Issuu

Wednesday 30 September 2026

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UP FOR THE

CHALLENGE? v

In this week’s issue... Grade 2 Double Feature

Turffontein on Saturday

Dubai Trip Booked? Jet Force wins Matchem

The United States 1-2 In Settlers Miami Summer turns up heat

900 Up For Hollywood Kwagga blitzes ‘em!

Celebrations Aplenty! National Day at Sha Tin

And plenty more!

On the cover

The Normandy Stud-bred Miami Summer (JP van der Merwe) beats stablemate Prairie Dawn (Keagan de Melo) to win the Listed Settlers Trophy at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday 26 September. Read about the winner, the sire (who celebrated the exacta), and the winning breeder from page 17 in this issue Image courtesy of Chase Liebenberg.

Issue: 39/2026

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TURFFONTEIN v

GR2 DOUBLE FEATURE ON SATURDAY

The first Grade 2 double feature billing of the new season is hosted by 4Racing on the Turffontein inside track on Saturday, with the R550 000 Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge and the R450 000 Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring F&M Challenge headlining a ninerace card. | 30her SEPTEMBER Get Up4has first start as 2026 a 3yo in the Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring F&M Challenge | Credit: Julia Marnewick

Sean Tarry achieved the feature double on the same afternoon a year ago and is again well represented in both features. Top weight Tin Pan Alley bids to defend his title, but has not seen action in the 17 weeks since he put in a below-par performance in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, running close on 16 lengths behind Questioning. A Vet examination detected nothing obvious. His fitness will have to be taken on trust. Now with Robbie Sage, the 5yo Talk To The Master returns from a 10-week rest and makes his stable debut. The son of Master Of My Fate won his penultimate start on Hollywoodbets Durban July day and finished fifth next time out - he was reported to be not striding out. Robyn Klaasen saddles Texas Red who finished 2,75 lengths behind I’m A Fireball last time. He is all of 5,5kgs better off at the weights, which should be enough to turn the tables. Tony Peter trains the now 6yo Main Defender who won this race in 2023, before going unplaced in 2024 behind Back In Business. His third-placed effort behind Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 Champions Cup last time was his best for some time, and he merits healthy respect in this line-up. The fairer sex feature is quite a tricky affair, with chances to a few of them. Sean Tarry 2025 winner Callmegetrix is not in the mix, but the former champion introduces the very smart Get Up for her first run as a sophomore.

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The daughter of What A Winter has won three of her last four starts and finished third in the other. Her recent win was impressive and she should be one of the leading contenders, although she has been off for 19 weeks. De Kock Racing’s Flower Island finished 3,4 lengths behind the Tarry 3yo last time. She is 1kg better off at the weights and should finish closer as a result. Tony Peter’s Kisshoten is consistency personified and drops in trip after finishing second in her latest outing over 2000m, when 1,2 lengths behind the winner. She won over 1400m three runs back, so this test should not be a problem.

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The Dawson Sisters have a two-pronged attack, including Whistle The Tune who battled all the way down to the wire when finishing second behind Mount Pinatubo, beaten just a head. She has pulled gate five and should be competitive in this line-up. Justin Snaith and Richard Fourie team up with Swiatek, who is very consistent and capable of putting in a big effort on her first start on the Highveld. It’s close to a field race in both features for the Pick 6! The first race is off at 12h10.

Sean Tarry - holds a strong hand | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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Sadha Naidoo – oversaw transition phase | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

SADHA NAIDOO APPOINTED

DUAL RACE COAST CHAIRPERSON Sadha Naidoo Appointed Dual Race Coast Chairperson A longstanding horse racing owner and a widely respected personality in both the private and public sectors over the past three decades, Sadha Naidoo has been appointed Non-Executive Chairperson of both the Race Coast Western Cape and Race Coast KwaZulu-Natal boards.

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A Non-Executive Director of the erstwhile racing operator Gold Circle, it was during Sadha Naidoo’s tenure as Chairperson that he oversaw the transition phase to the current Race Coast entity, under the Hollywoodbets’ banner. To further streamline business operations across its racing regions, the group has aligned the structure of the individual boards within the Race Coast regions. The launch of South Africa’s new age coastal racing operator was celebrated at the official unveiling of the Race Coast brand in May 2025. Race Coast evolved from the merger of Gold Circle’s operations in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Capebased Cape Racing.

Sadha Naidoo has played a significant role as Chairperson of Tourism KZN and the Durban ICC, and has also served on various public entities, with his primary focus being job creation, business development and governance protocols. His private business interests span tourism and hospitality, as well as property and skills development, with a focus on KwaZuluNatal, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. Speaking on behalf of the Hollywood Group, Basil Thomas congratulated Sadha Naidoo on his appointment, saying that it is entirely appropriate that he should be given this honour. “Sadha Naidoo’s institutional knowledge is invaluable. He played an integral role in the transition from Gold Circle - and the related club structure - to Race Coast. At the time of Hollywood’s acquisition of Gold Circle, he was invited to remain on the Board of Race Coast KwaZulu-Natal. With the recent retirement of Greg Bortz, it makes absolute sense that Mr Naidoo assume the chairmanship of both Race Coast companies.” The newly constituted uniform composition of the Race Coast Western Cape and Race Coast KwaZulu-Natal boards is: • Sadha Naidoo (Non-Executive Chairperson) • Zandile Maseko (Non- Executive) • Suren Rampersadh • Morgan Shandu • Dean Sawarjith • Kaamilah Finch Media release by Race Coast on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

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The Matchem Stakes trifecta - Jet Force (Grant van Niekerk), Legal Counsel (Keagan de Melo) and Outlaw King (Craig Zackey, obscured) | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

DUBAI TRIP ON CARDS FOR

MCLACHLAN STAR Grant van Niekerk caught the eye at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday with a flash visit from Mauritius that produced three well-taken winners. His treble included Jet Force, who propelled himself to a sterling R350 000 Gr3 Matchem Stakes victory in a tight struggle over pacepresser, Legal Counsel and long-time leader, Outlaw King.

Trained by Des McLachlan and ridden by Grant van Niekerk, the Beaumont Stud bred son of Master of My Fate used his trademark finishing burst to prevail.

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But victory was by no means assured for the 7-10 market fancy after he was unsettled in the early stages and caught some lengths back. Ultimately though, Jet Force proved too strong to beat Legal Counsel (9-2) by 0.5 lengths in a time of 84.05 seconds for the 1400m. Third was Outlaw King (16-1), who was a further 0.9 lengths back, with Gold Giboski capping the quartet in fourth. A son of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master) he is out of the Var mare, Ooh La Var, a half-sister to champion, Legal Eagle. Jet Force was bred by Beaumont Stud and took his stakes earnings to R1 500 144 with his 8th win and 3 places from 15 starts. Jet Force was purchased for R350 000 off the BSA November 2yo Sale sale.

In scoring on Saturday afternoon, Jet Force extended his flawless record over the 1400m course and distance to three from three, and he remains seriously tough-to-topple over drawn out sprints. McLachlan revealed that a possible Dubai campaign with Mike de Kock is mooted for Jet Force. Obviously, there is still much to be negotiated before that adventure becomes a reality, but the canny conditioner believes his fleet-footed stable star can hold his own in valuable turf sprints abroad. Explained McLachlan, “Jet Force is the worst possible at track workouts but is a proper horse. When jockeys ride him in the morning, they think he is just a slow 2000m runner. I probably only had him 60% right for this race, and never pressurize him, but still believed he would win on pure ability.”

Grant van Niekerk enjoyed a good day at the office on Saturday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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It’s in the bag as Double Grand Slam (Keagan de Melo) takes the lead | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

SNAITH STAR STAYS IN RACING THIS TERM

Star mare Double Grand Slam was a popular winner at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday when romping home to win the R225 000 Gr3 Diana Stakes. Her CV was way superior to anything her rivals could muster; hence she was offered at cramped odds from the market opening to the jump. Supporters at an S.P. of 4/10 never had a moment’s anxiety as she stalked the pace set by Fog In Finland in the three-back, one-off slot. 16 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

According to jockey, Keagan de Melo, “she switched off beautifully, then quickened up when given daylight.” A 22.8 second, closing sectional saw her free wheel in, untroubled in a time of 83 seconds for the 1400m.

In a blanket finish for the placings, Babelicious snuck in for second over Beware The Bomb and Viva La Vida. But they were a distant four lengths adrift of the wonder-mare.

took her stakes earnings to R4 873 088 with her 12th win (that’s from 1200m to 1800m) and 10 places from her 25 starts.

Triumphant conditioner, Justin Snaith, described her “as an intelligent, sensitive and really special filly.”

A R1 million National Yearling Sale purchase, Double Grand Slam is raced by Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs GA Rupert), Messrs DD MacLean and Gary Player Stud Farm (Pty) Ltd.

Snaith mentioned that she has been a bit unlucky on a few occasions in her 25-start career. But for that, her haul of four Grade 1 victories might be greater.

Interesting that Double Grand Slam and Quickstepgal are the only multiple Grade 1 winning daughters of champion Vercingetorix, although that stat is likely to change!

Hence, the plan is to keep the Varsfontein Stud bred star in racing for another year to embellish her already considerable accomplishments.

A leading breeder confirmed that the Diana Stakes is an important race but bemoaned the stakes level, providing a comparison with inflation figured in back to 2014.

A daughter of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the two-time winning Captain Al mare Princess Peach, the winner was bred by Varsfontein and

Just shows how important is the welcome news that the operators will be focusing on stakes increases!

Team Snaith leads in their winner | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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Miami Summer (JP van der Merwe) stays on ahead of stablemate Prairie Dawn (Keagan de Melo) in a Snaith 1-2 Credit: Chase Liebenberg

CHAMPION TEAM

TURNS UP HEAT IN SETTLERS

The Snaith Racing team was on a roll at Hollywooodbets Durbanville on Saturday, saddling four winners, including a feature double. The Snaith Racing team was on a roll at Hollywooodbets Durbanville on Saturday, saddling four winners, including a feature double.

Heavily supported from 5/2 into even money to take out the R225 000 Listed Settlers Trophy, the lightly raced emerging staying prospect Miami Summer duly inflicted more punishment on what was a tough day for bookmakers. 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 19

The son of The United States, who is raced in partnership by Greg and Gina Bortz, with Leon Ellman, clearly enjoyed the step up to 2000m, and after, settling in fourth place under Winx-sponsored JP van Der Merwe, as Congressman cut out the pace, the Normandy Stud-bred galloper moved up to seize control halfway down the straight. Stablemate Prairie Dawn came alongside at the 200m mark and stayed on well enough – but Miami Summer’s superior fitness told in the closing stages as he held off Keagan de Melo’s mount, who was returning from a fourmonth layoff. The winner clocked 121,48 secs for the 2000m and the winning margin was three quarters of a length.

Dean Kannemeyer’s consistent Soho Heartthrob (13-2) was 3,25 lengths further back in third. Snaith Racing thus saddled the Settler’s exacta for The United States (Galileo) and Justin Snaith had spoken beforehand that this race was specifically targeted by Miami Summer – so it was case of a plan coming together. Miami Summer has now won four of eight starts, with two places for stakes of R394 965 and the promise of more to come. A son of Moutonshoek’s big-hitting Galileo stallion The United States, the winner is out of the Silvano mare, Pelaya and was acquired for R600 000 at the RCS Premier Yearling Sale.

20 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 Justin Snaith with Miami Summer and JP van der Merwe before the lead in | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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The rebel with a horse! Oscar takes his chances on Truely Nureyev | Credit: Charles Faull

OSCAR v

FOCUSSING ON THE FUTURE

“I could wax lyrical about horses’ beauty, the power of them at gallop, the liberation of being on horseback, the wonderful experience of being surrounded by a group of inquisitive yearlings in a paddock, the hopes and dreams that plot the route back from disappointments, or the many hours of planning that precede bloodstock decisions. The fact is that all of the above is simply something I feel. And it’s good.” 22 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

The words of lifetime horseman Oscar Foulkes who has a unique knack of blending an old-school style of romantic sentimentalism into everything racing and breeding. Oscar was chatting to the Sporting Post after the Normandy Stud-bred Miami Summer made it three on the trot when an impressive winner of the Listed Settlers Trophy at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last Saturday for the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July winning partnership of Greg & Gina Bortz and Leon Ellman, “Miami Summer is a classic case of breeders waiting for excellence they know is there, to unfold. He was going to be a Derby horse, but he picked up issues, which postponed everything for him. Hopefully he’s now on track, especially as he is now running over distances for which he was bred. Before this, he’d won two races over 1400m - at Hollywoodbets Durbanville - and one over a mile,” he enthuses as he explains that the bigger picture is that the 4yo’s dam has also ‘had to wait her turn’. “Pelaya’s first foal, Ocean Warrior, was a lot better than his record showed. For a mare to produce a horse of that ability by a stallion like Coup de Grace was a strong indicator for me. I bought her for R5 000 in foal to Coup de Grace and got very lucky, because I’d unsuccessfully bid on her half-sister, Paris Fashion a few lots earlier. Pinnacle Peak, from the family, wasn’t yet showing in blacktype. Pelaya, by Silvano, was actually the better prospect. Having one eye compromised her racing record, but wasn’t going to affect her stud career,” he adds with a broad smile. Oscar explains that he sent the mare to Querari twice. 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 23

Oscar Foulkes - a love of family and horses | Credit: Supplied

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He points out that it’s ‘an amazing pedigree set-up if we go back six generations!’ The cross produced two fillies. The better of these was African Beat, who has won seven races. “Then came Miami Summer, who has been a standout his entire life. He’s a tall scopey, athletic horse that was only going to get better and better as he matured. He’s a horse with the most wonderful temperament. Her three-year-old is an unraced Erupt colt that DJ Jazzy D bought privately and is looking a million dollars. Her two-year-old is a cracker Legislate filly that will also be trained by Justin Snaith. Her yearling is a Charles Dickens filly, who is a late foal, so I don’t know at this stage which sale she’ll go to.” Moutonshoek’s Galileo stallion The United States sired an exacta in last Saturday’s feature and Oscar explains how he made the call to send Pelaya to the Piketberg-based powerhouse. “I’m always on the lookout for new stallions that are showing promise with their first runners. We were on to Querari very early. The one that got away was Vercingetorix - we mailed to reserve a large block of services before Christmas, when his first crop hit the track, but we only got two covers,” he adds with an obvious hint of disappointment in his voice. But when The United States, by classic stallion Galileo, produced a juvenile as speedy as Sheela, Oscar was on WhatsApp to Dr Bennie van der Merwe within seconds of her debut win.

“It was a case of giving priority to what I thought were our best mares. Pelaya was on that list. I liked that we would be doubling up on the German bloodlines represented by Allegretta, Galileo’s granddam. I was also certain we’d get a 2000m plus horse, which is an important consideration for me, seeing as we’ve run second in the Cape Town Met five times and it’s a race I’d love to win. It’s actually the only Cape Summer Season Grade I we’ve never won!” Oscar is clearly a big fan of The United States. “If he had the same number of runners as other stallions, he’d be much higher up on the national log, but he’s had a stop-start pattern to his career, beginning with the small first crop. I love that he physically improves on his mares, and he could be the most fertile stallion at stud. It’s a long way to Piketberg, but one seldom makes the drive more than once,” he explains. Oscar says that the one aspect of The United States that is a little confounding is how much speed he can throw, but suggests that this may be the influence of his broodmare sire, Pivotal. Oscar is looking forward to 19 October when he celebrates his 60th birthday, with his Mom, Veronica, an icon of the local breeding ranks. “I was born on my mother’s 21st birthday, so that tells you how old she is,” he adds with diplomatic respect. Veronica Foulkes was born De Wet and the family settled in Robertson as far back as 1859.

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Her parents, Oscar and Margaret de Wet, farmed and her father ran the finest twice a day milking herd of Fresian cattle in the country from their Excelsior farm.

Clearly very proud of his family, Oscar indicates that he is in awe of what his wife Andrea has done with her business, Dish Food & Social.

Veronica’s record as a Grade 1 breeder could fill another 5 pages, but Oscar is certainly maintaining that momentum.

“In addition to everything they do in South Africa, she also runs catering for the likes of Google, Netflix, Sales Force, CloudFlare and others for the World Economic Forum (Davos) and the Golden Lions (Cannes).”

And he is very excited as he has registered family silks recently. “There are two Erupt fillies who currently in pre-training with Kim Bosman. I’d be delighted if we get a Dream Searcher,” he suggests in a reference to the evergreen Adam Marcus Erupt mare, who has won 9 races. “I believe Erupt is very undervalued for the performance one gets!” Oscar tells us that he recently applied to get colours for his own family, but that’s only possible with a legal entity. “Instead, I registered partnership colours, but I asked the NHA to use our names, rather than the formal Mr, Mrs, Miss etc.”

30 SEPTEMBER Peace26 of|Normandy | Credit: 2026 Supplied

His daughter Sophie works in production, doing both commercials and documentaries, while his son Aedan has just returned from some backpacking and is considering how to deploy his training in sustainable development, with a big side interest in food. Asked for a thought on the season ahead, he says that all he can hope for is healthy foals and getting mares back in foal! “Like all breeders, my focus is generally on the future. I think we have our best-ever crop for the sales next year. Included in the line-up are five Legislates, out of just 15 in that entire crop for him. Getting them to the sales is going to be a big responsibility!”

The United States (Galileo ex Beauty Is Truth by Pivotal) | Credit: Romi Bettison

THE UNITED STATES ON TARGET AGAIN Moutonshoek’s red hot sire The United States enjoyed arguably his best ever season in 2025-2026, and the son of Galileo’s great run shows no sign of abating. 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 27

Moutonshoek’s red hot sire The United States enjoyed arguably his best ever season in 2025-2026, and the son of Galileo’s great run shows no sign of abating. On Saturday, The United States sons Miami Summer and Prairie Dawn, both from the yard of Justin Snaith, ran 1-2 in the Listed Settlers Trophy, with another son of the sire, 2023 Gr3 Sea Cottage Stakes winner Billy Bowlegs, the third of The United States runners in the 2026 Settlers Trophy. Miami Summer, who joins the likes of Tin Pan Alley and Keukenhof from his sire’s current crop of four-year-olds, is the first stakes winner for his dam Pelaya, a daughter of Silvano who was unplaced in five starts. Saturday’s winner is one of three winners thus far for Pelaya, whose Legislate filly was knocked down to Jonathan Snaith for R550 000 at the 2026 Premier Yearling Sale. A half-sister to Listed Ardmore Jamaica Handicap winner Principessa (Querari), the Gr3 placed Paolo (Casey Tibbs) and the dam of high-class sprinter Pinnacle Peak (Querari), Pelaya is directly descended in female line from Roquebrune, the dam of English Triple Crown winner and influential sire Rock Sand (Sainfoin). The latter is perhaps best known, in terms of pedigree influence, as the broodmare sire of the mighty racehorse and sire Man O’ War. Roquebrune is a daughter of the One Thousand Guineas winning St Marguerite -whose numerous outstanding descendants include a US Triple Crown winner in the form of Gallant Fox, as well as the likes of Bella Paola, Canonero II, Generous, Treve, and Moonlight Cloud. Six times South African Champion sire Silvano is becoming an increasingly important influence as a broodmare sire. 28 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

The leading Broodmare Sire in South Africa, by stakes, in 2025-2026, Silvano is already broodmare sire of such notables as One Stripe, Bless My Stars, Canadian Summer, Star Major, Cosmic Speed, Bavarian Beauty, and Mocha Blend. Miami Summer’s paternal half-brother Prairie Dawn, who looks to have a bright season ahead of him, is out of the useful racemare Break Of Dawn. The latter, a daughter of 2006 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Miesque’s Approval, won six races and finished third in both the Listed Emerald Fillies Handicap and Listed Syringa Handicap. Break Of Dawn, in turn, was produced by the Irish bred Eladawn, a daughter of champion Ela-Mana-Mou. The latter won 10 of 16 starts, with his victories headed by triumphs in the 1980 Gr1 Eclipse Stakes and 1980 Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Ela-Mana-Mou, whose progeny include such stars as Double Trigger and Snurge, became a highly successful broodmare sire, with his daughters throwing such highclass Gr1 winners as White Muzzle, Gamut, Petrushka, Equiano, and former Cape sire, Second Empire. Eladawn, a half-sister to Listed Fenwolf Stakes runner up Larkwing, is another who hails from an illustrious female line. Eladawn’s female line has produced numerous stars over the years including Greek Song, Medaglia D’Oro, Bluebird, Indian Skimmer, First Landing (sire of Riva Ridge) and Hill Prince, to name a few.

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Muzi Yeni has Sossusvlei in command as Bullet Tooth Tony (Keagan de Melo) has nothing more to offer | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

ROB BARRETT ON THE MARK

With seven of the nine races won by tote favourites at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, and the Pick 6 paying under R400 and Place Accumulator delivering a dividend of under R8, it wasn’t a day of big payouts But for Race Coast’s Perfectly Placed show fans, the day started profitably when the Varsfontein Stud-bred Erik The Red colt Sossusvlei charged home at 20-1 to win the opener. Trainer Rober Barrett was questioned regarding the improved performance of the once-raced gelding, who had finished some 30 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

24 lengths off on what looked like a largely uninspiring debut over the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 1200m track in June. The Philippi-based trainer explained, as he had done openly on the Perfectly Placed preview show, that the 3yo didn’t enjoy the soft conditions and kickback in his only previous run.

He also said on the show that he had come on for the run and that he rated him highly. This no doubt fueled the betting support. Barrett also saddled a longshot winner at the same venue last Wednesday, when George Girl won the second race. This was one of three maiden events over 1400m that had gotten proceedings underway and was the quicker of these, as we saw a smart performance from Sossusvlei, who had raced green on the turn. Initially priced up at 40/1, Barrett’s charge flew all the way into 11/2 at one stage, before drifting right back out to 20/1. On leaving the stalls it was the favourite Bullet Tooth Tony who elected to make the running whilst the son of Erik The Red raced some four and a half lengths away in fifth. He had to switch out for a run shortly after passing the 400m marker and only really got going 200m out. Once into gear though Sossusvlei fairly flew and after striking the front 50m from home, he won going away. Keagan De Melo the rider of Bullet Tooth Tony was suspended for seven days for failing to ensure that he did not cause interference to Landman leaving the 100m mark. The Listed Settlers Trophy run over 2000m was the first of the afternoon’s three feature events and here the well-supported favourite MIAMI SUMMER (5/2 into even money) completed a smart hattrick. The pace was set by Congressman and although it wasn’t a fast one, the overall time was nonetheless considerably quicker than the class average.

The son of The United States raced some three and a half lengths away in fourth and always travelling well he quickened nicely to lead going through the 300m. His stable companion Prairie Dawn was also running on very well at that stage and looked to be a serious threat when moving up to challenge 200m out. Both ran on strongly as they drew clear from the remainder and it was only late on that the favourite got the upper hand. The Gr3 Matchem Stakes over 1400m topped the bill and here victory went to the heavily supported favourite JET FORCE (evens into 13/20). By far the slowest of the afternoon’s five 1400m events over the first 400m, the early pace set by Outlaw King was a sedate one. Indeed, Des Mclachlan’s charge raced very unsettled with an awkward head carriage in the early stages and although he sat seventh of the eight, he was only five lengths off the leader. Once given rein early in straight though, this son of Master Of My Fate quickened in his usual fashion and under a well-judged ride from Grant Van Niekerk, he got up 40m from home to win going away. Currently based in Mauritius, jockey Grant Van Niekerk flew in for the day and rode three winners in total. The four-time Gr1 winner DOUBLE GRAND SLAM was clearly best in at the weights in the Gr3 Diana Stakes over 1400m and so it was no surprise to see her leave the stalls deep in the red at 4/10. 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 31

In what proved comfortably to be the fastest of the afternoon’s five races over the distance, the 3yo Fog In Finland made the running whilst Justin Snaith’s charge sat just three lengths away in fourth. She moved to the front under just hands and heels passing the 300m marker and showing her wellbeing following a twelve-week break, she cruised clear in impressive fashion before being eased down late to score by two and three quarters. Now a winner of twelve of her 25 career starts to date, the Vercingetorix has now amassed stake earnings of over R4,78 million. Trainer Justin Snaith saddled four winners on the day in total which included two of the three feature races. Track Conditions: Going: Penetrometer: Rain:

Good 23 Last 7 days Nil

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Irrigation:

Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 40mm

False Rail:

Original position with a 2m spur at 500m

Wind: Course Variant:

30-50km/h Southerly cross wind 1,98s fast

The fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon was recorded by Sing Forevermore when fourth in the Lucky Fish Crazy Time Class 4 (f&m) over 1250m. Easily seven and a half lengths off the pace at the top of the straight, this lightly raced daughter of Gold Standard ran on strongly at the business end of the race and did well to get within a length and three quarters of the winner. Fastest Times: 1250m (2) Lyrical Gangster 74,99 1400m (5) Double Grand Slam 83,00 400-finish Sing Forevermore 22,45

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SON OF VAR ED 11 v

TRIUMPHS

IN DUEL TO THE WIRE Stepping in for Richard Fourie, who is away on a short break, former Hollywoodbets Durban July-winning jockey Kabelo Matsunyane booted home four winners for the Alan Greeff team at Fairview on Friday.

SEPTEMBER Kabelo Matsunyane gets Mercantour home ahead of a gallant All Systems Go (Craig Zackey) | Credit: 30 Pauline Herman 2026 | 37

The shoes of the record-breaking former national champion are big ones to fill, but Matsunyane showed his confidence and talent as he grabbed a four-timer, including a welltaken feature grab on the 7yo Mercantour, who won the R175 000 Nelson Mandela Bay Racing non black-type Poly Challenge 1400m.

Longshot Inqwele (33-1) was 1,50 lengths back in third, with Guy Gibson (25-1) capping the quartet. A son of the deceased speed champion VAR (Forest Wildcat), the Varsfontein-bred winner is raced by Peter Moor and is out of the Western Winter mare, Winter Wood.

The son of Var was victorious in the 2025 Nelson Mandela Bay Poly Challenge triple crown and after being beaten into second in the 1200m first leg in August, he bounced back strongly here to keep himself in contention for the R50 000 consolation bonus.

The latter is a half-sister to Royal Vintage, a stakes winner in both Dubai and South Africa, and Gr2 November Handicap winner Alderry.

Showing resolve under a superbly balanced ride by Kabelo Matsunyane, Mercantour (18-10) showed courage to beat the persistent

A R200 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, Mercantour, formerly trained on the Highveld by Stuart Pettigrew, is now a stalwart winner of 14 races with 17 places from 46 starts for stakes of R1 536 203.

All Systems Go (1-1) by a quarter length in a time of 80,82 secs for the 1400m. Kabelo Matsunyane booted home 4 winners for Alan Greeff on Friday | Credit: Pauline Herman

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CLIFFIE’S KWAGGA BLITZES HOLLYWOOD RACING’S

900 WINNER MILESTONE TH

Former ‘Kimberley King’ Cliffie Miller enjoyed the honour of saddling Hollywood Racing’s 900th lifetime winner when the Captain Of All gelding Kwagga Blitz stormed to victory under Callan Murray at Fairview on Friday. 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 41

He has been with Owen (Heffer) forever,” added the former champion jockey as he reflected on a job well done by the veteran who was born in the Free State diamond mining town of Jagersfontein.

South Africa’s reigning champion owners, Hollywood Racing celebrated their first winner on 13 March 2002 when the Paul Laffertytrained Splendid Night won at Hollywoodbets Greyville under Sean Cormack.

Formerly based with Clinton Binda on the Highveld, the 5-year-old Kwagga Blitz – whose name is a reference to Kwagga Smith’s time as a Springbok 7’s player (Blitzbokke) – was winning his first race in a year.

Hollywood Racing manager Anthony Delpech lauded the achievement of one of South Africa’s most experienced trainers at just his second chance for the former Highveld-based gelding, who had run a close second on his East Cape debut two weeks ago. “Cliffie’s done very well for us. Particularly since we have been giving him a few horses!

While he hadn’t won for over a year prior to this victory, Kwagga Blitz is now a winner of 4 races with 10 places from 25 outings for stakes of R449 823. Kwagga Blitz was bred by Black Swan Stud and was a R200 000 buy at the BSA Cape Yearling Sale of his year.

Cliffie Miller, Simon Sereko, Heather Reddie and their happy team lead Kwagga Blitz (Callan Murray) in after his milestone win | Credit: Pauline Herman

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As is tradition when celebrating their milestone moments, Hollywood Racing offered cash incentives for the stakeholders in the build-up to their 900th winner. • R10 000 – Winning Trainer Cliffie Miller • R10 000 – Winning Jockey Callan Murray • R2 500 – Winning Groom Simon Sereko • R2 500 – Winning Commentator Naqeeb Munshi

Cliffie Miller thanked the Hollywood Racing team for their support and his own team, including the winning Groom. “Simon works hard – he deserves to succeed,” he told the Sporting Post. Asked by the Sporting Post if he was going to give the winner’s former trainer a nice gift for delivering Kwagga Blitz in such great trim, Cliffie said that he will ‘certainly buy Clint a fanta’.

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Credit: Pauline Herman

FAIRVIEW FIXTURES UPDATES FOR UPCOMING MEETINGS Further to the communication on 9 September, in an updated media release on Friday 25 September, 4Racing advises that a number of race meetings programmed for the Fairview Polytrack in October, November and December will be moved to the Turf Track. This decision has been made to provide for additional opportunities for Turf racing following the loss of a number of Turf meetings due to ongoing weather challenges. The changes follow consultation with Fairview Track Management and Senior Management and the decision not to undertake scarification of the grass track this year.

The targeted meetings are: October: • 23 October November: • 4 November • 13 November • 20 November December: • 11 December • 18 December • 29 December Please note: All changes are subject to weather conditions.

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INTERFERENCE: v

VEALE SUSPENDED FOR 25 DAYS

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa confirms that at an Inquiry held in KwaZulu Natal on Monday, 28 September 2026, Jockey Sean Veale was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7. The particulars of the charge being that, whilst riding GIMME A FIREBALL, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to the horses, RIVERA, WHATSDAMATTERWITHU and KUDIKARAN, which resulted in KUDIKARAN clipping the heels of GIMME A FIREBALL, falling, and dislodging Jockey Kaidan Brewer in Race 5 at Turffontein Racecourse on 12 September 2026. Sean Veale pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty.

The Inquiry Board, after considering the mitigating factors presented by Sean Veale, the Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of twenty-five days (25). In arriving at this penalty, the Board considered this ride to be of a reckless nature and factored in Mr. Veale’s record pertaining to an incident of this nature. Jockey Sean Veale has the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed. • Media release by the NHA on Monday, 28 September 2026.

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Sean Veale pleaded guilty | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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The obscured Nordic Chief (Serino Moodley) stays on to beat Klein Karoo (Keagan de Melo) in a thriller Credit: Candiese Lenferna

SERINO GETS

PLATTNER CHIEF HOME UNDER LIGHTS Lucky Fish Friday night racing is catching on quickly and a nice crowd turned out for the latest event in the series. 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 51

The Tote For The Win Middle Stakes over 1400m topped the bill at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening and in what proved to be the quicker of the two races over the distance, Vercingetorix’s son Nordic Chief registered his sixth career victory.

in and after he in turn struck the front 100m from home, he got the better of the rallying 4yo by a head to make it three on the trot. He has certainly upped his game! Track Conditions: Going: Penetrometer: Rain:

Good to Soft 24 Last 24 hour Nil – Last 7 days 3,5mm

Irrigation:

Last 7 days Nil

He got away well when the gates opened and soon nicely positioned in second, he was always poised to strike.

False Rail:

Nil

The well-supported favourite Klein Karoo (overraced in the early stages) threw down a determined challenge as he struck the front 150m out and with both giving their all below the distance, Mrs Plattner’s 6yo only got the verdict by a head.

Course Variant:

Another very tight finish was to be had in the faster of the two 1200m events, the Lucky Fish Mystic Dash B Stakes, in which the Gimmethegreenlight gelding MAPHAKA completed a hattrick. On leaving the stalls it was the well-supported favourite Best Of All (4/1 into 5/2) who elected to make the running whilst Dean Kannemeyer’s charge (4/1 into 28/10) was content to race some six lengths away in sixth. The always handy City Of Love was the first to make a move in the straight and ran on determinedly after striking the front 300m out.

Wind:

5-45km/h North Easterly head wind 0,41s slow

Just 0,35 seconds separated the winners of the three slowly run 1600m events, with the Lucky Fish Fortune Cup Middle Stakes, which boasted the joint highest average merit ratings on the evening, being a particularly false run affair. In what comparatively proved to be the slowest run race of the evening, Kubu having his first outing of the season, made the running whilst the eventual winner Grand Occasion raced third of the six three lengths away. Barely three lengths covered the first five when the race developed into a sprint at the top of the home straight and ridden by apprentice Quaada Leung having her first race around

Registering Hollywood Racing’s 901st winner though, Maphaka steadily began to reel him 52 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

the turn, the Danon Platina mare was nicely positioned on the outside of the group.

She ran on strongly over the final 400m and after getting the better of a thrilling tussle with the supported favourite Rahhabba (4/1 into 5/2), she got the verdict by a neck over the running on Saint Brigid (hung in from 250m). Initially priced up as the rank outsider of the party at 20/1, Grand Occasion was allowed to flirt with 11/2 at one stage before settling back to 17/2 at the off. This was apprentice Leung’s second career win. Another apprentice in the early stages of learning his trade to find the winner’s enclosure here was Shalton Sesingi who gained his fourth career success aboard THOUGHT CONTROL in the In The Box Seat Podcast – Gallop TV Class 4 (f&m) over 1400m. Instructed not to use the whip in the race by trainer Adam Azzie, the daughter of What A

Winter raced fourth for most of the journey some four lengths off the pace set by Zena’s Act (not striding out right front, carried 0,7kg overweight). The deposed favourite Showgirl (28/10 out to 9/2, hung in from 250m) was the first to make a move and quickly skipped three lengths clear after striking the front coming off the bend. Only having to be shaken up and then pushed out though, Thought Control ran on strongly at the business end of the race and after striking the front 150m out, she won well by three quarters from the heavily supported favourite Greek Heritage (6/1 into 7/2). Fastest Times: 1200m (2) Maphaka 1400m (2) Nordic Chief 1600m (3) Blizzardboy

71,67 84,99 98,50

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In full flight! Roc Dino and Paul Townend in action | Credit: Supplied

CONFIDENCE BOOSTER FOR ROC DINO

The Willie Mullins-trained Roc Dino (8/13) was an impressive winner of the Allman Contracts Novice Hurdle at Listowel on Saturday in the hands of jockey Paul Townend. Raced in partnership by Hollywood Racing & Barnane Stud, the 5yo son of Doctor Dino is trained by Willie Mullins and has been set some tough tasks throughout the winter and was narrowly denied by the promising Midnight Jet at the Galway Festival, but returned here with a facile performance to defeat the Gordon Elliott-trained Dad Sez by two lengths. Townend was happy to sit just behind the leaders throughout the contest, and when he asked his mount to extend, he duly obliged and took up the running before the final 56 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

hurdle. He was ridden out, and kept on well towards the finish, to win by two lengths. Townend said afterwards: “He is a versatile horse who was set some tough tasks throughout the winter and put it together today. He had run well in Galway the last day, where he was just second best, and reproduced that today. “He is a fun horse, is a beautiful mover and will jump a fence as well. He had a tough season but winning will do him the world of good now.”

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The athletic Hand In Hand – to race under De Kock Racing flag in Dubai | Credit: Vermaak Equine

HAND IN HAND BOOSTS DE KOCK’S DUBAI REVIVAL Vermaak Equine has announced the acquisition of unbeaten three-year-old Hand In Hand (ARG) to complement its recent purchase of dual Gr1 winner Colorado Del Monte (ARG). 58 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

The pair will form the foundation of De Kock Racing’s Dubai string, set to relaunch for the 2027 Dubai International Racing Carnival. Hand In Hand was bred by the renowned Haras Santa Inésin Buenos Aires and acquired for Hollywood Racing which, alongside Laurence Wernars, have given De Kock Racing their start-up support for re-entry onto the world stage with their ‘Global Stable’. Hand In Hand, like Colorado Del Monte, has already marked himself as an exceptional talent. He is two from two on the dirt and regarded as a

The handsome Colorado Del Monte | Credit: Vermaak Equine

‘nailed-on’ prospect for Dubai’s prestigious dirt features, including the Group 2 $US1-million UAE Derby over and the Listed $US215,000 Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes, both staged over 1900m at Meydan Racecourse. As a two-year-old, Hand in Hand won his 1600m debut in May 2026 at the Hipódromo de Palermo by 12 lengths, displaying a beautiful action with a good cruising speed. Rested through winter, he re-appeared on 11 September 2026 in the Group 3 Clásico Coronel Miguel F. Martínez over 1800m and slammed his

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rivals by 2.50-lengths after he was cramped at the start, dropped to the rear and then forced to circle the field on the turn. Argentina’s Turf Diario reported: “Despite wasting energy racing wide, once he hit the home straight, Hand In Hand unleashed a powerful rally. He took the lead and drew clear to win – remarkably, without his jockey ever having to use the whip.” Hand In Hand is a dark bay son of Il Campione (Scat Daddy – CHI), a triple Group 1 winner and former Horse of the Year in Chile before being sold to continue his career as a stallion. He was Stallion Of The Year in Argentina in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and has so far sired 13 Group 1 winners. Hand In Hand’s dam, Handprint, is by Medaglia D’Oro, who finished second in the 2004 Dubai World Cup and went on to become an elite stallion, with 27 Group 1 winners worldwide. Signigicantly, Medaglia d’Oro is also a top-tier broodmare sire with 115 stakes winners to 2024. Justin Vermaak said: “We have good options with Hand In Hand and Colorado Del Monte. We hope to start both off in races on sand at Meydan on

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New Year’s Day so they can find their feet, and thereafter we can place them – one can go to Saudi Arabia on Saudi Cup Day in February and the other can stay in Dubai.” “Colorado Del Monte may go for the Group 2 $US1.5-million Saudi Derby which is staged over a mile on 7 February, 2027. The dirt track at King Abdulaziz Racecourse will suit him because it is a bit more ‘user-friendly’ in that he can come from off the pace. Perhaps he and Hand In Hand will meet in the UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup night.” Mike de Kock shared Vermaak’s enthusiasm and commented: “Hand in Hand is a very impressive horse. I saw him as a two-year-old and we’ve kept an eye on him since. He’s got everything you want in a racehorse, reminds me a bit of Asiatic Boy. It will be interesting to see how he stacks up against the Nothern Hemisphere three-year-olds in Dubai. “In Hand in Hand and Colorado Del Monte we have two exciting prospects and a good start to reviving the Dubai racing experience.” www.vermaakequine.com

DANON v

SCORPION

(JPN)

LO R D K A N A LOA ( J P N ) X L E X I E LO U (C A N ) BY S L I G O B AY B ay C o l t | D O B 2 0 1 9 FOR

2026

NEW

Gr1 placed at 2, Gr1 winner at 3. By a Champion Racehorse, Champion Freshman sire and sire of Champions. Dam a multiple Champion, Horse Of The Year and recently inducted into Canadian Hall Of Fame

STANDING AT

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Lord Charles Somerset | Credit: Sahistory.org

HORSES, PEOPLE AND PASSION –

OUR HERITAGE! South Africa celebrated Heritage Day last Thursday (24 September) to recognise the diverse cultures, traditions, languages and history that make up our national identity. Horse racing, as much as anything else, has a heritage worth celebrating. 64 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

South Africa celebrated Heritage Day last Thursday (24 September) to recognise the diverse cultures, traditions, languages and history that make up our national identity. Horse racing, as much as anything else, has a heritage worth celebrating. Official racing in South Africa dates back to 1795, when British rule was established at the Cape, and horses bred at the Southern Tip of Africa soon began making an impression beyond our shores.

The early South African-bred horses were named ‘Capers’. They were a breed forged from a mix of Javanese, Arabian, Persian, European and American blood. Capers were known for being on the small side but also strong, tough and suited to demanding conditions. They were especially in demand in India, where they found roles both on the racecourse and as army remounts. All of us who love the sport owe a lasting debt of gratitude to Lord Charles Somerset, who arrived as Governor of the Cape Colony in 1814. He hailed from the equestrian hub of Badminton in Gloucestershire, and was a keen racing enthusiast himself, often seen at Newmarket.

Vengi Masawi | Credit: Julia Marnewick

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The 2017 Durban July finish | Credit: Supplied

Somerset wanted to nurture a passion for the thoroughbred and gave our fledgling racing industry a shot in the arm. He founded the Government Stud and imported English thoroughbred stallions and mares to lay the foundations for a more advanced breeding and racing industry. More than two centuries later, our racing heritage remains rich, even if the road has not always been smooth. Our industry has stumbled through some difficult decades, but perhaps, as this week draws to a close, we should raise a glass to where racing comes from, and where it is slowly finding its way back to. On the transformation front, South Africa has four promising black trainers – exactly four more than a decade ago. Vengi Masawi made an incredible start to his career as Hollywood Racing’s trainer at Ashburton. He saddled 19 winners from 66 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

91 runners in his first official season for a winning strike rate of 20.9% – the highest in the land. Alson Ndzilana and owner Johannes Manoko struck up a winning relationship at Randjesfontein, and Summerveld-based Bo Ngcobo won the Grade 2 SA Nursery. In the Eastern Cape, Lunga Gila is described as ‘the best dressed trainer in Gqeberha’ and he knows his way around horses too. Gila saddled nine winners from a small string of limited runners and is another who could come to prominence in the next few seasons. Nowhere is diversity more evident than at the South African Jockeys Academy (SAJA). There are 40 apprentices in 2026 group, including youngsters in their second to fifth years. They include 36 males and four females from various race groups – Indian (14), Black African (8), White (7), Asian (7) and Coloured (2) – with representation from South Africa, Mauritius, South Korea, Qatar and Hungary.

James Maree’s Academy for Work Riders, founded in 2000, is still going strong at his Eikenhof farm under the auspices of 4Racing. Maree is assisted by Marthinus Mienie and Piet Nhlapo, and they continue to change the lives of many grooms and aspiring jockeys. Maree said that approximately 1300 work riders have completed the four-month course since 2000, with about 20% of them – or 260 riders – having fully qualified to compete in races. Maree said: “Our qualified graduates are in high demand around the world due to their advanced race riding skills. I’d say there

are at least 100 of them employed in China, Japan and the UK. They include Charles Ndlovu and Joe Gwingwizha, who are doing spectacularly well with high incomes.” There are encouraging signs that South African racing is once again finding its feet internationally. Our horses continue to hold their own when given the opportunity, while our owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys are increasingly making their presence felt beyond our borders. Read the full story online… click on the image below:

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SAVE

DATE v

THE

OCTOBER ONLINE AUCTION 6 - 7 October 2026

To find out more, visit: www.equineonlinesales.co.za

Photo: ENCHANTING CHOICE (2025 May Online Auction graduate) Pauline Herman

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Flashback - Daryz holds Minnie Hauk in a thriller to Sunday’s Longchamp sizzler Credit: Canalturf

BUCKLE UP

FOR THE ARC ON SUNDAY

It’s all eyes on Paris this weekend as the latest edition of Europe’s biggest Flat race, the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, is run at Longchamp on Sunday 4 October. 78 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

Last year’s winner Daryz is the red-hot favourite to become the first colt to win the Arc back-to-back for 48 years, although there are some strong contenders from Britain and Ireland too. Francis-Henri Graffard, the reigning Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning trainer, will be doubly represented in Sunday’s Group 1. The trainer will be able to rely on two Aga Khan Studs representatives: Daryz, last year’s winner and the expected favourite for the 2026 edition, as well as the three-yearold Varandir. The Aga Khan silks have enjoyed particular success in the race, with eight Arc victories already to their name – a record! Based in Chantilly, Francis-Henri Graffard, who currently trains the largest string in France with 228 horses, has one Arc victory to his name – last year’s success.

Now aged four, Daryz has confirmed his standing since his triumph in the latest edition of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. He notably won the Gr1 Prix Ganay World Pool By PMU, followed by the Gr1 Prix d’Ispahan , before making a winning return in the Gr2 Qatar Prix Foy. The only blemish on his record this season was his performance in the Gr1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot, where he finished third. Varandir, meanwhile, continues to progress. The limits of the three-year-old remain difficult to assess, and his latest performance was particularly impressive. At the beginning of September, he won the Gr2 Qatar Prix Niel, one of the main trials for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The Arc is included in the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge Continental Challenge Editions taking place on 3 and 4 October, and featuring special editions across South Africa, Australia, France and the USA.

NHA CALENDAR ALL THE ADMIN UNDER ONE UMBRELLA The Sporting Post presents the National Horseracing Authority calendar per Friday 25 September 2026. The calendar is a summary of the past week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information. Please click on the image below:

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LAST ARC BEFORE v

GELDINGS WELCOME The 105th Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be the last of its kind. From next year, geldings will be able to take part for the first time. France Galop’s decision to remove the restriction on one of the world’s greatest races, approved by the European Pattern Committee, has divided opinion. Those who want to see the best horses taking part have rejoiced, but those who argue it won’t be a level playing field (geldings are generally easier to train than would-be stallions) have been choking on their croissants. Life is suddenly going to get a lot tougher for colts, fillies and mares, and that’s if they make the cut in the first place with field sizes bound to increase. The French assessors got a pummelling when deciding multiple Gr1 winner and Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant was the weakest link in an oversubscribed 2022 renewal and could end up being an annual talking point in a race where the safety limit is 20. 80 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

Connections of Calandagan, established as one of the best middle-distance horses in training since being gelded three years ago, will be wishing the exclusion had been lifted for this year because it looks like the ground is going to be on the fast side, which suits him. However, it can be dangerous to secondguess the going in Paris, with the going officially “very soft” or “heavy” in six of the past seven years. It was “good to soft” on the other occasions, with the last good ground renewal being back in 2018. After a hot summer, it’s also been unusually dry in Paris this month with no rain since Arc Trials day on September 8, but Charles de Cordon, the clerk of the course, has been turning on the taps and his stated aim is for good to soft ground.

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EUSTACE CHASES

NATIONAL DAY CUP WITH COLOURFUL KING

Group racing is on the quick back-up in Hong Kong, and Thursday’s (1 October) 11-race public holiday programme features a red-hot HK$4.2 million Gr3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m), where a collection of Sha Tin’s best sprinters will lock horns. David Eustace is enjoying a solid start to the new season with three wins, and the third-season trainer is hopeful Colourful King (123lb) can rise to the occasion and capture a maiden Group 3 82 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

when he resumes in barrier seven under championship-leading rider Zac Purton. Raging Blizzard (135lb), Crimson Flash (125lb), Beauty Waves (124lb), Tomodachi

Kokoroe (122lb), Bottomuptogether (120lb), Magic Control (115lb) and Johannes Brahms (115lb) oppose Colourful King, who finished an unlucky second as 1.8 favourite in January’s Gr3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin.

needed to have that trial; he jumped well and he’s come through it in good order.

“We’re looking forward to racing him and we’ve had a nice smooth prep. It (1000m at Sha Tin) really does look to be where he performs at his best,” Eustace said.

Colourful King ended last season with a Class 1 victory in June and returns after two barrier trials and two turf gallops. The five-year-old by Blue Point – rated 103 – has two wins and two seconds over Sha Tin’s 1000m course from five attempts. He won twice pre-import over 1000m in Melbourne, Australia.

“I’m very pleased with him. His trial on the grass was excellent and his gallops on the grass were very pleasing. He’s not the sort of horse who shows his best on the dirt, but he

“He probably jumps a bit better now than he used to. He was nice and clean last start; hopefully he can do that again and just get into a nice rhythm.”

“The programme doesn’t lend massively Colourful King is a four-time winner in Hong Kong | Credit: HKJC

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Crimson Flash is a six-time winner in Hong Kong | Credit: HKJC

to 1000 metre races down the straight, but there’s a Group 3 (Bauhinia Sprint Trophy) in January which will be a target. He’ll run on the 25th (of October) in the Group 2 (Premier Bowl, Handicap) at Sha Tin (over 1200m), which he needs to be tested at again,” Eustace said. Crimson Flash is another aiming to break through in Group 3 level after a stellar last season which saw him accrue a trio of Class 2 victories at Sha Tin and Happy Valley. Andrea Atzeni reunites with Mark Newnham’s 105-rated speedster in barrier eight. Atzeni said: “He’s a very consistent horse. He never really runs a bad race and he’s been a good horse for us. He won first-up over 1000 (metres) up the straight in a handicap last 84 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

season and he’s won at the Valley and Sha Tin over 1200 – he’s very versatile. “He’s a horse that usually jumps and puts himself in a position where he’s comfortable. I went to Conghua to trial him – it was a good trial. He went on the grass on Monday (28 September) and he seems to be in good order. He’s fresh and ready to go.” Atzeni has won six races with five-yearold Crimson Flash. The Showtime gelding clocked 57.66s in first in a 1000m turf barrier trial at Conghua on 18 September. Thursday’s 11-race National Day Raceday at Sha Tin begins at 07h00 with the Class 5 Nanning Handicap (1200m).

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Invincible Ibis, with Luke Ferraris on board, takes the 2026 Gr3 Celebration Cup Handicap | Credit: HKJC

LUKE AND NICHOLA MAKE CELEBRATION DAY HEADLINES Emulating the feats of champions Golden Sixty and Ambitious Dragon, Invincible Ibis laid the foundation for a tilt at LONGINES Hong Kong International Races glory with a triumphant return in the HK$4,2 million Gr3 Celebration Cup Handicap at Sha Tin on Sunday. Invincible Ibis (127lb) matched the achievements of fellow Hong Kong Derby (2000m) champions Ambitious Dragon (2011) and Golden Sixty (2020), who returned after winning the Classic to land the Celebration Cup, as he secured his sixth win from 12 starts. The victory provided trainer Mark Newnham 86 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

and Luke Ferraris with their second straight Celebration Cup success after My Wish’s win last season. Settling midfield behind Copartner Prance (124lb) and Lucky With You (117lb), Invincible Ibis was patiently handled by Ferraris.

Angled away from the rails, Invincible Ibis launched from the 400m, loomed alongside Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) winner Little Paradise (sixth), took the lead and held off a charging Galaxy Patch (135lb) to prevail by a neck with the same margin to Stormy Grove (120lb).

“Luke just said to me ‘he was probably on empty that last 50m’, but we know he’s very tenacious. When he had such a good run through the race, I’m sure that helped because if he had to do any work, he was probably underdone for that, but Luke gave him a perfect ride.”

Newnham conceded he was surprised by Invincible Ibis’ win before setting out plans for the Hellbent gelding, including a tilt at the HK$36 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) or the HK$40 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on 13 December.

Newnham said Invincible Ibis would likely be confined to 1600m races for the immediate future.

“Truthfully, a little unexpected,” Newnham said of Invincible Ibis’ performance. “I thought at 1400m, carrying a little more condition with bigger goals ahead, if he ran a good third or fourth, I’d be satisfied. But with a win like that, I’m pretty happy.

He’ll race in October and November, so he’ll go to the traditional lead-up races, and then I’ll put an entry in for the mile and the 2000m on international day (LONGINES HKIR) and just see where he’s best placed at this stage of his career.

Mark Newnham and Luke Ferraris celebrate Celebration Cup success | Credit: HKJC

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Group photo at the Celebration Cup presentation ceremony | Credit: HKJC

“At the moment I’m thinking of keeping him to a mile. I think a horse that’s lightly raced like him, going to 2000m against all ages at Group 1 level is a fair ask, but the horse will tell me where he’s at. If we’re two more runs into the season and he’s showing me he’s not sharp enough for the mile, then we’ve got the option.” Ferraris rode Invincible Ibis for the first time since September 2025 with the unavailability of regular jockey Hugh Bowman because of injury. “Obviously, I started out on him (Invincible Ibis) when he first started racing and it’s night and day compared to what he is now to with what he’s furnished into and full credit to Mark and his team to getting him to where he is now,” Ferraris said. “It’s a great start to his campaign this season.” A clear last turning for home, Galaxy Patch thundered home in a race-best final 400m sectional of 21.18s (10.37s, 10.81s) under Karis Teetan, behind Invincible Ibis (21.67s) while Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) winner Stormy Grove (21.72s) ran well for Jerry Chau. Apprentice Nichola Yuen continued a meteoric rise with her first treble in Hong 88 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

Kong, striking atop Ricky Yiu’s Causeway King (125lb) in the Class 4 Swallow Handicap (1200m) and Pierre Ng-trained pair Victor The Winner (119lb) in the Class 2 Magpie Handicap (1200m) and Aeroinvincible (121lb) in the Class 3 Kestrel Handicap (1400m). Indentured to Yiu, Yuen’s haul means her 10lb claim will reduce to 7lb after reaching the 20-win milestone from 137 rides since returning from overseas training in Australia. “I’m very excited. It’s unbelievable. It’s my first treble in Hong Kong and I’m straightaway to seven pounds for the next meeting, so it’s a bit too quick,” Yuen, 26, said. “Thank you very much to Mr Yiu, he’s been a huge support for me. Now down to seven pounds, my career starts again and hopefully the ball keeps rolling for me.” Ng’s double saw him assume the lead in the Hong Kong trainers’ championship with seven wins from Cody Mo (six) and Manfred Man (six). Danny Shum’s Packing Fighter (126lb) led throughout to set a new class record with a gallop of 1m 32.85s in winning the Class 3 Mesia Handicap (1600m) under Zac Purton.

“Very impressive – he’s been showing that in the mornings this season. He’s come on in leaps and bounds, and we were hoping he was going to run like that raceday, which he did, and his only problem at the moment is that he just won’t relax,” Purton said. Making it two wins in a row, Packing Fighter earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. Bustling City (120lb) was equally impressive with a seven-length triumph – the largest margin this season – in the Class 3 Hwamei Handicap (1200m, dirt) for David Hayes and Brenton Avdulla. The Starspangledbanner gelding demonstrated his liking for Sha Tin’s dirt by closing his 2025/26 campaign with a four-and-

a-half length romp on the surface and could easily have extended the buffer. “He’s a horse that’s always been blessed with good ability,” Avdulla said. “Since David has elected to switch him back to the dirt, he’s just gone ‘bang, bang’ and he’s a fast horse, so he’s better when he’s out and flowing. He’s excelling on the surface and he’s going to run out of races if he keeps winning like that.” Man continued his strong start to the season with a double, scoring with Apex Glory (124lb) who made light of barrier 12, forging straight to the lead for Zac Purton to win the Class 4 Peacock Handicap (1200m) before Vigor Elleegant (122lb) swept to victory under Chau in the Class 5 Woodpecker Handicap (1400m).

Nichola Yuen achieves her first Hong Kong treble | Credit: HKJC

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Bustling City streaks clear in the Class 3 Hwamei Handicap | Credit: HKJC

Chau slotted his second double in two meetings with Mo-trained Flowing Riches (123lb) in the Class 4 Parrot Handicap (1000m) before Frankie Lor claimed his first win of the campaign when Chiu Chow Golf (125lb) stormed home under Harry Bentley to land the Class 4 Tailorbird Handicap (1400m).

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Richard Kingscote opened his winning account when Michael Chang’s Wave Garden (124lb) finished solidly to land the Class 5 Tropicbird Handicap (1200m, dirt). Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Thursday 1 October with the National Day Raceday and the running of the HK$4,2 million Gr3 National Day Cup Handicap.

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Rachel King has Warwoven in full flight to win the Golden Rose | Credit: Magic Millions

WARWOVEN

BLOOMS AT RANDWICK

Warwoven confirmed himself one of Australia’s hottest young stallion prospects with a sensational win in Saturday’s A$1 million Gr1 Golden Rose Stakes run over 1400m at Rosehill. 92 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

In a sublime performance Warwoven was able to unleash a paralysing burst in the home straight and leave his classy rivals distanced. At the post the Rachel King ridden and Bjorn Baker trained colt held the easiest of three and a quarter length margin over St Gotthard, who was a short margin ahead of third placegetter Under Focus. While the rest were gasping for air in the distance, Warwoven was easing down on the post to score one of the most dominant Group One performances in recent times at Rosehill. “This is very special,” trainer Bjorn Baker said. “I thought he paraded superbly, he’s so good looking, he’s so fast. I don’t even have to sell him, he sold himself. So many of my great friends are in this horse and you saw an amazing performance today.” “Rachel King, she’s got ice in her veins. She summed it up so well. All my team back at home, they are amazing to work with and we have fun every day. We go through the losses as a team, we take the wins as a team and I can tell you it is a pretty big team today.” Baker always had belief in his colt despite the opinions of many who discounted him today even considering his last start win in the Group Two Run to the Rose. The horse he beat, Blue Door, was a Group Three winner earlier in the day. “A lot of form analysts out there, you are allowed your own opinion, that is what makes our game so great. But I thought this colt was right in it, I didn’t want to look at the odds, I didn’t want to back him, there was too much riding on it. He’s a serious horse and we are looking at the Caulfield Guineas. Even the Cox Plate – team get on now, we will get overs.”

“His mother was very good at 2000 metres, he relaxed beautifully today but one step at a time. It is an amazing game, racing. It is the best game in the world and I don’t say that lightly.” Warwoven has spent much of his racing career in the headlines. Earlier this year he was scratched as hot favourite for the A$3 million TAB Magic Millions 2YO Classic – that disappointment now just a memory. “We were in the hurt locker about January 17 when he was scratched from the Magic Millions on the morning of. But you don’t panic, you have great people around you, they pick you up and you can be here and win a Group One – he’s a stallion now.” Warwoven was an A$380,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy for Baker, Ridgmont, Clarke Bloodstock and fellow connections from the draft of Kia Ora Stud. He’s now won over A$1.1 million and is worth many times that as a future racing and stallion prospect. Winning rider Rachel King was also searching for the superlatives for Warwoven following the three plus length success. “He was (dominant),” King told reporters after the race. “He’s very good, we know he’s very good, and it was just very satisfying for him to go out there and do that today.” “I thought I’d either be leading or leader’s back. It’s difficult when your husband (Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton) gives you part of the instructions, and he says, ‘whatever you do, don’t be three-back the fence’ and I was like, I’m testing him a little bit here.”

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“But he’s a very good horse. There was enough tempo on. There was enough pressure. He just put his head down and relaxed and was beautiful in the run.” “We know he’s got an awesome turn of foot, and I was desperate to get him up over this kind of distance and probably even further. He’s proven that he’s the real deal today,” King added. Warwoven is a son of the Cambridge Stud based Sword of State, a former outstanding Te Akau Racing purchase from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale who was a Group One winner at two in New Zealand. The son of Snitzel has made the best possible start to his sire career with Warwoven joined by the likes of Torture, State of Valour and Sword of Stars as first group stakes performers.

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Warwoven’s dam, the Makfi mare Needle and Thread won a Gr2 Royal Stakes – successful to 2000 metres, giving connections confidence of the distance possibilities of her son. While Warwoven was the undisputed star of the day he proved the real cherry on the top on a red-letter day for Magic Millions sales graduates. Other stakes winners on the day included a Gr2 Golden Pendant to Lazzura (Snitzel, GC Yearling Sale), Gr2 Shannon Stakes to Skyhook (Written Tycoon, GC Yearling Sale), Gr3 Colin Stephen Handicap to So You Are (So You Think, GC National Yearling Sale), Listed RM Ansett Stakes to Hurry Curry (Ocean Park, GC Yearling Sale) and Listed Weetwood Handicap to Let’sfacethemusic (I Am Invincible, GC Yearling Sale). Winner: Warwoven • Breeding: Sword of State-Needle and Thread (Makfi) • Race: ATC Golden Rose Stakes Gr1 (1400m) • Sold for: A$380,000 • Sale: 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale • Earnings: A$1,167,550 • Breeder: Kia Ora Stud Pty Ltd • Vendor: Kia Ora Stud • Buyer: Ridgmont/Bjorn Baker Racing/S & J Gosling/Clarke Bloodstock • Owners: Ridgmont (Mgr: M Cunningham), Kia Ora 2009 (Mgr: RW Rose), S Gosling, Mrs J Gosling, GS Racing (Mgr: SA GraySpencer), J and A Sydney Racing (Mgr: JP Stevens), KR Ferrel, K Salagic & Mrs AK Clarke • Trainer: Bjorn Baker (Warwick Farm)

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The coveted cup! | Credit: VRC

LEXUS

MELBOURNE CUP

71 HORSES REMAIN A total of 71 horses remain in the running for Australia’s most iconic race, the Group 1 A$10.2 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m), following Tuesday’s (29 September) first acceptances. 96 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

Australia’s leading trainer Ciaron Maher has the largest representation in the Lexus Melbourne Cup first acceptances, with 14 horses remaining in contention, headlined by Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes winner Shockletz, Middle Earth and Group 3 Naturalism winner, Zahrannn. Champion trainer, Chris Waller also holds a strong hand in this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup with 9 horses featuring in the acceptances. Several of his runners are also nominated for this Saturday’s Group 1 TAB Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington including Aeliana, Birdman, Asterix, Ohope Wins, Soul Of Spain, Valiant King and Soulcombe, who finished second in the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup. Reigning champion Half Yours features prominently in the first acceptances after galloping at Flemington on Tuesday and will contest the Group 1 TAB Turnbull Stakes. Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy said he was delighted with Half Yours condition ahead of this weekend and encouraged by his progress towards a defence of his Lexus Melbourne Cup crown. “He looks great, and he looks fit. I thought he looked to work very well this morning,” Mr McEvoy said. “I think he’s going better (than last year). He has to step up to weight for age now and he is high in the handicaps and rating but I think his first up run in the Makybe Diva (Stakes) was fantastic.”

“An extra 400m this Saturday at Flemington, I think he can turn the tables on a couple of them.” A total of 13 international horses remain in contention for Australia’s most iconic race. The first shipment of international horses arrived in Melbourne across the weekend, including Small Fry, Kizlyar, Omni Man, Starford (Joseph O’Brien, Ireland), Wine Dark Sea (Harry Charlton, England), Enfjaar (Roger Varian, England) and Point of Law (Ciaron Maher). While the second shipment has entered pre-export quarantine internationally including Sons and Lovers, Trustyoursinstict, Defiantly, James J Braddock, Goodie Two Shoes (Joseph O’Brien, Ireland), Stinger Glass (Yasuo Tomomichi, Japan) and Hopewell Rock (George Boughey, England). Horses will have further opportunities to secure their place in the Lexus Melbourne Cup through a series of ballot-exempt races, beginning this Saturday with the Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings at Flemington. Other pathways include the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on 17 October, Geelong Cup (2400m) on 21 October, and the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) and Cox Plate (2040m) on 24 October. The full list of first acceptances for the Lexus Melbourne Cup can be found here. Second declarations for the Lexus Melbourne Cup close on Tuesday 13 October. www.vrc.com.au

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results up to: 2026-09-30

TRAINERS Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

48.1

2,180,556

3,238,928

47.9

1,592,438

2,086,580

48.9

1,305,063

1,961,969

50.6

1,334,156

1,716,721

15.9

60.9

806,313

1,315,663

Other Places

Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr S J Snaith

160

18.1

Mr A C Greeff

121

21.5

Mr D G Smith

139

16.5

Mr A P Peter

26.6

Mike/Mathew De Kock

JOCKEYS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

Win Place Places Other up 3rd results Stake (R) % to: 2026-09-23

Total Stakes (R)

Mr K de Melo

193

22.8

48.7

3,208,684

4,412,508

Mr K Matsunyane

142

20.4

47.9

1,912,469

2,657,364

Mr M A Yeni

175

16.6

53.1

1,895,844

2,981,802

Mr C Zackey

154

18.2

52.6

1,711,900

2,551,147

Mr G J Lerena

117

17.1

56.4

1,375,719

2,223,594

BREEDERS Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)

Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

181

315

21,748

17.7

146

3,936,476

Varsfontein Stud

129

207

28,366

24.8

101

3,659,234

Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)

141

21,550

17.7

2,068,778

Ridgemont Highlands

147

23,497

20.5

2,067,746

Klawervlei Stud

140

22,775

18.6

1,958,639

Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)

Vercingetorix

107

174

32,052

28.0

3,429,580

Master Of My Fate

120

192

27,310

22.5

3,277,231

Rafeef (AUS)

114

186

26,662

25.4

3,039,518

Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)

119

187

22,432

18.5

2,669,450

Querari (GER)

154

19,900

15.3

1,950,196

SIRES

See all the detailed standings - Click here 98 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

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