SP SPRINT - 14 June 2023

Wednesday 14 June 2023

AND HERE'S TO YOU, MRS ROBINSON!

Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge winning trainer Candice Bass-Robinson was smiling before the big race! Candiese Lenferna snapped her on the way to saddling Charles Dickens prior to his second Gr1 success.

ARAGOSTA COULD BE ON THE BALL

Mike de Kock’s Gr1 SA Derby winner Aragosta will wind up his Hollywoodbets Durban July prep when he steps out in a rather shallow six horse field in Saturday’s R200 000 Gr3 Track & Ball Derby at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

The son of Rafeef has not shown much since his peak victory at Turffontein last term but showed some spark with a third place behind Sea Master in the Gr3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup last time out.

After the disappointment of Cousin Casey’s scratching from the Hollywoodbets Durban

July, Glen Kotzen could be set for a change of lucky with Gr1 Woolavington 2000 fourth-placer Hold My Hand in the R350 000 Gr2 Track & Ball Oaks.

The daughter of Gold Standard is only a onetime winner, but has been consistent and tries her luck in the KZN Capital City.

SA Derby winner Aragosta – should go close on Saturday as he winds up Hollywoodbets Durban July prep | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Gold Circle made the bold move in 2014 to open these two contests to all ages on weight-for-age terms.

They leant on international precedent offered by similar amendments to the Irish St Leger and the Yorkshire Oaks.

The amendment was based on the rationale that the chief focus of 3yo’s during the SA Champions Season is the Guineas, the Daily News 2000, the Woolavington Stakes and the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Further justification for the move was seen in the fact that there are no weight-for-age races in South Africa over the distance and it was hoped that the overall programme for stayers would actually benefit from the change.

The jury is still out on whether it has worked or not.

The other features over the weekend are the twice weather-delayed Listed Somerset 1200 and Listed Perfect Promise Sprint at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.

Charles Dickens and Aldo Domeyer storm clear of defending champion Al Muthana (Grant van Niekerk) | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

CHARLES:

ANOTHER CHALLENGE – ANOTHER CHAPTER!

Revenge is sweet and star 3yo Charles Dickens made it an emotional 2023 Champions Season mission accomplished as he turned the tables on his L’Ormarins King’s Plate conqueror Al Muthana in emphatic fashion, stamping his authority to win the R1 750 000 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

The classy chestnut started a redhot 5 to 10 favourite under clear blue Durban skies to land his second Gr1 success and his first win in open company.

The victory will likely also land him the spoils as Equus Champion Miler.

The handsome athlete, who made them wait before arriving at the start, duly obliged in sensational style as he charged up the inside rail from off the pace and drifted out late as he and jockey Aldo Domeyer played to the large crowd to hold off their L’Ormarins King’s Plate conqueror Al Muthana (7-1) by 1,40 lengths in a time of 95,94 secs.

It was a thrilling victory coming on the heels of his WSB Gr2 Guineas success at the same venue last month and ‘Charles’ has clearly captured the imagination of the racing public on a level only seen from the likes of equine hero

Kommetdieding and champion Horse Chestnut in the past 25 years.

There is no plan to run him in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, although that door remains open until 11h00 on Tuesday 13 June.

Runner-up Al Muthana was not disgraced as he ran his heart out to defend his title, but had to settle for the second cheque of R350 000.

Having only his second run after a rest, Zapatillas (40-1) finished best of the five Hollywoodbets Durban July entries for third and 3,10 lengths back.

Past winner Do It Again (20-1) was never in it and finished 7,65 lengths back, with only Cousin Casey behind in. The Kotzen team may be reconsidering the fitment of the blinkers as the 3yo fought his rider early and blew his chances in the first 300m. He has been scratched from the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Jockey Aldo Domeyer, the only man ever to partner Charles Dickens, told of his love of and connection to the superstar and conceded that he had been a bit nervous in the build-up.

Owner and breeder Gaynor Rupert emotionally acknowledged her fondness for Charles Dickens and his champion sire Trippi.

“One never knows whether we will return home to the ‘winter of despair’ but he never let’s us down,” she added in reference to the Charles Dickens quote from A Tale of Two Cities and against the background of the inevitable possibility of disappointment with even high-class flesh and blood.

Candice Bass-Robinson said that she was also nervous in the build-up.

“Everybody says it will be okay. But it’s not

that simple. He is a fantastic and special horse. I am very fortunate to enjoy the Drakenstein support and to have a horse like Charles Dickens to train,” added the Milnerton conditioner, who could not confirm whether this was her charge’s swansong appearance this term.

Now a winner of 7 races with 2 places from 9 starts for stakes of R2 603 438, 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 wrote in Great Expectations that ‘we need never be ashamed of our tears.’

For those of us who didn’t banker the star in the Pick 6, those words echo true. What were we thinking?

The triumphant Bass-Robinson team return after their Gr1 triumph | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

CHARLES’ TALE OF TWO CITIES! CAPE TOWN.DURBAN

Happy Team Dickens! Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson, Aldo Domeyer and Drakenstein’s Gaynor Rupert and Kevin Sommerville pose for our photographer | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

It was the best of times. … these words famously open Charles Dickens’ historical novel A Tale Of Two Cities and more than define the success enjoyed this season by Drakenstein Stud.

The farm’s rich vein of form continued unabated at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, where Dickens’s equine namesake made light work of the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge.

Remarkably, the colt has tasted defeat just twice in his nine-start career, and to his credit, has now exacted revenge on both conquerors.

In last month’s Gr2 World Sports Betting Guineas, he turned the tables on the Michael Roberts-trained See It Again, who had beaten him by just over a length in the Gr1 Cape Derby. This time, it was the turn of last year’s Gold Challenge winner Al Muthana, whose whirlwind finish in the Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate had ended the colt’s undefeated record.

Not only has he cemented his claims to the Champion Miler’s title, he also finds himself amongst an exclusive quartet of sophomores to have claimed this Gr1 mile race since the start of the millennium. Celtic Grove took the honours in 2001, Variety Club won in 2012 and Undercover Agent six years later in 2018.

As one of our readers pointed out, the comparison with especially Variety Club is a fascinating one. He too, won the Cape Guineas, was narrowly beaten in the (then) Queens Plate and had to bow to Jackson in the Cape Derby. Eerily, he too, set the record straight when turning the tables on the Derby winner in the Gr2 KRA Guineas before showing his supremacy over a mile in the Gr1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge at Clairwood. Incidentally, he made it a double when he defeated Beach Beauty twelve months later.

‘He is just growing into himself now and the best is surely yet to come’- Gaynor Rupert

Although he proved himself a supreme miler not just at home but abroad as well, Variety Club was never again asked to prove himself beyond that distance. Some might argue that as a son of champion sprinter Var, a mile was the limit of his stamina, yet there will always be the question if it was to protect Variety Club from any possible defeat.

Not so the horse who grabbed the imagination on a global scale just over a decade ago, the incomparable Frankel. He set the British tracks alight and never tasted defeat, winning all 14 of his starts by an average margin of around six lengths. Having proved himself a miler par excellence, owner Khaled Abdullah could have elected to retire the son of Galileo after his 13th victory, yet sportingly, allowed the colt to prove himself over further, and he duly lined up for Ascot’s Gr1 Champion Stakes over 2000m.

With his smooth, powerful stride, the soft going

on the day was an added hurdle to overcome, yet he passed the test with flying colours and sauntered home almost five lengths clear of defending champion Cirrus Des Aigles, who by the way, had won his previous five starts on soft ground by an average margin of almost eight lengths.

We would never dare to compare Charles Dickens to this undisputed giant of the turf, but wouldn’t it be great to see him compete beyond a mile?

“He is just growing into himself now and the best is surely yet to come,” she remarked.

Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson’s post-race remarks, “this was his seasonal target and he’s had a busy season,” suggest we can but hope that he will again grace the Durban track with his presence on July 29 for the Gr1 Champions Cup over 1800m. He should see out the extra furlong on class alone, and his pedigree suggests the same.

His dam, the Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge winner Demanding Damsel scored up to 2200m, in addition to which he is an own brother to Settlers Trophy winner Somerset Maugham and Gr1 Cape Derby runner-up Charles, both of which raced successfully in middle distance company.

By the way, for those who are speculating that the colt will join his sire Trippi at Drakenstein

for the upcoming breeding season, the answer is an emphatic NO.

Drakenstein owner Gaynor Rupert has confirmed her prized colt will stay in training at four.

“He is just growing into himself now and the best is surely yet to come,” she remarked.

That’s music to our ears. He has such a following and there is still the small matter of avenging that L’Ormarins King’s Plate loss. Besides, as a mature four-year-old, the Met may well be within his scope.

Asked if there was a possibility that Charles Dickens could leave the country, Mrs Rupert added: “As long as we have export problems and quarantine, I won’t send him anywhere.”

The champion proudly wears his snazzy Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge blanket with Groom Oscar Nkunzi | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Kabelo Matsunyane has Winchester Mansion in full flight |

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Gelding has certainly done the trick! The Hollywoodbets Durban July panel will now have to sit up and take note of Brett Crawford’s 4yo Winchester Mansion who stormed to victory in the R200 000 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Gr3 Cup Trial at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

Having his second start since the unkindest cut of all, Winchester Mansion built on his runner-up effort behind Pacaya in the WSB Gr2 1900 with a fluent effort when produced late in the 1800m contest by Kabelo Matsunyane.

Given a chance, as is his style, Winchester Mansion (4-1) scythed down the middle outside to nab Quasiforsure (7-2) and go on and to win by 3,10 lengths in a time of 109,45 secs.

Both of the top two are Hollywoodbets Durban July entries and will have pleased their connections.

There were six other big race hopefuls in the field including the favourite Rockpool (9-4) who

made up some ground in the run for home but failed to provide a genuine kick at his first race at the city track and was beaten 6,70 lengths out of the money.

Winchester Mansion is another product of the highly successful Crawford Racing Highveld office run by the senior trainer’s son, James. They now return to Johannesburg and will be back on the road in Hollywoodbets

Durban July week.

A Drakenstein raced and bred winner, the 4yo is by champion trainer Trippi (End Sweep) out of the Spectrum mare Sea Point.

Now a winner of 4 races with 7 places from 14 starts, Winchester Mansion took his stakes earnings to R564 100.

24 STILL STANDING IN THE BIG RACE

The top-class Cousin Casey – goes home for a break

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

With the final field announcement for the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July being made next Tuesday, the big race field has whittled down to 24.

he total includes Candice Bass-Robinson supplementary entry Trip Of Fortune.

And in what was one of the tough decisions, Gr1-winning Cape 3yo Cousin Casey has been scratched from the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Making the announcement in a media release on Tuesday afternoon, trainer Glen Kotzen said that it was felt that in the collective best interests of their smart horse and the racing public, the son of Vercingetorix will not race again this Champions Season and will be given a few months off at the magnificent Woodhill Estate in Paarl.

“I must stress that there is no injury or any direct health issues with Cousin Casey. His blood

picture is fine. He’s emptying the manger. But even though just running a matter of lengths off them prior to Saturday, when he overraced in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge, he just has not been at the top of his game this season up in KZN, and has not matched anything near his sparkling form of the Cape summer,” added a disappointed Glen Kotzen.

He said that the team and owner Ravi Naidoo had sat down and weighed up the fact that the Gr1 and dual Gr2 winning Cousin Casey is a valuable and very special horse, and that his performances were his way of asking for time off.

“He has a tremendous following and we know how good he is. If he is not ready to do his best, then we’d rather ease off and bring him

back for greater things in the Cape summer. We feel for the public who have backed him into the Hollywoodbets Durban July. But when dealing with flesh and blood, these unforeseen occurrences are a reality.”

Glen Kotzen, who won the Durban July in 2009 with Big City Life, said that his yard was not at its best at the moment.

“The wheel turns and we are just not firing on all cylinders as a stable either at the moment. It’s tough to accept it, but we have too many good owners and great horses not to bounce back. We will make it our goal to bring Cousin Casey back in 2024 for a tilt at the Hollywoodbets Durban July,” concluded Kotzen.

A ten-times champion jockey of France, Christophe Soumillon has been engaged to ride Mike de Kock’s Safe Passage in what will be the Belgian’s first Hollywoodbets Durban July ride.

Soumillon produced a sensational maiden SA Gr1 strike earlier this year on WSB Met Day down at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth for the Slack family and Mike de Kock when Desert Miracle beat SA Horse Of The Year Captain’s Ransom in the prestigious Majorca Stakes.

“Christophe will be jetting in on Friday 30 June and back out again after races on Saturday. He will be looking for a few other plum rides. We hope to have another ride or two available earlier in the day,” said Mike de Kock.

Candice Bass-Robinson’s Trip Of Fortune was the only supplementary entry as the gate closed on the 2023 renewal of the R5 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July.

The Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes and IOS Drill Hall Stakes winner will now carry topweight if he runs on 1 July.

He is something of a suprise considering he has never been tried beyond a mile and is one of a potential 5 Drakenstein flagbearers in the final line-up.

Whatever happens over the next week, the big race selection panel have some serious soul searching and hard decisions to make!

A final field of 20, including 2 reserves, can be declared.

Christophe Soumillon will be riding Safe Passage

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

THOROUGHBREDS AND THOUGHTS -

A CATCH-UP WITH BORTZ

South African horseracing’s leading man, and a forward thinker of some proportions, Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz was appointed CEO of JSE listed Grand Parade Investments - a company of which he is a majority owner – last month and could well complete the ‘holy trinity’ with negotiations under way to purchase KZN racing operator, Gold Circle.

It’s difficult to imagine that just over a year ago

many of us only knew the name Greg Bortz as the charismatic part-owner of the temperamental Gr1 Cape Derby winner Pomp And Power.

While he has been in racing for longer than five minutes, today the Durbanite, who made his fortune in private equity in the USA, is a man on a mission to uplift the sport of kings.

He has emerged as the singularly most influential player on the South African horseracing firmament and his ability to talk to the full spectrum of stakeholders is unprecedented in a world overpopulated

Gina Goldsmith and Greg Bortz - power couple are off to Royal Ascot | Credit: Supplied

with techno talking heads. His humility and willingness to communicate with all and sundry on matters impacting the game, has clearly endeared him to many.

In the countdown to the Cape Racing Sales Winter Mixed Sale on Friday, the Sporting Post caught up with the 53-year-old Clifton resident, just days after a left shoulder operation had slowed him down a length or two.

As usual the energetic trademark blue-jeaned businessman saw the positive in the surgical procedure that he concedes he had been putting off for some time.

“It’s given me a chance to catch up on paperwork and looking on the bright side, it could have been my right shoulder,” he laughs as he tells that it’s been a ‘hectic time’ with plenty happening in the corridors of corporate power and on the ground at Hollywoodbets

Kenilworth, the Milnerton Training Centre, and even at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

Pomp And Splendour

But Greg Bortz gets an instant glint in his eye when he chats about the talented chestnut Pomp And Power.

“We are experimenting and testing equine travel options and rather than let a claustrophobic adrenaline-charged athlete stand in a float for 16 to 20 hours on the long road, he was flown up to Durban with a number of other horses a few weeks ago. What a difference! I can’t elaborate more on air travel, but this is an important initiative of ours at Cape Racing. We want to make all racecourses easily accessible for all horses – regardless of their location. Watch this space! But back to Pomp: he is enjoying himself and there is also no favourite pressure on us for the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Gina and Greg love their racing | Credit: Supplied

We have also secured Bernard Fayd’herbe for the big race ride. Bernie knows his way around Hollywoodbets Greyville! If Pomp can replicate his WSB Met run, he is a massive runner.”

Greg recently attended the graduation ceremony of his son at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

“Judd’s going to pursue a career in Investment Banking in Los Angeles,” adds the proud Dad as he pulls the catalogue for Friday’s Sale off a shelf.

While he’s keen to chat about the sale and some exciting initiatives introduced to benefit both vendors and buyers, we draw the discussion first to the rubble and building activity which we had to step over in our visit to a chilly Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

“As you can see, there is plenty happening here.

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth is in the middle of an amazing transformation. We will be making the announcements in good time but in a nutshell we are creating a 365 day-a-year lifestyle facility, rather than a one dimensional racecourse that is utilised only 45 odd days a year. One would like to believe that given the status and stature of our property portfolio down here that we could at least introduce facilities and foot traffic to raise the sport’s profile, while generating much needed financial spin-offs to benefit the industry at large,” he adds.

“The transformation of this iconic venue is truly amazing – we can’t wait for it to be complete!”

Pure Gold

As regards the recently announced proposed acquisition, together with his corporate bookmaker partner Hollywoodbets, of Gold Circle, the business guru won’t be drawn on

prying speculation and is tight-lipped, indicating that there is a process to be followed and ‘quite a long road yet to be walked’.

“Our offer to acquire Gold Circle has been accepted by the Board of Gold Circle. Now there are numerous other milestones that must first be achieved – these include the signing of all agreements, a vote of the members, Competition Commission approval, gambling board approvals and other such things. The process is not quick, and we are mindful and respectful of the rules and procedures that need to be followed, and we cannot, and will not, cut any corners. That said, I am excited about the future opportunities with and for racing in KZN. The loyal, passionate fan base in KZN is unparalleled in our country, and I truly believe that our best days lie ahead of us. It can be frustrating at times, as patience is not my strong suit, but we are never too old to learn!”

Selling The Game

He is particularly excited though to talk about the sale on the Youth Day public holiday on Friday which heralds a new R4 million cash bonus structure and an innovative pinhooking programme at Cape Racing Sales Winter Mixed Sale.

The brief was to make the sale and acquisition of racehorses more convenient, enjoyable, and ultimately more rewarding for vendors and buyers.

Friday’s sale sees bonuses of R100 000 being paid for the first juvenile win by the graduate of any race, and this will be payable not only in Juvenile races, but with wider reach to include open Maiden races won by juveniles. In an interesting move, Cape Racing Sales will pay 25% of the win bonus to the vendor and have also reduced vendor commissions.

Greg is excited about the introduction by Cape Racing Sales of a pinhooking ‘assistance’ incentive to help drive the June and October Ready To Run sales. Pinhooking at sales is growing fast in popularity because it requires

“There is no interest levied and the programme affords approved applicants an opportunity to be granted an authorised ‘credit-line’. This will make it possible for the pinhookers to acquire horses on Friday, while only paying after selling at the RTR sale in October.”

Hooked!

He explains that they have had terrific positive feedback about this move and vendors will be paid out timeously for their horses that are bought by pinhookers.

Gina Goldsmith on the flight to Durban with Hollywoodbets Durban July hopeful Pomp And Power | Credit: Supplied seasoned thoroughbred selection skills and hence presents opportunities for handsome profits with no unusual risks.

“So now rather than syndicators or speculators running from owner to owner to sell a leg here, and a tail there, they can put their head down and their hand up and place themselves in a stronger position. So we have created the environment for a more vibrant buying bench and genuine opportunities for the astute eyeand the breeders are very happy,” adds Greg proudly.

Asked about the possibility of South Africa having just a single sales company and bringing the National Yearling Sale to Cape Town, he says that this is not something under consideration

“I am a big supporter of the BSA Sales – I love Nationals and have bought many horses there. I have stated publicly, and chatted to my friends at BSA, that I think the logic is flawed holding the bulk of sales in Johannesburg.

“We are always told the buying power is up North, but that’s not what the statistics suggest. The breeders have traditionally had their own way of doing things, and they hold the sales at Germiston because that is where the sales grounds are. But a large proportion of the catalogue is travelling from the Western Cape. And I think the essence of racing and breeding is that we tend to do things because that is the way they have always been done, and not for underlying good business logic. That approach may have worked in less competitive times, but we don’t have that luxury in the 21st century anymore. I believe things will evolve as they are meant to,” he adds with measure.

“We at Cape Racing have no desire to own or run a national sales company. Or even own a sales company. Our only mission is to grow the sport of horseracing - nationally. I look forward to working with our friends at the BSA if they wish to explore ways to do more in the Cape. From holding more sales at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth to building a purpose-built arena here – anything is achievable and doable. And if this is not of interest, they will still have my continued ongoing support – as a friend and a buyer.”

A Shoe-in!

And will Mr Bortz be adding to his substantial string and buying on Friday?

“No. Gina and I will be in London. We are attending Royal Ascot, which is something we have never done before. Also, I think it will be a lot cheaper if Gina focuses more on buying shoes than horses! That said, we are sad to be missing it. It’s a lovely catalogue and the trainers will no doubt be doing a great job of getting us involved. They will have to talk to Gina though, not me. I am a pushover, but Gina not so much! She has done a great job so far and we have a lovely string of young horses coming through the ranks. You really can’t tell me how anybody with blood flowing through their veins can’t love this game!” he enthuses.

The Cape Racing Sales Winter Mixed Sale is being held at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and starts at 11h00 on Friday.

Viewing is from Wednesday - check the catalogue on www.caperacingsales.co.za

It’s been a wet week down in the Cape but the sun is forecast to shine on Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Friday when the Cape Racing Sales Winter Mixed Sale gets underway at 11h00.

With the majority of the 175 horses catalogued safely in their boxes and open for inspection from Wednesday morning, it’s all systems go for a catalogue that now incorporates the Mare & Weanling Sale (originally planned for 12 June) and the Cape Winter Yearling Sale into a varietal, prioritised one-day auction.

A number of high-profile stud farms are represented at the Winter Sale, including the National Top 6 Drakenstein Stud, Wilgerbosdrift Stud Farm – South Africa , Klawervlei Stud,

Progeny of South Africa’s six leading sires will come under the hammer on the yearling side – the names of Gimmethegreenlight (2 lots), What A Winter (7), Vercingetorix (2), Master Of My Fate (6), Querari and Trippi (1 apiece) all appear in the catalogue, alongside the leading freshmen Fire Away (4) and Lancaster Bomber (1), new stallion One World (7) and the established Rafeef (2), Flower Alley (4) and William Longsword ( 8 ).

On the broodmare sale, there are daughters of the current log-leaders Captain Al (4), Jet Master (3), Silvano (3), Western Winter and Trippi (5 apiece) and VAR (2). All were covered during the latter part of 2022 and will

Ridgemont Highlands, Maine Chance Farms and VS Varsfontein.

IT’S WET – BUT BIDDING STARTS ON FRIDAY AT 11H00

pass through the ring alongside a number of beautifully-bred others, including Louvre (Doowaley), the dam of recent Gr1 Horse Chestnut And Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes winner Trip To Fortune, and covered by What A Winter.

A notable among recently raced fillies and

mares is the speedy Alula’s Star (Red Ray), a G3 winner, not yet covered.

The sale will commence at 11h00 and the catalogued lots sold in the following order: yearlings, followed by mares, and then weanlings.

Veteran breeder Hassen Adams and son Rayaan at Nadeson Park this week |

Credit: Wayne Marks

IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN THE VALLEY!

One of South Africa’s leading thoroughbred breeders and an astute businessman, Hassen Adams is known as a man with the midas touch and besides being bullish and excited about Nadeson Park’s high quality draft for Friday’s CRS Winter Mixed Sale, he also has some exciting plans to develop his stud farm.

Hassen retired in December 2019 from a lifetime of community and business life, as well as holding office in horseracing.

But beyond board meetings and going to the office daily, he has never really stopped.

His lengthy CV included chair of Grand Parade Investments, executive chair of Burger King SA, director of Gold Circle, director of Cape

Town Fish Market and director of Afriserve, and his focus has now shifted to maintaining his Nadeson Park Stud as a force on the racing scene as well as developing an eco-village in the magnificent Hemel en Aarde Valley.

Ten different cancers have not slowed him down much, and a sprightly Hassen and his son Rayaan welcomed the Sporting Post to his beautiful home earlier this week after he had

bounced back from a liver treatment, just days earlier.

“Did you expect to find me in bed?” he laughed as he picked up on our surprise at how well he looks, despite his enormous health challenges.

“I am lucky. I have good doctors. I’m in good hands. I’m not going anywhere! And I know you are here to chat about the sale on Friday, but I want to tell you something,” he roars as he goes on to talk about his latest venture in the beautiful valley.

“This is just the kind of project that gives me lots to think about! We are planning eco mountain lodges and banqueting facilities, with activities such as horse trails, mountain bike trails, and planned hikes through the beautiful Hemel en Aarde Valley mountains. These are

all integral to the planning philosophy behind what is a much sought-after tourist destination,” he enthuses.

Hassen adds that Nadeson Park is a quiet refuge.

“Look at this place. It’s tranquil, and ideal for meditation hope and healing. The most beautiful natural indigenous environment which is perfect for the production of highquality racehorses. This compliments the other features which make it a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, enabling one to reenergize,” he explains.

He tells that the lodges will be aesthetically designed to fit into the environment, with meandering trials through the indigenous flora, forest and rivulets.

“This is exciting – believe me, it’s a truly beautiful part of the world. I have been all over the globe. It’s a winner. I will keep your readers informed. It’s an eclectic mix of nature, horses and self!

On his draft for Friday, Hassen was enthusiastic.

See his comments below:

Lot 1 Rendevous In Rio

“We open up the sale with this beautifully proportioned Trippi filly out of one of my foundation mares, Fairyinthewoods, a speedy mare who was unbeaten in six starts and won the G2 Southern Cross Stakes. She has produced some good horses.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-1/)

Lot 2 Fate Of Peace

“A nice, strong filly by Master Of My Fate out of Flichity, another of our foundation mares.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-2/)

Lot 3 Unnamed filly

“A Captain Of All from Fortissimus, a bold black type mare by Mogok. Beatifully topped and proportioned, I think a lot of her.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-3/)

Lot 4 Lady William

“A filly by William Longsword. She is big and strong, could be a nice filly to buy at a reasonable price.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-4/)

Lot 28 More Inclined

“A filly by Master Of My Fate out of a fourtime winning More Than Ready mare. I like her, she looks a bit light, but I think that’s the way this family starts off. I think she’ll grow into something nice. More Than Ready is the sire of Gimmethegreenlight, his fillies are sought after all over the world.”(https://www. caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023-MWS-28/)

Lot 29 Greenlight Jet

“A colt by Gimmethegreenlight out of Mysterious Jet, by Jet Master, whose full-sister La Bella Mia won eight races. He’s only starting to develop now, will be a stunning colt as a late two-year-old.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-29/)

Lot 33 Green Street

“Here we have a Gimmethegreenlight filly, an absolute beauty and the best of my fillies. The blood says it all, she is from the close family of Vercingetorix.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-33/)

Lot 36 Rama Forseca

“This is a magnificent colt by What A Winter, one of our best. He is out of Omega Force (Gimmethegreenlight), from the potent Aquila Rapax family.

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-36/)

Lot 47 Global Rock

“He is by Global View out of a Rock Of Rochelle mare who in turn is by our foundation mare, District Six. Good family.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-47/)

Lot 52 District Master

“A very nice colt by Captain Of All from Six Of The Best, a Jet Master mare who has done well so far, with Cane Lime and Soda one of her runners.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-52/)

Lot 56 Path To Heaven

“A smart Pathfork colt out of Spring Orchid from the great Spring Lilac (Mystic Spring) family. Spring Palace (her Potala Palace colt), won just a few weeks ago.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-56/)

Lot 66 Chinese Fortress

“By Potala Palace out of What A Gal, who has produced many good runners including stakes winner Perovskia. A strong family.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-66/)

Lot 68 Aftershock

“This is an Erupt filly from a Western Winter mare who has already produced a small blacktype horse by Vercingetorix and a promising two-year-old by William Longsword. A decent entry buy for newcomers.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-68/)

Lot 69 All Is Green

“A Captain Of Al filly from Arctic Green, herself by Gimmethgreenlight out of G1 Allan Robertson winner Silver Arc. A well-topped filly from good family.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-69/)

Lot 70 Fencing Captain

“By Captain Of All out of Arikara, from the extended family of Rock Lobster, Tellina and Tibouchina. A well put together colt, strong

hind quarters and good girth.

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-70/)

Lot 73 Unnamed filly

“An Erupt filly, she is a first foal, born from Captain Wheelson, by Captain Al, she’s a nice filly and I like the family. She could go for a reasonable price, another entry-level horse for first-time buyers.

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-73/)

Lot 81 Chrome Horizon

“A beautiful Horizon filly from a mare who has produced 100% winners, including speedy Chrome Tourmaline who won in her second start recently.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-81/)

Lot 85 Winter Emmeralds

“A magnificent What A Winter colt out of a Galileo mare, well put together from a strong international family.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-85/)

HASSEN AND THE CHAMP

The present season SA Champion Sire elect Gimmethegreenlight was the best horse raced by Hassen Adams and became the first 3yo in 39 years to win the L’Órmarins Queen’s Plate when he beat Variety Club in the 2011 renewal of the prestigious weightfor-age mile.

He was retired to Varsfontein as a 3yo after sustaining a minor ligament strain in the Gr1 SA Classic where he started a short priced favourite.

Gimmethegreenlight was being aimed at Singapore and Dubai and would have been Justin Snaith’s first international runner.

The uncertainty of export protocols and the

injury made Adams take the decision to retire him.

On hearing the news of Gimmethegreenlight’s retirement pedigree analyst and successful breeder, Rob Knuppe sent an email to Hassen Adams saying “Of all the thousands of deep pedigree searches I have undertaken in the past decade I have yet to see a more exciting pedigree make-up come close to that of Gimmethegreenlight. It is a foregone conclusion that he will be challenging South Africa’s top Sires in just a few years from now”.

Interesting looking back today!

NARROW CREEK’S SUPER SIX AT CAPE WINTER SALE

John Everett’s Narrow Creek Stud, in the Top 10 on the National Breeders Log the last two seasons, will be sending six yearlings to the CRS Cape Racing Mixed Winter Sale at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Friday.

Everett shared a few notes on his draft:

Lot 8 She’s Everything

By leading young sire Erupt out of Honey Bunch by Right Approach, this one hails from the staying family of Treaj Pots and Milk and Honey. “A pretty filly with plenty of scope.”

Lot 10 Feel The Wind

By What A Winter out of Hurricane Katrina (Windrush), whose first three foals have all won at least two races. “Good sized, racy filly.”

Lot 25 Unnamed

By Canford Cliffs from a mare by Willow Magic, this colt comes from the family of former Equus Champion Broodmare, Jessamine. “A strong, well grown colt.”

Lot 60 Good Shine

A colt by Legislate from the Silvano mare, Tiffindell, whose first foal has won and placed. “A typical Legislate, neat horse.”

Lot 65 Iko Iko

By top first-season sire Fire Away out of the prolific Water Bird (Silvano), this colt is a halfbrother to G1 placed sprinter, Goliath Heron. “A very nice type of horse, racy and athletic.”

Lot 67 Over The Atlantic

By The United States out of six-time winner Winter Star, this is a full-sister to smart, up-andcoming racer, Home Of The Brave. “She looks quick and racy.”

GREAT VARIETY FROM MAINE CHANCE

Maine Chance Farms have a good variety of yearlings and mares for stud coming to the Cape Racing Winter Sale at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Friday. Among the yearlings, they’re offering seven by different sires, and yearling manager, Danni Kuttel, is especially pleased with two fillies and a colt.

Her comments below:

Lot 5 Genteel:

“An alert, good-looking filly by Quaslilo out of Girl On The Run, by Silvano, her second foal. She has pace and stamina in her pedigree.”

Lot 16 Like Minded:

“She’s a nice grey, a strong type by Heavenly Blue out of La Calisto, by Silvano. Her dam has already produced a stakesplaced runner in La Quinta.”

Lot 72 Blue Ribbon Day:

“A lovely, racey-looking colt by The United States, he is the second foal of Bandola, by Silvano, from the family of current top level sprinter, Bereave.” Hundra Prins of the Maine Chance Mare Division provided notes on her choice of broodmares.

Lot 143 Catraz, bay mare:

“She’s a mare by Captain Al and a half-sister to Gold Cup and Summer Cup winner, Aslan. She is in foal to What A Winter.”

Lot 147 Daffodil Day, bay mare: “A mare by Silvano, she is the dam of Listed Ruffian Stakes winner, Dagmar. She is in foal to Querari.”

Lot 89 Flight Zone: “Here is a mare by Jet Master, she’s a half-sister to Durban July winner Bold Silvano and is in foal to Vercingetorix.”

Lot 94 Good Time Girl:

“She is a G1-placed mare by Royal Air Force from the family of SA Derby winner, Al Sahem, and she’s in foal to Erik The Red.”

WINTERBACH AT FRIDAY’S SALE

Winterbach Stud has consigned five broodmares and a weanling to the 2023 Cape Racing Winter Mixed Sale on Friday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Known for its quality, the Winterbach stock is always worth looking at and Hendrik

Winterbach commented: “We are moving on a few mares we’ve had some success with. That’s the way it is, it is time for other breeders to have a try with them.”

Winterbach singled out his Lots 113 and 120.

Lot 113 Princess Blitz, chestnut mare

“She is by Western Winter out of La Volta, by VAR, and hence a half-sister to Master Archie, and is herself in foal to Rafeef, a top mating. Her first foal by Potala Palace sold well, her second is the weanling we have on sale at this auction. Princess Blitz is a lovely young mare being sold to dissolve a partnership.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-113/)

Lot 120 Saints Alive, bay mare

“She is a nice, big, stakes-placed mare by Elusive Fort. Her first two foals are both unraced by One World and they are very nice. She is in foal to Talk Of The Town and another beautiful foal is expected. I believe she’ll throw a number of good other foals in future.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-120/)

The weanling, he noted, is Lot 166, and she’s unnamed

“She is a nice-sized foal by Master Of My Fate from La Volta, and a very good extended family.”

(https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/lot/2023MWS-166/)

JUBILEE – NOW FOR THE JULY!

Weights mean nothing and the barrier gate and luck in running will have far more impact in determining the outcome of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

That’s the personal opinion of trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren after his Argentinian-bred Puerto Manzano wrapped up his prep for the 1 July spectacular and ran out an

easy winner of Sunday’s R250 000 Gr3 Jubilee Stakes at Turffontein.

The Jubilee Stakes was a traditional ‘last chance saloon’ for the Hollywoodbets Durban July in year’s past and while it no longer qualifies as a ‘preferential consideration’ race, the 1800m standside contest certainly boosted the Wernars’ family’s hopes of having possibly more than one serious runner in the big race – even if their talented Argentinian bred gelding has not

Puerto Manzano (Keagan de Melo) storms to victory on Sunday | Credit: JC Photos

distinguished himself at the Durban city track in past efforts.

Carrying 62 kgs as topweight and facing eight opponents, including three borderline Hollywoodbets Durban July candidates, the 5yo was given a sensible ride by Keagan de Melo and sharpened for the shorter Hollywoodbets Greyville runway in three weeks as he was sent for home a little earlier than he usually is.

The plan worked well and after Indlamu had led the charge at a fairly modest pace, Puerto Manzano (5-1) was given the office to win unchallenged and beat the consistent Whafeef (10-1) by 1,65 lengths in a time of 111,38 secs.

Electric Gold (7-2) finished best of the big race candidates who needed to make an impression, the 3yo son of Flying The Flag staying on a further neck back for third.

Sean Tarry’s Pyromaniac (6-1) really had every chance but raced without cover late and stayed on without threatening for a 3,75 length fourth. His champion trainer would probably have wanted to see more spark.

But the same applies to the fourth of the Hollywoodbets Durban July entries in Erico Verdonese’ Jimmy Don (9-4) who was beaten 1,25 lengths by the Tarry resident.

The Jubilee hero Puerto Manzano is sounder than he has ever been according to his trainer and has now won 9 races with 8 places from 24 starts for stakes of R4 011 850.

His two Gr1 successes this term were his main mission and the July remains a stress-free curtain call on his trainer’s best season ever.

Purchased by Justin Vermaak, Puerto Manzano

was bred by Dr Ignacio Pavlovsky at Haras Carampangue and is a son of Speightstown’s Gr1 Hollywood Derby winning son Seek Again out of the two time winning Orpen mare, Poser.

Owner Laurence Wernars and his son Jarryd were notable absentees at Turffontein on Sunday. They were apparently at the UEFA Champions League final at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium to

watch Manchester City beat Inter 1-0 on Saturday.

Earlier on in the afternoon, Sean Tarry had plenty of reason to smile when his Hollywoodbets Durban July entry Bless My Stars wound up her big race prep under engaged rider Athandiwe Mgudlwa, when she beat perennial bridesmaid Feather Boa in a mile Pinnacle Stakes for the fairer sex.

THE MERITS: CHARLES STAYS A 132

Cape star Charles Dickens remains unchanged on a merit rating of 132 after capturing the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge on WFA terms over 1600m on the turf course at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday 10 June.

It was the son of Trippi himself who was considered to make for the most suitable line horse, which is the reason for his unchanged mark. In assessing the race this way, 6th finisher Rascallion also runs to his mark, leaving him unchanged on a rating of 122 and effectively making him a line horse as well.

Two horses received a rating’s increase. 3rd placed Zapatillas is up from 122 to 126, while Royal Aussie goes to 118 from 116.

Four horses were given a drop. Runner-up Al Muthana is down to 130 from 132 to make him lower than Charles Dickens, Safe Passage was trimmed from 124 to 123, Bingwa drops from 122 to 120, and lastly Do It Again was dropped from 124 to 121.

East Coast Radio Gr2 Tibouchina Stakes

Humdinger has had her rating raised from 108 to 110 after winning the East Coast Radio Tibouchina Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. The Handicappers were unanimous in their view that runner-up Marigold Hotel made for the best line horse, which leaves her unchanged on a mark of 107.

There were increases for 4th placed Miss Cool, who is up from 102 to 106, while 5th finisher Mrs Browning is up from 97 to 103. The only other increase was for 7th finisher Macara, who goes up slightly from 97 to 98 to at least have

her higher than 11th placed Hollywoodbound, who drops from 99 to 97.

Aside from Hollywoodbound, the only other horse to receive a ratings drop was Bon Vivant, who is down from 112 to 110.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Gr3 Cup Trial (Handicap)

Winchester Mansion has had his rating upped from 103 to 112 after easily winning the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Cup Trial over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. It was 3rd placed Lord William who was used as the line horse here, which leaves him unchanged on a rating of 107.

Aside from the winner, the only other increase was for runner-up Quasiforsure, who is up from 110 to 112.

There were ratings drops for three horses. Union Square is down from 116 to 114, Litigation drops from 112 to 110, and lastly Silvano’s Timer is down to 106 from 108.

Gr3 Jubilee Stakes

Puerto Manzano remains unchanged on a mark of 123 after winning the Gr3 Jubilee Stakes over 1800m on the standside track at Turffontein on Sunday 11 June. It was the Argentinianbred galloper himself who was used as the line horse here, hence his unaltered rating. In assessing the race this way 3rd placed Electric

Gold runs to his mark as well, effectively also making him a line horse and leaving him unchanged on a mark of 103.

The specific conditions of this race do not allow for any ratings increase for any horse beyond the winner and accordingly runner-up Whafeef remains unchanged on a rating of 107 although actually achieving a mark of 108.

There were ratings drops for four horses.

Pyromaniac drops from 106 to 104, Laguna Verde drops from 104 to 101, Another Level is down from 99 to 98, and lastly Indlamu drops from 99 to 98 as well.

Media release by NHA on Monday 12 June 2023.

RIDGEMONT CELEBRATE STAKES DOUBLE

ON BIG DAY

JP van der Merwe keeps Humdinger going to beat Marigold Hotel (Fourie) and Tipsy Tarragon ( Denis Schwarz) | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

A filly of rare guts, courage and ability, the Ridgemont-bred Humdinger added to her Gr2 Topbet Joburg Spring F & M Challenge trophy of earlier this season when she dug deep to win the R300 000 East Coast Radio Gr2 Tibouchina Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

Trained by Mike de Kock, the 4yo Humdinger (14-1) was given a fine ride by the Bryanston Auctioneerssponsored JP Van Der Merwe who brought the trojan galloper with a challenge 200m from home. The pair kept finding in a grandstand finisg to hold off a strong late challenge from Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes winner Marigold Hotel (7-1) to win by a neck in a time of 84,15 secs.

Drakenstein Stud’s four-time Gr1 winning sire What A Winter has been responsible for a plethora of stakes winners this season, and the champion son of Western Winter enjoyed a great result here as his daughters Humdinger and Miss Cool ran first and fourth respectively.

It was a smart win from the victorious Humdinger, who had a poor draw to overcome and was keen early on in the running.

A R180 000 2020 National 2yo Sale purchase, the versatile Humdinger, a full-sister to the speedy East Cape-based stakes winner and 2021/22 season award-winner Glacier Gold, has now won 7 races (including three stakes successes) with 9 places from 21 starts for stakes ofR928 125.

A second stakes success on the afternoon for Ridgemont, Hundinger is by the Equus speed champion What A Winter (Western Winter), out of the five time – winning Fort Wood mare, Himalayan Hill.

She is one of a growing number of stakeswinning daughters of What A Winter. This list also includes dual Gr1 Majorca Stakes winner Clouds Unfold, and graded stakes winners Magical Wonderland, Winter Cloud, Distant Winter, Celestial Love, Winter Smoke, Cold Fact, and the aforementioned Gr2 Heineken SA Nursery winner Miss Cool.

South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2YOs in 2020-2021, What A Winter’s flagbearers this season also include Gr1 Jonsson Workwear Computaform Sprint winner Isivunguvungu.

Runner up on South Africa’s General Sires List for the current season, his progeny have already earned more than R14 658 000 in 2022-2023.

What A Winter has seven yearlings on offer at this week’s Cape Racing Winter Mixed Sale.

The winning connections - Assistant Trevor Brown and Mike de Kock chat to JP van der Merwe | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

DE KOCK’S GIMME FOR PICK 6 PLAYERS

After Gimme A Prince’s smashing success in the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint a week earlier, Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables enjoyed further Champions Season cheer courtesy of the 2yo Gimmeanotherchance who took full advantage of his rails draw to win the R175 000 The Sharks Listed Gatecrasher Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

Like Gimme A Prince, Gimmeanotherchance is a son of Varsfontein’s champion sire Gimmethegreenlight.

Ridden by Khaya Stables’ retained Winning Form-sponsored rider Keagan de Melo, Gimmeanotherchance jumped smartly from his pole position draw and stalked Winter Games before being given the office at the 350m.

Despite running green and tiring late, Gimmeanotherchance (4-10) stayed on best to beat Winter Games (16-1) by 3,20 length in a time of 84,9 secs.

Trainer Mike de Kock was not bullish before the race, given the fact that 2yo’s are unknown quantities, but said afterwards that the winner may return on Hollywoodbets Durban July day, depending on his draw, but that he was a ‘Guineas horse’ whatever happened this season.

Now a winner of 2 races with a place in his three starts, Gimmeanotherchance took his stakes tally to R202 375.

An R800 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, the winner was bred by Varsfontein Stud and is a son of champion sire elect Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready)out of the twicewinning Judpot mare, Final Judgement.

Gimmeanotherchance strides clear under Keagan de Melo | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

CHAMPION SIRE’S GATECRASHER ROLL

Gimmethegreenlight, who is on track to be crowned South Africa’s Champion Sire for 20222023, registered his 55th stakes winner on Saturday when his son Gimmeanotherchance won the Listed The Sharks Gatecrasher Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Remarkably, Gimmeanotherchance is the fifth Gatecrasher Stakes winner to have emerged from his sire’s first eight crops, preceded by Barahin (2018), Kaydens Pride (2019), Gold Season (2020), and Cosmic Highway (2021).

Both Barahin and Cosmic Highway went on to win multiple graded stakes, with Barahin winning the 2018 Gr2 Durban Golden Horseshoe, 2019 G2 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile and 2019 Gr3 Jubilee Handicap, and Cosmic

Highway victorious in the 2021 Gr3 Cape Of Good Hope Nursery and 2022 Gr2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes.

Gimmethegreenlight’s dominance is also reflected in the running of the 2018 Gatecrasher Stakes, where his sons Barahin and Green Haze finished first and second respectively.

The Gatecrasher Stakes, however, is by no means the only race that Gimmethegreenlight

Cosmic Highway wins the Gatecrasher in 2021 under Keagan de Melo | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

has enjoyed multiple successes with.

The Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes has been twice won by sons of Gimmethegreenlight (Gunner, Got The Greenlight), the Gr1 Daily News 2000 twice (Surcharge, Got The Greenlight), Gr2 Cape Merchants (Gimme A Prince, Vikram) and Gr2 Gauteng Guineas. The latter race was won by Gimmethegreenlight son National Park in 2019, while Gimmethegreenlight son Eye Of The Prophet won the same race in 2023.

While Gimmethegreenlight’s record in the Gatecrasher Stakes is notable, he is by no means the only current active South African stallion to dominate one particular feature race. Querari was responsible for three consecutive winners of the Listed Lady’s Slipper Stakes, with his daughters Luna Wish, Herrin and Homely Girl, winning the Lady’s Slipper in 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively.

The late Captain Al dominated a number of South African feature races, including the Gr3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery. Daughters of Captain Al won the Kenilworth Fillies Nursery in 2009,2011, 2013, 2015 and 2019, an impressive achievement by a stallion who headed South

Africa’s Leading Sires of 2YOs list on eight occasions.

In 2009, Captain Al fillies Flower’s Angel, Possible Dream and Sleek N Sassy finished 1-24 in the Kenilworth Fillies Nursery, while in 2013 Captain Al daughter Wheredowego beat fellow Captain Al fillies Pure Power and Alascan Maiden into second and third place respectively in that year’s renewal of the race.

However, these feats pale in comparison to the streaks achieved by the likes of Asbestos II (Asterus), Jet Master (Rakeen) and Silvano (Lomitas), with the former sire of five Cape Derby winners in a row (Feltos, Menlo, Mineral, Convalesce and Restore), and Jet Master progeny Pocket Power, River Jetez and Past Master winning the Gr1 J&B Met from 2007 to 2011.

The late Silvano came up with five Vodacom Durban July winners albeit over a period ranging from 2010 to 2022, with Bold Silvano victorious in 2010, Heavy Metal winning in 2013, Power King (who beat half-brothers Punta Arenas and Tellina into second and third respectively) scoring in 2015, Marinaresco winning the July in 2017 and Sparkling Water scoring in 2022.

Barahin wins the Gatecrasher under Bernard Fayd’herbe in 2018 | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Grant van Niekerk steers Secret Identity to victory | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

THE SECRET IS OUT

Who said the barrier draws are always a gamechanger at Hollywoodbets Greyville? Enigmatic Cape star Grant van Niekerk knocked the maxim out of the park when he steered Canford Cliffs’ daughter Secret Identity to victory from the widest gate in the R175 000 Hollywoodbets Super League Devon Air Stakes at the city track on Saturday.

The modest Van Niekerk who enjoys his fair share of stick, said that he ‘got a bit lucky’ as his charge was slow out and found a position.

Racing in the famous Kommetdieding silks, Van Niekerk produced the goods on the occasion of his first winner for owner Ashwin Reynolds with a gung ho cool ride on the Michelle Rix/ Harold Crawford-trained 10-1 shot to get up and beat Gauteng raider Dolcezza (7-1) by half a length in a time of 85,8 secs.

This made it a 1-2 for lady trainers as recently wed Robyn Klaasen saddled the runner-up.

Another Joburg raider in Tamil Tiger (20-1) popped her head into the frame for third.

The favourite Oriental Bouquet was always out of her ground and ran near 7 lengths behind the winner.

In a novel move, owner Ashwin Reynolds challenged all owners to introduce one new owner to the game every year.

Bred by Ridgemont, the winner is a daughter of the farm’s multiple Gr1 winning international stakes producing sire Canford Cliffs (Tagula) out of the four-time winning Antonius Pius mare, Dinesen.

A R130 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Secret Identity has won 2 of her 3 starts for stakes of R175 000.

The winner’s sire was described by trainer Richard Hannon Snr as “the best I’ve ever had”, the powerful bay Canford Cliffs won seven of 11 starts and never finished out of the first three.

Europe’s dominant miler at three and four, he won no less than five consecutive Gr1 races over the trip.

His splendid Gr1 treble of the Irish 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes (over multiple Gr1 winner Dick Turpin) and Sussex Stakes (over champion Rip Van Winkle), saw him rated the top three-year-old miler in England and Ireland.

As good, if not better, at four, the bay confirmed his class by winning the Gr1 Lockinge Stakes before defeating the brilliant mare Goldikova in the Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He signed off with a second to the mighty Frankel in the Gr1 Sussex Stakes and was voted the champion older miler in Europe in 2011, receiving a Timeform rating of 133.

Retired to Coolmore Stud in 2012, the son of Tagula did shuttle duty between Ireland and Australia until his purchase by Ridgemont.

Exciting times ahead for the winning connections and the Ridgemont team!

Owner Ashwin Reynolds(right) leads Secret Identity in with a friend | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

FOURIE SHOWS HIS DASH

They say a frustrating day only lasts 24 hours. For Winning Form-sponsored jockey Richard Fourie Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge meeting probably wasn’t a vintage raceday by his standards – but Captain Bombshell’s nail-biting victory in the non-black-type R150 000 SABC Supersport Durban Dash for trainer Peter Muscutt proved something of a lifesaver.

Fourie rode 5 winners, including three glorious Grade 1 winners, a week earlier up the N3 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and three winners at Fairview 24 hours earlier.

But it can’t be champagne every day and sometimes beer will have to do. Saturday at Hollywoodbets Greyville proved a touch more testing – his 10 rides producing three seconds and just the solitary winner.

But he still produced that magical robust energy in the Durban Dash to get Captain

Bombshell (5-1) up to pip the flying Money Heist (6-1) and register his 219th winner of the term – at a current strike rate of over 22%.

Fourie told the Sporting Post that 250 is his revised target for the season.

The lightly raced Captain Bombshell returned from a 15-week break to clock 65,75 secs for the 1100m and only 1,70 lengths covered the first seven home in the Durban Dash.

The Haras del Carmo-bred Captain Bombshell

Captain Bombshell digs deep under a terrific ride by Richard Fourie | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

is raced by Gino da Silva, Blaine Hamilton and Steve Sturlese and is a son of Captain Of All (Captain Al) out of the two-time winning Elusive Fort mare, Bombshell Girl.

He is now a winner of 3 races with 3 places from 10 starts for stakes of R269 500.It was a fine training achievement for Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Peter Muscutt, who, after hitting something of a ‘flat spot’ a couple of months back, was crowned Gold Circle’s Trainer Of The Month for May and has certainly got his stable back on track and firing on all cylinders.

May was a month to remember as he saddled 11 winners, three more than KZN Champion trainer Gareth van Zyl, at an impressive 35 percent win strike rate.

WHO REMEMBERS GATECRASHER?

The legendary Gatecrasher is one of the greatest milers the South African breeding and racing industry has produced.

The handsome chestnut was bred by R J Armitage and raced under lease by owner Mrs C. M. Mason. He trained by Herman Brown snr.

Gatecrasher won two of his four starts as a juvenile, finishing the runner up in t he Champion Nursery and Summerveld Stakes.

His victories include the Natal Guineas

and the Argus Guineas. He famously had his victory in the 1974 Durban July Handicap overturned and demoted to third place.

He was unbeaten in 4 starts in his 4yo season. He beat Col Pickering to win the Clairwood Christmas Handicap, defeated Sledgehammer to win the Metropolitan Stakes and followed through winning the Newbury Chairmans Stakes and Clairwood Champion Stakes. His career was cut short by a tendon injury that came shortly before the running of the 1975 Durban July.

GROOMS INITIATIVE 3000 UP!

Just 3 years after launching the first ever Grooms Initiative, to recognise the important role that Grooms play in the KwaZulu-Natal Horseracing Industry, Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle were proud to celebrate the 3000th winner on Saturday 10 June.

Daniel Sithole, groom of the first race winner at Hollywoodbets Greyville, Rainbow Reward, was presented with a bonus prize of R3000 to commemorate this significant milestone. Fittingly, this milestone celebration kicked off the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge race

meeting. Daniel has worked for the Johan Janse van Vuuren stable for two years, and rates Hollywoodbets Durban July nominee Puerto Manzano as the best racehorse he has looked after.

Thus far the initiative, powered by Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle, has paid out a total of over R3,6 million to 1206 different grooms in KZN, with 629 grooms winning on multiple occasions.

Tinashe Nasho, from the Clinton Binda stable, has been the most successful groom having won the incentive 21 times. His notable horses

Vuyisile Ngobese (right), PR Officer of Hollywood Foundation, presenting

Daniel Sithole, winner of the 3000th Groom’s Initiative reward | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

are Kings Road (6-time winner) and Life Goes On (3-time winner).

“The focus of this initiative was always more than just rewarding the grooms over and above their normal earnings. It was about highlighting the importance of their role in the horse racing ecosystem, and how the work and effort they put into preparing horses for racing should be highlighted, praised and incentivised. It has been incredible following the journey of the Grooms’ Initiative, and how it has made such an impact on the horseracing industry.

Not only from rewarding over R3,6 million to the grooms that had winning horses in KwaZuluNatal, but how similar formats of this initiative have been adopted in all South African racing centres, with grooms benefitting countrywide,” said Devin Heffer, Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager.

“The life of a Groom is far from easy. The hours

are long and frequently the weather conditions are very challenging. Gold Circle is committed to finding meaningful ways to support the grooms and recognise their importance. So, when Hollywoodbets approached us with the Groom’s Initiative concept 3 years ago, we were immediately sold on the idea and it has been in place ever since,” said Michel Nairac, CEO of Gold Circle.

He continued, “It is amazing to celebrate these milestone moments to recognise the vital role that grooms play in our industry. Thanks must also go to Hollywoodbets and the Hollywood Foundation for continuing to find ways to support all stakeholders in our industry with sponsorships, contributions to top up stakes and these types of added rewards.”

• Media release by Gold Circle on Saturday, 10 June 2023

WE CAN’T WAIT FOR TUESDAY!

Royal Ascot is only a week away. To whet the appetite, some insight into the three Group 1 clashes on Day 1, Tuesday 20 June.

Inspiral, a dazzling winner at Royal Ascot last season, is in fine form as she prepares to take on the best milers in Europe on the opening race of this year’s royal meeting.

She was an emphatic four-and-three-quarterlength winner of the Coronation Stakes on her first start of last season and will bid to make a winning return to action once again at Ascot when she takes on the colts in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes.

Already a three-time Group 1 winner, Inspiral’s comeback was delayed by a minor muscle injury last year, but there have been no such setbacks this time as she bids to give Frankie Dettori a dream start to his final Royal Ascot. Run over the straight mile the daughter of Frankel is likely to meet Godolphin’s Lockinge Stakes winner Modern Games and last season’s Irish 2000 Guineas hero Native Trail.

Add to the list, the French raider Erevann, only beaten a half-length by Inspiral at Deauville in a

Group 1 last season.

The sprinters take centre stage in the following Group 1, the King’s Stand Stakes, run over 5-furlongs. The fairer sex dominates the antepost market with the top-class mare Highfield Princess (5/2) just edging favouritism from the Aussie raider, the ‘flying filly’ Coolangatta (3/1). North Yorkshire-based trainer Karl Burke landed the Gr2 Queen Mary Stakes with Dramatised in 2022 and this 3-year-old filly is third favourite at around 5/1.

Last seen when winning the Temple Stakes at Haydock last month, she receives a very handy 6lb from the aforementioned duo which brings here right into contention.

The St James’s Palace Stakes is the remaining Group 1 on Tuesday. Run over a mile on the ‘round’ course, it looks the highlight on the card, and could be called the Ascot Guineas. Newmarket 2,000 Guineas hero Chaldean meets his Irish counterpart, the Aidan O’Brien trained Paddington. Dettori rides the Juddmonte colt whilst Ryan Moore retains the ride on the Irish raider.

Add to the mix the unbeaten Cicero’s Gift for trainer Charlie Hills. The Muhaarar colt quickened up in style to beat the 103 rated

Kolsai by five and a half at Goodwood last month and has found solid ante-post support over the last week.

Chaldean heads the ante-post market (13/8) and his trainer Andrew Balding feels he has plenty in his favour heading into the contest. Balding confirmed: “The St James’s Palace is the intended target. I think at Ascot, the round track there should really play to his strengths, we’re looking forward to it.” Royal Ascot 2023 is set to take place from Tuesday 20 June to Saturday 24 June 24.

It is the highlight of the Flat season in Britain

and there are a whopping 35 races on the schedule for this year’s five-day festival. A total of eight Group 1 contests feature at the meeting including the biggest renewal of the week, the Gold Cup, which looks set to be a wide-open contest as defending champion Kyprios is set to be absent, while the legendary Stradivarius has retired to stud.

TRAINERS

JOCKEYS

BREEDERS

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