20210810- Sporting Post Sprint Ver 1.2 Single Pages by Sporting Post

Cover Image SA Champion trainer Justin Snaith- image courtesy of Candiese Lenferna

4 Rainbow Bridge - champion credentials

Chase Liebenberg

EQUUS - WHO WILL BE CHAMPION? v

The time is drawing nearer for the announcement of our industry champions at the virtual Equus Awards taking place on Tuesday 17 August 2021 at 20h00 on Tellytrack, Channel 249. The show will also be available to view on www.equusawards.co.za. The hosts on the evening are Neil Andrews and Jessica Motaung. Saturday 31 July was the final major feature raceday at Hollywoodbets Greyville where a number of horses stamped themselves as contenders for the various awards categories. The judging panel of Graeme Hawkins, Alistair Cohen, Andrew Harrison, Jack Milner and Stan Elley did not have an easy task assessing some of the categories. The winners will be adjudicated from the following nominees who were all worthy of consideration: Equine categories: Champion Two-year-old Colt: • Ambiorix • Cosmic Highway • Good Traveller • Waterberry Lane Champion Two-year-old Filly:

• • • •

Desert Miracle Rain In Holland Sheela Under Your Spell

Champion Three-year-old Male: • Jet Dark • Kommetdieding • Linebacker • Malmoos Champion Three-year-old Filly: • Captain’s Ransom • War Of Athena • Zarina Champion Older Male: • Got The Greenlight • Rainbow Bridge • Rio Querari Champion Older Filly/Mare: • Queen Supreme • Run Fox Run • Singforafa • Summer Pudding Champion Sprinter: • Battle Force • Kasimir • Rio Querari • Run Fox Run Champion Miler: • Got The Greenlight • Jet Dark • Rainbow Bridge Champion Middle Distance: • Got The Greenlight • Jet Dark • Kommetdieding • Linebacker • Rainbow Bridge • War Of Athena

6 Candiese Lenferna

Champion Stayer: • Atyaab • Malmoos • Nebraas • Silver Host The Horse of the Year will be selected from any of the winners in the equine categories. Visit the www.sportingpost. co.za website to cast your vote and possibly win a case of wine. The groom of the Horse of the Year will be acknowledged for his contribution to the success of the winner. Breeder Awards: Champion Stallion Champion Breeder Champion Broodmare The TBA will, in addition, be honouring the outstanding South African breeder & Outstanding International Achievement. Media Awards: Written material (print/electronic) Broadcast (television/internet) Photographic Individual Awards: Champion Apprentice Champion Jockey Champion Trainer Champion Owner

VOTE YOUR HORSE OF THE YEAR

Sporting Post & SPRINT readers are invited to vote for their choice of the SA Horse Of The Year.

As a token of fun and to add a competitive edge, Avontuur are offering a mixed case of their premiere wine to the reader who selects the new SA Horse Of The Year with the best comment to go with it. Keep it short! So, make your tick and have a

chirp on our www.sportingpost.co.za comments platform.

Winner of the wine to be announced in the next issue of the SPRINT!

Please ensure that your email address per your comment registration is correct as we will be contacting you via that medium to find out where the case of wine must be sent!

Click here to vote for one of the candidates below - visit www.sportingpost.co.za

• The poll closes at midnight on Sunday 15 August. • The results will be published on Monday 16 August.

· Captain’s Ransom · Got The Greenlight · Jet Dark · Kommetdieding · Linebacker · Malmoos · Rainbow Bridge · Summer Pudding · War Of Athena

JC Photos

‘Rafeef up there with the best’

– Corne Spies

Ridgemont top three as Rafeef’s son William Robertson beats Bard Of Avon and Team Gold

THE THUNDER RUMBLES!

The new racing season started with a bang for the leading freshman sire of 2020/21, Rafeef.

Ridgemont Highlands' newly-crowned champion was out of the blocks in a flash, siring four winners in the space of just three days. His first, the Stuart Pettigrewtrained Whafeef, opened his account barely three days into the season when justifying cramped odds second time out at the Vaal. He was ridden to victory by Lyle Hewitson, who also swung a leg across the

Rafeef filly Bella Chica two races later. Successful three times last season and fourth in the Ruffian Stakes, Ashley Fortune's charge confirmed she's a talented sprinter with a comprehensive two-and-a half- length victory up the straight. In the process, she completed a fine hat-trick of wins and looks set to make her presence felt this season.

Three days later and yet another double for Rafeef, this time at Turffontein. Johan Janse van Vuuren took the wraps off the Wernars debutante Moonshiningthrough in a 1160m maiden and she duly impressed with a three-

and-a-half-length drubbing of even-money favourite Meteoric. Definitely one to keep an eye on. Highly-regarded William Robertson completed his sire's double on the day in the lucrative Bloodstock SA Sales Cup for colts and geldings. He outduelled favourite and Gr1 Gold Medallion runner-up Bard Of Avon in a finish dominated by Ridgemont Highlands, breeders of the first three across the line. A remarkable effort from the winner, who is obviously a tough customer, considering he had just stepped off the

float from Durban after finishing third behind Good Traveller in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes a week earlier. Hats off also to Corné Spies on a fine training feat. A great admirer of Rafeef, he remarked: "I think he is going to be one of the serious boom stallions going forward. He's obviously getting good books of mares and judging from that first crop, they are running all over and doing really well." Spies rues the fact that the R500,000 purchase is currently the only representative of his sire in the stable.

"Unfortunately I didn't get more of them. In general the ones that I really liked went for too much money. When I saw William Robertson at the 2YO sale, he was just such an exquisite specimen that we really stretched to get him. Normally I don’t buy horses in that type of price class but he was such an outstanding individual, I really just had to dig down deep to secure him. It has proven to have been right, so I am very relieved from that point of view. It's tough when you buy horses that are expensive, the pressure is massive. "I have seen some really nice Rafeefs at the sales and I think

he really has the credentials to make it as a top stallion in the years to come. He's pretty much up there with the best." No doubt Corné will be amongst the first to inspect William Robertson's own brother, who will be offered by Boland Stud as agent at next week's 2YO sale and is described by Eugene Freeman as "a colt no serious buyer should overlook." He is one of a sizeable second crop, which also includes siblings to Gold Cup winner Dynasty's Blossom, Golden Horseshoe winner Waterberry Lane, Bard Of Avon, the stakes winners

The handsome Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice x National Colour) Benjan, Maybe Yes, O Tamara, as well as youngsters out of a host of stakes winning dams, amongst which champion Laverna, Queens Bay, Beataboutthebush, Fish River, Konkola, Louisiana, Persian Rug, Peggy Jay and Rei Rei. Considering that his third crop also lacks nothing in quality and quantity, Rafeef should have plenty of ammunition to go to war with. On the strength of his fine start, it comes as no surprise that Ridgemont Highlands will strongly support their new champion with a choice selection of their own mares this season. Those pencilled in

to visit Rafeef include Broodmare of the Year Our Table Mountain (dam of Gr1 winners Silver Mountain and Cloth Of Cloud). Stakes winning mares who are also stakes producers include Arcetri Pink (dam of Iris), Crimson Blossom (dam of Gold Cup winner Dynasty's Blossom), Nona In Command (dam of Pretty Young Thing and Warrior), Raise The Bar (dam of Rose In Bloom) and Gr3-placed Kelly's Olympics (dam of Olympic Owen and Speedy Suzy). Completing that power-packed list are Gr1 winner Miss Florida, the stakes winners Cuvee Brut, Francia, Peggy Jay, Super Elegant, Tiger's Touch, Whose That Girl,

Gr1-placed Kelpie, as well as Galileo's daughter Exotic, the dam of recent stakes winner Capitana. Guaranteed other high class mares from the country's leading studs, the future indeed looks rosy for Rafeef.

Keep Up With The

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

HKJC

BSA National 2yo Sale graduate JJ The Jet Plane flies high in Hong Kong

JUMP ON A JET PLANE SEE YOU AT THE SALE! Leading Bloodstock man and South Africa’s top stallion manager, John Freeman continues to be inspired by the extraordinary resilience of racing and breeding people. “Most racing folk are in business and see the bigger picture. They don’t stop what they love doing because of the economy, the global pandemic or the uncertainty of what’s happening in the industry. Yes, things are tougher than ever, but they

factor it all in. This is our passion and we will be at the sale next week – masked up and social distancing. Thankfully, most of what happens is outside and when we are indoors, we have a small team and we are in our bubble,” he tells the Sporting Post. And as for tough times, he looks back at how he syndicated a top 3yo for stud in Erik The Red in 24 hours in December – at the height of the pandemic.

“Breeders come to the table with their eyes open. They know they are looking at possibly a five year return. But the positivity and passion is there and we soldier on. We are all heavily invested and I personally am going nowhere else at my age!” John has been attending the National 2yo Sale for longer than most, and says that there is always value. “There is inevitably money at the top end. The bottom end is what it is. The gems will

be there. One can find a late maturing sort – think back to Jackson. He went for a million at this sale. And we know what he did on the track!” There is just over a week to go the 2021 renewal of the Bloodstock SA National 2yo Sale which will be held at the TBA Sales complex in Germiston on 20 and 21 August. A total of 316 lots are on offer at the sale, with the majority of South Africa’s top stud farms strongly represented. Among the recent alumni are such notable graded stakes

winners as Lady Of Steel, Nourbese and Out Of Your League, while past stars sold off this auction include all of Asylum Seeker, Bela-Bela, J J The Jet Plane, River Jetez, Rock Opera, The Apache, and as John mentions, Jackson. Proven and promising stallions represented at this year’s renewal include the likes of Act Of War, Black Minnaloushe, Captain Of All, Duke Of Marmalade, Dynasty, Elusive Fort, Flower Alley, Futura, Gimmethegreenlight, Global View, Go Deputy, Ideal World, Judpot, Mambo In Seattle, Master Of My Fate, Oratorio, Pathfork, Pomodoro, Querari, Rafeef, Silvano, The United

States, Trippi, Twice Over, Var, Vercingetorix, Visionaire, What A Winter and Willow Magic. Sires with their first local drafts on the sale include Canford Cliffs, Erupt, Gold Standard, Rabada, and Wings Of Desire. South Africa’s newly-crowned champion Freshman Sire Rafeef has twelve 2yo’s on offer. Please click here to read our lot-by-lot preview

Staunch racing man John Freeman (far right) – been around a long time and seen here with Ronnie Napier 17 and the late Peter Kannemeyer

Winnie Fourie – connecting with her horses

A FOUNDATION OF TRUST

GRACE STABLES - NEW VENDOR AT THE BSA NAT 2YO SALE A new vendor name in next week's BSA National 2yo Sale catalogue is Grace Stables. When we started researching we found a familiar face and an experienced horsewoman behind the stable door!

Winnifred Grace Fourie has been fascinated by horses since before she could walk. Growing up as a farm girl she had her first horse by age 6 and never grew out of her love for the animals. Her father, ‘Smiler’ Fourie was

a cattle auctioneer so Winnie was surrounded by animals and the buzz of the sales ring her entire life. “It’s difficult to truly know when my love for horses began. My passion for horses was always there within me since before I can

The Grace Stables mares & foals heading to their paddock for the day even remember. All I know was that it was from a very young age and my love for horses continued to grow and still continues to grow today,” Winnie says with a smile. “There of course have been times when I wasn’t involved with horses at all, when I was at school or studying at university. I would drive past and see the horses in the paddocks and wish I could be surrounded by them again. I was a farm girl at heart even then and I don’t think I ever grew out of it.” Winnie only joined the

thoroughbred industry at the age of 29. She had been working as management on a piggery when she decided she couldn’t do it anymore. Applying to an ad in the Farmers Weekly, a South African couple in the USA were looking for an intern on their very own stud farm. “I sent my application through and a week later I got a call from them asking if I was interested. My visa was quickly sorted and off I went to the USA. That became my introduction to the Thoroughbred industry,” she says.

After arriving in the USA and being immersed in the world of broodmares, foals and yearlings. Winnie had found her passion. “The mares and foals will always be my favourite aspect of the industry. I did a few yearling sales too and eventually travelled to New York for another internship with the well-known Becky Thomas and her company- Sequel Stallions. So really, my introduction to the industry began in America.” She spent fourteen years in

Lot 307 – Kimbolton Castle (Crusade x Enchantrix) the USA, seven as an Assistant Manager to Becky Thomas at Sequel Stallions in New York at her breeding stud. After struggling with her Green card for a while, Winnie eventually moved to another stud farm, Stonewall Farm in New York, for the CEO of Calvin Klein. “He always had a passion for horses, so when the opportunity came for him to get a farm of his own, he took it. I ended up working for him for five or so years.

“During that time, I really got to experience working with some top horses. At Sequel I had the pleasure of working with Freud (Storm Cat x Mariah’s Storm by Rahy) who is the full brother to Giant’s Causeway. He is still one of New York’s leading Sires! “At Stonewall Farm, I was fortunate enough to work with a horse called The Lumber Guy, who ran second in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint. My time in America was truly well spent and I got to work with some incredible horses. When I came back to South Africa, I

was able to use all the knowledge I had gathered over the years and I went to work at Klawervlei Stud for a short stint, just to help out at their quarantine station during the breeding season. “After that I went to Scott Bros Farm and I worked with them for almost 5 years until the dispersal sale. I have now been fortunate enough to start up on my own with Grace Stables. “Coming up with a name was a bit of a headache, and everything happened so quickly. My last day was on

Lot 218 – Kodiak Island (Wings Of Desire x Indlela) 31 July at Scott Bros and a week later I was out on my own. A client of mine came to visit Scott Bros in that final week, to possibly buy a horse or two. He told me that if I ever decided to go out on my own, he would support me. “He ended up sending me twelve of his horses and I had one of my own in the stable. Off we went to Backworth Stud, who had offered to lease me stables and paddocks. It then seemed fitting to use the name Grace, which is my middle name. I’m a big believer and I have faith in the world, having grace

that things will all turn out how they’re supposed to.”

Stables has become the perfect fit.”

While things haven’t been all smooth sailing for Winnie, when her first batch of horses left there was a lull at the yard.

With the BSA 2 Year Old Sale in less than two weeks, Winnie will be sending three colts to the sale under the Grace Stables banner as a first time vendor.

Fortunately, Fanie Bronkhorst sent her a few of his mares and she then met another individual who has now shown her massive support and continues to send her mares, foals and youngsters. “I know that with my clients’ support and through God’s grace, things will continue to grow, and the name Grace

Lot 307 is a colt by Crusade out of Enchantrix named Kimbolton Castle. Winnie describes him as an impressive individual and while he is a second foal, his dam is a half sister to the mare Siren’s Call who has just produced the Gr1

Lot 25 – Unnamed (Mambo In Seattle x Ikati)

performer and Gr3 winner Sound Of Warning. He is described as a tall, wellbalanced and striking individual. Lot 218 is named Kodiak Island by Wings Of Desire out of an imported mare Vul Indlela from France. He is a first foal and his dam was apparently imported by the Oppenheimers, as far as Winnie knows. He is a bit smaller being a first foal but she says there is something special about this colt. While

his pedigree may not be as strong, all the colts in his family have performed well and been multiple winners. Lot 25 is an unnamed colt by Mambo In Seattle out of Ikati. Winnie describes him as a seriously impressive colt, strong and compact. The breeding is what really drew Winnie to him. She points out that the Mambo In Seattle cross with Al Mufti on the dam’s side has produced multiple Group winners in the past. She expects it could be 26

the same for this colt. “Those are my three boys at the sale, they are all so different and they all offer something unique to all buyers,” Winnie tells the Sporting Post. “We have also had the wonderful Snow Palace with us recently for a break, and she ran a lovely third after returning to work from her holiday. It was good to see her back in the money and actually show

an interest in running again. “I always have and will continue to follow any horse I have spent time with over the years, from foaling them down to sales prep or even spelling. It is such a pleasure to see horses succeed and knowing

that I have played a part, whether it be small or big, in their success. “That is why it is so important to generate trust with every horse I work with. That is the main focus of Grace Stables building a foundation based on trust and each horse will grow

to be the best they can be!” Find the BSA National 2yo Sale catalogue - click here

27 Snow Palace enjoying her break at Grace Stables before returning to work

THE KLAWERVLEI CAPTAIN The Klawervlei Captain 34

Klawervlei Stud – Home of Captain Of All

Based at Wagenboomheuwel farm on the banks of the Breede River east of Bonnievale lies Klawervlei Stud. The area has traditionally been associated with the breeding of high-quality racehorses. Klawervlei Stud’s triple Gr1 winning stallion, Captain Of All, has enjoyed a tremendous 2020/2021 season. The son of Captain Al has celebrated plenty of graded success over the past year, with his incredible son Linebacker winning both the Gr1 Daily News and Gr1

Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby, running second in the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July as well as runner-up in multiple Gr2 and Gr3 races. “Linebacker is a Horse Of The Year elect. He has been simply outstanding all season, never finishing out of the first two. He is an excellent example of the quality that Captain Of All can produce,” says Klawervlei Stud owner John Koster. The Sean Tarry trained son of Captain Of All, Shango has been another top class performer. He capped his season winning the Gr3

Hollywoodbets 2200 on Vodacom Durban July Day. “He truly is an incredible horse,” John says about the stallion. “Having commenced his stud career at Klawervlei since 2015, he has been nothing but a gentleman from the get-go,” says John. With the breeding season starting in less than three weeks, all the Klawervlei stallions are undergoing preparation to make sure their fitness levels are up to standard for a busy covering

Candiese Lenferna

Linebacker (Captain Of All x Thin Red Line) SA Horse Of The Year elect season ahead. “All of our stallions trot on the walker for 30 minutes each day. Captain Of All is looking fit and well. He really is an uncomplicated horse and an absolute pleasure to work with,” continues the proud Studmaster. “He has a wonderful spread of shareholders who support him well each season and we have had a number of outside bookings as well,” comments John on the book for the upcoming season. “His quality of mare is

improving significantly as his career on the track is taking off. Cashel Palace, Consequentially, Fortissima, In Other Words, Orator’s Daughter and Linebacker’s dam Thin Red Line are a few of the many mares that Captain Of All will be covering this season.” While he hasn’t had any foals born yet this year, it is still early days and John is looking forward to the arrival of more superstars in the making. “He looks to be passing on his fathers’ genes. Linebacker is certainly way ahead of any

colt in Captain Al’s first two crops,” John concludes. If you’re interested in sending your mare to Captain Of All, don’t hesitate to contact John Koster on the info listed below: Tel: +27 (023) 616 2980 Cell: +27 (082) 880 7943 email: john@klawervlei.co.za

RIGHT UP THERE

A quick-return, big-value stallion!

WITH THE BIG GUNS!

FROM ONLY 16 RUNNERS IN THE 2020/2I SEASON, DYNASTY’S SON JACKSON MADE THE TOP 6 OF AVERAGE EARNINGS PER RUNNER (AEPR) AMONG 2-y-olds *(15 runners or more)

Jackson (SAF) Bh 2008 Dynasty—Moonlight Prairie (x Cozzene)

UNBEATABLE VALUE R3,000 LIVE FOAL (1ST GAUTENG SEASON)

The Best Classic Horse in SA 2011/12 Multiple G1 winner

STANDING AT HEVERSHAM PARK IN THE STUNNING COUNTRYSIDE OF SOUTH GAUTENG, READY TO SERVE MARES AT AN INCREDIBLE VALUE R3,000 (LF). CONTACT TERRY ON 083 406 3281, OR MAIL info@hevershampartk.co.za . VISIT www.hevershampark.co.za

JC Photos

Lyle Hewitson rides a cracker to win on William Robertson as Bard Of Avon stays on doggedly

RIDGEMONT HIGHLANDS 1-2-3!

Cape Breeders Ridgemont Highlands celebrated a notable feat at Turffontein on Saturday when the champion nursery’s progeny filled the first three places, headed by the Rafeef colt William Robertson, in the R400 000 Bloodstock SA Sales Cup (C&G). Earmarked as the ‘horse of the sale’ by that astute judge

Corne Spies, William Robertson is a son of Ridgemont Highlands’ newly-crowned Champion Freshman Sire Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice).

After the fancied Bard Of Avon (11-10) had got the better of his duel with Team Gold (6-1) and looked to be in command, William Robertson swooped down the outside.

Into the final stages Aldo Domeyer got the smart Bard Of Avon to come right back at the Spies horse, but William Robertson held the edge to win by a nose in a time of 85,11 secs. His victory was a superb training feat by the veteran travelling trainer, who freshened and readied his charge for battle just seven days after a terrific

third behind Good Traveller in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes down in Durban. Lyle Hewitson rode a cracker on a fellow he describes as a ‘big leggy, heavy and verstatile horse, ‘who just does enough’. Trainer Corne Spies is

clearly excited about the classic prospect, whom he conceded cost a ‘bit more’ than he usually spends. William Robertson is out of the thrice winning Trippi mare, Massachusetts and cost R500 000 on the BSA National 2yo Sale.

A winner of 2 of his 5 starts with 3 places, he has earned R327 000. The BSA National 2yo Sale will be held in Johannesburg on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 August.

Mischief’s Good! Offspring of Into Mischief continue to be in high demand, and one colt in particular by North America's two-time leading general sire caused a protracted bidding war during the second session of the Saratoga Sale on Tuesday night, that saw his price soar to $2,6 million to

top the auction.

the underbidder.

The price is a new record for Into Mischief, according to Spendthrift Farm, where the standout sire stands. Coolmore's MV Magnier was able to secure the colt consigned by Gainesway. Fabricio Buffolo, buying on behalf of Besilu Stables, was

"He's a very nice horse and he's one we've been talking about for the last couple of days," Magnier said of the colt out of the 2016 Test Stakes winner Paola Queen.

WE’RE

HIRING! JOIN OUR TEAM

Bookkeeper / Administrator Cape Thoroughbred Sales is looking to employ a bookkeeper and administration assistant. The successful candidate will be expected to carry out the accounting function to trial balance. Experience in dealing with debtors and engaging with clients is required. You will be based at our offices in Durbanville, and will be expected to travel to and from meetings from time to time. If you are a team player, looking for an exciting challenge, and have a keen interest in horseracing and breeding, we would like to hear from you. 42 Please forward your CV to Jacques at jchowles@cthbs.com

43 Design by Winning Media

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48 Warren Kennedy guides Big Burn home

JC Photos

ALL FIRED UP! 49

In a week where restricted races were the subject of hot debate, nobody was whinging at Turffontein on Saturday! Paul Peter and Warren Kennedy pulled the tactical ace out of the hat on Saturday when their Elusive Fort filly Big Burn went all the way to win the R400 000 Bloodstock SA Sales Cup (3yo Fillies). Having been beaten by the subsequent Gr1 placer Supreme Quest in the KZN leg of the BSA Sales Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Vodacom Durban July day, Big Burn (5-2) was gone and running in the 1400m non black-type feature on Saturday and she kept on smartly to hold the gallant odds-on favourite Supreme Quest to 1,30 lengths in a time of 85,22 secs. Ash Fortune’s 100-1 shot

Princess Kesh caught the eye and banked the R58 000 cheque in third, a further 6,20 lengths adrift. The late scratching at the start of High Flyby reduced the field to just eight runners chasing the R180 000 first cheque in a race restricted to eligible graduates of the 2020 BSA National 2yo Sale. Cheques were payable all the way down to sixth place. Warren Kennedy paid tribute to the Paul Peter team for the great work done on the daughter of Elusive Fort, who was far more settled on Saturday. “The 1400m is her limit. I think she is a sprinter,” said Kennedy. Trainer Paul Peter was elated and said the win was a get better wish for owner Ian

Levitan, who is ill. “We closed her mouth and even performed the Caslick procedure. Great ride by Warren and well done to the owners and my team,” he added. The winner, a full sister to last season’s classic performer Catch Twentytwo from the same yard, was bred by Narrow Creek Stud and is a daughter of Elusive Fort (Fort Wood) out of the once winning Argonaut mare, Ignition Lady. She cost R300 000 at the BSA National 2yo Sale and took her tally to 2 wins and a place from 3 starts for earnings of R319 000. The BSA National 2yo Sale will be held in Johannesburg on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 August.

Peace For Rathmor Declarationofpeace, a War Front half-brother to Gr1 winner Honor Code and Gr1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf placed and Gr2 winner Noble Tune will be standing at Rathmor Stud in KZN for the 2021 season. Declarationofpeace won the Breeders Cup Qatar Juvenile Turf Sprint and was voted a TDN rising star. He

is a winning son of War Front out of Serena’s Cat, who has produced three Stakes winning colts and three Sires. Honor Code has produced a Gr1 winner in all his crops, including Gr1 Coaching Club Oaks winner, Maracuja, defeating unbeaten champion Shadwell star Malathaat at Saratoga. Honor Code is already represented

at Lanes End by Champion Honor AP from his first crop, a Gr1 winner who injured his tendon in the Kentucky Derby and retired. Declarationofpeace was a $2,6 million foal and represents an opportunity to mine the speed of Danzig that has served us well in South Africa.

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HALLMARK’S FABULOUS DANCER! v

54 Warren Kennedy has Keep On Dancing in control

Candiese Lenferna

Wendy Whitehead has done a superb job of maintaining the Silvano mare Keep On Dancing on the victory boil and her flagship galloper underscored her versatility with an impressive victory in the R100 000 Listed Off To Stud Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. Stepping down from the 2400m of her last victory in the Gr2 Track & Ball Oaks at the same track to the mile, Warren Kennedy had the 5yo mare relaxed before unleashing her at the 350m marker. While the Kotzen’s 4yo Caya Coco (9-2) looked to give some cheek down the inside as the astute Muzi Yeni took the initiative, Keep On Dancing (5-2) was always going too well and she asserted herself well to beat the Cape challenger by 0,70 lengths in a time of 96,03

secs. With 1,75 lengths separating the top five, Kotzen also saddled the third-placed Flower Of Saigon (6-1), with Stelvio (40-1) from the in-form Dennis Drier yard boosting the quartet in fourth. Anne and Bruce Nicholas of Hallmark Thoroughbreds bred and race the consistent Keep On Dancing, who is out of the Zimbabwe champion, and top-class producer, First Arrival (Northern Guest).

blood, it must have been tempting for her owners to send her to stud – even though she really is racing at the top of her game. The winner’s unraced three parts brother by Silvano has just been announced as KZN’s newest stallion. He will stand at Hadlow Stud. So great timing all round!

The latter is dam of eight black type horses including the Gr1 winning champions Let’s Rock’ n Roll and the UK-based In The Fast Lane. Keep On Dancing has won 7 races with 4 places from her 17 starts for stakes of R540 000. Trainer Whitehead says that Keep On Dancing has earned a break now and, given her

Merits KEEP ON DANCING has had her merit rating raised from 88 to 92 following her win in the Listed Off To Stud Stakes for fillies and mares over 1600m at Scottsville on Sunday 8 August. The Handicappers felt it unlikely that 6th placed QUEPID would have run below her rating by finishing only 2.55

lengths behind the winner in a race of this nature and elected to use her as the line horse, which leaves her unchanged on a mark of 87. The specific conditions of this race do not permit a ratings increase for placed horses. There were however drops for four horses. MAGICAL

FLIGHT is down from 98 to 96, DRAMA QUEEN drops from 87 to 85, STAR VEGA was trimmed from 84 to 83, and lastly JACQUELINE is down to 77 from 80.

To stud! Summa Cum Laude (Vercingetorix x First Arrival)

VERCINGETORIX STALLION FOR KZN

Cathy and Jonathan Martin’s Hadlow Stud will be standing the beautifullybred Summa Cum Laude for the 2021 season. The handsome colt by Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the star broodmare First Arrival – the dam of two Equus Award winners – suffered a nasal injury which

has prevented him from achieving a racing career, however based on the strength of his dam’s produce and the impressive physical specimen that he is, it would only have been a mere formality. He is a three parts brother to Wendy Whitehead’s star filly Keep On Dancing (Silvano), a 7-time winner including the

recent Gr2 Track And Ball Oaks and Sunday’s Listed Off To Stud Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. To add to his siblings is the Gr1 winning daughter of Jet Master who was exported, In The Fast Lane – and yet another export, Light The Lights – a Gr2 winner in South Africa who went onto

win multiple times in Dubai including the Singspiel Stakes and Mubadala Global Trophy Handicap. In The Fast Lane stands at stud in England and her son by Snitzel, Real Gone Kid (AUS), won three times for trainer Brett Crawford and owners Ridgemont Highlands. The family doesn’t stop there though – it also includes sibling Gr1 placed Pack Leader (Philanthropist), Lets Rock ‘N Roll and Beat Patrol, both by Muhtafal. First Arrival, a dam by

Northern Guest who deserves a Broodmare Of The Year accolade, was no slouch herself at the track – born in 1996, she was Spey Bridge Champion 3YO Filly in 1999 with 6 wins in Zimbabwe and over $514 000 earned in stakes.

own broodmare sire, Champion sire and Champion Broodmare sire Northern Guest, as well as Mogok – the latter who produced two international Gr1 winners in America and Gr2 winner in Dubai, and Stakes Winners in just about every crop he produced.

She is the dam of 12 foals, two Equus Award winners and seven of them are Black Type with Contact Cathy Martin on multiple Group wins between cathym@futurenet.co.za to them! enquire about a booking. It is the family of Morisco, Trademark, Super Trouper and Clifton Queen. Unraced stallions to make their mark in South Africa include his

62 Bella Sofia wins in impressive style under Luis Saez

Saratoga Racecourse / Erica Miller

FLIGHT'S LASTING LEGACY 63

Saturday's Gr1 Longines Test Stakes winner, Bella Sofia, (Awesome Patriot) is the latest in a long line of top-class performers descended in female line from legendary broodmare, Grey Flight (Mahmoud). Bella Sofia, who was winning at the highest level for the first time on Saturday, has now won three of just four starts, with the filly landing the Test Stakes by four and a quarter lengths. She is out of the Consolidator mare, Love Contract, a four time winner, who was placed in a pair of minor stakes races.

female line from Misty Morn's half-sister Bold Princess. Successful sire, Sovereign Dancer, whose dam was Bold Princess, can be found in the pedigree of top stallion, Uncle Mo, through the latter's sire Indian Charlie. Among the numerous top-class performers descended from Grey Flight are Kentucky Oaks winner Dispute, Breeders' Cup winning champion, Inside Information, Hollywood Derby victor, Intrepid Hero, and champion filly, Smuggler.

Love Contract was produced by the Forty Niner daughter, Option Contract, whose third dam was Autumn Days Stakes winner, Grey Flight.

In South Africa, Grey Flight's legacy has been felt through her descendants National Assembly (Danzig) and Philanthropist (Kris S), as well as through her champion daughter, Misty Morn, the ancestress of Gr2 Premier Trophy winner, Milton (Lateral).

The latter, dam of nine stakes winners, headed by champion Misty Morn (Princequillo) and champion US sire What A Pleasure (Bold Ruler), continues to make her presence felt in pedigrees of top flight winners.

Former Gr2 Victory Moon Stakes winner Judicial (Miesque's Approval) is descended in female line from Grey Flight through her daughter Bold Princess (Bold Ruler), as is Tibouchina Stakes winner, Queen Isolt (Sir Tristram).

The 2020 Gr1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner, Gear Up (Teofilo), traces back to Grey Flight through the latter's daughter, Misty Morn, while 2021 Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint winner, Extravagant Kid (Kiss The Kid) is descended in

Philanthropist is best known in South Africa as the sire of Gr1 Cape Derby/Gr1 Champions Cup winner, Golden Ducat and recent Gr3 Champagne Stakes winner Phil's Dancer (who is inbred to Grey Flight), while multiple leading sire of 2YO’s,

National Assembly (whose 16 Gr1 winners include champions National Emblem, Forward Filly, Historic Lady, National Colour, Enchantress and National Currency) continues to make his presence felt. National Assembly's short-lived son, Soft Falling Rain, enjoyed a memorable season in 2020-2021, with the deceased Gr1 SA Nursery winner responsible for a pair of graded stakes winning two-year-olds in the form of Heavens Girl (Gr2 4Racing SA Fillies Nursery) and Waterberry Lane (Gr2 Durban Golden Horseshoe) as well as the stakes winners Marmara Sea and Pray For Rain. The unraced National Assembly also ranks as the broodmare sire of a pair of prominent young stallions in the form of Rafeef and Vercingetorix.

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Candiese Lenferna

JABU'S BLAZER OF GLORY 65

Winning Form's Jabu Jacobs - winning smile!

Petrusville is a nine hour drive on the N5 and N3 to Pietermaritzburg. But on Sunday at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in the KZN Capital City, the distance between the two diverse destinations was reduced to under two minutes as 20 year old apprentice Jabu Jacobs booted home the 60th winner of his short career, thus earning the honour of donning the prestigious white blazer of the SA Jockey Academy. The Winning Form-sponsored Jabu Jacobs took full advantage of a chance ride and showed beautiful balance and no shortage of determination to get the Querari filly Sea Eagle home for the Mike Miller team as the shadows lengthened over a largely deserted Hollywoodbets Scottsville. The time that the Boland Stud-bred 3yo took to complete the 1750m and shed her maiden ticket at her third start was probably the longest 108,54 secs of Jabu’s recent working life. The young man’s adrenalinecharged salute at the line spoke volumes of a significant milestone in his career. The 60 winner mark means that he loses his claim and he told the Sporting Post afterwards that he expects to sign his papers soon.

“She is a nice filly and I believe she can only improve with experience. Thanks to Mr Craig Eudey and the owners for the opportunity and I send my best wishes to Serino (Moodley) that he is back to good health soon,” said the clearly pleased rider, once described by veteran champion jockey Garth Puller as a ‘pleasant and really courteous youngster.’ “I recall Jabu and Yuzae Ramzan coming to ride my work on Sundays. They would jump over the fence and walk over to the yard. Remember, that’s when the other guys are still fast asleep. They did it voluntarily and willingly. That’s how I measure attitude! And Jabu doesn’t sulk either. It’s easy to take a pat on the back – it’s when somebody tells you that you messed up that one’s character is really tested,” added Puller, a mentor to many a young apprentice. Jabu is so modest that he couldn’t explain to us where or how he earned the nickname Jabu ‘Hotseat’ Jacobs. “Donovan Dillon and Mr Peter Muscutt’s assistant often call me ‘Hotseat’. I’m really not sure where it comes from,” he laughs shyly. He says that is very thrilled and appreciative of the support of his family, the SA Jockey Academy riding masters and staff, and all the trainers and owners that have helped him

through the first phase of his career. “It’s been tough and testing, but I am growing in confidence and that I believe is key,” said Jabu as he told the Sporting Post about his plans to move to the Cape. “I’m keen to go down South. My Mom and Granny are down there and I enjoyed riding in the Mother City early on. It’s a move that makes sense to me and I appreciate my family’s involvement and their encouragement and support.” Jabu tells us that his Dad and brother live in the Northern Cape town of Jan Kempdorp. And not many would have heard of Jabu’s birthplace, Petrusville. With a population of not even 5000, the dorp that lies 10km south of the Orange River boasts a 145 year history of backwater solitude. But the son of the Eastern Karoo continues to make solid strides in a burgeoning career as a professional jockey that commenced when his cousin Simone Jacobs introduced him to her partner, senior Cape jockey Robert Khathi. Looking back on last season, Jabu, who is fairly tall and goes to saddle comfortably at 53kgs, rode 33 winners at a relatively modest strike-rate

Candiese Lenferna

Sea Eagle storms to victory under a thrilled Jabu Jacobs, as Rachel Venniker chases on Space Oddity of 8,51%. He is keen to improve on that and has made a flying start to this term with 2 winners from 7 rides. “It’s early days and all about opportunities and confidence. As an apprentice, you take what you can get in a quest to build your name and reputation. Some of us get luckier than others, but it’s not a one day game. I’m working hard on improving my riding and communication skills.” Jabu says that he looks back at his interviews of a few years ago and is pleased with his own all-round progress.

He rode his first winner for the Sabine Plattner Racing Team on Winter’s Coming, who finished with a flourish to grab a late victory at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 30 October 2018. It was his 29th career ride and was the start of a long haul to better things. “I owe many thanks to Serino Moodley, who helped me a lot early on. Mr Byron Foster and Mr Peter Muscutt also gave me many chances.” Garth Puller says that Jabu’s early place strike-rate of 25% underlined the fact that he had not had all the luck early on. He also affirmed the opportuni-

ty and confidence references. “He had gone close a good few times for me early. They say you make your own luck but had those been winners, he would have been up and running quickly and we’d all be saying he was doing well. I think he just needed a little bit of time and experience – it’s easy to be intimidated and overwhelmed in this game. It’s all a see-saw, too. You win a few – you are in demand and then suddenly you are popular and you use your claim well. Then the pendulum swings as you move down the claim – and the other 4kg claimers are

then showing their hands. At the end of the day, it’s a career that tests character and, believe me, talent and genuine commitment will always come out tops. Jabu has the attitude to go all the way. That’s what counts before anything.” On a personal note, Jabu tells us that he is looking forward to buying his first car at the end of this month, when coming out of his time. We asked him if it would be something on the lines of a Golf GTI or an 1100 cc suburban runabout? “Nothing loud or fancy for me. I just need a basic car that gets me from A to B,” he says in response to our suggestion that big sound or mag wheels

may be influencing his choice of vehicle. We asked about a partner or fan in his life. “There is no time for girlfriends at this stage of my career. I am focussed on my professional life. And my only fan club is my family!” He says that he is good friends with his colleagues Mfanelo Zuma and Wiseman Njokwe, and will miss the camaraderie and the memorable times at the SA Jockey Academy. “I am so fortunate to have enjoyed the opportunities that I have been given in an exciting industry. I am also so lucky to have a top sponsor in Winning Form and am very

thankful to them for investing and believing in me. It’s now up to me to make a success of my career.”

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THREE FOR MASTER Runner up on South Africa’s General Sires List last season, Varsfontein Stud’s Jet Master horse Master Of My Fate made a perfect start to the new season when siring three winners at Fairview on Friday. His Varsfontein-bred daughter Meghan is out of the Captain Al mare Townsend and is thus bred on the same Master Of My Fate/Captain Al cross as graded stakes winner Basadi Faith and Pretty Betty. She shed her maiden ticket. Another daughter, Serious Fun, was bred by Winston Chow, and also won her maiden. A winner of two of her last three starts, the Peter de Beyer-bred Mistress Of Means was the third ‘Master’ to win on the day and registered her fourth career success. Sire of Gr1 winners Sentbydestiny, Tempting Fate and Zarina, Master Of My Fate had an excellent season in 2020-2021, where his progeny - headed by seven black type winners - earned in excess of R10 million in prize money.A half-brother to the stakes winning dam of Triple Crown winner Malmoos, Master Of My Fate has 15 lots on next week’s 2021 August Two Year Old Sale.

BLOODSTOCK & ETHICS The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced a new code of practice for the bloodstock sector. The code will be incorporated into the rules of British racing and replaces the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Sales code of practice. There are eight rules included in the code, which in summary cover: Rule 1: The application of the code to all participants at sales and to all sales taking place within Britain and Ireland after August 16. Rule 2: The need for participants to act honestly and with integrity in relation to sales. Rule 3: Bribery, secret profits, and other payments Rule 4: Authority and information provision Rule 5: The need for agents to act in the best interests of their principal in relation to sale. Rule 6: The need for agents to not be in a position where personal interests may conflict with those of their principal without prior informed consent. Rule 7: Market abuse at public auction, including collusive bidding-up, induced purchases, and vendors offering private advantages in advance for bidding on or buying their horses. Rule 8: The treatment of participants assisting another in a course of conduct, knowing that the course of conduct is breaching or likely to breach any rule of this code or deliberately closing their eyes to that possibility, as being as if they too acted in breach of that rule.

Candiese Lenferna

Big betting day! Gold Circle's Raf Sheik, CEO Michel Nairac and SA Champion jockey Lyle Hewitson

GOLD CUP BETTING

EXTRAVAGANZA Punters in Hong Kong wagered more than R500 million with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) tote on the Marshalls World Of Sport Festival Of Racing racemeeting in Durban on Saturday 31 July 2021.

meeting in Durban in May, the HKJC classified Gold Cup Day as a World Pool event.

As with the Daily News 2000

South African Win, Place,

Races 2 to 10 were televised live in Hong Kong with the HKJC tote offering its normal range of bets to customers.

Swinger and Quinella tote pools on the nine races were again commingled into the HKJC World Pools with local TAB pools on all other bet types. In a joint press release, Gold Circle and Phumelela advise that total gross turnover on

the nine races was a staggering R628 million with R528 million bet by Hong Kong punters and the remainder coming from South Africa and other international partners. This was 22% more than HKJC World Pools on the Daily News meeting when there was one race less. If the additional race is excluded, total tote turnover on Races 2 to 8 at the Gold Cup reflects a 5% increase

over the same races on Daily News Day – and this in spite of more than R8 million being refunded on Race 2 because of a late scratching.

Nearly R100 million was wagered, significantly more than any other race and probably due to the presence of rank outsider Pearl of Asia.

The Quinella and Swinger (Quinella Place) were the most popular bets.

The gelding’s name apparently caught the attention of many Hong Kong punters because he was well backed on the tote and paid R18.10 for a Win after springing a 40-1 surprise and beating 10-1 chance Sakheet by a neck.

Swinger pools on the nine races averaged R17.1 million and Quinella pools slightly less at R16.8 million. The top-turnover race on the day was the Mercury Sprint.

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NOW THEY’RE TALKING! 77

NHA CEO Vee Moodley – a busy and tense few weeks

After weeks of sparring in the media, the Special General Meeting of National Horseracing Authority Members scheduled for 1 September has been postponed to allow for ‘meaningful discussions’ between interested members and representatives of the Board prior to the SGM.

Moodley said that the NHA Board believes that it will be just and equitable to hold the SGM at a later date to afford interested members and the representatives of the Board sufficient opportunity to engage on the proposed amendments of the Constitution and to attempt to resolve any disputes in this regard.

In a statement to members of the NHA on Tuesday, CEO Vee Moodley said that following discussions between the chairlady of the NHA, Susan Rowett and the chairman of the South African National Trainers Association (SANTA), Tony Rivalland, a pre-engagement meeting took place between a sub-committee of the Board and representatives of SANTA, who have been driving the process in regard to the NHA members who signed the requisition that called for an SGM.

In the communication, the NHA Board gave notice that it resolved to call the SGM of members to consider and vote on the proposed amendments of the Constitution, by no later than Tuesday, 30 November 2021.

It was agreed by those present that more time is necessary to allow for meaningful discussions between interested members and representatives of the Board prior to the SGM.

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The resolution was adopted subject to clauses 12.3 and 13 of the NHA Constitution, as well as any prevailing restrictions under the regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002. Clause 12.3.1 of the Constitution provides that the SGM shall be convened by notice published in the Official Publication and/or the NHA website not less than 21 days prior to the meeting.

Pace! 78

Notice of the time and place of the SGM will therefore be given in terms of the requirements of the Constitution, after the Board has determined the date on which the SGM will be held. As required by clause 12.3.2 of the Constitution, the notice convening the meeting shall also specify the object and business of the SGM. Documents relevant to the proceedings, including proxy forms, will be forwarded to members and/or placed on the NHA website not less than 21 days prior to the meeting. In closing, the NHA Board invited members to make written representations regarding the proposals in the requisition to amend the NHA Constitution. The Board would welcome any constructive proposals by all interested members to improve the operations of the NHA. Members can send recommendations to – sgmfeedback@nhra.co.za.

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CURRIE’S DYNAMITE IN SHERGAR! v

Nicola Currie raises the British flag in triumph

Ascot Racecourse

Two wins from Nicola Currie, as well as a crucial third place from the rider in the final race, helped the Ladies Team clinch the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup following a thrilling day’s racing. Three of the four teams held the lead during the afternoon, with Currie and her teammates Hayley Turner and Mickaelle Michel establishing a five-point advantage going into the final Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash. Joe Fanning and Tadhg O’Shea secured a 1-2 for Ireland in the closing contest, with David Egan finishing

fourth for the same team, but the Ladies took the prize by three points thanks to Currie’s third place on Royal Scimitar. Currie also secured the Alistair Haggis “Silver Saddle” Trophy with 47 points, thanks largely to a double on board Just Hubert in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers, for which she won the Dubai Duty Free Ride of the Day Award in memory of Joe Mercer, and State Of Bliss in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic. She said: “What a team. In the end they were straightforward rides and straightforward winners. It's been a fantastic day and thanks to all the

owners and trainers who have helped today. “I had to work for both my winners and I knew they wouldn't stop. All credit to them and I had to work hard. “You're riding for trainers you wouldn't normally ride for. Ascot is my favourite racecourse. I love riding here. I've been lucky over the years here and it's great to have won the Silver Saddle. “It's absolutely fantastic. It hasn't quite sunk in yet. All the publicity is great, it's hard work being a jockey and any publicity is good publicity. It's

great to have two winners on the board, it's fantastic and it's just been a great day.” Turner, Captain of the Ladies team, said: “Well done to Nicola she has rode out of her skin today. The Shergar Cup has helped me over the years by projecting my career and hopefully it will be the same for Nicola as she deserves more quality rides than she is getting. “Nicola is amazing and it's so good for her - I'm delighted.

I love the Shergar Cup, it is so much fun.” Michel said: “I've loved riding today. I was close on a second and it would have been lovely to win a race but riding at Ascot has been brilliant.” Turner was also presented with the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup that has been in use since the competition’s inception to take home and keep. This is in recognition of her clocking up a record 304 points at event and contributing to a third win for

the Ladies team today. Another trophy will be produced for 2022. Nick Smith, Ascot’s Director of Racing & Public Affairs, commented: “It has been a good day and tremendous to be back after a year’s absence. We are grateful to the sponsors for standing by us. Obviously, next year we will build up and hopefully have more overseas names. “However, the teams we've

put together today were great. Credit must go to James Willoughby who has done the algorithms and puts the teams together. He made it a level playing field and has done it for several years. However, this will be his crowning glory given three

teams finished right up next to each other. “It's lovely to see Nicola shine – that is what the event is about, to give people a profile, and I'm sure she will remember this for a long time. It's also nice to give Hayley the existing

Shergar Cup, which is much deserved. It was not her day today, but seven points was enough to put her over the 300 threshold of Shergar Cup points. Credit to Mark Johnston who is the Leading Trainer and he went away with a £2,000 stable prize."

Palace Pier - defends big title on Sunday

DEAUVILLE DATE FOR MAGIC MILER Britain’s highest-rated horse in training Palace Pier is reported to be in good order to retain his crown in the Gr1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on Sunday. John and Thady Gosden’s leading miler will be tackling the classic

generation for the first time after being forced to miss last month’s Sussex Stakes at Goodwood with a blood disorder. Frankie Dettori recently partnered the fouryear-old in an impressive workout on the polytrack at Newmarket where he looked as good as ever.

The son of Kingman became the highest-rated miler when winning at Deauville last season. This year Palace Pier has comfortably won all three starts including the Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot without needing to be at his best. He will need to recapture the top-class form he showed last year if he is

to maintain his position as champion miler of Europe.

placed on soft ground in top company.

This is because the mile division is now responsible for not only the highest-rated horse in training in Palace Pier, but probably the most exciting horse in training in Baaeed.

His four-length success in the St James’s Palace represents the best performance by a three-year-old miler this season but he was unable to replicate that form when readily brushed aside by the improving threeyear-old filly Alcohol Free in the Sussex Stakes on soft ground.

His trainer, William Haggas has taken small steps with the unbeaten three-year-old as he has yet to even encounter Gr3 company, but for all that he could hardly have created a better visual impression. He has not yet faced a rival who has made him show the true extent of his ability, but his nominations include the Gr1 QEII Stakes over the Ascot mile. Baaeed is by no means the only talented three-year-old on the scene however, as Poetic Flare has also shown himself to be a high-class colt. Campaigned boldly by Jim Bolger, Poetic Flare has already raced six times this year, winning on three occasions, most notably in the 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes. Both those group one victories were achieved on good to fast ground, although he has

Poetic Flare may have been below his best at Goodwood but Alcohol Free still deserves recognition for that career-best effort. On pedigree it was no certainty that Alcohol Free would be so effective over the mile trip. She has also proved versatile regarding ground conditions as she won the Coronation Stakes on ground described as soft and ran to a similar level when third on good to firm ground in a red-hot edition of the Falmouth Stakes. The Gr1 Falmouth Stakes form could hardly be working out better as Mother Earth won the Prix Rothschild in her next start, while Lady Bowthorpe successfully stepped up in trip in the Gr1 Nassau at Goodwood. Finally, the 2000 Guineas runner-up Master of The Seas

must be mentioned in this debate after pushing Poetic Flare all the way to the line at Newmarket. A setback subsequently side-lined the Godolphin colt in his classic campaign, but he is on the comeback trail and is reportedly being aimed at the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp next month. He impressed with how strongly he travelled in the Guineas and remains unexposed. As for so many of these, you would imagine the ultimate target for the Dubawi colt this season is the QEII Stakes at Ascot on Champions day. It is shaping up as a race fit for the occasion this year.

HKJC

NO CUP TRIP FOR MILLARD v

Tony Millard won’t be risking the trip to Australia

Tony Millard’s Chilean Triple Crown winner Panfield will not be in Australia on Tuesday 2 November for the Melbourne Cup. Panfield’s name was absent from the 174 strong list of nominations received last week for the A$8 million Gr1 Lexus Melbourne Cup. “The veterinary protocols – due to horses breaking down in past Melbourne Cups – set out by the Australians was extreme and would have interfered with his race preparation. The same protocol does not apply to the local horses so it is not really a level playing field,” Millard told the Sporting Post. Recently introduced regulations and measures by Racing Victoria and the Victoria Racing Club requires more boxes to be ticked for connections to race a horse in Melbourne’s Spring Carnival, such as a series of pre-export tests with regard to the soundness of the horse before having to comply with

further pre-race testing while in quarantine at Werribee in Melbourne. The SA Champion Trainer of 1992 and ’94 said that on top of the veterinary protocols, the COVID situation in Melbourne ‘has gone from bad to worse and that they are presently in lockdown’. “We felt that the risk was too high so we have decided to focus on the International races in Hong Kong in December. It is a shame as the horse has come through the summer well,” he added. A son of Lookin At Lucky, Panfield claimed Chile’s 2019 Triple Crown with consecutive G1 triumphs and burst onto the scene in Hong Kong with a strong third placing in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) before his tenacious victory in May’s Gr1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m). Millard had told the Hong Kong media in July that he and the Panfield connections were considering the protocols and

that it would be nice to have a tilt at the Melbourne Cup. Well versed in travelling horses, Millard has campaigned overseas a total of 10 times from Hong Kong with seven different horses; his best result, a fine win in the 2016 KOR Gr1 Korea Sprint (1200m, sand) with Super Jockey in South Korea, who also placed second in the 2015 Gr1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m, dirt) in the United Arab Emirates. He also crusaded Sweet Sanette to finish a brave third in the 2011 Gr1 King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot behind Prohibit and Star Witness, respectively. Tony Millard finished last season with 30 winners and gross stakes of HK$47 895 000.

results up to: 2021-07-31

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

1336 1032 1062 586 1073

208 155 140 89 143

175 134 122 79 148

139 99 125 64 147

2nd

3rd

227 146 94 128 116

199 138 107 125 141

15.6 15.0 13.2 15.2 13.3

Other Places Place % 177 109 122 72 147

491 342 369 215 442

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

36.8 10,531,625 15,848,725 33.1 8,232,700 12,802,425 34.7 7,313,300 12,004,075 36.7 5,446,350 7,986,300 41.2 4,379,000 7,326,500

JOCKEYS Name

Runs Wins Win%

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

1699 263 1130 173 874 155 1180 151 879 142

15.5 15.3 17.7 12.8 16.2

Other Places Place % 250 168 108 160 130

676 452 309 413 387

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

39.8 11,939,975 18,407,350 40.0 9,959,725 14,766,975 35.4 7,742,750 11,375,488 35.0 8,789,150 13,368,825 44.0 4,428,700 7,301,975

BREEDERS Name

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

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

445 315

2656 45,455 171 1827 59,572 150

250 238

38.4 47.6

876 625

10 12

14 20,227,613 21 18,765,038

171 230 138

987 70,626 1386 50,714 809 60,972

169 145 102

53.8 35.7 44.9

371 388 275

11 7 8

15 12,077,100 16 11,664,238 14 8,414,150

92 82 62

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

Runrs Runs AEPR 201 196 186 141 167

1166 1315 1125 770 1011

B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs %

60,505 101 51,375 89 52,817 89 67,333 76 55,280 76

169 138 150 129 119

50.2 45.4 47.8 53.9 45.5

378 479 400 316 321

See all the detailed standings - Click here 92

12 7 4 7 7

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

16 10 6 10 12

12,161,525 10,069,525 9,823,875 9,493,975 9,231,825

LONDON ON SUNDAY – ALL THE ACTION! 93

Pep Guardiola will travel with his City side to London on Sunday afternoon in what could turn out to be a showstopper. City will want to get a better start to this season, and after spending just under a billion quid you would think the pressure at City this year is serious – albeit subtle. Ryan Liberty writes that Nuno Espirito Santo has a cauldron of his own issues which need solving at Spurs, but with most writing his side off already, could this be seen as a pressure-free sort of free-hit for the Portuguese manager? Read on to see how I suspect Sunday turns out! To Win Tottenham 42/10 Draw 31/10 Manchester City 6/10 Tottenham Should Tottenham just sell Harry Kane, be done with it and move on? Is any player really that indispensable at any one club? I mean Liverpool and Coutinho are a perfect example, aren’t they? Tottenham vs Manchester City | Sunday 15 August | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 17h30

Liverpool had a brilliant team with Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez, they came agonizingly close to a league win that year and yet sold both players without too much hesitation only to use the money to build a team which won the league. Yes, I know I am surmising, and it isn’t that simple, but it is surely the just of it. I’m excited to see what Nuno Espirito Santo brings to North London, he’s a talented coach but he is most certainly in the hot seat at Spurs. Going into the job, it almost appeared as though he was Daniel Levy’s umpteenth selection and coupled with all the inherent issues already at Spurs (defensive issues, Kane and whether Dele Alli becomes a London Legend or not) it’s not going to be as straightforward as maybe the Portuguese manager deserves. I suppose then the cherry on top comes in the form of hosting last season’s champions first up. Many would write this off as a straightforward City win, but I have my doubts. I really think Nuno can extract quality from the players he has at his disposal and with a manager who relishes playing forward football, the likes of Sergio Reguilon become interesting prospects. City were not as sure in defence against Leicester and

if they were still without their Brazilian and English aces come Sunday, I think Spurs might cause a massive upset. Manchester City It was clear that the Premier League champions were well short of their usual firepower and quality at Wembley, but I think they put in a strong performance despite ultimately losing to Leicester. City started quite slowly before completely controlling the game in the second half. I can’t seem to put my finger on to why this is the case, but City don’t usually begin their season in a perfect rhythm. The biggest take away from the Community Shield game, however, was how Ferran Torres was used. This could provide us with a little insight into how Pep Guardiola might move forward should City fail to secure the signature of Kane. Last season Torres played in a false nine position and impressed many with his intelligence and creativity in and around the six-yard area. City will likely use their Community Shield loss as a motivation for the league. Guardiola will know that teams around him have strengthened and there will be little to no time to ease into things this year.

The quality City possess is undeniable and even without a super starting eleven, they can compete with most teams in the league. There isn’t too much value about a straight City win and to be honest I’m not as confident about putting too many coins on them this early on. I couldn’t find that Leicester win last week, but understanding that City are a team who enjoy playing with the ball and acknowledging their class and distinction, isn’t something that will change

anytime soon. Expect Pep’s men to dominate the game, but I think Spurs will have opportunities because of the rigid approach City will employ irrespective of who is on the field or the bench. Prediction: Both Teams To Score Totals: Over 2.5 + Yes (5/4) At 5/4, I think this is incredible value. The way I see this game unfolding, the wide areas are where both sides could have the most impact but also be the most vulnerable. City obviously have the

superior squad, but Spurs might just come into this game with confidence and have a go – in doing that, they will give themselves the best chance of success. I don’t agree that this is a straightforward game, and I would stay away from having a punt on a winner just yet. 5/4 is brilliant value to get us underway (and hopefully close out any large multiples) and then we can look forward with a Matchday already under our belts.