SP SPRINT - WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER 2023

Wednesday 11 October 2023

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CONTENTS

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DEFENDERS OF THE REALM – THE SEASON HOTS UP! 06 No Gimme For Charles

It was closer than they would have liked

13 Setting New Standards

Drakenstein stallion heads for the Karoo

27 Tony Peter Saga

Why are NHA stonewalling?

106 Frankie’s 500!

Newmarket milestone for legend

117 Lips Will Be Missed

A racing and music man passes on

On the cover

Kabelo Matsunyane steers Main Defender to a superb win in the Betway Gr2 Spring Challenge at Turffontein on Saturday. The image is courtesy of JC Photos.

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KANNEMEYER TURNS UP HEAT

BUT NO STOPPING CHARLES! Charles Dickens (Aldo Domeyer) and Gimme A Prince (Craig Zackey) go head to head as After The Rain trails in their wake | Credit: Chase Liebenberg 6 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

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Drakenstein champion Charles Dickens made a winning start to his 4yo season at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, but also received a timeous reminder that there won’t be any easy pickings in the heat of the summer season that lies ahead.

Returning from a rest of over three months since registering his second career Gr1 victory in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, Equus champion Charles Dickens was deep in the red to win the R300 000 Hollywoodbets Gr3 Matchem Stakes and delivered – but probably not quite in the fashion that his supporters may have anticipated.

In a race where all, bar two, of the field of seven were returning from breaks, there was always a chance that there could be a curved ball, and that came in the shape of Dean Kannemeyer’s dual Gr1 winning sprint star, Gimme A Prince.

With Charles Dickens looking to go on and win his race, Craig Zackey unleashed Gimme A Prince (5-1) and the Kannemeyer star gained rapidly, with Charles Dickens lugging in slightly and joining him in the dash for the line.

Charles Dickens got the verdict by 0,30 lengths in a time of 84,63 secs.

While Aldo Domeyer said that he always felt that he held the upper-hand, Craig Zackey, who rode runner-up Gimme A Prince, said that his

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mount had not had the advantage of a gallop – as Charles Dickens enjoyed 17 days previously – and that he was looking forward to a possible return match.

Kannemeyer has indicated that he may have the L’Ormarins King’s Plate on the radar for Gimme A Prince. So some interesting prospects for the months ahead!

The Bass-Robinson stable enjoyed a happy afternoon at the country course, winning four races and repeating their feature double of 2022, where Santa Maria and subsequent Gr1 hero Trip Of Fortune grabbed the honours – the latter in the boardroom after interference from Vaughan Marshall’s Silver Operator.

Now a winner of 9 races with 2 places from 11 starts for stakes of R3 875 313, Charles Dickens is a Drakenstein home-bred son of past SA Champion sire Trippi (End Sweep) out of the five-times stakes winner Demanding Lady (Dynasty), who scored up to 2200m.

Charles Dickens is currently ante-post favourite for the WSB Cape Town Met.

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DRAKENSTEIN HOSTESS SERVES IT HOT!

A promising 3yo last season, Golden Hostess finally converted her talent into a graded stakes success when she ran on powerfully under Aldo Domeyer to win the R200 000 Gr3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes at a windy Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.

Aldo Domeyer has Golden Hostess in control to register her maiden stakes success | Credit: Chase Liebenberg 10 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

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Running fresh over her favourite trip, the Drakenstein bred and owned Golden Hostess (5-4) moved strongly through the small field and then ran on best to thwart a belated challenge up the outside by Happy Chance (11-20), who rattled through from last.

At the line, the Candice Bass-Robinsontrained Golden Hostess had 3,25 lengths to spare and clocked a time of 85,99 secs.

Having her first run in the Cape, former Ashley Fortune charge Cala Muretta (6-1) was a further half length back in third.

Now a winner of 4 races with 8 places from 14 starts, Golden Hostess took her stakes earnings to R638 938 and is a very wellrelated Drakenstein home-bred daughter of the recently relocated Trippi stallion Gold Standard out of the US bred French Deputy mare, Hosta – a half sister to US Gr1 winner, Colstar.

Drakenstein Stud and the Gold Standard shareholders recently announced that the son of champion sire Trippi would be given a new opportunity at Colin Birch’s historic Vogel Vlei Stud in the Karoo.

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Gold Standard at Drakenstein Credit: Drakenstein Stud

VOGEL VLEI - SETTING A NEW STANDARD

The much deserved victory of Golden Hostess in last weekend’s Hollywoodbets Gr3 Diana Stakes was cause for celebration, not just for her owner/breeder Drakenstein Stud, but also for young Karoo breeder Colin Birch.

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Twice Gr1-placed at three when third in both the Majorca Stakes and SA Fillies Sprint, the four-year-old’s overdue maiden stakes success was timed to perfection, as it came barely a week after her sire Gold Standard had made the move to his new home, historic Vogel Vlei Stud.

“Gold Standard arrived in good shape and has settled in smoothly,” Colin remarked. “We are excited by his presence in the Birch stallion barn, and in the greater Karoo in general.”

The Gr2 winning son of Trippi spent his first four seasons at Drakenstein, but with a Gr1 win missing from his resume (he did run second in the Gr1 Cape Guineas and fourth in the Gr1 Met), it was always a given that the handsome bay would battle to grab the imagination of Western Cape breeders, who, to be honest,

can pick and choose from the most powerful band of stallions in the country.

Yet, despite not having access to a galaxy of star broodmares, Gold Standard has made the most of his early opportunities.

Golden Hostess joins Listed Jamaica Handicap victress Gold Poker Game as the second stakes winner to emerge from his first crop, which also includes Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas third Hold My Hand.

Remarkably, all are fillies, as is Irridescence Stakes runner-up Royals, who hails from his second crop, which are now three. His best male runner to date is three-time winner Star Coin, who just missed out on small black type when fourth in the Listed Secretariat Stakes.

Gold Standard settles into his new Karoo home | Credit: Supplied

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Notwithstanding this promising start to his stallion career, support for Gold Standard has dwindled and in order to give him more opportunity, he was offered to Colin, who didn’t hesitate to stand the horse.

The Diana result has fully vindicated that decision and prompted Colin to remark: “Golden Hostess won the Diana very impressively indeed and even bigger things

could come this season for the filly. It’s wonderful timing for Gold Standard, and we are confident he will continue to produce top class progeny going forward. He’s a very good looking stallion and has produced smart looking foals that have shown they can run!”

Within days of arriving at Vogel Vlei, Gold Standard was firing on all cylinders and according to Colin “covers like a bomb”.

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He added: “We are sending him some of our better mares and just a couple of days ago he covered Seven Veils, the dam of Gr2 winner Sniper Shot. Another is Off To Dance, who is a half-sister to Captain Al. Her colt Emblem Of War ran a close second on debut last week for the Azzie yard and looks very promising too!”

Gold Standard’s appeal has not gone unnoticed amongst Karoo breeders and the first outside mare he served was Fort Wood’s daughter Liberty Star, the dam of Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes runner-up Liberty Hall.

As befits a R750 000 yearling, Gold Standard

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is an imposing, rangy individual and boasts a splendid female line, being out of Olympic Dam, a daughter of Horse of the Year and crack sire Model Man and the champion racemare Olympic Duel, whilst his third dam is Broodmare of the Year Mashka, who also produced champion Dancing Duel and the Gr2 winner Castleton.

“I’m certain the Karoo breeders will see his arrival as an opportunity, take advantage of it and utilise his services,” Colin added.

“The Cape’s loss is our gain, I guess.”

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The fabulous champion maker, Trippi | Credit: Drakenstein Stud

ALWAYS TIME FOR TRIPPI! Former Champion South African sire Trippi, who enjoyed such a wonderful season in 2022-2023, had a truly Super Saturday this past weekend.

Former Champion South African sire Trippi, who enjoyed such a wonderful season in 2022-2023, had a truly Super Saturday this past weekend.

The son of End Sweep dominated graded race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, while Trippi’s maternal grandson Not This Time (Giant’s Causeway) was responsible for two graded stakes winners in the USA on Saturday.

Trippi’s champion son Charles Dickens began his four-year-old campaign with a win when he landed Gr3 Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, while Trippi’s son Gold Standard, recently relocated to the Birch Bros, is the sire of Saturday’s impressive Gr3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes victress Golden Hostess.

Another son of Trippi, the promising Hluhluwe, also caught the eye when winning at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday to 18 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

make Saturday a memorable one indeed for all of Trippi’s connections.

As further testimony to Trippi’s ongoing success, Saturday’s Matchem Stakes runner up Gimme A Prince is out of the Trippi sired Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint winner Real Princess.

It was a fifth graded stakes win for last season’s Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge/ Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner Charles Dickens, but a first graded win for his stablemate Golden Hostess.

Incidentally, Charles Dickens hails from the same female line as Muth, winner of Saturday’s Gr1 American Pharoah Stakes.

Trippi had dominated the same two races last year, his son Trip Of Fortune and daughter Santa Maria winning the Gr3 Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes and Gr3 Hollywoodbets Diana

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Stakes respectively, with Trip Of Fortune going on to capture the Gr2 World Sports Betting Green Point Stakes, Gr1 H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes and Gr2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes subsequently.

South Africa’s Champion Sire of 2015-2016, Trippi is broodmare sire of a top-class stallion in the form of Not This Time.

The latter is the sire of Saturday’s Gr1 Coolmore Turf Mile winner Up To The Mark as well as the Gr2 Woodford Stakes winner Arzak on the same afternoon.

His son Up To The Mark, destined to stand at Lane’s End Farm at the end of his racing career, claimed his third Gr1 victory, following victories in this season’s Old Forester Bourbon

Turf Classic and Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes, when he won the Coolmore Turf Mile, while Not This Time entire Arzak was picking up the second graded win of his career, having previously won the 2022 Gr3 Jacques Cartier Stakes.

To date, Not This Time, a half-brother to dual Gr1 winner and successful sire Liam’s Map, has been responsible for 30 stakes winners (five Gr1 winners), with his progeny also including US champion, and Ashford Stud based sire, Epicenter.

Another son of Not This Time, Next, recently made headlines when he won the Gr3 Greenwood Cup Stakes by a staggering 25 lengths.

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MEET THE MAIN DEFENDERS!

The champions! From left to right, John Habib, Mark Nassif, Frank Zackey, Gerome Nassif, Betway’s Jonathan Blumberg, and Wayne Zackey | Credit: JC Photos

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Young Turffontein trainer Tony Peter has had his challenges this season, but shook off some of the niggles as he soared to the top of the SA national trainer championship log on Saturday.

This followed his very promising 3yo Main Defender doddling in to beat a high quality field in the R550 000 Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge at Turffontein on Saturday.

Like a number of starters in the sixteen-strong field, Main Defender (15-10) was having his first jump of the new season, and could not have been more impressive as he ran on in the straight from a prominent position to extend his winning margin to 6,50 lengths in a time of 86,82 secs for the Turffontein inside track 1450m.

Sean Tarry’s Gr1-winner Thunderstruck (8-1) gave the Peter galloper 7,50 kilos and ran on into second, ahead of the only other 3yo,

Ready To Charge (16-1), who was further 2 lengths back when completing the trifecta.

Main Defender was the talk all week and was duly backed into firm favouritism.

Hollywoodbets Durban July winning jockey Kabelo Matsunyane admitted that he was ‘speechless’ after earning his easiest commission ever, following some discipline to get down to make the weight.

The young Winning Form-sponsored rider may just need some physio on his neck too, after turning around a few times to look for the opposition!

Kabelo Matsunyane takes it easy as Main Defender cruises home | Credit: JC Photos

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Tony Peter thanked his owners, as well as the legend ‘Uncle’ Frank Zackey for the idea of engaging Matsunyane. Peter also paid tribute to the talented Matsunyane for his copybook execution of the riding instructions and dedication to making the weight.

Main Defender looks to have the world as his oyster and a rematch with his Gr1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Premiers Champion Stakes conqueror Sandringham Summit could be a massive marketing moment.

That second place was also the only time in five starts that Main Defender has been beaten and he took his earnings to R835 625 on Saturday, with plenty to come.

A R140 000 buy from the 2022 BSA Cape Yearling Sale, the winner was bred by Jagessar Limited and is a son of Ridgemont’s Sandown Stud-based stallion Pathfork (Distorted Humor) out of the twice winning Judpot mare, Alessia.

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Tony Peter – just wants a fair hearing | Credit: Supplied

WILL TONY PETER GET A FAIR HEARING? The Tony Peter Lidocaine Inquiry scheduled over two days and originally set down for Thursday 12 October, will now commence on Friday 13 October.

The Inquiry came about after the confirmation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory on 13 September 2023, that specimens taken from Axel Collins and Youre My Sunshine were analysed and the presence of the prohibited substance, Lidocaine was found to be present.

In an email copied at the defendant’s request to the Sporting Post on Tuesday evening, his legal counsel addresses the NHA Attorney Dawie Roodt, on various issues, including the perceived lack of independence of the Inquiry Board.

It is their belief that the reluctance of the NHA in this regard is due to the inconsistencies and procedural difficulties that will become apparent during the course of the inquiry.

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First of which is the apparent intended absence from proceedings of NHA CEO Vee Moodley and Racing Control Executive Arnold Hyde, which is not acceptable to Peter’s counsel.

is pointed out in the email that Mr Peter has instructed counsel to attend on Thursday, 12 October 2023 and as such is responsible for the costs thereof.

They write that the NHA has no discretion in the Rules to determine as to which witnesses Mr Peter may call, nor is there any Rule providing that Mr Hyde and/or Mr Moodley may not be called as witness to any inquiry.

Issue is taken with the fact that the racing regulator did not in any way request or consult as regards a postponement of the matter on Thursday with the defendant, but merely informed him that the proceedings would not be taking place.

They point out that both Moodley and Hyde were involved directly in the actions and correspondence that relate to this matter. They thus reaffirm the request that the presence of both parties is required at the hearing on Friday, 13 October 2023.

Whilst sympathy is conveyed in respect of the passing of Matthew Lips, and it is fair and understandable that some NHA staff and other racing stakeholders may wish to attend the memorial service on Thursday 12 October, it

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This was a unilateral instruction to the Inquiry Board and the defence suggests that such a situation is highly irregular and displays a possible bias of the Inquiry Board.

They indicate that the proper procedure was that their client was to be advised of the NHA’s intention to seek a postponement of the hearing, and thereafter a formal request be sent to the Inquiry Board which would have encompassed both parties in the matter.

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However, it appears that the NHA has instructed the Inquiry Board as to what will happen, and the Inquiry Board has merely acquiesced to their instructions.

The Peter counsel say that this must cast a serious doubt as to the independence of the Inquiry Board and the defendant reserves his rights with regards thereto.

As regards the calls by stakeholders and the racing public for the matter to be live streamed, the Peter counsel record that the hearing of this matter is of great significance to the racing public and furthermore, is of significance to the parties.

It is their belief that the reluctance of the NHA in this regard is due to the inconsistencies and procedural difficulties that will become apparent during the course of the inquiry.

As the body responsible for the control of horse racing in South Africa, the NHA is accountable

for its actions to not only the stake holders in the horse racing industry, but also to those punters and gamblers who substantially contribute to the financing of the entire industry, including the legal costs of the NHA and the salaries of its employees.

Mr Peter finds it incorrigible and unacceptable that the NHA refuses to be transparent.

Defence counsel confirm that they will make a request at the hearing of this matter for the inquiry to be open to the public.

The Sporting Post has addressed three emails to the National Horseracing Authority regarding the request from the public and Mr Peter to have the Inquiry streamed and opened to the public. No response has been forthcoming.

Similar stonewalling occurred at our request for the Yeni-Jacobson matter earlier this year.

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FEATHER BOA’S IN FASHION!

Gavin Lerena rides a confident finish on Feather Boa | Credit: JC Photos

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At last! One of the most celebrated Gr1 performers in the country last season, the Flower Alley filly Feather Boa finally cracked a long overdue and well-deserved stakes success when she started her 4yo term in style with a victory in the R550 000 Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge (F&M) at Turffontein on Saturday.

Raced by staunch owners Wayne Jackson, Mark Campbell, Anton Marx and Clint Valjalo, Feather Boa started a popular first choice and made it a Stuart Pettigrew 1-2 when she beat stablemate Captain Peg (6-1) by a length in a time of 87,92 secs.

Just Be Lekker (16-1) produced the run of the race, after hitting the rail early on. She stayed on well for third, a further 0,30 lengths back.

The gutsy winner, who became a celebrated bridesmaid last season, was bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein and is a daughter of Flower Alley (Distorted Humor) out of the the three-time winning Silvano mare Osprey by Silvano.

A R200 000 BSA August 2yo Sale purchase, she has won 4 races with a swashbuckling 10 places from 15 starts for stakes of R1 526 250.

An emotional Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Stuart Pettigrew said that he would sit down and consider the options for his charge.

“We can’t chase all the seasons everywhere,” he added.

It will be interesting to see whether Feather Boa can go on from here and shed her bridesmaid tag.

The happy Feather Boa connections celebrate the milestone victory | Credit: JC Photos

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TATTERSALLS AUTUMN v

HORSES IN TRAINING SALE 1750 Horses/Fillies in Training

84

Group/Listed Winners including

7 Gr. 1 Winners Since 2020

ZAAKI winner of Mackinnon Stakes, Gr. 1, Underwood Stakes, Gr. 1, etc. purchased at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale for 150,000gns

REGIONAL winner of Sprint Cup Stakes, Gr. 1, etc. purchased as a Horse in Training at Tattersalls for 3,500gns

SALUTE THE SOLDIER winner of Al Maktoum Challenge, Gr. 1, (twice) purchased at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale for 380,000gns

FEV ROVER winner of Beverly D Stakes, Gr. 1, etc. purchased as a Horse in Training at Tattersalls for 695,000gns

Monday 23 - Friday 27 October

FIVE DAY SALE

South African Representative: Joanne Knowles Tel: +27 83 3996353 www.tattersalls.com 11 OCTOBER 2023 | 33

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THIS TRAINER WARRANTS

MORE HORSES! Tienie Prinsloo – top trainer with a small string | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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An astute eye for a decent horse - for small money!

Former Northern Cape Champion trainer Tienie Prinsloo rounded off a memorable weekend with Bomber Girl’s victory in the R90 000 Beach Beauty Mile at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.

Just 24 hours earlier a horse he selected at the Cape Yearling Sale stamped himself as a leading classic prospect, bolting home to beat a decent line-up of older horses in the Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge at Turffontein.

Given the fact that he only has a yard of eleven horses, there is probably some irony in the fact that both Main Defender and Bomber Girl were bought by the astute horseman at the 2022 BSA Cape Yearling.

And then for relatively small money!

Speaking to the Sporting Post after Bomber Girl had stepped up to the 1600m under a beautifully judged Smanga Khumalo ride on Sunday to register her third win from just 9 starts, a pleased Tienie said he had bought just 3 horses at the sale.

“I purchased Main Defender for R140 000, Bomber Girl for R70 000, and Let The Flag Fly for R15 000. They all won their bonuses, and between the trio they have won eight races and over R1,2 million in stakes, with their 3yo careers still ahead of them,” mused the man who somehow ticks over at Summerveld with just 11 horses.

He saddled the exciting Main Defender to his first win, but a change in ownership saw the son of Pathfork move to Tony Peter.

“He is a smashing horse. I wish them well with him,” adds Tienie sportingly as his attention

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shifts to Bomber Girl, who had the honour of giving him his first KZN feature victory since his Gold Circle-assisted move three years ago from the consigned to the scrapheap of history, Flamingo Park.

‘She’s from the SA Triple Crown winner Abashiri’s family. She’s a lovely filly. We will consider our options. Maybe we will go down to the Cape. We have to aim high,” smiles Tienie.

“She’s classy and even though she’s not big, she makes up for it with heart and ability,” he added proudly, thanking owner Roland Pretorius and Tyrone Zackey.

Now a winner of 3 races with 4 places from her 9 starts, Bomber Girl capitalized on a pedestrian pace in the non black-type feature to take her stakes bank to R267 875.

Bred by the Gary Player Stud, Bomber Girl is a daughter of the deceased War Front sire Lancaster Bomber, out of the Western Winter mare, Bavaria.

It was a gutsy win, despite the fact that it was a sprint for home, to hold off the Duncan Howells trained 17-10 favourite Foreshore by 0,30 lengths in a time of 100,70 secs.

Staunch owner Preggie Somasundram, who won the third with Common Grounds for Darryl

Smanga Khumalo rode a clever race on Bomber Girl to win the Sunday feature | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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Moore, enjoyed the rare feat of filling the quartet behind the winner, with three horses from three different yards. Maybe more owners should follow the example and be spreading the love a little!

Preggie’s Darryl Moore runner Bosnay (8-1) was in third, with the Robbie Hill charge Sign Of Fate (25-2) running a decent race to complete the top four home, with under a length separating them.

Tienie Prinsloo and his wife Elsa are hoping that the success will raise their profile.

“We can’t train winners without the horses. And winners are ultimately a trainer’s best advert.

But I have some loyal people backing

me – like Peet Boonzaaier, and Praveen Gengiah, who races Let The Flag Fly.” While he is not going to chase the KZN championship with 11 horses, let’s not forget that Tienie achieved the near impossible with limited numbers when he won his champion title in the Northern Cape with a string of just 13 horses!

He aims to give his owners a personalised experience and he invites any inquiries via email at: elsa.prinsloo@hotmail.com.

Winning Form-sponsored Serino Moodley was the day’s leading rider with a treble for three different trainers.

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ANOTHER CANFORD WINNING WEEK Canford Cliffs’ stakes winning son Cliff Top registers his sixth career win| Credit: Pauline Herman

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After a successful freshman season, Ridgemont’s five time Group 1 winning stallion Canford Cliffs has maintained his fiery momentum with a flurry of winners in recent weeks.

The former Irish 2000 Guineas winner has made a pleasing start to the 2023-2024 South African racing season and ranks above the likes of Lancaster Bomber, Rafeef, Silvano and The United States on the South African General Sires List.

With 15 winners to his name this term, Canford Cliffs has a top three position on the SA Sires log on AEPR. On Friday, his smart and supremely consistent stakes winning son Cliff Top grabbed the headline honours at Fairview when he powered home under Richard Fourie to win the Betway Insurebet Cradock Stakes beating Inherit The Rain by a quarter length in a time of 69.01 secs.

With earnings of R778 188 from his 6 wins and 8 places from 17 starts, the smashing Alan Greeff-trained Cliff Top, who is equally at home on turf and the all-weather, runs under the Hollywood Syndicate flag. He was bred by Ridgemont out of the Western Winter one-time winner Bacqueira.

Just 24 hours after Cliff Top’s good win, Candice Bass-Robinson sent out Canford Cliffs’ 3yo son Tenango at Hollywoodbets Durbanville for a smooth win at his third start.

Bred and raced by seasoned racing man Ian Longmore, Tenango is out of the Tippi mare, Tripadvisor.

A week earlier, Canford Cliffs hit the wires internationally, but this time as a broodmare sire!

His stakes placed daughter Bumbasina is the dam of outstanding Australian filly Amelia’s Jewel, who broke the mile track record when she won the Gr2 Labrokes Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley at the end of September. She could be in the running for a berth in the Gr1 Cox Plate.

The Ridgemont team have previously gone on record with the fact that the Canford Cliffs progeny show that rare mix of early speed and classic potential, getting better with time and the closer they go to a mile.

Canford Cliffs has 10 lots on the CRS Ready To Run & Unbroken Sale to be held at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday 22 October.

Canford Cliff’s Tenango is out of the maidens at his third start | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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STALLIONS 2023

CANFORD CLIFFS

PAT H F O R K

(LIVE FOAL)

(LIVE FOAL)

R20,000

R5,000

MALMOOS

P OTA L A PA L A C E

(LIVE FOAL)

(LIVE FOAL)

N E W P R E D ATO R

RAFEEF

(LIVE FOAL)

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

R25,000

R12,500

R5,000

R70,000

REAL GONE KID FEE ON APPLICATION

TRADITION OF CHAMPIONS

Craig Carey | E: craig@ridgemont.co.za | M: +27 (0) 82 654 5169 | www.ridgemont.co.za

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TAILS, YOU WIN – HEADS, YOU WIN! Exciting RTR log-topper Tail of the Comet wins at Hollywoodbets Scottsville | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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This year marks 34 years since we first started taking two-year-olds to ready to run sales. The top-class sprinter Knife Edge was in that first draft, followed two years later by the Germiston November Handicap winner, Quick Wit. Normandy’s Oscar Foulkes writes that since then, their drafts have produced many graded stakes-winners, most recently the Equus Champion Sprinter, Rio Querari. Another recent Grade One-winning sprinter was Sergeant Hardy.

A regular feature of our RTR drafts has been the presence of pinhooks – yearlings we bought for the purpose of resale on RTR. There are three Grade II winners on this list – Bishop’s Bounty, Wonderwall and Homely Girl.

Four of the top 20 on the 2023 RTR Race log are from our 2022 draft, three of which are pinhooks, including the log-topper, Tail of the Comet. The owners of these horses are taking advantage of the hard yards we’ve put in at various yearling sales.

Our fourth representative on the top 20 is the smart prospect, Public Benefit. There wasn’t a bid for her when she was on the sale last year, which shows that there are opportunities throughout the catalogue!

Our 2023 draft comprises 15 two-year-olds, representing many of South Africa’s leading stallions.

Normandy Stud 14 colt Hospices de Beaune (Erupt (IRE) – Good Cause) The full-brother to Public Benefit, out of a halfsister to Crowd Pleaser, who was one of four graded stakes-winners from our 2015 RTR draft. He looks like a precocious type.

‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

26 colt Worldly (One World – Lady Wylie) The three-parts brother to our Cape Flying Championship winner Sergeant Hardy. He’s an athletic colt, who looks like he could be an early sort.

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‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

35 filly Blowin in the Wind (Querari (GER) – Nordic Wind) The full-sister in blood to Rio Querari, and her dam is a full-sister to the multiple Graded stakes-winning Nordic Breeze. She moves beautifully, and looks speedy.

39 colt Mister Speaker (Erupt (IRE) – Point of Order) This cracking colt exemplifies all of the reasons why we believe that Philanthropist mares are a ‘nick’ for Erupt (as if Public Benefit wasn’t already reason enough). It’s the family of one of our RTR stars, Cap Alright, tracing to our great mare Terpsichore. ‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

55 filly Sesame (Legislate – Tahini) This filly has numbers on her side, in the form of Legislate’s sensational strike rate.

She also has family on her side, coming from the great Sun Lass female line. Our branch of it is through the Fillies Guineas winner, In Camera, who became the foundation mare for a disproportionate number of top-class race fillies. This filly looks primed to follow in their hoofprints.

69 filly Quasikat (Quasillo (GER) – Yekaterina) The full-sister to Miss Putin, who placed third in the listed Devon Air even though she did her sesamoid in the running. This granddaughter of Sea the Stars from the close-up family of Mother Russia is every bit a racehorse.

75 filly Meursault (Querari (GER) – Celigny (USA)) The full-sister to Champery, a top-class sprinter in her own right, who produced the Fillies Guineas winner, Chansonette. Celigny’s only other daughter at stud has also produced a stakes-winner. This is a top international family

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of Grade One winners, of which this filly is a worthy representative. She looks speedy.

Normandy Stud (as agent) 74 colt Bounceback (Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – Berlinetta) One of just two Gimme colts on the sale, and the only one in the backed section. He’s a good-looking colt from a prolific family.

‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

3 filly Unnamed (Querari (GER) – Dieu Te Garde) As a Querari filly, she has the ideal profile for collecting the two juvenile win bonuses. Her dam is a full-sister to the dam of the top-class Without Question.

‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

21 filly Julie’s Quest (Querari (GER) – Julie Doolittle) By multiple Champion 2YO Sire, Querari, from a classic (in all senses of the word) Mauritzfontein family. Dam has a 100% record.

22 colt Ardabil (Danon Platina (JPN) – Kerdassa (IRE)) The only colt on the sale by new sensation Danon Platina. He’s from a top international family and he looks the part.

‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

34 colt Unnamed (Legislate – Nordic Light) The half-brother to smart sprinter, Beerenberg, out of a half-sister to the dam of Rio Querari.

He’s a very athletic colt, who looks like a sharp juvenile in the making.

‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

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38 colt Gift of Royal (Royal Mo (USA) – Perfume Gift) By the sire of RTR graduate Royal Aussie, out of a winning Captain Al mare that has bred winners.

‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

will get pedigree buffs excited.

‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

44 colt Grand Pavilion (Futura – Sea Point) The half-brother to HWB Durban July winner, Winchester Mansion, as well as Grade I winner Sand and Sea. As a December foal he’s just going to get better and better. And, as a son of Futura, he’s likely to go any distance he’s asked.

‘Double-dipper’: qualifies for BSA Juvenile Bonus as well.

The Gallops are at the same venue from 09h00 on the same day.

54 filly Unnamed (The United States (IRE) – Tagine) By top-class young stallion, The United States, out of a prolific mare. This filly’s extended tabulated pedigree has inbreeding patterns that

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CATALOGUE.

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The CRS Ready To Run & Unbroken 2yo Sale will be held at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday 22 October at 14h00.

THE SPRINT IS INTERACTIVE

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NO SECRET! THE BEST BRED HORSE ON THE SALE? Maine Chance Farms has two excellent racing prospects coming to the Cape Racing Ready To Run and Unbroken Two-Year-Old Sale at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday, 22 October.

Lot 102 – the Vercingetorix colt out of Best Kept Secret | Credit: Supplied 50 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

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Yearling Manager Danni Kuttel speaks highly of both and is especially complimentary about Lot 102, Bodacious Secret. He is a chestnut of substance by top stallion Vercingetorix out of Best Kept Secret, a daughter of champion broodmare sire Captain Al. He comes from the prolific Secret Of Victoria family.

breeding legacy of this top family.”

Kuttel said: “He is smart, possibly the bestbred horse on the sale. He is a half-brother to Baltic Secret, a winner at two last season and already Graded placed. Best Kept Secret was a R5.25m yearling in 2016, and with Baltic Secret, she’s already shown that she is continuing the

Kuttel commented: “Possibility’s dam, Peru, was one of the first foals born after the Jacobs family purchased Maine Chance Farms.

Although unraced, she became one of Maine Chance’s best mares.”

Lot 92 is Power and Profit, a racy first filly foal sired by Querari out of Possibility, a broodmare

by Silvano out of Peru. She hails from the immediate family of Pomp and Power, Punta Arenas and Peach Daquiri.

Lot 92 – a racy first filly foal sired by Querari out of Possibility, a broodmare by Silvano out of Peru | Credit: Supplied 11 OCTOBER 2023 | 51

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BSA NOVEMBER 2YO SALE CATALOGUE IS NOW ONLINE 70 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

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Bloodstock South Africa are delighted with the quality of horse offered at the 2023 November Two Year Old Sale.

The exceptional catalogue is now online and can be viewed at www.bsa.co.za.

Many of South Africa’s top farms are represented, while top-class and exciting stallions with progeny on the sale include Danon Platina, Fire Away, Flower Alley, Gimmethegreenlight, Lancaster Bomber, Legislate, Master Of My Fate, Querari, Rafeef, The United States, Vercingetorix and What A Winter.

This year’s November Two Year Old Sale, which will again take place at the TBA Complex in Germiston, will be held on Sunday 26 November, with trading set to get underway at 11h00.

Legends all! Hekkie, Piere and Jacques enjoy the podium | Credit: Pauline Herman 11 OCTOBER 2023 | 71

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Sires represented by members of their first crop at this sale include Gr1 Sun Met runner-up Last Winter, Met winning champion One World, and triple Gr1 winner Soqrat.

Potential standout lots on sale include: Lot 21 –a Master Of My Fate three-parts brother to dual Gr1 Summer Cup winner Master Sabina Lot 33 –a Querari colt out of a half-sister to dual Gr1 winner Snowdance Lot 36 –a Gimmethegreenlight half-sister to Quasiforsure Lot 38 –a Legislate half-sister to The Charleston Lot 50 –a What A Winter colt out of Gr2 winner Vistula Lot 52 –a Futura half-brother to Gr2 Umkhomazi Stakes winner Outlaw King Lot 64 –a Vercingetorix colt whose dam is a half-sister to champion French Navy Lot 68 – a Lancaster Bomber colt out of Gr3 Final Fling Stakes winner Brave Move Lot 77 –a What A Winter filly out of dual stakes winner Covered In Snow Lot 91 –a Vercingetorix filly whose granddam is champion Escoleta Fitz Lot 92 –a One World half-brother to Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock Lot 98 –a Vercingetorix filly from the family of French G1 winner Royal Meeting Lot 102 –a Querari filly out of the Gr3 placed Felicity Flyer Lot 103 –a One World ¾ sister to Gr3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery winner Cousin Liz Lot 105 –a Master Of My Fate filly out of Banyana Handicap winner Flowers Of Spring Lot 109 –a Master Of My Fate colt out of Gr1 Golden Slipper winner For The Lads Lot 112 –a Gimmethegreenlight colt out of Gr3 winner Ghaalla Lot 121 –a Vercingetorix own-sister to Gr2 Post Merchants winner Gladatorian Lot 126 –a What A Winter half-sister to Gr1 Cape Guineas third At My Command Lot 137 –an Act Of War colt out of Gr1 winning champion Legally Blonde Lot 141 –a Rafeef full-brother to Gr2 winner William Robertson Lot 146 –a One World half-sister to Gr2 Selangor Cup winner Hard Day’s Night Lot 150 –a Duke Of Marmalade half-brother to Equus Champion Nebraas

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Mrs Geriatrix (Richard Fourie on outside) gets the better of a determined JP van der Merwe and White Pearl | Credit: JC Photos

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SIX UP FOR MRS G

– BUT THAT WAS CLOSE! Big season ahead for the daughter of Vercingetorix Beyond Charles Dickens, she was said to be the best bet of the day and duly arrived in a heartstopping finish.

One of our lovable and colourful equine characters of last term, Sean Tarry’s Equus star Mrs Geriatrix made it six wins from six start when narrowly shading the flashy Mike de Kock grey White Pearl in a grandstand finish to the R400 000 BSA Sales Cup (F&M) at Turffontein on Saturday.

With regular pilot Richard Fourie in the irons, Mrs Geriatrix (1-4) carried the hopes of many punters as the only Gr1 winner in the line-up, but hardly had things all her own way in the 1450m race restricted to eligible fairer sex graduates of the 2022 BSA sales.

Looking to cruise past the dour White Pearl (20-1) at the 200m, she faced the first battle of her career and delivered under a deceptively confident Richard Fourie.

After coming right back at her more fancied opponent, White Pearl was beaten a nose in a time of 88,38 secs.

The rest were in another race with third-placed Betula (20-1) 5,50 lengths back.

Cheques were paid all the way down to sixth, with the 66-1 Godspeed paying her way, albeit some 10 lengths back.

A R200 000 2022 National Yearling Sale graduate, the Clifton-bred Mrs Geriatrix is

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a daughter of Maine Chance champion Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the Kahal mare Velvet Glove, whose breeder Peter Blythe once described as ‘not too good’.

She is a ringer for her relatives with a strong likeness to her dam’s star siblings, Prince Of Kahal and Fort Vogue. This is the smart family of Clifton bred Whatalady, and hails back to

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champions Highland Night, sire Warm White Night, Tristful, Night Watch and Prince Asad.

A winner of 6 from 6, Mrs Geriatrix took her stakes earnings to R1 205 000.

She has bigger fish to fry in the months ahead and continues the Magical Lady Syndicate’s dream racehorse ownership experience.

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Purple Pitcher finds another gear under Kabelo Matsunyane | Credit: JC Photos

ROBYN’S PURPLE PATCH! The Bush Hill Stud-bred New Predator colt Purple Pitcher has gone from strength to strength since shedding his maiden in August and crowned his biggest success to date with a courageous victory in the R400 000 Bloodstock SA Sales Cup at Turffontein on Saturday.

Giving the high-riding Kabelo Matsunyane the first leg of a Betway Spring Challenge day feature double, Purple Pitcher started at 14-1 and was always in command before drawing clear to hold off a determined challenge from the 15-10 Gimmeanotherchance by 2 lengths.

The winner, who is trained at Turffontein by 78 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

Robyn Klaasen, clocked 89,33 secs for the 1450m – a slower time than Mrs Geriatrix in the fillies’ equivalent a half hour earlier.

Raced by S S ‘Stincky’ Pooe, Purple Pitcher is a son of the deceased New Predator (New Approach) out of the Count Dubois mare, Heliantha.

A winner of 3 races with 2 places from 7 starts, Purple Pitcher took his stakes earned to R268 750.

He was purchased for R170 000 off the BSA National 2yo Sale last year.

This race was restricted to eligible graduates of the BSA 2022 sales.

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THE MIRACLE OF NEW LIFE Foaling season has been upon us and with that come the stories of joy, distress, celebration, excitement and hope. In fact, if it’s an emotional rollercoaster you want to go on, then strap yourself in and speak to a stud farm manager around this time of year.

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Gary Lemke writes that someone who is no stranger to the miracles of birth is Kuda’s Bloodstock Product manager Jo Campher.

A familiar face mingling among clients on race days and at the various Sales that pop up on the annual calendar, she is just as “at home” standing in the straw in a 4m x 4m foaling box helping deliver another newborn into the world.

“This is really the most wonderful time of the year,” she gushes.

And so another typical day dawned towards the end of September when a WhatsApp group lit up with a photo of Campher, her hair tied back after a sleepless night and dressed in dungarees, feeding a foal from a bottle.

“That’s how my morning started!” she exclaimed, excitedly. “I’m in my element!”

Campher was at Klawervlei Stud where she had been part of a team that had just delivered a colt out of The Secret is Out who had been covered by boom sire Vercingetorix.

We also delivered a colt by Querari out of Quite Frankly two hours earlier. This was right in the middle of the devastating storms and floods which swept the Cape and caused widespread damage to farms in the area, including Hassen Adams’ Nadeson Park Stud.

“We are all okay here at Klawervlei,” she reported, “but the river pushed up high.

“Eskom is down so we don’t have power and the water supply has also been cut.”

Fast forward a fortnight and Campher, who joined Kuda in 2018, had time to reflect on the drama that was Heritage Day weekend.

“I spent most of that weekend at Klawervlei,” she said.

“We foaled two babies that were just two hours apart. Foaling at Klawervlei has become something of a tradition for me. The Klawervlei team taught me how to foal on one of my first 90 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

Kuda’s ‘Mama’ Jo Campher doing what she loves Credit: Supplied

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trips to the farm during season in 2018 and the team of assistants always make me feel welcome. I love the experience and learning on the job. It’s very draining, physically and mentally, but also very rewarding.

“I love watching the world-class vets do their thing and assist where I can by handing them their equipment and tools when requested, ask questions and absorb as much information as possible. I had planned to visit Ridgemont and Maine Chance as well that weekend but the rain put paid to those plans.

I will try and make plans to go soon now that the weather has improved.

“It’s all about reading the situation, working closely with the foaling and foal watch team.

We get summoned when a mare’s water breaks and then we follow all the protocols until the foal is standing and managing to stay upright on their long, unsteady legs. It really is a miracle unravelling in front of your eyes.

“We then check on them until they go drink from the mare unassisted. Everything is documented, from the time the mare’s water breaks to the new-born’s weight to specific times of them making progress.

There’s always such excitement and with so many offspring coming from impeccable bloodlines, there’s much excitement because we could be having a look at a Grade One champion of the future.”

Although Campher has had a diverse career, which includes doing hospitality work on yachts in the Mediterranean, living in Canada and studying to be a chef, these past five years she has been at her happiest.

“I grew up amongst horses,” she says.

“I have been riding since the age of four and come from a ‘horse family’. My Dad showed American Saddlebreds and I did show jumping and earned South African colours in American Saddlebreds and showing.

Jo and the team in the magic maternity moments | Credit: Supplied

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I have been fortunate to ride racehorses as well, with the likes of Michelle Rix, Bass Racing and Justin Snaith accommodating me on occasions when they have taken a string to the beach.”

She has experienced the ups and downs of the equine industry, which is why she’s found a perfect home from home at Kuda, and it has been such since chief executive Wehann Smith brought her on board.

“Having ridden and been involved with horses most of my life, I understand that accidents, illness and injury occur. I was heartbroken when I lost my top show horse to colic shortly before national trials. I have educated myself in the ‘downside’ of things and I honestly believe that I have a connection with horses as much as I do with people.

“Unfortunately, racehorses, just like other

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horses, are as prone to unexpected and sudden health issues and illnesses as humans, as much as we don’t necessarily like to talk about it.”

And so, another cycle is completed.

Pregnancy lasts about 340 days, or 11 months, but birth can occur as early as 310 days, or as late as 384 days. At birth, the umbilical cord parts naturally as the mare stands up, with assistance from the team ready to sterilise the navel, around 10 to 15 minutes afterwards. The foal usually rests for a while and stands up after 30 minutes to an hour.

And, as we have come to see over and over, when it comes to the nitty gritty of the thoroughbred industry, Campher is at her happiest when she has her sleeves rolled up, letting her actions speak louder than any words ever could.

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‘The Jewel in our Desert Crown’ – Athan | Credit: Gulf Racing Club

RACE IN DUBAI! HERE’S YOUR CHANCE Gulf Racing Club, active in the UAE, South Africa and Australia, have purchased two exciting racing prospects in Argentina.

Three-year-olds, Athan and Condor Pasa, will be aimed at racing in the UAE and trained by up-and-coming Fawzi Nass at his Grandstand Stables in Dubai.

Described by Gulf Racing Club as ‘The Jewel in our Desert Crown’, Athan is a colt by the now deceased Orpen, who sired no fewer than 12 champions in eight countries, and 67 group winners in total. Athan brings some top-level form to Dubai and is an ideal candidate for the cash-rich three-year-old series races recently introduced to the UAE programme. He has a UAE rating of 97.

Athan, progressive as they come, has raced three times for a win and a place. He had a 94 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

warm-up run over 1200m in May 2023, finishing on the heels of the leaders, before slamming his opposition in a 1400m contest in June.

This was followed in late July by an eyecatching second to the unbeaten Intense For Me, a race in which he found top gear late and would arguably have won if it was over 1600m.

Race replay here. The form was franked when Intense For Me won a stakes race in his next start.

Condor Pasa, also sired by Orpen, is a lightly raced gelding with an impressive physique.

He was dubbed ‘The Sportscar’ by his trainer thanks to his good looks and his blistering dirt workouts.

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He was gelded after being a little shin sore on his unplaced debut in May and then, early in August, produced a promising fourth place in a race in which he needed the outing – it had to be squeezed in before starting quarantine procedures for Dubai.

him. He is a Dubai Carnival quality horse and there are several suitable races for him. For his ability and the level of races he will compete in, he is a great price. A horse of this rating from the USA or Europe would command four to five times the price.”

The race replay shows that he jumps with fantastic speed, moves up to threaten the winner, and then gets understandably tired in the last part of the race. With race readiness he would have finished second and may even have won.

“Condor Pasa, as a lightly raced three-year-old, is perfectly set up for a season in the UAE. He can start as a maiden and work through the divisions, enjoying many racing seasons in the Middle East. As a dirt horse, he has Saudi Arabia as an option after the Dubai Carnival, before returning to Dubai as a four-year old.”

Syndicator Kurt Felix of Gulf Racing Club said that Athan and Condor Pasa will be syndicated in Dubai, but that South African investors are welcome to take shares. Gulf Racing Club is offering 50% shareholding in both, with 5% of Athan available at $6,000 and 5% of Condor Pasa at $4,250.

Felix commented: “Athan is a horse with multiple seasons of racing in the UAE ahead of

He added: “Both runners have arrived safely in Dubai. They are out of quarantine and have settled in to their new surroundings. Ideally, we’d like to get both going with preparation runs in November.

We are delighted with what we’ve seen and we look forward in anticipation to their desert debuts.”

‘The Sportscar’ – Condor Pasa | Credit: Gulf Racing Club

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MAINE CHANCE

CONNECTION TO FERGIE WINNER Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United fame, is also an avid racehorse owner.

After the sad passing of his wife of 57 years Cathy at the age of 84 last Thursday, he had something to lift his spirits in the shape of an Ascot winner this past weekend.

Best remembered for being part-owner in 2000 Guineas winner and influential sire Rock Of Gibraltar, the legendary Scotsman is also the owner and breeder of three-year-old Hampden Park, who carried his silks to an impressive maiden victory at Ascot over the weekend.

Handily ridden, the Andrew Balding-trained colt struck the front at the quarter mark and stretched clear to score over 2400m at third time of asking, the winning margin of 5,50 lengths a clear proof of his superiority.

A son of Sea The Moon, Hampden Park has South African connections as well, for his dam Queen’s Dream is an unraced full sister to Maine Chance Farm’s stallion Querari. Dr Andreas Jacobs told the Sporting Post that the mare had been purchased from them by Sir Alex.

Incidentally, for those non-soccer fans out there, Hampden Park is named after the famous Scottish football stadium.

Located in Glasgow with a 52,000-seat capacity, it is home to the national football team, as well as that of Queen’s Park Football Club.

Sir Alex Ferguson – keen racing man | Credit: Supplied

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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

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HORSE CHESTNUT BLOODLINE SETS TATTERSALLS ALIGHT Lynnwood Chase, a daughter of Horse Chestnut, added another chapter to her already fine record as a broodmare when she featured as the grandam of the 2 million guineas Frankel colt who topped the second day of the Tattersalls October Sales in Newmarket last week.

Sold by English breeder Anthony Oppenheimer’s Hascombe and Valiant Stud, the colt is also the most expensive yearling sold in Europe so far this year.

In a scene reminiscent of past years, the colt sparked a bidding duel between Coolmore’s MV Magnier and Godolphin, with the former ultimately coming out on top in conjunction with Peter Brant’s White Birch Farm.

“In fairness to Hascombe, they’ve bred some very good horses in the past – they’re very good breeders,” remarked Magnier. “This is a very nice, well-bred horse. Frankel is flying and everyone (from the Coolmore team) liked him.

He goes to Ballydoyle.”

The sale further vindicated the decision of Hascombe and Valiant Stud to place all its yearling colts on the market this year. The colt was the undoubted jewel in the stud’s draft and is out of Lynnwood Chase’s daughter Bizzarria (Lemon Drop Kid), a half-sister to Oppenheimer’s triple Gr1 heroine Star Catcher (Sea The Stars), who annexed all of the Irish Oaks, Prix Vermeille and British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

In her early broodmare career, Lynnwood

Chase was virtually married to Bizzarria’s sire Lemon Drop Kid, producing the Gr1 Canadian International Stakes winner and sire Cannock Chase and the Gr2 Prix Eugene Adam winner Pisco Sour. Incidentally, both won the Gr2 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot and when Star Catcher won the Gr2 Ribblesdale Stakes, Lynnwood Chase joined a select handful of mares to have bred three winners at the Royal meeting.

Bizzarria won her second and final start as a two-year-old. Her first foal Bizarre (Lawman), is a two-time winner and this colt is her fourth foal.

“I’m selling all my colts this year and so far, we’ve done quite well as we’ve sold five of them,” said Oppenheimer following the sale.

“I knew he was a very nice horse, but watching him walk round the ring, I had no regrets at all.

We’re refuelling the stud’s finances and that can’t do any harm.”

By the way, there is a nice symmetry to the Lynnwood Chase story as Oppenheimer is a cousin to the late Harry Oppenheimer, who together with his wife Bridget, raced and bred Horse Chestnut.

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Hascombe’s Frankel Colt Sells for 2,000,000 Guineas | Credit: Breednet.com 104 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

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Frankie Dettori shows off his commemorative saddle cloth | Credit: Supplied

TEARS FOR

FEARLESS FRANKIE? It is sad to think that soon it will all be over. The Frankie Dettori 2023 farewell tour continued in glorious style at Newmarket on Saturday with the brilliant Inspiral bringing up the 53 year old legend’s 500th victory at his home track, in the Gr1 Sun Chariot Stakes.

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the showman.

“Then obviously I realised I was one short of 500 winners at Newmarket and there was only 14 days to go before I ride my last race in England, so all of that played on my mind a bit and I wasn’t myself.I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t feel like this. After 36 years doing what I love, it’s very hard to come to terms with the fact it’s going to finish soon.”

But Frankie is adamant he has no plans to perform a retirement U-turn as he prepares to bring the curtain down on his glittering riding

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career in Britain on Qipco Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 21 October.

“I’ve been swept off my feet for the last six months, to be honest. When I said I was going to retire I thought it was going to become easy, but actually I’ve had twice as much workload as I’ve ever done!”

The legendary Italian has enjoyed a sensational final year in the saddle, with victories aboard Chaldean in the 2000 Guineas, Soul Sister in the Oaks and Courage Mon Ami in the Gold Cup just a few of the many highlights of his farewell tour.

Before Champions Day Dettori is readying himself for one final appearance at Newmarket at this week’s Dubai Future Champions Festival, while beyond Ascot he has a number of international plans, with the Melbourne Cup, or an appearance in Hong Kong, expected to be his swansong.

He added: “We’ve got Newmarket coming up this weekend, it’s going to be my last Newmarket and I think Newmarket are doing a bit of a drinks party for me after racing, which is good, as I can invite a lot of people that I’ve been working with.

“I’ll then be flying to Milan for my last ride there, which is where it all started. My mum and dad and my sister are going, and all my school friends, so that’s going to be pretty emotional, and then straight back into what is going to be my last week (in Britain). It’s going to be flat out as I have a million interviews to do and then we go to Ascot.

“I know I’m retiring, but I don’t want to take the gloss off Champions Day, because it’s all about coronating the best horses in every category – and lucky me, I’ve got some absolute weapons to ride that day, on top of my retirement. I’ve got to keep my eye on the ball because I’ve got some massive pressure rides, possibly Inspiral, King Of Steel, Kinross and Courage Mon Ami, so I’ve got to make sure I’m completely focussed.”

He continued: “I’m sure I will cry as it’s my last day. Then, of course, it doesn’t stop there because I’m flying to the States for the Breeders’ Cup, then to Melbourne and then I promised Marc Chan (owner) that I’d delay my retirement because he’s very keen to run Kinross in Hong Kong. If he doesn’t make it, Melbourne could be my last one (ride).

“I haven’t thought beyond Melbourne or Hong Kong. I’ve said I’ve retired and at the moment I’ve got every right to carry on with that. I’m looking forward to a good, decent meal and a nice holiday!

“Because I’m riding a few winners everybody is saying ‘you should be doing this’ or ‘you should be doing that’, but I’m 53 and for a jockey I’ve had a pretty long career.I will miss it, but at the other end I have enjoyed it. It would have been sad if I’d have been retiring not riding in the big races and just floating around at secondary meetings and not winning. It’s turned out to be quite a good send-off.”

For now Dettori is fully focussed on going out on a high at Ascot, on what is sure to be an emotionally charged afternoon.

He said: “It’s a massive day and no one more than myself wants to do well and be calm and do the right things for every horse – that’s the challenge. I have 40 people coming, all my family and all my friends. There’s even more pressure to deliver, but I love it. I like the big days, I like to be nervous – I think I need that to get me to tick. Maybe I’m spoilt, but the mundane Mondays don’t excite me any more.”

It is now 10 years since Frankie returned to race action in June 2013 after a six-month ban for a cocaine positive while riding in France in September 2012.

In the subsequent decade, Dettori has added almost 100 Group One or Grade One wins to his record, at much the same rate that he enjoyed during his 18 years as No 1 rider to the Godolphin operation, including a second Derby, three Arcs and four races at the Breeders’ Cup.

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ROMANTIC WARRIOR ON TRACK FOR COX PLATE Trainer Danny Shum is confident Saturday’s fourth-placed effort in the Gr1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington has Romantic Warrior on the right track for his Gr1 W.S. Cox Plate tilt on 28 October at Moonee Valley.

Romantic Warrior on his way to the starting gates | Credit: HKJC 11 OCTOBER 2023 | 109

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“He hasn’t raced for close to five months, so he needs the run, actually. James McDonald said in three weeks he will be back, back to his top form. I always targeted the Cox Plate, so we needed a lead-up race for him to see how he can handle the left turn. I cannot say I’m happy but I’m not disappointed,” Shum said.

Racing for the first time in five months, Romantic Warrior found a prominent position in the run under jockey James McDonald and, while racing slightly keenly, he was overrun by 2022 Gr1 Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip’s unmatchable burst of speed.

“Romantic Warrior was good. He needed the

110 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

run a bit, so he will improve,” McDonald said.

The win was Gold Trip’s second at the toplevel for jockey Mark Zahra and trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

Romantic Warrior and Gold Trip will meet again in the W.S. Cox Plate.

“We expected Gold Trip to run well but to go like that was huge,” Zahra said. “Unbelievable, I’m tingling. I can’t believe he won like that.

What a win.”

The winning time of the race was 2m 01.62s, while West Wind Blows and Soulcombe filled

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the placings ahead of Romantic Warrior, who collects HK$169,900 for his effort.

Bobbie Lewis Stakes and Gr2 Gilgai Stakes double at Flemington.

“It was just that Romantic Warrior was a little bit tired over the last 100 metres. He’s not fit, he’s not 100 percent. Hopefully this will bring him up,” Shum said.

The five-year-old races in the same silks as Stoltz – who is also owned by Josiah Ma – and will next target the Gr1 Champions Sprint at Flemington before a possible Hong Kong option on 10 December at Sha Tin’s HK$118 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.

Pre-race Shum declared Romantic Warrior around 85-90 percent fit; the handler is hopeful his charge can find the necessary improvement ahead of his second run in Australia.

“James said don’t panic, the horse had a big blow and he was tired the last 100 metres. He didn’t give him a hard time,” Shum said.

One race later 2023 Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint aspirant Star Patrol – owned by Hong Kong connections – became only the fourth horse in history to complete the Gr2

Star Patrol clocked 1m 09.87s this afternoon under jockey Ben Melham for trainer Clinton McDonald.

“He used himself well today, he went through his gears and Triple Missile travelled up and was probably travelling better. But once Ben Melham got busy on him, he really let down and found the line strong,” McDonald said.

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RUPERT RUNNER ADDS INTEREST AT NEWMARKET ‘From a South African perspective, the interesting entry is the three-year-old filly Grand Providence from the Andrew Balding yard. Owned by Cayton Park Stud (the Rupert family), she is the daughter of the Duncan Howells trained champion, Same Jurisdiction” Two days of high-class action | Credit: Newmarket Racecourse

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he Dubawi Future Champions Festival takes place on Friday and Saturday, the highlight of Newmarket’s autumn racing season.

The action on the Rowley Mile course includes two Gr3 events for juveniles the Emirates Autumn Stakes over a mile, and the Ghaiyyath Zetland Stakes run over ten-furlongs. The day’s highlight is the major juvenile feature in the UK – the Native Trail’s Dewhurst Stakes, run over 7-furlongs with a first prize of £300,000.

Aidan O’Brien is responsible for six of the twelve entries with the brilliant Gr2 Superlative Stakes winner City Of Troy expected to head the Ballydoyle challenge. High class stablemates including Johannes Brahms, River Tiber and Unquestionable also stood their ground on Monday.

Iberian, impressive winner of the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, along with Owen Burrows’ Tattersalls Stakes victor Alyanaabi look the best of the English entries.

With City Of Troy a short-priced favourite, the major betting heat will undoubtably be the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap.

A maximum of 34 will go to the two-mile, twofurlong start (40 entries declared on Monday), with the Irish topping the market courtesy of

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the Gordon Elliott trained Pied Piper. The Irish jumps trainer has booked Ryan Moore for the ride, suggesting his rating of 96 could be a winning mark. Ante-post favourite, well-backed into 5/1, he is not the only Irish raider with Jesse Evans declared by Noel Meade, and The Shunter trained by Emmet Mullins also well fancied.

Last year’s runner-up Vino Victrix comes here off a 2lb lower mark, after unplaced efforts earlier this season. He did show at lot of improvement on his last start in September when a two-length fourth to the smart Novel Legend at Goodwood. He looks primed for this marathon event by his conditioner, Hughie Morrison.

The stable is also represented by another with a realistic chance in Not So Sleepy. Third in this a year ago, he won a competitive handicap at Newbury on his return to Flat last month in his only run since. A smart effort and Hughie Morrison has Tom Marquand in the saddle.

From a South African perspective, the interesting entry is the three-year-old filly Grand Providence from the Andrew Balding yard. Owned by Cayton Park Stud (the Rupert family), she is the daughter of the Duncan Howells trained champion, Same Jurisdiction.

A young improver off bottom weight, she is not out of it after her cosy success in the trial for this race over course-and-distance three weeks ago. She is carded as horse number 38, here’s hoping she makes the final field.

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THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED

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he South African horseracing industry awoke to the sad and shocking news on Friday that well-respected racing man Matthew Lips had passed away in a Durban hospital after a short illness at the age of 64.

Born in India, Matthew loved horseracing and music from a young age, and was known for his laconic dry wit and self deprecating approach to often sentimental reminiscences of great horses and memorable races.

He left Fort Victoria in the old Rhodesia for South Africa in 1980 and joined media entrepreneur Owen Heffer in 1987, just after Heffer had started Winning Form.

They were close associates while Heffer built the Winning Form Group into the giant that is Hollywoodbets today.

Lips, for years, was extraordinarily popular for his insightful summaries and outstanding tips in Winning Form’s ‘Magic Lips’ column and the Sporting Post, and became the standard for tipsters in the 1990s and 2000s. He left Winning Form to join the National Horseracing Authority as senior handicapper in 2012, a position he held until his passing.

“We shared a chuckle till near the end. There was a gentleman in the bed next to him in the High Care Unit. He said: ‘Hey man, Matthew and I go way back, we backed winners together I will keep him chatting, he won’t fall asleep!’ He had someone that recognised him as one of racing’s greatest experts, even on his deathbed.”

Binda had phoned Lafferty, who was in the UK this week, and he handed the phone to Matthew, who answered, ‘Laff, I am heeere!’ – a joke many of their fans would understand. It originated from their association as TV pundits, when Laff found a perfect sounding board for his unique, dry humour in Matthew, a man he described as “as intelligent as I’ve ever known.”

For his tremendous knowledge of pedigrees and form, Matthew was nicknamed in the late 90s as, ‘The Oracle’ by friend Lynton Ryan, the bloodstock expert. Lafferty habitually ended pre-race interviews with Lips with the

Lips had been suffering from emphysema.

He also had a heart condition and his friends, trainers Clinton Binda and Paul Lafferty, were of the last people to speak to him.

Binda said: “Matthew was a wealth of racing knowledge. I’ve never seen anyone with racing information so much at his fingertips. People would argue with Matthew about facts he already knew. They’d have to research it, to confirm answers he’d already given them. He was an oddball, but a very unique individual and a big loss to racing.

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expression, ‘Well, there you have it.

That’s The Oracle!’

Lafferty added: “We were good friends for 40 years, we visited, we shared fun, laughter and racing thrills. I have many tales to tell about our adventures together. Matthew had some personal problems and he let things slip over the last year, it is very sad. But he will live on in our hearts. He will be sorely missed.”

Handicapping and breeding guru Karel Miedema said that Matthew Lips, a multiple Champion Punter Competition winner, was possessed of an encyclopaedic mind.

“To me, he was the finest form analyst I have ever known. He had a way with words as well,” added Miedema.

Matthew attended his first racemeeting at the age of 13 at the now defunct Ascot in Bulawayo.

He once said that the Merit Rating system was misunderstood by many and that it was blamed by some people for almost everything that has gone wrong in the world, including World War Two! When asked for more impressions of the Merit Rating system, he said that he wished it had been introduced years earlier.

“It offers great betting opportunities for punters who do their homework, it is not the worst thing that has ever hit horse racing! A natural benefit is that it allows horses to remain competitive for much longer than would have been the case

Matthew Lips – on duty during his time with the NHA | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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under the dreadful race figure method. That can only be a good thing, especially given the increased costs and reduced stakes that we have to live with nowadays. Obviously there is always room for disagreement with a horse`s assessment and bashing the handicapper is an international sport!” he once lamented.

Matthew celebrated his first winner as an owner when Spark Of Peace won at Clairwood in December 1995. He won an A division handicap, ridden by Gary Molloy, and trained

by Gary Rich. He ran with three steel shoes and one bare foot and was the rank outsider in a field of four!

He labelled the thriller between Potomac and Model Man in the Daily News 2000 of 1986 as one of the most exciting races he had watched.

He also felt that sectional timing, which was recently introduced in the Cape and KZN by his

former employer Winning Form, was of great benefit to racing and punters, and mused that a great number of apparently baffling form reversals would be explained. ‘Pace makes races!’ was one of his favourite chirps.

On advice for punters, Matthew always recommended ‘using your head’, because ultimately you are trying to outsmart the other guy. “Next time somebody tries to tell you he knows everything, ask him where he parks his Ferrari!”

We fondly remember our colleague who could equally debate the merits of Terrance Millard’s legends as he could Led Zepellin’s Stairway To Heaven, or Deep Purple’s best.

Rest in peace Matthew. You were a champion to all who had the privilege of drawing on your wisdom and knowledge.

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‘I WILL BE BACK!’ After a shocking fall at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, jockey Sean Veale has been discharged from hospital and will return home to Durban on Tuesday.

Veale was dislodged when his right-side stirrup leather broke when he was guiding the Justin Snaith-trained Sun Spectacular into the bend at about the 900m marker in the third race on Saturday.

While attempting to take evasive action, Craig Zackey on Enchanting Choice, who was

following closely, appeared to run over the fallen rider.

Sean’s relieved wife Maxine told the Sporting Post that they stayed in Cape Town for one more night, ‘just to be safe’ and then flew back home on Tuesday.

A brave Sean Veale gives the thumbs-up| Credit: Supplied 120 | 11 OCTOBER 2023

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“The maxillo facial surgeon has placed wires in the upper jaw to fix the fracture and redid his nose to fix the break. He has a nose pack to help with the bleeding and a shoulder sling for soft tissue damage. We will be seeing the Specialist in Durban next week to remove the nasal pack and the splint on the nose. He will be out for 6 weeks,” added Maxine.

She asked that we thank everyone who has enquired on her husband’s progress.

“He says thank you to everyone that has followed up. He is feeling the love and appreciates everyone. He also says he will be back and nothing can keep him down!” she added proudly.

While Veale was dealt with superbly by the on-course first-aid personnel, there were questions asked as to why the ambulance that was following on the inside of the runners had

continued to the finish of the race, rather than attend to the stricken jockey.

Cape Racing Executive of Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post that the ambulance driver following the race had missed the fall.

“The racing operations team were instantly on the radio communications to the secondary ambulance parked on the infield. We have two ambulances on call each meeting for any potential ‘mishaps’. They drove up and tended to Mr Veale immediately. Once checked by the course doctor, Mr Veale was referred to hospital for further checks. I was with Mr Veale from the moment he left the ambulance to enter the course doctors’ rooms, until he departed to the hospital,” confirmed Vermaak.

We wish Sean a speedy recovery.

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PETER STAR GOES TO 121

Tony Peter’s Main Defender has had his rating raised from 113 to 121 following his emphatic success in the Grade 2 Betway Spring Challenge over 1450m on the Turffontein inside course on Saturday 7th October.

The Handicappers were of the unanimous view that 2nd placed THUNDERSTRUCK made for the most suitable line horse when assessing this race, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 118. In assessing the race this way MAIN DEFENDER runs to a higher mark but the specific race conditions do not allow for a rating increase of more than eight pounds.

Placed runners may only be increased by a maximum of 4 pounds and accordingly, 3rd placed READY TO CHARGE was adjusted to a rating of 109 from 105 despite running to a higher mark.

The specific race conditions do not allow for a rating increase of more than four pounds for the placed horses. Accordingly, the Handicappers had to cap the 3rd placed JUST BE LEKKER to 97 (from 93) despite running to a higher mark. The only other increase was for 4th placed EMIRATE GINA who is adjusted to 105 from 102.

The following horses were given ratings’ drops, WILLIAM ROBERTSON was dropped from 121 to 119, BINGWA was lowered marginally from 120 to 119, CABINET SHUFFLE and MK’S PRIDE were dropped 2 pounds each, from 106 to 104 and 120 to 118 respectively. The only other horse to receive a drop was UNZEN, who was reduced from 106 to 101.

Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes (Grade 3)

Betway Joburg Spring F&M Challenge (Grade 2) The well weighted FEATHER BOA remained unchanged on a rating of 114 after winning the Grade 2 Betway Joburg Spring F&M Challenge over 1450m. The Handicappers were of the opinion that 2nd place finisher CAPTAIN PEG made for the best line horse here, which leaves her unchanged on a rating of 109. In rating the race this way 5th finisher MARIGOLD HOTEL runs to her rating of 107 making her a line horse as well.

The following horses were given drops of 1 pound each, GIMME A SHOT from 113 to 112, TIPSY TARRAGON from 109 to 108 and FULL VELOCITY was dropped to 104 from 105.

CHARLES DICKENS remains unchanged on a rating of 132 following his seasonal debut success in the Grade 3 Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday. In assessing this race, the Handicappers were of the unanimous view that ROYAL AUSSIE made for the most suitable line horse. In fact, the 1st three finishers ran in merit rating order and accordingly, their ratings remain unchanged.

AFTER THE RAIN did achieve a higher figure than his official merit rating but the specific conditions in this race preclude the increase of placed runners.

The only runner to receive a ratings drop was BRIGHT GREEN, who was dropped from 101 to 96.

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Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes (Grade 3) GOLDEN HOSTESS remains unchanged on a rating of 117 following her win in the Grade 3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes for fillies and mares over 1400m. GIMME’S LASSIE was considered to make for the best line horse.

In assessing the race this way, GOLDEN HOSTESS only runs to a mark of 109 hence her unchanged rating.

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The specific conditions of the race do not permit for any increase in the rating of any horse beyond the winner. Therefore, 3rd finisher CALA MURETTA remains on a rating of 101 even though she actually achieved a mark of 105.

The only horse to receive a ratings drop was WHO DO YOU LOVE who was dropped from 99 to 97.

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results up to: 2023-10-11

TRAINERS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places

Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

Mr A P Peter

84

20

23.8

19

9

17

45

53.6

1,385,938

1,858,688

Mr A C Greeff

162

21

13.0

16

8

34

58

35.8

1,262,500

1,768,925

Mrs C L Bass-Robinson

108

17

15.7

12

13

25

50

46.3

1,268,125

1,765,513

Mr S J Snaith

167

14

8.4

19

17

39

75

44.9

957,500

1,746,456

Mr G D Smith

213

17

8.0

14

27

43

84

39.4

889,688

1,469,888

Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

Mr M A Yeni

329

55

16.7

50

44

77

171

52.0

3,468,750

5,134,488

Mr R D Fourie

219

45

20.5

39

22

44

105

47.9

2,605,938

3,838,575

Mr G J Lerena

188

36

19.1

32

32

34

98

52.1

2,198,625

3,229,800

Mr S Khumalo

165

26

15.8

20

29

28

77

46.7

1,651,563

2,343,550

Mr C Zackey

266

25

9.40

31

26

70

127

47.7

1,437,500

2,491,206

JOCKEYS Other Places

BREEDERS Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

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

Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

193

386

24,412

48

54

24.9

169

1

1

4,711,563

Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)

104

175

27,188

27

31

26.0

75

3

3

2,827,550

Klawervlei Stud

155

301

16,973

26

30

16.8

124

0

0

2,630,825

Ridgemont Highlands

83

150

21,096

17

19

20.5

60

0

0

1,750,981

Varsfontein Stud

88

186

19,071

15

16

17.0

82

0

0

1,678,288

Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

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

Master Of My Fate

126

250

20,120

24

25

19.0

118

0

0

2,535,125

Querari (GER)

116

232

20,820

22

24

19.0

103

1

1

2,415,100

Flower Alley (USA)

69

152

34,589

26

27

37.7

69

2

2

2,386,613

Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)

116

218

19,677

20

21

17.2

104

0

0

2,282,563

What A Winter

108

206

18,156

17

19

15.7

85

0

0

1,960,850

SIRES

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