SP SPRINT - 20 SEPTEMBER 2023

On

The magnificent movie star, Rabada | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

A steel grey Summerveld Saturday with a sniping chill in the air formed the backdrop of another command performance by Bloomhill’s dual Gr1 winning sire Rabada, who drew the ‘oohs’ and the ‘aahs’ as he paraded in front of the clubhouse before a captivated crowd of 70 admiring horse folk.

The event was the Rabada Stallion Day, hosted by the Trethewey family of the picture postcard Bloomhill Stud in the scenic Wartburg district, and it was an opportunity to witness as magnificent a specimen of a thoroughbred that one could find anywhere in South Africa.

The wholesome Tretheweys are unique in many respects in the hard-knocks world of commercial thoroughbred breeding. We’d suggest they won many friends at the intimate gathering, with touches like their 15 year old daughter Taylor-Paige delivering the welcome address under the watchful eye of polished MC, Warren Lenferna.

But it was their exquisitely handsome Brave Tin

Soldier stallion Rabada who stole the show. And us labelling a walk-past a command performance is probably a touch extreme, but you get the drift!

Rabada literally takes the breath away. He has the head, the physique, and the lines of a premier athlete, something he exhibited on the track, earning an average of R264 000 at his ten starts.

From small numbers – his entrance to stud in 2018 as Summerhill wound down was not the timing of dreams – Rabada already has Gr1 aspirant Ermelo, stakes-placed Zatara Magic, the exciting Addabar and other winners of the ilk of Soldier’s Eye, in his corner.

Taylor-Paige delivering the welcome address as Mom Sandra and Dad Lance look on |

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Winner of the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes at two and the Gr1 Daily News 2000 at three, the impeccably behaved sire covered less than 30 mares in his first season, the majority of which were Summerhill mares.

Sandra’s announcement of an innovative special offer of two mares for the price of the R10 000 service fee, together with a R50 000 bonus for the first KZN Gr1 winner to emerge from the 2023 covering season, elicited a round of applause. It demonstrates the Tretheweys belief in their exciting prospect, and in horseracing and breeding in KZN, and beyond.

It’s surely an offer worth considering. The stats

show that last season he had a 47,8% winners to runners strike rate, enjoying eleven winners of 14 races from 23 runners.

This compares favourably to our national champion stallion Gimmethegreenlight’s 48,2%, and although the latter obviously had a lot more runners, he also enjoyed a multiple more opportunities being an in-demand Western Cape-based stallion.

In another nice touch, former champion jockey MJ Odendaal, who trains Rabada’s smart 4yo son Addabar, arrived on his flagship charge’s back and paraded to applause from the gathering.

The fans line up to see Rabada | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

A horse with SA Champions Season aspirations, Addabar is currently the subject of negotiations with an international purchaser.

Sandra Tretheway was rightfully thrilled with the turn-out on Saturday and the mix of breeders, owners, trainers, farriers and veterinarians spoke volumes of the interest in a horse with genuine movie star charisma – even if the champagne and snacks were not half bad, either!

The Rabada stallion day has already led to an extra ten mares having been booked, with numerous inquiries.

“It was fantastic. He was well received and it was a positive event for our industry which needs positive vibes,” added a happy Sandra Trethewey afterwards.

In a special touch, and thanks to the wonders of technology, multiple champion breeder Mick Goss, who bred Rabada, told the audience that Rabada’s emergence has parallel’s with the early exploits of the premium sire, Elliodor, who, when given the gaps, eventually became a mainstay of SA breeding.

The veteran Mike Azzie trained Rabada, and in his characteristic emotional fashion he told us that the star was one of the greatest he has trained.

Sandra bid the Sporting Post team farewell and said that all her champion needed was ‘some support and he’d make it’.

“With the stats he has achieved from practically no opportunity, can he really be ignored? I am talking from numbers here, and there is no emotion. Although, believe me, he has long galloped into all of our hearts!”

Rabada inquiries –

T: 082 804 7955 / 033 503 1355

E: stud@bloomhill.co.za or visit www.bloomhill.co.za

The Rabada Rebels! MC Warren Lenferna and Bloomhill’s Lance Trethewey | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

‘BRAAI & GALLOP’ - HERE’S A WEEKEND WINNER!

Champion Charles Dicken’s full-brother Somerset Maugham bids to defend his title when ten runners line up in a high-class renewal of the R200 000 Hollywoodbets Listed Settlers Trophy at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the much anticipated ‘Braai & Gallop’ raceday on Saturday 23 September.

Afive-time winning son of champion sire Trippi, the 6yo Somerset Maugham is one of three runners from the yard of SA champion trainer Justin Snaith, and will be looking to assert his claims again after a dramatic victory over Han Solo in the boardroom last year.

The Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy is the headline event on a nine-race card that gets underway at 12h10, and marks the third

racemeeting of the 2023 Hollywoodbets Spring Country series.

Gates open at 11h00.

Racing fans are set to mingle with festive families and fabulous foodies in what will be a richly South African, action-packed day in celebration of Heritage Day.

‘Braai & Gallop’ is the perfect family celebration

of our South African heritage, and Saturday’s fun day out sees the best braai-masters in the Cape test their recipes and skills in a potjiekos competition of Grade 1 proportions!

The potjiekos contestants will be going head-to-head on the lush lawns of the rustic racecourse, against the background of thundering hooves on the track, as local culinary wizards transform the traditional South African dish into a masterpiece of epic proportions, bidding to win their share of R25 000.

A panel of esteemed judges will crown the next Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy Potjiekos

Champion on a day which will be a feast for all the senses, with top local entertainment acts treating visitors to a variety of music, engaging activations, and entertainment for all.

For the young set, there will be a dedicated fun zone with everything from jumping-castles to face painting, fun and games, and plenty more.

The range of thoroughbred indulgences include locally crafted beer, Western Cape wines, and gins to quench your thirst.

Food stalls will offer a culinary adventure, from mouth-watering braais to nostalgic South African delicacies.

The 2022 Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy finish with Han Solo chasing Somerset Maugham | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Make it a highlight of your long weekend and let’s toast our vibrant heritage, where every note, every flavour, and every majestic winner gallops to the rhythm of the rainbow nation’s heart.

Visit www.caperacing.co.za for all more info or follow us on social media for updates.

Tickets cost R25 for adults; kids under 18 enter free; tickets available at Webtickets:

https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event. aspx?itemid=1534475899.

To enter the Potjiekos competition, fill in the form at the link below to secure your spot:

https://form.jotform.com/Cape_Racing/ SettlersTrophyPotjiekosSign-Up.

Entries are limited to 15 teams of four. Participants must be over 18.

CAPE SEASON CHANGES ANNOUNCED T

Cape Racing has informed patrons, clients and the public that racing will return to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 11 November, later than initially scheduled, due to essential, ongoing renovations on the racecourse premises.

The due renovations and changes are part of Cape Racing’s commitment to a modern and world-class race day experience, and chair Greg Bortz noted that the appointed teams of renovators are working overtime to complete their respective assignments.

Racing will continue at Hollywoodbets Durbanville during September, October and the first part of November, one of the highlights being the return to the track of multiple Equus champion Charles Dickens. He will contest the Gr3 Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes over 1400m at the famous country track on Saturday, 30 September. A bumper crowd is expected.

The delayed return to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth means that the dates of some feature events have changed.

The Cape’s ‘Summer Festival of Racing’ will commence on Sunday, 26 November,

with the running of the Gr2 Cape Punters Cup, followed on Saturday, 2 December, by the Gr1 World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas, the Gr2 World Sports Betting Green Point Stakes, the Gr2 Southern Cross Stakes and the Listed Cape Summer Stayers.

The third Festival meeting, on Sunday 10 December, features the Gr2 Cape Merchants, followed by another actionpacked day on Saturday, 16 December, which will see the running of the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, the Gr3 Ridgemont Peninsula Handicap and the Gr3 Hollywoodbets Victress Stakes.

Day Five of the Festival includes the spectacular Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and the Gr1 Cartier Paddock Stakes on Saturday, 6 January, the Gr2 Premier Trophy, the Gr2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes and the Gr3 Chairman’s Cup feature on the supporting bill.

Another racing and social highlight is the Gr1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met scheduled for Festival Day Six, 27 January 2024, alongside the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship, the Gr1 Majorca Stakes,

the Gr3 Western Cape Stayers, the Listed Summer Juvenile Stakes and the Listed Olympic Duel Stakes.

The Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby Seafood and Jazz concludes the Seven-Day Festival on Saturday, 24 February, supported by the Gr2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes, the Gr3 Vasco Prix Du Cap, the Gr3 Cape Of Good Hope Nursery and the Listed Jet Master Stakes.

Justin Vermaak, Racing & Bloodstock Executive for Cape Racing, commented: “Since we’re

only back at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 11 November, the major changes are that both the Cape Mile and the Laisserfaire Stakes will move to the 11 November. The Cape Mile is a preparation race for the Green Point Stakes, so we can’t race that at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. We’ve left the Cape Classic at Hollywoodbets Durbanville because we can’t delay it any longer since it points to the Cape Punters Cup on the 26th. The same goes for the Southeaster Sprint and the Need For Speed; they’ll stay at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.”

COUNTRY COURSE

- STAKEHOLDERS ASK WHY?

Track legacy issues, exacerbated by unprecedented rainfall, have thrown a curved ball into the works for Cape Racing as they build up via the 2023 Hollywoodbets Spring Country Festival into what is expected to be the biggest Summer festival of racing this century.

With the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth track undergoing improvements, the rustic country venue is being called upon to provide a platform into early November.

Despite hopes that Tuesday’s scheduled ninerace meeting would proceed without incident,

the programme was called off after the third race due to deteriorating unsafe underfoot conditions.

This after what was a sensible decision to abandon the Monday racemeeting, postponed from Saturday, rather than hammer the surface

Grant van Niekerk rode a pearler to get

Amethystic home ahead of a flying Aldo Domeyer and Strata |

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

with 19 races in a crisis situation, which has arisen mostly as a result of the heightened water table following heavy rains.

The Sporting Post reported on Monday that a dangerous wet patch the length of the track at the 600m had been identified as an issue after 47 year high rainfall figures recorded in the Cape.

While track management have been working tirelessly. digging trenches and building a channel to divert the underground stream, their efforts were not enough to see the meeting through.

Steady rain fell throughout Tuesday morning, and this created a slippery surface when combining with the clay soil.

The jockeys were reportedly concerned from the very first race and conditions did not improve with racing.

Some confused and angry punters contacted the Sporting Post and ‘questioned how a track that went from unraceable to good going in 24 hours, became unraceable again after three races.

The reality is that the track was not unraceable on Monday, but the decision to abandon it –already explained – was made in favour of the long scheduled Tuesday meeting.

The unanticipated rain on Tuesday morning did not help matters and all things are simple in hindsight – and yes, maybe the meeting should

have been abandoned in favour of sitting it out until Saturday. But explain that, without trying it!

Three maiden plates were run, with Grant van Niekerk riding a shrewd and confident race on Amethystic to win the opener for Paul Reeves and family.

Van Niekerk burgled the race from the front and boldly never drew his crop as Aldo Domeyer unleashed the faster-finishing Strata from out the pack.

Corne Orffer rode a cracker from a wide draw to win the second on Go Like Flo for Andre Nel. The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight took 12 runs to shed her maiden, and her future career in the Cape could be in the balance.

Domeyer received some compensation in the third after being given one to think about by Van Niekerk, when he got the overdue Rainbow Lorikeet to win at her fourth start. Candice Bass-Robinson saddled the winner.

A Bipot dividend was declared, but Place Accumulator bets were refunded.

With showers forecast only on Thursday, and partly cloudy weather in-between, there are ardent hopes that the Hollywoodbets Spring Country Festival ‘Braai & Gallop’ Festival on Saturday will go ahead as planned.

The festival offers a mix of Heritage Day celebrations and some cracking racing, headed by the Listed Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy.

MOTHER NATURE WREAKS HAVOC

– UNCOVERS CHINKS AT COUNTRY COURSE

With restaurants and cars being washed away in coastal towns as a result of spring tide storms and unpredented rainfall figures, it’s been a quite a few weeks of hectic weather for South Africa, and the Cape in particular.

The bottom line is that the Western Cape is the most disaster-prone province in South Africa, and is particularly vulnerable to climate change and the effects of climate-related hazards because of its coastal location, with rising sea temperatures expected to influence regional weather patterns.

The Western Cape government expects that the natural variability in the weather patterns of the

Western Cape is likely to intensify because of climate change, bringing both flooding and droughts.

And with racing fans asking questions as to why the postponed Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday racemeeting was not run on Monday, with good going and a pen reading of 22 at lunch-time, we approached Cape Racing for answers.

The simple answer is that with racing set to continue into November at the country course, as a result of extensive work at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, it was decided collectively with the input of track management and the jockeys,

that it would be sensible to not ‘assault’ the track’s identified weak patch, by having 19 races on two consecutive days.

The 600m patch has apparently been an issue with a rebuild of the track some seven years ago, and the bandage was nastily ripped off with the heavy rains in recent months.

Cape Racing’s Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post that although Cape Racing was privy to some of the historical ‘shortcomings’ of the Hollywoodbets Durbanville surface, the record levels of rainfall have well and truly exposed all the weak points inherited within the track.

“The track was renovated, redesigned and resurfaced approximately seven years ago. Since then, the course has performed very well, but if anything, it has been on the firm side. It is a course that drains very quickly and thus

dries out very quickly, leading to firmness on top. This season’s unprecedented rainfall has led to raising the water table to such high levels that new, never-before-seen areas of dampness on the track have arisen at approximately the 600-metre mark. This particular trouble area unfortunately runs the entire width of the track,” he said.

Vermaak confirmed that they believe that they have identified the source of the problem – an underground stream very deep below the surface, that has developed or gained in strength with the abundant rainfall.

He said that the digging of large trenches parallel to the track to redirect the stream’s flow and stop the water from flowing under the track had been implemented and they have secured engineers and consultants to evaluate and devise a permanent solution for the years ahead.

In addressing the current levels of rainfall and dealing with the waterlogging issue at the 600m mark, he added that Cape Racing has taken proactive steps, including postponing or canceling meetings as early as appropriately possible – thus minimizing inconvenience and expense to trainers, jockeys, grooms and owners.

He added that they were also working with the National Horseracing Authority to devise a false rail strategy to protect the problem strip as much as possible.

“Thus false rails could well be moved halfway through the meeting to redirect runners from one portion of the strip to the unraced portion.”

Vermaak continued that jockey involvement and communication throughout all decision

making processes was also important.

On the perennial debate of a possible polytrack, this has previously been vetoed as a potential solution by Cape Racing management as there are environmentally sensitive constraints on the inside of both Cape racecourses, and no space on the outside –and they don’t want to rip up the turf.

Statistics show that the number and spread of lost racemeetings this winter are unprecedented – in line with the rainfall.

For six of the past seventeen years, no Western Cape racemeetings were lost, and an average of two are lost every year. That hardly justifies a polytrack, even if climate change is likely to mean a gradual worsening of the stats in the decades to come.

Champagne Cocktail (JP van der Merwe) looks special

Credit: JC Photos

SIMPLY SPARKLING STUFF

Trainer Mike de Kock may have found his next stakes winner in Champagne Cocktail. The maestro trainer took the wraps off Mary Slack’s homebred filly at Turffontein this past weekend and the long-striding daughter of Silvano went on to create quite an impression with a powerful 7,50 length victory.

It may have been just a maiden, but it was a swashbuckling debut performance from the three-year-old, who just happens to be a full sister to her owner’s champion Sparkling Water.

De Kock rarely starts off a maiden’s career over 1700m, but as he explained: “She did not give us winning confidence over 1200 or 1400m. She doesn’t have the speed to or tactical pace of her sister, but she will go as far as you want her to.”

However, what she does have is a flawless temperament, unlike her famous sister, who could be ‘quite iffy’ according to Wilgerbosdrift Stud Manager Shane van Zyl. He foaled down both siblings and added:

“Champagne Cocktail was a sweetie pie from day one.”

Whilst De Kock was quick to point out that his promising newcomer has to prove herself in stronger company, he was nevertheless impressed with the filly, who behaved like an ‘old pro’ in the parade ring and on the track.

She is the fourth foal and winner out of Espumanti, who likewise raced in Mary’s colours. Sourced in Britain and also trained by De Kock, the daughter of Dansili would prove an inspired purchase, her tally of six wins including a brace of Gr2 victories. She showed up her male rivals in the Gr2 Betting World 1900 at Greyville, won the Gr2 Ipi Tombe

Sparkling Water wins the Hollywoodbets Durban July | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Challenge at Turffontein, was runner-up in the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes and also ran third in the Gr1 Empress Club Stakes.

Retired to her owner’s Wilgerbosdrift stud, Espumanti was quick to make an impact with her first foal, the filly Gin Fizz. Sired by ill-fated champion Soft Falling Rain, she scored four times and became a black type ‘bridesmaid’ so to speak, finishing second in all of the Gr2 Joburg Spring F&M Challenge, Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes, the Ruffian, and the Swallow Stakes.

Sparkling Water is Espumanti’s second foal and gave Mary a first Hollywoodbets Durban July success in a championship season which earned her an Equus award as the leading Female Stayer.

The sole female runner in the Hollywoodbets Durban July line-up, Sparkling Water showed the boys a clean pair of heels when she cruised to a three-length success over champions Jet Dark and Safe Passage. She had earlier captured both the Gr2 Western Cape Stayers and the Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes and had narrowly missed out on a first Gr1 success when beaten a head in the Premier’s Champions Challenge.

Espumanti’s legacy at Wilgerbosdrift looks assured, as all but one of her first five foals are fillies, the most recent of which a juvenile named Spumante Dolce sired by Silvano’s champion son Vercingetorix.

This year, Espumanti is booked to visit Gimmethegreenlight. The dual champion has also been selected as the first mate for Sparkling Water, who has joined both Espumanti and Gin Fizz in the Wilgerbosdrift paddocks.

The latter’s first foal is a yearling colt by Danon Platina, and she has a Hawwaam foal at foot, “a stunning colt”, according to Shane. On the strength of that, she has returned to the Shadwell-raced champion, yet another son of Silvano. Clearly, the late Maine Chance linchpin is proving to be a perfect foil for Espumanti.

For now, Champagne Cocktail will aim to build on her scintillating debut win. That she has a long way to go to match the achievements of her dam and own sister goes without staying, nevertheless, should she continue in similar vein, her main objectives could well be the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic and the Gr2 SA Oaks.

Like her late parents Harry and Bridget Oppenheimer, Mary places a high value on the Oaks, a race close to her heart and one that she has sponsored since 2005 and won twice, most recently with None Other.

Looking at the future, it would be entirely fitting if Champagne Cocktail lines up for the 2024 renewal and manages to go one better than Sparkling Water, who chased home War Of Athena in the 2021 Oaks.

INSPECTOR WYLIE’S IMPRESSED!

Bloodstock consultant Ric Wylie inspected 240 horses earmarked by various stud farms for the Cape Racing Premier Yearling Sale on Thursday, 25 January 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), which will be powered by Tattersalls, Europe’s leading bloodstock auctioneers, for the second consecutive year.

Now in his third year as a yearling inspector in the Western Cape, his services are especially sought in his home country of Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Wylie also manages several portfolios of New Zealand horses nurtured through racing careers in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Wylie and fellow inspector Karl Neisius looked

at horses on stud farms in the greater Western Cape area, and he reported an ‘exuberant optimism’ among breeders. He opined this starkly contrasted the sombre moods that prevailed over most of the last decade.

Wylie quipped: “This is not purely due to the Springboks’ exploits on the rugby fields. I call it the Greg Bortz Effect. He has undoubtedly generated positive energy all around. There is genuine appreciation for his shake-up of the industry and business approach.

Wylie noted that the young thoroughbreds inspected were high quality across the board. “I must say, Karl was a good inspection partner. He has an eye for horses, and it’s no surprise he was a champion jockey for so long. There were numerically more horses to look at, and we agreed that the quality was notably stronger. We saw some fantastic candidates at fabulous stud farms. The beauty of the region

Ric Wylie – very impressed by the mood | Credit: Supplied

never fails to impress me. Varsfontein Stud is one to mention, a truly superb place to visit.

“The top stallions are again well represented, from Gimmethegreenlight to Vercingetorix, Rafeef and Querari, the usual outstanding foals. Among the new sires, I was impressed by the offspring of the new Silvano stallion, Hawwaam. I didn’t know much about him; I just saw his yearlings walking by, and they were eyecatching. I think Wilgerbosdrift can

look forward to offering them at the auction.”

Justin Vermaak, Racing & Bloodstock Executive for Cape Racing, commented: “The increased numbers and improved quality and depth witnessed by our inspectors have come in response to our 2023 Premier Sale, where foundations were laid for the future of bloodstock sales in the Western Cape. We now have the difficult task of narrowing the entries to a final select group of around 130 horses.”

Cape Racing Sales | Credit: Supplied

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.

Service Fee: R 20 000 Live foal Enquiries and Booking: Mike McHardy (083 447 5315)

advertorial

Tony Peter – anxious times |

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

PETER PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES CONFIRMED

Following the Press Release on 4 August 2023, concerning Out of Competition (OOC) specimen collection that took place at Randjesfontein Training Centre and Turffontein Racecourse on 24 July 2023, the NHA confirms that the respective parties associated with AXEL COLLINS and YOURE MY SUNSHINE exercised their rights in terms of the Rules and requested that the respective reference specimens be sent to a Laboratory for confirmatory analysis.

As a result of a lack of consensus pertaining to the selection of a single confirmatory laboratory, the Chief Executive, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 75.7, nominated the Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory to conduct the confirmatory analysis on the said specimens.

In terms of the Rules, the reference specimens were dispatched to the nominated confirmatory laboratory on 21 August 2023, and this process was witnessed by Trainer Mr A P Peter, his legal representative and other parties.

On 25 August 2023, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory confirmed having

received the reference specimens. The NHA received written confirmation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory on Wednesday, 13 September 2023, that the specimens taken from AXEL COLLINS and YOURE MY SUNSHINE were analysed and the presence of the prohibited substance, Lidocaine was found to be present, unequivocally confirming the initial findings of The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa’s Laboratory.

An Inquiry will be held regarding this matter on a date to be confirmed.

• Media release by NHA on Thursday 14 September 2023.

Tony Peter seen at the Cape Premier Sale | Credit: Wayne Marks

DEFENDING TONY PETER : LET’S BE FAIR T

he National Horseracing Authority’s media release of 14 September 2023 regarding the Tony Peter lidocaine positives has evoked a wave of reaction on our media platforms.

The Sporting Post Mailbag has received an open letter from Bronson Nassif of Johannesburg South.

The purpose of this open letter is to put forward to you, the racing public, my personal opinion and knowledge on the current situation regarding trainer Tony Peter.

I find it totally unacceptable and unfair to be singling out one trainer, a young man (28) who had his first runner on the 5 January 2023 for prohibited substances labelling it ‘DOPING’, when in fact the medicines used by many if not all trainers/vets, worldwide are perfectly legal when administered properly.

I think that the NHA should have been given time to conduct and conclude their investigation, like they do in almost all cases, and get a verdict before any bombshell news had been dropped. In most cases these transgressions by trainers are unsensationalised posts that very few even get to read.

Why has the NHA , the media and everyone else sensationalized a reporting error on Tony’s Vet’s part, and yet the other 20+ cases already found guilty by the NHA , have not even reported on by the media, let alone sensationalised in the manner of this case?

Something is very, very wrong over here. People need to stop thinking like sheep (or hounds baying for blood).

Their collective “moral outrage” needs to be directed where it belongs!

I can name a very long list of trainers that have been charged with prohibited substances in the last racing season and the current one.

Tony’s vast improvement of certain horses from Cape Town and his fantastic statistics are not going down well with certain trainers as they are getting shown up by a younger more hardworking trainer. Is there a personal vendetta against Mr Peter, fuelled by other regional sectors of the industry?

Why not get your biggest owner to shout from the rooftops about this particular so called ‘doping scandal’ which is no different to any other transgression we have seen in the past. I for one thought that the NHA doesn’t get influenced by Racing Operators and is an independent policing/governing body for horse racing in South Africa. As the racing public I think we need some clarification on that particular matter.

The name calling, shaming, and the verbal abuse of Mr Peter and his family by some of Sporting Post readers is totally unacceptable and uncalled for. The persecution is unwarranted.

In conclusion, I suggest we let this situation take its course and wait for the final verdict from the NHA and then let us have our say on the matter once we find out how severe the transgression is.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this letter are solely the writer’s, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Sporting Post or any associated entities.

Ed – It is worth noting that the NHA changed their policy with regards to issuing press releases on prohibited substance matters with effect from 1 August 2023. This was published on the www.sportingpost.co.za website on Friday 15 September 2023.

The Sporting Post rejects any suggestion of sensationalizing any matter, more those regarding positives. We, like many fans who engage on this site, love horses and earn our living from the sport. News of this nature, and the associated noise, can be hurtful and damaging, beyond the confines of our community.

There was an unprecedented reaction to the NHA /Peters release on social media on Thursday evening from our readers on both ‘sides’ of the current debate. We issued a request on the thread that respect be shown to all individuals and that logic, science and justice be allowed to take its course.

We do not condone ‘verbal abuse’ by anybody. Our website comments are moderated, and while Facebook exchanges can get heated, we do monitor them.

We offered the Peter family an opportunity on Monday to have their say, and this offer was declined. We respect their decision.

NIRVAN’S BIG DAY!

Riding a career first winner on his mother’s birthday means that Wednesday 13 September 2023 will forever be etched in the memory of 18-year-old Mauritiusborn apprentice, Nirvan Nastili.

Showing maturity and confidence that belied his youth, Nirvan steered the Flower Alley gelding Iron Bark to an eighth victory for trainer Gareth van Zyl at Hollywoodbets Greyville on a day that had his family, and legion of supporters on the Indian Ocean Island, glued to their television sets.

From his childhood days hanging over the wall and watching the action around the Champ de Mars in Port Louis, while following the fortunes of the island’s now Hong Kong-based ‘Mauritian Magician’ Karis Teetan, Nirvan celebrated the first chapter of a fairytale lifelong

ambition and dream scripted at the Durban City track last Wednesday in what was a low-key midweek affair.

“I have tried a few 4kg claimers and this was impressive. Nirvan listened to instructions and kept Iron Bark beautifully balanced. Congratulations to him, and it’s extra special in view of the fact that it’s his Mum’s birthday,” added a delighted trainer Gareth van Zyl.

In his heavily accented English, Nirvan seemed almost bewildered that the Sporting Post had contacted him.

The facial expression says it all! Nirvan Nastili celebrates on Iron Bark | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

“I think it’s natural that this win is very important to me! I am so happy that I could give Mum this moment as a gift. My father and brother are so proud, and my friends have been very supportive through my career thus far. My parents taught me the values of life and clothed, educated and fed me. They made the dream a reality for me. This is my way of showing my appreciation and repaying them for the love and commitment. I hope I can give them many more moments to be proud,” the happy apprentice told the Sporting Post.

Growing up 5km north east of the capital Port Louis in the small village of Terre Rouge in the Pamplemousses District, Nirvan was introduced to racing from a young age – his family have their roots in the horseracing crazy island as owners.

After completing courses in Mauritius and working for a year as a Groom in Verdun, the London College graduate has been based at the internationally respected SA Jockey Academy for a year and half and says that he has been enjoying the journey thus far. “There are so many great jockeys to have been trained at this institution – from long before I

“I wanted to become a jockey because I have always loved horses. My father was not allowed to become a jockey because my grandparents were concerned that the sport was too dangerous,”.

Nirvan poses with his memorable first winner, Iron Bark | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

was born. It’s an honour and a privilege to be here and I have made many good friends. And even though I do miss my village from time to time, South Africa is a beautiful hospitable country and it has become my second home.”

A clearly focused Nirvan has his future vision set on big goals, “I would like to ride many winners in the future so that I can travel as an apprentice. I will be working hard for the championship and I dream of riding in Hong Kong one day. I’d like to do my best like Karis Teetan, Keagan de Melo and Serino

Moodley. Mauritian jockey Rai Joorawon is also another rider I look up to. These top sportsmen make me love racing even more.”

Nastili ended our chat by thanking Gareth van Zyl and the owners of Iron Bark, Mr and Mrs Palmer for the opportunity.

As a parting shot, he says that he is hoping to secure a sponsor soon. Hint, hint!

KIESWETTER’S IRELAND GR3 SUCCESS

The Kieswetter family’s Barnane Stud enjoyed a magical Monday when Ridgemont’s County Tipperary sister farm celebrated the Frankel filly Maxux’ eyecatching victory in the Gr3 Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes at Fairyhouse.

Leading home a Joseph O’Brien exacta in the 1800m feature, the well-related Barnane Studbred Maxux ran right away from her fancied stablemate American Sonja to register a four and a quarter length victory and stamp herself a very valuable prospect in the process.

This was Maxux’ second victory from four starts, after an equally impressive debut win. She is owned by former Real Madrid footballer Alvaro Odriozola, who is now plying his trade at fellow Spanish club Real Sociedad.

Barnane Stud bred Maxux – now a Gr3 winner! | Credit: Supplied

“Jockey Mikey (Sheehy) said they went a good gallop and it suited her. When she switches off early she seems to come home very well. It was nice to see her get her head back in front today and she won with plenty in hand. She’s very valuable now and it’s good for Alvaro as well, he’s a good owner to have,” said O’Brien’s assistant Sean Corby.

Ridgemont’s Craig Kieswetter was elated.

“We are delighted and have always thought highly of Maxux. This victory with a step up in class endorses the status of the pedigree and strengthens her mother’s page. We are also thrilled to have her half-brother yearling colt by Dark Angel, and her Camelot half-sister weanling, at Barnane. Well done to the team and congratulations to Joseph (O’Brien) and Alvaro (Odriozola).”

The daughter of Frankel is a sister to Cunco, the Gr3 winner who had the distinction of being the first of the champion’s progeny to make the racecourse.Maxux is kin to a yearling colt by Dark Angel and a weanling filly by Camelot.

Maxux is the sixth of eight foals – four have won - out of dual Group 3-winning Gr1 Pretty Polly Stakes third-placer Chrysanthemum, a half-sister to Listed Prix de la Calonne runnerup Spoken To Me (Dylan Thomas). Descendants of the February-foaled chestnut’s third dam, the Gr3 Princess Margaret Stakes winner Saintly Speech (Southern Halo), include three-time Gr1 heroine Highfield Princess(Night Of Thunder ) and Gr2 July Stakes victor and Gr1 Middle Park Stakes placer Cardsharp (Lonhro).

THROUGH GOD’S WINDOW

Drakenstein Stud have just come off a phenomenal season in which they were champion breeders and champion owners and had a record 20 stakes winners of 35 races and they are now building up a presence in British racing through their overseas breeding operation Cayton Park Stud.

Cayton Park Stud Ltd’s director is Gaynor Rupert, who is of course the owner of Drakenstein Stud.

On Saturday they ran the first-timer Dubawi colt God’s Window in a maiden for two-year-olds over the straight mile course at Doncaster.

He started joint favourite with two other horses in the ten horse field.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained colt was eased back by Kieran Shoemark from a low draw in order to slot in towards the rear of the field, which stuck to the centre of the course.

Shoemark produced him down the inside as they approached the two furlong pole. God’s Window stayed on strongly

under a hands and heels ride to win cosily.

Doncaster is a major racecourse and maiden races at such courses are contested by those who are thought to be above average.

Otherwise, they would be transported to lesser courses in order to subsequently start off in handicaps off lower marks. So this was a most promising performance.

God’s Window duly holds an entry in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy Stakes to be run over the same course and distance on October 28. This race, formerly known as The Racing Post Trophy, is one of the biggest pointers to the following season’s classics.

God’s Window is well named being out of a Nathaniel mare called Perfect Clarity.

Gaynor Rupert – smart UK debut winner on Saturday

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The iconic Mpumalanga landmark God’s Window commands a panoramic view of the Lowveld 900 metres below and provides a particularly stunning sight on a clear day.

God’s Window is the second Cayton Park Studbred homebred to win in eyecatching style on debut on a major racecourse in the UK in the last couple of months.

On July 27 their homebred Teofilo filly Clifton Bay, who is trained by Andrew Balding and was ridden by William Carver, won by 2,50 lengths on debut over seven furlongs in soft going at Newbury.

She was ignored in the betting and started at 16/1.

However, she came home in impressive fashion on the outside rail in the Maiden Fillies Stakes.

She is out of the South African-bred Grade 1 winner Same Jurisdiction.

Same Jurisdiction is from the first crop of Mambo In Seattle and was out of the lightly raced one-time winning Captain Al mare, Diana De Carlo.

Same Jurisdiction was bred by Klawervlei Stud (and pinhooked by Duncan Barry and

John Gatt for R25 000 at the 2012 Cape Mare & Weanling Sale) before being purchased by Howells Racing for R270 000 on the 2013 KZN Yearling Sale. She was trained by Duncan Howells and raced in the interests of Messrs I.F.M. van Schalkwyk, D.C. Howells, L.C. Vermaak, Dr R.H. Katzwinkel and Mrs M.A.M. Powell before Drakenstein Stud Farm purchased an interest at the end of her 2yo racing season. After finishing second to Smart Call in the 2016 Gr1 Majorca Stakes, Drakenstein Stud bought out the remaining partners and decided to campaign the filly in the U.K.

Her best performance in six starts in Britain and Ireland, trained by Ed Dunlop, was a fourth place finish in a Group 3 over seven furlongs at Doncaster and a second place in a Conditions Stakes event over seven furlongs at Leicester.

Same Jurisdiction’s first foal, an 85-rated filly by Nathaniel called Grand Providence, also trained by Balding and running in the Drakenstein colours, has won twice and never been furter back than third in seven starts.

It will be interesting to see whether either Clifton Bay or Grand Providence one day stand at Drakenstein Stud.

• www.goldcircle.co.za

ST LEGER WINNER’S CLASSIC CONNECTIONS

When his son Continuous claimed Saturday’s Gr1 Betfred St Leger, the late Heart’s Cry became the second son of the legendary Sunday Silence to supply a British classic winner this year.

Heart’s Cry, who ironically beat Deep Impact in the 2005 Arima Kinen, was preceded by another late Sunday Silence horse, Deep Impact, whose son Auguste Rodin won the 2023 Gr1 Betfred Derby.

Sunday Silence’s international success this past weekend was not restricted to Britain. Karakontie, who is out of the Sunday Silence mare Sun Is Up, is the sire of Saturday’s Gr1 Natalma Stakes winner She Feels Pretty.

Continuous and Auguste Rodin were both produced by daughters of Galileo, with Continuous out of the late Coolmore giant’s daughter Fluff and Auguste Rodin produced by Galileo’s triple Gr1 winning daughter Rhododendron.

This is not the first time that a Sunday Silence horse has enjoyed success in the British classics, with Divine Light sire of 2008 1000 Guineas winner Natagora. Deep Impact had previously had British classic success with son Saxon Warrior (Qipco 2000 Guineas) and daughter Snowfall (Cazoo Oaks). Both Saxon Warrior and Snowfall are out of mares by Galileo.

Heart’s Cry, who spent his stud career largely in the shadow of his dominant paternal halfbrother Deep Impact, was one of Sunday Silence’s very best sire sons and made his mark with big race winners the world over.

Sunday Silence

Credit: Supplied

Winner of five races, including the Gr1 Dubai Sheema Classic and runner up in the 2005 Gr1 Japan Cup, Heart’s Cry has been responsible for 63 stakes winners, including international stars Yoshida (Gr1 Woodward Stakes, Gr1 Turf Classic), Lys Gracieux (Gr1 Cox Plate) and Admire Rakti (Gr1 Caulfield Cup).

He is also the sire of Just A Way, who handed South African champion and subsequent top sire Vercingetorix a six and a quarter length thrashing when he won the 2014 Gr1 Dubai Duty Free, while Heart’s Cry’s other notable performers include champion Do Deuce, and Japan Cup winners Suave Richard and Cheval Grand.

While Continuous may owe plenty to his late sire, he also hails from a female line which has consistently produced classic winners and high-class gallopers the world over.

Directly descended in female line from Irish Oaks winner Djebellica, Continuous’s own dam Fluff is a full-sister to Irish champion Maybe, winner of four black type races including the Gr1 Moyglare Stud Stakes and dam of Saxon

Warrior, Gr3 Silver Flash Stakes winner Promise To Be True and Gr2 Queen’s Vase runner up Barbados.

Fluff’s dam Sumora is a stakes winning Danehill three-parts sister to dual Oaks winner Dancing Rain (Danehill Dancer), with Sumora’s own dam Rain Flower a three-parts sister to Epsom Derby winner Dr Devious.

Rain Flower in turn is out of the outstanding broodmare Rose Of Jericho, dam of not only Dr Devious but also top-class sprinter Archway and Gr3 winner Royal Court and high-class Japanese stakes winner Shinko King.

Rose Of Jericho’s half-sister Rose Linnet ended up in South Africa, and she ranks as the granddam of Gr3 Tony Ruffel Stakes runner up Rose Window, and Sea Cottage Stakes second Nyakatho.

This is also the family of Australian champion and high-class sire Pierro (Lonhro), champion filly Princesse Lida (Nijinsky II), star miler Markofdistinction (Known Fact) and 1000 Guineas winner Las Meninas (Glenstal).

Continuous wins the Betfred St Leger | Credit: Doncaster Racecourse

STALLIONS 2023

CANFORD CLIFFS R20,000 (LIVE FOAL)

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)

REAL GONE KID

FEE ON APPLICATION

TRADITION OF CHAMPIONS

ARC ON RADAR FOR O’BRIEN ST LEGER WINNER

Ryan Moor drives Continuous to victory | Credit: Racing TV

Continuous added to Aidan O’Brien’s Classic haul with a clinical triumph in the Gr1 Betfred St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday, with the master trainer not discounting a trip to Paris for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in just 15 days’ time.

On a day when a first Classic winner in the royal silks since 1977 was a real possibility, it was racing royalty that came to the fore as O’Brien won the showpiece event for the seventh time with the 3-1 second-favourite striking in the hands of Ryan Moore.

The Ballydoyle runner had marked himself out as a prime contender for the final Classic of the season with victory in the Great Voltigeur at York and franked that form in supreme style on Town Moor.

With stablemate Denmark setting the pace from Gregory, Moore was at pains to bide his time aboard Continuous alongside Desert Hero towards the rear of midfield.

But on turning for home Continuous showed his class up the long, stamina-sapping Doncaster straight, working his way to the front two furlongs from home and surging clear to register a two-and-three-quarter-length success over 11-4 favourite Arrest, who was ridden by Frankie Dettori in his final Classic.

Desert Hero ran with huge credit in third for the King and Queen, who were on course to watch the William Haggas-trained colt. O’Brien said:

“He got the distance very well in York and we were not sure about the distance, but he has got it well again. There are a lot of possibilities and it will be down to the lads, the Arc is in two weeks and is a possibility, but we’ll talk to Ryan and see what they want to do.”

“He’s a lot of class this horse this horse and he does stay, and he does handle soft ground. There is every chance he could, he’s a hardy horse and he could back up in two weeks. The lads will decide that, but I would say there is a chance.”

He added: “It’s so special that the King and Queen were here, you could see the buzz around the parade ring and the passion from the crowd. Frankie is another who is special, he has been unbelievable.

He’s beaten us in so many races I cannot tell you and I can’t wait until he retires! He’s the most unbelievable rider we’ve ever seen and a great fellow too, a very kind man, he always wants good for everybody, there’s no side to Frankie.”

“He’s always worked very hard all his career and he always does his best. It’s not like when he retires he’s not going to go racing, but he’s always been great friends with us. He’s ridden a lot of big winners for us but he’s beaten us more than he’s won for us! He used to ride out at Ballydoyle and I always remember him riding Australia when he was a two-year-old and he told us in the March I think it was that he was going to be very special.”

Winning his third Leger, Moore said he was always happy with the way Continuous was travelling: “Over these trips you want the horse to be taking you and I knew a long way out he was going well.”

FREE STABLING AT DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL

Dubai Racing Club has announced more details about the forthcoming Dubai Racing Carnival, at which free stabling will be offered for overseas runners in the International Quarantine Stables.

The ‘new look’ Carnival encompasses 14 meetings at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, beginning on Friday, November 10th and running until Friday, March 8th. Stabling in Dubai Racing Club’s International Quarantine Stables will be free for participants travelling horses from overseas. Further incentives, including travel, will be decided by a special committee on a horse-by-horse basis. Stable staff staying in the quarantine facilities can do so for a fee of AED1000 per month (US$272).

These incentives are in addition to the new Dubai World Cup Bonus Race

Scheme – nine races guaranteeing starting places at the Dubai World Cup meeting, with bonuses of more than $4million. The bonus – 10 per cent of the prize money for the corresponding race on the Dubai World Cup card – will be paid if the horse wins both races.

Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club, commented: “We’re really excited about our new-look season. The new programme is aimed at encouraging owners and trainers to base their horses here throughout the winter, allowing them to make use of our five-star facilities and wonderful climate.”

The Dubai Racing Carnival precedes the $30.5million Dubai World Cup meeting, which takes place on Saturday, 30th March 2024.

Ascot’s

Champions Day on 21 October is the final day of the flat season for the jockey’s title, and defending champion William Buick looks to have retained his crown.

Following his double at Thirsk on Monday, he has increased his lead over his nearest pursuer Tom Marquand to 22 winners.

Buick leads the jockey’s log with 122 wins from Marquand on 90 and Oisin Murphy is in third position with 80.

Willaim Buick is retained by Godolphin whose principal trainer Charlie Appleby has struggled to defend his UK trainer’s title this season.

Although he has saddled 76 winners to date, Group 1 success has proved elusive with only Modern Games in the Lockinge doing the business. Currently in 10th position with earnings of £2,124,577, Appleby trails the John & Thady Gosden stable who lead with £5,961,490 in stakes.

The father and son team have recorded 91 wins this season, including the Oaks with Soul Sister and the Juddmonte International with the Shadwell owned Mostahdaf.

The Clarehaven yard lead the trainer’s log with Irish raider, Aidan O’Brien currently in second place, just over a half million pounds behind.

The master of Ballydoyle has narrowed the gap at the top thanks in part to the success of Continuous in the Betfred St Leger on Saturday.

O’Brien has amassed £5.4m in earnings in the UK for his Coolmore owners with 19 wins from a mere 96 runners. An amazing strike rate in the Group 1’s including Auguste Rodin at Epsom, and Paddington at Royal Ascot, the Eclipse, and the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Andrew Balding is enjoying another fine season, successful in the 2,000 Guineas with Chaldean, and occupies third position with £3,722,725, a quarter of a million pounds clear of William Haggas in fourth.

The trainers title, determined by stakes, ends on New Year’s Eve so the Gosden’s are likely to have runners all the way past Christmas to ensure they win their first UK flat Trainers title as father and son.

The Gosden’s will be looking over their shoulders over the next month or so as O’Brien has plenty of ammunition in the season’s remaining Group 1’s, with huge prize money on offer.

City Of Troy, Henry Longfellow and River Tiber are just three of the 24 juveniles Ballydoyle have nominated for the various autumn juvenile Group 1’s, whilst Kyprios, who ran a great second on his belated seasonal debut in the Irish St Leger, looks to be targeted at the Long-Distance Cup at Ascot.

Add to that the participation of top threeyear-old Paddington in the QE2 Cup, where the winner collects over £730,000, and this season’s trainer’s title is still very much up for grabs.

Hugh Bowman celebrates a three-timer | Credit: HKJC

BOWMAN, PURTON AND FERRARIS LEAD CHARGE

Hugh Bowman continued an impressive start to the 2023/24 season with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday as Angus Chung, Ellis Wong and Jerry Chau figured strongly to underline the potential of Hong Kong’s home-grown jockey pool.

Hugh Bowman continued an impressive start to the 2023/24 season with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday as Angus Chung, Ellis Wong and Jerry Chau figured strongly to underline the potential of Hong Kong’s home-grown jockey pool.

Bowman boosted his tally to six wins for the season to lead six-time champion Zac Purton (four) and Luke Ferraris (three) after slotting a winning treble, a second, two thirds, a fourth and a fifth from eight rides.

“I had some nice rides. I thought all eight could run first-four and that’s what happened with the exception of Lean Hero – I’m very proud of all their efforts,” Bowman said. “I’m thankful for the support, it’s been a good start to the season. I’m fit and healthy and well and I’m hoping I can keep the motivation going.”

Bowman saluted on Ricky Yiu’s Sure Joyful, Manfred Man-trained

Chiu Chow Brother and closed the meeting on Superb Boy –an achievement which shunted Francis Lui to the head of the trainers’ championship with his fourth win of the campaign to lead Manfred Man, Caspar Fownes and Danny Shum, who all have three victories so far.

Bowman’s spree came as Chung, 27, made the most of his 7lb allowance to snare a race-to-race double on Pierre Ng’s I Give and Dennis Yip’s Super Winner after Chau had triumphed aboard Chris So-trained Pakistan Friend.

Wong, 22, set the tone as Kurpany upstaged short-priced favourite Dream Winner to clinch the Class 2 Causeway Bay Handicap (1000m) before Jerry Chau joined a winning fray as nine-year-old Pakistan Friend, a Hong Kong International Sale graduate, reeled off his third victory in a row. Chung was delighted after converting six rides into a brace.

“It’s been a good day and I had some very good rides. The horses are fit and strong at the beginning of the season, so they deserve to win. I try to ride as well as I can, talk to the trainers and owners and try to get more good rides,” Chung said.

Wong, 22, engineered an upset triumph by leading throughout on Caspar Fownes-trained Kurpany, clocking 56.07s as 1.3 favourite Dream Winner finished fifth of five runners under Vincent Ho. He cleverly exploited his 10lb allowance as Kurpany (123lb) downed Whizz Kid (129lb) and Carroll Street (124lb), blazing from the 800m to the 400m in 20.75s to have all his rivals under pressure before surviving a late charge from Whizz Kid to prevail by a head, to the obvious delight of fourtime Hong Kong champion trainer Fownes.

“I’m very happy because it’s my first Class 2 winner and especially because I won it for my boss (Fownes),” Wong said. “I jumped easy and let the horse do it himself. He gave me such a strong finish.

Kurpany once reached a career-high mark of 110 and contested the 2022 G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) but had been winless since January, 2022 after suffering a variety of ailments.

“He’s a fit horse and the kid (Wong) did a good job, so it’s just nice to get a winner,” Fownes said.

“I got him in the bottom of Class 3 and took him all the way up to well into the 100s (ratings) and like anything in Hong Kong, they get to a mark and then they start to come back down.

He’s come back down, and he’s summered well. He’s had quite a few problems and we’ve had to get him over that, which is always hard work to bring a horse back from injuries.”

Luke Ferraris attributed his strong start to the season to improved weight and stronger support from trainers and owners after the South African partnered Fownes-trained Killer Instinct to victory in the Class 4 Tung Wah

Ellis Wong notches his most important Hong Kong winner | Credit: HKJC

Group Of Hospitals Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m, dirt).

“My weight is a bit better this season and the support has been better, too,” said Ferraris, who rode briefly in Australia during the offseason. I’ve had better rides and I’ve been able to capitalise on that. Riding in Australia and seeing what a great facility the Lindsay Park stables are was also a great experience.”

Manfred Man-trained Self Improvement claimed the first HK$1.5 million PP Bonus of the season when the Deep Field gelding won the Class 3 Tai Hang Handicap (1200m, dirt) under Purton. Man then combined with Bowman to continue the Australian’s bright start to the season

with Chiu Chow Brother, who notched a third Class 5 victory over 1400m.

Chris So lauded Chau’s effort to trial Pakistan Friend at Conghua before the evergreen veteran landed the Class 4 Wan Chai Handicap (1600m).

“The old man, he’s so good. His trials in Conghua were really nice. Jerry went up to Conghua and asked if I had any trials. I said ‘this one’. He trialled really nicely even at 1000m, he finished very strong,” So said after registering his opening win of the season before David Hayes combined with Karis Teetan and Lucky Encounter.

Angus Chung posts a double | Credit: HKJC

BREEDERS

SIRES

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