Wednesday 14 January 2026
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100% REAL!
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THE DAY OF THE
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31 January 2026 Save this date!
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Prince To King Kannemeyer & Khaya celebrate
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East Cape Flyer! Dean Smith’s premier day
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Festivity – Then A Fine Fortune’s day of ups ‘n downs
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What Does 2026 Hold? A crazy year ahead
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On the cover
Craig Zackey and The Real Prince are welcomed back by Dean Kanneyer Racing’s Elvis Blayi after a sensational victory in the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate last Saturday. Chase Liebenberg took the photograph.
Issue: 02/2026
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RACING ROYALTY Gaynor Rupert presents the trophy to L’Ormarins King’s Plate winning trainer Dean Kannemeyer after Craig Zackey and The Real Prince gave the Milnerton veteran his fourth victory in the prestigious weight-for-age mile on the occasion of the 165th renewal last Saturday. It was a second winner for Kannemeyer’s leading patron, Khaya Stables after Capetown Noir won under Karl Neisius in 2014. Chase Liebenberg took the photograph. 14 JANUARY 2026 | 5
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EVERGREEN FORTUNE
BAGS THREE WINNERS
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Perennial newsmaker Andrew Fortune has kept us talking with flashes of brilliance, that included a Gr1 and Gr2 winner on L’Ormarins King’s Plate day. The evergreen 58 year old ‘comeback kid’ grabbed the limelight and the riding honours at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday, rounded off by a supremely determined no-nonsense ride to win the last on Mike Stewart’s progressive sprinter, Demanding Dave. Fortune told this publication at the beginning of this season that this term was likely his last hurrah. He was looking to probably win the WSB Cape Town Met and the Hollywoodbets Durban July, and then sign off in style. He admitted that he was feeling the aches and pains on his frame, that has had its fair share of mileage in a life lived to the fullest.
But sporting a new look short back and virtually no sides haircut on a sunny Tuesday, the Candyman again belied his age with three enthusiastically taken winners for Ricky Maingard, Andre Nel and Mike Stewart – the last being a cavalier ride to win on Demanding Dave.
Andrew Fortune produced Demanding Dave to beat North Point (JP van der Merwe) and Gold Giboski – note jockey Rene Piechulek’s glance at the winner! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg 14 JANUARY 2026 | 7
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Making it three straight wins on the trot for the Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud-bred son of Horizon (Dynasty), Fortune engineered his way through virtually non-existent gaps to win going away at 11-2, beating the 33-1 North Point by 0,40 lengths, clocking 58,43 secs for the 1000m. The body language of Rene Piechulek on third-placed Gold Giboski (8-1) summed up the ‘where on earth did he come from?’ response from Fortune’s colleagues. It was inevitable that aspects of the ride may have caught the Stipes’ attention and they have adjourned to have another look at an incident at the 250m where One Liner (Muzi Yeni) was checked and directed inwards sharply when racing on the inside of Demanding Dave, who had shifted in. Trainer Mike Stewart is an accomplished horseman and was full of praise for his jockey. Demanding Dave, who was labelled a potential stakes winner by the astute jockey, will be given a break and is likely to return in the winter, with his long-term missing the 2027 Cape Flying Championship.
Andrew Fortune now has 29 winners to his credit this season and his near 20% win strike-rate ranks only behind Richard Fourie, nationally. An impressive winner of the opener was Peter Muscutt’s well-backed Australian-bred Harry Angel colt, St Harry, who was slow out but made up many lengths in the final 250m to win the opener under Craig Zackey. A R900 000 BSA National Yearling Sale purchase by Blaine Hamilton, the colt, bred by Marsh Shirtliff, hails from the family of topclass US galloper Lil’s Lad. Three jockeys fell foul of the crop use regulations on the day, with Craig Zackey (R3 000), Sean Veale (R6 000) and Keagan de Melo (R4 000) fined for contravening rule 58.10.2 (M) In advance of the WSB Cape Town Met on 31 January, Cape racing reverts back to Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, where a seven-race card twilight meeting gets underway at 15h10.
Craig gets2026 the Aussie-bred St Harry up to win impressively on debut | Credit: Chase Liebenberg 8 | 14Zackey JANUARY
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Okavango (Oisin Murphy) strides out well to win the Anthonij Rupert Gr2 Premier Trophy last Saturday – a smart prep effort | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
MET - COUNTDOWN TO TUESDAY 20 JANUARY
A total of 21 entries remain in contention for the R5 million WSB Gr1 Cape Town Met after the door closed on supplementary entries on Monday morning. With 25 initial entries and the Tony Peter galloper The Equator supplemented on Monday, the withdrawal of the Plattner pair of Master Redoute and Zeitz, the Kannemeyer duo of Red Palace and Gimme Rules, as well as Highveld raider Fire Attack, leaves 21 in the mix. The Equator ran a 4,25 length fourth behind gun-to-tape winner Okavango in the Anthonij Rupert Gr2 Premier Trophy on Saturday, in his first start in the Cape. 21 Met entries ran this weekend, with The Real Prince, Okavango and Holding Thumbs all winning well.
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Others to show up well include the likes of See It Again, Sail The Seas and Magic Verse. It is a World Pool racemeeting, thus the maximum field size is 15 plus 3 reserve runners. Elimination will be at the discretion of the Handicappers in consultation with the Racing Operator. It is an express condition of this race that the Handicappers in consultation with the Racing Operator reserve the right to exclude any horse which, in its opinion, does not warrant inclusion in the race. In addition, the Handicappers in consultation with the Racing Operator, shall have the right to decide on the final field for the race. Declarations close at 11h00 on Tuesday 20 January, and the final field will be announced later the same day.
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Craig Zackey gets The Real Prince in front as Ouestioning (Richard Fourie) chases for his life | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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THE DAY OF THE
ROYALS
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‘It’s the greatest weight-for-age race in the country and it seperates the men from the boys’ – Dean Kannemeyer 14 JANUARY 2026 | 13
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Dean Kannemeyer is not a man given to big talk, but he enjoyed his deserved moment in the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth sun on Saturday as he celebrated a fourth L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate winner, with Craig Zackey producing the 2025 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July winner The Real Prince with a devastating late run to score in a thriller. Having only his third outing since defeating subsequent SA Horse Of The Year Eight On Eighteen in the Hollywoodbets Durban July just over five months ago, the lightly campaigned 5yo The Real Prince rose to the big occasion to give Kannemeyer his fourth victory in the prestigious mile, and his second for Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables, who won it twelve years ago with Capetown Noir. In a race dominated in the build-up by debate around the prospects of top 3yo Jan Van Goyen and Eight On Eighteen, The Real Prince (12-1) scythed through non-existent gaps to overhaul Questioning (50-1), who looked a winner inside the distance. At the line a nose made the difference and The Real Prince scored in 97 secs flat.
Varsfontein’s Susan Rowett makes a point to LKP-winning owner Lady Christine Laidlaw | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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See It Again (6-1) finished top of the Snaith quartet, to signal his live WSB Cape Town Met claims, with stablemate Sail The Seas (12-1) capping the quartet. Under a half length seperated the top four! “If we get a clear passage, he probably wins by 2 lengths,” added the cucumber-cool Craig Zackey, who produced the winner from some lengths off the pace. Raised at Varsfontein and bred by Khaya Stables, the winner is a full-brother to recently retired champion speedster Gimme A Prince, the progressive Gimmie Rules and the accomplished Gimmie’s Countess. A son of champion sire Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready), he is out of Khaya Stable’s Grade 1 winning star foundation mare Real Princess (Trippi). The Real Prince emulated his sire, with Gimmethegreenlight having won the same race back in 2012. A dual Gr1 winner of 6 races with 3 places from his 13 starts, The Real Prince took his stakes earnings R5 481 344.
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A royal kiss! Craig Zackey and The Real Prince enjoy a moment after a superb win Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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‘IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE AND HORSES’
– KANNEMEYER
Saturday’s scintillating L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate winner The Real Prince will carry the Dean Kannemeyer Racing flag in the World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Town Met in just under three weeks from now, after pulling up sound and emptying the manger on Sunday morning. “The Real Prince hardly looks like he has had a race. He is a very laid-back horse by nature. He is happy and now we will approach what has always been his main mission, the Metropolitan,” said Dean Kannemeyer from his Milnerton yard as he reflected back on 16 | 14 JANUARY 2026
a ‘fantastic day of racing’ that delivered his fourth success in the prestigious mile. “It’s been 22 years in the development but Gaynor (Rupert) and her team have got their big day down to a fine art against the backdrop of the elegance and class of the refurbished Hollywoodbets Kenilworth venue. It simply works. Naturally, winning what I feel is South Africa’s greatest weight-for-age contest took it to another level for the Khaya Stables and DKR teams,” smiled the veteran as he reflected on The Real Prince’s terrific effort from a near no-hoper position 300m out.
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“They went fast early and that suited us. He has a superb turn of foot, but he looked hemmed in late. I thought Richard Fourie had sewn it up on Questioning. But we all need some luck, and Craig (Zackey) maintained his cool head and the gaps opened late. I think See It Again had his own traffic issues, and he really stayed on well too. And then let’s not write off Eight On Eighteen. We know how good he is and he will likely be much sharper come Saturday 31 January.” Dean explained that The Real Prince had enjoyed a very different prep compared to what he had into the Hollywoodbets Durban July last season. “In his only start this term in the Ridgemont Green Point Stakes he was a bit soft and round, but he stayed on nicely for 2,50 lengths off Dave The King. And it brought him on for the King’s Plate. After Saturday’s effort – believe me he was still a bit soft – he will be ready for a big effort in the Metropolitan.”
Asked about The Real Prince’s Breeders’ Cup ‘win and you’re in’ ticket earned by his big victory on Saturday, Dean said that he would allow the dust to settle before meeting with Khaya manager Jehan Malherbe and Lady Laidlaw. “It’s certainly an exciting option and the pioneering efforts of the Hollywood Racing Team and Drakenstein have certainly lifted the profile of the possibilities in recent times. Let’s wait and see.” Dean confirmed that the connections of Red Palace had decided to retire her after the daughter of Potala Palace put in a second consecutive flat effort when unplaced in the Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes. “She has been a magnificent Gr2-winning and Gr1-placed racemare for Terry and Annabel (Andrews) and she will be far more valuable in the breeding paddock with her credentials. I wish them well with her and look forward to her offspring in the years ahead.”
The Real Prince and Craig Zackey are led in by Alfred Skeyi, Janene Newlands, Elvis Blayi and Dean Kannemeyer | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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On his other two runners in the Paddock Stakes, Dean was pleased with both – Give Me Everything running on stoutly, to hold the luckless Keukenhof by a half length.
Dean said that the high-class Gr2 winner Princess Of Gaul ranged up dangerously Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes, but then went ‘up and down’ in the latter stages.
“Go and have a look at the replay – Keukenhof had no luck, while Give Me Everything finished her race off beautifully.” Of his other runners on the day, he was elated with Outlaw King’s cracking third in the World Pool Gr1 Cape Flying Championship.
“She was below herself. She’s much better than this. This was a quality field too. Don’t write her off.”
“Outlaw King will now go straight to the Diadem at the end of February. He has been another wonderful flagbearer for the DK Racing Syndicate. On Saturday he came off the false rail and was caught a bit flat-footed, before staying on behind Kingdundee and Our Giant – I certainly thought the latter held us on earlier form. Can I just say a massive word of congratulations to Dean Smith. He represents the future and it’s a feather in his cap to have brought a horse down from Gqeberha to win a high-class nationally representative Grade 1 on the Cape summer turf. That’s impressive!”
“Lady Christine Laidlaw has been such a staunch supporter of ours over the years and this was her second victory in this special race. My team are also world-class, and after David Lilley’s recent retirement, I employed Janene Newlands as an assistant at Milnerton, while Nicolette Roscoe does a fine job at Summerveld. Full marks too to my Head Lad Alfred ‘Young One’ Skeyi and Elvis Blayi, who looks after The Real Prince. This is a people game as much as it is about horses!”
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He closed by thanking his owners and his team.
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Maine Chance Farms’ Dr Andreas Jacobs had a great day
A RIGHT ROYAL DAY! The L’Ormarins King’s Plate day buzz and some of the personalities who made it all happen were captured for posterity by Chase Liebenberg. 20 | 14 JANUARY 2026
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Zac Bloch’s body language suggests he has already booked his Breeders’ Cup ticket
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Andrew Fortune and Zac Bloch enjoy Wish List’s Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes post-race fun
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Greg Bortz gives direction to a young racegoer
DKR assistant trainer Janene Newlands was overjoyed with The Real Prince’s sensational win
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The Real Prince’s delighted Groom Elvis Blayi was ready for take-off!
British champ Oisin Murphy returns after I Am Giant’s gallant second in the Cape Flying Championship
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HARD LUCK STORY ‘One out’ doesn’t pay the rent and the late John Goody always used to say, ‘hard luck stories in that corner, please’.
Cowboys don’t cry and we are not looking back, but the L’Ormarins King’s Plate Day Sporting Post Reader’s Pick 6 perm – all 33% of it – came within a heartbeat of winning a share of the eventual R 3 113 487 dividend. But a certain Gqeberha raider called Kingdundee punished us for our lack of respect. Prof William Milkovitch does a great job of co-ordinating our reader’s choices and suggestions, and he is still getting over this near miss. “At 23h30 on Friday evening, after tabulating the 47 overall selections for the Cape Flying this is what I was faced with: BUFFALO STORM CODY – 11 OUTLAW KING – 6 ASIYE PHAMBILI – 5 TENANGO – 6 I AM GIANT – 4 LUCKY LAD – 3 O’TENIKWA – 4 CONSTELLATION – 5 KINGDUNDEE – 2 SNOW PILOT – 1
To cut a sad tale short I was faced with the decision as to whether I should add KINGDUNDEE to our cover perm, with two participants selecting him as their second fancy. It would have watered down the cover perm from 8% to 6%. My thoughts were “Oh boy, the participants might feel that it’s a waste of time having only a 6% perm maybe paying R 150 000. R 150 000 @ 6% is R 8 000, and being extra careful we’ll get some of our money back. Personally, I normally play too conservatively so I decided let’s go wild and leave KINGDUNDEE out, he has the worst draw in any case! And you all know the rest, Kabooomm! For our two participants who selected KINGDUNDEE, what does one say?” lamented William. Thanks to all who participated – it was a good ride, until Kingdundee arrived. The WSB Cape Town Met card will be declared on Tuesday 20 January. Let’s give it a bash again.
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Race Coast Update on Tote Payouts L’Ormarins King’s Plate
Dear Racing Supporters, Due to high on course payout and card transaction volumes on Saturday at the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, some punters experienced delays when redeeming their cash payouts. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and can confirm that the majority of winnings have now been paid out. If you are among the few punters who have not yet received your payout, please contact the Tote on 021-700 1621 and they will assist you in resolving the matter as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding
HWB Adverts
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Kingdundee (Calvin Habib) goes from gun to tape to beat I Am Giant (Oisin Murphy) and Outlaw King (Craig Zackey) for an historic Grade 1 victory | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
A FAIRYTALE FINISH
FOR DEAN SMITH Gqeberha raider Kingdundee went all the way to score an emotionally charged victory in the R1,5 million World Pool Gr1 Cape Flying Championship at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The Highveld and KZN raiders have a good record in the modern era in the premier sprint, but it is a massive moment for an East Capebased speedster to come out flashing speed and score a momentous victory for young Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Dean Smith, who took over the reins from his champion conditioner Dad Gavin, who passed away in October last year after losing his battle with cancer. 30 | 14 JANUARY 2026
In a nationally representative line-up that included South Africa’s highest-rated galloper Buffalo Storm Cody, the victory for the superconsistent speedster from a minor centre is a massive achievement for his young trainer, who has stepped up with aplomb. Ridden with confidence by Calvin Habib, who celebrated a personal first Grade 1 winner in the Cape, Kingdundee (33-1) stopped the
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clock at 57,91 secs to beat I Am Giant (5-1) by three quarters of a length. Outlaw King (16-1) stayed on well for third, with the gallant mare Asiye Phambili (8-1) running another honest race in fourth. The 15-10 favourite Buffalo Storm Cody failed to show and ran out of the money.
Raced and bred by longstanding owner Clive Murphy, Kingdundee has now won 8 races with 2 places from 11 starts and stakes of R1 480 125. A son of Moutonshoek’s top-class Galileo stallion The United States, he is out of the one-time winning Duke Of Marmalade mare, Miss Marmalade, who was recently acquired by Paardeberg Stud.
Massive moment for both Dean Smith and Calvin Habib | 14 Credit: Chase Liebenberg JANUARY 2026 | 31
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HISTORY MADE
ON A DAY OF FIRSTS Young Dean Smith has only been training on his own since October, yet he is fast making a name for himself as a worthy successor to his late father Gavin. That much was clear after the victory of Kingdundee in the World Pool Gr1 Cape Flying Championship.
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It was a Grade 1 win for the history books and a first all round. The four-year-old was scoring for the fourth time in succession, and eighth in just eleven starts, to become the first Gqeberha-trained winner of the Cape’s flagship sprint. In addition, this was a Gr1 first for both his young trainer and owner-breeder Clive Murphy, not to mention Kingdundee’s sire, The United States. Kingdundee did it the hard way too. He led from the start and kept up his relentless gallop to defeat a stellar line-up of the best sprinters representing all racing centres. That takes some doing.
His win underlines yet again that the days of the Eastern Cape being regarded as a ‘minor’ centre are over, if one takes into account the success its out-of-province raiders have enjoyed over the past twelve months. Multiple Gqeberha champion trainer Allan Greeff set the ball rolling during the 2025 KZN winter season with an exceptional trio of juvenile fillies, two of which became Gr1 winners. Ridgemont homebred Direct Hit was first to score at the elite level when she defeated Elegantrix by a length in the Allan Robertson Championship at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. It was the stable’s second win in the Hollywoodbets Scottsville dash, as twentytwo years earlier, Silver Arc triumphed in the colours of Fred Crabbia.
The World Pool Cape Flying Championship stampede - Kingdundee (Calvin Habib) leads as eventual fourth-placer 14 JANUARY 2026 | 35 Asiye Phambile (Sean Veale) ranges up dangerously on the inside | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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Calvin Habib celebrates his maiden Cape Grade 1 victory | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Direct Hit had ventured outside her home base previously, having raided Hollywoodbets Kenilworth to win the Gr3 Cape of Good Hope Nursery in facile fashion. The Cape Town track has been the scene of a good number of Greeff successes. Silver Coast won the 2002 Winter Derby, defeating subsequent Gr1 Champions Cup winner African Lion. By Coastal, he notched up ten wins at ages two and three, amongst which the Gr3 East Cape Derby and East Cape Guineas. Greeff-trained Annie won the Gr3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery, went on to defeat the colts in the Gr3 Dion MTN Derby and became a successful foundation mare at Lammerskraal Stud. To the cover of Western Winter, she produced Champion Juvenile and dual Gr1 winner Ice Cube, while his own brother Jagged Ice won the Gr2 Green Point Stakes and finished third in the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July. Greeff also saddled Wilgerbosdrift homebred World Radar to victory in the 2020 Gr3 Champagne Stakes. 36 | 14 JANUARY 2026
The Highveld has lately become a happy hunting ground for Eastern Cape raiders. Last year, Golden Palm became Greeff ’s first Highveld stakes winner when she cruised to victory in the Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Nursery, while her subsequent 2,75-length romp in the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Thekwini Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville clinched the Juvenile Fillies Championship. A daughter of red hot sire Master Of My Fate, Golden Palm races for Peter Moore, as does stable companion and paternal half-sister Anotherdanceforme, who had captured the Gr2 Splashout Golden Slipper on July day at the expense of subsequent WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas victress, Quickstepgal. By the way, Hollywoodbets Greyville was the scene of Greeff ’s very first Gr1 success, Cereus. That was all the way back in 2001, when Alec and the Honourable Gillian Foster’s grand stayer claimed the 2001 Gold Cup.
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As for 25-year-old Dean, he certainly has the pedigree to succeed. Grandfather Andy Smith was one of the leading trainers in then Port Elizabeth before handing over the reins to Gavin, whose many successes matched that of his father.
Dean joined his father straight out of school and has spent the last seven years soaking up all there is to know about training a racehorse. While Gavin seldom ventured outside his home base, Dean is not afraid to cast his net wider.
Let’s not forget that Gavin launched the career of subsequent champion Bold Silvano, the Eastern Cape’s leading juvenile of 20089. Transferred to the De Kock stable, he showed his class at three by winning the Gr2 Betting World 1900. Beaten a neck by stable companion Irish Flame in the Gr1 Daily News 2000, he turned the table in the ‘big one’, the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July, winning by a length in the silks of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, who had by then bought into the Silvano colt. Sent to Dubai, Bold Silvano captured the Gr3 Sheikh Maktoum Challenge Round 2 before returning to stand at Ascot Stud, where he sired Gr1 winning sprinter Bold Respect in a stallion career sadly cut short by infertility.
In early November, he took Ridgemont’s three-year-old filly Instaworthy to Turffontein for the Listed Betway National Colour Stakes, where she finished an eye-catching second, going down by just half a length to Whistle The Tune. On Turffontein’s Summer Cup day, he saddled All Systems Go to a third place effort in the Gr2 Jackpot City Dingaans. Dean confirmed a return to the big T is again on the cards, as Kingdundee is being aimed at the Gr1 Computaform Sprint. Fortune favours the bold.
PE raider Cereus (Stuart Randolph, gold cap, one back in centre) on his way to victory for Alan Greeff in the 2001 Gold Cup | Credit: Supplied
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Dean Smith welcomes Kingdundee and Calvin Habib back, as his partner Jessica Parker and sister Abbi van der Merwe, assist | Credit: Chase Liebenberg v
SMITH DYNASTY
WALKS TALL ON ROYAL DAY
“This one was for you, Pops.” Trainer Dean Smith’s words in the whirl of emotion amidst the blue and white infused postrace excitement after Gqeberha raider Kingdundee had gone from start to finish to pull off a giantkilling act on one of our greatest racedays of the year. A fourth-generation trainer in the proud Smith Racing family, on Monday morning the 25-year-old Dean Smith was still trying to grasp the enormity of his achievement on a dreamy sundrenched Saturday afternoon as Calvin Habib, who was celebrating a personal
first Grade 1 winner in the Cape, steered 33-1 outsider Kingdundee to victory, stopping the clock at 57,91 secs to beat I Am Giant (5-1) by three quarters of a length in the World Pool Gr1 Cape Flying Championship at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. 14 JANUARY 2026 | 39
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“The plan was always to have him up there. But as the race went on, I thought, ‘hang on, slow down.’ It was only at the 100m that I realised we had it in the bag. It’s all a blur!” laughed Dean as he told the Sporting Post how the seed of the impossible dream had been planted some time ago by Craig Zackey, who won the premier summer sprint in 2025 on Gimme A Prince.
and life in racing. My Dad’s illness in 2024 accelerated my responsibilities, and his sad passing in October last year was a massive shock and blow to all of us. But he’d be proud right now to see how we have honoured and maintained his legacy. Respect for horses, respect for people, and work hard was his philosophy. And I have a wonderful team and an amazing family making it happen. It truly takes a village, and I am beyond grateful,” reflected Dean as he expressed his gratitude to those that made it happen.
“Craig got off Kingdundee at Fairview. He said, ‘this horse will win anywhere in the world. Take him down to Cape Town for the Cape Flying’. I spoke to owner Clive Murphy. He leaves everything to us. Fast forward to 6am last Friday morning as the sun rose over Cape Town, the Choice Carriers float rolled into the Race Coast Milnerton Training Centre with Kingdundee and Just Carter having enjoyed a smooth ride down the beautiful Garden Route,” adds Dean as he says that the hospitality and accomodation by Race Coast was ‘world-class’. It’s only been a matter of months since Dean took the reins over from his late Dad, multiple champion conditioner Gavin Smith. But he was coached by the best and recalls how he just ‘slotted in’ after matriculating with good results from Grey High School in 2018. “I had the subjects and the plan was to go to varsity and study Veterinary Science or Equine Dentistry. But that never happened and I really started enjoying the stable routine 40 | 14 JANUARY 2026
Never forgotten – Dean and his late Dad Gavin Smith on a beach morning | Credit: Pauline Herman
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While Dean is a dab hand at social media and customer communications, his increased responsibilities in the stable yard have not meant that he has lost any focus on that side of things, or in general admininstration.
Dean Smith now joins the rarified ranks of young trainers to achieve Grade 1 success, that illustrious list including the not-so-young anymore duo of Dom Zaki and Mike de Kock, and Adam Marcus.
“We pride ourselves on transparency and open communication. I ensure that I make time for everything as I enjoy being hands on and involved. It keeps me busy, but the people behind me are outstanding. I need to say thanks to so many folk – as a start to Yuzaè Ramzan, who worked Kingdundee and gave so much of himself every step of the way. To Craig Zackey, who always believed in him and was the man who encouraged me to bring him to this race – his faith meant more than words can say. A huge thank you to Calvin Habib for riding a truly fabulous race - his skill, professionalism and positivity is deeply appreciated. To our team, especially Bongi Mtwesi and Victor, who do everything at home and care for King with such dedication - none of this would be possible without you.Thank you to Julie Anne Lustgarten for your magical hands and for always keeping the champ feeling his very best. To Andrew Smith, Fransie Jacobs and Janneman Van Niekerk, my right-hand men, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment. Owner-breeder Clive Murphy, for your constant support, you can be incredibly proud of your boy. He is truly a champion! A big thank you to my sponsors Hollywoodbets for all that they do for me and my stable yard. Thank you Chase Liebenberg for your beautiful pictures! Thank you L’Ormarins for this incredible race day and thank you World Pool for sponsoring this prestige race. Thank you to Choice Carriers for getting my horses there and back safely. And finally, to my family, who have held my hand through it all. Thank you for your constant love, patience, and belief.This one was for you, Pops.”
And with the ‘win and you’re in’ bonus, the prospect of a Dean Smith-trained Breeders’ Cup runner is not beyond the realms of reality! We asked about his short-term plans for Kingdundee and the Smith Racing Team?
“We are going to aim Kingdundee at the Computaform Sprint at Turffontein on 4 April, and then head down to KZN. We are considering opening a satellite yard in one of the major provinces and are currently looking at our options. We have to keep evolving.”
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Wish List (Andrew Fortune) surges clear as Reet Petite (Richard Fourie) stays on for second Credit: Chase Liebenberg
THE CANDYMAN DOES IT AGAIN!
Vintage Andrew Fortune and a fifth winner from six races on the big day for Justin Snaith! The diminutive 3yo Wish List finished best of all down the inside rail to get up late and win the R1 million Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. 44 | 14 JANUARY 2026
It was an eighth Paddock Stakes winner for Snaith Racing since Dancer’s Daughter got the ball rolling in 2008, and it was probably the most exciting of the lot as Andrew Fortune
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again showed his determination and genius for his first winner in the prestigious Grade 1 since League Title back in 1997.
Rainbow Lorikeet (14-1) flashed through late for third, to shade the even money favourite Double Grand Slam.
Ironically, Fortune lost the ride on the more fancied Double Grand Slam, who gave him his first Gr1 success on his heralded return to the game in 2025, but made the most of the replacement opportunity, to gain a half-length victory on the 8-1 Wish List over the classy Reet Petite (7-2) in a time of 109,70 secs for the 1800m.
Bred by Maine Chance Farms, Wish List, who races for Jonathan Bloch and Nancy Hossack, is a daughter of Legislate (Dynasty) out of the Silvano mare Wind Chill. A R700 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Wish List is now a winner of 2 races with 4 places from her 7 starts and stakes of R836 238.
Andrew Fortune – age is nothing but a number! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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SHE’S ON EVERYBODY’S
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Progeny of SA Oaks winners made their presence felt at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last Saturday. Two notables are progressive four-year-old Okavango (Master Of My Fate), whose dam Sabina Park won the Gr2 SA Oaks in 2004, and Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes winner Wish List (Legislate) who is out of Gr2 SA Oaks winner Wind Chill. The latter, a daughter of six times South African Champion Sire Silvano, vanquished fellow Silvano daughter Oriental Oak into second spot when she won the 2017 SA Oaks. Wish List is the first stakes winner produced by Wind Chill, who also ranks as the dam of the useful Windrunner. As an Oaks winning daughter of a multiple champion sire, Wind Chill always had plenty to recommend her as a broodmare prospect. Her appeal was only enhanced by her powerful female line. Wind Chill was the best horse produced by the four time winning Western Winter mare Windin The Willows.
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The latter, in turn, was a full-sister to 2005 Gr2 Skeaping Trophy winner Grey Arrow, with the pair produced by the Kenmare mare Hasta Lueago. Bred on similar lines to the Kenmare sired Gr1 Australian Guineas winner Baryshnikov, Hasta Lueago ranks as the ancestress of stakes winners such as the aforementioned Wind Chill, Rosinante (Gardenia Handicap), Mambonick (Swallow Stakes), Le Var (Dahlia Plate), and Pan Amm (Jamaica Handicap). The well related Hasta Lueago’s granddam was champion Durtal (Lyphard), who produced dual Gr1 Gold Cup winner Gildoran (Rheingold) as well as Chalamont, the granddam of Gr1 Irish 2000 Guineas/ Gr1 Criterium International winner Roderic O’Connor (Galileo).
A different angle on Andrew Fortune’s superb ride on Wish List | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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Durtal was a half-sister to Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Detroit (the dam of an Arc winner Carnegie), as well as Valderna, the granddam of the aforementioned Baryshnikov as well as legendary sire and Gr1 VRC Cadbury Australian Guineas winner, Zabeel (Sir Tristram). Further back, this is the family of another champion New Zealand sire in the form of Le Filou (Vatellor). Silvano, the sire of Wind Chill, is enjoying another fine season with his broodmare daughters having produced six stakes winners in South Africa this season. At the time of writing, Silvano was South Africa’s Leading Broodmare Sire for 2025-2026. Wish List’s sire Legislate has also enjoyed a fine run of success this season.
Legislate’s flagbearers in 2025-2026 include fellow graded stakes winners Good For You, Legal Counsel and Regulation (third in Saturday’s Anthonij Rupert Gr2 Premier Trophy), and the smart filly Lowveld Lily. The latter, bred on similar lines to the Legislate-sired stakes winners Hoedspruit and Swazi Queen, ran third in Saturday’s Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes, having previously run second in this season’s Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship. Wish List and Gr3 Cape Mile winner Legal Counsel are bred on the same Legislate/Silvano cross, with Legal Counsel produced by the Silvano mare Imperial Wish. Wish List is the second Gr1 winner for her sire, with Legislate also responsible for 2025 Gr1 Gold Medallion winner, Good For You. 14 JANUARY 2026 | 49
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A powerful performance from Okavango under British Champion jockey Oisin Murphy Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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PREMIER PERFORMANCE BY MASTER OF MY FATE SON Four-times British Champion jockey Oisin Murphy piloted a rampant Justin Snaith’s fourth winner on L’Ormarins King’s Plate day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, when he went pillar-to-post on the 4yo Okavango to win the R500 000 Anthonij Rupert Gr2 Premier Trophy. Seven WSB Cape Town Met hopefuls lined up in the 1800m contest, but Murphy showed confidence and produced a clever ride to take the lesser fancied of the Snaith trio to the front from the break. Starting at (7-1) the son of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master) stayed on powerfully to beat KZN
raider Soqrat (14-1) by 2 lengths in a time of 111.01s for the summer course 1800m. The winner’s stablemate Regulation (33-10) had no luck in running, but dashed through late for third and is one to pencil in. The winner was purchased for R420 000 off the BSA November 2yo Sale and was bred by Michael De Broglio out of the outstandingly versatile champion Sportsworld mare, Sabina Park. Okavango is now a winner of 4 races with 5 places from 12 starts for stakes of R839 425.
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YOU HAVE TO
WANT IT!
Andrew Fortune and Gimme What I Want sneak up the inside of Quickstepgal (Keagan de Melo) | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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With the L’Ormarins King’s Plate day carryover Pick 6 pool reaching R4 911 789 at a sun-drenched Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, the sheer brilliance of South Africa’s oldest jockey was to the fore with something of a knockout result in the opening leg, the Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes. “Thanks to Varsfontein Stud for letting me ride Gimme What I Want, but you were never going to have the party without me!” quipped Andrew Fortune in typically modest fashion, after a superb ride on a filly that he had only sat on for the first time a few days earlier. Starting at 10-1, Gimme What I Want, a daughter of Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready), flew up late to nab the free-striding Quickstepgal (5-1) by a nose in a time of 71.03s for the straight 1000m. The third winner on the day for the Snaith Racing Team, the winner is raced and bred by Varsfontein out of the very wellperformed Captain Al mare, Secret Obsession. Gimme What I Want is now a winner of 3 races with 2 places from 6 starts for stakes of R386 688.
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Varsfontein’s Susan Rowett was delighted with the result | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
BITTER PILL FOR
THE CANDYMAN! Andrew Fortune rode two brilliant finishes to win a Grade 1 and Grade 2 contest on L’Ormarins King’s Plate day on Saturday, yet found himself on the wrong side of our crop use rules and was fined R14 000 for going one strike - yes, one strike – over when getting Gimme What I Want up in the final stride of the Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes.
The Stipes reported that Fortune was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M on the use of the crop) in that as the rider of Gimme What I Want he misused his crop by striking his mount more than 12 times (13), which was not warranted when considering the circumstances of the race. The Candyman signed an admission of guilt and was fined R14 000.
NHA rule 58.10.2 is clear. You can’t apply the crop more than 12 times. In those crazy adrenaline-charged last few seconds dash of the Grade 2, Fortune rode his mount out and got up by a nose to beat the free-striding Quickstepgal.
We have asked often what exactly ‘which was not warranted when considering the circumstances of the race’ means. Has that discretion ever been applied? We don’t know. That penalty and reasoning seems very harsh, given the circumstance of trying to
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win a Gr2 race, which he did with one extra smack by a very narrow margin While rules are rules, its seems a tough call for a rider who was just doing his damndest to win for the connections. Had he somehow dropped 1 of the 13 and hesitated momentarily, would he have been nailed for going easy? There has to be a better way of maintaining good order with crop use. Looking at our Time Is Money analysis, the Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes was run over 1200m and the first of the afternoon’s six graded races to be run. In what proved to be the slowest of the three races over the distance between the 1000m & 600m markers, the easy to back Gimme What I Want registered her third career victory from just six starts.
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Just as she had done when winning the WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas over 1600m last time out, Quickstepgal was allowed to make the running at her own pace. The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight sat four lengths away in tenth, whilst just six and a half lengths covered all. Quickstepgal gave her all at the business end of the race and did have the remainder beaten by a minimum of a length. Under a very determined ride from Andrew Fortune though, Justin Snaith’s charge (troublesome loading and lost one length at the start) steadily began to wear her down and in what proved to be a real thriller, she got up in the very last stride.
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Chad Little drives Holding Thumbs to victory | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
THUMBS UP FOR VERCINGETORIX 1-2 The courageously gallant stayer Holding Thumbs again gave lumps of weight away to most of his opposition but carried too many guns when winning the R300 000 Cape Of Good Hope Chairman’s Cup at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. While trainer Glen Kotzen indicated that his charge is unlikely to line-up in the Cape showpiece on 31 January, Holding Thumbs, along with The Real Prince and Okavango, was one of a trio of WSB Met entrants to win on the L’Ormarins King’s Plate day, and has the Hollywoodbets Durban July as his medium-term goal.
the inside rail and was too strong for fellow Met entry Magic Verse (20-1) whom he beat in a Vercingetorix 1-2 by three quarters of a length in a time of 156,27 secs for the 2500m.
Relaxed in midfield as Daimyo controlled the gallop out front, Holding Thumbs (a generous 7-1) moved forward under Chad Little down
The 28-10 Ahead Of The Facts ran a belowpar race, and was well beaten into fourth.
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In receipt of 12kgs from the top two, the Twice Over mare Lavender Bay (25-1) ran into third, a further 1,50 lengths back.
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Part owner Gary Player, in whose silks Holding Thumbs races, suggested our handicapping system needs a revisit. “I have never seen a horse give 23 pounds away and win races. I said to Chad (Little) I’d eat my golf clubs if he won,” laughed the international legend of golf. Interestingly, the handicappers measure performance – it’s the operators who set the race conditions. The Chairman’s Cup is a conditions race established by the Operator. The use of ratings is deliberate, as more horses are likely to participate in a handicap or ratings-based race. Connections believe their horses have a fair chance when running off their ratings, rather than under weight-for-age terms. The challenge is that the race would likely not attract a sufficient field size if staged at level
weights. For instance, why would Ahead Of The Facts take on Holding Thumbs at level weights or under WFA conditions? Our horse population simply does not support staying events at that level. So, the solution to the frustration is a lot more nuanced than just calling on the Handicappers! Holding Thumbs is a winner of 34% of his races and was pushed up from a 117 to a 119 after this win. He has earned his rating in what is a shallow staying pool – but continues to show his mettle, even at Gr3 level – our highest status for staying races currently. A R1 million National 2yo Sale purchase, Holding Thumbs, who was bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, is a son of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the Fort Wood mare Withbatedbreath, and has now won nine of his 26 starts, including 9 places, with earnings of R1 414 614.
NHA CALENDAR KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP
The Sporting Post presents the second National Horseracing Authority Calendar of 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:
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THE CHAMPAGNE FLOWS
FOR SNAITH
The glittering L’Ormarins King’s Plate day feature menu launched with a thriller at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, with the Maine Chance Farms-bred 2yo filly Champagne Castle giving Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie a sparkling start to the day when winning the R400 000 Non BlackType Charles Dickens Stakes.
Starting at 5-2, the daughter of Rafeef stayed on under Richard Fourie to beat Red Spice and Smanga Khumalo (20-1) by 2.75 lengths in a time of 58.25secs for the straight 1000m. The Justin Snaith-trained winner, was purchased for R900 000 off the 2025 RCS Premier Yearling Sale sale and was bred by Maine Chance Farms out of the Querari mare, Camika. Champagne Castle is now a winner of 2 races with 1 place from 3 starts for stakes of R409 688.
Brothers in victory – Jonathan and Justin Snaith | 14 Credit: Chase Liebenberg JANUARY 2026 | 63
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SEE IT AGAIN FLIES IN ROYAL MILE! The Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Jan Van Goyen was sent off a strong 15/10 favourite to win the bill topping L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate run over 1600m on Saturday, and so it was no surprise to find his stable companion, former horse of the year, Dave The King setting his usual brisk pace.
At his best from the front, the recent Ridgemont Gr2 Green Point Stakes winner soon had the field well strung out and halfway around the bend he was six lengths clear. The eventual winner THE REAL PRINCE meanwhile raced eighth and was easily twelve lengths behind the leader. He ran on well when the field began to concertina 400m from home and with galloping room at a premium he had to squeeze through a tight gap 150m out. He struck the front at literally the same stage as the runner up Questioning with just 50m to travel, and in a race where less than half a length separated the first four home, he got the verdict by the narrowest of margins. The fastest finisher over the final 400m was See It Again who finished third. Two lengths behind the winner on the bend, Justin Snaith’s charge found himself behind a wall of horses for quite a while in the straight. He was fairly flying at the finish and would surely have won with another 10m to travel.
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Going:
Good (both tracks)
Penetrometer:
22 (straight) – 23 (bend)
Rain:
Last 24 hrs Nil – Last 7 days 1mm
Irrigation:
Last 24 hours 10mm – Last 7 days 65mm
False Rail:
Original position with a 2,5m spur at 600m
Wind:
18-21km/h South Easterly cross wind
Course Variant:
1,28s fast (straight) – 0,85s fast (bend)
In terms of pace it was a similar story in the first of the graded races to be run around the turn, the Gr2 Anthonij Rupert Premier Trophy over 1800m where the stable of Justin Snaith were again on the mark with one of their lesser fancied runners in OKAVANGO. Usually one to run on stoutly from off the pace, the Master Of My Fate gelding broke well and with nobody looking to make the running, he found himself with a very soft length and a half lead.
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He ran on strongly when the race developed into a sprint 400m out and responding gamely to the urgings of Oisin Murphy 200m from home, he drew clear in the closing stages of the race to score by two. Run in a time 1,31 seconds faster than the Premier Trophy, the Gr1 Cartier Paddock Stakes (f&m) was by far the faster of the two 1800m races and in what proved to be a real thriller, the Legislate filly WISH LIST gained her second career victory. They went quickly early on and entering the home turn the field was very strung out. The pace did then slow between the 1000m and 600m markers and other than the front running Little Suzie who was 3,5 lengths clear entering the straight, just five lengths covered the remainder. Wishlist quickened well when the race developed into a sprint 450m out and after striking the front 150m from home, she kept on strongly below the distance to beat the recent Gr1 Fillies Guineas runner up Reet Petite by a half. The Gr1World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m was next up and here a major upset was to be had when the friendless Eastern Cape raider KINGDUNDEE (20/1 out to 33/1) landed the spoils.
Stakes (2yo), he kept on strongly late to beat the recent Cape Merchants runner up I Am Giant by three quarters. The Gr3 Cape Of Good Hope Chairman’s Cup over 2500m was the last of the afternoon’s feature events to be run and here it was nice to see the ultra-consistent HOLDING THUMBS complete a smart double over the course and distance. Off what was a relatively fair pace for a distance event, the winner of the Listed Summer Stayers Handicap last time out sat fifth, with just four lengths to find, for most of the journey. He was asked to quicken coming off the bend, and it was that move by Chad Little that proved to be decisive. They struck the front shortly after passing the 400m marker and quickly went two lengths clear. In touch throughout, the friendless Magic Verse (25/2 out to 20/1) ran on strongly in the latter stages of the race and closing quickly at the wire, he did well to get to within three quarters of a length. Fastest Times: 1000m (2) Kingdundee 1200m (3) Pink Pigeon 1800m (2) Wish List
57,91 70,77 109,70
A winner of seven from ten coming into the race, the 4yo son of The United States broke well from the widest draw and was soon a length and a half clear. He kept up a healthy gallop throughout and in a time just 0,37 seconds faster than that of CHAMPAGNE CASTLE, the winner of the opening Non-Black type Charles Dickens
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The Real Prince and Craig Zackey take in the big moment | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
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KANNEMEYER’S REAL PRINCE MOVES TO 128
The Real Prince has had his rating increased from 126 to 128 following his victory in the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The Handicappers elected to use Sail The Seas as the line horse, who remains unchanged on 127.
having been rated to finish last approximately seven lengths behind the line horse on his pre-race rating.
The runner-up Questioning and third-placed See It Again were both raised to 127 (from 123 and 125 respectively) after finishing narrowly ahead of the line horse in fourth.
The following horses received reductions:
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• • • •
Cosmic Speed: 125 - 124 Sugar Mountain: 123 - 122 Jet Force: 120 - 115 (after failing to confirm his Gr2 Green Point effort) Fire Attack: 126 - 124
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World Pool Gr1 Cape Flying Championship (WFA)
The runner-up I Salute You was used as the line horse and remains on 107.
Port Elizabeth raider Kingdundee was raised from 118 to 127 after his impressive win in the World Pool Gr1 Cape Flying Championship over 1000m.
No increases were applied to this race.
The runner-up I Am Giant was used as the line horse and remains on 124. Third-placed Outlaw King, who finished 0.3 lengths behind the line horse at level weights, was increased from 118 to 123. Cafe Culture received an increase of 2 points from 120 to 122, finishing 0,85 lengths behind the line horse at level weight terms. Rating reductions: • Lucky Lad: 123 - 122 • Quantum Theory: 113 - 112 Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes (Wfa) Wish List produced a performance of 115 when finishing strongly to win the Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes over 1800m. Her rating was raised from 111 to 115, with the consistent Rainbow Lorikeet (113) serving as the line horse. Runner-up Reet Petite was increased from 113 to 114 after finishing marginally ahead of the 113-rated line horse.
Rating reductions: • Legend Of Arthur: 112 - 110 • Master Redoute: 115 - 114 Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes Gimme What I Want was raised from 102 to 112 after finishing strongly to win the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The 4th-place finisher, Scarlet Macaw, was deemed the most suitable line horse and remains unchanged on 108. Other adjustments in this event were as follows: • Quickstepgal (runner-up) was increased from 115 to 116 • Lowveld Lily (3rd place) was raised from 108 to 109 after finishing ahead of the 108-rated line horse. • She’s My World was lifted from 104 to 106 for finishing 0.5 lengths behind the line horse. • Disting was raised from 96 to 99 after outperforming her pre-race rating.
Rating reductions: • Roccapina: 116 - 111 • Be Merry: 110 - 107 • Green Diamond: 108 - 105
No other changes were made. Cape Of Good Hope Gr3 Chairman’s Cup Anthonij Rupert Gr2 Premier Trophy Okavango remained unchanged on 120 after making all to win the Anthonij Rupert Gr2 Premier Trophy over 1800m.
Holding Thumbs was raised from 117 to 119 after staying on strongly to win the Cape Of Good Hope Gr3 Chairman’s Cup over 2500m. Ahead Of The Facts was used as the line horse and remains on 97. 14 JANUARY 2026 | 71
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Other increases: • Magic Verse: 113 - 116 • Lavender Bay: 87 – 90 Reduction: • Triple Time: 108 - 107
Other adjustments in this event: • Valentina Belducci was increased from 94 to 97. • Al Greenga was increased from 88 to 91.
Betway Gr3 Got The Greenlight Stakes
Rating reduction: • TINA LOVELACE: 101 - 97
Splittheelights was raised from 91 to 97 after winning the Betway Gr3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m at Turffontein Racecourse on Sunday.
4Racing Listed Wolf Power 1600
The 4th-place finisher, Yippee Kiyay, was deemed the most suitable line horse and remains unchanged on 101. As a result, he is rated higher than his conqueror due to race conditions that limit merit rating increases for winners to a maximum of six points. Other adjustments in this event were as follows: • One Eye On Vegas (runner-up) was increased from 104 to 106 after defeating the 101-rated line horse by 2.6 lengths (equivalent to 5 points). Rating reductions: • Golden Warrior: 105 - 103 • Shadowfax: 104 - 102 Betway Listed Mother Russia Stakes
Pressonregardless received a 5-point increase, moving from 104 to 109, after landing the Listed 4Racing Wolf Power 1600 over 1600m. Chronicle King was used as the line horse and remains on 114. Other increases: • Grand Empire (runner-up) was raised from 102 to 108 • Buster Barnes (3rd place) was lifted from 99 to 102, carried 0.5kg overweight. Both the runner-up and third-place finisher were under sufferance at these weights which was benchmarked at 52kg = 96, which contributed to their revised ratings.
Warm Reception was raised from 98 to 100 after winning the Listed Betway Mother Russia Stakes over 1400m.
Rating reductions: • Money Heist: 107 - 106 • Anfields Rocket: 109 - 106 • Dantonfromsandton: 104 – 102
The 3rd-place finisher, Pretty Persuasive, was selected as the line horse and remains unchanged on 93.
Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
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TURFFONTEIN MOVES TO THE VAAL
4Racing advises that the racemeeting scheduled for Saturday, 17 January 2026 at the Turffontein Standside Track has been moved to the Vaal Main Track. This decision follows significant rainfall over the past few months, combined with the volume of racing on the Turffontein Standside Track, which has resulted in noticeable wear and tear. While the track continues to recover daily, a short mini break will allow it to fully address these issues and ensure optimal racing conditions ahead of the main season. Race times for the day will remain unchanged. 74 | 14 JANUARY 2026
The following distance changes will apply for this meeting: • Race 2 – Progress Plate will now be run over 1700m • Race 3 – MR 84 Handicap will now be run over 1700m All events originally scheduled over 1160m will now be run over 1200m. At this stage, 4Racing is aiming to resume racing at Turffontein Standside on 24 January 2026. The track will be reassessed next week, and a further update will be communicated accordingly. Should conditions require, the meeting for 24 January will be moved to the Vaal Main Track.
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Cole Dicken steers Down By The River to a smooth win | Credit: Race Coast
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MICHAEL ROBERTS HONOURED
AT HOLLYWOODBETS SCOTTSVILLE Race Coast maintained the tradition of honouring legendary champion jockey Michael Roberts at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, with the now Summerveld trainer marking the day by saddling a winner. South Africa’s only hall of fame jockey, the 71 year old Michael ‘Muis’ Roberts was an eleven-time SA champion jockey and in 1992 became only the sixth non-British or Irish jockey to land the UK Flat Racing Jockeys’ Championship, having ridden 206 wins during the season.
clock 104,53 secs for the 1750m and beat Queue Wing (10-1) by 2,70 lengths.
The headliner of the afternoon was the R200 000 Non Black-Type Michael Roberts Stakes, which went to the Kumaran Naidootrained chestnut Down By The River (10-1) who was given a nice ride by Cole Dicken to
Raced by Trinisha Pillay, the winner was a R120 000 Cape Yearling Sale purchase and has won 5 races with 9 places from 32 starts for stakes of R526 175.
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Bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, the winner is a son of Fire Away (War Front) out of the twice-winning Western Winter mare Oh My Darling.
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Cowdray Park, aka ‘Bobby’, was ridden by Rachel Venniker to win the eighth race for Michael Roberts. After Good Omen was a runner-up in the third, Cowdray Park, aka ‘Bobby’, was ridden
by Rachel Venniker to win the eighth race for Michael Roberts. Michael Miller saddled three winners, with Tristan Godden registering a double.
Michael ‘Muis’ Roberts with winning trainer Kumaran Naidoo | Credit: Race Coast
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LET THE
RIVER RUN! The Non-Black Type Michael Roberts Stakes over 1750m topped the bill in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday and here we saw a smart performance from the 5yo Fire Away gelding Down By The River. Freely available at 10/1 on the off, Kumaran Naidoo’s charge raced some five and a half lengths off a fair pace set by the nibbled at Capsaicin (25/2 into 5/1). He quickened well when the field fanned out at the top of the straight and in a race that looked wide open passing the 400m marker, he struck the front 300m out. He quickly went clear and comfortably accounted for Queue Wing by two and three quarters. Going:
Good to soft (both tracks)
Going Change:
After the running of race 5 the going was changed to Good
Penetrometer:
25 (both tracks)
Rain:
Last 24 hrs Nil – Last 7 days 18,5mm
Irrigation:
Last 7 days - Nil
False Rail:
3m
Wind:
10-15km/h East North Easterly head wind
Course Variant:
0.26s fast (straight) 0.75s fast (bend)
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Trainer Michael Roberts didn’t have a representative in his own race, but he did find the winner’s enclosure with one of his three runners on the card when the well-supported favourite COWDRAY PARK registered his third career win from just nine starts in the Tokyo Racecourse Class 4 over 1400m. Taken straight to the front by Rachel Venniker, the son of Legislate led throughout. As in the feature race plenty held chances 350m out, and in what proved to be a real thriller, he held on by a head from the friendless White Seahorse (7/1 out to 14/1). Three of the afternoon’s ten races were staged over 1000m and in the fastest of these, the Longchamp Racecourse B Stakes, the 6yo What A Winter gelding HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE caused an upset. Now a winner of five of his 31 starts date, Alyson Wright’s charge had waited 87 weeks since last finding the winner’s enclosure. He raced seventh of the nine for most of the journey, but in what was always a tightly bunched field he was only three lengths off the speed. He ran on strongly at the business end of the race and got up late to deny the always handy Connery. They also ran three races over 1200m and comfortably the quickest of these was the closing Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 5 event won by the Vercingetorix gelding DEFINITELY YES (carried 0,6kg overweight).
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Prominent throughout, Wendy Whitehead’s charge moved up to tackle the front running The Mask going through the 400m. Both ran on strongly from there onwards and with the rest well beaten, only a neck separated them at the wire. They had raced just a quarter of the width of the track away from the outside rail when coming together. Definitely Yes shifted inwards over the final 120m or so and
carried the runner up with him all the way to the inside running rail. The Mask’s rider Cole Dicken understandably lodged an objection against the winner, but this was overruled. Fastest Times: 1000m (3) Hithemhardsunshine 1200m (3) Definitely Yes 400-finish Agrado
56,73 69,02 22,55
HWB Adverts
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SPLITTHEEIGHTS GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
Turffontein kicked off the feature race schedule for 2026 in style on Sunday, with three feature race events, headed by the Betway Gr3 Got The Greenlight Stakes. The first feature on the afternoon’s card was the 4Racing Listed Wolf Power 1600. Named in honour of Ricky Maingard’s legendary champion miler, the 2026 renewal saw a 10 strong line-up face the starter at 15h00 and it took little more than a few prompts from newly crowned L’Ormarins King’s Plate winning jockey, Craig Zackey to get Pressonregardless (Lancaster Bomber) home for a comfortable 0.8 length victory. His trainer, David Nieuwenhuizen, who operates off a small base from Turffontein, pronounced him a ‘really good horse’ and
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credited him with keeping him in the game this season. Messrs John Fourie & Lee Harvey’s 5yo gelding was registering his first feature win and the Varsfontein-bred is now a 6-time winner from 28 starts. Warm Reception (Fire Away) got off to a flying start in the Betway Listed Mother Russia Stakes and once in the lead, she never relinquished control of the race. Two lengths clear as they turned for home, Valentina Balducci tried valiantly to mount a challenge, but to no avail and Warm Reception crossed the line with her ears pricked, a solid 1.5 lengths to the good of her nearest rival under jockey Muzi Yeni.
Splittheeights (Raymond Danielson) produces the goods | Credit: JC Photos
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In a fitting tribute to Mother Russia, Warm Reception carried the same black and scarlet silks of Wilgerbosdrift Stud’s Mary Slack, who also bred her alongside daughter Jessica Jell’s Mauritzfontein Stud. Warm Reception looks to be yet another promising Fire Away product. Trained by Candice and Tammy Dawson. The filly is now a winner of 3 of her 4 starts. It was a warm welcome back to the winner’s enclosure and to South Africa for Raymond Danielson who celebrated his return from Mauritius with victory on Splittheeights in an exciting renewal of the Betway Gr3 Got The Greenlight Stakes. Splittheeights (Vercingetorix) sat just behind the leaders throughout and needed some fancy footwork to switch around stablemate One Eye On Vegas in the closing stages,
but once in the clear, the 3yo produced the goods, crossing the line with 1.3 lengths to spare. Bred by Ridgemont Highlands, the halfbrother to William Robertson was a R600k purchase from the BSA August 2yo Sale and was delivering a first Graded race victory for enthusiastic racing supporters, Jayson and Preshalin Murugasa. It was also another feature race win for the Mike & Mathew de Kock training team (who also saddled 2nd placed One Eye On Vegas and 4th place finisher, Yippee Kiyay). In homage to the race’s namesake, Got The Greenlight’s trainer Joe Soma was on hand to do the trophy presentation. www.4racing.com
Warm Reception (Muzi Yeni) – another promising offspring of Fire Away | Credit: JC Photos
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Craig Zackey has Pressonregardless in control as Grand Empire (Philasande Mxoli) chases hard | Credit: JC Photos
ZACKEY & NIEUWENHUIZEN
HAVE THE POWER Less than 24 hours after booting home The Real Prince in the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, Craig Zackey was back in the feature winner’s enclosure when the Varsfontein Stud-bred Pressonregardless registered a maiden stakes success in the R250 000 Listed Wolf Power 1600 at Turffontein. Riding at the top of his game, the national log-leading Zackey is just getting stronger with each passing week and he produced the goods here to get the 16-1 shot home for a delighted Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer David Nieuwenhuizen and thrilled owners John Fourie and Len Harvey. The 5yo gelding stayed on best to beat the previously unbeaten 3yo and 8-10 favourite Grand Empire by 0,80 lengths in a time of 98,67 secs.
The winner is a son of the ill-fated War Front stallion Lancaster Bomber out of the Horse Chestnut mare, Our Lady Peace. A R325 000 BSA Cape Yearling Sale purchase by the astute veteran John Freeman, Pressonregardless has won 6 races with 11 places from 29 starts for stakes of R762 995. Craig Zackey rode a double on the afternoon when he won the ninth race on Almond Sea for Tony Peter.
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STALLION CELEBRATES FIRST WINNER
Spirit Of Gabz (Ryan Munger) holds on well | Credit: JC Photos
The handsome chestnut Gr1 Gold Medallion Sprint winner Chimichuri Run, who stands at Bruce Le Roux and Tinus Gericke’s Blue Sky Thoroughbreds in Mooi River, marked his first winner when his Corne Spies-trained son Spirit Of Gabz blitzed home to win a Juvenile Plate run over 1000m at Turffontein on Sunday. A R275 000 purchase from the Blue Sky Thoroughbreds draft by Corne Spies Racing on the 2025 KZN Yearling Sale, Spirit Of Gabz strode out freely in front in a fourhorse field, before staving off late challenges by the 9-10 favourite Gimme A Vodka and Parayersandpromises (33-10) to clock 58,49 secs and win his fourth start in the hands of Ryan Munger. The winner is out of the one-time winning Judpot mare, Gemstone Glamour and was a first winner for Mr D & Mrs S Sibanda, who race him in partnership with Messrs C D Brown, R P Macnab, S Poriazis, Akshay Singh, Xander Spies, V Mahabeer, A R Asaram, M Pillay, J Soobiah and P W Viljoen.
A Drakenstein-bred son of champion Trippi (End Sweep) out of the Gr1-winning Kahal mare, Spiced Gold, Chimichuri Run sold as a winning juvenile in training at the Super Sale for R1 600 000, and went on to a star-studded career which included 46 starts from age 2-5, with 8 Stakes victories and 20 places, 11 of those in stakes races. Rated 126 at peak, Chimichuri Run’s race record and age proved his courage, tenacity and soundness, underlined by the fact that he won and placed in Gr1 company over from 1000m to a mile. His dam won the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic at age 3, and finished third in the Gr1 Golden Slipper at 2. She is bred on the successful cross of Kahal and Complete Warrior, from the family of Main Warrior and Sea Siren (both Complete Warrior), whilst the 5th dam is the mighty Majorca.
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One Stripe and Gavin Lerena - a dynamic duo! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
LERENA TO RIDE ONE STRIPE
IN PEGASUS TURF
Trainer Graham Motion has announced that SA Champion Jockey Gavin Lerena has been booked to ride One Stripe in the forthcoming Pegasus Turf Invitational and is awaiting the necessary approvals and clearances from the US racing authorities. The Drakenstein-bred One Stripe, winner of the 2024 Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and 2025 L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate, got back to winning ways when slamming his opposition to win a $59 000 Allowance Optional Claiming contest over a mile at Gulfstream Park on Boxing Day. 92 | 14 JANUARY 2026
One Stripe subsequently received an invitation for the $1 million Pegasus Gr1 World Cup Turf Invitational to be run at Gulfstream Park on 24 January. Lerena, who has international experience in the UK and Hong Kong, has won 4 races, including a historic double of the 2024 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas and 2025 L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate, on One Stripe and knows the star galloper well. Subject to all of the necessary approvals and clearances, the SA champ will be winging his way to the rich raceday.
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Dr Ashley Parker | Credit: Pauline Herman
DR ASHLEY PARKER
RE-APPOINTED NHA DIRECTOR In terms of Chapter 5 of the Constitution of The National Horseracing Authority the Nominations Committee, consisting of Messrs Gregory Bortz (Chairman), Mark Currie, Gayasuddin Ahmed, Bradley Ralph and Anthony Rivalland, has reappointed Dr Ashley Parker, as an NHA Director in terms of Clause 16.1.1 of the Constitution, to fill the vacant position on the National Board. Dr Parker holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree and is a registered Owner since 1989 and a Thoroughbred Racehorse Breeder (Ascot Stud) since 1983. He has served as a Steward of East Cape Racing Club (prior to the Club’s merger with Phumelela) and as Deputy Chairman of the Eastern Cape 94 | 14 JANUARY 2026
Regional Board until 2004 when the Constitution was amended and the Regional Boards were dissolved. As a qualified Veterinarian, he is the Eastern Cape representative on the South African Equine Veterinary Association for the past 25 years. Dr Parker previously served on the National Board from January 2020 to September 2025. The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa welcomes Dr Parker to the National Board. This appointment is effective immediately. Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
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A NORMANDY
INVITATION FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
Normandy Stud – home 96 | 14 JANUARY 2026to champions over the decades | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
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The story of Northern Dancer being passed over by yearling buyers is one I keep coming back to. Even at a modest price he was deemed too small. Normandy Stud’s Oscar Foulkes writes that Breeder E.P. Taylor’s strategy at Windfield was to pre-price all his yearlings, which were then offered by private sale off the farm. Anything that didn’t sell went into training for his account. We all know how well that turned out for him with Northern Dancer, but the little bay that won two legs of the US Triple Crown was by no means the only homebred star that Taylor raced. The part that intrigued me was this thing of private sales off the farm, whereby all the yearlings were pre-priced and then the horsemen made their choices. Circumstances relating to this year’s crop of Normandy yearlings have thrust us into a similar situation – although I’m not suggesting any parity with the mighty Windfields Farm! The first – potentially disastrous – occurrence was our yearlings breaking through a fence
on the night of 2 August. Fortunately, there were no broken legs, but a few picked up cosmetic scarring as a result of cuts and scrapes. Then, after entries had closed for the BSA Cape Yearling Sale, we discovered that our much-loved sales channel, the Race Coast October Two-Year-Old Sale, would no longer have a breeze-up section. Therefore, we have 15 yearlings that are available direct off the farm. Sires represented are Legislate, Jet Dark, The United States and more. Our participation in the conventional yearling auction programme remains intact, with five yearlings on Race Coast’s Premier Yearling Sale in March. We don’t ‘push’ our sales yearlings at the best of times, but the group of 15 is available to view pretty much as nature intended. They cover the spectrum from August to November foals. The immaturity of some will reward the horsemen who can cast ahead to imagine fully-grown racehorses. It goes without saying that they represent our best families, including those of Equus Champions Rio Querari, Mother Russia and Winter Solstice, not to mention Grade I winners like Sergeant Hardy. Pricing starts at R80 000, with an average price that’s in the vicinity of regional sales. It’s first come, first served. We look forward to showing them to you! Please contact Oscar Foulkes: 083 297 3402 or oscar@normandystud.co.za. 14 JANUARY 2026 | 97
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BIZARRE
PREDICTIONS FOR SA RACING IN 2026
No crystal balls were consulted in the making of this forecast, only experience, institutional memory, and a healthy disregard for probability. Here is a month-by-month glimpse into what South African racing might, could, or absolutely should not expect in 2026. Any resemblance to real people, events or governance structures is, of course, entirely intentional. JANUARY The worldwide political turmoil and strained relationships between South Africa and the United States continue, with a bearing on the racing industry.
US President Donald J Trump and his Secretary Of State, Marco Rubio, fly into Cape Town on a fact-finding mission. Air Force One is denied access to Cape Town International Airport and is forced to land on a private air strip near the Rupert Family’s Drakenstein Stud in Franschoek. Johann Rupert offers the travelling party accommodation at Drakenstein’s guest quarters. He pops a few bottles of L’Ormarins Cuvee and instructs his staff to throw open the farm gates. During the course of the night, Rupert’s entire vintage car collection is professionally liberated from the Estate’s Motor Museum.
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Two horse thieves attempt to get their hands on One World and Charles Dickens but are thankfully kicked into oblivion by the bucking stallions. President Trump and Secretary Of State Rubio, who slept with their doors open, are held up before dawn and relieved of their expensive watches, suits and shoes. Airforce One takes off again, but the crew discovers that nuts, copper wiring and most of the electronic equipment below the flight deck had been dismantled and stolen. The plane performs an emergency landing on a private air strip near George, where Trump and Rubio are whisked away to spend the night at Ernie Els’ property in Herold’s Bay. Ernie stands watch himself and wards off further disaster by knocking three approaching house breakers unconscious with his sand wedge. The travelling party jets out again, this time to Gary Player’s abode in Plettenberg Bay, where Trump challenges Gary to a push-up competition but suffers a severe bout of
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arythmia after his fifth push-up. Julius Malema and the EFF get wind of Trump’s visit and stage an operatic protest, chanting, ‘Kill The Yank, Kill The Fascist!’ On the second day, Malema’s cellphone explodes, taking an ear, and arm and a Rolex watch with it. Mossad takes full responsibility, but the disoriented demagogue blames Afriforum. Before the last leg of his journey, Trump hires 4Racing’s Lyall Cooper as a golfing coach and challenges Player to a putting competition. But Gary finds his best form and defeats the restless President in a one-onone contest, again. En route back home, Airforce One does one final stopover, landing on a stretch of dirt road near Piketberg. Trump visits Moutonshoek Stud and feeds fresh Wisconsin carrots to their resident stallion, The United States. He promises to buy every forthcoming progeny of the well-performed sire at premium dollar from breeder, Bennie van der Merwe, on condition that all their names will contain the word, ‘Trump’.
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FEBRUARY
APRIL
Race Coast’s Brandon Bailey buys Valentine’s Roses for Lucinda Woodruff. En route to the Milnerton Training Centre, the courier company makes an error and delivers the bouquet of flowers to Candice Bass.
The U S of A goes 1,75-lengths clear after 1100m of his match race with Dance Variety. The Bloomberg runner folds like a deckchair over the final 50m but hangs on to win in a desperately close photo finish. The result takes fully 15 minutes to be confirmed. Cohen objects, citing the ‘historic possibility of judges’ error’.
An aggrieved Aldo Domeyer summons a few of his acquaintances from Elsies Rivier to make a courtesy call and return the flowers to the smitten presenter. MARCH Race caller Alistair Cohen buys a share of sprinter Dance Variety from trainer Adam Marcus. Owner Robert Blomberg challenges Cohen to a match race with his own sprinter, The U S Of A. Cohen agrees, on condition that the race is held over 1150m. A date is set for early April, and the race is well publicised.
Following a week of deliberation and witness from a group of forensic photo experts led by Paul O’Sullivan, the result is declared null and void and a dead-heat is announced. Bloomberg considers a second lawsuit in as many years against O’Sullivan and the NHA but decides against it for a potential clash of interests.
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MAY The Sporting Post announces a decision to publish the transcripts of the fierce online debates about a change of guard at the NHA between Susan Rowett, Greg Bortz, Basil Thomas, Patrick Duff and others, that raged on its website late in 2025. Seen as a preservation project for future generations, the information will be contained in a leather-bound compendium and will include a selection of previously unpublished mails and redacted files, initially rejected by The Sporting Post’s Executive Board of Censors for being too controversial. It will be titled, ‘The NHA Capture Files’, and is to be made available in selected book shops and as an e-book, online. JUNE The Sporting Post fails to publish the ‘NHA Capture Files’ and editor Lance Benson notes, apologetically: “We couldn’t find a printing house with a binding machine big
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enough to carry the sheer volume of pages. To add to our aggravation, we also couldn’t find a server big enough to store this digital deluge of diatribe and legal jargon. Our software crashed!”
Greg Bortz awards the sponsorship of the Race Coast Winter Series to Joao Da Mata’s Glistian Events. As a part of the deal, Da Mata is appointed as an on-course anchor. “It’s Oversscadovars now. SA Racing is my oyster!” says Da Mata, who goes on to admit that his sights are set on Vee Moodley’s job. JULY With no room left elsewhere on his body, approaching the 2026 HWB Durban July, jockey Craig Zackey gets his sponsors’ names tattooed on his cheeks – Wilgerbosdrift on the left cheek, Mauritzfontein on the right. Click on the image below to read the full story…
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Trainer Willie Mullins enjoyed a good weekend of racing | Credit: Leopardstown Racecourse v
MULLINS MACHINE FIRING AT FULL THROTTLE
The Willie Mullins machine is starting to hit its straps after an unusually quiet start to the season. On Sunday at Punchestown Mullins came away with victory in both of the Group races, boosting the stable’s chances in the major Novice features later in the season at Cheltenham and Punchestown.
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Ex-Flat recruit Sober provided the Closutton yard with a fifth straight success in the Gr2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle. A race Mullins has always targeted with his top-rated Novice’s hurdlers of the past which includes the likes of Vautour, Douvan and Min.
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The seven-year-old joined Willie Mullins last year after winning six times on the Flat in France, and he hit the ground running on his hurdles debut when landing a novice event at Killarney in May followed by an impressive five-length success at Royal Ascot under Ryan Moore. Having been off 204 days since, he was quite easy to back in the three-runner market, drifting from 11/8 to 9/4, while the Gordon Elliott-trained Road Exile was the subject of heavy support into 8-11. Paul Townend settled Sober at the back of the three-runner field after meeting the first hurdle wrong and waited until the turn for home before making eye-catching progress to challenge the lead. Jack Kennedy was hard at work on the favourite on the approach to the last flight, at which point Townend gave Sober his head and he quickened up in style to came home on the bridle by five and a half lengths with his stablemate Free Spirit a further half a length back in third. Sober was cut to 20/1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, while he’s the same price for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle over the longer trip of two miles and five furlongs. “He quickened really well,” the winning jockey told Racing TV. “He sorted himself out and put himself right at the last, then was good out to the line. He’s a good individual.” “I wanted a lead for as long as possible. At the same time, it had been such a tactical
affair, I didn’t want to go to the last a length down and then miss it or something silly happen.” Earlier on the card, Danny Mullins produced the Mullins second-string Kappa Jy Pyke with a strong late run to land the Gr3 Sky Bet Super Sub Novice Chase. The 5/1 shot was waited with early on in the two and a half-mile contest, allowing odds-on stablemate Predators Gold and the Gordon Elliott trained The Enabler to set the pace. Predators Gold held a clear advantage two fences from the finish, having seen off The Enabler, but Jacob’s Ladder and Kappa Jy Pyke found more, running down to the last, and came away from the favourite to fight it out on the run to the line. Jacob’s Ladder stayed on strongly, but Kappa Jy Pyke quickened up really well on the stands rail and had something to spare, scoring by three and a half lengths. The layers reacted by introducing Kappa Jy Pyke at 20/1 for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Danny Mullins noted: “He was stepping up in distance on tougher ground today and it (testing going) was probably not what we have loved for him but it was a good performance.” “You need a fair engine to pick up and sprint by the likes of the horses that were on my right down the last, and he’s done it nicely.”
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Little Paradise gives Zac Purton his fifth winner at Sha Tin on Sunday | Credit: HKJC
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ZAC SLOTS FIVE-TIMER AT SHA TIN
Little Paradise and Invincible Ibis remain locked on course for a HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile showdown on 01 February after the pair posted emphatic victories at Sha Tin on Sunday as Zac Purton dominated with five wins. Little Paradise (122lb) crowned Purton’s quintet, and the eight-time champion Purton was effusive in his praise of the Toronado gelding after he earned a PPG bonus of HK$1 million with victory in the Class 2 Racing Club Cup Handicap for Jimmy Ting, defeating Infinite Resolve (116lb) and Mid Winter Wind (117lb) in 1m 20.84s. “It was a really good effort. He’s progressive, a lovely horse to ride. He relaxes nicely. It
was a good, strong field. He ran a good time, he did a good job,” said Purton, who has the choice of several Hong Kong Classic Mile rides, including Invincible Ibis and Beauty Bolt. Trainer Jimmy Ting is hopeful Purton will stay with Little Paradise in the Hong Kong Classic Mile after the classy four-year-old downed a string of older rivals.
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“He’s a very nice horse. After every race, he keeps improving. I’ve always thought the mile would be the horse’s best distance. He has been a bit keen before but now he’s much calmer,” Ting said. Purton (59 wins) stretched his lead to 33 over Hugh Bowman (26) in a remarkable display of sustained excellence – and it could have been six wins had he not honoured a pledge to partner Beauty Bolt (134lb) in the Class 3 (Restricted) Pak Shek Au Handicap (1600m), only to finish second to another of his regular rides, Invincible Ibis (135lb), who was partnered by Bowman. Bowman was impressed with Mark Newnham’s rising star Invincible Ibis, who weaved his way into clear running after dropping to the tail of the field before finishing powerfully to defeat Beauty Bolt by a neck in 1m 34.18s. “Invincible Ibis was very straight forward. I didn’t expect to be so far back but I was reluctant to pressure him just to hold a position and he enjoyed being left alone,” Bowman said. “I was in a position – to avoid
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traffic – that I had to make a long run on him and he coped with that, too. “And when I needed his effort at the 100 metres mark, he did it with consummate ease.” Newnham said: “He’s putting up quite a good record now and the nice part about the race was when it got a bit tough and he had to stretch the last part to beat Beauty Bolt, he did. So, he’s got good ability, but he’s got good heart. “You can only keep winning and he’s put four together now, so he goes there (Hong Kong Classic Mile) in good form.” Newnham reclaimed top-spot in the trainers’ championship from Caspar Fownes to lead with 30 wins to 29 when fellow four-year-old Lucky Sam Gor (116lb) defied his rivals to clinch the Class 3 Stanley Gap Handicap (1400m) under Matthew Poon. Apart from Little Paradise, Purton also struck aboard Ricky Yiu’s Snowthorn (135lb) in the Class 5 Chek Keng Handicap (1200m), Pierre
Invincible Ibis downs Beauty Bolt | Credit: HKJC
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Money Catcher scores his first win since 2023 | Credit: HKJC
Ng’s Majestic Valour (135lb) in the second section of the Class 4 Wu Kai Sha Handicap (1200m), Robot Star (127lb) for Manfred Man in the second section of the Class 4 Wu Kau Tang Handicap (1400m) and David Hayes’ China Win (128lb) in the Class 4 Hebe Haven Handicap (1800m). “Robot Star was good, he probably wants further – seven furlongs was a bit sharp for him – and he was good through the line, he was unexposed,” Purton said. “China Win, he’s not an easy horse to manage in the mornings – very, very difficult. The boys are doing a good job to manage him as well as they are and on a race day, he doesn’t know what he wants to do in a race. One day, he wants to scream along, the next day he wants to drop out. But when the penny drops, he’ll turn into a handy enough stayer. It was a good effort – he had the race run to suit.” Young Emperor (126lb) saluted at 67/1 for David Eustace and Luke Ferraris in the Class 3 Hung Mui Kuk Handicap (1200m) before Money Catcher (117lb) turned back the clock for Frankie Lor and Derek Leung with his first
win in three years with success in the Class 3 Pak Sha O Handicap (1800m). Twice placed at Group 1 level, the eight-yearold finished third in the 2022 Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) behind Romantic Warrior and Danon The Kid, but had not won since his Gr3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) victory at Happy Valley in 2023. “It was worth the wait. When he came to Hong Kong, he kept placing and it was difficult to win. He won two races and after that, he was always close but did start to run some bad races and it allowed a drop down to Class 3,” Lor said. The pace was quick, so he could come from behind and win for his patient owner. I’m happy because he’s an eight-year-old who can still win and it’s great for the owner.” Three-year-old Elite Golf (127lb) impressively won the first section of the Class 4 Wu Kai Sha Handicap (1200m) under Harry Bentley for Chris So, while Rezeki (128lb) notched his first win in Hong Kong for David Hall with success in the first section of the Class 4 Wu Kau Tang Handicap (1400m) under a perfect ride by Andrea Atzeni.
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SRC and Magic Millions Sales have announced a historic and dynamic long-term partnership | Credit: Magic Millions
MAGIC MILLIONS
AND SCONE RACE CLUB A LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP
Scone Race Club (SRC) and Magic Millions Sales Pty Ltd announce a historic and dynamic long-term partnership.
Magic Millions is committed to investing in Scone Race Club the racing hub of Australia’s thoroughbred capital, the Upper Hunter Valley in addition to elevating the profile of breeding excellence that emanates from within this economically crucial agricultural region. The partnership comes as Scone, widely recognised as the Horse Capital of Australia,
prepares to host the 80th year of the iconic Darley Scone Cup in 2026. Effective 01 January, 2026, Magic Millions becomes the Exclusive Thoroughbred Auction House Partner of the Scone Race Club and sees the establishment of the Magic Millions Mounting Yard.
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The Upper Hunter Valley, centred around Scone, holds an irreplaceable position in the history and significance of the Australian thoroughbred industry. Home to legendary stud farms, it is a global powerhouse responsible for producing an unparalleled volume of elite equine racing athletes. The Scone Race Club, situated centrally, acts as the cultural and physical hub of this activity. The strategic alliance is driven by a mutual, commitment to the Australian thoroughbred industry, leveraging the unique strengths of both organisations to promote excellence, investment, and community support in the region responsible for breeding the majority
This partnership with Scone Race Club is an act of deep conviction and a commitment to the very heart of our industry. The world-class farms of the Upper Hunter are the nurseries where champions are made, and they are the primary origin of the incredible young horses we offer at our sales. By partnering with Scone Race Club, we are consolidating our direct engagement with the breeders who underpin our entire business.
‘This partnership with Scone Race Club is an act of deep conviction and a commitment to the very heart of our industry.’
Katie Page, Co-Owner, Magic Millions, said: “Gerry and I have owned our thoroughbred farm, Baramul in the Widden Valley since 1999 and we’ve been partners at Vinery for over 20 years, in the equally stunning Segenhoe Valley. Scone and the Upper Hunter Valley are national treasures – a dual contribution of national economic significance and a tourism and event destination that can be enjoyed by all. Magic Millions and Scone Race Club is a partnership that aims to enhance both. “Magic Millions has grown the Magic Millions January Sales and Raceday Carnival to over 100,000 visitor nights on the Gold Coast in 2025 and our Carnival is now a fourteen-day sales and event celebration of the horse. 112 | 14 JANUARY 2026
Our intention is to work with the Scone Race Club, using the Scone Racing Carnival with it’s Darley Scone Cup and Arrowfield Dark Jewel race meetings, nuanced to the unique beauty of the region, to enhance and promote the event destination potential.
As we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale this coming week, we are looking forward, ensuring the future vitality of the industry by investing right at the source. The Magic Millions Mounting Yard at Scone Race Club will be a daily reminder that the journey of every champion often begins in the Hunter.” Alister Fraser, Chairman, Scone Race Club, said: “We are delighted to welcome Magic Millions to our stable of partners, alongside many of the Upper Hunter’s leading breeding farms including Darley, Arrowfield, Coolmore, Kia Ora, Yarraman Park, Vinery and Emirates Park. Magic Millions brings a unique and highly complementary offering to this partnership, and we’re excited to work together for the benefit of our respective businesses and the
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broader thoroughbred community. The Board remains firmly focused on the long-term sustainability and growth of Scone Race Club. With the opening of our Polytrack, the ongoing Racing NSW stables development within the adjacent equine precinct, and the continued support of our valued partners, now including Magic Millions, the future for the Club, the industry and the Upper Hunter region is extremely positive.” Barry Bowditch, Managing Director, Magic Millions, said: “The alignment between Magic Millions and Scone Race Club is a natural fit—a true synergy between thoroughbred sales and the racecourse. Tradition and industry excellence is synonymous with the annual Scone Racing Carnival, We are committed to a partnership that takes the experience, the thrill of racehorse ownership to the broadest possible audience. The timing is perfect: the Scone Racing Carnival in Ma precedes the Magic Millions National Sale, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest breeding stock sale. This partnership creates a conception-tosales-to-racecourse pipeline, strengthening the entire ecosystem and ensuring that the economic contribution we make directly supports the farms, local businesses, and the thoroughbred community in this vital area.”
Magic Millions is steeped in a significant history, known for transforming the bloodstock market with its world renown sales and graduate race series.
The partnership arrives as the company marks a milestone this year: the 40th anniversary of its iconic January Yearling Sales, a celebration of four decades of innovation, championmaking, and unparalleled sales success. This collaboration is also expected to enhance activations such as the annual Hunter Valley stallion parades in late August, ahead of the breeding season, further connecting the sales ring with the source of world-class prospective talent.
The success of Magic Millions Yearling Sale graduates bred on farms from NSW’s Upper Hunter is a powerful testament to the region’s quality. Champion examples include Winx, Sunlight, Alligator Blood, Hitotsu and Imperatriz as well as present day stars Stefi Magnetica, Charm Stone and Ole Dancer, horses that demonstrate the region’s capacity to deliver world-class racing talent.
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Candiese Lenferna with one of her ‘equine models’ Credit: Candiese Lenferna v
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AFTER ACCIDENT
Universally popular multiple Equus Awardwinning photographer Candiese Lenferna is in a stable condition in a Durban Hospital after being injured in a car accident on Friday morning, on her return from an assignment in the KZN Midlands. The Sporting Post was informed on Friday evening by Candiese’ husband Warren that she was ‘completely stable’ after an extensive operation. “I just spoke to the Surgeon that performed the op. It was a huge injury and it was a lot of work, but he is happy. There will be plenty of healing and he wants her here for a few days to observe her progress. But we are all pleased and thankful that it has been a success. On behalf of Candiese, I’d like to extend thanks to all those that have sent messages. Racing is a caring community, and we are privileged to be a part of it,” added Warren. In a catch-up on Tuesday afternoon, Candiese was remarkably bright and it’s remarkable that a broken left leg, broken hand, soft tissue damage and ligament damage to her right ankle have not dampened her spirit as she laughed off her currently ‘messy hair’ appearance.
She told us that physio work is currently underway and the medical team at St Anne’s are happy with the progress thus far. “The St Anne’s nursing staff and surgeons have just been absolutely surreal. It’s one of the best hospitals I have been to in years,” she says. “I am going to be doing my best to get home sooner than later. The pain is under much better control now. I got off very lucky and the surgeon said this was an accident most people don’t survive, so I am very blessed. The support from the racing and breeding community has been overwhelming and I just want to thank everyone for the well wishes.” Candiese and her husband Warren have conveyed their heartfelt thanks to medical team at St Anne’s, Hollywoodbets, Race Coast, Garth Puller, Deez Dayanand, Damyan Pillay, Tristan Godden, Sean Veale and the McHardy family. In a setback, Candiese was informed on Wednesday morning that her right ankle is also broken. She is due for surgery at 08h00 on Thursday. The Sporting Post team wish the industrious and hard-working photographer well, and a speedy recovery. 14 JANUARY 2026 | 117
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118 | 14 JANUARY 2026
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14 JANUARY 2026 | 119
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results up to: 2026-01-14
TRAINERS Place %
Win Stake (R)
Total Stakes (R)
235
47.4
6,608,601
11,212,386
89
159
46.5
3,835,625
6,196,305
25
48
108
43.7
4,490,888
6,173,553
22
31
64
117
44.3
4,037,500
6,104,231
16.6
57
46
77
180
43.4
4,047,594
5,794,074
Runs
Wins Win%
2nd
3rd
Other Places
Place %
Win Stake (R)
Total Stakes (R)
Mr C Zackey
726
123
16.9
127
88
163
378
52.1
10,529,266
15,456,358
Mr R D Fourie
466
104
22.3
78
63
88
229
49.1
7,723,638
11,540,340
Mr C Murray
493
70
14.2
70
34
108
212
43.0
6,355,856
9,135,887
Mr C J Habib
573
69
12.0
57
72
136
265
46.2
5,905,438
8,441,573
Mr M A Yeni
614
69
11.2
79
80
146
305
49.7
4,936,147
9,380,726
Other Places
Name
Runs
Wins Win%
2nd
3rd
Mr S J Snaith
496
66
13.3
71
70
94
Mr S G Tarry
342
41
12.0
40
30
Mike/Mathew De Kock
247
44
17.8
35
Mr A P Peter
264
47
17.8
Mr A C Greeff
415
69
Name
JOCKEYS
BREEDERS Runrs Runs
AEPR
B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)
Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein
265 1003
60,758
92
115
34.7
450
5
6
16,100,894
Varsfontein Stud
180
592
59,936
68
83
37.8
286
6
6
10,788,557
Ridgemont Highlands
140
488
57,144
54
75
38.6
218
1
1
8,000,188
Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd
115
433
57,936
37
52
32.2
189
3
3
6,662,596
Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)
147
484
39,943
32
43
21.8
211
2
2
5,871,631
Name
Runrs Runs
AEPR
B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)
Vercingetorix
215
741
74,901
88
118
40.9
319
10
12
16,103,795
Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)
202
684
59,551
70
91
34.7
305
4
4
12,029,333
Master Of My Fate
161
525
53,694
46
56
28.6
245
5
5
8,644,813
Querari (GER)
161
559
51,630
51
62
31.7
262
2
2
8,312,475
Rafeef (AUS)
157
555
50,795
49
63
31.2
251
1
1
7,974,789
Name
SIRES
See all the detailed standings - Click here 120 | 14 JANUARY 2026