20210721 - Sporting Post Sprint Ver 1.2 Single Pages by Sporting Post

Cover Image Kaizer Jevu takes former Equus Champion Miler Vardy through his paces at Milnerton earlier this week – image courtesy of Chase Liebenberg

Chase Liebenberg

CAPE CHAMP

BACK ON TRACK! 4

The majestic Vardy eyes the goings on

Equus Champion Miler Vardy was his showy old self and jumping out of his skin when he turned heads at an icy cold Milnerton earlier this week as regular workrider Kaizer Jevu took the smashing son of Var through his paces. Off the track through injury since the 2020 Vodacom Durban July, the bold ‘Vardy plan’ is to repeat

his sensational 2019 Green Point Stakes-L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate double. As accomplished an athlete as his namesake, Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, the 5yo gelding is a credit to his multiple Gr1-winning trainer, Adam Marcus, who speaks proudly of the star who gave him his second elite success. “We have Vardy in light work

and are taking things very cautiously as one does with tendon and ligament issues,” Adam tells the Sporting Post as he says he is working hard with his highly qualified assistant on recovery leave – read the next insert to find out about Basil Marcus’ hip replacement. Vardy was originally found to have a small lesion on his suspensory branch. The Chase Liebenberg

Greg Blank and Adam Marcus lead Vardy in

5 Candiese Lenferna

astute young horseman curtailed the damage having taken early action when detecting the tell-tale heat and swelling.

McVeigh’s Dr Barbara Gillespie through the recovery process and the young trainer is full of praise for the professional veterinary assistance.

After beating One World in the Gr3 Winter Classic, Vardy had an operation to remove chips from both his near fore knee and his off fore fetlock joint.

“It’s a patient process of a balance of care and attention, observation and achieving fitness. Regular scans mean that we are literally watching his every step closely. The plan is to go for the Green Point Stakes on 12 December and then the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate on 9 January. Before then, we will look at a Pinnacle Stakes or two to bring him along. But he will tell

He bounced back to win both the Gr2 Green Point Stakes and Gr1 L'Ormarins Queen's Plate. Adam and his team have worked closely with Baker

us when he is ready,” adds Adam. Owned by Bernard Kantor, Greg Blank, Jimmy Sarkis and Darryl Yutar, Vardy has won 6 of his 13 outings for stakes earnings of over R2,5 million. Bred by the Tawny Syndicate, he’s a son of Avontuur Stud’s evergreen champion Var and Cupid, a daughter of champion broodmare sire, Jet Master.

Basil’s On The Mend South Africa’s highest qualified assistant trainer, Basil Marcus is currently recovering from a right hip replacement. The result of years of wear and tear of riding at the top level, the 64 year old intends to have a knee replacement next. “My Dad is tough as nails and will be on the go again soon. I realise just how fortunate I am to have him in the yard, when he is not here!” laughed Adam. Basil was a jockey for 30 years and enjoyed considerable success almost round the globe. In South Africa he twice won the J & B Met; he was champion in Hong Kong and in Britain he rode for Michael Jarvis and Clive Brittain.

African rider to achieve 100 winners in a single season as an apprentice. He also rode 7 winners from 9 carded runners at Greyville on 3 December 1986 when he won on all of Singing Boy, Foreign Attache, Business Liner, Bold Candidate, Miss Lobkowiez, Harry’s Champ and Hunting Queen. Although never crowned SA Champion jockey, Basil was Champion Jockey in Hong Kong on 7 occasions (1991 – 1994, 1995 – 1999) and twice rode 5 winners on a card at Sha Tin (3 April 1993 and 29 May 1994).

over fives seasons including the 2007 Cape Guineas and Derby with subsequent Dubai Duty Free and Singapore International winner Jay Peg. Basil relocated to Singapore and built up a highly successful string, including horses such as Ato, Flax, Clear For Action and Trafalgar Legacy. On his return to South Africa, the family decided it was the right time for Adam to take over Marcus Racing. Adam Marcus struck out on his own at 23. He has never looked back!

Adam’s Dad started training in Cape Town in 2004 and sent out almost 300 winners in just HKJC

Basil Marcus rode 6 winners from 8 rides on the Milnerton card as an apprentice on 21 June 1975. His list of winners was Tracy Ann, Double Joy, Farsi, Persian War, The Kajar and Mithra. Five were by Persian Wonder and all six winners were trained by Theo de Klerk. Basil also has the distinction of being the first South

Champion horseman - Basil Marcus

Candiese Lenferna Lenferna Candiese v

SOUTH AFRICA’S BACK ON A

PATH OF VICTORY! 9

Gareth van Zyl – hoping to end season on a high

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know neighbours that we’ve lived with in the same neighbourhood for many years now. To have come together, with one heart, and to join hands as such, has certainly been encouraging,” says Summerveld trainer Gareth van Zyl in the aftermath of a devastating week for KZN and South Africa. The Marshalls World Of Sport Gold Cup defending champion trainer, Gareth is just relieved to be back at racing and cracking on as normal. With the Marshalls World Of Sport Festival Of Racing just over a week away, he explains how his horses have been preparing for the big day at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 31 July. “Our 2020 Gold Cup winner Paths Of Victory hasn’t given me much confidence of late,

until his last run. It was the first time he truly showed me that he could be bouncing back to his best for this year’s renewal, which has always been the goal. “Getting him back to full fitness and to his best form hasn’t been a straightforward journey. But I can now confidently say that he is showing that he is back to where we had him last year. “ That said, Paths Of Victory does need things to go his way in the race. He’s not a pushbutton type of horse. But if things do go his way, we can doubt expect a big run from him!”

I have a good strike rate with the former SA Champion and I’m sure he’ll get along with the filly well!” Gallic Chief, a promising youngster will likely take his place in the Gr2 Umkhomazi Stakes beside stablemate Rodriguez. The recently gelded Hasta Manana will run in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes. Declarations for the big day are due by 11h00 on Thursday.

Gareth’s Gr2 winner She’s A Keeper will be back at the track on Gold Cup Day and is likely to line up in the Gr2 Gold Bracelet. “She’s taken her run in the Vodacom Durban July very well and I’m expecting a big race from her. We have S’manga Khumalo on board for the race.

New Turf - Doing It For Racing The New Turf Carriers Charity Drive to KZN had their first truck arrive safely on Sunday night in Durban. New Turf Carriers announced last week that they would be running two trucks to Durban on Monday transporting food and goods

for the horses grooms, trainers and all staff affected by the riots in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The racing community has been supportive in getting the necessary supplies to KZN. “Everything went great, the next truck will hopefully be

leaving on Thursday!” Matthew Sham told the Sporting Post. The image depicts only about half of what was loaded. • For further information and inquiries please contact Matthew - 072 687 7814

Chase Liebenberg

14 Richard Fourie has Phil’s Dancer flying to win the feature

HEALTH - AND TRACK IT! 15

Longstanding ownerbreeder Anthony Peter took some astute advice from veteran Stallion Manager John Freeman in the gym that led to him sending a National Assembly mare to the now deceased Kris S stallion, Philanthropist. While it’s unclear who was actually doing the walking,

and who was doing the talking on the treadmill that bright Cape morning, Freeman was thrilled to shout the consistent Phil’s Dancer home from his couch on a sunny Saturday Cape winter afternoon as the Justin Snaith-trained filly went all the way to win the Cape Racing Gr3 Champagne Stakes at Kenilworth.

John Freeman – wisdom and experience 16

“I am so pleased for Anthony Peter. He has been a staunch supporter of South African racing and deserves the success,” John Freeman told the Sporting Post, conceding that his advice on the Philanthropist x National Assembly cross was dispensed some time ago. “It goes all the way back to

that great broodmare Grey Flight,” said Freeman as he briefly touched on genotypes and phenotypes, and the simple science that makes grown men laugh and cry to this day. Phenotype deals with shape, size and scope of the horse. “In this instance Philanthropist would add much needed size to the normally diminutive National Assembly line. It doesn’t always work that way because nature doesn’t always allow mares to breed beyond their own length of leg. There are many smallish mares that do this with great success,” adds John. He explains that Genotype deals with the construct of the pedigree.

“The repeat of superior broodmares in pedigrees is well known for success in thoroughbred racing at the highest level. In the case of Phil’s Dancer, Grey Flight is the 4th dam of Drakenstein Stud’s late sire Philanthropist and the 3rd dam of late sire National Assembly. The combination of which sees that great mare repeated in generation 5 of sire and generation 4 of the dam – we call this for ease of reference 5×4 repeat of Grey Flight.” Sired by Mahmoud, Grey Flight was bred in Kentucky by J. T. Taylor in 1945. She was sold to the Wheatley Stable owned by the Grand Dame of US owners of the time in Mrs. Gladys Mills Phipps and fetched a final bid of $35,000 at the 1946 Saratoga yearling sales.

A multiple stakes winner, Grey Flight won a total of twelve races, placing fifteen times, from thirty-five races. Retired to the Phipps family broodmare band at Claiborne Farm, Grey Flight would become one of the true legends of Thoroughbred breeding. She produced fifteen foals, fourteen of which were winners, nine winning stakes races. The legendary broodmare Grey Flight Grey Flight is the ancestress of many champions and top ranked sires – amongst her tribe are both Philanthropist and National Assembly! Freeman explained that he has done well over the years recommending line-breeding to superior mares which he hoped would add value to this mating plan. On Saturday, Richard Fourie rode a cracker to make up for the champion Snaith stable’s disappointment in the Final Fling Stakes a half hour earlier as the pacy 4yo Phil’s Dancer powered home in a time of 76,45 secs to hold a 0,75 length advantage over Listed Computaform Online Olympic Duel Stakes winner, Capitana. Champion sire elect Gimmethegreenlight’s fast

The legendary broodmare Grey Flight

3yo daughter Iris held her good form for third. Phil’s Dancer is out of the one-time winning National Assembly mare, Velvet Hue. She has now won 5 races with 11 places from her 17 starts for stakes of R345 075.

The Sporting Post Sprint is interactive. Click on the live links throughout and enjoy the read!

SUGGESTIONS? Please email editor@sportingpost.co.za

Anthony Peter – healthy advice at gym!

The Merits PHIL’S DANCER has had her rating raised from 100 to 103 after she captured the Gr3 Cape Racing Champagne Stakes for fillies and mares over 1200m at Kenilworth on Saturday. It was

runner-up CAPITANA who was used as the line horse when assessing this event, leaving her with an unaltered mark of 101. Apart from the winner, the only other ratings increase was for 4th finisher

FUSILLADE, who is up from 80 to 85. The sole drop was for QUEEN OF QUIET, who is down from 94 to 91.

St Leger Countdown Godolphin stars Hurricane Lane and Adayar headline 31 entries for the world’s oldest Classic, the Gr1 Cazoo St Leger, at Doncaster on Saturday, 11 September. First run in 1776, the extended 14-furlong contest is the highlight of the fourday Cazoo St Leger Festival

and has a total prize fund of £700 000. Ante-post favourite Hurricane Lane has gone from strength to strength since finishing third behind stablemate Adayar in the Cazoo Derby, winning the Gr1 Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 26 and the Gr1 Grand Prix de Paris emphatically 18 on 14

July.Adayar meanwhile has been kept fresh since the Derby and is set to take on older opposition in the Gr1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes at Ascot on 24 June. No horse has completed the Derby-St Leger double since Reference Point, who also won the Ascot feature on route to Doncaster in 1987.

Chase Liebenberg

NO STOPPING BETTY! v

20 Pretty Betty streaks to victory under Louis Mxothwa

Mike Stewart’s perpetual motion machine Pretty Betty stepped up to the 1800m at a nippy Kenilworth on Saturday and defied a trainstopping weight turnaround to record a fifth straight victory. The 3yo went gun-to-tape to win the weight-for-age plus penalties scaled R100 000 Goals And Gallops Gr3 Final Fling Stakes. Jockey Louis Mxothwa rounded off a hat-trick of winners on the afternoon for three different yards, and took his season win tally to 95 as he edged ever closer to a national top 10 standing. Mxothwa rode a superbly judged race as Pretty Betty was never headed and

went all the way to beat the slow-starting Rain In Newmarket. Just as Pretty Betty has consistently delivered for her followers, the frustrating talent Rain In Newmarket banked a fourth consecutive bridesmaid’s cheque – and started a tote favourite as she was expected to turn the tables with a 4kg turnaround at the weights. Rain In Newmarket was beaten 1,25 lengths in the Listed Ladies Mile last time but failed to take advantage of the weight swing after a dismal start on Saturday. She had plenty of leeway to make up in the run for home and was always chasing, Pretty Betty (3-1) registered a time of 119,89 secs and never looked under threat – winning

with ears pricked by 3,25 lengths. A daughter of Varsfontein’s Jet Master stallion Master Of My Fate, Pretty Betty was bred by Peter de Beyer and is out of the one-time winner Betty Burke (Captain Al) – who was also raced by co-owner de Beyer. Pretty Betty, who was saddled by Dunes assistant Robert Barrett – grandson of co owner Paul – was registering her second consecutive stakes victory and took her impressive cv tally to 5 wins with 2 places from her 8 starts for gross earnings of R218 600.

The Merits PRETTY BETTY has had her merit rating increased from 97 to 106 following her fluent success in the Gr3 Goals and Gallops Final Fling Stakes over 1800m on the Kenilworth winter course on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the view that 3rd placed MUSICAL GLITCH made for the best line horse here, which leaves her unchanged on a mark of 94.

It was noted that PRETTY BETTY took on several of the rivals she had met when winning the Listed Ladies Mile three weeks earlier and beat them by considerably further this time. The winner aside there were no other ratings increases out of this race, but four horses were given a drop. SLEEPING SINGLE is down from 105 to 102, DRIVING MISS DAISY was dropped from 103

to 100, SING OUT LOUD drops to 101 from 104, and lastly EVA EILEEN was cut from 100 to 98.

JC Photos

Muzi Yeni steers Zuzan to victory as he beats Meteoric (Lyle Hewitson) with a sustained finishing effort

ADMIRAL TAKES CHARGE Southford Stud’s Gr1 winning stallion Admiral Kitten, the only son of outstanding stallion Kitten’s Joy at stud in South Africa, sired his first local winner when his two-year-old son Zuzan broke his maiden at the Vaal on Tuesday.

Chance Farms bred twoyear-old stuck his head down close home and went on to score by a neck and clocked 71,54 secs for the 1200m.

showed his class when landing the Gr1 Secretariat Stakes at three, and he earned nearly US$800 000 in prize money.

Out of the Silvano mare Zafira, Zuzan was a R70 000 buy from the 2020 National Yearling Sale.

Trained by Paul Matchett, the gelded Zuzan had finished third on debut and went one better in Tuesday’s race with a courageous performance.

His Gr1 winning sire Admiral Kitten is also the sire of four North American winners from just a handful of runners.

He is a son of US champion Kitten’s Joy, who was North America’s Champion Sire in 2013, and whose 100 plus stakes winners include such champions as Roaring Lion, Big Blue Kitten and Hawkbill.

Under Muzi Yeni, the Maine

A stakes winner at two, three and four, Admiral Kitten

Kitten’s Joy, whose offspring have earned over $151 million, is also sire of 2000 Guineas hero Kameko, dual

Breeders’ Cup heroine Stephanie’s Kitten and promising young sire Bobby’s Kitten. Out of a mare by Breeders’ Cup Sprint runner up Grand Slam, Admiral Kitten hails from the same female line as champion sires Cozzene and Fort Wood, with his other notable relatives including the likes of Dubai Millennium, Timber Country, and Gr1 winner Serape. Moutonshoek Stud originally brought Admiral Kitten to SA. Despite Kitten’s Joy being a phenomenal sire of progeny, with an affinity for the turf, the

reception in the Western Cape was unexciting. Speaking on behalf of Moutonshoek some time ago, Colin Gordon said that Admiral Kitten had suffered travel sickness on the way across from the States to Europe and by the time he landed here had lost a heap of weight. “As a result we took the decision not to show him at the 2017 Wilgerbosdrift Stallion day and he made a low key entry to the breeding ranks. He is, however, a consummate professional with a great attitude and he soon picked up the weight and covers like an

25 Admiral Kitten: Kitten’s Joy - Reachinforthestars (Grand Slam)

old pro. When Karoo Breeders approached us with the idea of sending Admiral Kitten to their region, we thought it a great idea to give him the best possible chance to get a good book of mares. We showed him at the Highlands stallion parade where fellow Breeders shared our enthusiasm about his good looks.” Admiral Kitten’s 2021 fee is available on application.

‘Danon Platina has all the credentials to live up to the time-honoured adage that 'fast milers' make the best stallions…’

Mauritzfontein Stud

AS SNOW FALLS…

TEMPERATURES RISE 29

A majestic 16-length winner of the Epsom Oaks, Snowfall duly completed the classic double with an eight-length romp in last weekend's Gr1 Irish Oaks, much to the delight of Mauritzfontein Stud, the home of her paternal half-brother Danon Platina. Both were sired by the late Japanese superstar Deep Impact, a son of the legendary Sunday Silence, who led the Japanese sires list an unprecedented 13 times and propelled that industry to new heights. A dual Horse of the Year and Triple Crown winner, Deep Impact retired to stud in 2007 and has proven himself a worthy successor to his sire. Crowned the Champion First Season sire in 2010, he has been Japan's dominant stallion since 2012, when he became champion with just two crops at the track. Snowfall is her sire's fifth European classic winner, the first was second crop filly Beauty Parlour, who landed the French 1000 Guineas in 2012. Young Coolmore stallion Saxon Warrior provided him with a first British classic success in the 2018 2000 Guineas, the same year Study Of Man claimed the French Derby. Last year, his daughter

Fancy Blue won the French Oaks. Deep Impact died in July 2019 at the comparatively young age of 17. Danon Platina raced exclusively in Japan, where he proved himself a tip top miler and recorded all five career wins over the trip, prime amongst which his careerdefining victory at two in the Gr1 Asahi Hai Futurity on turf. Named the champion juvenile of his year, the grey went on to lift Tokyo's Gr3 Fuji Stakes at three at the expense of Gr1 winner Satano Aladdin and Japanese 2000 Guineas hero Logotype and proved he was as good as ever at age six when landing the Listed New Year Stakes. Danon Platina boasts an all-American female line. He is out of Badeelah, an unraced daughter of champion American sire Unbridled's Song, from whom he inherited his grey coat. Grandam Magical Allure was sired by the Seattle Slew horse General Meeting and counted the Gr1 La Brea Stakes and Gr2 Lady's Secret Handicap amongst her five stakes successes. The extended female family is that of Very Subtle, the first three-year-old as well as the first filly to win the Gr1 Breeders Cup Sprint. From a pedigree perspective, Danon Platina's bloodlines neatly dovetail into those of the

broodmare bands at Mauritzfontein and 'sister' stud Wilgerbosdrift. His sire Deep Impact hails from the female family of Highlight, ancestress of Nashwan, Nayef and Unfuwain, as well as former Wilgerbosdrift-based stallion Right Approach. In addition, Deep Impact has sired two Gr1 winning half-brothers to current resident Flower Alley in Tosen Ra and Spielberg. On the dam side, the focus falls on fifth dam Conniver, a Champion Older Female in the States. Her dam The Schemer is genetically related to the great sire War Admiral, who is duplicated in the pedigree of Change Water, the grandam of Mauritzfontein's late powerhouse Fort Wood. Danon Platina's popularity amongst breeders is reflected in his first crop which arrived in 2020 and includes foals out of champion Cherry On The Top, Gr2 winner Virgo's Babe, Gr3 winner Double Whammy, Gr1-placed Jet Trail, the stakes winners Follow The Piper, Dagmar as well as siblings to graded stakes winners Barahin and Zen Arcade. Another fine array of mares visited the young stallion last season, amongst which champions Alboran Sea and Nother Russia and the Gr1 winners All Afire and Orchid Island.

Mauritzfontein stud manager Mike Sharkey has been bowled over by Danon Platina's first crop. "We have some beautiful foals and they just seem to improve all the time," he enthused. "Other breeders who have used him first time round are equally as impressed and are sending mares back to him on the strength of his foals." Revered horse photographer

John Lewis was at Mauritzfontein the day Danon Platina arrived and remarked: "I have watched him develop. Being grey sets him apart, but nevertheless, he really is a looker. His foals look tremendous. Personally, I can't fault him. Give it a year and I'm sure the results will be doing it for him." That Mauritzfontein Stud has built its fame on classic stallions cannot be disputed -

the likes of Free Ride, Fort Wood, Strike Smartly and Ideal World, bear testament to that fact. In that respect, Danon Platina has big boots to fill, yet he has all the credentials to live up to the timehonoured adage that 'fast milers' make the best stallions.

Japan Racing Association

Danon Platina doing what he did best

Pauline Herman

Grant van Niekerk steers Santa Therese to an easy win

FIVE IN A ROW!

Still improving and a Cape summer season ticket booked! That’s the word on Alan Greeff’s classy Flower Alley filly Santa Therese, who was a facile winner of the R100 000 Listed East Cape Paddock Stakes at Fairview on Friday.

The good looking 3yo chestnut has to be one of the most promising fillies seen in the province for some seasons, and trainer Alan Greeff told us that he hadn’t been this confident of a horse in a very long time. With stable jockey Greg 33

Cheyne contracted to the powerful Ridgemont team, Grant van Niekerk got the call-up, and was told that ‘this was no ordinary ride’. A pleased Van Niekerk, who had endured a frustrating afternoon up to that point, said Santa Therese had

improvement to come. One gets the feeling that most any jockey could have done the honours here, such was the ease of the 3yo’s victory. Allowed to lope along at the rear, Santa Therese (4-3) weaved her way between runners and ran away from the capacity field to beat her late rattling Ridgemont stablemate Water Spirit (20-1) by 3,25 lengths unextended in a time of 97,17 secs. Sovereign Secret (12-1) blew in the betting, and deadheated with Step Lively (20-1) in third. It was a great result for the Greeff yard, picking up first, shared third and fourth cheques in the process. The win was all the more meritorious as Santa Therese had played up in the starting stalls and was checked and cleared to race.

The victory was a reflection of Greg Cheyne’s astute judgement. The Ridgemont jockey told all who would listen some time ago that Santa Therese is good enough to compete in the Cape – and she now seems to be headed in that direction in three months. Racing in a partnership of Celso and Lee Scribante, with Steven and Jessica Jell who watched the race from the USA, Santa Therese was a R160 000 National Yearling Sale buy. She has now won six of eight starts with two places for stakes of R238 750. Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, Santa Therese is by Flower Alley (Distorted Humor) out of the twice winning Tiger Ridge mare, Santa Clarita. Her sire has produced 50 black type horses internationally, including Kentucky Derby winning champion I’ll Have

Another and Gr1 Ashland Stakes victress Lilacs And Lace. The Greeff and Van Niekerk partnership competed a quick double when the consistent Blingking made it four wins on the trot since arriving in the Eastern Cape from Cape Town just three months ago. Alan Greeff, who is at 7th slot on the SA National Champion log, earlier saddled the first of his three winners when Charles Ndlovu partnered Bad Habit (7-1) to beat her more fancied stablemate Delicasea (9-2) to win the third race.

Keep Up With The

PACE!

email advertising@winningmedia.co.za

The Merits SANTA THERESE has had her rating increased from 99 to 104 following her very easy success in the Listed East Cape Paddock Stakes over 1600m on the Fairview turf course on Friday. It was runner-up WATER SPIRIT who was considered to

make for the most suitable line horse, which leaves her unchanged on a rating of 94. Aside from the winner, the only other increase was for 4th placed STEP LIVELY, who was raised from 87 to 94 after she finished no more than 0.10 lengths behind the

94-rated line horse WATER SPIRIT at level weights. There were ratings drops for two horses, with RATTLE MOUSE down from 94 to 92 and GOLDEN CHANCE being dropped to 86 from 88.

36 Beautiful Daytona – end of an era

DAYTONA – END OF AN ERA v

Mike Barnard and the late Robin Hamilton, pictured with What A Winter Drakenstein stallion What A Winter, bred by Daytona, made a big impression at last Wednesday’s Dispersal Sale of the champion nursery’s stock.

Daytona has been associated with a number of top class racehorses and champions, but one of the most important horses connected with the farm is the great sire Elliodor.

The sale marks the winding down of a highly respected name in SA breeding. The Sporting Post learns that the Ceres farm has been purchased by the government and will become a fruit producer.

A son of champion sire and broodmare sire Lyphard, Elliodor arrived in 1981 – and Mike Barnard is on record saying that he firmly believes that he was the most influential horse connected with Daytona at the time of writing.

Daytona, which was managed by part owner Mike Barnard, was originally started by Dr Frank Freeman and his family, before being taken over by Arthur Pfaff.

A really well bred horse (his dam was a sister to champion and successful sire Busted), Elliodor battled early on to get much support – and his first crop contained just 14 registered foals.

When Arthur passed away, Daytona was taken over by his widow Ingrid. At the passing of Ingrid, Daytona was purchased by Robin Hamilton and Mike Barnard in 1999. Mr Hamilton passed away in June 2020.

However, this crop contained his greatest son and South Africa’s first equine millionaire Model Man. Model Man’s wins included five at Gr1 level , including the J&B Met, and he went on to become a 38

successful stallion and broodmare sire. Elliodor’s first crop contained two other black type winners, including EP Derby winner Eli’s Star, who himself went on to enjoy success at stud – from very limited opportunities, the son of Elliodor left behind the Gr1 winners Eli’s Game and Eli’s Truth. Success continued for Elliodor, who went on to leave behind 78 stakes winners. Remarkably, this magnificent sire (whose third crop contained just five live foals), was represented by 43 individual Gr1 performers, with his stars including three Gr1 Paddock Stakes winners, as well as Gr1 winners Eldoriza, Forest Trogon, Lord Shirldor and July hero Super Quality. He was also an outstanding broodmare sire, with his

daughters producing the likes of Aslan, Cordocelli, Dog Wood, Kotchka, and Val De Ra- to name but a few. Other successful sires to have stood at Daytona include Qui Danzig and Sportsworld – both of whose broodmare daughters went on to become extremely successful at stud. The Elliodor/Sportsworld cross became a highly successful one, with the nick producing the likes of stakes winners Gay Regina, Tastevin and Sportscuddle. The list of outstanding racehorses bred at Daytona is a long one. Two of the farms most famous graduates are Tiza and the star, What A

Winter The latter supplied the top-priced weanling sold at Wednesday’s sale, while the top two mares sold off the Dispersal Sale are both in foal to What A Winter. The What A Winter weanling colt (Lot 21) out of What Fun made R250 000 when knocked down to John Kramer. The colt is out of the Ideal World mare What Fun, a full-sister to Kenilworth Cup winner Mercurana and a half-sister to the top-class pair of Marinaresco and Marina. What A Winter was also covering sire on the well-bred half-sisters Liquid Force (Lot 4) and Konkola (Lot 3) who made

R330 000 and R280 000 respectively, when sold to Rathmor Stud and Lammerskraal Stud. Liquid Force and Konkola are both out of Mkushi Gold – who, like What A Winter, was sired by multiple South African champion sire Western Winter. See all the prices – please click here A four-time Gr1 winner, What A Winter has had another fine season in 2020-2021, and, at the time of writing, was second on South Africa’s Leading Sires Of 2YOs and third on the General Sires List

Chase Liebenberg

Dual stakes winner Third Runway topped the sale

DRAKENSTEIN BUY TOP LOT Varsfontein Stud’s resident sire Gimmethegreenlight, set to be crowned South African Champion Sire for 2020-2021, provided the top lot at last Friday’s CTS Select Fillies For Stud Online Sale. His talented daughter Third Runway (# 10) was knocked down to Drakenstein Stud for R500 000 to top the online sale. Consigned to the sale by Woodhill Racing, Third Run-

way showed high-class form on the racetrack, winning the Listed Irridescence Stakes at two and the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship at three. The four time winner, who earned over R530 000 in stakes, was also second in the Gr3 Champagne Stakes and third in the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas. Out of the Black Minnaloushe mare Outrage, Third Runway is one of 36 stakes winners for

G1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate winner Gimmethegreenlight. The latter was also responsible for the fourth top lot sold at Friday’s sale, with Gimmethegreenlight’s Gr2 Post Merchants winning daughter La Bella Mia sold to Ridgemont Highlands for R225 000. The sire also made news at Fairview on Friday, where Gimmethegreenlight son Blingking made it four wins on

the bounce when scoring over 1600 metres. A son of More Than Ready, Gimmethegreenlight has had an outstanding season in 2020-2021, with his 12 black

type winners thus far including Gr1 H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut/Gr1 4Racing Premier’s Champions Challenge winner Got The Greenlight.

Please click here to see all the prices

Entry Date Extended Next on the agenda is the CTS Ready To Run & Unbroken Two-Year-Old Sale at Kenilworth on Sunday 31 October at 16h00.

enter their unbroken twoyear-olds for this sale.

Cape Thoroughbred Sales is once again inviting all breeders and owners to

The 2021 R2R Sale will be preceded by the R2R gallops on Friday, 29 October,

Due to demand, the deadline for entries has been extended until 16 August 2021.

followed by the R2R Stakes Race on Saturday, 30 October. CTS and Cape Racing have joined forces to stage the 2021 De Grendel Ready To Run Stakes for prize money of R900,000. The entry form can be found online – please click here

45 Design by Winning Media

Halfway To Heaven's sons at Milnerton - from l to r: Hawwaam (Silvano), Rainbow Bridge (Ideal World) and Golden Ducat (Philanthropist)

With the 2020-2021 South African racing season fast drawing to an end, it is perhaps worth looking at some of the top broodmares of the season. Some of the mares below may not qualify to be Broodmare Of The Year

this season, but they more than made their presence felt through their descendants. Halfway To Heaven: South Africa's Broodmare Of The Year the past two seasons running, the G3 Prix du Cap winning daughter of Jet Master enjoyed further

success in 2020-2021. Her dual G1 winning son Golden Ducat (Philanthropist) captured the Gr2 Glorious Goodwood Premier Trophy, while her outstanding son Rainbow Bridge (Ideal World) has won all of the Gr1 Cape Town Met Presented by Cape Racing, Gr2 Independent On

Saturday Drill Hall Stakes and the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge this season. Gay Fortuna: A Fort Wood three-parts sister to Horse Of The Year Celtic Grove, Gay Fortuna came up with her third stakes winner

when her brilliant daughter Marina (Silvano) captured both the World Sports Betting Stormsvlei Stakes and WSB River Jetez Stakes this season. Marina joins former Equus Champion, and Gr1 Vodacom Durban July winner, Marinaresco (Silvano), and Kenilworth Cup hero

Mercurana (Ideal World) as stakes winners for her dam. Promisefrommyheart: The now deceased champion more than made her presence felt in the 20202021 racing season. Promisefrommyheart's Spook

Express Handicap winning daughter Justthewayyouare (Fort Wood) is the dam of the 2020-2021 WSB Triple Crown winner Malmoos (Captain Al), while her Gr2 Premier Trophy/ Gr2 Peninsula Handicap winning son Master Of My Fate (Jet Master) had an excellent season with his runners headed by Gr1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes winner Zarina and Saturday's Gr3 Goals And Gallops Final Fling Stakes winner Pretty Betty. Malmoos is the second graded winner for Justthewayyouare, also dam of dual Gr3 winner Captain Splendid. Fashing: Another late mare to make her presence felt this season was Fashing -S outh Africa's Broodmare Of The Year in 2003. The daughter of Dancing Champ ranks as the granddam of this season's Gr3 Kenilworth Fillies Nursery winner Gimme Dat (Gimmethegreenlight), and third dam of both the Listed The Lighthouse Foundation Devon Air Stakes victress Twice The Trip (Twice Over), Sophomore Sprint winner Speed Machine (Legislate) and Listed East Cape Guineas/Listed World Sports Betting East Cape Derby winner Jaeger Moon (Capetown Noir). Nona In Command: Winner of the Listed Swallow

Stakes, Commands' daughter Nona In Command made it two graded stakes winners from her first two runners when her son Warrior (Futura) won the Gr3 World Sports Betting Variety Club Mile. Nona In Command, bred on similar lines to champion Laisserfaire (Danehill), also ranks as the dam of Gr3 Prix du Cap/Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes winner Pretty Young Thing (Jackson). Cosmic Dream: Silvano mare Cosmic Dream was another to produce a second graded winner this season when her son Cosmic Highway (Gimmethegreenlight) captured the Gr3 Cape Of Good Hope Nursery. The latter, a half-brother to Gr2 The Debutante winner Cosmic Light (Querari), also went on to win the Listed Cell C Sharks Gatecrasher Stakes. Deceptive Charm: The daughter of outstanding broodmare sire Kingmambo was another to come up with a second graded stakes winner when her two-year-old daughter Under Your Spell won the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship and Gr3 Protea Stakes this season. Deceptive Charm (whose dam is a fullsister to Casey Tibbs) is bred on the highly successful Kingmambo/Sadler's Wells cross, and also rates as the dam of dual Gr3 Track And Ball Oaks winner Witchcraft (Kahal).

Mystery Dame: Daughters of Jet Master continue to shine as broodmares, and the champion’s Gr3 placed daughter Mystery Dame came up with her second graded winner this season when her son Nexus scored in the Gr2 Cape Racing Peninsula Handicap. Nexus (Dynasty) joins the Dynasty sired champion Lady In Black as a graded stakes winner for his well-bred dam. Betty Burke: The daughter of Captain Al registered her third stakes winner in the form of this season's Listed Ladies Mile/ G3 Final Fling Stakes winner Pretty Betty. Previously, Betty Burke had produced dual Gr3 winner Freedom Charter (Elusive Fort) and Sophomore Sprint hero Ernie (Elusive Fort). First Arrival: The former Zimbabwe star, whose progeny include Gr1 winning champions Let's Rock'N Roll and In The Fast Lane, came up with a remarkable sixth stakes winner, when her daughter Keep On Dancing (Silvano) won both the Gr2 Track And Ball Oaks and Listed KRA East Coast Cup.

BRIAN’S HAVING A BALL! 49

Happy winners - Charlene and Brian Onkruid pictured in pre-covid days at the Artscape Theatre

A racing fan of some 42 years standing, Plumsteadbased Brian Onkruid was the winner of our Riverton Stud Vodacom Durban July Top 4 competition and will soon be on his way to the magnificent Robertson farm for a week of R&R at their Wine Down Cottage. Duncan and Natasha Barry kindly sponsored the lovely prize and we thank them for their generosity. We pitted 36 celebrity/ professional tipsters against SP readers with the mandate to tip the Vodacom Durban July quartet. The 54 year old Brian Onkruid’s entry was adjudged the closest. An elated Brian told us that ‘people’s horse’ Kommetdieding was key to his selection. “I saw one of Kommetdieding’s earlier races when he beat Russian Rock after being slow away. Then I saw Russian Rock win the Cape Guineas for Dean Kannemeyer - and right then I realised how good Kommetieding’s victory was. I told all my friends and family that this is the next Vodacom Durban July winner.” The man who spends two to three hours per day studying the race card, certainly has a blue-blooded pedigree to find

the winners. Brian told the Sporting Post that his Dad has been a regular punter all his life and introduced him to the Sport Of Kings. “He took me with him to Milnerton Racecourse when I was about 12 years old and I was in awe when I saw the horses in the parade ring for the first time. I was hooked as these beautiful specimens captivated me instantly. As fate would have it, my first bet turned out to be a winner. It was a horse called Have A Ball ridden by Patrick McGivern. It was a long shot in the race and my return was very good for only a few rand. From then on I was truly hooked!” While Brian maintains a betting spreadsheet – he likens his punting to playing the stock markets - and is one of the few players running at a profit, like every one of us who ever spent a rand on the geegee’s, the hard-luck stories are there for the telling. “One of my best stories is when I won the Transvaal Pick 6 in December 1996 for an outlay of R12 (120 combinations @ 10 cents a unit) and won R89 000 (R7 416/1). I have won multiple Pick 6 bets before and since. Like Kommetdieding, I have been fortunate to have found many Durban July winners

long before the race. Some that come to mind are Classic Flag, Marinaresco, Dunford and Dynasty. The Pick 6 is my favourite punt and one of my biggest hard luck stories is when I lost the Pick 6 many years ago in KZN with Joey Ramsden’s Horse King of Pain. Initially I had him as part of my bet and then took him out to make my perm smaller. I would have collected R300 000. I could not sleep that evening!” We asked Brian if his lovely wife of 31 years supports his racing. “Charlene fully supports my racing and understands it is my passion. It has always been my policy to hand my wife the winnings. That way the family benefits and racing is always a positive form of entertainment in our home. I also maintain my discipline. If I spend R100 on my Pick 6, I don’t up that to R500 just because I had a win,” he says confidently. A genuine son of the Cape, Brian was born in Bishop Lavis and lived there for 12 years before moving to Mitchell’s Plain where he resided for another 18 years. “I completed my High schooling in Mitchell’s Plain and met Charlene in the same area. My first job was as a factory worker in a

Printing Company. My wife and I rented a home in Mitchells Plain for a few years before we bought our own home in Ottery in 1998.”

have my own vehicles. Most of our clients come from all over Europe and the USA. I have met some lovely people from all over the globe.”

The Onkruids have two daughters, Taryn (30) and Jessica (25).

He concedes that Covid-19 has hit his industry hard.

“We are a very close family and enjoy spending as much time together as we can. We enjoy the outdoors and one of our highlights was when we spent a family weekend away at the Kruger National Park many years ago. We like to travel as much as we can locally.” Brian worked in the Printing Industry for 27 years and his last post was Plant Manager for an International Printing Company. “In 2010 I decided to start my own business in the Tourism Industry. I have always had a passion for our country and its cosmopolitan culture. I am a qualified Tourist Guide and I

“Being in the Hospitality Industry says it all. We were one of the hardest hit sectors in our brittle economy. Once the airports were shut, all our clients cancelled all their business immediately. It is a massive struggle to stay afloat in these difficult times. I know that this pandemic has created a bloodbath for the whole country. But my attitude is that giving up is not an option and we need to stay as positive as we can.” Besides his focus interest on South African racing, Brian is a passionate British Premier League follower and also enjoys cricket, Wimbledon, and South African Rugby. We asked how he felt about

racing’s future. “I think SA Racing is in a very difficult position. We need some solid leadership to ensure that we win the war. The focus must be on bringing new blood into the game.” And if he was given the job of CEO of SA racing for a week, where would he start? “I would get all the role players in to see how we can increase the Cape Town fields. This will improve the revenue from a punting perspective and could lead to improved stake pay-outs for owners.” If you would like to visit Riverton for a soul recharging break from the daily grind, please click here to read more

Met glory 2020 – a cherished memory for MJ

Chase Liebenberg

MJ – ‘MOONBOOTS ‘N ALL’ 53

Putting life into perspective and knowing that there are many people a lot worse off than he is. That’s the philosophy adopted by 2020 Met winning jockey MJ ‘Bakkies’ Byleveld as he endures the tenth frustrating month of injury. The tough-as-nails 39 year old enjoyed a character fashioning upbringing in Limpopo as the son of a maize farmer and cattle trader. But working in the fields and herding cattle under the blazing African sun could never have prepared the nuggety

Blue Bulls supporter for the mental torture and frustration that commenced when a near 500kg thoroughbred shattered his ankle at work at Milnerton in September 2020. Eight months earlier, Covid-19 was a seemingly inconsequential faraway subject discussed on foreign television channels. And Bakkies was savouring the adrenaline charged moment of bravado following his Met victory on One World. We all fondly remember the afternoon at Kenilworth where, with the shadows lengthening,

he had flashed his ‘Faf’ Bok undies for the benefit of the media and an adoring racing public. Fast forward to July 2021, the multiple Gr1 winning jockey, who was actually back on the comeback trail at the Vaughan Marshall yard riding work a month earlier, spoke to the Sporting Post about the shatteringly grim news as his surgeon discussed his latest scan results with him. “I am very fortunate to enjoy the attention of one of the top professionals in his field in South Africa. But even he seems stumped. My bone

graft hasn’t worked. The bone just hasn’t grown. We need to go back to square one. I am not sure whether I should cry, scream or laugh.” He had his bone graft and pins inserted in February and MJ started work slowly in early June. “I had pain – but it was bearable and I thought I’d ride my way through it. But the more I shortened my irons, the worse it got. When my ankle was touching the saddle it was bad. So I went back to my Doctor and told him something was not right.” The ankle is clearly a high pressure joint that undergoes

a lot of movement, no matter the individual’s physical regime. MJ says that he is confident his specialist is one of the very best – and he has had a second opinion, and lots of input from well-meaning friends and family. “I would be spending an hour in the morning just taking pills if I took all the advice that I have been given. Obviously everybody means only good. But my Doctor knows best and he showed me the fragments of bone in circulation in the joint on the scan. I am going to have to go for another operation and I must just remain positive!”

MJ said that the events in South Africa last week had been something of a ‘regmaker’ for his self-pity and personal desperation. “One only needs to see how badly some of our people have it to realise that my problems are miniscule. There is so much trauma and suffering countrywide, I’m just thankful to have a roof over my head and food on the table here in the Cape.” Speaking of food, MJ says his time out of the saddle has seen him peak at 63kgs. “It’s not comfort eating, believe me! I’m fit and it’s just general inactivity, compared

Chase Liebenberg

55 Three wise men – Piere Strydom, MJ Byleveld & Anton Marcus - all out of action now

to my usual professional routine of work and raceriding.” The Warmbaths-born rider joined the SA Jockey Academy in 1997, with the likes of currently Mauritiusbased Corne Offer, Billy Jacobson and Deni Smith. He qualified as a professional jockey in 2001 and was based in Durban until an ultimately lifechanging job

offer from Glen Kotzen saw him move to the Cape. Recalling his greatest memories beyond One World’s exciting Met victory over Rainbow Bridge and Ryan Moore last year, MJ says that winning the 2013 Gr1 Mercury Sprint at Clairwood for Vaughan Marshall and the late Garth Miller aboard All Is Secret, and the Cape Guineas (his second success in the classic) on William Longsword,

were special. We asked him if he could be looking at calling it a day if the next procedure doesn’t work. “Oh hell no! I am a youngster and have twenty years of riding ahead of me. Retirement is a swear word – and one that is not in my vocabulary!”

Design by Winning Media

PURE MAGIC OVER R400 MILLION IN v

STAKES

Candiese Lenferna

Joao ‘Magic Man’ Moreira was crowned champion jockey of Hong Kong for the fourth time last week. Moreira rode 157 winners from 742 rides for stakes of a healthy HK$ 215 300 250. That equates to over R403 million, in case it means something! The superbly talented rider also joined an exclusive club as only the third jockey in the history of Hong Kong racing to have ridden 1000 winners in the jurisdiction alongside our own Dougie Whyte and Aussie star, Zac Purton. In a reflection of his charisma and consistency, Moreira was also voted most popular rider by public vote. Following his three titles in succession, Moreira was dethroned by Purton in the 2017/18 season and the Australian held the title in 2018/19 and 2019/20. Such is the duo’s dominance after Purton’s initial title in 2013/14, between them they brought an end to the ‘Durban Demon’ Whyte’s supremacy of 13 years and between them have shared the past eight titles, four apiece. Sealing the prestigious ti-

Keep Up With The

tle, the ‘Magic Man’ adds the 2020/21 crown to his previous three in succession (2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17) after a season of sustained brilliance in the saddle, which early on, was troubled with an injury to his hip. “It’s a very meaningful win for me, especially because I have been on the bench for three seasons in a row now and I had to find ways to ignite the flame within myself. “I had a great determination when we started this season, I was more focused, I worked harder and I was more committed, I was hoping that I could really get there and with many other factors as well we did and we can say that with Zac (Purton) being suspended late on,” Moreira said.

port of a lot of people, we all know who has contributed big time and to all of those guys, I just have to express my gratitude to them and how thankful I am for the opportunities to ride such good horses and to also be given the confidence to do so,” Moreira said. Moreira won a pair of Gr1’s aboard Hot King Prawn in the 2021 Centenary Sprint Cup and the 2021 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup atop Waikuku. “It’s obvious that in the last three years I could have won the championship if I didn’t make mistakes or if things had gone differently but knowing that just gave me such a bad feeling,” Moreira said.

“It’s been such a different season to any other that I have gone through, I started off with health issues – the hip injury slowed me for a little while,” Moreira said.

Moreira also snared Hong Kong’s most prestigious contest for the second time this term, claiming the 2021 BMW Hong Kong Derby aboard Sky Darci, who under a superb ride from the 37-year-old overcame stamina doubts to claim the HK$24 million ‘blue-riband’.

The Brazilian damaged ligaments in the off-season to his left hip which niggled at him early on through the course of the season before he received treatment in October, 2020. “It’s very obvious that I wouldn’t have done it without the sup-

“The Derby, I would say is my favourite – it’s one of Hong Kong’s most important races but not just this, the circumstances that we were in with Sky Darci – according to some he wasn’t the right horse to be on but to then

Pace! 60

The Sporting Post Sprint offers winning advertising options email advertising@winningmedia.co.za

The Season’s big-hitters Horse of the Year: GOLDEN SIXTY Lifetime Achievement Award: BEAUTY GENERATION EXULTANT Champion Trainer: CASPAR FOWNES Champion Jockey: JOAO MOREIRA Tony Cruz Award: VINCENT HO

go and win it was incredibly meaningful and I’m looking forward to the next one,” Moreira said. Eager also for a break after an arduous 2020/21 campaign, Moreira has already begun planning for next season as he embarks on a fifth title bid. “I’m looking forward to the break but if you’re a rider and love winning races then you’re already thinking of how we’re going to make sure that we keep on winning next season and that is already in my mind. “The preparation for next season has already begun, how am I going to keep it up

because there’s going to be pressure, everyone will expect me to perform and how am I going to do that, I have to put a lot of thought into all of this,” Moreira said. “It seems a long season because of the situation the world is in, the virus has everyone stuck in the same place and we’re not allowed to go anywhere, even the break between the last two seasons, it didn’t give us the feeling that we had a proper break. “Last season and this season feel like they have been linked together, it’s been a much tougher season for not just me but everyone else,” Moreira described.

Champion MiddleDistance Horse: GOLDEN SIXTY Champion Miler: GOLDEN SIXTY Champion Sprinter: HOT KING PRAWN Champion Stayer: PANFIELD Champion Four-YearOld: SKY DARCI Most Popular Horse of the Year: GOLDEN SIXTY Most Popular Jockey of the Year: JOAO MOREIRA Champion Griffin: FANTASTIC TREASURE Most Improved Horse: COURIER WONDER

Hong Kong Stakes Boost The new racing season in Hong Kong will commence at Sha Tin on Sunday 5 September with the first of 68 meetings. Hong Kong racing will offer record prize money of HK$1.46 billion for the 2021/22 season with the four G1 features on LONGINES Hong Kong International Raceday offering a combined new high of HK$100 million.

respectively. The Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) is also the most endowed sevenfurlong contest in the world on turf at HK$12 million. Hong Kong will also stage the world’s second most-valuable 1200m Group 1 on turf in 2021/22, with the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, run on FWD Champions Day, worth HK$20 million.

By elevating the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup’s prize money to HK$30 million, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will stage the world’s richest Group 1 races over 1200m, 1400m, 1600m and 2000m on turf.

In addition, there will be generous increases across the whole prize money structure, with prize money for Group 2 races and Group 3 races boosted by HK$250,000 and HK$200,000 respectively.

The LONGINES Hong Kong Mile and the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, which are already the most valuable Group 1 races over 1600m and 1200m on turf, will rise to HK$26 million and HK$24 million

Races in Classes 1 to 5 will also see prize money increased by between 4% and 9%, demonstrating the Club’s commitment to fostering talent and incentivising strong owner investment at all levels.

The upward adjustments, announced today, Friday 16 July, re-establishes the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (up HK$2 million to HK$30 million) as the most lucrative Group 1 2000m event on turf in the world and consolidates its position as a principal target for the world’s best middle-distance horses. Overall, prize money has been increased by 5.25 percent in 2021/22 with some of the largest increments in Class 1 to Class 5 grades. Recognising rising bloodstock prices globally, the Club is acutely aware of the challenge facing Hong Kong owners due to the very strong competition for high quality horses. As such, prize money for Classes 1 to 5 will rise by between 4 percent and 9.1 percent.

Design by Winning Media

France Galop

FRENCH STAR FOR UK Mickaëlle Michel - headed for Ascot

Globe-trotting star French jockey Mickaëlle Michel will make her Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup debut next month at Ascot as a member of the Ladies Team.

competitions as that spell in Japan started in the World All-Star Jockeys Championship in Sapporo in 2019 where she rode one winner and finished third overall.

Mickaëlle was the leading female rider in France in 2018 and has since gone on to record-breaking success around the world, most notably in Japan.

Back in Europe last autumn her biggest career success came in Italy when she partnered Walderbe to victory in the Group 2 Premio Jockey Club at San Siro. She also rode the German-trained stayer to be second in the Dubai Gold Cup in March, behind the subsequent Gold Cup winner at Royal Ascot, Subjectivist.

Last year the 26-year-old had a hugely successful spell on Japan’s NAR circuit by setting a new record for the most wins by a foreign jockey on a short-term licence with 30 victories from 267 rides. She is also no stranger to international jockey

The COVID-19 pandemic meant she was unable to return to Japan this year as planned but she has enjoyed

a very successful year in Europe with 18 winners to date in France, Germany and Greece. She also rode in the German Derby earlier this month. She is yet to ride in the UK but took part in the Microsoft Cup Lady Riders Handicap at Leopardstown in Ireland in May 2019. That race was won by Hayley Turner who it was recently announced will also be in the Ladies team. Mickaëlle Michel said, “I’m really excited to be riding in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup this year. It will be my first experience of riding in Britain and there is no better place to do it than Ascot. “The Dubai Duty Free

Shergar Cup is a competition that all the top jockeys around the world want to ride in and I’m looking forward to being part of the Ladies team and hopefully lifting the trophy.”

Teams & Dreams The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is a unique fixture in the global racing calendar that sees the world’s top jockeys compete for points to lift racing’s ultimate team prize, with four teams battling it out across a thrilling

six-race contest. Hayley Turner's team were the victors last time the competition was held in 2019, and Mickaëlle Michel joins some of the world's top jockeys who are set to return to Ascot on 7 August 2021.

70 Callan and his good friend and colleague, Lyle Hewitson

Chase Liebenberg

CAPE JOCKEY MOVES DOWN UNDER 71

Multiple Gr1-winning Ridgemont Highlands jockey Callan Murray will continue his race riding career in Australia. Known for his dazzling elite treble at the 2017 Champion’s Day meeting at Turffontein, riding Mustaaqeem, Rafeef, and Deo Juvente to a historic Gr1 success, Murray has had a previous stint in Australia where he rode largely for the Hayes stable, and has also spent time in Hong Kong and Singapore. Murray made a career move three months ago from a ‘quiet’ Gauteng, where he rode for Mike de Kock, to join the powerful Brett Crawford yard at Philippi in the Cape and was quickly amongst the winners. He has won nine Gr1 races to date and was South African Champion Apprentice in the 2015/16 season.

The 24 year old’s first race ride was on 3 November 2013 and nine days and two rides later he cracked the ice aboard the Charles Laird-trained Tennessee Strategy at Clairwood. Set to be based in South Australia, the same location which South African trainers Dean and Gary Alexander have also decided to set up in, Murray is keen to get to Australia and kick start his local career. “I’ve done a lot of travelling and feel like it’s time to find a place to settle in. I really enjoy the scene of Australia. I haven’t been to South Australia yet but I’m really looking forward to setting up a base for myself.” Callan is currently 18th on the national log with his 44 winners from 462 rides giving him a 9,5% strike rate. His mounts have earned just over R3,2 million.

He will leave here at the beginning of August. “Fortunately, with the help of quite a few people, (like) Lachlan Weekley, he’s assisted me, and Racing South Australia have sponsored me in getting over. So I’ll be able to ride in South Australia, which I’m very grateful and excited for,”he said. We reported just last month that former dual SA Champion apprentice Luke Ferraris, already a six-time Gr1 winner at the tender age of 19, would join the Hong Kong riding ranks after being granted a six-month contract by the HKJC. Ferraris replaces Neil Callan and is the only new addition to the Hong Kong roster for the new season which starts on 5 September.

GOODBYE LOCKDOWN…

HELLO LOVE & 15000 PEOPLE! v

Ascot Racecourse

The Gr1 Qipco King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is the main event at Ascot on Saturday and Nick Smith, the track’s Director of Racing and Public Affairs, is expecting the biggest crowds seen on a racecourse in over sixteen months. Estimates range around 15 000 racegoers for the big day. The cream of the classic generation meet the best older horses over a mile and a half for the first time this season, with Aidan O'Brien's

star four-year-old filly Love likely to encounter Epsom Derby hero Adayar and Irish Derby runner-up Lone Eagle - along with many other group one winners – at the end of a week in which the lockdown restrictions are lifted in England. "We'll probably be at half capacity for the King George” said Smith. "We've had a very short sales window in terms of the final confirmation restrictions being lifted on July 19 and then being able to proactively market the race."

Smith added: "We don't have a capacity cap because if people want to come, we want to have them. It's looking like being a vintage running of the race, and if the weather holds it should be a fantastic day and we'd love as many people as possible to come.” "This is what the King George is all about. If they all stand their ground then we'll have the race of the season, which is what it should be. We're looking forward to it."

A crowd of around 15 000 would be comfortably larger than the 12 000 allowed during the Royal Ascot test event but well down on a normal King George crowd. A tantalising edition of the Gr1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes is in prospect with Love, Adayar and Mishriff all standing their ground for Ascot’s midsummer highlight. Having carried all before her in three starts last season, including a nine-length demolition in the Oaks at Epsom Downs, Love returned with a game success in the Gr1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. Fillies have an excellent recent record in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, following the exploits of three-time winner Enable, Taghrooda and Danedream. Adayar (Charlie Appleby) is aiming to bridge a 20-year gap for Derby winners in the 12-furlong showpiece, with no horse doing the double since Galileo in 2001. In this period, three Derby winners have contested the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes

during their Classic campaigns, with Kris Kin faring best in third in 2003. The other contender from the Classic generation is Lone Eagle (Martyn Meade), who was narrowly denied by Adayar’s stablemate Hurricane Lane in the Gr1 Irish Derby at the Curragh on 26th June. Leading four-year-old Mishriff (John & Thady Gosden) is likely to take his chance after pleasing connections since his comeback third in the Gr1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park on 3rd July. That was his first start since recording a memorable big-race double in the Saudi Cup on dirt and G1 Dubai Sheema Classic on turf earlier in the year. Ted Voute, racing manager to owner Prince Faisal, said earlier: “I talked to John after Mishriff worked on Saturday and John was very happy with him. It has very much been left up to John where he runs next and, having discussed it with the Prince, Ascot looks the likely target. “I thought Mishriff was a bit gassy at Sandown in the first half of the race, which happens to a lot of horses after some time off, and I just wondered whether he needed a race under his belt to get him spot on. He seemed to run very well backing up from Saudi to

Dubai. “St Mark’s Basilica is clearly a very good horse and I think it is going to take a very good horse to beat Love on Saturday. We want to win a Group 1 in England with Mishriff and you can’t win one unless you run in them. He has beaten some very good horses from around the world and now is the time to see what he can do against the big battalions from England and Ireland in particular.” The nine confirmations also include last year’s Gr1 QIPCO Champion Stakes winner Addeybb (William Haggas) and fellow British Champions Day scorer Wonderful Tonight (David Menuisier), who defeated the boys in the Gr2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot on her reappearance. Love’s trainer Aidan O’Brien is responsible for the three remaining entries, with the star filly joined by Gr1 scorers Broome, Japan and Mogul. The ground at Ascot on Monday was good to firm, good in places, with watering taking place. Dry and warm weather is forecast until Friday evening when thunderstorms could arrive.

HOW DO WE REINVENT THE TOTE?

Tote wagering games must be end to end fun and horseracing needs to be synonymous with value for money entertainment. This can be done and should be pursued. Longstanding SP contributor and poster Leon Smuts expresses his ideas and thoughts about overcoming some of racing’s hurdles in the Sporting Post Mailbag.

The tote must, and can, provide a critical helping hand by introducing products that will be less punitive on players and that will guarantee more enjoyment, lower participation costs and better quality dividends than what we are currently subjected to. Racing should be promoted as a game of skill but it is the enjoyment and fun of taking

part that will motivate people to learn more and spend more time and money in the pursuit of that all – important knowledge. Make it as much fun as possible and people will try it and return regularly which is a must if pools and player numbers are to grow.

Only once entertainment supportive exotic game formats are introduced will racing, and in particular the tote, reap the benefits of a more aspirational offering and a growing customer base that has virtually unlimited potential with a more focused and customer centric approach. The revival and revitalisation of the tote is the most critical aspect of racing’s future and all of us should support efforts to make the tote more modern, attractive and successful.

How much are operators willing to do to make the tote the platform of choice again and an exciting new destination, offering unparalleled value for money entertainment, to people new to the game? Building new markets and large scale new interest in racing cannot happen without a fundamentally new entertainment offering, or offerings, from the tote. Read the full story – please click here If you have something to say, we have the platform – please write with name, address and contact mobile number to editor@sportingpost.co.za. We reserve the right to edit letters.

updated 2021-07-21

TRAINERS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr S J Snaith Mr P A Peter Mr S G Tarry Mr M F de Kock Mr A C Greeﬀ

1268 992 1018 561 1035

197 149 132 87 138

164 129 115 74 142

133 95 120 61 142

15.5 15.0 13.0 15.5 13.3

Other Places Place % 170 103 117 67 138

467 327 352 202 422

36.8 33.0 34.6 36.0 40.8

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

9,811,025 14,727,525 7,958,200 12,247,050 6,415,800 10,850,950 5,357,850 7,671,925 4,166,500 6,989,500

JOCKEYS Name

Runs Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr L Hewitson Mr W B Kennedy Mr S Khumalo Mr M A Yeni Mr G M Cheyne

1647 1091 859 1132 845

219 138 92 120 110

194 135 105 121 136

253 170 153 141 137

15.4 15.6 17.8 12.5 16.2

Other Places Place % 244 164 106 147 124

657 437 303 388 370

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

39.9 10,975,475 17,220,475 40.1 9,822,225 14,471,475 35.3 7,211,500 10,742,488 34.3 8,337,150 12,595,575 43.8 4,228,800 6,978,825

BREEDERS Name

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

Klawervlei Stud Wilgerbosdri� & Mauritzfontein Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) Varsfontein Stud

440 307 229

2566 44,483 166 1755 59,630 148 1337 49,475 81

170 138

946 64,664 785 60,005

89 61

240 232 142

37.7 48.2 35.4

848 602 371

10 12 7

14 19,572,438 20 18,306,288 16 11,329,738

160 101

52.4 44.2

360 264

10 8

13 10,992,850 14 8,280,700

SIRES Name Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) Master Of My Fate What A Winter Silvano (GER) Vercingetorix

Runrs Runs AEPR 197 192 183 166 138

1134 1272 1078 971 726

58,987 50,602 50,228 52,885 62,529

B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs % 98 86 86 74 73

162 132 138 115 122

49.7 44.8 47.0 44.6 52.9

368 463 386 301 296

See all the detailed standings - Click here 79

12 7 4 7 7

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

15 10 6 12 9

11,620,400 9,715,550 9,191,750 8,778,975 8,629,050

ASKING FOR A FRIEND…LY? 80

Another week closer to the start of the club football season - yes, I’ve started a countdown! Ryan Liberty takes another look at some selected fixtures to just add a little extra coinage to our ever-growing coffers! Betting available closer to kick-off at www.hollywoodbets.net Friday 23 July Mainz 05 vs Liverpool (18:15) You might be surprised to hear that the last time these sides met, the German based outfit ran out 4-0 winners. Now whilst I was less surprised – only because it was a friendly of course – Liverpool in 2016 were only a shadow of the side we have come to respect in 2021 and fondly remember from the 80’s. We might see Jurgen Klopp give Taiwo Awoniyi a run out this week and Liverpool with a more traditional striker

leading the line might be rather interesting to see. I don’t think we will see much of the Nigerian during the season proper but in the interim, I think the youngster could give the Liverpool boss something to think about. Back the Reds to come away with a win and get their final preparation underway on a positive note – speaking of which, has anyone heard anything from Don “Mr. Value” Vere lately? Saturday 24 July QPR vs Manchester United (16:00) A friendly encounter between two sides who will come away from the transfer market with a smirk at the very least. QPR has done exceptional business absolutely raiding the free agent market whilst United have seemingly finally gotten deals over the line. United are in a position where youngsters are proving to be possibly the best in the land. Players like Jesse Lingard are once again wanting to fight and

moonwalk their way into the squad, and all of this whilst also doing aggressive business in the window! Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Put some respect on his name! United are in a good place and I reckon that positive free flowing approach continues on Saturday securing them a further preparation win and positive step toward the season. Bayern Munich vs Ajax (16:30) Bayern Munich come into this friendly off the back of a defeat last time out. Now whilst this is obviously no real cause for concern, the rumour mill is turning, and the comments are already starting to fly… Julian Nagelsmann will now know (if he didn’t already) that he’s at one of the biggest clubs in world football and any negative result will always cause discomfort. He does come into the club at a time when all of their veterans have departed and the infamous ‘rebuilding phase’

might be on the horizon. Nevertheless, with a club deep-fried in tradition and heritage one thing will remain even if everything else passes away: Bayern Munich will always be, Bayern Munich. The way they prepare, play and see football is tried and tested and will not be deviated from. Whether such an approach can truly stand the test of time remains to be seen. For your immediate betting needs, both teams to score makes enough appeal for me. Barcelona vs Girona (19:00) So, Emiliano Martinez will die for Lionel Messi? And wants to do everything in his power to add to Messi’s success… what a compliment from a teammate! You can only imagine the respect, gratitude and leadership that is felt in that changeroom for a sportsman playing at such a level to identify the success of another as their driving force. Barcelona will be something to behold in front of goal and I am one of those football fans hoping the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho stay at the Nou Camp and put together a side now with the additions of Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero. Those sorts of

attacking options all under the pupilage of that which is Lionel Messi surely gets you excited? Anyway, that’s for the season ahead. For now, I think the periphal players at Barça will have something to prove and Girona might just be the perfect platform. Back Barca to win – and for more value consult the odds on over 3.5 goals.

one of Europe’s giants (even in a friendly) will do wonders for their confidence and belief going forward. Naturally they want to hear the Champions League anthem bellow around that famous ground at the Ibrox.

Sunday 25 July

Roma vs Debrecen (21:00)

Rangers vs Real Madrid (19:00)

In their first game under Jose Mourinho, the club from Italy’s capital ran riot scoring 10 goals, with Borja Mayoral standing out with a hat-trick for his side. Mourinho’s men face a Hungarian outfit who might not match Roma player for player but will certainly match them for competitive edge and grit – as is always the case when you play anyone from those parts.

Rangers are unbeaten in their preparation games thus far and the confidence in that side seems pulpable. I was able to see some of the extended highlights of their game against Arsenal and they just seemed to play as though Arsenal were truly the 10th placed side playing the champions. A lot has been made about Madrid and its business so far this window, losing Sergio Ramos on a free transfer and now possibly having to see Raphael Varane leave as well, one has to wonder how long until you see Real hitting the discount rack…This is Real Madrid though, managed by Carlo Ancelotti. They have talented youngsters with a seasoned boss. Disrespect them at your peril. In my opinion, this is a big game for Rangers. Having to go through a tough Champions League qualification beating

Get behind Gerrard and the lads!

Roma will likely welcome the physical game for their preparation, but I still see the Italian side coming away with a comfortable victory – by the way, is it too soon to start to wonder whether Mourinho can rejuvenate his career in Italy and find domestic success once more?