FAST! FAST! FAST! FAST! FAST!
VERY QUICK! QUICK.
12
Golden Horse Sprint Carnival
The fast set step out!
27
Who Ranks Where?
The big race log
39
Tarry Star To Stud
Hopes And Dreams welcomes new sire
60
Clocking The Sectionals
Time is money!
78
Meet Mano
Doing things differently
On the cover Sean Tarry’s Mia Moo (Callan Murray) wins the 2025 Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint brought to you by The Witness. She is back on Saturday to defend her title and will be ridden by Richard Fourie.
Image courtesy of Candiese Lenferna.
Issue: 20/2026
ROB BARRETT’S FLYING START
The Barrett and Curran family lead Chasingtherainbow (Richard Fourie) in after a memorable win
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
“Overwhelmed and over the moon!” The response to the Sporting Post from South Africa’s newest racehorse trainer Robert Barrett who provided the emotional highlight of the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racemeeting on Tuesday when he saddled his first winner from his very first runner, a matter of just six weeks after starting up on his own.
“I am on my way home and going to get on the couch and watch the replay a few times. And also give my Mom and Dad back in England a call,” a delighted Robert told the Sporting Post in response to a question as to where the party was going to be held tonight.
“No partying now. There’s work tomorrow early. We will celebrate later in the week,” added the 27 year old Futura Park-based conditioner after Richard Fourie had produced the Normandy Stud-bred Chasingtherainbow (17-2) with a dazzling run up the outside to win the Race Coast Incentives powered by Hollywoodbets B Stakes over 1400m.
Touted by some experts on this platform to be a potential Met horse at one stage, Chasingtherainbow, a son of Potala Palace, has oodles off ability and scored his sixth win from 13 starts on his return from a six week break.
Ridgemont jockey Richard Fourie, who rode a beautifully judged race on a horse with quirks, said that he was privileged to be part of a wonderful moment for the family.
The Lucky Fish-sponsored Robert Barrett, who selected the winner at the Cape Yearling Sale where he sold for a bargain R130 000 (he has earned over R520 000!) told Grant Knowles on the podium that he ‘hasn’t slept for a week’.
“I am speechless Grant. I have so many people to thank, my team especially and yourself included. This was a race we targeted in early April. His work was great. But when I saw he was 13kgs over his weight, I thought, whoops. But it panned out. Oh and one man who did a lot for this horse was Louis (Mxothwa). Again, I am speechless. This is special!”
An emotional part owner Dave Curran labelled his young trainer ‘a star and a hero’.
“He’s a young man who could have played pro golf in the USA. Yet he chose racing and his knowledge of the game and dedication is unparalleled,” added Curran.
Richard Fourie steers Chasingtherainbow to a special victory | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Robert hugs Grandfather Paul | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Robert’s Manchester-born Grandfather Paul Barrett, a part of horseracing’s furniture in the Cape, and a man whose turquoise blue, purple and white silks, have been around since those memorable old Mondays of Kimberley, said it has been ‘a week of the lowest lows to the highest highs’.
“The late Steve Mcguire was looking down on us today. I lost a dear friend and today I have just experienced one of my proudest moments. The world is Robert’s oyster and it’s up to him from hereon in,” added the passionate racing man.
Robert Barrett has quite a foundation, having spent six months with John Koster at Klawervlei Stud, five years with Mike Stewart at his Noordhoek Beach-based training operation, and two years at Futura Park, which consisted of just over a year with the now Hong Kong-based Brett Crawford, and nearly a year with James Crawford.
His deep passion for racing began when watching Britain’s iconic racing programme, the Channel 4 Morning Line, every Saturday morning with his father. The show featured such racing legends as John Francome, John McCirick, Derek ‘Thommo’ Thompson, John Oaksey, Jim McGrath, Lesley Graham etc. and for the rest of the day, if they were not at the races, they would watch all of the live racing on Channel 4.
Robert grew up idolising Frankie Dettori, as well as Manchester City long before their successful era, and wanted to be a jockey himself. But that was never to be as he has grown up into a 6 foot, 90kg adult.
He recalled Frankie’s first Derby win on Authorized and continued to follow British racing with passion when moving to South Africa at the age of eleven.
He completed high school in South Africa but that didn’t stop him following the likes of the great Frankel’s career from afar.
Robert’s passion for racing grew to new heights in Cape Town as he was able to see it from an inside angle, thanks to Grandfather Paul.
As a fifteen-year-old Robert used to stay with Paul Reeves and family for a week or two during the school holidays and go to work with him every morning.
He met John Koster through the annual Klawervlei Farm Sale, which his Grandfather always used to attend, and at one of the first he attended John said to him: “When you’ve done school come to the farm and I’ll make you into a horseman.”
Every year John would say, “Have you done school yet?”
Robert told the Sporting Post previously that as soon as he had finished school I waited until after Christmas and went straight to Klawervlei.”
“I spent just short of six months there going to all of the big Sales and learning a helluva lot in a short space of time. I always had the idea of going to a racing yard from there and as I lived Noordhoek-side, the opportunity arose to spend time with Mike Stewart. I almost started out by just helping out but he then gave me a job and I was with him for five years. I did my qualifications like stable employee and assistant’s etc, while with Mike.”
He continued, “I only weighed 70kg when leaving school and Mike said to me one day, ‘If you’re going to be a trainer you will have to learn to ride a horse as well. So he taught me how to ride which was a big plus. I rode plenty of horses in work along the beach.”
Robert has 60 boxes at Futura Park. He has certainly made a big start in a tough game.
We wish him well as he fulfills a dream and a lifelong ambition.
Rich Man’s World (Richard Fourie) is led in by Ken and Jane Truter, and Cheryl and Reiner Gabler, after his recent victory
Credit: Julia Marnewick
A Graded feature jackpot carryover of R250 000 is expected to boost Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville Jackpot 1 pool to R1 million.
The carryover jackpot starts in the fifth race (14h00), which is the R750 000 Gr2 Allan Robertson Championship.
Every one of the four legs is tricky, but Vaughan Marshall could hold the key to opening the treasure chest with the very impressive recent Gr3 Godolphin Barb winner Rich Man’s World, who lines up under Richard Fourie in what could well be the race of the day, the R1 750 000 Gr1 Gold Medallion
Marshall has won the Gr1 Gold Medallion three times with Villandry (2009), Always In Charge (2016) and Ambiorix (2021), and the veteran looks like he has something particularly special in Rich Man’s World.
With the first of 9 races due off at 11h40 and the weather forecast to be sunny, a bumper day’s racing is anticipated.
Visit www.sportingpost.co.za closer to raceday for all the latest news.
PETROL COSTS A FORTUNE… THE BUS IS FILLING FAST!
There are only a handful of seats left at just R200 per person on the ultimate raceday ride to Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday, 23 May.
Your ticket includes a R100 betting voucher, a complimentary racecard, and cold drinks to keep you refreshed all the way to the action.
Joining you on board as host for the day is Deez Dayanand, bringing insight, energy, and expert takes to get you race-ready.
To book please call Olivia on 031 314 1963 or email marketingkzn@racecoast.co.za .
NHA CALENDAR
AS PER 15 MAY
The Sporting Post presents a particularly busy National Horseracing Authority calendar per 15 May 2026
The calendar is a summary of the past week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information.
Please click on the image below:
64 YEARS ONSPEED STILL RULES
Hollywoodbets Scottsville hosts the Golden Horse Sprint race day for the 64th time on Saturday.
The KZN Capital City venue has been a focal point of South African racing innovation over the years with the country’s very first Jackpot being staged there as well as the first international jockey challenge.
The R1 million Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint was also the very first sponsored race in South Africa when it was first run as the Gilbey’s Stakes in 1962.
Unique in South Africa as the only meeting staging a Jackpot of four Graded stakes speed races and, until recently, the only meeting boasting four Grade 1 races on the card, the first running of the Golden Horse Sprint was such a major success that the two juvenile races, the Allan Robertson Championship and the Gold Medallion – the latter starting life as the Smirnoff Plate – were introduced to the programme in 1963.
Tollie Novick’s champion
In 1971, the Gr 1 South African Fillies Sprint was added to complete the then Grade 1 quartet.
Initially run as the Natal Fillies Sprint and making its appearance on the programme for the first time with a stake of R5 000, this weight-for-age race for fillies and mares is the ultimate speed test for fairer sex galloper the on the South African calendar. The status of the race was upgraded in 1984 when it became the South African Fillies Sprint and has carried Grade 1 status for some years.
The Allan Robertson Championship was first run in 1964 as the Breeders Champion Fillies Stakes. The name was changed to the Allan Robertson Championship in 1974 in honour of Mr Allan Robertson, who founded the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of South Africa.
Great names of horses, jockeys and trainers have been associated with the winners of this race, including Charlie Barends, Michael Roberts, Herman Brown senior, Terrance Millard, David Payne, the late Aubrey Roberts and Johnny Dawson, who all won the race more than once.
The Tsogo Sun Medallion was first run in 1963 as the Smirnoff Plate and is the top twoyear-old sprint in the country.
Some of the finest speed horses in the land have added their names to the roll of honour. Among them was one of the most magnificent thoroughbred specimens bred in South Africa, National Currency, who went on to beat some of the world’s best in Dubai.
RCIS PAYOUTS 2025 / 2026 SEASON
RACE COAST KWAZULU-NATAL PAYOUTS 2025 / 2026
AUG 25 - MAR 26
RACE COAST WESTERN CAPE PAYOUTS
TOTAL PAYOUTS 2025 / 2026
FILLIES AND FAIRYTALES!
It must be some years since two highly accomplished lady riders have been in the starting line-up for the prestigious R1 million Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint, brought to you by The Witness, to be run on the Golden Horse Sprint Carnival raceday at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday.
One can only speculate that the strides forged by the fairer sex in our racing would have made the late Benji Jonsson, who initiated the introduction of female riders into the SA Jockey Academy, a very proud man.
While the highly accomplished SplashOutsponsored French jockey Mickaëlle Michel, who partners Elegantrix for Highveld trainer Corne Spies in the 1200m Grade 1, is not a
SA Jockey Academy graduate, the 25 year old Rachel Venniker is, and she continues to catch the eye with her unflustered composure and world-class horsemanship.
Rachel, who is sponsored by Jon sson Workwear, tells the Sporting Post that it’s an honour to share the lady’s quarters with Ms Michel.
Rachel Venniker – loves her horses | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
“She is the most wonderful person and a great rider and horse-lover. It’s so nice having her around as it takes away the loneliness in a male-dominated environment,” she adds.
Known as ‘Pinky’, due to her trademark postrace blush, Rachel has two feature rides on Saturday, and, as always, will be making the most of the chances.
She rides the Wendy Whitehead-trained and Sandy Arundel-owned Buttercup Baby in the SA Fillies Sprint.
Off her 98 rating, the daughter of What A Winter would probably be a surprise winner in top-notch company that includes 2025 winner Mia Moo (119), unlucky loser last year, Asiye Phambili (120), and the Snaith champion Double Grand Slam.
“When it comes to racing, especially Grade 1 races, one has to believe in fairytales,” reflects Rachel as she tells how it could be third time lucky for her in the SA Fillies Sprint.
“At my first try in 2024, the beautiful Asiye Phambili stumbled out of the stalls and landed up standing on me – all 17 gorgeous hands of her. I had the hoofprint on my back to show for it for weeks!” she laughs as she says that she missed last year’s renewal , due to an injury.
“Ironically, Asiye Phambili returned in 2025 under Sean Veale and was something of an unlucky loser – I think Sean may have dropped his rein late. She’s a massive runner on Saturday, but there can’t be any sentimentality – the all lady team of owner, trainer and yours truly, are in to win it!”
Rachel,who has a ‘special connection’ with Buttercup Baby and has won four times on her, told the Sporting Post that the filly’s third
behind Asiye Phambili in the recent Dennis Drier Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes was a decent run.
“She’s probably better over the 1200m to 1400m of the poly, and it’s going to be tough to turn the game around with Asiye Phambilibut no ticket, no chance. We will be doing our best!”
Rachel also partners King Of The Gauls in the Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint.
“Mr Rivalland called me to say he put up great work on Saturday. He is a stunning horse and it’s a strange thing – he settles for me, whereas he tends to pull very hard under the other jockeys. Look, he is probably more comfortable over 1000m, but he has class and if he settles, we have a shout. It’s that fairytale thing, remember!” she laughs.
A dual SA champion apprentice, the animalcrazy Rachel has a menagerie of sorts at home, with horses, including a foal, chickens, roosters, dogs and cats, some rescued, some not.
Her folks, both Attorneys, have long given up on the dream of their daughter following in their footsteps and are understandably proud of her.
Hailing from a dynasty of showjumping champions headed by Dad Brett, Rachel has been riding since the age of 4, competing in the show arena, and rode work on racehorses from the age of 14.
“A jockey who I pipped on the post the other day noted with surprise that I was talking to my mount – no flailing whips and jumping around. I like to connect with the horse – I give them nicknames and speak to them. That’s one of the reasons I don’t have an agent doing my rides – I don’t want to chase
after the best horse in every race. I’d rather build a relationship with horses and their owners and trainers. It may sound odd, but it works for me!”
Rachel says that her experience and opportunities in life have meant that she is also keen to give a little bit back.
“The SA Jockey Academy have made great progress with providing life guidance and advice to the apprentices. I really enjoyed having a chat with them just the other day. My simple advice – which my folks have stressed
to me – is to provide for the rainy days and chasing a brand new shiny snazzy car is no rite of passage! They enjoyed a chat with Kim Lewis of Naviganti Financial Planning, who explained the importance of saving, and trying to introduce financial good sense. She drew an analogy with not eating seven burgers the night before a light ride! I think the appies enjoyed it and most jockeys can do with financial advice in a career where longevity is not guaranteed, and things can change in a stride,” she adds maturely.
Mickaëlle Michel (centre) chats to Hollywooid Racing Manager AnthonyDelpech, Dezahn Louw and Craig Zackey
Credit: Candiese Lenferna
THE BIG RACE LOGYOUR GUIDE TO 4 JULY
Last Friday was the 50 day countdown milestone to the 130th renewal of the R10 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, and with 44 horses still in the mix for a berth in the final field to face the starter on 4 July, there is plenty to play for.
The publication of the first Hollywoodbets Durban July log on Tuesday 12 May heralded few surprises, and there will be plenty of jostling for position – and passionate debate – between now and the unveiling of the final field on Tuesday 23 June.
In a nutshell, the Hollywoodbets Durban July log functions as the official ranking tool used to determine which horses are most likely to be selected for the prestigious race.
With the 2200m contest limited to a maximum of 18 runners and 2 reserves, the log provides transparency, guidance, and excitement in the build-up to South Africa’s premier handicap.
It is worth noting that since 2024, no qualifying races – called ‘golden tickets’ and ‘preferential consideration’ events – are stipulated in the race conditions.
The six-man selection panel therefore has full discretion in determining the final field.
The log is compiled by Race Coast’s panel, in consultation with the Handicappers, with
horses listed in order of preference, reflecting their likelihood of selection at the time of publication.
There are a number of key consideration for rankings, including official merit ratings.
Higher-rated horses are prioritised, and it stands that horses carrying more weight in the handicap, raise the race’s overall Pattern Race Rating, thus ensuring the historic race retains its Grade 1 status under APC ground rules.
Another consideration is recent form and performance.
Horses in consistent, strong form—especially in Graded races—are likely to be ranked higher, while proven ability at feature-race level is an important factor, coupled with current form and fitness, and demonstrated effectiveness over the distance range of the big race.
The Sporting Post is informed that the panel will always aim to achieve a balance between
proven stars and emerging talent. So while established champions are prioritised, promising contenders are also considered.
It is a fact that a handicap aims to equalise chances, so all entries are assessed, and the ultimate balance of all the mentioned factors, will sustain competitiveness.
In what will also be a handy guide for the connections of Hollywoodbets Durban July hopefuls, the log effectively provides a strategic roadmap, helping connections plan campaigns and maximise their horse’s chances of making the final field.
For example, those ranked outside the top 18 would best target races like the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge, the Gr1 Daily News 2000, the Lucky Fish Gr2
Meet the panel
• Chairman: Raf Sheik – Race Coast
• Aveen Sewpersad – Race Coast
• Kurt Felix – Race Coast
• Gabriel Soma – 4Racing
• Luciano Passerini – 4Racing
• Lennon Maharaj – NHA Chief Handicapper
Woolavington, the Cup Trial and the Jubilee Stakes to improve ratings and secure selection.
There will always be ‘movers’ and it makes sense that horses near the bottom of the log must maintain strong performances to avoid being displaced by late improvers.
In summary, the Hollywoodbets Durban July log is more than a ranking – it is a strategic guide, a governance tool, and a public spectacle.
By balancing merit ratings, Graded form, recent form, distance suitability, and handicap integrity, the panel will endeavour to ensure that the iconic Hollywoodbets Durban July continues to attract a competitive field while maintaining its Grade 1 prestige.
A reminder that general admission entrance tickets are now on sale via https://www.ticketpro.co.za/
All the event details and up-to-date racing information is available on https://www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za/tickets/
The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July timeline
• Second declarations:11h00 Monday 8 June
• Final supplementary entries: 11h00 Monday 15 June
• Weights: Monday 15 June
• Final declarations: 11h00 Monday 22 June
• Final field & draws: Tuesday 23 June
• Public gallops: Thursday 25 June
A strong, athletic colt by exciting young sire Digital Age, a Gr. 1 winning son of Invincible Spirit.
HORSES IN TRAINING
This filly is a smart, racy type with exciting potential for the future.
Desert Island is a powerful, scopey colt by Group-winning sprinter Erik the Red.
Backed by class and consistency, this colt by ELUSIVE FORT is bred to make his mark.
A beautifully balanced, athletic filly with a pedigree that combines early speed and the scope to develop further with maturity.
A well-bred colt from a top-performing family with serious racing potential
Colt by Digital Age (IRE) ex Temenee
Colt by Erik the Red ex Desert Pride
Filly by Horizon ex Twiceasfast
Filly by One World ex Gimme Gimme Gimme
Colt by Elusive Fort ex Julila
Colt by Gold Standard ex Golden Dawn
CHAMPAGNE SYNDICATE
IN DAILY NEWS SPIES STAR MAY TAKE ON BOYS
Entries are in for the 2026 R2 million Gr1 Daily News 2000, a key Hollywoodbets Durban July stepping-stone and a prestigious contest that since its inception in 1982, has invariably drawn the cream of every classic generation.
There are 13 first entries for this year’s renewal, including Corne Spies’ recently crowned Highveld Feature season champion Hazy Dazy, who is the only fairer sex galloper in the mix.
Contested at Hollywood Greyville on Saturday 30 May, the race boasts an honour roll worthy of its Gr1 status, with many Daily News winners eventually joining our stallions ranks.
The very first running of the Daily News was won by Prince Florimund, a son of the stoutlybred Dowdstown Charley.
Supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Friday 22 May, with declarations due at 11h00 on Monday 25 May.
FOR FORMER SA CHAMPION SIRE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS MORE
He may have left us almost five years ago, yet champion Silvano continues to cast his shadow over the racing industry, not just as the sire of champion Vercingetorix, but increasingly as a broodmare sire.
In that sphere, the former Maine Chance powerhouse has tasted success at the highest level this season as the broodmare sire of Betway Gr1 Summer Cup victress Mocha Blend and of Wish List, who clinched both the Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes and Lucky Fish Gr1 Cape Derby.
Lest we forget, he is also damsire of champion One Stripe.
Just this past week, Silvano added an overseas success in birth country Germany as the broodmare sire of Bella Sinfonia, who broke through recently at stakes level with a fluent victory in the Listed Preis der Sparkasse Dortmund over 1800m.
The four-year-old turned for home with plenty to do, but began to make headway 300m out and when asked for her effort by jockey
Edurado Pedroza, ran on strongly to score a tad easier than the length margin suggested.
Lightly raced, with just six starts on the clock, she scored twice at two and finished third in the Gr3 Preis der Winterkönigin, the most important race for two-year-old fillies at Baden Baden.
Sidelined as a three-year-old, she returned to action a month ago and made up for lost time with an eye-catching runner-up spot in the Listed Hoppegartener Fillies Mile. On the back of her latest performance, the chestnut looks set for a step up into Group company.
Bella Sinfonia races as a homebred for Gestut Fährhof, as did her maternal grandsire before her.
By champion British stallion Night Of Thunder, she is the first living foal out of Silvano’s accomplished South African-bred daughter Bella Sonata, who was sent to Maine Chance’s German sister stud Gestut Fährhof, following a successful racing career.
Beaten a longhead when runner-up in the Gr2 Joburg Spring Fillies & Mare Challenge at four, she made no mistake second time round to claim the race twelve months later. That victory was well deserved and overdue, considering she has been the bridesmaid to champion Nother Russia in both the Gr1 Empress Club Stakes and Gr3 Acacia Handicap (beaten a longhead), while finishing third in the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes.
The decision to send Bella Sonata to Germany was always a distinct possibility given that she is a half-sister to German 2000 Guineas hero and multiple Gr2 winner Caspar Netscher.
As fortune would have it, Eastern Cape breeder Gill Thomson purchased their unraced dam Bella Cantata when Caspar Netscher was just a yearling. Bella Sonata was her first South African-bred foal and was snapped up by Maine Chance at the 2014 National Yearling Sale for R700 000.
The female line is one out of the very top drawer. A half-sister to champion Stagecraft and former Summerhill stallion Mullins Bay, Bella Cantata is out of the fine broodmare and Gr2 winner Bella Colora, a daughter of the famed taproot mare Reprocolor, who established a powerful dynasty in Britain for Meon Valley Stud.
Needless to say, Maine Chance and Fährhof principal Dr Andreas Jacobs were delighted with Bella Sinfonia’s maiden stakes win.
“She is the second foal out of Bella Sonata, who sadly, lost her first foal, a filly by Lope De Vega, in a paddock accident at Kildangan Stud in Ireland when she was just two weeks old. After foaling Bella Sinfonia, I sent her back to Lope De Vega and she produced a now 3yo filly. Bella Cantata was empty in 2024 but in 2025 she had a magnificent Sea The Moon filly which I will keep. She currently has a colt foal at foot by Blue Point,” Dr Andreas Jacobs told the Sporting Post
As to the mare’s current status, Andreas remarked. “She was booked to visit leading
French stallion Zarak, but as he was injured early this season, we had to travel her from France to Coolmore to visit Delacroix. Happily, she is in foal.”
So Bella Sonata has now added her name to the list of South African-bred mares who left these shores to become successful broodmares elsewhere, prime amongst which the likes of Via Africa (dam of Australian Gr1 winners Autumn Glow and In The Congo), National Colour (dam of Gr1 winners Rafeef, Mustaaqeem and grandam of Australian Gr1 winner Celestial Legend), Alexandra Rose (dam of American Gr1 winner Oleksandra), Rock Opera (dam of French Gr1 winner Royal Meeting) and Secret Pact (dam of Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf winner Pluck).
Another name that springs to mind is Sportsworld’s Gr1 winning daughter Kournikova, who produced three stakes winners during her broodmare career in Ireland.
SON OF RETIRES TO STUD GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT
Dual Grade 1 winner Lucky Lad will retire to stud at Suzette and Basie Viljoen’s Hopes and Dreams Stud in Wellington in the Western Cape, where he will commence stallion duties at the start of the 2026 breeding season in September.
Five-year-old Lucky Lad becomes the third son of three-time Champion Stallion Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) to join the stallion ranks, following Sandringham Summit and Green With Envy, both of whom were added to the roster at Varsfontein Stud in recent years.
The majority shareholding in Lucky Lad will remain with his US-based owner Anthony Beck of Gainesway Farm in Kentucky, while Hopes and Dreams Stud will retain an agreed minority interest.
Lucky Lad (here under Richard Fourie) completed his career with 7 wins and 7 places from 24 starts
Credit: Vermaak Equine
Varsfontein-bred Lucky Lad started his career with four successive wins as a two-year-old, including the 2023 World Sports Betting Grade 2 SA Nursery over 1160m and the Grade 1 Gold Medallion at Hollywoodbets Scottsville by 5.30-lengths.
He raced only five times as a three-yearold for three victories, including the 2024 Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m at Turffontein and a sensational triumph in the Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. On that occasion, Lucky Lad defeated established older stars such as Dyce, At My Command, I Am Giant and Cruise Control with a barnstorming late run from a seemingly impossible position.
In the same season, he finished second with a strong performance in the Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes over 1400m, proving his versatility against Sandringham Summit, the champion three-year-old.
Lucky Lad was twice Grade 1-placed at four, including a third to star sprinter Gimme a Prince in the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. While not at the peak of his ability, he again finished ahead of top sprinters including Dyce, Questioning, Asiye Phambile and Café Culture, reminding everyone of the depth of his ability.
Lucky Lad completed his career with seven wins and seven places from 24 starts, with R2,464,750 in stakes earnings.
His trainer Sean Tarry commented: “Lucky Lad was a phenomenal two-year-old and superbly performed at three. He started getting coltish as an older horse, which affected his five-year-old career. But he was always wonderful to train, a horse with
incredible looks and a good demeanour who should make a fine stallion.”
Tarry said that Lucky Lad will be going into quarantine soon, en route to Wellington, and that Anthony Beck shared his optimism about the horse’s prospects at stud.
At Hopes and Dreams, the Viljoens are preparing a stallion barn for their new acquisition. Lucky Lad will share residence with Frantastic (Frankel), the full-brother to Cracksman, who is approaching his third season at the 150-hectare establishment.
An excited Suzette Viljoen said: “Lucky Lad joins us at a wonderful time. We’ve worked diligently over the last three years to reestablish our property as an ideal place to raise thoroughbreds.
“Our paddocks have been rebuilt, the barns and stables have been renovated, and our decision to expand through the purchase of an adjacent farm for weanlings is already bearing fruit, with yearlings now better suited to the sales market.”
Hopes and Dreams has more than 100 broodmares to support its stallions, and the long-term plans naturally include crossmatings involving mares from both the Frankel and Gimmethegreenlight lines, in addition to the planned and booked coverings from outside mares for the pair of stallions.
Lucky Lad’s female line (Caesour) is rich in black type through successive generations, and, on both pedigree and performance, he appears certain to attract his share of support from breeders.
www.vermaakequine.com
MOUTONSHOEK-BRED
STAR
IS HIGHVELD HORSE OF THE SEASON
South Africa’s highest-rated 3yo, the Moutonshoek bred Tin Pan Alley swept the boards and was crowned Horse Of The Season at the Highveld Feature Season Awards, held at Turffontein on Saturday.
Tin Pan Alley was crowned Horse Of The Season | Credit: JC Photos
A Gr1, Gr2 and Gr3 winner, the Sean Tarrytrained Tin Pan Alley was also crowned Champion 3yo Colt and Champion Miler on a proud evening for the Wernars family, who race the star in partnership with Dayalan Chinsammy.
A son of Galileo stallion The United States, Tin Pan Alley is a six-time winner of over R2,3 million in stakes. It was pleasing to see yards with traditionally less buying power than the big players picking up awards, and here we salute Summerveld trainer Bo Ngcobo and owner
Johannes Manoko for TAB Gr2 SA Nursery winner Better Never Ends’ Champion 2yo Colt trophy, and the Corne Spies yard’s highly deserved acknowledgement with Act Of War’s daughter’s Hazy Dazy’s Champion 3yo Filly award.
Kenneth Pillay’s Kestorm Investments and the Tony Peter yard celebrated a ‘walkover’ in the Champion Sprinter category, courtesy of the Narrow Creek Stud-bred Buffalo Storm Cody, who was victorious in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint.
Happy Champion 3yo Filly Hazy Dazy connections | Credit: JC Photos
The De Kock family and the Hollywood Racing team celebrated the Champion Stayer award with the Futura filly Curious Girl, the first filly to win the TAB Gr2 SA Derby in 109 years. Along with Hazy Dazy and See It Again, she was one of three 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July entries to be acknowledged on the evening.
Cape-based SA champion trainer Justin Snaith was the only ‘outside’ yard to get a say in, celebrating two awards, courtesy of the
Vercingetorix mare Double Grand Slam who was crowned Champion Older Filly/Mare.
The Snaith team also enjoyed success with WSB Cape Town Met winner and recent HKJC World Pool Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge hero, See It Again.
The Highveld Feature Season Awards were judged on a points system by a panel comprising Clyde Basel, Darryl Maree and Gabriel Soma.
Thanks to JC Photos – our photographers at the Highveld Feature Season Awards
Equine Awards
Champion 2Yo Filly
Get Up
Champion 2Yo Colt
Better Never Ends
Human Awards
Champion 3Yo Filly
Hazy Dazy
Champion 3Yo Colt
Tin Pan Alley
Champion Older Filly/Mare
Double Grand Slam
Champion Older Horse
See It Again
Champion Sprinter
Buf falo Storm Cody
Champion Miler
Tin Pan Alley
Champion Middle Distance
Horse
See It Again
Champion Stayer
Curious Girl
Horse Of The Season
Tin Pan Alley
RIDGEMONT’S FLYING KIDS DOMINATE
Ridgemont-bred daughters of South Africa’s leading first season sire Real Gone Kid, dominated the opening event at Fairview on Friday.
A lightning-fast son of multiple champion sire Snitzel, the Ridgemont-based Real Gone Kid has made an uber-encouraging start to his first season with runners on the track, and only a neck separated his daughters Say A Prayer (6-10) and debutante Carnival (9-2) in the 1000m polytrack Maiden Juvenile Plate.
J Lordi led the charge early, as Richard Fourie stalked in the box seat on the Alan Greeff-trained Say A Prayer.
Into the home run Say A Prayer cut back the deficit with Gareth Wright on the Dean Smithtrained Carnival outpaced and looking pushed to run a drum.
Say A Prayer (6-10) hit the front with authority inside the 200m, as Carnival (9-2) suddenly realised what it’s all about, and took off to make up many lengths and get to within 0,10 lengths of the winner, who clocked 57,73 secs for the all-weather 1000m.
Both the top two are raced in partnership by Ridgemont and Devin Heffer.
Say A Prayer, whose Canford Cliffs halfbrother Heathcliff won up to 2700m, is out of the Gitano Hernando Winter Oaks winner Whose That Girl.
Richard Fourie drives Say A Prayer to victory ahead of the flying Carnival (Gareth Wright) in a Ridgemont-bred Real Gone Kid 1-2 in the opener | Credit: Pauline Herman
Gitano Henrnado was a top-class globetrotter, who earned more than $2 000 000. His peak wins came in the 2009 Gr1 Goodwood Stakes and Gr1 Singapore Airlines International Cup of 2011.
Carnival clearly pleased Dean Smith on debut and she should win next time. She is out of the Patricia Devine Investments (Pty) Ltd-bred Var five-time winner Variety Star, a winner of the Listed Milkwood Stakes in 2014.
The handsome chestnut Real Gone Kid showed plenty of pace during his racing career with the now Hong Kong-based Brett Crawford, with his six victories, from 13 starts, coming from 1000m to 1250m. His six successes included a four-race winning streak, during which he accounted for champion sprinters Kasimir and Rio Querari, among others.
Real Gone Kid is a son of the late Redoute’s Choice star Snitzel, who has already claimed four Australian Champion Sires titles.
Interestingly, it was just a week back that Real Gone Kid’s Starspangledbanner half-brother
Bling Bling Genius registered his second win in Hong Kong.
The Irish bred five-year-old made all under Lyle Hewitson to win The St George’s Challenge Cup at Sha Tin by half a length.
Trained by Douglas Whyte, Bling Bling Genius is one of four winners produced by South African champion In The Fast Lane.
A half-sister to fellow Gr1 winning Equus Champion Let’s Rock ’N Roll, In The Fast Lane is also the dam of 2023 Gr2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes runner up Stiptelik.
A daughter of multiple champion sire and broodmare sire Jet Master, In The Fast Lane was the Equus Champion 3YO Filly of 2013-2014, with her five victories including triumphs in both the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and Gr1 Woolavington 2000.
Read more about Real Gone Kind at www.ridgemont.co.za
IPI TOMBE WAS A WOOLAVINGTON GREAT
While it has endured changing status and conditions, the Woolavington 2000 remains a high-class race, and has an impressive roll of honour.
In 2023, the then Gr1 Woolavington was opened to fillies and mares of all ages, having originally been a three-year-old fillies only test.
Subsequently downgraded to a Gr2 contest, the Woolavington 2000 remains a premier event for fillies and mares during the KwaZulu-Natal Winter Season.
Inevitably, the Woolavington has been by some outstanding fillies over the years, with a number of winners also going on to make their mark at stud.
There have been few, if any, better winners of the Woolavington 2000 than Ipi Tombe (Manshood). That Zimbabwe bred champion went on to land the Vodacom Gr1 Durban July following her triumph in the 2002 Gr2 Woolavington 2000 before embarking on her hugely successful international campaign.
Ipi Tombe would go on to an unbeaten campaign in Dubai (culminating in a brilliant win in the 2003 Gr1 Dubai Duty Free before going on to land the Gr3 Locust Grove
Handicap at Churchill Downs. Ipi Tombe, who has her own page on Wikipedia, retired having won 12 of just 14 outings and the reputation of a true champion.
Ipi Tombe, however, was but one of numerous champions to win the Woolavington, with other notable stars including Oh Susanna, Smart Call, Bela-Bela, Rain In Holland, War Of Athena and Summer Pudding.
Igugu, who won the Gr1 Woolavington 2000 in 2011, was another exceptional performer to win this race. The blue-blooded daughter of Galileo was South Africa’s Horse Of The Year in 2011, and she won 10 of just 12 starts in South Africa, with Igugu’s victories including the 2011 Triple Tiara as well as that year’s Gr1 Vodacom Durban July.
Another wonderful flagbearer for the Woolavington was 2005 heroine Irridescence (Caesour). A full-sister to 2006 Gr1 C F Orr Stakes winner Perfect Promise, Irridescence was crowned Equus Champion 3YO Classic Female in 2005.
She would go on to enjoy success at the highest level overseas when Irridescence defeated none other than globetrotting superstar Ouija Board to win the Gr1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 2006.
Promisefrommyheart, winner of the 2004 Gr2 Woolavington, was not in the same class as a racehorse as Ipi Tombe, Irridescence or Igugu, but the daughter of Elliodor did prove to be an exceptional broodmare. Best known as the dam of high-class racehorse and current top sire Master Of My Fate (Jet Master), Promisefrommyheart produced Listed Spook Express Handicap winner Justthewayyouare (Fort Wood), the dam of three stakes winners, led by Triple Crown winner and promising young sire Malmoos (Captain Al).
Promisefrommyheart also ranks as the third dam of promising three-year-old, and leading Hollywoodbets Durban July hope, Note To Self (Futura).
Another champion, and high-class producer, to win the Woolavington 2000 was Icy Air (Jallad). The Equus Champion 3YO Classic Female of 2002, Icy Air produced another Equus Champion in the form of Russet Air (What A Winter), and she also ranks as the granddam of dual Gr1 winner Make It Snappy (Dynasty).
The 2026 Gr2 Lucky Fish Woolavington 2000 is set to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday 30 May.
Supplementary entries are due by 11h00 on Friday 22 May, with declarations closing at 11h00 on Monday 25 May.
Lucky Fish Gr2 Woolavington 2000
R500 000 | 2000m | 2026 Entries
HOLLYWOOD RACING HIT 150
Just 24 hours after his national log-leading colleague Craig Zackey booted home four winners down in the Cape, former SA champion Keagan de Melo repeated the feat at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.
Hollywood Racing’s Anthony Delpech leads Capsaicin (Sean Veale) in
Credit: Julia Marnewick
Trainer Louis Goosen leads Arverni Princess (Keagan de Melo) in after winning the final race on the Sunday card
Credit: Julia Marnewick
De Melo returned home to South Africa in December last year after struggling to break through in Hong Kong.
Within a few weeks of his arrival, he was retained by the powerful Wernars family and will be very pleased with his 107-winner total, achieved at a strike-rate of 19,56%, in under six months.
His four winners on Sunday were for four different yards as he booted home Vibe Check (Vaughan Marshall), Full Monty (Alyson Wright), Hunga Tonga (Ricky Maingard) and Arverni Princess (Louis Goosen), who made it three on the trot to win the final event.
Sean Veale grabbed a double on the day, including the Stuart Ferrie-trained Capsaicin who gave Hollywood Racing their 150th winner of the 2025/2026 season when
winning the seventh race, the In The Box Seat Podcast – Gallop TV B Stakes.
The Ridgemont-bred gelded son of Canford Cliffs started at 5-1 and beat Queue Wing (25-2) by 0,40 lengths.
Hollywood Racing Manager Anthony Delpech thanked all the trainers, jockeys, breeders and grooms that have helped Hollywood Racing reach this milestone.
Incentives for the Hollywood Racing 150th season winner:
• R10 000 – Winning Trainer – Stuart Ferrie
• R10 000 – Winning Jockey – Sean Veale
• R2 500 – Winning Groom – Xolise
Ndelebe
• R2 500 – Winning Commentators –Sheldon Peters and Sanele Mchunu
Milestone men! Sean Veale, Stuart Ferrie and Anthony Delpech discuss the 150th winner | Credit: Julia Marnewick
ZEITZ FLIES LATE FOR SMART WIN
All the rage to win Sunday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville headline event, the Form Guide www.gallop.co.za A Stakes over 1400m, was the former horse of the year Dave The King (2/1 joint favourite into 33/20).
Just six went to post and with nobody else attempting to make the running, he gained a soft lead without any real effort.
Indeed, the pace to the 1000m marker was considerably slower than that of the opening Lucky Fish New Fortune Juvenile Plate won in impressive fashion by the heavily supported favourite VIBE CHECK (17/20 into 3/10).
They were quite strung out despite that though, but once in the straight the field began to close in quickly. The always handy Imposing was the first to make a move and struck the front 200m out.
Running on best of all from seven lengths off the pace at the back though was the grey son of Vercingetorix ZEITZ (2/1 joint favourite out to 7/2), and under a well-judged ride from Serino Moodley, he got up 50m from home to win going away.
The race was run in a time of 84,32 seconds which was half a second slower than the class average, and 0,97 seconds slower than the winning time of Vibe Check.
However, the 21,66 seconds recorded by Zeitz over the final 400m proved to be the fastest for that segment of the day.
The In The Box Seat Podcast – Gallop TV B Stakes was comfortably the quicker of the two 1600m races on the card and here owners Hollywood Racing registered their 150th win of the season when the wellsupported 5yo CAPSAICIN (10/1 into 5/1) scored a gutsy victory. Taken straight to the front by Sean Veale, the son of Canford Cliffs made virtually all.
He set a fair pace and raced a length and a half clear before being marginally headed by Officer In Command passing the 300m pole.
Under a determined ride from Sean Veale though, Stuart Ferrie’s charge fought back gamely to regain the lead 100m later. He ran on strongly from there onwards and finding even more close home he held off the running on duo of Queue Wing and Down By The River.
They also ran two races over 1200m and in the faster of these, the Lucky Fish Turf Luck Class 3 (f&m) , the 3yo filly FIERY ROSE completed a hat-trick. Racing for the first time since joining the stable of Vaughan Marshall, the daughter of Fire Away broke well and was soon positioned just a length off the speed.
She was ridden to lead as they approached the 100m marker by Sean Veale and looked to win with a bit in hand. Yet to finish out of the first two, Fiery Rose has now won three of her six career starts. Trainer Vaughan Marshall saddled just two runners at the meeting, and both found the winner’s enclosure.
Track Condition:
Going: Good (both tracks)
Penetrometer: 23 (both tracks
Rain:
Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 3mm
Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil
False Rail: 9m
Wind: 10-15km/h North Easterly cross wind
Course Variant: 0,75s fast (straight) –0,55s fast (bend)
The Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 4 (f&m) over 1000m brought proceedings to a close and in what proved to be the quicker of the two races over the distance, the Louis Goosen trained ARVERNI PRINCESS completed a smart hat-trick.
The winner of the 400m dash at Hollywoodbets Greyville last time out, the Vercingetorix mare was very quickly a length clear. She kept up a healthy gallop throughout and although the always handy Fleur De Ling chased hard in the closing stages of the race, she didn’t relinquish an inch of her advantage. A winner of 8 of her 29 starts in total, Arverni Princess has won five from eight this season.
Racing off a mark 7 points below her earlier best here, this mare has clearly been very shrewdly placed by her trainer.
Fastest Times:
1000m (2) Arverni Princess 56,67
1200m (3) Fiery Rose 67,83
1400m (2) Vibe Check 83,35
1600m (2) Capsaicin 96,33
400 – finish Zeitz 21,66
MARCUS DICTATED
– THEN STAYED ON
In terms of highest average merit ratings, the Lucky Fish Crazy Time Class 4 run over 1500m topped the bill in the soft going on the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth summer course on Saturday
Run in a time almost half a second slower than the fillies and mares’ class 5 event, the pace set by the favourite MARCUS AURELIUS wasn’t a fast one. He raced a length and a half clear for most of the journey and quickened well 350m from home.
The well-supported Captains Alliance (10/1 into 4/1) chased hard in the closing stages of the race, but making little headway, the 3yo son of Legislate went on to score without any anxious moments.
The HWB Kenilworth Welcomes You Maiden Juvenile Plate (f) over 1000m had gotten proceedings underway and here we saw an impressive performance from the heavily supported favourite SPARKLING STAR (troublesome loading).
Deep in the red at 5/10 on the off, the daughter of Rafeef broke well and in a very tightly bunched field raced third just three quarters of a length off the pace. She asserted her authority under just hands and heels going through the 400m, and after
cruising six lengths clear in eye catching fashion, she was eased down considerably in the latter stages of the race to win by a rapidly diminishing two lengths.
Jockey Aldo Domeyer, the rider of the winner, was advised by the stipendiary stewards that although Sparkling Star had won easily, he was still expected to ride his mounts, at least hands and heels, to the finish.
Track Conditions:
Going: Soft (both tracks)
Penetrometer: 29 (both tracks)
Rain: Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 192mm
Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil
False Rail: Original position with a 3m spur at 600m mark
Wind: 19km/h South Easterly head wind
Course Variant: 2,34s slow (straight) –3,71s slow (bend)
The Singapore Pools Trophy Maiden Juvenile Plate was comfortably the quicker of the two 2yo events over 1000m and here we saw a smart performance from the newcomer REEF RUNNER.
Out of the pens in a flash, the son of Rafeef set a strong gallop along with Roman Beauty (abnormal respiratory noise and changed stride continually in running, not striding out right front).
Not surprisingly then he saw off that one shortly after passing the 400m marker and after being challenged by Navasnine 150m later, he drew clear again to score by three.
Interestingly, this race was the fastest of the afternoon between the 1000m and 600m marks, and that despite setting off from a standing start!
Trainer Justin Snaith and jockey Richard Fourie both spoke very highly of Reef Runner after the race and Justin also said that the runner up Navasnine would not be long in winning.
Very interestingly, the third placed runner in this race Let’s Celebrate (jumped slowly losing two lengths), a newcomer, was at least ten lengths off the pace early on.
Finishing best of all though, Andre Nel’s charge not only recorded the fastest 400m to
finish time in the race, but also the quickest for that segment of the afternoon. Two, or even three, to follow.
Marginally slower than the winning time of Reef Runner was the only other 1000m event on the card, the Hollywoodbets Bright Future class 4 (f&m) won by BLACK ERICA (restless in the pens and bumped shortly after the start). Peace Of Mind (carried 0,6kg overweight) made the running in this race, whilst Adam Marcus’ charge raced just two lengths away in third.
The always handy World Craft (bilateral epistaxis and now suspended for 60 days) was the first to make a move and on striking the front 200m out, she looked to have done everything right. Under Jockey’s log leader Craig Zackey, seeking his fourth winner on the card though, Black Erica steadily began to make headway in the closing stages of the race, and in what proved to be a real thriller, she got the verdict on the nod.
Pushing Limits, beaten just a neck, finished third. She had been shopping for a clear run between the 400m and 200m markers and flying at the finish was gaining rapidly on both.
WITH FOUR WINNERS ZACKEY KEEPS CAPE IN SHAPE
Craig Zackey booted home
Chase Liebenberg
Another for the sophomores as Craig Zackey crowns a four-timer, with Black Erika sneaking through to beat Worldcraft (Sean Veale, blue cap) | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
SA Champion jockey elect Craig Zackey’s decision to stay loyal to his Cape commitments ahead of taking hometown rides at Turffontein on Saturday paid dividends when he booted home a four-timer at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
The Cape fixture was moved from Tuesday 12 May in a period of record rainfall and storms. Two and a bit days of moderate sunshine dried the tracks to a point where we could race on officially soft ground, with a pen reading of 29 down the straight and around the turn.
On an afternoon where our supposedly ‘overrated’ 3yo’s well and truly dominated in the handicap races, Zackey earned his commission with balanced driving rides in three of his four victories, including the final event of the day where he marked a double for the astute Adam Marcus, who only brought two runners to the track.
The 10bet-sponsored trainer conceded that ‘we take on the super trainers with hundreds of horses’ and celebrated his 20th winner of the term when Erik The Red’s Varsfontein-bred daughter Black Erika (33-10) arrived just in time in a reversion of the front-running tactics of her last start to hold Worldcraft (4-1) in a thriller.
Earlier Zackey rode a very different race for Adam Marcus in the sixth, but with similar results when he had the Prosper Stud-bred
Raffish Trend (15-2) staying on well in the 1500m Bet With Tote Class 5 to hold off a late challenge from the more fancied Apricity.
Justin Snaith enjoyed an exacta in the R140 000 Singapore Pools Trophy Maiden Plate when the Millstream Farm-bred Rafeef colt Reef Runner (15-2) made an impressive winning debut in the Nic Jonsson silks to beat beat his fancied and more experienced stablemate Navasnine (33-20) by 3 lengths in a time of 61,5 secs for the 1000m.
A R550 000 RCS Premier purchase, the athletic colt is out of the four-time winning Captain Al mare, Sails Set.
Aldo Domeyer and Candice Bass celebrated the first leg of a double on the afternoon when the Greenacres Trust-bred Sparkling Star scored a runaway victory at her second outing in a scratching-depleted opening race.
The half-sister to Hollywood Racing’s very well-performed flyer Asiye Phambile (Western Winter) looks smart and was the first of three Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice) winners on the day.
Richard Fourie shared a double on the afternoon with Domeyer, while Justin Snaith and Candice Bass – with a few more runners –shared the day’s double honours with the 100% strike of Adam Marcus.
JOCKEY LICENCE CANCELLED MXOTHWAWITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
The Inquiry into Jockey Luyolo ‘Louis’ Mxothwa concluded before an appointed Inquiry Board on 14 May 2026 for the delivery of sanction following his finding of guilt.
Accordingly, the following sanction was imposed in terms of the Rules of the NHA:
1. Mr Mxothwa’s current jockey licence is cancelled with immediate effect.
2. Mr Mxothwa is precluded from applying for, renewing, holding, or being issued any jockey licence for a period of five
(5) years, commencing 23 March 2026, of which three (3) years are suspended on specific conditions as set out in the sanction handed down by the Inquiry Board, as attached .
Media release by the NHA on Thursday, 14 May 2026.
Louis Mxothwa’s jockey licence has been cancelled Credit: Chase Liebenberg
- FORTUNE FINED MISUSE OF CROP
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa confirms that, at an Inquiry held in Durban on 15 May 2026, Jockey Andrew Fortune was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2, read with Appendix E and Guideline M, relating to the use of the crop.
The particulars of the charge were that Jockey Fortune misused his crop by striking FUTURE FREE more than ten times, namely 17 times, during the running of Race 8 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 15 April 2026.
Jockey Fortune pleaded guilty and was found guilty as charged.
In mitigation, Jockey Fortune submitted that the previous crop penalty framework, which applied prior to 1 April 2026, ought to apply to his matter.
The Inquiry Board considered these submissions, including issues relating to notice, implementation and the coming into effect of the revised crop penalty framework.
The Inquiry Board found that the revised crop penalty framework, which came into effect on 1 April 2026 following adoption by the National Board and publication in the Racing Calendar, was applicable to the matter.
After considering all relevant factors in mitigation, including Jockey Fortune’s penalty record pertaining to this Rule, the Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a fine of R14,000 and a suspension from riding in races for a period of 14 days.
Jockey Fortune has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.
Media release by the NHA on Friday, 15 May 2026.
Andrew Fortune – has the right of appeal against penalty | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
A LOOK INSIDE PANDARAM’S UNCONVENTIONAL JOURNEY
In his early thirties, standing on the edge of the parade ring at Hollywoodbets Greyville, Mano Pandaram watched the colour, the muscled thoroughbreds, the theatre of it all, and made himself a promise: “I want to be inside the ring. I’m going to be a part of this one day.”
Mano Pandaram, a marcher
At the time he was a motor mechanic – like his father – and earning just enough to buy entrance tickets to Durban’s big race days, where he would spend hours punting alongside a racing-mad circle of family and friends.
It would take more than two decades before his vision became reality. Now licensed as a fullyfledged trainer at 56, Mano has arrived in the game carrying with him not only ambition, but a reputation as something of a difficult character, and a determination to do things differently.
Not everyone in racing is easy to like, but not everyone needs to be. Mano has learned plenty on his unconventional journey into the training ranks – chief among them the value of shutting out the noise, trusting his instincts and focusing on where he wants to go.
That said, he’s not here to blend into the background. He wants to achieve, and says his strong-willed demeanor is rooted in his upbringing in Verulam, north of Durban. “Who you are comes from what you were taught. I’m big on discipline in my business, with my kids, and with my horses, and I like to do things my way.”
He joked about the environment of his youth: “When they moved King Shaka International Airport to the north of Durban, they finally put Verulam and Tongaat on the map. We were obscure, but people know about us today!”
Mano is a Tamil-speaking Hindu with a strong connection to Indian culture and tradition. He reflects on the post-1994 shift: “When equal opportunities opened up, many Indian businessmen rose to the top, and a fair number of them found their way into horses and horseracing.
“That was always going to happen, because Indian people love horseracing – the glitz, the glamour, and the promise of a better life. I’ll tell you this: Indians are good at mathematics. They see a challenge in cracking codes. When
opportunities are limited, people look for ways to make money, and horseracing becomes a kind of code to a better life. Every race is like a mathematical problem waiting to be solved. And every time you crack it, money comes to you.
“Indian people have become very important players in the game, and I’d venture to say it is their passion and participation that created the great atmosphere at Hollywoodbets Greyville we see today. They are the lifeblood of the sport in KwaZulu-Natal, and because I interact closely with these communities, I know how many more are eager to get involved in racehorse ownership, even at a small shareholding level. That’s encouraging.”
Mano’s own business acumen had, by 2014, elevated him to a position where he was able to strike out on his own. Having worked his way through the ranks of the motor industry –holding various management positions in the technical, sales and fleet management divisions at Toyota SA and Nissan SA – he had acquired the financial standing that enabled him to pursue racehorse ownership in the years that followed.
Mano is complimentary and grateful to all the trainers that he has spent time with since and spoke about their good relationships. He also praised the people who contributed to his growth in his formative years as a horseman: jockeys, apprentice jockeys and agents, in particular Monty Marimuthoo.
First, he approached trainer Alec Laird, and accompanied him to the CTS Cape Premier Yearling Sale in 2019.
He recalled: “I had no idea about physical conformation, what a good yearling was supposed to look like. Alec had identified a few horses for us to buy, but he wasn’t particularly keen on my choice, a colt by Count Du Bois called Countfonic Legacy. But the horse stayed on my mind, so I applied for a buyer’s card myself and bought him against Alec’s wishes.
“I started bidding by making eye contact with the bidspotter and winking at him so Alec wouldn’t realise what I was doing,” he laughed. “Alec thought the bids were coming from a buyer sitting behind us and said, ‘Look, someone likes your horse.’ But when they arrived with the purchase slip, Alec realised what had happened and was not impressed at all.
“We bought two colts that year from the Cape Premier Sales and so the journey began. Countfonic Legacy and Time Spirit was all I could think about every day. I couldn’t wait to see them run in a race.”
Mano’s first purchase wasted little time rewarding his faith by winning on debut on 21 February 2021. “My first runner, Countfonic Legacy, was a winner and I was proud as punch. I celebrated and watched the replay over 100 times and it remains my proudest and happiest moment in racing. Time Spirit also won twice.”
His stint with Alec Laird was an eye-opener, and his subsequent move to the Vaal with Ashley Fortune was special while enjoying a promising filly, Juliet Tango (Rafeef) that Ashley spotted for him. (She won for the fourth time at the Vaal this week).
He also had a spell with Michael and Adam Azzie which he describes as an experience he will never forget. “Their immaculate attention to detail when turning their horses out on race day is something to witness. Through my association with Mike and Adam I eventually added River Romeo to my string.
“I realised that the old-school horsemen are entrenched in their methodologies and will always do things their way. They are successful in their own right for that reason. But I was seeking something different, maybe my own personal touch giving birth to my own stable managed by a personal trainer.”
Vanakkam (Girish Samoburthia) in the winner’s enclosure at the Vaal with S’Bu Bhantiwe, Yvonne Pandaram and Mano Pandaram and groom, Sibabalwe | Credit: JC Photos
Following consultations with the NHA, Mano employed Lunga Gila as his private trainer and registered himself as a stable employee so that he could, in due course, qualify for his own trainer’s licence.
However, this relationship eventually went pearshaped.
“To begin with, Lunga and I simply didn’t see eye to eye. It was a personal thing, it happens between individuals all the time, and things just didn’t work out. At the same time, I was experimenting with stem cell therapy as a regenerative treatment for injured horses, which was perfectly legal, but rumours started circulating that I was ‘doping’ horses.”
Before long, the rift between Mano and Lunga spilled into the media – a period during which Mano feels he was unfairly treated and denied the opportunity to properly explain his side of the story. Lunga departed, and the NHA launched an investigation.
“I opened my doors to the NHA and invited them to inspect every corner of my racing operation. As expected, I was cleared of any wrongdoing. I did absolutely nothing wrong, in fact will never do anything to hurt a horse or gain an unfair advantage. The NHA officials
were actually surprised at how preposterous some of the claims against me were.”
The quickest route to establishing his own training operation was to register as an assistant trainer, and Paul Matchett offered Mano the opportunity to join his stable and learn the ropes. “I was given the freedom to do my own thing. During my time with Paul, I educated myself through reading and video tutorials, and completed the prescribed term as an assistant trainer.”
Mano was granted his owner-trainer’s licence and saddled his first runner at the start of the current season on 1 August 2025. Since then, he has sent out 14 winners at a respectable 12% strike rate, highlighted by his first double at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Guineas Day, 2 May.
His winners include top-level performers Thunee Playa and his personal favourite, Indian Ocean – a talented six-year-old mare he believes is capable of winning again – as well as the likes of Porridge Boy, Vannakam, Thoonsil and Kudikaran. Among his younger horses, Mano believes the Malmoos colt, Kovil, is a runner with a bright future.
Click on the image below to read the full story…
FLEMINGTON’S MOTHERS OF CHAMPIONS
Long before their names were etched into Flemington folklore, the champions of Australia’s greatest races first owed their existence to their fabulous mothers, the mares that have helped shape honour rolls and legends of Victoria Racing Club.
Often working quietly behind the scenes of history, these broodmares became the foundation of bloodlines that would shape the course of the turf, their influence carried forward through generations of elite performers.
Across the decades, from the earliest renewals of the Melbourne Cup, classics like
the Derby and Oaks, to the modern era of Group 1 racing, their progeny have etched their name into the fabric of Flemington.
Some produced a single champion, others built entire families of winners, but all left an indelible mark on Flemington, where their sons and daughters returned time and again to claim the VRC’s most coveted prizes.
Grey mare Fair Ellen was a prolific producer, foaling 1865 Melbourne Cup winner Toryboy , along with Freestone , winner of both the Ascot Vale Stakes and Sires’ Produce Stakes, VRC All-Aged Stakes winner Maidstone , Hotham Handicap winner Troy , and 1878 Newmarket Handicap winner Lady Ellen
Interestingly, another mare sharing the name Fair Ellen also produced a Melbourne Cup winner, with The Barb claiming the race a year after Toryboy’s triumph.
Around the turn of the nineteenth century, Industry , a daughter of the influential sire Musket , produced three sons who featured in the Melbourne Cup. In 1897, Gaulus defeated his younger brother The Grafter by a half-head, before The Grafter returned to claim the race the following year.
A third brother, Gauleon , also contested the Cup, finishing 10th in 1899 and 12th in 1900.
Imported British mare Cocoanut produced Navigator , winner of the 1882 Ascot Vale Stakes, and was also the dam of his full brother Trident , both sired by Melbourne Stakes (now Champions Stakes) and Royal Park Stakes (now Turnbull Stakes) winner, Robinson Crusoe
Remarkably, the pair each claimed the VRC Derby, VRC St Leger and the Australian Cup. Another British import, Chand Beebee , also enjoyed notable success as a broodmare, producing Chantress , winner of the 1903 Newmarket Handicap, Bee Bee , who took out the 1903 Maribyrnong Plate, and Piastre , the 1912 Melbourne Cup winner.
The aforementioned Robinson Crusoe’s dam Chrysolite also produced VRC Derby and Ascot Vale Stakes winner, Lapidist , as well as VRC Oaks winner, Vaucluse
Champion mare Wakeful made an enduring impact both on the track and in the breeding barn. A star of her era, she captured a remarkable range of Flemington features, showcasing her versatility from sprint distances in the 1200-metre Newmarket Handicap to the gruelling 4800-metre Champion Sweepstakes.
The latter was contested over that marathon trip from 1859 to 1917, shifting between clubs across Australia and New Zealand before eventually settling at Flemington.
Wakeful’s legacy extended well beyond her own racing career. She produced the 1918 Melbourne Cup winner Night Watch , who also claimed the then October Stakes, known today as the Turnbull Stakes.
Another of her progeny, Blairgour , added further distinction to her record with victories in the Memsie Stakes, Oakleigh Stakes, and Futurity Stakes.
Legendary racehorse and broodmare
Wakeful (Pic – VRC)1950 Melbourne Cup winner Comic Court was one of four stakes winners produced by the mare, Witty Maid A key figure in Cummings family folklore, he was trained by Jim Cummings, the father of twelve-time Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Bart Cummings.
Comic Court built a remarkable record at Flemington, winning the Ascot Vale Stakes, VRC Derby, VRC St Leger, Turnbull Stakes (twice), Mackinnon Stakes (twice) and the 1950 Melbourne Cup.
Witty Maid’s influence at Flemington extended beyond Comic Court, with Comedy Prince claiming the 1949 Cantala Stakes and St. Comedy winning the 1949 Ascot Vale Stakes.
Full-brothers Gaulus and The Grafter both won the Melbourne Cup | Credit:VRC
Kingston Rose produced Rose Of Kingston , who won the 1981 Coolmore Stud Stakes (then known as the Group 2 Ascot Vale Stakes) before going on to claim both the VRC Oaks and the 1982 Craiglee Stakes (now Makybe Diva Stakes). She also foaled Spirit Of Kingston , another VRC Oaks winner.
Continuing the family’s remarkable success, Rose Of Kingston later produced Kingston Rule , the 1990 Melbourne Cup winner and still the 3200-metre course record holder, as well as Empire Rose Stakes (formerly Hardy Brothers Classic) winner, Rose Of Portland
Eight Carat made an enduring impact on Australian thoroughbred racing, producing five individual Group 1 winners, including winners of some of the nation’s most prestigious races.
Her most celebrated offspring was the fanfavourite Octagonal , a ten-time Group 1
winner whose victories included the 1995 W.S. Cox Plate and the 1997 Australian Cup at Flemington.
Among her other notable progeny, Kaapstad captured both the 1987 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and the Ascot Vale Stakes, while Mouawad added his name to the Flemington honour roll with victory in the 1997 Australian Guineas.
Through their sons and daughters, these mares’ influence has echoed across generations, shaping the fabric of the VRC’s most treasured races.
While winners’ names are forever listed in the record books, it is these remarkable broodmares who sit at the heart of the story, their legacy enduring each spring carnival at Flemington.
Victoria Racing Club
Jim Cummings’ Comic Court | Credit: VRC
PROVES FAR TOO GOOD! NOTABLE SPEECH
Notable Speech proved far too good for his rivals over Newbury’s straight mile in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes on Saturday afternoon.
Well-backed on course, the Godolphin-owned five-year-old was sent off the 2/1 favourite in a field of ten, and the confidence in the market was handsomely rewarded.
The Ballydoyle pair of Mississippi River and The Lion In Winter ensured the contest was run at a good even gallop which suited the strong-travelling son of Dubawi, who tanked through the race in the hands of William Buick.
Switched out for his run at the two pole, he made up the leeway effortlessly thanks to his swift turn of foot and won readily by two lengths completing a fifth Group 1 success.
On that performance he looks the leading light amongst the older miler division this season.
Fellow five-year-old More Thunder, trained by William Haggas came out of the pack to chase him down in second, with Zeus Olympios third.
It was a commendable effort by the runner-up on his seasonal reappearance. He was the only one to come out of the pack to give the winner a race and that was after he was fresh and keen early towards the rear of the group on the stands’ side.
The third home, Zeus Olympios is another to follow this season, perhaps over a bit further.
His trainer Karl Burke noted post-race: “It was his first run in a Group One and we were just debating there as he still ran a bit green. He ran away from the stick a furlong out. A furlong and a half out I thought we were the winner, but I didn’t really see how well William was travelling until I saw the replay. It is a positive step forward from Sandown as we knew it would be, but he is still a little bit of a work in progress.”
Getting back to the winner, it was a welcome win for the Appleby yard who had been struggling for winners until a Newmarket double on Friday.
Notable Speech will head to Royal Ascot and is now the 2/1 favourite for the Queen Anne Stakes over the straight mile.
Appleby said: “They weren’t going a mad gallop, they were going even fractions, and I was happy with that as not too many horses can quicken like he can. I thought once it turned into a little bit of a burn up in the last couple of furlongs Will was on the right horse.”
“Will just knows him and he has got all the confidence in him and I have the confidence in the pair of them. As I always say to Will you are either going to be a hero or a villain. You just have to sit and when you want to go you sit again and then just let him off.”
“The Queen Anne is the obvious next step.”
Buick said: “He is a horse with a big turn of foot and I was really just biding my time on him and pick the right horses to follow through. It didn’t need to be complicated, and I don’t think it necessarily was. That is the type of horse he is.”
“As you can see, he has got that explosive turn of foot and comes on the scene late. I’ll be honest I thought he was absolutely exceptional today and he felt amazing. It was a great training performance by Charlie and the team to get him back here in this shape.”
UNNAMED HORIZON x
Sparkled by
GR2 WINNERS HEADLINE MAGIC SUPPLEMENTARIES
A pair of brilliant Gr2 winners headline the latest supplementary lots for next week’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale at the Gold Coast.
Marble Arch , an outstanding breeding prospect and winner of the Group Two Blamey Stakes, will be joined by former Gr2 winning juvenile Kristilli , who heads to the auction after a spring date with Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside.
The nine-time winner and A$827,000 earner Marble Arch has raced with incredible distinction with the Lindsay Park operation, and she will be presented as an elite breeding prospect on their behalf by Coolmore Stud.
In the Blamey Stakes Marble Arch (Lot 557) defeated a crack field led by Group One winners Attrition and Zardozi.
Under Michael Dee the good-looking mare cleared away from her rivals in what was a truly dominant two length winning performance.
As well as being a star galloper in her own right Marble Arch hails from the same family as multiple Group One winners including Atishu and Daffodil.
Kristilli, a daughter of Hellbent, won the A$1 million Group Two Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick as a two-year-old for the Archibald stable.
Marble Arch ridden by Michael Dee wins the TAB Blamey Stakes at Flemington Racecourse in March Credit: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos
In her impressive Sykes Stakes success, she defeated subsequent Group One winners Kimochi and Lazzago. At three she was third in a Group Two Light Fingers Stakes, ahead of topliner Stefi Magnetica.
Kristilli was served for the first time last spring by the hot Newgate Farm sire Stay Inside and she is due to produce her first foal in August.
Joining Marble Arch and Kristilli in what is becoming a quality packed supplementary catalogue are new entries including:
Tobeornottobe (Lot 561) at two won the Group Three Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington as well as placing in five other stakes races.
Talisay (Lot 559) is a stakes performed threetime city winner who is from an unraced halfsister to champion Makybe Diva.
Zoustar-Yau Chin yearling filly (Lot 563) is a half-sister to Group One Blue Diamond Stakes winner Written By, fellow stakes winners C’est Magique and Royal Insignia
and Saturday’s stakes race runner-up De Bergerac.
Written Swoosh (Lot 821) was Group Three placed in the Blue Diamond Prelude and is from a half-sister to Away Game. She was served last spring by Slipper winner Farnan.
Another You (Lot 822) is a half-sister to three Group winners and A$2 million plus earners Berkeley Square, Angel Capital and Senor Toba. She is in foal to Toronado with the resultant foal a three-quarter relation to Australian and Hong Kong Group winner Senor Toba.
Danserai d’Amour (Lot 823) is a half-sister to Russian Revolution and Turbo Miss and the dam of Home Affairs and Aysar. She was covered last spring by Too Darn Hot.
The final selection of supplementary lots to be released in the coming days already includes two stakes winners straight off the track.
To view the current National Broodmare Sale catalogue, click here.
Francis Lui celebrates a treble at Sha Tin, boosting his position in a fiercely contested Hong Kong trainers’ championship | Credit: HKJC
FERRARIS
TO BOOST LUI’S TITLE HOPES CHIPS IN WITH LONGSHOT
Francis Lui produced a timely treble at Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting to fire himself into contention in one of the most hotly contested trainers’ championships in memory.
Lui was the only handler among the leading five to score, and with 16 meetings left in the season, the hat-trick lifted him into fourth spot on 50 wins, behind championship leader Danny Shum (54), Mark Newnham (52) and Caspar Fownes (51).
David Hayes has 48 wins, while defending champion John Size has 46.
Lui’s first win came in the first section of the Class 4 Luk Wu Handicap (1200m) when Zac Purton piloted Superb Spirit (127lb) to victory
to inch closer to his 2 000-win milestone. Three-year-old Superb Spirit made good on the promise displayed in a series of trial wins and a debut fourth in April to overhaul Lucrative Eight (129lb) late on.
“Superb Spirit is a nice horse,” Lui said. “In the future, I think he will stay further as he has a big stride. Hopefully, he can be a Classic Mile horse in time.”
The 2023/24 Hong Kong Champion Trainer then combined with Vincent Ho to claim a race-to-race double and the meeting’s trophy contest, the Class 3 Hong Kong Lions Cup Handicap (1200m), as Thunder Kit (124lb) got off the mark in Hong Kong after a series of near misses.
“He’s still green,” Lui said. “But the more he races, the more he matures. If you look at his form, he seems to have potential.”
The hat-trick was completed when Meaningful Dragon (131lb) became the biggest-priced winner of the day, scoring at odds of 15/1 under Luke Ferraris, to scoop the first section of the Class 4 Lung Fu Shan Handicap over 1400m.
“I told Luke to be positive,” Lui said. “It doesn’t matter whether he is two-wide or three-wide, he keeps trying and fighting.
“It’s getting exciting, the championship is so competitive, and I will just try to keep my horses performing,” Lui added.
Jamie Richards ground out a hard-earned victory when Purton, who claimed two wins at the meeting, delivered a dominant win aboard Lahore (122lb) in the Class 4 Cheung Shan Handicap (1000m). Lahore, who has struggled with fitness issues during his short career, finally broke through at the 11th attempt, providing Richards with his 22nd winner of the season.
“It was frustrating that he bled,” Richards said. “But to still run as well as he did is nice.
If we could get him back and not have too many (fitness) issues with him, then we were confident we could get him back in form.”
The New Zealander made it 23 seasonal winners when Romantic Fantasy (116lb) finally repaid the patience of connections to land the Class 4 Port Shelter Handicap (1800m) under Alexis Badel.
It had been well over two years since the six-year-old’s maiden win – when he was under the care of Danny Shum. The Irish-bred had threatened a win recently and endured a spell of four second-place finishes earlier this season, leading Richards to proclaim, “finally!” before discussing the horse’s progress.
“It’s nice to get a win with the horse, he’s been knocking on the door,” Richards said. “He’s earned some good prizemoney for his owners, but I was quietly confident he was ready to run well today with a bit of cut in the ground.
“He got a nice ride from Alexis, and everything went well. He’s a typical European horse that’s just needed a long time to acclimatise.”
Zac Purton drives Superb Spirit to victory in the Class 4 Luk Wu Handicap, the first leg of Francis Lui’s treble Credit: HKJC
Romantic Fantasy breaks through under Alexis Badel, delivering Jamie Richards a double at Sha Tin.
Enjoy Golf (129lb) capped improving form with victory in the Class 5 Eagle’s Nest Handicap (1200m) for Frankie Lor. The Harry Bentley-ridden gelding had gone close several times before breaking through this season.
Lor talked of his frustration with the misfiring five-year-old. “This horse, he’s been quite disappointing. You can see in Class 4 he’s been tried over 1200m, 1400m, 1600m –sometimes he leads in front, sometimes he sits behind the leader – he still does not show too much,” Lor said.
Nichola Yuen struck in an attritional Class 5 Buffalo Hill Handicap (1800m) aboard Pierre Ng’s On The Lash (121lb), before Run Run Smart (125lb) provided her with her second win of the day; the Lor-trained galloper delivering a front-running effort in the second section of the Class 4 Lung Fu Shan Handicap (1400m).
“Nichola’s claim definitely helped,” Lor said. “He’s an easy horse who can jump and lead. He seemed to like the wet track, and he’s become more consistent with age.
“He will have to go up to Class 3 next time, and I will have to ask Nichola if she can ride him again!
“I had 46 winners last season, and I’m on 37 now, so I still want more.”
Cody Mo-trained Little Monster (120lb) dug deep to outlast Lor’s Better And Better (123lb) in a thrilling finish to the second section of the Class 4 Luk Wu Handicap (1200m), and Chris So saddled his 25th winner of the season when Perfectday (126lb) prevailed in the first section of the Class 3 Siu Ma Shan Handicap (1400m) under James Orman.
Size kept his fading hopes of a title defence alive by taking out the card-closer, the second section of the Class 3 Siu Ma Shan Handicap (1400m) with Brilliant Express scoring his fourth career win under Hugh Bowman, and his first in well over a year.
Romantic Fantasy breaks through under Alexis Badel, delivering Jamie Richards a double at Sha Tin | Credit: HKJC
ANNOUNCE THEIR PRESENCE TALENTED INGLIS 2YOS
A pair of talented 2YOs announced themselves as future big-race contenders with impressive Stakes victories on Saturday .
At Doomben the Jenny Graham-trained Vantorix (Captivant) made it three wins from as many starts with victory in the Gr2 Spirit Of Boom Classic while at Scone, Blake Ryan’s filly Queen Regent (Wild Ruler) did the bookmakers a favour, winning the Listed Woodlands Stakes at A$201.
Graham confirmed Vantorix would continue on the traditional Queensland carnival juvenile path of the Gr2 BRC Sires’ and Gr1 JJ Atkins following the day’s dominant win.
The trainer purchased Vantorix for just A$30,000 at last year’s Classic Yearling Sale from the draft of his breeder Dr Richard McClenahan of Mullaglass Stud.
He was initially a A$40,000 Australian Weanling Sale buy for Kiwi Bloodstock from the Mullaglass draft.
An emotional Graham was stunned post-race.
“I don’t even know what to say, it’s just so exciting,’’ Graham said. “We’re really quite excited by him, there’s a lot of improvement still to come with him too.
Queen Regent (Jay Ford) claims first Black-Type success for her trainer | Credit: Inglis
“We always felt that he had the ability to be competitive at Stakes level so we’ve been thinking about this race for a while now but we knew he had to step up. The ownership group is like a big family, they’re long-time owners so it’s a big thrill.’’
Vantorix is an A$11 third favourite for the BRC Sires at Eagle Farm in a fortnight.
For Blake Ryan at Scone, Saturday’s win by Queen Regent was extra special because it was his first black type success as a trainer.
Ryan purchased the Geoff Wilson-bred Queen Regent for A$40,000 at last year’s HTBA Yearling Sale and breezed her up into the Inglis Ready2Race Sale, where she was purchased by JCG Thoroughbreds for A$30,000.
“Geoff asked me if the filly could race in the colours of his late great mate Rick Worthington which makes the win even more special,’’ Ryan said.
“I didn’t think my first Stakes winner would come at $201 from number 20 but here we are.
“We really just wanted to bring her for a trip away to educate her and I said to jockey Jay Ford that whatever he does, just get some cover because I didn’t want her to be weak late like she was on debut.
“She got it all wrong at Hawkesbury on debut and just overcooked herself so it was great to see her switch off like that.’’
Queen Regent is one of several exciting 2YOs to come out of last year’s Inglis Ready2Race Sale already.
Hard Kick (All Too Hard) is undefeated having won the Listed Talindert Stakes on debut while sale-topper Tron Bolt (Toronado) won impressively for Chris Waller and James McDonald on the Kensington track on Wednesday and is an A$8 second favourite for the Gr1 JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm on June 13.
Entries for this year’s Inglis Ready2Race Sale –to be held at Riverside on Thursday 15 October – will be opening soon.
Also at Scone, on Saturday, Bev’s Nine (Shalaa) made it six wins from eight starts with victory in the Listed Ortensia Stakes.
Bred by Mandy Gunn and Chris Kent, the Tom Charlton-trained Bev’s Nine led in an Inglis graduates quinella, defeating Brudenell.
The 4YO has sold three times through Inglis –for A$35,000 at the Ready2Race Sale to Chris Woods from the Pendergast Thoroughbreds draft, for A$25,000 on Inglis Digital to Ryan Pendergast as a yearling and for A$3500 on Inglis Digital to Jamie Kearns as a weanling.
He has now won A$341,000 in prizemoney.
At Flemington Losesomewinmore (All Too Hard) for Richard and Chantelle Jolly scored a seventh career victory – and first at Stakes level – at start number 14 when winning the Listed Straight Six.
The Echo Beach Bloodstock-bred 6YO is an A$80,000 Premier Yearling Sale buy for David Price’s Simple Bloodstock Services from the Vinery Stud draft and he’s now won A$440,000 in earnings.
And in Perth, the 8YO Western Empire (Iffraaj) for Grant and Alana Williams resumed with a strong win in the Gr3 Belmont Sprint at Belmont.
It’s the second time in three years he has won the feature sprint, having been successful in 2024 also.
Western Empire – now a 12-time winner of more than A$3.5m – is a A$150,000 Inglis Digital buy for Dean Harvey’s Yevrah Investments from John Leek.
HOT STALLIONS LEAD
GREAT SOUTHERN WEANLINGS
The progeny of some of Australasia’s most appealing young stallions are set to take centre stage at June’s Great Southern Weanling Sale, for which the catalogue is now online.
A total of 430 lots have been catalogued for the sale, which will be conducted over two days at Oaklands Junction, Thursday 11 June and Friday 12 June.
Selling will begin on June 11 where the first 160 lots will be offered while Friday will see the remainder of the catalogue – plus supplementary entries..
The catalogue includes the progeny of 105 stallions including Alabama Express, Anamoe, Castelvecchio, Ghaiyyath, Harry Angel, Hellbent, Home Affairs, Ole Kirk, Proisir, Savabeel, So You Think, Starspangledbanner, Stay Inside, Street Boss, Super Seth, Too Darn Hot, Toronado, Wootton Bassett etc.
There are also weanlings by a typically exciting crop of first season sires such as Benbatl, Chaldean, Cylinder, Doull, Generation, Gold Trip, Hawaii Five Oh, King Colorado, King’s Gambit, Lofty Strike, Mo’unga, Native Trail, Oxley Road, Ozzmosis and Shinzo.
Amongst the 48 individual vendors with drafts are many of the country’s leading nurseries including Gilgai, Burnewang North, Widden, Rosemont, Twin Hills, Blue Gum, Three Bridges, Cornerstone, Stonehouse, Rushton Park, Armidale, Bell River, Crossley Thoroughbreds, Fairhill Farm, Longwood, Middlebrook Valley Lodge, Musk Creek, Supreme Thoroughbreds, Ponderosa Park, Penfold Thoroughbreds etc.
To view the Great Southern Weanling Sale catalogue click here.
The recent success of Great Southern graduates has rightly amplified the auction’s reputation as a significant provider of racetrack stars.
The 2YO filly Streisand – a A$22,000 Great Southern Weanling Sale purchase – won the Gr1 Blue Diamond and finished 2nd in the Gr1 Golden Slipper, earning A$2.4m in the process while the 3YO filly Well Written is unbeaten from six starts including a Gr1 and the A$4m The Kiwi and cost just A$32,500 as a Great Southern weanling.
Add the likes of Calamari Ring, Alibaba, Lassified etc and it becomes evident the impact this sale is having on recent Stakes results continues to rise at a rapid rate.
Great Southern is also a proven haven for pinhookers, with some of this year’s best pinhook results – at all ends of the market – starting at last year’s Great Southern Weanling Sale; A$335,000 into A$1.3m,
A$40,000 into NZ$360,000, A$160,000 into A$375,000, A$60,000 into A$250,000, $20,000 into A$210,000 etc.
Inglis’ Victorian Bloodstock Manager James Price is delighted with the support of the sale by such a wide cross section of vendors.
“Our weanling sales series has strong momentum, and the success of the Great Southern Sale is a big part of that,’’ Price said.
“To have 16 Toronados, 14 Cylinders, 13 Home Affairs’, 8 Shinzos, 5 each by Anamoe and Ghaiyyath etc is a great place to start when promoting the sale to prospective buyers.
“There are some excellent drafts, and it is particularly exciting to have the whole of what is an outstanding offering from Catherine Hains and the team at Burnewang North showcased at the sale.
“Opportunity abounds at this sale, whether you are a trader, trainer, owner, agent or syndicator and the combination of sale ring and racetrack results that have their origin at this sale is compelling.
“We had an incredible Premier Yearling Sale at Oaklands in March, and we are looking forward to welcoming vendors and buyers back in a few weeks’ time.”
All weanlings purchased at the Great Southern Weanling Sale are eligible for the A$12m Inglis Race Series which features the A$2m Millennium, A$1m Pink Bonus Series and A$5m Xtra Bonus Series.
Supplementary entries for the Great Southern Weanling Sale are now open and will remain so until Wednesday 03 June.
TRAINERS
JOCKEYS
BREEDERS
