20211011 - Sporting Post Sprint Ver 1.4 Single Pages

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4 Home Affairs – carrying Coolmore hopes for a big double on Saturday

COOLMORE ARE CLIMBING EVEREST AGAIN Coolmore

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Sydney’s Royal Randwick hosts the world’s richest race on turf on Saturday.

History will be made as twelve of the fastest horses compete for A$15 million – the world’s richest turf stake - in front of 10 000 vaccinated spectators.

And two weeks later the world’s best four-year-old’s do battle in the third running of the $7,5m The Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 30 October.

Set across both Royal Randwick & Rosehill Gardens, the Everest Carnival hosts a stellar eight weeks of world-class racing from September to November.

Coolmore is hoping lightning can strike twice in the TAB Everest with three-year-old Home Affairs given the job of repeating the 2019 victory of Yes Yes Yes in Saturday’s $15m classic.

Glen Boss will ride and Chris Waller trains the colt – it all sounds so familiar.

The colt’s selection so close to the race in some way mirrors the successful Yes Yes Yes formula and Coolmore Australia Principal Tom Magnier said Home Affairs has shown more than enough talent to earn the slot.

Home Affairs won the Silver Slipper as a two-year-old and returned this spring with an easy all the way win in the Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m) last month and matched motors with stablemate Nature Strip in an exhibition gallop that appears to have sealed his place.

“Chris and his team have done an unbelievable job with this horse,’’ Magnier said.

“He was a good two-year-old and he’s come out at three and really filled into himself. He

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showed that on the racetrack the other day and when he trialled with effectively the best sprinter in the world.

“We’ve had Yes Yes Yes as a three-year-old in the Everest with Chris and Glen Boss so really we’re just trying to repeat the formula that worked.”

Home Affairs will be the second Coolmore representative to carry the navy colours in the TAB Everest and the second three-year-old after Tulip finished fifth in the inaugural running in 2017.

Yes Yes Yes is the only three-year-old so far to win the TAB Everest – he was successful in 2019 in the Chris Waller Racing slot as Coolmore imported Aidan O’Brien’s Group 1 winning colt Ten Sovereigns to be its representative.

Coolmore

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Flashback: Yes Yes Yes (Rubick x Sin Sin Sin) wins the 2019 The Everest While Santa Ana Lane ran in the Coolmore slot last year it is normally reserved for a horse, preferably a colt, from their own stock and Home Affairs fits that bill perfectly.

“We have a slot and a couple of good colts so we were just trying to buy our time and wait and see which was the right one,’’ Magnier said.

“He’s gone to that next level which we were hoping he would. We’ve been looking at him as our Everest horse for quite a while.

“We have a really exciting sprinter on our hands. I know it is a big ask for a three-yearold to come up against the best sprinters in the world but Chris has faith in the horse and we just need a bit of luck on the day.”

Home Affairs won the Gr2 Silver Slipper earlier this year on a soft 7 track and the weather forecast is the only thing concerning Magnier.

“Hopefully we don’t get too much rain. We’re in there now, we’re delighted to be a part of it,’’ he said.

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Fancied runners Classique Legend and Masked Crusader will be pleased with their barriers ahead of this Saturday's The Everest at Randwick, while Nature Strip jockey James McDonald will have a decision to make after being drawn out wide.

The Chris Waller runner likes to sit on the speed but will have its work cut out to get across from barrier 10, though Eduardo in barrier seven could give Nature Strip something to follow to the rail.

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2020 winner Classique Legend, attempting to win the race first up, has drawn barrier five, while Masked Crusader will start in gate nine.

Gytrash has drawn the rails, while The Inferno has been given the widest barrier.

Barrier draws for Saturday: Barrier Horse (Jockey/ Trainer) 1 Gytrash (Jason Collett/ Richards & Moyle) 2 Lost And Running (Hugh Bowman/John O'Shea) 3 Embracer (Jean Van Overmeire/Waterhouse & Bott) 4 Trekking (Josh Parr/James Cummings) 5 Classique Legend (Kerrin McEvoy/Les Bridge) 6 Home Affairs (Glen Boss/ Chris Waller) 7 Eduardo (Nash Rawiller/ Joseph Pride) 8 Libertini (Sam Clipperton/ Anthony Cummings) 9 Masked Crusader (Tommy Berry/Hawkes) 10 Nature Strip (James

McDonald/Chris Waller) 11 Wild Ruler (Tim Clark/P & P Snowden)

Prizemoney breakdown:

12 The Inferno (Regan Bayliss/Cliff Brown)

2nd

A$2,3 million

3rd

A$1,4 million

4th

A$1 million

5th

A$750 000

6th

A$500 000

7th

A$450 000

8th

A$450 000

9th

A$450 000

10th

A$450 000

11th

A$450,000

12th

A$450,000

In the first four runnings of the race, the winners came from the following barriers: 2017 - Redzel (4) 2018 - Redzel (1) 2019 - Yes Yes Yes (9) 2020 - Classique Legend (6) The total prizemoney for The Everest is A$15 million, making it the world's richest race on turf.

The winner will take home A$6.2 million.

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1st

A$6,2 million

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No Jab – No Tab! The Australian Turf Club has received approval by the NSW Government to host up to 10 000 spectators for the world’s richest race on turf the $15 million TAB Everest at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

All attendees will need to be fully vaccinated and demonstrate a digital or printed certificate to gain entry.

Following regular consultation with the NSW Government over several months and a proven track

record of hosting COVID-Safe events, the Australian Turf Club will welcome ATC Members, owners and sponsors on course.

Stringent racing industry bubbles separating all jockeys and trainers from spectator spaces will also be in place.

All spectators are required to pre-register for the event through the Australian Turf Club and follow NSW Government Public Health Orders.

Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Jamie Barkley thanked the NSW Government for its support of racing and allowing spectators to Sydney’s first major event following lockdown.

A range of spectator precincts across Royal Randwick’s vast open spaces will be set out across the racecourse to minimise movement between spectators.

Racing Certainty -What’s That?

The Gr1 Might And Power run at Caulfield on Saturday was meant to be a Zaaki benefit race, a walkover contest where the former Pom pushed his credentials for the title of Australia's best horse.

But another horse, next Saturday’s Caulfield Cup favourite Incentivise, who was grinning in his box at

home, is now wearing that crown.

And it has come about almost by default as Zaaki’s reputation took a hit.

The glorious thing about sport is its great uncertainties but few foreshadowed anything but a one-horse race as Zaaki was sent out deep in the red in the newly named Might And Power.

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The only question before the race was who would finish second to the raging Cox Plate favourite.

A couple of minutes later and there were a lot more questions than answers.

That’s why we love this game!

Read more on page 92!

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10 Outstanding Welwitschia skates to victory under Anthony Delpech ahead of an unsighted Dancewiththedevil in the 2011 Gr3 Joburg Spring (F&M) Challenge

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Many who witnessed Desert Miracle's scintillating nine-length tour de force at Turffontein on Saturday will agree that this was a mighty impressive performance.

Off the track since her eight-length romp in the Gr2 Golden Slipper on July day, the three-year-old turned her seasonal debut into a similar procession when she blew away her rivals in imperious fashion. In fact, she could easily have won by a double digit margin, considering that Gavin Lerena eased her off in the end. Mike de Kock's rising star has now ripped through her last three starts by a combined margin of 19 lengths.

Back in July, the trainer

remarked that Desert Miracle would be targeted at the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas and that classic is still firmly on the radar.

"I want to give her one more run before the Guineas, there are a few options. She's very good," he remarked on Saturday.

Well done to owner Mary Slack, who bred the filly from her imported mare Welwitschia, a daughter of English standout sire Oasis Dream. In a career spanning four seasons, she carried the Slack silks to seven victories.

Successful in both the Gr2 Camellia Stakes and Gr3 Joburg Spring Fillies & Mares Challenge, this top class

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12 Desert Miracle charges clear to win at Turffontein last Saturday

sprinter became the first female winner in almost 25 years to lift the Gr2 Diadem Stakes, in addition to which she finished second to champion All Is Secret in the Gr1 Mercury Sprint and chased home What A Winter and Via Africa in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint.

Welwitschia's pedigree warrants a closer look. Her dam Maid For Romance, a daughter of the champion sprinter Pursuit Of Love, managed just one place at three but is a half-sister to the stakes winning trio of Grassy, Savannah Bay and Lady In Waiting, as well as stakes-placed Greenery.

Remarkably, all four were sired by sons of the great

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Sadler's Wells. Grassy lived up to his name as a dual Gr2 winner on turf and twice ran third in the Gr1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes. His sire, the grey El Prado, was an Irish Gr1 winner who ended up at stud in America where he made his name as a sire of superior turf horses, amongst which the champion grass horse Kitten's Joy and Medaglia d'Oro - both of whom have become powerhouse stallions.

Savannah Bay, who won the Gr3 Prix de Lutece, was sired

by Sadler's Well's successful stallion son In The Wings.

Lady In Waiting likewise proved herself in graded stakes company. A triple Listed Stakes winner and

runner-up in both the Gr1 Nassau Stakes and Gr2 Pretty Polly Stakes, she finally got her due reward when an easy winner of the Gr2 Sun Chariot Stakes. Her sire Kylian lacked nothing in pedigree, being by Sadler's Wells out of a halfsister to Storm Bird, yet despite his fine pedigree, he proved a disappointing stallion.

Half-sister Greenery is by the mighty Galileo, who seamlessly followed in the footsteps of his legendary sire and has reigned supreme at Coolmore for more than a decade. A stakes-placed winner of two in the States, Greenery produced Gr1 Donn Handicap winner and Claiborne stallion Lea. Interestingly, Galileo's influence

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on the family extends further. He also sired the Gr2-placed stakes winner King Of Wands, who shares the same third dam as Desert Miracle, this the Sharpen Up mare Stinging Nettle. Furthermore, she is also the third dam of Gr3 winner The Happy Prince, whose sire is Galileo's champion son Rip van Winkle.

It goes without saying that this particular female family has shown a clear affinity with Sadler's Wells. That looks set to continue as Desert Miracle is by his excellent grandson Dynasty.

All credit to Mrs Slack, for she also bred the champion son of Fort Wood.

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18 Candiese Lenferna snapped these two happy punters at Hollywoodbets Greyville earlier today

BACK WHERE WE BELONG! Candiese Lenferna

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It is almost surreal to believe that crowds returned to Hollywoodbets Greyville today. This after an almost nonchalant entry in the Government Gazette earlier this week confirmed that a limited number of spectators will now be allowed to attend sporting events subject to strict adherence to all Covid-19 health protocols and social distancing measures.

grandstand facilities at Hollywoodbets Greyville from today.

Entrance to Hollywoodbets Greyville will be through Gate 8 (cars) and Gate 7 (pedestrians) off Avondale Road where all attendees will be screened before accessing the race course.

Gold Circle have come out the blocks flying ahead of the other racing jurisdictions and it is great news for horseracing fans who have been prevented from attending race meetings since March 2020 due to lock down restrictions.

The public are encouraged to fill out the pre-screening form available on the Gold Circle website (www.goldcircle.co.za) and social media channels to ensure expedited access to the race course. Unlike at Randwick in Sydney on Saturday, vaccination certificates are not a requirement – yet!

Up to 2000 people will be able to utilise the outdoor

Food & beverage facilities are open as well as the oncourse

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Totes and Bookmakers.

The next KZN racemeeting is at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the turf on Sunday, where the Listed Michaelmas Handicap heads an eight-race programme Dean Kannemeyer is enjoying a great run with his 3yo’s down in the Cape, and his Summerveld satellite yard also in good form.

His Kingsbarns gelding Sir Michael is a model of consistency and knocking hard for his third win. This could be the 5yo’s day and he only needs to repeat his sterling effort when stretching Snaith star Do It Again at the city track three runs back, to beat his seven opponents.

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The likes of the evergreen 7yo Gentleman’s Wager, Snaith’s Native Tongue and Summer Cup entry Donald Mcdonald, could be his major threats.

free-to-enter Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge will again be offering big cash prizes.

Watch this space.

Depending on the outcome of today’s milestone meeting, the

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Keagan de Melo knows the galloper well and the Drakenstein owned and bred athlete should enjoy the 1900m. With just 54,5kgs to carry, he must be very competitive.

21 Keagan de Melo partners Sir Michael in Sunday’s Listed Michaelmas Handicap

Cover Image Apprentice Thabiso Gumede shows the thumbs up after his 60th winner. Image courtesy of Candiese Lenferna Photography

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PROUD MOMENT FOR THABISO Thabiso Gumede LB 3 pages

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Candiese Lenferna

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It is common knowledge in racing circles that veteran Ashburton trainer Duncan Howells doesn’t suffer fools when it comes to his stable jockeys. But the Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer suggests that 20 year old Thabiso Gumede is the ‘complete package’ and destined for the top – if he can stay on the straight and narrow.

The 20 year Candiese Lenferna Photographysponsored Thabiso had a glorious day to remember at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday when he booted home a double for the Howells yard.

The young man’s first winning ride of the afternoon on Let’s Twist Again also brought up his ‘coming-of-age’ 60th career winner, which entitled him to his SA Jockey Academy white blazer.

It was a proud culmination of seventeen months of hard work – lest we forget that it was the very Thabiso Gumede who rode the first winner back on 1 June 2020 after over two months of covid isolation last year!

Leading owner Dave Maclean’s Let’s Twist Again was having his first run for the Howells outfit on transfer from Mike de Kock, and apprentice Gumede did everything right.

“I spotted Thabiso’s talent some time ago and asked him to come and work for me,” says Duncan Howells, an accomplished amateur rider in his day.

“He has plenty of talent. He is balanced in the saddle and on top of it, he is a natural lightweight who has good body strength. Furthermore, he is prepared to work hard and listen – and to accept criticism and feedback.”

Duncan says that Thabiso has a natural feel for a horse, which is another of his great assets.

“You can’t learn that connection or be taught it out of a textbook. You either have it or you don’t. He certainly is the complete package and destined for good things.”

But Duncan warns that some of the apprentices that leave the academy are not streetwise, and that they can lose their way in the big wide world.

“That would be my one concern – not in Thabiso’s specific case, but generally speaking.

They lose their way and then reality hits home two years down the line and they try and make a comeback. And once you are labelled as lazy or uncommitted, it’s difficult to shake it off and it can set the standard for your career.”

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Talking to the Sporting Post on Monday, Thabiso said that he had plenty to be thankful for to Duncan Howells, whom he regarded as a father figure and guiding light, to his family, his sponsor for encouragement and guidance, and to Hollywoodbets who had awarded him a bursary to complete his training and studies.

We asked Thabiso about the dynamics of his relationship with his boss and how he handled it.

“I listen and don’t get offended. If Mr Howells is angry or cross, it’s because I probably messed up and I’d rather listen and learn and avoid the mistake next time! I don’t sulk or get offended,” adds the man who came from a disadvantaged background three years ago to having the world at his feet today.

Thabiso grew up close to Summerveld and the SA Jockey Academy at Shongweni and has always credited his Uncle, a former SAJA Security Guard, with having introduced him to racing and a possible career as a jockey.

“The time has flown. It feels like yesterday that I arrived nervously at the gates. Now next month I am leaving the academy and going out there on my own. I cannot say a bad word about anybody at

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SAJA. I have learnt so much and made friends and met some really wonderful people.”

Thabiso only had his first race ride on 2 September 2018 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville when he piloted Kirav’s Tune for Kom Naidoo.

It took him some months and eight more rides to reach the winner’s enclosure. The horse was the longshot Fleek for Louis Goosen at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 19 April 2019. The young man was on his way and the Hollywoodbets Greyville polytrack remains his favourite racecourse.

Fast forward to October 2021,

Thabiso says his medium term goal is to ride overseas and expand his horizons.

The arrival of his daughter Yankelo four months ago has also fast-tracked his dreams and he wants to make her proud.

“It is daunting and exciting leaving as the academy is a safe haven of sorts. But I’m going to be living with my Mom and my daughter in Shongweni and am looking forward to spending a lot of time with my family. And I need to purchase a car to get to work as I won’t be able to hitch a ride on the appie bus anymore!”

A last word from Thabiso’s proud sponsor, Equus

Award-winning photographer, Candiese Lenferna.

“Thabiso has loads of talent and horses like to run for him.

Once he hits the front, he keeps a horse going to the finish and I feel it has to be his balance that gives him an edge. I am so pleased that he and Duncan Howells have struck up a great partnership and I’m sure it’s going to lead to greater things in the future.

It has been a true pleasure and privilege to sponsor Thabiso, and to participate in his journey to get to the 60 wins. It’s not often he just has winner on a day, he usually makes it a double!”

Candiese endorsed Duncan Howells positive outlook for the future.

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Thabiso Gumede keeps his head down as Let's Twist Again dances home 24

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The SA Jockey Academy guard of honour lead Thabiso and Let’s Twist Again in Candiese Lenferna “We are looking forward to what Thabiso can achieve in the future. He is receiving support from other trainers

which is encouraging to see, and we must say a massive thank you to the SA Jockey Academy for all they have done

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Candiese Lenferna

for him and to Hollywoodbets for his bursary.”

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Snaith hits the beach with TableCandiese MountainLenferna as the backdrop

Toss the red list and roll out the red carpet – see you at Cape Racing this summer.

That’s the word on social media from SA Champion trainer Justin Snaith and his team after the announcement that Britain will scrap tough Covid-19 quarantine travel rules for 47 destinations, including South Africa on Monday.

The British authorities also said they would recognise the vaccine status of arrivals from more countries in the latest easing of restrictions.

Transport minister Grant Shapps said on Thursday that travellers arriving in England from 37 countries and territories would also face fewer entry requirements as their vaccine status will be recognised, including arrivals 28

from India, Turkey and Ghana.

The removal of South Africa from the red list means that travellers will no longer be forced to quarantine on arrival in England, which comes at a cost of around £2,295 (R46,658).

It is also expected to significantly boost the tourism industry here, which has been

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devastated over the past 18 months by the pandemic.

Virgin Atlantic told the Evening Standard it has already seen a surge in bookings, with particular interest in flights over Christmas period.

“In advance of the red list review, we have seen our bookings to South Africa increase by 150% over the

past four days, compared to the four days prior,” a spokeswoman said last week.

“The majority of bookings are for passengers originating from the UK however we are also seeing an increase in passengers originating from South Africa as well. The new bookings are for travel in November and December this year in particular around the Christmas period.”

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Writing in his eNews mailer last week, local bloodstock man John Freeman said:”That’s really good news and I am hoping that we will see more overseas friends and racing fans visit our sunny shores soon. We miss you.”

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JC Photos

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Golden Pheasant has moved on to the latest log

GOLDEN PHEASANT ON THE MOVE Golden Pheasant has moved on to the latest log for the Gauteng Summer Cup following his victory in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m at Turffontein last Saturday.

The seven-year-old gelding who is trained by Barend Botes and Yolandi Vosloo, beat a field comprising a number of other nominees, by a neck on the Inside track.

That resulted in a four-point rise to his merit rating which

saw him enter the log in 16th place.

Second Base, who is in fourth position on the log, finished fourth in the same race and that has resulted in a two-point drop to his merit rating, but does not alter his position on the log.

The Gatekeeper drops out of the top 20 following his disappointing fourth place in a Progress Plate over 1600m at Durbanville on Saturday.

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• Second Entries close at 11h00 on Monday 1 November 2021.

• Final entries close at 11h00 on Monday 15 November 2021 after which the weights will be posted.

• Declarations must be in by 11h00 on Tuesday 16 November 2021.

Click here to view the latest log.

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Candiese Lenferna

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WOKONDA SEALS DEAL ON NEW ALLIANCE 36

Trainer Sean Tarry – thrilled with Hollywood involvement

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The Hollywood Syndicate has taken its ownership of horses in South Africa to the next level with the acquisition of 33 horses previously raced by former SA Champion owner Chris van Niekerk.

The horses will remain under the banner of Randjesfontein trainer Sean Tarry.

The new partnership made a flying start on Saturday when the Captain Of All filly Wokonda, the first runner under the new flag, stormed home to win the fourth race at Turffontein.

The Hollywood Syndicate will thus become one of the multiple champion trainer's biggest patrons in terms of individual horses.

Included in the acquisition are multiple-group winners Chimichuri Run, Eden Roc, Ikigai and Warrior’s Rest.

Exciting 3-year-olds include the Pomodoro colt Indelible, and the Rafeef filly and colt duo of Mounia and Dockofthebay.

Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager Devin Heffer says the purple operator has long admired the Sean Tarry and Chris van Niekerk combination, and the incredible partnership that they have enjoyed over the last 23 years.

“We have always admired the Sean Tarry / Chris van Niekerk combination’s contribution to SA racing. Their powerful partnership has delivered incredible achievements over the past two decades, and they have raced some outstanding thoroughbreds. We wish Chris all the best for his future endeavours, and congratulate him on the legacy he leaves behind in the racing industry.”

“The acquisition of the 33 horses is extremely exciting as we are aware of the meticulous work and effort that Sean and Chris expend in selecting their thoroughbreds. The Hollywood Syndicate has long dreamed of a Grade 1 winner, and we are hopeful that the realisation of that dream will be enhanced with our acquisition today,” said Heffer.

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“When Chris told me he was withdrawing from the sport, I certainly anticipated turbulent times ahead. But Hollywoodbets’ spontaneous approach put my mind at ease. They indicated how they admired the relationship I had with Chris and what we had achieved. This told me they were getting involved for the right reasons,” added Sean Tarry, who is an existing Hollywood Syndicate trainer.

Tarry said that he believed that Hollywoodbets always had racing’s best interests at heart and, based on the well-known brand’s achievements over the past few years, it was encouraging to enjoy their backing.

“We want to get excited about racing again, and Hollywoodbets brings that unique vibe to the game. I’m really looking forward to working with Anthony Delpech and the purple team,” said Tarry.

Hollywood Syndicate racing manager Anthony Delpech rode over 100 winners for

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Sean Tarry, including Tarry’s first ever graded winner Golden Apple in the Gr2 Gosforth Park Fillies Guineas back in March 1999.

Interestingly, Golden Apple would go on to produce Vodacom Durban July winner Pomodoro, whose progeny includes 10 horses in the newly acquired contingent from Chris van Niekerk. Such are the fairytales that only racing can script!

“I have ridden many winners for Sean in the past, and he is a gentleman to work with.

The relationship he and Chris enjoyed for 23 years has been

fantastic for the sport, and if we can strive to work towards what they achieved, there will be good things to come for both the Hollywood Syndicate and this top conditioner.”

“Our mission at Hollywood has been to buy young horses, with the long-term goal of competing for the National Owners’ title. This acquisition means that we can begin competing now in feature races, and it gives us a giant leap forward in our plans,” added Delpech.

The newly acquired squad will immediately commence racing in the Hollywood

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Syndicate’s yellow and purple silks, with the Captain Of All filly Wokonda the first runner under the new flag, when she lines up in the 4th race at Turffontein on Saturday.

Read more about the Hollywood Syndicate – please click here

JC Photos

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Social Image (Pomodoro x Catalina) sold for R220 000

END OF AN ERA The one-time winner Social Image topped the charts at the Bloodstock South Africa Randjesfontein October Sale on Friday.

The filly (#17) out of London News mare Carolita fell to an impressive R220 000 to Lance Michael to become the top seller of 28 lots.

A three-year-old daughter of Pomodoro has faced some competitive fields, having run second to the Gr2 winning The United States filly Sheela in the Listed Storm Bird Stakes.

This sale hails the end of Chris Van Niekerk's time in the racing industry and at the Sean Tarry Racing Stable.

Buyers included Western Cape, KZN, Eastern Cape and local interests.

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The twenty-eight lots sold for a gross of R1 045 000 with an average of R45 435.

Click here to view the BSA Randjesfontein October Sale result

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Hamish Niven Photography

FLOWER ON FIRE Wilgerbosdrift stallion Flower Alley has made a cracking start to the 2021/22 season, and the former Gr1 Travers Stakes winner came up with three more winners in South Africa over the past weekend. At Fairview on Friday Legend Has It won over 2000 metres. Trained by Juan Nel, the Riverton Stud bred filly dug down deep to win by a short head. Flower Alley’s son Firealley caught the eye when making much of the running to win at Durbanville on Saturday, with Flower Alley mare Fire Flower winning in similar style at Turffontein on the same day. Flower Alley has been in good of form of late, and currently ranks above the likes of Var, Trippi, and Dynasty on the South African General Sires List.

BRIDGE IS BACK With the Met in his sights, the now 7yo Rainbow Bridge is back in training with Eric Sands and reportedly flashing ‘a bit of a belly’. The son of Ideal World is currently the joint-second best performed Met horse in history together with the 1930’s legend Moonlit, both horses having two wins and a narrow second to their respective names. David Thiselton reports that Rainbow Bridge will join the great Pocket Power as the only horse to have won the Met three times if he does it in January and he will become the greatest performed Met horse in history in the process as Pocket Power’s only other two runs in the big race yielded third and eighth placed finishes. Rainbow Bridge has one second and a third in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate to his name and he has finished fourth, third and second respectively in the Green point Stakes, so is due a win this year.

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A SURE THING Maine Chance Farms’ young stallion Quasillo looks to have come up with a smart first crop galloper in the form of Peter Muscutt’s Quasiforsure. He made it two wins from just two starts with an impressive display under Tristan Gooden at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday afternoon.

Bred by the Boland Stud, the colt is out of the Count Dubois mare Surefire.

Quasiforsure is one of just eight first crop runners for his sire thus far, with this crop also including the stakes placed Miss Putin and eye catching winner Equillo. A half-brother to leading Cape sire Querari, Quasillo is a son of outstanding racehorse and sire Sea The Stars. The latter made headlines at the recent Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Book 1, when he supplied that sales’ top priced filly and top priced colt respectively. His Gr3 Bavarian Classic winning son Quasillo has a single lot on the CTS Ready To Run Sale and another two-year-old on offer at the BSA November Two Year Old Sale.

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ENGLISH RACING CAN’T MATCH AUSTRALIA

A Britain-based racehorse owner disillusioned with the state of racing in his homeland has signed for a half-million yearling to be trained by Annabel Neasham (pictured). Noel Wilson bought a Lope de Vega colt for 250 000 guineas (approximately A$505 000) on the opening day of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2. Wilson, who formerly worked at The Sun newspaper in their racing department, races horses in France under the name Just Wow Ltd and has owned horses in Australia, including the OTI Racing-owned Scarlet Tufty.

"I live in Kent, but I would never have a horse in training in England, it is just a joke," Wilson told The Owner Breeder. "I have had horses in Australia come 10th and pick up £1500 (A$2800). It is not a deciding factor, but it is indicative of what is going on. If you look at Australia, I have seen 90-rated horses placed in Gr1’s.

"I am not really rich enough to support British racing. I set the alarm to watch the horses run in Australia, and I also have Equidia (French racing TV channel) in the kitchen.I don't need to go and watch them physically. When they lose it is nice to turn around and make a cup of tea (rather) than have to get in the car and drive to a different country to get home!"

Wilson's support in entrusting to Neasham the colt, who was raised in the UK county of Northamptonshire, again highlights her rapid growth, just 14 months after saddling up her first runner in her own right. Neasham currently has 137 horses registered in her care, with 22 of those horses foreign-bred and boasting clientele around the world. She trains Cox Plate favourite Zaaki.

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THRILLING STUFF FROM FORMER RACING JOURNO 46

Michael Clower - first novel

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Former Cape-based racing journalist Michael Clower, author of widely-acclaimed biographies of Mick Kinane and Charlie Swan, has written his first novel, a racing thriller.

Clower decided to retire in December last year after more than half a century reporting on racing in Kenya, Ireland and South Africa.

He told the Sporting Post at the time: “I was delighted when Kenilworth Racing and their PR consultant Kirsti Lyall invited me to return to write reports and features. When Independent Newspapers decided early in the lockdowns that they were no longer prepared to devote much space to racing I thought it was all over.

“However the last two Saturdays have rammed home to me that at the age of 76 neither my eyes nor my reactions are good enough to cope with the Cape Town traffic at the weekend, let alone on a Wednesday when half the drivers seem to have been taking lessons from Lewis Hamilton.

“I can’t complain. For 53 years I have been paid for

doing something that I enjoyed so much I would happily have done it for nothing – and not many people are that lucky in life.

The new novel tells how racing journalist and amateur jockey Rod Hutchinson is tipped off that certain horses are being doped to win. His secretive, early morning studies of the methods of the suspected trainers suggest something far more frightening and horrific than mere dope – and he resolves to expose them.

He discovers that the trainers concerned are in league with an unscrupulous bookmaker who gives them over the odds in return for information that the horses can’t lose. Hutchinson is warned to drop the subject and, when he refuses, he is viciously attacked and threatened with far worse. Still he continues and this time the villains determine to kill him in spectacular fashion.

At the same time the two horses Hutchinson owns are being run in an unscrupulous fashion that could threaten his writing and riding careers. He knows he has to find out why, and take action, before his world comes tumbling down.

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Michael Clower, in the words of the Racing Post ‘a legendary racing writer’, has produced a fast-moving action-packed book well up to the standard of his racing biographies Mick Kinane – Big Race King, Champion Charlie, The Legend of Istabraq and Kings of the Turf.

Riding For A Fall, published

by Christel Foord Publishing (South Africa), is available on Amazon at £8.02 for the paperback and £9.72 for the kindle edition.

Please click here for more

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A CHIRP & A PUTT Guaquistador storms to victory under Craig Zackey 50

Jason Dedekind – misses working in horseracing

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The champion Politician – a Dedekind family favourite Sick for the game. A phrase popularised in the good old Tellytrack days by that charismatic racing man Shaheen Shaw. It also aptly describes a former Phumelela General Manager who was, almost fortuitously, born at Mother’s Hospital, across the road from what would land up being two of his favourite sporting venues - Hollywoodbets Greyville and Royal Durban Golf Club.

This week Jason Dedekind

celebrates a birthday ‘closer to 50’ than he would ordinarily choose it to be. The Durban High School graduate turns 45 on Friday and the Sporting Post caught up with him to find out what he is up to.

A man of many nicknamessome of which he admits he doesn’t know – Jason currently works in the print and marketing industry for one of the largest specialists in that field.

He tells that Owen Heffer started calling him ‘JD’ back in 2007.

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“In the golfing world I am referred to as ‘Little Woozy’ and ‘J-Bay’. My old schoolmates refer to me as ‘Dede’, while my wife calls me ‘Lovebum’. I am sure I have a few others that I am not aware of,” he laughs.

The man who declines to discuss politics or Eskom, explains that his current job entails managing a few key accounts and hunting new business. Racing does neither!

Royal Durban Gold Club

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On course - nothing beats racing and golf!

“I still have my marketing consultancy on the side, where most of my clients have been sportsbetting entities and suppliers to that industry.

The focus has not only been on South Africa, but Africa and Europe as well. I haven’t promoted that business since joining the corporate ranks full time again, but will possibly start again in the new year.”

We always imagined ‘Little Woozy’ was a semi-pro golfer.

“My golf has taken a back seat since I moved to Joburg and I am not a member of an official club anymore. I do belong to a social golf league – Duckhook Golfers - which is an awesome community of golfers who banter via whatsapp. That at least keeps me in some sort of golfing loop. I really do miss playing, but have to focus on my family at present. My unofficial handicap is 10,” he adds modestly.

Besides being born within a stride of KZN’s city racetrack, racing has always been in

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‘J-Bay’s blood.

He explains that his Grandfather, Ernest, used to own a few horses and raced them with Eileen Bestel.

“Phoenix Flyer and Moomba’s Pet were two of my favourites. My english orals at school used to be horseracing commentaries with his horses and a few other popular names of the time – Politician, Bodrum, Wolf Power, Bush Telegraph and the like.

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My whole family loved racing and bet regularly, which is where my interest started. It was always fun finding winners out of the racecard,” he recalls fondly.

Jason goes on to explain that his Godfather is Head of the Western Cape Stipendiary Board and that he taught him a lot about form from a young age.

“I only started working in the industry back in 2011 when I joined Gold Circle. My Mom – a Muis Roberts fan who loved grey horses - passed away that year and I got divorced.

When Ken Rutherford offered me an opportunity at Phumelela, I jumped at it! I also worked for Hollywoodbets and learnt a lot from Mr Owen Heffer and his team during that time. My passion was always for racing and helping the game. My Dad, Roland, still takes his Jackpot daily!”

Jason married his best friend in November 2019.

“Jackie has really been my rock over the course of our relationship. Johannesburg can be a tough place and she just keeps me sane and very happy. We love trying to get out of the city as often as we can - even if it is only to Harties, just to clear our heads.”

He says that his step-kids,

Brennan (19) and Kyra (16), also keep him on his toes ‘in a good way’.

“They have grown a lot since coming into my life and show me how different the world is today. My sister, Amy, immigrated to the UK late in 2019 with her husband Cameron, but also still follows SA racing when she can.”

JD left the industry in 2018 – his last official role was GM of Publishing for Phumelela Gaming and Leisure.

“I have tried to get back in since – but unfortunately have not had any luck. The racing fraternity is an awesome bunch of people and I do miss the banter and camaraderie,” he admits.

So he really misses horseracing?

“Oh hell, yes! I miss the game.

I miss ‘helping’ and getting information out to the loyal patrons. There is no other community quite like racing!”

We asked what he thought of the current state of the game and what the answers were.

“That’s a tough question! In some instances, the game looks awesome. But is it really as shiny under the surface?

I have made mistakes in the past and don’t like to speculate when I’m not directly involved anymore. I do think the ‘new

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brigades’ have made positive changes. It has obviously been very hard to sustain and implement all the changes, with Covid entering the fray.”

Jason says that he still has concerns about upfront communication, which he has always felt needs to be a key driver in any business plan.

“It is better to start and control the conversation, rather than have all these little ones start all over social media. Our field sizes also concern me as big fields are crucial to our international business and used to be a major drawcard for customers to take our racing product, instead of other countries. The powersthat-be need to continue making positive changes, showcasing our athletes and industry professionals. The world though, is sometimes a nasty place and some like to attack from the side lines, rather unnecessarily.”

JD says that he likes what he has seen in recent weeks, especially from the Cape Racing team and suggests the marketing teams involve our influencers a little more on social media.

“We have fantastic photographers and videographers who can promote the game. Is our game perfect? No! But are there good people involved trying to make it better? Yes!

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Would I like to be one of those people? Of course!”

He feels that South Africa has struggled to unite but sport always manages to beat all else.

“I love watching my teams and obviously follow the Sunshine, PGA and European Tours closely.

Sport, and that includes racing, has such a positive vibe when needed and when people stand together.”

So how does Tellytrack fit into the scheme of things as our shop window?

“I think they do the best they can under the circumstances.

It is tough almost being in limbo, working with a tight budget, and still having to deliver 24/7, while being un-

der scrutiny all the time.”

While on this thread, Jason asks to send a last shoutout to Dubai-bound Alistair Cohen.

“All the best young man. You have come a long way from that young kid who won the Commentators Competition at Hollywoodbets Greyville beating Warren Lenferna in the final, to working your way up the Phumelela ranks. You were always a great team member to have on my side and Dubai is fortunate to have such an awesome all-round talent join their ranks! All the best my friend – believe and remember to have fun while representing your country, industry, family and friends!”

So how is the racing fanatic JD celebrating his 45th birthday on Friday?

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“I will just be chilling at home with my family. I may have a nice Jack Daniels or two and play some darts. Then a little later this month, my wife has booked us a two-week holiday at the coast. We start in Knysna – I have never been to the town - and then end in the Western Cape to see family and friends. We really need the break and I am blessed that Jackie has organised the trip!”

In closing, the former Phumelela man sends a message: “Cheers to all – thank you to the Sporting Post for the opportunity and all the best to racing – may it find its new lane and prosper!”

Brave Tin Soldier v

S to r m C at – B l e S S b y m r P r o S P e C to r

(USA)

Sold for US$3-million as a foal Stakes winning miler in UK & USa - timeform 115 at 2

Classic

Gr1

by Champion Sire & Sires-of-Sires

sire of

producing sire-of-sires

to the core

Rabada

StoRM Cat

won Gr1 Daily News 2000, Gr1 Premier’s Champion S.; sire - first crop will be yearlings

out of full sister to Kentucky Derby winner & G1 sire

bRave MaRy

FuSaiChi PeGaSuS

won Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship

and grandam full sister to Preakness Stakes winner & Gr1 sire

RunninG bRave

won Gr2 Gold Bracelet (2x); 2nd Gr1 Empress Club S. (2x), 2nd Gr1 Summer Cup

Pine bluFF (by Danzig) R5.000 live foal Contact: Jill Fox

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072 289 8471 • nfo@thefortstud.co.za Property of The Fort Stud

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HOMELY GIRL HOLDS HER PLACE The latest CTS Ready To Run log for the 2021 De Grendel Ready To Run Stakes over 1400m has been released.

The race is scheduled for Kenilworth on Sunday, 31 October.

While Allan Greeff’s Fairview-based stakes winner Whatever Next (What A Winter) still tops the log, three horses hold a joint-second place. The Justin Snaith-trained Homely Girl (Querari) and Queen Of Shadows (Vercingetorix) compete against the Johan

Janse Van Vuuren-trained Quantum King (Querari) for second place.

The R900 000 race will be preceded by the R2R Gallops on Friday, 29 October, and followed by the 2021 CTS Ready To Run and UnbrokenTwo-Year-Old Sale on Sunday, 31 October.

The race is restricted to eligible graduates of the 2020 CTS Ready To Run Sales and entries will open at 11h00 on Monday, 18 October.

Supplementary entries are due by 11h00 on Friday, 22 October, with declarations due

by 11h00 on Monday, 25 October.

The final field will be determined based on merit ratings. For those of the same rating, the number of wins prevails; failing that, a random draw will take place.

Horses with less than 3 runs which are still maidens do not qualify for an official merit rating, so therefore cannot be ranked on the log.

Click here to view the latest log.

Chase Liebenberg

57 Homely Girl continues to hold a joint-second on the log

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Romi Bettison

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Lot 92 (colt) by William Longsword ex Kilauea

THE POWER OF ONE! Winterbach Stud heads to the CTS Ready To Run Sale at the end of this month with just one colt in their draft.

An impressive son of William Longsword, Volcanic Sword is out of the four-time winning Kilauea. By renowned broodmare sire Trippi, the Gr2 and Gr3 placed mare has thrown a powerful first foal.

“Kilauea won over 1200 – 1600m and if her progeny are anything like Mom, we can expect this fellow to be the perfect candidate for the CTS Ready To Run Stakes next year!” enthused Hendrik Winterbach Jnr.

An impressive specimen, the top breeder says the colt is a sound horse with a lot of potential “He is really not the type of horse you want to miss out on,” he suggests.

Click here to view his pedigree.

While Winterbach Stud won’t have any of their 2020 draft in the CTS Ready To Run Stakes line-up at Kenilworth on 30 October, they do have a Winterbach born-and-raised gelding to cheer across the finish line.

Currently ranked at eleventh place on the race log with a

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merit rating of 85, Amell is Winterbach Stud’s flagbearer for the R900 000 contest to be run over the Kenilworth 1400m.

The entire Winterbach team will be cheering him on!

The R2R Gallops will precede the R900 000 race on Friday, 29 October, followed by the 2021 CTS Ready To Run and Unbroken-Two-Year-Old Sale on Sunday, 31 October.

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Candiese Lenferna

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Willow Magic (Dubawi ex La Willow) settled in at Bush Hill quickly

IT’S A KINDA MAGIC! Warwick and Karin Render of Bush Hill Stud wait with bated breath for the full sister to MK's Pride to arrive.

Out of the Admire Main mare Ikimasu, the outstanding MK's Pride has exceeded expectations! His sire Willow

Magic has blown many of us away, and people are only just starting to realize what he is really all about.

Willow Magic's multiple Gr2 winning son has come out tops at seven of his starts and placed in three Gr1's. MK's Pride is what every breeder

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dreams of – a courageous, talented and sound galloper.

"To gauge where your stallion fits into the big picture, one has to use the recent and current champions as a yardstick.

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"When we look at the performance of his first crop, the three-year-olds of this past season, and we break down their statistics, one finds very similar representation on the track through Willow Magic's earnings per runner and winner to runner percentages. These are probably the two most indicative stats, and his numbers show him to be on terms with Dynasty, Var and Silvano!

the South African breeding industry?" asks Warwick Render.

"What better yardstick could one use than these legends of

"Willow Magic has a wonderful temperament and took the

"On current active sires, there are none that he need step back for in average earnings per runner," he observes.

With six winners in the last three weeks, including another Gr2 victory for MK's Pride, Warwick believes the future is very bright for the chestnut stallion.

Candiese Lenferna

65 Blue Sky Thoroughbreds (f) by Willow Magic ex Cinnamon Spice

move down from Summerhill Stud very well and quickly settled into his new surroundings.

"I must say that he arrived in excellent condition, and we would like to thank all for their efforts with him thus far," says Warwick gratefully.

He explained how the stallion quickly settled into the rhythm of the new season and is a pleasure to work with all year round.

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The Bush Hill Stud team have seen several very nice Willow Magic foals this season already and the team looks forward to the arrival of the Ikimasu foal - MK's Pride's full sibling.

Warwick tells us how Willow Magic will continue to get a wide range of mares from the farm and most of the KZN breeding fraternity too. He has also received outstanding out-of-province support.

"We are most grateful to all that have taken note of what he is achieving and for the

support offered. On the quality of the foals the son of Dubawi has thrown, we are confident his supporters will not be disappointed!" quips Warwick.

With the arrival of the stallion at Bush Hill Stud, Warwick and his team are most appreciative of the original partnership’s gesture in facilitating the horse's further syndication - thus allowing breeders the unique opportunity to buy shares in a stallion who is already proving himself to be successful.

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"We may still be able to squeeze an extra share or two out of them if there are interested parties.

"As always, give us a call, and we will do our best to accommodate!" concludes Warwick.

Willow Magic's service fee for 2021 remains unchanged at the value price of R12 000 live foal.

• Contact Warwick and Karin Render for more information: bushhillstud@futurenet.co.za

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68 Lot 604 (c) by Night Of Thunder (IRE) ex Harlequin Girl (GB) sold for 375,000 guineas

Tattersalls

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RECORD TRADE ON OPENING DAY OF TATTERSALLS BOOK 2 69

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The opening day of Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale saw remarkably strong trade with 20 lots selling for 200,000 guineas or more on a day that saw a record turnover, average and median for a session at this sale. The average rose 27% and the median 35% to 89,318 guineas and 70,000 guineas respectively whilst the turnover was up 24% to 18,935,500 guineas.

A colt by Night Of Thunder proved the star turn on the opening day of Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale when selling for 375,000 guineas to Dwayne Woods, alongside his brothers, trainer Sean and Brook Stud’s Wendyll.

The March-born colt is out of HARLEQUIN GIRL, a halfsister to three blacktype horses including Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes winner Blaine and Listed Two Year Old Trophy victor Bogart.

Harlequin Girl is already the dam of two winners, including his full-sister Hanaady who won at Nottingham last week on her second career start.

Sean Woods said of the immediate plans for the colt: "He'll have a bit of time out, and he'll come to us in January at Shalfleet. He is for a client."

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Mick Kinane secured a son of Kingman consigned by Ballyhimikin Stud for 300,000 guineas. Bred by Trevor Stewart, James Hanley and Anthony Stroud, the colt is the first foal out of the Group 3 winning Tamayuz mare Hunaina from a deep Aga Khan family represented in recent years by the dual Classic winner Hurricane Lane and dual Derby winner Harzand.

Hunaina is also a half-sister to the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial winner Hamariyna.

Late in the evening a daughter of Galileo provided one of the highlights of the session when selling for 320,000 guineas to BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe, bidding online on behalf of Yulong Investments.

The Manister House Stud consigned filly is out of the Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes and Listed St Hugh’s Stakes winner Mrs Danvers, who also claimed the Weatherby’s Super

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Sprint when unbeaten in five starts at two. The daughter of Hellvelyn, who was trained

by Jonathan Portman, was bought back for just £1,000 when offered for sale as a yearling but gained a significant public following during her successful two-year-old season. This filly, a May foal, was the first of her progeny to be offered at public auction.

Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale wraps up today.

Keep Up With The

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

The World’s Largest Horses in Training Sale v

Featuring major consignments from Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms, Shadwell Estates, etc.

ZAAKI winner of

TATTERSALLS AUTUMN HORSES IN TRAINING SALE October 25 - 28 CATALOGUE ONLINE Jeremy Nelson , T: +2783 2617953 71 jeremy.nelson@tattersalls.com www.tattersalls.com

Underwood Stakes, Gr. 1, Doomben Cup, Gr. 1, etc. purchased at Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale for 150,000 gns

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CHARLMAIN’S THE TALK OF THE TOWN! The Sporting Post is proud to partner with BUSH and offer our breeders and our readers the opportunity of enjoying the new generation of future stars.

Last week we asked our readers to select their personal choice from a selection of magnificent foal snaps published on these pages during the month of September.

Readers voted and commented via the www.sportingpost.co.za website and via our Facebook page.

Now, let’s have a drum roll! The first winner of the BUSH Future Stars wellness hamper is Charlmain Reeves of Cape Town who selected foal (2), Beaumont Stud’s handsome Talk Of The Town colt.

crop received the majority of votes from our readers.

Congratulations Charlmain – BUSH will be in touch with you!

Congratulations also to Anton Shepherd and the Beaumont team!

Some other interesting comments: Alyson Wright picked number 15, Spring Valley’s very popular New Predator filly - ‘love the look of this filly ... strong, well put together and confident!’

Leonie Dillon Ermacora picked number 10, Blue Sky Thoroughbreds’ Willow Magic filly – ‘wow.. Beautiful hind quarters…strong and muscular…Has a presence about her. Long legs and that gorgeous face... Everything about her size fits proportionally.’

The beautiful foal received the most votes of the 15 entrants.

Lisa Humby also picked number 15, Spring Valley New Predator princess – ‘speaks to me and somehow reminds me of one of my favourite fillies I worked with, Neala!’

Charlmain said: ‘Strong bone, well put together, flashy good-looking Talk Of The Town colt.’ The lovely colt from the son of VAR’s first

Chelsea Olivier was another who Spring Valley’s New Predator humdinger (15)– ‘well put together strong type and looks to be a confident sort.’

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Susan Rowett thought that number 11, Avontuur’s beautifully-bred Master Of My Fate filly is ‘pure class quality - size - strength.’

Michael Bruce Mallett sided with number 3, Avontuur’s smashing Rafeef colt – ‘the nonchalant arrogance of a champ with a brutal hindquarter to back up his claim.’

This week we have four new foals to showcase. Our first foal of the day is a lovely filly

by What A Winter out of Captain Al mare Snowdance born on 21 September. The dual Gr1 winning mare, whose career victories include the Cape Guineas and Majorca stakes has thrown yet another beautiful foal for Drakenstein Our next three foals all hail from Stellenbosch based Winterbach Stud. First up is the powerful filly by Danon Platina out of Jet Master mare Polar Jet. Born on 15 August, she is already greying out like her sire.

Next we have an impressive filly by One World out of Silvano mare Silver

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Moonlight. The stunning chestnut filly was born on 20 August and is growing into a well rounded individual.

Chase Liebenberg

Our last foal from Winterbach and to round up today’s additions is a son Lancaster Bomber.

The colt is out of the Oratorio mare Symphony and was born on the 22 August.

Thanks again to all who participated! The competition will be run again at the end of October and Breeders are kindly requested to send us their foal pics to editor@sportingpost.co.za.

Please include the date of birth/sex/breeding/ any relevant family information!

Keep Up With The

PACE!

Beaumont Stud’s (c) Talk Of The Town ex Reason To Believe is our winner!

The Sporting Post Sprint offers winning advertising options

email advertising@winningmedia.co.za

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Romi Bettison

Winterbach Stud (f) Danon Platina ex Polar Jet – born 15 August

Winterbach Stud (c) Lancaster Bomber ex Symphony – born 22 August

Drakenstein Stud Farm (f) What A Winter ex Snowdance – born 21 September

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Winterbach Stud (f) One World ex Silver Moonlight – born 20 August

FUTURE STARS

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY BUSH v

Our first Future Stars winner has been announced!

Is it you?

Details in Dacha Article.

WIN your wellness!

Vote for your favourite Future Star & stand a chance to win a Bush Hamper!

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WINNING IS ALWAYS FUN! “It’s about competition and having fun with friends.”...

Or something like that. For us, it’s mainly about fun.

This is largely why we embarked on this whole journey of plant discovery in the first place. We’re not the only ones though. For centuries, cannabis has been used to heal and comfort the sick and the sore. There are, of course, those who incorporate the fun factor by using the plant in other ways, but that’s not why we’re here.

On this particular day, we are here to entice the fun and the competition within you.

Shannon Smith writes that if you read our article last week and voted for your favourite Dacha horse’s space in the

Dash of Dacha competition, I’ve likely been in touch with you since.

If you’ve voted in the Future Foals Competition, you’re likely hoping for some of our CBD Infused Bush Wellness products sometime soon. No doubt we’re in the mood for giving and celebrating, because why not? With more people becoming aware of the benefits of CBD and Dacha as a whole, we’re feeling pretty positive about where we’ve found ourselves within the grand scheme of things.

And where is that, exactly, you may ask…?

With our head office in beautiful Cape Town, we enjoy shipping our products country-wide and rooting for our sponsored

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horses located in Durban at MJ Odendal Racing Stables.

We’ve also got two licenses to cultivate in Lesotho, where we are currently breaking ground to build our grow facilities. With Lesotho’s climate and altitude being perfect for our needs, it automatically gives us a head start and a green light for the long journey ahead!

Never mind green lights though - Right now we need strobe lights, a disco ball and a load of confetti because the winners of our Dash of Dacha competition are….

Lola Crawford and Marlon Sing v

Well done to you both – you have mail and your delivery is being sent to you! We thought we’d add a little something for all those who entered as well!

We’ve decided to send you a little voucher, just because your presence in the competition is amazing and deserves some recognition!

So, well done to everyone!

Oh, and by the way - those who cast their bets after the races happened…. Nice try, but yours don’t count!

Congratulations to Charlmain Reeves for being the first of the Future Stars winners!

Charlmain will be receiving a Bush CBD Wellness Hamper!

Exciting times! For everyone else - keep trying, voting and entering!

Discount code to receive your 10% off when you purchase Dacha and Bush Products on our website!

Cheers for now!

In the meantime, check out our Bush Instagram Page, and be sure to use your unique SPORTINGPOST

GET YOUR DASH OF DACHA!

The next phase of our competition will be very similar to the first.

We have Movie Magic running at Hollywoodbets Greyville this coming Sunday , and youget to bet on what place you think this seasoned warrior and strong 6yo gelding will achieve.

Last week's winners have been announced!

Look out for Movie Magic running in Race 8 at 16h40.

Is it you?

You can enter the competition here. Entries entered anytime after the race will not be considered.

Goodluck folks, and may your future star help you prosper!

Speaking of Future Stars We have one more prize to announce!

Details in Dacha article.

WIN WIN WIN! Competition time! Follow the prompts in the article, complete the form and win your Dash of Dacha! @dacha_afrika 79

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THE HORSE CHESTNUT LEGACY Friday's impressive Gr1 Darley Alcibiades Stakes winner Juju's Map has several ties to South Africa.

Not only is the likely Breeders' Cup contender a daughter of dual Gr1 winner Liam's Map - whose dam

Miss Macy Sue was sired by the Drakenstein Stud based Trippi - but her second dam Charming N Lovable is a daughter of the late South African champion Horse Chestnut.

Click here to watch Juju’s Map’s win on the weekend.

Charming N Lovable has more than made her mark at stud -not only is she granddam of the aforementioned Juju's Map, she also produced Gr1 Santa Hamish Niven Photography

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Margarita Stakes winner Fault (Blame).

Horse Chestnut, a son of four-time champion broodmare sire Fort Wood and directly descended in female line from the taproot mare Conjure, has made quite a name for himself as a broodmare sire.

Another son of Fort Wood, Dynasty, is also showing promise as a broodmare sire with the late champion already damsire of the likes of Divine Odyssey, Springs Of Carmel and Guineas winner Wild Coast.

Horse Chestnut mares have produced Gr1 winners all over the world, with the former South African Triple Crown winner broodmare sire of Gr1 winners in all of Canada, Ireland, South Africa and the USA. Mares by Horse Chestnut have already produced nearly 30 black type winners, with their progeny having already amassed more than $34 million in stakes.

One of Horse Chestnut's very best daughters is In Return Canada's Broodmare Of The Year in 2018. The stakes

winning In Return is the dam of the talented full-brothers Channel Maker and Johnny Bear (both of whom were sired

by English Channel) as well as Gr1 E.P. Taylor Stakes runner up Court Return (by Court Vision).

Lynnwood Chase is also dam of top-class filly Star Catcher - winner of all of the Gr1 Kerrygold Irish Oaks, Gr1 Prix Vermeille, Gr1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes and Gr2 Ribblesdale Stakes in 2019.

Between them, Channel Maker and Johnny Bear have earned nearly $4 million in stakes, with Channel Maker (the Eclipse Champion Turf Male Of 2020) having won the Canadian classic, the Breeders' Stakes, at three, before going on to land the Gr1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic the following year.

Horse Chestnut is also broodmare sire of Gr1 First Lady winner Zipessa (out of the Horse Chestnut mare Precious Princess) - who won or placed in a trio of Gr1 races. Zipessa herself was sired by City Zip, whose third dam Sailaway was sired by another South African champion in the form of Hawaii.

He would go on to add a repeat win in the Turf Classic in 2020, with his other notable scores including triumphs in both the Gr1 Man O'War Stakes and Gr1 Sword Dancer Stakes. His full-brother Johnny Bear won the Gr1 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes two years running.

Another high-class broodmare sired by Horse Chestnut was the twice raced Lynwood Chase. The latter produced three Royal Ascot winners, with her sons Cannock Chase (subsequently successful in the Gr1 Canadian International) and Pisco Sour winning the Gr3 Tercentenary Stakes in 2014 and 2011 respectively.

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In South Africa, Horse Chestnut mares have produced the likes of Equus Champion Smart Call (Ideal World) and Gr1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes queen Camphoratus, and with a number of daughters yet to be represented on the racetrack, he looks sure to make more of a mark with his broodmare daughters.

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Design by Winning Media

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NATIVE TRAIL COULD BE GUINEAS MATERIAL

Native Trail maintained his unbeaten record and confirmed his place as the best of his generation with an authoritative victory in the Gr1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, UK, on Saturday.

Stakes at the Curragh, Ireland, in September.

The Oasis Dream colt was completing a Gr1 double over seven furlongs in the highlight of Dubai Future Champions Festival, having captured the Vincent O’Brien National

The Charlie Appleby-trained juvenile was pushed along to maintain his position with three furlongs to race but quickened strongly after being switched out to deliver his challenge

Native Trail was soon covered up behind the leaders in a close fifth by William Buick as all eight runners elected to race up the stands’ rail.

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approaching the final furlong.

Native Trail collared long-time leader Dubawi Legend half a furlong out and readily went clear in the closing stages for a two-length verdict in the race that customarily determines Europe’s Champion two-year-old.

Charlie Appleby said: “If Native Trail had not won the National Stakes in similar style, you would probably be

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getting a bit twitchy when he was under the pump at halfway. Knowing how this horse is, I was comfortable because he wasn’t doing a stroke, he was just going through the motions.

“I was confident that, once William moved him out and he got enough daylight on the rising ground, the one thing Native Trail wasn’t going to do was stop galloping. It was a very similar situation to what we saw in the National Stakes – the acceleration is really quite remarkable.

“He is naturally going to be the leading contender for the 2000 Guineas now. I can’t foresee him going any further than a mile personally, but I might be proven wrong. He will go

into the winter as an exciting Guineas horse along with Coroebus.

“We have seen two nice colts in the last half an hour. It’s great to have these two-year-olds for the whole team and, most importantly, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin. This is Dubai Future Champions Festival and it’s here for a reason, to hopefully see the Champions of next year.”

Click here to watch the replay William Buick said: “Native Trail is a gorgeous horse with tons of ability. It was a messy race but I expected it – tactically it was hard to get a handle on it.

We ended up coming over to the stands’ rail and going slow.

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Wherever I asked Native Trail to go, he went, and he hit the rising ground really well. He is deservedly Champion two-year-old.

“He justified what he did in the National Stakes and it’s always great to see it backed up in the Darley Dewhurst.

This is the most important two-year-old race for next year and I think he will be just as effective, if not more effective, over a mile.

“He is a big horse already, who does it all. He minds himself at home then brings it on in the afternoon.”

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A TOUCH OF PURPLE AT THE CURRAGH The Curragh Racecourse will undergo a splash of purple powered passion on Thursday 14 October, when sportsbook operator Hollywoodbets sponsors five of the eight races in an action-packed programme at Ireland’s premier flat racecourse.

The scenic and historic County Kildare venue is the destination of choice for any racing fan and is home to all five classic races on the Irish racing calendar.

The watershed event on 14 October is a proud and auspicious moment for the emerging sportsbook operator, which has already shown its commitment to the much-loved sport of kings on the Emerald Isle, through its relationship with Dundalk Racecourse.

Appropriately known as the ‘place of the running horse’, The Curragh’s racing heritage presents a proud achievement of equine dedication that has stood the test of time. There was chariot racing on the Plain

as early as 110 BC and today the passion lives on through a national awe and admiration for the majestic thoroughbred.

The partnership between The Curragh Racecourse and the dynamic Hollywoodbets brand will sow the seeds and herald the springing of the starting gates to an association that will deliver benefit to the local industry and the community at large, in time to come.

On 14 October, stakeholders The Curragh

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will enjoy the renowned Hollywoodbets hospitality, with bespoke winning rugs being awarded to the triumphant horses on the day.

Hollywoodbets will also be running a Grooms’ Initiative on the day. The winning grooms across the 8-race card will be acknowledged for their commitment and dedication through the award of a gift bag.

The Finishing Line Podcast’s Andrew Halligan will be featuring the 14 October programme on an episode of the popular show leading up to the big day. One of the fastestgrowing horseracing podcasts in Ireland, The Finishing Line offers a refreshingly modern, light-hearted, and humorous approach to insights and information about the horseracing, with an infusion of years of knowledge and passion.

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Spokesman Doug Stangroom commented: “Hollywoodbets thanks The Curragh Racecourse for the opportunity to add value and fun to what is always a great day at this iconic venue.”

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HKJC

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Harmony And Rich wins under Matthew Chadwick

‘LET’S TRY THE 1200M’ Harmony And Rich heads into Sunday’s Gr2 Premier Bowl Handicap as Sha Tin with trainer Me Tsui optimistic that his smart sprinter can kick it up a notch again off a record-breaking first-up success when he faces a mix of well-versed and

exciting talents this weekend.

“He surprised me – it really surprised me to be honest and now I just hope he can handle the track at Sha Tin, but the light weight will help him a lot,” Tsui said.

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Discussing his devastating win last month in course record time at Happy Valley, Tsui’s gifted five-year-old clocked a comfortable 1m 08.46s when scoring by two lengths over 1200m at the city circuit, lowering the previous record set by Gr1 winner Ivictory in 2018.

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“It’s time to try the 1200 metres at Sha Tin – we have no choice and we’ll see what happens,” Tsui said.

Stepping beyond Class 2 company for the first time, the son of I Am Invincible slots in at the bottom of the handicap with 115lb allotted against the likes of Courier Wonder, Naboo Attack, Sky Field, Stronger, Super Wealthy and Computer Patch, before declarations are confirmed on Thursday.

“It’s a good advantage – the light weight is much better for him and I hope he can give me another surprise,” Tsui said.

The Australian-bred took time to find his feet in Hong Kong, kicking off in Class 3 at the end of 2019 before taking a further 10 starts to shed his maiden in status in Hong Kong.

Since then, the 102-rater has added three more wins, each at the city circuit and twice

in Class 2 from the front of the field. Each of his wins has come under the in-form Matthew Chadwick, who takes the reins again this weekend.

“We didn’t have any reservations about his ability at Happy Valley as long as we thought he could get to the front easily enough and from there that he would be able to relax and be versatile enough to relax,” Chadwick said.

better rides.”

“It’s a very interesting race, there’s some nice horses at the top of the ratings and then there’s a few coming down and a few with question marks,” Chadwick said.

Currently sitting fourth in the jockeys’ championship standings, Chadwick has seven wins and over HK$9 million in stakes earned.

“I wasn’t overly surprised but I was more worried before the barriers opened to see where the pace in the race was drawn – luckily the majority that day were drawn wide, so I was able to hold my position without doing too much work and he kicked on,” he added.

“We’ll see if we get given a nice barrier – I think it’s going to be one of the more fascinating years than recent times, the last two years we’ve had one or two that have stood out, this year it looks like more open and it makes it more fun,” Chadwick said.

Riding in sublime form at the minute, Chadwick banged in a treble on Sunday at Sha Tin and since the beginning of the month has three wins and seven placings to his name.

The 31-year-old will also partner Ka Ying Star in the day’s other feature, the Gr2 Oriental Watch 60th Anniversary Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m).

“I can’t complain, let’s just hope I can get more support and

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Bruno Cannatelli

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Stellar mare Probabeel wins the Gr1 A$1m Neds Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield

NZ SUPERSTAR

HEADS TO COX PLATE Superstar New Zealand mare Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) lifted her Gr1 tally to four with a pulsating victory in Saturday’s A$1m Neds Might And Power Stakes run over 2000m at Caulfield.

Raced by Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Probabeel was bought for NZ$380,000 at Book 1 of Karaka 2018 by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis.

The Waikato Stud-bred

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standout has now won 12 of her 27 starts and more than NZ$4 million, including Gr1 triumphs in the Surround Stakes (1400m), Epsom Handicap (1600m), Futurity Stakes (1400m) and Might And Power Stakes.

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Saturday’s Caulfield performance ranks among Probabeel’s most memorable.

She was completely overshadowed in the lead-up to the race by Australia’s boom horse Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux), who had won all of his last five starts.

But as Saturday’s five-horse field hit full bore around the home turn and began to wage a desperate battle to the finish, Probabeel outsprinted Zaaki and dived through along the inside to make her bid.

She was soon joined wider out on the track by Nonconformist (Rebel Raider), and the pair drew clear to fight out a superb head-bobbing finish.

Despite emptying her fuel tank, Probabeel repelled everything Nonconformist threw at her and held on to win by a nose. Zaaki finished another length and a quarter away in third.

“In the last 100 metres, she had nothing left but she just kept trying her heart out,” jockey Brett Prebble said.

“She’s all guts and determination.”

Probabeel delivered the second leg of a Saturday stakes double at Caulfield for the Lindsays, Prebble, Ellis and trainer Jamie Richards, who teamed up to win the Listed Weekend Hussler (1400m) earlier in the day with Kahma Lass (NZ) (Darci Brahma).

“Probabeel was just so brave,” Richards enthused. “It’s probably not her real racing style, poking up the fence like that, but she was in for the fight and really gave it 100%. Very proud of her. It was a fantastic win and she’s a warrior that never knows when to quit.”

Ellis believes Probabeel is now a leading conte.

“It was an absolutely incredible race, shows what a great mare she is and typifies the sorts of horses we are trying to buy at Te Akau,” Ellis said.

“Probabeel had the sheer class to win a Karaka Million (1200m) when far from physically mature as a two-year-old, but as she’s developed and strengthened, she’s gone on at three, four, and now as a five-year-old.

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“She’s proved she’s up to the best in this part of the world, and she just needs a decent track in the Cox Plate.

“Cambridge Stud has been such a tremendous supporter of Te Akau.

Brendan and Jo, and their amazing CEO Henry Plumptre, allow us the freedom to train them as we like. It’s such a thrill to have their colours win two stakes races on the same day at Caulfield. It’s such a competitive stage, and I don’t think people realise just how hard it is to achieve.”

• Vendor Waikato Stud • Purchaser Mr DC Ellis (Te Akau) • Breeding Savabeel – Far Fetched • Sale Lot 203, 2018 Book 1, NZ$380,000 • Bred by G J Chittick

‘The flat season draws to a close and most of the equine stars will be in action at Ascot on Saturday for the tenth anniversary of Qipco British Champions Day’ v

Chase Liebenberg

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Ascot Racecourse

THE GREEN, GREEN GRASS OF HOME v

Chase Liebenberg

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The flat season draws to a close and most of the equine stars will be in action at Ascot on Saturday for the tenth anniversary of Qipco British Champions Day. The winners of most of the Gr1 races during the year are entered, and those who are victorious on the day could be crowned ‘Champion’ of their respective divisions.

The first race (14h25) could see another duel between Trueshan and Stradivarius in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup, a Gr2 for the stayers over 3200m. They are set to renew rivalry after Trueshan defeated Stradivarius in Longchamp’s

Prix Du Cadran earlier this month on Arc weekend.

The Alan King-trained Trueshan took this prize 12 months ago, while John and Thady Gosden’s Stradivarius was successful in 2018.

John Gosden commented about his star seven-year-old: “We made a mistake running in France on ground which was not what we had been led to expect.”

While the Ascot going may be more to Stradivarius’ liking, Alan King is yet to decide on whether soft-ground specialist Trueshan will line up. He said: “I’ve left Trueshan in and we’ll make a decision on Thursday.”

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The unexposed Hamish from the William Haggas yard is another to consider. He returned from a 15-month layoff with a taking victory over the good yard-stick Hukum in a Kempton group three last month.

In the following race, the Gr1 Qipco British Champions Sprint over six furlongs, Dragon Symbol, who has been a model of consistency in the best sprint races all season would be a deserved winner. Champion jockey Oisin Murphy retains the ride.

Trainer Archie Watson has a second string in last year’s winner Glen Shiel.

Rohaan, the Wokingham

Ascot Racecourse

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‘The Strad’ coming out of the tunnel – he runs in the opener on Saturday winner at Royal Ascot, caused an upset when edging Dragon Symbol out at Haydock in May. The Mayson gelding was a staying on fifth at the Curragh last month.

He made up an unbelievable amount of ground in the last two furlongs and Ryan Moore now rides.

Race 3 is the Gr1 Qipco

British Champions Fillies & Mares over a mile and a half.

Coolmore seem to have a very strong hand with Love and Snowfall both entered, but these two Galileo fillies have been on the go all season.

Oaks winner Snowfall would be making a quick reappearance after finishing sixth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, while Love was a late withdrawal

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after developing a temperature.

The lightly raced Gosdentrained Free Wind heads the ante-post market following convincing victories in the Prix Minerve at Deauville and the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster.

The Gr1 Qipco Queen

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Elizabeth II Stakes, arguably the day’s highlight, sees the champion four-year-old miler Palace Pier do battle with the unbeaten Haggas trained three-year-old Baaeed.

The John and Thady Gosdentrained four-year-old has only lost once in his 10-race career but that defeat did come in this race 12 months ago.

Last year’s winner The Revenant is back again for French trainer Frances-Henri Graffard. Following a couple of defeats on unsuitably fast ground in the spring, he returned to something like his best when a fast finishing second to Real World in the Prix Daniel Wildenstein on Arc weekend.

Another blockbuster - the Gr1 Qipco Champion Stakes sees old rivals Adayar and Mishriff

lock horns after their mid-summer spectacle here in the King George.

Last year’s winner Addeybb, Derby and King George hero Adayar and the brilliant Mishriff are among 14 confirmations – carded as race five on the day with a first prize of £715,000.

The William Haggas-trained Addeybb made a promising return from a break when splitting St Mark’s Basilica and Mishriff in the CoralEclipse at Sandown in early July but has missed multiple engagements since due to unsuitable ground conditions.

Haggas will be praying for as much as rain as possible ahead of his bid for back-to-back Champion Stakes triumphs this weekend.

Charlie Appleby confirmed over the weekend that Adayar

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would be left in the Champion Stakes at the confirmation stage, with a final decision on his participation to be made later in the week.

If the three-year-old does take his chance, he will be turning out just 13 days after finishing fourth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

The marginal favourite with most bookmakers is John and Thady Gosden’s brilliant Mishriff, who has been saved for this race since his dominant display in the Juddmonte International at York in August.

The Saudi Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic winner had previously finished third in the Eclipse and runner-up to Adayar in the King George.

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results up to: 2021-10-13

TRAINERS Name Mr P A Peter Mr S J Snaith Mr G D Smith Mr A C Greeff Mr S G Tarry

Runs

Wins Win%

205 265 256 203 148

37 40 31 28 26

18.0 15.1 12.1 13.8 17.6

2nd

3rd

32 32 29 20 15

27 39 22 28 16

2nd

3rd

53 36 44 31 17

52 33 30 27 19

Other Places Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

42.4 43.4 40.6 41.9 33.8

1,991,125 1,712,150 1,234,375 1,146,875 1,155,750

2,858,500 2,595,975 1,867,000 1,670,938 1,655,000

Other Places Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

3,543,188 2,246,575 1,897,438 1,676,550 1,767,875

4,956,563 3,288,825 3,160,125 2,393,150 2,414,125

28 44 53 37 19

87 115 104 85 50

JOCKEYS Name Mr W B Kennedy Mr S Khumalo Mr M A Yeni Mr R D Fourie Mr L Hewitson

Rides Wins Win% 390 253 313 196 145

70 48 40 39 36

17.9 19.0 12.8 19.9 24.8

66 47 67 33 22

171 116 141 91 58

43.8 45.8 45.0 46.4 40.0

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

Name

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

182 354 232 445

21,095 15,298

50 46

55 50

27.5 152 19.8 170

1 2

1 2

3,839,363 3,549,100

91 176 87 173 89 203

20,604 20,861 19,666

26 24 18

30 28 21

28.6 27.6 20.2

0 0 1

0 0 1

1,874,938 1,814,950 1,750,250

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

1 2 1 0 0

2,181,500 2,143,925 1,902,875 1,811,225 1,727,038

76 77 73

SIRES Name

Runrs Runs AEPR

Master Of My Fate Vercingetorix * Silvano (GER) Querari (GER) What A Winter

112 92 102 108 103

226 164 181 223 206

19,478 23,304 18,656 16,771 16,767

B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs % 25 28 28 26 20

28 32 28 28 24

22.3 30.4 27.5 24.1 19.4

113 72 79 78 80

See all the detailed standings - Click here 99

1 2 1 0 0

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Finally, the League is back, in all its glory! I don’t want to waste any more time – read on to see what I think and, feel free to engage with us on any of our SBN social media platforms. We love to hear your thoughts, frustrations or praises for your team and betting slips.

Newcastle – they can exploit the spaces behind the defence.

Leeds are the kings of expansive and open gameplay, so before I start sounding like a stuck record let me just put it to you. Get on the Saints at St. Mary’s against this Leeds side at 14/10.

Saturday 16th October

26/10 Norwich | 24/10 | Brighton 21/20 (16:00)

7/1 Watford | Draw 42/10 | Liverpool 1/3 (13:30) Ryan Liberty writes that a wise man once said: “for betting purposes, stay away from the early game.” A slightly wiser man suggested that one should never go against a team with a new manager at the helm…where does that leave us with this one then?

Of course, Liverpool win this, but I’m not going to back them at odds of 1/3. Instead, I’m inclined to have a look at the ‘Anytime Goal Scorer’ market.

Mo Salah is playing like a man possessed now, and at 9/10, I think the Egyptian ace scoring is a set bet.

14/10 Southampton | 5/2 | Leeds 18/10 (16:00) I’m really surprised at how Southampton have been priced up to be completely honest. They haven’t been amazing but against sides which have a go – United,

Surely Norwich wins eventually?

They have had a horrible start to the season, have yet to win a game and, having already conceded 16 goals, something has got to give eventually!

The key will be finding that week when they muster up a positive result – it could be quite lucrative.

Nevertheless, that won’t be this weekend against a Brighton side absolutely soaring. I would have a serious punt on the away win.

11/10 Aston Villa | 23/10 | Wolves 51/20 (16:00) This is a coin toss prediction sort of game. Wolves have mainly been inconsistent, but you get the feeling they haven’t been able to find a rhythm and fluidity to their game yet. However, their pace and physicality upfront is undoubted, and, on their day, they certainly have the players to cause real

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issues for teams’ defence.

Aston Villa has been disappointing. Yes, they beat Everton emphatically and were able to squeeze a result at Old Trafford…but outside of that, they have been limp and somewhat toothless.

Back the pack at tasty odds.

51/20 Leicester | 51/20 | Manchester United 1/1 (16:00) Both teams to score is a banker here. Leicester have started almost every game this season a little off the pace and have had to continually look to get themselves back into contention – primarily through Jamie Vardy.

United have been much of the same, failing to close out games and put teams to bed.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will begin a run of fixtures which will inevitably be linked to whether #OleOut begins to trend. If I had a gun to my head, I wouldn’t be able to unequivocally say ‘United win’ – I’d probably amble over toward a draw…therefore, I think backing Both Teams To Score (Yes) at 13/20 would keep that betting slip alive.

1/8 Manchester City | 15/2 |

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Burnley 18/1 (16:00) City by how much? That is the question, my friends. Burnley failed to put a sloppy Norwich side to the sword (and this was after they gave Leicester a seriously good go). So I can’t see anything other than a statement City win. We all counted them out and doubted who and what they were.

Respect the Champions of England! Back the home side To Win Both Halves at 19/20.

5/1 Brentford | 28/10 | Chelsea 11/20 (18:30) This is my game of the weekend. First, you must put tribal lines aside and completely appreciate what Brentford has managed to do this season – oh, and by the way, Hollywoodbets is a sponsor (I just thought I should throw that in there).

The Bees have been relentless and incredibly fearless, irrespective of the opposition or the venue.

However, playing at the Brentford Community Stadium is just something else. It isn’t on the level of Anfield, obviously, but it is a spectacle, nonetheless.

Enough has been made of Chelsea already, so you can expect a complete football game here. Tactics, patience, fearlessness and well-worked goals. I’m excited about this one. From a betting angle though, I think Both Halves Under 1.5 Goals (No) at 11/20 might be the play.

Sunday 17th October 29/20 Everton | 47/20 | West Ham 37/20 (15:00) I think Sunday will get off to a slower start. When you see these sides on paper, you might

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think ‘goal festival’ – it would be a mistake.

These sides are incredibly matched, each very comfortable in their own system and approach play.

West Ham has been good, easy on the eye and all of that. Everton has been safe at times, and my only critique of the Toffees so far is just their lack of risk-taking.

You know what they say though, if it looks like a draw and quacks like a draw, its likely a draw. Get on.

47/20 Newcastle | 5/2 | Tottenham 11/10 (17:30) This could turn out to be quite a tantalizing affair. Newcastle will think they could win this, and with players like Allan Saint-Maximin, why not? It would be remissive of me to fail to mention the importance

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and magnitude of the take-over. But it’s a simple thing, money is a part of football, especially if it makes the team better and more attractive – which inevitably improves their quality. The Premier League – I am all for it!

Spurs, Spurs, Spurs…

If they played with a bit of heart and desire, they would be immense. Unfortunately, their sort of laissez-faire approach to life is just frustrating and will always be why they don’t take the next step and look and feel like a club London is proud of.

Saint James’ will be rocking; the feeling will be upbeat, and I wouldn’t be

surprised to see the Magpies get a result. Back the Win/Draw Double Chance at 13/20.

Monday 18th October 6/10 Arsenal | 29/10 | Crystal Palace 44/10 (21:00) You can put a line through the Arsenal Vs. Brighton result.

Arteta’s men were intentional and direct but were matched by an inspired Brighton side, so I wouldn’t read too much into that.

Palace has been able to maintain their structure and composure under their new manager. Still, I think the real value is that they have now complemented that structure and defensive approach with a positive attack.

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Arsenal & Both Teams To Score (Yes) at 26/10 looks like it could be the way to go.

QUAD @ 12/1 Mo Salah (Anytime Goal Scorer) 9/10 Brighton Win 21/20 Leicester v Man United: BTTS 13/20 Man City v Burnley: Home To Win Both Halves 19/20

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