ON FIRE!
HOT! THE SUMMER FORECAST…
06
Classic Of Kings
The first entries
12
Crabbia’s Princess Stars
Impressive victory for Vercingetorix’ daughter
28
Blue Sky Double
KZN breeders catch eye in Cape
53
Ash Returns To Africa
Fortune family coming home
63
Peter’s King Over The Moon Set for summer!
On the cover
National log-leader Craig Zackey enjoyed a feature double at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday and leads the championship table ahead of Richard Fourie. Zackey is far and away the most hard-working jockey in SA this season, with 70 odd rides more than traditional workaholic, Muzi Yeni. Chase Liebenberg took the photograph after Zackey won on Dean Kannemeyer debutante, Gimmeanotherviking.
Issue: 45/2025
BESET (4yo filly by Expert Eye) wins the Guinness Finale Stakes (Listed) at the Curragh (IRE) by 7,5 lengths on 2nd November 2025 for trainer Joseph O’Brien; (RPR 103).
EXPERT EYE’S European stakes winners include WITNESS STAND (G2w), SNELLEN (G3w), ENTRANCEMENT (G3w), JUNIPER BERRIES (G3w), BESET (Lw), etc.
ON CLASSIC TRAIL MARSHALL
Vaughan Marshall will bid for a recordbreaking seventh success in the ‘Classic of Kings’ on 13 December at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
The Milnerton veteran has 2 of the 25 first entries for the 2025 R2 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas, including his recent Gr3
Cape Classic winner, Vapour Trail, an Erik The Red half-brother to the yard’s 2024 Cape Guineas winner One Stripe.
Marshall’s first Cape Guineas winner was Sea Warrior (Complete Warrior) in February 1986, and he has subsequently won it with Face North (Northfields) in February 1990,
Vapour Trail is Vaughan Marshall’s ace in next month’s Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Captain Al (Al Mufti) in January 2000, William Longsword (Captain Al) in December 2016, Tap O’Noth (Captain Al) in December 2017 and made it six with One Stripe (One World) last year.
Boasting great tradition and a proud history, the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas has been a rich source of champions, its honour roll studded with many of our most famous horses.
First run a century ago in 1924 as the Western Province Derby and renamed the Western Province Guineas in 1945, the race officially became the Cape of Good Hope Guineas a decade later when it was won by Marion Island, who would go on to claim the Met two years later.
The swinging sixties was the decade of the mighty Colorado King and Hawaii. In 1963, Colorado King won what was then the Cape’s richest race whilst setting a new record time over the Milnerton mile. Hawaii followed suit in 1968, outclassing his rivals by two lengths. Both subsequently continued their distinguished careers in the States, with Hawaii named Champion Grass Horse in 1969.
Many still regard the seventies as the “golden age’ of South African racing, a notion which would not be out of place, given that the list of Guineas winners includes the likes of In Full Flight, Jamaican Music, Gatecrasher, Politician and Bold Tropic, all giants of the turf.
In Full Flight, Jamaican Music, Gatecrasher and Politician would all go on to glory in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and barring Jamaican Music, won the Met as well, Politician not once, but twice. Bold Tropic followed Colorado King and Hawaii across the Atlantic where he too, proved himself in the best of company.
Incidentally, 1973 winner Ocean City redeemed his sire, the legendary Sea Cottage, who could only finish fourth behind Savonarola in 1966.
Following that dazzling array of winners, one could be forgiven if the eighties came across as somewhat of an anti-climax, albeit that 1980 Guineas winner Quarrytown would scoop the Horse of the Year title at four. This was also the decade where the dreaded equine flu led to the cancellation of the 1987 Guineas.
Champion Jet Master beats Classic Flag in the 1998 Cape Guineas | Credit: Supplied
The early half of the nineties was dominated by the fairer sex, with no less than three fillies beating the boys in successive years.
Star Effort set the tone in 1991 when she became the first female winner in 26 years and the first to complete the Fillies Guineas/ Guineas double. Trained by Geoff Woodruff and a champion at two, she won ten of eleven starts, six at the elite level.
Twelve months later, Cape racegoers witnessed another female winner, the Argentinian bred champion Empress Club, who counted the Guineas amongst a sevenwin streak at three. Trained by Woodruff’s brother-in-law Tony Millard, the “galloping goldmine” as she was fondly known, won no less than eight Gr1 races and was voted Horse of the Year in 1992.
Rounding out the treble was was ill-fated Little Ballerina, who ran out a facile 2,25 length winner in the 1993 renewal. Sadly, that proved to be her only stakes success, as she died in training. No filly has won the classic since and there are no fillies in the first entry list for the 2025 renewal.
Other trainers with entries this year, and who have won this timeless classic in years past, include Dean Kannemeyer, Justin Snaith, Mike de Kock, and Candice Bass.
Sean Tarry has entered the progressive Tin Pan Alley and Shadowfax, and is yet to have his name engraved on the Cape Guineas silverware.
Supplementary entries are due by 11h00 on Friday 5 December, with declarations due by 11h00 on Tuesday 9 December.
KANNEMEYER’S PRINCESS PERFECT!
Craig Zackey has Princess Of Gaul in front as Lowveld Lily (Corne Orffer) battles on | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Dean Kannemeyer’s World Pool With Race Coast Gr2 Debutante winner Princess Of Gaul showed that her obstructed Diana Stakes effort at the Country Course at her 3yo debut last time was all wrong, when she slamm ed a field of classic potential counterparts to win the R450 000 Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Longstanding SA horseracing supporter
Fred Crabbia’s familiar black and red flag have been carried by international champions over the years, but it has been some time since the famous silks were seen in the winner’s enclosure at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Speaking to the Sporting Post after his filly’s second Grade 2 success on Saturday afternoon, Fred Crabbia, widely known as the owner of champion sprinter Rocket Man, and who celebrates his 73rd birthday on 30 November, recalled Cape Winter Series champion African Night Sky and the Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn as his last Graded race successes in the fairest Cape.
“It has been some time, but what a fantastic win. She’s a really high-class filly and thanks to Dean Kannemeyer and his team. My wife Manuela and I were unable to travel today, but we are looking forward to visiting during the summer,” added the man who celebrates his 50th wedding anniversary on 1 May 2026. But full marks to Craig Zackey!
Winning duo Dean Kannemeyer and Craig Zackey have a debrief | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
The national log-leader was taking no chances and tracked She’s My World all the way around, before poaching a lead on her field early in the winter straight.
With the crops cracking a few lengths behind her, Princess Of Gaul (10-1) went on powerfully to beat the 100-1 Lowveld Lily by 1,50 lengths in a time of 87,02 secs.
The winner’s stablemate Keukenhof (33-1) ran another superbly game race as she came rattling late for third, and will enjoy the longer run-in of the summer course.
Tienie Prinsloo’s Quickstepgal (6-1) capped the quartet in what was a decent first effort in the Cape.
Undefeated East Coast challenger Anotherdanceforme drifted in the betting to 13-10 and finished with only Electromagnetism behind her.
Craig Zackey, who rode 3 winners, including a feature double, suggested the winner had so much natural speed that the 1400m may be the top of her range.
Dean Kannemeyer has one of his best summer attacks in years and thanked owners Fred Crabbia and his racing manager Emma Rorke, as well as his own team.
“She’s a filly with plenty of natural pace and Sean Veale couldn’t move on her in the Diana Stakes. I am pleased she set the record straight.”
Bred by Clive Murphy, Princess Of Gaul is by Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the onetime winning Miss Marmalade (Duke Of Marmalade).
A R600 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Princess Of Gaul has won 3 (twice at Gr2 level) of her 4 starts and took her stakes bank to R628 282.
Princess Of Gaul stamped herself a star in the making with an impressive score in the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last Saturday.
ON THE RISE A STAR
Princess Of Gaul’s dam Miss Marmalade roams the lush Paardeberg paddocks with her Ideal World colt | Credit: Supplied
In the process, last season’s Gr2 Debutante victress made amends for her below par effort in her seasonal debut when unplaced in the Gr3 Diana Stakes. There were excuses however, as she was trapped on the rail and ran out of running room in the straight. On Saturday, she put that firmly behind her and set the record straight in no uncertain terms, as she put the Diana trio of winner She’s My World, runner-up Stormwatch and fourth-placed Keukenhof, firmly in their place. The hunt is on for Gr1 honours and the WSB Cape Guineas will be the filly’s next target according to winning trainer Dean Kannemeyer who trains the daughter of Vercingetorix for long-time owner Fred Crabbia.
Needless to say, her victory was also welcomed with delight by Paardeberg Stud, where her dam Miss Marmalade is roaming the lush paddocks.
The daughter of Duke Of Marmalade is one of a number of well-bred fillies and mares the fledgling stud has added to its already impressive broodmare band in recent months. She came with a sizeable price tag but as the stud’s Sally Bruss commented after Saturday’s win: “She was well bought, wasn’t she!”
Indeed, given that Princess Of Gaul is her second foal, the first being the stakes winner Kingdundee, who just a week before, completed a hat-trick of wins at Fairview and the seventh from just ten starts. The fouryear-old won the Listed Dahlia Plate as a juvenile, races in the silks of owner-breeder Clive Murphy and is trained by Dean Smith. Furthermore, Miss Marmalade hails from a female line which has spawned spectacular success in recent years.
She is a half-sister to none other than Wilgerbosdrift’s esteemed Broodmare of the Year Halfway To Heaven, a daughter of the incomparable Jet Master. She won the Gr3 Prix du Cap and Listed Off To Stud Handicap, but as good as her race record was, she has far surpassed it as a broodmare and can lay claim to a rare achievement as the only South African mare to produce three Gr1 winners with her first three foals; 2021 Horse of the Year Rainbow Bridge, Champion Three-yearold Hawwaam and the Cape Derby winner Golden Ducat.
She was also the first to revive a rather plebeian female line which was distinctly light on black type. Her dam, the seventime winner Pas De Basque is by Pas De Quoi out of Ladies Mile third Our Elegant Girl, by far the best foal produced by the Dowdstown Charley mare So Elegant. In fact, Our Elegant Girl was the only black type performer in the pedigree until Halfway To Heaven came along!
Halfway To Heaven currently has a Gimmethegreenlight colt at foot and was covered by champion Vercingetorix. She already has two daughters at stud, In Limbo, who is in foal to Rafeef, whilst Gift From Heaven is due to foal to Vercingetorix and will return to him.
Miss Marmalade meanwhile has a colt at foot by Ideal World, who just happens to be the sire of Rainbow Bridge. She will now visit resident stallion Expert Eye and as Sally remarked. “Physically, she is the right type for him and it’s an exciting mating.” For the record, it’s not just the female members that have kept the family in the spotlight. Halfway To Heaven’s Silvano son Hawwaam is also starting to catch the eye with his three-year-olds, no surprise
as he himself never raced as a juvenile and only made his debut in November of his sophomore year. Latest stats show his seasonal tally stands at 11 winners, four more than last season’s leading freshman sire Erik The Red.
The dynamic duo of Halfway To Heaven and Miss Marmalade are fascinating in that from
not the ritziest of pedigrees, both have turned out to be fine broodmares. Much more will surely be heard of them in the years ahead.
after
Princess Of Gaul (Craig Zackey) is led in by Tracey Kannemeyer, accompanied by Alfred ‘Young One’ Skeyi and Thabo Maqelana, with Dean Kannemeyer in the background,
her second Gr2 success last Saturday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Dean Kannemeyer’s star full-brothers, Hollywoodbets Durban July winner The Real Prince and 3yo Gimmie Rules, put up ‘some really nice work’ at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday morning.
Gimmie Rules has won two of his four starts and is regarded as a potential classic prospect. He was ridden by Craig Zackey in the gallop on Saturday.
“William Bambiso was instructed to let The Real Prince lead Gimmie Rules from the 1400m. I specifically wanted a quality horse who would pull the youngster through. It’s pointless trying to make them look pretty, you know! He acquitted himself well. The barrier draws changed our plan to go the Punter’s Cup route into the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (where he drew 5). So we will run him at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday in a B Stakes over 1400m in a field of 7. The race will bring him on nicely,” added Dean Kannemeyer.
The Real Prince has not seen action since his narrow defeat by Gladatorian in the HKJC Gr1 Champions Cup at the end of last term. He is likely to commence his summer campaign targeting the L’Ormarin’s Gr1 King’s Plate (10 January) and the WSB Cape Town Met (31 January) in the Gr2 Green Point Stakes on 13 December, Cape Guineas day.
Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racemeeting gets underway at 12h40.
BROTHERS IN ARMS DKR’S
Gimmie Rules (Craig Zackey) and The Real Prince (William Bambiso) go through their paces last Saturday
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
ALL ABOUT DISTING!
National jockey championship log-leader Craig Zackey is fast becoming the new generation ‘Striker’ Strydom.
The Highveld jockey’s cucumber-cool James Bond-like demeanour was seen to good effect when Glen Kotzen’s Disting parachuted from the clouds in the dying stages to win the R225 000 Listed Laisserfaire Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Glen only had one runner on the afternoon and sent his professional Woodhill Racing Team to represent him while he and Kathi hosted an international film crew at their beautiful Paarl farm.
Craig Zackey gets Disting up to beat the partially obscured Tanneron (Gareth Wright), with Muzi Yeni right in the mix on Pink Pigeon | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
In a race that looked wide open, the Candice Bass-trained Symphony Of White was backed into a lukewarm 9-2 tote favourite. But the daughter of What A Winter had to play second fiddle to her 33-1 stablemate Tanneron, who looked a winner inside the distance under Gareth Wright, before Craig Zackey ‘007’ spoilt the Badge Boys party.
Producing Disting from some lengths off, Zackey had the daughter of Global View wellbalanced all the way in a tight finish, where 0,80 lengths covered the quartet.
Disting (10-1) clocked 64,51 secs for the 1100m and beat Tanneron (33-1) by 0,30 lengths, with Pink Pigeon (6-1) the same distance away in third, and stablemate Wild Applause capping the quartet, a further 0,20 lengths back.
The winner hails from a family that has been good to the Kotzens.
Owned by Ballito-based Viv Burgess, the Blue Sky Thoroughbreds-bred Disting is a daughter of Ascot’s Galileo stallion Global View,
out of the five-time winning Var mare, Our Destiny – who was runner-up in the 2015 Cape Fillies Guineas behind Silver Mountain and ran third in this very feature in 2016.
Our Destiny is a half-sister to past Mauritius Horse Of The Year, Disa Leader (Parade Leader).
Glen trained the winner’s granddam Plumosa (Sapieha ex Galactic Way) for the late Ralph Rixon and Johnny Rey, whose wife Bev is the sister of Disting’s owner, Bev Burgess.
The Paarl-based horseman also trained the smart five-time winner Gayleactic Star (Global View ex Plumosa), a three-parts sister to Disting.
A R140 000 graduate of the 2023 BSA KZN Yearling Sale, the previously stakes-placed Disting has boosted her paddock value with her second victory and maiden stakes strike from 15 starts, with 5 places.
Her stakes earnings total R330 813.
GUN TO TAPE SON OF LEGISLATE GOES
While KZN Breeders don’t often enjoy a 50% strike-rate on a Cape summer feature afternoon, Bruce Le Roux and Tinus Gericke’s Mooi Riverbased Blue Sky Thoroughbreds celebrated a feature double at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
After Disting’s thrilling last gasp victory in the Listed Laisserfaire Stakes, it was the turn of Legislate’s four-year-old son Legal Counsel who registered the biggest win of his career when he won the R350 000 Gr3 Cape Mile under a beautifully judged front-running ride by Callan Murray for Justin Snaith. The 4yo Legal Counsel kept finding in front, and he stayed on gamely to defy his starting
price of 25-1 and win by 1,50 lengths in a time of 98,77 secs for the mile.
The fairer sex duo of Kamchatka (25-1) and Red Palace (6-1) filled the trifecta. The latter put in a pleasing effort after a long break and maintained the excellent form of the Dean Kannemeyer yard.
The even money favourite Zeitz looked a million dollars in the preliminaries but appeared one-paced late and was beaten 2,65 lengths into fourth.
Justin Snaith labelled the winner a horse ‘who does everything right and has stayed under the radar. He remains a summer season feature prospect.
Legal Counsel (Callan Murray) registers the biggest win of his career | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Bred by Blue Sky Thoroughbreds, Legal Counsel is by the 2013/14 SA Horse Of The Year Legislate (Dynasty) is out of the Silvano mare Imperial Wish.
Legal Counsel, who races for Jonathan Bloch, Etienne Braun, Tony Cotterell and the Stonebridges, has won 5 of his 10 starts with 2 places for stakes of R897 127.
WOOLAVINGTON FACTS! SNAITH, RAMZAN &
Gqeberha-based lightweight Yuzae Ramzan repeated his Listed Woolavington Stakes feat of 2023 for the Justin Snaith yard when he booted the progressive Futura gelding Ahead Of The Facts to victory at a sunny Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday in a race run 3 seconds outside the course record.
Ahead Of The Facts (Yuzae Ramzan) cruises to an easy victory | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
The staying feature was run at Hollywoodbets Durbanville two years ago while the Southern Suburbs HQ was under renovation, and Ramzan scored on Mucho Dinero.
On Saturday, having his first ride at the expansive Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Ramzan rode a finely judged race on the well supported Ahead Of The Facts (33-10).
Off a slow pace, Ahead Of The Facts ran past his field up the outside under his 50kgs to give Justin Snaith his third consecutive Woolavington, and a 1-2, as he beat stablemate Master Of Paris (7-2) by 2,50 lengths in a pedestrian 156,15 secs.
The weak tote favourite Congressman (9-2) dictated the pace and stayed on for third,
a further 0,40 lengths back. Trainer Justin Snaith labelled the winner ‘deserving’ and reminded the handicapper that the conditions indicated that he could only get 8 MR rating points.
Bred by Syrilla Stud, the winner, who is raced by Zev Blieden, Ryan Copeland, Darren Smith, Jarrid Murcia, Dave Musikanth & Garth Musikanth, is a son of Futura (Dynasty) out of the one-time winning Silvano mare, Nicety.
A bargain R100 000 National Yearling Sale purchase inspired by Jonathan Snaith, Ahead Of The Facts has won 3 races with 5 places from his 12 starts for stakes of R386 275.
SILVANO’S LEGACY LIVES ON
The late Silvano had another excellent past weekend as both a sire of sires, and broodmare sire.
On Saturday, Silvano mares Nicety and Imperial Wish featured as the dams of Listed Woolavington Stakes winner Ahead Of The Facts (Futura) and Gr3 Cape Mile winner Legal Counsel (Legislate) respectively.
The following day saw Kisshoten (Erupt), who is out of the Silvano mare Quena, win the Betway Listed Summer Pudding Handicap. Silvano features in the pedigrees of the first three home in the Summer Pudding Handicap
with runner-up Mocha Blend, a daughter of Silvano mare Mocha Special, and third place finisher Sukhumvit a daughter of Silvano. Ironically, that feature race was named in honor of the Silvano-sired champion Summer Pudding.
Silvano, broodmare sire of champions such as Bless My Stars, Canadian Summer and One Stripe, is also damsire of recent Gr3 Cape Classic winner Vapour Trail (Erik The Red). At the time of writing, Silvano was the Leading Broodmare Sire in South Africa, by stakes, for 2025-2026.
The majestic champion, Silvano | Credit: Supplied
Silvano’s champion son Vercingetorix also enjoyed plenty of feature race success this past weekend.
Vercingetorix’s daughter Princess Of Gaul won Saturday’s Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship, and the son of Silvano is also broodmare sire of Sunday’s Listed Betway National Colour Stakes winner Whistle The Tune (Captain Of All). The latter was produced by Vercingetorix’s unraced daughter, Penny Whistle.
Sunday also saw Vercingetorix register his 63rd stakes winner when his son The Ultimate King won the Betway Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes. The Ultimate King is one of five potential Gr1 Betway Summer Cup runners for Vercingetorix.
Silvano mare Nicety came up with her first black-type winner when her son Ahead Of The Facts won the Woolavington Stakes. A winning daughter of former East Cape star Nik-Nak, Nicety is directly descended from the wonderful mare Preston Pan (Fenimore Cooper). Winner of the Natal Guineas, Preston Pan produced six winners, led by Gr1 SA Oaks victress Prestissimo (Nord Express) and Panjandrum (Sybil’s Nephew).
Preston Pan is also the ancestress of a host of top-class performers, including Gr1 winners of the ilk of Counter Action (Complete
Warrior), Divine Fashion (Complete Warrior), Perfect Order (Elliodor), Pearl Of Asia (Pathfork), Lisa Belle (Sun Compass), and Voodoo Charm (Del Sarto).
This female line has proved to be very versatile, with its members ranging from NikNak (a winner over 800m) to Voodoo Charm, winner of the Gr1 Gold Cup over 3200m.
In landing the Woolavington Stakes, Ahead Of The Facts, bred on the same Futura/Silvano cross as Listed World Sports Betting Dahlia Plate/Listed Breeders Guineas winner Ekoria, became the 18th stakes winner for his sire Futura, South Africa’s Horse Of The Year of 2014-2015.
Futura, who looks to have some very smart three-year-olds this season, including the exciting Future Free, was sired by Dynasty, with another son of Dynasty, Legislate, the sire of the aforementioned Cape Mile winner, Legal Counsel.
Ahead Of The Facts was one of two runners in the Woolavington for his sire, with Futura also the sire of Woolavington Stakes fourthplace finisher, The Futurist.
LEADS THE WAY VERCINGETORIX
Maine Chance Farms’ outstanding stallion Vercingetorix has enjoyed a purple patch.
On Friday, Vercingetorix had a pair of winners at Hollywoodbets Greyville, with his G1 HKJC Champions Cup winning son Gladatorian scoring for an 11 th time.
Vercingetorix (Silvano ex National Vixen) | Credit: Jeremy Nelson
The following day, Vercingetorix filly Princess Of Gaul claimed the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Trained by Dean Kannemeyer for Fred Crabbia, three-year-old Princess Of Gaul has won three of four starts including last season’s Gr2 World Pool With Race Coast Debutante.
Vercingetorix’s fine run continued at Turffontein on Sunday. His son The Ultimate King won the Betway Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes, and another Vercingetorix gelding, Speedman, made an impressive winning debut on the same card.
Trained by Tony Peter, four-year-old The Ultimate King stamped his Betway Gr1 Summer Cup claim when he won Sunday’s R500 000 feature. Under Rachel Venniker, the son of Vercingetorix stormed home to win a shade cosily by just over a length, and has now won five of just ten starts.
Bred by Al Adiyaat, The Ultimate King, who is out of the Flower Alley mare Fayrooz, races for Suzette Viljoen.
South Africa’s reigning champion sire, Vercingetorix is once again topping the General Sires premiership for 2025-2026.
‘NOT YOUR PARENTS’
RACE DAY!’
Tracktion Events will ignite a new era in race day entertainment as music, fashion, and racing collide for South Africa’s next generation at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday 3 December.
Tracktion Events is redefining the experience, fusing music, fashion, sport, and social culture into one unforgettable celebration.
Designed for students and young professionals, Tracktion is set to unite Cape Town’s next generation in a showcase of energy, individuality, and connection.
The launch event, Tracktion @ Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, will be held on Wednesday 3 December 2025, featuring an exclusive student-only area, live DJ sets, food trucks, bars, and a golden-hour afterparty, all built for content creation and sharing.
One could say, it’s not just an event, it’s a new social moment for South Africa’s students!
“Tracktion is not your parents’ race day,” says Jamie Bailey, Director and Co-Founder of Tracktion Events. “It’s where racing meets the party and the crowd is the vibe. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring horse racing into student life.”
With access to over 65 000 students across UCT, Stellenbosch University, Varsity College, and Red & Yellow, Tracktion offers brands
a powerful platform to connect with South Africa’s most trend-driven audience — students aged 18 to 24, who shape what’s next in culture and conversation.
The event will feature a Best Dressed Couple competition and a student race to close out the afternoon, ensuring memorable moments and strong media appeal.
Tracktion @ Hollywoodbets Kenilworth marks just the beginning. Plans are already underway for a national series of student race day experiences across South Africa in 2026, with early partners gaining firstmover advantage and priority collaboration opportunities.
For brands, creators, and culture-shapers — this is where the next generation shows up!
Click here to get your tickets.
THE CAPE SUMMER CLOCKING
The most impressive performance amongst Saturday afternoon’s four Hollywoodbets Kenilworth feature events was undoubtedly that of Princess Of Gaul when winning the Western Cape Fillies Championship over 1400m. In search of a hat-trick, the recent Gr3 Diana Stakes winner She’s My World made the running whilst the daughter of Vercingetorix raced just two lengths away in second.
She quickened well off the fair pace and after striking the front approaching the 300m marker, she ran on strongly in the closing stages to score by a length and a half.
The first of the afternoon’s four feature events to be run was the Listed Woolavington Stakes over 2500m and here we saw a smart performance from the heavily supported AHEAD OF THE FACTS.
Backed throughout the day into 33/10 favourite from 11/1, Justin Snaith’s charge raced seventh of the eight for most of the journey and was easily 10 lengths adrift of the leader going through the 700m.
Confidently ridden by Yuzae Ramzan though, the son of Futura quickened nicely when given rein coming off the bend, and after striking the front 130m from home, he won going away by two and a half. Interestingly, Jockey Ramzan partnered Mucho Dinero to victory for the Snaith stable in this race two years ago, and would you believe that
loosely translated Mucho Dinero means lots of money!
The Listed Laisserfaire Stakes over 1100m was next up and here we saw an eyecatching performance from the Global View filly DISTING (bumped outwards at start). Glen Kotzen’s only runner on the card raced at the back of the fifteen, and looked to have a mountain to climb going through halfway. The easy to back Tanneron was the first to make a move and on striking the front 300m out, she looked to have done everything right. Disting ran on stoutly under a determined ride from Craig Zackey though, and in what proved to be a real thriller, she got up in the dying strides.
Going:
Good (both tracks)
Penetrometer: 23 (both tracks)
Rain: Last 7 days Nil
Irrigation: Last 24 hours 10mm –Last 7 days 45mm
False Rail: Inside rail 3m out from 1700m with 4m spur at 430m
Wind: 16-19km/h South Easterly cross wind
Course Variant: 0,35s fast (straight) –0,09s fast (bend)
The Gr3 Cape Mile topped the bill and in a time 12/100th of a second slower than that of the Class 4 event won by Beware, the lessor fancied of Justin Snaith’s three runners, LEGAL COUNSEL caused a major upset.
Freely available at 25/1 at the off, the son of Legislate was guided over from the widest draw by Callan Murray, and without too much effort gained a soft lead. The pace wasn’t a hot one, but despite that the field became quite strung out. He was a length and a half clear turning for home and finding extra when the pack began to close in, he drew clear again over the final 100m to score by a length and a half.
Four maiden events over 1200m had gotten proceedings underway and in the fastest of these, the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Maiden Plate , the Justin Snaith trained NAVASEVEN opened his account.
Soon handily placed by apprentice Nichola Yuen, the Vercingetorix gelding was ridden to lead approaching the 200m marker. He ran on strongly below the distance and won well by three quarters from the Frankel colt Madra Rua (2/1 favourite).
Fastest Times:
1200m (4) Navaseven 72,76 1600m (3) Beware 98,65
T RIDGEMONT RAFEEF FLYER
CONFIRMS CLASSIC CLAIMS
he unbeaten Ridgemont-bred Rafeef filly Reet Petite confirmed her enormous classic potential when winning her third start on the roll, with a sweeping victory in a fairer sex Class 4 over a mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday.
Having her first outing at the Southern Suburbs venue after two good victories at the tighter Hollywoodbets Durbanville circuit, Reet Petite was ridden prominently and confidently by Ridgemont rider Richard Fourie and won
going away at short odds of 4-10 to beat the year older Hunga Tonga by 2,25 lengths in a time of 99,29 secs. The opposition included two classic contenders in Educator and Viva La Vida, who were both well beaten.
Richard Fourie and Reet Petite stride clear to make it 3 wins from 3 starts, as Hunga Tonga (Grant van Niekerk) chases for second | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
“She’s a very intelligent filly and looks at everything. She’s also growing fast and is fun to ride. Simply she’s a beautiful filly to be affiliated with and I’m looking forward to the long summer home run with her,” enthused Richard Fourie.
Reet Petite is a daughter of Ridgemont’s boom Redoute’s Choice sire Rafeef and is out of the Daylami grey Gr3 Diana Stakes & Gr3 Victress Stakes winner, Super Elegant, who was trained by Piet Steyn in her track career. Super Elegant’s only previous foal to race is a full-sister to Reet Petite in five-time winner, Enchanting Choice.
Reet Petite, who races in the familiar white, green and blue of Ridgemont in partnership with Devin Heffer, is one of 19 first entries
for the R1 250 000 World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas, to be run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 6 December on the summer course.
Past Ridgemont-bred winners of the timeless classic include Make It Snappy (2022) and Front And Centre (2018).
• Supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Friday 28 November.
• Declarations are due by 11h00 on Tuesday 2 December.
WORLD SPORTS BETTING GR1
CAPE FILLIES GUINEAS
R1 250 000 | 1600M (TURF / SUMMER)
AUSTRALIA ASH SET FOR RETURN FROM
South African horseracing is set to welcome Grade 1-winning trainer Ashley Fortune back to the fold after a stint in Australia.
Making the announcement, the 44 year old Zimbabwe-born Ashley told the Sporting Post in an exclusive interview on Monday that she leaves Australia richer for the experience of having enjoyed the privilege of working as a member of a top-notch team of professionals, and having made many new friends.
“We are all geared to return, hopefully by the end of the year, and I intend to apply for my trainer’s licence, with a plan to set up a yard, in one of the three major centres. I am very excited to renew old acquaintances, many of whom we have maintained contact with.
And given the fantastically improved state of racing in South Africa, these are very exciting times,” enthused Ashley, who has saddled feature winners on the Highveld, as well as in KZN and the Cape.
After five years of growth from humble beginnings, to 250 winners, including Grade 1, 2 & 3 successes, and over R26 million in
stakes earnings, the Fortune family wound up their highly successful Vaal operation in 2023 and took the ‘setting sail for Sydney’ plunge in search of new opportunity, in one of the world’s foremost horseracing environments. Ashley’s vast experience was embraced by the powerful Ciaron Maher Racing outfit, who are based on the New South Wales Southern Highlands Bong Bong Farm, just outside of Sydney.
The state-of-the-art equine paradise, which is owned by the state’s racing regulator, neighboured the Fortune family home, which included the now 21 year old Kylie and 13 year old Sean, who have treated their Aussie adventure as ‘great fun’.
The Ciaron Maher team enjoyed plenty of success during Ashley’s tenure, including winning the world’s richest turf race, The Everest in 2024, and saddling the runner-up and third placed speedster behind champion
Ashley and her team celebrate the Gr1 Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes victory by Princess Calla | Credit: JC Photos
Ka Ying Rising last month in the 2025 renewal.
Ashley tells that her former SA Champion jockey husband Andrew was not successful in his application to be licenced to ride work on Bong Bong Farm, and his resolve to get back to race-riding, subsequently overlapped with their emigration.
“The licencing requirements are strict in view of the insurance risks. And Andrew is very fit, but doesn’t always acknowledge the reality that he is actually in his late 50’s. He set out on a goal in 2024 to be licenced in South Africa, and, as is well-known, his never-say-
die perseverance eventually paid dividends when it became a reality in February this year. He is relishing it, and besides already having achieved a Grade 1 winner in short time, his next goal is to ride a Met winner – and a winner for Fortune Racing –remembering that when I was training, he was not riding!” laughed the wife and mother, who has endured a tough time of it as ‘a single mother’, in her own words, in the absence of her groundbreaking husband, who was setting new benchmarks in his homeland.
“It has been a trying, but truly memorable two and a half years of the most amazing life and professional experience. And the cliché
Invidia (Aldo Domeyer) win the R5 million CTS 1200 in 2020 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
of learning something new every day in this wonderful industry literally applied more than ever. While I learnt so much, it was also good to reciprocate and demonstrate some of our time-tested South African methods to the team, too! Ultimately they do things quite differently – for example, a Saturday runner will be galloped on a Tuesday. If the horse doesn’t have that gallop, he is regarded as being in need of the run,” mused Ashley as she reflected on thirty months of enhancing her professional skill set and building her emotional hard-drive, while strengthening family bonds.
Ashley always operated her very successful Vaal stable by the maxim that maidens and Gr1’s are celebrated with equal fervour and
appreciation, and she will be looking forward to applying that philosophy and dedication in the New Year.
“We’d all love to be together for Christmas. For now, the time-frame rests with the redtape and logistics of booking the ticket for our beloved Gismo, a long-haired Chihuahua, whom I adopted from my late Aunt. He saw me packing and started crying. So I need to handle the poor guy with kid gloves. He’s a Wallaby at heart, but with the way the Springboks are playing at the moment, I am sure we can convert him!”
Welcome home, Ash!
RULES IN VICTORY MOON THE ULTIMATE KING
The Betway Summer Cup melting pot is cooking after a weekend of highs and lows for a number of the class of 2025 hopefuls.
One man who will be smiling is Turffontein trainer Tony Peter, who saddled four winners at his home venue on Sunday, including an eyecatching big race trial by 4yo The Ultimate King, who impressed in his first feature race
engagement when running out an easy winner of the R500 000 Betway Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes.
The Betway Summer Cup ante-post betting boards will see a number of changes, with The Ultimate King likely to have attracted more fans after his good win.
The Ultimate King (Rachel Venniker) runs out an easy winner | Credit: JC Photos
But his pre-race antics must have stretched the patience of the Stipes, who cautioned that a repeat thereof could lead to suspension.
That said, Tony Peter couldn’t have picked a more understanding and patient jockey than lifelong horsewoman Rachel Venniker, who still had the strength and compassion to label him a ‘fun horse’ in the post-race interview.
While the pre-race was one thing, the gelding clearly impressed Rachel after the gates sprung open, settling and quickening past the field.
It was an authoritative win for Wellingtonbased owner Suzette Viljoen, after Rachel made the most of the 3 draw and galloping weight, jumping out smartly and securing a position on the inside rail.
The pair settled in midfield and once the field turned for home, he was eased off the false rail, taking the shortest route home on the inside rail.
Carrying 1kg over his carded weight, The Ultimate King (5-2) powered home to beat KZN raider Field Marshal (7-1) by 1,10 lengths in a time of 111,45 secs for the 1800m.
Navajo Nation (16-1) also ran 1kg over and stayed on for third a further 1,75 lengths back, with the winner’s stablemate Money Heist (51) a further 0,80 lengths back in fourth.
Both the second and fourth horses are not Summer Cup entries at this stage, and the balance of the 7 of the 9 big race entries that ran here, produced varying levels of performances.
One concern must be Legend Of Arthur who ran a 16,25 length last after reportedly
failing to muster speed, and trailing the field throughout. He was blowing afterwards, and jockey Craig Zackey unsurprisingly reported that he felt something amiss.
While both Tarry runners were slow away, his Summer Cup entry stablemate Don’t Cry For Me ran second last, and 7,25 lengths in front of Legend Of Arthur, in what was also a less than encouraging performance just under three weeks away from the big race.
In the post-race interview, Rachel playfully called The Ultimate King a ‘fun horse’ in reference to his antics before the start but said he had impressed her with the way he quickened up past the field and had given her a lovely feel.
Tony Peter, who was celebrating his fourth winner on the day’s card, said he had wanted to win the race for some time and paid tribute to his team at home as well as Rachel (Venniker) for her professional handling of the winner.
The Ultimate King was bred by Al Adiyaat and is a son of champion Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the twice-winning Flower Alley mare, Fayrooz.
Purchased for R325 000 at the 2023 BSA National Yearling Sale, he now has 5 wins and 3 places from his 10 starts for stakes earnings of R630 300.
Final Betway Summer Cup entries close at 09h00 on Monday 17 November, on which day the weights will also be published.
• Declarations are due by 11h00 on Wednesday 19 November.
• The barrier draws and final field will be announced on Wednesday 19 November.
BETTING CHANGES SUMMER CUP
The past weekend’s racing saw something of a scrambling of positions on the R6 million Betway Summer Cup ante-post betting boards, with Tony Peter’s The Equator remaining favourite at 5-2.
After his big win in Sunday’s Betway Victory Moon Stakes, The Equator’s stablemate The Ultimate King, a no show on the first big-race logs, has come in to 10-1
After a soft win in a Conditions Plate at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening, Glen Kotzen’s On My Honour is in to 161. The runner-up in the same race, King Pelles had the Stipes reviewing a potential ‘soft’ ride by Nicholas Patel, and the SA Champion Stayer is now trading at 11-2.
Michael Roberts’ See It Again is languishing at 20-1 after being withdrawn at the start
of his second consecutive planned prep run. It looks very unlikely that the son of Twice Over will make the trip, but this will be confirmed.
Sean Tarry’s Legend Of Arthur failed to muster any enthusiasm in the Victory Moon on Sunday and has his connections scratching their heads after he ran a dismal last. Quoted at 16-1, it will take some magic from his top to get the past SA Derby winner ready for 29 November.
Final Betway Summer Cup entries close at 09h00 on Monday 17 November, on which day the weights will also be published.
Declarations are due by 11h00 on Wednesday 19 November.
The barrier draws and final field will be announced on the same day.
KING PELLES RIDE STIPES LOOK AT
Winning Form-sponsored Serino Moodley booted home a four-timer, while See It Again’s Betway Summer Cup aspirations have probably been dashed after the high-quality chestnut failed to start in what has turned out to be a controversial Bet With Tote Conditions Plate at the Hollywoodbets Greyville twilight meeting on Friday.
The KZN Assistant Starter took some flak from a variety of quarters, and had an official complaint laid against him, after many felt that See It Again had not been afforded sufficient leeway at the same track on Sunday 19 October.
On Friday it was sadly a no-go again and the gelding incurred a seven-day suspension in the process. Now trainer Michael Roberts faces a race against time and is likely to have
to call in a behaviouralist to get the top-class galloper’s mind on racing.
In the race, Glen Kotzen’s On My Honour (54) ran a decent enough Summer Cup prep to beat fellow big race entrant King Pelles (7-1) by 0,60 lengths.
But the ride by Nicholas Patel on the runnerup caught the attention of the Stipendiary Board – and a number of SP readers.
Serino Moodley has On My Honour in control as King Pelles (Nicholas Patel, pink cap) runs into second Credit: Candiese Lenferna
According to NHA CEO Vee Moodley, the Stipes have adjourned to review the race.
Patel’s ride falls under the microscope after his mount lost two lengths at the jump, followed by mostly a hands ride, with one mild left-handed swipe late in the race.
While King Pelles is ruling SA Champion Stayer, and only actually gets going after a mile plus, the MR 109 average contest raises questions – including the reality that a race contested over the same trip in the same conditions a half hour later, by gallopers with an average MR of 56, was run 1,3 secs faster.
The handicapper is handcuffed in the Conditions Plate to a maximum of 6 rating points for the winner, while the placed runners get no penalties.
But as one caller said, “from a punter’s viewpoint Barrier Trials are Barrier Trials, and races are races. We bet on races!”
It’s food for thought, and while the racing operator is to be commended for putting on quality racing with big names the drawcards
in their feature-race preps, racing on merit must be a non-negotiable, and maybe it’s time to introduce trials in some form for Grade 1 races.
The second of the Conditions Plates run over 1200m produced a rousing finish by HKJC Gr1 Champions Cup winner Gladatorian, who repeated his 2023 Gr2 Post Merchants winning effort over the course and distance.
Sean Veale knows the 6yo Vercingetorix gelding well, and the Stuart Ferrie flagbearer, who lumped his 64kgs like a feather, leaves for the Cape on Monday and what looks to be an exciting Summer Season campaign.
“He will love the long summer straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth,” added the enthusiastic Veale.
It was a big evening for Winning Formsponsored Serino Moodley who rode 4 winners, with Tristan Godden celebrating a double.
Andre Nel’s yard under Byron Foster has found top form and saddled 3 winners.
ELIZABEDI GOLD
FASTEST 400M TO FINISH ON EVENING
The faster of the two 1400m events on the Hollywoodbets Greyville card on Friday evening was the Galloptv.co.za Class 4 and here the stable of Andre Nel, who enjoyed three winners on the evening, was on the mark when the 4yo Dricus registered his second career victory.
Always handy, the son of Vercingetorix moved up to challenge the front running Safe Travel 200m out and in a race where just three quarters of a length separated the first four home, he put his head in front 100m later.
One to look out for next time from this race is the Gareth van Zyl-trained Elizabedi Gold who finished fourth.
The son of Gold Standard ran on well from 7 lengths off the pace and recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the evening.
As for the previously unbeaten Cognac, Stuart Ferrie’s charge came under pressure early in the straight and never got in a blow.
Going: Good Penetrometer: 23
Rain: Last 24 hours 4,5mm – Last 7 days 6mm
Irrigation: Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 5mm
False Rail: 7m
Wind: 10-25km/h South Easterly tail wind
Course Variant: 0,81s slow
Prior to the late scratching of the original favourite See It Again (refused to load), four of the seven runners contesting the Bet With Tote Conditions Plate over 1600m were Summer Cup entries.
On My Honour was sent off favourite after the scratching and in what proved to be a very false paced affair, Glen Kotzen’s charge sat second just a length off the front running Claw. There was no real pace at all early on and they reached the 600m marker in a time 2,38 seconds slower than the slowest of the other three races over the distance.
The Gimmethegreenlight gelding quickened well when the race developed into a sprint early in the straight, and kept on strongly late, to beat the top stayer King Pelles (lost 2 lengths at start), who finished well. This was comfortably the slowest of the evenings’ four 1600m races.
The www.galloptv.co.za Conditions Plate over 1200m topped the bill and in another false paced affair, last season’s Champions Cup winner GLADATORIAN showed his wellbeing before Monday’s trip to Cape Town.
The rank outsider of the seven-horse party First Origin set a rather sedate pace and the field were always very tightly bunched. Indeed, going through the 300m barely two and a half lengths covered all.
Sat at the back just four lengths off the pace for the first half of the race, the son of Vercingetorix produced his usual powerful turn of foot at the business end of the event and registering the fastest 400m to finish time
in the race, he got up late to deny the 33/20 favourite Cats Pajamas (raced wide).
The Live It. Love It. Own It. C Stakes was the fastest of the four 1600m races, and after a fair early tempo set by the winner LUCKY DOLLAR, the pace slowed considerably on the bend and again the field was tightly bunched entering the straight.
Lucky Dollar kept on strongly over the final 400m and although both Harun Al Rashid and the favourite Querari’s Dream chased hard, they couldn’t make any impression.
Fastest Times:
1200m (2) Gladatorian 71,56 1400m (2) Dricus 85,90 1600m (4) Lucky Dollar 98,53 400-finish Elizabedi Gold 22,71
HABIB WHISTLES THE TUNE IN NATIONAL COLOURS
Returning from a 15-week break, and having her first run as a 4y o, the Oldlands Studbred Whistle The Tune was in a galloping mood at Turffontein on Sunday as she cut down the leaders late to win the R250 000 Betway Listed National Colour Stakes.
Calvin Habib pushes Whistle The Tune to victory as Marco van Rensburg (obscured) chases hard on Instaworthy
Credit: JC Photos
Full marks to Hollywoodbets-sponsored Candice Dawson and her CK Racing Team who produced the daughter of Captain Of All in good trim after the long break.
SplashOut-sponsored Calvin Habib rode an excellent race, producing her at the 300m marker with a winning effort, but was at pains to credit the Starter and handlers for their patience with ‘the not so easy customer’.
Whistle The Tune (10-1) clocked 56,57 secs for the 1000m.
Dean Smith’s first Highveld runner, Instaworthy (10-1) showed blistering pace and ran a cracker in second, beaten just a half-length after doing the donkey work on going that would not have suited her.
The favourite Alpine Jet (9-4) ran 6,75 lengths back, out of the money.
A R140 000 Cape Yearling Sale purchase and raced by the Arundel’s Itssa It & Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd , the Oldlands Studbred winner is a daughter of Captain Of All (Captain Al) out of the unraced Vercingetorix mare, Penny Whistle.
Now a winner of 4 races with 3 places from 16 starts, Whistle The Tune took her stakes tally to R632 764.
This feature was previously run as the Gardenia.
IN THE PEAK OF FORM DAUGHTER OF ERUPT
After booting home a feature double at Turffontein on Charity Mile day on 1 November, Calvin Habib was amongst the silverware again at the same venue on Sunday when he capped another double as Kisshoten got home narrowly to win the R225 000 Betway Listed Summer Pudding Handicap.
A half hour earlier, the SplashOut-sponsored rider had won the sprint feature, and he then produced the goods for the Glistian team and trainer Tony Peter, in a race (formerly the Syringa) named in honour of the stable’s much-loved former SA Horse Of The Year and Triple Tiara queen, Summer Pudding, whose recent passing made it a poignant affair.
Kisshoten is maturing like a fine win and made it 3 wins from 4 starts this season and registered a paddock-boosting first stakes victory in the process, as she proved equal to the test when digging deep at 14-1 to hold off the determined KZN raider Mocha Blend (7-2) by 0,30 lengths in a time of 99,37 secs for the mile.
Bred by Maine Chance Farms, the winner is a daughter of Erupt (Dubawi) out of the Silvano mare Quena, who hails from the same family as champion, and top-class South African sire, Querari (Oasis Dream). Raced by Joao da Mata’s Glistian Pty Ltd, Kisshoten has now won 6 races with 6 places from her 18 starts for stakes of R527 245.
Kisshoten powers home under Calvin Habib | Credit: JC Photos
THE ULTIMATE KING UP TO 111 FROM 103
Princess Of Gaul’s official merit rating has been raised from 107 to 110 following her victory in the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The Handicappers noted that third place finisher Keukenhof confirmed the 105 rating she achieved in the Gr3 Schweppes Diana Stakes back in September and therefore used that mark to assess this race.
In addition to the winner, three other runners received merit rating increases:
• Lowveld Lily (runner up): raised from 90 to 105
Lowveld Lily’s official carded pre-race rating of 90 did not reflect her previous performance, where she finished 2.25 lengths behind the 108 rated Scarlet Macaw in a Progress Plate at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.
This was a result of the Plate race protection she received. Significantly, the 105 she achieved in the Western Cape Fillies Championship is consistent with her Progress Plate performance.
• Wish List: raised from 92 to 103
• Gimme What I Want: raised from 88 to 102
These adjustments reflect their performances and place them in the correct ranking order for future eliminations.
There were no merit rating reductions in this race.
Gr3 Cape Mile
The official merit rating for Legal Counsel has been raised from 108 to 112 following his victory in the Gr3 Cape Mile over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The Handicappers determined that fourth place finisher Zeitz was the most suitable line horse to assess this race, leaving his rating unchanged on 101.
The runner up, Kamchatka , remains unchanged on 93 despite running to a higher mark, as race conditions do not permit increases for placed runners.
There were no further changes in this race.
Listed Laisserfaire Stakes
Disting’s official merit rating has been raised from 93 to 96 following her victory in the Listed Laisserfaire Stakes over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The third-place finisher, Pink Pigeon , was considered the most suitable line horse and remains unchanged on 89. In rating the race this way, the runner up Tanneron also runs to her mark of 90, effectively serving as a line horse as well.
Wild Applause , who finished fourth and was six points (three kilograms) under sufferance at the weights but finished 0.2 lengths behind the line horse, had her merit rating raised from 82 to 87.
The following runners received merit rating reductions:
•Artiste: 93 to 92
• Symphony In White: 104 to 103
• Papillon Blu: 86 to 85
• Worldcraft: 93 to 88
• Sohot Sowhat: 98 to 94
• Champagne Kisses: 87 to 85
Listed Woolavington Stakes
Ahead Of The Facts has had his official merit rating raised from 86 to 94 after capturing the Listed Woolavington Stakes over 2500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The Handicappers unanimously agreed to use the third-place finisher, Congressman , as the key horse to assess this race, leaving his rating unchanged on 93.
The specific conditions of this race do not permit an increase of more than eight points for the winner and no more than two points for placed runners. As such, the winner was capped on 94, even though he achieved a higher mark. Furthermore, the runner-up, Master Of Paris , could only be raised from 79 to 81, despite performing to a much higher figure.
Ahead Of The Fact has already benefited from the rating protection applied to his third place
finish in the 2025 Durban Gold Vase (Grade 3), which effectively left him well treated in the Woolavington.
As noted in the Handicappers’ press release for the 2025 Durban Gold Vase, Ahead Of The Fact (third): increased from 83 to 86; however, his performance was capped by the same restriction despite meriting a significantly higher figure.
Several horses received merit rating drops following the running of this race:
• The Futurist was lowered from 105 to 104,
• Triple Time was reduced from 110 to 108,
• Master Redoute dropped from 117 to 115.
Betway Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes
The Ultimate King’s official merit rating has been raised from 103 to 111 following his commanding victory in the Grade 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m at the Turffontein Standside Track on Sunday.
In assessing this race, the Handicappers used the second- and third-place finishers, Field Marshal and Navajo Nation , as line horses, leaving their ratings unchanged on 107 and 104 respectively.
There were no further increases, but a few horses received merit rating reductions:
• Shoot The Rapids went down to 111 from 112.
• Son Of Raj dropped to 118 from 119.
• Wild Intent was reduced to 110 from 116.
• Solar Sail went down to 109 from 115.
Betway Listed Summer Pudding Handicap
Kisshoten’s official merit rating has been raised from 104 to 107 following her victory in the Listed Betway Summer Pudding Handicap over 1600m at the Turffontein Standside Track on Sunday.
The Handicappers believed the fourth-place finisher, Bakwena , was the most suitable line horse to assess this race, leaving her rating unchanged on 93.
There were also merit rating increases for the runner-up, Mocha Blend , and the third-place finisher, Sukhumvit , who were raised from 104 to 105 and from 93 to 94 respectively.
No fewer than four horses received merit ratings drops in this race:
• Across The Pond was lowered to 88 from 90.
• Care Forgot went down to 94 from 96.
• Gerbera dropped to 93 from 96.
• Salenio Peninsula was reduced to 89 from 93.
Betway Listed National Colour Stakes
Whistle The Tune’s official merit rating has been raised from 112 to 116 following her
victory in the Betway Listed National Colour Stakes over 1000m at the Turffontein Standside Track on Sunday.
The Handicappers were of the view that the third-place finisher, Almond Sea , made for the most suitable line horse to assess this race, leaving her rating unchanged on 112.
The only other increase was for the runner-up, Instaworthy , who was raised from 94 to 107. This adjustment was made because she was ten points (five kilograms) under sufferance at the weights and finished 1.3 lengths (three points) ahead of the line horse.
Frozen Fantasy was the only runner in this race to receive a drop in the ratings, going down to 97 from 99.
KEEPING RACING’S SHOW ON THE ROAD
We’ve seen the race day ambulance occasionally arrive late to scheduled meetings, delaying
Even jockeys, trainers and officials have been guilty, at times, of missing their required check-in times. It’s hard to remember, however, a day when horses arrived late to line up for respective races.
The reason? In recent memory, this has not happened!
New Turf Carriers, South Africa’s largest horse transporter, will be in the spotlight as sponsors of the Merchants Sprint on Betway Summer Cup Day, but their real contribution is behind the scenes, where they quietly ensure that every race goes off with the correct number of carded runners.
It all seems automatic, taken for granted. Racing fans seldom stop to consider how horses actually get to the track. That New Turf Carriers are dealing with living, highstrung athletes rather than packages (how
race times.
many times have you had specialist package couriers misplace deliveries or arrive late?) – makes their daily service all the more remarkable.
Operating 365 days a year, 24/7, New Turf ensures that thoroughbreds reach tracks, farms, and auction sales safely and on time. They are an indispensable cog in the racing machine, and the logistics required to coordinate these movements – often across long distances and tight schedules – are unique to the industry.
“Touchwood, we’ve never had a day when races have had to be delayed or cancelled due to our trucks not arriving on time,” said Matthew Sham who, along with his brothers Michael and Marcus, took over the business from their parents, Mark and Dorrie Sham, in 2009.
Mark started New Turf with a single trailer in 1995, and by 2009 it was a good, growing concern with several trucks. But, Matt explained, two consignments carrying horses were involved in serious accidents on the road from the old Ready To Run Sale at Summerhill Stud.
“My parents were emotionally struck by what had happened and decided right there and then to call it a day. They decided to follow their dream of training horses instead of transporting them,” he said. With Dorrie taking out her trainer’s licence and setting up shop at Fairview, the Sham brothers were offered an opportunity to take over the transport business and run with it.
Mat recalled: “I was only 22 years old back then, Mike was 27 and Marcus was still a lightie , but we’d had some hands-on experience in helping the original New Turf team. So we didn’t really have much of a choice, and we committed to making a success of our venture.”
Just over 17 years later, New Turf Carriers is a horse transporting giant, now with 26 trucks based in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, and another logistics company, SF Logistics, has branched from it.
‘SF’ is for Sham Family Logistics, a company with 30 trucks in use countrywide, focusing on cargo. Marcus also started SF Pine Shavings, with eight trucks. He produces over 100,000
bags of shavings per month for horses and poultry farms.
The companies employ in the region of 100 individuals, and between New Turf and SF there is a detailed and specific network of operators that ensure that their operations run smoothly.
“Many of our drivers have been with us for 10 years or longer. The latest driver employed, has been with us for five years. They are calm, experienced, and skilled in handling and transporting horses. We also have our own, seasoned grooms who travel with horses when required.”
The race operators fund the moving of horses to and from racecourses, and Matt said: “We plan our loading operations a day or two in advance, after the cards have been finalised. The trailers have a bottom, middle and top level and can take 15 horses at a time. An ordinary race meeting can require up to four loads, and for meetings like the Betway Summer Cup we’ll load up to eight times.”
New Turf start the first loading process about four hours before the start of the first race at any given venue, so that they can be at the track between one-and-a-half and two hours before race time.
The other loads are similarly scheduled for the other races, or groups of races.
Click on the image below to read the full story…
Joey Ramsden’s decision to relocate back to Britain quickly paid off after one of South Africa’s most successful trainers celebrated a first winner in the country last Thursday.
Joey Ramsden pictured some years ago with champion, King Of Pain Credit: Hamish Niven Photography
JOEY BREAKS ICE ON HOME GROUND
The Racing Post reports that Ramsden is the son of famed gambler Jack and stepson of former top trainer Lynda, and trained more than 1 800 winners in a 20-year stint in South Africa. It yielded 27 successes at the highest level, including in the Durban July, Queen’s Plate, Cape Derby, Cape Guineas and Cape Fillies’ Guineas.
Having ended his illustrious career in SA in 2019, Ramsden saddled his first runners in Britain last month. He got off the mark at just the ninth attempt when Bishop’s Glory ran out a 22-1 winner in the second division of the 6f handicap at Newcastle.
“When you win with that calibre of horse, it shows you’ve definitely still got it,” Ramsden told the Racing Post. “I’ll never get bored of winning, even if I had to turn the clock back here 30 or so years!
“It’s totally different to how we trained in South Africa. You’d do one piece of work on a very heavy sand track there over not very far, but luckily I spent a year with my stepmum, when she trained some horses on Southwell’s Fibresand. Luckily, I’ve still got it.”
He added: “Genuinely, I’m not just saying it, but I’m loving the life of training here. You never lose the buzz, even if one of your horses gets stuffed. We were expecting it to come with Imola on the same card, but she finished second and this was a pleasant surprise.”
One of Ramsden’s best horses in South Africa was Variety Club, who provided him with glory on Dubai World Cup night in the 2014 Godolphin Mile. He also landed the Champions Mile in Hong Kong that year, though the horse was officially under the care of Mike de Kock due to quarantine regulations.
While he knows that the next global superstar may be hard to come by, Ramsden has no regrets about restarting his career at this level.
He said: “You’d love to find the next Variety Club here, but it won’t be for a tenner! It’s a different kettle oaf fish I’m dealing with here, but I’m glad we made the decision to do so.
“Fingers crossed, people take notice and have a bit of faith in us. There’s no guarantee in life, but the facilities we’ve got deserve a top-class horse.”
Ramsden is based near Newark, Nottinghamshire, from a 62-stable yard where Mick Appleby enjoyed success, including winning the all-weather trainers’ championship. He believes the facilities will prove key to continuing his successful training career.
He said: “I love where we are. It’s in the Midlands and it may not be as fashionable as some of the training centres, but the facilities are incredible.
“I’m working with a lot of very nice people as well, and we’re working together for our success.”
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AS BRAND AMBASSADOR BLACKMORE RETURNS
Rachael Blackmore will be back at Cheltenham this season after being appointed their brand ambassador.
The premier National Hunt racecourse in the UK made the decision in an attempt to attract more female racegoers to their meetings.
The former Irish-based jockey retired earlier this year in May after a groundbreaking career which included victories in the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. She is also the only female rider to win the Grand National when aboard Minella Times in 2021.
Rachael Blackmore has been appointed as brand ambassador | Credit: Haydock Park
Blackmore’s appointment and Cheltenham’s new campaign will support the reintroduction of Ladies Day at The Festival, which takes place on Wednesday 11th March 2026.
Guy Lavender, Chief Executive of Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “Rachael is a household name whose success and passion for horseracing resonates not only with racing fans and aficionados but general sports fans and even wider audiences.”
“We’ve been evaluating customer data and feedback and what really stood out was the opportunity to grow our female fanbase. From there we’ve been developing a campaign aimed at encouraging more women to attend race days and Rachael is exactly the kind of aspirational figure we hope will attract a new fan base to the sport.”
“Rachael’s ground-breaking success on the track, combined with her growing status as a role model beyond the sport and popularity with people of all ages, make her the ideal ambassador to connect the Cheltenham Festival with a new, female-focused audience.”
“Her achievements transcended racing and resulted in headlines around the world and awards like the BBC World Sports Star at the prestigious Sports Personality of the Year Awards in 2021. We’re excited to be working with her to identify what initiatives
and incentives would encourage more women to come racing and to promote the sport, Cheltenham Racecourse and The Festival specifically, as being for everyone.”
Blackmore added: “It is going to be a very different experience going racing and not heading for the weighing room, but I’m looking forward to seeing what race days are like from the other side of the rails and working with the team at Cheltenham. I’m interested in meeting racegoers to get a proper understanding of why they attend but also what some of the blockers and barriers might be that are stopping their friends and peers from coming.”
“Horseracing is an amazing sport and a day at the races provides so much opportunity for people to socialise with friends and meet new people. I’m excited to get involved and see what can be done to engage more women and show them what makes a day at the races such a special and unforgettable experience.”
IRON HORSE MAKES WINNING RETURN FOR SA OWNERS
Once labelled a ‘horse made of iron’ by his legendary trainer, who won his tenth Gr2 Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday, the Hollywood Racing & Barnane Stud and partners owned multiple Gr1-winner Il Etait Temps waltzed home on his return to action at the Country Tipperary Racetrack, and now looks set for a tantalizing headbumper with Jonbon in next month’s Gr1 Tingle Creek, for which Il Etait Temps is now the joint-favourite.
The extraordinary Willie Mullins set a new career high at Del Mar last Saturday with Ethical Diamond, his first ever Breeders’ Cup runner, and left with the $2m first prize in
the BC Turf – interestingly, nearly five times as much as he banked when Nick Rockett landed the Grand National in April.
But Thursday belonged to popular little grey Il Etait Temps who was last seen out six months back when winning the Celebration Chase at Sandown in April ahead of the Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon, an effort made even more notable as it came after a lengthy injury-enforced absence.
tarting a red-hot odds-on fancy under Paul Townend on Thursday, the grey bomber took on three opponents, headed by former Irish Grand National hero Intense
Il Etait Temps (Paul Townend) ran them off their feet to win by 18 lengths | Credit: Supplied
Raffles and Topham winner Gentleman De, but both failed to land a blow and it was Phillip Enright’s 22-1 chance Senecia who came home a well-beaten runner-up as Il Etait Temps triumphed by 18 lengths.
Townend said: “He was very settled early on, and for a long way I wondered if he was too settled. I thought Mark (Walsh, on Gentleman De Mee) would lead me further but two jumps put me on the back of the leader, and then he woke up.To me he was just quicker than the opposition and I wanted to delay leading for another three furlongs, but he took the lead before I wanted to at all. He settled it quickly and was ready to do it today, but there’ll be more improvement in him.Willie’s plan before he left (for America and Australia) was the
Tingle Creek. The engine was always there, but he had been hard on himself and it has taken him time to mature and us time to figure him out.”
The Kieswetter and Heffer families celebrated consecutive wins in different hemispheres, after the Written Tycoon filly National Code scored at Kyneton Racecourse in Australia on Wednesday. She is owned in partnership with multiple champion trainer Mike de Kock and Larry Nestadt.
We look forward to Il Etait Temps likely next outing at the Tingle Creek Festival which is run at Sandown Park on Friday 5th and Saturday 6 th December.
OLD PHILIPPI TEAM ENJOY SHA TIN FEATURE SUCCESS
Brett Crawford celebrated the most significant triumph of a burgeoning Hong Kong, China career when the South African combined with familiar ally Karis Teetan to land the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap with Encountered at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Saddling only his 31st starter this season since arriving at Sha Tin after a decorated South African career, Crawford exulted in a stirring victory after Teetan drove Encountered – the 2023 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse victor – to a short-head margin over Happy Together (129lb) and Moments In Time (127lb) in 1m 47.35s in front of a 34,784 crowd.
“It’s stuff that you probably couldn’t script. I’m super excited – Encountered actually very similar to a Group 1 horse Karis rode at home called Jackson, he’s very similar in stature and it brought back a lot of memories,” Crawford said.
“The guys at home have worked really hard on this horse and I can’t thank them enough. It’s a fairytale start for me – to win a Group 3 in Hong Kong within your first season is really amazing.
“I could see him making up the ground and I knew he had a good chance, but there was a horse (Happy Together) who got just ahead of us and I wasn’t sure if we were going to get him in time.
“It really came down to the wire – it was a great race. I’ve really got to give credit to
Karis, he rode a really good race and put a lot of hard work into the preparation.”
Pitted against 11 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races nominees, Encountered reprised his best form to charge from eighth on the home turn, clocking 23.36s, to win his first race since the 2023 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse, while favourite Cap Ferrat was eased out of the race.
Crawford said possible plans to contest the HK$40 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on 14 December would hinge on the six-year-old’s recovery.
“We’ll go one race at a time,” Crawford said. “I’m pretty sure he will feel this race tomorrow. He’s a horse who takes his racing quite hard. We’ll enjoy the moment and reassess everything tomorrow.”
Teetan said: “Myself and Brett, we go a long way back. He gave me a chance when
I was still young and he taught me a lot – not just about being a jockey, but about being a human being and how to deal with life after you come out of your apprenticeship.
“He’s been a great part of my life and I’m glad that he’s here, in Hong Kong, and he’s continuously giving me support and winning this race for him just means a lot.
“I worked Encountered through week and I thought it was the best I had felt him in a long time. The horse was happy, felt good – today, the last 50m, I needed him and the horse responded well.”
Teetan rode several elite winners for Crawford in South Africa and Sunday’s Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse success marked Teetan’s third victory in the race after wins on Horse Of Fortune (2016) and Ensued (2024).
Vice-Chairman Dr Eleanor Kwok Law Kwai Chun BBS JP presents the commemorative trophy to trainer Brett Crawford Credit: HKJC
LONGINES IJC MCDONALD POISED FOR
Poised for another strike on Hong Kong, China’s rich races, champion jockey James McDonald arrived from Australia this week in career-equalling top form for the start of a seven-week riding stint in the Asian racing hub.
He arrived after signing off from the Melbourne Cup Carnival with a victory on champion mare Via Sistina, who mirrored
what the pair achieved last year by winning back-to-back Group 1 victories in the W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) and the Champions Stakes (2000m).
A regular visitor to Hong Kong, McDonald is eyeing success in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley on 10 December, and four days later, to ride Romantic Warrior to a record-
James McDonald is looking forward to his 7 weeks in Hong Kong | Credit: HKJC
breaking fourth successive HK$40 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) triumph at Sha Tin.
While Australia likes to claim the expatriate as their own, he is New Zealand born and bred and proud to represent his native country in the LONGINES IJC against a selection of the world’s best jockeys including Great Britain’s Ryan Moore (subject to fitness) and William Buick, last year’s winner Mickael Barzalona (France), Joao Moreira (Brazil), Christophe Lemaire (Japan) and Umberto Rispoli (United States of America).
The international contingent, which includes female riders Rachel King (Australia) and Hollie Doyle (Great Britain), will also compete against three of Hong Kong, China’s top jockeys, headed by Zac Purton.
McDonald said he was excited to return to Hong Kong, China, where he has plenty to look forward to with his wife Katelyn and their two young daughters before returning to Sydney just before Christmas.
He said the LONGINES IJC was always a challenge because of the calibre of jockeys, and he hopes to improve on his third in 2014 and seconds in 2011, 2021 and 2024.
“It’s very good for my riding because there are such good riders there,” he said. “It’s something to really look forward to and again it’s a great challenge because it’s so competitive and I always enjoy my time there.
“Not only is there great racing, but I’ve also got the legend of Romantic (Warrior) there, so I just can’t wait to see him first and foremost. Competing in the jockeys’ challenge is always a highlight of the year and then especially the international races in December.”
Asked if he thought Romantic Warrior, who is returning after undergoing fetlock surgery in May, had been okay in a recent 1600m turf trial at Sha Tin, when ridden by Hugh Bowman, McDonald said: “Better than okay, I would have thought.
“He is a flying and Danny Shum has done a fantastic job with him, and he has been complimentary, as has Hugh. I can’t wait, obviously.”
The 33-year-old said it was pretty much unheard of for a horse to chase four consecutive victories in a race like the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup.
“It is just incredible how good he is,” he said. “Four in a row in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup would be lovely.”
Via Sistina’s second W.S. Cox Plate was McDonald’s fourth victory in the weight-forage race, a feat only achieved by Bowman.
“It was an incredible feeling, very surreal,” McDonald said of the win. “It was a different type of feeling than the other three, that’s for sure and what would only trump it would be a fourth Hong Kong Cup, so I am hoping that happens.”
McDonald is used to success in Hong Kong this year, winning all three legs of the Triple Crown – HK$13 million Gr1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), HK$13 million Gr1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and HK$13 million Gr1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) with Voyage Bubble.
With 122 Group 1 victories, success in Hong Kong would allow McDonald to edge closer to retired jockey Damien Oliver’s Australian record of 129 wins at the elite level.
FORMER SA CHAMPION ENDS HONG KONG STINT
Former SA champion jockey Keagan De Melo has decided to end his Hong Kong stint and will return home in early December.
Keagan De Melo – ends his Hong Kong journey | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
De Melo, who cited personal reasons for his decision, scored the biggest win of his Hong Kong riding career near the end of last term when booting home the 25/1 Copartner Prance for trainer Francis Lui in the HK$4,2 million Gr3 Premier Cup Handicap at Sha Tin.
He has yet to ride a winner during the current season, his 47 rides producing 12 places and stakes earnings of HK$ 3 992 450.
In the previous season De Melo rode 12 winners from 244 rides for stakes of HK$ 18 532 725.
He currently has 33 Hong Kong wins to his credit at a strike-rate of 5% and in one of the world’s toughest and most competitive racing environments, it’s difficult breaking through once the ‘luck’ and the quality of the rides dries up.
De Melo returned home at the close of the last Hong Season and enjoyed the distinction of providing progressive Varsfontein stallion Erik The Red with his first stakes success when he won the Gr2 Follow @World Pool on X Stakes on Zalatoris for the Paul Matchett yard.
Keagan’s services should be in demand back in SA.
IN GOLDEN SHAHEEN DARK SAFFRON SHINES
Gr1 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner Dark Saffron wasted no time in getting his campaign off to the best possible start with a facile success in the very first race of the 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival.
Ahmad bin Harmash’s three-year-old and jockey Connor Beasley kept it simple against just three rivals in the Emirates Airline Conditions Stakes, making all and cruising to a four and a half-length success over Rammayy.
“It was a good starting point and well chosen by the boss,” said Beasley. “It was better than ten gallops at home. He’s strengthened up a fair bit. He’s a horse with a lot of class and a lot of ability and he improved race by race last season.
“He’s run on the turf and the dirt but he’s an out and out dirt horse.”
Bin Harmash saddled a double when Union Security took the 1200metre Emirates Courier Express Maiden for two-year-olds. Sam
Connor Beasley steers Dark Saffron to victory | Credit: DRC
Hitchcott was onboard the winner who tracked the leaders on the rail, going through a gap on the rail inside the final 200metres and charging home by five lengths from Na Eeem.
“He was very professional: jumped, travelled, switched leads, I was very impressed,” said Hitchcott after his third winner of the season. “He’s bred for this and will get further, so we’ll take it one step at a time. There’s still room for him to tighten up and strengthen up, which will come with racing.”
Gray Boss overcame a wide draw in 12 for a come from behind victory on debut in the 1400metre Arabian Adventure Maiden for three-year-olds and upwards. It was a determined effort from Bhupat Seemar’s colt, ridden by Tadhg O’Shea, who collared long-time leader Mystery Chime inside the final 100metres, going away for a length and a half win.
“Bhupat and the team had him spot on,” said O’Shea. “The fractions were on early, but I wanted to get a nice position and give him a good experience. He hasn’t been off the bridle at home, so that’s the first time he’s had the ‘giddy up’. He’s got a lovely mind and he is a nice big horse, so he’ll improve and maybe even get a mile.
“He’s a horse with a big future so we need to look after him and maybe give him a month or so between races.”
Pereyra Bursts Onto The Scene
Argentinian jockey William Pereyra celebrated his first Meydan winner when Shepperton Lodge showed an impressive turn of foot in the Emirates SkyCargo Handicap over 1900metres.
It was a second career win for Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s four-year-old who shot clear of his rivals in the straight, winning by nine lengths.
“I’m very happy to win my first race in Dubai. It’s my first time riding outside of Argentina and I’m excited about the rest of the season,” said the jockey. “He travelled very well and from the middle of the race, he got even better. When we got to the straight, I felt as if I had a lot of horse under me.”
Pereyra and Al Mheiri grabbed a quick double, partnering Cupid’s Dream to another decisive win in the featured AED250,000 1600metre Emirates Airline Handicap.
It was a second victory for the progressive four-year-old, who took over the lead from Smart System and easily held off the closing Made In Dubai for a three and a quarter length victory.
No Barriers to Success for Road Bloc
Seven-year-old Road Bloc has always been a smart sort and Sayed Hashish and Hana
Credit to the owner [Sayed Hashish] who has always been a big supporter of mine, so it’s nice to get one for him.
Refai’s gelding picked up his fifth win in the 1200metre Emirates Holidays Handicap.
Trained by Osama Refai, he looked in danger when Border Edge threw down a challenge in the closing stages but, with the benefit of a previous run at Jebel Ali, won by one and a quarter length, giving Beasley a double. “He’s a horse I haven’t ridden before, but I’d followed him plenty of times,” said the British rider. He doesn’t like kickback, so the plan was to give him his own space and when I did that he travelled well. He’s won over 1400metres so I knew he would gallop to the line, although 150metres out he thought he’d got the job done!
“Credit to the owner [Sayed Hashish] who has always been a big supporter of mine, so it’s nice to get one for him.”
There was more South American success in the closing 1600metre Emirates Skywards Handicap when Brazilian jockey Silvestre De
Sousa combined with Uruguayan trainer Julio Olascoaga and Norato.
It was a first career win for Sky Racing’s four-year-old Brazilian-bred who had to wait for the gaps but stayed on stoutly once they arrived, winning by two and a half lengths from Military Artist.
“I was very pleased with the way he did it,” said De Sousa. “He was outstanding in the Parade Ring. It was a bit of a rough race, they went very hard, but he was a pleasure to ride.”
Meydan races next on Friday 21 November when the Gr2 Bani Yas and Listed Dubai Creek Mile are the features.
ALL THE NHA HAPPENINGS THIS PAST WEEK
The Sporting Post presents this past week’s National Horseracing Authority Calendar. The calendar is a summary of the past week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information.
Click on the image below to read the calendar:
4,594,556 3,167,944 3,164,450 3,064,944 7,887,392 6,041,632 5,148,025 4,550,874 5,315,796 J O CK E YS results up to: 2025-11-12
3,346,738 2,943,813 2,306,719 1,983,125 1,905,106 5,034,669 4,016,006 3,091,656 3,002,000 2,766,375
6,288,242 6,251,841 4,394,988 3,148,615 2,985,127 BREEDERS
7,316,432 5,702,556 4,088,194 3,955,668 3,872,789 S I RE S T R A I NER S Name
