EYE ON JULY!
44 IN JULY MIX!
06
The First Log
Now the jostling begins!
15
Muscutt Makes His Move
Isivivane puts his hand up
42
End Of An Era
Sun sets on Black Swan Stud
74
Thomas Takes Third Tankard Mason’s magic moment
99
10 Minutes to A$5,6 Million
Chayan heads to Coolmore
On the cover
Peter Muscutt welcomes the 4yo Isivivane back after his career peak success in last Saturday’s WSB Gr3 1900. The Narrow Creek Stud-bred son of Erupt has played his way into contention for the R10 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July. Read more and see the big race log on page 15.
Image courtesy of Chase Liebenberg.
Issue: 19/2026
RCIS PAYOUTS 2025 / 2026 SEASON
RACE COAST KWAZULU-NATAL PAYOUTS 2025 / 2026
AUG 25 - MAR 26
RACE COAST WESTERN CAPE PAYOUTS
TOTAL PAYOUTS 2025 / 2026
The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July top two finishers, The Real Prince and Eight On Eighteen, are amongst the 44 big-race hopefuls who remain in the mix in the countdown to the 4 July renewal of the historic 2200m contest.
First declaration stage was reached with a cut-off of 11h00 on Monday 11 May
Sponsored for the fifth consecutive year by leading sportsbook operator, Hollywoodbets,
the 2026 renewal will be run for all-time Africa graded stakes record of R10 million.
Nineteen of the original sixty-three entries have been withdrawn, including Justin Snaith’s Gr3 Cape Classic hero Great Plains, the De Kock TAB Gr2 Guineas star Spilttheeights, and the Galileo import The Equator, who has recently transferred from Tony Peter to Stuart Pettigrew.
Only two jockeys have been declared thus far.
KZN-based Tristan Godden will ride Frank Robinson’s Mocha Blend, on whom he won the Betway Gr1 Summer Cup, while 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July champion JP van der Merwe partners Snaith’s Regulation, on whom he won the Ownpay Gr3 Peninsula Handicap, and caught the eye with a storming late finish behind Isivivane in last Saturday’s World Sports Betting 1900
The first official big race log for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, has been published.
The first log includes no surprises after 44 entries stood their ground at first declaration stage on Monday 11 May,
Key dates:
Second declarations:11h00 Monday 8 June
Final supplementary entries: 11h00 Monday 15 June
Weights: Monday 15 June
Final declarations: 11h00 Monday 22 June
A final field of 20 – including 2 reserve runners – will be announced on Tuesday 23 June.
Tickets for the 4 July event are now on sale for general admission, picnic sites and VIP hospitality packages, and parking via www.ticketpro.co.za
For more information, visit https://www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za/ or www.racecoast.co.za
WAS RUN TODAY IF THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY
The latest 11 May Hollywoodbets Durban July entry list tightens the field to 44 names , but the top of the handicap is unchanged.
Raceform reports that See It Again remains the anchor on 62.0kg off an MR of 130 , with Eight On Eighteen next on 61.5kg.
Legal Counsel and The Real Prince sit together on 61.0kg, while Atticus Finch and Gladatorian share the 60.5kg line.
The 3yo allowance still matters. Jan Van Goyen , Note To Self and Star Major are
all effectively brought down to 54.0kg , while Hazy Dazy and Wish List land on 53.5kg . That is the sweet spot if they are good enough; no free lunch, but they are not buried.
At the foot of the handicap, 14 horses are under sufferance at the 52kg floor.
The worst hit are JP’s Palace at 7.5kg wrong, Curious Girl at 7.0kg wrong, and Master Spy at 6.0kg wrong. That is not clever placing; that is bringing a knife to a gunfight.
The topweight – See It Again | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Δ indicates changes from the 8 April MR file used in the previo us Raceform July weights run.
3yo shown in italics | Red rows = under sufferance (carries the 52kg minimum) | Weight column shows projected July weight, not actual allotted weight yet.
Key Movers Since 8 April – courtesy of Raceform
Copper Eagle +13 ↑
Enflame +8 ↑
La Pulga +6 ↑
Isivivane +4 ↑
Star Major +4 ↑
Callmegetrix +2 ↑
JP’s Palace +2 ↑
Native Ruler -2 ↓
Otto Luyken -2 ↓
Regulation +1 ↑
Trust +1 ↑
Wild Intent -1 ↓
MUSCUTT MAGIC ERUPTS
NEXT TARGET LOCKED – 04 JULY!
A plan six months in the fashioning by internationally experienced trainer Peter Muscutt came together with an eye on Africa’s greatest horseracing event on 4 July, when the Hollywood Racing-owned Erupt 4yo Isivivane exploded through late under Sean Veale to win the R500 000 World Sports Betting Gr3 1900 on Saturday.
Given its timing and status, the World Sports Betting 1900 is an historically important stepping-stone into the R10 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July and seven
of the ten runners lining up at Hollywoodbets Greyville in the Saturday feature, held entry tickets into the big race.
And for the Narrow Creek Stud-bred 4yo Isivivane, it was a case of being thrown into the deep end, with his connections always believing he could swim.
As the Highveld-based 3yo Trust – needing to show his credentials against the odds at the weights – led them off a sedate gallop, Sean Veale had Isivivane hovering in the box seat as Native Ruler kept the leader honest.
Isivivane (Sean Veale) is too strong for Trust | Credit: Julia Marnewick
In the dash for home, Sean Veale slipped Isivivane (6-1) through down the inside. And the 4yo didn’t disappoint as he went on best to hold off a late rattle on the part of Regulation (9-4) by 0,60 lengths in a time of 118,95 secs for the 1900m.
Trust (15-10) had every chance but was relegated to third, a head back, with fellow Joburg raider The Ultimate King (20-1) capping a Hollywoodbets Durban July entry quartet, a neck back.
Of the balance of the big race entries, Native Ruler (1,95 lengths), Holding Thumbs (2,35 lengths) and Master Redoute (6,95 lengths) were beaten out of the money, albeit not disgraced in the process.
Bred by Narrow Creek Stud, who coincidentally also bred Hollywood Racing’s
Gr1 speed champion Isivunvungu, who is due to step out in the Jim McKay Turf Sprint at Laurel on Saturday 16 May, Isivivane is a son of Erupt (Dubawi), who won at Gr1 level over 2400m.
The winner’s dam is the three-time winning Casey Tibbs mare Rodeo Sioux, who herself won up to 2600m. So, the staying genes are there!
Trainer Peter Muscutt indicated with confidence that the 2200m of the Hollywoodbets Durban July would be right up Isivivane’s alley, and the consistent gelding would likely come in with a handy galloping weight.
Isivivane took his stakes earnings to R 986 800 on Saturday, with his fifth victory (and five places) from his fifteen starts.
Trainer Peter Muscutt with his 1900 winner! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
IN CONDITIONS! SNAITH 1-2-3
Justin Snaith showed three of his ten Hollywoodbets Durban July cards in a mile Conditions Plate at Hollywoodbets Greyville, with recent HKJC World Pool Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge winner Okavango showing his fitness when rallying smartly to beat his illustrious stablemate, Eight On Eighteen.
Mickaëlle Michel (pink cap) gets Okavango to rally and beat Eight On Eighteen (Craig Zackey) in a cracking big race prep
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Mickaëlle Michel has been catching the eye with her growing list of SA victories | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
While the SA champion trainer conceded afterwards that the tactical plans for the race hadn’t unfolded according to plans, the main thing is his trio enjoyed the race action and the public got to see them in the flesh.
The newly blinkered SA Horse Of The Year Eight On Eighteen (15-10) was having his first start in the 14 weeks since he ran a below-par race in the Cape Town Met.
Craig Zackey had him loping along out front, until he was passed by Mickaëlle Michel and Okavango (33-10), who overcame an uncharacteristic tardy start and decided to grab the bit and go round his field.
Okavango’s move unravelled Eight On Eighteen, who started pulling from that point.
Despite coming through to win his race at the 250m, Eight On Eighteen had no answers to the purposeful ride by Miss Michel and the fitter Okavango, who tossed the script out the window and came again to win by 0,30 lengths in a time of 98,12 secs for the mile and give owner Nic Jonsson a 1-2.
The SplashOut-sponsored visiting French rider thus made it a first ride-first winner for the Snaith team and continues her excellent form, after registering a Grade 2 double just a matter of weeks ago.
Eight On Eighteen now heads into the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, with or without the headgear on 6 June, while the third placed Note To Self (2-1) was a further 0,60- lengths back in third in his first outing on a right-handed track. He runs in the Daily News 2000 on 30 May.
Mocha Blend (10-1) came in off her Betway Summer Cup success 23 weeks ago and ran a commendable fourth just two lengths off Okavango.
Justin Snaith thanked Race Coast and his fellow trainers for coming to the party and keeping the R175 000 race as a prep opportunity.
Okavango was purchased for R420 000 off the BSA November 2yo Sale and was bred by the now US-based Michael De Broglio.
A son of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master), Okavango is out of the outstandingly versatile champion Sportsworld mare, Sabina Park.
Okavango is now a winner of 5 races with 7 places from 16 starts and stakes of R1 381 925.
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STIPES NOTE FORTUNE’S RIDE
The Stipendiary Stewards summoned the bang in-form Andrew Fortune into the boardroom at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Saturday after his ride on the Lucky Fish Cape Derby runner-up Note To Self had raised a few questions.
A Daily News and Hollywoodbets Durban July candidate, Note To Self (2-1 tote favourite) was having his first run on a right-handed track and finished third and 0,90 lengths behind top-notch older stablemates Okavango and Eight On Eighteen in the Pick 6 opener, the WSB Casino At Its Best Conditions Plate, in what looked like a fair return effort after a ten-week break.
Fortune, who won the second race on the well-fancied Too Fast To Fiesta –coincidentally Lucinda Woodruff’s first ever juvenile winner – explained that with no pace in the mile Conditions Plate, he had elected to maintain Note To Self’s midfield position around the bend.
Fortune also informed the Stipes that Note To Self felt lethargic and took some time to start improving his position.
The former champion jockey was reportedly questioned as to why he had not introduced a more vigorous ride earlier in the race.
Fortune confirmed that he had allowed the Futura gelding to utilize his extended slow action and rather to move up in his hands.
He was of the opinion that he could have finished slightly closer to the top two, but would not have improved his placing.
The Stipes will review the ride again, against the background of the explanation provided.
NHA CALENDAR
ALL THE ADMIN UNDER ONE UMBRELLA
The Sporting Post presents the National Horseracing Authority calendar per 08 May 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:
JOCKEY OPINIONS –NOTHING’S CHANGED!
Will the findings of guilt announced by the National Horseracing Authority against jockey Louis Mxothwa late last week influence the way jockeys and apprentices express their views and opinions, going forward?
Read the Mxothwa media release here.
The Sporting Post fielded a number of queries about the implications for transparency of information after Richard Fourie’s postrace comment following the second race at Fairview last Friday.
When questioned by Neil Pretorius on his prospects for the balance of the day, Fourie asked if he was actually allowed to provide comments. He then opted not to comment.
Fourie told the Sporting Post that, while he was not privy to the specific circumstances surrounding the current matters in process at the racing regulator, it concerned him that his colleague, based on the information made available, appeared to have cast an opinion and was being sanctioned for it.
“On the face of it, the whatsapp published in the media release contains information, words and references, that many stakeholders utilize every day – whether it be in post-race interviews, or in communications of various kinds to owners and trainers – and even to the media,” suggested Fourie, who added that he appreciated that context was important.
“While I am familiar with the rules of the NHA, in my twenty odd years of riding professionally, I have never been coached, briefed or mandated to not provide an opinion, or for that matter to not refer to another horse in discussions of collateral form in a particular race. It happens, and is part of the conversation on big-race panels, for example. I am not being facetious – I just need to fully understand what I am permitted and not permitted to say. Until I get that clarity from the authorities, I’d rather keep my thoughts and opinions to myself,” concluded the record-breaking former SA Champion.
Race Coast’s Basil Thomas clarifies position | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Speaking on behalf of Race Coast, Basil Thomas told the Sporting Post that, at the outset, it needs to be noted that the racemeeting concerned was operated under the jurisdiction of 4Racing.
“Nevertheless, jockeys are riding in all centres, so it is appropriate to express an opinion. Mr Fourie is quite right to make the point that context is important. Jockeys and trainers will never be discouraged from making comments regarding the condition of their charges or their prospects in future races. Furthermore, private communications between a jockey and his/her trainer relating to the manner in which a horse is working at track or prospects in upcoming events are neither inappropriate nor discouraged,” added the veteran racing man.
Thomas continued that what is relevant is that jockey Louis Mxothwa pleaded guilty to an offence.
“Evidence led during the inquiry included translation of a voice note between Mr Mxothwa and other person/s which clearly and admittedly related to inappropriate behaviour and a breach of the NHA Rules. If this had not been the case, the published communication would not have been a contributing factor to Mr Mxothwa’s admitted guilt. Mr Fourie is an experienced professional, he is a South African champion jockey and is held in high esteem. The public in turn, holds high interest in what Mr Fourie has to say. Openness and transparency elevate public trust, whilst silence and a reluctance to talk raise unwanted misinterpretation. Mr Fourie should continue to feel confident to express himself in the manner to which the public has become accustomed.”
In response to a Sporting Post request for comment, 4Racing Chief Operating Officer Colin Gordon said that he felt that context was key.
“4Racing encourages, and is grateful to all the trainers and jockeys who share their thoughts and views with the public about their horses’ wellbeing. A transparent interview as a preview to a race meeting or a post-race interview that is broadcast to all is hugely beneficial to the punting public and a practice we would encourage to continue. We will engage with the stakeholders to ensure that it does,” assured Gordon.
The catalyst for Fourie’s concerns clearly relate to the content of a whatsapp published in an NHA media release in the Mxothwa matter. It is far removed from a post-race interview, for example.
In a move unprecedented in SA racing, Smanga Khumalo also received an interim suspension at the same time as his Capebased colleague.
Mr Mxothwa recently entered a plea of guilty of contravening Rule 72.1.26, read together with Rules 72.1.12 and 72.1.19.
Rule 72.1.26 behave or conduct himself in such a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horse racing or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY, a RACING OPERATOR, any training establishment, the ACADEMY, the STEWARDS or members of any committee of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or any INQUIRY BOARD, APPEAL BOARD, INQUIRY REVIEW BOARD, the LICENSING BOARD, any OBJECTION BOARD or any RACING OPERATOR or any official of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or RACING OPERATOR.
Rule 72.1.12 improperly obtain information about a trial, or about any HORSE in training from any OWNER, TRAINER, RIDER or anybody else employed in a racing or training stable or in 90 the services of the OWNER or TRAINER of such HORSE, and no PERSON or individual shall improperly make such information available;
Rule 72.1.19 commit, or incite or conspire with anybody to commit any corrupt, fraudulent, dishonest or prohibited practice in relation to racing or breeding or the buying and/or selling of HORSES in any country.
Arguments were made in respect of penalty, and the Inquiry Board reserved its judgment on sentencing, and the Mxothwa matter has been adjourned and will resume on Thursday 14 May 2026.
Khumalo has elected to continue the proceedings without legal representation and all evidence has been presented before the Inquiry Board, which has reserved its judgment, and the matter has been adjourned and will resume on 25 May 2026.
4Racing COO Colin Gordon – context is key | Credit: Supplied
SON OF HAWWAAM LOOKS PROGRESSIVE
The highlight of the two races on the Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack on Saturday was the WSB Thanks You Class 3 over 1400m in which the 3yo son of Hawwaam Hah Lah Lah kept his unbeaten record intact.
A facile winner of his only previous racecourse appearance, Dean Kannemeyer’s charge had to be reloaded after proving very restless in the pens.
He didn’t get away well when the gates opened and very quickly found himself second to last some four lengths off the leaders.
The pace was a sedate one though and overracing he then began to circle runners and was already at the front passing the 800m pole.
He travelled well from there onwards and only asked to do the necessary to hold off JP’s Palace and What A Fortune in the closing stages of the race. He looked to have plenty more to come.
Indeed, after the race jockey Craig Zackey said that he could feel that there was another gear if needed.
In what was a terrific feat of training, Hah Lah Lah was returning from a 37-week layoff here and clearly has a bright future ahead of him
Track Condition:
Going: Good (turf) – Standard (poly)
Penetrometer: 23 (turf)
Rain: Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 7mm
Irrigation: Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 15mm
False Rail: 8m (turf)
Wind: 5-15km/h North Easterly head wind
Course Variant: 1,23 seconds slow (turf) –0,83s fast (poly)
The slowest of the five races around the turn between the 1000m & 600m markers, the World Sports Betting Gr3 1900m topped the bill.
The only 3yo in the race TRUST (9/4 into 15/10 favourite) got over from the widest draw to make the running early, but there was no real pace on.
The field was tightly bunched when the race developed into a sprint early in the straight and the winner ISIVIVANE (trainer Peter Muscutt’s only runner on the card) was just a length and a half away in third.
He ran on strongly over the final 400m and in a race where just 2,35 lengths covered the first seven home, he won well from the deposed favourite Regulation (2/1 out to 9/4) by just over a half. Interestingly, six of the ten runners in this race are entered in the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July, amongst them the first three home here.
Owned by Hollywood Racing, the R450 000 purchase Isivivane has now won five of his fifteen starts and has already amassed stake earnings of over R984000.
Although just six went to post for the WSB Casino At Its Best Conditions Plate over 1600m, the race did boast the highest average merit ratings and four of the runners are entered in the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July.
The race was run two seconds faster than the only other 1600m event on the card, a maiden Plate, but nonetheless it was another slowly run false paced affair. Run in a time over two seconds slower than the class average, Eight On Eighteen (over-raced in the early stages) found himself at the front early on.
The eventual winner OKAVANGO (lost 1 length at start) had looked the most likely to make the running in the race and after racing four lengths behind his stable companion
early on, he circled runners to lead at around the 1100m mark. The son of Master Of My Fate had a break of two lengths on Eight On Eighteen entering the straight and he in turn was two lengths clear of the remainer.
Eight On Eighteen challenged strongly over the final 200m and may even have gotten his whiskers in front, Okavango gave his all under a determined ride from Mickaella Michel though and in a classic finish he got the verdict by a neck. Interestingly, in a race where trainer Justin Snaith saddled the first three home, third placed Note To Self was finishing faster than the first two.
The opening wsb.co.za Maiden Juvenile Plate was the quicker of the two 1200m that had gotten proceedings underway on Saturday and here victory went to the Doug Campbell trained QUEST OF VALOUR.
Run in a time over a second faster than the filly’s division of the maiden juvenile plate won with a ton in hand by TOO FAST TO FIESTA, the Visionaire gelding raced sixth for most of the journey some five lengths off a fair pace set by Kiartay.
He quickened well early in the straight and after getting the better of Omkhulu Boss (led 300m) 50m from home, he won going away by a length and a quarter. Both the winner and the runner up unseated their rider when shortly after the finish line when ducking in sharply away from the shadow of the grandstand.
Fastest Times: 1200m (2) Quest Of Valor 73,41 1600m (2) Okavango 98,12
A CARNIVAL OF SPEED
First entries are in for the Hollywoodbets
Scottsville Golden Horse Sprint Carnival which will be held in the KZN Capital on Saturday 23 May.
In line with a trend of pattern race adjustments in recent years, the annual jackpot of graded 1200m contests now comprises two Grade 1’s in the Gold Medallion and the SA Fillies Sprint, with the Allan Robertson Championship and the Golden Horse Sprint ranked as Gr2’s.
The race of the day could well be the R1 750 000 Gr1 Gold Medallion, where Vaughan Marshall’s dual One World entry of Gr3 Godolphin Barb winner Rich Man’s World and the promising World Series could take on the likes of eyecatching debut winner Haute Couture and Bo Ngcobo’s Better Never Ends, who won the TAB Gr2 SA Nursery, and followed up for a decent runner-up berth behind Gimme Some Luck in Sunday’s SA Sales Cup at Turffontein.
That said, Vaughan Marshall has won the Gr1 Gold Medallion three times with Villandry (2009), Always In Charge (2016) and Ambiorix (2021), and the veteran looks like he has something particularly special in Rich Man’s World.
Sean Tarry has won the R1 million SA Fillies Sprint nine times in the past two decades and he has entered defending champion Mia Moo, together with Rodeo Drive and the 3yo One Fine Winter in a nineteen-strong line-up that includes big-hitters Double Grand Slam and 2025 runner-up Asiye Phambile, an eyecatching recent winner of the Dennis Drier Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes, run over the course and distance.
Candice Bass won the Golden Horse Sprint with Tenango last year and she returns with the 5yo gelding who is the top-rated entrant in a 32 strong draft, that includes a number of promising 3yo’s.
Supplementary entries are due by 11h00 on Friday 15 May, with declarations closing at 11h00 on Monday 18 May.
Please visit www.sportingpost.co.za .
HOP ON THE BUS, GUS!
Secure your seat for just R200 per person on the ultimate raceday ride to Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday, 23 May 2026
Your ticket includes a R100 betting voucher, a complimentary racecard, and cold drinks to keep you refreshed all the way to the action.
Joining you on board as host for the day is Deez Dayanand, bringing insight, energy, and expert takes to get you race-ready.
Seats are limited, so don’t wait!
To book: Call Olivia – 031 314 1963 | Email marketingkzn@racecoast.co.za
Please note:
• Bus departs Hollywoodbets Greyville at 09h30.
• Bus returns from Hollywoodbets Scottsville at 17h15.
BLACK SWAN STUD DISPERSAL THE END OF AN ERA
The 2026 Race Coast Sales Mixed Sale in Robertson last Thursday marked the end of an era, hosting the dispersal of Peter de Beyer’s Black Swan Stud.
Established in 1998, Black Swan was originally managed by Jane Grey. After Jane retired, Walter and Fran Cowe took over and remained the farm’s managers until its dispersal.
Among the lengthy list of high-class performers to have been bred and raised by Black Swan are star racemare and high-class producer Siren’s Call, Gr1 Sun Met runnerup and sire Last Winter, and graded stakes winners of the likes Celtic Rumours, Elusive Heart, Pretty Betty and Major Attraction. The latter, winner of six races including the 2022 Champagne Stakes Gr3, is the dam of this season’s impressive Listed TAB Storm Bird Stakes winner World Attraction
With their successful sire Elusive Fort (Fort Wood) relocating for the upcoming season to Barbara Sanne’s Oldlands Stud, 29 lots, comprising well-bred stakes-winner producing mares, some with foals at foot, yearlings and weanlings, went under the hammer on Thursday, grossing R 6 245 000 at an average of R 215 345.
Topseller was the Black Swan flagbearer Sylvie, a stakes-producing daughter of Dupont in foal to Rafeef, who sold for R1,4 million to Lammerskraal Stud.
Sylvie, the dam of top performers Sarah, Celtic Rumours and Almond Sea, amongst others, will be an asset to the champion Ceres Valley farm’s broodmare band.
The scenic beauty of Black Swan Stud | Credit: Pauline Herman
Peter de Beyer thanks Lammerskraal’s Lindi Garlicki and Pieter Graaff | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Race Coast Sales were congratulated for the sale logistics | Credit: Pauline Herman
Black Swan’s Peter de Beyer and Jane Grey expressed their heartfelt thanks to all the buyers and underbidders who helped to make their sale a success.
“We wish all buyers success and joy with their acquisitions. Thanks also to the dedicated Race Coast Sales team and all their service providers for ensuring that clients, vendors and horses were given a great experience,” the happy vendors told the Sporting Post after a busy afternoon.
Race Coast Sales’ Pippa Mickleburgh echoed the positive mood and was very pleased as the sun set on the ‘solid sale’, telling the Sporting Post that the afternoon saw a ‘good middle market with high calibre mares, as usual, selling well’.
“We enjoyed a great turnout, with lots of people in attendance and great support overall. There is always a demand for quality
mares. In fact, they are a valuable asset right now and it’s the business to be in. The weanlings were strong too. At the end of the day Peter de Beyer and his team have indicated that they are well pleased. And we could not have achieved it without the buyers and we wish them the best of luck with their purchases,” added Pippa.
Overall, 63 lots went through the ring, with 52 selling at an aggregate of R9 765 000, producing an average of R187 789 and a median of R90 000.
Klawervlei Stud (as agent) sold 13 lots for a gross R1 645 000, an average of R126 538, while Normandy Stud and Millstream Farm weighed in with decent averages off small numbers.
The Sprint is interactive - Please click here for the full sales prices list .
Normandy’s Oscar Foulkes and Klawervlei’s John Koster were sellers Credit: Chase Liebenberg
ADAM AZZIE:
BUILDING A STABLE WITH PURPOSE
Adam Azzie is enjoying a hot streak, having saddled nine winners from his first 50 runners as a licensed trainer.
Adam Azzie is making waves! | Credit: Julia Marnewick
His winning strike rate stands at 18%, while his Win/Place percentage is just shy of 60% – a remarkable return considering he has only 21 horses in training, many of them fairly moderate performers.
Adam (39) started out with just seven horses when he ended his training partnership with his father, Michael, in September 2025 and relocated to Summerveld to establish his own brand in the training ranks.
He saddled his first runner at the end of October, 2025 and frustratingly had five close seconds and five third places from 15 runners in his first three months. “I was starting to think there was a voodoo over me,” said the fourth-generation trainer whose greatgrandfather George, grandfather Herbie, father Mike and uncle John all got off the mark with their respective first runners.
Adam finally broke the ice on 18 January 2026, when Drakenstein Stud’s filly Thought Control (What A Winter) shed her maiden at Hollywoodbets Greyville. He then added victories with a further four maidens – none regarded as stars in the making, which makes the achievement all the more creditable.
Adam said: “At the end of last year I was travelling up and down from Johannesburg to Durban, getting all the logistics in place. My kids also only finished school in November. My wife Callie and I also had to find a new home to settle down, so it was a hectic few months.
“I probably could have pressed a few maidens early on to get that first winner, but that’s not the way we train,” said Adam, whose 18 years alongside his father instilled the Azzie family’s traditional horsemanship, including patience, meticulous stable management and an
arguably unmatched ability to present runners in breathtaking condition for the parade ring.
He elaborated: “I think it’s important for a trainer to be realistic about what he or she has in the yard. When a horse has moderate ability, it’s better to recognise that, early, and not allow your ego to dictate that it should be running in strong handicaps or feature races.
“We all want top horses to train, but you have to play the cards you are dealt at any point in time. If you place an average horse in the correct races, you can have a lot more fun and a better return on the owner’s investment. Planning the career of the moderate horses is just as important for the best results as it is for mapping out the route to the top for a star runner.”
To this end, Adam’s already had some satisfying results with back-to-back wins from Red Taffety (a Maiden that joined him after eight unsuccessful runs in Cape Town) and Miss World (back-to-back wins after 21 unsuccessful starts in Cape Town).
He said: “The Maiden fields and lower handicaps in KZN are a little weaker than elsewhere, and we also have the Poltytrack option in Durban which we don’t have in other centres. This provides a few extra pickings for battling runners.”
Adam has limited firepower for the higher ranks right now and said: “This is a rebuilding phase, and things take time to fall in place. I’d like to build my string to 40 horses over the next few months, and my ultimate goal is to get to 80 in the next few seasons.”
Two-year-old colt Green Energy (Gimmethegreenlight) is the stable’s most promising youngster, with two wins on the trot after a close third on his debut.
“I’m going to run him in the Gatecrasher Stakes and then we’ll look at a race on Hollywoodbets Durban July day, Gold Cup Day or perhaps even both,” said Adam.
Older handicapper Claw (Horizon) is approaching his best form again and should be able to pick up another win soon, while the smart filly Gimmefabulous (Gimmethegreenlight) is on the comeback trail after a rest and is also being prepared for a run on July day in the Thukela Handicap.
Adam has three well-bred yearlings from recent sales, including two purchased by Greg and Gina Bortz, who are new clients in a yard already enjoying notable high-profile support.
Gaynor Rupert, Larry Nestadt, Mary Slack and Laurence Wernars have all contributed to Adam’s rebuilding project, while Hollywood Racing has also recently added a horse to the yard.
In addition, he carries regular support from
his brother-in-law, Sterling Miller (Pound Bloodstock), while Vermaak Equine has announced that Adam will be its dedicated trainer for its racing club in KwaZulu-Natal.
Adam said: “I am grateful for the support of such wonderful owners, and as a stable we are very happy to be racing in KZN. What Hollywood and Race Coast have achieved at Hollywoodbets Greyville is a racing experience second to none with superb facilities for families.”
While he may be the odd one out in his illustrious family as far as a strike with his first runner is concerned, Adam could well become the one who trains the most winners over time.
His father, Mike, commented: “Adam is a very popular young man and a very good horseman. I think he will develop his stable into a major force in years to come.”
www.vermaakequine.com
Green Energy (Serino Moodley) breaks his maiden | Credit: Vermaak Equine
FILLY DOES IT AGAIN! MASTER OF MY FATE
Alan Greeff registered his third World Sports Betting Listed East Cape Derby success in the past six renewals with a daughter of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master), when the top-class Anotherdanceforme registered her tenth victory, scoring a runaway win at Fairview on Friday.
Following in the hoofprints of Master Of My Fate daughters American Princess (2020) and Joy And Peace (2024), Anotherdanceforme skated clear under Ridgemont jockey Richard Fourie at a prohibitive 1-4 to beat long-time pacemaker World Choice (40-1) by 7,25 lengths in a time of 132,99 secs for the reduced 2200m trip.
Her success marked an East Cape Derby double for owner Peter Moor and Alan Greeff, after My Best Shot’s victory last term.
A decision was made early by 4Racing to move the fixture to the polytrack, and while it directly resulted in 14 withdrawals over
the nine-race card, it also sadly robbed the feature of promising Cape raider, Eric Liddell.
So while it was by no means a vintage renewal, Anotherdanceforme could do no more than win, and that she did in style, to cap a Greeff-Fourie four-timer on the day.
Bred by Varsfontein, Anotherdanceforme is a full-sister to Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes winner Princess Izzy and was a R650 000 buy from the 2024 National Yearling Sale.
She is out of the What A Winter mare Destiny Dancer and has now won 10 races from 11 starts for stakes of R1 216 345.
Richard Fourie and Anotherdanceforme celebrate an easy WSB East Cape Derby success Credit: Pauline Herman
MASTER’S DAUGHTERS KEEP THE FLAME ALIVE
As expected, Master Of My Fate filly Anotherdanceforme turned last Friday’s World Sports Betting Listed East Cape Derby into the proverbial one-horse race when she sauntered to a dominant 7,25-length victory, her fourth stakes success on the bounce.
Peter Moor’s three-year-old has been unstoppable in the Eastern Cape. As a juvenile, she won the Dahlia Plate and East Cape Nursery before venturing to Hollywoodbets Greyville where she capped an undefeated juvenile campaign with a comprehensive win in the Splashout Gr2 Golden Slipper at the expense of this season’s WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Quickstepgal.
Prior to this latest romp, she had notched up wins in this season’s Breeders Guineas, East Cape Guineas and East Cape Oaks. Now successful in ten of eleven starts, the only blip on an otherwise perfect score card came in the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, where she finished five lengths adrift of the winner Princess Of Gaul.
She has certainly lived up to her pedigree, being out of a three-part sister to champion Capetown Noir, while her grandam is Broodmare of the Year Akinfeet.
Anotherdanceforme is the third East Cape Derby winner sired by Master Of My Fate. American Princess claimed the classic in 2020 and two years ago, Joy And Peace finished well clear in an all-female finish.
The Derby victory was the highlight of a fine run for her sire, who this past week celebrated six individual winners in what is turning out to be another splendid season. His 16 stakes performers include eight individual stakes winners, headed by Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Jan van Goyen, who incidentally, returned to action at Turffontein this past weekend. Gelded following a disappointing fifth in the Gr1 SA Classic in early March, he blew
away the cobwebs in an 1800m Pinnacle Stakes and went down by just a neck to Pressonregardless.
Anotherdanceforme is trained by Alan Greeff, as is another Master Of My Fate three-year-old owned by Peter Moor, the champion Golden Palm. She stunned her rivals in last season’s Gr2 SA Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Nursery to become her trainer’s first Highveld stakes winner, whilst a sortie to Hollywoodbets Greyville yielded a commanding 2.75 length victory in the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Thekwini Stakes, good enough to clinch the juvenile championship.
Taking up where she left off, she opened her sophomore season with a runaway six-length victory in the Listed Racehorse Owners Association Stakes and returned to the Highveld to place in two legs of the Triple Tiara by finishing third in the Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas and second in the Gr1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic.
In addition to this accomplished trio, Master Of My Fate’s classic crop includes Salani Khale and Master Spy, the first colts home in the Gr2 SA Derby won by the filly Curious Girl.
This season, Master Of My Fate’s older brigade includes Gr2 Allied SteelrodeOnamission Charity Mile hero Atticus Finch, recent Castle Tankard hero Pocket Watch and King’s Cup winner Okavango, who chased home See It Again in the Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge and just this past weekend, got the better of reigning Horse of the Year Eight On Eighteen in a hotlycontested Conditions Plate at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
By the way, Master Of My Fate is not the only son of the mighty Jet Master to taste stakes success of late.
At last week’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth meeting, Candice Bass claimed the Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes with Pomodoro four-year-old La Pulga. For good measure, Jet Master is also the broodmare sire of runner-up Viva’s Liberte, who is out of his Gr1 winning daughter Viva Maria.
Master Of My Fate retired to stud all of twelve years ago in 2014 and remains the
prime flagbearer for his late sire. At age 16, and with no sons at stud (his best ones are all geldings), the continuation of his sireline sadly hangs in the balance and it may well be up to his daughters to keep the flame alive.
Master Of My Fate’s future will hopefully lie in that sphere, given that he has made a name for himself as a sire of above-average fillies. In addition to Anotherdanceforme and Golden Palm, his female runners include Gr1 winners Zarina and Sentbydestiny, as well as Graded stakes winners Basadi Faith, Lady Of Power, Indi Anna, Love Is A Rose and Pretty Betty.
Master Of My Fate in his racedays | Credit: Liesl King
TO WINTER CHALLENGE STEPS UP KING HARALD
Despite a massive drift in the betting, Roy Magner’s joint top-weighted King Harald put his best hoof forward to grab the honours in the first leg of the 2026 Highveld 3yo Winter Series at Turffontein on Sunday.
Starting at 10-1, King Harald was given a perfect ride by the polished Richard Fourie, who produced him late in the R175 000 Betway Secretariat Stakes to dash clear and beat the 1810 tote favourite Fire Storm by 2,20 lengths in a time of 86,56 secs for the standside 1400m.
Fanie Bronkhorst’s Got The Feeling (10-1) looks overdue to register a third win and was a halflength back in third under Mickaelle Michel.
Richard Fourie enjoyed a great feature weekend for owner Peter Moor after Anotherdanceforme won the WSB East Cape Derby at Fairview on Friday. Mr Moor races the winner in partnership with Zimbabwe-based Adrian Nydam.
“I got some great advice from one of the previous jockeys to ride King Harald,” said Fourie.
Assistant Casey Botha did duty for the Magner yard and confirmed that jockey to be Muzi Yeni.
Bred by Varsfontein, King Harald is a son of Erik The Red (Captain Al) out of the twice-winning Caesour mare Imperial Stride. He is thus a halfbrother to the Sean Tarry-trained Gr1 winner Lucky Lad (Gimmethegreenlight).
A R675 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, King Harald has won 3 races with 7 places from 14 starts for stakes of R468 744.
The Winter Series is hosted from 1450m to 1800m, and we will no doubt see King Harald in the line-up for the second leg, the Egoli Mile on Sunday 7 June.
It all winds up on Sunday 5 July with the Gr3 Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m.
King Harald (Richard Fourie)
UNNAMED HORIZON x
Sparkled by
LOOKS SMART GIMME COLT FABIAN HABIB’S
Fabian Habib has a smart 2yo on his hands in the aptly named Gimme Some Luck who kept his unbeaten record intact to score an eye-catching win in the R400 000 SA Sales Cup at Turffontein on Sunday.
With the more experienced favourite Heath House leading the charge early, Muzi Yeni, recently contracted by part-owners TKP Racing, had Gimme Some Luck relaxed early.
Into the final 250m, the son of Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) exerted his authority to give the StoneStamcor-sponsored Yeni an armchair commission, drawing off to beat Bo Ngcobo’s recent TAB Gr2 SA Nursery winner Better
Never Ends (33-1) by 1,40 lengths in a time of 69,31 secs for the 1160m.
Raced by Trevelen Pillay’s TKP Racing in partnership with George and Jonathan Nassif, and Zack Nassif’s Tri-Deal Sixteen, Gimme Some Luck gave breeders Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein a Sales Cup double on the day.
Out of the four-time winning Shamardal mare Shauntrel, Gimme Some Luck cost R800 000 at Nationals, and took his stakes earned from his two wins to R257 188.
Stakes were paid up to sixth place, with Alson Ndzilana’s recent debut winner Ehhfifteenkjoe (80-1) earning the final cheque of R12 000.
RAFEEF’S DAUGHTER
DOES IT AGAIN!
The De Kock Racing-trained Rafeef filly Flower Island maintained her perfect twofrom-two record when she streaked home to win the R400 000 SA Sales Cup (Fillies) at Turffontein on Sunday.
The feature restricted to BSA Juvenile programme qualifiers was something of a procession for the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred speed queen, who returned from a 16-week break after an impressive Vaal debut.
Given her head by the SplashOut-sponsored Callan Murray 300m out after Platinum Shay and Queen Leila had led the charge, Flower Island drew clear in good style to beat the more experienced Kavady (16-1) by 2 lengths in a time of 70,08 secs for the 1160m.
Stakes were paid up to sixth place, with Paul Matchett’s Futura debutante earning R12 000 for a fair effort first up.
Raced by Jess and Steven Jell, Mike de Kock, Chris Haynes, George Ragunan, Noelene Malherbe and Fieldspring Racing, the winner cost R500 000 at the BSA National Yearling Sale and made it two from two for stakes of R257 188.
By super sire Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice), Flower Island is out of the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic winner, Orchid Island (Silvano), who won five times up to 1800m from sixteen starts.
It is possible that Flower Island will take on her big-hitting contemporaries in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on 23 May.
Callan Murray has Flower Island in charge to keep her perfect record intact | Credit: JC Photos
AT TURFFONTEIN BLUE-BLOODS IMPRESS
The Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred pair of Flower Island and Gimme Some Luck both caught the eye when winning at Turffontein on Sunday.
Flower Island made it two wins from two starts when she won Sunday’s 4Racing SA Sales Cup (Fillies), while Gimme Some Luck did likewise when he won the same day’s 4Racing SA Sales Cup.
Both juveniles are certainly bred to be above average, being sired by top local stallions and produced by daughters of outstanding stallions.
Flower Island, whose close relative Haute Couture (Rafeef) made a brilliant, winning debut on Sunday, is a daughter of the increasingly successful Rafeef.
South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 20202021, Rafeef is enjoying another good season this year.
At the time of writing, the son of Redoute’s Choice’s runners have earned in excess of R14,196 million this season, including such stakes winners as Aristotle, Cats Pajamas, Outlaw King, Secretary Bird and the remarkable William Robertson.
Flower Island is the fifth winner for her high-class dam Orchid Island - a five time winning daughter of Silvano, whose successes included the 2017 Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic.
Remarkably, Flower Island’s first three dams are all stakes winners.
Orchid Island was produced by the Listed Oaks Trial winner Ilha Grande (Tiger Ridge), with the latter, in turn, a daughter of outstanding racemare Ilha Da Vitoria (Candy Stripes). The
latter, whose daughter Ilha Bela (Fort Wood) won 2012 Gr2 SA Oaks and whose granddaughter None Other (Flower Alley) won the same race in 2023, was South Africa’s Joint Horse Of The Year in 2006. The grey won or placed in nine Gr1 races, and scored a memorable win in the 2005 GommaGomma Gr1 Summer Cup.
Gimme Some Luck is another highly promising sort, with an eye-catching pedigree. He is by triple South African Champion Sire Gimmethegreenlight, whose two-year-olds this season also include TAB Gr3 Protea Stakes runner-up Status Symbol, Listed TAB Storm Bird Stakes runner-up Gimme A Vodka, and the exciting Green Energy.
Gimme Some Luck is a half-brother to four winners, notably Listed Syringa Handicap winner Ululate (Ideal World).
His dam Shauntrel won four times, and she is a daughter of outstanding sire and broodmare sire Shamardal. The latter, whose progeny include the likes of Lope De Vega, Blue Point and Pinatubo, is the broodmare sire of more than 140 stakes winners, including such Gr1 winners as Goliath, Sosie, Awtaad, Hello Youmzain, and Imperatriz.
Shauntrel, whose dam is the stakes placed Kris mare Dollar Bird - whose descendants include the 2021 Gr2 Park Hill Stakes winner Free Wind - hails from the immediate family of Gr1 Matron Stakes winner Chachamaidee, whose sire, Footstepsinthesand, like Shamardal, was sired by Giant’s Causeway.
The pair trace back directly in female line to the hugely influential Sunbittern, whose numerous high-class descendants include breed-shaping stallion Dubawi and this season’s Gr1 Betfred 2000 Guineas winner Bow Echo. As a grandson of Dubawi, Bow Echo is closely inbred to Sunbittern.
RIDGEMONT SIRE’S HALF-BOTHER STRIKES IN HONG KONG
Bling Bling Genius, the Starspangledbanner half-brother to Ridgemont’s promising young sire Real Gone Kid, picked up his second win in Hong Kong last Saturday.
The Irish bred five-year-old made all, under Lyle Hewitson, to claim The St George’s Challenge Cup at Sha Tin by half a length.
Trained by Douglas Whyte, Bling Bling Genius is one of four winners produced by South African champion In The Fast Lane.
A daughter of multiple champion sire and broodmare sire Jet Master, In The Fast
Lane was the Equus Champion 3YO Filly of 2013-2014, with her five victories including triumphs in both the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and Gr1 Woolavington 2000.
A half-sister to fellow Gr1 winning Equus Champion Let’s Rock’N Roll, In The Fast Lane is also the dam of 2023 Gr2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes runner-up Stiptelik and the latter’s full-brother. Real Gone Kid.
A son of multiple champion sire Snitzel, Real Gone Kid is currently heading South Africa’s Leading First Season Sires premiership for 2025-2026.
Real Gone Kid’s half-brother Bling Bling Genius with Lyle Hewitson in the saddle
MURUGASA FIRST-TIMER IMPRESSES
Haute Couture’s debut victory over 1000m at Turffontein on Sunday was one of those races where the result appeared all but settled before halfway.
He pinged the gates and was two lengths clear of his rivals before race caller Nico Kritsiotis had barely caught his breath. “Haute Couture got a flyer!” enthused Kritsiotis, who later called the colt “skipping clear” at the 300m mark as he powered home to score by 10.50 lengths.
Interviewer Clyde Basel was similarly impressed: “How did that horse come out of the gates so quickly, my goodness!”, to which jockey Callan Murray replied: “Haute Couture was really impressive from day one, he was one of the earlier ones that were ready. He had a few niggles so we had to back off him a bit, well done to the team for getting him ready.”
Callan said that Haute Couture was a “natural” who did everything under a very easy
ride. While the strength of his competition is not known, he couldn’t have won more impressively. “I am chuffed for the Murugasa family to have a nice horse like this,” added.
Mat said: “That was super impressive. I have to thank my team who has been around him from day one, the breaking in staff, and staff at home. Haute Couture is an utter professional with a great temperament. We hope he pulls up nice and sound so we can enter him for the big juvenile sprint at Scottsville.”
Mat thanked Jayson and Preshalin Murugasa and their family and said: “Last year they got behind us at the National Yearling Sale and Haute Couture was one of our picks. He is from a great farm and really stood out. They put their money down and it’s nice to see them rewarded with a super talented horse like this, so long may it continue.”
Haute Couture is by Rafeef out of Isle De France (Var), and was bred by National log-leading breeders, Wilgerbosdrift and Maurititzfontein.
THEM! MASON CASTLES
TOMCAT TAKES THIRD TANKARD
The value of the monthly BSA Online Sales was underscored in no uncertain terms again at Borrowdale Park on Saturday when Thomas Mason saddled Pocket Watch, a R50 000 ‘second-hand’ buy, to win the 67th renewal of Africa’s oldest sponsored horse race under SAJA graduate, Malesela ‘Keratile’ Katjedi.
While South African racing fans were shouting Isivivane home down in Durban to win the WSB Gr3 1900 and seal his Hollywoodbets Durban July ticket, there was plenty happening North of the Limpopo at Borrowdale Park, where the 56 year old Thomas Mason had just saddled his third Castle Tankard winner, in the process retaining a 100% strike-rate in the historic feature.
The $50 000 Gr1 Castle Tankard was first run in 1960, with each of the 67 renewals, bar one, being sponsored by the popular beverage, and despite all the challenges facing the sport in Zimbabwe over the years, it remains a very special event and a big raceday for the locals.
Speaking to the Sporting Post on Monday, the 56 year old Denmark-born Thomas Mason was understandably proud and pleased with his team’s achievement.
Thomas previously won the Tankard in 2022 with True Beauty (Denis Schwarz) and in 2025 with Action Zone (Mathew Thackeray).
“It’s just so rewarding when a plan comes together and I must thank my staunch and loyal owners Gary and Colleen De Jong, Rob and Avalon Follett Smith, Edith Tapfuma Maziofa, Sheldene Chant, Susie Ziehl, Anna Mason, Sonja Hense and Sterling Miller’s, Pound Bloodstock.”
Thomas added that young Malesela Katjedi had ridden a superb race.
“When I was looking for a jockey, I thought that any rider that is good enough for a top conditioner like Sean Tarry, would be good enough for me!”
Bred by Varsfontein, the Tankard winner Pocket Watch is a son of red-hot Jet Master
stallion Master Of My Fate and was originally purchased by Stuart Pettigrew for R100 000 off the 2022 BSA August Two Year Old Sale.
He won 2 races up to a mile from his 21 starts, before being astutely snapped up by Thomas for R50 000 off the BSA October 2025 Online Sale.
“I rang Stuart (Pettigrew) and asked him if he felt Pocket Watch would stay the 2000m of the Tankard. He said ‘go for it’. So I bid and got him. He has won 3 of his 5 starts here for me and has earned at the other 2. He’s a really lovely horse,” added Thomas, who was born into racing as his mother Anna was a trainer, firstly in Denmark, then Kenya, and finally in Zimbabwe.
Thomas began his racing career in Zimbabwe with the late Murray Lindley, and subsequently joined Kirk Swanson’s yard in 2005, becoming an assistant trainer in 2009 until 2018.
He then joined Mike Miller at Summerveld and was there for 8 months.
But due to difficulties in obtaining a work permit, Thomas moved back to Zimbabwe and started his own yard, Tomcat Racing. Seven years later, he has three Tankard trophies on the shelf!
We asked where the name Tomcat Racing originated.
“I was given the nickname by Corne Orffer years ago. So when I started up, I wanted to call my stable something different, rather than just Mason Racing - and that’s when I thought Tomcat Racing was something different and unique. It has stuck!” he laughs.
Thomas adds that he would welcome any enquiries from South African owners and
prospective owners and has empty boxes available.
South African racecaller Nico Kritsiotis, who has his own roots in Zimbabwe, called four of the six races on Saturday’s card and was a guest of passionate owner C John Smith, who together with the late Peter Lovemore and Robin Bruss, founded the still operational - and probably world’s oldest racing syndicate - the Centaur Syndicate, all the way back in 1977.
Nico was effusive in his praise of the hospitality and warmth in the racing industry in Zimbabwe.
“The people have always been unbelievably welcoming. But I can honestly say that one gets a real sense of a turnaround and an iron
will to bring back some of the glory days. They are changing the track configuration at Borrowdale, as tracts of land are being sold off. But the proceeds are all coming back into the game. So it’s a constructive sacrifice,” added the commentator.
He added that the ‘vibe’ on course after the feature was ‘amazing’.
“Edith Tapfuma Maziofa, who is one of the partners in Pocket Watch was overjoyed. She was dancing and the party was happening right there! The folk love racing – they really do.”
Watch Zimbabwe Racing live on www.formgrids.co.za and have a bet with Hollywoodbets.net .
Thomas Mason (right) with Denis Schwarz who rode his 2022 Tankard winner, True Beauty | Credit: Supplied
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME
In August 1959 the Owners & Trainers Association wrote to the Stewards of the Mashonaland Turf Club, suggesting the introduction of sponsored races.
Although the concept was flourishing in England, no sponsored races were held in South Africa or Rhodesia, as it was then. But selling the idea to potential sponsors was tantamount to talking to a brick-wall and the Stewards decided to go without a sponsor, and put up a £1500 stake for an Invitation Race over 6 furlongs.
Their motivation was boosted by the presence of an imported horse, My King, a son of English sprint sire King’s Bench, raced by Bunty & Bill Wakefield. My King had been carrying all before him, and in 1960, had won 7 of his 10 starts impressively.
Nobody knew how good he was, because the then regulations of the Jockey Club prohibited imported horses from racing in South Africa. But there was nothing to stop a South African trained horse competing at Borrowdale Park. To give the race an ‘international’ status,
entries were also invited from Kenya, with the Turf Club subsidizing the airfares.
The Highveld-based Howard Ginsberg nominated the 8 year old Djask gelding, Riza, who was already the winner of 21 races, including a double in the Joburg Merchants Handicap and the Durban Stewards Cup. The presence of Riza frightened away other South Africa entries!
While Castle Lager’s relationship with horse racing dates to around 1904, when the brand first played a significant role as an advertiser, it was only in February 1960, that the Rhodesian Breweries offered to sponsor the race, and the stake was increased to £2 100. On Easter Monday in 1960, the Castle Tankard was born under its first name, The Castle Brewery Invitation Stakes.
A field of seven runners lined up, and the result fully bore out the South African opinion of Riza, who beat My King by 4,75 lengths, while local bred Fourth Edition filled the third placing, and the Kenyan runner Herald III was fourth.
Malesela ‘Keratile’ Katjedi and Pocket Watch are led in by Thomas and his team of owners
INQUIRY - MXOTHWA PLEADS GUILTY
The NHA Inquiry into Jockey Luyolo Mxothwa reconvened before an appointed Inquiry Board on 7 May 2026.
Mr Mxothwa entered a plea of guilty of contravening of Rule 72.1.26 read together with Rules 72.1.12 and 72.1.19, in that:
1. During or about December 2025 or early January 2026, he transmitted a voice note recorded by him to an unknown person, alternatively Noor Iqbal, alternatively Zaheer Ali, (“the voice note”) in which it was stated by the Respondent as follows:
Mr L Mxothwa: “The thing is I don’t know the horse, if it was a horse I knew, then I would confirm easy. You know, and it’s a new horse, it’s a bad field but I spoke to the trainer of the other horse, they said Zackey will win the race. So, let’s have a go, let’s see what happens. Ja, so let’s do it. Chat later.”
Louis Mxothwa pleaded guilty Credit: Chase Liebenberg
2. The voice note relates to Race 1 on 2 January 2026 at Fairview Racecourse.
3. His conduct in sending the voice note constitutes behaviour:
3.1 which undermines public confidence and creates an appearance of impropriety; and
3.2 which he ought to have reported to the NHA.
4. The WhatsApp voice note reflects:
4.1 discussion of race outcome expectations; and/or
4.2 reliance on information obtained from a trainer or about a horse; and/or
4.3 a proposal to “have a go”, which in context denotes participation in a betting or outcome-linked arrangement; and/or
4.4 the impugned WhatsApp voice note was not part of legitimate race preparation but constituted improper race-related communication.
5. The WhatsApp voice note was made in furtherance of, or in connection with:
5.1 the sharing of race-sensitive information for a strategic advantage; and/or
5.2 created the appearance of an arrangement inconsistent with the obligations of a licensed jockey; and/or
5.3 inciting or conspiring with an unknown person alternatively Noor Iqbal alternatively Zahir Ali to commit a prohibited practice in relation to racing.
The Inquiry Board accepted Jockey Mxothwa’s plea of guilty and found him guilty.
Arguments were made in respect of penalty, and the Inquiry Board reserved its judgment on sentencing, and the matter has been adjourned and will resume on 14 May 2026.
Mr Mxothwa’s interim suspension remains in place pending the finalisation of the Inquiry.
• Media release by the NHA on Thursday, 07 May 2026.
O’BRIEN AND MOORE TO DOMINATE AT DERBY
The Betfred Derby Festival takes place at Epsom Downs in early June with the Oaks on Friday and the Derby on Saturday 6th June.
Derby and Oaks ‘trials’ at Chester and Lingfield are done, and apart from a narrow and tenacious victory by the William Haggas trained Maltese Cross in the Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes over the weekend, the balance have been dominated by Aidan O’Brien and his stable number one, Ryan Moore.
Nothing is more important to the Ballydoyle supremo and his owners than the £2 million Betfred Derby, and they are still assessing the merits of the star three-year-olds ahead of the big day.
The Champion trainer has nominated Benvenuto Cellini and Pierre Bonnard as his two most likely Epsom runners at this stage, but with more Classic trials at York this week, “nothing is written in stone.”
O’Brien admitted that stable jockey Ryan Moore “would find it very hard to get off” Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini for next month’s Betfred Derby, unless stable companion Constitution River also takes his place. A decision had not yet been made regarding Constitution River, who could tackle the Prix du Jockey Club a week earlier.
Benvenuto Cellini and Constitution River advertised their credentials with authoritative displays at Chester last week, each securing emphatic wins, while Pierre Bonnard, who was the ante-post favourite for the Derby
throughout the winter, suffered his second defeat of the campaign when narrowly denied at Leopardstown on Sunday.
“We’re looking at Benvenuto Cellini and Pierre Bonnard for Epsom,” said O’Brien. “Constitution River could possibly go to France, as could Montreal and Hawk Mountain.”
Given Benvenuto Cellini landed the Vase over a mile and a half and O’Brien is confident that Pierre Bonnard will relish stepping up in trip, the door remains open for Constitution River to remain at a mile and a quarter and go to Chantilly.
“Constitution River went to Chester as we knew he could be an Epsom or a French Derby horse,” he explained. “We were happy that it was a mile and a quarter, in case he was going to go to France. He’s one of these mile-anda-quarter horses who could get a mile and a half, but you couldn’t be sure. If you’re riding him over a mile and a half, you’d be riding him patiently. He has a lot of speed and class.”
On his other two candidates, he added: “Benvenuto Cellini has speed and class too and a big open stride. You’d be surprised if he didn’t get a mile and a half, but you would be surprised if he got much further. We think Pierre Bonnard will step up again after Sunday and is going to get a mile and a half and could get further.”
Runners for the Betfred Oaks look clearer for the Ballydoyle team after Amelia Earhart proved too strong for her opposition in the Chester Oaks last week.
The Camelot filly could be joined by her stablemate Precise. Fellow stablemate and recent French 1000 Guineas winner Diamond Necklace is likely to return to France for the Prix de Diane after her commanding display at Longchamp over the weekend.
The “quirky” but immensely talented Amelia Earhart rocketed to 5/2 Oaks favouritism with
an emphatic two-length win over I’m The One last Wednesday.
Having taken five starts to get off the mark last year before winning a Leopardstown maiden, Amelia Earhart has very much been a work in progress and was tried in the unusual combination of blinkers and a hood in the Cheshire Oaks.
However, the headgear did the trick as she behaved perfectly under Ryan Moore and showed a sharp turn of foot to score on her seasonal return.
O’Brien explained: “We always had it in our head that she was an Epsom filly, even before she ran at two, but she was quirky,” he explained. “She has a kink in her and we saw it a few times last year.”
“That’s why she had the gear on her. We tried everything during the winter with her, and this is what we landed on as it’s what she behaved best in. She behaved very well at Chester and it’s probably as close to Epsom as you’d get.”
While Diamond Necklace is next in the Oaks market at 8/1, she’s more likely to attempt a Classic double in France after she extended her unbeaten run to four on Sunday at Longchamp.
The St Mark’s Basilica filly has now landed two Group 1s in scintillating style at Longchamp having won the Prix Marcel Boussac in October and could bid for a third top-level victory in France in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly on June 14.
“At the moment, we’re thinking Diamond Necklace could go back for the Diane. Cameo could go to Epsom and we always had it in our head that Precise could get the Oaks trip and could go to the Irish Guineas and come back to the Oaks. You can do it with two weeks between them and Minding did it, so it is possible.”
PURTON SURGES TOWARDS 2000
HONG KONG WIN MARK
Zac Purton has surged to within 10 victories of reaching the 2 000-win landmark in Hong Kong after posting a double with a pair of sublime rides at Sha Tin on Saturday as Jerry Chau edged closer to his first Tony Cruz Award for the leading homegrown jockey with a brace.
Purton, 43, took his career tally of Hong Kong wins to 1,990 after triumphing on Invictus Dragon (128lb) in the Class 4 Castle Peak Handicap (1400m) for Francis Lui with a ground-saving, weaving ride before repeating the feat aboard Dennis Yip’s Smart Avenue (129lb) in the Class 3 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Handicap (1600m).
“Things opened up nicely for me, he deserved to win,” Purton said of Invictus Dragon’s success. “He’s been knocking on the door and with his racing style, it’s always hard – but hopefully he can take some confidence out of it.”
Zac Purton – raising the bar again! | Credit: HKJC
Chau matched eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton’s double by striking aboard Cody Mo’s Jolly Jumper (119lb) in the Class 5 Pok Fu Lam Public Riding School Handicap (1400m) and Frankie Lor’s Effortless Win (119lb) in the Class 3 Lei Yue Mun Park Handicap (1200m).
“I had only four rides today but they have ability and the track today is good for our horses. So, I’m very happy to get the job done,” Chau said after three-year-old Effortless Win earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million.
The double propelled Chau to 37 wins for the campaign – eight more than Vincent Ho (29) –and leaving the talented young jockey in fourth place overall in the championship behind Purton (112), Hugh Bowman (55) and Andrea Atzeni (53).
Bowman combined with Manfred Man atop Patch Of Stars (124lb) to snare the Class 2 Sai Wan Shan Handicap (1200m), ending the unbeaten run of Hot Delight (115lb), who finished fourth after racing outside the leader, Victor The Winner (115lb), and weakening late to be beaten one-and-a-quarter lengths.
“It was a good win, he raced well last time,” Bowman said of Patch Of Stars, who improved his record to six wins from 16 starts.
“He appreciated the cushy track; I think he really let down a lot better today. The pace was right on, and I was hoping to be a bit closer in the run, but I couldn’t be without being comfortable. It proved to be a good call because he was strong at the end.”
Man, Yip and Cody Mo all posted doubles as Lui boosted his haul to 46 wins for the campaign to trail Mark Newnham (52), Caspar Fownes (51), Danny Shum (51) and David Hayes (48) with John Size (44) in sixth place.
Yip scored with Northern Fire Ball (125lb) who led throughout for apprentice Nichola Yuen to win the Class 4 Tuen Mun Public Riding School Handicap (1200m) before Smart Avenue’s success.
Mo slotted a race-to-race double when Oneshot (124lb) struck at odds of 69/1 under Karis Teetan in the Class 4 Lei Yue Mun Public Riding School Handicap (1000m) to follow Jolly Jumper’s success before Douglas Whyte and Lyle Hewitson teamed up to claim the Class 4 St George’s Challenge Cup Handicap (1600m) with Bling Bling Genius (118lb).
Mo attributed his double to gear changes.
“He (Jolly Jumper) had a bad habit before of hanging in. So, the last few races I just put the one-sided blinkers on and the hanging in problem was solved. This time back to the 1400m, I put the visors on to make him concentrate more,” said Mo, who employed a similar strategy on the previously luckless Oneshot.
“Two times he got in trouble, so it was very unlucky. After two races his fitness and everything has improved, and he went back to the 1000m and I put the cheekpieces on to make him concentrate more. Luckily, he got a win.”
Spice Bag wins on debut at Sha Tin.
David Hall and James Orman combined to land the Butterfly Bay Plate (1000m) for Griffins with Spice Bag (126lb). By Acclamation – sire of champion Romantic Warrior – the colt surged late to score at odds of 48/1 on a day of longpriced winners.
“It was probably a surprise that he (Spice Bag) won the race. He’s a lovely looking horse and probably clearly bred to get over a longer journey. So, we thought he could have the experience race today and then progress to the 1200m race,” Hall said.
“We just thought the journey was going to be way too sharp for him. So, from that point of view, it was a surprise, but I think it probably just tells the horse has got a bit of class and hopefully we’ve got more to look forward to.”
Real Gentleman (129lb) continued the trend of surprise victors by prevailing at 157/1 for Man and Derek Leung in the Class 4 Hong Kong Riding For The Disabled Association Cup Handicap (1200m) as Leung completed a brace when 20/1 chance Straight To Glory (122lb) drove up the middle of the track to snare the Class 3 Pok Fu Lam Country Park Handicap (1000m) for Michael Chang.
Patch Of Stars (Hugh Bowman) forges to his sixth win
Credit: HKJC
PRIDE OF DUBAI MARE
STEALS THE SHOW!
An up-and-coming star 2YO colt and everybody’s favourite front-running 8YO mare stole the show on a big day of racing on the Gold Coast on Saturday as the Brisbane Winter Carnival kicked into gear.
Exciting juvenile and A$2,7m Easter graduate St Gotthard (Snitzel) kept the unbeaten start to his career intact with a breathtaking victory in the Gr3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic.
And marvel Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) did it again, displaying her customary frontrunning style to lead by up to 20 lengths mid race and hold on to win the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes.
Pride Of Jenni wins the Hollindale Stakes | Credit: Inglis
St Gotthard was having just his second career start, having debuted with a stylish victory at Warwick Farm.
The step up to Group racing came as no hindrance to the Chris Waller-trained youngster, trouncing his rivals and in doing so, firmed into a A$5 favourite with Ladbrokes for next month’s Gr1 JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm.
Coolmore bought St Gotthard – a brother to fellow Easter graduate and Gr1 winnerturned-stallion Switzerland – for A$2.7m at Easter last year from the draft of Arrowfield, who bred the colt with Cloros Bloodstock.
“St Gotthard is a serious 2YO,’’ Coolmore’s John Kennedy said.
“We knew from the moment we saw him at Riverside at last year’s Easter sale he was a colt we really wanted, obviously Switzerland had already done the job for us, and he was just such an amazing looking yearling and has developed into an even better looking 2YO.
“He did that with absolute ease today, it was only his second career start, [trainer] Chris [Waller] hasn’t rushed him and we’re starting to reap the rewards of that now.
“We think he’s got a big future ahead of him and hopefully we see him standing alongside his brother on the Coolmore stallion roster in years to come.’’
Later on, the Gold Coast programme, Pride Of Jenni stunned racegoers yet again, securing a 13th career victory and taking her prizemoney to A$12,3m with another spectacular front-running display in the Hollindale.
As is always the case with Pride Of Jenni, it’s not just the fact she wins races but how she does it – jockey Declan Bates led by up to 20 lengths today and despite looking like she was tiring in the home straight, she held off her rivals for another comprehensive victory.
Tony and Lynn Ottobre of Cape Schanck Stud purchased Pride Of Jenni for A$100,000 at the Classic Yearling Sale, from the Segenhoe draft.
She is bred by Trelawney Stud and the Taylor Family Trust.
Pride Of Jenni’s trainer Ciaron Maher was again in awe of his mighty mare.
“You know pretty quick with her when she’s on and when she stepped well, I thought ‘that’s nice, I think we might be on today’ and we were,’’ Maher said.
“You would think the Gold Coast track would suit her style and it certainly did.
“I was mindful that she had three very tough runs before today and just given how well she went first-up, I thought the only thing I could do wrong was to over-train her so we just kept ticking her along. She’s been up here on the Gold Coast and at Bong Bong Farm, two pretty nice establishments and everybody has done a great job with her.
“She’s sprinting flat out from the 1000m, she’s used to doing that and being off the bridle a long way out and she was just super from there, it’s great, fantastic.’’
Pride Of Jenni will continue on in Queensland and is now a A$5 chance with Ladbrokes for the Gr1 Doomben Cup.
AT AN CHAYAN HEADS TO COOLMORE INCREDIBLE A$5.6M!
Some of the most extraordinary theatre ever witnessed in a sales ring anywhere around the world unfolded at Riverside Stables on Thursday when star 2YO filly Chayan (I Am Invincible) sold to Coolmore for an incredible A$5.6m.
Two global powerhouses Coolmore and Yulong locked horns in a remarkable bidding duel, which saw Chayan circling the Riverside
stage for an unthinkable 10 minutes and 36 seconds.
But it was Coolmore that won the battle, securing the Gr2 Reisling winner and eventual Gr1 Golden Slipper favourite for $5.6m, making Chayan the most expensive lot to ever sell at a Chairman’s Sale and the second most expensive race filly or mare to ever sell in Australia.
Chayan is off to Coolmore | Credit: Inglis
Chayan was offered in the Newgate Consignment on behalf of her owner Eric Koh, who had flown to Sydney to witness his filly’s sale. And he couldn’t believe not only the final result but the incredible bidding duel that played out in front of his eyes.
“Unbelievable. I came here thinking maybe A$3.6m would be the absolute top for her so to go beyond four, beyond five, five point six, unbelievable,’’ a stunned Koh said.
“It’s an amazing result. It got to a point when I cried a little myself and thought ‘stop already’. But they just kept going. It was unbelievable.
“This is obviously the biggest result and achievement for myself. I’m very happy, very satisfied and like I said, heavy hearted to lose her but happy for Coolmore, for Tom [Magnier] and I think she has huge potential ahead.’’
Magnier confirmed Chayan would remain in the stables of her existing trainers Rob and Annabel Archibald.
“When there’s a filly as highly rated and highly thought of as she is, you expect to have all the top people on her and that’s clearly how things played out,’’ Magnier said.
“I’m delighted for Eric, he’s a really good guy and he’s done very well out of her. Yulong are always very strong and that was some duel.
“Rob and Annabel have been calling me all week about this filly and in fairness, they do a great job. Rob was our racing manager once upon a time so I said ‘we’ll give this filly back to you if we buy her’.
“Hopefully with a bit of luck she’s lucky on the track and keeps going but at the end of her racing days, I think she’d suit a stallion like
Super Seth but there’s a lot of racing upside there yet, it’s over to Rob and Annabel now.
“It’s a great night, Inglis get the good mares here every year, as you saw again tonight, so fair play to everyone at Inglis.
“We’ve done well out of this sale…and when you have a stallion roster like we’ve got, you’ve got to be buying these sorts of mares and race fillies.’’
The result marked another incredible achievement for Michael Christian’s Longwood Thoroughbred Farm, who bred and raised not only Chayan but also last year’s sale-topper and then-record breaker Bella Nipotina, which realised A$4.2m on this day 12 months ago.
Tonight’s second-top lot was the Gr1 Goodwood Hcp winner Benedetta, which sold to Yulong for A$1.9m.
Bendetta was offered in the Widden draft on behalf of Laurence Eales and the mare’s connections, many of which were at Riverside tonight to experience their first Chairman’s Sale.
“It’s a bloody fantastic sale,’’ Eales said. “It’s my first experience at a Chairman’s Sale, it’s been done very well by the Inglis team and it’s a fitting end to Benedetta’s racing career for myself and the other owners involved.
“We bought her from Inglis as a yearling for A$70,000, to see her do the full circle and come back here through Inglis to be sold, it’s very fitting.
“It’s a very well put together auction, we’re very happy, she’s won us A$2.5m on the track plus what she’s made here, it’s been an unbelievable experience.’’
Yulong’s Sam Fairgray was unsure if Benedetta would race again before her breeding career began later this year.
“She’ll definitely go to stud this spring. It’s likely she will head up to Segenhoe to let down and then be ready for the breeding season, we’ll decide soon enough if she has a run in Brisbane or if she’s had enough,’’ Fairgray said.
“We look at the physical and the performance and try to pick which stallion they’ll be suitable for and she’s a mare we thought Devil Night would love to see at his first year at stud. She’s a quality mare with a great turn of foot, she’ll make a really nice broodmare.
“It’s such a good build up to The Chairman’s Sale, everybody gets behind it, it’s a great atmosphere, Inglis do a fantastic job in getting buyers here and the quality of horses in the sale.’’
Chayan and Benedetta were two of nine lots to realise seven figures tonight alongside Provence (A$1.8m), Philia (A$1.4m), Kiki Express (A$1.2m), Snow In May (A$1.05m), Hazlebrook (A$1.05m), Arabian Summer (A$1m) and Moldova (A$1m).
Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch described this as an “incredible spectacle’’.
“The Chairman’s Sale is without peer as the most enjoyable session of horse selling of the year in this part of the world, maybe even anywhere in the world,’’ Hutch said.
“The atmosphere in the room from the preamble, culminating in the sale of Chayan at the end of the sale, was electric – it felt really special to be a part of it.
“I think our team has reason to be incredibly proud of what has been created with this sale – it is a wonderful night and the result of a huge amount of work by any number of people.
“The theatre surrounding the sale of Chayan was incredible, I think with the exception of the Winx filly at Easter 2024, that was the most amazing atmosphere I’ve ever experienced at a sale in my time in the industry.
“There were some incredible results throughout the catalogue, and I think anyone who attended will have loved the experience from start to finish.
“As ever with breeding stock, there were plenty of instances where the valuation of buyers didn’t align with the expectations of vendors, but we’ll continue to work to facilitate further sales into tomorrow and through the next few days.
“There are so many positives for us to take out of the night and, as ever, we are incredibly grateful for the support of the sale by both vendors and buyers.”
2026 Chairman’s Sale Stats (2025 in brackets)
Offered: 108 (89)
Sold: 79 (77)
Clearance: 73% (87%)
Average: A$494,747 (A$706,883)
Median: A$300,000 (A$400,000)
Gross: A$39,085,000 (A$54,430,000)
TRAINERS
JOCKEYS
BREEDERS
