THE SUN! CHASING
On the cover Adam Azzie is on his way to KZN! He is seen with staunch Azzie Racing team member Answer ‘Simphiwe’ Midiyana, who will be joining him at Summerveld. Read more on page 46. JC Photos took the photograph.
DUBAWI BANDWAGON? WHY AREN’T SA BREEDERS JUMPING ON
The death of Dubai Millennium barely two months into his stallion career was a bitter blow for Sheikh Mohammed, who considered his homebred winner of the 2000 Dubai World Cup as the best horse he had raced.
At the time of his demise, the grandson of Mr Prospector had covered 74 mares, from which 56 foals were born, amongst which the Darley-bred Dubawi.
Out of the Italian Oaks and Guineas winner Zomaradah, he was held in high regard from
the start and proved himself on the track, racking up Gr1 victories in the National Stakes at two, and the Irish 2000 Guineas and Prix Jacques le Marois at three. The colt was earmarked for a tilt at the Breeders Cup Mile, but a hind-leg ligament injury suffered on the gallops prompted his retirement to stud.
His initial fee of R25,000 had increased tenfold by the time he was crowned Champion Sire in 2022, and it would be fair to say that he has single-handedly continued the legacy of his own sire. More important though, he
The one and only active son of Dubawi at stud in SA - Erupt (Dubawi – Mare Nostrum) now stands at Riethuiskraal Stud Credit: Jeremy Nelson
has forged a burgeoning stallion dynasty which is currently riding the crest of a wave in Britain and Europe.
One of his first sons to enter stud was Gr1 2000 Guineas and Lockinge winner Night Of Thunder, who is based in Ireland and to date, has sired 75 individual stakes winners.
Dubawi’s sons look set to become a dominant force in in years to come, which beggars the question as to why South African breeders have yet to jump on the Dubawi bandwagon?
Flower and Ombudsman, who added the Gr1 Juddmonte International Stakes to his earlier victory in the Gr1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes. On the other side of the Atlantic, daughters Choisya and Dynamic Pricing scored at the elite level.
Given his pedigree and ability on the track, it was always going to be a good bet that Dubawi’s French Derby winner New Bay was going to make it as a stallion.
Currently the second leading sire by earnings in Britain and Ireland, he has this year sired English 1000 Guineas victress Desert
He made his own bit of history when he became the first horse to sire the winners
Dubawi - now in the twilight of his career |
Credit: Darley
Space Blues - quickest to sire a Gr1 winner than any other stallion from the Dubawi line | Credit: Darley of the Champion Stakes (Bay Bridge) and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Bayside Boy) on the same afternoon.
Rounding out his trio of elite winners is the admirable filly Saffron Beach, a dual winner of the Prix Rothschild and Sun Chariot Stakes. As recently as this past weekend, his gelded son Claymore claimed the local Gr1 Kincsem Stakes in Hungary.
Dubawi’s champion son Too Darn Hot, who tasted success in all of the Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Prix Jean Prat, likewise has enjoyed an excellent season highlighted by the Gr1 victories of Fallen Angel and Tornado Alert.
The former, a Gr1 winner at two and successful in last year’s Irish 1000 Guineas, claimed the Gr1 Prix Rothschild, while the latter landed the Bayerisches Zuchtrennen. Rounding out Too Darn Hot’s quartet of Gr1 winners in his three crops to race are
Australian champion and multiple Gr1 winner Broadsiding and last year’s Gr1 Futurity Trophy winner Hotazhell.
When the Aga Khan’s outstanding undefeated European Horse of the Year Zarkava was bred to Dubawi, she produced a bay colt, who as Zarak, lived up to his impeccable breeding, winning the Gr1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
It was always a given that he would return to stud and what a success he has turned out to be, his growing tally of stakes winners including last year’s French 2000 Guineas winner Metropolitan and Gr1 winners Haya Zark and Zagrey.
Younger sons of Dubawi who are starting to add to their sire’s growing reputation include Ghaiyyath and Space Blues.
The former received the ultimate accolade as the world’s best racehorse in 2020 and retired to stud a four-times Gr1 winner of
the Juddmonte International Stakes, Eclipse Stakes, Coronation Cup and, Grosser Preis von Baden.
As befits his achievements, he covered a glittering first book of mares and to date, counts amongst his first crop Gr2 Del Mar Derby winner The Padre, Gr3 winner and French 1000 Guineas third Mandanaba as well as the Listed Stakes winners Al Uqda and Opera Ballo, whilst his second crop has already yielded a juvenile stakes winner in My Highness, who landed the Gr2 Prix du Calvados.
Space Blues proved himself to be a sprinter/ miler of the highest class in a career which saw him win the Gr1 Prix la Foret, Prix Maurice de Gheest and the Breeders Cup Mile.
Retired to stud in 2022, he has made a flying start to his stallion career and earned the honour of being the quickest to sire a G1 winner than any other stallion from the Dubawi line, courtesy of juvenile son Power Blue’s triumph in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, in the fastest time for over twenty years.
Clearly, Dubawi’s sons look set to become a dominant force in in years to come, which beggars the question as to why South African breeders have yet to jump on the Dubawi bandwagon.
Erupt is currently his only active son standing in this country and like his sire, is a not overly big, burly bay.
However, what he lacks in inches, he certainly made up for in ability on the racetrack, being a dual Gr1 winner of the Grand Prix de Paris and Canadian International, both over 2400m.
From the sire-producing family of Night Shift, Encosta De Lago, Flying Spur and Holy Roman Emperor, Erupt was a late maturing stayer, yet many of his best progeny tend to show plenty of toe and include the speedy stakes winners Karangetang, Moonlight Trader and Ripple Effect.
Breeders in this country tend to shy away from a small stallion, which may just be the main factor in Erupt’s dwindling popularity in recent seasons, so much so that he covered just a handful of mares last year and has moved from Maine Chance to Dr Altus Joubert’s Riethuiskraal Stud.
However, cold statistics don’t lie and Erupt returned some impressive figures last season, ending amongst the top ten sires by total earnings. Based on stallions with 100 or more runners, his strike rate of 53% winners to runners placed him second behind only former Maine Chance barnmate, the champion Vercingetorix, who led the way with 58%. That’s not too shabby.
Now aged 23, Dubawi is in the twilight of his stallion career, and as the popularity of his sons is sure to increase, the opportunity of acquiring a decent stallion prospect by this Darley supremo are becoming ever slimmer. Let’s hope South African breeders will succeed before the well runs dry!
Greeff (far right)
Credit: Pauline Herman
Multiple East Cape Champion trainer Alan Greeff enjoyed an extraordinary 2024/25 season of feature race success across South Africa and, along with his colleague Gavin Smith, was honoured with a special award at an emotional East Cape Racing Awards held at Fairview on Saturday evening.
The camaraderie and spirit of the competitive, but close-knit, Nelson Mandela Bay Racing family came to the fore as the local stars were acknowledged for a season of some outstanding performances.
Gavin Smith, who was sadly unable to attend for health reasons, was acknowledged for reaching his 3000-winner milestone, and was one of only three trainers to saddle over 100 winners in the region in the 2024/25 term.
But it was the Greeff machine which comprehensively dominated matters on the evening, with six of the champion trainer’s charges winning 7 of the 11 equine trophies.
While he put the cherry on the top with Golden Palm’s runaway victory in the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Stakes on the final major day of last term, Greeff’s away feature successes included the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and the Gr3 SplashOut Good Hope Nursery at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, both won by Direct Hit.
He also enjoyed his first Hollywoodbets Durban July day success when the unbeaten Anotherdanceforme won the SplashOut Gr2 Golden Slipper. Golden Palm’s victory in the Douglas Whyte crowned her Turffontein Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Nursery victory, to bookend a glorious season for Halo Stables.
The Varsfontein Stud-bred Golden Palm was crowned Champion 2yo Filly for owner Peter Moor and the Greeff family, while the yard’s Ascot Stud-bred Master Of My Fate colt King Prawn won the male equivalent.
Varsfontein Stud enjoyed a sparkling evening, also breeding Greeff’s Champion 3yo filly Splicethemainbrace (Master Of My Fate), and Champion 3yo and Horse Of The Year, My Best Shot (Fire Away).
Master Of My Fate is also sire of the Champion Older Filly / Mare, Joy And Peace, who was bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein.
Jacques Strydom celebrated a Champion Older Colt/Gelding and Champion Polytrack Colt/Gelding award for the Flower Alley gelding Firealley, who won the Algoa Cup last term.
Flower Alley was to the fore in the Champion Polytrack Filly category with Zietsman Oosthuizen’s Wicklow Stud-bred mare Kabon Kapi earning the accolade.
Hollywood Racing have climbed the East Cape owners log from a fourth to a third and second last year and walked away with the Champion Owner trophy. The team also received the Champion Sprinter award for Gavin Smith-trained speedball, Cruise Control. Anthony Delpech was on hand to receive the award and delivered an emotional speech as the evening drew to a close.
And a special note of commendation from us for a jockey who has become one of our most polished broadcast personalities. Nadine Low Ah-Kee was a top-class and empathetic MC in tune and in touch with the personalities, and the show. Well done!
Glennifer Greeff and EC Photographer Pauline Herman looked very elegant on the evening | Credit: Pauline Herman
Alan Greeff and Naqeeb Munshi are making a point | Credit: Pauline Herman
Anthony Delpech made an emotional speech on behalf of the Champion Owners, Hollywood Racing | Credit: Pauline Herman
Heather Reddie and Cliffie Miller are two stalwarts of the game | Credit: Pauline Herman
Sandile Khathi was dressed to the nines | Credit: Pauline Herman
Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Gavin Smith made it five straight wins in the non black-type Speedsters Stakes as the Ridgemont-bred Canford Cliffs mare Song Of Myself capitalized on her light weight to register 56,64 secs in the 1000m headliner at Fairview on Friday.
Formerly based with Candice BassRobinson at Milnerton, the speedy mare made it 3 wins from 4 starts in the Eastern Cape as she catapulted clear under a thrilled Yuzae Ramzan to beat the accomplished tote favourite Fairy Knight (who gave her 12kgs!) by 3,50 lengths.
Ramzan, who said his mind was ‘in a good space’ this season, followed up for Gavin Smith in the very next race when Globetronic won at 14-1.
Bred by Ridgemont, the winner races for Hollywood Racing and is a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner Canford Cliffs (Tagula) out of the thrice-winning Poet’s Voice mare, Leaves Of Grass.
Now a winner of 4 races with 2 places from 9 starts and R318 964 in stakes, Song Of Myself has low mileage on the clock and can be followed.
The other successful combination on the afternoon was Zietzman Oosthuizen and Apprentice Girish Dookhit, who marked up a double with Alado’s Pride (20-1) and George Handel (5-1).
Yuzae Ramzan steers Song Of Myself to a smooth win
Credit: Pauline Herman
Thrilled owner Suzette Viljoen with daughter-in-law Roelien Viljoen and young Arthur | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Former SA Champion Owner Suzette Viljoen enjoyed a first winner with trainer Vaughan Marshall at a festive Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday when the Connemara Stud-bred Mighty Mary benefitted from a superb ride by national log-leader, Craig Zackey.
Zackey rode his second winner of the afternoon and earned his commission this time as the 17-10 favourite Mighty Mary was hard-ridden to withstand a flying late dive from Amayah (14-1) by a head.
The 66-1 Nicci’s Law boosted the trifecta, less than a length back in third.
Zackey said that his mount still had a lot to
learn but that she felt ‘like a decent filly’ and should grow in confidence.
Suzette Viljoen, who did the post-race interview with Grandson Arthur in her arms, said that she loves the Mary Hinge (Second Empire) family and seen that Vaughan Marshall was the underbidder, she sent the Querari filly to the Milnerton Maestro.
“My children are not that crazy about horseracing, that’s why I’m focusing on my Grandson, Arthur,” laughed the Hopes And Dreams Stud boss.
Mike Stewart made the long trip from Noordhoek worthwhile when the overdue Demanding Dave (5-2, tote favourite) have
Mike Stewart – happy to get Demanding Dave into the winner’s enclosure | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Zackey his first winner when he won the opener in the fashion of a horse with more in the tank.
The Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud-bred son of Horizon was having his 6th start and was described as ‘too fat’ when beaten 9 lengths at his last start.
“MJ Byleveld came out to The Dunes on Friday morning and rode him in work. He said he’d win,” added the veteran who thanked owners Scott Bell and Dave Curran.
Justin Snaith and newly-crowned East Cape Champion jockey Richard Fourie opened their account in the second when the progressive Klawervlei-bred Pomodoro filly Swiatek (9-4) made it two out of two for favourites and three on the trot for owner Andrew Brand, who bought the ATM for R30 000.
The second race was a 1-2 for Snaith, with stablemate Goodnessgraciousme (9-4)
staying on for second, ahead of Kamchatka. Fourie said the winner enjoyed being ridden relaxed and with confidence.
An Open Maiden Plate was the Pick 6 opener and it was the Ascot Stud-bred Smart Horse (28-10) who led virtually all the way over the mile to score a runaway win from the improved again Fear Of Fire (6-1), who should not be long in shedding his maiden. Louis Mxothwa rode the winner for James Crawford and the Sherrells.
Candice Bass and Gavin Lerena found the winner’s box with popular winner Red Coral who scored and end-to-end win in the fourth race, a Maiden Plate over 1400m. Starting at 15-10, the Narrow Creek Stud-bred daughter of Rafeef beat the fast-finishing Greek Heiress (28-10) who improved smartly on her debut.
Richard Fourie grabbed his second winner of the afternoon when Eric Sands’ Stormwatch
Smart Horse and Louis Mxothwa led virtually all the way | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
(28-10) followed up on her recent maiden victory as she upstaged the luckless 7-10 favourite Wish List, who arrived a stride late in the sixth, a Class 4 (F&M) over 1400m. The winner is a Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred daughter of new SA Champion sire, Vercingetorix (Silvano).
It was an icebreaker in the seventh race, a 2400m Class C, for 4Kg-claimer Sifisokuhle ‘Ncale’ Bungane who rode his first winner of the term, and his career fifth, when the 7yo Twice The Master outstayed his opposition at 7-1. Trainer Vaughan Marshall called for more 2400m races on the programme and congratulated owner, John Kinsley, who also bred the son of Twice Over (Observatory).
The formless Etoilefillante (66-1) led for a long way over a distance which his pedigree suggests should be right up his street.
In the final race of the afternoon, Richard Fourie earned the jockey accolade on the day, booting home his third winner as Greg Ennion’s progressive Pathfork (Distorted Humor) 3yo Sardinia Bay flashed far too much speed for his eight opponents to make it two wins from his four starts.
Bred by the late David Allan, the gelding kicked into another gear after leading the way and beat Rattlesnake (3-1) and the 8yo All About Al (11-2).
“He slid off that false rail and showed guts to put his head down. An interesting little horse,” added Richard Fourie, who sent his Mom a belated birthday wish in the post-race interview.
Richard Fourie – three good winners | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
AND A DROP OF UNTIDY
SIXTH
OF THE CROP
Damyan Pillay kept Forward Motion going to beat the Miller trio | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Promising 4kg claiming Apprentice Damyan Pillay grabbed a double at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday, but his second win in the untidy sixth race cost him a seven-day holiday.
The Sporting Post switchboard lit up after the sixth, as things happened in the final stages and no race review was called.
Some readers even thought that Mathew Thackeray, the rider of the 14-10 favourite Infinity Edge, had ‘tossed’ his whip away.
That turned out to be unfounded as the Stipes confirm (watch the head-on of the replay in slow motion) that he had the crop knocked out of his hand by Apprentice Jacey Botes who was riding his stablemate.
Apprentice Pillay kept the Paul Lafferty charge Forward Motion (2-1) going to beat the Mike Miller trio of Sovereign Grant (7-1), Infinity Edge (14-10) and Magical View (20-1).
Thanks to NHA CEO Vee Moodley, the Sporting Post was able to obtain an early excerpt of the official Stipes report. Real-time information is key and, while we note that the winning rider earned a suspension, his actions were not deemed to have impacted the result.
That fact should have been communicated to the public, after the chaos that ensued behind him created optics of doubt for observers.
This is a summary of what the Stipes reported for race 6:
• MAGICAL VIEW (*J Botes) commenced to over-race at the 800m.
• Leaving the 600m SCHOOL POLICY (S Moodley) was brushed out by
MRSGLITTERSPARKLES (R A Venniker) which rolled out marginally and was corrected.
• SOVEREIGN GRANT (J Jacobs) which showed a tendency to hang out, shifted out away from the crop from the 100m. Jockey J Jacobs appeared before the Board and was instructed to take the necessary measures to keep his mounts straight in races.
• Approaching the 100m SCHOOL POLICY (S Moodley) and SHE’S A MACHINE (C Zackey) came together and brushed.
• Shortly before the finish INFINITY EDGE (M Thackeray) and MAGICAL VIEW (*J Botes) were steadied and carried out when awkwardly placed on the outside of FORWARD MOTION (*D Pillay) which shifted out away from the crop .
• Apprentice D Pillay (FORWARD MOTION) was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7 in that he, as the rider of FORWAD MOTION, failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to the horses INFINITY EDGE (M Thackeray) and MAGICAL VIEW (*J Botes) in the concluding stages.
• Apprentice Pillay signed an admission of guilt and was given a suspension from riding in races for a period of 7 daysl
• Jockey M Thackeray’s (INFINITY EDGE) crop was accidentally struck from his grasp by Apprentice J Botes (MAGICAL VIEW) shortly before the finish.
The high-riding Serino Moodley and Craig Zackey also rode a double on the evening.
CLASSIC POTENTIAL FILLIES TWO PROMISING
An important scientific complimentary tool of the trade for punters and racing enthusiasts, sectional timing data can enhance both the form study and horseracing viewing experience on both KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape race meetings.
In Time Is Money this week, we look at some of the highlights of the Hollywoodbets Durbanville and Hollywoodbets Greyville racemeetings this past weekend.
Hollywoodbets Durbanville 7 September
Track Condition
Going: Good
Penetrometer: 20
Rain: Last 7 days Nil
Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil
False Rail: Original position back straight with 4m spur at 450m
Wind: 19-28km/h Southerly wind
Course Variant: 1,01s fast
Lucky Fish New Fortune Class 4 (f&m) 1400m
Two very promising 3yo fillies met each other in what proved to be the fastest of the four 1400m races on the card, and it was no surprise to see them fight out a very tight finish.
Ocotillo made the running whilst her stable companion STORMWATCH (the winner) raced just two and a quarter lengths away in second. The daughter of Vercingetorix put her head in front going through the 400m and quickly put the odds on favourite WISH LIST (the runner up) under pressure. As with her last outing though, Justin Snaith’s charge ran on stoutly below the distance and with the rest beaten a minimum of six lengths, she only failed to get up by the narrowest of margins.
The stipes reported that Wish List had been troublesome loading, and then hanging in over the final 250m. They also reported that an inquiry is to be opened into jockey Lerena’s use of the crop on Wish List.
Join Race Coast Turf Club Middle Stakes
(f&m) 1400m
A small but useful looking field went to post for the bill topping Middle Stakes over 1400m and here the Pomodoro filly SWIATEK completed a smart hat-trick.
Confidently ridden by Richard Fourie, Justin Snaith’s charge raced fifth of the six in a tightly bunched field for most of the journey. She quickened well early in the straight and after striking the front approaching the 200m marker, she went on to score with some in hand by two and a half. Interestingly, Swiatek was the only Snaith trained runner on the day to be ridden by Richard Fourie.
Two 1000m Races
A very interesting maiden event over 1000m had gotten proceedings underway and here victory went to the form horse DEMANDING DAVE. Allowed to flirt with 6/1 at one point before being heavily supported into 5/2 favourite close to race time, Mike Stewart’s charge was soon positioned close to the speed. He put his head in front at the top of the straight and running on strongly all the way to the wire, he won comfortably by two and three quarters.
One to look out for next time from this race is the third horse home Whirlwind. One of just two fillies in the race, James Crawford’s newcomer was cramped for galloping room at the start and had to be steadied and lost position. She ran on strongly in the straight, and marginally recorded the fastest 400m to finish time in the race. She can only improve.
The Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 4 event was the only other 1000m race on the card and in a time just 1/10th of a second quicker than that of Demanding Dave, we saw a smart performance from the Greg Ennion trained 3yo SARDINIA BAY.
Taken straight to the front by Ricard Fourie (3 winners on the day), the Pathfork gelding led by a length and a half for most of the journey. The fancied Rattlesnake ran on strongly from halfway and did get within three quarters of a length of the winner 150m out. Sardinia Bay found extra when challenged though, and won going away by a length and three quarters.
Quickies
On writing, there was no official times for the Middle Stakes won by Swiatek. I recorded it at 85,14 seconds which makes it the second
fastest of the four 1400m races. However, we could not obtain a 400m to finish time for Swiatek.
Fastest Times:
1000m (2) Sardinia Bay 58,84
1400m (4) Stormwatch 84,91
400-finish Sardinia Bay 22,56
Hollywoodbets Greyville (turf) 5 September
Track Condition
Going: Good
Penetrometer: 22
Rain: Last 7 days Nil
Irrigation: Last 24 hours NilLast 7 days 20mm
False Rail: 2m
Wind: 15-55km\h South Easterly tail wind
Course Variant 0,05s slow
Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 4 –1400m
Five of the nine races at the twilight meeting on Friday were staged over 1400m and in comfortably the fastest of these we saw a smart performance from Peter Muscutt’s only runner on the card GOLDEN RULE (25/2 to 16/1).
Having his first outing for the stable, the son of Canford Cliffs was drawn in the car park at 13. Former champion jockey S’manga Khumalo quickly got him into his stride though, and he was soon positioned close to the speed.
He put his head in front going through the 400m and went on to score with authority by two and a quarter. Thought good enough to contest three features events after winning
his maiden at just the second attempt, Golden Rule had dropped 24 points in the handicap in just three starts prior to this race. One to keep tabs on.
In The Box Seat Podcast Class 4 (f&m) 1000m
Another to follow from this meeting is the 3yo SIESTA SUNSET (4/1 into 33/10). After winning comfortably on debut, Mike Miller’s charge then raced in two feature events before being considered unlucky to go down by a short head last time out. Confidently ridden by Tristan Godden, the Querari filly raced sixth, just three lengths off the pace set by Vision To Achieve. She quickened well when given rein and looking to be a cut above this field, she struck the front 70m from home. Her 400m to finish time was 21,78 seconds which was the fastest for that segment at the meeting.
Bet With The Tote Maiden Plate (f&m) 1800m
The best bet on the card for many was the Mike & Matthew De Kock trained CURIOUS GIRL and she didn’t let down her supporters. A running on third when green over shorter on debut last time out, the daughter of Futura was soon up handy. She struck the front under a determined ride from Craig Zackey at the same time as the running on Intro 150m out, and in what proved to be a real thriller she got the verdict by a neck. Although this was not a fast run race, it was nonetheless run over
two seconds faster than the only other 1800m race on the card, a Class 4 for fillies & mares.
Tote For The Win Progress Plate (f&m) 1400m
The runners in the evening’s feature event, a progress plate over 1400m, had an average merit rating of 90, and here victory went to the 4yo Pathfork filly FORWARD MOTION. In what surprisingly proved to be the slowest of the five 1400m races on the card, Paul Lafferty’s charge made all.
She was allowed to dictate at a sedate pace and wasn’t really asked for an effort until the race developed into a sprint 300m out. She gave a good kick at that point, but then with runners raining down on her below the distance, she only held on by a neck. Apprentice Pillay the rider of Forward Motion was given a 7 day suspension for causing interference to two runners in the concluding stages.
Fastest Times: 1400m (5) Golden Rule
1800m (2) Curious Girl
Drakenstein Stud Farm, in partnership with Snaith Bloodstock, has announced the enhanced ‘Special Live Foal Fee’ terms for the new breeding season, giving breeders greater protection and peace of mind.
Effective immediately, if a mare does not produce a viable foal, the syndicate will refund the Special Live Foal Fee in full.
In addition, they have extended the traditional 48-hour stand-and-nurse window to 60 days post-foaling, providing cover in the unfortunate event of foal mortality within that period.
This guarantee applies to the following stallions: Charles Dickens, Jet Dark, A Case Of You, Oriental Charm, and Sharp Frank.
“It’s an exciting time of year for our stallion roster,” said Jono Snaith.
“The first Charles Dickens foals have arrived and they look the part—racy and athletic, just as you’d expect from a champion. A Case Of You is stamping his stock, while the Sharp Frank foals are flashy with good bone and size. Jet Dark’s first yearlings continue to earn rave reviews, and Oriental Charm has begun his debut covering season like an old pro”.
Key Terms (summary):
• Refund applies to the Special Live Foal Fee
• Extended protection to 60 days postfoaling for foal mortality.
• Standard veterinary, notification, and documentation requirements apply.
• Full conditions available on request from Drakenstein Stud Farm.
A media release published earlier this week states that Drakenstein looks forward to welcoming your mares this season and providing additional assurance as you plan your matings.
Bookings & Enquiries:
Jonathan Snaith - 083 254 6255
Tarryn Putz - 083 787 1982
Media release by Drakenstein Stud Farm on Monday, 08 September 2025.
MALAYSIA BREWER JETS OFF TO
Johannesburg-based Sporting Postsponsored jockey Kaidan Brewer gets a golden opportunity to showcase his talents on the world stage on Sunday after being engaged to ride in the Gr1 Selangor Gold Cup for leading former New Zealand and reigning Malaysian champion trainer, Simon Dunderdale.
In a statement published early on Wednesday morning, the Selangor Turf Club said it was proud to welcome South African jockey Kaidan Brewer to its storied grounds for the upcoming Selangor Gold Cup meeting this Sunday, 14 September.
Brewer’s invitation marks a continued commitment to international collaboration and sporting excellence, as the Club celebrates one of Malaysia’s most prestigious racing fixtures.
Known for his tactical finesse and fearless riding style, Brewer has carved a name for himself across South Africa’s competitive racing circuit. His participation adds a dynamic edge to this year’s Gold Cup, promising thrilling competition and global appeal.
Looking forward to the trip! Kaidan Brewer is off to conquer the world (Pic – JC Photos)
Kaidan Brewer gets his big chance | Credit: JC Photos
Brewer will be partnering with the Simon Dunderdale-trained Valois, representing Buffalo Stable, in the feature race, the Hygain Horse City Gr1 Selangor Gold Cup — a pairing that has already sparked interest among racing enthusiasts.
“We’re delighted to host Kaidan Brewer at the Selangor Turf Club,” said a Club spokesperson. “His presence underscores the international spirit of the Gold Cup and reflects our dedication to showcasing top-tier talent from around the world.”
A delighted Andrew Brewer, his Agent and number 1 fan, confirmed to the Sporting Post that, while Kaidan has ridden winners in Zimbabwe, this will be his first international racemeeting out of Africa, and that he was looking forward to the opportunity to broaden his horizons.
Kaidan has three rides at the Vaal on Thursday and father-and-son are scheduled to fly out of Johannesburg en route to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday evening.
Kaidan will not be the only South African participant in Sunday’s big meeting.
Just two months short of two years after becoming South Africa’s youngest racecaller, Cape-based Devon Pretorius jetted out to join the Selangor Turf Club as a commentator just over a year ago. Devon has proven an asset to the STC and is enjoying his time in South East Asia.
Malaysia’s reigning champion trainer, prominent Selangor Turf Club-based Simon Dunderdale, has made a big impression since arriving in Kuala Lumpur in 2016, immediately making his mark on the Malaysian racing scene.
The commanding premier stable in 2024, Dunderdale trained 73 winners, 26 clear of his nearest rival, at an impressive strike rate of 20.8 per cent. His dominance was further demonstrated by the fact he twice had four winners on a day and also prepared five winners at a Selangor meeting in 2024.
Dunderdale has leveraged his experience working in numerous countries, starting in his native New Zealand before crossing the Tasman to work in Australia in the 1990s.
He subsequently ventured to England, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Macau to further his hands-on knowledge of the racing industry, which led him to taking out his own trainer’s licence in Turkey in the early 2000s.
A chance opportunity prompted Dunderdale to relocate to Kuala Lumpur at the end of 2016 and in the years since he has worked his way up the Malaysian training ranks with a resultsdriven approach. He has prided himself on a high winning strike-rate, achieving the best win percentage in 2022 and 2023, while his Tearra Racing stable has also won a batch of Malaysia’s signature races.
Simon Dunderdale – champion trainer | Credit: STC
KwaZulu-Natal racing will soon welcome a well-known name to the local training ranks when fourth-generation conditioner Adam Azzie packs up the family home and leaves his Randjesfontein base later this month.
Adam is en route to Race Coast’s Summerveld Training Centre, where he will take occupancy of the yard once graced by ‘Uncle’ Joe Joseph of Sentinel fame.
Adam and his accomplished Dad, Mike, now 68, were amongst the 21st century pacesetters in the family stable partnership stakes made popular by, amongst others, the likes of Gavin and sons Gareth and Chesney van Zyl, Michelle Rix and Harold Crawford, Brett and James Crawford, and, more recently, Mike and Mat de Kock.
After the unbundling last season of the Philippi-based Crawford partnership, following Brett’s move to Hong Kong, the Azzie family becomes the next to announce a very amicable parting of the ways.
“I have been with Dad eighteen years now and I could not have asked for a more inspirational and qualified teacher. He always gave me free rein to play to my strengths, but it’s time for me to leave the proverbial nest and go out and build my own brand,” explains the 38 year old former Pretoria Boy’s High School pupil, who adds that he is privileged to have been born into a family steeped in racing.
“With that privilege comes pressure – but it’s positive pressure, a gold standard that we love our horses and people, one can eat off the floor of our stable yard, and we turn our horses out in mint condition, for example” adds Adam as he says he is not going to
become a ‘braai-kicker’ – a reference to SA expats who ‘pack for Perth’ and bad mouth their motherland - when it comes to Gauteng racing.
“Racing up here on the Highveld has plenty to offer and it’s very competitive. Like anywhere on earth, it is not perfect. But when Callie (my wife) and I sat down and weighed up all the pro’s and cons, including our great relationship with our KZN family, the terrific wave of positivity in Race Coast territories, and other opportunities, and the fact that my brothers and sisters are all overseas, we decided, ‘we’re young enough’, let’s do it!’ and we are really excited about the move.”
Adam is married to Callie (nee Miller), whose Dad, Mike, is one of the most experienced trainers at Summerveld.
“I am very close to my in-laws and my brother-in-law Sterling (Miller) is one of my best mates and staunchest supporters, along with top owners like Gaynor Rupert and Laurence Wernars. Our children Boden (4) and Presley (2) will naturally miss their Grandparents, but we are an hour away on Flysafair, and they are looking forward to the adventure!”
Adam will be taking four members of his current team with him and expects to start with a small string, with scope to grow.
“I asked our staff if they’d like to move with me. Four top-notch guys, including Answer ‘Simphiwe’ Midiyana and Isaac Tsotesti are travelling with. I won’t be needing an Assistant immediately. But we have always promoted from within, so when the time comes, that will be an option.”
Callie Azzie with Presley in arms and Boden – all set for KZN!
On the decision of which horses should move and which will stay, Adam says he and Dad are working things out but have left the choices up to their owners.
“The fact that KZN has both turf and polytrack, gives us diverse options. But ultimately the owners will make the call. We may find interprovincial movement back and forth as we find our feet, and get to know individual horse preferences – but that’s a massive plus in itself.”
Adam, who saddled Bohica to win the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship in 2022, had originally considered taking his chances in the Cape, but he feels that as much as the family enjoy the beautiful Mother City, KZN offers them a better option.
His first Grade 1 winner came in KZN via that good sort Will Pays who won the Mercury Sprint in 2018.
The Azzie dynasty dates back over a century. Adam’s great grandfather George Azzie was born in East London in 1903 and was granted a trainer’s licence at the youthful age of 19. His first runner – a pony named Jack Spratt, purchased from a local trainer for the princely sum of £25 – came home victorious at a meeting of the Pretoria Pony and Galloway Club on 20 September 1922. It marked the first victory in a career that would span over half a century and more than 2000 career victories, as well as laying the foundation of a South African training dynasty.
George purchased two horses from the estate of the late Henry Nourse for, in those days, unheard-of sums. One, a horse named Distant Call which cost £3,000, became his first big winner. From then on the best horses and the top races were his aim – and his list
of big race successes began to lengthen. Originally based at Turffontein, the purchase of Fred Rickaby’s Wood Ditton Lodge in Newmarket proved a game changer. With a string of high-profile clients including the likes of Denis and Peggy Mosenthal, and the first of his three July Handicap winners in Preto’s Crown in 1955 the fortunes of the Azzie yard were on the ascent. However, things hit the stratosphere with the arrival of Charles W. Engelhard.
With horses such as Preto’s Crown, Numeral, Riboville, White Foam, Caradoc, Pedlar, Hifrac, Radlington, Highland Chief, Kraken and Restore, the Azzie name is firmly on the honour rolls of almost every single feature race on the South African calendar, but is perhaps best associated with Hawaii and the late, great Elevation, who won three consecutive runnings of the Holiday Inns.
George’s son, Herb Azzie, was the yard’s stalwart assistant and he took over the reins in the early 1970’s. Sadly it was shortlived. Herb died of a sudden heart attack on the gallops on the morning of 27 October
1981, just six weeks after George’s passing in that August.
Showing the resolve that has kept the family at the top of their profession for so long, Mike Azzie took out his trainer’s licence in October 1981 and, following George’s example, ensured that his first runner was a winner –Driftwood stormed home by 3,5 lengths at Benoni Turf Club, on 31 October 1981.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and Adam is packing his suitcase for Durban. “These are exciting times. The great thing about being a relative youngster in the ranks
is that we can lean on the experience and input of seasoned men like Mike de Kock and Mike Miller, while carrying the Azzie name with pride, and always remaining true to myself as we grow our KZN string.”
Adam expects to have his first runners step out in KZN in early October and can be contacted via email at adam@azzieracing.co.za or callie.azzieracing@gmail.com or alternatively via mobile/whatsapp –082 940 5381.
All headed for KZN! The Azzie family lead in Sterling Miller’s Claw, accompanied by Answer Simphiwe Midiyana and Isaac Tsotesti | Credit: JC Photos
AND PICK 6 PLAYER’S HEARTS JODHEE BREAKS ICE
Mauritius-born SA Jockey Academy apprentice Varun Jodhee celebrated his first career winner at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Tuesday, timing his run to perfection on the 5yo maiden Typically French to cause a 25-1 upset in the Pick 6 opener.
A former jockey, Indigo-sponsored Milnerton trainer Paul Reeves has given many youngsters their first victory chances and he placed plenty of faith in the relatively inexperienced Jodhee from the awkward 11 draw over the Country Course 1250m. But the Indian Ocean Islander rode a cracker, producing the handsome, albeit well-tried
A delighted Varun Jodhee gives the thumbs-up | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
chestnut, with a flying effort up the outside to nab Muzi Yeni on the Snaith first-timer Primal Instinct (15-2) on the line to win in a time of 75,47 secs.
It was so close that racecaller Brandon Bailey leaned towards the hard ridden first-timer down the inside. But the Judge had the final say and the nett Pick 6 pool of R646 112 had only 42 811,47 live tickets in the mix, with the minimum dividend showing at R15,10.
The well-related Avontuur-bred winner had never run a place prior to Tuesday, but has been close enough to the action to prompt staunch owner Andy Elton, who stepped off a plane just 24 hours earlier after a six month absence, to stick it out.
A recent addition to the Cape Town satellite of the academy alongside Champion Brevan Plaatjies and Sfisokuhle Bungane, Varun was
a late starter at 22 and had 23 rides for 5 places prior to Tuesday’s milestone.
He is on record as being appreciative of the guidance and assistance of the likes of Michelle Rix, Piet Botha and Karl Neisius.
On Monday much-loved Champion Sire
Fastnet Rock was humanely euthanized at Coolmore Australia, his place of birth and home for the past 20 years.
In that time, Fastnet Rock forged a legacy that will see him recognized as one of the greatest stallions Australia has ever produced.
“This is such a sad day for everyone who
has worked at Coolmore and played a part in Fastnet’s life. Our thoughts today are with all the staff who cared for him over the past 24 years,” said Tom Magnier.
“He was born and prepared as a yearling here at Coolmore and raced in the navy silks for Paul Perry and our ownership partners. Residing in the stallion barn for 20 years,
FASTNET ROCK VALE
he was the kindest and smartest horse you would ever meet and I’m so glad that we got to parade him one last time at the open day two weeks ago, where he looked incredible. Sadly, he suffered an injury over the weekend, which deteriorated rapidly and we did not want him to suffer. Coolmore Australia would not be what it is today without Fastnet Rock and we owe him so much”
His legacy is woven into the fabric of racing and breeding, an enduring testament to a once-in-a-lifetime horse.
Fastnet Rock’s total number of individual Stakes winners stands at 197, including Atlantic Jewel and arguably his greatest ever performer Via Sistina, still flying the flag for him.
Crowned Champion Broodmare Sire for the past two seasons, his legacy will live on through his daughters who have already produced a phenomenal 150 Stakes winners, as well as his sire sons such as Acrobat.
He has had 16 Group 1 winners in that damsire role among 150 stakes winners, including multiple Group 1 winners Santa Ana Lane, Zougotcha, Joliestar, Warm Heart and Russian Emperor.
The best of his sons at stud has been Foxwedge, with 26 stakes winners and five Group 1 winners, Hinchinbrook, (22 and four), Smart Missile (27 and two) and El Roca (11 and two).
Bred by Linley Investments among others, Fastnet Rock was passed in as a yearling and raced for a syndicate of Coolmore owners out of Perry’s Newcastle stable.
While placed multiple times as a two-yearold, including a third in the Sires’ Produce,
he wouldn’t break his maiden until he impressively won the Group 2 Up and Coming Stakes as an early three-year-old.
He won back-to-back stakes races over the Flemington carnival later that spring and then returned in the autumn to stamp himself as Australia’s champion sprinter of that year, winning both the Lightning Stakes and the Oakleigh Plate before running second in the Newmarket Handicap and the TJ Smith Stakes.
He was set for a Royal Ascot campaign, but a bout of travel sickness ruined those plans and he was immediately retired to stud.
Fastnet Rock would prove an extraordinarily adaptable shuttle stallion, with 55 stakes winners foaled in the northern hemisphere, second only behind Exceed And Excel with 98, of all Australian-bred stallions.
But his best crops came from Australia, with 142 stakes winners from 1578 runners being foaled in the southern hemisphere.
Fastnet Rock has the same number of Group 1 winners as Kiwi-bred Zabeel did at the time of his death in 2015. Zabeel ended up with 46 at the highest level.
The progeny of Fastnet Rock have also proved remarkably successful in the sales ring, with 34 $1 million-plus yearling lots in Australia, including a top price of $4 million.
LERENA APPEAL DENIED WHIPGATE
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on Monday, 18 August 2025.
Background:
At an Inquiry held in Johannesburg, which began on 21 February 2025 and culminated on 31 March 2025, Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with the following contraventions:
Jockey Gavin Lerena was suspended from riding in races for a period of ninety (90) days of which sixty (60) days is wholly suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of these Rules for a period of two years.
Lerena was fined the amount of R200 000 of which R100 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.26 for a period of two years.
1.Rule 62.2.2 read with Rules 62.2.3 and 72.1.25
In that he rode GIMME A STORM in an unprofessional manner by changing his riding style by stopping riding, standing up in the stirrup irons and striking Jockey Jason Gates across his back with his crop on at least two occasions in the running.
Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of guilty to contraventions of Rules 62.2.2 and 72.1.25 and not guilty to a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.
2. Rule 72.1.26
In that, as the rider of GIMME A STORM, he behaved and conducted himself in a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horseracing, or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NHA or relevant Racing Operator.
Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of Rule 72.1.26.
The Inquiry Board found Jockey Gavin Lerena guilty of the charges incorporating the contraventions and imposed the following penalties:
Jockey Lerena was given the right to appeal the finding and the penalty imposed, which he exercised.
Appeal Board Ruling:
The Appeal Board issued the following order:
1.The appeal is dismissed and the decision of the Inquiry Board is upheld.
2.The appellant (Jockey Gavin Lerena) is ordered to pay the costs of the Appeal Board which convened on 18 August 2025.
3.Jockey Lerena’s appeal fee is forfeited.
Gavin Lerena’s suspension will run from 12 September to 11 October 2025 (both days inclusive).
Media release by NHA on 8 September 2025.
APPEAL DISMISSED VAN NIEKERK
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that an Appeal by jockey Grant van Niekerk was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on Thursday, 14 August 2025.
Background:
At an Inquiry held in Johannesburg on Friday, 4 July 2025, Jockey G van Niekerk was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.26.
The particulars being that Jockey van Niekerk behaved or conducted himself in such a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horse racing or which does, or might bring into
disrepute. the good name of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY, a RACING OPERATOR, any training establishment, the ACADEMY, the STEWARDS or members of any committee of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or any INQUIRY BOARD, APPEAL BOARD, INQUIRY REVIEW BOARD, the LICENSING BOARD, any OBJECTION BOARD or any RACING OPERATOR or any official of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or RACING OPERATOR.
The charge originated from comments made by Jockey van Niekerk during a post-race interview following the running of Race 2 at Hollywoodbets
Grant van Niekerk – faces fine and costs | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Durbanville Racecourse on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.
Jockey van Niekerk pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge.
After considering the nature of the offence, the rule violation, Jockey van Niekerk’s personal circumstances, and the interests of the racing community, the Inquiry Board ruled as follows:
A 90-day suspension from race riding, of which 60 days are suspended for three years, subject to the following conditions:
1.1 Public Apology: Jockey van Niekerk must issue a public apology to the NHA via the media within ten days of this ruling.
1.2 Jockey van Niekerk must not be convicted of Rule 72.1.26 during the three-year suspension period.
1.3 The nine days suspension already served will be taken into account in determining the dates of the remainder of the 30 days’ suspension. Accordingly, the 30-day suspension could be served from 27 March 2025 to 26 April 2025, subject to his right of appeal.
A fine of R100 000 was also imposed, of which R75 000 was suspended for three years, on condition that Jockey van Niekerk is not convicted of another Rule 72.1.26 violation during this period.
Jockey van Niekerk was given the right to appeal the finding and the penalty imposed, which he exercised.
Appeal Board Ruling:
The Appeal Board issued the following order:
The appeal is dismissed and the decision of the Inquiry Board is confirmed.
The appellant (Jockey G van Niekerk) is ordered to pay an amount limited to R50 000 towards the NHA’s legal costs of the day.
The appellant (Jockey G van Niekerk) is further ordered to pay the costs of the Appeal Board which convened on 14 August 2025.
Jockey van Niekerk’s appeal fee is forfeited.
For the sake of clarity, the NHA wishes to indicate that the Inquiry Board considered the possibility that 9 days of the 30-day suspension was already served by Jockey van Niekerk but made it clear that it was subject to Jockey van Niekerk indicating in the Inquiry that he does not intend to appeal, in which case the suspension does not come into effect.
Jockey van Niekerk failed to make such indication therefore the 30-day suspension period must be served. Suspension dates are 10 September – 9 October 2025 (both days inclusive)
Further, as per the Inquiry Board ruling, which was upheld in this instance, the reduction of the 90-day suspension to 30 days is contingent on several factors, including that Jockey van Niekerk must issue a public apology to the NHA via the media within ten days of this ruling (by 15 September 2025).
Failure to do so will trigger the full 90-day suspension being enforced after ten days of this ruling.
Media release by NHA on Friday 5 September 2025
Nico Kritsiotis (rear) with Dubai commentator, Pat Comerford & Naqeeb Munshi | Credit: JC Photos
4Racing’s 2025 Spring/Summer Season is officially underway, launched by last weekend’s Listed Betway Spring Spree Stakes.
From here the action only builds, with a strong line-up of feature events ahead, among them the Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge, the Mike de Kock Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge, the Betway Gr3 Victory Moon Handicap, and the Allied Steelrode Gr2 Onamission Charity Mile — all setting the stage for the season’s showpiece, the R6-million Betway Gr1 Summer Cup on 29 November, Africa’s richest race.
Racing Today’s daily and weekly shows will continue to keep fans both informed and
entertained. Popular programmes such as Track Talk, Weighted to Win and Racing Today’s talk shows will all be streamed on www.racingtoday.co.za .
Overseeing it is Stephen Watson, Head of Content at 4Racing, who guides the team of presenters bringing the colourful Highveld summer buzz into viewers’ living rooms.
Nico Kritsiotis started presenting racing on TV at Clairwood Park in 1991 when he was asked to host out of province racing on Clairwood Park racedays.
He was then hired as a studio presenter at IGN in 1996 and started commentating regularly in Gauteng and Bloemfontein in the early 2000s.
Neil Andrews poses with Serino Moodley | Credit: JC Photos
He has not lost his enduring passion for studying form and presenting and deputises whenever he is called upon to do so.
He has a great relationship with all the owners, trainers and jockeys and is at home whether it be in his happy place, the commentary box, or presenting with his fellow colleagues which he has forged great relationships with.
With rock-steady Nico Kritsiotis and emerging voice Naqeeb Munshi in the commentary box, the on-course presenting team is boosted this season by the accomplished Neil Andrews.
While his appearances will be limited to major feature days and occasional stand-in roles, Andrews brings broadcast finesse, blending professionalism with sharp wit and his oftenunconventional approach to structuring winning bets.
Andrews will also be making a welcome
return to the anchor chair of the Champions League on SuperSport, while sharing his football insights on Racing Today’s Play of the Day, helping football fanatics in their quest to win the innovative soccer bets on offer at tab. co.za.
He said: “I love football but racing still has a charm of its own. I thoroughly enjoy days out at the track. Racing is always full of colourful characters, and getting up close to some wonderful horseflesh is a pleasure I like to indulge in.”
The towering figure of Lyall Cooper was notably absent from 4Racing TV when he was bedridden with cancer a few years ago. But he fought his way back to health and has since returned to doing what he loves.
Now the senior presenter on the team, Lyall is in his 14th year as an on-course and occasional studio host. He speaks with deep love and gratitude of the racing industry,
Shalandra Bunseelal has been a valuable addition to the team and has an eye for outsiders! | Credit: JC Photos
crediting his passion for horses and racing as a driving force in his recovery. Today, he relishes every moment in front of the camera.
As a boy, Lyall had two dreams: to become a professional golfer and to work in the racing industry. He has lived the first and is now living the second. A gifted golfer, he turned professional straight out of school and excelled on the PGA Club Tour, capturing five tournament victories.
His career then took him into leadership roles — first as Director of Golf at Parkview Golf Club, and later for 15 years at the prestigious Johannesburg Country Club. There, he became a sought-after teacher and earned recognition as one of South Africa’s finest trick-shot players, a unique talent that saw him travel the world as a guest performer at high-profile golf days.
In 2012, a chance meeting with a Phumelela racing executive prompted Lyall to put his name forward for a possible role in racing. He had almost forgotten about the encounter when, two years later, he was invited to a studio audition. His knowledge and natural presence so impressed the old Tellytrack team that he was promptly hired, the start of his second career.
“I’d come to the end of the road in golf, and racing’s door opening was a true blessing. I live to go to the track and share my knowledge, and I am awestruck by horses, whether they are Maidens or Grade 1 performers,” he reflected.
Beyond his expertise on South African form, Lyall is an avid follower of UK racing, which he feels offers clearer opportunities to identify potential winners. He also relishes live studio
work, where his enthusiasm and insight have proven invaluable to punters.
Lyall said that he especially likes working on course with Shalandra Bunseelal, 4Racing’s energetic newcomer with the clear, recognisable voice.
Shalandra had a working stint with Tellytrack between 2005 and 2007, and returned to the fray in 2023.
Durban-born, a young Shalandra shared his love of horseracing with his grandfather, an active punter. He said: “I moved to Johannesburg in 1997 to pursue my interests in all things Indian. I love and appreciate the Indian community and I started writing Bollywood movie columns for The Star and Sunday Times.”
Shalandra has hosted the breakfast show on a community station in Lenasia for the last 25 years, and his prominence in Indian media circles was rewarded when he was offered the job of producing a lifestyle show for Saffron TV on the DSTV bouquet, in the mid-2000s.
He also accepts regular invites to the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), which allows him to travel the world to attend this annual red-carpet event.
Contrary to the playful chirps of some punters, Shalandra doesn’t tip horses simply because they are trained by Indian trainers or carry Indian names. He is a serious student of form, combining his knowledge with a sharp eye on the track and a habit of studying race replays closely.
“I find some of the Indian names quite intriguing. I tipped Diwali Rocket at 25-1
to win a handicap at Turffontein last year, but that had everything to with his looks and the way I saw him run his previous races.”
Known for fearlessly tipping outsiders at any price, Shalandra has built an impressive list of successes with longshots. As recently as last Saturday, he advised punters to back Laughing William at 16-1 at Turffontein, a sixyear-old overlooked by most.
“I studied his replays and felt he’d do well over 1450m. He’d shown a liking for the course and distance, and he displayed good pace over a mile in his recent runs. I believe you have to have the courage to tip what you truly fancy, what your heart and gut tell you. Anybody can tip favourites, and
statistically they get beaten more often than they win. I prefer to identify value and share those insights with punters, always with confidence.”
Read the full story online, click on the image below:
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A STAKES WINNER! DR ANDREAS JACOBS’ GOSTAM
German-based juvenile Gostam became a stakes winner in just his second start with a smashing victory in the Gr3 ZukunftsRennen at Baden Baden on Wednesday.
The Andreas Wöhler-trained colt took the 1400m race by the scruff of the neck and was never headed to stroll home by two lengths, thereby claiming the most important juvenile event on the German racing calendar.
More importantly, he was bred by Maine Chance sister-farm Gestüt Fährhof and is by Coolmore’s Saxon Warrior out of the stakes winning Oasis Dream mare Goiania.
Maine Chance principal Dr Andreas Jacobs was on course and was delighted with the colt’s performance. Speaking from the BBAG Sales complex, where Gostam was sold for €58,000 at last year’s September Yearling Sale , he remarked: “I have hardly ever seen such an impressive two-year-old, despite being still a baby. He was amazing!”
Maine Chance also benefited from the colt’s effort, as its broodmare band includes the German import Granja, who is an own sister to his dam Goiania.
After scoring once in Germany, she was sent to South Africa in foal to leading German sire
Impressive Gostam wins under under Eduardo Pedroza | Credit: Supplied
Areion, the resultant foal being the winner Gregarious Gal. Next came the Silvano filly Grandiosa, who has won four races to date in the Maine Chance silks.
Granja has since produced three colts by champion Vercingetorix; the winner Gran Canaria, newly turned juvenile Gentian, now in training with the Snaiths, and the yearling Granzin. She has no foal this year but is set to visit One World.
As for Gostam, he made a winning debut in July and is now unbeaten in two starts. The colt already has classic aspirations, with his connections mentioning next year’s Gr1 Deutsches Derby as a likely goal.
GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT DAUGHTER GUTSY SHOWING BY
The South African-bred star Gimme A Nother scored a smart win to give trainer Graham Motion a maiden success in the 68th renewal of the Gr2 John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar on Saturday.
The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight was well-positioned throughout by leading rider Juan Hernandez, then fired in the straight to come away a length and a quarter winner in the 1800m turf test.
The Jell family-owned galloper banked $150 000 of the gross purse of $252 000 to increase her career earnings to $425,773,
with her eighth win in her 12th start. Final time for the race was 1:48.55.
Jockey Juan Hernandez said: “She (assistant Clapham) told me she’s a really nice filly. She told me she can run from behind the pace; you can do whatever you want with her. Around the turn she was getting out a little bit and the #4 (favorite Medoro) horse was getting a little close to me. So, I was just trying to get in a good position and save ground. As soon as the horse ahead of me stepped out a little bit, around the quarter pole, that’s when she took off.”
Alice Clapham, assistant to Graham Motion (Gimme a Nother, winner) – “Juan Hernandez had a plan and we said if somebody wants to go just let them and just let her sit in there. She’s very straight forward and easy to ride and he did a great job. When he asked her, and she got with the other one and changed leads I thought ‘Now she’s got ‘em.’”
The stakes win was the 10th of the meeting for rider Hernandez and his second (Avenue de France, 2022) in the Mabee. He now has 62 stakes wins at Del Mar.
The stakes win the second of the meet for trainer Motion, but his first in the Mabee. He now has 12 stakes wins at Del Mar.
The winning owner is Newstead Stables of Steve and Jessica Jell of Lewisville, PA.
The, who is out of the Tiger Ridge champion Nother Russia (SAF), was an undefeated multiple Group 1 winner here before
joining Herringswell at Palm Meadows last December.
She made her North American debut on March 8 in the Gr2 Hillsborough Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, finishing second. She duplicated that effort at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Oaks undercard on May 2 in the Gr3 Modesty Stakes behind She Feels Pretty.
Her only sub-par performance came at Saratoga in the Gr1 New York Stakes on June 6; she was 7th in the race again won by She Feels Pretty. Gimme a Nother rebounded at Woodbine on July 20 in the Gr2 Canadian Stakes when beaten only a head by Ready For Shirl.
Mauritzfontein’s wonderful Tiger Ridge mare Nother Russia produced a winner on two continents on Saturday, 6 September.
At Turffontein, Special Star (Danon Platina), broke her Maiden with a 2,40-length win.
A few hours later former Equus Champion
Three-Year-Old Gimme A Nother (by Gimmethegreenlight and now five, and trained in the USA by Graham Motion), posted a stunning 1,25-length breakthrough win in her adopted country, taking the $252 000 Gr2
John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar.
Both were bred by the Wilgerbosdrift/ Mauritzfontein partnership of Mary Slack and Jessica Jell.
Bloodhorse reported: “The talented mare was a work in progress, and with each start, gave Motion every indication she was capable of taking her picture at the graded stakes level. Three times runner-up in graded stakes, including once to division leader She Feels Pretty and second by a head in the Woodbine’s Canadian Stakes (G2T) last time
Jessica Jell visited
JESSICA JELL
out, the Motion trainee clinched an elusive North American win Saturday.
Owned by Jessica and Steven Jell’s Newstead Stables, the ultra-consistent Gimme A Nother notched her eighth win in 12 trips to the post.
Mike de Kock commented on www.dekockracing.com : “How wonderful for Jessica and Steven and their family to enjoy this success. It was only a matter of time before Gimme A Nother got her first Group win and I hope there will be more.
Well done to Graham Motion for training her. This once again shows that the best SA-breds can compete at the highest levels abroad.”
Special Star won a good race against older fillies, a promising performance at the weight for age scale. She races in Mary Slack’s silks.
How we reported on Gimme A Nother’s win.
ACKERMAN
GOES
Prominent owner Willem Ackerman, who has high hopes for his part-owned colt The Equator (IRE) in the upcoming Highveld Summer Season, has extended his international racing interests with an export to France.
Ackerman and Advocate Nigel Riley just recently shipped an unraced gelding named Tossed Salad to Holland en route to France, where he will be joining leading jumps trainer Louisa Carberry at her base at Senonnes.
Tossed Salad (Wings Of Desire) got his name from the theme song of the hit TV series, ‘Frasier’. Heversham’s Kat Riley wanted to name the bay gelding ‘Frasier’ because, like the TV character, he is quite an imposing chap, somewhat aloof and with an attitude. When ‘Frasier’ was not available, ‘Tossed Salad’ was the suitable next choice.
Carberry already has her own slice of Grand Steeple history as its most successful female trainer, having won it twice with Docteur de Ballon in 2020 and 2021, and again last year with Gran Diose.
Ackerman, Riley and Paul Peter attended last year’s Tattersalls Sale at Newmarket and returned with The Equator and another feature race and breeding prospect, His Majesty (IRE) who has joined Vaughan Marshall at Milnerton.
Riley said: “Willem has been inspirational. He and I also went to Cheltenham and Aintree last year and we decided to experiment with a jumper as we had such a great experience. We had this colt by Wings Of Desire at Heversham Farm who fitted all of the criteria for a National Hunt horse so we decided to venture jointly into the jumps.”
Tossed Salad appears to be the first SA-bred to be specifically targeted at jumps racing as a first career.
The shippers have been battling to fill flights to Europe with thoroughbreds for flat racing. Ackerman and Riley believe that this export may open up new markets for locally breds in due course.
Riley exported Solskjaer to Ireland a few years ago after he bought him at a dispersal in South Africa for just R5,000. He went on to sire champion jumper and Grade 1 winner, Found A Fifty.
GRANDSONS IMPRESS TRIPPI
The increasingly successful Not This Time (Giant’s Causeway), who was produced by a daughter of former South African Champion Sire Trippi, marked an eighth Gr1 winner on Saturday.
Not This Time, whose dam is the top-class producer Miss Macy Sue, celebrated his latest Gr1 winner when his son Troubleshooting won the Ainsworth Franklin-Simpson Stakes at Kentucky Downs.
Troubleshooting, who is out of the Into Mischief mare Into Trouble, is the ninth
graded stakes winner this year for his sire. He joins Giocoso (Gr2 Secretariat Stakes), Magnitute (Gr2 Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes), Final Score (Gr3 With Anticipation Stakes), Disco Time (Gr3 Lecomte Stakes), Dazzling Move (Gr2 Royal Delta Stakes), Final Gambit (Gr3 Jeff Ruby Steaks), Dream On (Gr3 Penn Mile Stakes), and Swift Delivery (Gr3 Seagram Cup Stakes) as graded stakes winners for Not This Time in 2025.
At the time of writing, Not This Time ranked third on the US General Sires list, with his
Troubleshooting wins the Ainsworth Franklin-Simpson Stakes at Kentucky Downs on Saturday Credit: Kentucky Downs Racecourse
progeny having earned in excess of $12.299 million in 2025. Overall, Not This Time sired runners have already amassed more than$ 86 million in prize money.
Now responsible for 28 group/graded stakes winners, and 55 stakes winners in total, Not This Time is having another red-letter spell in 2025.
The stallion, whose stud fee in 2025 was $175 000, looks set to reach even greater heights this year, being responsible for a number of very promising two-year-olds. His stakes winning two-year-olds Final Score and Time To Dream aside, Not This Time’s current two-year-olds include TDN ‘Rising Stars’ It’s Our Time and Cy Fair.
In total, Not This Time has been responsible for six TDN Rising Stars this year thus far, suggesting his results are only going to get better still.
Another notable feature of Not This Time’s success is his versatility as a sire.
He has sired Gr1 winning sprinters on both dirt and turf, and champions (Epicenter, Up To The Mark) on both dirt and turf.
With a growing number of sire sons at stud, including the likes of Cogburn, Epicenter and Up To The Mark, he looks sure to further cement his legacy as a superb stallion.
Not This Time, however, is not the only son of Miss Macy Sue to make his mark. His dual Gr1 winning half-brother Liam’s Map (Unbridled’s Song) is the sire of Beau Liam, currently the fifth Leading First Season Sire in North America.
At the time of writing, Beau Liam has been responsible for seven first crop winners, including two black type winners. Winner of three of just four starts, Beau Liam, incidentally, hails from the same female line as multiple champion South African sire, Silvano.
His sire Liam’s Map has been responsible for four black-type winners this year, including Gr1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes/Gr3 Holy Bull Stakes winner Burnham Square and Gr1 Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes/Gr1 FanDuel Fourstardave Stakes.
Not This Time and Liam’s Map are currently second and fifth on North America’s Leading Turf Sires premiership.
TURNS ON JETS SNITZEL SPEEDSTER
Baraqiel overcame traffic to continue his march toward the elite level of Australia’s sprinters with a barnstorming win in Saturday’s Gr1 AJ Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley.
Despite suffering interference on the turn and in the early stages of the short straight, the outstanding son of Snitzel produced a paralysing burst to get a late split and win emphatically.
Sent out a A$6 chance with bookmakers, Baraqiel finished too strongly for New Zealand mare Alabama Lass (A$6.50), while another classy mare Arabian Summer (A$16) was a breath away in third place.
Baraqiel is trained by the father and son team of Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkins and for Troy it provided the most amazing of thrills.
“100 per cent,” when asked if it was a career highlight. “It’s amazing, and to do it with him. It’s very special.”
Baraqiel has had his share of injury issues during his short racetrack career and that adds more satisfaction to today’s elite victory.
“I think about it every day. With him, he’s so fragile. You never know when it’s coming. You know it’s going to come and you hope you
Ben Allen steers Baraqiel to victory | Credit: Magic Millions
can hold him together for as long as we can. He loves it here.”
Corstens’ co-trainer Will Larkin was also beaming from the winners stall after the win of the A$150,000 yearling purchase.
“So much hard work goes into it,” Larkin said. “The whole team at home, we’re pretty much patching him up every day at home. You get to this point and it’s quite emotional.”
“I was very nervous at the top of the straight. I thought we were going to go to the line untested. His turn of foot is just so brilliant. He’s such a good horse and what he can do when he’s got clear air, is unbelievable.”
“It’s been massive, right from when I started with Leon and Troy we’ve been patching him together. We’ve had so many setbacks. You have to think on your feet all the time and not overwork them and use the time to get them up to speed.”
“We had a bit of a rope around us at the start of the preparation when we wanted to kick him off at Caulfield, but he was scratched there, but it’s come to the fore. It’s huge for the team to get him through that and get him to this level.”
The win was the third at the elite level for talented rider and accomplished DJ Ben Allen.
“It’s unbelievable to get it for these owners and the Malua Racing team. What a story, what a horse.”
“The amount of setbacks and how patient and persistent they’ve had to be with him, it’s unbelievable.”
Allen said there were plenty of anxious
moments during the race – but he gained confidence knowing how much talent was underneath him.
“I wasn’t laughing in the run, I was absolutely cursing (thinking), ‘I hate friggin’ races at The Valley in Group Ones, it’s so difficult’, but I was lucky I had the right horse. He’s just got that dog in him.”
“It’s unbelievable,” Allen said. “I always said the last one Group 1 was better than the first one and this is better than the last one. You never know when they’re going to come. They’re so hard to come by.”
Baraqiel was purchased by the Bennett Racing team and Julian Blaxland for A$150,000 from the draft of Arrowfield Stud and he boasts the record of eight wins from just 12 starts. His earnings have shot to over A$1.1 million.
By the champion former Arrowfield Stud sire Snitzel, Baraqiel is from Angel of Mercy, a Group Three winning daughter of Hussonet.
He is therefore a half-brother to Group One Australian Oaks winner Autumn Angel.
Winner: Baraqiel
Breeding: Snitzel-Angel of Mercy (Hussonet)
Race: MVRC AJ Moir Stakes Gr1 (1000m)
Sold for: A$150,000
Sale: 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Earnings: A$1,128,025
Breeder: Arrowfield Group Pty Ltd, Jungle Pocket Pty Ltd
Vendor: Arrowfield Stud
Buyer: Bennett Racing, Freedman Racing & Blue Sky Bloodstock
Owners: NP Bennett, J Falcke, W Freeman, A Patten, S McKenna, A Stanley, Bennett Angel Of Mercy (Mgr: N Bennett), Against the Bias (Mgr: D Slattery), Trowel (Mgr: J Wicks), Brat Racing (Mgr: B Porters), Bakerland (Mgr: A Downard), Barwon Boys (Mgr: W Handley), D K M Alliance (Mgr: A Debeen) & Mad Mates
Trainers: Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin
MCDONALD RIDES CHAMPION MARE
ON SATURDAY
James McDonald – outing at Flemington
James McDonald will make his first Flemington appearance of the season on Saturday when he partners champion mare Via Sistina in the Gr1 Makybe Diva Stakes.
The star jockey has ridden 17 of his 120 Group 1 winners at Flemington, including four during last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival where he set a record with 11 victories across the four days.
His return comes with one of the headline acts of Australian racing as Chris Waller confirmed Via Sistina will line up in the Makybe Diva instead of waiting for the 7 Stakes in Sydney, a decision prompted by stablemate Treasurethe Moment’s withdrawal.
McDonald last rode at Flemington on Black Caviar Lightning day in February and was originally booked for Aeliana, but will now stick with Via Sistina, who he has partnered to seven of her nine Australian Group 1 victories, including last year’s Turnbull Stakes, Cox Plate and Champions Stakes.
The pair reunited in the Winx Stakes last month where Via Sistina prevailed in heavy conditions, and McDonald is upbeat about her chances again. “She was exceptional first-up and she has come up really well this spring. She should be hard to beat. I’d be disappointed if she doesn’t fight out the finish,” McDonald said.
Via Sistina was an odds-on favourite in early betting markets for Saturday’s feature, despite finishing unplaced in the Makybe Diva last year on a rain-affected track. McDonald is hopeful conditions will play to her strengths. “It was raining on the day and quite slippery. She just didn’t stretch out at all, so hopefully we don’t get rain,” he said.
Stablemate Aeliana looms as the main danger after pushing Via Sistina to a neck in the Winx Stakes, with the four-year-old continuing to impress heading deeper into the spring.
www.justhorseracing.com.au
THE BETFAIR SPRINT CUP UPSET BIG MOJO
The Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup went the way of the Mick Appleby trained three-year-old Big Mojo on Saturday afternoon.
The Haydock Park highlight saw seventeen runners jump away from the six-furlong start and jockey William Buick aboard Big Mojo wasted no time to claim the stands rail lead from his 15 stall.
Big Mojo (William Buick) claims the stands rail lead | Credit: Haydock Park
Prominent throughout, the Mohaather colt responded gamely under pressure before going on to score in good style by a length and quarter from Kind Of Blue (draw 19), with Flora Of Bermuda (draw 16) back in third.
The 16/1 chance provided yet another different winner of a Group One sprint in Europe this season. He had previously finished runner-up in the Gr1 July Cup before being beaten two lengths by Jm Jungle when dropped to five furlongs at Goodwood last time out.
Buick noted post-race: “What a brilliant spare ride. It was beautiful ground and probably middle to stands’ side is where you wanted to be. I had no real moment of worry and once I gave him the get-go, he just got on with it and saw it out well. They all turned up, it was a big field, and this was well deserved.”
The well-backed favourite Lazzat was in the firing line racing down the middle of the track throughout but could only finish fifth. His trainer Jerome Reynier felt things were always happening a bit too quickly for him.
“It’s six furlongs, a proper sprint, he had horses all around him and it was a bit too sharp for him,” he noted.
“James Doyle was happy with the way he kept fighting; he wasn’t beaten far but it was too sharp for him today. It’s a much stiffer six at Ascot, that was probably more his game, but the Maurice de Gheest was under what he can achieve at his best and today again it was lower than I expected.”
Earlier on the card, seven juveniles contested the Listed betting.betfair Ascendant Stakes over a mile. It looked to be an intriguing clash between Bow Echo and Publish in the betting market and that’s exactly how it played out on the track.
The former was all-the-rage in the betting, sent off the 5/6 favourite, and ultimately justified the market confidence but not without a scare for his supporters.
Jockey Billy Loughnane brought Bow Echo through on the far side of the field with his winning run while Buick was producing Publish with his own sustained burst from the rear of the field on the stand side.
For a moment, a furlong out, it looked as if the Gosden trained Publish was going the better, but when the pair sort company and moved towards each other, Bow Echo regained the lead and the momentum.
The Night Of Thunder colt kept on nicely to win by a length.
Harry Middleton, assistant to winning trainer George Boughey, observed: “He was never the earliest or sharpest horse but is coming now and has proved himself. To win a race like that, I’d like to think he can step up again. It was only a Listed race today, but you have to think of the Guineas for him now.”
HONG KONG STAR! 13 STRAIGHT WINS FOR
Zac Purton has declared Ka Ying Rising’s outstanding win in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday the equal-best of the champion sprinter’s stunning career.
Extending his unbeaten streak to 13 wins, Ka Ying Rising brushed aside quality opposition under 135lb to triumph in 1m 07.63s –marginally outside his own track record of 1m 07.20s – despite being eased down by Purton as the gelding swept to his 14th win in 16 starts for David Hayes.
The world’s top-rated sprinter will enter quarantine tonight in preparation for a tilt at the AU$20 million (approx. HK$100.34 million) Gr1 The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on 18 October after easing to a two-and-a-quarter length victory over fellow four-time Group 1 winner Lucky Sweynesse (126lb) and Divano (113lb).
“To carry that weight against those horses at that speed first-up and do what he did, it’s probably the equal of any performance he’s put up, I think,” Purton said as the eight-time
Zac Purton guides Ka Ying Rising to a 13th straight success | Credit: HKJC
Hong Kong champion jockey advanced to a five-timer.
“He’s come back in really good order. I said to David before the race that he just looks a different horse. He’s furnished really nicely and that’s what we wanted before we get on the plane and go down to Sydney.
After starting brilliantly from barrier four in steady rain, Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year settled second behind Bottomuptogether (115lb), who surged from the 800m to the 400m in 21.33s to string out the field, ultimately playing into Purton’s hands.
“It went fairly smoothly. If I could have had that run pre-race, I would have taken it,” Purton said.
“We got into a nice spot and Beauty Waves on my inside got fired up a little bit and got keen and Alexis (Badel) was looking to edge out, so I just felt my horse back on the bit and travelling, thinking about it.
“But then Bottomsuptogether went and it had my bloke having to chase him midrace, which was not what I wanted. I wanted to have him travelling within himself but what it did –because he’d used a bit more energy midrace – he actually changed his leg for the first time in a long time when he came into the straight. Hopefully it’s taught him something.
“When he did that, I thought ‘Game over’ and away he went.”
After equalling the weight-carrying record he set last season in the same race, Ka Ying Rising is the first horse to win the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup twice.
Hayes said: “We’ve been saying privately that we think he’s better than last year and I think that showed – the time he ran, the way he did it, the weight he carried. He’s bigger and stronger and probably better.
“He’s always physically been a backwardlooking horse and now I think he looks like a complete sprinter. So, yeah, he’s the best I’ve had.
“The worry with this ‘prep’ was running with 135 (lb) at the start, but I didn’t want to go six months between runs, first-up in an Everest. Now I know we’ve got him there, we just
maintain him and he holds form for a long time this horse. That’s why he’s a champion.
“He’s a pretty good traveller and I’m very confident travelling him.”
Sidelined since February with serious injuries after a race accident, Vincent Ho made a triumphant return on The Heir in the Class 4 Mount Parker Handicap (1400m) for Caspar Fownes.
“It feels great after a long period of time, seven months and coming back is not easy,” Ho said. “Caspar always supports me and I’m really grateful that he always sticks with me and he always has my back.
“When Caspar knew I was coming back, he has supported me which is great. Everyone has helped me in these seven months –my family, the medical team, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the CEO (Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges) gave his patience and
Michael Change made a great start with the first two winners on the day | Credit: HKJC
support, the physios, my coach, all the sports pyschologists.
“It tastes a lot sweeter to have a winner like this after the last seven months – all the hard work pays off.”
Michael Chang made a superb start to the new season, combining with Derek Leung to win the Class 5 Grassy Hill Handicap (1200m) with veteran You’remyeverything before completing a race-to-race double with Purton aboard Perfect Peach in the Kowloon Peak Handicap (1600m).
Purton’s five-timer also included Manfred Man’s Super Strong Kid in the Class 4 Lin Fa Shan Handicap (1000m), Jamie Richards-
trained pair Groovy Feeling in the second section of the Class 4 Ma On Shan Handicap (1200m) and the progressive Bulb General in the Class 3 Lantau Peak Handicap (1200m).
John Size and Brenton Avdulla teamed with Spicy Standard in the first section of the Class 4 Ma On Shan Handicap (1200m), Hong Kong International Sale graduate Markwin returned in style with success in the Class 2 Tai Mo Shan Handicap (1400m) for Cody Mo and Harry Bentley before Beauty Crescent clinched the Class 3 Sunset Peak Handicap (1400m) for Tony Cruz and Angus Chung.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Winfried EngelbrechtBresges has hailed the 2025/26 seasonopening meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday as ‘the perfect start to the season’ with the victory of Ka Ying Rising in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap.
Praising the efforts of the Club’s track staff despite the meeting being staged in challenging weather with rain and strong winds under a T3 Signal, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the on-course atmosphere and world-class racing were highlights at the meeting attended by The Honourable John KC LEE, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
“Sunday was a celebration of an outstanding talent – it is amazing what Ka Ying Rising does. Having this as the first race meeting, I thought it was the perfect start of the season,” Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.
“The excitement we had having the world’s best sprinter running was definitely the sporting highlight of the day and he is creating even more excitement for Hong Kong.”
Ka Ying Rising was only fractionally outside his own Sha Tin 1200m record with a winning time of 1m 07.63s and reflected the hard work of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s track team to present a safe, world-class surface.
“When you see how much rain our tracks could cope with, I’m proud of the tracks team because despite all the rain, the races were run in perfect condition,” Mr EngelbrechtBresges said.
“Sometimes we need a bit of luck but we were prepared for all the contingencies when the T3 Signal went up and when considering how the races went, it was a really good start.”
With attendance of 43 259 despite adverse weather, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Opening Ceremony performance of singer MC Cheung and new on-course attractions had created a positive vibe as turnover reached HK$1.399 billion (including two simulcast races).
RULES OF RACING
Andrew Harding (Executive Director, Racing), Marc van Gestel (Chief Stipe) and Justin Ho (Stipe) address the media in regard to the
The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced amendments to the Rules of Racing last week, including regulating the use of the whip at racemeetings and barrier trials.
From the commencement of the 2025/26 racing season, in addition to the existing controls on the use of the whip, there will be a requirement that prior to the 100 metre mark jockeys must not use the whip in consecutive strides.
The existing controls, including the requirement that the jockey’s arm must not be raised above shoulder height, continue in force.
From the 100-metre mark, the concluding stage of the race lasting approximately 5 to 6 seconds, a jockey may use the whip at his or her discretion, provided always that it is not used inappropriately.
The Racing Stewards will closely monitor compliance and breaches of the Rule will incur condign penalties.
Accordingly, the following Rule amendment has been approved for the 2025/26 racing season:
Rule 100 (3) (ii)
Except when a rider’s safety is unequivocally at risk, the whip must not be used:
• In consecutive strides at any time prior to the 100 metres, provided that the whip may be used at the rider’s discretion over the final 100 metres subject to Rule 100(3) (ii)(b) to (g);
• Forward of the saddle while the whip is held in the forehand position;
• In the vicinity of a horse’s head or neck;
• When a horse is clearly winning;
• When a horse is clearly out of contention;
• In a manner whereby the rider raises the hand holding the whip above shoulder height;
• In an excessive, improper, unnecessary or inappropriate manner.
In terms of the revised Smoking rules vaping or the use of e-cigarettes is not allowed by licensed persons and stable staff inside the parade ring and any other area of the racecourse where smoking is prohibited.
From Sunday 7 September onwards, time weather data collected from new weather stations installed at Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses was be made available for public access with the following page:
https://racing.hkjc.com/en-us/local/info/ windtracker
The weather data includes:
• Wind speed and direction
• Wind gust
• Temperature
• Relative humidity
• Total rainfall since 9:00 am every day
• Rainfall in the past 10 minutes
• Soil moisture
This new initiative is introduced to enhance race day experience and assist fans to appreciate potential impact of prevailing weather on racing and track condition with reference to global practices.
COURAGEOUS WIN HONG KONG SPEEDSTER’S
WIN IN THE SAND SPEEDSTER’S
Self Improvement toughed out a famous victory in the Gr3 Korea Sprint run over 1200m on sand at Seoul in South Korea on Sunday, before Chancheng Glory fell valiantly short of completing a momentous double for Hong Kong in the Gr3 Korea Cup.
Becoming the second Hong Kong-trained horse to win the Korea Sprint after Super Jockey claimed the inaugural running in 2016, Self Improvement rolled through the deep sand course under a supreme Jerry Chau for trainer Manfred Man, edging past Japan’s Chikappa with Yutaka Take in the plate for trainer Kazuya Nakatake and South Korea’s Super Finish, second and third, respectively.
“He’s a great jockey (Yutaka Take) and that was a great horse (Chikappa). I think the key of winning is because we got to the front earlier and didn’t get the kickback. It was helpful for my horse. In the straight my horse had a very big heart. When the other horse passed him, he tried to go again and fight back. I was really happy with that,” Chau said.
Pressing forward and into open space early from barrier seven, Chau opted to avoid as much kickback as possible, while the pacesetting Super Finish found an early lead. Positioned to the leader’s outside in the run
and away from much of the rebounding sand, Self Improvement stalked his rival’s every move before taking over at the top of Seoul’s home straight alongside Chikappa.
Trading blows in the stretch run as they both chased the lion’s share of the KRW1.4 billion (approx. HK$7.98 million) purse, six-yearold Deep Field gelding Self Improvement eventually got the better of Chikappa by a half length in 1m 10.5s – rewarded with his biggest win to date and the fifth of his career racing in Hong Kong and South Korea.
The Korea Sprint victory offers the winner free entry and a substantial travel subsidy to compete at the Breeders’ Cup (31 October-1 November) at Del Mar in California, where Self Improvement has the opportunity to run in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (1200m, dirt) and test his mettle against North American competition.
Man, who was jubilant on-course watching on at Sha Tin, said: “I’m very happy, it’s the first time I have sent a horse to Korea.”
Man and Chau – who secured their first overseas wins on a Hong Kong horse – are the second all-Hong Kong duo after trainer Ricky Yiu and former jockey Alex Lai, who won the 2010 Gr1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m)
with Ultra Fantasy in Japan, to win a race abroad.
“It’s amazing and it’s my honour to represent Hong Kong and Mr Wong, and trainer Mr Manfred Man. It’s a very great honour for me and the horse brings me success. I really appreciate it,” Chau said.
Two races later, Francis Lui’s Chancheng Glory – who enjoyed a similar trip to Self Improvement, just outside the leader from barrier two – tenaciously ran second in the eighth running of the Korea Cup to Japan’s Diktaean by one length. Chau pressed forward with Chancheng Glory, travelling to the outside of Great Winner throughout.
Chau made his move aboard the Americanbred son of Mor Spirit as the field turned for home. A tiring Great Winner came back
through the field, while the Group 1-placed Chancheng Glory and Japan’s Ramjet pulled clear.
Producing a memorable stretch battle, the pair were neck and neck heading for home before a rampaging Diktaean – with jockey Takayuki Yano up for trainer Katsunori Arayama – pounced late with a superior burst of speed to land the KRW1.6 billion (approx. HK$9.12 million) contest in 1m 50.8s by a length.
MEMORIAL ON THURSDAY BARRY DONNELLY
A reminder that a memorial service for the late Barry Donnelly will be held on Thursday 11 September from 12h00 to 14h00 in the 1881 Lounge at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
THE INS AND OUTS OF THE NHA’S WEEK
The Sporting Post keeps you in the loop with this week’s National Horseracing Authority Calendar.
The calendar per 5 September 2025 is a summary of the week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information.
Click on the image below to read the calendar:
Looking back at last Wednesday – Chase Liebenberg captured the action at Hollywoodbets Durbanville
Mr
Mr
J O CK E YS results up to: 2025-09-10
BREEDERS
1,000,469 922,688
1,496,813 1,238,610 1,123,969 923,139 872,022
1,661,906 1,380,469 1,176,813 1,140,594 1,053,313 2,705,625 1,896,531 1,925,724 1,562,180 1,644,973
2,206,059 1,494,938 1,438,734 1,143,475 1,138,029
1,967,199 1,817,695 1,701,303 1,304,429 1,208,818 S I RE S T R A I NER S Name