THE TALKING’S OVER! JULY
On the cover Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Carol Tshabalala held on to her hat at Tuesday’s final field and barrier draw function for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July. Carol’s outfit epitomises the look for the big race fashion theme –Country Allure. Read more on page 06. Candiese Lenferna took the photograph.
Issue: 24/2026
THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY 2026 FINAL FIELD UNVEILED
A capacity field of 18 plus 2 reserve runners will line up for the 130th renewal of Africa’s richest ever graded stakes race, the R10 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, on Saturday 4 July.
The 2200m contest is being sponsored for the fifth successive year by Hollywoodbets, with the R10 million prize money – twice its previous level and R8 million up from the COVID years – a key
factor in the evolution to increase opportunity and reward performance across the field and expand the prize-money distribution to recognise more finishers.
This year the first 12 horses past the post will now earn prize money, while the winning connections will bank R6 million – the biggest cheque in the history of graded stakes racing in Africa.
Andrew Fortune was over the moon when drawing 7 for Wish List | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
A total of 25 entries remained in the bidding for a prestigious berth in the final field after last declarations closed on Monday morning.
While defending champion The Real Prince does not take his place and will be targeting the HKJC Gr1 Champions Cup at season’s end, the class of 2026 represents a wide spectrum of talents, and includes five elite level winners, as well as six fairer sex gallopers.
In the jockey ranks, an international flavour is introduced by the presence of Zac Lloyd, Mark du Plessis, Chad Schofield and Mickaelle Michel.
Trainers Justin Snaith and Mike de Kock are level pegging on 5 Durban July winners each,
with Snaith saddling a powerful five-pronged attack and the De Kock team two runners –supplementary entry Aladdin’s Lamp and reserve runner, Curious girl.
Snaith’s jockey arrangements make for interesting reading.
Australian-based Zac Lloyd, who rode a winner at Royal Ascot last week, was originally engaged for the now injured Happy Verse, takes the ride on Regulation, who drew 2.
Regulation was a borderline case for inclusion and JP van der Merwe, who won the July on Oriental Charm in 2024, jumped off the Legislate gelding to ride the smart mare Olivia’s Way for Roy Magner.
Three wise men? Phil Georgiou, Michel Nairac and Craig Ramsay at Tuesday’s draw function | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Justin Snaith pulls a 2 draw for Regulation | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
At what is likely his swansong appearance in the great race, Andrew Fortune bids for his first win and had the choice of the Snaith rides. He opted for the dual Gr1 winning 3yo filly Wish List, and was delighted with his 7 gate.
Only five jockeys in the class of 2026 have won the race previously, and that list includes Craig Zackey, Richard Fourie, JP van der Merwe, Gavin Lerena and Kabelo Matsunyane.
Craig Zackey won the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July on The Real Prince and again rides for Khaya Stables when he throws a leg over the 3yo Viva’s Liberte, who is trained by Candice Bass, who became the first lady trainer to win this iconic race, courtesy of Marinaresco in 2017.
The Dawson Sisters are the other fairer sex conditioners and send out the 5yo mare Minogue,
who will be ridden by reigning SA champion jockey Gavin Lerena, who won the race in 2021 on Kommetdieding.
This will be the first year under revised race conditions.
Key changes include a return to a wider weight spread across the field. Bottom weight has been reduced from 53kg to 52kg, while top weight increased from 60kg to 62kg.
Restoring a full 10kg spread in the range of weights means the race boasts the hallmark of a true, open handicap.
The July day Winning Form will be on sale at the public gallops which will be held from 06h30 on Thursday 25 June.
NHA CEO Vee Moodley chats to Brandon Bailey | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
A TAPESTRY OF
TREASURE
Where to start? As far as drama goes, surely nothing beat the much publicized shooting of the legendary favourite Sea Cottage three weeks before the 1966 July, exactly 60 years ago. Bookmakers stood to lose a fortune and one of them hired a hit man to ‘take care of Sea Cottage’.
The foul deed occurred early one morning on the beach at Blue Lagoon. Sea Cottage was shot in the quarters and what followed was a frenzy seldom seen. Every small detective had a theory, the press produced reams of copy, arrests were made, and speculation was rife that Sea Cottage would not make it to the July.
The colt’s progress was followed with more interest than shareholders follow the stock exchange and amazingly, he recovered to take his place in the race. Despite meeting with interference at the subway, he finished a gutsy fourth behind stable companion Java Head.
Twelve months later, the champion was vindicated in a grandstand finish, when he deadheated with the Fred Rickaby-trained Jollify who was in receipt of almost 13 kg. The bullet was only recovered from the champion’s rump following his death.
Sea Cottage was one of seven July winners trained by the great Syd Laird, whose father Alec had ridden the 1911 winner Nobleman, the only
Syd Laird and Sea Cottage | Credit: The Bugle
Henry Nourse with 1903 July winner Peerless | Credit: Supplied
On the first weekend in July, eighteen horses will have a date with destiny for the 2026 running of the crown jewel of South African racing, the iconic Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July. Spanning three centuries, it boasts an unbroken heritage of highs, lows, drama and sadness, all of which makes up the fabric of the race that is still regarded as the holy grail of local racing.
two-year-old ever to win the July, a record unlikely to be broken, as juveniles are not allowed to run. Laird’s son Alec emulated his father as the trainer of the great London News, who appropriately, cruised to victory in the Centenary July of 1996.
The fashionadas never fail to add to July day.
From the sublime to the ridiculous, provocative to outrageous, the ladies pull out all the stops, sometimes with the strangest results.
In 1977, an unknown lady in a silver see-through outfit made her way into the winner’s enclosure where she hugged the winner Lightning Shot before being led away. Ironically, she ended up in hospital with a severe rash, as she was allergic to horses.
The weather too, has played its part to add to
July history. In 1989, a rain sodden Greyville attracted only the die-hards who milled around the waterlogged lawns and flooded tents. Officials were faced with the decision of whether or not to postpone the meeting, but at the last minute it was announced that the first six races would be abandoned, and for the only time in modern history, the July featured as the first race on the programme! It was Right Prerogative who proved impervious to the underfoot conditions and ploughed through the wet turf to give trainer Terrance Millard a fifth July success.
Sadly, the grey was one of several Millard horses tragically killed when the float transporting them back to Cape Town overturned eight kilometers from Touwsrivier near Worcester.
His demise was preceded by that of the champion In Full Flight, who had stamped himself a worthy
champion in the 1972 July. He was to win another three races before he suddenly died from a ruptured lung in January 1973.
Affectionally called I’Kunzi, IsiZulu for ‘the bull’ by the stablehands, the premature death of this immensely talented colt robbed the South African racing industry of one of its superstars.
Another July winner whose life came to a tragic end was 2009 July winner Big City Life. In the 2011 July, Glen Kotzen’s warrior had to be euthanized after he fractured a fetlock just past the finish line.
Arguably the most surreal running of the great race occurred in 2020. At the time, the world was firmly in the grip of the Covid-19 epidemic and racing had come to a virtual standstill. The unthinkable was going to happen, there would be
no July. Fortunately, permission was granted to run the race, but only behind closed doors and not on the traditional first, but last, Saturday of July.
Who will ever forget Belgarion streaking past eerily empty stands to claim the honours under Richard Fourie and give trainer Justin Snaith a third consecutive July victory and fourth overall.
Disappointments?
There have been plenty. In 1952, the spectacular finish between Mowgli and Radlington was one for the ages, the pair flashing cross the line as one. The judges spent all of 10 minutes studying the photograph before awarding the race to Mowgli.
The owners of Radlington would have to wait another 22 years before their 20-1 outsider Riboville claimed the honours in 1974.
Big City Life wins the 2009 Durban July under Greg Cheyne | Credit: Supplied
The 1966 July photo-finish | Credit: Supplied
The 2000 July also proved somewhat controversial. Defending champion El Picha and Young Rake were locked together at the line and again, the judges took their time before declaring the former the winner. El Picha broke a 50-year drought as the first dual July winner since Milesia Pride completed the double in 1950. When Mazarin romped to victory in 1970, wild scenes took place in the winning enclosure. Owners Mr and Mrs Eric Tenderini were mobbed by the yelling crowd, trainer Syd Laird kissed jockey Bert Hayden and the horse, and the crowds kissed Laird.
The following year was a totally different story and showed just how fickle racing followers can be. Mazarin again started a hot 6-4 favourite but ran a dismal race to finish ninth behind In Full Flight. Sadly, it brought out the worst in a section of the crowd who had ‘done their money’.
They hurled abuse at an obviously upset Syd Laird and one punter even attacked his then assistant and nephew Dennis Drier, hitting him in the face with a pair of binoculars, cutting him over one eye. He was taken to the first-aid room with blood streaming down his face, while the hooligans who had caused the trouble disappeared into the crowds.
Racing folks are notoriously superstitious, some avoid wearing a particular colour and should you forget anything on the way to the races, you never go back to fetch it!
Former Durban Turf Club chairman, the late Mike Rattray favoured red socks, yet he must rate the unluckiest owner in recent times. A July winner was his most fervent wish, yet he had to settle for
second three times, with Celtic Grove (2001), Yard Arm (2003) and Rainbow Bridge (2019).
Objections too, add a sense of drama to the country’s premier race. Only three have been successful, the first back in 1975, when the winner Gatecrasher was demoted to third on the grounds of bumping. It took the stipes all of half an hour to award the race to Principal Boy, who had run second, while the ‘victim Distinctly, was promoted to second.
In 1994, the dreaded hooter sounded again as the connections of fifth-placed Pas De Quoi lodged an objection against the winner Surfing Home on the grounds of interference. The objection was upheld, with second-placed Space Walk declared the winner.
As recently as 2014, the July was decided in the boardroom. Unfancied Wylie Hall (33-1) just shaded favourite Legislate at the line, but immediately thereafter the latter’s jockey Richard Fourie lodged an objection on the grounds of interference in the straight. The general consensus on course was that the result would stand but after lengthy deliberation by the stipendiary stewards, the race was awarded to the runner-up. A controversial outcome which to this day, ignites considerable debate.
This year’s July will come together in two minutes and who knows, could result in yet another bit of history, for should Legislate’s three-pronged attack of daughter Wish List or his sons Legal Counsel and Regulation come up trumps, they will be the third in an unbroken line of Durban July winners stretching back to grandsire Dynasty, who triumphed in 2003.
JULY SELECTION PANEL MEET THE
The highly anticipated announcement of the final field for the 130th renewal of Africa’s richest ever graded stakes race, the R10 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, has set the tongues wagging.
A capacity field of 18 plus 2 reserve runners will line up for the 130th renewal of Africa’s richest ever graded stakes race, the R10 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, on Saturday 4 July.
The 2200m contest is being sponsored for the fifth successive year by Hollywoodbets, with the R10 million prize money – twice its previous level
and R8 million up from the COVID years – a key factor in the evolution to increase opportunity and reward performance across the field and expand the prize-money distribution to recognise more finishers.
This year the first 12 horses past the post will now earn prize money, while the winning connections will bank R6 million – the biggest cheque in the history of graded stakes racing in Africa.
Raf Sheik – decades of experience | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Race Coast’s KZN Racing Executive Raf Sheik is chairman of the panel and has served racing in the holiday province with distinction over 41 years.
Raf has seen the changes from Natal Racing, to KZN Racing, Gold Circle and Race Coast.
The quiet and unassuming Grandfather ran the
National Racing Bureau for a decade where he served a total of 21 years, his responsibilities including entries, declarations, racecards, and handicapping.
Raf has served as Racing Executive for over a decade and is the go-to guy for anything and everything racing related.
National Racing Bureau Manager Aveen Sewpersad has over 20 years of service to South African horseracing, and brings extensive industry insights, while valuing opportunities to contribute, learn and grow.
Through his longstanding involvement in racing administration and industry operations, he has developed a strong understanding of the sport and its stakeholders.
While relatively new to judging panels, Aveen recently joined the Equus Awards panel and now the Hollywoodbets Durban July judging panel, opportunities he views as both an honour and a valuable learning experience.
He looks forward to contributing alongside respected industry professionals, while continuing to broaden his perspective within the sport.
Aveen Sewpersad – keeps the daily cards rolling | Credit: Supplied
Race Coast’s Head of Racing for the Western Cape, Kurt Felix brings more than 15 years of experience in horse racing, betting and form analysis.
With over two years of dedicated experience in racing operations, he has developed a strong understanding of both the commercial and operational aspects of the racing sector.
In his current role, Kurt is responsible for overseeing daily racing operations, race programming, Race Coast Sales, horse syndication initiatives and quarantine logistics.
His work focuses on ensuring the efficient delivery of racing events, while supporting strategic initiatives that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the industry.
Kurt is particularly recognised for his expertise in form analysis and race programming and syndication, areas in which he has built a strong reputation through years of practical experience and industry involvement.
His combination of analytical insight, operational knowledge, and passion for the sport enables him to contribute effectively to the continued development of the sport in South Africa.
Kurt Felix – in top form | Credit: Supplied
4Racing’s Head of Racing Operations, Gabriel Soma is responsible for the oversight of racing operations across all the Highveld-based operator’s racecourses and training centres, including fixtures, race programming, events and hospitality, incentives, stakeholder engagement, race-day operations and stabling.
He told the Sporting Post that horse racing has been a passion of his for as long as he can remember.
“My involvement in the industry has spanned a number of areas, including time spent as an assistant trainer, as well as ownership, bloodstock and racing administration, providing me with a
broad perspective of the sport. I am the founder of MGAS Bloodstock and have enjoyed success as both an owner and bloodstock advisor, with notable achievements including Grade 1 winner Fiery Pegasus, Group winners Back In Business and Lady Of Power, as well as the purchase of highly regarded colt, Errol Flynn.”
Gabriel currently serves on the South African Jockey Academy Board while a great passion of his remains form study and race analysis.
“I spend countless hours each day watching and analysing racing from around the world,” he concluded.
Gabriel Soma – wide spectrum of responsibilities
| Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Vastly experienced racing man Luciano Passerini is a Consultant to both racing operators. He was born in 1958 in Paarl, and with his Dad an owner, the passion for the game was ignited early.
“I remember back in those days waiting for the postman to deliver the Turf Guide. I used to study it religiously and could tell you every owner and horse and its pedigree. My Dad had horses with amongst others, Leslie Cawcutt, Jackie Bell, Johnny Cawcutt, Herman Brown and Ralph Rixon,” enthuses Luciano.
Upon matriculating he did the compulsory two years military service after which he joined his Dad on the family farm which was a mixture of fruit and vegetable farming as well as breeding, which was his passion.
“We were approached by Oaklands after their listing on the JSE, to buy our breeding stock and we sold to them. On selling the farm in the early 1990’s I got involved in the export of fresh fruit and vegetables,
which eventually led to me moving from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape,” he adds,
This is where he again got bitten by the bug and bought a filly, then two, and more.
“I served on the local Racing Association committee for many years until I was approached to take up the position of General Manager for the Eastern Cape, a position I held until February 2024 and I am still under contract to them as Programmer as well as a consultant to Race Coast. It has been an incredible experience and something I would not swap for any other job. A thankless job at the best of times, but something that is made worthwhile once you see these beautiful animals around you. If I may add, being asked to be a panelist for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July has been a privilege and I would like to wish every Owner, Trainer, Jockey and most importantly, the horses, all of the very best and come home safely.”
Luciano Passerini – a man for all racing seasons | Credit: Supplied
Lennon Maharaj is the NHA Chief Handicapper and a licensed Stipendiary Steward at the National Horseracing Authority (NHA) of Southern Africa.
He began his career in 1993 at Winning Form, later working at Phumelela and the National Racing Bureau before joining the NHA in 2006.
Appointed Handicapper in 2007, he represents South Africa on the Asian Racing Federation Handicapping panel.
Alongside his handicapping responsibilities, Maharaj has performed a wide range of regulatory duties.
His handicapping responsibilities include determining Merit Ratings, allocating weights,
maintaining competitive handicaps across rating bands, advising on programming decisions, and managing feature race eliminations when fields are oversubscribed (except for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, where he serves as advisor to the selection panel).
Alongside these duties, Maharaj has been involved in major inquiries and investigations, presented evidence, performed judging duties, acted as clerk of scales and has done TC02 testing.
With more than 30 years in horseracing, he combines technical expertise with practical regulatory experience.
Lennon Maharaj – top handicapper | Credit: Supplied
HOW THE PANEL VOTED
The final field for the 130th renewal of the R10 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July was unveiled at a function at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Tuesday morning.
The big-race selection panel under the chairmanship of Race Coast’s KZN Racing Executive Raf Sheik, included National Racing Bureau Manager Aveen Sewpersad, Race
Coast’s Head of Racing for the Western Cape, Kurt Felix, 4Racing’s Head of Racing Operations, Gabriel Soma, vastly experienced operator consultant Luciano Passerini, and with the guidance of NHA Chief handicapper, Lennon Maharaj.
In the spirit of transparency, we detail hereunder how the individual votes were cast.
EXPERT EYE
ACCLAMATION
EXPERT EYE (GB) | 2015 | 16 hh
Try My Best
Waajib
Royal Applause
Flying Melody
Ahonoora
Princess Athena
Shopping Wise
Northern Dancer Sex Appeal
Coryana Sassafras Rosolini
Auction Ring Bold Bidder Hooplah
Whispering Star Sound Track
Peggy West
Lorenzaccio Klairon Phoenissa
Helen Nichols Martial Quaker Girl
Floribunda
Sea Melody
Danzig
Danehill
Dansili
Hasili
EXEMPLIFY
Princely Gift Astrentia
Tudor Minstrel Cowes
Northern Dancer Pas De Nom
Razyana His Majesty Spring Adieu
Kahyasi Ile De Bourbon Kadissya
Kerali High Line Sookera
Mr Prospector Raise A Native Gold Digger
Quest To Peak
Distant View
Seven Springs Irish River La Trinite
Nureyev Northern Dancer Special
Viviana
ACCLAMATION’S GLOBAL CHAMPION ROMANTIC WARRIOR
ACCLAMATION
ACCLAMATION went on to prove himself a leading sprinter before becoming Champion First Season Sire. He subsequently achieved great success at stud and went on to sire G1 producing sons and daughters, which heaps enormous credit on this son of Royal Applause
Acclamation was bred to be precocious - his dam Princess Athena won the G3 Queen Mary Stakes (1000m), and his sire Royal Applause won the G1
Nijinsky Star Nijinsky II Chris Evert
Middle Park Stakes (1200m), G1 Haydock Sprint Cup (1200m), G2 Gimcrack Stakes (1200m) and G3 Coventry Stakes (1200m). Royal Applause is also the broodmare sire of multiple G1 winner Blue Point
Acclamation won the G2 Diadem Stakes and was placed in the G2 Temple Stakes, G2 King’s Stand Stakes (behind Choisir, beating Oasis Dream), and the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes (behind Oasis Dream)
Acclamation has sired some of the best sprinter/milers of recent timesRomantic Warrior (Triple Crown Champion - the World’s highest-earning racehorse - £28,028,453), Battaash, Harry Angel, Real World, Mecca’s Angel, Equiano, Marsha (sold for a record 6 million guineas as a filly in training), Harbour Watch, Aclaim, Dark Angel, Mehmas, etc. Acclamation has founded his own ‘sire-line’, and is the sire of current leading sires Mehmas, Harry Angel and Dark Angel (Champion Sire of GB & Ireland 2024).
DANSILI
DANSILI was Champion Sire in France in 2006 and has become a Champion Broodmare Sire producing group winners Minnie Hauk, Ombudsman, Bluestocking, Los Angeles, Cliffs Of Moher, Time Test, Snow Sky, Naval Crown, Expert Eye, Danon The Kid, Uni, etc. His successful sire sons include Bated Breath, Zoffany, Harbinger, etc. Dansili’s influence will be felt for many years to come through his sons and daughters.
FEMALE LINE
1st Dam
EXEMPLIFY (Dansili) - winner at 2. Dam of 7 winners incl: EXPERT EYE (Acclamation), won 5 races, £1,369,751 in GB and USA, Breeders’ Cup Mile G1, Vintage S G2, Jersey S G3, City of York S G3; 2nd Sussex S G1, Greenham S G3; 3rd Prix du Moulin G1, from 10 starts. TFR 124. Sire.
2nd Dam
QUEST TO PEAK (Distant View) - raced once. Dam of 7 winners: SPECIAL DUTY (Hennessy), Champion 2yo Filly in Europe Champion 2yo Filly in France & GB 4 wins 2 at 2 from 1100-1600m, £323,589, €434,240, Poule d’Essai des Pouliches G1, Cheveley Park S G1, The One Thousand Guineas G1, Prix Robert Papin G2; 2nd Prix Morny G1, Prix Yacowlef L; 3rd Prix Imprudence G3. Dam of: TASK FORCE (Frankel), 2 wins at 2 in 2023, Champion 2yo Trophy L ELEGANT VERSE (Galileo), 2 wins including Prix Dirickx L. Structure, dam of: Snow House (Twirling Candy), 2 wins; 3rd Dwyer S G3, Carle Place S L South Bank (Tapit), 2nd Prix Yacowlef L. Dam of: LAMBETH (Arrogate), 4 wins; Temperence Hill S L Blue Watch (Tapit), raced once. Dam of: Garamond (Uncle Mo) 2 wins; 3rd Gotham S G3. Presidency (Oasis Dream), Champion Male Sprinter in Spain 7 wins; 3rd Prix Servanne L; 4th Prix de Ris-Orangis G3. Sire. Ventoux (Galileo), winner at 2400m in France. Dam of: Colombier (Kingman), 4 wins 1400-2000m; 3rd Prix Daphnis G3 Distant (First Defence), winner. Dam of: Loughville (Mastercraftsman), 4 wins, 3rd Daisy Warwick S L; 4th Gillies S L, River Eden S L
Icespire (Frankel), 2 wins; Dam of: Arolla (Kingman) 2 wins, 2nd Queen of Scots Fllies’ S L
3rd Dam
VIVIANA (Nureyev) - 3 wins at 2000m, incl Prix des Tuileries L, Prix Mélisande L; 2nd Prix de Psyché G3. Sister to Willstar (dam of ETOILE MONTANTE, UNO DUO), three-quarter-sister to DANCE DREAMER, half-sister to REVASSER, HOMETOWN QUEEN (dam of BOWMAN’S BAND). Dam of 5 winners: SIGHTSEEK (Distant View), Joint second top filly on The 2003 International 4YO+ Classification 12 wins from 1200m to 1800m, $2,445,216, Beldame S G1 (twice), Ruffian H G1, Ogden Phipps H G1 (twice), Go For Wand H G1, Humana Distaff H G1, Rampart H G2, Top Flight H G2, Raven Run S G3; 2nd Santa Margarita H G1, Santa Monica H G1, Go for Wand H G1, La Canada S G2. Dam of:
Romanticism (War Front), unraced. Dam of:
IMAGINATIONTHELADY (Not This Time), 3 wins; Edgewood S G2, Jessamine S G2; 2nd Appalachian S G2, 4th Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf G1. TATES CREEK (Rahy), 11 wins from 1100m to 2000m, $1,471,674, Yellow Ribbon S G1, Gamely H G1, Diana H G2, Las Palmas H G2, San Gorgonio H G2, Noble Damsel H G3, Jenny Wiley S G3, Finlandia Cup H L; 2nd John C Mabee H G1, Just A Game H G3. Dam of: SPIRIT RIDGE (Nathaniel), 7 wins, Summer Cup G3, Premier’s Cup G3; 2nd Sky High S G3, Premier’s Cup G3, Tattersall’s Cup G3; 3rd Hobart Cup G3, Launceston Cup G3 Routine (Empire Maker), dam of: TIDE OF THE SEA (English Channel), 5 wins, $543,237, WL McKnight S G3, Japan Turf Cup L; 2nd Fort Marcy S G2, Mac Diarmida S G2, Grand Couturier S L; 3rd John’s Call S L Flourish (Distorted Humor), 2 wins at 1700m, 1900m. Dam of: FULSOME (Into Mischief), 8 wins, $1,244,553, Matt Winn S G3, Smarty Jones S G3, Governor’s S G3, Oaklawn Mile S G3; 2nd Fayette S G2; 3rd Clark S G1, Indiana Derby G3
CUP
TURF MILE WINNER WITH 2YO BRILLIANCE - TIMEFORM 124 -
EXPERT EYE
(GB) 2015 by Acclamation - Exemplify (Dansili)
Sire of International Stakes Horses:
• WITNESS STAND - Lennox S G2, Dubai Duty Free Cup L; 2nd Hungerford S G2, Horris Hill S G3, City Plate S L, etc.
• SNELLEN - Meld S G3, Royal Ascot Chesham S L; 2nd Royal Ascot Kensington Palace S; 3rd Mutamakina S G3; 4th REHRC His Royal Highness The Crown Prince’s Cup L, etc.
• ENTRANCEMENT - Prix Belle de Nuit G3, etc.
• JUNIPER BERRIES - Dick Poole S G3; 4th Royal Ascot Queen Mary S G2, Newbury St Hugh’s S L, etc.
• BESET - Champion Older Female in Ireland (Long) in 2025. Won Finale S L, Naas Devoy S L; 2nd Alleged S G3, Bluebell S L, etc.
• Nesthorn - 2nd Prix des Chenes G3, etc.
• Naina - 3rd Prix de Saint-Cyr L, etc.
• Lavender Hill Mob - 3rd Rose Bowl S L; 4th Cocked Hat S L, etc.
• Beautifulnavigator - 2nd Allen Black Cat LaCombe Memorial S L, etc.
• Violet Gibson - 3rd Honey Ryder S L, etc.
• Isabel Alexandra - 3rd Galway S L, etc.
• Rock Hunter - 2nd National S L, etc.
• Magic Basma - 2nd Cecil Frail S L, Flying Fillies’ S L; 3rd Wentworth S L, 4th Ellen Chaloner S L, Arran Scottish Sprint S L, etc.
“Expert Eye was naturally precocious, very well-balanced, well developed and mature. You would have to say that he was one of the best two-year-old that I have had. He was been pretty natural from the beginning. Before we ran him we knew that he was smart, as he had always shown speed and been very athletic”.
- Sir Michael Stoute
EXPERT EYE (GB) - RACE RECORD
AGE STARTS WINS PLACED EARNED 2yo: 3 2 - 117,463 3yo: 7 3 3 1,252,288 TOTAL 10 5 3 £1,369,751
TWO YEAR OLD
Joint 4th top rated 2yo colt in Europe in 2017.
Won Insurance Novice Stakes, Newbury, (1300m. beating Mutakatif and Barraquero).
Won Vintage Stakes G2, Goodwood, by 4,5 lengths (1400m. beating Zaman and Mildenberger).
THREE YEAR OLD
Won Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile G1, Churchill Downs (1600m beating Catapult and Analyze It).
Won Jersey Stakes G3, Royal Ascot, by 4,5 lengths (1400m beating Society Power and Could It Be Love).
Won Sky Bet City of York Stakes G3, York (1400m. beating Gordon Lord Byron and Arbalet).
2nd Qatar Sussex Stakes G1, Goodwood (1600m to Lightning Spear).
2nd Al Basti Equiworld Supporting Greatwood Greenham Stakes G3, Newbury (1400m to James Garfield).
3rd Prix du Moulin de Longchamp G1, Lonchamps (1600m to Recoletos).
Vintage Stakes G2, Goodwood.
Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile G1, Churchill Downs.
Jersey Stakes G3, Royal Ascot.
Sky Bet City of York Stakes G3, York.
EXPERT EYE (GB) - PROGENY
WITNESS STAND wins the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes (Group 2) over 1400m by 2,75 lengths.
The globe-trotting filly SNELLEN (left) - winning the BoyleSports Meld Stakes (Group 3) over 1800m.
Jazz Cafe (outside, Rachel Venniker) finishes well – the favourite and runner-up Curious Girl is out of the frame. Sean Veale (hooped cap) can be seen steering Hodgepodge into fourth, while Gerbera (Craig Zackey) ran fifth | Credit: Julia Marnewick
RACHEL AND ROBBIE BREAK THEIR DUCK
It was a plan come together for Summerveld trainer Robbie Hill at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the KZN Breeders raceday on Saturday when the Canford Cliffs mare Jazz Café finished well under Rachel Venniker to nab the Hollywoodbets Durban July entry Curious Girl on the line, to win the R300 000 Lucky Fish Gr3 Winter Fillies Stakes.
Trainer Robbie Hill with Jazz Café
Credit: Julia Marnewick
Run as the Oaks in years past, the 2400m feature is open to all ages these days and produced a finish worthy of the headliner on the nine-race card.
Richard Fourie took his chances and controlled the pace on Woman’s World, with She’s A Bomber and Kissing Machine in close attendance.
Turning for home, Gavin Lerena gave the 18-10 Curious Girl her head down the inside, as Rachel Venniker angled wide out on Jazz Café (40-1).
At the 200m Curious Girl looked to have matters in the bag, but running on strongly down the outside, Jazz Café grabbed the honours to beat the De Kock filly by a deceptive quarter length, with the pacemaker Woman’s World (11-2) staying on doggedly for third, a further 1,10 lengths back. This was a first winner on a Robbie Hil runner for
Rachel Venniker, who rode a perfectly judged race. “Four ducks took off in front of her during the Listed East Coast Cup last time. If it were not for that, she would have won that race,” added a delighted Robbie Hill.
Bred by the late Geoff Armitage, Jazz Café was a second feature winner in 24 hours for Ridgemont stallion Canford Cliffs (IRE). She is out of the threetime winning Kitalpha mare French Pearl.
Now a winner of 5 races from 1200m to 2400m, with 6 places from her 18 starts, Jazz Café took her stakes earnings to R486 245.
Curious Girl ran her heart out but it’s tough for a sophomore against older opponents. Whether this was enough to impress the Hollywoodbets Durban July panel, remains to be seen – she conceded the MR 81-rated winner a kilo.
Rachel Venniker on the podium with Lucky Fish Senior Brand Marketing Coordinator Chzrae Alicks | Credit: Julia Marnewick
GO GRAYSON GO PROVES TOO STRONG IN FEATURE
Frikkie Greyling saddled a double on the KZN Breeders raceday at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, capped by the Tinus Gericke-bred Potala Palace colt Go Grayson Go winning the R650 000 KZN Breeders Mile.
NGreyling earlier saddled the Blue Sky Thoroughbreds-owned and bred Queen Of The Air who shed her maiden in the Double Superlative KZN Breeders Maiden Plate.
The annual raceday for the KZN Breeders is always a festive affair, and Saturday maintained the tone, with a competitive card producing some hotly contested finishes.
The headliner produced an easy winner in the Gericke Family-owned Go Grayson Go (9-4) who registered a career third winner from 21 starts, when he bounded clear to beat Highveld raider Dantonfromsandton (16-1) by 1,90 lengths in time of 99,15 secs for the all-weather mile.
Named after Tinus Gericke’s grandson, the 4yo winner is out of the one-time winning Jallad mare, Lyrical Lass and has now earned over R810 000.
One the day, Clifton Stud and Blue Sky Thoroughbreds shared the honours with two winners each, while Macrath Farm’s War Front stallion Declarationofpeace had two winners.
Go Grayson Go (Richard Fourie) registers a third career win | Credit: Julia Marnewick
PRINCE OF TROY RULES IN STYLE
In terms of distance the easiest victory on the Hollywoodbets Greyville card on Saturday was recorded by Prince Of Troy, who hung in from the 400m, when winning the Non Black-Type Blue Sky Thoroughbreds KZN Breeders 1900m on the polytrack.
Nicely positioned in fifth for most of the journey and some five lengths off the pace, the Alyson Wright-trained 3yo son of Act Of War took some stoking up by Serino Moodley early in the home straight.
Once realising what was expected of him though he quickened well and after striking the front 120m from home he drew clear in good style in the closing stages of the race to score by two and a half.
Although not in terms of prize money, the Gr3 Lucky Fish Winter Fillies Stakes (f&m) over 2400m topped the bill and here a major upset was to be had when the Canford Cliffs mare JAZZ CAFÉ got the better of the best bet on the card for many Curious Girl.
The pace set by Woman’s World was a sedate one. Indeed, the overall time was 4,9 seconds slower than standard, and they were 1,3 seconds slower between the 1000m and 600m marks than the slowest of the other three races around the turn on turf.
As a result of this the field began to bunch up coming off the bend and approaching the 300m marker barely a length covered seven of the nine. Robbie Hill’s charge had raced seventh early on and struck the front 200m out. She ran on strongly in the closing stages of the race and in a classic finish she got the verdict over the always handy favourite by a head. Jazz Café recorded
the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon amongst the four races on turf.
The Non-Black Type KZN Breeders Mile boasted the biggest purse and here followers of the money were on the mark when the well-supported GO GRAYSON GO (33/10 into 9/4 favourite) did the business. In what proved to be by far the quicker of the two races over the distance on turf, the Potala Palace colt raced third just three and a half lengths off a fair pace set by Wild At War. He quickened well as they approached the 600m marker and was already at the front coming off the bend. He quickly went a length clear but had to be worked upon vigorously all the way to the wire by Richard Fourie (3 winners on the day) in order to score by almost two lengths.
Track Conditions:
Going: Good to Soft (turf) –Standard (poly)
Penetrometer: 24 (turf)
Rain: Last 24 hours 1mm – Last 7 days 4mm
Irrigation: Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 15mm (turf)
False Rail: 9m (turf)
Wind: 15-30 km/h North Easterly head wind
Course Variant: 0,19s slow (poly)
Three of the five races on the poly track were staged over 1200m and by far the fastest of these was the Non-Black Type Declarationofpeace KZN Breeders 1200 and in what proved to be a real thriller, the progressive 3yo FORTRESS OF FIRE registered his fourth career victory. Despite being drawn nine of ten, Magic Surprise broke well and was soon in command of a length and a half advantage.
The Fire Away gelding raced fourth and just had three lengths to find turning for home. He quickened well early in the straight and on striking the front 130m from home he was looking like a comfortable winner. Running on best of all from six lengths off the pace though was the friendless Kalahari Roller (7/1 out to 25/1), and with that one steadily gaining with every stride below the distance Michael Roberts’ charge only held on by a diminishing short head.
The time recorded by Kalahari Roller over the final 400m was the fastest of the afternoon for that segment in the five races on the poly track.
In terms of distance the easiest victory on the
card was recorded by PRINCE OF TROY (hung in from 400m) when winning the Non-Black Type Blue Sky Thoroughbreds KZN Breeders 1900m on the poly track. Nicely positioned in fifth for most of the journey some five lengths off the pace, the 3yo son of Act Of War took some stoking up early in the home straight. Once realising what was expected of him though he quickened well and after striking the front 120m from home he drew clear in good style in the closing stages of the race to score by two and a half.
The times of the four races on turf were all much slower against standard than the official track conditions would suggest. This in part can be attributed to the head wind as the course variant on the poly track was slower than in recent meetings. However, considering all factors amongst the four turf races, no realistic course variant for the day could be determined.
Fastest Times:
NHA CALENDAR
The Sporting Post presents the National Horseracing Authority calendar per 19 June 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:
QUERARI GELDING’S CATCH ME IF
Enjoying the give in the ground and following some astute farrier work, Justin Snaith’s Un Bel Di used his galloping weight and put speed into play when running his seven opponents off their feet to win the weather-delayed R200 000 Winter Sprint at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.
Generally regarded as something of a 1000m specialist, Un Bel Di led Sardinia Bay and Berry’s Boogie early, before kicking again at the 250m marker as the challenges came from a flying King Regent and the fancied The US Of A.
Showing renewed resolve, Un Bel Di (10-1) stayed on well under Winx-sponsored JP van der Merwe to register a first victory beyond 1000m to give Justin Snaith his third winner of the afternoon, beating King
YOU CAN!
Regent (25-2) by 1,25 lengths, clocking 74,62 secs for the 1200m. The US Of A (4-1) was another 2,25 lengths back in third, with the grey Dumbledor (16-1) flying up late for fourth.
The tote favourite All The Rage (3-1) ran just over six lengths back in sixth, on what was a generally quiet day for the Bass Racing team.
Raced by Gaynor Rupert’s L’Ormarins & Friends, the winner was bred by Drakenstein Stud and is a 4yo gelded son of Querari (Oasis Dream) out of the graded stakes winner One Fine Day (Trippi).
Now a winner of 3 races with 13 places from his 21 starts, Un Bel Di took his stakes earnings to R579 408, and can be followed during the winter months.
Chasingtherainbow (Richard Fourie) records his best win to date | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
SON OF POTALA PALACE
COULD FEATURE IN CAPE SUMMER
While it was a low-key non black-type affair, new trainer Robert Barrett will take his maiden feature success courtesy of Chasingtherainbow in the R200 000 Winter Mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, with both hands.
With the field in the weather-delayed feature reduced to just five runners, it was always going to be a tactical affair. And Andrew Fortune it was who took up the pace cudgel on Beware The Bomb, who led early, ahead of Swiatek and Sugar Mountain.
Halfway through the race, Fourie confidently took Chasingtherainbow around his field, to grab the lead.
Even though he ran towards the outside and carried a half kilo over, the well supported Chasingthewainbow (9-10) recorded his best win to date, when he charged clear to beat Gallic Dream (3-1) by 2,75 lengths in a time of 98,87 secs for the mile.
“He is a lovely horse. He was so good in the race
and so well balanced. He doesn’t hang out, he just goes there,” said Richard Fourie reference to the 4yo gelding’s penchant for finding the outside rail late in his races.
Lucky Fish-sponsored Robert Barrett suggested that Chasingtherainbow may now be given a break ahead of the Cape summer season.
Bred by Normandy Stud, Chasingtherainbow is by Potala Palace (Singspiel) out of the unraced Argonaut mare, Lady Of The Fleece. He was an astute selection by Rob Barrett at BSA Cape Yearling Sale, where was bought for the proverbial song at R130 000.
A winner of 7 races with 3 places from 14 starts, Chasingtherainbow took his stakes earnings to R639 732.
Trainer Robert Barrett celebrates his maiden feature | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
ZACKEY’S TACTICAL TOUCH
A horse to win well under a good tactical ride on the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth card on Sunday was Waloyo Yamoni in the VHM Racing Syndicate C Stakes over 1950m. Taken straight to the front by champion jockey elect Craig Zackey, the 3yo Trippi gelding led throughout.
He gained a soft lead early on and taking full advantage of that, he quickened in the latter part of the bend. As a result of that the field suddenly found themselves with plenty to do. He ran on strongly over the final 400m and although the pack headed by Who Is She was closing in late, he won without any anxious moments by a length and three quarters.
The first of the afternoon’s two feature races to be run was the Non-Black Type Winter Mile which was won by the odds on favourite CHASINGTHERAINBOW (carried 0,7kg overweight). Just five went to post and somewhat surprisingly given the small field the pace was a fair one.
Beware The Bomb (unsettled, hung out on bend) made the early running whilst the Potala Palace gelding was content to sit some five and a half lengths off the pace in fourth. Cleverly ridden by Richard Fourie though, Robert Barrett’s charge was asked to quicken on the
bend and was already at the front as they approached the 600m marker.
He ran on strongly early in the straight and despite shifting all the way across to the outside rail, and Richard dropping the rein at the 200m, he went on to score with authority by two and three quarters from Gallic Dream. A R130000 purchase, Chasingtherainbow has now won seven of his fourteen career starts and has amassed stake earnings of over R639000.
Eight went to post for the Non-Black Type Winter Sprint over 1200m and here a bit of an upset was to be had when the costly to follow UN BEL DI registered only his third career victory from 21 starts.
Freely available at 10/1 having not won for almost 500 days, the son of Querari led by a length throughout. He was always travelling well and in what proved to be the slowest of the afternoon’s three races over the distance to the halfway mark, he was only really asked to
race when the fancied The US Of A mounted a challenge 200m out. He duly found extra and did have that one, and the runner up King Regent (lost 1 length at start), held at the wire. Despite not being in a rush early on, this was by far the quickest of the three 1200m races on the card.
Track Conditions:
Going: Soft (both tracks)
Penetrometer: 26 (both tracks)
Rain: Last 24 hours Nil –Last 7 days 16mm
Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil
False Rail: 3m out from 1700m with a 6m spur at 430m
Wind: 10-15km/h North Westerly tail wind
Course Variant: 2,54s slow (straight) –0,18s slow (bend)
The Hollywoodbets Bright Future Apprentice
C Stakes over 1000m brought the afternoon’s proceedings to a close and in what proved to be a real thriller, Hollywood Racing’s TROIS SEPT
HUIT gained his second success from just six starts. The friendless Peace Of Mind (6/1 out to 25/2) made the running whilst Lucinda
Woodruff’s charge raced just three lengths away in fourth. He took up the running with authority 250m out and it looked at that point as if he would go on to score comfortably.
A winner of two of his last four outings though, the 8yo veteran All About Al ran on strongly at the business end of the race and steadily gaining with every stride, he only failed to get up by the narrowest of margins.
Five lengths off the pace at the top of the straight. SOHO HEARTTHROB (slow into stride) recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon when running on stoutly to finish third beaten less than half a length in the Kikkuli Standing @ Paardeberg Stud B Stakes over 1600m.
As with the last meeting here on the winter course at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 16 June, the races down the straight were considerably slower comparatively to the races around the turn. Food for thought.
Fastest Times
1200m (3) Un Bel Di 74,62 1600m (2) Chasingtherainbow 98,87
400-finish Soho Heartthrob 23,19
RIGHT TUNE SMITH MARE plays the
Song Of Myself (Calvin Habib) wins Friday’s Fairview feature | Credit: Pauline Herman
Just over 3 hours before their speed star Isivunguvungu made a sensational winning return to action 16 000 km away in Maryland USA on Friday, Hollywood Racing’s consistent Canford Cliffs mare Song Of Myself stormed to victory in the R175 000 East Cape Breeders Stakes at Fairview.
Going off at 3-1, the Dean Smith-trained Song Of Myself, who is effective on both the turf and polytrack, was given an uncomplicated ride by SplashOut-sponsored Calvin Habib, who had the tote favourite and pacemaker Virgin River in his sights all the way around, before drawing off late to register a 1,50 length win over the Snaith visitor Pink Pigeon (2-1) in a time of 68,41 secs.
The pacesetter’s less fancied stablemate Kings Again was 1,25 lengths back in third, with Virgin River (5-2) tiring to hang on for fourth.
Having put her below-par effort (she was harbouring a virus) when raiding Turffontein for the WSB Gr3 Sycamore Sprint.
Winning rider Calvin Habib celebrated his sixth wedding anniversary on the day.
Bred by Ridgemont, the winner races for Hollywood Racing and is a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner Canford Cliffs
(Tagula) out of the thrice-winning Poet’s Voice mare, Leaves Of Grass.
Now a winner of 6 races with 4 places from 14 starts and R513 120 in stakes, Song Of Myself is lightly raced and will make a terrific broodmare when she heads down that road. She is lightly raced and may well spend another season in search of a black-type victory.
Dean Smith and Alan Greeff shared the training honours with a double apiece, while Richard Fourie and apprentice Bavish Soodoo also doubled up to take the riding accolade.
Well done to the Sporting Post-sponsored Tristan Godden who booted home a winner at his first racemeeting at Fairview, when riding a cracker from the front for Justin Snaithtrained Supreme Fate. The KZN-based jockey remarked that he was ‘greener than the horse’ earlier on – obviously the tight turn catching him out. But he adjusted quickly!
GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT SON TO STAND AT BLUE SKY THOROUGHBREDS
Trainer Sean Tarry said about his 2024 Gr1 Gold Medallion winner, Proceed: “He had blinding acceleration and Gr1 form that stood up in no uncertain terms. He was precocious, progressive and professional.”
Proceed has been retired to stand at Bruce le Roux and Tinus Gericke’s Blue Sky Thoroughbreds stud in Mooi River. As a young, lightly-raced entire with an outstanding pedigree and proven Gr1 ability, he presents an intriguing option for discerning breeders.
Proceed had South Africa’s current star sprinter Buffalo Storm Cody five lengths behind him when winning the 2024 TAB Gr3 Protea Stakes – and went on to defeat his since, well-accomplished
Gr1-winning stablemate Cosmic Speed in the Gold Medallion.
Laid off due to injury at three, Proceed’s record shows three wins from seven starts at two, a Gr1 and Gr3 success, and two Gr2 places. He enters the stud arena with his reputation fully intact and, in what would be typical in the breeding barns of Europe but not always in South Africa, his early retirement protects his racetrack value and maximises the number of breeding seasons available to him.
Proceed is by Gimmethegreenlight – the fourth son of the multiple champion stallion to go to stud – out of Xplosive Kiss – a winning daughter of champion
Un Bel Di (JP van der Merwe) holds a
King Regent (Sfiso Bungane) at bay
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
broodmare sire Captain Al. Her most recent running foal is Proceed’s talented two-year-old half-brother Turn It Up (Querari). He is three wins from four starts and regarded as a potential star.
Just as importantly, Proceed joins a breeding operation that has quickly established an impressive reputation.
Blue Sky Thoroughbreds boasts a remarkable 45% strike rate of winners to runners, and they occupy seventh spot (out of 360 active breeders) on the National Log for Breeders in South Africa after just four full seasons in the business, with three graduates among the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July hopefuls.
Bruce Le Roux, who is most excited about the revival of the breeding industry in KwaZulu-Natal, noted: “Proceed has been with us on the farm for a few weeks. He’s a lovely and athletic horse.
He’s like a teenager, rising four, full of energy and enthusiasm. His going to let down into a beautiful stallion” “We are very pleased to have a stallion from the potent Gimmethegreenlight/Captain Al cross and grateful to Laurence Wernars and Vermaak Equine for giving us the opportunity.”
Justin Vermaak said that Proceed will be syndicated, and that Laurence Wernars will retain a majority share.
He will remain in KZN for a minimum of 10 years and will be receiving quality foundation support with some of Wernars’ well-performed race mares, including She’s a Giver (Philanthropist), already the dam of Graded performer Mount Pinatubo) Princess Blitz (What A Winter, an own sister to Master Archie), Gr2 winner Netta (Where’s That Tiger) and the smart Gr3 winning sprinter, Alula’s Star.
www.vermaakequine.com
SA STORM HITS LAUREL PARK!
Just a week after he saddled SAF-bred 6yo Gimme A Nother to a commanding win after a layoff in the Gr3 Eatontown Stakes at Monmouth Park, international Gr1-winning trainer Graham Motion’s Herringswell Stables celebrated another SAF-bred success when the 7yo Isivunguvungu bounced back off a ten-month break to win at Laurel Park.
Herringswell Stables sum it up: It’s the Zulu word for “storm.” And today at Laurel Park, it meant “winner.”
Track announcer Dave Rodman had no trouble with the moniker while calling the race, and jockey Jorge Ruiz very obviously became Isivunguvungu’s newest devoted fan – watch the replay below.
Jorge pats and strokes the gelding all the way back to the winner’s circle. Wonderful.
“He’s a great horse,” Jorge said.
“I’ve followed his entire campaign in South Africa. I’m happy about the opportunities Graham and his whole team are giving me, and especially about riding for Hollywood Racing. I dream of winning Grade 1 races. Congratulations to the owners.”
“A multiple Grade 1 winner in South Africa,
Isivunguvungu is an absolute celebrity there. When he arrived at Herringswell in May 2024, he brought with him a massive fan following. And those folks are loyal, delighted by every photo and bit of news about their hero. They are no doubt elated today.”
Entered in an allowance optional claiming race going 1100m on the turf, Isivunguvungu was having his first start since the Van Clief Stakes at Colonial Downs last August.
Isivunguvungu is by What A Winter (SAF) out of Miss Tweedy (SAF) by Tiger Ridge. This victory marked career win number eight from 22 starts.
We’re happy to join Jorge in a big Cheers to the connections – breeders Narrow Creek Stud and owners Hollywood Racing.
We’ll even say it in Zulu: Ukuhalalisela!!
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
GAYNOR’S ROYAL ASCOT JOY
South African racing enthusiasts would have enjoyed the result of last Saturday’s Gr3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. The 20-1 winner, Thesecretadversary, was bred by Gaynor Rupert in partnership with Coolmore, and Gaynor owns the colt in partnership with Susan Magnier.
Winner of the Gr3 Ballylinch Stud Red Rocks Stakes earlier in the year, Thesecretadversary, who had also run fifth in the Gr1 Betfred 2000 Guineas, is certainly bred to be good.
The 2026 Jersey Stakes winner is one of four group winners to have emerged from the first Northern Hemisphere crop of his sire St Mark’s Basilica. A son of dual French Champion Sire Siyouni, St Mark’s Basilica, a half-brother to Gr1 2000 Guineas winner but poor sire Magna Grecia, was Europe’s Horse Of The Year in 2021.
St Mark’s Basilica’s six wins, from nine starts, included five at Gr1 level. After winning the Gr1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes at two, he went on to add wins in the Gr1 Emirates Poule d’Essai Des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas), Gr1 Qatar Prix Du Jockey Club (French Derby), Gr1 Coral-Eclipse and G1 Irish Champion Stakes at three.
From the same female line as South African champions Soqrat and What A Winter, among many others, St Mark’s Basilica has made a big impression with his first Northern Hemisphere runners. Star of his first crop thus far is unbeaten filly Diamond Necklace, a winner of each of her first five starts, including this season’s Gr1 Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas) and Gr1 Prix de Diane Longines (French Oaks). His other first crop group winners are Venetian Prince (Gr2 Derby Italiano) and Aylin (Gr2 Betfred May Hill Stakes).
Thesecretadversary, whose close relative Sun Goddess (Sioux Nation) ran second in last Friday’s Gr3 Albany Stakes), is out of the Gleneagles
mare Too Soon To Panic. The latter won twice, including the 2021 Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF McCalmont Stakes.
The Jersey Stakes winner’s granddam Scream Blue Murder (by the former Avontuur based sire Oratorio) was a speedy sort who won four including the Gr3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes.
Too Soon To Panic aside, Scream Blue Murder is also responsible for the Gr3 placed Ahandfulofsummers (by Galileo) and the latter’s Swiss stakes winning full-brother Wargrave.
In terms of pedigree, Scream Blue Murder was a three-parts sister to the top-class South African raced Gibraltar Blue (by Rock Of Gibraltar). The latter, who began her career in Ireland, won six of her 18 starts in South Africa. Her victories included the 2010 Gr2 KRA Fillies Guineas, 2010 Gr2 Tibouchina Stakes, and 2010 Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge Stakes. Gibraltar Blue’s seven winners include Gr2 SA Nursery third Battleoftrafalgar (by Captain Al), the stakes-placed pair of Pillar Of Hercules (by Captain Al) and Cullinan Blue (by Vercingetorix), and this season’s Gr3 Byerley Turk runner-up I’m A Fireball (by Vercingetorix).
Thesecretadversary is closely inbred to legendary sire Galileo, with the latter broodmare sire of St Mark’s Basilica and sire of Gleneagles, the damsire of Thesecretadversary. He is also inbred closely to Danehill, with the latter broodmare sire of Siyouni and the sire of Oratorio.
Remarkably, Thesecretadversary’s first six dams are all stakes winners!
MOORE –DIFFERENT CLASS!
Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien | Credit: Megan Rose Photography
After five fantastic days of high-class racing, Ryan Moore MBE claimed his 13th leading jockey title at the Royal Ascot meeting last week, having partnered all of O’Brien’s winners except Great Barrier Reef, who was ridden by Wayne Lordan, in addition to scoring on the Joseph O’Brientrained Enceladus in the King George V Stakes.
Victory in last Saturday’s final race of the meeting – the Queen Alexandra Stakes on Illinois – ensures Moore heads into next year’s Royal Ascot meeting with 99 Royal Ascot wins to his name.
Moore said: “It does mean plenty, when you win it’s great and when you lose it hurts. I have been on the wrong end of a few photos today but that’s how it goes. I just keep coming back and take it race by race and day by day.”
Asked if he loved winning the Gold Cup, he replied: “Yeah, I’d have liked to have won the St James’s Palace as well!”
Considered one of the greats of his generation, Moore was recently awarded an MBE on the occasion of the King’s Birthday honours for his services to racing and British sport. He has ridden more than 2 600 winners in Britain, including 18 Classics, of which four have come in the Derby.
A three-time British champion jockey, the 42-yearold has been crowned Longines world’s best jockey four times, and has ridden nearly 3 400 winners worldwide.
He rode Estimate to win the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013 for the late Queen Elizabeth II and has now registered a total of 99 winners at the royal meeting, where he has won the leading jockey award 13 times and set a new post-war record of nine winners for a single meeting in 2015.
South African fans will remember Ryan Moore for his ride on defending champion Rainbow Bridge in the Cape Town Met at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth
in 2020. Moore looked sure to score when he sent the Edric Sands star Rainbow Bridge up to join One World 200m out, but the 17-4 shot proved to have less in the tank than it appeared and One World battled to a head victory.
“Rainbow Bridge ran a great race but I never thought I had it,” said Moore, who had never ridden in South Africa previously.
Ryan Lee Moore was born on 18 September 1983. He was Champion Jockey in 2006, 2008 and 2009 and is currently the first choice jockey for Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle operation, a role in which he mainly rides horses owned by Coolmore Stud. He also sometimes rides horses for Juddmonte and The Royal Family. Moore has ridden over 215 Group and Grade 1 winners internationally. He has the most British Group & Listed wins of any active jockey.
The son of successful trainer and former jump jockey Gary Moore, and brother to jump jockeys Jamie Moore and Joshua Moore, and top amateur jockey Hayley Moore, has four children. He is the grandson of trainer Charlie Moore, a well-known character who lived close to Brighton Racecourse.
Charlie was also a second-hand car salesman, and many stories have circulated about his dual career, including how he swapped three truck tyres in exchange for a filly, and how he started training when he accidentally bought a horse by raising his hand at auction.He is also close to Gary’s sister, his aunt Candy, who is also a jockey.
Moore started riding at four, introduced to it by his
grandfather, and then with the pony club. However, he didn’t enjoy cross-country and showjumping; finding it a ‘bit tame’, he decided to pursue competitive racing instead.National Hunt jockey AP McCoy rode for Moore’s father when in his teens and Moore, aged 12, led him over hurdles as they schooled horses.Moore was influenced by his drive and dedication. “He wanted to ride everything in the yard. His work ethic was huge,” he once said.
Moore’s association with Aidan O’Brien is legendary and the leading trainer saddled 7 winners over the 5 days to matched his previous best Royal Ascot tally set in 2016 to gain a 14th leading trainer title at the meeting, finishing the week two ahead of his son Joseph.
A landmark week for O’Brien snr saw him record a 100th Royal Ascot success in last Thursday’s Gold Cup as Scandinavia denied Trawlerman in an epic renewal of the staying showpiece.
Mission Central’s victory in last Tuesday’s King Charles III Stakes means O’Brien has now won all of the Gr1 races run at Royal Ascot. The Duke Of Cambridge Stakes is the only Group race currently
run at the meeting to elude the trainer. The crowd figure for day five of Royal Ascot last week was 71 610, bringing the overall meeting total to 294 541, a 2.8 per cent increase on the 286 541 last year. In addition, the were 634 runners across the week, bettering the previous record of 602 in 2024.
Felicity Barnard, CEO of Ascot Racecourse, said: “It has been a fantastic week, a real feast for everybody that has been with us, whether you were here for racing, fashion, food or music. We knew we had momentum coming into the meeting because the racing promised to be fantastic and we expected crowds to be up. The main thing for us is delivering the best experience possible for those that come, whether that is participants or guests, because we want them to feel special and the team have done an incredible job to do that. We already have ideas about improvements that we can make and planning begins now for 2027, with tickets already on sale and over
1 000 sold by lunchtime on Saturday. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”
Hear, hear!
ARE ASCOT ROYALTY O’BRIENCOOLMORE, & MOORE
Coolmore received the leading owner award at Royal Ascot for a seventh time, with Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore taking the leading trainer and leading jockey awards following a banner week for connections.
Horses representing Coolmore partnerships that included Sue Magnier, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, Westerberg, Peter Brant and Cayton Park Stud won eight times at the meeting, a record total since the leading owner award was introduced in 2017.
Aidan O’Brien was responsible for seven of those winners as he matched his previous best Royal Ascot tally set in 2016 to gain a 14th leading trainer title at the meeting, finishing the week two ahead of his son Joseph.
A landmark week for O’Brien snr saw him record a 100th Royal Ascot success in Thursday’s Gold
Cup as Scandinavia denied Trawlerman in an epic renewal of the staying showpiece.
Mission Central’s victory in Tuesday’s King Charles III Stakes means O’Brien has now won all of the Gr1 races run at Royal Ascot. The Duke Of Cambridge Stakes is the only Group race currently run at the meeting to elude the trainer.
Other winners throughout the week for O’Brien and Coolmore included Great Barrier Reef (Coventry Stakes), Victorious (Queen Mary Stakes), Precise (Coronation Stakes), Causeway (King Edward VII Stakes) and Illinois (Queen Alexandra Stakes). Coolmore was also in the winner’s enclosure as the
Ryan Moore and Coolmore’s Paul Smith | Credit: Megan Rose Photography
part-owner/part-breeder of Thesecretadversary, who won the Jersey Stakes for Fozzy Stack.
Aidan O’Brien said: “It has been a brilliant week. A lot of people have put in a lot of hard work. I’m always mentioning everybody but some people I don’t mention, I’m sorry to them, but I’m so grateful to the whole team for a lot of hard work. Without John and Sue [Magnier], Michael and Doreen [Tabor], Gay and Derrick [Smith], Georg and Emily [von Opel], and Peter [Brant] and Stephanie [Seymour], this wouldn’t be happening.
“A big team at Ballydoyle, Coolmore, America, Australia – everyone gets their shoulder behind the wheel. Obviously, Ryan [Moore] does an incredible job riding them, and Wayne [Lordan] and everybody else that rides for us, on the racecourse and at home, exercise riders, work riders – it’s a massive team, plus all the people on the farms and offices, vets and farriers. That’s what makes it happen and we’re so grateful to all of them.
“I suppose it’s hard to get away from Scandinavia. He was incredible. Everyone knows the Gold Cup is the longest race, it’s the race everyone wants to see and captures everyone’s imagination, and when the
two horses lined up in the straight, it was incredible. We were hoping Scandinavia would step up to the plate. He was taking on the champion, who is double his age, and he’s only a baby stayer, so I think everyone got a great thrill out of that.”
Ryan Moore claimed his 13th leading jockey title at the meeting, having partnered all of O’Brien’s winners except Great Barrier Reef, who was ridden by Wayne Lordan, in addition to scoring on the Joseph O’Brien-trained Enceladus in the King George V Stakes.
Victory in last Saturday’s final race of the meeting – the Queen Alexandra Stakes on Illinois – ensures Moore heads into next year’s meeting with 99 Royal Ascot wins to his name.
Moore said: “It does mean plenty, when you win it’s great and when you lose it hurts. I have been on the wrong end of a few photos today but that’s how it goes. I just keep coming back and take it race by race and day by day.”
Asked if he loved winning the Gold Cup, he replied: “Yeah, I’d have liked to have won the St James’s Palace as well!”
SHARE GR3 SPOILS BEAUTY JOY AND LITTLE PARADISE
Beauty Joy added further lustre to a magnificent career by becoming the jointoldest horse to win a Group race in Hong Kong with victory in the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m) as Little Paradise confirmed his rich potential with success in the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Drawing the curtain on Hong Kong’s Group race season, Beauty Joy (124lb) became the first nine-year-old to snare a Group race in Hong Kong since Able One won the 2011 Gr1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m), while four-year-old Little Paradise laid the foundation for higher honours with a maiden black type victory.
Formerly known as Talladega when unbeaten in four starts in Australia, Beauty Joy boosted his prizemoney earnings to HK$40.36 million with his
eighth win from 56 starts in Hong Kong and second consecutive Premier Plate victory.
With five Hong Kong Group race victories – one at Group 2 and four at Group 3 level – the gelding also boasts three placings at the highest level, including a second to 10-time Group 1 winner Golden Sixty in the 2023 G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m).
Ridden patiently by Joao Moreira, Tony Cruz’s quirky chestnut angled into the clear and sprinted hard from the 300m to defeat Light Years Charm (127lb) and Romantic Thor (115lb) in 1m 47.96s.
“I was told he was going to be a difficult horse to ride, however he gave me a beautiful ride. At the 800m, he kind of wanted to play around with me with his head, but I managed to keep him very nicely calm,” Moreira said.
Beauty Joy wins his second Gr3 Premier Plate Handicap | Credit: HKJC
“He had the race won at the last 300m – a long way from home – showing that he’s got so much ability and it’s a shame that he’s already nine-years-old. He’s got heart and I gotta say I’m just so thankful for Tony and his team for giving me another Group race in Hong Kong.
“It’s always a pleasure to be winning Group races anywhere, but Hong Kong is a special place. Last year when he ran this race when he was eight-yearold, I said if he wins, we’ll keep going for another season, if we lose we’ll retire him,” Cruz said.
“Well, he has won again, and he just said to me it looks like we’ll keep going. We’ll run one more race (this season) and then make the final decision. At the age of 10, it could be a bit too old for him. He’s been a very genuine horse – a very difficult horse to race, but he’s got a fighting heart.”
Settling in sixth position, Jimmy Ting-trained Little Paradise (120lb) tracked Winning Ovation (118lb) into the straight before challenging strongly to take the lead at the 100m before holding off Galaxy Patch (135lb), who forged home from the tail of the field by a neck, and Lucky With You (120lb) in a slick 1m 20.38s.
Winner of the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile
(1600m) in February, Little Paradise gave Ting his first Group 3 success and his biggest Hong Kong victory since Amazing Star’s win in the 2021 Gr2 Sprint Cup (1200m).
Capping a winning double for Ting after triumphing on Come Fast Fay Fay (130lb) made it two wins in a row with success in the Class 4 Emerald Handicap (1400m), Purton notched his fourth Premier Cup victory after saluting on Able One (2008), Beauty Joy (2022) and Beauty Eternal (2023).
“It’s obviously a lucky week for myself and the connections, so it’s good,” Purton said, referring to the 2012 Gr1 King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) win at Royal Ascot win of Little Bridge, who was raced by Little Paradise’s owner Ko Kam Piu.
“He’s (Ting) been turning the horse out as well as he can. I’m just happy for him today that the horse got a nice clean run and was able to show what he can do.
“He probably wasn’t at his best today after having that break and just the one trial coming into and he ran good time. So, I think next season, with a break, there’s every chance he could take another step.”
Ting indicated Group 1 targets would be considered. “I hope that after the break he gets a little bit of improvement, and hopefully the target will be to run in
Tony Cruz at the presentation ceremony following Beauty Joy’s Gr3 success | Credit: HKJC
the (Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong) Mile (1600m). I still think that 1400m or 1600m is the best distance for this horse, and I hope that he will improve,” he said.
Caspar Fownes consolidated his lead in the trainers’ championship when Winning Machine (134lb) just lasted to clinch the Class 5 Spessartine Garnet Handicap (1400m) under Moreira. Chasing his fifth Hong Kong trainers’ title, Fownes has 63 wins and leads Danny Shum (59), Mark Newnham (58), Francis Lui (54) and David Hayes (52).
Ricky Yiu and Nichola Yuen combined to slot a double, scoring when Rapid Phantom (118lb) – who is co-owned by BMW Hong Kong Derby ambassador Donnie Yen – surged late to claim the Class 4 Ruby Handicap (1000m) before Packing Glory (125lb) finished powerfully to win the second section of the Class 4 Diamond Handicap (1200m).
“A great ride by the jockey – Nichola rode him before, she knows the horse and the horse has improved a lot since the last run,” Yiu said of Rapid Phantom. “Hopefully, I can find another 1000m for him for the rest of the season.” Yuen was delighted with the double after following Yiu’s instructions perfectly on Packing Glory.
“Before the race, Ricky told me to just aim for Zac –
that’s the only thing we knew. After the jump, straight away I was just aiming and focusing on where Zac was. He gave me a really good kick and he really hit the line very strong. He’s very honest.
“I’m so glad to have ridden a double; riding one for the boss makes it especially meaningful.”
Cody Mo fired in a double as Absolute Heart (134lb) confirmed his promise with an emphatic victory in the first section of the Class 4 Diamond Handicap (1200m) for Derek Leung before Flying Knight (134lb) claimed the Class 4 Topaz Handicap (1600m) under Karis Teetan.
Jerry Chau boosted his hopes of a breakthrough win in the Tony Cruz Award for the leading homegrown jockey when Call Me Magnifique (120lb) clinched the Class 3 Lapiz Lazuli Handicap (2000m) for Shum.
A three-time winner in Australia before export, the gelding earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million.
Chicken Dinner (120lb) sealed a treble for Purton by winning the Class 3 Sapphire Handicap (1200m) and earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million before Almighty Lightning (117lb) defied gate 14 and swept to victory in the Class 3 Amethyst Handicap (1400m) for Manfred Man and Andrea Atzeni.
CAPE SIRE’S SECOND ROYAL ASCOT STRIKE
A son of Paardeberg’s well-performed Acclamation stallion Expert Eye, Mezcala was produced to perfection by Tom Marquand to take the 1400m Buckingham Palace Stakes and give trainer Jack Channon his first Royal Ascot success on Thursday last week.
Mezcala and Tom Marquand win the Buckingham Palace Stakes | Credit: Mathea Kelley
The improving four-year-old had won the Spring Mile at Doncaster on seasonal debut before another promising run in third at Newbury and he was not to be denied under Tom Marquand for the first time in 2026.
The field split into two groups as usual, with the majority of the runners heading towards the stands’ side, and it looked like Billy Loughnane might collect another Royal winner as he skipped into the lead on Elarak with a furlong and a half to travel.
He just ran out of puff on the final climb to the line, however, leaving the door ajar for Mezcala and the well-backed 9/2 joint-favourite took it by winning with a bit to spare.
Channon said: “We thought the Hunt Cup would be his race. He has got cover today, and that is the first time he has had it this year. He has got a great turn of foot, but he is a very good horse. He is a real good, clean moving horse. A lot of the family do like a bit of juice. He is as good a mover as we have had in the family. He should have won at Newbury. George ((Bass) gave him a beautiful ride from where he was, but you can’t do all your own work in these high grade races. Today is the first time he has had cover and he has shown what an electric turn off foot he has when he gets it. I still think it is a miler, but it is a real stiff seven furlongs here. He has won that off 94, so it might be another handicap beforehand, but if not we might look at stakes races.”
Out of the Al Kazeem mare Why We Dream, four-year-old Mezcala was bred by his owners Jon and Julia Aisbitt, and has won three of eight starts.
Expert Eye, whose first South African crop were born in 2025, won four group/graded races, including the 2018 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile. This was his second Royal Ascot winner after his daughter Snellen won the Listed Chesham
Stakes in 2023. Expert Eye won the 2018 Gr3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Channon said: “This is the first time Mezcala has had cover this year and, Jesus, he’s got a good turn of foot. It’s brilliant for everyone at West Ilsley – Allana, my wife and assistant, and the team at home who do an amazing job with these horses. It is a fantastic day. Mezcala is a good horse, but Jon and Julia have a good record of breeding these lovely miling horses. It’s been 13 years since West Ilsley had a Royal Ascot winner [Elidor], and they owned and bred the last one too. It is wonderful for them — they’re great breeders and he’s a very good horse.
“He’s a really good, clean-moving horse. A lot of the family do like a bit of juice in the ground, but touch wood, he’s as good a mover as we’ve had from the family. Today was the first time he’s had cover and he’s shown the electric turn of foot he has when he gets it. I think he’s definitely stakes class.”
Marquand said: “Me and Billy [Loughnane], first and second, were drawn right up against the stands’ side fence and Billy had the blessing of being able to ride his lad forward. This fellow takes a little while to get going. Jack said to me before, ‘Just make sure you get a clear run,’ and I was thinking it might be a tricky job, but he’s done a fantastic job with this horse. Great for them and fantastic for the Aisbitts – they’re wonderful owner-breeders and they will be absolutely thrilled. Jon and Julia are fantastic. I ride a lot for them and they’re super, supergame. When it all goes wrong, they still love it. It is fun riding for people like them and hugely deserved with a lovely horse. I am glad to be aboard.Jack and his team are a young team, while they’ve got these horses upwardly mobile – they’re flying. This is a very hard thing to do, to get horses to back up those big handicap wins.”
The Sporting Post is sad to learn of the passing of Matthew Stevens, affectionately known as ‘The Whisperer’, on Saturday 20 June 2026.
Matthew had a passion for racing
Matthew previously worked as an assistant trainer for 4 years, before deciding his passion in racing was with studying the form, so he ended up joining Winning Form and Sporting Post, where he created the very popular Stable Info publication. He worked under the late Matthew Lips at Winning Form.
The Stable Info concept proved to be an amazing success. The Whisperer’s job was to contact all the trainers countrywide and ask them to comment about their runners for the day. These comments were published in the Winning Form and the public was kept informed. Due to the excessive phone costs, this had to sadly come to an end.
The Whisperer’s main aim with Stable Info, was to make horse racing as transparent as possible, and in doing so help the public show a profit by using his horse racing tips. Another issue was that Matthew wanted to ensure his selections could be as accurate as possible, and he felt tipping five or six days in advance was not the way to go. Before creating his website, Matthew not only
worked in a Hollywood Betting shop for a year to learn more about odds and markets, but also attended business school, to learn how to treat his customers. Matthew made sure he had all the bases covered before commencing in his own business.
Obviously having the selections made as late as possible helped with regards to inside info, but Matthew has always based his selections more of his own form analysis.
Matthew learnt his trade from one of the best in the game, as understanding the handicapping system is probably the most important aspect of analyzing form.
Matthew used this knowledge of handicapping and combined it with detailed video analysis, spending no less than five hours on each race meeting and watching up to 100 re-runs for each race meeting.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Racing has lost a passionate fan.
Matthew Stevens, aka The Whisperer – will be missed Credit: Supplied
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