INVITATION.
There was no pace on early and as a result the well-supported favourite Continentalexpress took up the running going through the 1800m. Just five lengths covered all when the race developed into a sprint at the top of the straight and nicely positioned in fourth the Elusive Fort mare was always poised to strike.
She ran on strongly in the closing stages of the race and in a tight finish the Gauteng raider got the better of the only other female in the race, Plum Pudding by a neck. Royal Invitation and Plum Pudding brushed on two occasions between the 300m & 150m.
Track Conditions:
Going: Good to Soft (both tracks)
Penetrometer: 25 (both tracks)
Rain: Last 24 hours 4mm –Last 7 days 4mm
Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil
False Rail: 3m
Wind: 10-15km/h North Easterly head wind
Course Variant: 0,82s fast (straight) –0,11s slow (bend)
The pace was on in both of the afternoon’s two 1400m maiden events with comfortably the quicker being the second division, the WSB Home Of World Coins Maiden Plate , that was open to the boys.
The rank outsider of the nine horse party God’s Country made the running whilst the eventual winner TAYLOR’S VERSION (one of just two fillies in the race) sat some five lengths off the pace in sixth.
She quickened best of all in the straight and went on to score with authority after striking the front 220m from home. Backed into favouritism, LILTING SONG ran on well under a very determined ride to get up 20m from home in the first division of the maiden plate over 1400m. The win provided jockey Chad Little with his 50th winner of the season. Little was fined R3600 for striking Lilting Song more than ten times (13) which the stipes considered was not warranted given the circumstances of the race.
The WSB 100 Welcome Spins Class 4 over 1200m brought the afternoon’s proceedings to a close and here the 3yo CITY OF LOVE registered his third victory from just eight starts.
More than a second quicker than the opening maiden juvenile plate at the halfway mark, they raced across the whole of the track early on and the pace set jointly by Chicarito and City Of Love’s stable companion Military Command was a fair one.
The son of Rafeef tracked his stable companion for most of the journey and although sixth, he only had two and a half lengths to find. He was ridden to lead 250m out by Splashout-sponsored Mickaelle Michel and although his fellow inmate from the Peter Muscutt stable rallied gamely when headed, he won well by three quarters.
Fastest Times: 1000m (2) Arverni Princess 57,09 1200m (2) City Of Love 68,64 1400m (2) Taylor’s Version 84,74 1750m (2) Rahhabba 106,32
FOR MERVIN MITCHLEY MAGIC
With a broadcasting blackout shutting the world out, Fairview racing suffered a knockout blow on Good Friday, but that would not have dampened the spirits of leading East Cape owner Mervin Govender who has enjoyed one of the most astute BSA Online Sale purchases of all time.
Kyle Paddock, Muzi Yeni and Kelly Mitchley enjoy the post-race moments | Credit: Pauline Herman
When the Kelly Mitchley-trained 4yo Bad Medicine romped to victory under Muzi Yeni in the R175 000 non black-type Glenlair Trophy to register four straight wins on the trot since making his Gqeberha debut on 2 January, the gelding underscored a great story and the value of an astute assessment by the young Betway-sponsored lady trainer and her team – coupled with the loyalty of an owner who has enjoyed great success with the yard.
Mervin Govender’s East Cape win strike-rate of 31% and place strike-rate of 49,2 % speak volumes of the success he has enjoyed with Kelly Mitchley.
“We were looking for a nice stayer so our family purchased Wood World off the BSA August Online Sale. Unfortunately, he developed an issue and is currently being rested on the farm. We then launched another search for a stamina horse and when we saw Bad Medicine on the BSA December
Online Sale, we did some additional research and approached Mr Mervin Govender. He agreed on a budget on condition we had a programme and a plan in place. We got Bad Medicine for R220 000 and the rest is history!” a delighted Kelly Mitchley told the Sporting Post, adding that her charge shows little in work but that a polytrack gallop had allayed any early ‘heart attacks’ on her part.
“When he first worked, I thought, whoops! But he put in outstanding work on the polytrack. Muzi Yeni has done a great job on him and they have formed a formidable combination,” reflected Kelly.
History shows that Bad Medicine, who is now with his third trainer, ran second on his 1000m debut – beaten 9 lengths by Gr1 Computaform Sprint prospect Buffalo Storm Cody, and arrived at Betway flagbearer Kelly Mitchley a two-time winner.
Muzi Yeni has Bad Medicine in front as Eldin Webber tries hard on Home Reef | Credit: Pauline Herman
On Friday he kept his undefeated Gqeberha record intact after stepping up to the 2800m.
After stalking Juan Carlos who set a healthy pace, Bad Medicine (18-10) skated clear to beat Home Reef (25-1) by a half length in a time of 179,39 secs and give the Mitchley team their third consecutive Friday feature success.
The 2025 winner Bournemouth (6-1) was beaten 3 lengths further back in third.
As to plans for Bad Medicine, Kelly says the Gold Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville is ‘a real possibility’.
“We will have a look at the options. Maybe even a trip to the Cape! We will chat to Mr Govender and then decide. We are just so appreciative of this wonderful owner’s loyalty, approach and attitude. He leaves us to do our job and we have been very lucky for him. It is so satisfying in this tough game,” she concluded.
Bred by the Everett’s Narrow Creek Stud, the winner is a son of champion Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the 1000m winner Redeem My Heart (Indigo Magic). Bad Medicine is a half-brother to Gr3, dual Listed winner, and Gr1, Gr2, Gr3 placed Elusive Heart, from the top-notch family of Stormy Appeal, Fort Petersburg, Stormy Coast, Stormy Eclipse and Spanish Drummer.
Originally a R600 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Bad Medicine has now won 6 races with 8 places from 21 starts for stakes of R553 539.
Muzi Yeni enjoyed a three-timer on the day, while the Richard Fourie- Alan Greeff combination recaptured their better form with three winners.
The next Fairview racemeeting is on Friday 10 April when the Fairview Flying Five and East Cape Oaks headline the programme.
BACK TO BEST SON OF VAR
Nursed back to health after issues with his heart, the Adam Marcus-trained Var 6yo Dance Variety repeated his 2024 victory in the same feature when he scythed through late under a superb ride by Calvin Habib to win the R200 000 Easter Sprint at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last Wednesday (01 April).
Sent off at 14-1 after his recent form dip, Dance Variety came from well off the speed to produce a victory that looked decidedly unlikely at the 250m marker.
A winner of the same non black-type 1100m feature in 2024, the stakes-winning gelding underlined the form of his run in the Schweppes Winchester Sprint Cup over the
course and distance on WSB Cape Town Met day, when he powered through under SplashOut-sponsored Calvin Habib to hold off the plus 1kg overweight Sardinia Bay (11-2) by 0,30 lengths in a time of 65,81 secs for the 1100m straight.
Dean Kannemeyer’s Teflon Man (6-1) ran another game race in third, a further 0,30 lengths adrift, with the 33-1 Kaiboy edging out the weak 4-1 tote favourite Beware to cap a R21 211 quartet.
A R250 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, Dance Variety took his earnings to R909 239, with his 7th win from 31 starts. He has run 14 places in his career.
Calvin Habib gets Dance Variety through the gaps to beat Sardinia Bay (Keagan De Melo) in a midweek thriller
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Bred by his owner Sherwin Jerrier, who leases him to 10bet Ambassador and trainer Adam Marcus, Dance Variety is a son of the deceased speed champion Var (Forest Wildcat) out of the unraced Trippi mare, Trippitango.
A delighted Adam Marcus thanked Sherwin Jerrier for allowing him to continue racing ‘a special horse’ and paid tribute to Baker McVeigh’s Dr Barbara Gillespie for playing a role in beating the gelding’s heart issues.
Adam Marcus and Calvin Habib enjoyed a double on the day after Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Oriental Charm’s Legislate half-sister Meg’s Charm registered her second career success when winning the fifth race.
Leading trainer on the day was Hollywoodbets-sponsored James Crawford with 3 winners, while it was good to see Ridgemont rider Richard Fourie finding form with a three-timer.
NHA CALENDAR CATCH UP IN A FLASH!
The Sporting Post presents the National Horseracing Authority Calendar per 02 April 2026.
The calendar is a summary of the past week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information.
Please click on the image below:
Donagh Meyler celebrates after winning the Boyle Sports Irish Grand National on Soldier In Milan at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday | Credit: Patrick McCann/Racing Post
AT FAIRYHOUSE EASY FOR THE SOLDIER
Soldier In Milan delivered one of the best performances seen in a Boyle Sports Irish Grand National for many years before a packed Easter Monday crowd of 18 753 at Fairyhouse.
A thoroughly dominant display by the Emmet Mullins-trained 6-1 favourite led to a 16 lengths victory from Showurappreciation in second at 10-1. The Enabler finished third at 28-1 and Argento Boy ran fourth at 16-1.
The winning margin was the biggest in Ireland’s most valuable jumps race since Our Duke won by 14 lengths in 2017.
Ridden by Donagh Meyler, this was just a fifth start over fences for Soldier In Milan and just his sixth under rules. He was a very smart bumper horse last year and owner Paul Byrne and Mullins, a pair not known for adherence to convention, opted to send the strapping seven-year-old straight over fences.
“He travelled so well up on the pace,” Meyler said.
“He jumped so sweetly. I landed in front five out. At that point I could hear Emmet giving out to me! But he’s a class horse and he just kept going.”
“Magic result. I had to pinch myself passing the stands with a lap to go with how well he was,” Mullins added.
“He was jumping and travelling so well. It was just very smooth. It’s unbelievable. I might seem calm now but it was amazing as he crossed the line. It’s huge for me and the team.”
The BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National was the climax to the three-day Fairyhouse Easter Festival. The meeting has been staged since 1870. An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, was the guest of honour as is tradition.
Over the three days, a total of 34,985 enjoyed the entertainment on and off the track. Monday’s gate was 13% up on that achieved in 2025 and Sunday’s attendance saw a 9.3% rise on Family Day with a significant increase in family entertainment on a day that is growing in popularity locally.
The weekend began with the Bellinter House & Spa Powers Fairyhouse Style Day on Saturday when Dee Maddock from Straffan in Co Kildare was crowned the Most Stylish Person in attendance.
The Easter Sunday programme showcased two Grade 1 races. The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle went to Zanoosh, trained in Co Wexford by Colm Murphy. Fleur In The Park later won the WillowWarm Gold Cup for Co Tipperary trainer Andy Slattery.
Over the weekend’s racing, horses from 14 different stables visited the winners’ enclosure.
John Sheridan, General Manager of Fairyhouse, said: “This has been a phenomenal weekend of racing with a modern-day record attendance over the three days. Today’s BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National saw an incredible winner in Soldier In Milan.
“I am incredibly proud of the team and all the effort that has been put into this Festival. The learnings were taken from last year in terms of customer experience improvements and I’m thrilled to see this result.”
After racing on Monday and throughout the entire weekend, there were numerous local bands playing such as The Sandmen, Ten Strings Music, Out On Bale and The Wingmen, all of whom were well received by patrons in addition to one of Ireland’s most popular bands, The Highstool Prophets, lighting up the stage on Saturday and Wolfhound on the Sunday.
On Monday there was also a parade of retired racehorses arranged by Treo Eile, the body which retrains Ireland’s racehorses. The parade featured General Principle, winner of the Boyle Sports Irish Grand National in 2018, now aged 17 and a star of the showing classes, including at the RDS Dublin Horse Show.
SA STAR SET FOR KEENELAND GR1 CONTEST
South African star One Stripe produced a storming late run in the $1 million Gr1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational at Gulfstream Park in February when failing by a long neck to nab stablemate Test Score, and is now set to line up in the 38th running of the $650 000 Gr1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland on Friday 10 April.
While Gavin Lerena will not make the trip after an injury at the Vaal earlier this week, trainer Graham Motion has engaged John Velazquez, who has ridden the Hollywood Racing and Rikesh Sewgoolam-owned star previously.
Trainer Graham Motion told the Sporting Post that One Stripe, who shipped to Kentucky earlier this week, will have his final breeze on the track this weekend.
The son of One World has a decent 2 gate but will be taking on Godolphin’s Notable Speech, winner of the 2025 FanDuel Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, and the year’s champion turf male.
The Charlie Appleby-trained Notable Speech headlines the field of 12 plus one also-eligible entered for the Grade 1 and will be making his first start since his Breeders’ Cup triumph at Del Mar.
A four-time Grade or Group 1 winner, Notable
Speech will be ridden by William Buick from post 4.
Appleby will have a second starter for Godolphin in the race in Aomori City. A Group 2 winner in England, Aomori City will be ridden by Richard Mullen from post 5.
Also making his 2026 debut is Gr1 Coolmore Turf Mile winner Rhetorical for trainer Will Walden.
Owned by the partnership of Gary Barber, Cheyenne Stable and Wachtel Stable, Rhetorical finished fourth as the second choice behind Notable Speech in the Breeders’ Cup. Irad Ortiz Jr. has the mount from post 1.
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
KA YING EXTRAORDINARY!
Zac Purton and David Hayes were left to scramble for adequate superlatives after Ka Ying Rising continued an imperious reign with a phenomenal display of speed and power to win the HK$5,35 million Gr2 Sprint Cup, notching a fourth Sha Tin track record with a record-extending 19th successive victory on Monday, 06 April.
Breaking the Sha Tin 1200m mark for the third time with a searing gallop of 1m 07.12s – despite running the first 300m of the race into the teeth of a blustery southerly wind and being eased down late – Ka Ying Rising (128lb) conceded 5lb to six rivals before
sweeping to a four-and-a-quarter length margin over Helios Express (123lb) and Raging Blizzard (123lb).
Continuing an amazing season, Ka Ying Rising followed his record-breaking gallop of 1m 19.36s in the Gr1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 22 February with an equally extraordinary effort, prompting Purton to describe the display as “right up there” with the finest of the five-year-old’s towering performances, as he lauded Ka Ying Rising’s devastating acceleration as his “best” yet.
Zac Purton and champion Ka Ying Rising – too good
Settling second behind Stellar Express (123lb), Ka Ying Rising clocked 21.47s between the 800m and 400m with successive splits of 10.75s and 10.72s before Purton asked the world’s highest-rated horse in 2026 to lengthen stride.
Responding with a scorching 10.45s burst to the 300m, Ka Ying Rising spreadeagled the field to lead by almost 10 lengths before Purton allowed the gelding to cruise to the line over the final 100m, improving his overall record to 20 wins from 22 starts.
“It (the win) is right up there, for sure,” Purton said. “The way the track is today with the strong headwind down the back straight and every horse that’s been uncovered around the circle – he was on the fence, but he had nothing outside him – has just fallen in a hole. That wind has really gassed them,” Purton said.
“So, he had to absorb that, and I suppose a few other horses had to as well, but things were there to try and unsettle him a little bit with the extra weight to carry, as well, coming back in distance but he’s just different.”
Asked if Ka Ying Rising, who first shattered Sacred Kingdom’s longstanding 1200m track record of 1m 07.50s with a gallop of 1m 07.43s and then bettered it again two starts later with a time of 1m 07.20s, could have gone even faster, Purton said: “I wasn’t out there to run time today.
“Of course, Stellar Express ran along and that set it up and I just got my horse into a lovely rhythm, and he let down so beautifully. It’s the best he’s accelerated at the top of the straight, so it was there for him to do it (run even faster), but I wasn’t looking for him to do it.”
Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising’s maturity is a key in his continuing development.
“Just behind the gates and everything he does, he’s taking it in so well, and to saddle him up he’s a quieter horse. He’s just really maturing and it’s been a golden year this year, but I think that he’ll have another one next year,” Hayes said, addressing a defence of the world’s richest sprint The Everest (Gr1, 1200m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia after his 2025 victory.
“I think he’ll be a better horse when he goes down for The Everest,” Hayes said.
“We’ll just keep on doing what we’re doing because it’s working so well. It’s not stressing our horse and we’re hoping to have him for another couple of seasons, especially one more at the top, and he’s nearly two and a half years undefeated.
“Zac’s words, he said, ‘I think he’s getting better’. He just said ‘he loves taking a sit, if they go fast, he’s a better horse. The faster they go, the better he is’, those were his words.”
Unbeaten since February 2024, Ka Ying Rising will attempt to claim a second Hong Kong Speed Series sweep – and bonus of HK$5 million – with victory in the HK$24 million Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin on 26 April.
Mark Newnham extended his lead at the top of the Hong Kong trainers’ championship with a double, giving the Australian horseman 47 wins for the season and a four-victory lead over Caspar Fownes (43).
Newnham struck with Thousand Spirit (134lb) under Lyle Hewitson in the Class 4 Peel Handicap (1200m) before Aerodynamics (129lb) claimed a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million in the Class 3 Homestead Handicap (2000m) for Purton.
Andrea Atzeni continued his great run of form with victory aboard David Hall’s Zouper Fellow (118lb) in the Class 4 Lugard Handicap (1000m) before Douglas Whyte’s Supreme Winner (117lb) landed a solid plunge under Alexis Badel in the Class 5 Severn Handicap (1200m).
Winner of a record 13 Hong Kong Champion Jockey titles, Whyte combined with apprentice Nichola Yuen to snare the Class 3 Bluff Handicap (1000m) with Fast Responder (118lb), who gave Yuen her second Hong Kong success in two meetings.
Jamie Richards-trained Big Return (124lb) provided Badel with a race-to-race double with success in the Class 4 Pollock Handicap
(1600m). Slowly away, the Divine Prophet gelding eventually burst clear after briefly struggling to gain clear running in the straight.
Lucky Man (118lb) claimed the Class 4 Plunkett’s Handicap (1400m) for trainer Jimmy Ting and jockey Harry Bentley as Mighty Masts (132lb) earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million with victory for Chris So and James Orman in the Class 3 Harlech Handicap (1400m).
Brett Crawford’s Mugen (126lb) bounced back to form with a narrow win in the Class 2 Barker Handicap (1400m) under Hugh Bowman. Winner of the Gr3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) in 2024, Mugen had not won in 14 subsequent starts.
Brett Crawford celebrated yet another HK winner on the day
729 DAYS LATER
- LUCKY SWEYNESSE IS BACK!
Rejuvenated miler Lucky Sweynesse (123lb) triumphed for the first time in 729 days on Monday by defying a brave My Wish (123lb) in the HK$5.35 million Gr2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) at Sha Tin for jockey Derek Leung and trainer Manfred Man.
Lucky Sweynesse broke from barrier 10 as Chancheng Glory (123lb) led with Storm Rider (123lb). Positioned behind the pacesetters, Lucky Sweynesse peeled three-wide turning for home, hitting the front at the 250m as My Wish surged late. Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble (128lb) was third, while Galaxy Patch (123lb) found fourth place.
The former Hong Kong Champion Sprinter (2022/23) Lucky Sweynesse – making only his second start over 1600m – was sidelined for more than a year due to a left fore fetlock injury found following his 2024 HK$5.35 million Gr2 Sprint Cup (1200m) win.
Man said: “He makes me feel surprised. When he was young, he was a sprinter, but now as a seven-year-old, he can go to one mile. This horse is very fit, and we are lucky in this race that we had two horses go to the front. He stayed behind the leaders and he ran very comfortably – the horse did very well.”
Lucky Sweynesse’s initial attempt over a mile came in January’s HK$13 million Gr1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) when he was second to 13-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior. Leung has partnered the horse in his past seven races, including his most recent second to Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million Gr1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m).
Leung said: “I’m very happy. I need to thank the owners – Mr Cheng and his family for their support, and also the trainer. The team looks after the horse very well.”
Four-time Group 1 winner Lucky Sweynesse –who clocked 1m 33.65s on the day, a short head in front of race favourite My Wish – next targets the HK$24 million Gr1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), where he could face internationals Jantar Mantar and Docklands.
“Derek Leung’s ridden him a few times – he knows the horse. This time the horse was a 100% fit. In my lifetime, this horse is the perfect one, and we’ll keep his training normal – his age is seven – so I don’t want to push him too
TRAINERS
JOCKEYS
BREEDERS
SIRES
