SP Sprint - Thursday 3 April 2024

CHAMPIONS

THREE’S A CROWD!

Corne Orffer rode three winners at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday and shows his delight with a three fingered salute after steering Dance Variety to victory for Adam Marcus in the non black-type Easter Sprint. Earlier he rode a double in the Sabine Plattner silks for the Andre Nel yard. Orffer is at 20th on the national log with 29 winners at a strike-rate of 12%. Chase Liebenberg took the photograph.

On the cover

Golfing legend Gary Player’s spontaneous gesture of inviting Reeci Smith of Durban to join him on the Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes winner’s podium at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday provided an insight into the remarkable humility and humanity of South Africa’s most famous sporting ambassador. Reeci was part of a group of wheelchair-bound gentlemen hosted by Ramkat Fish and Gold Circle on the afternoon. Candiese Lenferna took the photograph.

TIME TO BRING BACK OUR GLORY DAYS!

PERFORMANCE OF SA MARES AT STUD OVERSEAS

As we learnt last week, a number of high class South African racemares were sent to race abroad during the first decade of the 2000’s and then in the second decade, this reduced to a trickle during the suspension of the EU protocol with the few exports enduring a long quarantine on the island of Mauritius, taking anything from 6 months to a year to arrive at their destination.

The success rate of these exported mares at stud in other parts of the world has been very high – and greater than most breeders realise. Robin Bruss tells a fascinating story.

Protectionist policies

There was a time in the 1970s to 1990s when the TBA purposely constrained imports of fillies, believing that the local breeder would be detrimentally affected if owners imported stock to race against local horses. They also disliked Stakes Winners being exported, complaining that it was a loss to the gene pool in South Africa. When the new South Africa arrived in 1994, so did a new Government policy: to abolish protectionism and for all industries to compete globally.

Team Valor’s Oleksandra (Aus), a daughter of Alexandra Rose (SAF) | Credit: Team Valor International

In horse racing, imports of foreign bred horses created a melting pot at home in which South African breds competed with proven horses from Europe and yearlings from Argentina, Chile, Brazil, as well as Australian and NZ breds.

Open Policy

It kept us up to a global standard and when we began campaigning South African breds in the Middle East with Mike de Kock and further afield with Barry Irwin taking our horses across the world - we realized the benefit - that we were up to the mark.

An open policy is undoubtedly the best, but the introduction of incentives and better taxation regimes to encourage greater production and employment, plus the streamlining of movement controls and a global marketing campaign, also must play a part in expanding what we have – especially now when numbers are down.

The benefits of such an open policy have far outweighed any loss, firstly in the return of foreign income to the South African market, and secondly in the bloodlines that have come to South Africa to found families and create hybrid vigour that is found in the international outcross.

The story of Petrava

I will begin with an unusual story, slightly dated, but which expresses the principle of an open policy.

In 1985, the Late Laurie and Jean Jaffee raced a champion New Zealand bred filly in South Africa called PETRAVA, who David Payne trained to win 10 of her 15 starts including five Grade 1 events.

At the end of her career, Laurie and Jean Jaffee received an offer from Sheik Hamdan al Maktoum, said to be US$500,000 at the time: an offer too good to refuse and the filly was sold and exported to USA.

The Jaffees were stung to then be criticized in the media by the Chairman of the TBA of South Africa who stated that Petrava had been imported on a TBA permit (then, all yearling imports had to be approved by the TBA committee) and that the Jaffee’s application had stated as purpose of importation: “To improve the breed”.

“You have sold her” opined the Chair, “without giving local breeders the opportunity to buy her first! The affordability of the purchase price is not the point, the principle is that you made no attempt to improve the breed.”

Petrava didn’t race in America, but rather she was bred to the famous stallion Blushing Groom at Gainesway Farm in Kentucky and the resulting colt foal bred by Sheik Hamdan was sent to race in England.

Fast forward and a couple of years later, I happened to be at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale in UK and lo and behold, here was the colt by Blushing Groom out of Petrava, the produce of two champion parents, and was being sold at auction without reserve as a one time winner.

He had won first time out by 5 lengths but then had a wind problem and had been hobdayed.

I called Mr Jaffee and suggested he buy the colt for South Africa as he surely would not be expensive. And so we did and secured him for the sum of 6,600 Guineas.

“Ah” Mr Jaffee said “Now I will tell the TBA that this will fulfill my intention to bring the blood of Petrava back to South Africa! And for good measure I will ask my pal Graham Beck of Highlands Farms Stud to go 50/50”.

In case you haven’t guessed already, the colt’s name was JALLAD (USA)!

Jallad proceeded to win 8 races including the Durban Merchants Gr.2, was placed in the Computaform Sprint Gr.1 and then retired to stud at Highlands Farm.

He was an immediate success, became Champion 1st crop sire, and two years later was Champion Sire of South Africa.

He sired 60 SW (of which 17 were Gr.1 Winners) they won 110 Stakes Races ranging from 1000m to 3200m, and they earned R125 million in stakes.

At stud his daughters have produced a further 65 SW and who have won over R200 million in stakes, and already produced another 10 individual Gr.1 Winners.

Laurie Jaffee had made good on his promisethe influence of Petrava through her son Jallad has reached every corner of the racing world in South Africa and beyond, and has benefitted the Stud Book to a far greater extent than had she become a broodmare at home in South Africa and produced a handful of foals.

The Jaffees kindly gave me a free service to Jallad, and I sent a mare - and the foal turned out to be Zebra Crossing, who won the J&B Met Gr.1. I also bought a Jallad mare and she produced Will Pays, the 2018 Equus Champion Sprinter and Gr.1 winner. When a story becomes good, it’s good for everybody!

Jallad, by Champion Blushing Groom from Champion Petrava, became Champion Sire | Credit: Supplied

More than 120 SW descend from Jallad.

The Story of National Colour

Altus Joubert of Riethuiskraal Stud bred the grey mare National Colour (2002) by National Assembly (USA) from the 1200m Milnerton Champagne S. winner Rainbow Cake.

Racing for Chris Van Niekirk and trained by Sean Tarry, National Colour had the type of pure speed brilliance that reserved for 1000m sprinters. She won three Gr.1 races and thrashed the colts in the 1000m Computaform Sprint Gr.1 and the 1200m Mercury Sprint Gr.1 as a 3 year old to become SA Horse of the Year 2006.

Sent to Dubai, National Colour won there and then to England, she earned the title of Champion Female Sprinter in Great Britain 2007 when she was gallant in losing by a nose to a colt in the Nunthorpe S. (Gr.1), effectively the 5f sprint Championship of England. Timeform rated her 120.

Exported to Australia for stud, she was lost to South African breeding, or so we thought! But like Petrava, her influence has spread far and wide and more than anyone thought possible.

In Australia she was bred to the Golden Slipper Gr.1 winner Sebring and produced a filly Circle

of Speed, who came to race and breed in South Africa and has already produced the Gr.3 SW Full Velocity, founding a South African branch of the family. She also has a yearling filly by What a Winter entered on the NYS on April 18th in the Riethuiskraal draft.

National Colour then produced two colts both by Australia’s Champion Sire Redoute’s

Choice, RAFEEF (an A$800,000 Yrlg) and MUSTAQUEEM (a A$1,75 million Yrlg), both bought by Sheik Hamdan for Mike de Kock to race in South Africa.

Memorably on the same day at Turffontein, both won Gr.1 races - Mustaqueem won the SA Nursery Gr.1 and Rafeef won the Computaform Sprint Gr.1.

National Colour wins the 2006 Mercury Sprint Gr.1 (1200m) at Clairwood | Credit: Supplied

Rafeef, Gr.1 Winning product of two champion parents, retired to Ridgemont Highlands Stud and has become a high class stallion. In his first 3 crops racing he already has 18 SW (six more than Jallad at the same stage) and has astounding versatility : in his first crop

he sired the Computaform Sprint Gr.1 winner (1000m) Master Archie, as well as the SA Derby Gr.1 winner (2450m) Aragosta.

His influence on South African breeding, like Jallad, is going to be profound.

His Gr.1 Winning full brother Mustaqueem was sold to Chile in South America for stud and his first crop are now yearlings and are very well received.

National Colour’s blood now stretches across the whole of the Southern Hemiphere.

She produced 8 foals in Australia. Seven went to auction and they grossed A$4,960,000 (which converts to R60,4 million at the current exchange rate).

One of her daughters, the grey Sarraqa (by the Golden Slipper winner Snitzel) made

A$675,000 (R8,25m) as a yearling, and never got to the races, but her first foal is a grey colt, by the High Chapparal stallion Dundeel. Speed mated to some stamina. The colt is a current 3 year old and named CELESTIAL LEGEND (AUS).

His 86 year old Hall of Fame trainer Les Bridge proclaims Celestial Legend to be the best horse he has had in 60 years. Celestial Legend won the 2024 Australian Guineas (Gr.1) last month at Royal Randwick in Sydney, he has a host of engagements in Group 1 races in the Autumn Carnival, and he might well be the best 3 year old in Australia.

Rafeef (Aus) b.h. by Redoutes Choice – National Colour at Ridgemont Highlands | Credit: Supplied

VIA AFRICA (SAF) – The Gr.1 Flying Machine by VAR (USA)

Via Africa was owned and bred by Mr G A Hauptfleisch and won 10 races at 1000m-1200m inc the Cape Flying Championship Gr.1 and the SA Fillies Sprint Gr.1 twice. She would have won the Computaform Sprint Gr.1 but was unlucky to meet the superstar colt What a Winter.

Sold to Newgate Farm in Australia, Via Africa’s second foal was IN THE CONGO (2018, by the Golden Slipper winner Snitzel), an A$350,000 yearling bought by the China Horse Club who proceeded to become one of the fastest horses of his generation. He blitzed them, start to finish to win the A$1million Golden Rose Stakes Gr.1, the three year old version of the Slipper, defeating five other Gr.1 Winners in race record time, and earning A$1,769,000 (R21,6 million).

Retired to Newgate, his stud fee is A$33,000 (R400,000) and he covered more than 100 mares in his first season in 2023.

In the Congo, son of VIA AFRICA (SAF), by Var, wins the Gr.1 Golden Rose S. ($1million) in Sydney | Credit: Supplied

The 2024 Australian Guineas Gr.1 Winner Celestial Legend (Aus), grandson of National Colour (SAF), with his trainer Les Bridge | Credit: Supplied

Last year, a yearling daughter of Via Africa (SAF) made the top priced yearling at the William Inglis Sydney Easter Sale, selling for A$1,8 million (R22 million) to the bid of Arrowfield Stud.

KOURNIKOVA (by Sportsworld)

Winner of the Fillies Guineas Gr.1., Kournikova was sold to Airlie Stud in Ireland, and for them she produced 7 runners, 6 winners, amongst them three SW. Almost 50% of her runners were Stakes Winners in Ireland, GB and EU.

One of them, PEARL OF AFRICA, won two Listed stakes, then placed in several Gr.2 events and now is breeding in Japan.

PERFECT PROMISE (by Caesour)

A Gr.1 winner in South Africa, Perfect Promise won the CF Orr S. (Gr.1) (WFA) defeating colts in Australia. She has produced 4 winners so far including the Gr.3 SW MORE ENERGY ($316,800).

BATTLE MAIDEN (by Goldkeeper)

Bred in Zimbabwe, Battle Maiden won the Garden Province S. Gr.1 before being sold to Australia. She produced 3 runners, 3 winners, and is grandam of LIM’S CRUISER, the Champion Sprinter of Singapore, 10 wins inc the Lion City Cup Gr.1 twice and S$2,148,000 (R29,8 million)

Yearling daughter of The Autum Sun – Via Africa (SAF) who topped the Sydney Easter Sale 2023 at A$1,8 million | Credit: Supplied

GEORDOBA (by Cordoba)

Winner of 10 races from 800m to 1000m, inc the Henry Eatwell S. (Gr.3) and 4th in the Computaform Sprint (Gr.1), the brilliantly fast Geordoba was as tough as nails in the Buddy

Maroun yard. She has produced 8 runners, 6 winners in Australia, amongst them the New Zealand SW KHEMOSABI and she is the grandam of SHE’S ALL CLASS, who won the 2023 A$1 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Lim’s Cruiser, grandson of BATTLE MAIDEN (Zim), was twice Champion Sprinter of Singapore | Credit: Supplied

She’s All Classic, granddaughter of GEORDOBA (SAF), wins the $1m Magic Millions 2YO Classic 2023 Credit: Supplied

COVER LOOK (by Fort Wood)

Exported to Newsells Park Stud in England after winning the SA Fillies Classic (then Gr.2), Cover Look’s first foal in UK was the SW SHIPMASTER, who won the Sagaro S. (Gr.3) at Ascot.

CARRY ON ALICE (by Captain Al)

One of the greatest sprinting mares in South Africa, the John Koster Klawervlei bred Champion Carry On Alice won 11 races inc five Gr.1 sprint championship races in 2017.

It took a year to get her to Australia, and her career has just begun.

Fittingly, her first foal, an unraced colt by Golden Slipper winner and Champion Sire Snitzel, was named Koster and made A$700,000 at the Sydney Easter Sales.

The second foal made A$400,000 and won twice this season as a 3 year old and Stakes placed so far.

The third, another Snitzel colt, was such a magnificent looker that he sold for A$1 million to the bid of the China Horse Club last year and now is a 2 year old named Manos, yet to race.

Carry on Alice has a yearling filly by Snitzel in the Sydney Easter Sale on 7th April, 2024.

Carry on Alice (SAF)’s yearling filly by Champion Sire Snitzel going to Sydney Easter Sale on 7th April 2024. Credit: Supplied

The Team Valor mares

Barry Irwins’ Team Valor had significant success with South African fillies in Gr.1 contests around the world. Here is a summary of stud successes

1. IRRIDESCENCE (by Caesour)

Triple Gr.1 winning heroine of the HK Queen Elizabeth S. Gr.1, has had 6 foals to race, three of them are winners and one of them is now a breeding stallion in Russia ! Her most important progeny is the 2023 Stakes Winner HOPPER (Declaration of War), who won the Santa Anita Affirmed S. (Gr.3) and Oaklawn Mile

(Gr.3), and was 4th in Santa Anita H. (Gr.1) and earned $419,000 so far.

2. SECRET HEART (by Fort Wood)

Winner of the Prix de Cap and four times Gr.1 placed, Secret Heart was bred to the champion sire More Than Ready and produced a black colt which Barry Irwin named PLUCK, her first foal. Pluck won the 2010 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf (Gr.1) in the Team Valor silks. The mare also produced THREE HEARTS (a filly by Hat Trick (JPN), who was a Gr.3 Stakes Winner in California and sold for $650,000 at Keeneland mare sales.

Hopper, son of Irridescence (SAF) wins the Affirmed S. (Gr.3) at Santa Anita by 5 lengths.

Credit: Benoit

3. SALLY BOWLES (by London News)

Winner of the KZN Guineas, Gr.2, Sally Bowles sold for $160,000 at the Keeneland November Mares Sales. She has done well producing 6 winners including two Gr.3 winners, LADY RADLER (in 2023) and CONSUMER CREDIT (Gr.3 Winner and 3rd American Oaks Gr.1).

4. WARNING ZONE (by Elliodor)

Champion 2 year old in 2003, Warning Zone won the Golden Slipper (Gr.2) and twice Gr.1 placed.

In USA she became a Stakes Winner before being sold to Australia at the Keeneland Sale for stud.

Consumer Credit (USA), Gr.1 placed daughter of Sally Bowles (SAF) made $700,000 at The Keeneland November Mare Sale | Credit: Supplied

Pluck, son of Secret Heart (SAF), wins the Breeders Cup Juvenile S | Credit: Supplied

To the mating of Street Cry, she produced PITTSBURGH FLYER (Gr.3 Winner and Gr.1 placed).

In turn Pittsburg Flyer went to stud and produced the grand racemare SEPTEMBER RUN (6 wins, and $2,492,625 inc The Coolmore

Stud S. (Gr.1) and the William Reed S. (Gr.1) and ran 7 Gr.1 places to rank amongst the best fillies of her generation.

She is the latest SW from the famous Drohsky female line that has lasted in the Birch Bros dynasty for more than 100 years.

5. ALEXANDRA ROSE (by Caesour)

Winner of the Golden Slipper Gr.2 in South Africa, Alexandra Rose won the Monrovia S. (Gr.3) at Santa Anita in California for Team Valor.

She has produced 6 winners in Australia, including a filly named OLEKSANDRA (2014 by Animal Kingdom) who has won 8 races and $693,694 and became the first Australian bred to win a turf Gr.1 event in USA when she won the Jaipur S. (Gr.1) over 7f at Belmont Park defeating the colts.

TRACY’S ELEMENT (AUS) and SYDNEY’S DREAM (AUS)

We can’t leave the story without mention of two Aussie bred fillies that raced in South Africa and returned to stud in Australia to not only advertise the value of Gr.1 racing form in South Africa, but also to leave an indelible mark on the stud book in Australia.

Both were bought in the 1990s when Australian breeding was largely bankrupt and breeders were in a terrible state.

September Run (Aus), granddaughter of Warning Zone (SAF), dual Gr.1 Winner in Australia | Credit: Supplied

To try and save the day and overcome the inaction of their TBA, the major farms formed a new organization the CTBA, the Commercial Thoroughbred Breeders Association, put together a pot of cash and invited and paid for a group of 14 South Africans to attend the select Sydney Easter Yearling Sales, where the average price was A$35,000 (then converted to R70,000) and shipping cost home was R25,000. The good old days before Australian breeding became the powerhouse it is today.

Ormonde Ferraris bought Tracy’s Element (Last Tycoon) for A$70,000 and I was the buyer of Sydneys Dream (by champion sire Bletchingly), who topped the sale at A$200,000. Tracy won four Gr.1 races in South Africa and Sydneys Dream won the Allan Robertson Fillies Championship Gr.1.

At stud Tracy has been a goldmine, producing 10 runners, 9 winners including Horse of the Year TYPHOON TRACY (11 wins, $2,438,000 and 6 Gr.1 wins). She is also grandam of ALLIGATOR BLOOD (13 wins, five Gr.1 wins and $6,2 million and still racing).

Sydneys Dream produced CHARGE FORWARD (winner of the Galaxy S. Gr.1, 1000m championship, and who became a stallion at Arrowfield Stud, siring 359 winners inc 28 Stakes Wins and $33 million).

CONCLUSION

This is the world of international breeding and one which South Africa, as the 8th largest racing country, needs to be fully engaged in, not just for the benefits of trade in which we should enjoy a huge advantage given that the $/R exchange rate and our domestic bubble make our horses the best value of any country in the world, but also because we have a very long history of thoroughbred breeding.

It was in 1907 that South African bred Camp Fire won the Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. We are overdue to repeat that success!

Oleksandra (Aus), daughter of Alexandra Rose (SAF)

wins the Jaipur S. (Gr.1) in New York | Credit: Supplied

‘The market for mares is improving, you can’t buy a decent mare for small money anymore’

– James Armitage

EXPORTS – HEY, IT’S GOOD NEWS!

Racing clamours for a bit of positivity, hence the recent announcement that the EU export market will finally reopen, has come as a major boost to a beleaguered South African industry.

It’s been a long slog, but after almost 13 years of negotiations, the long-standing ban has finally come to an end.

Quite frankly, it came at a great cost to the industry, primarily in the reduction of not just

breeders, but breeding stock as well. This off course brought with it a decline in foal crops, so much so that over the past decade, numbers have shrunk by almost 50 percent. To illustrate this point, the last crop to top the 3000 mark was back in 2015, since which numbers have steadily fallen, to the extent that at the end of March, NHRA registrations for the 2022 foal crop (now yearlings) numbered just 1600.

Whilst natural attrition is very much part and parcel of racing and breeding, a tough

KZN Breeders Chair Cathy Martin – ‘Ecstatic!’ | Credit: Supplied

economic climate, rising production costs, a crippling exchange rate and the Covid 19 pandemic also contributed to this sad state of affairs. Add to that the lack of an export market and it comes as no surprise that South Africa has been quietly fading from the international racing arena.

Sporting Post canvassed a number of breeders, and it’s clear, the industry at large has welcomed the lifting of the ban with delight.

“It’s exciting news,” said Avontuur Stud’s Pippa Mickleburgh. “Let’s hope this will uplift everything. Right now, I think the most

important thing is to thank everybody involved for their hard work. So many people were involved in so many ways, giving of their time, not to mention financial aid.”

TBA Council member and breeder Colin Birch agreed: “We eventually got over the line, thanks to the input from so many people. I’m hopeful things will progress from here, exciting times ahead.”

“Ecstatic,” was KZN Breeders Club chairwoman Cathy Martin’s reaction, “It’s going to be

Breeder Pippa Mickleburgh – ‘Thank you to everybody involved’ | Credit: Supplied

exciting times for us breeders. It’s going to take some time for the EU fatigue to wear off, the ban has had such an effect on our breeding industry!”

She added a cautionary note: “It’s a doublededged sword really. Don’t forget, our best horses will be exported, and we hardly have enough numbers to maintain racing locally.”

That’s a view shared by Sally Bruss of Paardeberg Stud. “There will be a shortage of horses here, for sure. It will be good if there is a knock-on effect, in that there is renewed importation of good class females and top class colts.”

That’s easier said than done though, with a weak exchange rate having virtually excluded South African buyers from the international market, in particular the Northern Hemisphere, still regarded as the cradle of breeding stock. As for the Southern Hemisphere, trade with Argentina has dried up, whilst Australia has become a one-way journey for our top sprint fillies, who are eagerly snapped up by

Australian breeders as potential broodmares. A depressed broodmare market forced many owners to race on their fillies after their fifth birthdays, but with the demand for breeding stock sure to rise, that could well come to an end.

Will the current shortage of broodmares soon have breeders scouring riding schools and polo stables for mares that were given away in the past? Sandown Stud’s James Armitage seems to think so: “The market for mares is improving, you can’t buy a decent mare for small money anymore.”

He too, is looking forward to positive change. “The lifting of the ban is certainly an incentive, and hopefully yearling prices might pick up so much, that breeders will be in a position to buy overseas.”

Regarding stallions, could the new era ring in the return of shuttle stallions? To the writer’s knowledge, there was only ever one shuttler, this the English Derby winner Shaamit, whose sole crop failed to set the tracks alight.

Sandown’s James Armitage – ‘Hopefully yearling prices will pick up dramatically’ |

Credit: Hamish Niven Photography

By the way, before any shrewd breeder brings up Kabool, he did shuttle to South Africa in 2001 but returned two years later when purchased by South African interests.

Breeder Judy Brannigan of Pendenra Stud is looking forward to welcoming a decent overseas stallion and said. “Wouldn’t it be great to see a son of Dark Angel or Shamardal shuttle to South Africa?”

Added Sally Bruss: “A shuttle stallion would have to be outstanding as well as affordable, to get a good book.”Shuttling would not just be restricted to stallions, for as Pippa pointed out: “Top local mares or fillies can now be sent overseas to be covered by good stallions.”

For those not in the know, she was party to sending Avontuur’s champion Val De Ra to the UK upon retirement from the track.

After giving birth to the Oasis Dream filly Dream De Ra, she visited Frankel before returning to Avontuur where she foaled the stakes winner Miss Frankel.

Respected bloodstock agent and prominent buyer John Freeman was very much involved with the start-up of the export of South African horses over 30 years ago, and like many others, he was sceptical about exports ever resuming.

“I stepped back after we suffered multiple failures and set-backs,” he wrote in his most recent newsletter. “I knew the flaws in the system and we simply couldn’t seem to get them fixed. Kudos to those that persevered. This is very good news. Well done! We South Africans breed world class equine athletes, not just for racing but across all equine disciplines. Being able to export directly is a massive and much needed boost to our industry. Imagine the impact that this will have on yearling sale prices now!”

Granted, it’s going to take time before the full effect of an open export market will come to fruition, but right now, let’s hope it is the turning point which will eventually see the return of South Africa to the top echelon of world racing.

Stallion Manager John Freeman – ‘Kudos to those that persevered’ | Credit: Supplied

Mid Winter Wind was given a confident ride by Smanga

Gimmeanotherchance

Khumalo to beat the luckless

under Craig Zackey | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

TARRY RUNNER SUPPORTED –WINS WELL!

Sean Tarry celebrated a feature double at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday when the well-supported Mid Winter Wind endorsed the betting interest to win the R200 000 Gr3 Byerley Turk in good style.

It was Tarry’s first victory in the Byerley Turk since Lyle Hewitson won the race on Africa Rising in 2017.

Originally carded to run at Turffontein on Saturday, and with his ‘wide draw’ here negated by scratchings, Mid Winter Wind jumped on the outside of the six horse field and tracked the 5-2 favourite Underworld all the way around, before exploding through late.

In conditions that appeared to suit him, the son of What A Winter, backed from double digits into 5-2, was given a confident ride by Smanga Khumalo to beat the luckless Gimmeanotherchance (5-2), who had to marginally check late, by 1,50 lengths in a time of 84,73 secs.

Red Bomber (8-1) was a further 1,20 lengths back in third, with Snow Pilot (8-1), who conceded 6kgs to the opposition, never in

it, but rounding off the quartet in fourth. Snow Pilot appeared to jump the strip at the pull-up, in his first start in KZN.

His favourite and stablemate Underworld (5-2) was the first horse beaten and disappointingly ran out of the first four.

Bred and raced by Drakenstein Stud, the winner, who went through the Cape Premier Yearling Sale ring for R600 000, was another feature success on the afternoon for What A Winter (Western Winter).

He is out of the Dynasty five-time winner, Lady In Black, winner of the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes, who coincidentally also won the fairer sex equivalent, the Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes, on this day in 2018.

While he is yet to be tried beyond 1400m, Mid Winter Wind should get a mile.

Mid Winter Wind, who was racing off a rating of 96, has not been beaten since shedding his maiden at Turffontein on 25 January and took his tally to 4 wins from 7 starts with 3 places and stakes of R435 250.

Part owner Gary Player postponed his USA trip and was on course to enjoy the victory.

The legendary golfer issued a warning to the rest of the aspirant SA Champion Season hopefuls when he hailed his filly the best of her sex and age in the country. “If there’s a better filly in the country, I’d like to see her,” he added.

In his typically generous and philanthropic style, Gary Player shared the winner’s podium with a young man in a wheelchair, whom he had met on course. RamCat Fish, a charity dedicated to assisting the disabled, was on course.

The 1400m contest was no race, as Richard Fourie sent Double Grand Slam up the wide outside to beat the Sean Tarry-trained Mia Moo (16-1) by 5,30 lengths in a time of 84,74 secs.

Glen Kotzen saddled the third-placed Rascova (3-1), while Wendy Whitehead sent out

the fourth filly Minoque (33-1).

While they had no chance with the winner, full marks to Sandy and Eugene Arundel’s Itssa It & Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd, whose silks were carried by all of the second, third and fourthplaced finishers. All three are with different trainers – something that is commendable in an age of imbalances of power.

A R1 million National Yearling Sale purchase, Double Grand Slam is raced by Dave Maclean, Suzette Viljoen and Gary Player, and was bred by Varsfontein. She is by Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the two-time winning Captain Al mare Princess Peach.

Double Grand Slam was winning her second graded stakes feature on the trot and has won 4 races with 3 places from 9 starts for stakes of R595 763.

Chris Snaith saddled the winner.

SNAITH HITS TOP FORM

Former SA champion sprinter Rio Querari was Justin Snaith’s most recent assault on a Grade 1 prize on the Highveld. The speed demon emerged victorious in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint in the shadowy covid days of 2021.

On Champions Day at Turffontein on Saturday the top team tackle the R2 million World Pool Gr1 Premiers Champions Challenge with the WSB Cape Town Met third-placer, Without Question.

“We raided from Summerveld with Rio Querari, but Without Question has been in Johannesburg with Alec Laird for some time,” explains stable spokesman Jonathan Snaith as

he points out that ‘it is an open race’.

He says that Nic Jonsson’s 4yo son of The United States is tough and talented, but likely to need the run after a ten week break since running a gutsy1,65 lengths off Double Superlative in the Cape flagship on 27 January.

“Rachel Venniker knows him well and she really has come on leaps and bounds as a

Justin Snaith receives his WSB Cape Town Met trophy from Bob Yearham | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

jockey with tons of promise. It’s a decent stake and it’s worthwhile giving him a chance. He should enjoy the long run-in and won’t disgrace himself,” adds Snaith, who confirms that Without Question will join their Summerveld string afterwards, with a possible eye on the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The yard is certainly in red-hot form and all set for a fifth national champion trainer title this season as they head the national stakes log by over R4 million. And they demonstrated their SA Champions Season intentions in no uncertain terms this past weekend.

The Snaith Racing machine have kicked into top gear over three recent meetings with a 50% win strike-rate in two provinces, and it’s hardly surprising to hear top jockey Richard Fourie urging Joe Public to include all of their runners in all calculations.

After Double Grand Slam’s eyecatching victory at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday in the Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes, and a 100% strike treble in the KZN Capital City on Monday, the Snaith team are all set for a massive final four months of what could be a record season.

Speaking to the Sporting Post on Tuesday, Jonathan Snaith explained that their 22 strong raiding string had arrived early in March, in contrast to what was a low-key 2023 SA Champions Season on the East Coast.

“Our owners and their horses are the lifeblood of our business, and we have to race where they are likely to enjoy the opportunity of gaining the optimal return on their investment. Last season Gold Circle posted an announcement about the Champions Season stakes increases on 16 March, after we had already made plans to reduce our traditional assault on the big season.

This year we are determined to show our support for Hollywoodbets and Greg Bortz, who collectively have been gamechangers down in the Cape,” confirmed Snaith.

Justin is always focussed on winning the Hollywoodbets Durban July and is poised for his sixth trophy which will take him a step closer to Syd Laird’s record of 7 winners in the great race.

“We have Mucho Dinero and Future Swing pencilled in as our July horses, amongst others, and they will go the traditional 1900 and Cup Trial route into the race,” he added.

He observes that their 22 strong raiding party is a nice mix of all ages and sexes.

“Our first runner Triple Time was in need of it and found it a bit short when running on well for second at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Wednesday. He will be targetted at the staying races, but could also turn out to be a July horse, who knows?”

He says that One Way Traffic is back and he will also be aimed at the staying races, while Royal Aussie will go for the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and the Champions Cup. Amongst the 3yo males, they have the two Monday winners, Lightning Glow and Get Impressed, together with the recently gelded The Grey King, who are Daily News candidates.

“Then there is also Hluhluwe who looks a Guineas and Daily News prospect, while Snow Pilot could be targeted at the Guineas and the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge. Double Grand Slam won really nicely on Sunday and she will go to the Guineas, while Baltic Sea and Kwinta’s Light will be aimed at the SA Fillies Sprint.

Amongst our youngsters, Impact Investor, Dark Winter, Makazole and Great Plains, are all progressive individuals. That’s just an idea of some of the firepower in our arsenal, and, as always, plans are fluid,” he added.

On the all-important topic of stakes, he said that the renaissance of Cape Racing after so many years, sees two Cape trainers at the top of the national log.

Justin Snaith’s runners have earned R14 501 613, while Milnerton resident Candice BassRobinson is in second position on R10 715 663, per close on Monday.

“For years the Cape was on the wrong side of the stakes queue and we can see the difference the numbers make when looking at the national log today. We understand that this is a transitional period for KZN racing ahead of the red-tape processes and Competition Commission ratification, and we really want to show our support and be a part of the Champions Season.”

Jono went on to add that the impact of the out of season stakes differential was illustrated by a feature like the Listed WSB Sledgehammer Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, which is to be run for a stake of R150 000 on 14 April, versus a maiden in Cape Town on Tuesday for R135 000.

He said that the recent groundbreaking news of reinstatement of direct exports of registered

equines from South Africa to the EU would add impetus to the momentum of all the innovation and changes for the good which are being being introduced by Hollywoodbets and Greg Bortz.

“I don’t think this news could have come at a better time and we have ideals to take Team SA to the world. As part of our plans, you will have noted that we have brought in former Zimbawe Champion trainer Gokhan Terzi to join our team. Gokhan is an experienced professional, whom we believe represents our values of integrity, a love of the horse, and customer service of the highest calibre. Gokhan has fitted in seamlessly, and the future really looks exciting!”

As regards jockeys, Jono tells that Grant van Niekerk will be travelling up to KZN, and will partner their feature runners, together with Richard Fourie, and with Sean Veale playing a valued support role.

Emblem of power| Credit: Candiese Lenferna

“Richard (Fourie) played open cards with us at the beginning of this season, and informed us that he would be chasing the championship. When he is available, we will be making use of him and we are in full support of assisting his chase of the 334 Anthony Delpech record. The hard-working Sean Veale has been an asset, and we are giving him opportunities as they arise in both regions.”

In closing, Jono had a suggestion that he felt would benefit the racing public and the connections of visiting horses in all provinces. “When an out-of-province horse, for example like Lightning Glow who started at 4-10, has never run at the relevant track previously, it would be a plus that we as trainers be allowed to show the horse the track. Even by way of a 400m canter.

They are creatures of habit, and it would make a big difference – especially with

fancied horses, whose form and mindset could be adversely impacted by the strange surroundings. I think the punting public would take comfort in knowing that a fancied runner has at least seen the course previously.”

We put the idea to Gold Circle Racing Executive Raf Sheik, who confirmed that Hollywoodbets Scottsville was open for gallops after racemeetings and the next business day.

“The Hollywoodbets Greyville turf track has been reduced, as you are aware. From 18m of rail, we now have 6m. So while we permit Gr1 and Gr2 race candidates, who have not seen the track, to gallop there, we are not in a position unfortunately tp open it up completely. But, at the same instance, trainers are welcome to use the polytrack, as they may require it,” added Sheik.

FOURIE ON 238 – SNAITH HITS 100% ON FAMILY DAY

A confident ride, and an uber cool display of confidence and experience, characterized national log-leader Richard Fourie’s 237th winner of the season as he got the well-fancied Snaith raider Lightning Glow up to win the Follow Gold Circle On Facebook MR 86 Handicap at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Family Day.

Nobody wants to see a 6-10 favourite going into the first bend with the jockey adjusting the bit and bridle, but as he has done so many times this season, Fourie kept a cool head and all’s well that ends well.

“It was his first time on a right-handed turn as he has only been on the left-handed course in the Cape. So, the bit pulled through his mouth and I had to adjust the bridle,” Fourie told post-race interviewer Warren Lenferna almost matter-of-factly as he complimented new Snaith

KZN assistant Gokhan Terzi and his team on a job well done.

The reality is that with fellow 3yo Johnny The Thief rolling down on the inside rail and Lightning Glow looking to have a few lengths to find at the 250m, we had Richard Fourie at the controls and always had a shout.

“I thought I was winning the Hollywoodbets Durban July, such was the roar of the crowd,” added the top jockey.

Richard Fourie (pink cap) gets Lightning Glow home to beat Siphesihle Hlengwa and Etiquette in a rousing finish

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

A low-profile 3yo, the Vanessa Harrison-bred Lightning Glow was winning his third race on the trot, after placing over shorter at his first three starts.

“I thought it was brave of Justin (Snaith) to throw him straight into the deep end of a 1950m at his first start up here,” added Fourie.

But the public knew better, and the 6-10 shot got the better of the hardknocking 6yo Etiquette by 0,20 lengths in a time of 119,14 secs.

The combination followed up in the very next race when another Snaith trained 3yo son of Vercingetorix in Get Impressed registered his second win after four frustrating post-maiden efforts.

The Millstream Farm bred gelding cost R1 million and races for Greg Bortz, Gina Goldsmith and Gary Player. He is a looker of note.

The Snaith – Sean Veale combination opened the day when the Danon Platina gelding Great

Plains played up before the start but came from last in impressive style to shed his maiden at his second start.

The Winning Form-sponsored Fourie cautioned the public to include everything that steps out under the Snaith flag the rest of the season.

In the chase to beat the long-standing Anthony Delpech magic marker of 334, Fourie is now on 238 and just 20 winners off his career best of 258 winners.

The R1 million offered by Hollywoodbets for the first rider this season to beat the Delpech record looks well within reach for the 38-yearold, with just under 25 winners required each month until the end of the season.

Five players were 7 from 7 in the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge going into the final race but the combination of the dramatic late scratching of Swiss Paradise and Smanga Khumalo at his best on the 8-1 chance Harley’s Fate meant no all-or-nothing jackpot winners.

ANOTHER RIDGEMONT DOUBLE

The Kieswetter family’s Ridgemont Stud continue to enjoy a good run of form and celebrated their second consecutive double at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday.

First up was the promising 2yo son of One World, Lion Rampart, who banked his second win from 5 starts when bolting home in the half cups for trainer Vaughan Marshall.

Raced by the Hollywood Syndicate, the smashing colt is out of the Var mare Saltire and is rated by veteran trainer Vaughan Marshall.

“Once he learns how to race, he could be something special. I expect him to enjoy further and he looks to have a bright future,” added the Milnerton master.

The Ridgemont team popped the champagne after the last race when the Candice BassRobinson trained Canford Cliffs daughter Strata, who races for an illustrious partnership, beat a mixed sex field as she flew up late to collar the free-striding Palo Queen to register he second win in 15 starts. She is out of the classy Var mare, Valdivia.

Promising Ridgemont bred 2yo Lion Rampart runs away from his field to maintain his great form

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

DERBY WINNER’S SA CONNECTIONS

Top US three-year-old Muth (Good Magic) made it three graded stakes wins from just six career outings when he won Saturday’s Gr1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.

Also runner up in the 2023 Gr1 FanDuelBreeders’ Cup Juvenile Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, behind Saturday’s impressive Gr1 Florida Derby victor Fierceness (City Of Light), Muth had previously won both the 2023 Gr1 American Pharoah Stakes and 2024 Gr2 San Vincente Stakes.

A tilt at the Gr1 Preakness Stakes could be on the cards for Muth.

Muth’s class underlines the great success enjoyed by descendants of the His Majesty

mare Beautiful Bedouin, a half-sister to Gr3 Craven Stakes winner and hugely successful sire and broodmare sire Silver Hawk (Roberto).

Broodmare sire of such notable performers as Nathaniel (responsible sire of such stellar performers as Enable and Desert Crown), Great Heavens, and Castledale, Silver Hawk sired at least 70 stakes winners, with his progeny including the likes of British classic winners Benny The Dip (Derby) and Mutafaweq (St Leger).

Beautiful Bedouin’s influence looks set to be felt in South Africa in coming seasons, with the mare ancestress of two exciting new South African sires for 2024. She is ancestress of South African champion Charles Dickens

New Ridgemont stallion, the 2021 Gr1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes winner Hit The Road (More Than Ready) is a descendant of Beautiful Bedouin | Credit: Supplied

(Trippi), who is set to stand his first season at Drakenstein Stud this year, and Beautiful Bedouin also ranks as the third dam of 2021 Gr1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes winner Hit The Road (More Than Ready).

The latter is set to commence stud duties at Ridgemont in 2024.

Another member of this family to make his presence felt this weekend was War Command (War Front). Winner of all of the Gr1 Dubai Dewhurst Stakes, Gr2 Coventry Stakes and G2 Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes in 2013, War Command, is the sire of Kalapour, who won the Gr1 Kia Tancred Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.

Seven-year-old Kalapour has another South African connection, with his dam Kaladena being sired by former Riethuiskraal Stud resident sire Daylami (Doyoun). Daylami mares have produced more than 40 stakes winners, including prominent Australian sire and multiple

Gr1 winning champion Pierro (Lonhro). The latter’s high-class son Pierata is currently the third Leading First Season Sire, by stakes, in Australia this season.

War Command’s dam, Gr2 E.P. Taylor Stakes winner Wandering Star (Red Ransom), also features as the granddam of the aforementioned Hit The Road. The latter, who shares his sire Gimmethegreenlight with South Africa’s reigning Champion Sire Gimmethegreenlight and the hugely successful sire Sebring, among many others, was a stakes winner at two, three and four, with Hit The Road earning more than $600 000 in prize money.

Beautiful Bedouin’s other notable descendants include Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner Rollout The Carpet (Holy Roman Emperor) and Charles Dickens’ Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge winning dam Demanding Lady (Dynasty). The latter, whose third dam is Beautiful Bedouin, was South Africa’s Broodmare Of The Year in 2022.

DOMEYER SHINES FOR EIGHT HOLLYWOODBETS PUNTERS’ CHALLENGE WINNERS

While Aldo Domeyer only had four rides at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday, his solitary winner on the sunny afternoon made him a hero on the day for eight happy winners of the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge.

The popular free-to-play competition produced eight more winners, just days after player Dream 333 scooped the all-or-nothing jackpot of R840 000 at Fairview on Friday.

That means there are 85 all-or-nothing jackpot winners in 2024 to date!

The local racing jackpot prize is calculated on the number of starters on the raceday, which are multiplied by R10 000 to give the basic jackpot prize. A minimum wager of R50 on the programmatically generated bet slip means that the player can double the end payout.

There were 63 starters at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday which saw a R630 000 jackpot prize (R1 260 000 if they wagered a R50 minimum on the betslip!) shared by eight thrilled winners, who took home approximately R78 750 each.

Stallionbynature, neetz, Chloe, KP08, Thobza92, Asher27, Punterchllence and Avabree are the lucky winners who can ultimately thank Aldo Domeyer for a sensational ride to get the Candice Bass Robinson filly Strata up in the final stride to defeat the freestriding Palo Queen, on whom Richard Fourie had done everything, but win the final race.

Strata put paid to the hopes of the 17 players who had found the 7 winners to that point and were riding the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge dream wave on Palo Queen.

Aldo Domeyer drives Strata up to pip Palo Queen (Richard Fourie) in a thrilling finish – Wordsworth (Anthony Andrews) peeps his head into the frame and was the first male home | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Domeyer only had four rides on the afternoon and was clearly pleased with his feat of fine judgement which saw him stop the high-riding national log-leader Richard Fourie on the luckless Paul Reeves-trained filly, who was consigned to a bridesmaid cheque yet again.

The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge is South Africa’s most popular racing competition of all time and attracted a total of 11053 players on Tuesday.

Just 24 hours earlier, 5 players went into the final race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, only to be pipped by a determined Smanga Khumalo on Harley’s Fate.

It’s been a big year so far for winners in this exciting challenge.

We mentioned Dream 333’s R840 000 win on Friday, while in February, two lucky players, Sketts and EnQ, became the first jackpot winners of 2024 when they shared the R720 000 jackpot prize by selecting all eight winners on the Turffontein 8 February card.

On Saturday 10 February, a record 74 winners shared a payout of R650 000 in the free-to-play competition. Each winner received over R8 700 each.

Hollywoodbets offer the all-or-nothing jackpot prize to the player, or players, who correctly pick all the winners on any race day – and that’s all local race-meetings, as well as Hong Kong and Singapore fixtures.

For Hong Kong and Singapore racemeetings, the jackpot prize is R500 000.

The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge is really easy to understand and to play.

All you need is a Hollywoodbets account and the choice is yours to either select one horse in each of the races at the designated race meeting or opt to make use of the ‘quick-pick’ option and take a chance!

Our congratulations are extended to all the winners.

Undefeated Listed Ruffian Stakes winner Almond Sea has a classy half sister (#373) by Captain Of All on the National Yearling Sale | Credit: JC Photos

Black Swan Stud was established near Robertson in the Western Cape in 2011 by Peter de Beyer.

They offer a small but select draft of five yearlings at the 2024 BSA National Yearling Sale, which will be held on 18 and 19 April.

Lot 138 is a magnificent colt by Master of my Fate out of Gr 1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner, Field Flower. The dam traces back to a full sister of international champion sire Busted and has already thrown 6 winners. Most notable of these is Last Winter, close second in the Cape Met, and now a sire. This colt has a great top line, and is exceptionally good looking and correct. He has an athletic walk with a perfect overstep.

Lot 373 is a classy filly by Captain of All out of Sylvie, and thus a half sister to the exciting unbeaten Almond Sea, and to speedy stakes winner, Sarah.This filly is built for speed, with a powerful quarter and good depth. She is correct, and walks well, and has obvious paddock potential.

Lot 332 is another smart colt by Master of my Fate out of Gr3 winner, Silvan Star. Her first foal is a winner. The dam is out of a half sister to July winner Bold Silvano, and is also by his sire, the great Silvano. An eye-catching colt, he is correct and well topped, and moves very well.

Lot 381 is the only colt by Twice Over on the sale, out of a Fort Wood mare, Tequila Blush. He is a half brother to stakes winner Helen’s Ideal, from the family of Broadway Flyer and Man of Property. A big, powerful colt, deep girthed and with strong quarters. Correct, and a very good walker with a big stride.

Lot 125 is a beautiful filly by Gold Standard out of Gr 3 winner and Gr1 placed Elusive Fort filly, Elusive Heart. She is a tall filly, that stands over ground, and has a good length of rein. She is correct, moves beautifully, with a long relaxed stride.

This is without doubt the best draft that the Stud has brought to Nationals, and all should be viewed.

Corne Orffer steers Dance Variety to a deserved win over Mufasa (Louis Mxothwa) in the Tuesday feature

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

INSPIRED RIDE WINS FEATURE

A change of riding tactics, inspired by former international champion jockey Basil Marcus, was the key to the consistent Dance Variety’s gun-to-tape victory in Tuesday’s non black-type R200 000 Easter Handicap at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

“I was chatting to my Dad before races and he pointed out that we would do best to lead as there was no pace in the race after the scratching of Mr Marshall’s horse. I was worried as Dance Variety has dug his toes in when forced to lead in the past,” added delighted trainer Adam Marcus, who took of advantage the advice from his vastly experienced father and left the balance up to the in-form Corne Orffer, who picked up three winners on the sunny post long weekend Tuesday afternoon.

A model of consistency, the 4yo Dance Variety went into the 1100m feature an 8-10 favourite, and gave a solid display up front as he never looked like being beaten.

Inside the final 200m he was shaken up by Orffer and stayed on best to beat the ever-present Mufasa (10-1) by 0,75 lengths in a time of 66,13 secs.

Former Equus champion Rio Querari (13-2) was a further three quarters of a length back in third.

Bred by Sherwin Jerrier, who races him in partnership with Mr A Singh, Dance Variety is a son of late speed champion Var (Forest Wildcat) out of the unraced Trippi mare, Trippitango.

A winner of 5 races with 9 places from his 19 starts, Dance Variety has earned R545 063 and went through the Cape Premier Yearling Sale ring for R250 000.

Corne Orffer’s earlier winners was an Andre Nel and Plattner home-bred double – O’Tenikwa winning the opener on debut, while overdue maiden Ice Rain asserted her authority in the fourth. Both are by Vercingetorix.

Hassen Adams seen with his son Rayaan | Credit: Wayne Marks

THE LIGHT SHINES GREEN FOREVER!

A family man and well-known champion of the underprivileged, an international businessman of repute, a leading breeder and owner, and the man who brought champion sire Gimmethegreenlight to South Africa, Dr Hassen Adams passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 71 on Wednesday 27 March 2024 in Cape Town.

Born into poverty in Cape Town’s District Six, Hassen Adams was selling newspapers on the winter streets of the Mother City before he was ten years old.

But with the trademark courage that saw him win many boardroom battles in the years ahead, he went on to overcome the challenges to become a business leader in South Africa.

A J&B Met and L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate winning owner, Hassen Adams retired from business life in January 2020, leaving a legacy not only of financial astuteness, but of empowering people and community involvement.

Among the many key positions he held was as chairperson of GrandWest Casino Ltd, executive chair of Burger King South Africa, director of Gold Circle, director of Cape Town Fish Market, and director of Afriserve.

It was in 1997 that Hassen Adams started building an empire, when he founded GPI. The founding shareholders (more than 20000 of them), largely from disenfranchised communities, invested seed capital of R28 million.

Hassen said that it was ‘a meagre R28m’. “It has paid back more than 150 times. I’m proud of what we could do for the ordinary people.”

Talking of stepping down in 2020, he said: “I have done my job. I have had a major send off at Grand Parade Investments and it’s an amazing feeling to know that I allowed people who were never part of the mainstream economy to be part of it. We established a BEE income before that was a word in our vocabulary and nobody has been denied.”

His first equine venture was Damascus Stud farm. They bred Sleek Machine, which was sold for R500 and nearly won the Durban July.

James Lightheart was his first trainer and saddled his first winner.

“Thatching’s Fire was a filly I owned and she won me six races. I eventually sold her to the Becks. I also, by fluke, bought into Russian

Fox and as time went on I got involved with trainers all over the country,” he said in an interview with the Sporting Post in 2022.

Reflecting on a life lived to the full, he said:

“I’ve enjoyed my journey and my work in the community. Humility is important in my life and I feel you must never act rich; you must act wealthy – to invest in people and be selfless.In life one needs largeness – I don’t need negative energy and one needs to always be cognisant of acting unselfishly.”

On horseracing, he said that this tough industry would always be the Sport of Kings.

“Without the top 10 owners you wouldn’t have a sport. It was difficult in the beginning, but I have been relatively successful.”

Our condolences go out to his family and friends. We at the Sporting Post will miss our regular chats about racing, breeding and life.

Hassen Adams’ funeral was held on Thursday 28 March 2024.

CAPE BREEDING BIDS FAREWELL TO A SPECIAL LADY

A passionate horsewoman and a person who avoided the limelight, longstanding Daytona Stud assistant manager Salomien van Schalkwyk passed away at the age of 47 early on Saturday morning after a brief battle with cancer. She was diagnosed on 15 January.

Few would recognize Salomien as she seldom attended the various sales, preferring to work in the engine room of the famous stud.

“Foals were her speciality and her pride and joy. Salomien had an almost spiritual connection with them, and her insight was enormous. She worked at Daytona for 24 years. She was there when Met winner Bunter Barlow was born and when champion What A Winter first saw the light of day. She was part of our family,” an emotional Gail Barnard told the Sporting Post.

She said that Salomien was an only child and that her parents had passed away some years ago.

“Salomien was genuine old school. Her loyalty and commitment to her job and her beloved horses was something so rare. We were truly blessed to enjoy her love and loyalty for all those years. Her dogs Savanna and Luna were her children. She loved scrap-booking, and was an uncomplicated person who never demanded or expected anything out of life or anybody,” said Gail Barnard.

Salomien van Schalkwyk was the only child of Dawid and Corrien. She spent her childhood in Saldanha Bay, where she attended school. From a very young age, she decided that horses were her passion.

After matriculating, she studied at Pretoria

Technikon and did her practical at Daytona Stud.

She never left until the historic farm closed its doors in 2021.

Recently she was the manager at the Sanne family’s Oldlands Stud for some 18 months.

“For those of us who knew Salomien, she was a rock, strong-willed, humble, and grateful, the epitome of loyalty and steadfastness.

Nothing was too much trouble for her, as her response to challenges was always “we’ll make a plan.” She had a boundless heart that always

Salomien van Schalkwyk – lost her brief battle with cancer Credit: Supplied

had room for her fellow human beings. The poem ‘Immortality’ by Clare Harner evokes an image of eternity for her, and this is how we will remember her - as an enduring force in the lives of those who knew her,” says Volmoed Stud’s Inel Bekker, who was at Salomien’s side in her last hours.

The name Daytona Stud, which closed in 2021, evokes fond memories of what feels like a bygone era.

The Ceres farm was managed by part owner Mike Barnard, aand was originally started by Dr Frank Freeman and his family, before being taken over by Arthur Pfaff.

When Arthur passed away, Daytona was taken over by his widow Ingrid.

At the passing of Ingrid, Daytona was purchased by Robin Hamilton and Mike Barnard in 1999.

Mr Hamilton passed away in June 2020.

Daytona has been associated with a number of top class racehorses and champions, but one of the most important horses connected with the farm is the great sire Elliodor.

His greatest son and South Africa’s first equine millionaire was Model Man, whose wins included five at Gr1 level , including the J&B Met, and he went on to become a successful stallion and broodmare sire.

Elliodor left behind 78 stakes winners.

Remarkably, this magnificent sire (whose third crop contained just five live foals), was represented by 43 individual Gr1 performers, with his stars including three Gr1 Paddock Stakes winners, as well as Gr1 winners

Eldoriza, Forest Trogon, Lord Shirldor and July hero Super Quality.

He was also an outstanding broodmare sire, with his daughters producing the likes of Aslan, Cordocelli, Dog Wood, Kotchka, and Val De Rato name but a few.

Other successful sires to have stood at Daytona include Qui Danzig and Sportsworld – both of whose broodmare daughters went on to become extremely successful at stud. The Elliodor/Sportsworld cross became a highly successful one, with the nick producing the likes of stakes winners Gay Regina, Tastevin and Sportscuddle.

The list of outstanding racehorses bred at Daytona is a long one. Two of the farms most famous graduates are Tiza and the star, What A Winter.

Today Mike and Gail Barnard enjoy a very different lifestyle, as part owners of Build-it in Ceres. “It’s a strange feeling closing up at 17h00 and going home. Horses are a 24/7 commitment. We are enjoying it and Mike continues to coach sport and keeps himself very busy.”

When chatting to the Sporting Post this week,

the Barnards had mixed emotions after the passing of their friend and former staffmember as they travelled to Grahamstown to celebrate their 28 year old son Devin’s wedding on Saturday.

The emotion of the day is not lost on them. The late Salomien spent many years helping Devin with his Afrikaans homework.

Today Devin Barnard is a teacher at Kingswood College and amidst the joy of his tying the knot on Saturday 6 April in the historic school’s magnificent grounds, there will be many thoughts and fond memories of a special lady called Salomien.

A memorial service will be held at Volmoed Stud at 11h00 on the same day.

Cecile Carreira can be contacted on 083 461 7936 for further information.

Our condolences are extended to Salomien’s family and friends at this very sad time.

MHDSRIP.

JUDDMONTE RULE THE WORLD!

When Arrogate overcame a world of trouble to win the 2017 Dubai World Cup, many racing fans said it was the best performance in the history of the race, and in a broader sense, one of the best performances ever seen.

Tadhg O’Shea celebrates as Laurel River adds his name to the Dubai World Cup honour roll | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

It’s entirely possible that Laurel River managed to upstage that effort at Meydan on Saturday with an absolutely stunning, front-running tourde-force in the US$12 million Gr1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan.

Juddmonte Farms, the same operation that campaigned Arrogate, elected to transfer their homebred son of the all-conquering Into Mischief from America to the Dubai-based stable of Bhupat Seemar in the summer of 2023.

To say things were off to an inauspicious beginning would be an understatement of monumental proportions, as Laurel River faded tamely to finish seventh in the Gr3 Al Shindagha Sprint (1200m) in late January, but he bounced back to post an equally emphatic victory in the Gr3 Burj Nahaar (1600m) on Super Saturday to punch his ticket to World Cup night.

Conventional wisdom dictates that winning the Burj Nahaar leads to a start in the Godolphin Mile over the same course and distance on

the big night, but Seemar and the Juddmonte braintrust called an audible and routed the six-year-old to the Dubai World Cup instead: a race 12 times as valuable, but incrementally more challenging on a few levels, not least the 2000-metre distance of the race.

After drawing 12 of 12 at Wednesday’s barrier draw at the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, many would have downgraded the chances of Laurel River.

And yet Saturday evening, the homebred decisively surged into a clear lead at the midway stage and went on to score by eight and a half lengths, breaking that particular record held by the legendary Dubai Millennium, who won the 2000 World Cup at Nad al Sheba by six lengths.

Trainer Bhupat Seemar said: “I’m still coming to terms with what’s happened. I think it’ll probably sink in in another day or two. It’s absolutely amazing. Tadhg said this morning ‘we’re drawn 12, I’m not going to be twominded about it, I’m going to go forward.’

Happy Connections celebrate the victory! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

“He’s got so much natural pace. He comes out of the gate and this is why we ran him over six furlongs (in the Al Shindagha).

“Tadhg was able to get some easy fractions and then I saw Defunded coming on his outside, but he just kept on going further. I expected to see all the closers flying at him, but he kept going.

“I was a small kid when I was watching these colours winning some of the biggest races in the world. What the late Prince Khalid Abdullah has done for racing is amazing, I couldn’t believe I was going to be training the horse for that farm and in those colours. And now to win one of the world’s great races for them is unbelievable.”

The horses who finished in Laurel River’s wake Saturday amplified just how impressive his victory was. Last year’s winner Ushba Tesoro raced far back for the opening 1600 metres but wound up with his customary late run to finish second, just beating out recent Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador for the US$2.4 million second prize.

Senor Buscador added to his US$10 million payday in Riyadh with a nifty check for US$1.2 million.

Added O’Shea: “I’ve been fortunate enough to have had Dubai World Cup night winners, but you don’t get many opportunities and I’m going to be forever grateful to Juddmonte for keeping me on the horse, they could use anyone and they’re a worldwide operation that’s really successful.

“When he had his first run for the stable, we thought he’d disappointed, but we never lost faith. He was explosive last time and I said the other morning to Bhupat, I pulled him aside and said I’d never ridden a horse with his ability ever. And he’d just done an easy work on his own.

“With the dirt you can’t be half-hearted, you have to go forward. If he didn’t stay, he didn’t stay. We were aware of that. The main thing that won the race, it’s easy to say when you win, but I was able to keep filling him up and filling him up.”

CRUZ AND AVDULLA BREAK HONG KONG WORLD CUP DROUGHT

A decade-long drought for Hong Kong at the Dubai World Cup meeting ended emphatically at Meydan on Saturday as California Spangle – the only horse to defeat the world’s highest-earning thoroughbred Golden Sixty in the last two years –showcased his bountiful speed and characteristic toughness to land an emotional $1 500 000 Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by Azizi Developments in track record time.

Brenton Avdulla realises a dream as Calfornia Spangle breaks the drought for Hong Kong| Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Ten years since a memorable night when Amber Sky landed the Al Quoz Sprint and Sterling City led home a Sha Tin quinella in the Dubai Golden Shaheen, the Tony Cruz-trained California Spangle flew the Bauhinia flag at Meydan once more under a perfectly timed Brenton Avdulla ride.

Anticipating the start to the millisecond, Avdulla was able to send California Spangle towards his customary forward position without expending too much energy early. While Ponntos set a strong tempo in front, the expected pressure did not eventuate which played into California Spangle’s hands.

Racing to the lead at the 400 metres, the sixyear-old gave a strong kick and kept on finding before holding off the late surge of three-yearold filly Star Of Mystery under Frankie Dettori to score by three-quarters of a length. Diligent Harry finished a further three-quarters of a length away in third.

California Spangle stopped the clock in 1:07.50, lowering the 1200-metre track record of 1:07.61 set by Wildman Jack in the 2020 Gr3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint.

While all plaudits were deservedly with the winner, who scored his third Group 1 victory here after successes in the 2022 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), another question was immediately posed post-race: what might have been for Hong Kong champion Golden Sixty on the world stage?

Restricted from travelling at the peak of his career due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Golden Sixty has never raced away from Sha Tin. California Spangle’s victory again demonstrates his exceptional ability, serving as a reminder of how much healthier international racing is when Hong Kong horses are travelling abroad.

Winning trainer Tony Cruz said: “I knew it would happen sooner or later. I got this opportunity and I came with a lot of confidence that we would win this race today.

“The family – the ‘California family’ – is here today. Howard Liang, whose horses usually are named California, passed away recently so I would like to dedicate this win to him. We are over the moon with this, the owner’s wish was always to win these big races. I wish he was here tonight but his whole family is here and we’re going to celebrate together.

“If you look back through his history, California Spangle on his debut, he ran a record time in Hong Kong, and he ran a record time at 1200m. I believe when he hits the front, nobody can catch him.

“I think we’ll go into sprint races back in Hong Kong, that’s the end of April [the Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize]. We’ll take on Lucky Sweynesse. He’s always been a sprinter-miler and I believe he’s more a sprinter than a miler. You have to go for those longer races in Hong Kong earlier in their career, but I think we know where he is best now.”

Asked about Royal Ascot, he said: “It’s a possibility. I’ve got to try to work it out.”

Owner representative Chester Liang said:

“The horse means a lot to my family and I and I’m really happy that we were able to win. Tony said if he won last time in Hong Kong, then we’d come. He did, we decided the horse was in good form, so we came. This was my dad’s favourite horse, so he always means a lot. He is probably looking down on us.”

TEAM VALOR CELEBRATE DUBAI TURF VICTORY

Facteur Cheval sprang something of a surprise victory at Meydan on Saturday for France in the $5 million Gr1 Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World, gaining a short-head verdict from the Japanese challenger Namur.

Trained by Jerome Reynier near Marseille, Facteur Cheval carried the colours of the American-based syndicate Team Valor LLC and Gary Barber while Maxime Guyon was in the saddle, winning the race for the second time after Solow in 2015.

Danon Beluga, runner-up a year ago, finished off well again for third.

“He’s a great champion. We didn’t know how he would handle the faster ground because he has more used to racing on soft and heavy surfaces, but you can see how well he did,” jockey Guyon said of the winner.

“He gave me a really great turn of foot and really wanted to fight to the line. I didn’t want to go too early because he’s been running

Facteur Cheval (second from left) fends off Namur (outside) to win the Dubai Turf | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

over 1600 metres and was stepping up in trip slightly, for all that I think he’ll stay 2000 metres.

“I always had this thought at the back of my mind that it was his first run of the year and it was further than he’s been running over. But I never felt like he would crack,” Guyon added.

Facteur Cheval settled in midfield under Guyon and was pulled out to lead passing the furlong marker. Namur launched his bid from further back and the pair were locked together for the final 100 metres. Facteur Cheval just got the bob in.

“It’s just amazing, I have no words. You know 16 years ago we were here with [Darley] Flying Start and that was at Nad Al Sheba. I see a horse here that has been prepared the best way possible by Gregory [Davignon, work rider] and it’s just amazing, I can’t believe it,” trainer Reynier beamed.

“I said to Maxime I’ve never seen this horse

go backwards at the finish, he is always going forward and giving his best. I had no doubts about the distance and Maxime has given him a perfect ride, he had Lord North to follow and he switched off during the race.

“He switched him to the outside and then waited long enough to save something for the end and that’s just amazing. I am so happy for all my team,” added Reynier.

“It depends how he recovers but he can stay here and take it easy. He’s adapted very well here and seems very happy so maybe we could try Hong Kong next for the QE II Cup at the end of April.”

Three times a winner of the race, Lord North presented with every chance as the tempo quickened at the top of the home straight but could only finish eighth.

The clock stopped at 1 minute 45.91 seconds, making it the third-fastest edition of the race in the last decade.

Twelve months on after Switzerland was just touched off in defense of his title in the Dubai Golden Shaheen, Tuz provided trainer Bhupat Seemar some sweet revenge, storming home at the fence to defeat Japan’s Don Frankie by a record six and a halflength margin in the $2 million Gr1 Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Nakheel.

Another Dubai World Cup night runner to have begun his career in Russia – taking his first three career starts by wide margins at Pyatigorsk Hippodrome – the US$7,000 yearling purchase at Keeneland September in 2018 was making his fourth straight appearance on the big night, having run unplaced in the Gr2 Godolphin Mile in 2021 and 2022 and seventh to Sibelius in last year’s Golden Shaheen.

His most recent start, a distant 10th to Remake in last month’s G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint (1200m), wasn’t exactly the lead-up connections wanted, but Saturday’s was a result that was never truly in doubt.

Quickly away from stall two, the hulking Tuz had company to his outside in the form of Japan’s 1305-pound (592-kilogram) monster Don Frankie, with Colour Up also close in tow. Appearing hesitant to take the run at the rail in the straight as Don Frankie set the pace one off the inside, Tuz finally acquiesced, pushing through to wrest command 200 metres from home before powering away for an impressive score.

Nakatomi, last into the straight, ran on late for third ahead of Remake in fourth. Sibelius looked to be making hard work of it a long way from home and finished 11th of the 14 runners.

“He’s got so much natural speed; his weapon is his speed,” said winning trainer Bhupat Seemar. “He’s always been a fast horse and it’s like Switzerland – he ran poorly in Saudi and then won the Shaheen. Sprinters mature and they know what to do. I had some confidence.”

Winning jockey Tadhg O’Shea said: “He’s very fast. We had a great gate number [two] but we were getting pressured a long way out. He had to be good and tough. There wasn’t much room to manoeuvre down the inside, but I had a good, willing partner. He’s a big horse. When he straightened up, he went through the eye of a needle. I was a length down off Cristian [Demuro] on the home turn. I gave [Tuz] a squeeze and the response was immediate.

“He’s a high-class horse and when he gets a rail to shoot at, he’s very, very, very good.”

FOURTH SHEEMA CLASSIC STRIKE FOR GODOLPHIN

Rebel’s Romance emerged a clear-cut winner to maintain an excellent run for Godolphin in the $6 million Gr1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on Saturday.

In what developed into a tactical contest in which very few horses were involved, the hardy six-year-old was handing HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s operation its fourth victory in the 2410m turf classic since 2017, with Jack Hobbs, Hawkbill and Old Persian striking in consecutive years.

It was a record fifth win in the race for jockey William Buick, who was able to keep it pretty simple. Point Lonsdale bounced into the lead from the outset and dictated a steady pace as Buick tailed him in second, with Shahryar following at a respectable distance. With 600m remaining, that trio had a sizeable advantage from the chasing pack and Rebel’s

Romance appeared to be travelling the best, swiftly kicking clear over the final 300m and ultimately passing the post two lengths in front.

Shahryar clung on for second with keenlyanticipated fellow Japanese challenger Liberty Island doing best of the closers in third. Derby winner Auguste Rodin was always to the rear and finished last.

Rebel’s Romance, a winner of the UAE Derby at this fixture in 2021 as well as the following year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf, had been returning to an approximation of his best for trainer

Charlie Appleby over the last few months and had warmed up for his Meydan challenge by

William Buick guides Rebel’s Romance to a really eyecatching victory | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

winning a Group 3 race in Qatar. He won in a time of 2:26.72.

“He showed in Qatar what a versatile horse he is,” said Buick. “His best form has usually been when he’s held up but in Qatar, I tried something new. I was keen today to adopt a similar tactic and I got a lovely slipstream from the leader.

“He’s a very good horse on his day and he showed that today. I’m absolutely delighted; he’s a great horse and I’m so glad he’s back to his best.”

Reflecting on the importance of Godolphin registering a win on the biggest night day of the year in Dubai racing, Buick said: “You know His Highness wants to see the best horses come to Dubai and the best horses are here. These races are incredibly hard to win so of course I’m incredibly happy.

“It’s great for the team, great for everybody. It’s

great to be here and it’s great to ride a winner. It’s an amazing training performance and a great job by the whole team. I’m in the fortunate position to be able to ride these horses.”

Appleby had been out of luck with three earlier runners, with Star Of Mystery doing best when chasing home California Spangle in the Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m).

“It was our last roll of the dice for today,” said Appleby. “We went into the race as a long shot which shows the depth of the race. We had a bumpy road last year, went to Kempton to bring up his confidence and then Qatar to bring him back to where we wanted him to be.

“Full credit to the team, especially the logistical team as he went back to the UK from Qatar and then out here. The plan was to go forward, and William knows the track and horse very well. Most importantly, delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the entire team at Godolphin.”

QATAR RULER EXPANDS RACING INTERESTS

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, is expanding his horse racing operation in the UK. Last season the now familiar Wathnan colours of light blue, gold sleeves and a red cap were seen to fore at Royal Ascot and other major UK Flat race meetings.

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, is expanding his horse racing operation in the UK. Last season the now familiar Wathnan colours of light blue, gold sleeves and a red cap were seen to fore at Royal Ascot and other major UK Flat race meetings.

The Gosden trained Courage Mon Ami provided the new operation with a fantastic start when running out a convincing winner of the Gr1 Ascot Gold Cup.

The former Anthony Oppenheimer owned Frankel gelding was one of several high-priced horses in training purchased by Wathnan. Others included the Gr2 Queen’s Vase winner

Gregory who went on to run with credit when fifth behind Continuous, Desert Hero and Tower Of London in the St Leger.

Another was the Group 1 juvenile runner up Shelby. He was bought after winning the Gr3 Greenham, and subsequently placed in the Gr1 St James’s Place Stakes.

Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock, who is responsible for buying horses on behalf of Wathnan Racing, noted:

“I was asked to buy some proper horses who could go to the big meetings and compete in the big races, and this is as big as it gets.”

Frankie Dettori gets Wathnan Racing off to a flyer as Courage Mon Ami wins the 2023 Ascot Gold Cup Credit: Ascot Racecourse

In the autumn it was announced that Wathnan Racing would retain the services of James Doyle. He leaves his role with Godolphin and will have first call of all the Wathnan runners in the UK and Europe.

In the last week Wathnan Racing extended its presence in the UK with the appointment of champion-elect Qatari trainer Hamad Al-Jehani in Newmarket.

Al-Jehani will be based in the lower yard of Tom Clover’s Kremlin House Stable and will initially train a small string owned by Wathnan Racing.

The 35-year-old began training in 2013 and

now oversees a stable of 80 horses in Doha, where he will remain for the winter having already trained 53 winners during their season.

He said: “I am excited to have the chance to train in Newmarket. It’s an amazing opportunity for me to work in this historic training centre. I have been attending the sales in Newmarket for many years and have long been an admirer of the world-class facilities. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

Al-Jehani has secured the services of Tommy Allen as his assistant trainer, and he leaves the stable of Newmarket trainer George Boughey to assume the post.

WORK RIDER OPPORTUNITY

Ridgemont seeks a competent work rider to join their team. Work will vary from riding breakers, pre-trainers, ready to run sale horses as well as older racehorses. The opportunity is based in Wellington, where a full-time position is available to the right applicant.

Please email us your CV including two contactable references. For more info during business hours only: +27 (0) 63 667 5383

LYLE’S FLAMING RABBIT ON EASTER SUNDAY

Lyle Hewitson has always been a superb judge of pace and the South African produced a brilliant front-running ride aboard Flaming Rabbit to win the HK$3.12 million Class 2 United Alumni Handicap at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Outwitting six rivals aboard the Time Test galloper in a time of 1m 35.15s, Hewitson netted his 27th victory this term after finding an untroubled lead to prevail over The Golden Scenery and 1.5 favourite Mugen.

“In his first season he used to just win a length or two at the start and be able to take control of the race a little bit more, whereas more recently he’s been coming out on terms with them and there’s a little bit more pressure.

“Getting to the mile and him jumping like he used to, allowed me to control the first two furlongs and then I was gradually able

to keep picking up,” Hewitson said.

Victory came by a runaway length and a quarter. It is Hewitson’s first in tandem with trainer Douglas Whyte this season, snapping a lengthy run of outs before today.

“It’s been a long time between drinks. He’s been one of my main go-to jockeys (20 wins together in 2021/22) and I’ve been a great supporter of his – we have no issues, he’s a friend of mine. It’s just circumstances and Hong Kong being Hong Kong. We just haven’t had the luck. I’m glad the monkey is off both of our backs,” Whyte said.

Flaming Rabbit and Lyle Hewitson are not for the catching | Credit: HKJC

Whyte had hoped Flaming Rabbit, who previously won last July, was able to feature in last month’s QAT Gr2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup at Al Rayyan.

“I had this horse penned in to go to Qatar and his form just wasn’t where it was today. He’s always had it but he’s a colt and he’s just been a little bit awkward to deal with. Suppose we take today’s run, if he had run that race in Qatar, he would have been in the first three,” Whyte said.

Whyte labelled the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Premier Plate Handicap at Sha Tin on 23 June as a potential long-range target for Flaming Rabbit, who won Group 3 races in Germany and Great Britain prior to import.

Lui keeps championship pressure on.

Francis Lui bagged a double to get within eight wins of championship-leading trainer Pierre Ng, who later pushed the margin back out to nine with a win of his own as Frantanck landed the Class 3 CW Chu And Wu Yee Sun Alumni Handicap.

Trailing his former assistant 45-54, Lui first prevailed with Lucky Gold in the Class 4 CUHK Alumni Cup Handicap with jockey Jerry Chau before Superb Kid powered clear under Zac Purton in the Class 3 Shaw Alumni Handicap, providing the in-form trainer with his eighth win through March.

Victory was Purton’s second today after Young Horizon, who won the Class 5 New Asia Alumni Handicap for trainer David Hayes and the HKJC Racing Club Limited.

Chau capped a double of his own as James Tak nailed the Class 3 Morningside And S.H. Ho Alumni Handicap. The Headwater gelding has three wins from six starts for trainer Benno Yung.

“He’s a very nice horse. He’s improved every race and it’s easy to train him in the mornings. He is such a nice, settled horse in trackwork

and he shows his talent in races. I think he’ll keep improving,” Chau said.

The emerging Voyage Samurai now faces a rise in grade after returning a second victory at only his third start in the Class 4 Graduate School Alumni Handicap. The four-year-old led throughout for jockey Derek Leung and trainer Frankie Lor.

“He’s still green. I think at the end of this season or next season that he will be a much better horse,” Leung said.

Chris So savoured a double. Smart Leader scored in the Class 5 Chung Chi Alumni Handicap under Keagan De Melo before Prosecco prevailed for the first time in the Class 4 Faculty Of Education Alumni Handicap under jockey Karis Teetan.

“It’s nice to get the win out of the way with Smart Leader. I’m truly grateful to Chris and his team,” De Melo said.

Apprentice Ellis Wong moved to 11 wins for the season, scoring aboard Phoenix Light, who took the Class 4 Lee Woo Sing Alumni Handicap for Dennis Yip.

Derek Leung is all smiles after Voyage Samurai’s triumph | Credit: HKJC