Sporting Post Sprint - 31 December 2025

Wednesday 31 December 2025

v

2025 BEHIND US!

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 1

v

STARTING OVER! 04

A Big Year!

The stars shone bright

36

L’Ormarins King’s Plate Day A bumper line-up!

60

Christmas Feature Fest Boxing Day action

100

De Melo Signs For Wernars

A power partnership

v

On the cover The July In Christmas racemeeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 5 December was an unqualified success. Candiese Lenferna took this photograph of a Hollywood Racing runner on the evening.

That’s our final cover of 2025!

Issue: 51 /2025

2 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 3

v

OUR BR 4 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

As the year draws to a close, this is a good time to reflect on the achievements of South Africa’s breeders, those unsung heroes without whom there would be no horse racing.

REEDERS THE UNSUNG HEROES

Trainer Vaughan Marshall lifts his first King’s Plate trophy after One Stripe’s historic win | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 5

v

Vercingetorix in his racing days – what a year it’s been for the son of Silvano! | Credit: Supplied

The first Gr1 race of the year, the time-honoured L’Ormarins King’s Plate, was yet another triumph for champion breeders Drakenstein, victory going to Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas winner One Stripe, who strode clear of his older rivals to claim the coveted double. It was the final South African start for the Vaughan Marshalltrained son of One World. He was subsequently acquired by Hollywood Racing and sent stateside to join the Graham Motion stable, out of which yard he scored an impressive victory at Gulfstream Park last weekend.

One Stripe was just the first of yet another impressive haul of no less than 18 stakes winners of 2025 bred at the Rupert family’s picturesque Franschhoek stud, and also includes subsequent Gr1 winners Eight On Eighteen and Legend Of Arthur.

Eight On Eighteen, a son of the much-missed Lancaster Bomber, was crowned Horse of the Year in a sophomore season which yielded no less 6 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

than three Gr1 victories: the WSB Cape Town Met, SplashOut Cape Derby, where he led home fellow Drakenstein-bred Sail The Seas and the Daily News 2000 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Lancaster Bomber was also responsible for Drakenstein-bred SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur and the Cheveley-bred filly Rascova, who broke through at the elite level with a gutsy shorthead win over Double Grand Slam in the Gr1 Majorca Stakes.

The trio’s Gr1 achievements magnify the tragic loss of their sire at the tender age of seven, his demise robbing the industry of a potential star stallion.

Remarkably, Drakenstein’s success stretched across all borders in 2025. The decision to send former Cape Guineas winner Beach Bomb to the States was handsomely rewarded when the daughter of former flagship stallion Trippi and champion racemare Beach Beauty racked up wins in the Gr3 The Very One Stakes and Gr3 Orchid Stakes, besides which she placed at Gr1 level with her fine second in the Gr1 New York Stakes. In an industry

v

dominated by powerhouse operations, champion Jan Van Goyen represents somewhat smaller connections as he is out of the only mare owned by smalltime KZN breeders Rodney and Jane Trotter.

Cape Guineas fourth Gimmie Rules and unraced juvenile Continue The Dream, are also by the champion stallion.

‘long may they continue to support racing, even if the big names with lots of dosh tend to grab the headlines’

Bred in partnership with Rob Alexander and Bruce Campbell, the son of Master Of My Fate was voted Champion Juvenile after closing out his two-yearold season on a winning note in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes. Trained by the father and son team of Mike and Matthew de Kock, the three-year-old made it a Gr1 double with a sensational victory in the recent Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas. His achievements undoubtedly keep small breeders dreaming and as someone said, “long may they continue to support racing, even if the big names with lots of dosh tend to grab the headlines.”

The year also proved a huge success for owner/ breeder Lady Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables and her outstanding broodmare Real Princess. The daughter of Trippi was responsible for a brace of Gr1 winners in 2025, good enough to earn her Broodmare of the Year honours. Remarkably, both constitute her first two foals.

After claiming the Khaya Stables Gr2 Diadem Stakes, six-year-old son Gimme A Prince sauntered to a second victory in the Cape Flying Championship on Met day and was subsequently named Champion Sprinter, while her second foal, his four-year-old full-brother The Real Prince, rose to new heights with his neck defeat of Eight On Eighteen in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Real Princess proved she is one of a rare breed when her third foal Gimmie’s Countess claimed the Gr3 Diana Stakes victress. That she has clicked with Gimmethegreenlight goes without saying and not surprisingly, her next two foals, the highly regarded

The year 2025 was all about one stallion, Vercingetorix. The Maine Chance juggernaut rewrote the record book in the 2024/25 racing season with a tally of 23 individual stakes winners and such was his utter domination that he completed a clean sweep of the General, Juvenile and 3yo Sires titles. His first General championship title constituted another piece of history, as he followed in the footsteps of his own revered sire Silvano, who garnered the coveted title no less than five times.

Vercingetorix proved unstoppable all year round and since January 1, has sired 22 individual stakes winners, headed by aforementioned Double Grand Slam, Gr1 Champions Cup hero Gladatorian, Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint victress Mia Moo and Quickstepgal, a recent winner of the WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas. He continued the new racing season where he left off and currently sits comfortably at the top of the General Sires List, a position which he will not easily relinquish, given that he is the must-have stallion who continues to draw the cream of the country’s broodmares.

Finally, on a sadder note, we saw the end of an era with the closure of Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm. Over a period of more than three decades, the Taberer-owned stud flourished under the expert care of manager Pippa Mickleburgh. It was home to well-known stallions Dominion Royale, Var and Oratorio whilst from its paddocks came the likes of dual Horse of the Year Legal Eagle, champions Val De Ra and Tempting Fate, as well as Gr1 winners Right Prerogative, Rivarine, Contador, Regal Ransom, Normanz, Villandry and Royal Deed, to name but a few.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 7

v

8 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 9

v

THREE CHEERS TO THE SMALLER

BREEDERS!

10 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

‘It is indeed heartening that small breeders continue to hold their own in an age where powerful breeders tend to hog the headlines’

Princess Of Gaul’s Dam Miss Marmalade roams the lush Paardeberg paddocks with her Ideal World colt | Credit: Supplied

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 11

v

Gerald Sadleir’s home-bred Olivia’s Way | Credit: JC Photos

Last week we featured KZN breeders Rodney and Jane Trotter, whose only mare is the dam of champion Jan Van Goyen, a commanding winner of the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas.They are not the only small breeders who tasted stakes success in 2025.

Gauteng owner Gerald Sadleir also had the satisfaction of racing a homebred stakes winner.

Olivia’s Way, which he bred in the name of his The Flying Stud, had the Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap in the bag when she lined up for the Gr1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic in March.

Casting one’s eye over the past year’s results reveals a handful of stakes winners representing those breeding buffs who own just one, or a couple of mares.

She proved no match for Joe Soma’s rampant Fiery Pegasus but rebounded with a half-length victory in the Gr2 Igugu Stakes (formerly the Gerald Rosenberg) and has more than held her own in open company since, chasing home Immediate Edge in the Gr3 Jubilee Handicap while holding off Gr1 winner Atticus Finch by a neck. Most recently she went down by a half-length to Mocha Blend in the Betway Gr1 Summer Cup.

It started in mid-February with Son Of Raj, a facile winner of the Gr3 London News Stakes at Turffontein. With current earnings of almost R1,7 million in the bank, the six-year-old has been a credit to owner/breeder Steve Chetty, for whom he was also a first Gr1 winner with his effortless victory in the Gr1 SA Derby at three.

Chetty bred the son of Duke Of Marmalade from the three-time winning Black Minnaloushe mare Freudiana, dam also of his year-younger full brother Arumugam, a fine stayer and winner of both the Listed Java and Racehorse Owners Association Stayers in Chetty’s silks.

12 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

Now a five-time winner, she is proving to be a real moneyspinner, sporting career earnings of over R2.,1-million. By the ever-consistent but underrated stallion Pathfork, the four-year-old is out of Australian-bred winner My Lovely, dam also of the Danon Platina gelding Rapidash, who counts a second in the Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes amongst a string of stakes places.

v

Son Of Raj – Steven Chetty’s pride and joy | Credit: JC Photos

Arguably the proudest owner/breeder this year has to be Clive Murphy. He has also dabbled successfully in the breeding side and some years ago raced a filly named Miss Marmalade, who was not the soundest, yet managed to win once from just three starts.

If anyone required confirmation that she is the real deal, it came in early November when she claimed the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship in fine style and just missed out on Gr1 black type when fourth in the recent Cape Fillies Guineas.

As a half-sister to dual Broodmare of the Year Halfway To Heaven, the daughter of Duke Of Marmalade was a valuable broodmare prospect and has done her bit to maintain family honour by producing two stakes winners with her first two foals.

As the dam of two stakes winners from her first two foals, Miss Marmalade’s value as a broodmare sky-rocketed. That success caught the attention of Paardeberg Stud, who promptly made Murphy a substantial offer for what was now a valuable commodity. The offer was accepted and Miss Marmalade joined the farm’s growing broodmare band.

The United States gelding Kingdundee, her first foal, claimed the Listed Dahlia Plate as a juvenile in Murphy’s silks and has emerged as one of the leading sprinters in Gqeberha. Ultra-consistent, he recently completed a fine hat-trick in what was his seventh win from just ten starts.

Miss Marmalade’s second foal, the Vercingetorix filly Princess Of Gaul, was sold as a yearling for R600 000 and she races for well-known owner Fred Crabbia. Trained by Dean Kannemeyer, she flashed her talent as a juvenile by defeating paternal halfsister Elegantrix in the Gr2 Debutante in July.

Murphy still keeps a mare at Paardeberg and yes, she is also a daughter of Duke Of Marmalade. Called Dancing Feather, she won him five races and earned black type when third in the Listed Devon Air Stakes.

It is indeed heartening that small breeders continue to hold their own in an age where powerful breeders tend to hog the headlines. Some may regard them as a dying breed, yet it is their success that keeps every dream alive, besides which they are a great reminder that racing needs even the smallest cogs to flourish and grow.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 13

STARS v

STEP

OUT A number of big race names were spotted at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday morning, in what will be the final grass gallops at the Southern Suburbs venue for 2025.

L’Ormarins King’s Plate hopefuls Jan Van Goyen (Callan Murray) and Dave The King (Ryan Munger) stretch on Tuesday morning | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

14 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 15

v

16 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

ON THE GALLOP AT v

HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH The Real Prince (Craig Zackey) heads into next Saturday’s L’Ormarins King’s Plate after some good work Credit: Chase Liebenberg

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 17

ON THE GALLOP AT v

HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH Andrew Fortune (wearing the Go Pro) takes Cartier Paddock Stakes defending champion Double Grand Slam through her paces | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

18 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 19

ON THE GALLOP AT v

HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH Chad Little and Peter Muscutt’s I Salute You looked in the pink of health | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

20 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 21

v

22 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

ON THE GALLOP AT

HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH KZN kingpins! Stuart Ferrie’s Gladatorian is accompanied by Sean Veale as he winds up his prep for the big race on 10 January | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 23

ON THE GALLOP AT v

HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH Eight On Eighteen (Richard Fourie) looks well as he is accompanied by grey stablemate Great Plains (Andrew Fortune) Credit: Chase Liebenberg

24 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 25

v

Var champion Via Africa – marked her second Australian Gr1 winner | Credit: Supplied

2025 A YEAR OF DRAMA AND HIGHLIGHTS!

A number of dramas played out in the world of thoroughbred breeding in 2025. From the sudden death of several outstanding stallions, to the emergence of some exceptional broodmares, 2025 was a memorable year, indeed.

VERCINGETORIX Champion Vercingetorix claimed his first premiership when he was crowned South Africa’s Champion Sire for 2024-2025. The son of Silvano pulled off a clean sweep for that season, and was also the Leading Sire of both 2YOs and 3YOs for the 2024-2025 season. Vercingetorix, whose South African runners earned in excess of R38,562 million during 2024-2025, was responsible for 23 individual stakes winners who picked up 33 stakes races in that period.

26 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

WOOTTON BASSETT & SNITZEL Among the notable thoroughbred stars to die in 2025 were the outstanding stallions Wootton Bassett and Snitzel. The rags-toriches star Wootton Bassett passed away in Australia after suffering a bout of choke, while four times Australian Champion Sire Snitzel was euthanized following a rapid deterioration in health.

At the time of writing, the pair had been responsible for 240 stakes winners between them. Wootton Bassett, whose stud fee in Australia had been raised to a record breaking A$385 000 in 2025, had been responsible for the Gr1 winners Al Riffa, Camille Pissarro, Hawk Mountain, Henri Matisse, Maranoa Charlie, Royal Patronage, Sahlan and Whirl during the

v

Wootton Bassett passed away in Australia | Credit: Coolmore

last year. Likewise, Snitzel also enjoyed a very fruitful season in 2025, where his flagbearers included at least 16 stakes winners.

REAL PRINCESS The top-class racemare Real Princess, winner of both the Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint and Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes, confirmed she was an even better producer than runner during the 2024-2025 season. During that period, Real Princess’ progeny won all of the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, HKJC Gr1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship, Khaya Stables Gr2 Diadem Stakes, Baker McVeigh Gr3 Diana Stakes, and City Of Cape Town Listed Jet Master Stakes. Real Princess also ranks as the dam of this season’s smart threeyear-old Gimmie Rules, fourth in the recent Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas.

DUBAWI SONS Even by his own remarkable standards, legendary stallion Dubawi enjoyed a magnificent year in 2025. The triple Gr1 winner, who turns

24 in 2026, was responsible for more than 30 stakes winners in 2025, with his tally of black-type winners including six Gr1 winners.

Dubawi’s sire sons also shone in 2025, with Night Of Thunder, Too Darn Hot, New Bay, and Space Blues all coming up with at least one Gr1 winner during that period.

VIA AFRICA Var’s champion daughter Via Africa celebrated her second Gr1 winner in Australia in 2025 via her unbeaten daughter Autumn Glow (by The Autumn Sun). The latter, who has won all eight of her starts, followed up an impressive win in the TAB Gr1 Epsom with a fluent win in the lucrative Golden Eagle.

To date, Autumn Glow, who has won five group races, has earned more than AUS$6,8 million in prize money. Autumn Glow’s ATC Gr1 Golden Rose winning three-parts brother In The Congo (by Snitzel) is set to be represented by his first yearlings this season.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 27

v

Multiple Grade 1-winning jockey Raymond ‘Stingray’ Danielson has returned to South Africa after a successful short stint in Mauritius, which saw him win two of the racing-passionate island’s biggest races.

“The season came to an end, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it’s good to be home,” he told the Sporting Post on Monday morning, confirming that he has renewed his association with Winning Form and will be looking to maintain the momentum.

Raymond won both the Phoenix Gr1 Maiden Cup on Good Council and the Aqua Springs Gr1 Duke Of York Cup on Meridius for the Arveen Nagadoo yard, and finished 3rd on the official log with 12 winners (34% win strike-rate) and 15 places from 35 rides for stakes of Rs 2 828 000.

An accomplished top-level rider who has managed to win a Grade 1 almost every season, Raymond says that he is working on his weight, as Mauritius has few lightweight rides.

“I’m at 58kgs now, but it will take two weeks of work – and maybe some golf - to get down to 55,5kgs, at which I am very comfortable,” he laughs, as he says that he is keen to get into action.

Asked whether he would return to the island in 2026, Raymond says that he will keep his options open but is looking forward to enjoying the feature seasons here.

The Gqeberha-born Danielson joined the SA Jockey Academy in 2002, amidst the likes of Richard Fourie, Keanan Steyn, Muzi Yeni and Sam Freedman. He rode his first winner on 7 March 2004 on the Huntingdale filly Coastward for trainer Des Egdes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

28 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 29

v

MORE LIKE IT,

ONE STRIPE!

One Stripes storms home under Juan Velazquez | Credit: Ryan Thompson/ Coglianese Photos

30 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

The Drakenstein bred One Stripe, winner of the 2024 Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and 2025 L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate, found his winning stride in good style when dropping in class to win a $59 000 Allowance Optional Claiming contest over a mile at Gulfstream Park last Friday evening.

After running prominently and fading in his last effort under Juan Hernandez in the Gr1 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile Presented by PDJF in early November, John Velazquez was back aboard the Graham Motion-trained colt on Friday evening and rode a perfect tactical race from the widest draw, skipping clear in the home run to win by many lengths, beating the fancied Judge Davis and Seminole Chief.

Jockey Juan Velazquez expressed his pleasure with the victory, calling it ‘very nice’.

The race was run in a fast time, with One Stripe earning a 94 Beyer Speed Figure in the process, which will have his connections looking ahead to 2026 with renewed hope.

Racing in the interests of Hollywood Racing and Rikesh Sewgoolam, the son of One World registered his seventh victory from ten starts, and his icebreaker in the USA – and it was also his first win in the Hollywood Racing silks!

Earlier this year, One Stripe became only the eleventh sophomore winner of the prestigious L’Ormarins King’s Plate since inception in 1861.

Now that he has got his winning mojo back, there could be some exciting plans in the pipeline for One Stripe in 2026.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 31

2025’S BARK WAS WORSE THAN ITS BITE…! v

Duncan & Natasha Barry and the Riverton Team wish all our customers and friends warmth, cheer and safe passage over the holiday season and a new year full of peace and joy.

Now let’s welcome 2026 and the prospect of even greater things.

Duncan Barry

32 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

PO Box 168,Robertson 6705 Tel: (023) 626 4309 - Cell: 082 335 8951 Email: info@rivertonstud.co.za www.rivertonstud.co.za

v

TONGUEIN-CHEEK CHARL ON

2025

This year’s Off The Record columns covered a wide range of ground, but a common thread ran through them: voices worth listening to and moments worth preserving.

This, at times tongue-in-cheek wrap by Charl Pretorius, reflects on some of the quotes and anecdotes from the columns in 2025 that added colour, context and humanity to the sport.

The nurse arrives late at the first race meeting, which is delayed as a result.

This outlandish prediction, and none of the others, actually materialised but some came surprisingly close.

The year started with OTR # 58, a fun piece on bizarre predictions for the racing industry entitled, Things That May Or May Not Happen in 2025.

More outrageous forecasts will be made for 2026 in the first Off The Record column in the new year, scheduled for 10 January – a don’t miss!

They included the following vision for February 2025: “NHA CEO, Vee Moodley, introduces ‘Blowback’, a flatulence control syrup for horses, trainers, jockeys and officials – mandatory on race days.

Click on the image below to read more:

The syrup is administered via a syringe (squirted into horses’ mouths) and a spoonful each given by a duty nurse to humans.

‘Climate change is a serious problem and we know that excess wind passed by animals and humans can hurt the ozone layer,’ Moodley comments.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 33

v

34 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 35

v

A RIGHT ROYA

36 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

AL RACE DAY!

Dave The King – Ryan Munger rides him in the big one | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

A bumper ten race programme headlined by three Grade 1 contests will get the first major of the 2026 South African racing programme underway in fine style at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 10 January 2026.

in 164 years to achieve the Cape Guineas – King’s Plate double last year. Jan Van Goyen receives his 5kgs age allowance from his 13 opponents and comes in off the same rating (118) as One Stripe last year.

The 165th renewal of the R3 million L’Ormarins King’s Plate takes pride of place on the Race Coast Summer Festival Of Racing fixture with 14 runners, including representatives from KZN and the Highveld, ready to do duel for the prestigious crown.

Interestingly, stable jockey Callan Murray has opted to ride the 3yo ahead of stalwart, and former SA Horse Of The Year, Dave The King, a dramatic recent winner of the Ridgemont Gr2 Green Point Stakes.

The lone 3yo in the line-up is the De Kocks’ recent Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas star Jan Van Goyen.

Mike de Kock last won the then Queen’s Plate with Mother Russia in 2011.

The son of Master Of My Fate bids to emulate One Stripe who became only the eleventh sophomore

Big-hitters Craig Zackey and Dean Kannemeyer come to the royal party with 2025 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July winner The Real Prince, who was 31 DECEMBER 2025 | 37

v

staying on in the Green Point Stakes and will strip much fitter in his second start this term.

SA champion trainer Justin Snaith bids for his fifth L’Ormarins King’s Plate title and holds the ascendancy in pure numbers, with four runners, including reigning SA Horse Of The Year Eight On Eighteen, the mount of British champion Oisin Murphy. The son of Lancaster Bomber will be having his first run this season after a minor setback, and he is something of an unknown quantity, despite his status.

Vaughan Marshall won his first L’Ormarins King’s Plate last year with One Stripe and is represented

by Questioning, who will be ridden by Richard Fourie, whose only previous royal title was achieved in 2019 on Do It Again.

Aldo Domeyer and Candice Bass won the race in 2024 with Charles Dickens and they are in the mix with Sugar Mountain, a genuine longshot in most books.

Summerveld trainer Stuart Ferrie saddles his maiden King’s Plate runner in the shape of Gr1

38 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

winner Gladatorian, who will be ridden by Sean Veale, after a quiet summer season debut in the Green Point Stakes.

The Highveld raiders Buffalo Storm Cody, Lucky Lad, Constellation and Truth add plenty of spice to the mix in the R1,5 million World Pool Gr1 Cape Flying Championship, with East Cape kingpins Dean Smith and Alan Greeff also well represented in a nationally representative renewal of the summer speed highlight.

Defending champion Double Grand Slam gets the services of Oisin Murphy in the Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes, where Richard Fourie partners exciting WSB Cape Fillies Guineas runner-up Reet Petite.

Dean Kannemeyer’s Red Palace will be looking to put her last run behind her, while an interesting visitor is the Dawson sisters’ revitalised Minogue.

A Pick 6 carryover of R1 million is likely to generate a pool of in the region of R4 million.

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 39

v

40 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 41

v

A ROYAL

JET FORCE KICKSTART

TO 2026 FOR GRANT? 42 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

Grant van Niekerk will ride Denis Le Breton’s Jet Force in the 2026 L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate. The lightly-raced galloper was interfered with but ran out of his skin for an eye-catching 1,90 length sixth behind Ridgemont Gr2 Green Point Stakes winner, Dave The King, a fortnight ago.

Emma Oelz and Grant van Niekerk, with Aiden and Kiara at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth recently | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 43

v

Jet Force’s trainer Des McLachlan chats to Sean Veale after a recent race | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

“He’s a lovely horse, but still young and immature.

I have no doubt he will hold his own when stepping up, but he went up from a 93 to a 120 after the Green Point Stakes!” he observes.

History may reflect that 2025 will go down as Grant van Niekerk’s year of living dangerously. A mercurial and enigmatically talented Grade 1-winning rider of the highest order, the man who grew up with rocksolid old school family foundations in Bellville South has made mistakes at times that have punctuated his genius in the saddle.

But he somehow always bounces back hungrier and marginally smarter than before. Without pomp and ceremony, he is determined to make 2026 his year.

At the age of 34, the jockey who partnered Justin Snaith’s first Met winner Oh Susanna to victory seven years ago, has found a new lease on his professional life and a great reason to get up in the morning.

That’s thanks to his sponsor, Mauritius-based owner Denis Le Breton, and Milnerton veteran conditioner, Des McLachlan, for whom Grant rode a welcome

44 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

double at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.

Noble Hero (7-1) and Shesgotclass (13-10) were no pointers and both required serious riding. But Grant did the job professionally, taking his season tally to 10 winners at a strike-rate of 14,73%.

The pep in his step as he posed for a photograph with partner Emma Oelz, daughter Kiara and son Aiden – he stresses the latter is spelt with an ‘e’ – on the sun-drenched Sunday afternoon was palpable, and evoked visions of the focused Grant of old.

“It’s been a while since I rode a double, and there’s definitely never a bad time to do so,” enthused Grant in a chat with the Sporting Post. We checked the statistics. His last double was at the Southern Suburbs venue on 11 January this year, when he booted Kebonalesedi and Kelp Forest home, for Eric Sands and Anton Marcus, respectively.

“Is it that long ago? It just feels good to be riding nice horses and I’m indebted to having such passionate people believing in me and giving me a chance. One tends to find out who the truly good people are when the days are dark, but I am also the first to acknowledge that only I can prove myself

v

and restore owners’ and trainers’ faith in my abilities again,” he reflects as he waxes lyrical about the strength of the McLachlan yard.

“I am not certain of the exact numbers, but a large proportion of the string is younger horses, which is very exciting. It’s great for a jockey to work with horses and see them progress, knowing you are going to be there to enjoy their development. I ride work at Milnerton three days a week, depending on when we race.”

easy on the roast potatoes though!” He adds that his partner Emma will be with her family in Arniston for Christmas. It has been 17 educational years for the baby-faced rider since his first ride under rules on 11 June 2008 over the straight 1200m at Clairwood on Combat Leader.

The horse ran second but the connections were impressed and exactly two weeks later Grant won on Combat Leader over the same course and distance.

The drama of the 2012 Durban July remains with Grant.Just days after turning 21, he came within a heartbeat of winning the great race when the 55-1 Smanjemanje went down by the proverbial nose to Piere Strydom and Pomodoro, who became the Tarry stable’s first July winner.

On support from other yards, Grant says that he has always been appreciative of working with the Snaith team. “I am grateful for every bone they throw my way, and I am proud to say that we have enjoyed a lot of success together. I believe that we have not reached the end of the road ‘We are so fortunate. SA and I am honoured to be here if horseracing is in a good they need me,” he adds with a space. We couldn’t have smile. said that three years ago, On his overall outlook and commitment, Grant explains that it was ‘a tough year’.

yet here we still are!’

“I don’t want to unpack what happened. It’s history and well documented. But I reached a point where I had to step back from racing and regroup in my head. I think that looking at things from the outside in helped me mentally. My weight also crept up, as it would do, sitting on the sidelines. But I am feeling good, fitter and am riding at 55/56kgs, with an aim to get back to 53kgs, where I was very effective.”

Grant hails from a tightly-knit family of 7 on whom he has leaned heavily for support. Dad John and Mum Janette are his inspiration, while his brother and three sisters are always there to listen.

“In racing one learns to take the good with the bad. At the time I am not sure I grasped the enormity of it and, sure it worried me! But that’s history now. The Hollywoodbets Durban July remains on my bucket list 13 years later, though!”

Grant’s career-changing association with Denis Le Breton looks to be the key to unlocking a new era in his life. Le Breton is one of the few 75-year-olds on the planet who isn’t prepared to rest on his laurels, sit back with that DStv remote in his hand and leave racing to the young guns.

“This is my passion,” he says. “I still have many ambitions left. I have had over 360 winners in Mauritius, but a couple of years ago I decided to buy more horses for South Africa, and I hired Des McLachlan as my personal trainer. My target was to have 45 horses in the yard by August 2025. I achieved that now my next target is to have 75 horses in my yard by the end of this season and then by the end of 2026 I hope to have 200.”

“My Mum is the best chef in town and the family will be together on Christmas Day. I will have to go

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 45

v

Le Breton is now into his fourth full season in South Africa where he owns 100 percent in his horses, which run in the increasingly familiar navy, grey chevron, navy sleeves, grey armbands and cap colours.

“These are the colours of my company, DLB Construction, where I employ more than 1000 workers. I raced these colours in Mauritius, but for South Africa I had to add the chevron on the sleeves. I have owned in partnership before, but I prefer racing alone. I started racing in South Africa after speaking to Bernard Fayd’Herbe while on holiday in France.”

In his new ownership chapter, Le Breton started off with two winners in the 2022/23 season – Savic, ridden by Richard Fourie and trained by Justin Snaith won at Fairview and Le Legionnaire, ridden

by Fayd’Herbe for Snaith, won at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. “Although I have won many races, I never had good luck with top horses. I have never had a Listed or Graded winner. Every piece of ‘gold’ I imported from South Africa turned to

46 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

‘bronze’. I would love to own a champion. Wolf Power was the best horse I ever saw. But the thrill of leading in a winner is unmatched and that’s what I want to be able to do – lead in as many winners as I can.”

Grant van Niekerk looks the right man to help Le Breton realise that dream. American media magnate Sumner Redstone suggested that ‘success is not built on success. It’s built on failure.

It’s built on frustration. Sometimes it’s built on catastrophe’. Grant nods and winks as a smile creases his face.

“We are so fortunate. SA horseracing is in a good space. We couldn’t have said that three years ago, yet here we still are! I’d like to wish everybody in racing a happy and safe festive season and great things in 2026. May all your dreams and resolutions become a reality – and I’m including myself in that pot!” he laughs as he greets and says goodbye.

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 47

v

PETER LIFTS FINAL HIGHVELD FEATURE OF ‘25 Gavin Lerena steers Taxi To The Moon to victory ahead of Truth (Callan Murray) and the low-flying Pistol Pete (Richard Fourie) | Credit: JC Photos

48 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

“I wanted Gavin (Lerena) to ride him last time.

I’m note sure who was more disappointed afterwards,” quipped Peter who saddled the first and third finisher in the long weekend Gr3 feature, when the diminutive Pistol Pete rattled through late for a courageous third under his 61,5kgs weight impost.

But the race belonged to Kenneth Pillay’s Kestorm Investments flagbearer Taxi To The Moon (3-1) who was always in the vanguard, tracking early pacesetter Mover And Shaker, before hitting the front and going on well to hold the grey Truth (7-1) by a half length in a time of 56,88 secs.

Pistol Pete was 0,30 lengths back in third, with Magic Tattoo (100-1) giving the quartet a nice boost in fourth. The Oldlands Stud bred Taxi To The Moon was a R1 million Cape Premier Yearling Sale buy and has now won 5 races with 5 places from 17 starts and stakes of R549 688.

By Vercingetorix (Silvano), the winner is out of the once winning Indigo Magic mare Earn A Moon, a half-sister to Mike De Kock’s former Dubai stakes winner Lucky Find and the wellperformed PE stakes performer Pay The Piper.

Both won 8 races.

Interestingly Earn A Moon’s liaison with the former speed kingpin Var produced Moonrise Sensation, who sold for R4 million at the 2015 Cape Premier Yearling Sale. It marked a champagne moment for Barbara and Ian Sanne as it was their highest price achieved in 40 years of breeding high-quality thoroughbreds in South Africa.

Trainer Tony Peter celebrated his third straight Betway Gr3 Lebelo Sprint success at Turffontein on Saturday when it was a plan come together for the 4yo Taxi To The Moon, who registered his maiden stakes victory under Gavin Lerena in the 1000m contest.

Taxi To The Moon was one of three winners at Turffontein on Saturday for his champion sire. Vercingetroix’s Gr2- winning daughter Callmegetrix won the Play Soccer 6,10 And 13 Pinnacle Stakes, and Vercingetorix gelding Plus Four stormed home to land the For Hospitality Bookings Call 011 681 1796 MR 96 Handicap.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 49

v

50 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

Charge It storms to victory under Muzi Yeni | Credit: JC Photos

GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT’S

80 STAKES WINNER TH

A full-sister to SA and Australian Grade 1 winner and stallion Yulong Prince, who raced here as Surcharge, the Varsfontein Stud bred and raced Charge It registered her maiden stakes success with a smooth victory in the R225 000 Listed War Of Athena Handicap at Turffontein on Saturday. In the process she became her champion sire’s 80th stakes winner.

The race named in honour of South Africa’s diminutive 2021 Triple Tiara heroine, War Of Athena hosted a field of ten mixed age fairersex gallopers and produced a favourable result off a decent pace as Hollywoodbets-sponsored Alyson Wright’s KZN raider Charge It (9-4) went off tote favourite under Muzi Yeni.

Relaxed in midfield as Twostep Queen and

Willy Meet Again set the fractions, Charge It capitalized on her galloping weight to beat the 5yo Soldier’s Eye (14-1) by 1,20 lengths in a time of 112,14 secs.

The 33-10 Gerbera maintained her consistent formline with another respectable placing back in third. Charge It is by champion Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) out of the UK-bred Diktat mare Congestion Charge, who was placed over 2300m from just 4 starts.

Charge It has now won twice with a place from 5 starts for stakes of R305 782.

Gimmethegreenlight is enjoying another good season in 2025-2026, with the Varsfontein resident’s progeny having already earned more than R8.8 million in stakes this season.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 51

v

52 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 53

v

Constellation’s rider Callan Murray glances back at Anchorage and Muzi Yeni after an attempted bite | Credit: JC Photos

54 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

IT’S CALLED v

‘SNAPPING AT STARS’

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 55

v

The De Kock-trained Constellation is a clearly progressive 3yo and he had to overcome the challenges of unfavourable weight terms and a playful opponent in a biting mood to win the R150 000 Sophomore 1000 at Turffontein on Saturday.

Callan Murray glances left on Constellation as Muzi Yeni has to take evasive action on the playfully aggro Anchorage (Pic – JC Photos) Out front for much of the 1000m trip in the non blacktype feature, Callan Murray always had things under control, but got a nip to his ankle as Muzi Yeni and Anchorage loomed up on his outside at the 200m.

This time it wasn’t Muzi being competitive, but the daughter of Vercingetorix wasn’t taking defeat and bared her teeth in full view of the Stipes.

All good fun, but Muzi Yeni had to take his mount up and steady off the heels of Constellation.

56 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

Trainer Dawson was advised by the Stipes to take the necessary corrective measures to improve this filly’s racing manners. She was further advised that should Anchorage behave in a similar manner in future engagements, it may lead to a suspension.

Constellation (7-2) stayed on well to hold Charming Cheetah (15-10) by 0,60 lengths with the aggro Dawson filly Anchorage (11-2) running into third a further 0,60 lengths back. The latter could be one to follow as her antics cost her ground.

Bred by Avontuur, the winner is by What A Winter (Western Winter) out of the very well-performed nine -time winning Var mare, Star Burst Galaxy. He is a R625 000 BSA National Yearling Sale graduate.

The 3yo colt is raced by Messrs W D Jackson, K Calitz, M J Campbell, R H Mordt & C C Valjalo and has now won 4 of 7 starts with 3 places for stakes of R342 888.

Happy owner, Henk Leyenaar | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 57

v

COOLMORE SPONSOR GR1 CORONATION CUP John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith | Credit: Supplied

As part of a series of enhancements to the Epsom Derby Festival, the Coolmore partners Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and John Magnier have stepped in to support the Coolmore Coronation Cup with the race’s prizemoney more than doubling from £450 000 to £1 million.

The Coolmore Coronation Cup will also move to a new Saturday slot, underscoring the Jockey Club’s commitment to showcasing it as one of the

58 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

premier middle-distance contests for older horses.

Coolmore will sponsor around 30 races across ten different countries for the coming year including 13 Group races, six of them at Group 1 or Grade 1 level.

In addition to direct sponsorships, Coolmore put approximately €1.4 million into the European Breeders’ Fund and another $1.4 million into the Breeders’ Cup the bringing the total spend

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 59

v

Smanga Khumalo gets Imposing home in the rain | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

CHRISTMAS IN THE RAIN

After saddling Imilenzeyokududuma to win the R200 000 Listed Christmas Handicap in 2024, Summerveld trainer Gareth van Zyl defended his crown as the heavens opened at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday when the super-consistent Lammerskraal Stud-bred 6yo Imposing scored an overdue maiden stakes victory in the final KZN stakes feature of 2025.

Ridden by regular pilot Smanga Khumalo, Imposing (4-1) stretched clear on the newly damp ground to beat the tote favourite Isivivane (7-2) by two lengths in a time of 95,72 secs – fully 3,21 secs faster than the fairer sex feature run a half hour earlier!

Hailing from a top-notch Lammerskraal family, the gelding is raced by Howard Schwegmann, whose dayglo orange and blue silks are regular features in the winner’s enclosure. With his family on 60 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

course, Mr Schwegmann enjoyed the pleasure of leading in his winner who was always in the box seat, before being given the green light early in the home straight.

Hollywood Racing flagbrearers Isivivane (7-2) and Capsaicn (6-1) completed the trifecta, with Down

By The River 25-1 capping the quartet.

The winner is by Visionaire (Grand Slam) out of the top-class Jallad mare, Strawberry Lane, who was voted Broodmare of the Year in 2017-18. Eight of her foals are winners, and include the Gr1 winning siblings Solo Traveller and Redberry Lane, both sired by Western Winter.

A R350 000 BSA National Yearling Sale purchase, Imposing has won 8 races with 12 places from 39 starts for stakes of R775 769. trainer with a double apiece.

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 61

v

Rachel Venniker (blue and white cap) steers Ladyofdistinction to victory ahead of Amelia’s Legacy (Sean Veale) on outside and Forward Motion (Muzi Yeni), in a tight finish | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

64 STAKES TH

WINNER FOR

VERCINGETORIX 62 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

South Africa’s reigning champion sire Vercingetorix dominated Friday’s R200 000 Listed Flamboyant Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Vercingetorix daughters filled five of the first six placings, with the race being won by the son of Silvano’s four-year-old daughter Ladyofdistinction. The latter, a full-sister to 2025 HKJC Gr1 Champions Cup winner Gladatorian, is the 64th stakes winner for Vercingetorix.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 63

v

A full-sister to the accomplished Gr1 winner Gladatorian, the progressive Michael Robertstrained Ladyofdistinction registered her maiden stakes victory when skipping home to win.

Raced by Al Khayl Breeders and bred by the Paarl-based Erasmus Thoroughbreds, the lightly campaigned Ladyofdistinction has fought her way back from a hoof issue to stamp herself as a genuinely progressive sort with 2026 Champions Season aspirations.

Rachel Venniker had Ladyofdistinction in midfield as Muzi Yeni and Forward Motion carted them along at a snail’s pace. Into the run for home the pace quickened as Ladyofdistinction found herself a few lengths off.

Switching to the outside and not flinching for a moment as things got tight between Amelia’s Legacy and the hard-ridden Tomyris, Ladyofdistinction (2-1) prevailed by a quarter length in a time of 98,93 secs for the mile.

Frikkie Greyling’s 3yo Amelia’s Legacy (10-1) looks smart and stayed on well to bank second cheque, a neck in front of pacesetter Forward Motion (10-1).

64 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

Tomyris (28-10) capped the quartet, with just 1,15 lengths covering the first four home.

Winning jockey Rachel Venniker said that she knew from the moment she first sat on her, that Ladyofdistinction was ‘something special’.

“She’s got a lovely temperament. She just generates confidence and is a dream to ride.”

Michael Roberts said: “We have had a tough year and I was under pressure. She is still a little baby but she’s growing into a magnificent specimen. I am pleased for her owners as they have given me the time,” he added.

The first, second and fourth were all sired by Vercingetorix (Silvano), with the winner out of the stakes-winning Dynasty mare, Harvard Crimson.

Ladyofdistinction made it 4 wins with 3 places from 7 starts and stakes of R342 250. She’s one to stick with!

Her champion sire Vercingetorix is enjoying another wonderful season in 2025-2026, with his flagbearers including such graded stakes winners as Quickstepgal, Callmegetrix, The Ultimate King, and Princess Of Gaul.

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 65

v

Randjesfontein owner-trainer Mano Pandaram opened the Boxing Day racemeeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday, with the Maine Chance-bred Quasillo filly Kavady winning the R250 000 non black-type Xmas Futurity Plate run over 1000m.

Kabelo Matsunyane steers Kavady to a smooth victory | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

66 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

PANDARAM RAIDER

WINS READILY

After her long-priced third on debut at Turffontein over 800m, Kavady showed the benefit of her experience and ability to easilly overcome her wide draw and won rather easily at 18-10 under Kabelo Matsunyane.

After Smart Choice made the early pace, Matsunyane unleashed Kavady at the 300m and she went on well to beat the improved Japura (331) by 3,40 lengths in a time of 58,59 secs.

The runner-up’s stablemate Ode To The Sea also improved on debut to run into third a further 1,70 lengths back, with Smart Choice (33-20) paying the price for her exertions, to run fourth.

A Gr3 winning half-brother to leading Cape sire Querari, Quasillo is the only son of outstanding racehorse and sire Sea The Stars at stud in South Africa. But he has had fertility issues and has had

only a handful of runners.

The winner was bred by Maine Chance and is out of the William Longsword mare, Lady Clarisse.

A R200 000 BSA National Yearling Sale buy, Kavady boasts a place and victory from her two starts for stakes of R176 938.

Ed – Just for interest, the name Kavady is a significant Hindu festival, especially for Tamils, dedicated to Lord Murugan (God of War/Wisdom), involving devotees carrying decorated wooden frames (the kavady itself) symbolizing burdens, often with milk pots or spikes, as acts of penance, devotion, and to seek blessings for guidance, prosperity, or to fulfill vows, climaxing in grand processions with music and offerings like flowers, fruits, and camphor, with major celebrations like Thai Poosam.

Trainer Mano Pandaram embraces Kabelo Matsunyane after Kavady’s smooth win | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 67

v

68 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 69

v

ROBERTS FILLY’S

DISTINCTION IN SLOW TIME

The Listed Flamboyant Stakes over 1600m was the first of the Hollywoodbets Greyville Boxing Day afternoon’s two black type feature races to be run and in what proved to be a very false paced affair, the Vercingetorix filly Ladyofdistinction registered her fourth win from just seven starts.

With nobody looking to take up the running on leaving the stalls many were pulling and there was no real pace early on.

Somewhat predictably then, the race quickly developed into a sprint early in the straight and going through the 300m five runners were in a line at the front.

Sent off a well-supported favourite, Michael Roberts’ charge had been bumped shortly after the start, but despite that was nicely positioned in fourth just three lengths off the pace 500m out. She ran on well in the straight and in a thrilling four -way finish she got the verdict over Amelia’s Legacy by a head.

It was pleasing then that the Listed Christmas Handicap over 1600m run 35 minutes later

70 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

was run at a very fair pace. Indeed, run in a time over three seconds quicker than the Flamboyant Stakes, it was by far the fastest of the five 1600m races on the card.

The nibbled at Go Grayson Go (8/1 into 6/1) made the running whilst the eventual winner IMPOSING raced just two lengths away in third. The 6yo Visionaire gelding quickened well coming off the bend and after striking the front 300m from home he quickly drew clear.

He ran on strongly in the closing stages of the race and went on to score with authority by two. A R350000 purchase, Gareth Van Zyl’s veteran of some 39 outings has now won eight races in total and has amassed stake earnings of over R775000.

v

TRACK CONDITIONS Going:

Good

Penetrometer:

21

Rain:

Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 28mm

Irrigation:

Last 7 days Nil

False Rail:

6m

Wind:

10-35km/h South Westerly tail wind

Course Variant:

0,19s fast

The only other distance to stage more than one race was 1400m where not surprisingly the quicker of the two was the Join Passion! www.racecoast.co.za B Stakes won by GOLDEN RULE (restless in pens).

Run in a time just 0,6 seconds quicker than the falsely run open maiden event, it was not a fast run race. Peter Muscutt’s charge raced second just a length off the pace and joined the leader Icy Blast 400m out.

running on stable companion Plaza Accord (fastest 400m to finish time in the race) by a length and a half.

The opening non-black type Xmas Futurity Plate (2yo f) over 1000m boasted the highest stake money on the day and here we saw a very smart performance from the Quasillo filly KAVADY. She broke well when the gates opened and doing it effortlessly, Mano Pandaram’s charge sat close up in second.

She he put her head in front under just hands and heels shortly after passing the 400m marker and only having to be pushed out in the closing stages of the race, she went on to win easily by three and a half from the running on Japura.

Not including race three, for which no data was available at the time of writing, Kavady recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon.

FASTEST TIMES:

He began to get the upper hand 200m from home, and despite hanging inwards across the course in the closing stages of the race, he went on to score comfortably from his

1400m (2)

Golden Rule

84,21

1600m (5)

Imposing 95,72

400-finish

Kavady

22,18

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 71

v

72 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 73

Mickaëlle Michel has found her feet quickly | Credit: Candiese Lenferna v

74 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

FRENCH v

LADY RIDER

LOVING AFRICA

Widely travelled 30 year old French jockey Mickaëlle Michel has settled in quickly on her first visit to South Africa and ended the Christmas long weekend with a winner on consecutive racemeetings from Boxing Day through to Sunday over two provinces.

After booting home her first winner on African soil on Grand Heritage Day at the Vaal on 20 December on There She Goes for the Marwings, Mickaëlle has upped her game and now boasts 4 SA winners after winning on Gareth van Zyl’s Vencedor at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday, Sean Tarry’s Callmegetrix at Turffontein on Saturday, and then the Tienie Prinsloo longshot Sneeuwitjie in the rain at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.

Mickaëlle broke the record for a female jockey in France with 72 winners in 2018 and was the leading rider at the winter meeting held at Cagnes sur Mer. Overall, she has already ridden in 14 countries and has chalked up just under 300 winners in eight of those, including stakes wins in France, Japan and the United States.

Among her successes are the Gr2 Gran Premio in Italy – until recently a Gr1 and regarded as ‘Italy’s Arc’ – on Walderbe (Maxios), a horse she rates as the best she’s ridden. She also rode Walderbe into second behind Subjectivist in the 2021 $1-million Dubai Gold Cup. Mickaëlle finished second in a race on Shergar Cup Day at Ascot in 2021, and helped the International Ladies Team comprising herself, Haley Turner and Nicola Currie, to win the coveted trophy that year.

More recently she’s enjoyed extended stints in the US (working for the late Hall Of Famer D Wayne Lukas), Australia and Japan. “I had a memorable

winner at Churchill Downs and it was truly thrilling.

I was thinking, ‘this is where they stage the Kentucky Derby, a real privilege!’ In Australia my best moment was winning a race at Flemington in front of a good, supportive crowd.”

She’s enjoyed her riding most in Australia and Japan and said, “Both countries are respectful of female jockeys.” Mickaëlle has ridden the most winners by a foreign jockey on a visiting licence in Japan (30), and said that this would be her base of choice if the chance presents itself. “Of all the racing countries, Japan is the place where I will have the best chances of riding Group winners. I have done very well there and have good support from trainers. It’s much harder in Europe where the world’s best riders are booked for the best quality mounts and top rides are hard to come by.”

She said that the racing atmosphere in Australia is also wonderful and that she had the pleasure of riding against star jockey Jamie Melham (Kah), one of only two females to have won the Melbourne Cup. She also rode winners for Mathew de Kock, at a time when he partnered with Robbie Griffiths in Australia.

Mickaëlle’s favourite jockey is her famous French colleague Christophe Soumillon.

Mickaëlle and her husband Fred, who was at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday, have no fixed plans while they are testing the water, but in due course she also hopes to compete in the Western Cape.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 75

v

76 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 77

v

WILD JUSTICE

ONE FOR NOTEBOOK! Just 0,25 seconds separated the winners of the two maiden events that opened up proceedings on the turf track at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday, a meeting that was originally scheduled for Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

The Bet With Colossus www.tote.co.za Open Maiden (f) was the quicker of the two and here victory went to the Candice Basstrained LILAC IN WINTER (4/1 out to 8/1).

Allowed to flirt with 10/1 at one stage in this her first outing since relocating to the Summerveld satellite yard, the not so welldrawn daughter of What A Winter raced seventh some six lengths off the pace for most of the journey. She ran on strongly in the straight and despite hanging in and shifting from 250m out, she did well to get to the even money favourite Saudi Sweep 50m from home.

There were five races staged over 1200m in total with by far the quickest being the bill topping Gallop Tv B Stakes won very easily by the progressive 3yo WILD JUSTICE. Now a winner of three from four, this son

78 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

of Vercingetorix broke well and was very quickly in command of a one length lead.

He was always travelling well and had extended his lead to two and a quarter going through the 300m.

The always handy favourite Major Tommie had moved up into second position at that stage, but the loose horse Magic Surprise was now drifting towards the inside rail and clearly intimidated between the 200m and 100m markers, he had to be steadied and lost some momentum. Wild Justice meanwhile was unaffected and kept on strongly in the closing stages of the race to beat Major Tommie by three and a half.

Magic Surprise had lost his rider Kabelo Matsunyane (passed fit to ride shortly afterwards) when fly jumping out of the pens.

v

TRACK CONDITIONS Going:

Good

Penetrometer:

21

Rain:

Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 28mm

Irrigation:

Last 7 days Nil

False Rail:

6m

Wind:

10-35km/h South Westerly tail wind

Course Variant:

0,19s fast

The Join Passion! www.racecoast.co.za Middle Stakes (f&m) over 1100m boasted runners with the highest average merit ratings on the card and here we saw a smart performance from the Vercingetorix filly WARRIOR ROYALE (bumped at start). Now a winner of four from ten, Mike Miller’s charge raced fifth early on just four lengths off a fair pace set by the mare Tara Star.

She cut through the field quickly early in the straight and after striking the front 200m from home, she won going away by two and a quarter.

The only one of the eight races to be run beyond sprint distances on the day was the Race Coast Maiden Plate over 1600m and in what proved to be a real thriller, the Danon

Platina gelding Christmas Cactus opened his account at just the third time of asking.

Backed into favouritism at the track, Nathan Kotzen’s charge was bumped and lost a length at the start.

As a result, he was easily six lengths behind the deposed favourite Strutting when that one took up the running 500m out. Racing green, Christmas Cactus took a while to get going in the straight, but then fairly flying over the final 150m, he got up in the dying strides to win in a three way photo. Jockey Craig Zackey spoke very highly of Christmas Cactus after the race.

The 4yo Agrado also ran on well from off the pace when getting up 60m from home to win the Lucky Fish Power Pick C Stakes over 1000m in good fashion.

The official time of the race was initially posted as 56,64 which would have broken the course record by 4/100th of a second.

However, this was corrected later in the afternoon, and the time as appears in the stipes report now reads 59,76.

FASTEST TIMES: 1200m (5) Wild Justice 71,07

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 79

v

80 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 81

v

CRAIG’S GOT THE

P WER! National log-leader Craig Zackey kept his head down to boot home four winners on something of a manic Monday at Fairview for the Nelson Mandela Bay Racing community.

From a local fire to a power outage, and a burntout generator on course that failed to provide the logistical back-up, to a replacement that saved the day, but forced a concertina effect on the time-table, the racing action and commitment to get the show done and dusted, will thankfully be the lasting memory.

Questions will undoubtedly be asked as to who dropped the proverbial ‘power ball’, but somehow the eight races were wound up in double-quick time between stakeholders, the operator and the NHA, in a region where return flights limit flexibility.

Craig Zackey and Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Dean Smith took the individual honours with four winners apiece, including a resounding gun-to-tape victory for the gallant 6yo Zatara Magic (9-4) who won the R175 000 non black-type Fairview 1900, clocking 113,61 secs and sealing the distinction of winning the final feature event of the 2025 SA racing year.

82 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

Craig Zackey gave his mount all the accolades after he made it three-on-the-trot to beat the consistent Lanciafamme (17-2) by 2,50 lengths, with the tote favourite My Best Shot (33-20) run off his feet, but rounding off the trifecta a further 1,25 lengths back.

A Summerhill-bred son of the Bloomhill-based Brave Tin Soldier stallion Rabada, Zatara Magic is out of the five-time winning Parade Leader mare Maritime Mist.

A R120 000 November 2yo Sale graduate, Zatara Magic is a dream galloper in anybody’s language and has won 10 races with 13 places from 38 starts for stakes of R1 109 948.

Hollywood Racing ended their 2025 East Cape campaign with a treble on the day.

At close on Monday, Craig Zackey leads the national log on 109 winners, with Richard Fourie, who endured a rare blank sheet, on 98 in second.

The next Gqeberha racemeeting (start 12h25) is a local double-header with Hollywoodbets Greyville (start 16h15) on Friday 2 January 2026.

v

Craig Zackey returns on Zatara Magic after winning the Fairview 1900 Credit: Pauline Herman

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 83

v

84 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 85

MASTER MARCO’S v

MAGIC!

Marco van Rensburg registered his third World Sports Betting Grand Heritage victory with another accomplished ride over the Vaal 1475m on Saturday 20 December as he got Mastership home for trainer Diane Stenger and owners Desre de Andrade and Scott Gaskell, the latter celebrating their first feature trophy.

“It’s fantastic to have so many people at the Vaal.

This is wonderful,” quipped trainer Heather Adamson, who saddled Cartagena to win the preceding race, as Marco van Rensburg produced the magic of 2020 (Expressfromtheus) and 2018 (Soldier On) for Stuart Pettigrew, when he timed matters perfectly on Mastership.

an accomplished fourth on the gallant pacesetting Sonic Jet (100-1) for Corrie Lensley.

The weak tote favourite Yippee Kiyay (6-1) was not disgraced with a 2,70 length ninth placed finish, after making up some ground late.

Presenting the trophies World Sports Betting ambassador Piere Strydom labelled it ‘a masterful ride’ by Marco van Rensburg.

“This horse is tough and honest – I won on him only 12 days ago! I was happy when Ms Stenger decided to run him. A lot of work goes into him behind the scenes and it’s a privilege to ride him. Not a lot of people like me – so I am thrilled to give the staunch owners their first feature trophy,” added Van Not a lot of people Rensburg. like me – so I am

A week after Master Of My Fate’s classic son Jan Van Goyen showed the way in the thrilled to give the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas A R300 000 BSA November 2yo staunch owners their down South, the VarsfonteinSale graduate, Mastership has now first feature trophy based son of Jet Master was in won 6 races with 9 places from 20 the feature mix again – this time starts for stakes of R857 338. admittedly at a lower status level, but with similar gusto and courage As mentioned, the winner was as the 5yo gelding, bred by the bred by the Baitz’ and is a son of father and son partnership of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master) out Cecil & Dr Gary Baitz, held on courageously to beat of the family’s star mare and nine-time winner, Clear the unlucky Nathan Kotzen KZN-raider Rollo The King Sailing (Argonaut).

(25-2) by 0,80 lengths in a time of 86,14 secs.

The Baitz family purchased Clear Sailing out of the Dennis Drier yard after her original owners, Robyn and Bob’s Your Uncle (100-1) stayed on a further Robin Muir, had decided to put her on the market as a 0,30 lengths back in third, with Savanna Valjalo three-time winner. She has been a loyal servant! celebrating her first ride in the festive feature with

86 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

Marco van Rensburg receives his trophy from WSB brand ambassador, Piere Strydom | Credit: JC Photos

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 87

v

88 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

MERITS

PETER TAXI JUMPS TO 113 Taxi To The Moon has had his rating increased from 110 to 113 following his victory in the Betway Gr3 Lebelo Sprint over 1000m on the Turffontein Standside track on Saturday. The Handicappers unanimously agreed to use the third-place finisher, Pistol Pete, as the key horse to assess the race, leaving his rating unchanged at 119.

The runner-up, TRUTH, also received a slight adjustment, with its rating raised from 119 to 120.

The following horses received merit rating reductions after the running of this race: • KARATE KID: dropped one point, from 104 to 103 • CHIEFTAIN: went down from 107 to 106 • MOVER AND SHAKER: reduced by three points, from 108 to 105

1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday.

The Handicappers determined that the runner-up, ISIVIVANE, was the most suitable line horse to assess this race, leaving his rating unchanged at 95.

The only other increase was for the fourth-place finisher, DOWN BY THE RIVER, who was ten points (equivalent to 5kgs) under sufferance at the weights due to the race being benchmarked at 52kgs = 92. His rating was raised from 82 to 89 after finishing behind the line horse and marginally behind the 90-rated CAPSAICIN at level weights.

The following horses received merit rating reductions after the running of this race:

WAR OF ATHENA HANDICAP (Listed) CHARGE IT has earned a revised official rating of 104, up from 93, after capturing the Listed War of Athena Handicap over 1800m. The runnerup, SOLDIER’S EYE, was considered the most suitable line horse to assess the race, with her rating remaining unchanged at 97. This race was benchmarked at 52kg = 88, meaning CHARGE IT competed nine points (equivalent to 4.5kg) under sufferance at the weights.

Two horses received reassessments following this contest: • COCOMELON: reduced from 91 to 87 • WARNING SOUND: reduced from 85 to 82 CHRISTMAS HANDICAP (Listed) IMPOSING has had his official merit rating adjusted from 96 to 101 following his impressive victory in the Christmas Handicap (Listed) over

• IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA: down slightly from 113 to 112 • GO GRAYSON GO: reduced from 97 to 96 • DIANI: dropped from 103 to 101 FLAMBOYANT STAKES (Listed) LADYOFDISTINCTION has had her official merit rating increased from 89 to 95 after winning the Listed Flamboyant Stakes over 1600m. The Handicappers were of the view that the third-place finisher, FORWARD MOTION, was the most suitable line horse to assess this race, leaving her rating unchanged at 98.

The conditions of this race do not permit an increase of more than six points for the top three finishers, and, as such, the runner-up, AMELIA’S LEGACY, could only be raised from 86 to 92.

LUCRATIVE was the only runner to receive a drop in the ratings, going down from 101 to 99.

Media release by NHA on Tuesday 30 December 2025

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 89

v

90 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

Raymond Danielson – back with Winning Form! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

STINGRAY’S BACK FROM THE ISLAND Multiple Grade 1-winning jockey Raymond ‘Stingray’ Danielson has returned to South Africa after a successful short stint in Mauritius, which saw him win two of the racing-passionate island’s biggest races.

“The season came to an end, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it’s good to be home,” he told the Sporting Post on Monday morning, confirming that he has renewed his association with Winning Form and will be looking to maintain the momentum.

Raymond won both the Phoenix Gr1 Maiden Cup on Good Council and the Aqua Springs Gr1 Duke Of York Cup on Meridius for the Arveen Nagadoo yard, and finished 3rd on the official log with 12 winners (34% win strike-rate) and 15 places from 35 rides for stakes of Rs 2 828 000.

An accomplished top-level rider who has managed to win a Grade 1 almost every season, Raymond

says that he is working on his weight, as Mauritius has few lightweight rides.

“I’m at 58kgs now, but it will take two weeks of work – and maybe some golf - to get down to 55,5kgs, at which I am very comfortable,” he laughs, as he says that he is keen to get into action.

Asked whether he would return to the island in 2026, Raymond says that he will keep his options open but is looking forward to enjoying the feature seasons here.

The Gqeberha-born Danielson joined the SA Jockey Academy in 2002, amidst the likes of Richard Fourie, Keanan Steyn, Muzi Yeni and Sam Freedman. He rode his first winner on 7 March 2004 on the Huntingdale filly Coastward for trainer Des Egdes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 91

v

92 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

FILLER REQUIRED 150 Words Required

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 93

A ‘LEKKER’ CHRISTMAS v

LUNCH AT LAST!

Former multiple SA champion jockey Piere ‘Striker’ Strydom could never be labelled a ‘Christmas jockey’ but enjoyed his first mostly uninhibited ‘eat-what-you-like’ Christmas lunch last week in close on a half century.

94 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

Piere – another trophy! | Credit: Supplied

While nobody thought he would do it, the 59 year old called time on an extraordinary record-breaking career in the saddle at the end of last season.

“I suppose most average human beings tend to over-indulge themselves at this time of the year. But many jockeys are working and will tell you that it’s a testing and frustrating challenge to watch the world tucking in to seconds, and sometimes thirds, and puddings, while they are monitoring their intake as racing starts again on Boxing Day. So, I enjoyed eating and drinking, within moderation of course, whatever caught my fancy!” he laughed in a short chat with the Sporting Post.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 95

v

Piere steers J J The Jet Plane to a memorable victory at Sha Tin in the Hong Kong Sprint in 2010 | Credit: Supplied

Piere and Chrisna spect Christmas day at home in Johannesburg with friends who are staying with them, before they were due to embark on a two-day road trip to Franschhoek in the beautiful Boland.

“We are in no hurry to get there so we will take it slowly. Please allow me to wish all stakeholders in racing a joyful and peaceful time of it over the festive season and be safe if you are on the roads,” he added.

Piere rode at his last racemeeting on 31 July this year at the Vaal, and his cv is an impressive one – six national jockey championships, four Durban July victories, seven wins on a card twice and five thousand, six hundred and twenty one career wins.

The man who said that beating the best jockeys and speed horses in the world aboard South Africa’s J J The Jet Plane at Sha Tin in the Hong Kong Sprint in 2010 was a career highlight, was recently appointed a brand ambassador for World Sports Betting, a

96 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

function that he says keeps him busy and involved in the sport that has been a part of his life since his Dad Hekkie rode for a living.

After threatening to retire for years, ‘Striker’ finally bowed out quietly five months ago, citing simply that he ‘didn’t feel like riding anymore’.

In a recent interview, he said that ask any jockey what drew them to the sport and you’ll hear the same story: a love of horses, a competitive spirit, and a dream of hearing the crowd roar as they cross the finish line. But the truth, he says, is that becoming a jockey is as much a calling as it is a craft.

“You join the academy young, usually around 14, and you’re assessed on size, weight, fitness, and your natural feel for a horse,” said Strydom. The programme is famously tough, but he stresses that this isn’t to break young riders; it’s to ensure that only those with real aptitude, determination and

v

connection with a horse progress.

“They teach you the basics, and from there you refine your own style.

You must look good on a horse, feel balanced, and ride with confidence.

And yes. The days are long. Earlymorning track work, regular school, and then stable duties and more riding. But this intensity is exactly why academy graduates enter the industry capable of handling the pressures of race day.”

‘90% is about the horse.

5% is the trainer.

5% is the jockey.’

For punters preparing for the 2026 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met, whether they’re attending in person or betting online, this insight into the jockey’s world matters more than you might think.

Because the biggest question casual punters ask is: Should I bet on the horse or the jockey?

Strydom’s answer is definitive. “90% is about the horse. 5% is the trainer. 5% is the jockey.”

In other words, no rider – not even a champion – can turn an average horse into a superstar.

What they can do is unlock that extra edge: a perfect pace, a balanced ride, and the ability to place the horse exactly where it needs to be in a fastmoving contest. So, look at the horse’s ‘form’ first. How it has placed recently. How long it has rested? What calibre of competition has it been facing?

But don’t underestimate the jockey!

If you’re the type of punter who likes backing a rider, Strydom has clear advice: follow the jockey who’s on a winning streak.

“When a jockey’s confidence is high, they quickly get into position, read the pace well, and don’t panic when gaps open or close. Confidence shows in split-second decisions.”

Piere and Chrisna Strydom – enjoyed the Christmas lunch!

Credit: Supplied

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 97

v

98 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 99

v

KEAGAN JOINS

WERNARS FAMILY

Keagan de Melo – exciting new challenge in 2026 | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

100 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

Former SA Champion jockey Keagan de Melo will take up a prestigious retainer with the family racing interests of leading South African owner, successful businessman, and National Horseracing Authority director, Laurence Wernars in the New Year.

De Melo returned from Hong Kong late last month and will be pleased that he has found some of the fine-tuned fluency that earned him the SA champion jockey title with 277 wins in the 2022/2023 season.

After riding a winner at his first meeting back on African soil on 5 December, it’s understandably been a mildly testing return to settling domestically and professionally on his home turf, before things clicked with breaktrough hat-trick in KZN recently.

The news that the 32 year old De Melo will become first-call jockey to the very powerful Wernars Family string countrywide, is hardly a surprise.

The man who rode his first winner at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on 9 August 2010, was a regular choice for Wernars prior to his Hong Kong departure and despite his Khaya Stables retainer. He rode a number of Gr1 winners in the silks, including Temple Grafin in the 2020 Gr1 Garden Province Stakes and the champion Puerto Manzano in the 2022 Gr1 Summer Cup. De Melo also rode a Gr2 winner (Second Base) and Gr3 winner (Karangetang) in the milestone Wernars four-timer at Turffontein on 26 March 2022.

De Melo scored the biggest win of his Hong Kong riding career near the end of last term when booting home the 25/1 Copartner Prance for trainer Francis Lui in the HK$4,2 million Gr3 Premier Cup Handicap at Sha Tin. He failed to ride a winner during the current season, his 47 rides producing 12 places and stakes earnings of HK$ 3 992 450. In the previous season De Melo rode 12 winners from 244 rides for stakes of HK$ 18 532 725.

He departed Hong Kong with 33 wins at a strike-rate of 5%.

The Sporting Post believes that a number of offers were forthcoming from leading owners, before De Melo opted to sign on the dotted line for the Wernars brand.

Riding in the familiar white, red and black silks, his career is all set for a second take-off on 1 January 2026.on Monday 29 December 2025, with declarations deadline at 11h00 on Tuesday 30 December 2025.

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 101

v

102 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 103

v

Champion Vercingetorix is inbred to Northern Dancer’s champion son Nijinsky II | Credit: Jeremy Nelson

SOUTH AFRICA’S NORTHERN DANCER

DOMINA The Leading Sires list of Britain for 2025 makes for interesting reading. Britain’s Champion Sire for 2025 is Night Of Thunder, who is followed by his sire Dubawi. Next comes Sea The Stars, Frankel, Wootton Bassett, Lope De Vega, Kingman, Mehmas, Dark Angel and Blue Point.

Seven of the top ten on that list are directly descended in male line from the all-conquering Northern Dancer.

The legendary sire Dubawi, while not directly descended from the Canadian bred superstar, is inbred to Northern Dancer, while Night Of Thunder 104 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

has no fewer than five lines of Northern Dancer in his pedigree. The much missed Wootton Bassett is another star stallion not descended in male line from Northern Dancer. He too, however, is inbred to Northern Dancer, with Wootton Bassett’s sire Iffraaj inbred to Northern Dancer, and Northern Dancer’s grandson Chief’s Crown featuring as the sire of Wootton Bassett’s granddam, Susquehanna Days.

At first glance, the South African General Sires premiership also looks to be dominated by the Northern Dancer clan. Last season, Northern Dancer line descendant Vercingetorix was South Africa’s

v

Champion Sire, and Northern Dancer line stallions (Vercingetorix, Master Of My Fate, Lancaster Bomber, Querari and Rafeef) filled five of the first ten spots on the General Sires premiership.

Vercingetorix, who again heads the premiership this season, is inbred to Northern Dancer’s champion son Nijinsky II, through the latter’s sons Niniski and Peacetime, while Northern Dancer’s grandson National Assembly is the broodmare sire of Vercingetorix.

Northern Dancer also appears in the pedigree of multiple champion sire Gimmethegreenlight (the latter’s grandsire Southern Halo is out of the Northern Dancer mare Northern Sea), as well as the likes of What A Winter, One World, Erupt and Danon Platina - the latter quartet finishing seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth, respectively, on the South African General Sires list last season.

This season, all ten stallions in the top ten spots have at least one line of Northern Dancer in their respective pedigrees, with current top ten occupiers including Vercingetorix, Master Of My Fate, Rafeef, Ideal World, Erupt, One World and Canford Cliffs all having at least two lines of Northern Dancer close

up. The perennially successful Querari was sired by Oasis Dream, who is another top stallion inbred to Northern Dancer.

However, one Northern Dancer line free stallion who is continuing to make his presence felt in South Africa is the late Captain Al. Captain Al, whose pedigree is not only free of Northern Dancer, but also Native Dancer, is a rare example in modern times of a champion sire free of Northern Dancer blood.

The deceased Captain Al, who sired more than 100 stakes winners, was the Leading Broodmare Sire in South Africa last season when his daughters were responsible for 10 stakes winners including Horse Of The Year, Eight On Eighteen.

The Gr1 Cape Guineas winner has at least five registered sire sons at stud - Captain Of All, Erik The Red, Malmoos, One World, and William Longsword, with Captain Of All another free of Northern Dancer blood. Captain Al also ranks as the broodmare sire of young stallions Eden Roc, Kommetdieding and Sandringham Summit.

ATION Northern Dancer’s 1964 Kentucky Derby finish | Credit: Supplied

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 105

v

106 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

33-1 TO 7-1 ARRIVES IN STYLE! Some top-class racing action was on display at Leopardstown over the weekend with the Gr 1 Savills Chase and Christmas Hurdle taking centre stage.

Dual Gold Cup winner and defending champ Galopin Des Champs was the 6/5 favourite in an eleven horse field packed with quality. Inothewayurthikin and the Martin Brassil trained Fastorslow were also fancied, but the race went the way of the well supported Affordable Fury.

theGroup 1 Christmas Hurdle.

Veteran trainer Noel Meade had told Affordable Fury’s owner Philip Polly that his horse was in rude health, and he was backed accordingly, returning 7/1 after having been priced up at 33/1. Jockey Sam Ewing replaced the suspended Donagh Meyler here and did so in fine style.

Pre-race, all the talk was about whether the Willie Mullins trained Ballyburn could reverse the placings with Teahupoo from last month’s Hatton’s Grace, with Ballyburn sent off 13/8 favourite to turn around a nose defeat.

He lead or co-lead with Paul Townend aboard Galopin Des Champs in the €175,000 contest until two out when Galopin Des Champs looked to have gained the initiative. However, Ewing and Affordable Fury were not to be denied, and despite jumping out throughout, he found much more over the final furlong to land the spoils by two and a half lengths from the running on Grand National winner, I Am Maximus. His stablemate Galopin Des Champs was a further three-quarters of a length behind in third.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable, the stuff of dreams,” Ewing said.

“My heart goes out to Donagh Meyler. He is a great friend of mine, but that’s the cruel game we are in.”

“I wanted to be good and positive down to the first and he winged that and took a good hold with me,” the 22-year-old said of the tactics. “There was no coming back really. He was gutsy and is a proper horse in the making.”

Mullins, whose team hasn’t been firing by their high standards, was happy with his nine-year-old’s effort here, given a setback saw him miss his usual reappearance run in the John Durkan.

His jockey, leading Irish rider Jack Kennedy believes that on this performance Teahupoo will be the one to beat at Cheltenham in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.

The two market leaders were prominent behind leader Rocky’s Diamond and the race was set in motion after the pacesetter made a slow jump when tiring two out.

Teahupoo was travelling strongest on the inside rail and he quickened up smartly to lead entering the straight, with Paul Townend hard at work on the favourite. The red-hot Gordon Elliott-trained eight-year-old drew away to score by seven lengths.

Bob Olinger stayed on well into second, with Ballyburn a further seven lengths back in third.

“I wasn’t sure how well I was going,” Kennedy said. “I jumped to the front at the second-last and he went away from them. It was probably one of his best performances.”

He added: “I think he’s the best [in the division] and I don’t see why not. There are younger guns coming, but he’s the one they all have to beat. I know he got turned over at Cheltenham last season, but it probably wasn’t my finest hour in the saddle. I’ll have learned from that.”

“He looked once or twice like he was going to win, and it was just the lack of a race that got him,” he said. “For a first run of the season I thought it was great. I think he will improve after that, and it’s very hard to come here for this race without a run. Hopefully, we’ll be back here for the Irish Gold Cup.” Half an hour earlier Teahupoo ran out a facile winner of

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 107

v

108 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 109

v

NEW YEAR’S DAY

LIGHT YEARS CHARM THE PICK! Seeking a first Group race win, Light Years Charm has progressively earned a 107 rating across 12 appearances in Hong Kong – highlighted by five wins over Thursday’s course and distance – for trainer David Eustace and owners Zhao Guoming & Xiao Bing.

Zac Purton has ridden the bay in all five of his wins and resumes riding duties this week aboard the earner of HK$10.87 million, drawn barrier six, after the pair was eighth in last month’s HK$5.35 million Gr2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m).

“He’s continued to improve over the last 12 months – he’s done a really good job. He can’t run a mile (1600m) – he’s shown that on a couple of occasions now, so we’re back to 1400 metres, which suits him better,” Purton said.

Blocked for a run first-up this season in September’s HK$4.2 million Gr3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) when racing along the inside rail, Light Years Charm trailed that effort with a quality Class 2 win on 9 November at Sha Tin before his latest outing.

“But once again, it’s just a matter of how he gets out of the gates. He just doesn’t begin, and usually by now they’ve figured it out, but he hasn’t,” Purton said. “He’s not making it easy for himself and that’ll be his next step.

Now that he’s up to the rating that he is at, if he doesn’t start getting away with the field, then it’s going to be really hard for him.”

Leading the jockeys’ standings with 51 wins this term, Purton is nearing HK$100 million mark in stakes won with HK$99.54 million earned from 243 total rides. The Australian Racing Hall of Famer partnered Light Years Charm when second in a recent barrier trial.

Purton said: “He feels like he’s in good form and his trial was good.

Hopefully, we get some speed on and he can chime in when he’s ready.”

Boasting an unmatched 1,929 wins in Hong Kong, Purton has previously won the Chinese Club Challenge Cup three times: Little Bridge (2011), Helene Spirit (2013) and Lucky Sweynesse (2023).

The Chinese Club Challenge Cup also features Tomodachi Kokoroe (135lb), Patch Of Theta (134lb), Packing Hermod (133lb), Beauty Eternal (127lb), Johannes Brahms (117lb), Aeris Nova (116lb), Capital Delight (116lb), Dancing Code (116lb), Sky Trust (115lb), Storm Rider (115lb) and Gustosisimo (115lb).

Thursday’s 11-race Lucky Start 2026 Raceday at Sha Tin begins at 06h30 with the Class 5 Tsung Pak Long Handicap (1600m).

110 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

Light Years Charm (132lb) has always shown plenty of aptitude and Thursday’s HK$4.2 million Gr3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap at Sha Tin shapes as a timely and suitable opportunity for the five-year-old to enhance his standing.

Light Years Charm – highest rated horse in David Eustace yard | Credit: HKJC

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 111

v

112 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

FAREWELL v

TO A RACING MAN

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the breeder of Dubawi and owner of star performers including 1998 Derby winner High-Rise, Postponed and Rosallion, died on Monday. A cousin of Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai and founder of Godolphin, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s death was confirmed to directors at Darley in a note on Monday evening.

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum | Credit: Supplied

An owner in Britain since 1992, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid enjoyed notable success both in Europe and internationally, including with High-Rise in the 1998 Derby, while the excellence of his broodmares came to the fore in recent years.

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid was at times outspoken during his time in racing and was prepared to end relationships with trainers, but he supported a wide range of handlers and was a backer of yards based in the north of Britain in recent seasons such as those of Karl Burke and Kevin Ryan.

Ryan landed Group 1s for the owner with Triple Time, Inisherin, Fonteyn and Emaraaty Ana, while Burke provided him with his last major success before his death when Royal Champion landed the Bahrain International Trophy last month.

The owner’s star performer in the last three years was Rosallion, the Group 1-winning juvenile who landed last year’s Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes before running close in a string of Group 1s this year.

Zomaradah, like many of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s early stars, was trained by Luca Cumani. The owner and trainer teamed up to win the 1998 Derby with HighRise and later won the 2015 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Postponed.However, later that year Postponed was moved to Roger Varian after the owner cut ties with Cumani. Explaining his decision in 2016, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid said: “When I tell a trainer something, he has to listen to me, not do his own thing.

I am military. If I give somebody an order, he has to take my order. I’m not going to listen to a trainer to give me an order what to do, this is my final thing.”

After switching his horses to Varian, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s colours were also carried to Group/Grade 1 wins by Defoe, Sheikha Reika, Ajman Princess and Zabeel Prince, as well as further strikes for Postponed in the Sheema Classic, Coronation Cup and Juddmonte International. The owner was able to indulge his passion for racing to a greater extent due to the financial rewards of Dubawi’s success at stud.

Rosallion was one of a number of talented horses bred in recent years by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, including Bow Echo, this year’s Royal Lodge Stakes winner who is second favourite for the Betfred 2,000 Guineas, and Without A Fight, the 2023 Melbourne Cup winner.

Varian, who sent out 198 winners for the owner, stopped training for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid last year, by which point the likes of Richard Hannon, George Boughey, Simon and Ed Crisford and others had been supported, with all enjoying success for him in his familiar yellow silks with black spots.

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s exploits as a breeder stretch back to Dubawi, who was bred from his mare Zomaradah, the 1998 Italian Oaks winner, from the only crop of the illfated Dubai Millennium. Dubawi went on to be a Classic-winning racehorse and a champion sire for Darley.

In total, 14 trainers were used by the owner in Britain before his death with 2024 and 2025 his most successful seasons in terms of prize-money won, with £2.66 million banked last year and £2.05m won this year. www.racingpost.com 31 DECEMBER 2025 | 113

v

114 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 115

v

results up to: 2025-12-31

TRAINERS Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

207

47.6

4,972,820

8,640,676

59

109

45.4

3,794,063

5,778,619

23

43

98

44.1

4,087,138

5,584,953

33

24

75

132

45.2

3,458,594

5,423,875

17.2

51

43

67

161

42.6

3,816,031

5,403,220

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places

Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

Mr C Zackey

640

109

17.0

114

77

145

336

52.5

7,754,375

12,008,146

Mr R D Fourie

421

98

23.3

69

58

80

207

49.2

7,133,450

9,969,562

Mr C Murray

450

64

14.2

61

34

100

195

43.3

5,892,731

8,389,587

Mr M A Yeni

560

63

11.3

74

73

127

274

48.9

4,447,788

8,458,637

Mr C J Habib

531

61

11.5

55

66

125

246

46.3

4,533,875

6,916,954

Other Places

Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr S J Snaith

435

59

13.6

65

59

83

Mr A P Peter

240

44

18.3

22

28

Mike/Mathew De Kock

222

40

18.0

32

Mr S G Tarry

292

36

12.3

Mr A C Greeff

378

65

Name

JOCKEYS

BREEDERS Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

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

Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

259

896

54,194

82

97

31.7

408

4

4

14,036,318

Varsfontein Stud

170

523

54,858

59

71

34.7

252

4

4

9,325,783

Ridgemont Highlands

136

435

52,673

52

71

38.2

189

0

0

7,163,543

Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd

113

403

48,135

36

48

31.9

172

2

2

5,439,234

Klawervlei Stud

146

479

36,714

42

47

28.8

198

1

1

5,360,232

Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

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

Vercingetorix

211

664

68,499

83

109

39.3

283

9

10

14,453,185

Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)

198

618

45,019

62

80

31.3

272

2

2

8,913,831

Master Of My Fate

158

467

49,101

43

51

27.2

216

4

4

7,757,889

Rafeef (AUS)

155

494

44,315

45

58

29

224

1

1

6,868,751

Querari (GER)

153

493

42,354

45

56

29.4

229

2

2

6,480,091

SIRES

See all the detailed standings - Click here 116 | 31 DECEMBER 2025

v

31 DECEMBER 2025 | 117