20211208 - Sporting Post Sprint Ver 1.3 Single Pages by Sporting Post

LET'S SHOW THEM HOW, LYLE! Multiple SA Champion Lyle Hewitson – big day

South Africa will be represented in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championshop at Happy Valley today for the first time since Gavin Lerena’s appearance in 2016. South African racing’s favourite son and triple national champion, Lyle Hewitson joins a stellar line -up featuring established greats and riders with red hot recent form. The meeting started at 12h30 today and by the time you read this it is possible that the result will already be known. The exciting line-up includes three previous winners of the world’s most coveted jockey challenge crown, including Zac Purton and reigning Hong Kong Champion Jockey Joao Moreira, both multiple champions on the world’s most intensely competitive circuit. Reigning Longines IJC champion Zac Purton and Ryan Moore will both chase a record-equalling third IJC title. The HK$800 000 LONGINES IJC is a four-race competition for 12 elite jockeys, and this year’s edition features eight overseas riders and four based in Hong Kong, all battling for the HK$500 000 top prize, the most lucrative jockeys’ challenge winner’s cheque in the world.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Lyle said: “For a change I’ve got a very nice book, so I’m very happy with that. Certainly this book I’ve got is better than my usual book and now it’s just about getting them to run their best and getting some good results.” There was a winner via the Douglas Whyte-trained Valiant Elegance on Sunday, just three meetings into Hewitson’s latest stint here compared to the three months it took during a six-month campaign in 2019-20 that tested the three-time South African champion’s patience. Wednesday sees Hewitson with a book of seven rides overall and the extra spice – to the tune of a cool HK$500 000 for the winning rider – is the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship that finds him representing his homeland against some of the greats of the game. “I think I deserve to be against them and I just think the way the draw is done for this IJC is so professional by the Jockey Club that it makes it a true test and I think it’s only going to be small margins between winning and losing on the night,” said Hewitson. Pressed for his best among his four IJC mounts, Hewitson pointed towards the Caspar Fownes-trained Charming Steed, carrying a tidy first-up second behind the Ricky Yiu

Poon-fai trained Joyful Win into his second go around at the idiosyncratic city venue in race four – the first leg of the big event. “Obviously he had the same sort of draw and everything last time but it was his first time around the Valley and it’s not too easy, so he would have come on from that,” said Hewitson. “He’s got a great draw again in one and he seems to do everything right, so he’s definitely a big chance.” Hewitson will be buoyed to hear that the trainer is of the same mind going into the 1,000m scamper. “He’s going to be helped by getting draw one and obviously he ran very well first-up and the horse that beat him came out and won again in a higher class, so that’s franked the form well,” said Fownes. “If we can just jump and get him motivated to dig up and just be at the leader’s back then he gets his chance, because he’s the type of horse that looks like he’s going to want 1,200m but I just kept him fresh for this race when I saw the programme. I sent him to China after his first-up run and he looks great and hopefully we can get the job done.”

Of his other IJC rides, Hewitson is taking the form the Tony Cruz-trained Mercurial found at the back end of last season as a positive in the third leg of the event. “I think it’s one of the most

difficult races but he’s a horse that’s on the up and has found good form coming into this season so that looks a very positive ride,” he said. “Like That [in the IJC’s fourth leg] has obviously got a nice light weight, once again there

are probably one or two that are a bit stronger. Villa Fionn [second leg] is consistent. It’s probably a furlong too sharp but he’s a horse that should be finding towards the finish.”

Beautiful Sunday Ahead! The countdown continues to the LONGINES International Races at Sha Tin on Sunday! Accustomed to major race success, Yuga Kawada and Kiyoshi Hagiwara will lay siege to Golden Sixty’s Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile crown with Danon Kingly on Sunday, carrying immense respect for the defending champion. Hagiwara, who successfully campaigned Normcore in the 2020 Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m), has great confidence in Gr1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) winner Danon Kingly, but he also holds tremendous admiration for Golden Sixty. “I’ve had the pleasure of watching Golden Sixty’s

races and he’s exceptionally strong,” Hagiwara said from Tokyo. “Regarding Danon Kingly, the horse is in good condition and you would like him to show his best on the day and, with that, hope he’ll be at the finish.” Pointing to Danon Kingly’s superior record on good or firm ground – six wins and four placings from 13 starts – Hagiwara is encouraged by Hong Kong’s dry weather and the likelihood of a good track on Sunday. “In regards to Danon Kingly and Hong Kong, I thought the horse would be suited to good ground and having the experience and seen the ground in Hong Kong (previously), I thought the horse was a good match for here,” Hagiwara said.

Hagiwara retains Kawada as the striking five-year-old’s rider despite engaging Zac Purton last season aboard Normcore. “In regards to the jockey, Kawada has had great success riding Danon Kingly and obviously has a great relationship with the horse so, in order to get the horse’s best, we wanted to stick with Kawada who, up until now has had great results with the horse,” he said. Kawada hopes to add more lustre to an already imposing 2021 haul capped by LONGINES Hong Kong Cup contender Loves Only You’s Breeders’ Cup triumph.

JC Photos

Expressfromtheus (Marco Van Rensburg) storms clear to beat Whorly Whorly in the 2020 renewal

Tricky Puzzle For Punters A race that evolved out of the Emerald Cup which dates back to the sand heyday of the Vaal, the R300 000 World Sports Betting Grand Heritage will be run on Saturday and remains the most unique race in the country for a number of reasons. It is the only local race to comprise more than 20 runners. Secondly, it is run over the unusual distance of 1475m, and finally it is tailormade for lower-level horses to run for a big stake. This year 26 horses have been declared to run in the Grand Heritage and as is so often the case, this event

looks to be wide open, and it gives punters the opportunity to catch some huge payouts. As was the case in the Gauteng Summer Cup, runners from the Sean Tarry yard dominate the field and he will saddle seven runners. In fact, two of his runners – Willow Express and Indlamu – are among the four horses at the top of bookmakers’ boards, and along with Approach Control and Bold Jazz, are quoted at 8-1. Tarry has engaged Summer Cup winning jockey Calvin Habib on Willow Magic, while Gavin Lerena, the only jockey to win the Grand Heritage twice 9

previously, is aboard Indlamu. Paul Peter is the most successful Grand Heritage trainer and he saddles three runners in the 2021 renewal. The stable elect looks to be the Captain Al filly Fromheretoeternity, the mount of Warren Kennedy. Grand Heritage Past winners: 2020 - Expressfromtheus 2019 - Riverstown 2018 - Dan The Lad 2017 - Forest Fox 2016 - Irish Pride

Grant van Niekerk - controversial ride to get Chansonette home

PLATTNER POWER SNUFFS GAUTENG STAR Mike de Kock’s rising star Desert Miracle had no answers for the storming late run of the Vercingetorix filly Chansonette from the high-riding Andre Nel yard in a thrilling climax to Saturday’s R500 000 World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas.

just as Gavin Lerena looked to have the hotly fancied Gauteng visitor on cue for victory.

Having won the Cape Summer Stayers a half hour earlier, the Plattner-Nel-Van Niekerk combination posted a massive feature double

Chansonette (16-1) beat the odds-on Desert Miracle by 0,20 lengths in a time of 100,07 secs.'

Drifting across to the outside to join Desert Miracle, Chansonette straightened out and forged ahead to give her trainer a long overdue maiden Gr1 success.

The Rondeberg resident showed courage and real ability to beat Desert Miracle, conqueror of the boys in the recent Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes. In a separate race, Snaith longshot Homely Girl (751) was 2,25 lengths back in third, with fellow 75-1 stablemate Mercury Rising in fourth. A beautiful bay, Chansonette was largely ignored in the

Chase Liebenberg

Cover Image Chansonette wins the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas under Grant van Niekerk. Image by kind courtesy of Chase Liebenberg

betting, despite her smart effort as runner-up in the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship at her last start. In spite of declaring a good trip down from the North, Mike de Kock expressed reservations pre-race about the quality of the opposition beaten to date by his charge. What does this say about the North-South strength debate? Grant van Niekerk said he was ‘speechless’ and thanked the Andre Nel team. “I said it’s a pity we are bumping such a strong field. We took our chances. She

is a special and smashing filly. I am so pleased I could give Andre Nel his first Gr1 – I promised that I would give him that milestone. He is a really good trainer!” declared an elated Van Niekerk. Andre Nel said that he was glad that he had gotten the Gr1 ‘monkey’ off his back. “She’s a special filly – she came in so well. I joked that it would take more than a miracle to beat us. Grant rode a pearler of a race. I have an issue that he can be too far back sometimes – but he assured me today he was on a mission. Thanks to Mrs Plattner and our whole team,” he added.

Chansonette was bred by Maine Chance Farms and is a second Gr1 winning daughter of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the twice-winning Querari mare, Champery. It was a rewarding week for the Maine Chance kingpin, after his son Alesian Chief won the Gr3 Merchants at Turffontein on WSB Summer Cup day. A R500 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale Yearling, Chansonette has won 3 races with 2 places from just 5 starts for stakes of R427 400.

The Merits CHANSONETTE has had her merit rating raised from 104 to 110 following her success in the Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas over 1600m on the summer course at Kenilworth on Saturday 4th December. The Handicappers were of the opinion that 5th placed MARIA QUEROL made for the most suitable line horse, which leaves her unchanged on a mark of 101. The Handicappers were

unanimous in their view that the 117-rated runner-up DESERT MIRACLE should not be used as a line horse as she appeared to race green on her first attempt on a lefthanded racecourse and as such did not want to greatly inflate the rating of every other runner in the race and are content for now to leave her on a higher mark than the winner.

(from 101) as they both beat the line horse MARIA QUEROL (101) by 4 pounds. The only other increase was for 6th placed SHE’S A RAINBOW, is adjusted to 97. This is to give her a higher rating than 7th placed DANCETILDAYLIGHT (unchanged on 96) and 8th finisher QUEEN OF SHADOWS (unchanged on 94).

Third placed HOMELY GIRL goes up from 94 to 105, while 4th finisher MERCURY RISING also goes to 105

There were no ratings drops for any horse in this race.

Hamish Niven Photography

Champery at the Ready To Run Gallops

THE STORY OF GUINEAS STAR’S MUM The WSB Cape Fillies Guineas winner Chansonette is a daughter of the Querari mare, Champery. John Slade filled us in on Champery’s background some years ago. “She’s from a nice French family. We bought three mares quite cheaply from France, including Champery’s dam, Celigny and we’ve been very lucky. Celigny’s half

sister produced a Gr1 winner in America (Eden’s Moon) which upgraded the pedigree very nicely. Celigny is named after a town in Switzerland and so are her daughters Champery and Chillon, who we sold at Nationals.” “What more can I say? The filly did the rounds. She went to Nationals and then kicked the manger and bruised her sole and couldn’t be sold. We sent her to the Durban and she still didn’t sell, so we sent her

to Nicola Coppez to prep for the Ready To Run. So she’s qualified for the CTS millions and the Natal breeders’ race!” A veteran with an astute eye, Eric Sands selected Champery from the 2014 CTS Ready To Run draft. “I had some fillies that I’d prepped for the sale that I thought were buyable. As it panned out we got this one before the others and thank God for that! I was looking at horses based on

action as my first parameter, then conformation and then breeding. Ninety percent of horses have average action, 5% have terrible action and 5% have phenomenal action.

This filly fell in the last category. Querari was still unknown then, but she was a nice individual and from a nice family and so we bought her.”

Champery won her first two starts and was stakes placed. She moved from Eric Sands, who really rated her, and ended up with Justin Snaith.

KZN Stars Shine Bright The smashing 2021 SA Triple Tiara queen War Of Athena was a popular choice as the KZN Breeders Horse Of The Year for the 2020/21 season at a festive function on Friday evening at the famous landmark venue of the Nottingham Road Hotel in

the KZN Midlands. Reflecting back on a tough period for the industry at large, the 2020/21 season was a very successful one for the KZN Breeders. The three Gr1 winners bred in the holiday province, including Act Of War offspring War Of Athena and Battle Force,

as well as Capetown Noir daughter Under Your Spell – all three bred by Mick Goss of Summerhill Stud – won awards on the evening. Please click here to see all the winners

Chase Liebenberg

LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM… HE GETS ‘EM HOME!

15 Grant van Niekerk after winning Cape Fillies Guineas on Chansonette – welcomed by Avumile Nxana and Wanda Ndomile

“It was one of the things that attracted Grant to us as someone to bring into the roster of jockeys here. He’s already accumulated 10 Gr1 wins, last season he was the leading South African jockey by prize money at a win rate of almost 20 per cent – this is the sort of rider we want to see in Hong Kong.” That was the press statement at the time by Andrew Harding of the Hong Kong Jockey Club on Grant van Niekerk’s arrival in one of the world’s great racing jurisdictions in 2018. Three years on the 30 year old is banging home the winners in his hometown, but somehow courting controversy at every turn with his gung-ho style of tactical race-riding. Van Niekerk enjoyed a great feature double at Kenilworth on Saturday but the enigmatically prodigious talent has been ‘strongly advised’ by the Stipes that should he continue to allow his mounts to shift significant ground

in future, a charge may be brought against him. Currently 15th on the national log with 24 winners this term at a strike rate of 18,46%, he seems to have a knack of producing brilliance, punctuated with an ability to push the envelope. Or is it just top-class raceriding from a man who is bound to encounter issues with his aggressive style? On Tuesday 30 November at Turffontein at the rain-delayed WSB Summer Cup meeting, Van Niekerk rode a cracker to get Sounds Of Warning home to beat Warren Kennedy and Big Burn in the Gr3 Magnolia Handicap. There was an objection after bumping late – Kennedy’s deposit was refunded despite the Stipes ruling in favour of Van Niekerk. When he won the Gr1 Computaform Sprint at Turffontein on 1 May on Rio Querari, an inquiry was opened to establish why various horses were interfered with

between the 300m and 200m. Some folk were really angry at the time, judging by communications received by us. On Saturday in the Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas, the Stipes reported that Van Niekerk’s winner Chansonette shifted out continually in the straight. He appeared before the Board and was strongly advised that should he continue to allow his mounts to shift significant ground in future, a charge may be brought against him. In the Cape Summer Stayers, which he won on Crome Yellow, the Stipes reported that at the 300m Anse Lazio (S Mbhele) was momentarily inconvenienced when close to the heels of Crome Yellow which was hanging out and rolled out. Thereafter Crome Yellow continued to shift outwards until the finish. Van Niekerk is currently serving an interference related suspension which started on Sunday and runs until Saturday 11 December.

Choisir Passes On Coolmore has announced the passing of Danehill Dancer stallion Choisir at the age of 22. The Paul Perry-trained sprinter was a tough and consistent galloper, with his domestic race career highlighted by victory in the GrI VRC Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

He will be remembered most however, for his wins in the Group II King’s Stand Stakes and Group I Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2003, where he became the first Australian horse to win at the Royal meeting. In doing so, he would 16 a host of pave the way for Australian-bred sprinters

to taste success at Royal Ascot, including his son Starspangledbanner who emulated his success in the Golden Jubilee Stakes. As a sire Choisir was ever consistent, producing an incredible 100 stakeswinners in 12 countries and 11 GrI winners throughout the world.

18 Concorde Cup finish as Pomp And Power holds off Cosmic Highway – they could clash on 18 December

Chase Liebenberg

KANNEMEYERSNAITH RETURN MATCH? 19

A platform of champions for over six decades, the Cape Guineas was run for the first time in 1955 as the Cape Of Good Hope Guineas for a stake of £4200. The 2021 renewal, to be run at Kenilworth on Saturday 18 December, boasts a stake of R750 000 and is unfortunately not sponsored. A total of 19 entries was received at first entry cut-off on Monday for the prestigious contest, which doubles as an alternate first leg of the SA Triple Crown. With his best classic attack in a few seasons, 2020 winning conditioner Dean Kannemeyer has four entries including Cape Town Met prospect Waterberry Lane. Sadly worse drawn of the Kannemeyer quartet is recent unlucky Concorde Cup runner-up, Cosmic Highway, who will be looking to avenge defeat by Snaith’s Pomp And Power. An interesting entry is Sean Tarry’s smart filly Marigold Hotel, a scratching from Saturday’s fairer sex equivalent, won by longshot Chansonette. Supplementary entries close @ 11h00 on Friday 10 December. Declarations close @ 11h00 on Monday 13 December.

Draw Horse 7 18 6 16 13 9 19 15 14 8 2 4 12 17 5 10 11 3 1

Waterberry Lane Ambiorix Good Traveller Pomp And Power Cosmic Highway Trip Of Fortune Xavion Zapatillas Double Superlative Universal Never Ending Rain Bush Tracker Pacaya Chollima Gimmie A Star Darjeeling Mr Master Starter Surjay Marigold Hotel

Trainer Dean Kannemeyer Vaughan Marshall Glen Kotzen Justin Snaith Dean Kannemeyer Candice Bass-Robinson Candice Bass-Robinson Brett Crawford Justin Snaith Adam Marcus Glen Kotzen Glen Kotzen Justin Snaith Glen Kotzen Dean Kannemeyer Vaughan Marshall Dean Kannemeyer Michael Robinson Sean Tarry

15 Lengths Slow…

Miranda recovered from gifting her rivals a near 15-length head start to scramble home in the feature 2m mares' handicap hurdle at Ludlow on Monday.

Conditional jockey Angus Cheleda kept his cool after his mount, giving weight away to all, planted herself at the start. The Paul Nicholls-trained

six-year-old, who took this race under Cheleda last year before stepping up to win the Gr2 Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle, used her class to cruise back into contention, eventually edging out the Emma Lavelle-trained Voice Of Calm, whose rider Tom Bellamy received a two-day suspension for overuse of the whip after the final flight, in a photo-finish.

Chase Liebenberg

Seeking The Stars (Anton Marcus) holds off Rainbow Bridge (Richard Fourie)

SEEK – AND DESTROY! With three of the top-rated Cape Met entries in the field of five making their seasonal debut, Anton Marcus produced a tactical gem of a ride to win the R200 000 WSB Club Prive Gr2 Green Point Stakes on the Vaughan Marshalltrained Seeking The Stars at Kenilworth on Saturday. Described in some quarters as a front- running tactical master class ride on Seeking the Stars, Marcus eased matters at halfway and

then cleverly extended his advantage around the bend at about the 700m marker. Down the long summer course straight the daunting challenges came from Rainbow Bridge and the winner’s stablemate Linebacker. But the uber smart Ridgemont jockey had things timed to perfection as Ricky Sewgoolam’s 4yo colt found another gear late to record a gutsy victory at a distance beyond what is generally

regarded as his optimal trip. Starting at a generous 8-1, Seeking The Stars easily held off the attention of dual Met winner Rainbow Bridge (3-1) by 0,40 lengths in a time of 99,85 secs. The winner’s stablemate Linebacker (18-10) did little wrong, finishing 0,75 lengths away in third, with Jet Dark and Captain Fontane bringing up the rear in a small field. In typically realistic style,

trainer Vaughan Marshall acknowledged that Seeking The Stars’ fitness won the day and that he would not be trying to take the same trio on in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. “It was a superb ride from Anton Marcus in a race that suited him. I think we will put Seeking The Stars away and

freshen him up for the Diadem Stakes in February. We still aren’t sure what his best trip is, but the 1200m could suit him.”

Seeking The Stars is out of the three-time winning Count Dubois mare Schism, who won up to 2200m.

Seeking The Stars, who races in the Ricky Sewgoolam orange and dark blue flag, was bred by Klawervlei Stud and was another smart feature winner on the afternoon for Vercingetorix (Silvano).

He cost R1 million on the 2019 Cape Yearling Sale and has banked R1 153 875 with his sixth win and four places from thirteen starts.

The Merits SEEKING THE STARS remains unchanged on a mark of 121 following his win in the Gr2 WSB Club Prive Green Point Stakes over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday. It was in fact the enterprisingly ridden SEEKING THE STARS

himself who was deemed to make for the best line horse, considering that only SEEKING THE STARS and last placed CAPTAIN FONTANE had had at least one previous start this season.

Given that the 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed finishers in a 5-runner field were all making their seasonal debuts, the Handicappers opted not to decrease the merit rating of any of these contestants.

a 26 Majestic Vercingetorix (Silvano (Ger) ex National Vixen)

‘That Vercingetorix has seamlessly taken over the mantle of his illustrious sire at Maine Chance is best illustrated by the fact that he currently leads the General Sires List, with his late sire in second place’

Jeremy Nelson

a 27

Maine Chance Farms looks to have found a worthy successor to its late linchpin stallion Silvano, in none other than his champion son Vercingetorix. The big bay is currently enjoying a purple patch of note and in the past week alone, sired no less than three Graded stakes winners. Pride of place goes to threeyear-old Chansonette, who opened her black type account in the first Gr1 classic of the season, the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth. Her sire's third individual Gr1 winner, it is only fitting that Sabine Plattner's filly was bred by Maine Chance and from a homebred mare to boot. Her dam Champery, a multiple stakes-placed daughter of fellow Maine Chance stallion Querari, scored twice over 1000m, was runner-up in the Laisserfaire Stakes and also finished third in the Perfect Promise Sprint. Chansonette's win also proved a milestone for Querari, as she is his first stakes winner as a broodmare sire. Former Maine Chance manager John Slade was quick to send a message: "I'm so excited that a Querari mare has bred a Gr1 winner. That is the nick

to follow, Vercingetorix onto Querari." Interesting to note that Querari also featured as the sire of Homely Girl, who finished third behind Chansonette. She is bred on the reverse cross to Chansonette, being out of Silvano's daughter Sherry. A winner of the Listed Lady's Slipper Stakes, Homely Girl is one of five stakes winners bred on that cross.

of his superior fitness and under a superb tactical ride by Anton Marcus, kept the returning Horse of the Year Rainbow Bridge at bay. Although this was the colt's first success over a mile and that he is out of Winter Oaks winner Schism, Marshall indicated that for now, Seeking The Stars will stick to sprinting, with the Diadem over 1200m a likely next target.

It is no coincidence that both Silvano - and thereby Vercingetorix and Querari carry in their genetic makeup the mighty German stallion Surumu, Silvano through his sire Lomitas, and Querari through his dam Quetena.

Vercingetorix's Kenilworth double was preceded by a Gr3 success for three-yearold son Alesian Chief in the Gr3 World Sports Betting Merchants at Turffontein's postponed Summer Cup meeting.

Described by Maine Chance owner Dr Andreas Jacobs as ‘the Northern Dancer of Germany’, Surumu's influence on that country's breeding industry has been profound, to the extent that his name can be found in more than 80 percent of German bloodlines, remarkable in a sense that he never covered big books and only twice had a foal crop as high as 39.

Building on a smart victory in the Listed Golden Loom Handicap, Corrie Lensley's stable star made the step up to Graded company in his stride to score by the best part of a length. Alesian Chief is a feather in the cap of Dr Marianne Thomson, who bred the colt under her Ambiance Stud banner.

Vercingetorix’ four-year-old Seeking The Stars, completed his sire's fine stakes double in the Gr2 WSB Club Prive Green Point Stakes. Fresh off his victory in the Gr3 Matchem Stakes, Vaughan Marshall's colt made full use

Although his dam All In The Mind is by champion sprinter Var, she hails from the family of the grand stayer Milleverof, winner of the Gr1 Gold Cup and Gr2 Premier's Gold Vase. That Vercingetorix has seamlessly taken over the mantle of his illustrious sire at Maine Chance is best

illustrated by the fact that he currently leads the General Sires List, with his late sire in second place. Whether he can maintain that position remains to be seen, however, Vercingetorix certainly has the ammunition to do so.

In addition to the aforementioned trio, his arsenal of black type runners includes Gr1 juvenile winner Ambiorix; Pomp And Power, a game winner of the Gr2 Concorde Stakes; Bereave, who chased Vikram home in the Gr2 Cape Merchants; champion stayer

Nebraas; Spring Spree Stakes winner Vaseem, the consistent performer Astrix and of course Rascallion, who recently claimed the notable scalp of dual Durban July winner Do It Again at Kenilworth.

JC Photos

Vercingetorix’ son Alesian Chief skates home to win the Gr3 Merchants on Summer Cup day

Design by Winning Media

1970 Triple Crown Winner Nijinksy ll

NIJINSKY II’S INFLUENCE LIVES ON

Former Equus Champion Vercingetorix continues to churn out graded stakes winners at a rate of knots, with Saturday's big race winners Chansonette Seeking The Stars providing their sire with his latest successes.

Nijinsky II's underrated sire son Niniski, is one of the last notable male line descendants of 1970 Triple Crown winner and outstanding sire Nijinsky II, whose male line has all but vanished.

Last week was a memorable one for Vercingetorix, even by his high standards, with the champion son of Silvano also sire of the Gr3 World Sports Betting Merchants winner Alesian Chief on 30 November.

Not only is Vercingetorix descended from Nijinsky II in male line, he is inbred to the champion through the latter's sons Niniski and Peacetime. However, while Nijinsky II's sire sons failed to leave a lasting male line, Nijinsky II remains a potent force in pedigrees all over the world.

Vercingetorix, whose sire Silvano was a grandson of

This was all too obvious at Kenilworth on Saturday -

thanks mainly to Vercingetorix who was responsible for a trio of winners - but also due to several other notable stallions. Interestingly, Saturday's game Green Point Stakes winner Seeking The Stars' pedigree also contains the names of Nijinsky II's close relatives Far North and The Minstrel. Nijinsky II is found in the pedigrees of the first three home in the Green Point Stakes, as well as the first three finishers (Chansonette, Desert Miracle, Homely Girl) in the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas.

Nijinsky II is also found in the pedigree of legendary Australian sire Redoute's Choice, with that sire's outstanding sire son Snitzel responsible for the very progressive looking Real Gone Kid, a good winner at Kenilworth this past weekend. Redoute's Choice is also broodmare sire of Saturday's Gr1 Drummond GolfKingston Town Classic winner Regal Power. Saturday's Gr2 WSB Live Casino Southern Cross Stakes winner Kitty Cat Chat (Press Statement) is another inbred to Nijinsky II -her dual Gr1 winning sire

Press Statement (also inbred to Nijnsky II) being a grandson of Fastnet Rock (whose dam was sired by Nijinsky II horse Royal Academy), and her dam a daughter of the Redoute's Choice horse Fast 'n' Famous. Nijinsky II's influence was also felt in North America on Saturday, with the Gr1 Cigar Mile winner Americanrevolution (Constitution), a grandson of Tapit - who is inbred to Nijinsky II. Constitution also enjoyed Gr1 success in Chile on Saturday when his son Niquense won the St Leger.

While Nijinsky II's sire sons may not have left an heir to their outstanding sire, they do continue to make their presence felt, with Royal Academy broodmare sire of champion sire Fastnet Rock, sire of more than 40 Gr1 winners, among others. His French Derby winning son Caerleon is broodmare sire of Cape sires Erupt and Twice Over, and also features as the sire of the granddam of Met winning stallion One World.

34 Luyolo Mxothwa has Kitty Cat Chat in front as Anton Marcus drives Capitana up the outside in a thriller

Chase Liebenberg

‘The Ridgemont Highlands long-term investment in high-quality international and local bloodlines is paying speedy dividends!’ v

RIDGEMONT DOMINATE SOUTHERN CROSS STAKES 35

The Robertson-based Ridgemont team celebrated a prestigious Gr2 exacta at Kenilworth on Saturday when the lightning fast Aussie-bred Kitty Kat Chat held on to beat her year older local stablemate Capitana in a thrilling finish to the WSB Live Casino Gr2 Southern Cross Stakes. With the instantly recognisable dark green, blue and white silks being carried in a three-pronged attack in the 1000m feature, it was Brett Crawford stable rider Luyolo Mxothwa who found himself riding Press Statement’s daughter Kitty Kat Chat, ahead of Ridgemont jockeys Anton Marcus (Capitana) and Greg Cheyne (Iris). Jumping smartly and opting to let them come and fetch him into the teeth of a headwind, Mxothwa did some astutely calculated tactical low-flying on the speed queen, whose last run, after three impressive wins from her first three starts, was clearly not her effort.

Trainer Brett Crawford confirmed that, saying that Kitty Cat Chat had excuses there, with her prep and nothing going right. While Capitana was a deserving favourite, Kitty Cat Chat clearly held the speed edge over the minimum trip and she was on her a-game on Saturday to register an early black type strike. Despite Capitana (4-1) and Santa Maria (8-1) launching threatening late challenges, Kitty Cat Chat (16-1) was equal to the challenge and she held on to win by 0,20 lengths in a time of 58,73 secs. Santa Maria (8-1) flew late to grab third a further 0,20 lengths back in third, with the visiting Azzie team celebrating their campaign with Sweet Future (16-1) running fourth, and under a length off the winner. Bred by Ridgemont and foaled in Australia, the winner is a third stakes winner for Vinery Stud’s dual Gr1 winner Press Statement (Hinchinbrook)/ The winner is a first foal from the eight-time winning Fast ‘n Famous mare Whats New

Pussycat (Kiwi Karma), a half-sister by Fast ‘n’ Famous to stakes-winner Seaway. Whats New Pussycat was exported to Ireland in 2019 with her second foal, a filly called Whoa Whoa Whoa by Maurice (Jpn). Whoa Whoa Whoa has done the Ridgemont team proud, winning her first two starts before going a narrow second last time. Kitty Cat Chat has won 4 of her 5 starts for stakes of R214 975. With Craig, Ross and Belinda Kieswetter on course, Saturday proved a good day at the races, with another Ridgemont Australian-bred in Snitzel son Real Gone Kid beating SA’s highest-rated sprinter Rio Querari to win the Pinnacle Stakes eighth race. While fitness may have counted in his favour, Real Gone Kid probably gets the blinkers back on as he heads towards the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship on Cape Met day, 29 January 2022. His presence certainly adds to the interest.

The Merits KITTY CAT CHAT has had her rating raised from 98 to 107 after her victory in the Gr2 WSB Live Casino Southern Cross Stakes for fillies and mares over 1000m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

The Handicappers believed that the ever-consistent runner-up CAPITANA made for the most suitable line horse when assessing this race, which leaves her unchanged on a rating of 106. 36 Other ratings increases

were for 3rd placed SANTA MARIA, who goes up from 100 to 106, and for 5th finisher FAVORITA, who was raised from 101 to 104. The only ratings drop was for VERNICHEY, who is down from 120 to 119.

FAIRER SEX – IN FOCUS 38

Third Runway – top class

Chase Liebenberg

Recent bloodstock sales, on both sides of the Atlantic, have been vibrant at the top end. Even allowing for the depressed South African market for yearlings and two-year-olds, which is now showing some signs of life, the disparity with our market is striking. In July, Cape Thoroughbred Sales held a Select Fillies for Stud online sale. Oscar Foulkes writes that the result provides some kind of guide, although this type of sale is not (yet) a regular on the calendar, so any conclusions one draws may not be entirely fair.

However, the high-level view is that fillies with good race records sold for the price of average yearlings. The irony is that one could end up paying more for the unraced yearling sisters and half-sisters to these well-performed fillies. The sale topper, at R500 000, was the Gr2 winner Third Runway. At first glance, this is a good premium on the R200 000 she cost as a yearling, and when one considers the cash flow cycle from purchase of mare to the sale of the first yearling three years’ hence, it’s a lumpy up-front investment for an uncertain payback. Of course, the issue is that professional breeders have

been through a punishing time. Any bloodstock purchases have to be made from retained profits. Investments are going to be measured against anticipated yearling prices. Even so, Flichity By Far (R180 000), La Bella Mia (R225 000) and Hello Winter Hello (R275 000) looked to be really well bought. A factor that should be considered in valuing these fillies is one of availability. The majority of the fillies winning listed and graded races are owned by large breeders i.e. Drakenstein, Ridgemont Highlands, Maine Chance Farms, Varsfontein, Wilgerbosdrift

and Mauritzfontein. These fillies are not for sale at any price, nor are the ones owned by owner-breeders like the Wernars or Sabine Plattner. Others are owned by people who just don’t sell their best fillies. So, the pool of availability is extremely limited, which makes the auction prices of these fillies appear to be even better value. Looking more broadly at knock-on effects, limited upside on the sale of fillies for stud must impact on prices for yearling fillies, which are generally less than those for colts. However, this could also be a consequence

of Mauritius buying colts and geldings, but no fillies. Relatively underpriced fillies must represent an opportunity for the smart money. Returning to the vibrant northern hemisphere market for good racefillies, it’s easy to see the rationale for Team Valor’s purchase of top-class fillies for export. Of course, they weren’t bought as breeding prospects, but while the bloodstock market is strong, there is a base to their value if their international racing campaigns don’t turn out as expected. And, if a few more repeat the performance of Via Africa, in producing international graded stakeswinners, it could impact on

demand. The biggest boost, though, would be a result of allround improvement in domestic market conditions, through the combined effect of improved stakes, increased yearling prices, and broodmares once more being in demand as breeders plan for an increase in foal numbers. It goes without saying that breeders will be closely watching yearling sale results. As a lagging indicator, fillies for stud auctions will also be of interest. Bring on 2022

Design by Winning Media

46 Rondeberg on a roll! From l to r, Avumile Nxana, Andre Nel, Aviwe Maqelana, Bongisipho Ngqwangi and Callum Dixon lead Crome Yellow (Grant van Niekerk) in

Chase Liebenberg

CROME DEFENDS TITLE IN STYLE v

The Sabine Plattner Racing Team continued their redhot summer feature form when Grant van Niekerk timed his run to perfection on the 7yo Crome Yellow to win the R150 000 Bet With The Best Gr3 Cape Summer Stayers Handicap for the second consecutive year at a windy Kenilworth on Saturday.

Knap.

With a suspension looming from last Sunday to Saturday 11th December, Van Niekerk didn’t lack for motivation and rode a cracker to secure a personal double in the 2500m feature.

The favourite Crimson King (2-1) moved up menacingly, but just lacked the edge late, finishing three quarters of a length back in third, with Holy Warrior (9-2) flying late for fourth.

The defending champion, Crome Yellow has always appreciated the fairer run-in of the Cape track’s summer course and the topweighted bull of a bay unwound from some way off, just as Anton Marcus looked to have secured the lion’s share on Vaughan Marshall’s Black

The pacesetter Bayberry faded out to last after leading for a long way.

Easy to back at 12-1, Crome Yellow confirmed his credentials as one of the region’s most honest stayers as he cut them down gradually to beat Black Knap (5-1) by a half length in a time of 160,47 secs. Interestingly, he clocked 156,04 secs in the corresponding race last year.

Trained by Andre Nel, and a son of Drakenstein’s champion sire Trippi (End Sweep), the La Plaisance-bred Crome Yellow is out of the four-time winning Jallad mare Senorita Sol –

who raced under the same Plattner flag. A winner of 9 races with 14 places from 31 starts, Crome Yellow has banked R782 200. The Cape Pick 6 pool inexplicably didn’t enjoy the generosity of a carryover and reached R1 078 000. 90% of combinations were in the bin after Crome Yellow’s victory.

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The Merits CROME YELLOW has had his rating increased from 108 to 110 after he won the Grade 3 Bet With The Best Cape Summer Stayers Handicap over 2500m at Kenilworth on Saturday for a second year in succession. It was runner-up BLACK

KNAP who was deemed to make for the best line horse here, which leaves him unchanged on a rating of 102. The winner aside, the only other increase was for 4th placed HOLY WARRIOR, who was 4 pounds or 2 kgs under sufferance at the weights and

who goes up from 90 to 93. There were ratings drops for three horses. CATCHAFALLINGSTAR is down from 97 to 95, RETRO EFFECT is down to 91 to 93, and lastly MAGNIFICENT SEVEN drops from 103 to 101.

FAITH, FAMILY & FINESSE v

a 50 Summer joy! Tarry Racing assistant Thabiso Nako, Shandre Hoffmann-Habib, Calvin Habib & Sean Tarry savour the moment

a 51

JC Photos

Still on a dizzy high after his glorious WSB Gr1 Gauteng Summer Cup victory just over a week ago, Calvin Habib reflects on the rollercoaster ride that is life and how he turned the corner with faith, family support and hard work. Surreal and a dream. That’s how the 24 year old Calvin describes a remarkable 2021 to the Sporting Post. On 6 June, he cracked his maiden career Gr1 success at Hollywoodbets Scottsville when Under Your Spell stormed to victory in the Allan Robertson Championship for Sean Tarry. On 1 August, having his first ride of the new season at Turffontein, Calvin was hard at work at the 200m on David Viewenhuizen’s Fifth Of July when things got tight and they clipped the heels of another horse. He came off his severely unbalanced and stumbling mount, fracturing three vertebrae in his back. That could have been a career ending injury on any other day. On 30 November, Calvin won the Highveld flagship race for former multiple champion trainer Sean Tarry on the 25-1 Flying Carpet. Six months of extraordinary highs and lows and there is

clearly some beautiful irony in the fact that Sean Tarry was the Summer Cup winning trainer. It’s a lovely story, worth telling again. Calvin was rejected from the SA Jockey Academy twice as they assessed him and said he would be too big.

He made a remarkable recovery from the accident, having his first ride back on 19 October. On 28 October he registered his first winner of the term when Captain Hindsight won for the Fortunes.

The determined young man then decided to focus on the workriders course as a possible pathway to a career as a professional jockey. He rode 9 winners from just over 50 rides under the watchful eye of James Maree.

He won the eventual Summer Cup runner-up Majestic Mozart’s prep race on 13 November, and expected to partner the former Cape runner for Ashley Fortune in the big race.

On his third attempt at trying to gain access to the Academy, many trainers were asked to write letters of recommendation and support. Sean Tarry won one of them. Calvin cracked the nod and appropriately his first winner as an apprentice jockey was for Tarry, as are now his first two Gr1 victories.

“They were unsure whether they would run Majestic Mozart just a fortnight after his win. So Mrs Fortune kindly said to me that I should take another ride if I was offered it, rather than land up sitting on the sidelines in the event they opted to not run Majestic Mozart.”

“This game has always been about people and horses. I have been very fortunate to be blessed with associations to top-class examples of both that have kept my career on track. My injury was a devastating blow on the first day of the season. But I worked hard on my rehabilitation and spent time with inspirational people like Sean Tarry, and Andrew and Ashley Fortune, to mention a few. I recall Mr Tarry telling me not to push it. Rather to come back stronger, as opposed to quicker!” adds Calvin.

Riding work for Sean Tarry, Calvin found himself in consideration for one of the powerful yard’s host of Summer Cup entries.

“It still feels like a fairytale to me! Up until the final field was finalised, I knew I was riding in the race for Mr Sean Tarry but I didn’t know which horse. Even though I didn’t know who I was riding, I had this gut feeling that everything would just work out well for me. When it was decided that Flying Carpet would be my ride for the Summer Cup,

I was very happy because I thought his prep run was an eye-catching effort and I had been working him a bit at home. So I knew he was doing well. I knew that if I rode the right race on him then we would be there in the finish.” We asked Calvin to tell us about the race. “He gave me confidence because he went down to the start with his mind on the job. The race panned out the way I thought it would. We broke out of the starting gates well, but the pace was on

and there were a few horses hunting for a position. I found myself in a good space on the fence following Malmoos, with War Of Athena on my outside. I knew I was in the perfect spot. I was happy with the pace, and I had my horse in a good rhythm. Into the straight, I had to get working on him early so that I could get him to go through the gears. Going through the 400m marker, I only had to make up 2-3 lengths on the leaders and I could feel he had built good momentum. I would say at about the 200m, where I only had about 1-2 lengths to make up, was the defining moment where I knew that we could go

on to win it!” How does Calvin feel about his career progress to date? “I am really chuffed with the way everything has panned out in my career thus far. I have been privileged enough to ride some very talented horses and have been given some amazing opportunities. I have ridden across the country, and also had international exposure in Bahrain and France. I have ridden a number of feature and group race winners, including the Gr1’s and I won the Zimbabwe championship.

I am truly grateful for everything. It really feels like a dream come true for a kid who thought he was lucky enough just to be a jockey!” And his short-term plans? “Prior to my injury, I was riding 6-7 days a week travelling to Durban, Port Elizabeth and Zimbabwe. Upon coming back, I knew that I wanted to take it easier in terms of traveling so that I could gradually build my strength again. I have received amazing support in Johannesburg since returning from my injury. I have good momentum up on

the Highveld and I am happy to capitalise on that right now. I would like to finish as high up on the log this season as I can. Having missed three months, travelling would be advantageous to achieve this goal, so it is certainly something I will be open to doing again in the New Year.” As far as travelling overseas again, Calvin gets a glint in his eye and says he would ‘love it.’ “It is every jockey’s dream to ride in Hong Kong or Singapore. I think the racing in both countries is at the top level and the best jockeys ride in those jurisdictions. Right now, I am just going

to continue to work hard in South Africa so that I will have more opportunities to ride overseas, and so that when the time comes, I will be ready for it!” The Cape Town Met entries were published on 1 December. Will we see Calvin Habib, who goes to scale at 53kgs, with a ride in the big one at the end of January? “The Met is one of the top 3 races in South Africa and I would really love to be given the opportunity to ride in the race. I haven’t yet confirmed a ride so if any of the trainers are looking for a jockey - I’m available!” JC Photos

54 Flying Carpet storms home under Calvin Habib

As for the Highveld season, Calvin is determined to keep the ‘Cup’ momentum going and remain competitive in feature races. “It is difficult for me to single out horses, but I am privileged to ride for very strong Joburg yards. I am excited for one of my favourites, Under Your Spell – she is a really smart filly.” Going back to Calvin’s triumphant Tuesday, he asked that we recognise all sponsors, and particularly World Sports Betting for their exceptional contribution to the Summer Cup day. And what about the future of racing?

“I certainly believe that we are in for an exciting future with 4Racing! It has been great getting to know the whole team and seeing how passionate they are about the sport we all love. The Racing Association along with 4Racing, have put a lot of effort into promoting racing over the past few weeks and it has been great to see the stands packed with people again.”

guide me down the right road of life,” he says quietly.

While spirituality and religion is a private matter, we have noticed in the interviews on Tellytrack that Calvin appears to place a lot of emphasis on his faith.

“We haven’t really set any plans for Christmas. But I do know that I will be spending the time with my beautiful wife Shandre, our dog Ellie, and our family.”

“Yes, I am a very religious person. I believe God has a plan for me and I put all my trust and faith in Him. He will

The son of former jockey Donovan is married to a highly qualified professional lady in Shandre, who is a daughter of legendary jockey and present day Stipe, Andre Hoffmann. So what are the Habib clan doing for Christmas?

MIRACLE FOR TIARA

Mike de Kock’s Desert Miracle went down a neck to Chansonette in Saturday’s Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas and her trainer says that she has a bright career ahead of her. The top trainer said on Sunday that travelling to the Cape is never easy. “Desert Miracle had her head up at the start, she was green first time at Kenilworth and just appeared to shirk for a moment when Gavin Lerena changed his stick at the 200m mark, factors which may have cost her the race. But that should not detract from the merits of the winner. Chansonette was always going to be a danger, we mentioned this in our Friday preview, and she beat us fair and square on the day. I want to congratulate trainer Andre Nel on his first Gr1 winner, this is a big moment for him, well done also to Plattner racing. This is another feather in the cap for Chansonette’s sire, Vercingetorix.” Desert Miracle will make her own trip back to her Randjesfontein stable this week and Mike said: “I have discussed her next races with owner Mary Slack. We’ll be aiming her at the Triple Tiara races in Gauteng.”

FAREWELL TO A NOBLE SIRE Noble Tune, who recently relocated to Camargue Stud, has passed away unexpectedly. The sire of Gr3 Gold Cup winner Paths Of Victory was humanely euthanised on the operating table after vets did their best to assist the son of Unbridled’s Song. Noble Tune with a purple pedigree, a Gr2 and Gr3 winner in America as well as finishing second in the Gr1 Breeders Cup Juvenile on Turf, is a half-brother to Gr1 winner and producer in America, Honor Code. He also shares a dam with newly acquired Rathmor sire Declarationofpeace (War Front). Noble Tune, out of a Storm Cat mare from the female line of Serena’s Song, saw his best on the track with Gold Cup winner Paths Of Victory and Copper Mountain, second by half a length to Got The Greenlight in the Gr1 H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes. Noble Tune was the only son of Unbridled’s Song to stand at stud in South Africa.

SPIRIT SHOCK

The Gr1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve winner Medina Spirit died after a workout on Tuesday at Santa Anita Park, according to California Horse Racing Board equine medical director Jeff Blea and Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer for The Stronach Group, which owns the racetrack. Blea characterized Medina Spirit’s passing as a sudden death. After watching video of the incident he said it looked like a ‘classic case of a heart attack.’ The incident occurred on the track, just after the 3-year-old son of Protonico completed a five-furlong move in a handy 1:01 2/5 Monday at Santa Anita. Medina Spirit is owned by Amr Zedan’s Zedan Racing Stables and trained by Bob Baffert. “We don’t know the cause and sometimes even after the necropsy, we don’t know,” Benson told BloodHorse.

APPLEBY TOPS TREE Charlie Appleby was crowned IRB International Trainer of the Year for a fourth time at Monday’s Horserace Writers & Photographers Awards (HWPA) at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The award, which has been sponsored by the International Racing Bureau since 1981, was presented by Adrian Beaumont. Appleby was joined by Ralph Beckett, John and Thady Gosden and William Haggas on the contenders list, but it was Appleby who came out on top. The top trainer has once again has had a fabulous season both in the UK and internationally.Horses hailing from his Moulton Paddocks base in Newmarket contested ten North American Gr1 races during 2021 and won no less than eight of them, twice being followed home by a stablemate. Throw in the Jockey Club Derby at Belmont, a Gr1 in all but name won by Yibir, and Appleby had an incredible nine big transatlantic triumphs during the year.

Zac Purton has overtaken Douglas Whyte’s all-time Hong Kong prizemoney record by posting a double as the perfect prelude to his title defence of the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley today. Trailing 13-time champion jockey Whyte’s record haul of HK$1,587,210,086 – accumulated from 1,813 wins – Purton started the meeting HK$1,210,620 in arrears of the South African but the Australian closed the day in style with victory on Tony Cruz’s Beauty Joy to win the Class 3 Tourmaline Handicap and set a new mark of HK$1,588,025,566.

SOUTHWELL TRACK THUMBS UP Carausius went into the record books as the first winner on Southwell's new Tapeta surface after he landed the 2400m handicap for Charlie Hills and Kieran Shoemark on Tuesday. Arena Racing Company (Arc), which owns and manages Southwell, last year announced its intention to ditch the track's unique Fibresand circuit in favour of Tapeta, which is in place at the group's sister courses Newcastle and Wolverhampton. The Tapeta got the thumbs up from jockeys at a BHA trial recently and the card, which offered nearly £110,000 in prize-money, attracted 98 declarations. Group 1-winning rider Shoemark said: "It was quite evident that the surface feels very new, obviously it is, and I think it's going to need a bit of time to bed in, but they did go hard [up front]. "It was typical Southwell race-riding tactics and my fella seemed to love it back here. I think it's got the potential to be one of the top all-weather tracks, especially with the structure of the racecourse – a nice, big, galloping track – but I think we just need to give it a bit of time. "I think we rode it today like the old Southwell; we got racing very early and it was a slog home."

NOMS – NO BOMBS Following the amendments to Clause 14 of the Constitution as a result of Resolution 3 being passed at the Special General Meeting held on 23 November 2021, and Nomination Forms being disseminated to all Members, the National Horseracing Authority has confirmed the new composition of the Nominations Committee. It will be made up of the following persons: In terms of Clause 14.3.1 the two National Board Directors who will serve on the Nominations Committee will be Rikesh Sewgoolam (Member) and N Nalliah (Independent); In terms of Clause 14.3.2 the person jointly appointed by the Racing Operators is Bradley Ralph; In terms of Clause 14.3.3 the person appointed by the Owners is Mark Currie; 58 In terms of Clause 14.3.4 the person appointed by the Trainers and Jockeys is Tony Rivalland.

JC Photos v

Gavin Lerena salutes as Irish Pride charges clear to beat Front Rank (Sherman Brown)

Five Years – A Long Time In Racing

Calling this one a ‘Golden Oldie’ is like suggesting Taylor Swift went Downtown with Petula Clark. But it’s Grand Heritage weekend and we thought we’d take a quick trip back to 2016 and the inaugural running of the R750 000 Grand Heritage at the Vaal The 27 horse Grand Heritage cavalry charge edged their way towards the outside of the expansive Vaal surface as KZN visitor Humidor led the early stages of the 1475m non black-type feature. One man who didn’t find the

new crowded game daunting was Gavin Lerena, who ended up riding five winners on a memorable afternoon. His winning ride on Irish Pride for the Wernars family and trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren was a shining example of his talent and race-riding brain. At the 400m Irish Pride was making ground as Analyse This and Lunar Approach looked dangerous, with Tyrone Zackey’s hope Front Rank finishing well under a typically animated Sherman Brown ride. But in the drive to the wire it was Lerena who had again timed his effort to perfection as 60

the handsomely priced tote favourite held on well to beat Front Rank. Stakes were paid down to tenth finisher, with Chepardo from Alec Laird’s yard the last recipient of the R10 000 bonus. The Mauritzfontein Stud-bred Irish Pride was a 4yo gelded son of Ideal World out of the twice winning Fort Wood mare, Celtic Cross. He was signed for at R260 000 by Triple 8 Clothing at the 2014 KZN Suncoast Yearling Sale.

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Almost 2022…

IT’S OKAY TO TALK ABOUT IT! A few weeks ago, I spoke about how many people have started to use CBD for their horses to help treat anxiety, skin irritations, and even help reduce the growth of tumors. Since then, we’ve had readers connect with us and share their stories of how CBD has changed their lives, their horses lives and also their dogs’ lives for many of the same reasons. Shannon Smith writes that it was while sharing one of these stories with a friend of mine over a smoothie one morning that we dove deeper into the topic of CBD for physical vitality. CBD does, after all, contribute to homeostasis within the body, among many other things. So how can it help you live your best, high vibe life? It’s a good time to add in here, that this friend that I was chatting to has just retired from a life as a corporate lawyer, and she has also just completed her Yoga Teacher Training to embark on a completely alternative spiritual calling.

Highly educated, respected and successful, this woman is a force to be reckoned with. You can imagine that her job title came with certain stresses, and although 6am yoga and a 6pm vodka martini were predominantly the glue keeping her together, it was in her latter years of her career that she discovered CBD.

The results?

Here’s a catch for you though - Her introduction to CBD had nothing to do with her job, but it had everything to do with hormones. Migraines, sleepless nights and anxiety were a regular feat in the life of someone who never showed weakness while she played a hard game and always came out on top. When she reached her 50s and discovered the wonders of Menopause, and found that all of this was amplified - along with night sweats, weight gain, depression and to top it all - a serious and annoying drop in libido and an increase in pelvic oversensitivity. She started taking CBD to combat the anxiety, as this was her main concern for staying on top of her game.

Here’s why:

Everything, and I mean everything was affected in a positive way. She explained to me how her world felt like it tipped upside down, and the inner 29-year old she knew was hiding in there somewhere suddenly jumped out.

● CBD facilities serotonin neurotransmission, which aids in reducing stress and depression ● CBD facilities a boost in metabolic systems, aiding weight loss ● CBD helps one remain in the deep stage of sleep for longer — and reduces the time we stay in the REM stage, resulting in restorative sleep ● CBD reduces inflammation, relaxing both muscles and nerves Naturally, you could see how this conversation excited me and prompted me to

talk about Bush’s 5 tiered CBD wellness range. Yes, we have Body Butter, the Body Scrub, the Tissue Oil and the Lip Balm. But what needed air here was the CBD Infused Personal Lubricant. Now before you start feeling awkward, I need to stress here that we absolutely and unashamedly need to normalize talking freely about sex health and how to mitigate challenges. This is (almost) 2022, and we are living in a pro-life and pro-authenticity era. So don’t switch off just yet - because here, my friends, is a solution for almost 50% of the worlds’ population when they reach a certain stage in their lives. And if you really think about it - It actually affects 100% of the population. It takes 2 to tango…

So why is CBD ideal for a personal lubricant? Because, as mentioned above, CBD is an anti-inflammatory, a muscle ease and a nerve calmer. I will let you do the math with the formula I’m putting in front of you here. But I’ll leave you with one last fun fact - CBD is also a potent vasodilator. This means that it enables your body to pump more blood to these areas of application. I’ll give an A+ to anyone who can tell me what the final answer to this formula is…? One lucky winner of the Future Stars competition will find out for themselves, as they will be winning a complete Bush Gift Hamper containing one of each product within our range. If you didn’t know, Bush is an acronym for “Be U - Stay Healthy”.

For us, alternative health is why we embarked on this mission. Horses, humans… We’re all mammals, and we are all affected somewhat similarly by what we ingest and what we expose ourselves to. We’d love to know your story and your feedback. Connect with me directly at shannon@dachacorp.com if you’re curious or better yet - Head on over to our online shop & receive a discount on our products by using the SPORTINGPOST discount code. Whether bareback, or with a saddle on… happy winning, loving, and riding (horses). Until next time.

TAB Issues It was hoped that the play.tabonline.co.za digital betting platform will be restored to full functionality during the course of this morning. Software issues were experienced yesterday on play.tabonline.co.za and the Sporting Post requested an update in advance of

today’s racing, which includes a bumper Hollywoodbets Scottsville card which starts at 12h25. We are advised that Programmers worked through the night, but have not yet resolved all the software issues affecting the site. TAB telephone betting is fully

functional – please call 0861 000 822 to place your bets. Should your online account have been locked, please contact TAB Customer Care on 0861 444 822 or email customercare@4racing.com.

FUTURE STARS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY BUSH v

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A winner! The lovely Horizon colt from Heuningsfontein

LOTZ FAMILY ON THE HORIZON! 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 November.

Readers voted and commented via the www.sportingpost.co.za website and via our Facebook page. Our winner of the Bush hamper for November is Ian Trimmel, who selected Heuningsfontein’s Horizon colt, bred by Armand and Leon Lotz. The smashing individual is out of six time winning Kildonan mare, Vision To Kill

Ian Trimmel said: ‘This colt’s going to destroy everything. It definitely has a Vision to Kill.’ Thanks to all who participated – the passion and interest is amazing. Look out for this month’s festive prize!

A KZN DUET

The Sporting Post is once proud to partner with BUSH to bring you the cream of this season’s foal crop – our future stars. Outstanding prizes will be offered this month to readers, who are asked to select the foal of the month. See who won our latest competition in these pages. Karin and Warwick Render of Bush Hill Stud proudly showcase the full sister to

Peermont Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup winner and multiple Gr2 winner MK’s Pride.

This powerful Willow Magic filly was born on 21 November and is out of the one time winning Admire Main mare, Ikimasu. She will certainly be one to watch out for in the future. Our next foal hails from another KZN based farm, Summerhill Equestrian. This Act Of War colt was born on 10 October and is shaping up smartly. Out

of three-time winning Indigo Magic mare Fullfillyourdream, this colt is a shining example of his sire’s class and quality. With just weeks left of the year, breeders are invited to submit pics of their superstars to editor@sportingpost.co.za. Please detail date of birth, sex, breeding – and any related news.

Summerhill Equestrian (c) Act Of War ex Fullfillyourdream – born 10 October

Bush Hill Stud (f) Willow Magic ex Ikimasu – born 21 November

Sandown Park Racecourse

Bryony Frost raises the trophy in joy

FROST’S COOL RIDE AFTER A TOUGH WEEK Saturday afternoon saw the running of the Gr1 Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and a great change of fortune for young jockey Bryony Frost.

After a week giving emotional evidence at a hearing brought by the BHA against fellow jockey Robbie Dunne, who is accused of threatening and abusive behaviour towards Frost, she sprang a

surprise with victory aboard Greaneteen in the Sandown feature. The jockey was visibly relieved to be back in the saddle: "It's huge to hear the

support from everybody here. They appreciate me and it's the best life being able to ride horses as my job.” Although a Gr1 courseand-distance winner last year when beating the great Altior in the Celebration Chase, Greaneteen was a 12/1 outsider and faced a huge task taking on leading Champion Chase contenders Chacun Pour Soi and Nube Negra. However with mistakes throughout from the other four rivals, he cruised into contention and, after a massive jump at the last, powered home five and a half lengths clear of his stablemate Hitman. "We had a lovely start and I was able to settle him and move to the pace. The team knew he was 100 per cent and he just galloped for all he was worth.” This represented a big step forward for the progressive chaser according to his trainer Paul Nicholls: “He had his first run at Exeter to take the freshness off him and he was never going to win that day carrying top weight. That was a prep run and his improvement since then has been tremendous. When he went by the winning post on the first circuit, I knew he was going to be right there at the finish as he dropped the bridle and was more relaxed."

Nicholls winning this race for a record 12th time added: “It's been difficult, but she handled it well. Nobody wants to be in that position, but to come back here and win a Grade 1 is just testament to Bryony and her professionalism. Full marks to her." The Cheltenham Gold Cup is now very much on the agenda for the Ditcheat trained runner. The front running Allaho found enough at the last three fences to grind out victory in the Gr1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on Sunday. Top amateur rider Patrick Mullins was allowed to dictate at will early on, as Fakir D’Oudairies and favourite Envoi Allen sat off the pace. Asterion Forlonge was the one who looked to be Allaho's main threat three out moving very well, but the grey then made a dramatic blunder and unseated his rider. While that left Allaho clear, stablemate Janidil emerged to lay down a brief challenge as Allaho blundered the second last fence. From there, the Cheveley Park Stud-owned seven-year-old, who had jumped noticeably left at times, found plenty for pressure to get back on top and after successfully negotiating the last, finally drew away from

Janidil to pass the post two lengths clear. Melon ran on from off the pace to take third and complete a 1-2-3 for the champion trainer. Winning jockey Patrick Mullins said: “It’s great, but it was hard work. He never really carried me forward. He was going left everywhere and never really had a cut at his fences.” “To be honest, I think Asterion Forlonge had the best of me, and I could see the shadow of Janidil coming down to the second-last. I needed a good jump, but I just didn’t feel like really asking for it, so I let him get from A to B and, for luck, it was enough. He was very tough, but I think he is much better than the bare form there.” Trainer Willie Mullins added: "He was taking on horses with runs under their belts and that can be very tough.” "He was very brave and it's fantastic to win a Gr1 at this part of the season. I'm just hoping it doesn't take too much out of him for the rest of the season – he had a very, very hard race."

Haras de Castillon

Lot 675 – colt by Fastnet Rock ex Purple Magic

FASTNET ROCK COLT DOMINATES DAY 3 The third day of the Vente d’Elevage closed with similar results to 2019, with an equivalent number of horses going through the ring. A total of 74% of the 276 mares, fillies and foals were sold for an average price of €10,339, compared to €9,835 two years ago. The turnover on the day reached €2,119,500. A foal by Fastnet Rock (lot 675) consigned by Haras de Castillon made the top price of the day when knocked down for €60,000. Bidding on

behalf of Manister House Stud, Benoît Jeffroy had the final say for the colt from the family of CESARE, NOWHERE TO EXIT and PHILLIPINA. Two mares in foal to the Aga Khan Studs’ young sire Zarak were sold for €45,000. Group placed ANJELLA (lot 782) was the first to go through the ring. Already the dam of black-type performer SARRI ex STABLE GENIUS, the daughter of Monsun hails from the family of Group 1 winners AMARETTE and ALSON. Offered from Haras de Cercy, she was

bought by Benoît Jeffroy (Écurie Castillon Bloodstock). Later on in the day, it was the turn of DARIYLA (lot 832) to make €45,000. BBA Ireland had the final say for the daughter of Siyouni presented from the Aga Khan Studs. The mare hails from the maternal family of Classic winner DARYABA, the dam of the very talented DARIYAN, DARYAKANA, and her son DEVAMANI. See all the statistics – please click here

results up to: 2021-12-08

TRAINERS Name Mr P A Peter Mr S J Snaith Mr S G Tarry Mr M F de Kock Mr G D Smith

Runs

Wins Win%

360 508 268 163 436

64 74 34 39 50

17.8 14.6 12.7 23.9 11.5

2nd

3rd

58 66 25 30 50

40 71 27 16 45

2nd

3rd

97 58 69 61 44

81 58 60 53 43

Other Places Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

64 104 43 29 83

45.0 47.4 35.4 46.0 40.8

3,548,938 3,443,400 2,801,063 2,360,250 2,075,000

5,413,438 5,344,750 3,790,250 3,306,625 3,224,875

Other Places Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

118 91 105 60 74

5,533,813 4,214,075 3,416,188 2,861,550 2,170,988

8,230,938 6,020,588 5,601,038 4,346,025 3,521,600

162 241 95 75 178

JOCKEYS Name Mr W B Kennedy Mr S Khumalo Mr M A Yeni Mr R D Fourie Mr C Zackey

Rides Wins Win% 619 472 522 330 400

107 83 68 64 48

17.3 17.6 13.0 19.4 12.0

296 207 234 174 161

47.8 43.9 44.8 52.7 40.3

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

217 268

650 810

34,492 23,369

75 66

98 79

34.6 277 24.6 314

6 2

6 3

7,484,825 6,262,925

121 110 108

342 326 372

33,495 33,108 26,448

38 38 25

56 48 31

31.4 141 34.5 141 23.1 129

5 2 1

4,052,938 3,641,838 2,856,438

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

7 4 1 3 0

4,830,988 4,102,838 3,633,850 3,629,263 3,621,950

SIRES Name

Runrs Runs AEPR

Vercingetorix * Silvano (GER) Master Of My Fate Flower Alley (USA) Querari (GER)

118 127 138 94 138

333 357 426 280 423

40,941 32,306 26,332 38,609 26,246

B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs % 48 45 35 39 43

62 53 42 51 49

40.7 35.4 25.4 41.5 31.2

136 154 208 108 169

See all the detailed standings - Click here 73

5 4 1 2 0

LET’S GET REAL! 75

This game has been beautifully set-up. Real Madrid come into the fixture with all their necessary glamour and confidence. Atletico will arrive off the back of a tough Champions league requirement and a wounded La Liga campaign. Ryan Liberty writes that it’s a local derby like no other, the history and cultural divide almost perfectly personified on a football pitch. It’s the Madrid Derby! Madrid Derby: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid | Sunday 12 December | Santiago Bernabeu Stadium | 22h00 To Win (90 mins) Real Madrid 11/10 Draw 47/20 Atletico Madrid 24/10 Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti has been a breath of fresh air at Real Madrid. Yes, I suppose it’s easy to preach when you have effectively secured qualification in Europe and sit at the summit of La Liga…

Real talisman Karim Benzema went down injured in Los Blancos’ victory against Sociedad. Naturally questions were always going to be asked but interestingly, the murmurs largely suggested that Ancelotti could have possibly prevented this through squad rotation… for me though, this is a classic example of damned if you do – damned if you don’t.

will count for nothing!

I was very impressed with Madrid against Real Sociedad, and I think it was the perfect game for them before Atletico. Yes, they played Inter on Tuesday evening…but this is certainly what will be on every Madrid citizen’s frontal lobe.

That leaves Diego Simeone’s men in fourth, ten points from the top (albeit it with a game in hand). Atletico were so pedestrian and almost lethargic in front of goal. I mean, they were not short of chances, but they just couldn’t convert anything. When the goal eventually came, it was scrappy – I almost want to describe it as sad…

Sociedad sat in and tried to remain compact and defensively sound, and fair play to them, however, the beauty in Madrid’s victory was their patient performance which would always require moments of brilliance to get the game going. Enter Vinicius Jr! After his brilliant opener, the game had to open and essentially opportunities began to make themselves known.

The Italian manager has celebrated the demands associated with Real Madrid, attesting most of their success (both European and domestic) to the lofty demands and pressures.

I know many punters are often only swayed after their due dose of statistics, so here they are: Real come into this game unbeaten in their previous 11 games in all competition. They’ve kept five clean sheets along the way and scored an incredible 23 goals.

Now speaking of pressures,

But this is a derby and all of that

Atletico Madrid What a terrible way to end the year in front of your home supporters. Atletico played their final game at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano and went down to a spirited Mallorca side.

Simeone is a coach we know that prides himself on the defensive ability of his side. He will want his team to defend for the full 90 minutes without detracting away from their attacking prowess. And yet this is exactly what we’ve seen from Los Colchoneros. I struggle to see where they will hurt Real Madrid, where will they ask questions or apply pressure on the home side. You know the atmosphere will be electric and Real Madrid – if they have things their way – will want to go gun to tape with pacy and dynamic ball

movement coupled only with uncontrolled confidence, building aggression. Yes, this is a derby. So, expect full employment of the dark arts by the visitors, but I think they will simply be undone by a better opposition. From an entertainment value perspective, I think this should be an incredible match to watch. Atletico are the wounded animal and

Simeone has a chance to be the antagonist again – roles which we cannot deny suit both! Prediction: Real Madrid (11/10) I simply cannot see past the Real Madrid win here. It won’t be an easy game; a local derby isn’t usually anything other than just that. Atletico cannot match Madrid for attacking quality and

will effectively have no choice but to sit in and defend. 11/10 is too good a price to pass up Madrid capitalizing on an inevitable moment, it’s a brilliant price and I strongly suggest you make the most of it. So here it is, back the home side to take a small step in Madrid, but one giant leap toward securing the La Liga title!