SP Sprint – Wednesday 11 February 2026 by Sporting Post

1 DOWN…2 TO GO

HONOURING A SUPERSTAR! IN THE NEWS…

Celebrating A Champion

London News was always a headline act

De Kocks Dive In With Lucky Fish A refreshing new brand

30 Hazy Dazy Blooms

Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas winner sparkles

68 Cape Grooms Graduate Class of 2025 step up

Rebuilding Trust

We see it again with Malan

On the cover Trent Mayhew guides Act Of War’s daughter Hazy Dazy to victory in last Saturday’s Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas at Turffontein. This was the first leg of the SA Triple Tiara. Image is courtesy of JC Photos.

HAZY DAZY

on winning THE WILGERBOSDRIFT

GAUTENG FILLIES GUINEAS (Gr 2) 1 600m the first leg of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara.

Owners: Mr D Dasrath & Mrs C Dasrath, Messrs RP Macnab, S Poriazis, V Sobaren, X Spies & D Vayapuri

Trainer: Corne Spies

Jockey: Trent Mayhew

Breeder: Breedon Stud Close Corporation

CAN HIT THE HEADLINES FIRE ATTACK

The R400 000 Betway Gr3 London News Stakes heads the local feature programme this week, and will be run over 1800m at WFA plus penalties at Turffontein on Saturday.

Only seven runners have accepted, but the race is competitive and looks the ideal opportunity for reigning Highveld Horse Of The Season Fire Attack to register his first success as a 4yo.

Flashback to his last win - Fire Attack (Richard Fourie) beats Royal Victory (Muzi Yeni) in the HKJC World Pool Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge on 29 March last year | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Alec Laird’s son of Fire Away travelled with much hope to the Cape for the Summer Season, but plans went awry when he was pulled out of the Ridgemont Gr2 Green Point Stakes, after showing signs of harbouring a virus – the official reason given as an ‘elevated SAA’. He thus missed his all-important prep for the L’Ormarins King’s Plate and WSB Cape Town Met, and was given an outing over a too-short 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Christmas eve.

This change of plan, coupled with the fact that he had reportedly missed some crucial workouts prior to his trip South due to the excessive rain in Johannesburg, saw him put in no kind of effort in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, ultimately beaten some eleven lengths behind The Real Prince, and running last of the fourteen starters in the prestigious weight-for-age mile. Fire Attack is better than that and it is worth noting his Turffontein standside collateral – having won twice and finished second seven times from 11 starts on this course. He is clearly the class horse in the race and could well bounce back under Calvin Habib.

One of two 4yo fillies in the contest, Roy Magner’s 2025 Betway Summer Cup runner-up Olivia’s Way will strip fit after the daughter of Pathfork stayed on when third over 2000m on this course last time. She enjoys the trip, having won three times and finished second twice from as many starts over this distance.

Serino Moodley will be looking for better luck than he enjoyed for the Dawson sisters on Truth last weekend, and partners the very consistent Pioneer Square was caught late when second behind Aristotle in the Listed TAB Dr Richard Maponya Handicap last time.

Gavin Lerena is summonsed back for duty on Tony Peter’s enigmatic 2025 Betway Victory Moon Stakes winner The Ultimate King, after Muzi Yeni reported something to be amiss in running last time. On his consistent previous form, he should have a say in the outcome here.

Hollywood Racing’s Busstopinhounslow has not won this term, but has stayed on for some fair efforts. The son of New Predator has it all to do, but should strip fit having his third run in just over four weeks, and could surprise.

Like Busstopinhounslow, the William Longsword filly Willy Meet Again also ran last Sunday, when finishing a solid second beaten 0,40 lengths by Choisaanada and has her fourth run in just over a month. She will be fit and could be the lurker in a small field under the determined Muzi Yeni.

There are nine races on the Turffontein card, with the first off at 12h25.

DOWN UNDER ON SATURDAY

This Saturday, Sydney’s racing headquarters Royal Randwick hosts the Apollo Stakes Day, a meeting that delivers true autumn-class quality in the middle of summer.

A ten-race programme, Apollo Stakes Day brings together elite performers, form lines that will run into the Autumn Carnival and genuine international relevance. High-end racing with summer energy!

At the centrepiece is the A$300 000 Petaluma Gr2 Apollo Stakes, a race steeped in history.

Some of the greatest mares ever to grace the Australian turf have launched their campaigns here, including Sunline (2000 & 2001), Winx (2016, 2017 & 2019), and most recently Fangirl (2024 & 2025). It’s a proven launching pad for champions with major autumn targets firmly in their sights.

Follow the news on www.sportingpost.co.za

CELEBRATING THE GOOD NEWS!

Named in honour of a groundbreaking champion of the SA turf, Saturday’s R400 000 Betway Gr3 London News Stakes run over 1800m at Turffontein hosts a high-quality field.

Here is the story of a chestnut star.

London News was foaled down in 1992 at the Cheveley Stud of Wilfred Koster in Ceres. Having raced Bush Telegraph, Laurie and Jean Jaffee were keen to purchase some of his progeny at the National Sale and instructed Alec Laird to select one.

Jean particularly liked the big chestnut and as is now history, the gavel fell their way.

The colt was pre-trained with Val Davis and duly made his way to Alec Laird’s barn at Randjesfontein.

London News has the interesting distinction of having made his first 7 career starts at 7 different racetracks. Starting out as a late 2yo, he made his debut over 1200m in a Maiden Juvenile at the Vaal on 6 June 1995.

Finding himself thoroughly at sea, he finished 16,5 lengths adrift under Anton Marcus. Off to KZN, the newly minted 3yo faced another maiden field over 1200m at Clairwood and with the services of Douglas Whyte, improved sufficiently to finish just under 7 lengths off the winner.

He hit his stride at the now Hollywoodbets Scottsville on 9 September, breaking his maiden over a mile by 4,5 lengths.

He went on to string together 4 in a row, adding wins at Newmarket, Gosforth Park and winning the Dingaans at Turffontein by 5,4 lengths, beating the likes of Ashtontown and Super Quality.

His seventh racecourse appearance was in the 1996 Argus Bloodline Guineas at Kenilworth, where he was narrowly beaten by Ashtontown and a month later, he was 2 lengths 3rd to Super Quality in the Cape Derby, but bounced back to best in the March Administrator’s Classic at Gosforth Park, posting a commanding performance to win by 7,25 lengths and prompting Piere Strydom to suggest that he fancied him as a July prospect.

The Classic effort brought on a virus and forced break, so it was a not fully fit London News who jumped from a wide draw to finish a courageous 3rd in the SA Guineas in May.

But he was back to best a month later, destroying the Daily News 2000 field to win by 4,2 lengths in an even more impressive 119.6 seconds, the first 3yo to run 2000m in under 2 minutes - and only the second horse since Fools Holme to achieve the feat.

The only 3yo to make the cut for the 1996 Durban July, London News went to post a short-priced favourite and duly rewarded his backers to win by a half length. He was rightly named Champion 3yo and Horse Of The Year.

From his first 3 starts at 4, he finished unplaced behind National Emblem in the Champion Stakes, was less than a length third in the Germiston November and was sharpened up over 1200m at Turffontein before tackling the 1997 Queen’s Plate, famously ridden by Douglas Whyte after Frankie Dettori had to step down due to illness, and rounded off his 4yo season with a gritty display in the J&B Met, winning by the best part of a length from Eli’s Truth. He was also the first horse to win the July, Queen’s Plate and Met in that order.

It was Laurie Jaffee who conceived the idea of sending his champion abroad, so much so that he championed the construction of the

London News’ owners Jean and Laurie Jaffee, with John Freeman (middle)

purpose-built Kenilworth Quarantine facility to enable London News to complete his 40-day quarantine and head off to Hong Kong for the 1997 Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

As a five-time Gr1 winner, he gave weight and draw to the field, broke the Sha Tin track record and crossed the line to the memorable words ‘London News! He’s everything they said and he wins!’

From Hong Kong, London News transferred to Barry Hills for the Prince Of Wales’ Stakes at Royal Ascot. He may have been beaten into third, but what a run it was behind superstar filly Bosra Sham and Alhaarth. He had one more start at the Curragh before returning to South Africa in the latter part of 1997.

He had 7 more starts in South Africa, posting half a length second to the mighty Flobayou in the 1997 Diadem Stakes (1200m), finishing within striking distance in both the 1998 Queen’s Plate and Met, and winning the 1998

Drill Hall Stakes. He was 4 lengths off Classic Flag in the 1998 Rothmans July and then retired to stud.

He initially stood at Wilfred and Shirley Koster’s Cheveley Stud and was champion first season sire. He then moved to Terry and Barbara Silcock’s Starston Stud in the Karoo where he lived out the rest of his life, passing away in 2009 at the age of 17.

Initially thought to have succumbed to colic, a postmortem revealed London News had been afflicted by cancer which had spread throughout his body, including his heartreportedly one of the largest the attending vet Dr Rous had ever seen.

London News left a legacy on our tracks and in our paddocks, but most of all, in the annals of SA turf history.

On Saturday the SA racing community celebrates his achievements.

1997 QE2 Cup lead in at Sha Tin | Credit: Supplied

IS THE

GUINEAS ACE! SPLITTHEEIGHTS

The connections of the smart Splittheeights will be harbouring dreams of joining the illustrious quartet of Horse Chestnut (1999), Louis The King (2014), Abashiri (2016) and Malmoos in 2021 as a modern-era winner of the SA Triple Crown after the son of Vercingetorix’s victory in the R1 million TAB Gr2 Gauteng Guineas at Turffontein on Saturday.

Splittheeights (Raymond Danielson) held the strongest hand, as second-place Grand Empire (Craig Zackey, red cap) tries hard and One Eye On Vegas (Sean Veale) stays on | Credit: JC Photos

Decisions will need to be made, but the Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained 3yo colt could now face the challenge of mastering the step up to 1800m and 2450m in the next 8 weeks as he bids for glory and the bonus of R2 million on offer to the connections of any horse that can win all three legs of the 2026 SA Triple Crown.

The subject of a balanced and judicious ride by Raymond Danielson, Splittheeights (7-2) went on strongly to beat Grand Empire under Craig Zackey (8-1) by 0,60 lengths in a time of 97,06 seconds for the mile.

Bred by Ridgemont, the winner is a son of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the Trippi mare, Massachusetts.

An August 2yo sale R600 000 purchase, Splittheeights has now won 3 races with 2 places from his 5 starts for stakes of R994 888.

The rider of fourth-placed Trust, Serino Moodley, lodged an objection against third-placed One Eye On Vegas (Sean Veale) on the grounds of interference and intimidation in the latter stages of the race.

Following a race review by the Stipendiary Board, the objection was upheld and final race results

adjusted accordingly with Trust taking third place and One Eye On Vegas settling for fourth. There were no other adjustments to the race results. As per the Stipes Report, an inquiry will be opened into the incident.

Looking back on history, the all-conquering Horse Chestnut remains the only SA Triple Crown winner to have won the series before all the races were relocated to Turffontein.

He won the Gr1 Cape Argus Guineas in spectacular fashion, bested stablemate and fellow Leg 1 winner Fort Defiance by the best part of 4 lengths in the SA Classic (then still run at Gosforth Park) and finally destroyed the field for the SA Derby at Turffontein by nearly 10 lengths — three Gr1 victories at three different venues, and a sequence that ushered in the modern Triple Crown in spectacular fashion.

Fifteen years elapsed before the next SA Triple Crown winner, Louis The King (Black Minnaloushe), emerged in 2014. With Gosforth Park (2000) and Newmarket (2004) both closed, Tiaan van der Vyfer’s colt won all three races at Turffontein for trainer Geoff Woodruff and jockey Robbie Fradd.

Michael Azzie-trained Abashiri (Go Deputy) achieved the feat again in 2016 under regular jock Karl Zechner, and the now Hong Kongbased Luke Ferraris won the Triple Crown as an apprentice on Malmoos (Captain Al) in 2021 for the Mike de Kock stable.

The next leg of the SA Triple Crown is the TAB SA Classic on Saturday 7 March, with TAB SA Derby the climax on Saturday 4 April.

CAN SPLITTHEEIGHTS GO ALL THE WAY?

When the Ridgemont-bred Splittheeights won the TAB Gr2 Gauteng Guineas on Saturday, he not only added further gloss to the record of his top-class parents, but he also stamped himself as a potentially hugely exciting stud prospect.

By a champion sire, who is also the sire of Guineas runner-up Grand Empire, and a half-brother to a Gr1 winning sprinter, Splittheeights already has plenty to recommend him as a stallion.

But, in terms of the 2026 SA Triple Crown, it remains to be seen if the winner of the first

leg of the series will remain dominant over his rivals. Splittheeights’ outstanding sire Vercingetorix won from 1400m to 2000m, with his Gr1 victories coming in the Daily News 2000, and Jebel Hatta, over 1800m.

At stud, Vercingetorix has proved an excellent and versatile stallion.

Splittheeights’ Rafeef half-brother, William Robertson (Ryan Munger), carries the family flag | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

He has sired top class performers at a range of distances, with his star progeny ranging from two-year-olds such as Ambiorix, Mrs Geriatrix and Vernichey (all of whom won Gr1 races over 1200m) to champion stayer Nebraas.

His progeny also includes Gr1 winning sprinters such as Alesian Chief and Mia Moo, and Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July winning sire Oriental Charm.

Vercingetorix had a pedigree containing both classic elements and sprinting influences, and he has duly proved capable of passing both onto his progeny.

His sire Silvano, who won up to 2200m, showed high-class form up to 2400m, and his progeny include the Gold Cup winners Aslan and Wavin’ Flag.

Vercingetorix’s dam National Vixen won five times up to 1400m and ran third in the Gr2 Sceptre Stakes (over 1200m). National Vixen produced nine winners, which include the smart sprinter Never Forever and dual Gr3 winner Trinity House, who ran second in the Avontuur Estate Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas.

Splittheeights’ high-class female line also contains a mixture of speed and stamina.

His Trippi-sired dam Massachusetts won three times, with her wins coming up to 1600m.

A full-sister to the ill-fated CTS Million Dollar winner Illuminator (who won up

to 1400m but was not beaten far in the 1600m Gr2 Selangor Cup), Massachusetts has produced six winners, headed by star sprinter William Robertson.

The latter, whose sire Rafeef, like Vercingetorix, was produced by a daughter of National Assembly, scored his biggest career win thus far in the 2025 TAB Gr1 Computaform Sprint over 1000m.

Of Massachusetts’ six winners, only two (including Splittheeights) have won up to a mile.

A half-sister to both the smart Rock The Globe (who ran third in a Gr1 race over 1600m) and the useful Kebonalesedi (whose five wins have come up to 1600m), Massachusetts is out of the smart racemare Pacific Lights. A daughter of July runner-up and champion sire Al Mufti, Pacific Lights won up to 1800m and finished second in the Listed Lady’s Bracelet and fourth in the then Gr2 Thekwini Fillies Stakes, with both races run over 1600m.

Interestingly, Splittheeights is bred on similar lines to this season’s smart threeyear-old filly Stormwatch. Both were sired by Vercingetorix and both horses sport the Joy II mare Esteban as their fourth dam.

While track conditions and sectional fractions inevitably shape the final outcome, race times recorded under identical conditions on the same day still offer a valuable benchmark when weighing up performances.

Guineas Day at Turffontein produced a set of times that invite comparison across generations, from this season’s emerging three-year-olds to last season’s crop and a battle-hardened older brigade. Against that backdrop, Mike and Mathew de Kock’s TAB Gauteng Guineas winner

Splittheeights stands out as a colt with considerable promise.

Interestingly, Splittheeights stopped the clock at 97,06 seconds, the fastest 1600m time recorded on the card and 0,4 seconds quicker than the class average on a track recorded as ‘Good’.

The comparative times for other 1600m races on Guineas Day over the last five years are as follows:

On Guineas Day in 2026

• Hazy Dazy – Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng

Fillies Guineas: 97,44s

• Choisaanada – Pinnacle Stakes: 97,52s

• Erroll Flynn – MR 84 Handicap: 98,21s

On Guineas Day in 2025 – track also ‘Good’, the times were:

• Parisian Walkway – TAB Gauteng

Guineas: 98,94s

• Spumante Dolce – Wilgerbosdrift Filles

Guineas: 98,94s

On Guineas Day in 2024 – track also ‘Good’, the times were:

• Sandringham Summit: TAB Gauteng Guineas: 97,59s

• Gimme A Nother - Wilgerbosdrift Filles Guineas: 97,74s

On Guineas Day in 2022 – track also ‘Good, the times were:

• Safe Passage: TAB Gauteng Guineas: 99,61s

• Rain In Holland: Wilgerbosdrift Filles

Guineas: 99,74s

On Guineas Day in 2021 – track also ‘Good’, the times were:

• Malmoos: TAB Gauteng Guineas: 97,36s

• War Of Athena: Wilgerbosdrift Filles

Guineas: 97,59

From the above, we can deduct:

• Splittheights set the fastest time for the TAB Guineas in the last five years –97,06s.

• The closest to him is Malmoos, who set 97,36s (2021) and went on to win the Triple Crown.

• Corne Spies-trained Hazy Dazy, interestingly, set the fastest time for the Fillies Guineas in the last five years –97,44s. The closest to her is War Of Athena (97,59), who went on to win the Triple Tiara.

UNDER LUCKY FISH FLAG DE KOCK TEAM’S EARLY SUCCESS

Just over a year since Mike and Mat de Kock launched their training partnership, the fatherand-son team have partnered with Lucky Fish and thus join Milnerton lady trainer Lucinda Woodruff, who also operates under the banner of the dynamic maverick brand.

After 35 years of training champions, Mike de Kock ended his reign at the end of January 2025 with an estimated 3803 career winners, including 141 Grade 1’s, 158 Grade 2’s and 102 Grade 3 wins – numbers unequalled in SA racing history and stats that were set to be the gold standard for many years to come. But it really has been business as usual, with the new generation De Kock Racing having

added three more Grade 1 winners to the impressive tally.

The De Kock Racing team struck gold with an early winner under the Lucky Fish flag at Turffontein on Saturday, when World Attraction skated home an easy winner, and then followed up with Spittheeights’ impressive victory in the TAB Gr2 Gauteng Guineas.

Mat de Kock told the Sporting Post that they were excited about the new relationship with Lucky Fish. “They are a great new innovative, modern and fresh platform who are breaking the mould. A great aspect of it is that all the

proceeds go back to horseracing, which is our bread and butter. We are looking forward to the new venture,” concluded Mat.

Vishen Naidoo, Commercial Manager at Lucky Fish, said that this is more than a partnership; ‘it’s a statement about where horse racing is going.’

“Mike de Kock’s legacy and global success set the benchmark, while Mathew and Lucinda represent a new generation building on that foundation with modern professionalism and drive. That balance mirrors exactly who we are as a brand.”

As Lucky Fish grows its footprint in South African sport, this partnership reinforces the brand’s commitment to backing excellence, today’s champions, and tomorrow’s leaders.

Read about De Kock Racing’s first winner under the Lucky Fish flag on page 25.

Lucinda Woodruff is flanked by Mike and Mat de Kock at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Friday evening | Credit: Race Coast

ONE WORLD COLT

IMPRESSES ON DEBUT

World Attraction made a dream debut in a Juvenile Plate over 1000m at Turffontein on Guineas Day, coming home 7,30-lengths clear and almost breaking 57s on his first visit to the racetrack.

He did it professionally and under an easy ride from Callan Murray, and Lucky Fish ambassadors Mike and Mathew de Kock are hugely excited about his future.

Callan said: “He’s a very nice horse and we had a fair bit of confidence coming into the race, but he still had to do it, so credit to him. He behaved beautifully when the start was delayed. The De Kock first-timers all come to the track with good heads on them from the grounding they get (in the baby barn) from Diane de Kock and Vivian Nkosi – before they go into the main yard.”

Mathew de Kock commented: “World Attraction has shown us a lot at home and that’s why there was a bit of pressure and anticipation today. He’s always been a lovely horse, and he has a great bunch of owners, it’s really special to have won it for this new partnership.

“He’s got a lot of speed and a good head on him, which is going to take him a long way. He was educated as a young horse by my

mom and her team. They do a fantastic job, also the grooms and the work riders. Horses like this bring big pressure, and he delivered.”

Mike echoed that and said: “It’s nice when horses bring their home work to the track, a lot of them don’t. These owners have been stalwarts in the yard, and they’ve got a nice horse here. It’s fantastic to race with friends and we’ll have a fair bit of fun with this one. It was fitting too that World Attraction was our first winner for our new sponsor, Lucky Fish.”

Arun Chadha (representing the ASSM Syndicate) owns World Attraction alongside Mike de Kock, George Ragunan, Mukund Gijadhur, Noeline Malherbe and the Wernars family, said: “I was the underbidder on the horse and when Mike got him, I said, ‘I want in!’. Congratulations to all our partners.”

World Attraction earned a R75 000 bonus from Race Coast Sales, where he was a R1,5-million purchase at the Summer Sale in January 2025.

He was bred by Etienne Braun, Neville Cooper and Wayne Mealing and is by One World out of the five-time winning, black typemare, Major Attraction (Vercingetorix).

SPIES AND MAYHEW DAZY BLOOMS FOR

The Corne Spies-trained Hazy Dazy took her first step on the long and winding road to the dream of SA Triple Tiara glory when she won the R750 000 Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas at a sweltering Turffontein on Saturday.

The day marked the launch of the Championships 2026, comprising the Triple Crown and Triple Tiara series and culminates in the Championship Finale on Saturday, 25 April.

Starting at 10-1, Hazy Dazy benefitted from a good ride by apprentice jockey Trent Mayhew to beat Charge It under Serino Moodley (8-1) by 2,10 lengths in a time of 97,44 seconds for the mile.

Bred by Breedon Stud Close Corporation, the winner is a daughter of Act Of War (Dynasty) out of the Eightfold Path mare, Rabbedoe.

A (2023) BSA December Online sale R37 500 purchase, Hazy Dazy has now won 5 races with 1 place from her 7 starts for stakes of R929 550.

The Gr1 Fillies Guineas was run as ‘The Stuttafords Cup’ in December 1981, a race that started a sequence of Graded wins for Breyani. The race was sponsored by Mike’s Kitchen in 1986 and then reverted to the Gr1 Gosforth Park Guineas and later the Gr1 Bloodline Fillies Guineas.

The race was downgraded to Gr2 in 1992, but still attracts the best fillies in the country, with the honour roll including names like Spook Express, (Comic Blush), Promisefrommyheart (Elliodor) and Zirconeum (Jallad).

The inaugural winner of the first Triple Tiara Gauteng Fillies Guineas was Sean Tarry-trained Golden Apple (Northern Guest) in 1999.

The Mike de Kock trained Galileo flyer Igugu was the first of five fillies to date to win the Triple Tiara. That was in 2011 and Ormond Ferraris-trained Cherry On The Top emulated that feat in 2013.

Paul Peter’s Summer Pudding became only the third filly to win the Triple Tiara after powering home in the Gr1 SA Oaks during the covid-19 time at a deserted Turffontein in 2020, and the crown was worn for the next two years as War Of Athena (Paul Matchett, 2021) and Rain In Holland (Sean Tarry, 2022) galloped away with the honours.

The pursuit of the R1 million bonus and a place in the racing record books continues in the second leg, the Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic, run over 1800m at Turffontein on 7 March.

The Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 SA Oaks to be run over 2450m on 4 April, will be the decider.

Hazy Dazy (Trent Mayhew) kicks off her journey towards Triple Tiara dreams with a powerful performance | Credit: JC Photos

SA TRIPLE TIARA TROPHY DAZY SPIES

Connections of Hazy Dazy have their sights firmly set on the SA Triple Tiara following her dashing come-from-behind victory in the first leg, the Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas at Turffontein last Saturday.

Trent Mayhew has Hazy Dazy in command after Saturday’s cracking win

Credit: JC Photos

Bred in KZN, Hazy Dazy is a daughter of underutilized Dynasty stallion Act Of War and is out of Rabbedoe, whose sire Eightfold Path, although beautifully bred, being by Giant’s Causeway out of Kingmambo’s multiple champion daughter Divine Proportions, failed to grab the imagination of the province’s breeders and was never swamped with mares.

Grandam Brataloochee was sired by champion sprinter Cataloochee. He died after just two seasons at Summerhill Stud, all of which goes to show that Hazy Dazy lacked a ritzy, glitzy pedigree usually associated with a stakes winner. She is proving the pedigree pundits wrong, and in a big way!

Corné for one, is not surprised, after all, his ties with this female line go back to 2019, when he purchased Rabbedoe at the 2YO sale for a trifling R15 000. Fifth on debut over 1160m, she made heads turn when defying odds of 55-1 to run second, beaten just over a length, in the Listed Ruffian Stakes. She proved that was no flash in the pan in her next start, where she broke her maiden by almost two lengths. Sadly, that proved to be the last start of an all too brief racing career.

“She fractured a sesamoid and that was it,” Corné remarked philosophically.

Saved for stud, Corné sent her to Potala Palace as her first mate, the resultant foal being the placed filly Bella Boop Boop.

“We then made a deal with long-time patron David Makins, whereby he would breed from Rabbedoe and we would train her progeny.”

Fate again intervened, for Makins passed away in 2023 and in due course, Rabbedoe and her then yearling filly were put up for sale to settle his estate. A final bid of R37 500 from Corné secured the filly, who was none other than Hazy Dazy.

In hindsight, that proved to be a bargain of mega proportions, for Hazy Dazy now has millionaire status in her sights, having bagged her connections all of R929 550 with the promise of more to come.

Placed third on debut as a late juvenile, the filly rang in her sophomore campaign by reeling off a hat-trick of wins, the last of which over 2000m. Brought back to a mile, she ran out a smooth winner of the Gr3 Fillies Mile in late November and showed that was no fluke with her fine Guineas win.

“We thought the Guineas might already be too short for her, but she proved us wrong,” Corné quipped.

It’s on to the Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic and the Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 SA Oaks and should she succeed, Hazy Dazy will join the remarkable War Of Athena as the second Triple Tiara winner sired by Act Of War. The Wentzels’ champion hailed from his first crop, as did Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint ace Battle Force. It has to be said that the son of Dynasty could do with another real star, and that could well be Hazy Dazy.

While David Makins never got to see Hazy Dazy in action, spare a thought for Bloodstock SA’s former CEO Peter Gibson, who watched the Fillies Guineas from the UK. He was instrumental in importing Eightfold Path and also sourced Brataloochee for the short-lived Chinese-owned breeding outfit, Hartley SA.

In fact, Harley SA also owned Brigtnumberfive, the dam of diminutive Littlemissmillion, a fastfinishing fifth in the Fillies Guineas. If that wasn’t enough, the last race saw Errol Flynn record a fine post-maiden win in just his third start. A progressive son of Master Of My Fate, he too is out of a former Hartley mare, What A Player.

Ill-fated SA Triple Tiara heroine War Of Athena – also a daughter of Act Of War | Credit: JC Photos

SUN SETS ON NICHOLA’S AFRICAN ADVENTURE

With five wonderful months in sunny South Africa behind her, 25 year old Nichola Yuen will return to Hong Kong on 1 March after the announcement earlier this week that she has been granted her Apprentice Jockey licence by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, allowing her to ride in races at the iconic Sha Tin Racecourse from 1 April 2026.

“I am very proud and so privileged to have enjoyed such wonderful opportunities to learn from great horsemen and women in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa,” enthused Nichola as she observed that she had received ‘amazing exposure’ during her travels.

Nichola made an immediate impact, registering her first winner at her first race meeting in South

Africa. At the time of writing, she has 7 winners at such diverse racetracks as Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Fairview, Hollywoodbets Durbanville and Hollywoodbets Greyville, with 17 places to her credit. And her trip is not over yet!

She has ridden in every province, Turffontein being the only South African venue where she has not participated in races.

Nichola Yuen and her colleague Blaine Marx-Jacobson, who rode a career first double just last Thursday at the Vaal Credit: Pauline Herman

Asked to name her favourite South African racetrack, Nichola says that Hollywoodbets Kenilworth would be her top choice.

“It’s such a beautiful racecourse, and very fair. I really enjoy everything about it,” she added.

While it was probably marginally unfair of us to call on her to nominate a jockey and trainer that stood out in her visit here, she bravely suggested Andrew Fortune and Justin Snaith as two professionals who had individually added ‘great value’ to her stint.

“Andrew Fortune has a remarkable style and is a master tactician. The way he gets behind a horse and relaxes it, is amazing. He is just a master horseman and also has the time and patience to give feedback and advice to us youngsters.

I haven’t, with every respect, ridden with too many jockeys of his age, but it’s been an honour and to think he won a top race like the WSB Cape Town Met on top of it!”

We asked Nichola if the Candyman, despite being a champion jockey, was also a ‘nice guy’?

“Most definitely. Just listening to his life experiences and marvelling at the way he has overcome the challenges encountered along the way. One has to have great respect, and he is a kind person too.”

On her trainer choice, Nichola points out that the Snaith Racing Team played a key role in her development and coaching here.

“They have given me wonderful support, and many opportunities. It was also a real honour to get the feeling of riding their top horses in work. One doesn’t get the opportunity to ride good horses every day. And there is so much discussion and feedback – between staff and other jockeys there. The size of their operation means that it’s a naturally great learning environment for any enthusiastic rider willing to learn, and to absorb the experience,” she

explains, before adding that she should also mention the mentorship and guidance of former South African champion jockey and Hong Kong legend Felix Coetzee, who is a consultant to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Racing Development Board, and with whose family she stayed for a few months while here

No decision has yet been made as to which trainer Nichola will be allocated to in Hong Kong, but she conceded that she was excited to be going home after what has been ‘ten long years’ since she started her apprenticeship, coincidentally in the same year as her good friend and colleague Britney Wong Po-ni, who was cleared to resume riding trackwork recently after recovering from a fractured leg.

Britney sustained the injury in a frightening barrier incident at Sha Tin on 23 November last year when her mount, Family Knight, reared and became cast in the stalls, getting its left leg over the starting-gate partition. The 26-year-old has ridden six winners in her first Hong Kong campaign.

“I am really going to miss South Africa and all of the wonderful people here. But I must say it will also be terrific to get back home and spend time with my family,” Nichola told the Sporting Post earlier this week, as she reflected that her interest in horse riding blossomed when she was just ten years old.

Her parents sent her to Lei Yue Mun Public Riding School and the experience fired her passion and interest in horses. She then geared her ambitions towards becoming a jockey.

Nichola joined the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s trainee programme in 2016 as a trainee apprentice jockey, working for several local stables before starting overseas training in South Australia in 2021. She rode 61 winners in three years Down Under before gaining more experience, riding 10 winners in New Zealand. She has been here for the past five months.

While it was decided in the boardroom, Nichola will never forget this photograph of Dame Of Trix (down the inside) getting the better of Richard Fourie and Demanding Dave for her first winner on her first day of race-riding in SA – all the way back in October 2025 | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Nichola joined the South African Jockey Academy in October 2025, and in short time, has impressed everyone with her commitment and infectious energy.

She made an immediate impact, winning her very first race at her opening race meeting in South Africa. By the end of January 2026, Nichola had recorded 7 winners and 18 places.

Was she satisfied with her number of winners?

“One can never ever ride enough winners! But I am thankful for every opportunity that I received from every owner and trainer that allowed me to ride their horses. I mean that,” she adds sincerely.

A spokesperson for the world-renowned SA Jockey Academy said that the milestone of Nichola’s licencing by the Hong Kong Jockey Club is proof that hard work, perseverance, and a love for the sport truly pays off.

“We are proud to be part of Nichola’s journey and wish her every success in this exciting new chapter,” concluded the statement. Nichola reciprocated her gratitude to the SA Jockey Academy, the riding masters, and to her colleagues for their support and camaraderie.

Asked about South Africa, Nichola said that she had probably not done justice to the beauty of the country, and promised the Sporting Post that she is going to visit Table Mountain before she returns home.

“I have really been kept busy making the most of every moment in the saddle. But I am going to make a plan to take the Cable Car up your beautiful mountain. I suppose it will seem crazy if I have to look back on my time here in a few years and say that I never visited one of the greatest and most beautiful landmarks on earth. In fact, one which I had admired from the SAJA bus on the journeys to Milnerton and Futura Park, so many times!” she laughs.

LOOKS BACK ON TRACK! SON OF DUKE OF MARMALADE

King Pelles (Smanga Khumalo) strides clear to a good win | Credit: Julia Marnewick

Reigning Equus Champion Stayer King Pelles put the Betway Summer Cup blot on his copybook well behind him when he showed his class to lumber 62,5kgs and win the R200 000 Non Black-Type UmThomboti Stakes run over 1950m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.

King Pelles (33-20) looked the class act in the eight-horse field and loped along relaxed in third for much of the trip, before tackling the long-time leader Go Grayson Go, who kept finding under 4kg-clainer Dezahn Louw.

But Smanga Khumalo knew what he had in reserve and he got the job done as the 5yo Duke Of Marmalade gelding was too strong as he went on powerfully to beat the well-backed pacemaker by 1,30 lengths in a time of 119,72 secs.

Isivivane (6-1) was a further half-length back in third.

Raced in partnership by Lucky Vest 12 CC (Nom: Ravi Padayachee), Messrs D MacLean, G J Player & N V Parmanand, King Pelles was found by the astute Gavin Van Zyl and purchased for R475 000 off the BSA National Yearling Sale.

Now a winner of 8 races with 8 places from 26 starts, King Pelles has earned R1 642 989 and continues to be a proud flagbearer for Hollywoodbets-sponsored Gareth van Zyl.

Bred by Drakenstein Stud, the winner is a son of the champion farm’s late stallion Duke Of Marmalade out of the four-time winning Galileo mare, Grail Maiden (AUS).

Barring a first timer ‘springer’ Green Energy was the best bet on the card and those that cashed in were well rewarded in the opener, with Buffalo King Cody attracting most of the market attention.

Adam Azzie has obviously learned well from his father Mike, as the Gimmethegreenlight colt was turned out without a hair out of place and he arrived in similar fashion as the Gauteng raider tried hard. He was in contention for a few strides but once Serino Moodley put the hammer down, Green Energy pulled away to win in the manner of a horse that has a future.

Dennis Bosch has been around the block more than just a few times. He no longer chases the limelight, although if the right horse came along, he would give Andrew Fortune a run for his money, but he is as shrewd as they come. First timer Durban Diamond landed a gable in the second under replacement rider Craig Zackey, with the more exposed Japura chasing her home ahead of Mekong who was all at sea and one for the notebook.

Keagan de Melo was booked off after an injury suffered at Turffontein on Saturday and he missed out on a possible treble with replacement riders filling in.

The Class 4 over 1750m was a competitive handicap but French Trip was given a smart ride by promising apprentice Mxolisi Mbuto. Sitting just off the pace and told not to break his mounts stride by seasoned Gr1-winning trainer Duncan Howells, he took the shortest way home with a clear run at the line and got home rather comfortably ahead of favourite Actor with Continentalexpress running on strongly and one to take note off when next he stretches to over 2400m and further.

It was a memorable day for Mauritius-born 4kg-claimer Divesh Ramkhalawon who scored a career first victory aboard Dawn Surprise for Gary Rich, when winning the last. It was Ramkhalawon’s eleventh ride and he did little wrong – except apparently ignoring the trainer’s instructions not to smack her – as he kept the mare in touch to make it two wins in a row.

The tenth race on the card was abandoned due to the lightning, thunder and heavy rains.

The next KZN racemeeting is at the same venue on Sunday 15 February.

MULLING THE SUNDAY SECTIONALS

The non-black type UmThombothi Stakes over 1950m topped the bill in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday and here class told when the very talented stayer King Pelles gained his eighth win from just 26 starts.

The pace set by Go Grayson Go was a steady one early on, but he did then step up the gallop during the second half of the home turn. Rested for ten weeks and racing over a trip short of his best, the son of Duke Of Marmalade meanwhile raced third just three and a half lengths away and was always poised to strike.

He did so 250m out and although the pacemaker rallied gamely once headed, he ran on well under a typically strong ride from former champion jockey Smanga Khumalo, and won well in the end by a length.

A R475000 purchase, King Pelles has now amassed stake earnings of over R1,64 million.

Almost two seconds quicker than the Progress Plate between the 1000m and 600m markers, the Lucky Fish Winning Streak Class 4 was the quicker of the two 1750m races on the card and here FRENCH TRIP registered his fourth career victory.

Allowed to ease out to 11/2 from 4/1 at the track, the 5yo Trippi gelding raced just two lengths off the fair pace set by one of the rank outsiders of the party Vihaan’s Bomb (respiratory noise). He was asked to quicken in the latter part of the bend by apprentice Mbuto and struck the front at the top of the straight 500m out. He gave his all under a determined ride from the apprentice and held on to score by a neck from the running on Actor.

Going:

Good to Soft (both tracks)

Penetrometer: 26 (inside track) – 27 (outside track)

Rain: Last 24 hours 38mm –Last 7 days 38mm

Irrigation: Last 24 hours 4mm –Last 7 days 24mm

False Rail: 7m

Wind: 10-15km/h East South Easterly cross wind

Course Variant: 0,43s fast (straight) –0,21s fast (bend)

With the final race being abandoned due to the severity of an electrical storm, the Join Today www.socialsquad.co.za Class 5 (f&m) won by DAWN SURPRISE proved to be the fastest of the three scheduled 1200m races.

Up with the speed throughout, Gary Rich’s charge was always travelling well. She began to assert her authority going through the 300m and quickly drew clear to score by almost five. Dawn Surprise has now gained three of her five career wins over this course and distance. Her rider apprentice Divesh Ramkhalawon registered his first career win in this race.

By 13/100th of a second the boy’s division was the quicker of the two 1000m maiden juvenile plate races that had opened up proceedings. Just six went to post and in what effectively was priced up as a boat race, the second favourite Buffalo Bill Cody made the running, whilst the winner, GREEN ENERGY (11/10 favourite) raced just a length and a half away in third.

The son of Gimmethegreenlight only had to be shaken up in order to take up the running 200m out and won going away by two and a quarter with some in hand. Trainer Adam Azzie spoke well of Green Energy after the race and said that we will only see the best of him when he goes 14/1600.

They ran three races over 1000m in total and comfortably the fastest of these was the Form Guide www.gallop.co.za Maiden Plate won by the deposed favourite SOVEREIGN GEM (5/2 out to 4/1). Up with the speed throughout, the 3yo daughter of Rafeef was only really asked to race over the final 100m and ran on strongly below the distance to fend off the always handy Fleur De Ling. Sovereign Gem was ridden by replacement rider Calvin Habib.

Fastest Times:

1000m (3) Sovereign Gem 57,36

1200m (3) Dawn Surprise 68,43

1750m (2) French Trip 106,04

HOLLYWOOD RACING’S SEASON MILESTONE

HOLLYWOOD

Izibulo (Sean Veale) makes it a Hollywood Racing century! | Credit: Race Coast

Summerveld conditioner Garth Puller enjoyed the honour of saddling Hollywood Racing’s 100th winner of the 2025/26 term when the Lancaster Bomber filly Izibulo made it two wins on the trot in a Class 5 (F&M) run over 1400m on the Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack on Friday evening

Ridden by Hollywood Racing-retained jockey Sean Veale, Izibulo – whose name means ‘first born’ – ran out a smart winner over Golden Angel, to maintain her form and make it three victories overall.

Bred by Dr Ralph Katzwinkel, the winner is a daughter of the deceased Lancaster Bomber (USA) out of the Ideal World mare Talitha Borealis.

Izibulo is reigning SA Champion owner

Hollywood Racing’s 793rd winner since their first on 13 March 2002 when the Paul Lafferty-trained Splendid Night won at the same venue under Sean Cormack.

Hollywoodbets Racing are currently leading the national champion owner log with R10 722 000 is stakes earned this season.

Recent WSB Cape Town Met winning owner Nic Jonsson is in second, with R5 083 181 in stakes to date.

As an incentive for the season century milestone, Hollywood Racing acknowledged the winning combination with the following:

• R10 000 – Winning Trainer – Garth Puller

• R10 000 – Winning Jockey – Sean Veale

• R2 500 – Winning Groom – Mthuthuzeli Nyawose

• R2 500 – Winning Commentators

– Craig Peters and Sanele Mchunu

Hollywood Racing rounded off a memorable evening with a double when Sean Veale booted home Kaapse Klopse in the lucky last for trainer MJ Odendaal.

Izibulo (Sean Veale) is led in by Hollywoodbets’ Ian Stangroom, Lesley Heffer and Devin Heffer | Credit: Julia Marnewick

CLOCKING THE FRIDAY NIGHT RACING

The joint bill topping Bold Revealed B Stakes proved to be the quickest of the three races over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening and here the friendless Future Flo (10/1 out to 16/1) gained his sixth win.

Nicely drawn in gate five, the son of Futura broke well and was soon at the head of affairs.

He led by just a length during the early part of the race before cleverly being asked to give a kick in the latter part of the bend. He quickly went three lengths clear in the straight and although Agrado ran on very well from off the pace to finish a length and a half second, that early move made by S’manga Khumalo proved to be decisive.

Owners Hollywood Racing reached the landmark of 100 winners for the season when the 4yo Lancaster Bomber filly IZIBULO registered her third career victory in the Welcome Winners Class 5 (f&m) over 1400m . Sent off second favourite in what proved to be the slowest of the three races over the distance, Garth Puller’s charge was soon up handy. She was asked to take up the running as they approached the 200m marker and went on to score with authority by two and three quarters.

Going: Standard

Rain:

Last 24 hours Nil –Last 7 days 2mm

Wind: 20-45km/h South Easterly tail wind

Course Variant: 0,78s fast

The Hollywood Racing team were again on the mark in the faster of the two 1200m events, the Bold Future Class 5 , when KAAPSE KLOPSE (Sean Veale) found the winners enclosure. Without a win in little under two years, and under threat of being relocated to the Eastern Cape, the 5yo son of Rafeef was soon positioned in second just a length and a half off the pace.

He put his head in front passing the 300m marker and kept on strongly late to fend off a determined challenge from the mare Acacia’s Blossom (S’manga Khumalo) by a neck.

The riders of the first two were both fined R2000 for misusing the crop by striking their respective mounts more than twelve times (13).

Unbeaten in five starts on the poly, the One World gelding United Nation was not surprisingly well-supported to win the Bold Fortune B Stakes over 1000m and visibly cruising at the head of affairs going through the 400m, it looked as though he would extend his unbeaten record on the surface to six.

He could find no extra when challenged 150m out by Donquerari (hung in from the 300m) though and faded late to finish fifth of six. Meanwhile the winner GOOD TRAVELLER had raced third and running on strongly in the closing stages of the race he got up under a well-timed ride from S’manga Khumalo, 60m from home. During the loading process United Nation rushed the starting stall gates and as a result was examined by the vet before being passed fit to race.

Run at a fair pace, the Champions Aligned Open Maiden Plate over 1600m was won by the well-tried What A Winter gelding TAKEYOURBESTSHOT. Backed into favouritism at the track, M J Odendaal’s charge was skilfully guided over from a wide draw by Keagan De Melo and was quickly positioned just three quarters of a length off the front running Full Monty.

He was ridden to lead coming off the bend but was then challenged strongly passing the 300m marker by the always handy second favourite Black Platina. Once given rein though he quickened away well and went on to score with authority by a length and three quarters.

Fastest Times: 1200m (2) Kaapse Klopse 70,03 1400m (3) Future Flo 81,60

NHA CALENDAR KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP!

The Sporting Post presents the National Horseracing Authority Calendar per 06 February 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:

PLATTNER ROSE

A BUDDING TALENT

After the hype of World Sports Betting Cape Town Met day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday (31 January), the Southern Suburbs venue returned to a semblance of midweek normality last Wednesday, with the beautifully-bred Australian import Rose Woott winning the afternoon’s Non Black-Type 3yo feature for Sabine Plattner and Andre Nel.

Muzi Yeni produces Rose Woott up the outside to beat Beach Verse (JP van der Merwe) | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

While the Rondeberg-based team had a few fancied runners on the humid afternoon, it was the 20-1 outsider in the seven-horse feature field that delivered the goods and made the long-haul home back up the West Coast, worthwhile.

Having just her fifth start, the Wootton Bassett filly finished with a strong late effort under Stone-Stamcor sponsored Muzi Yeni to collar the 28-10 Beach Verse in the final strides and clock 99,98 secs for the mile, to win by just under a half-length.

Kattekwaadkwadraad (7-2) carried a kilo over for the services of Andrew Fortune, and stayed on smartly for third, a further 0,30 lengths back.

Now a winner of 2 of her 5 starts with a single place, Rose Woott took her earnings to R189 170.

Bred by Queensland-based Dr DJ O’Brien, she was purchased by James Bester Bloodstock off the 2024 Inglis Easter Sale for A$600 000 – the equivalent in today’s terms of R6,7 million.

A bay filly by Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj) out of the quality High Chaparral mare Bring Me Roses, Rose Woott looks to have scope –even though the winning trainer and jockey differed, with Muzi Yeni calling her a likely handicapper, and Andre Nel suggesting she she would be better than that. She hasn’t done anything wrong – time will tell.

Wootton Bassett, one of the world’s great sires, passed away in September last year at Coolmore Australia, having suffered from choke and subsequently developing an acute pneumonia which deteriorated rapidly.

Wootton Bassett

Wootton Bassett’s story as a sire is a unique one. Nicolas de Chambure got him off to an incredible start at Haras d’Etreham in France before he was acquired by Coolmore in 2020.

In his time at Coolmore, he developed into a world-class sire, with 25 Stakes winners and six Group 1 winners from his two and threeyear-old crops conceived in Ireland. Included amongst these are multiple Group 1-winning sons Camille Pissarro and Henri Matisse, as well as last season’s multiple Group 1-winning filly, Whirl.

James Crawford saddled two winners on the day, while Gavin Lerena also enjoyed a double.

After the highs of Met day, Andrew Fortune had to leave it to the lucky last to get into the winner’s enclosure, courtesy of the Andrews family-owned Gin Palace, saddled by Greg Ennion, who endured his own tough day at the office.

Fortune and his son Aldo Domeyer repeated the 1-2 achievement of Saturday – just this time it wasn’t in two Grade 1’s, but a Class 5 contest.

SPLITTHEEIGHTS MOVES UP TO 121

Splittheeights has been awarded a revised merit rating of 121, up from 97, following his victory in the TAB Gr2 Gauteng Guineas over 1600m at the Turffontein Standside track on Saturday.

The Handicappers elected to use Tin Pan Alley, who finished sixth, as the line horse for assessing this race, leaving his rating unchanged on 117.

In addition to the winner, several other runners received upward adjustments to their merit ratings:

• Grand Empire , the runner up, was raised from 108 to 120.

• One Eye On Vegas received an increase from 106 to 118.

• Yippee Kiyay was lifted from 101 to 117.

• Lastly, Radio Star received an adjustment, moving from 95 to 97.

The only reduction in the ratings was for Golden Warrior, who was adjusted downward from 103 to 100.

Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas

Following her impressive victory in the Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas over 1600m, Hazy Dazy’s official merit rating has been raised from 101 to 117.

The Handicappers used the ever-consistent Lowveld Lily (fourth place finisher) as the line horse, leaving her rating unchanged at 109.

To maintain the correct pecking order, several other runners also received increases:

• The runner up, Charge It , was lifted from 104 to 113.

• Littlemissmillion was raised from 99 to 107.

• Daisy Jones increased from 99 to 106.

• Drumnadrochit improved from 91 to 105.

• Pretty Persuasive went up from 93 to 99.

There were no merit rating reductions in this race.

• Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.

SNAITH FINED: OKAVANGO LOSES GR2 VICTORY

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms a Prohibited Substance finding arising from routine post-race specimen collection.

The presence of Flunixin, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) classified as a Class 4 prohibited substance, was disclosed following analysis of a specimen collected from OKAVANGO after the running of Race 5 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 10 January 2026.

Flunixin meglumine is widely used in equine veterinary practice for the relief of pain, reduction of inflammation, and control of fever.

It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as musculoskeletal injury, colic, or post-operative recovery.

While safe and effective when used under veterinary supervision, its administration is prohibited within defined withdrawal periods prior to racing and must be accurately recorded in the Veterinary Treatment Register (VTR).

Following notification of the analytical finding, the Trainer, Mr Justin Snaith conducted an internal investigation.

This included review of the stable and race-day video footage as well as a detailed examination of the VTR.

Through this process, he was able to conclusively establish the circumstances that led to the positive finding. The NHA notes and commends this proactive and transparent approach.

Justin Snaith elected to sign an Admission of Guilt for a contravention of Rule 73.2.4, and the penalty of a fine of R25 000 was imposed.

In determining the penalty, due consideration was given to the classification of substance, the Trainer’s clean penalty record in respect of prior prohibited substance contraventions over the preceding five-year period, the concentration detected in the specimen, and the status of the race.

In accordance with Rule 72.3.2, OKAVANGO is disqualified from the race.

Media release by the NHA on Monday, 09 February 2026.

Okavango (Oisin Murphy) wins the Anthonij Rupert Gr2 Premier Trophy at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

IMPROVING THEIR SKILLS CAPE GROOMS

Former jockey Craig Du Plooy is now in his nineteenth year of producing top notch workriders with the primary aim of playing an important support role to the Cape trainers.

Du Plooy proudly officiated as the final Hollywoodbets Western Province Groom School class of 2025 were proudly capped at a graduation ceremony at the Milnerton Training Centre on a humid Thursday morning.

The certification programme focuses on equine education and drills to improve riding technique, whilst also building physical stamina.

“This is such a big day in the professional careers of the eight gentleman, who are now able to play a more strategic and vital role in their respective stables,” Du Plooy told the Sporting Post as lunch was served and Hollywoodbets officials handed out ‘goodie bags’ to celebrate the commitment and dedication shown by ‘students’ who work long hours, often from long before sunset.

“The feedback from their trainers has all been very positive and I never tire of the satisfaction of seeing the progress that the guys make. Of the class of 8, 4 riders have been passed to race ride, of which one already participated in our HWB work riders’ race. The remaining 4 passed to ride work on a daily basis. The support of Hollywoodbets and Race Coast is greatly valued by all of us,” he added.

The graduates were:

• Lihle Mpukane

• Sinethemba Jevu

• Alindile Gope

• Sandiso Mtshikitshiki

• Mawandiswe Sibeko

• Malakhiwe Zenzwe

• Aviwe Maqelana

• Siphe Ntluzwana

CALLS IT A DAY SAVANNA

In a statement published on Tuesday morning, the South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) said that it is with great respect and understanding that they announce the cancellation of the indentures of second year apprentice jockey Savanna Valjalo, following her personal decision to step away from the apprenticeship at this time.

Savanna joined the South African Jockey Academy in January 2025 and, within a remarkable five-month period, successfully completed the requirements to sign her racing papers and was cleared to ride in races. Just one month later, she recorded her first career winner.

As at the end of January 2026, Savanna had accumulated a total of 16 career wins, reflecting consistent performance and competitive capability during her time as an apprentice.

After careful reflection, Savanna made the decision to pursue a different path aligned with her personal goals and wellbeing. This decision is made with the utmost respect for SAJA and the racing industry, both of which she remains deeply grateful to for the opportunities, guidance, and support she received during her time at the Academy.

Savanna has expressed her heartfelt thanks to SAJA’s management, riding masters, staff, and supporters, acknowledging the role they played in her development and the experiences she will always value. While she steps away from her apprenticeship, Savanna will remain part of the broader equestrian community, continuing her connection to horses, riding, and following the sport she holds close to her heart.

The South African Jockey Academy is proud of what Savanna achieved in her time with us and wishes her every success, fulfilment, and happiness in her future endeavours.

Valjalo will

AND THE PATIENT ART OF REBUILDING TRUST MALAN DU TOIT

When Justin Snaith’s See It Again (Twice Over) strode to the start with purpose and won the 2026 WSB Cape Town Met with authority, the performance carried the fingerprints of a man who rarely seeks the spotlight.

Horse behaviour consultant Malan du Toit was not responsible for specific exercise programmes, feed and heart rate monitoring, rather with understanding a horse that had lost his earlier composure and teaching him how to cope again.

Malan had broken in See It Again as a yearling back in 2020, a task completed routinely and professionally.

In December last year, he found himself working with the gelding again, this time at

his most vulnerable. What followed was not a quick fix or a gimmick, but a painstaking return to first principles.

See It Again first crossed Malan’s path at Ridgemont Highlands, where owner Nic Jonsson had his yearlings stabled at the time.

Here called: “See It Again was one of many yearlings I’d worked with in 2020. I remember him as a nice, well-behaved young horse with a good attitude. Over the years, however, he picked up some bad habits. While he never lost his gentle demeanour in the stable yard, his behaviour at the starting gates became uncontrollable.”

See It Again as a yearling | Malan Du Toit

Malan explained that See It Again’s original trainer, Michael Roberts, sought his assistance in November 2025, after the gelding had twice refused to load for engagements in October and early November. Those incidents effectively derailed Roberts’ plans to campaign him in the Betway Summer Cup.

“I wasn’t able to help at the time because I was fully booked and about to go on vacation,” said Malan. “More importantly, I knew that a quick crash course ahead of the Summer Cup would not have been sufficient to address See It Again’s issues.”

In the weeks that followed, See It Again was transferred to Justin Snaith’s yard at Philippi, Cape Town, and Malan was available when Snaith soon made a similar request.

As part of his assessment, Malan conducted additional background research to establish where See It Again’s issues had first taken root. He recalled an earlier warning sign: “A few years ago, my assistant Madoda Lumkwana (“Jackson”) and I were loading other horses for a race in Cape Town when we noticed that See It Again was behaving unusually, acting up a bit. I said to Jackson, ‘There’s trouble coming with this one,’ and he agreed.”

Malan subsequently established that the problems stemmed from an earlier incident at the starting gates, where See It Again received an unintentional blow to the head while being loaded.

Malan with Do It Again and his late groom, Levis | Credit: Supplied

“It appears that the handler walking him into the pens, accidentally struck him on the head with an elbow while tightening the reins to climb onto the stall partitioning. Unfortunately, the horse was left with the lasting, negative emotion that the starting gates are not a safe and happy place – triggering an evasive response every time he approached the pens after that.”

Over time, Malan noted, See It Again also learned how strong he was, and that his behaviour could help him to avoid entering the starting stalls. “He started retreating, with the handler in tow. At times he would rear up on his hind legs, always difficult to manage. On other occasions he’d stand sideways, parallel to the stalls, with either shoulder facing the gates, and simply refuse to turn and walk in. He had acquired a full repertoire of avoidance responses.”

Rising seven, See It Again presented a unique challenge as an older horse, and

Malan explained: “Horses learn fastest when they are young, before they figure out resistance. If you sense there may be a problem, it’s important to act immediately. Young horses are like children – they need discipline. Boundaries and accountability must be established early. You want to educate them young, not repair them later. As the saying goes, as the twig is bent, so grows the tree.”

Malan had to dismantle the habits that had kept See It Again on the sidelines for the first half of the 2025/26 season. He was acting as he pleased, but had to be taught willing compliance. He had crossed the boundaries of acceptable behaviour, and those boundaries had to be re-established.

• Click on the image below to read the full story…

CAN DO THE DOUBLE FOREVER YOUNG

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi believed Forever Young (JPN) to be virtually unbeatable when he thwarted Romantic Warrior (IRE) 12 months ago and he returns to Riyadh with his Breeders’ Cup hero bidding to become the first dual winner of the Gr1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse this Saturday.

Hong Kong legend Romantic Warrior was the only possible danger to victory in the 2025 renewal of the USD$20million feature in the mind of the decorated trainer.

And he was proved correct as the pair went head-to-head down the stretch with Forever Young prevailing by neck – having only led inside the final 25 metres.

“I didn’t think he would be beaten by any horse,” revealed Yahagi. “But I wasn’t completely sure about Romantic Warrior, as it was his first time racing on dirt. If Forever Young was going to be beaten, it had to be by Romantic Warrior.”

Forever Young (dark red) beats Romantic Warrior in the 2025 US$20m Saudi Cup Credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia //Mathea Kelley

Romantic Warrior made a big move at the top of the stretch and looked assured of success, only for Ryusei Sakai to wear him down aboard the brilliant entire in a dramatic climax.

“It was unbelievable. To be honest, I thought we had been beaten at the finish. It was a great race,” added Yahagi.

The trainer bids for a third win in just seven renewals of The Saudi Cup following on from Panthalassa (JPN) in 2023, and Forever Young will be having his first start after writing another chapter in the history books when becoming the first Japanese-trained winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar last November.

“He skipped the Tokyo Daishoten this year after the Breeders’ Cup,’ explained Yahagi. “He was carrying a little extra weight at first, but he has been improving steadily. The anti-clockwise track and the long home straight really suit him in Saudi Arabia and Sakai knows everything about him. Their partnership is very reliable,” added the trainer of the pairing who also claimed the 2024 Saudi Derby.

Yahagi has been one of the leading advertisers of Japanese racing with wins also in Dubai on World Cup night, in Hong Kong and with a Cox Plate victory in Australia.

“Winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic definitely brought about a big change in the Japanese racing industry. Horse racing is still not the biggest sport in Japan, but I would like to continue working to grow it,” he explained.

“The Japanese racing industry is aiming to be the best in the world. Strong fan support, including wagering turnover, contributes to

high prize-money. Because of that, Japanese owners are willing to invest significant sums. The industry is healthy thanks to the support of the fans.”

Forever Young went on to be third in the Dubai World Cup last year and a return to Meydan is again on the cards, but another tilt at a Breeders’ Cup has yet to be decided.

Yahagi said: “He will run The Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup. He is scheduled to run in those two races. We are focusing on these two Middle Eastern races for his spring campaign. Nothing has been confirmed yet for his autumn campaign.

“The Breeders’ Cup will be held at Keeneland this year, which makes it a different situation for us compared to when it is held on the West Coast of the United States. I need to discuss our plans with the owner, Mr. Fujita, who was keen to keep him in training.”

Team Yahagi return with not one but two defending champions as Shin Emperor (FR) also bids for a repeat win after making all from stall three last year in the Howden Neom Turf Cup, which now carries G1 status and $3m in prize-money.

“He is in very good form and this race has always been the target,” said Yahagi. “The anti-clockwise, flat 2100-metre track on good ground suits him very well. He doesn’t have to lead, but we would like to see him settle into a good position.”

And ominously for opponents to the fullbrother to Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Sottass (FR), he added: “I thought he had fully matured, but in fact he is still improving.”

RACING WORLD LEADERS 41ST ARC ASSEMBLES

Around 600 leading dignitaries, decision makers and leaders from the world of horseracing, including South Africa, will be assembling in Riyadh this week for the 41st Asian Racing Conference (ARC).

Guided by the theme: “Honouring Tradition, Shaping the Future” the event runs from February 9-14 and consists of a three-day business programme designed to provoke meaningful dialogue, strategic insights and key learnings to address the challenges and opportunities facing the horseracing industry.

The week’s activities got under way on Monday with a gathering of the International Forum for the After Care of Racehorses (IFAR) when HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, the chairman of hosts, Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia will formally open proceedings.

Delegates were welcomed later the evening to the ARC Opening Ceremony by both HRH Prince Bandar and Winfried EngelbrechtBresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey

Club and Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation, the conference organisers.

A busy three days of discussion, thought leadership and insight at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Convention Centre follows, covering topics ranging from the role of equestrianism and sport in Saudi’s Vision 2030 ambitions, the impact and role of the Gulf Horseracing Council, as well as AI impacts on the future of sport in terms of integrity and attracting new audiences.

The week culminates in the seventh running of the USD$20m Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday February 14 when Japan’s Forever Young (JPN) will be seeking a place in the history books as the first repeat winner of the big race.

A CLASSIC SERIES FORCE NUMBERS EMERGES

Numbers firmly advanced his credentials for the remainder of the Hong Kong Four-YearOld Classic Series with a commanding victory in Sunday’s Gr3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin.

The Frankie Lor-trained galloper dominated his six rivals, each with a Group-level winning profile, as he led from start-to-finish on his way to a two-length victory in the HK$4.2 million contest.

The Tivaci gelding went off a strong $1.7 favourite on the strength of an eye-catching front-running victory in December, his first in Hong Kong. The handicapper gave him eight points for that, but Numbers (117lb) still went off from the foot of the weights against a more experienced field.

From barrier two, he was worked to the head of the field by Derek Leung and enjoyed a rail-hugging passage half a length in front of Andrea Atzeni on Ensued (125lb) to the bend.

As they entered the straight, a group headed by Chancheng Glory under Zac Purton moved to his shoulder to briefly offer resistance, before Leung shook up the four-year-old and opened a gap on his pursuers. Speed Dragon (126lb), ridden by Lyle Hewitson, improved to take second, with Karis Teetan and Encountered (126lb) finishing third.

“He was still a bit nervous in the gates, but he did a good job,” Leung said. “He handled himself pretty good. After he relaxed, I started to pick up at the 800m. He listened to me, and he made my job pretty easy.”

Leung said his tactical versatility makes Numbers a major threat for the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March.

“He can lead, or if someone’s going faster than him, he can be second or third – just whatever he wants to be,” Leung said. “He loves to chase a horse. So, it doesn’t matter … he loves the challenge.”

The second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series is the Hong Kong Classic Cup on 1 March, and on this evidence, Numbers will take some beating as the Series extends to 1800m and beyond. His last act in Australia pre-import was a spirited second in the Gr1 Queensland Derby over 2400m. Trainer Lor said he was confident.

Andrea Atzeni grabbed a treble | Credit: HKJC

“I have a lot of hope. You can see in Australia he already has form over 2400m, so I don’t think there will be any problems and we’ll just go for it,” he said.

Andrea Atzeni improved to 25 wins for the season as he grabbed a treble. The Italian’s first winner came on King Dance (116lb), who produced a giant effort to snatch his first career win at the seventh attempt. The United States of America-bred chestnut, trained by Francis Lui, is a son of US dirt superstar Nyquist and made good on his classy pedigree, claiming the first section of the Class 4 Lung Yat Handicap (1200m, dirt).

Atzeni made it two after a grinding effort on David Hall’s Good Chap (118lb), who claimed a first career win in the second section of the

Class 4 Lung Yat Handicap (1200m, dirt). Hall was especially pleased with the win, given the Deep Field gelding’s difficult start in Hong Kong.

“It wasn’t a big surprise. He’s always shown a bit of ability,” said Hall. “We’ve had a few soundness issues with him. I think with the breed – Deep Field – they certainly love the surface, and I think they love a set of blinkers. He trialled well with them, so he took his trial to the races.”

Atzeni’s treble was completed when he piloted John Size’s four-year-old Flow Water Flow (115lb) to victory in his first Class 3 run in the Yau Oi Handicap (1800m). The Proisir gelding has now recorded two wins after three seconds in his debut campaign.

Mark Newnham’s Lucky Ranger (128lb) maintained his upward trajectory with a fine win in the first section of the Class 4 On Ting Handicap (1400m). In both of his first two starts, the three-year-old was forced to overcome the widest draw, but did so comfortably, delivering a 22nd win of the season for Luke Ferraris, and maintaining a one-win lead (35) for Newnham in the trainers’ standings.

The Brett Crawford-Karis Teetan axis continued to fire as Island Buddy (128lb) took the spoils in the Class 4 Yan Oi Tong Cup Handicap (1200m) with the

Mauritian having now been aboard eight of Crawford’s 14 victories since relocating to Sha Tin this season. The five-year-old has now won both races since his transfer to the South African’s yard.

Cody Mo secured a win courtesy of the hugely progressive Emblazon (124lb). The Hong Kong Derby-nominated son of Zoustar made it three wins in a row and four for the season – all under two pound-claiming Jerry Chau – when he took out the Class 3 Yan Tin Handicap (1400m).

Chau and trainer Lui completed doubles when Galactic Voyage (121lb) prevailed in the Class 3 Tai Hing Handicap (1200m). The win improved Lui’s tally for the season to 25 wins. Chau moved on to 21.

Manfred Man and Dylan Browne McMonagle combined as Aurora Patch (125lb) won the Class 3 Wu King Handicap (1200m, dirt), the five-year-old’s third win of the season. Ricky Yiu’s The Concentration (128lb) claimed a fourth win from 31 starts, with Maxime Guyon registering his 14th winner of the season in the Class 5 Fu Tai Handicap (1400m), and David Hayes kept up the pressure on Newnham at the top of the trainers’ standings with his 34th win of the season, when Harry Bentley guided All Round Winner (129lb) to victory in the Class 4 On Ting Handicap (1400m).

A CLEAN SWEEP BY INGLIS 2YO GRADUATES

In an extraordinary showing of 2YO class, Inglis graduates made a clean sweep of Saturday’s feature juvenile races, winning both Blue Diamond Preludes at Caulfield as well as the Lonhro Plate at Randwick.

The debutant colt Closer To Free (Street Boss) began the rout by winning the Gr3 Prelude (C&G) for Danny O’Brien, before Streisand (Magnus) proved too strong in the Gr2 Prelude (Fillies) 40 minutes later for Clinton McDonald.

In between, trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott made it back-to-back Lonhro Plate victories with Inglis graduates as Agrarian Girl (Tassort) proved an impressive winner, 12 months after Bellazaine won the race.

The Closer To Free story is as unlikely as it is remarkable.

Trainer Danny O’Brien was at the Caulfield barrier trials nine days ago and spotted Closer To Free in the mounting yard with his then-trainer Adrian Corboy, who had purchased the colt for A$60,000 at the Classic Yearling Sale from the draft of his breeder Milburn Creek.

After Closer To Free (Michael Dee) won the trial impressively, O’Brien approached Corboy and within minutes, had purchased the horse, who raced in Sean Buckley’s Ultra Thoroughbreds colours.

“Adrian is one of the best – if not the best – horse breaker in the country so I asked him what he was

doing… and before the horse left the mounting yard after it had won the trial I walked back with him, saw how easily he’d taken in the trial and as he was hosing the horse down I bought him,’’ O’Brien said.

“He’s a beautiful colt and he’s got a proper pedigree, he’s by a tremendous stallion in Street Boss and his first three dams are all 2YO Stakes winners so there’s plenty there to like about him. He’s got an amazing nature, he’s such a relaxed and sensible colt, he was challenged and he found plenty. I think he’s well above average.’’

Corboy added: “Danny approached me and asked about the horse and I told him he could win a Blue Diamond so let the games begin.

“He’s a nice horse and got the job done. The main aim was to trade him and that’s what we did. To Danny’s credit, there’s not too many people in the country that would take on a horse from a horse breaker and put it straight into a Blue Diamond Prelude with the full faith of a horse breaker’s recommendation.

“I don’t look for any credit at all, we’ve just got to get the job done, that’s what we do for a living.’’

Closer To Free firmed into a A$7 third favourite for the Gr1 Blue Diamond with Ladbrokes, to be run at Caulfield on February 21.

In the Gr2 Fillies division it was Streisand surging into Blue Diamond contention with a tenacious victory for trainer Clinton McDonald.

McDonald teamed up with Shane McGrath to buy Streisand – which was already twice Stakes placed prior to the day’s meeting – from Northmore Thoroughbreds for A$100,000 at the Premier Yearling Sale.

Northmore had pinhooked the Eldon Park Studbred filly with Waterford Livestock, purchasing her for A$22,000 at the Great Southern Sale as a weanling from the Yarran Thoroughbreds draft.

“She’s done all the hard yards,’’ McDonald said. “She was there for the first 2YO race of the season and got beat a short half head, she was there for the Spring Carnival and got beat a short half head again. She’s seasoned, she’s got the toughness on her side whereas a lot of these other horses are still learning their craft.

“We bought her at the Premier Yearling Sale with Shane McGrath and well done to Inglis once again, they’ve produced another good horse. I think she’ll go a long way in the Diamond, I think she has the mental aptitude for it and the toughness.’’

McDonald won the Blue Diamond two years ago with another Inglis graduate in Hayasugi. Streisand is an A$8 fourth favourite in the Blue Diamond with Ladbrokes in a fortnight.

And at Randwick it was Agrarian Girl that proved too strong on debut in the Listed Lonhro Plate, completing the juvenile clean sweep for Inglis graduates.

The filly’s trainers Waterhouse and Bott teamed up with Bruce Slade to purchase Agrarian Girl for A$280,000 at the Premier Yearling Sale, where she was offered by her breeders Emirates Park.

Agrarian Girl was scratched at Canberra yesterday to contest today’s black type race, a decision that ultimately proved fruitful for connections.

“She would have started a short-priced favourite at Canberra but Adrian made the call that we were going to stay here for this race instead, he showed that confidence in her which was great and she did the rest,’’ Slade said.

“She would have been in the top 10% of fillies at Premier last year in terms of price, she was well found, bred off a beautiful farm in Emirates Park… she was just a cracking sort and we were lucky enough to have enough power to get her and as soon as she was bought, Rod Russell from WA, he and his mates jumped in and bought the filly.’’

And talented 3YO Alpha Sofie (Capitalist) resumed in the best way possible, scoring a strong first-up win in the Gr3 Peter Le Grand Stakes at Caulfield.

The Ciaron Maher-trained filly has now won four of her five career starts and looks set for a big autumn.

Bred by Dan and Linda Alford and Mary Anne Holland, Alpha Sofie is a A$150,000 Classic Yearling Sale buy for Tosh Murphy’s Munetos, from the Davali Thoroughbreds draft.

SNITZEL’S

FIREBALL BLAZES

TO MILLENNIUM VICTORY

Unbeaten Easter colt Fireball (Snitzel) surged into equal third favourite for the Gr1 Golden Slipper with a powerful victory in Saturday’s A$2m Inglis Millennium at Randwick.

At just his second career start, the Chris Waller-trained Fireball settled midfield for champion jockey James McDonald, who weaved the 2YO into clear running midway down the home straight and fought off all challengers.

Fireball defeated Premier Sale graduate Ghana’s Akan (Street Boss) for Ciaron Maher, with Classic Sale graduate Alibaba (Alabama Express) for Ken and Kasey Keys in third.

The James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership teamed up with Tony Fung Colts to purchase Fireball for A$460,000 at last year’s Easter Yearling Sale, from the Yarraman Park Stud draft.

Bred by Michael O’Keeffe, Fireball has now won both his career starts and earned A$1,290,000 in prizemoney to date.

He also firmed into A$13 with Ladbrokes for the Gr1 Golden Slipper, to be run at Rosehill on March 21.

Harron described today’s performance as “incredible’’.

Fireball (James McDonald) wins the Inglis Millenium | Credit: Inglis

“It’s such a great day, a big event and to take the Millennium out for the first time is very special,’’ Harron said. “The Inglis Race Series is a wonderful bonus system for owners who put a lot of money into the game, invest over a long period of time so this means a lot.

“It’s a wonderful bonus for everybody but it’s also been a great graduate race the Millennium, we’ve seen really good horses come out of it because it’s well positioned in the year, it’s at the business end of the year leading into the Slipper and it fitted into this horse’s program perfectly.

“The win is super special, it’s our first year with TFI, we all love this horse, we’ve had a great relationship with them and we’ve moved into the second year with them this year and we’re off to a fantastic start.’’

Harron has fond memories of Fireball at last year’s Easter Sale.

“This colt has a beautiful pedigree, physique and demeanour and the sky’s the limit for him,’’ Harron said.

“We’re not just trying to buy expensive horses, we’re trying to buy horses that fit our criteria and to get him for A$460,000, being by Snitzel, we were pinching ourselves afterwards.

“We rated him very highly, both ourselves and TFI and the whole team.’’

Winning trainer Waller – who also trained Easter Yearling Sale colt Hidrix to victory in last weekend’s Gr3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill – added: “Fireball got there without being pushed to be here, that’s what I was happiest about. He’s going to get bigger and stronger and better and he might get faster too.

“We’re starting to work all the colts out. There are some more sales coming up from Sunday [Inglis Classic] and we’re looking forward to buying a few more.’’

Interestingly, Fireball’s dam Advance Party sold to Bruce Slade and the Gatt family for A$100,000 – in foal to In The Congo, carrying a three-quarter sibling to Fireball –at last year’s Australian Broodmare Sale at Riverside.

The other big winners in Saturday’s Millennium were the owners of Profitabelle, who won their share of the A$400,000 Inglis Pink Bonus.

“It’s wonderful, we’re very pleased to be here supporting female ownership in racing,’’ Profitabelle’s part owner Angela Weber said. “It’s a fantastic series and we’re thrilled, even though we didn’t win the race we feel like we’ve come away with a win.’’

Fairytale galloper Where’s The Circus – the A$1250 Inglis Digital bargain buy – was unable to win the Millennium but was crowned the Best Turned Out winner for being the ‘pick of the yard’ pre-race.

As a result, Where’s The Circus’ strapper Michelle Ritchie won A$1000.

Saturday’s Best Turned Out award was judged by Inglis director Jamie Inglis.

This victory by Fireball sees Waller climb into second place in the Theault Trainers’ Challenge, which is active on all Inglis Race Series events. The winning trainer – crowned after the Inglis Challenge at Wagga on 01 May – wins a six-month rental-free lease of a customised Proteo Switch 3 horsebox.

TOPS CLASSIC DAY 2 HARRY ANGEL COLT

A brother to Gr2 winner Stretan Angel topped Day 2 of the Classic Yearling Sale, realising a to-date sale high A$540,000.

On a buoyant day of trade at Riverside, the sale continued to build off the encouraging start from Sunday, working its way to a clearance rate of an impressive 84% at the close of day.

It was the Kirks Bridge Farm-offered Harry Angel x Sretan colt which enjoyed overall honours on Day 2, to the delight – and shock –of farm manager Brad McCarthy.

“I’m speechless. It’s amazing,’’ McCarthy said. “He’s just been a standout colt from day one, he was the nicest colt on the farm, he was the nicest weanling on the farm, he was the nicest yearling on the farm, he’s been an absolute professional all the way through.

“He’s been out so much this week, he’s been so busy and he hasn’t turned a hair, he’s just been an absolute star. We’re only a small farm

and a small crew and we work pretty hard to get them nice and quiet so they can come down here and parade the best they can. He had a lot of good comments made about him so it’s just unbelievable.

“I thought he’d be a real standout here and I thought physically he was ready for it and mentally he was ready for it. I need to give some credit to [Inglis bloodstock consultants] Angus [Robertson] and Willy G [Will Gardner], when they came on inspections to the farm I floated the idea by them and they said ‘have a crack’ and the horse just matured so well toward the end of the prep. I knew then we’d made the right decision.’’

Equine Growth Fund’s Stefan Pardi, who signed for the colt, described him as “the best horse in the sale’’, something his price tag reflects at this stage.

“It was a no brainer for me but I really didn’t want to have to stretch myself that far at this

Harry Angel x Sretan colt tops day 2 of Inglis Classic Yearling Sale | Credit: Inglis

sale but it only comes around once a year that you try and find horses like this at a particular sale. I just had to go a bit stronger and I’m happy that I got him,’’ Pardi said.

“This colt is a stallion prospect and this is what Equine Growth Fund is trying to do… we’re trying to buy these horses to make stallions basically and he was my number one colt, my number one horse out of 800 at this sale.’’

The day’s second-top lot was a Castelvecchio x Panzerfaust colt of Arrowfield, which sold to trainer Bryce Heys and Ellerslie Lodge for A$390,000.

The colt was part of a big day for Arrowfield, which head into the final day of the sale as leading vendor with 26 yearlings sold to date.

“Looking at our inspection numbers they’re up on last year. There’s been plenty of people here in all sectors of the market, it’s been really encouraging and bodes well for Easter too I think,’’ Arrowfield’s Jon Freyer said.

“This fellow is a lovely colt and he’s been really popular, we had so many inspections on him, as many as I can ever remember at a Classic Sale and he sold accordingly.’’

Heys added: “He’s the profile of horse we’re looking for. He’ll only get better when he gets older.

“He was one we rated very highly and we were on our last legs in terms of bidding but thankfully were able to secure him. He’s a big, strong individual so hopefully he’s got the capacity to train on as an older horse and an older staying horse. He’s the horse we were looking for and we’ll give him every opportunity.’’

At the close of Day 2, the sale’s gross was A$39,315,000, over A$3,000,000 or almost 9% higher than the corresponding stage of the auction 12 months ago.

“The sale had a particularly good feel to it today,’’ Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch said. “The clearance rate is the most pleasing aspect so far. To be at 84% for the sale at this point is excellent, particularly in the context of it having been 77% at the equivalent stage 12 months ago, during what was a good sale.

“We set ourselves the objective of working to facilitate the best market that we possibly could and it has been very pleasing to see so many vendors achieve excellent results to this point of the sale.

“There has been great diversity and depth to the buying bench, with buyers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan supplementing strong participation from the Australian trainers, syndicators and agents.

“Tuesday again presents some fantastic opportunities so I’m hopeful things will continue along a similar trajectory as the first two days of the sale.’’

The third and final day of the 2026 Classic Yearling Sale will again be broadcast live on the Inglis website, Facebook page and X page via our Sale Day Live coverage.

To view the catalogue, click here.

Day 2 Stats (2025 In Brackets)

• Sold: 403 (373)

• Clearance: 84% (77%)

• Average: A$97,556 (A$97,153)

• Median: A$80,000 (A$80,000)

• Gross: A$39,315,000 (A$36,238,000)

AT DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL BRITISH ENDEAVOUR PAYS DIVIDEND

Dividend became the latest international winner at an extremely cosmopolitan Dubai Racing Carnival when winning the Lord Glitters Handicap [sponsored by Azizi Developments] – the feature race of meeting 11 at Meydan on Friday.

Ridden by Rossa Ryan, the four-year-old was produced from midfield with a beautifully-timed challenge which saw him easily hold off King’s Charter by three-quarters of a length.

“Absolutely superb!” was the summary from co-trainer Dr Richard Newland, who works in partnership with Jamie Insole. “It’s our first ever winner abroad and lovely to nab one. This horse has been knocking at the door in big handicaps and we were hopeful tonight that the extra furlong and cheekpieces would help. Rossa was keen not to deliver him too early and he judged it perfectly.”

Ryan, also winning for the first time at Meydan, said: “I had the two Godolphin horses and the Wathnan horse in front of me and I thought ‘I’m definitely in the right spot.’

“He has a good turn of foot and a tight turning track like this suits him down to the ground. I think the best way is to drop him in the middle and ride him for an explosive turn of foot and that way he enjoys it.

“It’s great for the owners [Commercium] as it’s their first horse out here.”

Another British trainer, Ed Walker, is making the Carnival look easy. He celebrated his third win from four runs when Northern Champion took his Meydan record to two from two in the Dubai Trophy [sponsored by Azizi Developments].

Dividend (Rossa Ryan) wins the Lord Glitters Handicap | Credit: DRC

The colt was dropping in distance to 1200m having won the Jumeirah Stakes over 1400metres but came with a determined run down the centre of the track under Oisin Murphy to win by two lengths from Maximized.

It was a first Meydan winner for five-time British Champion Jockey Murphy since 2020 and he was glad of the opportunity.

“I used to be a regular visitor here and have lots of winners, but it’s great to get the leg up on his fellow and I’m grateful to Simon Sadler, his owner, who organised my trip,” he said.

“It was a good decision by Ed Walker to go back to six furlongs. I didn’t take a pull out of the gate and he had a little bit of pressure on his left. From halfway I let him get racing and he picked them off as they slowed down.”

British-based South African trainer Dylan Cunha has thrown plenty at this year’s Carnival and he was rewarded with a second win. Tailgunner Joe blazed up the inside under Bernardo Pinheiro in the Azizi Venice Handicap, over 1600m on turf, beating Jolly Roger by a quarter of a length.

“I followed the horse since he arrived in Dubai,” said Pinheiro. “I saw his races on dirt and then his races on turf were in a high class, so when I saw him in a handicap I got in touch and asked for the ride.

“He was the only three-year-old in the field, carrying 54kilos, and he had a good draw [5] unlike the last few times. He jumped OK and then I kept him there with the field and let him breathe but he surprised me when he really gave me the second gear.”

Cunha, collecting his third Dubai win in two seasons, added: “He’s been so unlucky in Dubai with draws and it was an awesome ride from Bernardo.

“I’m thankful to the owner [Nick Bauer, Ridgeview Stud] for believing in me and the horse and to the team in Dubai for doing such a good job.”

Pinheiro completed a double when Desperate Hero gained his first Dubai win in the finale, the Azizi Riviera Handicap over 1200m on turf.

Trained by Pinheiro’s main boss Salem bin Ghadayer, the six-year-old grey arrived with a powerful late run to beat Rapper’s Delight by two and a half lengths.

“I was riding him in a different way in that he was jumping well and flattening at the end of his races,” explained Pinheiro of a change in tactics on the gelding. “So, we changed the style and I sat behind and then once he relaxed I was sure he was going to run home.”

Birthday Boy Dobbs with a Double

Pat Dobbs has long been one of the most popular riders in the UAE and the veteran jockey celebrated a double on his birthday. The highlight was Cats By Five , who registered his second win in a row in the 1200m Burj Azizi Handicap, on dirt.

Trained by Doug Watson, Cats By Five has really found his groove and this was a taking win, extending away to beat the front-running Lahfaty by five lengths.

“He’s improving,” said Dobbs. “He worked last Sunday and I thought it was the best feel I’ve had since we got him.

“He’s definitely found his feet this year. He always feels like a seven-furlong [1400m] horse at home so I wasn’t worried about sending him on in the straight. He’s a lovely big horse and very straightforward.”

“I knew he had that in him and that’s why we bought him,” said Watson. “We’ll see what he can do next time up against the big boys on Super Saturday [Gr3 Mahab Al Shimaal.] Hopefully he can earn himself a spot on World Cup night.”

The earlier leg of the Dobbs-Watson double came when Nyaar took the Azizi Creek Views Handicap, over 1400m on dirt.

The six-year-old enjoys a fast pace and he pounced at the 200metre marker under Pat Dobbs to beat early leader Action Point by just under two lengths.

“He’s a horse who when he hits the gates he’s a lot better and he had a nice smooth run around,” said Dobbs. “When he’s on song he is a decent horse but he does mess about and make it hard for himself sometimes.

“The horse on my inside hung on for longer than I thought, but this horse stays a mile and it was a true test tonight. I was very happy with him.”

Trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Richie Mullen continued their respective good runs of form, combining with Watch Collector in the Azizi Reve Maiden, over 1900m on dirt.

The Medaglia D’Oro gelding had been well-beaten on his previous three starts but found the inside rail and a finishing kick, beating stablemates Sucette and Rashwan by a length and a quarter and eight lengths.

“He’s a big strong horse and whatever he does this year will be a bonus,” said Mullen after his 24th winner of the season. “The gelding operation has helped him get his mind on the job as even in the straight he was like ‘what’s this all about.’

“He travelled around lovely and I had the two market leaders in front of me. Mickael [Barzalona, riding Auntie Fair] rolled off the rail enough for me to get him through and get running and he ran all the way to the line, but it was like his first day at school.”

The opening Azizi Mina Handicap for Purebred Arabians went to Uptown Walk The Line who made all the running and was let go off the final bend for a devastating ten length win in the hands of Sandro Paiva.

It was a fourth career win for Saif Almarar’s six-yearold, who is surely destined for a rise in grade.

“We won with him in Al Ain and he ran well here last time, when he was a bit slowly out but still finished third,” said Paiva after his 14th winner of the season. “We decided more distance would suit him and he was pretty quick from the start. Then he kept traveling well and I thought ‘wow, it’s going to be a good win I think!’”

• The Dubai Racing Carnival continues on Friday, 13 February, at Meydan Racecourse.

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