SP SPRINT - 16 AUGUST 2023

Wednesday 16 August 2023

LADIES RULE!

COUNTDOWN TO AUGUST 2YO SALE

06 Coupled On The Tote

Two stars of the track pair up

14 The Bomber Is Missed Champion freshman sire turning out the winners

36 New Generation Icebreaker Former Ramsden and De Kock left-hand man is up and running!

110 Deryl Takes Next Step

On the cover

Doubles from Hollie Doyle and Saffie Osborne ensured that the Ladies team edged out the Rest of the World in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday. Captain Hayley Turner didn’t earn a point on the afternoon but enjoyed the celebration with her team-mates.

Image is courtesy of Ascot Racecourse and Megan Ridgwell.

Issue: 35/2023

Champion jockey in a new role

A STAR ALLIANCE

The majestic Jet Dark is shown at Drakenstein’s 2023 stallion day last Friday |

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Two Snaith champions who were arch-rivals for the SA Horse Of The Year crown in the 2021/22 season will meet in the breeding paddock in what has been popularly termed a ‘marriage made in heaven’.

It was speculation for some time, but we can announce that outgoing SA Horse Of The Year Captain’s Ransom will be covered by former stablemate Jet Dark this season.

Suzette and Basie Viljoen welcomed their superstar Captain’s Ransom home to their Hopes And Dreams Stud on the old Arc En Ciel property last week, and really do have a powerhouse to kickstart their new breeding operation.

Speaking to the Sporting Post after the Drakenstein stallion day last Friday, a visibly emotional Jonathan Snaith, who is filling the role of Stallion Manager to new sire Jet Dark, beamed with pride.

“We purchased both Jet Dark and Captain’s Ransom off the 2019 BSA National Yearling sale and we never in our wildest dreams would have imagined they’d compete, neck and neck, for the Horse of the Year in 2022! To see them visit

each other in their first year at stud is a dream come true, not only for their connections, but for the racing public and fans too,” he added, confirming that he believed that the exceptional pair of equine athletes ‘are sure to produce something very special’.

The mating of the star duo will certainly produce some interesting in-breeding.

Roberto is on the top line of both Captain Ransom’s sire Captain Al and her dam Cinnas Ransom.

Roberto’s full-sister Glorious Spring is the dam of Rollins, the damsire of Jet Master, who is damsire of Jet Dark.

Captain’s Ransom was a winner of six Gr1 races from 1200m to 1800m in a distinguished career that saw her register 13 wins and 5 places from just 19 starts which earned R3,5m in stakes.

Eye of the tiger! Jet Dark watches the passing crowd | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The son of Trippi is full of life! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Her dam, Cinnas Ransom by Red Ransom and out of a Seattle Slew mare, is a half sister to French Gr3 winner Black Rock Desert, and this is the family of sire Slew City Slew.

Bred by Moutonshoek, Captain’s Ransom sold at the 2019 National Yearling Sale for R225 000.

In addition to nine wins from his nineteen career starts, the Drakenstein-bred Jet Dark boasts the distinction of being named 2020/21 Equus Champion three-year-old colt, 2020/21 and 2021/22 Equus Champion Miler, 2021/22 Equus Champion Older Male and 2021/22 Equus Champion Middle Distance Horse.

A group winner at two, three, four and five, the son of Trippi accumulated no fewer than five Gr1 wins, beating 2021 Horse Of The Year Rainbow Bridge in the 2021 Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and Gr1 Champions Cup.

He repeated the feat in 2022, beating Kommetdieding in both the 2022 Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and Gr1 Champions Cup and put the final seal on his glittering career with victory in the 2023 Gr1 WSB Cape Met.

In his only attempt at the Hollywoodbets Durban July over 2200m, he flew home under top weight to run a fast finishing second. He

also has the unique distinction of being the only two time LQP winning colt since his maternal grand sire Jet Master, in 1999 & 2000.

Jet Dark not only combines all the best attributes of Drakenstein stalwart and Champion Sire Trippi, and seven time Champion Sire and four time Champion Broodmare Sire Jet Master, his impressive pedigree also boasts 1997 French Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Peintre Celebre.

Champion Captain’s Ransom at her new home Credit: supplied

Lancaster Bomber reached his full powers at age three when he captured the Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, hence it will come as no surprise to see his newly turned sophomores continue to bolster their late sire’s standings.

Lancaster Bomber – graceful athlete in his Drakenstein paddock | Credit: Drakenstein

THE BOMBER’S ENDLESS FLIGHT

The case of Lancaster Bomber, who died at the tender age of seven, has proved particularly galling, as he finished the 2022/23 season as our leading freshman sire.

On cumulative earnings, this son of War Front finished well clear of fellow freshman sires Danon Platina and Fire Away, and even more impressively, was the fifth leading juvenile sire overall.

Whilst the battle was won with consummate ease by champion Gimmethegreenlight, Lancaster Bomber finished on the heels of What A Winter, Vercingetorix and Querari, a fine achievement considering the quartet was separated by no more than R250 000.

Lancaster Bomber made an impact as early as January when juvenile daughter Rascova provided him with black type success in the first juvenile stakes race of

the season, the Listed Cape Town Summer Juvenile Stakes.

An initial trickle of winners became a steady stream, so much so that by the time the season was in its death throes, Captain Al’s record of 22 individual winners looked under threat. Alas, it was not. In a nail-biting finish, Lancaster Bomber came oh so close with 19 first crop juveniles finding the winner’s circle.

Barely a week before the end of the racing season, he notched up a second stakes winner when champion Beach Beauty’s daughter Beach Bomb sauntered to victory in the Listed Irridescence Stakes. By that stage, Guy Gibson, a half-brother to Cape Guineas winner Kilindini, had finished third in the Gr1 Gold Medallion and the Gr2 Durban Golden Horseshoe, Rascova picked up Gr2 black type when second in the Golden Slipper, whilst the filly Siddeley, out of a Trippi mare, had placed in Listed company.

The bloodstock industry has, by now, learned that when a stallion dies before his time, Murphy’s law will prevail and he will be represented by a host of winners.

Lancaster Bomber’s daughter Beach Bomb wins the Listed Irridescence Stakes in the hands of Gareth Wright

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

For the pedigree pundits, it is interesting to note that former Lammerskraal champion Western Winter looms large as the broodmare sire of no less than four of Lancaster Bomber’s winners headed by Rascova. Captain Al and Trippi feature as the damsires of a trio each, whilst Dynasty, Jet Master and Var all weigh in with a double each.

Lancaster Bomber reached his full powers at age three when he captured the Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, hence it will come as no surprise to see his newly turned sophomores continue to bolster their late sire’s standings.

Lest we forget, waiting in the wings are the slow burners, those too immature to race as juveniles. A case in point is the impeccably bred Landseer, a half-brother to champion Kasimir and Gr1 winner Afrikaburn who was purchased by Sabine Plattner at the National Yearling Sale. In contrast to his siblings, one a champion sprinter and the other a juvenile Gr1 winner, he has been slow to mature and according to trainer Andre Nel, it will be a while yet before he steps onto the racetrack.

Fortunately, Lancaster Bomber covered over a hundred mares in what turned out to be his valedictory book in 2020, which means his second and final crop is a sizeable one. There’s plenty to look forward to as it includes a fullbrother to Rascova and youngsters out of Gr1 winning mares such as Inara, Gabor, Siren’s Call and Chestnuts N Pearls.

Meanwhile, Lancaster Bomber continues where he left off, with two new winners in quick succession. Just five days into the new racing season, the Wernars homebred Chocolate Bomb shed his maiden at Turffontein and was followed last week by the filly Dakota Cat, who romped to an eye-catching 6.50 length maiden win at the Vaal.

Lancaster Bomber’s tenure at Drakenstein Stud was all too brief and lasted just two seasons. His achievements so far underline his premature demise as a cruel blow to our racing and breeding industry.

GELYKFONTEIN CELEBRATE

The Gelykfontein Stud has been offering horses for sale at BSA auctions for decades, and offer 9 lots on the forthcoming BSA August 2yo Sale. And in good news for the team, their Gr1 winning Grand Slam sire struck again when he came up with a smart-looking winner at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.

His three-year-old son Sovereign State made the perfect start to his racing career when he ran out a ready winner of the first race at Scottsville on Sunday. Trained by Frank Robinson, Sovereign State was given a confident ride by Robert Khathi which saw the pair power home to land Sunday’s Download The Race Card Online www.goldcircle.co.za Maiden Plate (1000m) by nearly half a length.

Bred by James Armitage, the gelded Sovereign State is out of the Fort Wood mare Maple Story.

South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2014-2015, and sire of Gr1 winners Good Traveller and Takingthepeace, Visionaire is also broodmare sire of last season’s Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby/Gr1 Daily News 2000 winner See It Again

Gelykfontein has produced numerous stars of the turf since its inception in 1935.

The farm has been in the Van der Walt family since 1884 when bought from PC Coetzee by Frans and Chrissie Kruger. At that stage, the family farmed mainly with cattle, sheep and cart horses. In the Late 60’s, Schalkie Van Der Walt & Jannie Van Der Walt joined the farming activities.

FROM THE LANCASTER BOMBER POEM BY PAUL WARREN

They say now when the sun rises in the east

You can hear the rumbling of the Lancaster in the peace

And maybe if the rising sun catches the light

You may see the plane flying along in an endless flight.

The Blue Blooded Son Of Dubawi

ERUPT (IRE)

by Dubawi - Mare Nostrum by Caerleon

2021-22 Season:

Champion First season Sire

2nd Leading Sire of 2yo’s by %SWins/R (27 or more runners)

3rd Leading Sire of 2yo’s by %SWnrs/R (27 or more runners)

2022-23 Season:

Champion 2nd Season Sire

3rd Leading Active Sire of 2yo’s by Stakes (51 or more runners)

3rd Leading Active Sire of 2yo’s by %W/R (51 or more runners)

3rd Leading Active Sire of 2yo’s by AEPR (51 or more runners)

Yearlings have sold for up to R650,000

Best Progeny:

KARANGETANG - 3 wins, R399,375 incl Protea S G3, Storm Bird S L

RIPPLE EFFECT - 3 wins at 2 in 2022-23, R248,125, 2nd Ruffian Stakes L, 3rd SA Nursery G2.

HOT PEARL - 2nd Strelitzia Stakes G3.

GOLDEN TATJANA - winner at 2 in 2022-23, R420,563, 2nd Godolphin Barb S G3, 3rd Cape of Good Hope Nursery G3, Summer Juvenile S L, 4th Allan Robertson

Championship G1.

FLOWERBOMB - 4 wins-1 at 2-at 1000m to 2022-23, R374,250, 3rd Gardenia S L.

DOLCEZZA - winner at 2 in 2022-23, 2nd Devon Air S L

ICY BLAST - winner at 2 in 2022-23, R209,375, 4th Umkhomazi S G2, Cape of Good Hope Nursery G3

BIG SEASON AHEAD FOR MOUTONSHOEK KINGPIN

Regally

The son of Galileo ended the season fifth on the Leading Sire of 3YOs with sophomores by The United States earning more than R5,7 million in stakes last season. He had a plethora of above average three-year-olds last season, including Gr3 Sea Cottage Stakes winner Billy Bowlegs, Listed Racehorse Owners Association Stakes winner Khaya’s Hope, Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes runner up East Coast and Gr3 WSB Variety Club Mile winner Without Question among his notable sophomores in 2022-2023.

In total, The United States was responsible for 31 three-year-old winners last season, with his sophomores winning 52 races in the season just past.

Bennie Van Der Merwe, who stands The United States, is understandably delighted with the

success his resident stallion enjoyed last season.

He says: “He suffered a life-threatening fracture of P2 in his left foreleg just after the start of the 2017 breeding season. This resulted in him covering just a handful of mares out of a truly magnificent big book of mares that were assembled for him. He ended up having only 9 runners in his first crop, one being the brilliant Sheela.

It is normal for the jury on whether a stallion has a viable future as a stallion to come in at the end of the 3yo season of his first runners.

In his case the verdict was postponed until just the other day at the end of his 2nd crop of 3yo runners. No need to say that he passed with

bred chestnut The United States proved one of the rising sire stars of the 2022-2023 South African season.

flying colours. He ended up 5th on the National Log of 3yo Sires - well ahead of the likes of Vercingetorix and Rafeef.

His AEPR is very impressive at just on R100k. (3rd) He has produced Gr1 performers from 1000 - 2400m! He has a high percentage of runners with MR 90 and more and many multiple winners and 10% Stakes performers.

He is the single racehorse with the best temperament that I have ever worked with.(Let alone Stallion) He survived his injury - one of the biggest contributing factors was his relaxed demeanor - something he passes onto his offspring.

He certainly stamps them, which makes them hard to asses in terms of suitable distance. (He looks like Pivotal with perfect legs) They are still Galileos and most do better with time and distance. He has over 75% winners to runners for 1600m plus! But - his female line is all speed! Photos do not do him justiceall who have seen him concur

that he is more impressive in the flesh.”

The United States is expected to cover a good book of mares this season with both Miss Khaya (dam of Khaya’s Hope) and Yourthetops (dam of Billy Bowlegs) among the mares visiting him this season. He has covered Trip To India (dam of his G2 winning daughter Sheela) last year.

His legendary sire Galileo’s influence as a sire of sires continues to grow, through the likes of Frankel, Teofilo, Nathaniel, Churchill and Australia to name but a few, and his own stallion sons are now making their mark with their own sons at stud.

His grandson Havana Gold is the sire of British sire sensation Havana Grey, sire of already seven group winners from his first two crops including this season’s exciting two-year-olds Jasour, Elite Status and Vandeek.

Frankel is also showing promise as a sire of sires, with his four time Gr1 winning son

Dr Bennie van der Merwe – excited about his Galileo stallion | Credit: Hamish Niven Photography

Cracksman coming up with Gr1 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) winner Ace Impact from his very first crop.

The United States has also continued to gain handsome updates to his female line, with relatives Fonteyn and Tenebrism winning the Gr1 Royal Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes

and Gr1 Haras d’Etreham Prix Jean Prat respectively in 2022.

Tenebrism’s half-sister Statuette also showed great promise as a two-year-old when she won both her starts including the Gr2 Airlie Stud Stakes.

PLAATJIES SUPPORTERS CLUB CELEBRATES!

The Brevan Plaatjies fans celebrate their champion’s first winner |

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Sunday 13 August 2023 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville will go down as a day to remember for 18 year old SA Jockey Academy apprentice Brevan Plaatjies. With his much-loved Granny Essie leading a crowd-swelling group of family and friends on course in the KZN Capital City, the Pretoria-born rider realized a dream at just his fourth ride under rules.

The pressure was on and expectations were running high! Granny Essie had travelled the hour plus from Ixopo and Brevan had two rides on the sunny afternoon.

“I knew my family and friends would be there and told myself behind the starting stalls as I focused – ‘set your heart ablaze, Brev!’ I naturally wanted to get my first winner icebreaker behind me , but was so desperate to also make the family proud and show appreciation to the trainers and the owners that have given me the early rides and so repay their faith.”

Brev, who is one of five children, spoke to the

Sporting Post in a break between his Grade 11 lessons on Monday.

The former Ixopo schoolboy, who became a jockey when his Uncle Jules Bezuidenhout pointed him in the direction of a sport that would ultimately change his life, has some interesting thoughts on self-motivation.

“Set your heart ablaze means your love for something or someone burns so brightly in your heart that it feels like a flame. For me that’s horseracing. I am very motivated. I believe that no matter how devastated you may be by your own weaknesses or feelings of uselessness, set your heart ablaze. I grit my teeth and always look ahead,” he adds as he chats about the difference that racing has made in his life – and he’s only been in the game for five minutes.

“I was always shorter than average. Today I stand here weighing 48kgs. My Uncle Jules was a racing fan and he kept telling me to ignore the ‘shorty’ jibes and chirps, and make my size count in my favour. He put us in touch with the SA Jockey Academy and after covid had delayed matters, I started in April 2022. It’s tough – it’s not easy being in a routine, but today I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else

“She said that’s her way of showing confidence and belief in me. Talk about pressure!” he laughs again.

Brev drives Sea Vista to a convincing victory Credit: Candiese Lenferna

and have made amazing friends,” he adds.

The Plaatjies family moved to KZN from Eersterus in Pretoria when Brev was very young. They moved around and sadly his Dad died when he was just 10.

“My Mom Vanessa wasn’t there on Sunday as she lives up in Gauteng. And Uncle Jules is up the North Coast in Richards Bay and couldn’t make it, although he watched it live. But Granny is my biggest fan and my aunts, uncles, cousins and the rest of the group made sure I had enough support!”

Granny Essie was racing for only the second time in her life. She also had a bet

on her Grandson’s winning mount.“She said that’s her way of showing confidence and belief in me. Talk about pressure!” he laughs again.

Brev tells how Sea Vista was always going well and how proud he felt that he could ride his first winner for a legend like Michael Roberts, who booted him his own first winner, Smyrna, on the same course 55 years ago.

“I jumped him and he was in a rhythm and under the hands. I am not inclined to use the crop, so I pushed him out and he accelerated smartly. Wow, what a feeling as we went through the line. I wanted to laugh, cry and scream at the same time. But I had to keep my wits and be professional!”

Brev hugs a proud Granny Essie | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Trainer Michael Roberts gives his young rider a congratulatory embrace | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

At the pull-up, Brev tells how his SAJA Head Boy Siphesihle ‘Spare’ Hlengwe, who has been a source of inspiration and support, congratulated him and said he was so very happy for him.

“It’s a bit of a blur now but I also remember Richard Fourie saying at the pull-up that it’s a pity that I had been disqualified. I looked at him in horror and thought, no ways! Then in the next moment, Richard laughed and said well done and that he was proud of me. Maybe that’s an initiation of sorts and I can only aspire to being as great a rider as Richard in 20 years from now, and be making my own jokes with the new guys!”

While his family is behind him every stride of his professional journey, Brev said

that Summerveld trainerMJ Odendaal had been a source of guidance and inspiration.

“Mr Odendaal spoke me through my first rides. He was a great jockey, and, as in the case of Mr Roberts, I try and absorb every word of input and criticism that these top horsemen are prepared to give me. I would also like to mention my good friend Justice Gregory, who is a mentor and guiding light. I’m very fortunate to enjoy such great support. Thank-you Sporting Post for contacting me. I’m determined to ride many more winners,” he concluded.

Brev needs just one more qualifying ride down the straight before being authorized to accept engagements around the turn at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Big City Girl charges clear under Kabelo Matsunyane Credit: Supplied

CONGRATULATIONS ALSON –YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY!

A watershed moment in the career of former Mike de Kock assistant trainer Alson Ndzilana passed without much fanfare at Turffontein on Saturday.

The lifetime horseman from Umtata saddled his first winner out of his own yard and is hoping that this is the first of many.

Prior to working for Mike de Kock, Alson learnt the ropes as a the long-time assistant to Joey Ramsden, and commenced operations when

opening his yard at Randjesfontein on 1 May this year. He has labelled both his former bosses as his inspiration.

On Saturday, Kabelo Matsunyane steered the 4-1 Big City Girl to win the 4Racing.TV FM 66 Handicap and the ice was offficially broken!

The 6yo mare cost R11 000 on a recent BSA online auction and her form was decidedly ordinary when she arrived at the Ndzilana Randjesfontein yard. Two runs later, she has a third and first cheque in the bank.

“That should give anyone confidence who would want to send him a horse,” added former veteran trainer James Goodman who has mentored Alson.

“I am so proud of Alson. His start has been slow as he hasn’t had the support he was promised. He only has 5 horses he can race and 8 in total. He will make it as a trainer and will bring a whole new demographic of owners and fans into racing. He is racing’s biggest asset and deserves support. Thanks to Betway,CMH Motor group and Edge to Edge security who have been everything they promised. Thanks also to his current owners. They are Larry Nestadt, Laurence Wernars and family, Drakenstein Stud, Val Koterba, Gerald Sadleir and Darryl Yutar and partners who purchased Big City Girl for him to train,” added Goodman.

Alson has a life-time association with horses and more than thirty years experience in the racing industry.

He grew up riding horses and his father, Jackson, worked at Summerveld for Steve Benton.

Mike de Kock was on record when Alson started out, commending sponsors and support structures in place to assist him.

“There have been really good, previously disadvantaged horsemen who have tried to start up but failed because they spend their time looking to pay bills. And then they don’t make it. Alson will have a proper platform to start from. His horsemanship and talent as a trainer is beyond doubt.”

James Goodman added that there are many really good owners who said they would support this initiative.

“Hopefully this victory will be the catalyst to ensure we can get horses in the yard that have some potential, so Alson can show what he can do with them.”

THE SPRINT IS INTERACTIVE

VISIT ALSON’S WEBSITE HERE:

Winning team! Owner Darryl Yutar, Alson Ndzilana and Kabelo Matsunyane | Credit: Supplied

IRISH NATIONAL STUD THOROUGHBRED BREEDING MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

The world-renowned Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course is a six-month residential programme which is designed to provide learners with a hands-on approach to every feature of Thoroughbred Breeding. The programme which commences in January each year runs for the duration of the breeding season and equips learners with the knowledge, skills and competence required to perform effectively in responsible positions in the thoroughbred industry.

Application Requirements

·Scholarship is open to any person between 20 and 30 years of age

·Have obtained the National Senior Certificate

·Be a citizen of South Africa

·Be currently working in the thoroughbred industry

Scholarship provides the successful candidate with:

·Return economy airfare

·Course fees (€6,000)

·Accommodation & meals

·Uniform

·Travel insurance

·Training allowance

Applicants must apply to the Irish National Stud before October 1st, 2023

https://irishnationalstud.ie/thoroughbred-breeding-course-application-form/ For further information: https://irishnationalstud.ie/thoroughbred-breeding-management/

BLUE SKY’S BIG SHOT!

Classy filly Gimme A Shot showed tremendous promise early in her career, winning or finishing in the first three in her first six starts.

She was particularly impressive when romping home to claim the 2022 Gr2 Betway Ipi Tombe Stakes when pulverizing such high-class fillies as Under Your Spell, Feather Boa and Marigold Hotel. Also, runner up in the Gr2 Prosport International Debutante at two, Gimme A Shot has earned nearly R500 000 in prize money.

Blue Sky Thoroughbreds are in the fortuitous position of being able to offer a half-sister (Lot 45) to Gimme A Shot at the 2023 August Two Year Old Sale.

A daughter of a proven Gr1 sire in the form of Act Of War, the filly in question also hails from the same family as champions Jay Peg

and Kochka, as well as such high-class fillies as Cat And The Moon, Light Of The Moon and Shoot The Booze.

Act Of War, whose progeny also include champion War Of Athena and fellow Gr1 winner Battle Force, is also represented here by Casus Belli (144), a colt out of classy racemare Comme-Ci-Comme-Ca, and a half-brother (Lot 195) to Listed Bauhinia Handicap runner up Linear.

Other appealing lots on offer include Snow Moon (Lot 23), a Last Winter half-brother to Gr3 Umzimkhulu Stakes third African Dream, Barry Du Grond (Lot 72) a Last Winter colt out of Gr2 winner Tempted, and the New Predator halfbrother (Lot 127) to speedy filly Chilly Winter.

This draft can be viewed from Block C at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

Gimme A Shot’s half-sister comes up on next weekend’s August 2yo Sale | Credit: JC Photos

RIVERTON’S SOQRAT COLT IS A CRACKER

Equus Champion and triple Gr1 winner Soqrat made an outstanding impression when his first yearlings went through the ring at the National Yearling Sale earlier in 2023. Soqrat had five yearlings on offer, with all five selling for an aggregate of R2.495 million. Riverton present a cracking 2yo by the Sandown-based sire at next weekend’s August 2yo Sale.

Soqrat yearlings averaged a handsome R499 000 at the National Sale, giving their sire a higher average than such top-class stallions as Var, What A Winter, and Rafeef, as well as higher than such sought after sires as Danon Platina and Lancaster Bomber.

SRB Plattner Farming splashed out R700 000 to buy Soqrat filly Special Glamour at the National Sale, with four of Soqrat’s five lots on sale making upwards of R500 000.

From the same male line as Rafeef, Soqrat was an exceptional racehorse and Gr1 winner at both two and three. Winner of three of four starts at two, including the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes, Soqrat was South Africa’s Champion 2YO Colt of 2017-2018.

Riverton supremo Duncan Barry shares a laugh with Bruce le Roux at a recent sale Credit: Candiese Lenferna

At three, Soqrat emulated outstanding sires Captain Al and Jet Master by landing the Gr1 Cape Guineas, before going on to win the Gr1 H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes, where he beat, among others, dual Horse Of The Year Legal Eagle.

By the same sire as Gr1 winners Daumier and Red Lark, Soqrat, whose dam is a daughter of outstanding sire and broodmare sire Hussonet, hails from the same female line as Champion French Sire Linamix among many others.

Riverton Stud will be offering a very well bred colt by this exciting prospect at the upcoming August Two Year Old Sale.

A half-brother to a winner, this colt is out of Captain Al mare Capulette, a three time winning

own-sister to Riverton Stud bred Listed Syringa Handicap winner Sweet Obsession. The latter, a half-sister to the Riverton bred Gr2 Golden Slipper queen Princess Sassi, has proved an excellent producer as the dam of graded stakes winning own-brothers Bunker Hunt (Gr2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes) and Salvator Mundi (Gr2 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers) as well as Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas runner up Silver Thursday.

Riverton also bred Listed Spook Express Handicap She’s A Cracker, whose dam Nutcracker Sweet is a half-sister to both Princess Sassi and Secret Obsession.

Capulette is also very closely related to Gr3 Man O’War Sprint winner Mana Mou (also by Captain Al), with the latter dam of Listed Storm Bird Stakes winner Flying Spirit and the speedy filly Vandah’s Spirit. In turn, Mana Mou was a

half-sister to Equus Champion and multiple Gr1 winner Mythical Flight, winner of both the Gr1 Computaform Sprint and Gr1 Cape Flying Championship.

Further back, this is also the family of numerous high-class performers including Gr1 J&B Met winner Bunter Barlow.

Multiple champion sire Captain Al, broodmare sire of the colt on sale, is damsire of nearly 50 stakes winners headed by Gr1 Vodacom Durban July/G1 WSB Cape Town Met winner and new sire Kommetdieding.

Other Gr1 winners out of Captain Al mares include another new sire in the form of Eden Roc, and the likes of Gunner, Vernichey, and triple Gr1 winner Princess Calla. The 2023 G1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes/G2 Durban Golden Horseshoe winner Sandringham Summit is another top-class sort produced by a daughter of Captain Al.

Sire of 2022-2023, had a notable Gr1 double recently when Princess Calla and Sandringham Summit captured the Gr1 HKJC Champions Cup and World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes on the same day!

Riverton (who bred Captain Al’s outstanding son Captain Of All) are no strangers to producing high-class horses out of Captain Al mares - with the farm having bred Gr1 Gold Medallion winner Potent Power (out of the Captain Al mare Solar Galleon) and sold subsequent dual Gr1 winner Same Jurisdiction (out of the Captain Al mare Diana De Carlo) at the 2013 Suncoast KZN Yearling Sale.

Same Jurisdiction has gone on to enjoy success at stud overseas, with her two-year-old daughter Clifton Bay having recently made an impressive, winning debut at Newbury.

Captain Al, South Africa’s Leading Broodmare

Find the handsome Soqrat colt in stable H36 at the TBA Complex next weekend.

Kevin Shea steers Riverton-bred Potent Power to a good win in the 2012 Gr1 Tsogo Sun Medallion | Credit: Gold Circle

LUCINDA - A LADY TRAINER TO WATCH THIS SEASON!

Lucinda Woodruff loves her horses and welcomes Café Culture after his smart win | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

While Piet Botha and Keanen Steyn were the leading combination with a well-taken double on a festive afternoon at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, it was Bernard Fayd’herbe who saved the best for last with a cucumber-cool intelligent tactical ride to win the ninth race on Lucinda Woodruff’s Café Culture.

Newly crowned SA Champion trainer Justin Snaith saddled a treble, with Gareth Wright riding a smart double – in the process demonstrating that when the lower profile jockeys get the opportunities they too can ride their share of winners.

But it was Bernie at his brilliant best in the final event when the heavyweight showed what a dash of tactical forethought, courage, guile, experience and luck can do to win a sprint at the Country Course and that, like age, the widest draw in a field of 13, is just a number.

Carrying joint topweight in the Class 4 contest, Café Culture was out like a scalded cat and directed in a straight line to the corner, he was

in front and never headed to win a cracker at an easy to back 14-1. Plan come-together as they say for the trainer and jockey!

“I thought if we drop him in and give him a chance he’d run a good race, but probably only into the places. So when we got a good break, there was only one way as we discussed,” said Bernard.

The lightly raced Café Culture showed courage as he withstood a challenge from the Hollywood Syndicate challenger Moya Wa Laliga (18-10), who was bidding to give Gareth van Zyl and Athandiwe Mgudlwa a new season icebreaker in the Cape.

At the line three quarters of a length separated

the pair, with Café Culture clocking 74,58 secs for the 1250m. Ridgemont bred the 4yo son of the late legend Var.

Café Culture’s five-time winning Dynasty dam Put The Kettle On was trained by the now retired Dennis Drier, who was on course. She raced in the same famous Badge Boys’ white, gold and blue flag as Saturday’s winner. Somehow these colours always evoke memories of that good racing man Stan Elley, who sadly disappeared from the scene without much fanfare early last season.

Jockey Bernard Fayd’herbe modestly gave

trainer Lucinda Woodruff all the credit for the victory, saying that Café Culture had come on in leaps and bounds in his work.

“If I had ten horses I’d give them all to Lucinda to train,” added the multiple Gr1 winning rider.

Lucinda Woodruff, known to those close to her as ‘Lulu’, certainly has the pedigree to make it big.

Her late Granddad Terrance Millard was a legend and Dad Geoff, now training in Saudi Arabia, was a widely respected five-times SA Champion trainer.

Bernard Fayd’herbe and Cafe Culture are led in by Mike Fullard, Lucinda Woodruff, and Lee-Anne and James Drew

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Grant van Niekerk – back on track!

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

GRANT TO THE FORE!

With five of his last eight rides winners and the balance in the money, Grant van Niekerk has kick-started his new season with intent and booted home four winners, including a 50-1 shot, from his six rides at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Tuesday.

While acknowledging his Mom Jeanette’s breakfast, it’s clear that his elevation to first-call rider of the powerful SA champion Snaith operation has got the enigmatically talented rider’s work-rate up and along with it the winners are rolling.

He has ridden 21 horses this term for 6 wins and 12 places (57% place strike-rate), which for the mathematically challenged means that only 3, or just under 15% of his mounts, have run out of the money.

Grant is now on a potentially nervous 13 winners short of his career 1000m winner milestone. He has a lifetime 13% win strikerate, with a 33% place strike.

He kicked off the Tuesday afternoon when he got Silver Falcon home for the Snaiths to make it five on the trot. He caught Winning Form rider Richard Fourie in the final stride on the flashy grey After The Rain, who made most of the running.

Van Niekerk then showed his diversity and talent when he set

up a likely percentage-only payout in the Pick 6, getting the Paul Reeves-trained Crème Brulee up in a blanket photo for the fifth race.

Producing the long overdue Veronica Mars, Van Niekerk made it three winners when he nabbed Morne Winnaar and long-time leader Royal Invitation on the post to win the sixth.

Van Niekerk joked that Morne Winnaar had said that he’d have to take a back-seat this time, but he thought it was close.

The high-riding Van Niekerk rode his fourth winner in the seventh race when just getting Fallo Ancora up to beat stablemate Peut Etre Moi.

Jono Snaith was thrilled and said ‘Grant’s back!’. That sums it up!

A born and bred Capetonian, Grant van Niekerk joined the SA Jockey Academy in something of a vintage intake in 2007, that included Gareth Wright, JP Van Der Merwe, Tshwaro Appie, Athandiwe Mgudlwa and Aldo Domeyer.

Known affectionately as ‘Big John’ or ‘Mr Muscles’, Grant had his first ride at Clairwood on 11 June 2008 on Combat Leader, when beaten 2 lengths by Anthony Delpech on Yarnmaster.

He rode his first winner on Combat Leader at Clairwood on 25 June 2008.

Three weeks later, he rode his second winner on the same horse – this time at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

He qualified as a fully-fledged rider in January 2012 and has ridden 18 Gr1 winners across South Africa, including the Gr1 Sun Met on Oh Susanna in 2018.

Grant gets Veronica Mars up on the line in a thriller! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

DECLARATIONOFPEACE (USA)

War Front - Serena’s Cat (Storm Cat)

Stands at MacRath Stud in Nottingham Road

• The son of brilliant American sire War Front has enjoyed two full books of mares in his first two years at stud, His mare book includes Gr1 producing mares such as Mystery Dame (Lady In Black and Nexus) and Bloomhill mare, Wysiwyg – the dam of Bohica and Bartholdi.

• A $2,6-million weanling who is a half-brother to Gr1 winner Honor Code and Gr2 winner Noble Tune, Declarationofpeace has also enjoyed significant support from breeders outside of the KZN province, with Cape mares travelling for cover.

• Declarationofpeace is throwing quality and size into his foals and his first yearlings will be on offer in the sales rings in 2024.

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DERYL BREAKS ICE

One of South African horseracing’s happiest stories of last season, Gr1-winning jockey Deryl Daniels continued his comeback from the edge of nowhere when booting Nathan Kotzen’s 8-1 Flower Festival home to win the fourth race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.

“Even a blind chicken gets a mielie,”mused the charismatic Deryl as he told the Sporting Post

that he was grateful and felt a sense of relief to have gotten the 3yo daughter of Flower Alley home.

“It’s hard work, the support of good people, and by God’s grace, that I am here. I am really chuffed and thanks to all the kind people who have been behind me,” he added.

Showing scant regard for Richard Fourie’s odds-on price to win the SA Jockeys Championship this season, Deryl kept his

mount balanced to beat the popular favourite and many player’s Pick 6 banker Freedom Square by 0,40 lengths.

“Nathan suggested I follow Richard Fourie and that was the winning play. She’s a small filly but she showed plenty of heart,” added a delighted Deryl, who is sponsored by Indigo Equine & Veterinary Supplements.

Deryl had to travel North of the Limpopo to Borrowdale Park last month for his first winner

Deryl Daniels drives Flower Festival home as Richard Fourie and Freedom Square chase hard | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

since returning to the saddle in May this year after a five year absence.

He was aboard first-timer Buster Barnes for trainer Debbie Swanson in that milestone win.

The former SA Champion Apprentice has had 14 rides this season so far.

His last winner in South Africa prior to his comeback was Shizam for Glen Kotzen on 26 November 2017 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Deryl – thrilled with the icebreaker | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

MUJBAR ARRIVES IN JOBURG

An update from the Mike de Kock stable is that Mujbar (Muharaar), has arrived in Johannesburg from the United Kingdom. He will be spending 30 days in quarantine.

The Sporting Post recently reported that a partnership led by prominent owner and businessman, Willem Ackerman, has purchased the talented and impeccably bred English sprinter.

Mujbar has turned five, has a good year of racing in him and will be joining Mike de Kock at Randjesfontein when he is released from the quarantine station.

A winner of the Gr3 Horris Hill stakes and Gr2 placed as a juvenile, Mujbar is an athletic and good-looking son of Oasis Dream’s successful sire son, Muhaarar, out of Madany, a stakeswinning daughter of Acclamation.

Madany was runner-up in the GBP500 000 Newmarket Tattersalls Millions Sprint.

Mujbar’s pedigree is laden with class.

Import Mujbar poses for the camera | Credit: Supplied

He is a half-brother to the Gr1 Royal Ascot Sprint winner, Eqtidaar, and to Massaat, who was second in both the Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes and the Gr1 English 2000 Guineas.

Mujbar’s pedigree combines the two most prominent speed lines in Great Britain, and

unlike many imports does not sacrifice either performance or pedigree due to exchange rate limitations.

Mujbar’s partnership have indicated that they have the 2024 Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate in mind as a possible target.

STALLIONS 2023

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MALMOOS R25,000 (LIVE FOAL)

NEW PREDATOR R12,500 (LIVE FOAL)

PATHFORK R5,000 (LIVE FOAL)

POTALA PALACE R5,000 (LIVE FOAL)

RAFEEF R70,000 (R20,000 UP FRONT + R50,000 LIVE FOAL)

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TRADITION OF CHAMPIONS

FRANKEL SON IMPRESSES ON DEBUT

Diego Velazquez enhanced his Classic claims with a runaway victory on his eagerly-anticipated racecourse debut at the Curragh on Saturday.

Ason of Frankel who cost 2.4million guineas as a yearling, Aidan O’Brien’s juvenile was already priced up for next year’s 2000 Guineas and Derby ahead of his first competitive outing, suggesting he has been showing plenty on the Ballydoyle gallops.

He was a 2-5 favourite to make a successful start to his career in the Bord Na Mona Recycling Irish EBF Maiden and while Ryan

Moore had to niggle him along at various stages, the further Diego Velazquez went the better he looked.

Easy to pick out with a white blaze and four white socks, the youngster quickened up smartly entering the final furlong and passed the post just under five lengths clear of 80-1 shot Guildenstern, who pipped the winner’s stablemate Old Faithful to the runner-up spot by a nose.

Frankel’s Diego Velazquez – very impressive! | Credit: Racing TV

Betfair and Paddy Power cut Diego Velazquez to 12-1 from 16-1 for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, while he is 10-1 from 14-1 for the Derby. O’Brien houses the ante-post favourite for both races in City Of Troy.

“He obviously has a massive engine”

Of his latest winner, the trainer said: “We had him ready to run about a month ago and he got a little injury so we had to stop and start again. He was just ready to come racing today.

“We wanted to get him out. Ryan said he was very babyish, but he obviously has a massive engine. He doesn’t even know what he’s at yet.

“He said he only came on the bridle with 50 yards to go, he said he only realised he was racing then.

“(The blustery weather) is not ideal for a first time out two-year-old.”

Considering future plans, he added: “We felt with him at home he could go anywhere, but looking at today you’d like to give him another run somewhere before he goes for a big one.

“He was absolutely half-speeding with horses (at home) and came today and didn’t take hold of the bridle. That can happen first time. It happened to Paddington first time in Ascot last year, he never took hold of the bridle.

“He’s probably going to come on and learn a lot from it.”

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LADIES RULE AT ASCOT

Doubles from Hollie Doyle and Saffie Osborne ensured that the Ladies team (78 points) edged out Rest of the World by five points in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

Doyle picked up points on all five of her rides during the afternoon, winning on The Very Man in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers and Regal Empire in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic. Her haul of 48 points saw her take home the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle for the day’s leading rider.

Doyle said: “I haven’t won the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle before, so it’s great to have that on my CV. I got to ride in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup first when I was an apprentice, and it let me showcase myself on a wider stage internationally. I rode a winner for Clive Cox and I ended up riding out and had quite a few winners for him - I actually rode him a Listed winner - so something really did come of that opportunity, and I think it is important in that regard.

It’s a very good meeting and Ascot do a great job.”

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup newcomer Osborne took the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge on Scampi before securing victory for her team on board Dark Trooper in the concluding Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint.

Hayley Turner, the most successful jockey in the history of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, captained the Ladies Team but was unable to add to her 322 points.

She said: “It has been good fun again and it is nice to have all the family here. This has been the best Ladies team we have ever had – I did not get any points at all and they carried me.

Hayley Turner, Saffie Osborne and Hollie Doyle |

Credit: Megan Ridgwell

It has been great fun and I hope I can do this for many years.”

Kazuo Yokoyama made his first ride at Ascot a winning one as he triumphed on Rogue Lightning in the opening Dubai Duty Free Shergar Dash, with Matthew Chadwick and Joao Moreira also making significant contributions to the Rest of the World’s 73 points.

Late call-up Thore Hammer Hansen steered Perotto to glory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar

Cup Mile, helping Europe to finish third with 54 points, with Great Britain and Ireland fourth on 35 points.

Frankie Dettori, who captained a Europe team that also included Olivier Peslier, said: “The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is good for people who know little about racing. I have seen a lot of kids here, a full crowd, and it’s got a different feel to it.”

Great Britain & Ireland captain Luke Morris said: “It has been a fabulous day, with a great

The Ladies team pop the champers and celebrate a great day | Credit: Megan Ridgwell

crowd, and everyone has really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, we did not get a winner, but there has been a real good buzz about the place. Declan [McDonogh] and Tom [Marquand] are ultimate professionals to ride with, and it would be great to come back again.”

Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said: “It has been another brilliant Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, with the competition going all the way to the final race. It was fantastic to see Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle winner Hollie Doyle and debutante Saffie Osborne ride doubles to land the competition for the Ladies, their fourth success in the last eight renewals.

“We were also thrilled to see international success for Kazuo Yokoyama, which will have been hugely popular in Japan, and delighted that Thore Hammer Hansen rode a winner after stepping in so late in the day.

“Andrew Balding takes home £12,500 for his yard as the leading trainer on the day and, once again, we are hugely grateful to all the trainers and owners for supporting this unique event. There has been more than £500,000 on offer to participants today, which we wouldn’t be able to do without the sponsors Dubai Duty Free, so a huge thanks goes to them for their continued to long-standing support.”

AN INSPIRED FRANKIE!

Its mid-August and the Frankie Dettori farewell tour headed to Normandy in France on Sunday. The Italian maestro was seen at his absolute best aboard Inspiral at Deauville, winning the €1 million Prix Jacques le Marois

a record eighth time.

The four-year-old filly owned by Cheveley Park Stud joined Miesque, Spinning World and her former stablemate Palace Pier as the only dual winners of this milestone of the European Flat season.

The Group 1 contest is run over the straight mile and drawn closest to the stands’ side rail in one, Dettori took the risk of missing the start on the filly to drop behind and across, before gradually working Inspiral into the race behind the guaranteed pace-setter Big Rock.

Big Rock put it up to Inspiral over the final furlong, before going down fighting a length and a quarter back in second.

“It was a great ride because we were drawn one and the pace was all on the far side,” said John Gosden. “Dettori moved across and he came round the long way in the end.”

Gosden added: “We couldn’t be more thrilled with her. She’s a great filly.”

Inspired charges home to win the €1 million Prix Jacques le Marois | Credit: Racing TV

The Breeders’ Cup Mile looks a strong possibility for Inspiral at the end of the year. Before that she is likely to run in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes where she will meet the top-class three-year-old filly Tahiyra.

Should Inspiral head to Ascot she would be part of Dettori’s final book of rides in Britain, while she could also provide a fairytale swansong in California. Post-race, Gosden was in a buoyant mood commenting on his jockey’s perfect adieu to Deauville.

“There are four great races here; obviously there’s the Arc, the Prix du Jockey Club, the Diane and the Jacques le Marois,” he said. “For him to come here to Deauville, which he loves, and win it again. I can’t keep up.”

“To win it with Palace Pier twice, and this filly, it’s a great honour. It’s a fabulous meeting,

a wonderful atmosphere, and a great race.”

As Inspiral’s owners made way, silverware in hand, Dettori was joined on the podium by a guard of honour from his weighing-room colleagues and embraced by the most popular jockey in the history of racing in France, 81-year-old Yves Saint-Martin.

The winning rider commented on the applause from the crowd: “It’s probably taking the gloss off Inspiral, she did all the work. I couldn’t write it. To win it again, it’s amazing.”

Dettori added of the winner: “She has her moments. We took Paddington on – somebody had to do it – on heavy ground and it didn’t work out. But I was easy on the filly because this was always the plan. She needs a good pace and not soft ground. She got both here and when she’s good, she’s very good.”

CURRAGH GR1 JOY FOR CONNECTIONS

Bucanero Fuerte provided trainer Adrian Murray and owners Amo Racing with a first taste of Group One success with an impressive display in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.

Third behind the unbeaten River Tiber in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, the Wootton Bassett colt had since edged out the reopposing Unquestionable to lift the Group Two Railway Stakes over the Phoenix course and distance.

Unquestionable was the 15-8 favourite for the rematch as he looked to provide Aidan O’Brien with a staggering 18th victory in the race, but Bucanero Fuerte reaffirmed his superiority in no uncertain terms under Kevin Stott.

On the speed from the start, Stott’s mount kicked away from Unquestionable entering the

final two furlongs and it was soon all over bar the shouting.

Porta Fortuna, the previously unbeaten Albany Stakes winner, came from further back in an attempt to bridge the gap, but Bucanero Fuerte was well on top and had four lengths in hand at the line.

Stott saluted the crowd on passing the post, having claimed his first top-level win since being appointed number one jockey for owners Amo Racing earlier this year.

Murray said: “He was very impressive.

Bucanero Fuerte (Kevin Stott) wins the Gr1 on Saturday |

Credit: The Curragh Racecourse

We had him here 10 days ago doing a piece of work and Robson (Aguiar) got off him and said to me ‘this is the best horse I’ve ever ridden’. He was certainly correct in that one.

“He’s a serious horse. That’s three runs and three wins here, he’s the horse of a lifetime.

“I’d say it’ll be the National Stakes now and I don’t think he’ll have any problem stepping up to seven (furlongs).

“He would prefer an ease in the ground, but he has won on good ground. The ground today would be a bit easier than the last day. He was very impressive in his maiden here on heavy ground, but it’s not an issue for him as he’s won on quick ground as well.

“It’s unbelievable and it’s hard to explain it. Robson is a master at picking horses at the sales.”

Retained rider Kevin Stott was delighted to ride a Group One winner for Amo Racing and Kia Joorabchian – a first top-level success for the burgeoning outfit.

“These are the kind of days that everyone wants and it’s just a privilege to ride these horses.

“The race didn’t really go to plan as the pacemaker didn’t jump out on terms and I had to ride my own race.

“We’ve always thought he was nice since the first day he won here – he was a big baby back then and he’s only grown and strengthened. Adrian and Robson have done a brilliant job with him.”

Looking to the future, he said: “He’s a big horse and takes his racing very well. He settles nicely and you’d like to think he’d get further.”

“He’s done what we thought he would today”

Tom Pennington, racing manager for Amo

Racing, reported that Joorabchian was “over the moon” after Group One triumph.

On the Wootton Bassett colt, Pennington added: “Robson said from day one that this was the Group One horse. We knew what we were up againt but we were quietly confident coming into today.”

On future plans, Pennington says Bucanero Fuerte is “next year’s horse” but might still line up for more lofty engagements later in the campaign.

“I’d say maybe the National Stakes / Dewburst – that might be the logical next step.

“I think he’ll be better at up to a mile next year and he’s a very exciting horse.”

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