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Chase Liebenberg
A Cool, Cool Summer v
Warren Kennedy’s power salute to make it 9 from 9! Summer Pudding’s sensational victory in the R1 million WSB Gr1 Gauteng Summer Cup at Turffontein on Saturday, has her national log-leading trainer Paul Peter making plans to travel to the Cape for the prestigious Paddock Stakes in January. But the day started on a shaky note for Paul Peter and Winning Form-jockey Warren Kennedy. “Our first five runners were unplaced. Warren (Kennedy) was a little concerned. But I wasn’t too worried. And then Bold Ransom ran a cracking third in the Merchants. He couldn’t find cover and ran a good race in the circumstances. He is a horse to watch! Then we went one-two in the Gr2 Dingaans with Catch Twentytwo and MK’s Pride. They are two really smart 3yo’s. And then Summer Pudding placed the cherry on top of a rollercoaster year. What a wonderful filly!” he enthused. He confirmed that Summer Pudding had emptied the manger on Sunday morning and was sound and well.
We asked what the plans were for the illustrious daughter of Silvano. “The hope is to go for the Gr1 Paddock Stakes down South as her main target. But everything is still fluid at this stage,” he confirmed. Asked whether Summer Pudding would be able to travel to the Cape, Paul said that her permit was approved and valid for two weeks. “I heard about the SAEHP announcement on the suspension of the travel permits with effect midnight Monday. We can only hope that the issue gets resolved expeditiously. In the meantime, my owners will be considering the options
and we will discuss it further. I am still on cloud nine and just so privileged and thankful to train a horse of her calibre,” he added. In closing, he said that it was a great pity that the world would probably not get a chance to see Summer Pudding in the flesh and taking on the best overseas. “She’s good enough to have taken on the world. The onerous export protocols have probably put paid to that. But the SA racing public aren’t complaining!”
The Merits Summer Pudding has had her merit rating raised from 119 to 129 after she made it nine wins from nine starts on Saturday.
aside, the only other increase was for runner-up Running Brave who was raised from 114 to 119, but there were ratings drops for three runners.
The Handicappers were of the view that Dance Class was highly unlikely to have run below her mark by finishing fourth in a race of this calibre and elected to use her as the line horse, which leaves her rating unchanged on 96. The winner
Tierra Del Fuego is down from 120 to 118, Victoria Paige drops from 105 to 103 and lastly, Hero’s Honour was cut from 110 to 107.
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Golden Threads v
‘Fort Wood’s name runs like a golden thread through the day’s stakes results’ 5
Chase Liebenberg
OF SUMMER!
Chase Liebenberg
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Paul Peter and Steven Jell (back to camera) welcome Summer Pudding (Warren Kennedy) Few superlatives remain to describe the exploits of champion stallion Silvano. Suffice to say, the now- retired Maine Chance linchpin enjoyed another red letter weekend, the undoubted highlight of which was a smashing victory by his unbeaten daughter and current Horse of the Year Summer Pudding in the WSB Gr1 Gauteng Summer Cup at Turffontein on Saturday. There was a distinct sense of déjà vu, for, in a repeat of last year’s race, Silvano sired both the first and third home. Twelve months ago Zillzaal and third-placed Al Mutawakel did the honours and on Saturday Tree Tumbo ran the race of his life to finish third.
Carolina Cherry is a daughter of the farm’s erstwhile champion stallion Fort Wood, whose influence as a broodmare and sire of sires was again conspicuous on Saturday, his name running like a golden thread through the day’s stakes results. Fort Wood’s champion son Elusive Fort added a new stakes winner to his tally when Summer Pudding’s stable companion Catch Twentytwo sprang a mild a surprise in the Gr2 World Sports Betting Dingaans. The three-year-old came with a wet sail to cruise to a first stakes success, scoring by a handy couple of lengths.
who turned the Listed Racing Association Handicap into a tour de force. The son of Master Of My Fate found another gear late to put more than seven lengths between himself and runner-up Odd Rob, thereby reversing the result of last month’s Listed Java Handicap. African Adventure is the product of proven cross, as Fort Wood is also the broodmare sire of Master Of My Fate’s stakes winners Gift for The Gap and Silverstone Air. Bred by renowned stud manager John Slade, African Adventure’s dam African Badger also came from Mauritzfontein and is an own sister to Mr Brock, a hard-knocking stakes winner in Dubai, who also placed at Gr3 level in France. While Silvano and Fort Wood represented the ‘old guard’ so to speak, it would be remiss not to make mention of the landmark reached by young Summerhill stallion Act Of War. The son of Dynasty sired his first stakes winner when talented first-crop daughter War Of Athena scored a smart victory over Gr1 winner Queen Supreme in the Gr2 World Sports Betting Ipi Tombe Challenge. A wonderful day!
Fort Wood also featured as the broodmare sire of African Adventure,
A product of Mauritzfontein Stud, Summer Pudding has as her grandam the classic winner Carolina Cherry. In 2001, she famously led home a Mauritzfontein-bred trifecta in the Gr2 Gold Circle Oaks, when defeating dual Gr2 winner Cork Wood and the SA Oaks victress Idle Fancy.
Pure pudding power!
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Chase Liebenberg
Summer Pudding also completed a fine weekend double for her sire, with Silver De Lange having taken home the bacon in the Listed Algoa Cup at Fairview 24 hours earlier. Sabine Plattner’s homebred broke through with a first stakes success at the ripe age of seven, proving yet again that Silvano’s stock really come into their own with maturity.
JC Photos
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War Of Athena storms to victory under Muzi Yeni
MATCHETT AT 3 ON NATIONAL LOG
With earnings of over a half million rand in her short career, Paul Matchett’s astute R30 000 purchase War Of Athena enjoyed an impressive return to winning ways when she won the R150 000 World Sports Betting Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge at Turffontein on Saturday. In an appropriate race named in honour of one of the great horses to come out of his homeland, the multiple champion Zimbabwe-born trainer gave his staunch owners Dr Rose Waterman-Wentzel and Roy Wentzel plenty to smile about after a terrific week. Their Gimmethegreenlight filly Gee To Go won the Gr3 Fillies Mile at the same venue a week ago.
Muzi Yeni rode the smart winner, who at her previous start had come within a heartbeat of winning the Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup behind Saturday’s Dingaans runner-up, MK’s Gold.
In a clinically correct performance on a wet Saturday, War Of Athena came forward at the 350m marker to match strides with the talented topweight Queen Supreme. But she was too strong and drew away for an effortless 1,75 length win in a time of 98,28 secs.
Besides currently at third on the national log, Paul Matchett is one of the most astute buyers around – the winner cost R30 000, the same price paid for his accomplished WSB Gauteng Summer Cup runner-up Running Brave!
pedigree. She is out of Requiem / Coastal mare Qaphela, who has produced 4 other winners, and hails from the family of Captain Tatters and Desert Links. A R30 000 buy from the 2019 Ready To Run Sale, War Of Athena has won 4 races with 5 places from 10 starts for stakes of R516 300. She is by Act Of War, one of the very best sons of deceased SA Horse Of The Year, Dynasty.
The winner has a pure Summerhill
The Merits War Of Athena has had her rating increased from 111 to 116 following her victory in the WSB Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge for fillies and mares over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday. It was fifth placed Shivers who was used as the line horse when assessing this race,
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which leaves her unchanged on a mark of 103. There were also increases for third placed Sentbydestiny, who goes from 105 to 113, and for Kayla’s Champ, who was raised from 92 to 96. The solitary drop was for Rio’s Winter, who is down from 111 to 108.
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Gavin Lerena punches the air in delight as Catch Twentytwo charges home
Catch Me If You Can!
An inexplicably dismal showing by Mike de Kock’s highly vaunted odds-on favourite Mount Pleasant in the World Sports Betting Gr2 Dingaans at Turffontein on Saturday won’t detract from the performance of the rampant Paul Peter yard, who delivered the exacta on another great day for the Turffontein-based team.
Gavin Lerena punched the air in delight when he produced Catch Twentytwo (9-1) with a late surge to beat his more fancied stablemate MK’s Gold (5-1) by 2,25 lengths in a terrific curtain-raiser to the yard’s memorable maiden WSB Summer Cup success with champion Summer Pudding.
But for many exotic punters, the sight of the odds-on, and previously unbeaten, Mount Pleasant going up and down 10,50 lengths back would have been a bitter sight to behold. The Stipes reported that when afforded the opportunity to place on record any factors which may have accounted for the poor performance of his mount, Callan Murray explained to the Board that the gelding travelled well, was well positioned and that he was confident that Mount Pleasant would close the race off strongly. He added that the horse felt sound and that he was at a loss to explain the indifferent performance.
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De Kock was advised to report back to the Board on the condition of this gelding on return to stables. While the stable had an impressive maiden winner in the shap of Nartjie earlier, this was a forerunner to another case of a below-par showing in the Summer Cup when the relatively fancied Charles finished a distance behind. The Stipes asked the Veterinary Surgeon to examine this gelding. A R120 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, the winner is by Elusive Fort (Fort Wood) out of the one-time winning Argonaut mare, Ignition Lady. A winner of 2 races with 2 places from 6 starts, Catch Twentytwo has earned R153 250.
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The Merits Catch Twentytwo has had his rating raised from 104 to 116 following his success in the Gr 2 World Sports Betting Dingaans.
DE KOCK – NO PLEASANTRIES “I’ve been scratching my head, I am battling to explain this run,” said Mike de Kock after Mount Pleasant had finished unplaced in Saturday’s WSB Gr2 Dingaans. “Mount Pleasant is physically well this morning, he returned sound, we couldn’t find anything wrong with him, so this is a tricky one to wrap my head around,” Mike said on Sunday. “He is by Vancouver, who was a fast horse and who has produced
predominantly speed runners so far. Mount Pleasant, as we’ve seen, is very fast himself. He’s a Nursery winner. So it may be that the mile in Saturday’s sticky going was just outside of his reach.
Fifth placed Winter Stories was deemed to make for the best line horse, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 106. There were also increases for all of the placed horses. Runner-up MK’s Pride was raised from 109 to 112, third placed Bingwa goes from 96 to 111, and fourth finisher Al Muthana was picked up from 94 to 105. There were no other ratings increases, while the single drop was for Flying Carpet, who is down from 108 to 103.
“But we’d like to try him over 1600m again, on a firmer track, to make sure, so the Cape Guineas remains our next option. If he fails again, well, then it’s a sprinting career for him and there is nothing we can do.”
TATTS UPDATE – TWICE OVER
Regally bred mare Time Saver, a close relative of Klawervlei Stud sire Twice Over, proved one of the star attractions on Tuesday’s session of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Offered for sale by Genesis Green Stud, Time Saver (Lot 1727) was knocked down to Blandford Bloodstock’s Richard Brown for 850,000gns.
“We went a long way on her last year,” said Brown. “I can’t remember quite how far but it was a hell of a long way as we thought she was the standout of last year’s Juddmonte draft. She’s
come back in foal to a very exciting stallion and mares like this come on the market very rarely. “It’s an amazing family and a very active pedigree; there was another Grade 1 winner in America on there at the weekend [Viadera] and Time Test is a young stallion I have a lot of time for. She’s been bought for a partnership of owner-breeders and she’ll live with Luca and Sara Cumani at Fittocks Stud. We knew she’d be hard to buy so we put a partnership together to get her bought.” In foal to Kingman, Time Saver is an
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unraced Frankel half-sister to Gr1 winners Passage Of Time (Criterium de Saint-Cloud) and Timepiece (Falmouth Stakes), while her own dam Clepsydra is a half-sister to Oaks Trial heroine Double Crossed, the dam of Klawervlei’s four time Gr1 winning sire Twice Over. This is also the immediate family of recent Gr1 Matriarch Stakes heroine Viadera.
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Racing’s In v
Cover Image: ‘‘Champion Summer Pudding (Warren Kennedy) wins the WSB Gauteng Summer Cup at Turffontein on Saturday 28 Nov 2020” - Image courtesy of JC Photos
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Candiese Lenferna
HIS BLOOD
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Callum, who has just five exams left of his schooling career, steered the Team Valor International-bred 3yo Jay Peg gelding Light That Loose to victory in the opener at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. It was a watershed moment for the young man, who lives, eats and sleeps racing. He is at pains to thank the Woodhill Team and John Buckler, who had been key to his memorable win on Sunday. “I phoned for the ride when the nominations came out. Mr Kotzen said that they would let me know once they had galloped Light That Loose. The rest is history, as they say, and I am truly thankful to Green Street Bloodstock and all the owners for placing their faith in me,” he smiles broadly.
It was a smart win by the Glen Kotzen charge, who was returning from a 127 day rest. After three good grass gallops in the build-up, the 3yo was too strong under a confident and composed ride and went on at 5-2 to beat the low flying Father’s Frost (10-1) under Tristan Mustard by under a half length in a time of 64,09 secs.
Watch the race here “I rode Bindi for the Kotzen team in the August race that was won by Rachel Venniker. But things didn’t work out that day. On Sunday Light That Loose was always travelling sweetly. He jumped well from his inside rail draw. I was 2 or 3 lengths off the pace and enjoyed a clear passage. He started picking it up at the 400m. I just felt that in the last 100m he was coming back to me – but I kept shouting and he stayed on relentlessly - and even though Father’s Frost was finishing strongly down the outside, I sort of felt I had it in the bag, without wishing to sound overconfident,” he adds with a broad smile. The 3-1 second favourite Yessiricanboogie was ridden by Aron
13 Callum steers Light That Loose to victory
‘Bonji’ Xabendlini and finished 7,55 lengths downfield. Callum tells how in the build-up weeks, the spirit and banter amongst all the staff at Summerveld is buzzing. “I feel these races are so important. They create a platform for morale building, ribbing and friendly sportsmanship. Aron is a legend when it comes to hype. He was telling me all week he was going to win it. But like a true sportsman, he came to me afterwards and complimented me on the ride and wished me well. I can’t wait for the next race, to be honest,” he added. Xabendlini, who works for Dean Kannemeyer at Summerveld, was the man who famously made himself ‘available’ for the Durban July ride on Hawwaam last year. Callum Dixon grew up amongst horses and has been riding ever since he can remember. His British-born Dad Mark, a former jump jockey, and accomplished horsewoman Mom Hayley, who is a South African, run a powerful string out of Summerveld. His sister Ceryf is the only member of the Dixon clan who is not focussed on the horses.
Candiese Lenferna
On reflecting back in sixty years from now to the most bizarre matriculation year in living memory, 18 year old Callum Dixon might not be reminiscing to his Grandkids about lockdowns, home schooling, no matric dance or social distancing. He is more likely to be proudly holding a framed Candiese Lenferna masterclass photo of Light That Loose, his first winner as a workrider.
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Candiese Lenferna
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Dad Mark and Mom Hayley proudly lead their son in “She is a good ballet, tap and modern dancer, and that’s her focus and life’s passion,” Callum adds proudly. While he is employed as a workrider with the Sabine Plattner string, and works most every day, he is looking forward to completing his Hillcrest High School career in a matter of weeks. He says that it is a great feeling that he has just five exams left – his Afrikaans paper 3 is his last on the 11th. We asked him about his academics, and whether he would pass matric as well as he had ridden Light That Loose – sort of with flying colours! He modestly says that, like a decent horse, he does ‘just enough to win’. “I have never been a star pupil exactly. I am confident that I will pass though, and then can focus on building a career in racing.”
The Sport Of Kings is clearly in the young man’s blood. He enjoys the a-z of stable management, including caring for the horses and can bandage and inject. He would have considered a career as a professional jockey, but his weight and height make him a less than suitable candidate. “I walk around comfortably at 62kgs – In fact I weigh 59kgs at the moment, and with commitment can get down to 58kgs. But it’s above the SA Jockey Academy parameters. Like my Dad, I could go to the UK to become a jump jockey. But that prospect doesn’t really appeal to me.” “I have been around the jockey room at races since I was 13. It’s a great vibe. I have done kit for Anton Marcus, Donovan Dillon and Keagan de Melo. They have all also been instrumental in giving me advice and guidance. Racing is a great team game, and I don’t think
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it’s as tough and ruthless as people may perceive. I have been fortunate to be involved with top stables and professional training operations. I have learnt so much and am keen to absorb everything.” Callum’s determination to stay involved in racing has been fuelled by an offer from his current employers, the powerful Andre Nel yard, to join them at their magnificent Rondeberg Training Centre on the Cape West Coast. “Andre Nel has kindly offered me a stint in Cape Town and I’m keen but need to sort out some housekeeping items here first – like getting my Drivers Licence!” So what happens when that final examination is written? Plett Rage here we come?
Candiese Lenferna
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“We will be definitely be celebrating the milestone. But not at Plett Rage - that will rather be right here at
home. I intend to keep on working so there is not too much time for partying!�
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Lot 63- Incredibill was topseller
SOETENDAL’S CTS SUCCESS
The CTS Ready To Run, Unbroken Two-Year-Olds And Mixed Sale, staged online in conjunction with gavelhouse.com on Sunday, reached an aggregate of R12,345-million, with an average of R110 223.
The highest price paid was R475 000 for Lot 63, Incredibill, a chestnut colt by William Longsword from I Lived, a half-sister to Vercingetorix, consigned by Soetendal Estate as agent. Soetendal was the most successful vendor at the sale, selling 24 Lots for R2, 942-million, at an average of R122 604 per lot, and the estate’s Julia Pilbeam commented: “On the whole, considering market factors, we are happy with our results and we would like to thank the CTS team for staging the event. Also a big thank you to our buyers and underbidders. The online sale platform can only improve with time,
as buyers become more adept with the concept.”Anton Shepherd of Beaumont Stud, the second most successful vendor, echoed that and said: “We had a very good draft this year; we sold all 13 of our two-year-olds at higher than the sale’s average. We come to auctions to sell our horses and I think the online sales platform is the way of the future. There were one or two buyers who had to learn, but they did, and everyone will get used to the technicalities in time.” Nadeson Park’s Hassen Adams had set a few reserves and will be racing some of his unsold lots himself, but he, too, was impressed, saying: “This was a great experience, definitely the future. Well done to CTS.” Grant Knowles, Bloodstock and Marketing Director for CTS, confirmed: “We are happy that we went the online
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route. The results of this sale cannot be compared to any others; this has simply been a year in which that can’t be done. Considering that we are still in the midst of a pandemic, and a poor economic climate, we are really chuffed to have achieved an average of R110 223 per lot sold. We would’ve been happy with R100 000. To have reached more than that is really pleasing, if one takes into account that near 400 horses were sold just a few weeks ago in Johannesburg.” Knowles added: “It’s full steam ahead now to the Cape Premier Yearling Sale being held at the fabulous De Grendel Estate, an event that has always lifted spirits. We hope and trust that 2021 will begin with a bang and that the industry can look forward to a much better period ahead.” See all the results here
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IS THIS OUR HERITAGE? v
Introduced in 2016 after the closure of the Vaal sand track, the Grand Heritage was touted to become South Africa’s equivalent of famous big field handicaps like The Cesarewitch, The Cambridgeshire and the Tote Ebor, which are three of the biggest annual betting heats in England.
On Saturday at the Vaal, the fifth renewal illustrates the sad reality of the sport’s fall from grace.
The race was run in its opening year for a stake of R750 000 and paid cheques all the way down to 15th finisher, as long as 28 ran.
Only 17 acceptors will start in the headline feature from the 56 nominations originally received.
In that opening year, a Grand Jackpot – four fields of 28 runners was offered. On Saturday, the four jackpot races are 9, 8, 17 – with the consolation race only starting 10 horses.
The stake is now R150 000. What made it unique was that a capacity field of 28, as opposed to the regular number of 20, could be accommodated. The race is open to all horses with a net merit rating of 106 and below, and thus gives the slightly lesser gallopers the chance to earn nice prize money.
Well done to staunch racing sponsors World Sports Betting. They rescued Saturday’s Gauteng Summer Cup and they have come to the party again. On Saturday, Oscar Wilde, from the Mike de Kock stable, has been priced up 7-2 favourite. The four-year-old son of
Dynasty has been allotted 52kg and will be ridden by Callan Murray. Expressfromtheus is next best at 5-1 on the bookmakers’ boards. Stuart Pettigrew’s charge will be ridden by Marco van Rensburg and carries joint top weight of 60kg with Mike and Adam Azzie-trained Full Mast who has S’manga Khumalo up. Rouge Allure will be well suited to the course and distance and the Stephen Moffatt-trained mare is next best at 11-2. Clinton Binda’s Whorly Whorly won the final race on Summer Cup day under Piere Strydom but Jason Gates is in the saddle on Saturday with Strydom riding All Of Me for Corne Spies.
JC Photos
See the final field here
Irish Pride (Gavin Lerena) wins the 2016 Grand Heritage
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Chase Liebenberg
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Calvin Habib guides Winter Smoke to her first stakes success
SMOKING!
Deceased multiple SA Champion Gone West sire Western Winter made his presence felt at Turffontein on WSB Summer Cup day this past weekend.
His four time Gr1 winning son What A Winter supplied Saturday’s Gr3 World Sports Betting Magnolia Handicap winner Winter Smoke, while a fellow Western Winter sired champion, Argonaut, is the broodmare sire of Saturday’s Gr2 Dingaans winner Catch Twentytwo (Elusive Fort). Elusive Fort’s Gr1 winning daughter Lauderdale is out of the Western Winter mare Tropicool. The Western Winter sired Gr1 Mercury Sprint winner Red Ray could also add further gloss to his sire’s
legacy, with Red Ray set to have his first runners this season. Western Winter is broodmare sire of Gr1 SA Classic winner Lobo’s Legend (Trippi), who recently picked up his first success in Hong Kong. Winner of two of just six starts in South Africa -including the 2018 SA Classic, Lobo’s Legend is out of the Western Winter sired Ladies Mile winner Gone Wild.
Another high-class daughter of Western Winter, Gr1 Thekwini Stakes winner Roxanne, ranks as the granddam of this season’s talented four-year-old Silver Operator (Silvano), while the Western Winter daughter Tamora- a three-parts sister to Yard-Arm- is the dam of 2020 Sophomore Sprint winner Speed Machine (Legislate).
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Champion sire in South Africa on three occasions and Leading Broodmare Sire of 2017-2018, Western Winter left behind 93 black type winners, while his 791 runners included an impressive 642 winners. The son of Gone West was responsible for a total of nine Equus Champions, with his sons Winter Solstice and Yard-Arm both named Horse Of The Year in South Africa.
The Sporting Post Sprint is interactive. Click on the live links throughout and enjoy the read! SUGGESTIONS? Please email editor@sportingpost.co.za
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Candiese Lenferna
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Spydas Corner (Muzi Yeni) gets the better of Purple Powahouse (Lyle Hewitson) in an all Hollywood Syndicate exacta on Monday
LIFETIME RACE FAN TOPS CHARTS
Lifetime horseracing fanatic Raj Naidoo struck gold as the sun set on the Hollywoodbets Greyville programme on Monday. The meeting heralded the end of the first month of the reloaded Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge.
The top 20 players after the month enjoyed a share of the additional R20 000 incentive and Phoenix-based Raj, who plays the popular competition under the name ‘Coops’, told the Sporting Post that his first cheque of R8000 would allow him to plan a Christmas surprise for his wife. He says that he would also love to
purchase an air conditioner. “It’s getting hotter here in KZN. I’d like to save some of my winnings too,” he added. The game is simple and requires a player to pick one horse for each race on the card. Players receive points depending on where their selection finishes in a race, and how many actual runners there are in a race. Coops tells us that he almost hit all 9 winners in one of the meetings – and came close to scooping the bonus
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cash – currently R700 000 for Friday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting – for the player who picks all the winners on a particular KZN raceday. A natural competitor, Coops was a keen golfer for a few years on the South Coast. He played for fun and also enjoyed road running in his younger days in Chatsworth. The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge now provides him with a platform to compete with his friends.
Read the story on the top players
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Candiese Lenferna Photography sponsored Thabiso Gumede in action
PAYING IT FORWARD As the industry slowly returns to normal, more players have stepped up to the plate. Jockey sponsorship is one aspect that presents an opportunity to give something back. In this first in our brand new serious on jockey sponsors, we tell how leading KZN-based racing photographer Candiese Lenferna has joined forces with apprentice Thabiso Gumede. Candiese is a familiar face on the KZN racetracks and the various thoroughbred sales around the country, and she is renowned for producing high quality images that capture the moment forever. She has added her brand to young Thabiso, who grew up close to Summerveld and the SA Jockey Academy at Shongweni. He credits his Uncle, a former SAJA Security Guard, with having introduced him to racing
and a possible career as a jockey. “I really feel strongly about giving back to this industry that I earn a living from. I have also been fortunate that people have shown me immense kindnesses in the past and I am a big fan of paying things forward, because I believe if everyone does that, no matter how small or big, the world will be a better and kinder place and it starts with each of us. It may sound a bit wishy washy, but it’s my life belief or whatever you may call it,” enthused Candiese “I like to in my own way try to make a difference where I can because I have been blessed in life I believe - times are tough at the moment in the industry and not what they were before. And I’m supporting my family the best I can, but if I’m in a position to help, I will. She said that Thabiso has ridden 29 winners already.
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“He is a wonderful young man, he’s motivated, and he’s riding very well and has a bright future. He rode a double at Hollywoodbets Greyville for Duncan Howells recently. In fact I think he had three wins in 2 days, and he is showing great potential. I must thank the South African Jockey Academy for the opportunity to sponsor this talented youngster. It’s not an easy life choosing this career path, but SAJA give them the tools and encouragement to do it - and their reputation says it all. We produce champion jockeys all over the world and long may it continue.” We will be carrying a weekly profile of jockey sponsors. If you would like to tell us about your brand, or would like to offer a sponsorship, please drop us a line at editor@sportingpost.co.za
Candiese Lenferna Photography
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Hamish Niven Photography
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Adrian Todd – dropped a bombshell on Monday
SAEHP Shocker On Friday the racing operators, Racing Association and the NHRA were updated on the current situation as regards the equine disease control system in South Africa. In a media release published on Monday, SAEHP stated that the operation, management, and maintenance of the disease control system and the accompanying risk mitigation measures is conducted by
the South African Equine Health and Protocols NPC (SAEHP) on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD). They stated that they are reluctantly forced to inform us that as the situation currently stands, and due to circumstances beyond their control, SAEHP has been forced to suspend the provision of these services effective 1 December.
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Adrian Todd is the MD of the South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP). Clocking The Gallop’s Neil and Nico chatted to him with regard to the set up at SAEHP and what lies ahead.
Click here to watch the interview
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NO MORE CLOWER POWER
decided early in the lockdowns that they were no longer prepared to devote much space to racing I thought it was all over.
Veteran journalist Michael Clower has decided to retire after more than half a century reporting on racing in Kenya, Ireland and South Africa.
“However the last two Saturdays have rammed home to me that at the age of 76 neither my eyes nor my reactions are good enough to cope with the Cape Town traffic at the weekend, let alone on a Wednesday when half the drivers seem to have been taking lessons from Lewis Hamilton. “I can’t complain. For 53 years I have been paid for doing something that I enjoyed so much I would happily have done it for nothing – and not many people are that lucky in life.
He told the Sporting Post: “I was delighted when Kenya Racing and their PR consultant Kirsti Lyall invited me to return to write reports and features. When Independent Newspapers
“I would like to take this final opportunity to thank all in racing who have helped me and have put up so patiently with my endless questions (eg Richard Fourie: “You always ask me that!’) – and, perhaps even more importantly, all those who have read my words over the years. If they have enjoyed them even half as much as I have enjoyed writing them it will all have been wonderfully worthwhile.”
Rob & Mat Are Flying! Someone forgot to tell Victoria trainer Robbie Griffiths and his new side-kick Mathew de Kock that they were meant to start as a ripple and end as a wave. According to AAP, the Cranbourne team is running at a 25% winning strike rate from its first 28 runners. Among the seven winners were two at Sandown last Wednesday (underpinned by two runners-up), and the stable has elected to back up with another quartet of entries at the venue today.
“I thought we would bide our time. I told Mathew to be prepared for a light spring and that we would attack the summer racing with gusto…” Griffiths observed:” “He is bringing so much to the table. The youth I can see in him, his excitement, his enthusiasm, we are all feeding off it plus his knowledge is extraordinary… he’s experienced, he’s travelled the globe working for his father (champion trainer Mike De Kock) and he’s also worked for Baffert (in the US) and O’Brien (in Ireland).”
A buoyed Griffiths rhapsodized:
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Michaela Makes Magic! v
Michaela & Mr Cum Laude in action lucky to have you by my side,” gushed Michaela. “Lastly, to my champion, Mr Cum Laude. It’s been five years of hard work and grit and it all came
Wayne Marks
Michaela Stewart realised her dreams over the weekend. Competing in her first ever 3* event after a not so perfect Eventing Season, she walked away as SA Adult Open Eventing Champion 2020. Dad Mike Stewart, a veteran Cape trainer, proudly drove Michaela all the way from Noordhoek, Western Cape to Mooi River, Kwa-Zulu Natal, to compete in this years’ SA Open Eventing Championship. Michaela thanked her instructors, Michelle de V-moreira and Astrid Muller for the help getting her show-jumping and dressage into top shape for the show, offering endless supportive phone calls and messages throughout her trip. She had clear rounds in both Show Jumping and Cross-Country, placing second overall in Dressage. A massive achievement for her after the long trip from Noordhoek. “Thank you to my mom, Ingrid Stewart, for all you have sacrified. You are one in a million and I am so
together. Thank you for always keeping me safe out in the country and for always giving your all - no horse could ever replace you.”
mount to drift out to 11-2. They won’t make that mistake again. This may have been only Miss Watkinson’s third ride but she sent her mount to the front 400m from home and coolly kept her going to score by three-parts of a length. Not bad for a qualified engineer!
LADY ON THE UP! The Andre Nel-trained Magnetic Dime opened one of the favourites for the Work Riders’ Maiden at Kenilworth on Saturday but punters, most of whom had never heard of her, allowed her
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The 24-year-old explained: “I made a deal with my parents – I wanted to become a jockey but they said ‘You must get a qualification first.’ “I have already spent a year at the Jockey Academy but then they changed the rules. However Andre is now applying for me to be apprenticed to him. If that doesn’t work out then I will go to New Zealand because the academy there has already offered me a place.” Image: Happy moment for the young lady Courtesy of: Wayne Marks
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and scream her horse’s home. She remembers each horse’s progress from foal to winner’s box and always proudly announced their success to those who wished to hear. One of her highlights was when her hero Frankie Dettori rode her filly French Legend at Kenilworth on Met day in 2018. The excitement, tension and pride was something to behold and beyond special. “I will miss Trace terribly. She was not only my PA and my right-hand person, but also an amazing friend to my family and I. Tracey was in no small way instrumental in the success of the stud and all who were involved“ says John Koster. “We wish Tracey only the best going forward. We thank this dedicated and wonderful lady with her huge heart and love for the thoroughbred horse. She will always be a part of us. Carpe diem Trace!”
Get Your Flying Start Tracey Nash seen with Frankie Dettori at Kenilworth
KLAWERVLEI SAY GOODBYE Tracey Nash has emigrated to the UK after 8 wonderful years at Klawervlei. She has been instrumental in the success of the administration, stallion secretary work, foal reporting, NHRA documentation, sales, client liaison, dissemination of information and the general efficiency of all related work at the stud. She is a consummate professional!
In short, Trace has been the familiar warm voice of Klawervlei. She remains a most popular member of the racing and breeding fraternity. Always ready to help in any way, she endeared herself to all who participated in this industry. Her compatriots have a huge love and respect for Tracey. She is passionate about the horses and watches racing with great joy and enthusiasm, not scared to holler
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Applications are open now until 8 February 2021, for the 2021-2023 intake of Godolphin Flying Start trainees. This year the online portal has been opened a month early to allow potential applicants more time to put together their applications in a process that has been made more streamlined than ever before. Godolphin Flying Start is a two-year international management and leadership programme for the thoroughbred industry and takes trainees to work and study in five countries around the globe. For more information about applying for the course please visit www.godolphinflyingstart.com or email Melissa Steele on msteele@godolphingflyingstart.com.
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updated 2020-11-30
TRAINERS Name
Runs
Mr P A Peter Mr S J Snaith Mr P F Matche� Mr S G Tarry Mr M F de Kock
330 450 327 263 182
Wins Win% 45 64 32 28 34
13.6 14.2 9.8 10.6 18.7
2nd
3rd
34 56 33 28 22
29 48 24 35 18
Other Places Place %
Win Stake (R)
Total Stakes (R)
30.6 34.2 26 33.8 36.3
2,497,200 1,998,625 1,462,950 1,284,050 1,628,100
3,495,425 3,114,875 2,523,925 2,430,825 2,307,175
Other Places Place %
Win Stake (R)
Total Stakes (R)
3,210,400 1,698,600 3,195,350 2,293,000 1,715,000
5,004,575 2,390,100 4,611,125 3,266,175 2,483,850
38 50 28 26 26
101 154 85 89 66
JOCKEYS Name
Runs Wins Win%
2nd
3rd
Mr L Hewitson Mr G M Cheyne Mr W B Kennedy Mr S Khumalo Mr K de Melo
548 300 402 249 301
74 36 47 25 31
60 42 44 30 32
78 65 50 47 46
14.2 21.7 12.4 18.9 15.3
78 36 74 24 51
212 114 165 79 114
38.7 38 41 31.7 37.9
BREEDERS Name
B.T. B.T. Total Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R) Rnrs %
Wilgerbosdri� & Mauritzfontein Klawervlei Stud Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) Varsfontein Stud
201 299 170 108
567 884 504 335
24,437 15,519 18,866 26,634
52 68 43 42
71 79 51 58
25.9 22.7 25.3 38.9
183 281 116 135
2 2 3 1
2 2 3 1
4,911,800 4,640,075 3,207,163 2,876,525
84
253 29,607
24
32
28.6
85
5
8
2,486,950
SIRES Name Master Of My Fate Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) Silvano (GER) Querari (GER) Var (USA)
Runrs Runs AEPR 135 130 119 144 93
418 393 340 449 275
21,479 22,226 22,633 17,358 24,892
B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs % 36 39 29 37 28
44 50 37 44 38
26.7 30 24.4 25.7 30.1
160 124 98 149 100
See all the detailed standings - Click here 45
2 2 3 0 1
B.T. Wins
Total Stakes (R)
2 2 3 0 2
2,899,625 2,889,350 2,693,325 2,499,525 2,314,975
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to snatch the win with 10 minutes to go, thanks to a Toby Alderweireld header from a set piece in typical, trademark Mourinho styled smash and grab victory. Arteta faces an uphill task, however, the best managers find a way to win when its most needed and this is the former midfielder’s chance to prove that he is among the cream of the crop regarding the new generation of bright managers that fuse a mixture of the tried and tested methods together with the latest ideas in football. We’re set for an intriguing tactical battle between a stalwart of the game and the promising apprentice in one of the world’s oldest derbies.
KANE LOOKS VERY ABLE! The 201st edition of the North London derby takes centre stage in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as Arsenal make the short trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Bryan Naicker writes that highly-decorated Portuguese tutor, Jose Mourinho, has instilled a siege mentality into this Tottenham team, spearheaded by Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son that are sitting on top of the league after 10 games. The Lilywhites are playing equally well in the attacking sense as well as defensively and now the debate among Premier League fanatics is, “can Spurs mount a serious challenge for the league in a marathon race including UEFA Europa League commitments?” Meanwhile, Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta is under severe pressure for the first time in his fledgling
managerial career, and desperately needs to pull his troops through his toughest spell at the helm of his beloved club. Fans certainly won’t forget the infamous shoving match between Mourinho (Chelsea manager at the time) and legendary French maestro, Arsene Wenger, which adds another tasty layer to this bitter rivalry. Mourinho has faced Arsenal 21 times in his career losing just twice (both to Wenger), and would take delight in adding salt to the wound of Spurs’ arch-enemies whilst holding on to the coveted top spot. Arteta will aim to turn Arsenal’s fortunes around and earn the bragging rights over Mourinho that will endear the Spaniard even more to the Gunners faithful. The previous meeting between these sides saw Spurs come from a goal down
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To win Tottenham 19/20 Draw 26/10 Arsenal 29/10 English Premier League | Sunday 6 December | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 18h30 Tottenham Tottenham have faced three of the traditional big-six opponents and have been superb on each occasion. Kane and Son humiliated Manchester United at Old Trafford (6-1) and kept a clean sheet against Manchester City (2-0), while scoring in both halves of the match. Last weekend, Spurs faced Chelsea, sharing the spoils in a goalless draw after solid defensive shifts in the engine room from the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele earning a hard-fought point. The personnel in midfield allows Mourinho to properly display his vision of how the beautiful game should be played. Ndombele has shown signs of why he was signed from Lyon. The Frenchman has the ability to skilfully dribble past an opponent and release the deadly threat of Kane and Son into attack. Hojbjerg covers every plaid of grass, always closing gaps in midfield,
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winning interceptions and keeps the play flowing smoothly, with calmly executed, simple straight-forward passes. A very underrated role that was played best by Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) or Michael Carrick (Manchester United) that never got the recognition compared to their teammates in more glamorous roles. Gareth Bale will be more effective as an impact substitute until he gains enough fitness and match sharpness. Steven Bergwijn, Lucas Moura or Erik Lamela would be the sensible option to help Sergio Reguilon in two vs two situations on Spurs’ left-flank. Reguilon has been a bargain signing that has made a definite improvement to the team. The young Spaniard is gifted with tremendous pace and acceleration that will put any defence under stress when directly running at them. The centre-back pairing in front of Hugo Lloris is expected to remain unchanged with Eric Dier and Joe Rodon at the heart of defence. Matt Doherty is an option after recovering from COVID-19, replacing Serge Aurier at right-back being the likeliest change if any to the in-form hosts starting XI. Arsenal Arsenal’s main source of goals from captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drying up is the main talking point. The ice-cold finisher with blistering pace is enduring a slow start to the season with just two goals and a single assist from 10 league games, being way off his regular standards of brilliance and directly affecting the team’s recent failures in claiming maximum points.
The previous season was taxing on every player, very evident by recent press conference rants by Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solksjkaer about fixture congestion from “Project Restart” to the present. Aubameyang is 31-years-old and is surely allowed a little while longer to get back to his best considering how heavily he was relied on to deliver the goods. The class of a great player is shown in the biggest games. Aubameyang scored against Tottenham, Manchester United & Chelsea in the league and against Manchester City en route to FA Cup glory last season. If ever there was a perfect opportunity to break the duck and win at their crosstown rivals, now is the time for the captain to show his metal. Nicolas Pepe will miss out due to suspension, and in my opinion, the best signing of the previous window, Thomas Partey, is still recovering from a thigh injury. These are huge blows but Arteta worked miracles when he initially took over with players many of us had already written off. Alexandre Lacazette needs to start centrally as the focal point in attack with Aubameyang cutting in from the flank with more open space to exploit, also presenting the opportunity to commit defenders to one-on-one situations where the Gabonese speedster always has the advantage. Taking the injuries into account, Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Bukayo Saka would be my preferred trio to counter Spurs’ combative midfield.
for sure. He trusted in my potential, liked my football, gave me full confidence to play. He is the best coach I have worked with.” Willian made these glowing remarks when asked about his future earlier this year. The Brazilian will have to put aside his admiration for the “Chosen One” for 90 minutes and help the Gunners get back on track when called upon. Probable line-ups: Tottenham: 4-2-3-1 Lloris; Aurier, Rodon, Dier, Reguilon; Sissoko, Hojbjerg; Bergwijn, Ndombele, Son; Kane. Arsenal: 4-2-3-1 Leno; Bellerin, David Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Elneny, Xhaka; Willian, Saka, Aubameyang; Lacazette. Prediction: Arsenal (29/10) Both sides are expected to have a measured approach, choosing the opportune times to attack with former Golden Boot winners Kane and Aubameyang leading their attacking lines respectively. The match will explode into a full on, end to end game in the last 20 minutes with Arsenal edging this encounter and claiming the bragging rights. This is a very bold call, but I fancy the Gunners to get one over Mourinho and Tottenham in the North London Derby.
“He is not only a great coach but also a great friend of mine. I learned a bit from each of my managers, but I identified myself more with Mourinho
CAN YOU HELP? CARING FOR EQUINES COSTS PLENTY! Please visit us at www.coastalhorsecareunit.org.za 47