SP Sprint – Wednesday 20 August 2025

BSA Aug 2yo Sale Supplement inside!

SALES

IT’S SALES WEEK!

On the cover Summerveld trainer Michael Roberts was busy at the TBA Sales Complex this week, ahead of the BSA August 2yo Sale on Thursday and Friday. Candiese Lenferna took the photograph.

BUYING A PIECE OF TOMORROW

A part of the furniture in South African horseracing, the Zimbabwe-born Roy Magner is rising 77 this year but continues to churn out the winners from his Randjesfontein yard.

In a world where most folk of his age are idling on the porch in a rocking chair watching the world pass by, Roy Magner has maintained his passion for his profession. He was photographed at the TBA Sales Complex this week by our Equus Champion Lenswoman, Candiese Lenferna. The Sprint is interactive – click here to read our interview with Roy from last month.

Save the date –Stallion Day @ Klawervlei on Thursday 28 August

“He has what it takes.” That’s the opinion of respected stallion syndicate manager John Freeman on Kommetdieding.

John Freeman admits he is not one to syndicate just any stallion.

If a horse doesn’t make my hair stand on edge, I won’t touch him,” admitted the man who has managed the stud careers of such sire standouts as Jallad, Captain Al, Dynasty, Trippi, Twice Over, What A Winter, Gimmethegreenlight, Master Of My Fate and One World!

John clearly gave Kommetdieding his stamp of approval when he syndicated the horse at the end of his racing career.

“From humble beginnings, he did it the hard way and showed so much brilliance. Also, he was as sound as a bell throughout his career.”

The young Klawervlei stallion, whose first foals are newly-turned yearlings, will stand his third season at stud this year and with his racetrack efforts in danger of becoming a faded memory, now is the perfect time to remind everyone what a good racehorse he was.

By Fort Wood’s champion son Elusive Fort, Kommetdieding’s biography reads like a rags to riches story.

Purchased off the Klawervlei Farm Sale for a paltry R55 000 by novice owner Ashley Reynolds, Kommetdieding entered the small yard of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix and took them on a heady ride over the next four seasons.

By the time he retired to stud following a stellar career, the ‘people’s champ, as he was

fondly referred to, had repaid his connections with a pair of Gr1 wins and earnings of over R4,2-million.

He also had the distinction of being one of just a handful of gallopers to complete the coveted Durban July/ Met double, a feat achieved in modern times by the likes of Pocket Power, Igugu, London News and Politician, Flaming Rock. That’s exalted company to be in.

In the 2021 Vodacom Durban July, Kommetdieding raced wide throughout but came with a withering run in the straight to draw alongside old nemesis Linebacker a furlong from home. Favourite Got The Greenlight also joined in the fray and in a pulsating dash for the line, it was Kommetdieding who stayed on best to record a first top level victory.

It was sweet revenge for the colt, as he had finished third to Linebacker in both the Gr2 KZN Guineas and Gr1 Daily News 2000.

Undefeated at two, the colt had arrived in Durban with an unbeaten four-win streak in tow, capped by a facile victory in the Gr3 Politician Stakes.

Ironically, he was favourite for the Gr1 Cape Derby but injury forced his withdrawal from the classic which was won by Linebacker. Together with Jet Dark, Linebacker and Triple Crown winner Malmoos, Kommetdieding was short-listed for the Equus Champion 3yo of the 2021-22 season, with the honours ultimately going to Jet Dark.

The 2022 Met saw Kommetdieding challenged by old adversary Linebacker close home, but defeat was never an option and the four-yearold stretched away to take the honours from a

fast-finishing Jet Dark, who had beaten him in the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.

The pair treated racegoers to some epic battles, notably in a rousing finish to the Gr1 Champions Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville, where Jet Dark prevailed by a hard-fought neck, and again in the 2023 Met, where Kommetdieding looked a winner, only to be caught on the line by his old nemesis, who produced a hurricane finish hard up against the outside rail.

That proved to be the final start for both protagonists and Kommetdieding returned to birthplace Klawervlei for stud duties.

A handsome horse who invariably caught the eye in the paddock, he is out of the Captain Al mare Adorable, a three-part sister in blood to triple Gr1 winner Captain America, and hails from a strong sire-producing female line which traces to Queen Of Light, a close relation to successful sires Alycidon and Acropolis. Four of Queen Of Light’s daughters established sire-producing families, one of which was Kommedieding’s fifth dam Crystal Light.

The Sprint is interactive – read his Raceform pedigree page by clicking here.

Kommetdieding (Elusive Fort ex Adorable by Captain Al) | Credit: Freeman Stallions

In his first season, ‘Kommet’ covered in excess of 70 mares. His service fee for 2025 has been pitched at R12 000.

Klawervlei will have its annual stallion day at 11h00 on Thursday, 28 August. Those interested in sending Kommetdieding a mare are welcome to come up for the day and view him at the stallion barn.

Anybody interested in attending the Stallion Day on Thursday 28 August should call Tracey at Klawervlei on 066 185 7197 or John Freeman on 082 777 8117.

Kommetdieding looked a standout at the July gallops | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

HADLOW

In what is a coup for the KwaZulu-Natal stallion ranks, dual Gr1 classic winner Purple Pitcher has returned to the province of his birth to begin his stallion career at Hadlow Stud.

Successful in two legs of the Triple Crown, and the first top level winner sired by illfated New Predator, he is also the first and probably the only son of his short-lived sire to retire to stud.

A tip-top sprinter-miler, New Predator died at age seven shortly after relocating to Ridgemont, a huge loss, given that he also sired last season’s dual Gr1 winner Fatal Flaw, who was crowned Champion 3yo Filly

at the recent Equus Awards, the Gr2 winner Pure Predator, and last season’s Gr1-placed juvenile stakes winner, Charming Cheetah.

Trained by Robyn Klaassen for owner ‘Stinky’ Pooe, Purple Pitcher placed twice as a juvenile before cracking his maiden on his seasonal debut at three. That victory marked the first in a five-win streak, the final of which a breakthrough black type win in the Gr2 Dingaans.

Only fourth in the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas behind Sandringham Summit, the colt turned the tables in the Gr1 SA Classic. Having cut out the running, he was briefly headed in the straight but rallied bravely to regain the lead

and when pressed by Sandringham Summit, showed a grim, terrier-like tenacity to land the spoils by the best part of a length.

On to the SA Derby, and as the sole Gr1 winner in the line-up, Purple Pitcher set the standard. He proved up to the task and again showed tremendous fighting spirit, holding off paternal half-brother Pure Predator in another hardfought finish.

“He stands around 16hh and is a very strong, athletic horse. I expect him to let down into an impressive individual. He’s by a good sire, was a good racehorse – who knows, he may be the next Jet Master!”

She was runner-up in both the Gr2 Natal Oaks and Gr2 Natalia Stakes, whilst her siblings include Tibouchina victress Damascus Road, who became the dam of Sean Tarry’s Gr1 J&B Met winner Alastor. The family also includes champion Wild Ash, who claimed both the Gr1 Cape Fillies and Gr1 Natal Fillies Guineas, and is dam of champion Wild West and grandam of Gr1 Cape Derby hero, Ultrasound.

Although Purple Pitcher subsequently failed to add to his win tally, he performed with credit at the highest level by running second, beaten a length, in the Gr1 Summer Cup and finished third in both the Gr1 Champions Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville and the Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge at Turffontein. Significantly, he showed his versatility to score six times from 1450 to 2450m.

Purple Pitcher was bred at Bush Hill and is the last foal out of the Count Dubois mare Heliantha, who is also dam of stakes winner Miss Daisy. She too, raced in the Pooe silks and landed the Gr3 HSH Princess Charlene Starling Stakes.

Bred at Lammerskraal, Heliantha hails from a female line renowned for its classic performers. Her half-sister Wild Aster won the (then) Gr2 Majorca Stakes and finished second in the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas. Grandam Tropical Garden, by English 2000 Guineas winner Roland Gardens, boasted both black type and a distinguished pedigree.

Hadlow Stud’s Cathy Martin welcomed Purple Pitcher when he stepped off the float and was immediately impressed by his calm demeanour, given that he was accompanied by a number of Pooe-owned mares destined as future mates.

Those include the five-time winner Wings Of Nike, a Var half-sister to Gr3 Byerley Turk winner Mambo Mime, who also ran third in the Gr1 Daily News 2000, and Silky Jet, a winning Vercingetorix half-sister to Silvano’s dual Gr3 winner, Sunshine Silk.

Although breeders have by now finalised their matings, Cathy is quietly confident Purple Pitcher will get the support he deserves, especially as his covering fee has been set at R5000 live foal, with the added bonus of sending an extra mare for free.

For more information: Cathy Martin –083 454 0604 / hadlowstud@gmail.com

CHAMPIONS! WE ARE THE

Justin Snaith was crowned SA Champion trainer for the sixth time and enjoyed the honour of celebrating his seventh SA Horse Of The Year title, courtesy of the outstanding Eight On Eighteen, as South African horseracing and breeding personalities gathered to celebrate the past season’s stars at the Equus Awards held at Hollywoodbets Greyville in Durban last Thursday evening.

The sport is about horses and people and an evening of glitz and glamour in the beautifully appointed The Silver Ring formed the backdrop as opponents on the track, and in

the breeding paddocks, mingled and shared the golden thread of a love and passion for the horse, while celebrating the equine stars and human champions of a glorious season.

There was no surprise as polished MC Alistair Cohen announced the Drakenstein Studbred Eight On Eighteen as the winner of the prestigious SA Horse Of The Year award. The treble Grade 1-winner was the standout sophomore last season, and lost no credit when going down narrowly to the year older

The Real Prince in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, his final start as a 3yo.

All the Equus ’25 stars on stage | Credit: Dylan Gray

Raced by Nick Jonsson and Johann Rupert, Eight On Eighteen was also crowned Champion 3yo Male and Middle Distance Horse, and he remains an exciting prospect with the 2026 Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and Gr1 Cape Town Met his targets, with an overseas campaign a possibility thereafter.

A special award was presented to Eight On Eighteen’s Groom Philip Sengeza , who drew rousing applause after a moving speech that demonstrated his passion and love of his champion charge.

After another outstanding season, Drakenstein Stud was named Champion Breeders for the second time, and in addition to Eight On Eighteen’s three trophies, the Rupert’s nursery of champions also drank a celebratory toast to the exported One Stripe’s Champion Miler award.

The son of One World is now based at trainer Graham Motion’s Fair Hill Training Centre in Maryland. One Stripe won six races in the care of trainer Vaughan Marshall, with his cv including sensational victories in the

Hollywood Racing were crowned Champion Owner for the first time – much to the delight of Anthony Delpech and Devin Heffer | Credit: Dylan Gray

the

Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas and the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate from only nine starts, for career earnings of close on R4,2million. The $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile on 1 November at Del Mar will be One Stripe’s main target this year.

The rousing reception for the Special Achievement Awards handed to two champion sons of the Eastern Cape, endorsed the popularity and enormous esteem and respect which Piere Strydom and Alan Greeff command in their respective disciplines.

An international competitor, Piere Strydom bowed out of an illustrious career in the saddle at the age of 59 on the last day of the 2024/25 season.

A gentleman of the game, ‘Striker’ Strydom closed the chapter on an extraordinary riding career that spanned 43 years, six national championship titles, over 5600 winners, including 97 Grade 1 successes. The living legend said that he had so many people to thank and added emotionally that he was grateful and appreciative of having been able to choose to step down, a choice many riders have not had the privilege of, in what is a dangerous profession.

Multiple East Cape Champion trainer Alan Greeff enjoyed an extraordinary season of feature successes across South Africa.

While he put the cherry on the top with Golden Palm’s runaway victory in the Gr1

Dean Kannemeyer receives

Champion Sprinter trophy as Varsfontein’s Jaco Erasmus and 4Racing’s Gabi Soma look on | Credit: Dylan Gray

Candiese Lenferna was a popular winner of the Still Photography award – her third time on the premier stage!

Credit: Dylan Gray

Douglas Whyte Stakes on the final major day of last term, Greeff’s away feature successes included the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and the Gr3 SplashOut Good Hope Nursery at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, both won by Direct Hit.

He also enjoyed his first Hollywoodbets Durban July day success when the unbeaten Anotherdanceforme won the SplashOut Gr2 Golden Slipper. Golden Palm’s victory in the Douglas Whyte crowned her Turffontein Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift SA Nursery victory, to bookend a glorious season for Halo Stables.

The Varsfontein Stud-bred Golden Palm was crowned Champion 2yo Filly on a special evening for owner Peter Moor and the Greeff family!

Varsfontein Stud celebrated a second champion on the evening when Double Grand Slam won the Champion Older Filly/Mare title. A winner of the Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes and Ridgemont Gr1 Garden Province Stakes, the daughter of Vercingetorix will stay on in training this season, with ‘unfinished business’ at hand, in the words of trainer Justin Snaith.

Father-and-son Mike and Mathew de Kock have only been training in partnership for six months, and were delighted to share their maiden Equus trophy courtesy of World Pool Moment Of The Day Gr1 Premier’s Champion Stakes winner Jan Van Goyen who was awarded Champion 2yo Male. The son of Master Of My Fate is raced by passionate lifelong owner Henk Leyenaar in partnership with his daughters Daniela Erasmus and Louisa Huntingford.

Dean Kannemeyer enjoyed his fourth Hollywoodbets Durban July victory last month when Khaya Stables’ The Real Prince

achieved a career peak success, but it was in the Champion Sprinter category that the Milnerton maestro and his loyal clients received their 2025 Equus moment via superstar speed demon, Gimme A Prince.

A full-brother to the younger The Real Prince, Gimme A Prince ran only five times last season, for a third in the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate and victories in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship and Gr2 Diadem Stakes.

A dual Gr1 winner last term, New Predator’s daughter Fatal Flaw , bred by leading owner Laurence Wernars, was crowned Champion 3yo Filly, while Gareth van Zyl’s top notch Duke Of Marmalade gelding King Pelles was a shoo-in for the Champion Stayer title!

In a glorious moment for a relatively small yard, Summerveld trainer Stuart Ferrie crowned only his second full season with the Erasmus Thoroughbreds-bred Gladatorian winning the Champion Older Colt/ Gelding award. The winner of the HKJC Gr1 Champions Cup is raced by a Mauritian partnership of the Late Agasthamuni Gujadhur, E G Hart de Keating, M L Jean Hardy and now retired Gold Circle CEO, Michel Nairac.

In a soaring rise from humble beginnings with a first winner at the Equus venue over 20 years ago, Hollywood Racing celebrated a maiden Champion Owner title after a stellar season under the management of former multiple champion jockey Anthony Delpech. The team enjoyed winners countrywide, and clearly have another exciting season, both locally and internationally, ahead of them.

A high work-rate, plenty of travelling and dedication to keeping his eye on the prize saw Gavin Lerena mark his second SA Champion Jockey title. Lerena rode 277 winners last

term at a strike-rate of 24,8% and total stakes of R36 724 998 to beat reigning recordbreaking champion Richard Fourie by 18 wins.

A rising star on the SA racing landscape, Brevan Plaatjies proudly received his Champion Apprentice title, crediting his move to the Cape in April as a major factor in his growth. One of five children, the former Ixopo schoolboy became a jockey when a family member suggested the career choice. The 20 year old admits that he has never looked back! The competitive Media awards categories again provided some serious consideration and reflection for the judges.

But it was the well-travelled KZN-based Candiese Lenferna who came out tops in the Still Photography section for the third time, while veteran Gary Lemke’s feature on record-breaker Richard Fourie in the ‘378 Tribute’ magazine secured him the Print accolade.

The Broadcast Media award attracted a number of high-class submissions, and it was Emma Finney who accepted her first Equus trophy for her well-crafted production of ‘Charles Dickens’, which told the story of the champion racehorse.

As the final curtain came down on a glittering evening of spirited celebration and camaraderie, MC Alistair Cohen bid guests farewell with a message: “Keep loving the sport. It will love you back.”

We couldn’t have said it better. Thanks to the judges and congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Here’s to another superb season!

Table top! Jono Snaith, Justin Snaith, Chris Snaith and Gokan Terzi had a rewarding evening | Credit: Dylan Gray

THE CAPE’S 2024/25 SEASON CHAMPIONS CELEBRATING

The racing season runs from 1 August to 31 July, a full 12 months of competition culminating in the announcement of the region’s champions.

Race Coast report that within that calendar, the Cape Summer Festival of Racing – staged from November to March – remains the showpiece stretch, drawing the biggest crowds, producing the richest purses, and delivering many of the season’s defining moments.

The 2024/25 campaign was no exception, with champions emerging across all divisions and history being rewritten in the process. Leading the roll of honour was Eight on Eighteen, whose achievements, along with those of trainer Justin Snaith, jockey Richard

Fourie, and Owners of the Year Nick Jonsson and Johann Rupert, defined a season to remember.

Two three-year-old colts dominated the feature races – Vaughan Marshall’s One Stripe and Snaith’s Eight on Eighteen – each winning two Grade 1s. One Stripe captured the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and L’Ormarins King’s Plate (both over 1600m) before heading overseas to continue his career.

Eight on Eighteen finished second to One Stripe in the HWB Cape Guineas but proved unstoppable over more ground, taking both the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met and the SplashOut Cape Derby over 2000 m.

Eight On Eighteen powers home under Richard Fourie to beat a game Sail The Seas (JP van der Merwe) in the final Gr1 of the summer | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

That WSB CPT Met victory marked a milestone: Eight on Eighteen became the first horse in 79 years to complete the WSB CPT Met–Cape Derby double in the same season.

It was also Snaith Racing’s third consecutive Met and a remarkable hat-trick for owners Nick Jonsson, following Jet Dark (2023) and Double Superlative (2024). On Met day alone, Snaith sent out six winners – just shy of his record eight on the corresponding day in 2016. The season was also a personal triumph for Richard Fourie, crowned Western Cape Jockey of the Year for an unprecedented eighth consecutive time – a remarkable run of dominance in the saddle.

Snaith’s 135 Western Cape winners left him 54 clear of his nearest rival, Candice BassRobinson, along with an R13 million stakes advantage.

Beyond the headline acts, other stars shone brightly. Gimme A Prince dazzled in the HKJC World Pool Cape Flying Championship and the Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes, earning a merit rating of 134 – the highest in South Africa.

Multiple graded and listed successes also went to Asiye Phambile, Rainbow Lorikeet, and Holding Thumbs.

From Black Cheetah’s juvenile debut win in November to Saint Brigid’s season-closing victory in July, the year delivered stories of resilience, skill, and racing excellence –capped by the first race meeting under the new Race Coast Turf Club banner on 1 June.

Ed – the awards will be handed out at the Hollywoodbets Durbanville racemeeting on Wednesday 27 August.

Dominance! Ridgemont rider Richard Fourie has maintained a vice-like grip on the local championship! Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Season Award Winners:

Juvenile Male

Good For You

Juvenile Female

Ukuduma

Three-Year-Old Male

Eight On Eighteen

Three-Year-Old Female

Mon Petit Cherie

Older Male

Gimme A Prince

Older Female

Double Grand Slam

Champion Sprinter

Gimme A Prince

Champion Miler

One Stripe

Champion Middle Distance

Eight On Eighteen

Champion Stayer

Holding Thumbs

Champion Work Rider: Louis Burke

Champion Jockey

Richard Fourie

Champion Trainer

Justin Snaith

Owners of the Year

N Jonsson & J P Rupert

Horse of the Year

Eight On Eighteen

UNVEILS LUCKY FISH! RACE COAST

Race Coast, the powerhouse behind South Africa’s premier horse racing brands Gold Circle (Race Coast KwaZulu-Natal) and Cape Racing (Race Coast Western Cape) debuts Lucky Fish, a fresh digital-first gaming experience that dives deep into modern online entertainment.

Available now across South Africa, Lucky Fish offers an electrifying mix of online casino thrills, immersive slot adventures, in-play sports betting and more.

What’s inside Lucky Fish?

Massive Game Library: Hundreds of video slots, live casino classics, virtual table games – even exclusive titles powered by CGI-driven interactive providers.

High-Energy Sportsbook: From soccer and rugby to cricket and horse racing, fans can seamlessly move from pre-match bets to in-play action—following the industry’s 2025 trend toward real-time, AI-personalized betting experiences.

Next-Level UX: Sleek, mobile-first interface with lightning-fast access, intuitive bet slips, instant withdrawals, and smart odds insights.

TOTE: Tote betting is live on Lucky Fish, place your tote bets directly into the pools on local and select international races.

Distinctive Purpose

While Lucky Fish delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment, it carries a bold mission: a dedicated share of profits will cycle back into South Africa’s horse racing ecosystem— fuelling racetrack development, protecting jobs and securing the sport’s long-term vitality.

“Lucky Fish is our boldest fusion yet: it’s not just a betting brand—it’s a movement. We’re innovating for today’s digital generation while reinvesting in the sport that built Race Coast,” said Vishen Naidoo, Commercial Manager, Lucky Fish.

Why It’s a Game-Changer

Youthful & Exciting: Think bold visuals, gamified experiences, special challenges, delivering the spark that modern players demand.

Tech-Driven: Powered by AI-backed personalization, secure cloud architecture and real-time data analytics, Lucky Fish is built for performance and trust.

Responsible & Transparent: Instant payouts, robust player protection, ethical marketing which are aligned with 2025’s strongest trends for digital betting platforms.

Media release by Race Coast on Monday, 18 August 2025.

THE CHAMPION EYE! MUSCUTT’S GOT

There are few trainers that can claim that all six yearlings that they purchased last year, have come out and won as 2yo’s.

Summerveld-based Peter Muscutt is that trainer and he was at the TBA Sales Complex in Germiston this week for the two day event that commences on Thursday at 10h30. The astute horseman is looking to restock his arsenal and find his next Grade 1 winner – or hopefully two!

A veteran of the game, with many years of international experience, Peter has maintained standards of excellence through both the good and bad times.

Born into a racing family, his Dad Brian, who provided him with a basic grounding, was a successful jockey, as was his late brother Paul.

“My son Daniel is currently riding in the UK and keeping the flag flying high! My passion for the thoroughbred developed very early and that passion is even stronger today. I have been very fortunate. Opportunities have given me the chance of developing my knowledge and skills in numerous racing jurisdictions. I spent eight years with master trainer David Payne and the principles he instilled in me are still applied in my own business today.”

Peter Muscutt – putting in the long hours ahead of Thursday and Friday | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Peter has trained with success in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Singapore, before an opportunity of a lifetime came up to assist top Australian trainer Chris Waller – of Winx famefor seven years.

“In my opinion Chris Waller is the premier trainer in the world today. I run my operation in South Africa as a blend of traditional South African methods, coupled with the vast technical and scientific knowledge I gained in Australia,” adds Peter as we asked him about the raw numbers – which show that he led nationally on win strike-rate last term.

“Our 38 winners were achieved off a 21,5% strike-rate countrywide, while a further 37,9 % were placed,” says Peter proudly as he points

out that last term is now history and that buying smartly at sales, coupled with the support of loyal customers, is what ultimately determines one’s success going forward.

Chatting to the Sporting Post on Monday afternoon about his strategy for the BSA August 2yo Sale, Peter confirmed that he had already done plenty of homework on the catalogue pages.

“I will be buying horses on spec, so I need to have the confidence in what I am buying as I am offering these horses to my loyal owners and these are our future stars. If there is nothing on the page, it is very difficult to market the horse.”

I Salute You and Richard Fourie register another Muscutt Racing stakes success | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Asked what he looks for, without giving his trade secrets away, Peter said that the individual specimen must have ‘quality, size and substance’.

He concedes that he is not walking around with an ‘unlimited cheque book’ in his back pocket.

“A number of trainers are fortunate to enjoy powerful big-buyer support that they have built up over decades. I was away honing my skills across the world, so probably lost out in forging those kind of relationships on South Africa. But, I have a nucleus of staunch folk who are as passionate for the game as I am, and we make it work – every season!” he smiles broadly.

Peter had the distinction of training Sandown Stud stallion Soqrat’s first stakes winner I Salute You, who beat subsequent Hollywoodbets Durban July third-placer Selukwe (now sold to Mauritius) when winning the WSB Listed Sledgehammer earlier this year and followed up in the Listed Michel Nairac Appreciation Stakes on World Pool Gold Cup day at the end of last season.

Peter says that he loved the Soqrat progeny early on.

“When a sire consistently stamps his offspring with his own quality and class, then that’s an indication. Soqrat was a high-class racehorse bred on exactly the same lines as the promising Australian sire Extreme Choice. There are 3 Soqrat 2yo’s on this week’s sale – I will be having a look!” he adds.

Reflecting back on recent times, Peter adds that he is extremely proud of the achievements of Hollywood Racing’s Isivunguvungu, who was trained by him during his SA career.

“It would be easy for me to say that a champion racehorse like Isivunguvungu comes along

every season. He was a brilliant sprinter who blitzed the tracks in South Africa, winning two Grade 1’s – the Computaform Sprint and Mercury Sprint, before being exported to the USA. We just have to keep on looking for them!”

Peter is proud of the support of Hollywoodbets as a sponsor and he also trains some horses for South Africa’s newly crowned champion owner.

“It goes without saying that without the support of all of our clients we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, and love. Racing isn’t just a sport, or profession for us – it’s a way of life. While our most successful horse over last season was I Salute You, who won five times, including two stakes races, the highlight of our season was Military Command winning the Cape Racing Sales Cape Slipper. For now, we are building again, looking to make owners’ dreams come true, and while we didn’t have any Graded success in 2024/25, we saddled four Listed winners, and we are ready to make this season a bigger one.”

Peter and his team are proud of their professional loyal staff and their customer communication. They keep their owners involved at every step of the horse’s journey.

“We have a philosophy that racehorses are bred to run and that owners will only enjoy the experience if they are involved and informed. Now let me go and pull out a few more 2yo’s. There are a few budget diamonds in the rough here. My job is to find them!”

Peter Muscutt can be contacted at: 076 584 3996

Email: muscuttracing@mweb.co.za

IT’S YOUR BID!

Hotter Than July!

KZN Breds In Demand

Ascot Stud

Benmarne Stud

Blue Sky

Thoroughbreds

Boland Stud

Raceform Buyer’s Guide

Camargue Stud

Drakenstein Stud Farm

Klawervlei Stud

Moutonshoek

Narrow Creek Stud

Ndoro Stud

Riverton Stud

Sandown Stud

Winterbach Stud

TWO DAYS – ONE

Bloodstock South Africa will be hosting the August 2yo Sale on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August at the TBA Sales Complex in Johannesburg.

The August Two Year Old Sale is a well established thoroughbred auction, which produces top-class thoroughbreds year in and year out. In recent times, notable graduates of this sale include such graded stakes winners as Elegantrix, Golden Palm, Let’s Go Now, Nourbese, and White Pearl.

The majority of South Africa’s top stud farms will be represented, while top stallions represented here include Gimmethegreenlight, Master Of My Fate,

GOAL!

One World, Querari, Rafeef, Vercingetorix and What A Winter.

Exciting young sires with members of their first crop on offer at the August Sale include Chimichuri Run, Malmoos, and Real Gone Kid.

The Raceform Buyer’s Guide can be accessed here.

The sale starts at 10h30 on both days.

Golden Palm – champion was purchased at the August 2yo Sale | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

This year’s August 2YO Sale, to be held on 21 and 22 August at the TBA sales complex near Germiston, features just a handful of KwaZulu-Natal studs, but as the catalogue shows, it’s very much a case of quality over quantity.

Peter and Jenny Blyth of Clifton Stud enjoyed a fine season as the province’s leading breeders, whilst finishing in twelfth position on the General Breeders list. Their haul of stakes winners included a trio of Gr3 winners in Madison Valley, who won the Cup Trial, Merchants hero Mount Pilatus and Mai Sensation, winner of the Poinsettia Stakes. In addition, Gocekwithlove won the Listed Lady’s Pendant while juvenile colt Charming Cheetah claimed the Listed Storm Bird Stakes before finishing second in the Gr.1 Gold Medallion. Clifton’s quality draft for this year’s sale

includes the progeny of a fine array of stallions, from the stalwarts Act Of War, Canford Cliffs and What A Winter, to the young Turks Erik The Red, Declarationofpeace and Chimichuri Run.

Clifton are also proud breeders of the champion filly Mrs Geriatrix, a grandaughter of the Model Man Vogue, who did sterling service for the farm, producing stakes winners Fort Vogue, Whatalady and Prince Of Kahal. Clifton will offer the What A Winter colt Winston’s Guard (Lot 68), whose dam Duchess Of Windsor is a daughter of Whatalady.

Vogue is also grandam of Red Hot Guy (Lot 84), a colt by Fire Away out of three-time winner Fashion Talk. Fire Away is a son of War Front as is Declarationofpeace, the sire of Gutsy Girl (Lot 50), a filly out of Gr3-placed Captain Al mare Copiapo, the dam of three

KZN Breeders Chairperson Cathy Martin and Justin Snaith at the recent raceday | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

multiple winners to date. Grandam Urabamba won the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic and hails from the famed Bosworth Farm family of Royal Line, Topa Inca, Cholula and Cordillera.

They say timing is everything, and Clifton Stud certainly hit the jackpot at last year’s sale with a R500 000 for a colt by One World, who had just been crowned champion freshman sire. Twelve months on and the stud may well cash in on a colt by another boom first-season sire

Erik The Red. Named Erikson, Lot 272 is the first foal of Verinova, a winning Var half-sister to Copiapo.

The sizeable draft from Blue Sky Thoroughbreds likewise represents the progeny of a diverse selection of stallions.

Rafeef is the sire of Lot 247, a half-sister to last season’s smart juvenile Jingleberry. A winner on debut, she picked up black type in her only other start when second in the Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes.

Rafeef is also sire of Lot 262, a filly from a female line nurtured at Blue Sky over many years, that of the Rainbow Dream mare Fancy Fantasy.

Just a modest one-time winner on the track, she proved a veritable goldmine as a broodmare, producing Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Indiscreet Fantasy, as well as stakes winner Silver Fantasy , Gr1 Cape Flying Championship third Personal Fantasy and multiple Gr2-placed ten-time winner Malinga. The Rafeef filly is out of her Trippi grandaughter, the four-time winner Trippi’s Girl.

The death of New Predator was a sad loss to the South African breeding industry, and he is represented here by Lot 125, a colt from another fine Blue Sky female line, that of Equus

Champion Broodmare Trade Enquiry. A stakes winner of nine races, she produced the Gr.1 winners Count The Money and Buy And Sell, as well as Gr2 SA Oaks victress Bedloe’s Island, the grandam of this colt.

Bedloe’s Island is also grandam of Lot 118, a filly by Legislate. Stud master Bruce le Roux will no doubt hope that lightning strikes twice, as he was handsomely rewarded for a filly by the same sire at last year’s sale. Snapped up by Laurence Wernars for R600 000 and subsequently named Serengetti Sun, she made a first dent in her purchase price with a debut victory at Scottsville before finishing a close-up fifth in the Gr2 Debutante at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Blue Sky bred last season’s dual stakes winner Lady Fallon, a daughter of Act Of War, who is the sire of Lot 30, a colt out of the versatile Gr3-placed mare Bold Wonder, a winner of seven races trained by Duncan Howells.

Blue Sky will also offer three youngsters from the first crop of its exciting resident stallion, the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint ace Chimichuri Run, amongst which Lot 263, a filly whose pedigree screams ‘speed’, as she is the first foal out of Gr3 Sycamore Sprint victress Tropic Sun.

Camargue Stud boasts a 15-strong draft, which for the most part is made up by the progeny of Declarationofpeace, prime amongst which the half-sister to multiple Gr1 performer Royal Aussie. Set to step into the ring as early as Lot 3, stud master Brett van Laun describes her as “a real stunner.”

Brett also raved about Lot 55, the Danon Platina filly out of Gr3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery winner Cousin Liz, a half-sister to multiple Gr3 winner Gimme One Night. “She is a quality filly, sure to be a showstopper.”

Camargue will also be offering a colt by leading first-season sire Erik The Red in Ulez Camera (Lot 110), the first foal out of High Dudgeon, a Judpot half-sister to the stakes winning Gimmethegreenlight siblings Third Runway and Kinda Wonderful.

The Fort Stud rounds out the KZN contingent with a pair of smart youngsters. First through the ring, and offered on behalf of Aldora Stud, will be Majik Wine (Lot 96), a big strong filly by Willow Magic out of an own sister to Gr1 Empress Club Stakes winner Ronnie’s Candy.

Those in search of a classic prospect, look no further than Dance For Darling (Lot 144).

By stalwart Ideal World, the chestnut is the first foal out of Littlewood, a five-time winning daughter of Fort Wood. She is bred on a proven cross, one which to date has already yielded eight stakes winners, besides which Ideal World also sired multiple champion Smart Call from a mare by Fort Wood’s son Horse Chestnut.

Peter and Jenny Blyth with Sarah Baldegger (middle) | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

MORE ROYALTY AT AUGUST SALE ASCOT

Ascot Stud has unleashed more than its share of high-class performers at the August Two Year Old Sale.

Among the smart performers sold by Ascot at this auction are the likes of Three Rocks, United Council, Rockie Reef, Precious Pansy, and Arabian Beat. Dr Ashley Parker will be offering another high-class draft at this year’s August Two Year Old Sale and will be offering two-year-olds from some of the best families in the stud book.

Ashley mentioned the following lots as being particularly appealing:

Lot 42 - Fish Tales (c) by Heavenly Blue ex Caviar

A strong, powerful colt out of a five-time winning Var mare from the Soho Secret family. This colt is a half-brother to Listed Champion Juvenile Cup winner King Prawn

Lot 89 - Gallic Flight (f) by Vercingetorix ex Flight Zone

She is a scopy, racy late filly by Vercingetorix out of a six-time winning Jet Master mare who is a half-sister to July winner Bold Silvano. The family of top-class filly Silvan Star

Lot 198 - Princess Bianca (f) by Gimmethegreenlight ex Princess Zena

She is a classy late filly by Gimmethegreenlight out of a two-time winning half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner Smart Banker. The family of Arabian Lass, Prairie Breeze

Lot 225 - Seattle Glow (f) by Querari ex Seattle Gold

A strong, powerful Querari filly out of a stakes winning full sister to Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Elusive Gold. The family of Horse Of The Year Enchanted Garden.

Lot 277 – Unnamed (f) by Heavenly Blue ex Waywest Goddess

A strong, racy, good quartered Heavenly Blue filly out of a Gr2 The Fillies Nursery and Listed winner who is the dam of 5 winners.

This draft can be viewed from Block B at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

QUARTET! A QUALITY

Benmarne Stud, whose graduates include such top-class performers as Monks Hood and Querari Falcon, will be offering four two-year-olds at this year’s August Two Year Old Sale.

This draft consists of two lots sired by Erupt, as well as two-year-olds sired by the likes of Querari and Heavenly Blue.

Top sire Querari, whose numerous highclass offspring include the aforementioned pair of Monks Hood and Querari, is responsible for Glimpse Of Heaven (Lot 90).

The latter is a full-sister to 2025 Gr1 TAB SA Derby third place getter Solar Sail, with her dam a five-time winner whose numerous high-class relatives include US Gr1 winner Broadway Flyer.

Dual Gr1 winner Erupt continues to churn out winners, and the blue-blooded son of Dubawi is doubly represented here.

Sukhoi (Lot 105) is a colt whose twicewinning dam is a half-sister to the dam of Gr1 World Sports Betting Presents The

Gauteng Summer Cup winner Flying Carpet, while Clara Lume’ (Lot 257) is a filly whose dam is a full-sister to Listed Java Handicap winner Fulcrum and three-parts sister to champion Captain’s Lover.

Last but not least in this draft is Queen Leila (Lot 197) a filly by Heavenly Blue whose Querari-sired dam hails from the immediate family of the Querari sired Listed Ruffian Stakes winner Dagmar, among many others.

This quartet can be viewed from Block B at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

CLEAR DAY… ON A

From Act Of War and Legislate, to Chimichuri Run and Danon Platina and the ever popular Rafeef, Blue Sky Thoroughbreds will be offering something for everyone at this year’s August Two Year Old Sale.

Their imposing August string consists of two-year-olds sired by some of the country’s most exciting and popular stallions, and below are just a few likely standout lots.

Star stallion Rafeef has had another excellent season and the son of Redoute’s Choice is doubly represented here.

Strawberry Line, a three time winning ownsister to Gr1 winners Redberry Lane and Solo Traveller, has a Rafeef filly (Lot 247) on offer as does Trippi’s Girl (Lot 262) , a four-time winning daughter of champion sire Trippi.

The latter’s Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint winning son Chimichuri Run has three lots in this draft. They include a filly (Lot 10) out of a four-time winning daughter of Captain Al, and a filly (Lot 263) out of Gr3 Sycamore Sprint heroine Tropic Sun.

The death of New Predator was a sad loss to the South African breeding industry, and the sire of Gr1 winners Purple Pitcher and Fatal Flaw is represented here by a colt (Lot 125) whose five-time winning dam is a daughter of Kahal and Gr2 SA Oaks winner Bedloe’s Island.

Other appealing sorts on offer include the Danon Platina filly (Lot 8) whose dam is a Cape Cross half-sister to multiple group winner Maraahel, and the Legislate halfsister (Lot 118) to four winners whose granddam is the aforementioned Bedloe’s Island.

Blue Sky Thoroughbreds’ August draft can be viewed from Block C at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

SHINES BRIGHT BOLAND QUALITY

Boland Stud have enjoyed a fine year in the sales ring. At the 2025 National Yearling Sale, Boland consigned yearlings made up to R2 200 000, while at this year’s KZN Yearling Sale, the farm had yearlings fetch up to R700 000.

Eugene Freeman will be offering eight, blue blooded two-year-olds at the upcoming August Two Year Old Sale.

High-class sires Fire Away, One World, Querari and Rafeef are all represented here, making Boland Stud’s August string not one to miss.

Below is a brief description of potential stars to be found in Boland’s string:

Lot 109 – Filly by One World ex Hidden Thought

From the same female line as 2025 Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Real Prince, this daughter of sire sensation

One World is out of a three-time winning half-sister to Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery winner Hidden Beauty.

Lot

122

– Filly by Fire Away ex Jet Princess

By the same sire as Gr1 winners as Confederate and Fire Attack, this filly is a half-sister to four winners including Gr3 Magnolia Handicap runner up Dancing Queen.

Lot 124 – Filly by One World ex Joshlin

A half-sister to four winners, led by Listed Secretariat Stakes winner Jimmy Don, this filly is out of Gr2 Sceptre Stakes/Gr3 Diana Stakes winner Joshlin.

Lot

212

– Filly by Fire Away ex Red Label

By the sire of classy fillies Luna Halo and Egyptian Mau, this filly is a half-sister to three winners including the useful filly Red Roses Too.

Lot 48 – Filly by Rafeef ex Comedy Of

Manners

By one of South Africa’s top sires, this filly (bred on the same cross as Gr1 winning sires Master Archie and Thunderstruck) is out of a winning daughter of champion Lady Windermere.

Lot 73 – Colt by Hawwaam ex Elusive Butterfly

By a five-time Gr1 winning champion son of Silvano, this colt hails from the same family as such Gr1 winners as African Appeal, Brave Mary and Takingthepeace.

Lot 156 – Colt by Querari ex Mary Lee

By the same sire as the likes of Cosmic Speed and Rio Querari, this colt is out of a three-time winning half-sister to Listed Dahlia Plate runner up Turbo.

Lot 37 – Filly by Malmoos ex California Cool

This filly is a daughter of the Captain Al sired Triple Crown winner Malmoos, and her lightly raced dam is a winning full-sister to Listed In Full Flight Handicap winner On That Boulevard.

This draft can be found in Block C at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

Get

GET YOUR GUIDE HERE BUYING?

The Raceform Buyer’s Guide is an amazing, detailed summary of dam and siblings of Bloodstock SA August Sale 2yo’s.

It gives insight as to what to expect of the youngsters in terms of class, stamina,

aptitude, racing performance and sale price. The sale will be held on 21 and 22 August–there is plenty of time to do some studying.

The Sprint is interactive - click here to read this handy buyer’s tool.

What to expect…?

the Raceform Buyer’s Guide! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

AUGUST SALE BET ON BRETT AT

Camargue Stud will be handsomely represented at this year’s August Two Year Old Sale.

Brett Van Laun will be bringing a quality packed draft to the Germiston auction, with Camargue offering two-year-olds sired by the likes of Captain Of All, Chimichuri Run, Danon Platina, Declartionofpeace and Erik The Red.

Brett is delighted with his string, and suggests the following lots are likely to prove popular:

Lot 3 – Unnamed (f) by Declarationofpeace ex Abelia

A racy, half-sister to Royal Aussie, this filly is a real stunner.

Lot 40 – Unnamed (c) by Declarationofpeace ex Carnelian Bay

This is a strong colt who is a good walker

Lot 55 – Unnamed (f) by Danon Platina ex Cousin Liz

She is a quality filly from a top female line.

This filly is sure to be a show stopper.

Lot 110 – Unnamed (c) by Erik The Red ex High Dudgeon

He is a correct racy colt by boom freshman stallion from good family.

This draft can be viewed from Blocks E and F at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

SENSATIONAL SEASON ANOTHER

Drakenstein Stud enjoyed another wonderful season in 2024-2025. The increasingly successful farm was responsible for breeding 21 individual stakes winners in 2024-2025, with Drakenstein bred horses winning no fewer than 30 black type races in South Africa.

Among the stars to fly the flag for Drakenstein in 2024-2025 were multiple Gr1 winner Eight On Eighteen, as well as the likes of Sail The Seas, Little Suzie, One Fine Winter and star stayer King Pelles.

Drakenstein will be offering some exceptionally well bred two-year-olds at this year’s August Two Year Old Sale.

One lot which is bound to attract attention is Le Soleil (Lot 47) , an exceptionally wellbred son of champion sire Vercingetorix.

Le Soleil, a colt with a stallion’s pedigree, is out of dual Gr1 Majorca Stakes winner Clouds Unfold, herself a full-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Winter Cloud.

Another champion sire represented here is Gimmethegreenlight. The latter is the

sire of Gimmeagamble (Lot 39) , a colt out of Listed Irridescence Stakes winner Captain Gambler, and this colt is bred on the same cross as champions Proceed and Sandringham Summit among others.

Turn To The Law (Lot 193) is a Legislate full-sister to Gr3 Flamboyant Stakes winner Zimbaba, while Torrent Of Gold (Lot 117) is a Gold Standard three-parts brother to Mauritian champion, and Gr1 Cape Guineas runner up, White River.

Drakenstein’s successful resident sire Futura has some well-bred two-year-olds on offer. They include Future Call (Lot 113) , a half-brother to the very smart All Out For Six, and Snap Your Fingers (Lot 238) . The latter, offered by Drakenstein as Agent, is a filly out of dual graded stakes winner Snapscan and is from the same family as the recently retired champion Cousin Casey.

This draft can be found in Blocks A, B and D at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

HOT AUGUST KNIGHTS MOUTONSHOEK’S

Moutonshoek, breeders of champion Captain’s Ransom and 2025 Gr1 TAB SA Classic winner Confederate among others, will be offering five smart colts at the upcoming August Two Year Old Sale.

Four of the five colts on offer were sired by Moutonshoek’s successful resident sire The United States, while Confederate’s sire Fire Away is the other stallion represented in this draft.

The Fire Away colt got a handsome boost to his page when his half-brother Big Joe (by The United States) won impressively on debut at Turffontein on Saturday.

One colt bound to prove popular is Steel Pier (Lot 164) , with this chestnut a fullbrother to multiple stakes winner Khaya’s Hope.

Point Barrow (Lot 233) is a The United States full-brother to the smart performers Banff and Rockets Red Glare, and halfbrother to the stakes placed Stone Cold.

Lucius Verus (Lot 241) is a The United States half-brother to the smart performer Champion Warrior, and the cleverly named Mercury (Lot 278) is a full-brother to the useful Teo Torriatte.

Fire Away is the sire of Moose (Lot 12) , a colt bred on the same Fire Away/Mambo In Seattle cross as the brilliant Fire Attack, and this colt’s third dam is Gr2 winner Red Dor.

This draft can be found in Block E at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

Moutonshoek - home of The United States | Credit: Moutonshoek

HAVE GOT THE AUGUST FEELING NARROW CREEK

Narrow Creek Stud have enjoyed another wonderful season in 2024-2025.

Among the stars bred or raised by Narrow Creek to grace the South African turf in 2024-2025 were Gr2 Omoda Golden Horseshoe winner Chronicle King and Gr3 Post Merchants victor I Am Giant.

Narrow Creek Stud are also the breeders of promising two-year-old Got The Feeling, a winner of two of his first three starts.

The farm will be offering three lots, including a half-sister to Got The Feeling, at the 2025 August Two Year Old Sale.

John Everett had the following comments to make about his August Sale trio:

Lot 21 – Loaded Gun (f) by Real Gone Kid ex Beat It

From the first crop of Snitzel’s speedy son Real Gone Kid, this filly is out of a four-time winning half-sister to the Gr3 placed Stuck On You.

First foal by popular first season sire Real Gone Kid from a speedy family. Neat strong type

Lot 74 - Wild Star (f) by Canford Cliffs ex Elusive Stars

By the same sire as the likes of Direct Hit and Tenango, this filly is a half-sister to Got The Feeling, and her dam was twice stakesplaced.

This is a very athletic filly and is a full-sister to the promising Pointer.

Lot 222 - Boogy (f) by Rafeef ex Sassy Sal

By one of South Africa’s best stallions, this filly is a full-sister to three winners, and her dam is a twice-winning High Chaparral fullsister to dual stakes winner Chevauchee.

She is a strong, good boned filly.

These three yearlings can be viewed from Block C at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

AGAIN! NDORO STUD GO ON THE ATTACK,

Ndoro Stud, the breeders of a growing number of top-class performers including 2025 Gr1 HKJC World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge winner Fire Attack, will be offering a top-class draft at this year’s August Two Year Old Sale.

Not only does Ndoro’s string include the progeny of such high-class stallions as Legislate, Malmoos, Querari, Rafeef and The United States, but it also features offspring of both top-class racemares and broodmares.

One such example is the Querari colt (Lot 150) out of Maggie Muggins. By the same sire as this season’s Gr1 winning gelding Cosmic Speed, this colt is a halfbrother to Gr2 4Racing SA Fillies Nursery winner Heavens Girl.

The prolific Querari is also the sire of a colt (Lot 228) , whose stakes placed dam Seemyvision is a half-sister to Gr1 winning sire MK’s Pride.

Querari’s Gr2 East Coast Radio Tibouchina Stakes winning daughter Caya Coco has a Rafeef filly (Lot 43) on sale, while the

aforementioned Heavens Girl is represented in this draft by a Malmoos colt (Lot 108) .

Enchanted Kingdom was a high-class racemare, whose five career wins included a triumph in the Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap, and that daughter of Kahal has a filly (Lot 76) by The United States on offer.

Other eye-catching prospects in this imposing draft include a Legislate colt (Lot 175) whose dam is a stakes-placed winner of five, and the Ideal World half-sister (Lot 182) to the useful Easy Money.

Ndoro’s August Sale draft can be found in Block F at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

CLASSY QUARTET DUNCAN’S

Riverton Stud will once again be bringing a high-quality draft to this year’s August Two Year Old Sale.

Duncan Barry will be offering four classy two-year-olds, with his draft composed of lots sired by Captain Of All, Erupt, Master Of My Fate and Rafeef.

Duncan likes what he sees in his string and had the following comments to make about his quartet:

Lot 114 – Colt by Erupt ex I’m Serious

By the same sire as such stakes winners as Taxhaven, Karangetang and Moonlight Trader, this colt is out of a full-sister to the Riverton Stud bred champion, and successful sire, Captain Of All.

Strong quartered, good walking, correct horse.

Lot 172 – Colt by Rafeef ex Moulin Royale

By the same sire as such star performers as William Robertson, Thunderstruck and Master Archie, this colt is out of a twicewinning half-sister to Gr3 HSH Princess Charlene Starling Stakes winner Mill Queen.

Strong, well-balanced colt with good walk.

Lot 187 – Colt by Captain of All ex Nutcracker Sweet

This colt shares his Riverton bred sire with such Gr1 winners as Fiery Pegasus and Linebacker, and he is a half-brother to two winners including Listed Spook Express Handicap winner She’s A Cracker.

Big, strong, imposing colt with great presence.

Lot 192 – Colt by Master Of My Fate ex Petra

This colt shares his inform sire with such current high-class performers as Anotherdanceforme, Atticus Finch and Golden Palm. He is out of a Gr3 placed winner of five, and hails from the family of champions Horse Chestnut and Monyela.

Neat, correct, well-balanced colt.

These four two-year-olds can be viewed from Block H at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

SET TO SIZZLE SANDOWN Sandown Stud will be offering a host of wellbred two-year-olds at the August Sale this year.

Amongst the stallions represented here are Buffalo Bill Cody, Canford Cliffs, Erik The Red, Querari and Rafeef.

Potential highlights to be found in Sandown’s August string include:

• Warrior’s Way (Lot 186) , a Rafeef halfbrother to Equus Champion Nebraas,

• the Futura half-brother (Lot 275) to topclass sprinter Outlaw King, and

• the Querari colt (Lot 165) out of Listed East Cape Oaks winner Miss Scaramanga.

The latter colt is a three-parts brother to the Querari sired Gr2 Prosport International Debutante winner Maryah and hails from the immediate family of world-class sprinter Sacred Kingdom.

This draft can be viewed from Block F at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

SUCCESS STORY BUY INTO A

Winterbach Stud is a farm which continues to enjoy success with its graduates, both on the track and in the sales ring.

Hendrik Winterbach will be giving the buyers a chance to acquire their own piece of the Winterbach Stud success story when he brings a quality string to this year’s August Two Year Old Sale.

Hendrik will be bringing two-year-olds sired by the likes of Futura, Master Of My Fate, Rafeef and Vercingetorix, with the Winterbach draft including lots from some of the best families in the South African stud book.

While this is a high-quality offering in general, Hendrik mentioned the following two-year-olds as likely standouts:

Lot 82 - La Petit Liquorell (f) by Vercingetorix ex Fair Rosalind

By South Africa’s champion sire, this filly is a half-sister to 6 winners including Gr2 World Sports Betting Camellia Stakes winner Schippers.

A filly from a lovely family. She is a big filly with scope.

Lot 121 - Disco Jet (c) by Rafeef ex Jet Aglow

By one of South Africa’s top stallions, this colt is out of the Jet Master sired Gr3 Victress Stakes winner Jet Aglow. He is a top colt with a great walk.

He ticks all the boxes

Lot 128 – Unnamed (f) by Rafeef ex Kilauea By the same sire as such high-class fillies as Mon Petit Cherie, Chasing Happiness and Mrs Browning, this filly is a half-sister to three winners including the stakes placed Sakurajima.

A very nice filly, she looks athletic

Lot 242 - Stand And Deliver (f) by Master Of My Fate ex Springisintheair

By the same sire as top fillies Sentbydesting, Zarina, Anotherdanceforme and Golden Palm, this filly is out of a three-time winning daughter of Gr1 Klawervlei Majorca Stakes winner Love Is In The Air.

This is a beautiful filly with a great girth.

This draft can be found in Block D at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

MAKE MORE MAGIC! MILLSTREAM

Millstream Farm bred and reared horses continue to find the winners enclosure all over South Africa, and buyers will get another chance to buy a Millstream raised winner this week.

Jan Mantel will be offering an eight strong draft at the upcoming August Two Year Old Sale on Thursday and Friday.

Millstream’s August draft includes two-yearolds by the likes of Vercingetorix, Rafeef, One World and Pathfork, with this string also including thoroughbreds from some of the world’s best families.

Champion Sire elect Vercingetorix is the sire of a filly (Lot 132) out of a winning Encosta De Lago full-sister to Australian Gr3 winner Decircles, and this filly is from the same family as globetrotting stars Elvstroem, Haradasun and Highland Reel.

The increasingly successful Rafeef has two two-year-olds on offer. The winning Trippi mare Bye Bye Baby, a half-sister to the granddam of Red Palace, has a Rafeef colt (Lot 36) on sale, while the stakes placed Royal Academy mare Lupin has a filly (Lot 149) by Rafeef on offer.

Other appealing lots to be found in this draft include the Pathfork filly (Lot 78) whose fivetime winning dam is from the same family as champion filly Mrs Geriatrix, and the Futura colt whose dam is a full-sister to Gr1 Singapore Airlines International Cup winner Lizard’s Desire.

Millstream will also be offering, as agent, the One World filly Let Your Love Flow (Lot 57) . Inbred to the mighty Giant’s Causeway, Let Your Love Flow is out of a Gr2 placed daughter of multiple champion sire Gimmethegreenlight.

This draft can be found in Block B at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

IN CHAMPION TERRITORY

SA Champion breeders Drakenstein Stud hosted their annual stallion day for invited guests last week.

Visitors were hosted to true-blue hospitality in a magnificent setting and given a chance to see the sensational stallion band up close.

This pictorial insight is courtesy of Candiese Lenferna.

A tribute to champion Trippi

Gina Goldsmith & Greg Bortz

Fascinated observers

Charles Dickens Futura

Jet Dark

Oriental Charm

Sharp Frank

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BACK ON OUR SCREENS SOON! MAURITIUS RACING

South African racing fans can look forward to the return of Mauritius horseracing to our screens soon.

The Mauritius product was a popular Saturday morning appetizer to our local racing for many years and it was good news to hear that the MTC had their first meeting of the 2025 term on Saturday 2 August.

The Sporting Post learns that the delays were necessary to ensure a competitive start to the season while meeting all regulatory obligations. Key among these requirements was ensuring that various industry operators were properly licensed and fully integrated with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) systems.

“This move allows all stakeholders—including trainers, operators, and regulatory bodies—to be in full readiness, both operationally and legally,” said Santosh K. Gujadhur, President of the MTCJC. “We want to guarantee a vibrant and fair start to the season.”

The English commentaries from Mauritius will be done by former Cape jockey Mark Neisius, who has been resident on the island for some years.

The sale of a number of horses in recent months will serve to boost the island’s equine population.

One of the high-profile equine emigrants is Plattner Racing’s Hollywoodbets Durban July

Selukwe – sold to race in Mauritius | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

third-placer Selukwe, who was sold for R950 000 to the Paul Foo-Kune stable.

A number of Sporting Post readers questioned the rationale behind the sale.

Plattner Racing trainer Andre Nel said that Selukwe had been leased from breeder Morne de Villiers , who is employed by the operation, by Mrs Sabine Plattner.

“It was not Mrs Plattner’s decision to sell Selukwe, but the owner of the horse,” added Nel.

Selukwe is a 6yo son of July winner Pomodoro (Jet Master) out of the Captain Al mare Sovereign Flo.

He won 6 races here with 11 places from 24 starts for stakes of in excess of R1 million.

Watch this space for more news on Mauritius racing.

FOR DAUGHTER OF MASTER OF MY FATE FIRST STAKES STRIKE

The Topbet-sponsored Tara Laing converted a frustrating run of seconds during Women’s Month, with a double at Fairview on Friday, that included a feature success, courtesy of Epikleros, who defied her rating and made it two wins from two starts for the lady trainer.

Formerly based with Justin Snaith, the wellbred mare earned her first touch of paddockboosting black-type, when finishing powerfully under the Indigo-sponsored Chase Maujean to win the first East Cape feature of the term, the R150 000 Listed Jockey Club Stakes at 16-1.

Producing a sustained effort from some way off the gallop, Epikleros went on strongly to hold Greenlitealltheway (16-1) by a quarter length in a time of 124,76 ses.

That pacesetting Honorable Member (25-2) stayed on for third a further 1,25 lengths back.

The visiting tote favourite Knockout (11-10) failed to kick and ran downfield.

Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, and racing in the familiar black and scarlet of

Chase Maujean has Epikleros in front as Greenlitealltheway (Malesele Katjedi) stays on smartly for second

Credit: Pauline Herman

Mary Slack’s Wilgerbosdrift, the well-related winner is a daughter of top-notch Jet Master stallion Master Of My Fate out of the one-time winning Rich Man’s Gold mare, The Heiress.

A winner of 4 races with 8 places from 18 starts and stakes of R395 677, Epikleros should pay to follow, if she stays in training.

Earlier in the day, the Laing-Maujean combination scored with New Mexico,

a former Alec Laird-trained son of Ideal World, who made his coastal debut a winning one.

IN THEM THAR HILLS! THERE’S GOLD

When Epikleros (Master Of My Fate) won the Listed Jockey Club Stakes at Fairview on Friday, she became the second stakes winner for her dam The Heiress.

A half-sister to Gr1 Sunday Tribune SA Guineas winner Heir Apparent (Fort Wood) and Gr3 Magnolia Handicap heroine Quickwood (Fort Wood), the winning The Heiress is the dam of five winners led by Gr1 SA Fillies Classic winner Athina (Fort Wood), and the stakes placed Inherit The Rain (Soft Falling Rain).

In turn, Athina has produced the useful Aristotle (Rafeef), third in the 2025 Gr2 TAB Gauteng Guineas.

Another daughter of The Heiress, Babe Paley, is the dam of the promising Randolph Hearst (Gimmethegreenlight), beaten just over a length in last season’s Gr3 Langerman.

The Heiress’ prowess as a broodmare, also pays tribute to her sire Rich Man’s Gold. The deceased son of Forty Niner enjoyed success as a sire in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, with Rich Man’s Gold’s broodmare daughters enjoying plenty of success in South Africa.

In a brief racing career, Rich Man’s Gold flashed brilliance. He won twice, from just seven starts, and was second in the Gr3 Rebel Stakes.

Retired to stud, Rich Man’s Gold quickly made his presence felt when he was Chile’s Champion Freshman Season Sire of 2001. His first Chilean crop was headed by Lido Palace, a Chilean Horse Of The Year and Chilean Triple Crown winner who

went on to win back to back runnings of the Gr1 Woodward Stakes as well as the 2001 Gr1 Whitney Handicap in the USA. At stud, Lido Palace sired multiple US Gr1 winner Vineyard Haven.

Subsequent Chilean crops produced Gr1 winners of the ilk of another Horse Of The Year in the form if Isola Piu Bella (she would go on to win the Gr3 Sixty Sails Handicap and Gr3 Sabin Handicap in the US), Bandar, France Soir, and Twingo.

Imported to South Africa in 2001, Rich Man’s Gold made his mark as a sire and broodmare sire.

His South African stars were headed by dual Gr1 winner, and Equus Champion, Kildonan, highclass Dubai campaigners Lucky Find and Royal Vintage, Gr3 King’s Cup winner Pirate’s Gold, and such stakes winners as Mary Lou, Even Money, and West Coast Gold. Rich Man’s Gold also sired Money Bags, who finished first past the post in the 2006 Gr1 Investec Cape Derby but was disqualified and demoted to second place.

His broodmare daughters have produced a host of high-class performers including the aforementioned Athina, as well as fellow Gr1 winners Brave Mary, Coral Fever, Louis The King, and Wagner. Remarkably, both Louis The King, winner of the South African Triple Crown in 2014, and Wagner won the Gr1 Summer Cup.

Rich Man’s Gold’s sire Forty Niner has made an indelible mark on the South African stud book. Forty Niner’s son End Sweep is the sire of former South African Champion Sire Trippi, and another son, Distorted Humor, is responsible for successful local stallions Flower Alley and Pathfork.

IS KING AT FAIRVIEW! LOUIS

Ascot Stud’s Snitzel stallion Heavenly Blue opened the new season with an early stakes winner as former Mike de Kock charge Zinovi made it two wins from three starts for Alan Greeff, with a smooth victory in the R175 000 Listed Memorial Mile at Fairview on Friday.

Ridden by the high-riding Sporting Postsponsored Louis Mxothwa, who enjoyed four winners on the afternoon, Zinovi (5-1) was slow out but burst through late to beat the accomplished Royal Aussie (2-1) by 1,25 lengths in a time of 97,48 secs for the turf mile.

The 11-10 favourite My Best Shot loomed up dangerously after tracking Bingwa for much of the race, but his effort petered out and he held on for a modest third, some 2,25 lengths off the Snaith runner-up. My Best Shot was having his first run since an unplaced effort in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, and he must be watched to make amends next time.

Zinovi is no slouch and he enjoyed some decent reviews from the astute Mike de Kock early on.

An early wind op and gelding was intended to bring the best out of him, and he has certainly

Louis Mxothwa steers Zinovi to a smart win as Royal Aussie chases late | Credit: Pauline Herman

enjoyed the kinder climes of the Eastern Cape, where, on the evidence of this effort, should continue to pay his way.

Bred by Danika Stud, the winner is out of the one-time winning Jallad mare, Zayna.

A R200 000 National Yearling Sale buy, Zinovi took his stakes earnings to R631 531 with his 6th win and 8 places from 21 starts.

Heavenly Blue has eleven 2yo’s on next week’s BSA August Sale, and one that is being whispered about is Lot 42, a colt named Fish Tales and a half-brother to the accomplished King Prawn.

Hats off to Louis Mxothwa, who has made a great start to the new season. His four winners included a double for Sharon Kotzen,

and a winner apiece for Zietsman Oosthuizen and Alan Greeff.

On the back of his well-deserved Equus special achievement award on Thursday evening, Alan Greeff shared the training honours with Sharon Kotzen and Tara Laing, who celebrated doubles.

PROVIDE THE THRILLS FAIRER SEX SOPHOMORES

Two promising 3yo fillies dominated last Wednesday’s The Lucky Fish Winning Streak Class 4 run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, and, while its early days yet, could make their presence felt in the Cape Summer.

The race was the faster of the two 1400m events on the card and victory went to Vaughan Marshall’s lightly raced daughter of Gimmethegreenlight, Viva La Vida, who benefitted from a superb ride by Sean Veale to gain a narrow victory over the clearly highly regarded Snaith galloper, Wish List. Now a winner of two from three, Marshall’s charge, off a fair, but not particularly fast

pace, raced fifth some four lengths off the pace. She took a while to get going under a determined ride from Sean Veale and in a race where just a length and a quarter separated the first four home, she put her head in front 50m before the line.

Running on from a length behind the winner was Wish List who recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon, despite having to switch out for a run at the 200m marker. She was flying at the finish and can be considered an unlucky loser.

Sean Veale produces Viva La Vida down the inside to deny Muzi Yeni and Wish List in a thrilling finish

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The Stipes report tells the story of an incident filled race:

Shortly after the start STREET TALK (O Noach) and DIXIELAND BAND (C Orffer) had to be checked away from the heels of KLEINZEE (A Domeyer), which shifted in while racing on the inside of WISH LIST (M Yeni).

After interviewing Jockeys A Domeyer (KLEINZEE), C Orffer (DIXIELAND BAND), O Noach (STREET TALK) and M Yeni (WISH LIST) with regards to this incident, the Stewards will proceed to a formal Inquiry into this incident.

Leaving the 200m, WISH LIST (M Yeni) was momentarily held up and directed outwards for a clear run. Shortly thereafter, while improving on the outside of LADY LOOK ALIKE (L Mxothwa), WISH LIST (M Yeni) was carried outwards and brushed DREAM SEARCHER (C Bantam).

In the concluding stages RAHHABBA (*DD Louw) was checked and made contact with the hindquarters of LADY LOOK ALIKE (L Mxothwa) when bumped outwards by VIVA LA VIDA (S Veale), which showed a tendency to hang out from the 200m. An Inquiry will be held into this incident.

Let’s look at a snapshot of the track conditions:

Going: Soft (both tracks)

Penetrometer: 27 (both tracks)

Rain: Last 24 hours Nil –Last 7 days 34mm

Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil

False Rail: Original position from 1700m with 1m spur at 450m mark

Wind: 3-7km/h Northerly tail wind

Course Variant: 0,89s slow (straight) –0,59s slow (bend)

Four 1200m Maiden Plates

The first of four 1200m maiden plates opened up proceedings on Wednesday and here we saw an impressive performance from the 3yo Rafeef colt BLACK EAGLE. Chalking up the 700th winner for owners Hollywood Racing, Vaughan Marshall’s charge was taken straight to the front by Sean Veale and led throughout.

Given rein at the 300m marker, after holding just a one length advantage for most of the journey, Black Eagle cruised clear under just hands and heels in the closing stages of the race to win in impressive fashion by five and three quarters.

Won in a time just 13/100th of a second faster than Black Eagle was the second division of the maiden 1200m, and here the Danon Platina colt POMP IT UP (5/2 into 17/10) ran out a very easy winner.

On leaving the stalls it was the friendless Warofdynamite who elected to make the running whilst the well supported favourite sat just a length and a half away in second.

He was ridden to lead approaching the 400m marker and drew clear easily in the closing stages of the race to score by five and a half. Pomp It Up was the first of four winners on the card for champion trainer Justin Snaith.

Race Coast Incentives Powered By Hollywoodbets Middle Stakes 1100m

The 1100m middle stakes powered by Hollywoodbets topped the bill and in what proved to be a real thriller, victory here went to the confirmed frontrunner ELUSIVE WINTER.

Soon in his customary position, the 5yo Captain Of All gelding enjoyed a two and a half length lead for most of the journey and that without having to force the issue.

The favourite The Us Of A raced second and going through the 300m he steadily began to make headway. He ran on strongly below the distance and gaining with every stride, he only failed to get up by a head.

Two Apprentice Races

Heavily supported into favouritism (4/1 into 5/4), African Memoir set a good pace in the Perfectly Placed C Stakes for apprentices over 1000m and soon had a couple battling to keep in touch. Wise to the tactic though, the eventual winner RATTLESNAKE raced closer than usual in fourth and was never more than a length and a half in arrears.

He was ridden to lead 150m from home by Jacey Botes and kept on strongly below the distance to beat the running on Barney Mcgrew by just under a half.

Friendless in the betting market (16/1 out to 33/1), the runner up who had raced two lengths behind the winner had to switch

severely 180m out and registering the fastest 400m to finish time in the race, did well to get as close as he did. Rattlesnake was apprentice Jacey Botes’ 20th winner and he now has his claim reduced from 4kg to 2,5kg.

The Race Coast Class 5 event over 1600m was also a race solely for apprentices and here 4kg claimer Dezahm Louw was on the mark when guiding the heavily supported TURBO TWENTY to victory.

Supported all the way in to 4/1 from 16’s at the track, Candice Bass-Robinson’s charge raced fifth during the early part of the race some four lengths off a fair pace set by The Night Ferry. He quickened well at the top of the short Winter course home straight and got the verdict by a half over Note To Self, who also finished strongly.

The fastest 400m to finish time in the race was recorded by the Silvano gelding Mela Strength. A winner just once from 22 starts going into the race, Mela strength ran on from the back (without being given a hard ride) to finish fourth.

Quickies

Although just two of the afternoon’s eight races were designated solely for apprentices, our future stars actually rode four winners on the card. The other two being won by last season’s champion apprentice Brevan Plaatjies.

Fastest Times: 1200m (4) Pomp It Up 74,60 1400m (2) Viva La Vida 88,31

400-finish Wish List 23,23

Bournemouth has been nominated in two

2025 EASTERN CAPE REGIONAL AWARDS

HERE ARE THE NOMINEES

It has been a stellar season for the Eastern Cape with achievements across the board.

The Friendly City will celebrate all that made the season great at the 2025 Eastern Cape Regional Awards on Saturday 6 September 2025 in the Bold Silvano Room at Fairview.

The voting panel for this year’s awards comprised Henk Steenkamp, Nico Kritsiotis and Neil Pretorius and the categories and nominees are as follows:

Champion two-year-old filly:

• Anotherdanceforme

• Direct Hit

• Golden Palm

Champion two-year-old colt/gelding:

• Arlu

• King Prawn

• Ready

Champion three-year-old filly:

• Lotus Island

• Splicethemainbrace

categories at the upcoming awards | Credit: Pauline Herman

Champion 3-year-old colt/gelding:

• Kingdundee

• My Best Shot

Champion older filly/mare:

• Gocekwithlove

• Joy And Peace

• Luna Halo

• Paris Lass

Champion older colt/gelding:

• Bournemouth

• Cherry Ano

• Cruise Control

• Fire Alley

Champion stayer:

• Bournemouth

• Home Reef

Champion sprinter:

• Cruise Control

• Fairy Knight

• Kingdundee

All nominees are in the running for the much sought-after Horse of the Season Award.

Feature season trophies are also awarded to the human achievers.

These include Champion Jockey, Champion Local Jockey, Champion Groom, Champion Trainer, Champion Work Rider and Champion Owner.

Enquiries can be referred to Marilyn Smith, marilyn@racehorseowners.co.za or mobile 076 301 5449.

Media release by 4Racing on Monday, 18 August 2025.

STEP UP! YOUNG GUNS

Ten apprentice riders from across South Africa added an entertaining dimension to last Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racemeeting, claiming 4 of the 9 races on the card, with newly crowned SA Champion Apprentice Brevan Plaatjies riding a double on the afternoon.

The closure of the Cape Town Branch of the SA Jockey Academy some years ago led to a situation where apprentices were not seen on Cape racecourses for some time.

The learners have, however, always been an integral component of the racing ecosystem,

and full marks to Race Coast and SAJA for re-opening a Cape Town satellite a few months ago under the management of newly appointed Colinda Austen, who made history as our first ever female Riding Master.

Wednesday’s racemeeting saw two dedicated apprentice races rostered. We have learnt from Race Coast’s Kurt Felix that this will become a regular fixture with the next ‘Apprentice Meeting’ scheduled for 22 September, where three dedicated races will be held.

Ten of our best! The apprentices pose for a photograph at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last Wednesday Credit: Chase Liebenberg

A delighted Felix pointed out to the Sporting Post that on Wednesday the learner jocks won 4 of the 9 races.

“Two of those races were obviously allocated apprentice races, but I thought that new SA champion apprentice Brevan Plaatjies really showed some class,” he added.

Plaatjies certainly demonstrated that he has come on leaps and bounds in his three months in the Cape, both on the track and behind the mic in post-race interviews.

Plaatjies got the upper hand over senior jockey JP Merwe on La Landonne and then won on Elusive Winter, who held on gamely

after a perfectly timed ride beat Craig Zackey on The US Of A.

Drakenstein-sponsored Dezahn Louw rode a beautifully judged race to win the fifth race and record a personal career fourth victory on the Centenary Syndicate’s Turbo Twenty. Two races later his colleague Jace Botes lost his 4kg claim when grabbing his 20th winner on Rattlesnake. Both winners were trained by Candice Bass-Robinson.

“We have introduced two apprentice meetings in KZN and one a month in the Cape for now. Our plan is to work with the SA Jockey Academy in restoring the glory years and becoming the institution that produced the

Dezahn Louw shows his delight after winning on Turbo Twenty | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

#Flashback –

likes of Felix Coetzee and Dougie Whyte again. We have to invest in the future and embrace the developmental aspect, and I think what we saw on Wednesday proves that if these apprentices are given a chance they will only go from strength to strength. We are very excited about our plans,” added Felix.

While three of the apprentices who rode on Wednesday are based in the Cape, SAJA Gauteng Riding Master Robert Moore accompanied the duo from the Highveld and five apprentices from KZN.

“It was an unforgettable experience for the guys to ride at a prestigious racecourse like Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. This opportunity will not only be a treasured memory but will also raise the standard of apprentice riding in South Africa. We at SAJA are deeply grateful to Race Coast’s Justin Vermaak, Kurt Felix and Greg Bortz, and to the trainers and owners for their trust and support in making

this possible,” Moore told the Sporting Post on Thursday morning.

Cape Racing’s Jockey Liaison Officer Karl Neisius, a veteran who knows every blade of grass on the hallowed turf, took the group on an educational walkabout of the track in advance of the racemeeting.

On the day, Justin Snaith also warrants a mention, saddling 4 of the 9 winners on the card, including Brevan Plaatjies’ first winner La Landonne, in what was a terrific start to the new term for the now six-time SA Champion trainer.

Yesteryear’s young guns – who can you spot? | Credit: Supplied

AND NEW TALENT GRIT, AMBITION

The 2025/26 National Apprentice Championship is set to be a season of grit, ambition, and fresh talent. Twenty-two apprentices from the South African Jockey Academy at Summerveld will be chasing winners across the country.

Reigning champion Brevan Plaatjies has a target on his back, new faces are itching for

their first victories, and a few claimers are plotting a title push.

Behind the numbers lie stories of determination, setbacks, and small triumphs, and this year’s line-up promises no shortage of all three.

Alongside their academic and practical training modules, first-season apprentices must ride in 13 races—five up the straight and eight around the bend—before being cleared to partner first-time runners.

They are based in KwaZulu-Natal at the Summerveld Academy under riding masters Martin Ball, Nicky Roebuck and Rocky Agrella; in Gauteng under Robert Moore; and in Cape Town under Colinda Austen. Agrella also oversees the Port Elizabethbased riders, while several young Mauritian apprentices complete part of their training in South Africa, shuttling between the island and the mainland as required.

Off The Record caught up with most of these aspiring jockeys to hear about their ambitions, challenges, and early experiences in the saddle.

Kobeli James Lihaba was born in Harrismith in 2004 and was raised by his clothes-maker

Granny and his Grandfather, who was a labourer in the construction industry. He won the Apprentice Championship in 2023/4 with 49 winners and finished fifth to Brevan Plaatjies last season.

James believes in working hard and trusting his judgement in a race, and said he is expecting to better his tally of 17 from last season, as he is now stable jockey to Turffontein-based, Weiho and Warwick Marwing.

He becomes eligible for his professional licence next February and said: “My goals are simply to ride as many winners as I can and to help the Marwing stable to the best of my ability.”

James said he now rides work mostly at the Johannesburg city track, where he has received good support from other stables, including Tony Peter. James is sponsored by the Sporting Post.

Brevan Plaatjies , who lifted the Equus Award winner for Outstanding Apprentice earlier this week, burst onto the scene with 31 winners from just 280 rides last season, an impressive strike rate for a newcomer.

The 20-year-old speaks with conviction and has his sights set on defending his title in 2025/6.

“I am a positive person with goals. I’d like to ride overseas one day. Hong Kong is my aim. I believe my outlook on life and my career has everything to do with what I’ve achieved. Before I relocated to Cape Town, we had lectures on setting goals from Mr Louis Goosen and Mr Gavin van Zyl. Mr Goosen stressed that we must treat ourselves as professional athletes. It’s something that stuck with me.”

Brevan is relishing life in Cape Town, where champion jockey Richard Fourie has become a role model. “Uncle Richie has my back. I

was his ‘kit boy’ in Durban. He’s helped me a lot, and I’ve had good support from trainers. I’m happy here.”

He’s unconcerned about losing his 1.5kg claim and confident it won’t affect his momentum. “I don’t think about that. I never have. I have the mettle to compete successfully without a claim. There are a good riders among the 4kg claimers in KZN, like Mxolisi Mbuto, who’ll get his fair share of chances now. But competition is a good thing. I’m always trying to improve, I relish the challenge and I’m here to ride winners.”

Trent Mayhew has won 44 races and will continue to claim 1.5kg until he reaches the 50 winner-mark. In his four years as an apprentice, he has twice finished in the Top 3 on the Apprentice Log and can count himself unlucky not to have taken last year’s title.

“I had a lead of 11 winners when I dislocated my shoulder and had to have surgery, but that

Equus Award winner for Outstanding Apprentice – Brevan Plaatjies | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

is racing. There are highs and lows and I am not one to give up,” he said.

Trent (20) has now fully recovered, but in the racing industry you are as good as your last winner, and his comeback has been challenging.

“This season, I’ll be focusing on rebuilding rather than chasing the championship. I aim to ride as much work as I can and I’m hoping to secure some steady support from trainers.”

He has already won a Listed race on Lady Fallon for Lucky Houdalakis, and rates Sean Tarry’s Cosmic Speed as one to watch in the new season. “He is really talented, along with William Robertson the best I’ve ridden.”

Jacey Botes (18) finished third on the log last year with 18 winners. He made a good impression last season, using the advantage of his 4kg claim to the full. The 18-year-old had his first introduction to riding when his uncle, the late Barend Botes, asked him to get on a horse that had just joined his stable at the Vaal.

He recalled: “I had no idea what to do. I got on and it was scary. Uncle Barend got the horse to run around a paddock in circles. But I stayed on and the ice was broken. He sadly didn’t get to ride a winner for Barend – had two close places on Beaded Gown – but his career will always remind us of the affable trainer.

Trent Mayhew has had a challenging comeback | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Jacey has been fortunate to ride work for several top trainers, including Dean Kannemeyer and Glen Kotzen, and has sat on horses like Green With Envy, Gimme A Prince, Holding Thumbs, On My Honour, Quickstepgal and Cruise Control.

His wins include the Walmer Handicap at Fairview on Bosnay, and his favourite jockey is Serino Moodley. He said: “Serino has a riding style that I admire.”

Jacey hopes to improve on last season’s tally. “I believe that determination and motivation are essential to success. I know that the more I put in, the more I get out.”

The competition looks strong this season and we can expect some exciting action…

Click on the image below to read the full story:

Fortunate to ride work for several top trainers – Jacey Botes | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

MOVES UP TO 116 ZINOVI

Zinovi had his official merit rating raised from 114 to 116 following his victory in the Listed Memorial Mile over 1600m at Fairview racecourse on Friday.

The Handicappers used Firealley , who finished fourth, as the line horse to assess this race, leaving him unchanged on 109.

Mr Fox was the only other runner to receive an increase, going up from 92 to 96. This adjustment ensure that he is rated higher than Royals , whom he beat here.

Two horses received merit rating drops:

• Bingwa was reduced slightly from 120 to 119.

• Royals dropped from 97 to 94.

Listed Jockey Club Stakes

Epikleros had her official merit rating raised from 87 to 97 following her victory in the

Listed Jockey Club Stakes for fillies and mares over 2000m at Fairview racecourse on Friday.

The Handicappers unanimously agreed to use the consistent Honorable Member , who finished third, as the line horse, leaving her rating unchanged on 94.

The runner-up, Greenlitealltheway , was increased from 86 to 96 for finishing 1.25 lengths ahead of the 94-rated line horse at level weights.

Three horses received merit rating drops:

• Lady Silvano went down from 105 to104

• First Wish was reduced to 89 from 90

• Lotus Island dropped to 94 from 95

Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.

BLOOMS BOLD! WILD CLARY

After knocking at the door in recent months, the Kieswetter family’s Barnane Stud and Owen Heffer-owned Wild Clary, a handsome son of speed sire Dark Angel, picked up his maiden win when getting the better of the favourite Grey Jaguar to win a 1200m contest on the Southwell allweather track for trainer Richard Hannon and jockey Joe Leavy on Sunday.

Relaxed in midfield, the 3yo Wild Clary was not intimidated by interference around the 400m marker, and showed resolution as he stayed on to win well.

The well-related victor was bred by Barnane Stud and is a son of Dark Angel, a Gr1 Middle Park Stakes winner. The son of Acclamation has become a leading sire of sprinters.

Wild Clary (Joe Leavy) wins at Southwell on Sunday | Credit: Supplied

Wild Clary is out of the accomplished Danehill Dancer mare Chrysanthemum, who won two Gr3s from 1400m to a mile and three Listed races from a mile to 2000m. Chrysanthemum has had six runners and five winners.

That makes him a half-brother to the fouryear-old Joseph O’Brien-trained Frankel filly Maxux, who in seven starts has won twice, including a Gr3 over 1800m has enjoyed an official rating as high as 109.

Wild Clary is also a half-brother to the former John Gosden-trained Frankel entire Cunco, who enjoyed the distinction of being Frankel’s first ever foal, his first ever runner, and his first ever winner, winning on debut at Newbury on May 13, 2016.

Cunco went on to win a Gr3 over 2400m at Sandown as a three-year-old and today stands as a stallion in Chile.

GIRLS AT YORK! WHO RUN THE WORLD?

Thursday is Ladies Day at York with fillies and mares taking centre stage on day two of the Ebor festival. With no rain about, track conditions are likely to remain good to firm.

The highlight on the day is the Gr1 Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks (16h35) worth £340,260 to the winner. A small field is anticipated and the Ballydoyle camp are expected to dominate.

Aidan O’Brien has nominated four of the six entries headed by his dual Oaks heroine Minnie Hauk. Currently quoted at 4/11, that could shorten considerably depending on the final field.

The Yorkshire Oaks is open to three-year-olds and older, so the Frankel filly could face her elders for the first time with the classy fouryear-old Estrange, a big danger at 7/2.

Trained locally by David O’Meara, the grey daughter of Night Of Thunder has won four of her five starts and her reputation at home is such that she is entered for the Arc at Longchamp later in the season. However, fast track conditions would rule her out, and Minnie Hauk’s stablemate Whirl, narrowly denied at Epsom, is not certain to take part.

As such it all points as an easy task for Minnie Hauk and Ryan Moore.

Flashback - Minnie Hauk (Ryan Moore) completes Oaks double | Credit: Juddmonte

Earlier on the card, a star filly could emerge in the Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (14h50). Trainer Ed Walker, successful with Celandine last season, has entered Royal Fixation.

She is officially top-rated on the figures after her runner-up finish at HQ in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes last month.

Royal Fixation, the mount of William Buick, was a neck second to the Albany winner Venetian Sun at Newmarket with the reopposing Tim Easterby trained Argentine Tango three lengths back in third.

A bigger threat to Royal Fixation looks to be the Jaber Abdullah owned, Richard Hughes trained America Queen.

Second favourite in this Group 2 contest, she left her trainer stunned with a 12-length debut win at Haydock. Ryan Moore is an eyecatching booking.

However, at the prices, Staya is a good eachway alternative.

The George Scott trained grey won the Dragon Stakes at Sandown in style last month. She defeated the Godolphin colt

Military Code and subsequent winner Killavia before her runner-up finish in the Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot. At around 7/1, she is worth chancing.

A big field of 18 contest the Clipper Handicap (16h00) over a mile.

Trainer William Haggas, a Yorkshireman, always targets this meeting with some of his better horses and has the favourite – the lightly raced four-year-old Bullet Point.

He must be in the mix along with course and distance winner Old Cock, but the selection is Remmooz.

As a three-year-old he receives an age allowance and comes here in great form for his red-hot trainer Owen Burrows.

Another to have won over the course and distance, this well-bred son of Blue Point looks a Group horse in waiting and should take this on his way to the top.

FOR NIGHT OF THUNDER STAKES DOUBLE

A strong Hungerford Stakes field was unable to contain the classy More Thunder, who justified his promise when producing a spectacular performance at Newbury on Saturday, to leave his team dreaming of Group 1 glory in the near future.

A winner of three of his four starts for William Haggas, including a gutsy performance to land the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket, the son of Night Of Thunder made that four in five when finding room between Rage Of Bamby and Marvelman to power through and finish two and a quarter lengths clear of Lennox Stakes scorer Witness Stand.

The Racing Post suggested that, with four other Group winners in the field, connections are entitled to dream about taking their star to the highest level before the season is out and the Saeed Suhail-owned four-year-old was cut to 8-1 (from 16) with Paddy Power for the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock next month.

Suhail’s racing manager Philip Robinson said: “When you have a nice horse like this you have to take your time. Maybe the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster is next and then we might step him up to a Group 1 later in the year.

Tom Marquand punches More Thunder to a game-changing victory on Saturday | Credit: Newbury Racecourse

“It’s a great position to be in. He looks like a Group 1 horse, but in the back of my mind I knew he was progressive. How far we’re going to go, I don’t know, but I’m now 90 per cent sure he’s a Group 1 horse.”

Bred by Woodstock BS and Troy Bloodstock, More Thunder, who is by Night Of Thunder out of a Hat Trick mare, was running in his first Stakes race after winning two Heritage handicaps this season including the Bunbury Cup on his last start. The four-year-old has now won five of his ten career starts.

Night Of Thunder, who leads the GB/IRE sires Championship, has now sired 21 Black Type winners this season. They include four Gr1 winners through Ombudsman, Desert Flower, Choisya and Dynamic Pricing.

Earlier in the day, Night Of Thunder’s 3yo son Zahrann, impressed in the Gr3 Royal Whip Stakes over ten furlongs at the Curragh. Making his first start since placing at Gr2 level at Royal Ascot, he powered clear inside the final furlong to win by two lengths.

Owned and bred by the late Aga Khan, Zahrann was unraced as a juvenile and has now won three of his five starts including the Listed Nijinsky Stakes at Leopardstown in June.

IN ONE DAY STRIKE BRITISH RACING UNITES

British racing is to stage a one-day strike on Wednesday 10 September in a remarkable protest at Treasury plans to raise taxes on horserace betting.

The Racing Post reports that all four scheduled fixtures, at Carlisle, Lingfield and Uttoxeter in the afternoon and Kempton in the evening, will not take place as a result of unprecedented agreements involving the BHA and the owners of the four venues.

The stunning development is thought to be the first voluntary blackout in British racing’s modern history.

One report has put the likely loss in income to the sport at about £700,000.

Jim Mullen, the chief executive of the Jockey Club, which owns Carlisle and Kempton, said in a statement to The Times that the shock decision was one taken in unison among stakeholders.

He said: “The sport has come together today, and by cancelling racing fixtures, we hope the government will take a moment to reflect on

Lingfield Park is one of the venues impacted by the proposed strike | Credit: Lingfield

the harm this tax will cause to a sport in which our country leads in so many ways.”

The BHA has been lobbying government with an ‘Axe The Racing Tax’ campaign in firm opposition to Treasury plans to replace the existing three-tax structure of online gambling duties with a single Remote Betting and Gaming Duty.

As it stands, betting on racing and other sports is subject to a 15 per cent duty, but there are real fears that the government’s plans could lead to it being aligned with the 21 per cent tax rate levied on games of chance such as slots and casino games.

Economic modelling done on the BHA’s behalf has shown that a 21 per cent tax rate could result in a loss in income to British racing of £66 million.

Bigger increases, the BHA said, would be “devastating” for the sport’s financial position, with a projected £97m loss at a tax rate of

25 per cent, rising to as much as £160m, at 40 per cent.

In agreeing to press ahead with strike action, the sport’s different factions have come together because of what they characterise as a live and existential threat to an industry that supports 85,000 jobs.

It is understood that the races due to be held on September 10 will be rescheduled on other days. The following day marks the start of the Betfred St Leger festival at Doncaster, a meeting attended last year by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer.

Speaking at the event, Sir Keir said: “There aren’t many better days out than the races in the sunshine.”

In supporting the strike, Martin Cruddace, the chief executive of Arena Racing Company, which runs Lingfield and Uttoxeter, said: “Unlike online casino games, British horseracing makes an enormous contribution

to society and employment, has vastly different rates of gambling-related harm and is not available every ten seconds, 24 hours a day.

“We have always been taxed and regulated differently, and it is imperative for our future that we continue to be so. If the government wants Britain to be a world leader in online [casinos] and a world pauper in a sport at the heart of its culture, then tax harmonisation will achieve that aim.”

Brant Dunshea, acting chief executive for the BHA, said that British racing was “already in a precarious financial position”, and noted the research that had been done on its behalf had shown that “a tax rise on racing could be catastrophic for the sport and the thousands of jobs that rely on it in towns and communities across the country”.

www.racingpost.com

JOZI RISING!

The Betway Summer Cup returns to Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday, 29 November 2025!

The fresh theme, Jozi Rising, symbolises a renewed purpose, and was unveiled at

LevelThree’s panoramic rooftop location in Kramerville on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.

Originally named the Johannesburg Handicap and inaugurated on 15 June 1887, the Betway Summer Cup is Johannesburg’s oldest and

Getting behind the cup! Betway’s Jonathan Blumberg (centre) with Jason Shield (left) and Sponsorship Manager Aidan Head at Tuesday evening’s launch event | Credit: Credit Supplied

most storied race and the marquee meeting of the 4Racing calendar.

As Gauteng’s premier race day, hosted at Turffontein, a racecourse almost as old as the City itself, the Betway Summer Cup is worth R6 million, adding to its prestige by making it the richest race in the country.

The event is proudly headlined by Betway, with support from TAB, Racing Today, Racing 240, New Turf Carriers and BET International — all committed to enhancing the race day experience and broadening its reach.

“Jozi Rising is about more than racing — it’s about celebrating the people and energy that make this city unique,” said Patrick Duff, CEO of 4Racing. “As the Summer Cup evolves year on year, we are increasing our focus on inclusivity, community connection, and a lifestyle-meets-sport experience that welcomes all. We’re working hard to create an event that feels welcoming, exciting, and true to the character of the City of Johannesburg. This year’s theme, Jozi Rising, is designed to reflect a spirit of innovation, resilience, pride and endless possibility.”

“Betway is proud to continue our partnership with 4Racing and the Summer Cup,” said Jonathan Blumberg, Head of Customer Experience at Betway. “Our country has a long and rich history with horse racing and we see this event as an opportunity to continue connecting with fans, supporting the sport, and contributing to a day that reflects the vibrancy of the City.”

Lifestyle and broadcast heavyweight, BET Africa (DStv channel 129) has joined Betway, New Turf Carriers, TAB, Racing 240, Racing Today and Ticketpro as event partners for this year’s event.

“The Betway Summer Cup is a celebration of African excellence, creativity, and vibrant culture—values that are deeply embedded in BET’s DNA. Our audience thrives on premium entertainment experiences that fuse fashion, music, and lifestyle, and this partnership is a perfect reflection of that spirit. We’re proud to be part of an event that not only honours tradition but also reimagines it for a new generation,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Paramount Africa and Lead, BET International.

While the full undercard will be announced in the coming weeks, attendees can look forward to a competitive race card anchored by the R6 million main event, a mix of entertainment and hospitality options, and Johannesburg’s best end of year party! General Access tickets start at R100, while full hospitality packages start at R2250 per person.

The Betway Summer Cup is perfect for corporate year-end parties and businesses are encouraged to book their packages soon, before hospitality areas reach capacity.

Tickets are available via Ticketpro at www.ticketpro.co.za .

To stay up to date with the latest event information, visit the website https://betwaysummercup. co.za / and social media pages @ summercupracing on Instagram and X and Summer Cup Racing on Facebook .

DONE & DUSTED ANOTHER WEEK

The Sporting Post presents this week’s National Horseracing Authority Calendar as per 15 August 2025.

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:

Pomp It Up (JP van der Merwe) takes the lead at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last Wednesday | Credit: Cred Chase Liebenberg

Mr

Mr

Mr

J O CK E YS

722,594 549,813 593,750 510,625 470,844 1,157,221 670,154 934,908 753,200 729,481

1,173,335 588,959 481,854 419,146 393,775