Cover photo by CANDIESE MARNEWICK
DO IT AGAIN - VODACOM DURBAN JULY 2018.
arade is a Gold Circle publication and showcases thoroughbred horseracing, breeding and tote (pari-mutuel) betting in South Africa. Views expressed in Parade are solely those of the writers and the organisations they represent.
EDITORIAL Andrew Harrison (Editor) T: 031 314 1917 E: andrewh@goldcircle.co.za
ADVERTISING Warren Lenferna T: 031 314 1922 F: 031 314 1779 E: warrenl@goldcircle.co.za
DESIGN Denzil Govender T: 031 314 1920 E: denzilg@goldcircle.co.za
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Equus Awards Goodwood Racing PE Racing Champions Season in Pictures Lyle Hewitson Gold Circle honoured at Top Business Awards Vaughan Marshall The Lucky 13 Candice Dawson Birch Bros The Madigan Foal Squeeze Procedure Western Winter The Secret Is Out KZN Racing Awards Book Review - Master Jack Racing Association Graded Race Results Horsing with Hennessey
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Editor’s Note Oh Susanna, the first sophomore filly to win the Sun Met in over a century, was fittingly voted Equus Horse of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony held at Emperor’s Palace. Her trainer, Justin Snaith, collected his second national trainer’s championship while Lyle Hewitson was the first apprentice to be crowned National Champion Jockey since the legendary Michael Roberts. South Africa’s Champions Season once again delivered on expectations with most of the country’s top horses competing in the last three months of the season and producing some memorable performances.
Contributors
The Vodacom Durban July attracted its customary full-house and Greyville patrons were treated to some tremendous racing on the day. Fittingly, Justin Snaith turned out Do It Again in fine fettle to win the July for a third time and Anton Marcus delivered his fifth victory, riding through the pain barrier of a recently healed wrist fracture. It was also fitting that Lyle Hewitson turned in a masterful display on Redberry Lane to win the Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes, his second Grade 1 winner after breaking the ice on Undercover Agent for Brett Crawford in the Rising Sun Gold Challenge. Gold Circle were also the recipients of two prestigious national awards. Topco Media hosted the Top Women Awards, sponsored by Standard Bank, at Emperor’s Palace where
Andrew Harrison Editor
Gold Circle were recognised as the Top Gender Empowered Company in South Africa in the Travel & Hospitality sector. The inaugural Gambling Industry (GI) Awards took place in Johannesburg in September where the Vodacom Durban July was adjudged the Best Horse Racing Event of the year ahead of two other nominees, the Berlin November and the Sun Met.
Ada van der Bent
The GI awards aim to present a creditable, well-judged and transparent programme that promotes and
Henk Steenkamp
recognises excellence in the African gambling and gaming industry. The KZN Racing awards were held in the Greyville Convention Centre, a magnificent venue situated on the top floor of the Greyville Racecourse grandstand with panoramic views of the city. Do It Again was voted the Horse of Champion’s Season and Hewitson’s ride on Redberry Lane ‘Ride of the Season’ by public vote amongst others. Liesl King
Revelation of Champions Season was It’s My Turn. Dean Kannemeyer’s charge was deemed unlucky
Robyn Louw
by some not to make the final field for the July after winning the Track & Ball Derby but he more than compensated by winning the Gold Vase on July day and going on to victory in the Gold Cup, ridden by Marcus in all three races. At time of writing, Kannemeyer was pondering a crack at the Summer Cup. In all it’s been a difficult 12 months for racing with the collapse of the Mayfair Speculators empire, labour unrest and a struggling economy putting the squeeze on dwindling tote turnovers. In these trying times Sarah Whitelaw
Candiese Marnewick
we must stand together. I trust that you enjoy this edition of PARADE and it can also be viewed electronically on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Parade.Equine and issue.com/parade.mag
Michael Clower
SOUTH AFRICAN RACECOURSE GPS CO-ORDINATES TURFFONTEIN S 26 14.386 E 28 03.185 4km from centre of Johannesburg and 25 km from OR Tambo International airport
KENILWORTH S 33 59.808 E 18 28.723 8km from centre of Cape Town and 12 km from Cape Town International airport DURBANVILLE S 33 50.446 E 18 38.308 20 km from centre of Cape Town and 14 km from Cape Town International airport
VAAL S 26 44.601 E 27 54.283 8 km from Vereeniging, 60km from Johannesburg and 75km from OR Tambo international airport
GREYVILLE S 29 50.833 35 km from from King Shaka International Airport
FAIRVIEW S 33 56.008 E 25 22.865 26km from centre of Port Elizabeth and 22km from Port Elizabeth airport
E 31 00.965
SCOTTSVILLE S 29 36.618 E 30 24.047 arade MAGAZINE | October 2018 2km from4centre of Pietermaritzburg and 75 km from centre of Durban
KIMBERLEY S 28 43.677 E 24 50.346 7km from centre of Kimberley and 10 km from Kimberley airport
EQUUS AWARDS
2018 photos CANDIESE MARNEWICK
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HERE WERE two names that came up three times each at last night’s Equus Awards ceremony held at Emperors Palace – Oh Susanna from the equine nominees and Lyle Hewitson from the human candidates.
Sun Met winner Oh Susanna was named Champion ThreeYear-Old Filly, Champion Middle Distance Horse and finally, the biggest honour of the night, she was named Horse Of The Year. But while she set the records on the turf, becoming the first three-year-old filly to win the Met in more than 100 years, Hewitson was writing his own history into SA racing’s record books. Earlier this year he eclipsed Gavin Lerena’s record of 284 wins as an apprentice and on 31 July became the first apprentice since Michael Roberts in 1972/73 to be named Champion Jockey.
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So, other than named Champion Jockey Hewitson was also the Champion Apprentice and was then honoured with a Special Achievement Award along with jockey Anton Marcus and trainer Mike de Kock. Justin Snaith had a remarkable season and was named Champion Trainer. He was also on the stage on four other occasions as he trains Oh Susanna as well as Vodacom Durban July winner Do It Again, who was named Champion Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding. Sean Tarry and De Kock may have finished in second and third place respectively on the trainers’ log but both have some decent horses for the future which was reflected in the two-year-old awards. Tarry-trained Return Flight, winner of the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes, won the fillies’ award while De Kock’s charge, Soqrat, was named Champion Two-Year-Old Colt. Tarry will also e delighted that Legal Eagle, still unbeaten over 1600m, was named Champion Older Male and Champion Miler. For De Kock there was further acknowledgment as Nother Russia, who is now at stud, was named Champion Older Filly/Mare. The Champion Stayer must have been no contest as It’s My Turn, finished off the season with three feature-race wins over 2400m, 3000m and 3200m respectively.
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7 ALL THE WINNERS AT THE 2017/18 RA EQUUS AWARD CEREMONY CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLY (DISTANCE IMMATERIAL)
RETURN FLIGHT
CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD COLT (DISTANCE IMMATERIAL)
SOQRAT
CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY (DISTANCE IMMATERIAL)
OH SUSANNA
CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD COLT (DISTANCE IMMATERIAL)
DO IT AGAIN
CHAMPION OLDER FILLY/MARE (DISTANCE IMMATERIAL)
NOTHER RUSSIA
CHAMPION OLDER MALE (DISTANCE IMMATERIAL)
LEGAL EAGLE
CHAMPION SPRINTER (1000-1200M; AGE/GENDER IMMATERIAL)
WILL PAYS
CHAMPION MILER (1400-1600M; AGE/GENDER IMMATERIAL)
LEGAL EAGLE
CHAMPION MIDDLE DISTANCE HORSE (1800-2200M; AGE/GENDER IMMATERIAL)
OH SUSANNA
CHAMPION STAYER (2400M UPWARDS; AGE/GENDER IMMATERIAL)
IT’S MY TURN
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Lyle Hewitson, Anton Marcus, Mike de Kock
CHAMPION BROODMARE
Strawberry Lane
CHAMPION STALLION
Silvano
CHAMPION BREEDER
Klawervlei Stud
OUTSTANDING BREEDER
Northfields Stud
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
Lyle Hewitson
CHAMPION JOCKEY
Lyle Hewitson
CHAMPION TRAINER
Justin Snaith
OWNER OF THE YEAR
Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs GA Rupert)
HORSE OF THE YEAR
Oh Susanna (AUS)
IN THE PICTURE: 1. Larry Wainstein and Lyle Hewitson 2. Matthew De Kock, Larry Wainstein and Diane De Kock 3. Sean Tarry, Braam Van Huysteen, Pippa Mickleburgh, Robert Moore 4. Justin Snaith, Nick Jonsson, Anton Marcus and Robin Bruss. 5. Michael Leaf, Chris Snaith, Justin Snaith, Gaynor Rupert, Sue Snaith, Jonothan Snaith, Ross Fuller, Kevin Sommerville. 6. Grant Knowles, Laurence Werners, Tracey Nash, John Koster, Caroline Griesel, Chris van Niekerk and Erich van Niekerk. 7. Marelise Janse van Rensburg, Stefan du Toit, Mervin Green, Brett Pepper, Sonja Pepper, Thora Green, Adam Azzie, Craig Zackey, Robin Bruss and Freda Maloi. arade MAGAZINE | October 2018
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WHITE BLUE on the Sussex Downs by LIESL KING photos LIESL KING
Situated on a hilltop of the rolling Sussex Downs, Goodwood Racecourse is one of those bucket list places that you simply have to visit, even if you are not a racing enthusiast. Let’s face it if you are perched on the highest point anywhere, the scenery surrounding you is likely to be spectacular.
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DETTORI ON SEQUILLA.
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UT GOODWOOD Racecourse, with the ocean at your back and emerald green Downs as far as the eye can see, is breathtaking. Now add in a racecourse that could only have been designed by an Englishman, complete with its own unique panhandle, throw in a free entry hillside where picnicking families and die-heart enthusiasts share the best vantage point, add in some of the best racing of the summer season and you have an incredible experience, no wonder it is known simply as “Glorious Goodwood”. It is to this Festival of Racing that Gaynor Rupert transplanted the iconic L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate in 2014. In an effort to take the L’Ormarins brand abroad Mrs. Rupert approached Goodwood with the idea of twining races. Thus the G2 Glorious Goodwood Peninsula Stakes came to be held on L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Day, while the Friday of the Glorious Goodwood Festival sported the G3
BLUE AND WHITE COLOURS OF THE SASH WERE SPOTTED ALL OVER THE RACECOURSE, WITH SPECTATORS YOUNG AND OLD.
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“
She is tough and that is her nature. She has always been feisty.
”
A 1400m race is usually a fast and furious affair and when the home straight is downhill all the way, even more so. With the field spread out over the track it came down to some smart riding by Dane O’Neill on Pretty Baby, who held off all challengers in the closing stages, despite a slipped saddle. Saddles usually slip backwards or sideways ala California Chrome in the Dubai World Cup. Pretty Baby’s saddle however slipped forward, forcing O’Neill to perch on her withers. Thankfully he managed to keep the filly going and Pretty Baby won by a neck from Dancing Star and Oisin Murphy with Indian Blessing and Gerald Mosse finishing a further half length back in third. “By no means did we look fancy in the straight, but still we got the job done”, O’Neill explained. “Just as she turned into the PRETTY BABY, O’NEILL AND WILLIAM HAGGAS.
straight she just got a bit of a knock and it set her alight and, as we cornered, I could feel the saddle just go forward.” Trained by man of the moment William Haggas, Pretty Baby recorded her first Group 3 victory and fourth victory of her career, while Haggas celebrated his 50th Glorious Goodwood victory. As the petite filly return to the winner’s enclosure draped in the L’Ormarins blue and white flower sash, a delighted Haggas commented that while Pretty Baby is a talented filly, she doesn’t always live up to her name. “She hoofed someone in the pre-parade ring who got too close to her”, he commented. “She is tough and that is her nature. She has always been feisty.”
Colour-coded raceday
BEST DRESSED LADIES.
L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Oak Tree Stakes. The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Oak Tree Stakes is run over 1400m, a unique distance in that it attracts a specialist that is neither sprinter nor miler.
International field Over the last couple of years the race has grown in stature. The French love their 1400m races and French raiders have accounted for the last three victories. This year however the race attracted a truly international field. From Ireland came Coolmore’s Most Gifted with Ryan Moore in the saddle, master French trainer Andre Fabre sent Sequilla partnered by Frankie Dettori, while Chantilly based Pia Brandt saddled Lida and from Germany came Binti Al Nar, trained by Peter Schiergen and ridden by Andrasch Starke. The home team was fielded by big name trainers such as William Haggas, Richard Hannon, Andrew Balding, Charlie Appleby, Richard Fahey and Mick Channon. All that was missing was a South African contender! 12
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The blue and white colours of the sash were also spotted all over the racecourse, with spectators young and old, slowly getting the hang of a colour-coded raceday. While the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Festival in Cape Town is firmly established as a day of blue and white, it is a much harder sell in the UK, where themed racedays are a rarity. It is therefore heartening to see a growing number of racegoers, the oncourse TV presenters, the media and even the Tootsie Rollers, a retro all-girl singing group, all sporting blue and white for the day. The day when the entire Goodwood is decked out in blue and white on the Festival Friday is certainly not far off. Of course no L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate day is complete without a best dressed competition and a bevy of ladies in stunning blue and white outfits lined up in the winner’s circle straight after the race. With fabulous prizes on offer, including a trip to Cape Town to attend the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, the contest is always hotly contested and 2018 was no different with 15 finalists vying for the crown of Best Dressed Lady. After some lengthy deliberation by the judges, the lovely Caroline Roberjot from East Sussex was crowned the winner. What started out as a twining race five years ago has grown into so much more as Mrs Rupert and her team continue to work their magic. And with the extensive work being done by the South African Equine Health and Export Protocols team to improve the export protocols, who knows, we may just have one of our very own star fillies lining up in the 2019 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Oak Tree Stakes. Now that would make the race truly international!
STORMY ECLIPSE AND TARA LAING.
Laing has the right recipe
by HENK STEENKAMP photos PAULINE HERMAN
STORMY ECLIPSE AND CHARLES NDLOVU VICTORIOUS IN THE MEMORIAL MILE.
IN recent times racing has become seriously competitive in the Eastern Cape and it takes a huge effort to regularly win races, especially the Listed races, on the turf or poly track at Fairview in Port Elizabeth.
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OMEHOW THE stable of trainer Tara Laing, a “small, but productive stable” as she describes it, has found the perfect recipe to do just that. Team Tara is not only making a habit of winning the big races in the Friendly City on a regular basis, but it is getting more and more difficult to keep that coveted trophy for the East Cape horse of the year out of Tara’s hands at the Racing Association Awards. The filly with the long eyelashes – Star Burst Galaxy – was crowned as the horse of the year for the 2017/18 season. It is the third time in the last four years that the Laing stable walked away with the most prestigious award in the province. Laing was the trainer of the horse of the year in 2015 when Sir
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Duke was named as the best, and then in 2016 with Crown Of Gold. Oh yes! this stable also walk away with other important awards this season – Exelero named as the Sprinter of the Year and Stormy Eclipse is the champion older colt/gelding. Laing and her right-hand man Gavin Venter make no secret about the fact that they target the Listed races. This is Venter’s speciality. “Gavin is brilliant with the merit ratings. He finds the right races for the right horses,” Laing said. Venter’s knowledge of PE racing is legendary. The former champion jockey is still doing work riding and has also become involved in the Laing stable as an owner.
“She retired to stud with impeccable form, only being out of the money on two occasions. An easy horse to train, but she had a mind of her own.” Venter is quick to point out that you had to sit very tight on her when Star Burst Galaxy was at her best. “She was quite versatile and we now have to replace her for that feature races,” he added. Although it was Laing’s best season she and her horses very nearly said goodbye to the Eastern Cape. Laing trained exclusively for Mayfair Speculators but at the end of last year Mayfair was starting to withdraw from racing. “If you asked me six months ago if we would be sitting here I would have said no,” Laing said. According to Venter they had some tough choices to make in December. “I said to Tara we have got two choices. Tara can return to Justin Snaith’s stable or she can go on her won. Going on her own meant she would have to start from nought. “I just thought with our knowledge it would be a waste not to give it a go and it worked out very well - Tara had her best season ever.” Laing said she learned a lot when training for Mayfair Speculators. “In the process and in the ten years that I worked for Snaith Racing I was introduced to a lot of influential people in racing. Some of them are owners in my yard now.
Mentor
ETIENNE BRAUN AND TARA LAING WITH STAR BURST GALAXY AND CHASE MAUJEAN.
He explained how the stable goes about it to win those big PE races. “We target the Listed races for the older horses. We start with the Algoa Cup which is usually won by a visiting horse, but then the Memorial Mile, EC Sprint Cup, the fillies features and the staying races, the Glenlair Trophy and the PE Gold Cup. “Those are our missions. This year everything went according to plan. We won the Memorial Mile with Stormy Eclipse, the EC Sprint Cup with Exelero, Star Burst Galaxy won the features over 1200 and Plano the PE Gold Cup. “We won all the Listed races that we aimed for, barring the Glenlair Trophy, five out of six.” Laing added that it takes careful planning and that she doesn’t just throw horses into a race and hope for the best. To get Exelero at his best was particularly challenging. Venter said they had six months to get him ready for the EC Sprint Cup but then some of the races planned for Exelero were moved from the turf to the poly track. Exelero is not suited to the poly and they were running out of time. “Later one of the poly meetings was moved to the grass and we had to make adjustments to get Exelero ready.” Star Burst Galaxy, owned by Etienne Braun and Peter Loomes, was the real star in the stable though. She had a wonderful season with victories in the Lady’s Pendant and East Cape Breeders Stakes. Laing said it was a real pleasure to train her.
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“Etienne Braun has become like a mentor to me. On Boxing Day my phone ran and it was Etienne that wanted to buy horses. I said it was Boxing Day but he said business is business. We were doing deals on Boxing Day to get the first horses back into the yard. “I like dealing with the clients. About 60 percent of them I haven’t met but that just shows the trust they have in us. Most of them are not just clients but friends. We don’t just talk about horses but also about family, the rugby or whatever. Laing has assembled a very strong team to support her. “I was spending so much time doing the books and the admin and was struggling to get everything done. Justine (King) jumped on board and is helping with the work riding. Juhanay (van der Berg) returned from overseas and I asked her to come and work with me. She is a very fine horse woman. “The more ingredients in the recipe the better the cake is going to be. “Most of my other staff have been with me for 15 years. I’ve got brilliant grooms. ‘No’ is not in their vocabulary. I manage their soccer team and they are a good bunch of guys. If you have happy staff you have happy horses and then you get the results.” Laing has everything under control to produce another horse of the year but it is a stressful job. According to Venter Tara stresses a lot. “I was standing next to Juhanay just after she joined the stable and said to her I don’t know why Tara stresses. This yard runs like clockwork, it is actually very simple.”
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Champions
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SEASON Through the lens of CANDIESE MARNEWICK
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LYLE HEWITSON on top of his game
The close of the 2017/18 season ended on a high for Lyle Hewitson, who celebrated his final full apprenticeship year not only at the top of the apprentice log, but top of the National log too. It is a staggering achievement and the accolades have – deservedly – been rolling in. by ROBYN LOUW photos CANDIESE MARNEWICK
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HEN AN achievement of this magnitude is accomplished, we naturally reach for the history books to see who may have gone before, because the past informs the present – and indeed, the future. Or, as Cara Black put it, ‘memory makes the maps we carry.’ We set store in what has gone before in the hopes that if we pay close attention, it will lend us clues how we too, might attempt greatness. Sir Isaac Newton said it best, "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." Of course, the bigger the Giants, the harder the climb, but it only seems impossible till it’s done. So what of the past giants of the South African jockey room? The question is a difficult one to answer confidently. The apprentice system has changed over the years, as have the intake and qualification dates, record keeping has, sadly, been neglected and even the existing records are somewhat unreliable. However, it seems there are five riders who have been named National Champion while completing their apprenticeships.
The Big Five The first jockey to top the National Log as an apprentice, was Arthur Strachan who achieved the feat in the 1921/1922 season. Unfortunately, records stretching that far back are rather thin on the ground and require a little sleuthing. Back then, the Racing Calendars looked a little different and merely listed a section at the front dividing the riders into Jockeys, Apprentices and Equal Term apprentices, and then a separate list at the back of the book, listing the top achievers of the season. However, Volume 18 of the SA Racing Calendar lists Arthur Strachan as an equal term apprentice at the front of the book, as well as reflecting his name again at the back, topping the rankings for Jockeys Winning Mounts with 85 winners, 15 ahead of J Simpson in second place. However, there are no annotations on that list marking him as an apprentice and it’s only by stumbling across his name in yellowing press articles that gives any clue that he was (possibly) the first to achieve the feat. When Gerald Turner came along in 1964/65, the Calendar had evolved a little to include the date when apprentices’ indentures expired. Turner is displayed at the front of the Calendar as an Even Terms apprentice, with his tenure expiring on 25/10/1966. The list of Winning Jockeys & Apprentices for the season reflects that he just pipped Johnny Cawcutt to the title by 82 wins to 80 and for reference hunters, Turner’s listing is annotated with an *. Gerald Turner went on to collect a total of 5 National Championships and in his role as Chairman of the Transvaal Jockeys Association, was responsible for a comprehensive study of jockeys health which resulted in the minimum weight being raised from 48kg to 50kg. Rather interestingly, the feat was achieved the very next season by James Maree, who was listed as an Equal Term apprentice at the front of the book. However, he is listed without an asterisk at
the back, where his name tops the lists of Jockeys Winning Mounts, recording that he closed the season on 96 winners to Charlie Barends' 86. Maree’s indentures expired on 24/05/1966, so while one could make a case that he was officially out of his time by the time the season ended, he was acknowledged for his feat at the time and still has the commemorative frame up at his Eikenhof premises.. Next on the honour roll is Michael ‘Muis’ Roberts, who did it in the 1972/73 season. Roberts is also listed as an Equal Term apprentice at the front of the Calendar and finished the season on 121 wins, ahead of Raymond Rhodes on 106. Again, while Muis' indentures are listed as expiring on 08/07/1973, the industry widely accepted and celebrated him as an Apprentice Champion. Muis went on to collect three champion apprentice titles, eleven SA Jockey Championships and was named Champion Jockey of Britain in 1992.
Question mark While debate exists around the dates of Maree and Roberts’ indentures causing some to call their validity into question, both were acknowledged as apprentice achievers. Start and finishing dates varied under the old live-in system, and even once the formal Academy system began, riders did not necessarily all start on the same date. We currently race more often than before, we’ve adjusted the minimum weight and made adjustment to the claim system, so it's very difficult to compare apples with apples. As a successful Work Rider before starting his apprenticeship (an option that didn’t exist in previous eras), with tons of race riding and winning experience to his credit, there is debate that Lyle enjoyed something of a head start on his peers, as well as following a rather unorthodox, accelerated route through the Academy. As with most things in racing, there is opinion both ways. However, what we can state with certainty is that Lyle is a phenomenon by any standards. Reviewing his stats has one checking and re-checking dates to make sure you haven’t missed a year (or two), because what he has achieved in his two and a half year apprenticeship is nothing short of extraordinary.
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Anyone who thought losing his claim might slow him down, thought wrong. Lyle in Numbers Lyle started work riding in 2013. By 2014, he had accelerated to the top of the Work Rider table. For his matric year in 2015, he took his foot off the petrol slightly, but juggled his studies with riding and still managed a 3rd place finish on the Work Rider log. Lyle officially joined the SA Jockey Academy in January 2016 and thanks to his work rider experience, was fast tracked to signing his papers, making his race course debut as an officially licensed apprentice at Scottsville on 6 March 2016. His first winner, Blizzard Belle, came on his third book of rides at Fairview on 18 March 2016 and from there the floodgates opened. He burned through the whole of his apprentice claim in three months and with 60 winners in the bag, he was in with the big boys and riding on equal terms. Anyone who thought losing his claim might slow him down, thought wrong. Lyle received his first July call up to partner Snaith Racing’s Dynamic in the 2016 Vodacom Durban July and even with only 4 months of race riding under his belt, he chased Callan Murray all the way to the wire for the 2014/15 apprentice championship, finishing just 5 short on a total of 73 wins from 571 rides. When the clock re-set on 1 August, Lyle broke running and never looked up, accumulating a landslide 124 wins from 1258 opportunities in his first full season as a licensed rider. And he hasn’t relented an inch. For the 2017/18, Lyle ratcheted up his work rate even more. Two years to the day from his racecourse debut, Lyle broke Gavin Lerena’s long-standing record for wins as an apprentice, reaching the 285 milestone on the Tarrytrained Shenanigans on Tuesday, 6 March 2018. Lerena’s benchmark was set back in 2007 when he smashed the great Michael Roberts’ record of 260 – an effort that had stood for over 30 years. Lyle celebrated his first career Gr1 on Messrs Braam van Huyssteen and Greg Bortz’s Undercover Agent in the 2018 Rising Sun Gold Challenge on 9 June and despite a fall on 20 July putting an early end to his campaign, Lyle still finished on a total of 1470 rides for the term - making him the hardest working rider in the country. He closed the season on 184 wins, securing not only a second consecutive Apprentice Title, but becoming the fifth member of the elite club of apprentices to have won a National Title. It’s quite a feat, considering he had his first race ride two and a half years ago.
The Importance of Keeping Track It’s important not only to celebrate Lyle’s achievements, but also to ensure they are thoroughly and correctly recorded. While it is hard to imagine anyone surpassing his accomplishments, none of us know what the future holds either. As Michael Roberts said, “Records are there to be broken. When I rode over 200 winners in 9 months in the UK, it was unheard of back then. The same applied here,” he reflects, pointing out that when he started out South Africa only raced twice a week. “But things change all the time, you know?” There may never be a successor, but then again, there might. One thing is certain, whoever stands on the shoulders of these giants will be afforded quite a view. 26
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GOLD CIRCLE HONOURED AT TOP BUSINESS AWARDS
STRIVING TO BEE ON TOP TOPCO was launched 21 years ago, with the aim of giving the best South African companies the market exposure and recognition they deserve.
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OPCO MEDIA hosts several annual awards ceremonies that showcase industry leaders in performance, empowerment, women leadership, HR, innovation and national development. Their Research Department focuses purely on surveying and researching thousands of organisations in order to identify the economy’s top companies and leaders.
One such Awards ceremony is the Top Women Awards, sponsored by Standard Bank. The event which took place at Emperor’s Palace on August 23, 2018, was attended by 600 guests that included VVIP’s such as former President Kgalema Motlanthe and his wife, Gugu, media personality Dali Tambo and his wife, Rachael, as well as Zanele Mbeki, wife of former President Thabo Mbeki. Mrs Mbeki received the Life Time Achievement Award. Gold Circle were honoured to be recognised at such a prestigious ceremony as the Top Gender Empowered Company in South Africa in the Travel & Hospitality sector. Gold Circle’s chairperson, Dr Phumla Mnganga and Corporate Services Executive, Veronica Jack, attended the function and received the award on behalf of the company. Gold Circle is a company committed to making a positive contribution to those who have been previously disadvantaged and the empowerment of women within and throughout the organisation is a major priority. GOLD CIRCLE’S CHAIRPERSON, DR PHUMLA MNGANGA AND CORPORATE SERVICES EXECUTIVE, VERONICA JACK.
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CHAMPION by LEONARD STRONG
LYLE HEWITSON – NATIONAL CHAMPION JOCKEY, NATIONAL CHAMPION APPRENTICE AND EASTERN CAPE CHAMPION APPRENTICE.
The end of the 2017 racing season ushered in the annual series of awards evenings across the racing regions and amongst the elite equine athletes and stars, four Champion Apprentices have been crowned.
PHOTO: JC PHOTOS
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HESE YOUNG men perfectly illustrate that the South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) is still producing quality apprentice jockeys that are not only a credit to themselves and the Academy, but also the South African Racing Industry! National Champion Jockey, Champion Apprentice & Eastern Cape Champion Apprentice
The superlatives to describe Lyle Hewitson’s achievements this past record breaking season simply do not exist! Lyle himself is extremely modest about his achievements, saying he doesn’t think he’s better than any other jockeys, but what does make him different, is the support from his Jockey Coach Robert Moore, his love for
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www.saja.co.za
APPRENTICES horses, the action and excitement of the sport and a desire to win for everybody in the team, namely the owners, trainers and grooms for each and every horse he rides. After a fantastic 2017 season, where he rode 184 winners and 676 places, Lyle was deservedly crowned both the National Champion Jockey and Champion Apprentice at the Equus Awards and Eastern Cape Champion Apprentice at the Eastern Cape Racing Awards. KZN Champion Apprentice Ashton Arries has been an apprentice on mission this season, having set himself the goal of becoming KZN Champion Apprentice from the beginning of the new season in August. This special apprentice accolade is something Ashton planned for, worked hard for and is very proud of achieving! Ashton openly admits that an apprentice simply can’t become a Champion on their own and needs a strong team behind them encouragement, guidance and support. His team consists of the entire Academy staff, Trainers Michael Roberts, Mark Dixon and Alyson & Kevin Wright as well as his entire family back home!
ASHTON ARRIES - KZN CHAMPION APPRENTICE.
PHOTO: CANDIESE MARNEWICK
Northern Cape Champion Apprentice Denis Schwarz, or “DW” as he is known to many in the racing industry, is an apprentice whose is extremely dedicated, hardworking and committed. Denis has a passion for horses and horse racing that is shared by his family members, especially his Mom, Dad and younger sister, who is also an aspiring young equestrian. Denis is very humble about his achievement and acknowledged that he wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without the support of Northern Cape Owners and Trainers who gave so many opportunities to ride their horses.
DENIS SCHWARZ - NORTHERN CAPE CHAMPION APPRENTICE.
PHOTO: JC PHOTOS
SANDILE MBHELE - WESTERN CAPE CHAMPION APPRENTICE.
PHOTO: WAYNE MARKS
Western Cape Champion Apprentice A combination of hard work and raw talent under the guidance of Western Cape Jockey Coach Terrance Welch saw apprentice Sandile Mbhele have a breakthrough year that netted him 15 winners, which resulted in him being crowned Western Cape Champion Apprentice. Sandile accredits the whole Western Cape racing fraternity, saying that since he moved to Cape Town from Durban he has been welcomed with open arms and the he has enjoyed support from owners, trainers, jockeys and Mr Welch that has allowed him to achieve success that only existed in his dreams.
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Vaughan Marshall by MICHAEL CLOWER photo CANDIESE MARNEWICK
Vaughan Marshall sits down with Michael Clower to talk about life, success and tragedy.
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AUGHAN MARSHALL would have sought fame and fortune on the cricket field had it not been for maternal concern. He was a schoolboy star – according to a contemporary he was hailed as the next Barry Richards – and his reputation spread as far as England. Sussex offered him a contract when he was still only 16 but Mrs Marshall was unhappy about her boy going away so young and put her foot down. “I always regretted that, certainly until I started training,” says her elder son. Whether he would have been quite as successful as he has been on the racecourse is debatable for Marshall has won 31 Grade 1s including two Mets, five Cape Guineas and a Gold Cup. He has also earned a reputation as one of the shrewdest in the game. “He has the ability to pick horses at the sales at reasonable prices and get the best out of them,” says Ken Truter, one of his principal patrons. “Whenever he has been given a good horse he has really delivered the goods. He is very intelligent and has a sharp mind.” There wasn’t much indication of the latter when he went to Durban University – he didn’t even finish his B.Com degree course – nor when he went into the family business. His father had switched from sugar-cane farming in Northern Zululand to bookmaking in Durban. John Marshall and his younger son Jeremy were later to start
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up Marshalls World Of Sport but the betting business wasn’t for the other son who packed it in after three years – “I didn’t enjoy it at all.” What he did enjoy was racing. Uncle Lewis Addison owned several successful horses, as did cousin Steve Shepston. Marshall was 22 when he joined Alastair Gordon as assistant at Summerveld but early race-riding ambitions were shattered along with his shoulder when the rein broke one morning riding work. The injury duly healed but Marshall found to his horror that he could no longer throw a cricket ball and later attempts to play golf proved to be similarly handicapped. He started training at Clairwood in April 1981, after a second assistant stint with Tony Furness, and with his father backing him. He had a string of 14 but only one was any good. Even so he showed this was his game by quickly making his name. “In those days you had to get off your backside and do some work - unlike certain people today,” he chuckles – “and I travelled to places like Bloemfontein and wherever else I could find the right races.”
First Cape Guineas This interview is taking place in the pagoda in the Durbanville parade ring. Marshall, despite having just seen his horse pipped on the post in race three, is in a relaxed frame of mind. He may be 67
but he still has all his hair, albeit a mixture of grey and white. Horses and trainers begin to filter in, most of the human element keeping a tactfully discreet distance. Five years after he started he took some 18 horses to Cape Town for the summer season and won his first Cape Guineas with Sea Warrior. For the second time in his life he had found his metier. He expanded with a satellite yard in Port Elizabeth – run by a youthful Joey Ramsden – and in 1990 he moved his whole operation to Milnerton and, of necessity, changed his approach. “I’d had 120 horses in KZN but I moved to Cape Town with only 28 of them. I had to find horses that would come to hand early so that people would take notice of me. I went for two-year-olds to attract attention and get back into the game.” This was when his reputation as an astute buyer began to build. Even today he will look at every horse in the catalogue and he does so before studying the pedigree. But he freely admits that he goes for what he calls the Captain Al type – “Big strong horses that make a lasting impression, and I’ve got to like them the moment I see them if I am to buy. If I don’t like a horse when I take him out of the box, he goes straight back into it. I won’t search for a reason to like him.” If Marshall made Captain Al, the stallion has repaid him in kind. Horses like Met winner Hill Fifty Four, All Is Secret, Always In Charge,
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The Secret Is Out, William Longsword and current leading Guineas contender One World have kept the trainer’s name in Grade 1 lights. Their success makes you wonder just how good the millennium Cape Guineas winner actually was. “He was so good that I can’t tell you how good,” is the unhesitating reply. “You’ve got to be a decent horse to win the Cape Guineas and on pedigree Captain Al would have gone further but we never got to try him because he became very ill with a lung infection at Summerveld when I took him for the KZN Guineas. That is why we brought him back to 1 200m to win the Merchants and the Diadem when he returned to Cape Town. He was battling with his lungs.” The jockeys are filtering into the parade ring. If Marshalls notices them he gives no sign. His gaze stretches into the distance and seemingly he sees only the handsome bay with which his name is irrevocably linked. “Everyone said his pedigree wasn’t strong enough to make a stallion but I had no doubts.” His head gives a slight shake. “He was such an imposing animal I always knew he would make it.”
Tragedy was very tough Marshall, sometimes serious but often with a cheerful smile on his face, could be excused for being bitter and short-tempered. His life has been hit by the sort of tragedy that most of us are fortunate enough to avoid. Forget about the lost cricket career and the 1990 Cape Guineas winner Face North – killed on the road to the Germiston November Handicap, reportedly because the box driver fell asleep at the wheel – but on July 15 1999 his wife Tangy was seriously injured in a car crash in Greytown not all that far from Pietermaritzburg. She was in coma for a month before she died. “It was very tough,” her husband recalls, thinking of the children as well as himself. Today Kate, now 42, lives with her husband in Kansas City while two years younger Stephen has recently been promoted from CEO of Track And Ball Gaming to Senior Events & Marketing Manager at Gold Circle. The bell rings for the jockeys to mount. Those to whom Marshall gives instructions no longer include riders wearing the distinctive emerald green, yellow stars and black sleeves – and he leaves little doubt that the loss of the Jooste patronage hurts badly. “He is a big loss to the whole South African racing industry. We might not agree with some of the things he is alleged to have done but as a buyer of horses I don’t think we can withstand his departure, or that of Adriaan van Vuuren for that matter. I honestly believe that we haven’t felt the full impact yet and that it will be another six months or so before we do.” Jooste was a trainer’s dream if you were one of the chosen few, and Marshall was. “He didn’t buy me a lot of horses at every sale. He bought me one, maybe two. He would ask me which one I wanted and I knew I would go home with that horse. That’s what happened with William Longsword at the 2015 Cape Premier. I said to Markus that there was only one horse in the sale that I would like to have. He didn’t ask me what I valued him at. He just said: “Fine, you’ve got him,” and he bought the colt at R2.2 million. That is the kind of man he was.”
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But the loss of his wealthiest patron is not, it soon becomes clear, the biggest cloud on the Marshall horizon. The failure of stakes to keep pace with inflation, and it’s effect on ownership, is “a major, major problem. I don’t care what anyone says but the operators have got to find more money to put into stakes otherwise the game is going to die.” His deeply worried expression and concerned tone make it clear that this is not someone taking advantage of an interview to make a cheap jibe at the expense of the authorities but a deep-seated worry about the future of the game to which he has devoted so much of his life. “They say the reason is that betting turnover is not going up enough but then they must do more to increase it.” A typical Cape Town Grade 3, for instance the Final Fling Stakes, went up from R150 000 to R250 000 in 2014 but has remained at that level ever since. The CPI has increased by around 22% during this period. To be fair, there have been some huge increases in the values of some of the big ones, and the introduction of rich salesincentive races has added a whole new dimension, but Marshall is more concerned about the bottom end. “The Met is worth R5 million and the July R4.25 million but they only come round once a year. What about the maidens sitting on R80 000 and R100 000? That is where we need the money and it is the reason why we have a fall-off in ownership.”
A third Met the target But back to the man himself. What are his training ambitions? Presumably to win the July, a notable omission on the CV. “No, I don’t think so,” he shakes his head and smiles. “My main ambition is to win the Met again. To me the Met means more than any other race in the country.” Unusually he is on his own at this Durbanville meeting. Normally he is accompanied by Jenny Jones, an always friendly dark-haired lady whose caring and pleasant manner is a tremendous asset to the training operation. Marshall first met this “lovely and very supportive” lady when she was Jenny Sampson and the owner with her then husband of a good horse called Blushing Star. Doubtless she helps to calm the trainer - “I always get nervous before a race, even a maiden. I guess it’s the fear of failure. I used to be the same going out to bat.” The horses are now down at the start and the small group of punters weighing up their final decisions in front of the only bookmaker on-course prompts one last question. Does the trainer bet and, if so, to what extent? Surprisingly - particularly given his family connection - the answer is an emphatic no. “I am not a gambler, never have been and never will be.” Most people with this sort of abstemious outlook are those who have lost so heavily in the past that they never want to back a horse again. Marshall’s reasons are rather different. “You are forgetting something.“ His face breaks into that familiar smile. “At one stage in my life I worked on the other side of the counter – and I soon saw that there was only one winner!”
The Lucky
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by ROBBYN RAMSAY
Authors seeking ideas for best-sellers need look no further than horse racing to find intriguing plots, heart-warming tales of courage and success but lies, fraud, deceit and skulduggery too!
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HE HISTORY of the American Triple Crown, probably the most coveted and famous competition in the world of international horse racing, provides plenty of fascinating material.
When the big, three-sided Triple Crown trophy was inaugurated in 1950, only nine horses, from Sir Barton back in 1919 to Citation in 1948, had earned the right to have their names engraved upon it. Twenty five long years passed before Secretariat’s name was added to that elite list. Secretariat broke the spell in 1973 and was followed by Seattle Slew, who won the Triple Crown in 1977, and Affirmed in 1978. Another long drought of 37 years followed, broken in 2015 by American Pharoah. Justify followed up just three years later to become the 13th and most recent winner of the Triple Crown earlier this year. The difficulty of capturing the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, at three distances, on three tracks, all in the span of just five weeks cannot be overstated. The task is such a tall order that only 13 horses have accomplished it in 142 years of the series. Let’s take a look at this hallowed group of 13 talented and tenacious thoroughbreds.
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1. SIR BARTON (1919)
4. WAR ADMIRAL (1937)
Jockey: Johnny Loftus Trainer: H. Guy Bedwell Owner: J.K.L. Ross Career record: 31-13-6-5 Career earnings: $116,857 Pedigree: Star Shoot – Lady Sterling, by Hanover Sir Barton’s career got off to a slow start as he lost all of his six starts as a 2-year-old. The Kentucky Derby was his 3-year-old debut, so he was a maiden until he won the Derby. The colt also won the Withers between the Preakness and Belmont, but would be overshadowed later that year with the emergence of 2-year-old Man o’ War, a horse many believe to be among the best of all time. Sir Barton was sold to the U.S. Cavalry after his stud career and lived out his years on a Wyoming ranch.
Jockey: Charley Kurtsinger Trainer: George H. Conway Owner: Samuel Riddle Career record: 26-21-3-1 Career earnings: $273,240 Pedigree: Man o’ War – Brushup, by Sweep A son of the legendary Man o’ War, who skipped the Kentucky Derby but won the Preakness and Belmont, War Admiral captured the Triple Crown after stumbling and getting injured at the start of the Belmont. He famously lost a match race with Seabiscuit in 1938 but went on to sire 40 stakes winners from 320 starters, a remarkable 12.5%.
2. GALLANT FOX (1930) Jockey: Earl Sande Trainer: James E. “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons Owner: Belair Stud Career record: 17-11-3-2 Career earnings: $328,165 Pedigree: Sir Gallahad III – Marguerite, by Celt The Preakness was run before the Derby in 1930 and Gallant Fox won all three races in a 29-day span. He was sired by Sir Gallahad II, one of the first prominent European stallions imported to the U.S. Gallant Fox would become the first, and only, Triple Crown winner to sire a Triple Crown winner with his son Omaha.
5. WHIRLAWAY (1941) Jockey: Eddie Arcaro Trainer: Ben Jones Owner: Calumet Farm Career record: 60-32-15-9 Career earnings: $561,161 Pedigree: Blenheim II – Dustwhirl, by Sweep Whirlaway finished in the money in each of his 42 starts as a 3 and 4-year-old, including the Triple Crown sweep, Travers Stakes, Brooklyn Handicap and Jockey Club Gold Cup. He was the first of eight Kentucky Derby winners and two Triple Crown winners for Calumet Farm, with a penchant for closing from the clouds. After his racing career, he was sold for stud duty to France.
6. COUNT FLEET (1943) 3. OMAHA (1935) Jockey: Willie Saunders Trainer: James E. “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons Owner: Belair Stud Career record: 22-9-7-2 Career earnings: $154,755 Pedigree: Gallant Fox – Flambino, by Wrack Omaha lost the Withers after the Preakness, but rebounded to win the Belmont Stakes and clinch the Triple Crown. Like his sire, Gallant Fox, Omaha was a Triple Crown winner bred and owned by Belair Stud in Kentucky and trained by “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons who was the first trainer to win the Triple Crown more than once. He trained both Gallant Fox and Omaha for the Belair Stud breeding farm. When he finally decided it was time to retire, Fitzsimmons, literally bent double by arthritis of the spine, had crafted an extraordinary body of work. He won a documented 2,275 races, including 13 Triple Crown events (a record that stood unsurpassed for 56 years until D. Wayne Lukas won his 14th Triple Crown race in 2013). Fitzsimmons was not born into a life of privilege and his association with racing yielded nothing of significant distinction until he was well into his 40s. He mucked out stalls in his youth and failed miserably as a jockey long before he emerged as a master conditioner of elite racehorses. Fitzsimmons was tagged with the moniker “Sunny Jim” having the same cheery disposition of a popular cartoon character.
Jockey: Johnny Longden Trainer: Don Cameron Owner: Fannie Hertz Career record: 21-16-4-1 Career earnings: $250,300 Pedigree: Reigh Count – Quickly, by Haste Count Fleet was almost sold before he made it to the races due to his gangly and not very attractive conformation, but he ended up winning 10 of 15 starts as a 2-year-old for his owner-breeder. He was undefeated as a 3-year-old, going off as the odds-on favourite in each of the Triple Crown races and winning the Belmont by 25 lengths. At stud, he sired two champions and Kentucky Derby winner Count Turf.
7. ASSAULT (1946) Jockey: Warren Mehrtens Trainer: Max Hirsch Owner: King Ranch Career record: 42-18-6-8 Career earnings: $675,470 Pedigree: Bold Venture – Igual, by Equipoise Nicknamed the “club-footed comet” due to a malformed right front hoof resulting from an injury as a foal, Assault won the Kentucky Derby by eight lengths. He continued to race until he was 7 years old after proving infertile at stud and later retired to King Ranch, the same place he was foaled. arade MAGAZINE | October 2018 37
Twenty five long years passed before Secretariat’s name was added to that elite list.
the Belmont Stakes stands as the American record for 1 1⁄2 miles on the dirt. (Belmont Park has since installed a blue and white pole 31 lengths from the finish line, signifying the checked silks Secretariat carried and the magnitude of his win.) His controversial time in the Preakness Stakes was eventually recognized as a stakes record in 2012. His brilliance made him an American icon and he was elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1974. In the List of the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century, Secretariat is second only to Man o' War who was also nicknamed "Big Red". At the beginning of his three-year-old year, Secretariat was syndicated for a record-breaking $6.08 million on condition that he was retired from racing by the end of that year. Although he sired several successful racehorses, he ultimately was most influential through his daughters' offspring. His daughters produced several notable sires, including Storm Cat, A.P. Indy, Gone West, Dehere and Chief's Crown.
10. SEATTLE SLEW (1977)
8. CITATION (1948) Jockey: Eddie Arcaro Trainer: Horace A. “Jimmy” Jones Owner: Calumet Farm Career record: 45-32-10-2 Career earnings: $1,085,760 Pedigree: Bull Lea – Hydroplane, by Hyperion Citation won eight of nine starts as a 2-year-old and began his sophomore season with two wins over older horses. He faced just five others in the Kentucky Derby and 15 total in all three Triple Crown races, but completed his 3-year-old season with 19 victories from 20 starts. He has the distinction of becoming American racing’s first equine millionaire in 1951. Had Citation raced today, he would have earned in excess of $10-million in stakes.
9. SECRETARIAT (1973) Jockey: Ron Turcotte Trainer: Lucien Laurin Owner: Meadow Stable Career record: 21-16-3-1 Career earnings: $1,316,808 Pedigree: Bold Ruler – Somethingroyal, by Princequillo Nicknamed Big Red, Secretariat became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and is recognised as one of the greatest horses in American racing history. During his career, he won five Eclipse Awards, including Horse of the Year honours at ages two and three. At age three, Secretariat not only won the Triple Crown, he set speed records in all three races. His time in the Kentucky Derby still stands as the Churchill Downs track record for 1 1⁄4 miles, and his time in
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Jockey: Jean Cruguet Trainer: William H. Turner, Jr. Owner: Mickey & Karen Taylor and Dr. Jim & Sally Hill Career record: 17-14-2-0 Career earnings: $1,208,726 Pedigree: Bold Reasoning – My Charmer, by Poker Seattle Slew was the first and remained the only undefeated Triple Crown winner until Justify joined him in 2018. He sustained the first loss of his career in his next race after the series, the Hollywood Park’s Swaps Stakes. As a 4-year-old Seattle Slew won five of seven starts, including a win over fellow Triple Crown winner Affirmed in the 1978 Marlboro Cup. At stud, he sired Horse of the Year and prolific sire A.P. Indy and more than 100 other stakes winners.
11. AFFIRMED (1978) Jockey: Steve Cauthen Trainer: Laz Barrera Owner: Harbor View Farm Career record: 29-22-5-1 Earnings in today’s dollars: $8,669,109 Pedigree: Exclusive Native – Won’t Tell You, by Crafty Admiral Affirmed’s rivalry with Alydar, the second-place finisher in each of the 1978 Triple Crown races, is one of the most famous rivalries in the sport. Though he lost to Seattle Slew in that year’s Marlboro Cup, Affirmed was named 1978 Horse of the Year, and he would duplicate that title in 1979 with six straight Grade 1 wins. He was the first $2-million earner in American thoroughbred racing. The 37-year gap between the Triple Crown wins of Affirmed and American Pharoah drew criticism of the system. Horses that were fresh for the Belmont seemed to have an advantage. In 2003, jockey Gary Stevens stated in an interview that he did not believe there would be another Triple Crown winner because of the tendency for owners to put fresh horses in the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. California Chrome’s co-owner Steve Coburn was particularly critical of the Triple Crown system in post-Belmont remarks made in 2014; he considered the system to be unfair, arguing that there would never be another Triple Crown winner in his lifetime unless only
horses that competed in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness competed at the Belmont. By 2014, six of the previous eight Belmont winners had not competed in either of the first two legs of the Triple Crown. Additionally, from 2006 to 2014, the Belmont winner was a horse who had not competed in the Preakness. The next Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, was the first Belmont winner since Afleet Alex in 2005 to run in all three Triple Crown races.
12. AMERICAN PHAROAH (2015) Jockey: Victor Espinoza Trainer: Bob Baffert Owner: Zayat Stables Career record: 11-9-1-0 Career earnings in dollars: $8,650,300 Pedigree: Pioneerof the Nile - Littleprincessemma, by Yankee Gentleman In 2015 American Pharoah ended the longest drought in Triple Crown history. He lost his first start before breaking his maiden in a Grade 1 race and winning eight consecutive races. Like six of the last seven Triple Crown winners, the colt had been named 2-yearold champion in 2014. He wrapped up his career with a win in the Breeders' Cup Classic against older horses and was later named Horse of the Year. He has since taken up stud duty at the Ashford Stud in Kentucky.
13. JUSTIFY (2018) Jockey: Mike Smith Trainer: Bob Baffert Owner: China Horse Club, WinStar Farm, Starlight Racing, Head of Plains Partners Career record: Still in training. Career earnings (to date): $3,798,000 Pedigree: Scat Daddy - Stage Magic, by Ghostzapper Justify became the first horse since Apollo in 1882 to win the Kentucky Derby without racing as a 2-year-old. He began his career in mid-February 2018 and won three races, including the Santa Anita Derby, before sweeping the Triple Crown. He is only the second Triple Crown winner to do so while undefeated, and his trainer Bob Baffert became only the second person to train a pair of Triple Crown winners. Justify was bought as a yearling for $500,000 and is owned by a group of industry power players in China Horse Club, WinStar Farm, Starlight Racing, and Head of Plains Partners. Plans called for him to continue racing through 2018.
RIDGEMONT HIGHLANDS
In The Stirrups Of Success!
THE POST SUN MET VICTORY ELATION AS CRAIG AND ROSS KIESWETTER CELEBRATE WITH GREG CHEYNE.
PROUDLY SHOWING THE RESPECTIVE GIRLS’ AND BOYS’ SILKS, ANTON MARCUS AND GREG CHEYNE SHARE A MOMENT IN THE PARADE RING.
The new South African racing and breeding season started on a high for the Kieswetter family’s Ridgemont Highlands team with the sensational news that multiple SA champion jockey Anton Marcus had joined longstanding East Cape Champion Greg Cheyne as a retained rider for the leading team on 1 August.
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IDGEMONT HIGHLANDS also achieved the distinction of producing the top-seller at the National 2yo Sale last month. A magnificent daughter of Irish Champion Pathfork, she hails from a top-class winning speed family. Known as a traditionally quiet month on the local track calendar, the racing yards tend to their housekeeping regimen of inoculations and vaccinations and some go into a mini recess in advance of spring. There is great expectation and it is a time that breeders welcome the new-born foals and gear up for this month’s launch of the stallion covering programme. Just weeks after his historic century of Gr1 winners achieved in the Vodacom Durban July, Anton Marcus ended a memorable season on a high with his 101st Gr1 strike on Super Saturday. The KZN Champion Jockey, Marcus was also in the irons when the Highlands-bred Dynasty filly Front And Centre, a half-sister to Highlands’ Singspiel stallion Potala Palace, and who races in the interests of Craig & Ross Kieswetter and Ridgemont Highlands, made an impressive first impression when she bounded clear over 1200m on her Kenilworth debut on 18 August. Anton Marcus’ extraordinary talent will be a major asset for the Ridgemont Highlands Team. He and Greg Cheyne combine as a formidable champion duo, with a collective CV boasting many decades of experience locally and internationally at the top level between them. The move to bring Anton Marcus on board is another step by the Ridgemont Highlands management team to raise the bar in their quest for success.
In the accompanying photograph, Anton Marcus (in the girls silks) and Greg Cheyne (in the boys silks) proudly show off the individual sets of colours. Vodacom Durban July and Sun Met winning rider Greg Cheyne, who was crowed East Cape Champion jockey for the sixth time earlier this month, has been a member of the Ridgemont Highlands team for over 16 months and continues to maintain a high work ethic and top strike-rate between his Cape home base and his happy hunting ground at Fairview. He was narrowly denied another Cape Champion Jockey title in the final meeting of last season. With an impressive CV boasting international Gr1 winning experience, Greg has ridden in diverse destinations from the island paradise of Mauritius, Germany, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Macau, to South Africa’s neighbour, Zimbabwe. He was the man in the irons when the Kieswetter-owned Whisky Baron scored a memorable victory in the inaugural running of the Gr1 Sun Met in 2017. Greg regards his Gr1 Malaysia Sprint success and victory in the Malaysian International Jockeys Challenge as highlights of his impressive international career.
Cherry on the top Breeding and racing champion racehorses is a passion and pursuit that consumes years of planning and the investment of great minds, experience and intellect. Having the right man in the saddle can often be the cherry on the top and the final chapter of genius. Ridgemont Highlands can be rightfully proud to be associated with two top protagonists of their art in Greg Cheyne and Anton Marcus. Success comes to those who plan for it and the great faith shown in the future of Ridgemont Highlands and of the sport in this beautiful country means exciting times ahead.
SA champion A four-times SA champion, Marcus epitomises the Ridgemont Highlands ethic of professionalism and striving for quality. Having ridden the first of his five Durban July winners a quarter of a century ago, Anton has close to 3600 winners to his credit and has won every Gr1 race in South Africa. He achieved international plaudits when winning the 2008 Gr1 Dubai Duty Free in a magnificent display of power race riding. He also captained an illustrious Rest of the World Team in the 2010 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, the world’s premier international jockeys’ contest. He won the Gr1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin, Hong Kong, in 2014. His list of big race successes at home and across the globe would run to volumes, if recorded to print! A decision has been made to run the Ridgemont Highlands colts and fillies in distinguishing sets of silks this season. The girls will run in the dark green, blue sleeves & white cap, while the boys will carry the dark blue, white crossed sashes and dark blue sleeves and cap. The blue silks bear a strong resemblance to the flag of Scotland – and that’s no coincidence! Craig and Ross Kieswetter have strong connections to the great country, thanks to their Mum, Belinda.
The move to bring Anton Marcus on board is another step by the Ridgemont Highlands management team to raise the bar in their quest for success.
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CANDICE DAWSON
CANDICE DAWSON-TRAINED GIVINITSUM.
GO FOR IT!
by JACK MILNER photos CANDIESE MARNEWICK
Trainer Candice Dawson does not see herself as a woman working to succeed in a man’s world.
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HE WOULD rather believe that women are able to compete on a level footing, it is just a case of women not believing they can go for it. “I don’t see any advantage a man would have over a woman in this job,” says Dawson. “It’s not about needing extra physical strength, it’s about having the ability to train a horse.” Working with horses was inculcated in Candice as a very young girl. “My father had a couple of racehorses and when we were kids he gave us the option in the mornings of either to watch the horses work or caddy for him on the golf course. “We were three girls and none of us was too keen on golf so
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CANDICE DAWSON-TRAINED INFAMOUS FOX.
the horses were a far better alternative.” She started to ride from the age of six and as Candice grew older she completed a horse mastership course. She finished in the top two on the course and the benefit of that was being able to spend time with renowned equine and athletic physiotherapist Winks Greene. Her first job in a racing stable came from Michael Airey but later she was offered a job with Geoff Woodruff on the Highveld. She spent 10 years with Woodruff including the period in which he won five Trainers’ Championships. Candice was then offered a job with Kom Naidoo who gave her the option of opening a satellite yard anywhere in the country. She chose to stay on the Highveld and had a lot of success for the yard. She trained a number of Graded and Listed winners but the best was probably Royal Zulu Warrior who won the Grade 2 Charity Mile over 1600m at Turffontein. Candice then received a challenging offer – to train in Mauritius. She accepted the offer and admits that was the only time she really felt her ability challenged, because she was a woman. I was one of only two women to have been granted an assistant trainers’ licence on the island and then later my trainers’ licence. One could feel the tension from the team who felt this was not a job for a woman.” However, once she had run her first two horses everything started to change. “They started to accept me more and I could actually feel them changing. I was very proud of my achievement,” said Candice.
It was then she received an offer from Kathryn Ralphs to return to Joburg and train. “Kathryn and I are equal partners in the business, I train the horses and she is my business partner.” They also brought in Candice’s sister, Tammy, who also had worked for Woodruff and Mike de Kock to complete the triumvirate of women’s power. Slowly but surely the stable has proven itself as a competitive business and they are churning out a regular number of winners. When Candice looks back at women who have trained in South Africa she has been most inspired by Jean Heming. “I have not met her by I was told by Terrance Millard that he rated her highly. If people like him had respect for her she had to have reached great heights in her field.” However, the one area Candice would like to see women given a helping hand is among the jockeys. “It’s a fact that overall women are not as strong as men and while they have other attributes which helps them to compete, when they get in a close finish they are at a disadvantage. “Perhaps we need to consider giving them a sex allowance to help them become more competitive. I have no idea what it should be – maybe 1kg would be enough.” That, she says, she will leave up to the powers that be to sort out. Candice, meanwhile, is content to take on the men in the training yards.
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Birch-Bred by ADA VAN DER BENT photo CANDIESE MARNEWICK
True to his pedigree, young Colin Birch is steadily reviving the famed Birch name and that of Vogel Vlei, the country's oldest existing stud farm founded by his great-great-grandfather, Ernest Vincent (E V) Birch in 1910.
T
HE FIFTH generation Birch on the farm, Colin (34) is the son of Syd and grandson of the late Bob Birch, a past president of the TBA and breeder of the great Elevation.
Bob’s father, Syd, and uncles Ted and Walter, started the stud under the collective name of Birch Bros in the Dordrecht area and would become the country’s undisputed champion breeders. Through four decades, the Birches utterly dominated at the top of the breeders log, in fact, they reigned in an unbroken stretch which started before 1948, when the SA Racing Calendars officially started printing breeder statistics, to 1983. The extensive honour roll of Birch-breds boasts a record eight July winners and includes the names of such luminaries as Sea Cottage, Colorado King, Elevation, Bold Tropic, Wolf Power and Royal Chalice. Most of the Birch success was founded on the exploits of its champion stallions Fairthorn (5 times), Ranjit (twice), High Veldt and Plum Bold. A stud’s fortunes ebb and flow with the quality of its stallions and after Plum Bold was repatriated to the States, the Birches never again stood another stallion of his ilk, although High Veld’s outstanding son Elevation emulated his sire as the country’s champion stallion in 1984. A combination of factors saw the Birch name virtually lost in obscurity but if the success of the past year is anything to go by, it is making a remarkable comeback under young Colin. From a talented cricketing family - grandfather Bob represented SA schools and Border, while brother Andrew played for SA schools and the Port Elizabeth Warriors - Colin ventured to the UK after completing his education at St Andrews College in Grahamstown. His aspiration to become a professional cricketer didn’t quite materialise, although he did represent the Derbyshire Seconds. He
eventually returned to South Africa in 2008 and having completed a Degree in Marketing Management, spent the next four years in Cape Town working in the corporate sector and gaining a good business grounding in the process. What made him decide to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps? “My intention was always to return to the farm. It’s in my blood and there is nothing more exciting than the adrenaline rush you get from breeding a good horse. Besides, the infrastructure was there and I think just raising sheep would bore me to death!” In addition to running cattle and sheep, Vogel Vlei boasts a band of about 40 broodmares, many of which have the blood of past champions in their veins. Currently roaming the Vogel Vlei paddocks are daughters of influential broodmare sires such as Fort Wood, Al Mufti, Western Winter, Model Man and National Assembly. This year in particular, Vogel Vlei has enjoyed some spectacular moments, both in the sales ring and on the racetrack. Three-year-old Judpot colt Sniper Shot built on a Gr.3-placed juvenile campaign when runner-up in both the Gr.2 Daisy Guineas and Gr.3 Byerley Turk and was justly rewarded with a fine victory in the Gr.2 Post Merchants. Juvenile filly Inverroch flashed her talent by winning the Gr.3 Strelitzia Stakes second time out, before running third in the Gr.1 Allan Robertson and the Gr.3 Debutante. In her final start, she was involved in three-way finish to the lucrative KZN Yearling Sale Million won by fellow Birch-bred Givinitsum. Undefeated in two starts, the Lateral gelding was immediately thereafter sold to Hong Kong interests. Colin made his sales debut in 2012 when he accompanied father Syd at the National 2YO Sale, and since 2014, has represented Vogel Vlei in his single capacity. This year’s National Yearling Sale provided a momentous landmark when the stud’s Captain Al halfbrother to the Listed stakes winner Shady World was knocked down to Shadwell for R2.6-million, “It was a very rewarding experience,” remarked Colin. “We had a
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“
Our ambition is to produce Gr.1 winners and we believe we’re getting the recipe right again!
”
gut feeling there could be fireworks as we had put a lot work into the crop and got very good feedback on our draft. The Captain Al was the shining light for us and was bred on a proven cross. He was a cracking foal from day one and had plenty of substance. On pedigree and conformation, he just ticked all the boxes.” He adds: “As he is going to Mike de Kock, I am hopeful that will spark a successful partnership. We go back a long way, as we bred Evening Mist, his first stakes winner.” The champion older mare of her generation, the daughter of Peacetime and SA Oaks winner Sea Mist’s finest moment came when defeating her male rivals in the Gr.1 Administrator’s Champion Stakes. Vogel Vlei again hit a high when selling the R500,000 top-priced lot at the subsequent KZN Yearling Sale, this an Ideal World own brother to Inverroch, who incidentally, had changed hands at the same venue twelve months earlier. “The KZN colt was an exceptional individual,” Colin mused. Referring to the impact of Inverroch’s exploits in the month leading up to the sale, he added: “It’s all about timing, being at the right sale, at the right time.” Fortune also played a huge part in the colt’s existence. His dam National Sensation was due to visit Ascot Stud’s Global View, but when he was temporarily out of commission, the mare ended up returning to Ideal World. “In hindsight, it was a blessing,” Colin quipped. Although Colin is the frontman at the sales, he runs the stud in combination with his father and he very much calls on Syd’s wealth of accumulated knowledge. “I still rely on Dad for advice and we do everything together when it comes to sales preparation. “We bring them in prior to the sales and put them on a specialised feeding programme to get them to sales condition. We still use the same paddocks, vast open spaces of planted pastures and natural grasses for horses to grow on. The way we raise them and have
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done for generations, has stood the test of time. We still work within the same framework, but obviously, we have to adjust to market trends. Our ambition is to produce Gr.1 winners and we believe we’re getting the recipe right again!” When it comes to deciding on matings, it’s also a matter of team work. “We start planning quite early,” Colin remarks. “We target both proven and promising stallions amongst the first and second season sires we feel have a good chance and that suit the mares. Combined with physical, we also rely on pedigree analysis and eventually settle on a mating. We send our mares to the Western Cape and the Port Elizabeth area and align ourselves with studs like Ascot and Mauritzfontein, who have been most accommodating as regards boarding costs.” While Vogel Vlei has shares in the Galileo horse Global View, Colin confirms that this year he has booked early to young, popular stallions such as What A Winter, Master Of My Fate, Gimmethegreenlight, Pomodoro, Twice Over and William Longsword. “We will also use Canford Cliffs, he was such as smashing racehorse,” he adds. Closer to home, Ideal World and Southford Stud’s new arrival Admiral Kitten are also on the list. While no stallion has graced the Vogel Vlei paddocks in recent years, that is set to change as Gr.1 Mercury Sprint winner Red Ray will arrive in October. “We supported him last year and we will stand him for the second half of the season. I’m very excited as he is a blue-blooded and speedy son of champion sire Western Winter out of the top mare Nacarat. Incidentally, we have an affiliation with his female line, as she traces to our Plum Bold mare Port Wine, from whom we bred Horse of the Year Royal Chalice.” Colin firmly believes in upgrading the quality of his mares and has recently acquired some young, well-related mares, amongst which the Western Winter mare Grassland, an own sister to Gr.1 winner On Her Toes and due to foal to Gr.1 winner Rafeef; as well as Cherry Jubilee, a Judpot full sister to Diana Stakes victress Double Whammy and in foal to the well-bred The United States. Married to Carla since 2013, Colin is the proud father of Michayla (2) and Sienna, born as recently as June. When he’s not busy running a farm and a stud, Colin enjoys a round of golf and fly-fishing. “We stock our own dam and have pulled out many a trophy trout!” he proudly emphasises.
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MADIGAN FOAL SQUEEZE PROCEDURE THE
by LIESL KING photo LIESL KING & JOE PROUDMAN/UC DAVIS
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Foaling season is upon us. Sleepless nights, joy and heartache all rolled into one as the next generation of thoroughbred foals make their way into the world.
I
N A perfect world they would all make their appearance on time, preferably between 8am and 5pm, popping out without any assistance, only when it is sunny and warm and perfectly healthy. Nature however doesn’t quite work like that.
Mares tend to prefer the witching hours of 12-4am and come rain, storms, wind, hail or sunshine, when it is time, it is time. Most mares can cope perfectly well on their own, but there are always some that need assistance. Big foals, bent legs, arriving back to front, the list of what you may be presented with after the mare’s waters break is endless. And when there is a problem assistance is urgently required. Yet once that spindly newborn is finally lying in the straw blinking at the bright world it suddenly finds itself in, most problems are behind you. Yes joint ill, contracted tendons and the like may still be lurking around the corner, but for now it is just a matter of standing and having that first drink, before the foal can be ticked off as having arrived safely. In the wild newborn foals are easy prey and hence nature designed them to be up and running within hours of birth. This miracle of a newborn foal trying to untangle wobbly, spindly legs in order to stand is always a joy to watch. The urge to stand and drink is incredibly strong and most foals are up and drinking within an hour or two after birth. Yet 3-5% of all foals are born with a disorder called neonatal maladjustment syndrome, or dummy foal syndrome. These foals do stand but appear uninterested in their mother and show no inclination to seek her udder or to suckle. And for a thoroughbred breeder that is a nightmare. Caring for these dummy foals involves round-the-clock bottle or tube feeding and, in some cases, intensive care in a veterinary clinic. Fortunately the survival rate is around 80%, but it requires a level of care for up to ten days after birth that is both grueling and costly. In the past the syndrome was attributed to a lack of oxygen at birth, but oxygen deprivation in human babies cause serious and lasting damage. These foals, if they did recover, were all perfectly normal. So was hypoxia at birth really the culprit? This conundrum led Prof John Madigan, an expert in neonatal health and veterinary neurologist Monica Aleman, both from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), to start investigating
PROF JOHN MADIGAN WITH FOAL.
whether there could be other causes for dummy foal syndrome. One of the prime suspects that they were considering was a group of naturally occurring neurosteroids, designed to sustain the pregnancy and to keep the foal quiet in the uterus. As Prof Madigan points out “foals don’t gallop in utero”. Imagine the damage to the mare should the four-legged, hoofed fetus suddenly become active in the womb. Hence the neurosteroids are designed to keep the foal quiet until after birth. However after birth the foal must make an immediate transition to wakefulness as it needs to be up and ready to run within hours. This led Madigan and Aleman to conclude that somewhere in between the time that the foal enters the birth canal and the moment it is born, there is an ‘on’ switch that allows the foal to become mobile, recognize its mother and drink. They suspected that the physical pressure of passing through the birth canal might just be that switch. Madigan explained that their theory arose from the fact that dummy foals were often found to have made a rapid entry into the world, either through a cesarean section, or due to complications such as a detaching placenta. This meant that these foals perhaps did not experience enough sustained pressure for the on switch to be flipped. According to Madigan they believed that the pressure of the birth canal during the second stage of labour, which is supposed to last between 20 to 40 minutes, is the important signal that tells the foal to quit producing the sedative neurosteroids and to ‘wake up’. This theory was supported by the fact that the research team found levels of neurosteroids persisted and often even rose in dummy foals. And in a newborn foal, these neurosteroids impacted on the central nervous system in pretty much the same way as sedatives or anaesthetic does. The team also demonstrated that the dummy foal syndrome can be brought on by administering a
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Most foals respond well to the procedure, some getting up within minutes to find mom and drink. This technique is known as the Madigan Foal Squeeze Procedure.
neurosteroid to healthy foals. And once the levels of neurosteroid in their bloodstream dropped, these foals became normal again. Madigan then set out to recreate the missing pressure the foal would have experienced. By using several loops of a soft rope to gently squeeze the foal’s upper torso, the pressure normally experienced in the birth canal is mimicked and the foal immediately lies down and appears to falls asleep. Brain-wave studies conducted by Aleman indeed confirmed that the foals go into slow-wave sleep during the squeeze procedure, and that endocrine changes also occur with the squeeze. After 20 minutes the pressure is released. Most foals respond well to the procedure, some getting up within minutes to find mom and drink. This technique is known as the Madigan Foal Squeeze Procedure. Recently during the 2015 and 2016 foaling seasons the Equine and Comparative Neurology Research Group at the School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, invited veterinarians, vet techs and farm managers to participate in a survey on the treatment of dummy foals using medical therapy or the squeeze technique. Vets from the USA, Africa, Australia, Canada and Europe participated, providing information on 195 Thoroughbred and Quarter horse foals. The foals where divided into two groups namely squeezed (87) or non-squeezed (108). One of the major findings of the survey was that while around 87% of both groups recovered, the squeezed foals were 17.5 times more likely to recover within the first 24hrs than the group receiving medical treatment only. Not only does the
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squeeze procedure appear to be very useful in decreasing the time to full recovery, but it also cuts out expensive and lengthy medical treatment. Currently there is an even more exiting study underway. Veterinary researchers at UC Davis have combined with their counterparts in human medicine to investigate whether there may be a link between dummy foals and autism. According to Madigan the behavioural abnormalities in these foals such as detachment, seem to resemble some of the symptoms in children with autism. Isaac Pessah, a professor of molecular biosciences at the UC Davis and a member of the research group concurs: “The concept that a disruption in the transition of fetal consciousness may be related to children with autism is intriguing. There are thousands of potential causes for autism, but the one thing that all autistic children have in common is that they are detached.� He also noted that some children with autism do outgrow autistic behaviours by the time they reach their teen years, very similar to the recovery of dummy foals. Not only is the Madigan Foal Squeeze Procedure of great interest and importance to veterinarians and farm managers around the world, but the idea that new-born foals may offer clues to autism in humans is immensely exciting.
It’s My Turn
Jane Thomas
Cell: 082 806 4041 Email: farendracing@mweb.co.za
The Grounding Your Horse Deserves
A slightly different take on things.... Turf Talk website and newsletter
www.turftalk.co.za
WESTERN WINTER’S DAUGHTER REDBERRY LANE (LEFT) STUNNED SNOWDANCE IN THE GARDEN PROVINCE STAKES AT GREYVILLE ON JULY DAY.
WESTERN Winter by ADA VAN DER BENT photo CANDIESE MARNEWICK
That the late Western Winter continues to cast a long shadow, cannot be disputed. The former Lammerskraal champion has just been crowned the leading broodmare sire for the first time, which places him in the company of such elite stallions as Royal Prerogative, Jungle Cove, Al Mufti and Northern Guest , all of whom led the General, Juvenile and Broodmare sire logs in modern times. 52
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G
ENERALLY SPEAKING, good sires tend to make good broodmare sires, simply because good sires tend to have built their reputations on quality books of mares, as did Western Winter. Right from the outset of his career, the son of Gone West had access to Lammerskraal's powerful broodmare band and with the leading freshman sire title in the bag, breeders unstintingly supported him with quality mares throughout his career. With these pedigrees now shining through, it is no surprise to see him on top of the rankings following a season which saw his daughters produce nine stakes winners, headed by the Classic winners Tap O'Noth (Cape Guineas) and since exported Lobo's Legend (SA Classic). An analysis of that tally of stakes winners also reveals that Western Winter's daughters appear to have struck up an affinity with fellow champion Silvano. The Maine Chance Farms standout sired Gr.2 Gold Bracelet victress Miyabi Gold, Gr.3 winning stayer Strathdon and Port Elizabeth Gold Cup hero Plano from his daughters, whilst his champion son Bold Silvano sired Gr.3 winning juvenile Bold Eagle from a Western Winter mare. Coincidentally, Silvano's previous classic winners Wind Chill (SA Oaks) and Black Arthur (Canon Guineas) are likewise out of Western Winter mares.
Proven cross Whereas Lobo's Legend and Tap O'Noth are by Trippi and Captain Al respectively, the remaining pair, East Cape Oaks heroine Widow's Lamp and Aquanaut Handicap queen Tambalang, are both by Lammerskraal resident stallion Go Deputy, as is another potential stakes winner, the SA Oaks runner-up and Track and Ball Oaks third Flichity By Farr. This is another proven cross, as Go Deputy had previously sired Gr.2 Gold Bracelet winner Flying Ice and Settlers Trophy hero Arezzo from daughters of his former barnmate. Significantly, the next four on the log, Fort Wood, Al Mufti, Jallad and Jet Master have all led the General Sires list on occasion, which again underlines the perception that champion stallions invariably excel as broodmare sires. That the race for the broodmare sires title was a hard-fought affair cannot be disputed, as Western Winter dethroned incumbent champion Fort Wood by the narrow margin of less than R250,000. The former Mauritzfontein standout had led the broodmare sires in four of the five previous years and enjoyed another fruitful season, capped by the Gr.1 Champions Cup success of high-class miler Captain America. Although Jallad has yet to top the broodmare sire log, he has nevertheless made his presence felt with solid top-ten finished over the past decade. This past season, the champion son of Blushing Groom finished third and whereas he led the way by number of stakes winners (13), his daughters produced no less than four Gr.1 winners, amongst which two champions on opposite sides of the stamina scale!
Mercury Sprint winner Will Pays (by Imperial Stride) was crowned the season's champion sprinter, while It's My Turn took the stayers accolade following his remarkable three peat of the Track and Ball Derby, the Gold Vase and the eLan Gold Cup in the space of five weeks. That his erstwhile Highlands barnmate Dynasty is proving to be a perfect foil for Jallad's daughters was quite significant, for in addition to It's My Turn, the champion son of Fort Wood sired Gr.1 Sansui Summer Cup Liege, Gr.1 Cape Derby hero Eyes Wide Open and undefeated Gr.3 Flamboyant Stakes winner Hashtagyolo from Jallad mares. Rounding out Jallad's Gr.1 quartet is Western Winter's daughter Redberry Lane, who stunned Snowdance in the Garden Province Stakes. Al Mufti, who deprived Fort Wood of the broodmare sires title in 2013, weighed in with a seasonal tally of eight stakes winners which included the quirky Majestic Mambo, who chased home Surcharge in the Gr.1 Daily News 2000. Interesting to note, the colt's pedigree shows a duplication of the blue hen mare Lassie Dear, who features as the dam of Al Mufti and third dam of his sire Mambo In Seattle.
Top five Rounding out the top five is seven-time champion stallion Jet Master. Now firmly established as a high quality damsire, it is also gratifying to see him emerge as a sire of sires, with young sons Pomodoro and Master Of My Fate dominating the freshman division. Jet Master's daughters produced six stakes winners by such diverse stallions as Gimmethegreenlight (Gr.2 winner Green Pains), Dynasty (Gr.3 winners Lady In Black and Our Emperor), Ideal World (unbeaten Rainbow Bridge), King Of Kings (Gr.2 winner Ronnie's Candy) and Captain Al (Al Danza). Finally, a welcome and notable newcomer amongst the damsire echelon is Silvano, who made his first foray into the top ten with a seventh place finish. The three-time champion stallion is fast emerging as a quality broodmare sire, his daughters being responsible for high-class stakes winners Wonderwall, Goodtime Gal, Dagmar, undefeated Barahin and of course Gr.1 Sun Met runnerup Last Winter. From a pedigree perspective, note that Wonderwall and Dagmar are both by fellow Maine Chance resident Querari.
An analysis of that tally of stakes winners also reveals that Western Winter’s daughters appear to have struck up an affinity with fellow champion Silvano.
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SHE’S
THE SECRET IS OUT.
When The Secret Is Out was named Cape Racing’s Champion Older Female for 2017-2018 she continued the remarkable success enjoyed by her dam Secret Of Victoria (Goldkeeper). The latter, one of the fastest racemares of her generation, has become an outstanding produceras, in fact, was her dam Mystic Spring.
I
RECENTLY TOOK time out to chat to Secret Of Victoria’s part-owner Basil Nelson, who has enjoyed so much success with this remarkable grey and who has high hopes for his star mare’s classy daughter Canukeepitsecret for the season ahead.
SW: How long have you been involved in racing? BN: I owned my first horse circa 1983 and bred my first foal, Maid of Mecca (who won the Ladies Mile) a little later. As a child in East London I used to watch racing from the car park at Nahoon while my dad , who owned a few there , was at the races. SW: How did you get involved with Secret Of Victoria? BN: As a freelance Accountant one of my clients Garth Miller said we should have a meeting at his home in Constantia so as not to have interruptions which may occur at his business.
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NO SECRET!
by SARAH WHITELAW photos CANDIESE MARNEWICK
There was a photo of Garth leading in a horse on the wall in his home office which led to us knowing that we had a common passion. If it wasn’t for the photo and Garth suggesting we meet at his home we would probably not been aware of it. We then decided that if the price was right we would buy a filly at the NYS in 2004. As my passion was for thoroughbred pedigrees it was decided that I would elect 5 or 6 fillies for Vaughan Marshall to bid for us at the sale. We gave Vaughan a budget of R80000 and the first 4 went for more than the budget. On the last day, Garth phoned me to look at another filly’s pedigree that was on the sale to give us more options. I told Garth that I was so impressed with SOV (Secret Of Victoria)’s pedigree that she was the one that we should buy. Not only did we buy her for R70 000 but she had a pedigree that one could breed with. When we went to Marianne Thompson’s farm where she was quarantined we were shown this very small grey filly who seemed unperturbed by everything going on around her. I’m not sure whether my apparent blunder in selecting this small filly was visible on my face But it was lessened by Garth saying that he loves grey horses and was as pleased as punch. SW: How many other horses did you have before Secret? BN: Prior to SOV I was involved with 3 horses , a winning daughter of Ragtime and non winning daughters of Royal Prerogative and Esplendor. Racing can be tough!!
ALL IS SECRET.
SW: What made you decide to send her to Captain Al? SW: What made her such a good racemare?
SW: Did Secret have any strange behaviour patterns?
BN: Captain Al covered her for her second mating with the resulting foal being (Equus Champion) All is Secret. Being rather small and lean (had excellent quarters though) we felt that Captain Al was right for her although he only stood at 16h. The pedigree affinities were outstanding. Roberto and Mr Prospector have proven affinities (mainly through their female lines) , Captain Al was free of Northern Dancer which SOV had 3 lines of, Captain Al had 2 lines of La Troienne (none in SOV) who also hails from Web as well as the Lavendula mating of My Babu and Turn-To, the sire of Hail to Reason , Buckpasser’s grandsire Menow appears twice in SOV and had already been successful in the mating of Rabiya (by Jallad) the first foal of Mystic Spring.
BN: SOV had a hot temperament and would charge you when approaching her stable let alone allow one to enter it.
SW: Is All Is Secret the best horse you have owned, and what made her so good?
BN: SOV loved to race and sprinted well even though I believe it was short for her and had a good turn of foot around the bend. When she won the Southern Cross and Sceptre Stakes we prayed for the South-easter to blow , which we duly granted! SOV as a juvenile won the Strelitzia and ran 2nd in the Allan Robertson to Equus champion, Rock Opera, despite injuring a stifle in the race. Just after that, she injured her sesamoid in training and was laid low for about 9 months. Credit must go to Vaughan and his assistant, Louise Pitt for nursing her back to go onto winning races.
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ALL IS SECRET.
BN: We sold All is Secret at the National Yearling Sale but retained 50% with Markus Jooste. She was the best we have owned, closely followed by The Secret is Out. SW: Who is All Is Secret going to this season? BN: We sold our interest in her to Klawervlei who sent her twice to Dynasty , a mating which produced SOV’s champion half-sister Bela-Bela. SW: Is there a common trait in SOV foals? BN: All of her foals had good temperaments (Captain Al’s influence) but only Canukeepitsecret came into racing with a bit of her dam’s temperament. HereVaughan’s groom must get the credit as she has since improved. SW: When did you know All Is Secret and The Secret Is Out were good?
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BN: We knew before they raced - thanks to Vaughan and MJ Byleveld. SW: What are the mating plans for All Is Secret and The Secret Is Out, and what are the goals for Canukeepitsecret? BN: SOV is in foal to William Longsword (taller than his sire) and hopefully will go back to him. Ail Is Secret is owned by Klawervlei, and The Secret Is Out has been booked for Twice Over whose dam has the Nijinsky x Blushing Groom cross which will go well with her. Canukeepitsecret we believe should see out 1600m because of her action, and hope to add bold black type in the coming season having been placed in the Strlitzia and a creditable 4th in the G1 Allan Robertson Championship (a race won previously by both All Is Secret and The Secret Is Out) starting from a draw in the car park.
WHY BUY #kznbred ? SMALL ON NUMBERS
BIG ON RESULTS
KZN produced 57 Black Type Horses in the 2017/2018 Season in three countries. Those 57 horses sold for R6 095 000 at sales, including two Grade 1 winners. They earned their connections R31 622 893 on the track.
On average they sold for R106 929 each On average they earned R554 787 each
Look for the #KZNBRED hip stickers at Sales and don’t miss out.
www.kznbreeders.co.za “Where Breeders and Owners are Rewarded for Success!” KZNBreeders
@KZNBreeders
KZNBreeders
KZN AWARDS With the classy live entertainment, featuring internationally celebrated artist Joseph Clarke, getting a major nod of approval from an enthusiastic audience, KZN racing honoured their star achievers at a glittering function held at the Greyville Convention Centre on Friday evening, August 24.
photos CANDIESE MARNEWICK
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FIORELLA - 3YO FILLY - JAMES RICH (LEFT) AND DUNCAN HOWELLS.
2018 KZN RACING AWARDS
MONKS HOOD - 3YO COLT - CARRY-ANN RADFORD (LEFT) ALISTAIR GORDON AND DR PHUMLA MNGANGA.
2yo Filly
Inverroche
2yo Colt
Cue the Music
3yo Filly
Fiorella
3yo Colt
Monks Hood
Sprinter
Sommerlied
Older Male
It’s My Turn
Older Filly
Sommerlied
Middle Distance
Fiorella
Stayer
It’s My Turn
Horse Of The Year
Do It Again
Groom Of The Year
Isaac Mwalese
Owner Of The Year
Mario Ferreira
Jockey Of The Year
Anton Marcus
Apprentice Of The Year
Ashton Arries
Breeder Of The Year
Summerhill Stud
Trainer Of The Year
Dennis Drier
KZN Personality Of The Year
Phillip Fourie
Ride Of The Season
Lyle Hewitson (Redberry Lane – Garden Province Stakes)
Anita Akal Award
Garth Puller
SOMMERLIED - SPRINTER - GLENN HATT DENNIS DRIER AND DR PHUMLA MNGANGA. arade MAGAZINE | October 2018 59
DO IT AGAIN - HORSE OF THE YEAR - NICK JONSSON (LEFT) JUSTIN SNAITH ANTON MARCUS AND NEIL BUTCHER.
SUMMERHILL STUD - BREEDER OF THE YEAR.
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Golden Sword H I G H C H A PA R R A L - S I TA R A ( S A L S E )
2 0 0 6 • 16 . 2 H H
(GB)
The only son of HIGH CHAPPARAL at stud in South Africa Finished 2 lengths off Sea The Stars in the Gr1 English Derby
In any other year he would have been a Derby winner.” Mike de Kock
Full brother to winner of Gr1 Melbourne Cup REKINDLING Sire of Oak Trial Listed winner & Dubai export BELLE ROSE 2018 Season - standing at Yellow Star Stud Contact 083 390 3045 • info@yellowstarstud.co.za www.yellowstarstud.co.za
WARHORSE to
Stallion
Stories involving thoroughbred horse racing are few and far between, especially in South Africa, simply because the market is limited. It’s a bit like Gordon Mclean’s classic “A River Runs Through It”, rejected by one publisher because “it had tress in it”! But there is no sport whose origins can be traced back over three centauries and are as meticulously recorded as is the history and breeding of the thoroughbred racehorse. Using this as background, Hayward has woven and intricate web of detail that all comes together nicely as Master Jack is traced from being a warhorse in the Anglo Boer War to a thoroughbred stallion in England. All this from a faded sepia photograph found in the pocket of a British uniform tunic in a lonely Karoo cave. Hayward’s research is immaculate and ranges from a Karoo farm setting to Oxford University to the soggy fields of England’s stud farms. It’s an easy to read but riveting tale. Master Jack is not so much a horseracing story but a well-crafted trip through thoroughbred racing’s archives. And yes; it does have horses in it. Book available on Kindle or haywardhousebooks@gmail.com R275 exc courier and postage
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SUBSCRIPTION FORM Parade Magazine is a quarterly magazine which showcases thoroughbred horseracing in South Africa. The content includes relevant and current information and analysis of racing and breeding in South Africa, as well as detailed records of all Graded race results. Parade stimulates interest in all aspectsof the South African thoroughbred industry, and is a forum for discussion and debate of topical issues involving breeding, training, racing and ownership. The magazine is also a national and international showcase of South African racing and breeding. NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS ONLY - current subscribers please contact us for a renewal form.
Annual Subscriptions include postage and packaging • Local: R120 per annum incl. VAT • Overseas: R240 per annum. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM IN BLOCK LETTERS AND POST TO THE ADDRESS BELOW: Gold Circle Publishing Dept, P.O. Box 40, Durban, 4000, South Africa
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TAB KwaZulu Natal (Reference: Parade Mag Subscription, with name and contact number). Please attach a copy of this form to your cheque payment TAB KwaZulu Natal, First National Bank, Branch No: 221426, Account Number: 50853789012 (Reference: Parade Mag Sub & your name and contact number)
Deposit slip and this application form to be faxed to: +27(0)31 314 1779 Cheques with copy of this form can be posted to: Gold Circle Publishing Dept, P.O. Box 40, Durban, 4000, South Africa Tel: 031 314 1926 | Email: warrenl@goldcircle.co.za Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd - An A Empowerdex Rated Company Reg No: 1998/24366/07 T/A GOLD CIRCLE RACING AND GAMING GROUP P.O.BOX 40, DURBAN, 4000, SOUTH AFRICAN Parade is published on behalf of the South African Thoroughbred Horse Racing Industry
Kimberley Rocks HORSE OF THE YEAR – OH SUSANNA. MICHAEL LEAF, CHRIS SNAITH, JUSTIN SNAITH, GAYNOR RUPERT, SUE SNAITH, JONATHAN SNAITH, ROSS FULLER & KEVIN SOMMERVILLE
by MERLE PARKER photos JC PHOTOGRAPHICS
The 2018 Kimberley Festival was hosted by the Racing Association along with co-hosts Phumelela on the first weekend in August and both the awards evening and the raceday turned out to be very successful. The Awards were held at the Flamingo Casino Convention Centre on Friday 3 August to honor the sport’s regional stakeholders who had excelled throughout the season.
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AT THE FESTIVAL
The NC Champion Horse of the Season went to Red Special, owned by Mr du Toit and trained by Stephanie Miller. Muzi Yeni received a special award for having achieved 8 consecutive wins as the leading jockey in Kimberley. Runners participating in the RA Flamingo Mile were “auctioned off” at the dinner with a percentage of the takings being contributed to the local SPCA. Trophies were awarded in the following human categories: NC Champion Apprentice
Denis Schwarz
NC Champion Jockey
Muzi Yeni
NC Champion Trainer
Corrie Lensley
NC Champion Owner
Francois du Toit
Kimberley Raceday
I
N ADDITION to the three feature races on the day, two RA bonus races formed part of the line-up and RA members Cliffie Miller and Sarel Smit each scooped R10 000 in bonuses.
Results of the feature races on the day: The R200 000 RA Flamingo Mile won by Dodgy Itie, owned and trained by Cliffie Miller and ridden by Marco van Rensburg; The R135 000 Betting World Sprint won by Tweed Valley, owned by Preggie Somasundram, trained by Kom Naidoo and ridden by Warren Kennedy; The R110 000 RA Diamond Stayers won by Sea Bean, owned by Messrs J H Brink, F Kitching, C Thomas, GJ and HJ van der Mescht, trained by Tienie Prinslooand ridden by S Fortune.
LARRY WAINSTEIN, STEPHANIE MILLER & FRANCOIS DU TOIT.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2018 EQUUS WINNERS Champion Two year old filly
Return Flight
Champion Two year old colt
Soqrat
Champion three year old filly
Oh Susanna (AUS)
Champion Three year old colt
Do It Again
Champion Older Filly/Mare
Nother Russia
Champion Older Male
Legal Eagle
Champion Sprinter
Will Pays
Champion Miler
Legal Eagle
Champion Middle Distance Horse
Oh Susanna (AUS)
Champion Stayer
It’s My Turn
Champion Broodmare
Strawberry Lane
Champion Stallion
Silvano
Champion Breeder
Klawervlei Stud
Outstanding Breeder
Northfields Stud
Apprentice of the Year
Lyle Hewitson
Champion Jockey
Lyle Hewitson
Champion Trainer
Justin Snaith
Owner of the Year
Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs GA Rupert)
Champion Horse of the year
Oh Susanna (AUS)
ROBERT MOORE AND LYLE HEWITSON.
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Special Achievement awards were handed to three extra-ordinary gentlemen at the Equus Awards. The first went to Mike de Kock who, during the season, equalled a record set by the legendary Terrance Millar way back in 1990 for having achieved 117 Group 1 career wins. Anton Marcus was then called upon to collect an award for having ridden 101 Group 1 winners. The third award went the way of 20 year old apprentice Lyle Hewitson who won the Champion Apprentice and the Champion Jockey Award. He certainly is a shining star in the horseracing industry and he delivered a humble speech, likening himself to a cricket player acknowledging the team who assisted him in earning these achievements.
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GRADED
RACE
Results by Ada Van der Bent
CAPTION
JC Photographics
RISING SUN GOLD CHALLENGE (GRADE 1) - R1,000,000 - 1600m Greyville - 1st R625,000, 2nd R200,000, 3rd R100,000 - June 9
CAPTION
JC Photographics
TIBOUCHINA STAKES (GRADE 2) - R400,000 - 1400m - Greyville 1st R250,000, 2nd R80,000, 3rd R40,000 - June 9
1. UNDERCOVER AGENT 3yo b.c. by Captain Al - Secret Risk (London News) 2nd dam: Lustra Belle (Lustra) 3rd dam: Cabistan (Lords) Owners: G Bortz and A J van Huyssteen Bred by: Moutonshoek Trainer: B Crawford Jockey: L Hewitson
1. THE SECRET IS OUT 4yo b.f. by Captain Al - Secret Of Victoria (Goldkeeper) 2nd dam: Mystic Spring (Royal Academy) 3rd dam: Secret Sunday (Secreto) Owners: G M Miller and B G Nelson Bred by: BBP Syndicate Trainer: V H Marshall Jockey: M Byleveld
2. Snowdance 3yo b.f. by Captain Al - Spring Lilac (Joshua Dancer) Owners: Drakenstein Stud and Mr W J C Mitchell Bred by: Cheveley Stud
2. Star Express 5yo ch.m. by Silvano - Majestic Star (Doowaley) Owners: Mrs P A Isdell, Mr G Ragunan and Dr D and Mrs S Whitelaw Bred by: Dr I R Heyns
3. Sail South 7yo b.g. by Sail From Seattle - Southern Pride (Northfields) Owners: Mrs G J Dempsey and Mr and Mrs G N Pott Bred by: Mr and Mrs G N Pott
3. Final Judgement 4yo ch.f. by Judpot - Final Claim (Proclaim) Owners: P G de Beyer and Tripple H Trust Bred by: Varsfontein Stud
Then came: Captain America, Gold Standard, Roy Had Enough (Aus), Trip To Heaven, Copper Force Non-runner: Liege Won by: 0.50 - neck - 0.75 Time; 1-36,58
Then came: Twice As Smart, Gimme Six, Dawn Calling, Love To Boogie, Emily Jay, Folk Dance, Lunar Rush, Rose In Bloom, Heaps Of Fun, Tahini Won by: neck - 1. 25 - neck Time: 1-24,39
UNDERCOVER AGENT underlined the adage that a good colt will always beat a good filly when he defeated odds-on favourite Snowdance. The three-year-old moved past last year’s winner Captain America approaching the final furlong and kept on resolutely to withstand a challenge from the Snaith filly to register his first Gr.1 success. Snowdance denied Brett Crawford a clean sweep here, as she was followed across the line by the winner’s stable companions Sail South and Captain America. Undercover Agent entered this mile event on the back of a narrow defeat in the seven furlong Gr.2 Drill Hall Stakes, having landed the Gr.3 Byerley Turk before that. On paper, the race was always going to be dominated by Klawervlei Stud’s late champion Captain Al and so it proved, as he sired three of the first four past the post. Undercover Agent’s dam Secret Risk won the Winter Oaks and is a halfsister to stakes-placed Rainbow’s End (Baroon). Grandam Lustra Belle was stakes-placed as a juvenile, while her half-sister Persian Guest (Northern Guest) produced Bauhinia Handicap victress Evening Attire (Kahal) and Gr.3 Graham Beck third Special Invite (Muhtafal) and also features as the grandam of Summer Juvenile Stakes heroine Only Emily (Captain Al) and Gr.2 Post Merchants runner-up Eddie Sweat (Imperial Stride). Third dam Cabistan ran third in the Gr.2 Natalia Stakes.
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Top level winner THE SECRET IS OUT kicked off a banner day for her sire Captain Al with a gritty performance whilst scoring for the first time beyond 1200m. Perfectly placed as she tracked the pacesetter Lunar Rush, Vaughan Marshall’s charge made rapid headway in the straight to accelerate into the lead 300m from home. Favourite Star Express was hooked to the stand side and had to find at least three lengths on the leader at the furlong marker and although she was making up the deficit at a rate of knots, the line came in time for the winner, who held on by a diminishing neck. The Secret Is Out was scoring for the first time since October, when she was suspended for bleeding. She only resurfaced six months later in a barrier trial at Greyville and was not disgraced in two subsequent outings when third, beaten less than in the Gr.3 Poinsettia and fourth in the Gr.1 SA Fillies Sprint. The four-year-old now has the distinction of having scored at Graded stakes level in every season she has raced. As a juvenile, she captured both the Gr.1 Allan Robertson Championship and Gr.3 Strelitzia Stakes while at three she accounted for the Gr.3 Poinsettia Stakes. Racing’s newest millionaire boasting earnings of R1,172,275, The Secret Is Out has a star-studded pedigree. Out of the dual Gr.2 winner Secret Of Victoria, she is an own sister to champion juvenile and four-time Gr.1 winner All Is Secret and to Gr.3 Strelitzia runner-up Canukeepitsecret, while her grandam is broodmare extraordinaire Mystic Spring, whose seven stakes winners include champions Rabiya (Jallad) and Bela-Bela (Dynasty).
Candiese Marnewick
UNDERCOVER AGENT
CUP TRIAL (GRADE 3) - R300,000 - 1800m - Greyville 1st R187,500, 2nd R60,000, 3rd R30,000 - June 9
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NURSERY (GRADE 3) - R200,000 - Kenilworth 1st R125,000, 2nd R20,000, 3rd R10,000 - June 9
1. AFRICAN NIGHT SKY 4yo b.g. by Dynasty - Starzene (Cozzene) 2nd dam: Star Queen (Kingmambo) 3rd dam: Starboard Tack (Seattle Slew) Owner: A L A Crabbia Bred by: Highlands Farms Stud (Pty) Ltd Trainer: S J Snaith Jockey: G van Niekerk
1. CLOUDS UNFOLD 2yo ch.f. by What A Winter - Montelissima (Montjeu) 2nd dam: Issa (Pursuit Of Love) 3rd dam: Catawba (Mill Reef) Owner: Drakenstein Stud Bred by: Drakenstein Stud Trainer: C Bass-Robinson Jockey: A Domeyer
2. Crowd Pleaser 4yo b.c. by Captain Al - Happy Jean (Charismatic) Owners: J F and L M F Wernars and Mrs T J Wernars Bred by: Normandy Stud
2. Seventh Sea 2yo b.g. by Seventh Rock - Lola Bud (Mogok) Owners: The Fire Racing Trust, Mr S Pillay and Mrs U S Pillay Bred by: Klawervlei Stud
3. Platinum Prince 4yo b.g. by Silvano - Sprit Ofthe Dance (Goldmark) Owners: Mrs P J and Mr H C Devine Bred by: Patricia Devine Investments (Pty) Ltd
3. Mr Crumford 2yo b.c. by Jackson - Sovereign Flo (Captain Al) Owners: Messrs C and R Kieswetter and Ridgemont Racing Bred by: M de Villiers
Then came: Head Honcho, Wild Wicket, Summer Sky, Roy’s Riviera (Aus), Mambo Mime, Celtic Captain, Cape Speed, Perovskia, Ollivander Won by: 0.75 - longhead - 1. 50 Time: 1-50,18
Then came: Watch Me Dad, Lucky Dancer, Sailor Sam, Arabian Air Non-runner: Carnage Won by: 3 - 1. 25 - 1. 75 Time: 75,05
AFRICAN NIGHT SKY strengthened his position at the top of the Vodacom Durban July betting boards with a stunning come from behind victory. Fred Crabbia’s four-year-old turned for home stone last as Ollivander brought them into the straight, however it was quite apparent that Grant van Niekerk was sitting on a double handful. Switched from behind Head Honcho, the long-striding bay pounced just over a furlong out and it was race over as he motored home in impressive fashion to score by almost a length. This was the four-year-old’s first success since he wrapped up the Winter Series as a three-year-old twelve months ago. He has found life a bit tougher since and finished off the board in both the Queen’s Plate and the Met. He resurfaced four months later in a pinnacle plate at Greyville and only went down by a head to Star Express, an excellent prep which had him spot on for this race. Now a six-time winner from 13 starts, the Highlands-bred is one of 55 stakes winners sired by resident standout Dynasty. His dam, the American import Starzene, proved herself a fine stayer by winning the Java Handicap and finishing second in both the Gr.2 Gold Bowl and Listed Aquanaut Handicap.
The combination of Candice Bass-Robinson, Aldo Domeyer and the stallion What A Winter have done it again. Last year, the triumvirate won this race with Dutch Philip and twelve months on, CLOUDS UNFOLD, the only filly in the line-up, made it a double when she outclassed her male rivals. Last early on in a compact field as favourite Arabian Air and Sailor Sam duelled it out up front, she made steady headway to surge into the field at the furlong mark. Proving her superiority, she powered away to score by an emphatic three lengths from Seventh Sea, who ran on strongly from the rear. The winner has tasted defeat just once in four starts and has now added R233,125 to the coffers of owner/breeder Drakenstein Stud. She is the first stakes winner from the second crop of last season’s leading freshman sire What A Winter, who stands at Drakenstein. Her dam, the unraced Irish-bred Montelissima, was imported as a yearling together with her dam Issa. The Pivotal foal Issa was carrying at the time became Pivotal Pursuit, a Gr.2-placed winner of nine races. Issa went on to produce Summer Juvenile Stakes winner Arria to the cover of Antonius Pius, who incidentally, is out of Issa’s own sister, Gr.1 Yorkshire Oaks heroine Catchascatchcan.
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YAKEEN
JC Photographics
JUBILEE HANDICAP (GRADE 3) - R250,000 - 1800m - Turffontein 1st R156,250, 2nd R50,000, 3rd R25,000 - June 10
SNIPER SHOT
Candiese Marnewick POST MERCHANTS (GRADE 2) - R400,000 - Greyville 1st R250,000, 2nd R80,000, 3rd R40,000 - June 15
1. YAKEEN (AUS) 3yo b.c. by Teofilo - Reine (Royal Academy) 2nd dam: Candide (Sound Reason) 3rd dam: Country Flower (Oncidium) Owner: Al Adiyaat South Africa (Pty) Ltd Bred by: Larneuk Stud Trainer: M F de Kock Jockey: M Yeni
1. SNIPER SHOT 3yo ch.g. by Judpot - Seven Veils (Rich Man’s Gold) 2nd dam: Silky Dancer (Citidancer) 3rd dam: Foster’s Girl (Water Mill) Owners: L C W van Wyk, M A Currie and P V Lafferty Bred by: Birch Bros Trainer: P V Lafferty Jockey: K de Melo
2. Tilbury Fort 4yo b.g. by Horse Chestnut - Colleen (Restructure) Owners: M A Currie,W H Jacobs, S Mathen, E C van Niekerk, C Zoghby, Sean Tarry Racing CC and Mrs B M A Lahoud Bred by: G J Armitage
2. Black Cat Back 4yo ch.g. by Black Minnaloushe - National Celebrity (National Assembly) Owners: Klawervlei Social Club Syndicate Bred by: Patricia Devine Investments (Pty) Ltd
3. Arctica 5yo b.g. by Captain Al - Little Grey Wolf (Indian Ridge) Owners: B D van Laun, A Fouche, M Gullan and Missing U Syndicate Bred by: Wicklow Stud Then came: Social Order, Romany Prince, Deo Juvente, Tandava, Glider Pilot, Jubilee Line, Wind Chill, Trading Profit, Elevated, Fort Ember Non-runner: Cascapedia (Ire) Won by shorthead - 1. 50 - neck Time: 1-50,32 The Mike de Kock stable was in lethal form, sending out five winners on the day, including the talented three-year-old YAKEEN, who defeated a field of proven stakes performers. Racing in midfield as Social Order set off at a decent clip, the Al Adiyaat colour bearer slipped through on the inside rail at the top of the straight to hit the front in mid-stretch. Mounting a sustained challenge up the centre of the track, favourite Tilbury Fort emerged as the main danger and in a thrilling finish, Yakeen showed great heart to hold off his rival by a shorthead. Bred in Australia, Yakeen has a potential stallion’s pedigree. By Galileo’s champion son Teofilo, he is out of the Royal Academy mare Reine, an unraced half-sister to Gr.1 Blue Diamond hero and successful Australian sire Nadeem (Redoute’s Choice) and to the Hong Kong Gr.1 winner Billion (Coronation Day). Yakeen’s grandam, the New Zealand-bred Candide (Sound Reason), was the top rated three-year-old filly of her generation. In a star-studded career on both sides of the Tasman, she completed a classic treble in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks, New Zealand One Thousand Guineas and Gr.2 Great Northern Oaks and was runner-up in both the Gr.1 AJC Oaks and Gr.1 Caulfield Stakes. In addition to Yakeen, Candide is the grandam of Gr.1 Australian Oaks heroine Marju Snip (Marju), Gr.2 winner Do Ra Mi (Savabeel) and Gr.3 winner Felicienne (Al Maher).
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3. Wynkelder 4yo ch.g. by Kahal - Al Vino (Al Mufti) Owners: G N Cumming, C N Larsson, A S Potts, A J Rivalland and Mrs M D J Liley Bred by: Kjell Foundation Then came: Pure Blonde, Too Phat To Fly, Mombela, Wonderwall, Rock Of Africa, Attenborough, Our Mate Art (Aus), Hoist The Mast, Bishop’s Bounty, Legislate Non-runners: My Pal Al, Sunset Eyes Won by: 0.50 - 0.50 - 0.50 Time: 71,36 Local tree-year-old SNIPER SHOT upstaged favourite Black Cat Back in a thrilling finish to this time-honoured Greyville sprint. The favourite tried to make all and was still rolling in mid-stretch, however, Paul Lafferty’s charge had him in his crosshairs and carved his way through the pack to draw alongside approaching the final furlong. The pair briefly joined issue, but Sniper Shot asserted his authority in a driving finish and crossed the line a half length to the good. This was a most deserved first stakes success for the winner, who has always been on the cusp of stakes class and was coming off seconds in both the Gr.3 Byerley Turk and Gr.2 Daisy Guineas. Boasting career earnings just shy of R880,000, the gelding has more than returned the R140,000 he cost his trainer at the 2016 KZN Yearling Sale. Sniper Shot continues the welcome return to prominence of the famed Birch Bros, breeders also of this season’s Gr.3 winning juvenile filly Inverroche. In addition, the gelding’s victory added to the resurgence of Varsfontein stallion Judpot, following Coral Fever’s victory in last month’s Gr.1 Premier’s Champions Challenge. Sniper Shot is out of stakes-placed Seven Veils, dam also of the six-time winner Zevenastic (Rebel King). She is out of Australian-bred Silky Dancer, winner of the Gr.3 Tibouchina Stakes and second in the Gr.1 Cape Fillies Guineas and
IT’S MY TURN
Candiese Marnewick
third in the Gr.2 Golden Slipper. This is the female line of champion Australian filly Show Ego, a dual Gr.1 Oaks winner, who also defeated male rivals in the Gr.1 Australian Derby. TRACK AND BALL DERBY (GRADE 3) - R300,000 - 2400m - Scottsville 1st R187,500, 2nd R60,000, 3rd R30,000 - June 23 1. IT’S MY TURN 5yo b.g. by Dynasty - Jallad’s Queen (Jallad) 2nd dam: Lady Elle (Elliodor) 3rd dam: Lady Olivia (Flower Power) Owner: A L A Crabbia Bred by: W J Engelbrecht (Jnr) Trainer: D Kannemeyer Jockey: A Marcus 2. Mr Winsome 5yo b.g. by Silvano - Al Shama (Al Mufti) Owners: R Meaker (Snr), B Ressell, B Zeidel and Mesdames G E Meaker and V J Dickerson Bred by: Riverworld Stud 3. American Landing 3yo b.c. by Dynasty - Sabina Park (Sportsworld) Owner: Mrs D J Sherrell Bred by: M de Broglio Then came: Ballymaine, Silver De Lange, Top Classman, Liquid Rainbow, Forafewdollarsmore, Ollivander, The Slade Won by: 2. 25 - neck - 0.75 Time: 2-27,92 Dean Kannemeyer broke a winter feature race drought in spectacular style when he saddled the first two past the post in this minor classic. Successful with Mr Winsome twelve months ago, he took the spoils with IT’S MY TURN, who was scoring for the first time since January 2016. Fred Crabbia’s five-year-old tracked pacesetter Ollivander into the straight and made his challenge up the stand side. Approaching the 300m mark, Mr Winsome narrowly led from favourite American Landing but neither had an answer to the grinding finish of It’s My Turn. Responding to the hands and heels urgings of jockey Anton Marcus, the gelding took command of the race over the last 150m and went on to score with authority. This was a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure for jockey Anton Marcus on just his second ride back from a serious wrist injury suffered two months earlier. “There is no better medication than a winner, I’m delighted to be back.” Speaking of his 100th winner of the season, he said: “He had a lot in the locker if you looked at the ratings. He dropped the bit as early as 1200m out and I had to resort to the stick, but the result came as no surprise, he stays like an annoying relative!”
Candiese Marnewick
WITCHCRAFT
This was only the winner’s third career victory and the first since joining the Kannemeyer stable in September last year. Formerly trained by Justin Snaith, he won the 2016 Gr.1 Cape Derby and went down by a neck to Rabada in the Gr.1 Daily News 2000. In his penultimate outing, he finished a close up third in the Gr.3 King’s Cup and most recently got going late to finish less than four lengths behind Elusive Silva in the Gr.2 World Sports Betting 1900. Already a millionaire, this latest success pushed his earnings to just over R1,7million, a fine return on his R400,000 price tag as a yearling. It’s My Turn is one of 14 Gr.1 winners sired by Kannemeyer’s former Horse of the Year Dynasty and is out of Jallad’s Queen, a winning daughter of Olympic Duel Stakes heroine Lady Elle. This is the extended family of the magnificent racemare Mildenhall (New South Wales), a dual Gr.1 winner of 17 races and dam of Gr.1 Sun International hero The Rutlands Arms. TRACK AND BALL OAKS (GRADE 3) - R300,000 - 2400m - Scottsville 1st R187,500, 2nd R60,000, 3rd R30,000 - June 23 1. WITCHCRAFT 5yo ch.m. by Kahal - Deceptive Charm (Kingmambo) 2nd dam: String Quartet (Sadler’s Wells) 3rd dam: Fleur Royale (Mill Reef) Owners: C J H van Niekerk, B G Gardner and K P Truter Bred by: Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd Trainer: S G Tarry Jockey: L Hewitson 2. Meryl 3yo ch.f. by Tiger Ridge - Rose Lipped Maiden (Fort Wood) Owners: Mr P and Mrs R E Diamond and Mauritzfontein (Pty) Ltd Bred by: Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein 3. Flichity By Farr 3yo ch.f. by Go Deputy - Flichity (Western Winter) Owner: The Fire Racing Trust Bred by: Lammerskraal Stud Then came: Royal Utopia, Sunshine Silk, Girl On The Run, Bi Pot, Wind Chill, Lady Li Lay, Raya Baya (Aus), Skyfire, Epona, Arizona Sunset, Onesie, Leaves Of Grass (Aus) Won by: 3. 75 - 0.50 - neck Time: 2-27,10 WITCHCRAFT garnered this race for a second time with a similar frontrunning effort out of the top drawer. In 2016, Sean Tarry’s charge pulled off a 25-1 shock after leading every step of the 2400m trip. Only fourth in the 2017 renewal, she returned for another crack at the classic and once again bamboozled her rivals. Sent off at odds of 16-1 and allowed to dictate matters from the off under Lyle Hewitson, the now five-year-old set her own tempo, followed by favourite Flichity By Far. At the top of the straight, the chestnut stole a march on her
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DO IT AGAIN
Candiese Marnewick
rivals and had the race in safe keeping a long way out as she powered home to win unchallenged. Witchcraft snapped a lengthy winless streak stretching back to June 2016, although she took third in last season’s Gr.2 Gold Bracelet and the Listed Aquanaut Handicap on March 3. A R400,000 breeze-up buy from breeders Summerhill Stud, she is one of 42 stakes winners sired by the much missed Kahal, a top-five stallion who died in 2014. Witchcraft is out of Deceptive Charm, an unraced half-sister to The champion English female stayer and Park Hill victress, Meeznah (Dynaformer). Grandam String Quartet, an own sister to the successful stallion Casey Tibbs, ran third in the Gr.3 Lancashire Oaks, while the next dam is Irish Oaks second Fleur Royale. VODACOM DURBAN JULY (GRADE 1) - R4,250,000 - 2200m - Greyville 1st R2,500,000, 2nd R800,000, 3rd R400,000 - July 7 1. DO IT AGAIN 3yo b.g. by Twice Over - Sweet Virginia (Casey Tibbs) 2nd dam: Millie Bovana (Royal Prerogative) 3rd dam: Modern Millie (Oligarchy) Owners: N Jonsson, B Kantor and W J C Mitchell Bred by: Northfields Stud (Pty) Ltd Trainer: S J Snaith Jockey: B Fayd’Herbe 2. Made To Conquer 4yo b.g. by Dynasty - Festive Occasion (Casey Tibbs) Owners: E A Braun, C T Crowe and N Jonsson Bred by: M de Broglio 3. Elusive Silva 5yo ch.g. by Silvano - Esprit (Fort Wood) Owners: E G Bouwer, E A Braun, P S Loomes, J Snaith & K P and Mrs J Truter Bred by: Nutfield Stud Then came: Majestic Mambo, African Night Sky, Rocket Countdown, Fiorella, Tilbury Fort, Coral Fever, Liege, Dark Moon Rising, Matador Man, Secret Potion, Yakeen (Aus), Star Express, White River, Gold Standard, Abashiri Non-runners: Pack Leader, Crowd Pleaser Won by: 1. 25 - 4.25 - 1. 25 Time: 2-15,20 The powerful stable of Justin Snaith made a clean sweep of South Africa’s premier race and while favourite African Night Sky headed its five-pronged attack, the spoils went to his lesser fancied stable companion DO IT AGAIN, who led home a dream trifecta for the soon-to-be crowned champion trainer. Frustrated by the dawdling pace, jockey Grant van Niekerk took African Night Sky to the head of affairs in the back stretch, but when the race turned into a sprint for home, his early exertions had taken its toll. Made To Conquer surged into the lead and briefly looked set to give the soon-to-retire Jeff Lloyd a first
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REDBERRY LANE
Candiese Marnewick
victory in a race which has eluded him in 28 previous tries. Alas, it was not to be, for looming up the centre was Anton Marcus on the three-year-old Do It Again, who found the necessary gears and outsprinted his stable mate over the final furlong to score by just over a length, with Elusive Silva rounding out the Snaith trifecta. For Marcus, the race panned out perfectly. “I needed a bit of luck in transit and you rarely get that in the July. I had a trouble-free run but it wasn’t until the last furlong that I knew I was going to win it. “I was undecided before the race. I didn’t think my horse was suited to the track so I concentrated on keeping him balanced and in rhythm and out of trouble.” Runner-up in the Gr.1 Cape Derby, Do It Again had landed the Gr.2 Daisy Guineas in his penultimate start and entered the July off a creditable fourth in the Gr.1 Daily News 2000. He is Snaith’s third July winner following Dancer’s Daughter (2008) and Legislate (2014). Do It Again joins last season’s Gold Medallion winner Sand And Sea as the second Gr.1 winner to emerge from the first crop of Klawervlei-based Twice Over and was Bred by: Robin Bruss’ Northfields Stud. The colt is the third stakes winner out of the accomplished Sweet Virginia (Casey Tibbs), who defeated male rivals in both the Gr.3 Winter Derby and Gr.3 Winter Classic. In addition to the July winner, she is the dam of Sophomore Sprint hero and Hong Kong Gr.3 winner Strongman (Stronghold) and Gr.3 Winter Guineas third Vilakazi (Visionaire), while her Kahal colt Mighty Emperor has scored five times in Singapore. This is the family of Gr.1 Lancome Fillies and Germiston November Handicap heroine Mill Hill, who produced Gr.3 winner Bushra (Badger Land). She in turn is the dam of Gr.3 East Cape Derby hero True Master (Jet Master) and dual stakes winner Beataboutthebush (Gimmethegreenlight). GARDEN PROVINCE STAKES (GRADE 1) - R1,000,000 - 1600m - Greyville 1st R625,000, 2nd R200,000, 3rd R100,000 - July 7 1. REDBERRY LANE 4yo b.f. by Western Winter - Strawberry Lane (Jallad) 2nd dam: Taineberry (Centaine) 3rd dam: Strawberry Fair (Whiskey Road) Owner: Lammerskraal Stud Breeder: Lammerskraal Stud Trainer: S G Tarry Jockey: L Hewitson 2. Snowdance 3yo b.f. by Captain Al - Spring Lilac (Joshua Dancer) Owners: Drakenstein Stud and Mr W J C Mitchell Bred by: Cheveley Stud 3. Elusive Heart 3yo b.f. by Elusive Fort - Redeem My Heart (Indigo Magic) Owners: Chrigor Stud (Pty) Ltd and Mr P G de Beyer Bred by: Narrow Creek Stud
CELTIC SEA
Candiese Marnewick
Then came: Gimme Six, Roy’s Riviera (Aus), Neptune’s Rain, Premier Dance, Simply Royal, Folk Dance, She’s A Giver, The Secret Is Out, Ngaga (Aus), Final Judgement, Al Danza Non-runners: Sylvan On Fire, Kilauea Won by: shorthead - 2. 25 - shorthead Time: 1-37,22 Lammerskraal homebred REDBERRY LANE sprang a huge upset when she lowered the colours of hot favourite Snowdance, who on paper, looked to have this prestigious Gr.1 event at her mercy. In fact, it was the third successive defeat in KZN for the favourite, who had carried all before her prior to arriving from home base Cape Town. Redberry Lane moved past long-time leader Final Judgement to take the lead at the quarter mark, while Snowdance threw out a determined challenge up the centre of the track. Victory beckoned for the favourite when she headed her blinkered rival entering the final furlong, but Redberry Lane refused to throw in the towel. Displaying a wonderfully game attitude, she rallied to Lyle Hewitson’s urgings and regained the lead on the line for a shorthead first Gr.1 success. Redberry Lane’s career-best victory came on the back of an overdue and facile first stakes win in the Listed Syringa Handicap in late May, which snapped a string of no less than five successive second places. Already a valuable broodmare prospect, Redberry Lane will stay in training as a fiveyear-old before she heads to the Lammerskraal paddocks. One of 22 Gr.1 winners sired by the stud’s late lamented champion Western Winter, she is an own sister to Gr.1 Cape Guineas hero Solo Traveller and to Gr.2 Fillies Guineas second Strawberry Ice, who has produced Gr.2 Gold Bracelet heroine Flying Ice to the cover of Go Deputy. The dam Strawberry Lane, is an own sister to the Gr.3 winner and Gr.1 SA Fillies Sprint third Jalberry, who counts amongst her produce last season’s Gr.2 Golden Horseshoe winner Purple Diamond (Var) and Zimbabwean Stakes winner On This Rock (Trippi). Grandam Taineberry landed the Gr.2 Oaks and is also the grandam of Gr.3 Strelitzia victress Royal Pleasure (Visionaire). GOLDEN SLIPPER (GRADE 2) - R600,000 - 1400m - Greyville 1st R375,000, 2nd R120,000, 3rd R60,000 - July 7 1. CELTIC SEA 2yo b.f. by Captain Al - Ireland (Mark Of Esteem) 2nd dam: Dear Celina (Roi Normand) 3rd dam: La Belle Celina (Ghadeer) Owners: Mr A R and Mrs A B L Beck Bred by: Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein Trainer: S G Tarry Jockey: S Khumalo 2. Mazari 2yo b. f. by Bold Silvano - Ivory Palm (Imperial Stride) Owners: R P Macnab, R S Chapman, T Spies, N F van Niekerk
Candiese Marnewick
BARAHIN
Bred by:
and T P Zackey Danika Stud
3. Can You Feel It 2yo b.f. by Jackson - Wonder Glow (Windrush) Owner: M E Leaf Breeder: M E Leaf Then came: Running Brave, Ronnie’s Candy, Temple Grafin, Captain’s Princess, Anneka, Awesomely Tuned, Alsflamingbeauty, Red Al, Canukeepitsecret, Believe The Best, Miss Khalifa Non-runners: Firdoas (Aus), I Like It Won by: longhead - 1. 75 - 1 Time: 1-24,66 Favourite CELTIC SEA overcame a tardy start but sprouted wings in the straight to turn adversity into victory. Sean Tarry’s charge missed the break and found herself racing amongst the backmarkers, many lengths off the pace. Racing wide throughout, she also received a bump turning for home and looked an unlikely winner at the top of the straight. Still five lengths adrift at the furlong mark, jockey S’manga Khumalo threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Celtic Sea, who responded in game fashion. She joined issue with leader Mazari close home and inched ahead to score by a longhead. This was a second graded success for the winner, who had cracked her maiden in April with a fluent victory in the Gr.3 Pretty Polly Stakes at Turffontein. An unlucky fourth in the Gr.2 SA Fillies Nursery, she was beaten just a half length when second in the Gr.1 Allan Robertson Championship. Celtic Sea races in the silks made famous by former Highlands owner Graham Beck and now used by his son Anthony, who had purchased the filly from breeders Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein at last year’s National Sale. The daughter of Captain Al is out of Brazilian import Ireland, a winner over 1600m and 1800m and a half-sister to Brazilian Gr.1 winner La Defense (Nedawi). The female line is that of Brazilian Gr.1 winners Art Variety, Implausable and Urudonal. GOLDEN HORSESHOE (GRADE 2) - R600,000 - 1400m - Greyville 1st R375,000, 2nd R120,000, 3rd R60,000 - July 7 1. BARAHIN 2yo b.c. by Gimmethegreenlight - Mocha Special (Silvano) 2nd dam: Mabola Plum (Fort Wood) 3rd dam: Michabo (Super Concorde) Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum Bred by: Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein Trainer: M F de Kock Jockey: B Fayd’Herbe
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HEAD HONCHO
Candiese Marnewick
2. Soqrat (AUS) 2yo b.c. by Epaulette – Elzeeza (Hussonet) Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, Bred by: Shadwell Stud Australasia Ltd 3. Sulka 2yo b.c. by Gimmethegreenlight - Cruise Collection (Model Man): Owners: J F & L M F Wernars & P A Pearson Bred by: Varsfontein Stud Then came: Crown Guardian, Cue The Music, Royal Italian, Clifton Crusher, Confessional, Across Seattle, In Cahoots, Rule The Night, Provocateur, Goliath Heron, Basilius Non-runners: Cyber Special, Play Another Tune Won by: shorthead - 2. 25 - 1. 75 Time: 1-23,61 Stable companions BARAHIN and Soqrat fought out the Horseshoe, with the former edging out his fancied stable companion in a cliff-hanger finish. Pacesetter Cue The Music maintained his advantage well into the straight, while the De Kock pair were warming to the task from midfield, with Barahin quickening well to get first run on his stable companion. When Cue The Music cried enough, the pair moved in for the kill and from that point onwards, had the race to themselves. In a fierce duel to the line, Barahin kept finding more and just managed to hold Soqrat at bay by a shorthead. Winning trainer Mike de Kock remarked afterwards: “I have been telling everyone this past week that I cannot separate them, they are two very good horses. At the end of the day, it was a good result for South African breeding!” Winning jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe added: “He’s a very laid back horse. Once he took the bit, it was a matter of finding the right split.” The second Graded stakes winner on the day Bred by the Wilgerbosdrift/ Mauritzfontein outfit, Barahin was winning for the third time in four starts and made it a fine feature double, following his runaway three-length win in the Listed Gatecrasher Stakes over the course and distance. On that occasion, he defeated fellow Gimmethegreenlight colt Green Haze. This time, only Soqrat prevented a clean sweep for his Varsfontein-based sire, with Sulka and Crown Guardian filling the minor places. A R2. 6 million yearling purchase, Barahin is out of Mocha Special, an own sister to Gr.2 winner Mochachino and a half-sister to Gr.3 winning speedster Mocha Java (National Assembly), Zimbabwean stakes winner Macchiato (Jet Master) and Gr.3-placed Americano (Western Winter). Grandam Mabola Plum is an own sister to Gr.3 winner and Gr.1 Premiers Champion Stakes runner-up Patache and a three-part sister in blood to Fort Wood’s Durban July winner Hunting Tower.
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BETTING WORLD 2200 (GRADE 3) - R500,000 - 2200m - Greyville 1st R312,500, 2nd R100,000, 3rd R50,000 - July 7 1. HEAD HONCHO 4yo b.g. by Querari - School Captain (Captain Al) 2nd dam: She’s An Academic (Royal Academy) 3rd dam: Damson (Damascus) Owner: Mrs S Plattner Bred by: La Plaissance Stud Trainer: W A Nel Jockey: K de Melo 2. Crowd Pleaser 3yo b.c. by Captain Al - Happy Jean (Charismatic) Owners: J F & L M F Wernars and Mrs T J Wernars Bred by: Normandy Stud 3. Blackball 3yo b.g. by Black Minnaloushe - Kite Runner (Kabool) Owners: E A Budlender, P Brown, P R Rencken & Team G Racing Bred by: Shirluck Stud Then came: Pack Leader, Wild Wicket, Platinum Prince, Strathdon, Social Order, Royal Crusade, Sabina’s Dynasty, Deo Juvente, Dawn Assault, Roy Had Enough (Aus), The Slade Won by: head - 2. 75 - shorthead Time: 2-16,84 Sadly, a lack of pace put paid to the chances of many of the runners, including the favourite Strathdon, who found himself amongst the backmarkers for most of the journey. In contrast, the winner HEAD HONCHO took the lead fully 1000m out and was never headed. Two lengths clear at the top of the straight, Sabine Plattner’s homebred was still full of running and although hotly challenged over the final 150m by last year’s winner Crowd Pleaser, the four-year-old bravely stuck to his guns to score by the bob of a head. Head Honcho has been a revelation this winter season. He capped a splendid hat-trick of wins when successful in the Listed Sledgehammer and was not disgraced when fourth in the Gr.3 Cup Trial behind African Night Sky prior to the 2200. By Maine Chance Farms’ successful stallion Querari, Head Honcho is the first foal of Gr.2 Odessa Stud Championship runner-up School Captain, one of six winners from seven runners out of the Australian-bred She’s An Academic. The next dam Damson is a half-sister to three American stakes winners including the Gr.1-placed Gr.2 winner Alannan. This is the female line of champion juvenile and sire Fasliyev and the American Gr.1 winners Desert Wine and Menifee.
IT’S MY TURN
Candiese Marnewick
GOLD VASE (GRADE 3) - R500,000 - 3000m - Greyville 1st R312,500, 2nd R100,000, 3rd R50,000 - July 7
Liesl King
DOUBLEMINT
HIGHLANDS STUD WINTER DERBY (GRADE 3) - R250,000 - 2400m Kenilworth 1st R156,250, 2nd R50,000, R25,000 - July 14
1. IT’S MY TURN 5yo b.g. by Dynasty - Jallad’s Queen (Jallad) 2nd dam: Lady Elle (Elliodor) 3rd dam: Lady Olivia (Flower Power) Owner: A L A Crabbia Bred by: W J Engelbrecht (Jnr) Trainer: D Kannemeyer Jockey: A Marcus
1. DOUBLEMINT 3yo ch.c. by Twice Over - Nepeta (Tale Of The Cat) 2nd dam: Fleet Marguerite (Gulch) 3rd dam: Far Flying (Far North) Owners: Mr A N and The Hon Mrs G R Foster Bred by: A N Foster Trainer: S J Snaith Jockey: G van Niekerk
2. Flichity By Farr 3yo ch.f. by Go Deputy - Flichity (Western Winter) Owner: The Fire Racing Trust Bred by: Lammerskraal Stud
2. Spring Man 3yo b.g. by Marchfield - Diorella (Fort Wood) Owners: M F Bass, M C Gerber, W Smith, W J Swart and Mrs J Crawford Bred by: Moutonshoek
3. Sheet Weaver 5yo b.g. by Ideal World - Money Spider (Fort Wood) Owner: M E Leaf Bred by: Mauritzfontein Stud
3. Ballad Of The Sea (AUS) 3yo b.g. by Teofilo - Sea Song (Fasliyev) Owners: M I Fullard, J H Drew, B Ressell and N M Shirtliff Bred by: Larneuk Stud, Vic
Then came: One Direction, One Man Show, Cool Chardonnay, Mr Winsome, Forafewdollarsmore, Hero Quest, Let It Rain, Silver Rose, Storm Warning, Sun On Africa, Eastern Pearl Won by: 1. 25 - shorthead - neck Time: 3-10,95
Then came: Love Happens, Man About Town, Ancestry, Pacific Chestnut, Rock My Soul, Power Tower (Aus) Won by: 3. 25 - 0.50 - 2. 25 Time: 2-34,56
Dual Derby winner IT’S MY TURN gained some consolation for his controversial omission from the Vodacom Durban July with a storming victory in his first attempt beyond the Derby distance. Backed into favouritism on the strength of his splendid win in the Track and Ball Derby two weeks before, the top weight was patiently ridden by Anton Marcus, who elected to keep him wide throughout. While all the attention was on the trio of One Man Show, Flichity By Far and Sheet Weaver doing battle up against the inside rail, It’s My Turn ploughed a lone furrow hard up against the standside and in a storming finish, he charged home to cross the line just over a length in front of Flichity By Far. She had a shorthead over Sheet Weaver, while barely a neck separated One Direction and One Man Show. It’s My Turn joined the Kannemeyer stable in September and was nursed along carefully after undergoing joint surgery. He has now rewarded his connections with a quick Gr.3 double, to go along with his Gr.1 Cape Derby win when trained by Justin Snaith. A R400,000 National Sale graduate, the bay also broke through the R2-million earnings mark with this fourth career win. (For pedigree details, see Track and Ball Derby above)
In the absence of Rainbow Bridge and Rocket Countdown - first and second in both the Winter Guineas and Classic - the final leg of the Winter Series lost much of its gloss. Nevertheless, DOUBLEMINT, who had finished fourth and third in the first two legs, went off the favourite and the money was on the button as he scored with the minimum of fuss. Bounding along in midfield early on, Alec and Gillian Foster’s homebred accelerated past Spring Man in the straight and was pushed out to win with authority. This was the second stakes success for the Snaith runner, following his victory in the Gr.3 Politician Stakes in January. Remarkably consistent, the colt has yet to finish out of the first four in ten starts while his earnings now stand at a healthy R482,750. The chestnut is by Klawervlei’s promising young stallion Twice Over, sire also of Do It Again, who just a week before became Snaith’s third Gr.1 Vodacom Durban July winner. A half-brother to Gr.3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery victress Petala (Captain Al), the colt is out of New Zealand-bred Nepeta, a half-sister to Gr.3 Waikato Guineas hero Blimey O’Reilly (O’Reilly) and to Listed stakes winner Flag Officer (Excites), while half-sister Fast Fleet (Fastnet Rock), produced the Australian Gr.1 winner Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega).
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IT’S MY TURN
Candiese Marnewick
FINAL FLING STAKES (GRADE 3) - R250,000 - 1800m - Kenilworth 1st R156,250, 2nd R50,000, 3rd R25,000 - July 28 1. BRAVE MOVE 4yo b.f. by Horse Chestnut - Brave Bid (Qui Danzig) 2nd dam: Bold Bidder (Goldkeeper) 3rd dam: On Offer (Buck’s Bid) Owners: Brave Bid Syndicate and Mr B Marcus Bred by: G J Armitage Trainer: A N Marcus Jockey: A Domeyer 2. Fresnaye 3yo b.f. by Western Winter - Gulf Breeze (Dubai Destination) Owner: Drakenstein Stud Breeder: Drakenstein Stud 3. Party Crasher 3yo b.f. by Fastnet Rock - Zarinia (Intikhab) Owners: Varsfontein Stud (Pty) Ltd Bred by: Hallmark Thoroughbreds Then came: Red Ginger, Konkola, Midnight Moonlight, Dynasty’s Blossom Non-runner: Lady Of The House Won by: 1. 75 - 0.75 - 1. 75 Time: 1-51,73 BRAVE MOVE has trainer Adam Marcus dreaming big after she extended her winning streak to six with this facile victory, her first at Gr.3 level. The four-year-old tracked Konkola into the straight and despite being forced wide, was clearly on a tight hold. Let loose by Aldo Domeyer, she swept into the lead 300m out and cruised home by almost two lengths from Gr.1placed Fresnaye, who was on a hat-trick stakes bid following victories in the Stormsvlei Mile and Winter Oaks. The winner has gone undefeated since December and came off an impressive victory in the Listed Ladies Mile. “She deserves a rest now but she will be back to take on the big guns next season,” Marcus said, indicating that the Paddock Stakes and the Majorca are on the radar for the daughter of Horse Chestnut. This was the first Final Fling success for both trainer and jockey, who was in lethal form on the day, his four winners including both feature races. Domeyer, who has now partnered Brave Move in her last five starts, was lavish in praise and commented: “I can’t fault her, she breaks well, settles well, she relaxes, she helps you with everything.” Owned by the Brave Bid Syndicate and the trainer’s father Basil Marcus, the dual stakes winner has won seven of eleven starts, while her current earnings of R613,340 far outstrip her initial purchase price of R100,000 as a two-yearold. Brave Move hails from a family which has served the Armitage family with distinction. She is out of Brave Bid, a three-time winning daughter of
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Zimbabwean Gr.3 winner Bold Bidder, whose stakes winning siblings include own brother On Option as well as Prime Site (Assail), the dam of Gr.3 Lebelo Sprint hero Gold Site (Goldkeeper) and Queen Palm Handicap victress The Pick (Kahir Almaydan). The next dam is Zimbabwean Broodmare of the Year, On Offer. CHAMPAGNE STAKES (GRADE 3) - R250,000 - 1200m - Kenilworth 1st R156,250, 2nd R50,000, 3rd R25,000 - July 28 1. FREEDOM CHARTER 3yo b.f. by Elusive Fort - Betty Burke (Captain Al) 2nd dam: Bonny Dundee (Centenary) 3rd dam: Choctan (Dancing Champ) Owners: M F Bass, P G de Beyer, B Lemos and W Smith Bred by: P G de Beyer Trainer: C Bass-Robinson Jockey: A Domeyer 2. Nordic Breeze 4yo b.f. by Windrush - Nordic Vine (Northern Guest) Owners: Mesdames V Foulkes and J Truter and Mr K P Truter Bred by: Normandy Stud 3. Goodtime Gal 5yo b.m. by Royal Air Force - Tirza (Silvano) Owner: J H van Heerden Bred by: Dr S C Davis Then came: Call To Account, Made In Hollywood, Over Again, Citizen Rose (Aus), Extradite, Arissa, Felicity Flyer Won by: shorthead - 1. 25 - 0.75 Time: 1-14,13 FREEDOM CHARTER unleashed a tremendous rally from the rear to register a last gasp first stakes success at the expense of last year’s winner Nordic Breeze. Nordic Breeze picked it up 200m out and once clear, looked set for a Champagne double until challenged by Freedom Charter, who had started her forward move wider out. Once in full cry, she came hard at the leader, who was all out and in a driving finish, the younger filly swooped late to get the nod on the line. This was a third success for the newly-minted stakes winner, who was reverting to the 1200m trip for the first time in ten months. Winless since scoring over 1400m in November, she entered this sprint off a fourth behind Fresnaye in the Stormsvlei Mile. Trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, Freedom Charter is yet another feather in the cap of her sire Elusive Fort, who has emerged as a fine source of top class fillies. Coincidentally, all but one of his stakes winners are fillies, this being Freedom Charter’s own brother, the Sophomore Sprint winner Ernie. Out of the winning Captain Al mare Betty Burke, the female line is that of champion and Durban July winner Gondolier, Gr.1 winning sprinter San Carlos as well as former Champagne Stakes winner and runner-up, Dainty Di.
Candiese Marnewick
CAPTAIN AMERICA
ELAN GOLD CUP (GRADE 3) - R1,250,000 - 3200m - Greyville 1st R781,250, 2nd R250,000, 3rd R125,000 - July 28 1. IT’S MY TURN 5yo b.g. by Dynasty - Jallad’s Queen (Jallad) 2nd dam: Lady Elle (Elliodor) 3rd dam: Lady Olivia (Flower Power) Owner: A L A Crabbia Bred by: W J Engelbrecht (Jnr) Trainer: D Kannemeyer Jockey: A Marcus 2. Hermoso Mundo 5yo b.g. by Ideal World - Escoleta Fitz (Fitzcarraldo) Owners: N C Smith, G D Cahn, G Morris, N P Smith, S Singleton and W Volschenk Bred by: Mauritzfontein Stud 3. Wild Wicket 4yo b.g. by Dynasty - Firstnightbliss (Jallad) Owner: D D MacLean Bred by: W J Engelbrecht (Jnr) Then came: Strathdon, Made To Conquer, Dark Moon Rising, One Man Show, One Direction, Royal Utopia, Ballymaine, Sheet Weaver, Let It Rain, Frikkie, Witchcraft, Desert Wisdom, Kitty’s Destine Non-runner: Epona Won by: 2. 25 - neck - shorthead Time: 3-25,20 A rousing victory by IT’S MY TURN in the country’s premier staying event capped a remarkable Gr.3 hat-trick which in due course saw him crowned the season’s Champion Stayer. Given a peach of a ride by Anton Marcus, Dean Kannemeyer’s five-year-old travelled in midfield for most of the way and raced four wide to avoid any traffic. Pacemaker Let It Rain brought them into the straight but he soon cried enough and it was Wild Wicket who briefly took the lead in mid-stretch. However, It’s My Turn hit top stride charging up the stand side, he was punched out by Marcus to score by a widening two lengths from last year’s winner Hermoso Mundo, who was near last for most of the journey, yet finished with a flourish to grab second on the line. Marcus had employed similar tactics on the winner when successful in both the Track and Ball Derby at Scottsville and the Gold Vase on July day. “I’ve been very fortunate getting involved with this horse at the right time and it was really a case of opportunity meeting fate”, he commented afterwards. “The trip was never a concern. After the very first time I sat on him in work I said to Dean, this is a Gold Cup horse. “I was quietly confident when he went down so well. This is a race I really wanted to win and I’m absolutely elated. It was a long time between drinks,”
he quipped, referring to his 1991 Gold Cup win aboard Icona, who had to survive a 45-minute objection before being declared the winner. It was a third Gold Cup success for Kannemeyer, who had saddled previous winners Colonial Girl (2000) and In Writing (2012). Also successful in the Gr.1 Cape Derby when trained by Justin Snaith, It’s My Turn has rewarded owner Fred Crabbia with earnings of just over R2,8 million, a fine return on the R400,000 he cost as a yearling. (For pedigree details, see Gold Vase above) CHAMPIONS CUP (GRADE 1) - R1,000,000 - 1800m - Greyville 1st R625,000, 2nd R200,000, 3rd R100,000 - July 28 1. CAPTAIN AMERICA 7yo b.g. by Captain Al - Requista (Fort Wood) 2nd dam: Riding Light (Top Ville) 3rd dam: Flash On (Sea Hawk II) Owners: Mesdames Adam Gurney, Diane Nagle and D J Sherrell Bred by: Varsfontein Stud Trainer: B Crawford Jockey: C Orffer 2. Undercover Agent 3yo b.c. by Captain Al - Secret Risk (London News) Owners: G Bortz and A J van Huyssteen Bred by: Moutonshoek 3. Eyes Wide Open 3yo b.c. by Dynasty - Live Your Dreams (Jallad) Owners: Chrigor Stud (Pty) Ltd Bred by: Highlands Farms Stud (Pty) Ltd Then came: Tap O’ Noth, Rocket Countdown, Sail South, Matador Man, Crowd Pleaser, Bulleting Home, Gold Standard, Heavenly Blue (Aus), Perovskia Non-runner: Surcharge Won by: 2 - shorthead - shorthead Time: 1-50,54 The final Gr.1 event of the racing season marked the swan song of veteran CAPTAIN AMERICA and under a tactical ride, the strapping bay went out in a blaze of glory. Second behind stable companion Sail South twelve months ago, Brett Crawford’s popular seven-year-old was driven into the lead 700m from home off and turned for home at least five lengths clear of his rivals. Favourite Eyes Wide Open gallantly tried to cut back the deficit but Captain America was not for the catching and crossed the line two lengths clear of stable companion Undercover Agent, who headed Eyes Wide Open on the line. A formidable front-runner and a tip top miler, Captain America won last season’s Gr.1 Golden Challenge under similar tactics and had initially earned his Gr.1 spurs in the mile H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes at four.
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WILL PAYS
Candiese Marnewick
The son of Captain Al retires to a well-deserved life of leisure the winner of ten races and over R6 million in stakes earnings. Also successful in the Gr.2 Green Point Stakes and Gr.3 Matchem Stakes, his string of Gr.1 places include seconds in the Cape Guineas, Cape Derby, Champions Cup and Queen’s Plate and two thirds in the Met. Bred at Varsfontein Stud, Captain America is a half-brother to Gr.3 Jacaranda Handicap victress Aquitaine (Al Mufti) and is one of six winners out of Requista, a stakes-placed half-sister to Gr.2 Gold Bracelet heroine Cruise Collection (Model Man), Prix Du Cap winner Dacha (Russian Fox) and Shiver My Timbers (Cordoba), who produced Gr.3 King’s Cup hero Pirate’s Gold (Rich Man’s Gold). Requista died in 2016 after producing a filly by Judpot. MERCURY SPRINT (GRADE 1) - R800,000 - 1200m - Greyville 1st R500,000, 2nd R160,000, 3rd R80,000 - July 28 1. WILL PAYS 6yo b.g. by Imperial Stride - Rattlebag (Jallad) 2nd dam: Rattling High (High Top) 3rd dam: Rattle (Riverman) Owners: B J D Pepper, S G du Toit, M A Green and Y Jackson Bred by: Northfields Stud (Pty) Ltd Trainer: G M Alexander Jockey: C Zackey 2. Attenborough 4yo b.g. by Western Winter - In Camera (Caesour) Owners: R Breitenbach, R D P Caboche-Adam, G Hard de Keating, P O’Doherty, Miss P Mickleburgh, Mr and Mrs C J Brooks and Mr and Mrs D Naik Bred by: Miss P Mickleburgh 3. Trip To Heaven 6yo b.g. by Trippi - Helleborus Blue (Cee’s Tizzy) Owners: C J H van Niekerk, D J Michael, L M Michael and Sean Tarry Racing Bred by: Highlands Farms Stud (Pty) Ltd Then came: Sunset Eyes, Speedpoint, Black Cat Back, Pinnacle Peak, Rocky Valley, Champagne Haze, Dutch Philip, Sniper Shot, London Call, Vision To Kill, Bishop’s Bounty Non-runners: Always In Charge, Copper Force, Lloyd’s Legacy (Aus) Won by: 1 - neck - 0.50 Time: 71,08 Supplementary entry WILL PAYS took the shortest way home to register a career-best first Gr.1 win over a distance just short of his best. Settled well back early on, the seven-furlong specialist took full advantage of a sizzling early pace set up front by Rocky Valley, who brought them into the straight. At the furlong mark, Sunset Eyes and Black Cat Back looked set to give the Crawford stable yet another big race one-two, however they had no
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RETURN FLIGHT
Candiese Marnewick
answer to the surge of Will Pays, who came charging up the inside rail and went clear to score by a length. Computaform Sprint winner Attenborough motored home for an eye-catching second, finishing just in front of the flying Trip To Heaven, who once again blew the start. Jockey Carl Zackey has struck up a winning partnership with the winner, this being their fifth victory since teaming up a year ago. The duo also captured the Gr.2 Hawaii Stakes and Gr.3 Spring Spree Stakes earlier this season. A first Gr.1 winner for the father and son team of trainers Mike and Adam Azzie, Will Pays took his career earnings to just over R1. 9 million. Bred by Northfields Stud, he is by far the best and also the sole Gr.1 winner sired by Gr.2 Scottish Derby winner Imperial Stride (Indian Ridge). His dam, triple stakes winner Rattlebag, landed the Gr.3 Azalea Handicap and was runner-up in three classics, notably the Gr.1 SA Fillies Guineas and Gr.2 Oaks. In addition to Will Pays, she is also the dam of stakes-placed Chastity (Tamburlaine) and of Rattled (Alami), who produced Gr.2 Umkhomazi hero Harry Lime (Var). THEKWINI STAKES (GRADE 1) - R750,000 - 1600m - Greyville 1st R468,750, 2nd R150,000, 3rd R75,000 - July 28 1. RETURN FLIGHT 2yo b.f. by Pomodoro - Heading Home (Special Preview) 2nd dam: Seeking Shelter (Hard Up) 3rd dam: Windy Ridge (Golden Thatch) Owner: C J H van Niekerk Bred by: M Sharkey Trainer: S G Tarry Jockey: A Marcus 2. Rail Trip 2yo b.f. by Trippi - Grail Maiden (Galileo) Owners: G Baldeo, R G Coppin and Team G Racing Bred by: Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd 3. Can You Feel It 2yo b.f. by Jackson - Wonder Glow (Windrush) Owner: M E Leaf Breeder: M E Leaf Then came: Dagmar, Storm Destiny, Sand Princess, Gimme A Brake Nate, Beat It, Perfect Tigress, Long Pond, Pearl Tiara, Mazari, Believe The Best, Runaway Gal Non-runner: Awesomely Tuned Won by: 1. 75 - 2. 25 - neck Time: 1-36,98 Favourite RETURN FLIGHT fully justified her cramped odds with a stylish first stakes success, which also clinched the champion freshman title for her sire, former SA Derby and Durban July hero Pomodoro. After tracking the pace, Sean Tarry’s charge delivered the knockout blow at the top of the straight and strolled home to score by the best part of two lengths..
Candiese Marnewick
SOQRAT
Runner-up on debut, the winner then made a vivid impression when ripping through her next two starts by a combined margin of almost 20 lengths, which included an 11. 25-length maiden romp second time out. She suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Dagmar last time out but exacted revenge in no uncertain terms here, as the Ruffian Stakes victress could only finish a well-beaten fourth. “I’ve been screaming from the rooftops about Pomodoro,” commented Tarry about the son of Jet Master he trained for Chris van Niekerk and who now does stallion duties at Klawervlei Stud. Van Niekerk has invested heavily in his champion but ironically, Return Flight was a R20,000 bargain buy from the March Yearling Sale bred by Highlands Farm stud manager Mike Sharkey, she is the first stakes winner out of Gr.3 Diana Stakes third Heading Home, whose half-sister Private Property (Just Personal) produced Gr.3 Winter Guineas third Abington (Victory Moon) and stakes-placed Hillbrow (Right Approach). Third dam Windy Ridge is an unraced half-sister to dual champion Up The Creek (Royal Prerogative), who accounted for the Gr.1 SA Fillies Guineas, Gr.1 Paddock Stakes and two renewals of the Gr.1 Garden Province Stakes. PREMIERS CHAMPION STAKES (GRADE 1) - R750,000 - 1600m - Greyville 1st R468,750, 2nd R150,000, 3rd R75,000 - July 30 1. SOQRAT (AUS) 2yo b.c. by Epaulette – Elzeeza (Hussonet) 2nd dam: Lunasong (Unbridled’s Song) 3rd dam: Lunaliona (Caerleon) Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, Bred by: Shadwell Stud Australasia Ltd Trainer: M F de Kock Jockey: R Simons 2. Alyaasaat (Aus) 2yo b.c. by Dawn Approach - Yaasah (Distant View) Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, Bred by: Shadwell Stud Australasia Ltd 3. Twist Of Fate 2yo b.c. by Master Of My Fate - Crescent Lily (Counter Action) Owner: River Palace Racing Syndicate Bred by: Favour Stud Also ran: Play Another Tune, Cirillo, Whitehaven, Crown Guardian, Cyber Special, Ovation Award, Master Thief, Bold Eagle Non-runners: Checkpoint Charlie, Confessional Won by: 2 - neck - 1 Time: 1-37,11 Mike de Kock’s SOQRAT fully justified his cramped odds when he led home stable companion and fellow Sheikh Hamdan colour bearer Alyaasaat, to register a first Gr.1 success.
Under an audacious ride from recently appointed stable jockey Randall Simons, the Australian-bred son of Epaulette turned for home full of running and electing to go wide, stormed home up the stand side to score by two lengths. The runner-up, fresh off a maiden win just two weeks earlier, was slow away and ran green in his first outing at the Greyville circuit. The result proved a milestone for De Kock, this 117th Gr.1 victory matching that of legendary trainer Terrance Millard. A wide-margin winner of his first two starts, Soqrat’s sole defeat in four starts came in last month’s Gr.2 Golden Horseshoe, where he went down by a shorthead to stable companion Barahin (Gimmethegreenlight). Both (if not all three) colts will now enter quarantine, with Dubai as their next destination. A Shadwell homebred, Soqrat hails from the first crop of his sire and is also his first Gr.1 winner. From the female line of successful French sire Linamix, the colt is out of the dual winner Elzeeza, who in turn is out of Hawkesbury Guineas runner-up Lunasong. She is a half-sister to Morphettville Guineas winner Lunaspur (Flying Spur), whose liaisons with Hussonet produced Gr.2 winner Colorado Claire, Stakes-placed Moonlight Hussey and Lunar Lady, the dam of Gr.3 Champagne Stakes heroine Selenia (Not A Single Doubt). GOLD BRACELET (GRADE 2) - R400,000 - 2000m - Greyville 1st R250,000, 2nd R80,000, 3rd R40,000 - July 28 1. MIYABI GOLD 3yo b.f. by Silvano - Mkushi Gold (Western Winter) 2nd dam: Gypsy Silk (Del Sarto) 3rd dam: Satin Fields (Northfields) Owners: Evanstan Investments (Pty) Ltd and Mr N Jonsson Bred by: Daytona Stud (Pty) Ltd Trainer: S J Snaith Jockey: M Khan 2. Gimme Six 4yo b.f. by Gimmethegreenlight - District Six (Mujadil) Owners: H Adams and K P Truter, Mrs J Truter and Lammerskraal Stud Bred by: Hemel ‘N Aarde Stud, K P Truter and Nadeson Park 3. Epona 4yo b.f. by Silvano - Laptop Lady (Al Mufti) Owners: Lammerskraal Stud Bred by: Klawervlei Stud Then came: Meryl, Girl On The Run, Roy’s Riviera (Aus), Elusive Heart, Sabina’s Dynasty, Bi Pot, Simply Royal, Intergalactic, Heaps Of Fun Non-runners: Lady In Black, Premier Dance, Dawn Calling Won by: shorthead - head - neck Time: 2-7,38 Lightly-raced three-year-old MIYABI GOLD got the better of stable companion Gimme Six in a blanket finish, with barely a length separating the first six home.
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TEMPLE GRAFIN
Candiese Marnewick
Elusive Heart attempted to make every post a winning one and having slowed things down, she was still very much in contention approaching the final furlong. Racing on her inside were Girl On The Run, Gimme Six and Epona, while Miyabi Gold loomed on her outside. In a driving finish, Gimme Six and Miyabi Gold claimed the advantage and it was the latter who put her head down on the line to score by a whisker. Epona was a head back in third. The result proved a triumph for both trainer Justin Snaith and Silvano. The former saddled both the winner and runner-up and was crowned champion trainer for the second time. Silvano in turn sired three of the first five across the line and after leading the General Sires List for the best part of the season, the Maine Chance standout notched up his third Sires title. Bred at Daytona Stud, Miyabi Gold is a half-sister to Ultimate Dollar (Jet Master), who won the Gr.3 ‘Consolation July’ for the same partnership three seasons ago. Their dam, Queen Palm Handicap third Mkushi Gold, is out of the multiple Zimbabwean stakes winner Gypsy Silk, who also bred the champion older female sprinter Disco Queen (Goldkeeper), multiple Gr.1-placed Gr.3 winner Big Bad John (Fort Wood) and stakes-placed Redoubtable (Elliodor), the dam of champion three-year-old French Navy (Count Dubois). Mkushi Gold visited Rafeef in 2017. THE DEBUTANTE (GRADE 3) - R300,000 - 1200m - Greyville 1st R187,500, 2nd R60,000, 3rd R30,000 - July 28 1. TEMPLE GRAFIN 2yo ch.f. by Duke Of Marmalade - Inner Temple (Greys Inn) 2nd dam: Chica (Fort Wood) 3rd dam: West Wall (Plugged Nickle) Owners: Chrigor Stud (Pty) Ltd Bred by: Mrs F Crowe Trainer: G S Kotzen Jockey: R Fourie 2. Arianos Shadow 2yo b.f. by Querari - Counting Gold (Count Dubois) Owner: L Logan Bred by: Narrow Creek Stud 3. Inverroche 2yo b.f. by Ideal World - National Sensation (National Assembly) Owner: B D Burnard Bred by: Birch Bros Then came: Western Angel, Miss Khalifa, Petra, Sweet Mary Lou, All Of Me, Heaven’s Reward, Boss Babe, Elle Va, Awesomely Tuned, Noemi Won by: 1. 75 - 0.75 - 1 Time: 71,34 Twelve months after Richard Fourie guided Chrigor Stud’s Princess Peach to victory in this juvenile sprint for the Glen Kotzen yard, the same connections
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found themselves back in the number one box after TEMPLE GRAFIN had bounded to her first stakes success. Having overcome her wide draw, the Duke Of Marmalade filly settled just off the leaders as Miss Khalifa and favourite Inverroche disputed the pace up front. She joined issue in mid-stretch and was patently going the better, taking command and drawing clear to defeat the previously unbeaten Arianos Shadow by almost two lengths. Inverroche had every chance but finished almost a length behind in third. A debut winner over the polytrack, Temple Grafin next took her chances in the Gr.2 Golden Slipper on July day. Racing wide, she showed plenty of toe and only faded late to finish sixth behind Celtic Sea. The R300,000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate is the first local stakes winner for proven international sire and five-time Gr.1 winner Duke Of Marmalade, who also counts Kenilworth Fillies Nursery second Santa Clara amongst his first-crop winners. Temple Grafin is the second foal of Inner Temple, whose half-brother Roman Wall (Count Dubois) landed the Listed Easter Handicap. Grandam Chica is a winning full sister to Gr.2 Emerald Cup hero Iron Curtain and to the champion female stayer and SA Oaks victress Monyela, who produced Gr.3-placed Tip Toe (Trippi) and also features as the grandam of Gr.3 winner Zen Arcade (Ideal World). The next dam West Wall, a half-sister to Horse Chestnut, won the Gr.3 Strelitzia Stakes and coincidentally, ran third in this race as a juvenile. UMKHOMAZI STAKES (GRADE 3) - R300,000 - 1200m - Greyville 1st R187,500, 2nd R60,000, 3rd R30,000 - July 28 1. CHIMICHURI RUN 2yo ch.c. by Trippi - Spiced Gold (Kahal) 2nd dam: Little Legend (Complete Warrior) 3rd dam: Little Inagua (Welsh Harmony) Owners: Mayfair Speculators (Pty) Ltd and C J H van Niekerk Bred by: Drakenstein Stud Trainer: S G Tarry Jockey: S Khumalo 2. Desolate Road 2yo ch.c. by Pathfork - Dark Journey (Black Minnaloushe) Owners: A S Potts, S Naidoo and Mrs M D J Liley Bred by: Haras Del Carmo CC 3. Ganesh Talai 2yo b.g. by Philanthropist - Indian Torrent (Gulch) Owners: Green Street Bloodstock (Pty) Ltd Bred by: Normandy Stud Also ran: Mr Bombastic, Cue The Music, Jardin, Priceless Ruler, Celebration Rock (Aus), Roman Dancer, Charlie-Fox Won by: 4.75 - 2. 25 - 1 Time: 71,02 Godolphin Barb hero Cue The Music was all the rage here following his narrow defeat in the Gr.1 Gold Medallion, but it was CHIMICHURI RUN who bolted to a first stakes success in the familiar silks of co-owner Chris van Niekerk. Always prominent, Sean Tarry’s charge tracked Charlie-Fox into straight, surged into the lead in mid-stretch and streaked away to score by almost five lengths, a margin which could have been double had he maintained a straight course. Chimichuri Run set up a quick double for the Tarry stable, his victory preceding that of Return Flight in the Gr.1 Thekwini Stakes forty minutes later. The winning trainer commented: “He has had little niggles and is not easy to train. However, he is a talented horse and is not going to stop here!” The colt had shown plenty of promise prior to the Umkhomazi. A facile maiden winner second time out in late April, he followed up with fine thirds in both the Gr.2 SA Nursery and Gr.1 Gold Medallion. Bred at Drakenstein and sold for R1,1 million at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale, Chimichuri Run is the latest stakes winner for resident champion stallion Trippi. He is out of Gr.1 SA Fillies Classic heroine Spiced Gold who foaled a full brother to the Umkhomazi winner in 2017. Grandam Little Legend, an own sister to the dual stakes winner Main Warrior, is a grandaughter of the Kosterbred Haiti (Oligarchy), who won both the Natalia and Flamboyant Stakes.
wife. Infrequently heard, it’s the angry sound made by a stallion under threat. Rather bluntly is says, “I’ll kill you!” A portion of the information that I have shared with you is my own; the rest is lifted from texts written by equine behaviourists. It may be said that it comes to you, “straight from the horse’s mouth.”
Racing is for the Birds … Mark , younger brother of former international rugby referee, Craig Joubert, is a racing man but not of the kind who shares our particular interest. What then? An affable young family man, Mark is passionate about pigeon racing. It’s his hobby, an absorbing pastime and the source of great pleasure (and occasional profit) to him. He knows a great deal about all facets of the pigeon business - pigeon selection, pigeon rearing and pigeon racing itself. A little while back he shared some of his knowledge with me. While Mark spoke, a few of the similarities between pigeon racing and horse racing became apparent. As is the case with the selection of a thoroughbred horse, conformation and pedigree (strains) are important when choosing a potentially-successful bird. There is a specific training regime for sprinting birds and another for those pigeons which are expected to race over long distances, just like there is in racehorse training. No ordinary feed for birds being readied for races. High octane fuel as is the case with thoroughbreds. A specially formulated diet is essential if you want to be competitive at the highest level in either sport. An ongoing concern in pigeon racing, one shared by authorities in horse racing, is that of doping - the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Would you believe it … but as my insightful late friend always used to say, “Where there is money, there is muck.” There’s routine dope testing of bleedin’ birds as there is of racehorses. Quality thoroughbred horses are expensive but I was somewhat aghast when Mark told me that a decent bird can cost tens of thousands of rand. Hence, the introduction of bird syndication, something that has been a feature of Horse Racing for many years.
Left below : Golden Prince, a Belgian-bred bird which was sold in March of last year to a pair of South African investors for a new world record price of five million rand. For that sort of money, wouldn’t you rather have a racehorse? On the subject of prizes on offer in the sport, Mark spoke of the substantial cash amounts that can won, not forgetting to mention new vehicles that are sometimes awarded as prizes. (Mark once won a bakkie.) One-loft racing is a relatively new feature of pigeon racing. Birds belonging to many different owners and breeders are trained under the same trainer in the same conditions. It is believed to be the fairest way of evaluating bloodlines and provides the biggest amount of prize money. What I discovered, quite by chance, in a recent issue of Farmer’s Weekly, the country’s oldest agricultural magazine, is that a South African bird, a blue check pied hen, won the final race of the twentysecond staging of the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race in February of this year. Named Mix (Sire: Boeing Doring 1; Dam: ZA NIN 0801/16) her win over birds from various parts of the world brought in a whopping prize of two million, three hundred and seventy thousand rand.
Makes you think, doesn’t it … Skeletons are a useful tool for teaching evolutionary theory. Take a close look at the photograph below taken from a book entitled “Evolution” by Jean-Baptiste de Panafieu.
In 1753 French naturalist, George-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon wrote, “Take the skeleton of a man. Tilt the pelvis, shorten the femur, legs and arms, elongate the feet and hands, fuse the phalanges, elongate the jaws while shortening the frontal bone, and finally elongate the spine, and the skeleton will cease to represent the remains of a man and will be the skeleton of a horse.”
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HORSING WITH HENNESSEY
Straight from the
Horse’s Mouth In general usage, the expression “straight from the horse’s mouth” has come to mean accurate, trustworthy information from a knowledgeable, well-informed source.
I
N THE context of horse racing it refers to stable information, often a hot tip from someone closely associated with a particular racehorse.
In the lead-up to this year’s Vodacom July Handicap, Justin Snaith, having exercised all four of his July contenders himself, because of a grooms’ strike at Summerveld, pronounced the colt, Do It Again, to be the best of his runners. “Straight from the horse’s mouth”, Justin’s opinion was validated by the result. Interestingly, sounds “straight from the horse’s mouth (and nostrils)” are one of the many ways used by horses to communicate information and mood. Experts claim that there are eight basic sounds in the vocal repertoire of all horses. There’s the Snort. It’s a strong, vibrating exhalation through the nostrils with the mouth closed and the head held high. The Snort (Is this dangerous?) is usually followed by an intense stare at an unfamiliar object or creature.
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The Blow, often witnessed when a horse is curious or when two horses meet, also involves the nostrils. The question being asked by this gentler snort, the Blow, is “Are you a friend?” Then there’s the Nicker, which depending on its volume and resonance has a few meanings. A relatively quiet one may mean, “Nice to see you.” An animated one, with a headshake from an entire with coitus in mind is likely to mean, “Hullo gorgeous, keen to hook up some time?” Then there’s the soft, quiet nicker from a mare to its foal. One which translated probably means, “Come closer my gangly-legged little Cherub.” The Squeal, usually made by a horse with its mouth closed, often denotes defiance - “I don’t want to!” It is also the sound typically made by mares in oestrus. Then there’s the one most of us are familiar with, the Neigh or Whinny. It is the loudest and longest of the horse sounds. It starts out as a squeal and ends up as a nicker. The Neigh, often used by a horse separated from its companion, seeks a response to the question, “Is anyone out there?” Finally, the Scream or Bellow. It is akin to the roar from a banshee
p.t.o