SP SPRINT - 20 July 2022 by Sporting Post

Cover Image Smanga Khumalo, Keagan de Melo & Robert Khathi look relaxed as the season end looms – image by Candiese Lenferna

4 Elusive Fort (Fort Wood - Ever Seeking)

THESE SIRES DESERVE MORE BREAKS! ‘Underrated stallions Elusive Fort, Legislate, Pathfork and Capetown Noir may not receive large numbers of quality mares, yet all are currently punching well above their weight.’ 5

No one can dispute the dominance of blue chip stallions Vercingetorix, Gimmethegreenlight, Trippi, Master Of My Fate and What A Winter - after all, they have access to the cream of the broodmare population. The latest Sire statistics are therefore quite illuminating. Underrated stallions Elusive Fort, Legislate, Pathfork and Capetown Noir may not receive large numbers of quality mares, yet all are currently punching well above their weight. Elusive Fort, the seventh

leading stallion of 2020-21, is enjoying another fruitful season with progeny earnings of just over R10 million, good enough to make him the country’s sixth leading active stallion. Already sire of the Gr1 winning fillies Siren’s Call and Lauderdale, and Gr1 SA Derby hero Out Of Your League, Elusive Fort’s crowning moment came when his popular son Kommetdieding captured the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July in 2021 to which he subsequently added this year’s Gr1 Cape Town Met. Yet, notwithstanding this success, Elusive Fort’s support from breeders is akin to a rollercoaster.

6 Legislate (Dynasty - Champers)

Having covered as few as 25 mares in the dreaded fourth season, the first flush of success saw that increase to over 100 mares in each season from 2015 to 2018. That dropped to 56 in 2019, and wait for it, to just 13 and 19 mares in 2020 and 2021, a sad state of affairs, considering he has cemented his place amongst the country’s top ten stallions! When it comes to representation on the track, Legislate may lack the numbers necessary to make a huge impact, but boy, he certainly makes up for that in quality. At

Pathfork (Distorted Humor - Visions Of Clarity)

the time of writing, he has had only 29 runners, of which 19 have won. That’s a punchy 65% winners to runners. His average earnings per runner (AEPR) of R92,895 also places him in the exclusive company of some of the stallion ranks’ biggest names, those of log leaders Silvano, his son Vercingetorix and the evergreen Trippi. It is no secret that Legislate’s fertility issues account for his paucity of runners, yet this season’s 19 winners include a quartet (or almost 25%) of stakes winners in Airways Law (Gr3 Cup Trial),

Zimbaba (Gr3 Flamboyant Stakes), Hoedspruit (Algoa Cup) and So Flawless (Ladies Mile).

problems. Turns out, a sore back was probably the key cause.

The former Horse of the Year initially started his stallion career at Drakenstein Stud, but when he failed to stop his mares, he was returned to training, albeit unsuccessfully. That’s when Cheveley Stud master Vaughan Koster stepped in and Legislate returned to his birthplace. “My initial decision to take him was purely emotional, as he was the first champion I bred and I was going to give him a good home in his retirement.” Prophetic words!

“I could see he was in tremendous pain,” Vaughan said.

Vaughan set about trying to get to the bottom of the horse’s

“We did x-rays, scans, and this is where we picked up the problem. Legislate suffers from ossification of some vertebrae. We manage his pain with medication which seems to have worked. His fertility was 77% last season from 54 mares covered. We will continue to limit his books to 50 mares, a number he can comfortably cope with.”

On the flip side, Legislate’s services are taken up by shareholders only. As Vaughan explained: “I’ve had to turn outside mares away. There is currently a waiting list, such is the demand for him, which is deserved. Never did I think it would turn out this way!” While services to Legislate are hard to come by, not so for Pathfork, a stallion who has largely flown under the radar. With a seasonal strike rate of almost 58 percent and average earnings of R71,978, this son of

Distorted Humor continues to deliver in his own quiet way.” The sire of this season’s stakes winners Bingwa (Gr2 Onamission Mile), Marchingontogether (Racing Association Stakes) and Chollima (East Cape Derby), Pathfork exchanged Ridgemont Highlands for Sandown Stud in 2018. At that stage, he already had a Gr1 winner to his name in Allan Robertson victress Mighty High. Needless to say, his achievements since continue to impress Sandown stud master James Armitage, who remarked: “He’s so underrated. If you take the top 20 sires by earnings, he’s ahead of some

8 Capetown Noir (Western Winter - Akinfeet)

pretty decent names. Sadly, he’s never had the number or quality of mares, I think his biggest book was his first season, when he covered 72 mares. The only downfall is that he may lack a big horse, but I can tell you, there are certain trainers who love his progeny and so do the Mauritians. He’s entitled to more mares and at R5000 a jump, he’s a steal.” Another underrated stallion is champion miler and former Summerhill stallion Capetown Noir,

who this season, has been represented by 22 winners from just 47 runners, whilst returning a healthy AEPR of R78 682. In addition, he clocked up a second Gr1 winner when Bohica claimed the Cape Flying Championship. His first, last season’s Gr1 Allan Robertson winner Under Your Spell, added the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas and has been exported to Australia.

Capetown Noir now stands under the Piemonte banner but is not receiving the sustained numerical support necessary for a stallion to remain commercial. As stud owner Lee Scribante reflects: “It’s most disappointing, especially as he is a proven Gr1 sire.” A contributing factor could well be the fact that the KwaZuluNatal breeding ranks have shrunk alarmingly in recent years, with only a handful of die-hard breeders still active. Be that as it may,

given his accomplishments, the son of champion sire Western Winter and Broodmare of the Year Akinfeet surely merits more respect and support from KwaZulu-Natal breeders.

SEX ALLOWANCE – ‘AMPLE CONSULTATION’ SAYS MOODLEY 12

NHA CEO Vee Moodley – some flak taken

The largely out of the blue ruling on Friday by the National Horseracing Authority that female jockeys will qualify for a lifetime 1,5kg sex allowance has elicited a storm of response from a wide cross section of racing fans and equestrians. From suggestions that the discount is an insult to the fairer sex, to anger and puzzlement at the National Horseracing Authority’s apparent lack of consultation, the announcement has had the racing regulator taking flak from all quarters. In a press release published on Monday the racing regulator attempts to explain the rationale behind the decision. The essence of it is with effect from 1 August 2022, Rule 54.14 is amended as follows: 54.2 ALTERATIONS IN THE WEIGHTS 54.14 OWNERS or TRAINERS may claim and are responsible for the claiming of an APPRENTICE and female sex allowance in any RACE, except any RACE specified to preclude APPRENTICE and female sex allowances, for the RACE MEETING concerned.

The APPRENTICE allowance shall be 4Kg until the end of the RACE MEETING in which the APPRENTICE has ridden his 20th winner; thereafter the allowance shall be 2.5Kg until the end of the RACE MEETING in which the APPRENTICE has ridden his 40th winner and thereafter 1.5Kg until the end of the RACE MEETING in which the APPRENTICE rides his 50th winner. In the case of a female APPRENTICE, the allowance shall be 4Kg until the end of the RACE MEETING in which the APPRENTICE has ridden her 20th winner; thereafter the allowance shall be 3Kg until the end of the RACE MEETING in which the APPRENTICE has ridden her 40th winner and thereafter 2Kg until the end of the RACE MEETING in which the APPRENTICE rides her 50th winner. Thereafter there shall be a permanent female sex allowance of 1.5Kg for the remainder of her riding career. NHA Chief Executive Vee Moodley writes that the first view points to the fact that in all elite sports, female athletes are at a physical disadvantage. While recognising that physical strength is not the be all and end all in racing, and that the ability of the horse, technical expertise and race management are all major factors, the difference between winning and losing often rests on fine margins and the physical element cannot be ignored. To discuss strength then we should acknowledge that poundfor-pound muscle in men and

women has almost the same strength. The crucial variable is the quantity of muscle on the frame of both sexes – not the quality of that muscle. Testosterone is the hormone crucial to building muscle on the bodies of both sexes. Men typically produce 10 times more testosterone than women, hence building more muscle on their bodies. However, in a career that often forces men to keep their weight artificially low the strength levels between a very lightweight man versus a physically fit woman with good nutrition could be much more similar than you might typically find in other sports. Research has shown that males have ten times more testosterone than females and demonstrate a 10 -12% performance gap between elite men vs elite women. However, this performance gap is based on maximum power output in non-weight category athletes where both muscle mass and fat mass are not managed within small margins. When looking at the pound to pound of muscle between elite males and females in endurance sports where muscles are small and lean and body fat is low, performance gaps in strength between

genders become smaller. However, differences in VO2max (maximal oxygen consumption) still exist between male and female athletes at endurance levels. The core issue is the lack of opportunities for female jockeys. There are two schools of thought as to why this is the case. The counter argument is that female riders have proved to be the equal of

men when given the chance but have been denied equality of opportunity in terms of numbers and quality of rides by an antifemale bias that has prevented female jockeys from progressing up the ranks.

and the ability to read a race – otherwise known as good horsemanship or horsewomanship. We believe men and women have these skills in equal measure.

In recent years, there has been much progress in the understanding of what makes a good jockey. There has been a move away from the view that it’s purely about strength, and a more realistic view that multiple skills of balance, agility

Giving women jockeys a 1.5Kg allowance could prove to be a great opportunity if it means owners and trainers put more females on their horses in races. This is because they will gain

important ‘match practice’, which every jockey needs to develop their race riding skills. However, this could equally be a regressive step if it entrenches the view that women are not as good as male jockeys. In France, taken at face value, the headline figures suggest, that in terms of meeting the objective of providing more opportunities for female riders, the allowance has been a resounding success. A year after the allowance was introduced, the number of rides offered to female jockeys in France increased from about 6% to 16% and the winning strike rate from under 5% to just over 9% This compares to an overall winning strike rate for male jockeys of 9.78%. In light of these statistics, there would appear to be little doubt that France Galop has been proved right in introducing the allowance. Whilst acknowledging that the overall numbers of female rides has increased, there is still a discrepancy in the quality of rides being offered. It is pointed out that opportunities still remain limited for female riders in the better-quality races in France and the weight allowance has not had the same impact on providing equal opportunity as it has at the

lower levels of racing. Looking at the South African context and the transformation in terms of female riders, the picture is extremely bleak. Much of this issue is being laid squarely at the doors of the South African Jockey Academy. When one considers the topic of transformation in the South African context, we just need to look at the jockey log and see the number of jockeys from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who rank it the top numbers of achieving jockeys. If one looks at the number of female jockeys that the Academy has attempted to train, we do not believe that the statement above is altogether correct and perhaps there are other questions that need to be discussed as to why the same success in transformation, that has been achieved at previously disadvantaged groups, the same transformation success has not been achieved within the female jockeys. Opportunities?! Since 1988 there have been 41 female apprentices who have been accepted into the Academy, of which 12 have qualified. The average lifespan of female jockeys is 8 years with a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 14 years. The average lifespan of male jockeys is in excess of 30 years. Based on the above, and in order to ensure transformation of the jockeys ranks, the 1.5kg will hopefully have the desired effect of growing the female participation 15

in our jockeys ranks in South African and thereby creating sustainability of their participation. This amendment has followed due process, which includes ample consultation, and it must be reiterated that in terms of the Constitution and the Rules of the NHA the National Board has the ultimate authority to sign, approve and promulgate any rules amendments. This is part of a 5-year plan of a whole range of transformational initiatives to attract, promote and retain female jockeys, amongst other strategies. • Media release by NHA – additional reporting by SP editorial staff.

Candiese Lenferna

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SEXIST, UNCONSIDERED, PATRIARCHAL – WOMEN JOCKS NOT INFERIOR! The new weight change rule that will allow female jockeys to receive 1,5kg for the entirety of their careers has proved to be generally unpopular according to the comments section in the Sporting Post. The general thread of opinion among the comments which poured in included bewilderment at the timing of the decision, considering Rachel Venniker is about to be crowned champion apprentice having competed on a level playing field with her colleagues. There are also the current overseas examples of the like of Hollie Doyle, Rachel Blackmore and Hayley Turner, who need no introduction, not to mention the like of Julie Krone, who rode over 3,700 winners including the Triple Crown event the Belmont Stakes, and Chantal Sutherland, Emma-Jayne Wilson and Francine Villeneuve, who have all ridden over 1000 winners in North America. The thread of opinion among the Sporting Post comments generally does

not seek to condemn women for having an unfair advantage. Rather it condemns the decision as patriarchal and sexist in implying they are inferior to men in raceriding. Women have proved to be the equal of men in most equine sport disciplines over the years and Hollie Doyle, Rachel Blackmore and Rachel Venniker have all recently proved this includes raceriding. If Venniker were to win the national championship, for example, the achievement would be lessened by the weight rule. There was the odd comment that supported the decision, saying it would attract more female riders to the sport. However, Venniker herself said this morning she was going to “reserve comment” until she knew exactly how the rule would be implemented. Her guv’nor Michael Roberts said he did not want to get involved in a debate about the rights and the wrongs of the decision, which he pointed out had followed the example of France, where a similar weight rule has seen female-ridden winners apparently increasing threefold and thus attracting more 17

female riders to the sport. Roberts had nothing but praise for Venniker’s riding skills and ability to learn so quickly and carry out tactics seamlessly. He pointed out what a huge positive she had been for his owners. He concluded by saying his job was to win races for his owners. Doing that included sometimes putting on weight-claiming apprentices, so if another such weightclaiming advantage arose he would take it with both arms. Venniker would have become the first ever female to ride in the Hollywoodbets Durban July this year had a late injury not forced her on to the sidelines. Her entrance into the sport was not met by great fanfare as South African racing has had few examples of female riders lasting long after attaining their fully-fledged jockeys licenses. The trio who bucked that

trend were Genevieve Michel, who was the first female allowed into the Academy and the first female to ride in the Met, Lisa Prestwood, who is the only female to ride a Grade 1 winner in SA, and Nadine Low Ah Kee (nee Rapson), who rode regular winners in the Eastern Cape. Venniker was soon proving the detractors wrong, but her meteoric rise was accompanied by the usual sideline comments of “wait until she loses her claim.” However, losing her claim has not stopped her and she has already ridden three doubles since losing that claim. The irony is that the initial detractors are probably now

among those who are condemning the new weight ruling. However, whilst Venniker has probably wisely reserved comment on a decision that took everybody by surprise and did not appear to include much consultation, Nadine Low Ah Kee was very outspoken. She said, “It is an absolute insult to everything Rachel has achieved and undermines everything she has done for the sport.” She added, “What triggered the decision and how it was passed is very worrying.” Nadine admitted she had never been as good as Rachel, but pointed out every female jockey wanted to be seen as equal. She believed sexism among the jockey ranks was a thing of the

past and that all males accepted their female colleagues. One of the aspects of the debate she stressed had in her opinion always been nonsensical was the emphasis on physicality. She said, “Race-riding can never be brought down to brute strength. It is about finesse and timing, being at one with your horse, reading a race, pace judgement and having a feel for what is underneath you. Too much is made of physicality. In fact I was known as a rider who was given the quirkiest horses to work with. How could that have been if it is all about strength?”

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea–commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie Justin Vermaak new challenge

VERMAAK HEADS UP CAPE RACING OPS Kenilworth Racing (Pty) Ltd (KR) has announced the appointment of Justin Vermaak (of Vermaak Equine) as the Head of Racing Operations with immediate effect.

management agreements by third parties on KR’s behalf.

with owners and various industry stakeholders.

Given the critical nature of this role KR as a matter of priority and urgency sought to bring this key position inhouse.

In KR’s recent history, Racing Operations has been managed or overseen remotely under

Having Racing Operations locally based will go a long way to improving and enhancing communications and engagements

The role of Racing Operations is extensive, and includes essential functions such as scheduling local fixtures, developing an optimal racing programme, initiating strategies and developments to increase the horse population in

21 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh

the province, developing initiatives to increase field sizes, working with trainers to ensure the calendar, programmes and initiatives are optimized, as well as general oversight of racing related activities on the ground. The necessary skills and knowledge required are highly specialised and include having an outstanding knowledge of handicapping, race grading, programme development, the racehorse life cycle from breeding to racing and thereafter, the ability to communicate with regulators, handicappers, owners, trainers, punters, sponsors, and the public at large. And in Justin Vermaak, KR has secured the absolute ideal candidate. Justin’s knowledge of all equine a¬ffairs (on both a global and local basis) is unparalleled. His love for racing started as a 4-yearold and has continued to grow exponentially ever

since. Justin started his career in the equine industry as an assistant trainer, before going on to build a successful agency serving some of the country’s top jockeys. Thereafter, Justin was hired by the National Horse Racing Authority to serve as a handicapper, and was the youngest social handicapper in the world at the time, being only twenty-one years of age. Thereafter, he was recruited by Dr Andreas Jacobs to serve as the Racing Manager of one of the country’s top breeders, Maine Chance Farms. Additionally, during this period, Justin successfully founded the racehorse syndication company Green Street Bloodstock, and so began his parallel path to becoming one of South Africa’s leading bloodstock agents, selling South African horses around the world under the “Vermaak Equine” brand. As a bloodstock professional and racing manager, he has had extensive dealings with most of the trainers, owners, operators and breeders throughout South Africa, and consequently will be able to provide the perfect link between the industry role players and

KR as the operator. Justin will be exclusively focused on KR’s racing operations and will play a critical role in the renaissance and rebirth of racing in the Cape. Work has already begun on broadening the programme to cater for the current horse population in the Western Cape, and developing exciting new festivals and concepts, with the aim of attracting new horses, owners (local and international) and trainers to Cape Town. Justin will also help to oversee the continued upliftment of the grooms and work riders in the province, which has been a longstanding focus of KR over the years. KR wishes Justin all the success and looks forward to sharing many more positive upcoming developments with all stakeholders in the near future. • Media release by Kenilworth Racing on Tuesday 19 July 2022.

Hamish Niven Photography

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie Milnerton training centre – upgrade plans

HORSE POPULATION THE FOCUS As the shadows lengthened over Kenilworth Racecourse on Tuesday afternoon following his first day in office, Cape horseracing’s newest keyman reflected on some of his priorities.

strategic racing centre is that the man who has worn various hats in his climb up the ladder appears to have the respect and support of many.

The most encouraging aspect of the news that broke over breakfast on Tuesday morning of Justin Vermaak’s appointment as Director Of Racing in South African horseracing’s most

“Haven’t always agreed with him but I am glad that a racing man has been appointed to do the job. If he can steer clear of being influenced by people who have failed before him, he will be successful. All the best to him

You can read the Kenilworth Racing announcement here

and Cape Racing,” wrote straightshooting racing veteran Steve Reid on the Sporting Post website. The Durban-born onetime assistant trainer, jockey agent, handicapper, bloodstock consultant and Maine Chance Farms racing manager certainly has the credentials and experience to grab the big job by the scruff of the neck and pull the beleaguered jurisdiction out of the current swamp.

“My immediate focus will be on growing the horse population in order to establish a foundation for bolstering field sizes,” he told the Sporting Post on Tuesday afternoon as he pored over a list of trainers that he will be visiting in a consultative meet-and-greet exercise over the next few weeks. “I want to hear one-on-one what the trainers require and get their input. I am going to look at bolstering the smaller yards too. Cape Town has some top trainers who just don’t have enough horses. We also need to attract visiting and permanent trainers to the region. We are looking at incentives, and with the right programme in place, we will have the correct mix of racing to make it

worthwhile to race here,” he added. The fact is that in 2021 only 26 horses visited the Cape for racing. “We are talking to trainers in other regions. Mike de Kock has already committed and said he will be coming down with a string. He has the artillery to fire in the Guineas in December so that adds a positive dimension. We are talking to other trainers too. We need to encourage them with our racing, our facilities and incentives.” Justin says that a mediumterm rationalisation of training facilities in the region is on the cards and there are plans to completely revamp the Milnerton Training Centre and provide a Randjesfontein-type clubhouse facility. “We are in the process of considering designs for a state-of-

the-art stable that will be built at Milnerton. This will be made available for the use of our visiting trainers during the summer season. So time is of the essence.” As regards his existing business interests, Justin confirms that Green Street Bloodstock and Vermaak Equine will be wound right down, as he focusses his full attention on Kenilworth Racing. “I will still be attending the sales and buying. But that is a natural environment to network and mingle with industry players and sponsors, for example. I am looking forward to the challenge as we move forward to restore Cape horseracing to its rightful position at the forefront.

GOODWOOD COUNTDOWN William Haggas, John Gosden and Roger Varian were among several Newmarket trainers to issue updates today on their leading hopes ahead of next week’s Qatar Goodwood Festival. Haggas’ team is spearheaded by unbeaten superstar Baaeed, the

world’s top-rated turf horse, who is on course for a matchup with leading three-year-old Coroebus in the Gr1 Qatar Sussex Stakes on Wednesday, July 27. Successful in the Gr3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at last year’s meeting, Baaeed has since registered four consecutive victories at Gr1 level, most recently dominating in the Queen Anne

Stakes at Royal Ascot. Speaking at a media event organised by Goodwood Racecourse, Haggas said: “We are all set to go with Baaeed, hopefully. He worked this morning and, provided everything is OK over the next couple of days, we are away and will see what evolves.

Pauline Herman Photography

Barak and Greg Cheyne pass the winning post for the first time in the marathon

BARAK EARNS HIS GOLD The former Mike de Kock charge Barak broke his stakes duck at his second run in the Eastern Cape when galloping on powerfully to win the R150 000 Listed Port Elizabeth Gold Cup at Fairview on Friday. It was a plan come together for the partnership of George Ragunan, Mike de Kock and Noelene Malherbe when the Alan Greeff-trained son of Jet Master stallion Master Of My Fate delivered the goods at only his second start in the coastal city.

Back in the blinkers after a polytrack pipe-opener in June, the strapping 5yo gelding stalked pacesetter Master Supreme for much of the 3200m trip before being unleashed by local champion rider Greg Cheyne at the 350m.

She was found to be in season.

Staying on powerfully, Barak (12-1) drew clear to beat the fast finishing Ancient Times (8-1) by 1,25 lengths in a time of 206,52 secs.

Bred by Boland Stud , Barak is a son of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master) out of the five-time winning Captain Al mare Bermuda Sloop. Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Gavin Smith was the most successful conditioner on the afternoon of the day with four winners.

The runner-up’s stablemate Find Me Unafraid (7-1) cast a shoe in running and ran a decent race a length back in third, with the wellbacked favourite Flower Of Saigon (6-10) a half length back in fourth.

A R360 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Barak has won 4 races with 13 places from 30 starts for stakes of R420 975.

Ewan Garratt enjoys a post-race celebration with Ryan Munger and Tara Laing

SA’S YOUNGEST RACEHORSE OWNER At the age of 20, Ewan Garratt ranks as South Africa’s youngest racehorse owner. The son of one of our seasoned lady trainers in the inimitable Tara Laing, the former Woodridge College ace rugby player and cricketer loves horseracing and is determined to introduce youthful blood to the sport of kings. A member of the tech savvy ‘generation Z’, Ewan

was born two days before Barend Vorster got Polo Classic up to beat Grand Jete in the 2002 Met. That feels like yesterday to some of us. He tells the Sporting Post that a life growing up in and around his Mom’s racing stable has given him an intimate insight into horseracing, and the ups and downs associated with one of the most testing hobbies on earth. Today he works for Tara Laing Racing and, besides dealing with all marketing and communications with owners, Ewan has also

adopted the role of inhouse horse whisperer of sorts. He enjoys the work of KZN-based Horse Behaviourist Mike Shaw. “I am a bit young to know a top guy like Malan du Toit well, but enjoy Mike Shaw as he publishes clips of his work techniques on social media. It makes it interesting to follow and learn,” he says as he tells of his efforts with ‘naughty, crazy and generally

Pauline Herman Photography

MJ puts another subject on the spot!

problem’ horses like Raise A Red. He adds that he has also been ‘doing some promotional work’. Mom Tara is proud as punch and labels her son the new kid on the block. She gives him more credit than the promotional work to which he refers. “He has so much energy and passion and enjoys a wonderful relationship with my owners. This industry needs young, fresh and energetic people. The last 6 horses that entered my yard were all Ewan’s doing and he really has a knack of getting people involved,” adds Tara, who has 35 horses and is one of the game’s great survivors. Mature beyond his years, Ewan explains that Tara Laing Racing is not a punting yard and that he gets new blood involved for the fun and not the money.

A gregarious personality, the outgoing Ewan clearly enjoys dealing with people. “Being an owner in our yard means being welcomed into our family, and many lasting friendships have been forged. I have brought in about 15 new clients so far and I really enjoy interacting with them on a daily basis,” he adds. Ewan proudly shows off his new black and orange silks, with the Scottish rampant lion standing upright on its back legs and the 4 legs are raised, claws unsheathed, as if to strike. “There is no time like the present to get involved in racing. We are fortunate that the sport is very popular here in the Eastern Cape and hopefully 4Racing can take the game back to great heights. While it’s all my Mom knows in terms of her career opportunities, I have had other choices and I have chosen to stay involved and help

“We want our owners to be looking forward to having a runner on Friday, not stressing about their bills. That’s why syndication and partnerships are the way to go – it’s 100% of the fun for say 10% or 15% of the cost. So we encourage partners – it spreads the costs and the risks.” Flashback - Ewan and mom Tara

with the rebuild. I believe the future is bright!” Contact Ewan Garrett via email ewan.laingracing@gmail. com

JC Photos

MJ puts another subject on the spot! Sovereign Spirit is led in by Alphat Fovhoro, Katelyn Whittington, Kelsey Munger, Ash Fortune and Keenan Jansen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY! As the 2021/22 racing season winds down, popular Vaal trainer Ashley Fortune has enjoyed her best term to date. On Saturday she saddled her first treble at Turffontein and today she celebrates her 41st birthday! Ashley told the Sporting Post that she is spending her special day at home and not going to stables. We asked whether her husband Andrew was in the habit of

dishing out extravagant presents. “Funny enough, yes!” she laughs as she says that being a racehorse owner means that she gets a few ‘extravagant’ presents a few times every year. “There are far too many sales with far too many nice horses on them. Those are my birthday presents! Today we will probably just do supper with the family and that’s it,” she adds. One of South Africa’s fastest

growing yards, Fortune Racing has come on in leaps and bounds since first opening their doors in 2018. This season Ashley has saddled 66 winners and describes it as an exceptional one with a first Gr1 and Gr2 winner the proverbial cherries on top. “I have a top team behind me. Andrew handles the PR with the clients. In the yard we have top horseman Craig Mayhew. Then Kelsey

and Ryan Munger play an integral part too. We are also fortunate to have the younger jocks riding for us too.” On Saturday, her first Turffontein three-timer was ‘very special’. “Ryan Munger rode all three of our winners and did a sterling job of it. We loved Total Protection at the BSA Cape Yearling Sale and he looks to be a smart colt and the has the makings of a very progressive 3yo next season. Interestingly, Andrew rode his dam Lizzie Arden for Alec Laird.” Ashley’s second winner was the former Candice BassRobinson resident, the ‘old man’ Sovereign Spirit, who

hadn’t won for over 700 days and is a known bleeder. She says that the Highveld altitude and climate suits the bleeders. “He really has come well lately. We gave him a girlfriend and I think he was showing off on Saturday! It was a particularly special win as he was Chase Liebenberg’s first winner, and he played an integral part in moving Sovereign Spirit up to us rather than retiring him. Sovereign Spirit was also Andrew’s son Aldo’s (Domeyer) first winner in his new silks. Our third winner was Laetitia’s Angel. She ran second in the Man O’War and has dropped down to a competitive rating. She had to be a big runner on the day! Congratulations to all our owners and the team – it was very special!” Taxed on how she does so well with the Candice Bass-Robinson

MJ puts another subject on the spot! 33 Fortune family! Kyle, Andrew, Sean and Ash

‘imports’ from the Cape, Ashley says modestly that they have all been horses with ability who have arrived at the Vaal in top shape. “Candice sends us lovely horses with ability – she tells us exactly what she knows about them and they are in amazing condition and very well cared for. The change of scenery works well too.” The Fortune secret to success is hard work and the fact that they celebrate a maiden and graded victory in the same way. Ashley tells us that the yard has been bolstered by a ‘couple of new owners’. “In the new season we want to focus on new

interest and aim at the younger generation. Bring in some new blood and make it fun. The reality is that ownership can be affordable and we need to spread the message that you don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to join in the racing experience.” While she points out that 4Racing’s takeover was never going to lead to overnight change, they have made positive changes. “The people at the wheel appear to have racing’s best interests at heart and are doing what they can

to uplift the game. Cape racing has sown the seeds and shown what can be achieved through a concerted team effort and I believe Joburg can do the same.” Marketing the game and facilities are key, suggests Ashley. “I think we should have more proactivity and thought in marketing. There is very little to do in Johannesburg unless you live in the Fourways / Sandton area. Turffontein is a great space for expo’s, markets and mini carnivals. Look how many Universities we have here. Why not approach the young talented musicians who are looking to showcase their acts? Let the young people bring their friends. Link it with a

raceday so that we expose the fun and thrills of the thoroughbred to them. It’s not a new concept. But if we don’t try some innovative approaches, we aren’t going to know what works.” Ashley says that stakes are another important cog in the growth wheel. “Winter is always abysmal – and at that time it makes it harder to keep owners interested. Summer is a different story thankfully – but we have to have the best to take on the best. It makes for great racing.” Happy birthday again, Ash!

Candiese Lenferna

Mr Master Starter (Keagan de Melo) powers on ahead of Kwinta's Light (Richard Fourie)

STARTS - NO STOPS! While once considered a classic prospect, the very capable Mr Master Starter maintained his unbeaten status over the sprints when he turned it on late to win the R120 000 Ethekwini Sprint at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday. Now a winner of 5 of his 10 starts, the 3yo gelding was switched off early in the 1200m polytrack contest as Joburg visitor Danilo Danilovitch broke land speed records out front. Despite having some ground to make up at the 300m in a race that included a Gr1 winner, Keagan de

Melo – aboard at all the gelding’s victories – didn’t panic and sent the Dean Kannemeyer charge after the leaders with minimal time left.

strapping gelding in the Cape Guineas late last year. He also saluted the sponsors.

In a matter of strides Mr Master Starter (28-10 tote favourite) showed his class as he grabbed Snaith filly Kwinta’s Light (4-1) and went on powerfully to win by 0,70 lengths in a time of 69,92 secs.

A R525 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, Mr Master Starter is unbeaten over the sprints and has won 5 of his 10 starts with 2 places and stakes of R310 350.

The lesser fancied of the Vaughan Marshall coupling, Safe Return (10-1) stayed on best of the rest for third, a further 0,90 lengths adrift. Trainer Dean Kannemeyer thanked his owners Bryan Airey, Bruce Armstrong, ‘Naughty’ Govender, Clayton Vetter and Marsh Shirtliff and conceded that it had probably been a mistake to have run the

A son of the supremely versatile Jet Master stallion Master Of My Fate, the winner was bred by Varsfontein Stud from the Captain Al mare, Wild Liaison.

Top apprentice Rachel Venniker receives her Tablet from BET Software’s Patience Nthebe

APPRENTICES GET TECH BOOST Professionalism and technology go hand-inhand in all works of life and thirteen SA Jockey Academy apprentices took a giant step forward when receiving Tablet devices donated by Hollywoodbets associate company BET Software through the Hollywood Foundation on Monday. In a presentation to mark Mandela Day and BET Software’s 67 minutes of Community Support at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Monday morning, representatives of BET Software and

Hollywoodbets handed over the exciting technology to the enthusiastic young trainee riders. The Tablets will be used by the apprentices to track their daily work-riding activities, view their race day performances, and study form and replays more efficiently. With education a pillar of the organisation, the Hollywood Foundation has been working closely with the SA Jockey Academy for the last three years and providing bursaries for the apprentices. “We believe in investing financially in these hard-working trainee jockeys because we share in

their dreams, growth, and educational development. By gearing them with important tools, we are affirming that their hard work matters. With our support we hope that they will become highly-sought after names and that their expertise will grow the industry. South Africa and the broader racing industry globally will eventually reap the benefits of all these efforts,” said Hollywoodbets Brand And Communications Manager, Devin Heffer.

Candiese Lenferna

Keagan de Melo registers his 100th KZN winner of the season as Cape Eagle wins well

KEAGAN’S IN WINNING FORM

As the sun sets on his very best season to date, and just days away from being crowned KZN champion jockey for the first time, upand-coming jockey Keagan de Melo has declared that he has serious national championship aspirations next term and will be proudly competing under the Winning Form banner. Just 24 hours after riding Cape Eagle to victory at Hollywoodbets Greyville for his milestone century of KwaZulu-Natal winners,

Keagan met with the Winning Form team at their Umhlanga HQ on Tuesday morning.

Keagan’s 100 winners in KZN have been at a strike rate of 17.61%, 32 clear of second-placed SA Champion elect Warren Kennedy on 68 (12.27%). “I am chasing Richard Fourie for second slot on the national log at the moment and he and I are going to push each other and chase the championship next season. He is also riding under the Winning Form banner, and besides his terrific natural ability in the

saddle, he has a great work ethic and attitude. It’s going to be a tough long road, but we are in it to win it!” he said. Keagan is currently in third spot just 3 behind the superb Richard Fourie on the national log. His 188 winners (16,38%) and 49% placed runners have generated close on R18 700 000 in stakes. Keagan was elated to be part of a brand as big as Winning Form.

“I am extremely happy to be part of the Winning Form family, and it just puts the cherry on top of what has been the best season of my career thus far,” he added. Keagan made mention that his most memorable win came at a rather silent Durban July day back in 2020, when he brought Temple Grafin home for the Glen Kotzen stable in the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes. “The first Grade 1 is always the most memorable. I just wish there was a crowd on course like a few weeks ago at the Hollywoodbets Durban July,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. The Alberton-born jockey turns 29 on 24 September.

He is married to Demi, a young lawyer, whose brother Callan recently jetted out from Australia to ride Al Muthana in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Keagan rode his first winner on Western Gem for the now Koreanbased Bart Rice at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on 8 August 2010. A fervent Arsenal supporter, he started his apprenticeship in 2009.

above all else and says both characteristics feature strongly in his career highlights so far. Keagan’s champion qualities resonate well with the Winning Form philosophy. We welcome him to the team and wish him every success for the season ahead.

Retained by Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables as well as the Werner family, he is first choice rider to the powerful Dean Kannemeyer yard. Keagan adopts a relaxed attitude to life and is on record that he is thankful for the small mercies - rather than stressed about the things that he can’t change. He rates loyalty and integrity

Candiese Lenferna

41 Keagan brings Black Thorn home on Hollywoodbets Durban July day

(AUS) SNITZEL

–

THE

FAST

LANE

b y

JET

MASTER

A CHAMPION PEDIGREE

Out of the Champion 3YO Filly In The Fast Lane, herself a daughter of Champion Sire & Broodmare Sire JET MASTER By four-time Australian Champion Sire, and now exciting sire of sires SNITZEL From the Redoute's Choice sireline out of a fast Gr1-winning South African Champion mare, just like RAFEEF First season at stud in 2022

CRAIG CAREY M: +27 (0) 82 654 5169 E: craig@ridgemont.co.za

RIDGEMONT

HIGHLANDS 42

SHAYLENE VAN ZYL M: +27 (0) 72 603 1094 E: shaylene@ridgemont.co.za

AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN BREEDERS Ridgemont Highlands is excited to announce that the blue-blooded speed machine Real Gone Kid will stand at Stud for the 2022 breeding season. The handsome chestnut bears striking similarities to Ridgemont Highlands' outstanding young sire Rafeef, with both Rafeef and Real Gone Kid being lightning-fast performers from the Redoute's Choice male line. A son of Redoute's Choice's greatest sire son, thus far, Snitzel – himself a four-time, consecutive Champion Sire in Australia and Leading Sire of 2YOs in Australia on three occasions, has sired more than 120 world-wide stakes winners. Hailing from a wonderful female line, Real Gone Kid is a son of Equus Champion, and G1 Cape Fillies Guineas and G1 Woolavington 2000 heroine, In The Fast Lane - a daughter of seven times South African champion sire Jet Master. In what is seen as a very exciting opportunity, any breeder who sends a mare will incur no covering cost. If a breeder commits to sending a mare every year for four years they will receive a share of the horse which will entitle them to a further free service every year, plus any dividends that the stallion may earn thereafter. An understandably delighted Craig Carey is quoted, “Without a doubt Real Gone Kid has an international standard pedigree that wouldn’t be out of place in any stallion barn around the world. Access to a bloodline of this strength and quality is very exciting – Ridgemont Highlands are committing to send Real Gone Kid a minimum of twenty mares every year, for four years.” 43

Jeremy Nelson

The handsome Canford Cliffs (Tagula - Mrs Marsh)

CANFORD CLIFFS IS MAKING IT HAPPEN Ridgemont Highlands’ five time Group 1 winning stallion Canford Cliffs maintained his extraordinary momentum as a pacesetting South African Freshman Sire this season when celebrating his 14th individual winner in the shape of the smart-

looking Tabby Kat, who won at her fourth start at Turffontein on Saturday. By reaching the milestone 14 winners mark, Canford Cliffs maintains his position at the top of the freshman charts and equals the achievement of star stallions Western Winter, Trippi,

Gimmethegreenlight, and his own barnmate Rafeef, for first season juvenile winners. “We really could not have asked for more from Canford Cliffs in his first season, and the combination of the start

he has made mixed with the fact that his progeny seem to get better and better the closer they get to a mile is very impressive. He introduces a mix of speed and stamina, and the encouraging aspect is that his offspring were never anticipated to show any precocity. So they are up and running on ability, with plenty of scope. All the trainers have done a fantastic job with the

Canford Cliffs progeny they have, and the reports we get back are very exciting!”, said Craig Carey. Having shown good toe over the sprints, the Azzie family-trained Tabby Kat won at odds-on at her second try at a mile on Saturday, and looks to be a youngster going places. Bred by Ridgemont Highlands from the Machiavellian four-time winner Kindly Kat, Tabby Kat was a R325 000 Cape Premier Yearling

Sale purchase and has provided thrills and an early return for owner Adam Azzie. With just two weeks left of the South African racing season, and with his runners showing form across the country, the future is looking very bright for Canford Cliffs and his progeny.

Individual Juvenile Winner

Equalling Rafeef, Captain Of All, Soft Falling Rain, Gimmethegreenlight, Trippi and Western Winter for first season individual juvenile winners.

www.ridgemonthighlands.co.za

Hill 'N Dale Farm

Kitten's Joy : El Prado (Ire) - Kitten's Love by Lear Fan

VALE KITTEN'S JOY The world of thoroughbred horseracing lost an outstanding stallion last week when Kitten's Joy died after suffering a heart attack in his paddock. The son of another leading sire in the form of El Prado was 21 years old at the time of his death. A grandson of Sadler's Wells, Kitten's Joy defied his top-class turf form to

become champion sire in the mainly dirt orientated United States. Kitten's Joy, Leading Sire in Turf in North America for a remarkable six years running, was Leading Sire in the USA in both 2013 and 2018 (according to Blood Horse statistics), and at the time of his death, had been responsible for more than 100 stakes winners. North America's Champion Turf Horse of 2001, Kitten's Joy won 47

nine of 14 starts including both the Gr1 Secretariat Stakes and Gr1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at three. Kitten's Joy, whose offspring also had a fine record in Europe, had been responsible for over 990 winners at the time of his death, with his progeny earnings currently standing at over $163 million. At the time of writing,

Kitten's Joy had 15 Gr1 winners, while in 2022 the sire had been represented by six black type winners, with his tally including Gr2 Edgewood Stakes winner New Year's Eve. Kitten’s Joy had a fine

record in the Breeders' Cup, supplying Breeders' Cup winners Stephanie's Kitten (Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Gr2 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf), Bobby's Kitten (Gr1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint) and Oscar Performance (Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf). His son Big Blue Kitten

Kitten's Joy in his paddock

finished third in the 2015 Gr1 Breeders' Cup Turf, and another son, Catapult, finished runner up in the 2018 Gr1 Breeders' Cup Mile. Kitten's Joy more than made his mark overseas,

where his progeny included such stars as Roaring Lion, Kameko, and Hawkbill.

both the Gr1 Coral-Eclipse and Gr1 Dubai Sheema Classic before retiring to stud in Japan.

Handicap winning sire Lewis Michael, with both horses sired by Rahy.

Roaring Lion, Cartier Horse Of The Year in 2018, won all of the Gr1 Irish Champion Stakes, Gr1 Coral Eclipse, Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Gr1 Juddmonte International.

Out of a mare by Roberto horse Lear Fan, Kitten's Joy enjoyed notable success when mated to mares containing Roberto in their pedigrees. Inbreeding to Roberto produced a flurry of highclass Kitten’s Joy-sired runners including the Gr1 winners Admiral Kitten, Hawkbill, Henley's Joy, Real Solution, Sadler's Joy, and Stephanie's Kitten.

Kitten's Joy was represented in South Africa by his Gr1 Secretariat Stakes winning son Admiral Kitten -whose son Now I Got You ran second in this year's Gr1 Gold Medallion, while Kitten's Joy also sired Courageous Cat, who won his only start at Turffontein by eight and a half lengths.

Sadly now deceased, Roaring Lion has made a pleasing start with his sole crop to race starting their career in 2022. Roaring Lion's early runners including the promising Lion Of War, an impressive winner of his first two starts. His paternal half-brother Kameko (whose dam Sweeter Still is a halfsister to former Cape sire Kingsbarns) won the Gr1 Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at two and Gr1 Qipco 2000 Guineas at three, while fellow Kitten's Joy son Hawkbill captured

By the same sire as another outstanding stallion Medaglia D'Oro, Kitten's Joy came from what proved over the years to be a high-class female line. His dam Kitten's First, a half-sister to Gr1 United Nations Handicap winner Down The Aisle, also produced triple Gr1 winner Precious Kitten (the dam of Gr3 winners Divining Rod and Jehozacat), as well as the multiple stakes winning dam of Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner and champion Dreaming Of Anna. The latter, in turn, was a full-sister to Gr2 Washington Park

HKJC

SA duo Lyle Hewitson and Dougie Whyte

LYLE’S SPAIN BREAK

The Hong Kong racing season ended on a high for multiple SA champion jockey Lyle Hewitson at Sha Tin on Saturday, when the 24 year old star registered his 27th victory of an initially roller-coaster season that ultimately buried the ghost of his previous stint in the horseracing capital of the East. Lyle finished a joint 11th on the Hong Kong jockey

log with his mounts earning gross stakes of HK$ 31 547 780 – the equivalent of R69 million at present rates of exchange.

While intercontinental comparisons of different jurisdictions are what they are, for what it’s worth that one season 14th place total is more than the combined stakes Lyle amassed when winning his three SA champion titles. Enjoying a well-deserved Mediterranean getaway in Majorca Spain with his wife Hannah, Lyle

told the Sporting Post that he was all of ‘happy, thrilled and proud’ at the way things had unfolded in Hong Kong and he was looking forward to enjoying the first real holiday of his life as a ‘working man’. One tends to forget how young the extremely polite and eloquent champion really is when considering his experience and achievements in a relative short space of time.

“I matriculated and started riding – and have been riding ever since. So this is my first real holiday as an independent working person,” he laughed as he described Spain as the ‘most beautiful country with unbelievable weather’. The man who started out as a work-rider launched the past season with a point to prove after managing only 3 winners from 251 rides during his last stretch in the city. And when he teamed up with countryman Dougie Whyte for their combined 20th victory as HK Dragon won the Class 4 Big Profit Handicap on Saturday to

give him his season-ender, it was emotional stuff. “While I have enjoyed increased support from a number of trainers, I believe it was Douglas Whyte’s faith in my determination that turned the tide. I opened up to him and told him I was intent on breaking through and doing well. He kept on telling me that I had to make a difference. I was riding ordinary horses and getting them close. And then somebody else would get on. But then Dougie would give me another chance. At the end of the day it’s all about confidence – that’s when your luck changes, when the gaps open, when the horses start helping you,” reflects Lyle. Doug Whyte, more than 25 years Lyle’s senior, is a legend in Hong

Kong with 13 straight jockeys’ championships to his name. Lyle’s respect and admiration for the man, known as the ‘Durban Demon’ to our more senior KZN racing fans, is tangible. “He has been a source of great inspiration and I’d like to believe we are like-minded in terms of the way we approach the sport. Dougie is very goalorientated and performance driven. He runs an extremely professional operation. We talk a lot. It’s been a great privilege and invaluable experience,” adds Lyle. And things almost went awry, when two weeks into the new term, a shocking

HKJC

51 Lyle steers HK Dragon to victory on Saturday at Sha Tin

accident in the Gr1 Hong Kong Sprint in early December 2021 saw Lyle injured alongside eventual champion Zac Purton and Yuichi Fukunaga. “I was out for five weeks and it takes time to recover mentally and physically. That meant I only rode for seven months effectively. That puts things into perspective and I am pleased that taking the small steps has paid dividends,” he adds maturely as he points out that the lockdown has not made things easy for everybody involved. “The Hong Kong Jockey Club have contained the risks so professionally, and we’d all rather have the inconvenience of things like daily PCR tests and restrictions, rather than risk having racing shut down. One adjusts and copes.” After spending six months in Hong Kong between September 2019 and early March 2020, Lyle enjoyed a successful stint in Japan with the backing of powerhouse stable Northern Farm before returning to South Africa and dominating the 202021 season with 263 winners and a third national title. “I had 19 winners from I think 18 meetings including two Gr2 successes in Japan and wherever you go around the world you learn

something, so it was big for my career in terms of me as a rider and as an individual,” he recalls as he now looks forward to upping his game for his next season in Hong Kong. He says that his goal is a top five finish on the Hong Kong jockey log. With about a month free before they return to Hong Kong for a mandatory week in quarantine prior to release on 18 August, Lyle and Hannah are spending 8 days in Spain before jetting to the UK to visit family. Like the true professional that he is, Lyle is enjoying the exotic local culinary delights, but gyms every day. “It’s far easier to cut back on the weight when one is fit, so I won’t slack off,” he adds. He won’t be riding in the UK this time round, but while enjoying something of a family reunion with his Gran in Lambourne, he intends to visit trainers at Goodwood and Newmarket. “I don’t want to race-ride when not properly prepared to, so won’t this time.” And does he follow SA racing? “Of course, my heart will always be with South Africa and if I don’t get to see the racing I monitor the results. I have friends who I keep in touch with and it’s nice to see how they are doing.” Lyle actually selected 3 of the top 4 home in the Hollywoodbets 52

Durban July in a poll published in the Sporting Post in the week of the big race. “What a race! It was also really great to see the crowds back and the vibe on the big day,” he adds. While it’s a long-term goal right now, Lyle says he is planning to return to South Africa to ride on Champions Cup day at Hollywoodbets Greyville at the end of next season. So his local fans will just have to be patient!

HKJC

Golden Sixty - recordbreaker!

GOLDEN SIXTY DOES IT AGAIN Golden Sixty’s recordbreaking performance during the 2021/22 racing season saw Hong Kong’s champion earn consecutive Horse of the Year titles at a special presentation held at the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Happy Valley Clubhouse on Friday evening. The Francis Lui-trained six-year-old’s efforts also returned back-to-back

Champion Miler titles and secured the bulk of the public vote as Hong Kong’s Most Popular Horse for a third year in a row. After winning the G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) in his seasonal return, the son of Medaglia d’Oro soared to new heights soon after with the successful defence of his G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) crown – a result which saw him earn recognition as the world’s joint-top miler at the year-end

LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. Though he suffered a pair of rare defeats in his following two outings as he failed to reach Silent Witness’ record of 17 consecutive wins in Hong Kong, he soon recaptured his winning groove in the Gr2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) before closing the season in emphatic style by landing the G1 FWD Champions

Mile (1600m) – the 21st win of his career and second win in the race in as many years. Victory on FWD Champions Day saw Golden Sixty overtake Beauty Generation as Hong Kong’s highest prize money earner in history with stakes of HK$113,400,600. Last term, Golden Sixty became the fourth horse in Hong Kong racing history after Good Ba Ba, Able Friend and Beauty Generation to win the Horse of the Year title in the same season as both the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile and FWD Champions Mile, however, like Beauty Generation, Golden Sixty does so for the second consecutive year. Danny Shum-trained Romantic Warrior made history this season as the first graduate of the Hong Kong International Sale to snare the HK$24 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) with a dramatic victory over California Spangle. The son of Acclamation then took it up a notch when he thrashed a group of older rivals in the G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) to join Werther (2016), Designs On Rome (2014), Ambitious Dragon (2011) and Vengeance Of Rain (2005) as victors of the Hong Kong Derby-QEII Cup

double in the same season. He also took top honours in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) and, as such, he is a deserving recipient of both the Champion Middle-Distance Horse and Champion Four-Year-Old awards. In addition, he was also named the season’s Most Improved Horse after soaring 70 points to a careerhigh rating of 122 with seven wins from eight starts in just six months. Wellington was named this season’s Champion Sprinter after reeling off a hat-trick of wins at his final three runs, including a pair of impressive Group 1 victories in the Gr1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on FWD Champions Day. The All Too Hard speedster boasts earnings of HK$40,056,190 and an impressive record in Hong Kong with 10 wins and one second from 16 starts since January, 2020. Russian Emperor’s emergence as the kingpin of Hong Kong’s staying division was recognised this evening with a first title as Champion Stayer of Hong Kong. Trained by Douglas Whyte, the son of Galileo’s development persisted this term, noticeably with victory in the Gr1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) under challenging circumstances on yielding ground before his domineering last-to-first win in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m). Lucky Sweynesse’s rapid rise didn’t go unnoticed as Manfred Man’s gifted youngster capped a remarkable first season as 55

Champion Griffin of Hong Kong. Achieving a career highlight with victory in Class 2, the son of Sweynesse shot up 36 rating points and now sits on a career-high figure of 88, ahead of his engagement at Sha Tin tomorrow (Saturday, 16 July). Zac Purton was recognised as the season’s Most Popular Jockey via a public vote. This season’s Champion Jockey, Champion Trainer and the winner of the Tony Cruz Award for the season’s leading homegrown rider will be announced at the conclusion of Saturday’s (16 July) 88th and final fixture this season at Sha Tin. Please click here for all the winners

Racing TV

Magical Lagoon (Shane Foley) holds off Toy (Ryan Moore) in a thriller

GALILEO FILLY TRIUMPHS IN OAKS Trainer Jessica Harrington landed her second Classic as Royal Ascot winner Magical Lagoon toughed it out in the Gr1 Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday. The race looked Magical Lagoon’s to lose following the withdrawal of long-time ante-post favourite Emily Upjohn, but the Ribblesdale Stakes scorer was made to

work hard for her first Group One success with Aidan O’Brien’s Toy pushing her all the way to the line. Travelling smoothly as she tracked the outsider Show Of Stars who led the field along, it was the 5-4 favourite who loomed large and took over at the two-furlong pole. And she showed all her stamina and battling qualities to first repel eventual third Cairde Go Deo and also win the prolonged duel with the runner-up.

“It’s wonderful to win one Classic, to get two is absolutely amazing,” said Harrington, who took the Irish 1,000 Guineas with Alpha Centauri in 2018. “She’s such a game filly, she only does as much as she has to do. She’s just a lovely filly to train for Mr Zhang. “I kept looking at what was behind her but I knew she’d

keep staying, she stayed very well in Ascot. They probably didn’t go as quick as they did in Ascot and she just ran a great race. “Shane was in the right position and kept going forward. He rode a super race and she kept finding and finding. “It’s only her third run this year and I’d say she’ll improve again. She’s in the

Yorkshire Oaks and after that I haven’t really made a decision. “I’d love to keep her in training next year. I hope so because Galileo’s progeny improve and her brother was a much better fouryear-old than three-year-old.” When asked how she felt after hearing of the withdrawal of Emily Upjohn on Friday due to travel difficulties, she added: “I was terrified because suddenly I’d become favourite.

“Before we were the underdogs and I love being the underdog and having a go at them, but it’s worked out great.”

British Champions Series

Frankie and Stradivarius were a power combo

FRANKIE DROPPED FROM STAR STAYER Andrea Atzeni will be aboard Stradivarius in next Tuesday's Gr1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup after owner-breeder Bjorn Nielsen revealed the rider would replace Frankie Dettori on the star stayer.

was then switched wide around runners in the home straight, when third behind Kyprios.

Dettori was publicly criticised by Nielsen for his ride aboard Stradivarius in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last month, telling reporters post-race: “You can't blame the horse here.”

The Dettori partnership with Stradivarius that has yielded three Gold Cups and two Goodwood Cups, has ended and will not continue at the Glorious Goodwood festival.

The eight-year-old was drawn near the rail but lost his position in the race and

It was the second year in a row that Stradivarius was denied the chance to emulate Yeats by winning a fourth Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Nielsen stated: “Frankie Dettori, who has enjoyed a great relationship with Stradivarius and ridden him to many brilliant stakes

victories – more than he has any other horse – will by mutual agreement give up the ride to Andrea Atzeni in the Goodwood Cup.” “Frankie remains not only 'the Strad's' biggest fan but a very good friend and, of course, I look forward to seeing him continue his phenomenal career as one of the greatest big-race jockeys of all time.” Atzeni has ridden Stradivarius previously, winning the 2017 Gr2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot before partnering the

son of Sea The Stars to a first Group 1 win later that season in the Goodwood Cup. He also stepped in to ride the stayer to victory in the 2018 Goodwood Cup after a ban ruled Dettori out of the race. The race boasts a series of big-name winners from Ardross to Persian Punch and next week it could produce another highlight if Stradivarius is joined by arch-rival Trueshan and recent Gold Cup hero Kyprios.

Another high-profile jockey change involving the Gosden stable occurs on Saturday in the Gr1 Qipco King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. Dual Guineas winning jockey James Doyle could enjoy further Group 1 success this season after it was confirmed he would ride last year’s runner-up Mishriff in the Ascot showpiece. The three-time Group 1 winning son of Make Believe became available when owner Prince Faisal parted company with his retained jockey David Egan.

The ‘split’ comes shortly after Mishriff was a fastfinishing second in the Coral-Eclipse, but John Gosden stressed that Egan was not to blame for the defeat at Sandown. Mishriff is priced at around 5-1 for Saturday's prestigious mile-and-a-half contest, with Westover victorious in the Irish Derby heading the market. Gosden is also represented with the Oaks runner-up Emily Upjohn, the mount of Frankie Dettori.

results up to: 2022-07-20

TRAINERS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

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

1186 1219 491 852 1196

216 159 85 105 130

163 152 65 85 122

129 158 53 90 116

18.2 13.0 17.3 12.3 10.9

Other Places Place % 241 252 101 171 203

533 562 219 346 441

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

44.9 15,564,563 22,278,313 46.1 11,971,525 19,664,400 44.6 11,279,938 15,364,625 40.6 9,738,500 14,202,938 36.9 5,798,438 9,086,938

JOCKEYS Name

Rides Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr W B Kennedy Mr R D Fourie Mr K de Melo Mr S Khumalo Mr M A Yeni

1583 1054 1148 1143 1369

239 166 168 138 173

210 144 135 128 159

259 193 187 170 155

16.4 18.3 16.3 14.9 11.3

Other Places Place % 297 220 255 238 286

746 530 558 504 618

47.1 50.3 48.6 44.1 45.1

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

15,501,625 16,231,863 11,876,450 14,458,138 10,179,313

23,769,013 21,946,575 18,618,025 20,633,400 17,050,963

BREEDERS Name

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

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

308 1776 358 2170

82,623 156 237 56,410 146 204

50.6 40.8

710 849

14 8

20 11

25,448,013 20,194,700

49.7 45.4 50.4

431 378 390

17 8 8

23 10 10

19,390,388 12,520,013 9,795,863

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

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

14 20 13 5 6

16,975,263 15,611,375 13,932,313 12,914,825 12,653,050

175 1000 110,802 163 925 76,810 141 841 69,474

87 148 74 123 71 112

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

Runrs Runs

162 884 104,786 154 953 101,373 205 1144 67,963 205 1267 62,999 192 1148 65,901

76 85 93 97 87

126 135 138 153 147

46.9 55.2 45.4 47.3 45.3

380 412 478 558 493

See all the detailed standings - Click here 63

9 14 11 3 6

BRIT SIDES CLASH IN STATES

It hasn’t quite got the prestige of the Bangkok Century Cup, or the fissionability of the Audi Cup…however it is still the Florida Cup! And that deserves your respect! These two proud English sides will contest the 2022 edition of the cup in America and whilst I might not have managed to avoid a facetious tone in my introduction, both sets of fans will expect their sides to avoid defeat. Arsenal vs Chelsea | Sunday 24 July | Camping World Stadium | 02h00 To Win (90 mins) Arsenal 37/20 Draw 22/10 Chelsea 13/10 Arsenal Ryan Liberty writes that Mikel Arteta’s side begun their tour of the United States with a friendly fixture against Everton. The Gunners ran out 2-0 victors on that occasion and to be fair, the model and system employed by the men from north London was largely impressive. Of course, these sorts of fixtures are always an event whereby clubs hope to put on a show for their support base in these international countries

and effectively entertain a grand marketing scheme – whilst also ensuring appropriate preparation is conducted for their upcoming season. New signing Gabriel Jesus has been the star so far, scoring twice against Nurnberg and then against Everton as well. I’m sure Arsenal fans around the world are intrigued to see how the Brazilian performs in his new red strip – but so far so good is certainly the call! In my estimation, after reading rather extensively on Arsenal’s preparation and performances as well as finding links (completely legal of course) to watch some of their pre-season games, it is interesting that Arteta seems completely invested in setting up a team to dictate the pace and movement of the football. Counter-pressing high to win it back early and then at times even slowing it down so long as they maintain possession. I think this could be a team which can upset the status quo a little bit insofar as who qualifies for those Tuesday and Wednesday European spots…Jesus is a special player and after seeing him supported by the young talent Arsenal hold in the central forward areas – he could rip up the league this year. Chelsea The Blues continue to build towards their 2022-23 Premier League season, and after a tasty affair against Club America from Mexico, Thomas Tuchel will 66

certainly be better poised to have some of his early questions answered. Chelsea recently confirmed Raheem Sterling as their first arrival during the summer window but have now consolidated that effort with Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli. I think it is close to criminal that Chelsea have managed to secure the defenders services for the fee they have – but that might just be sour grapes… Tuchel has travelled with a strong squad but as is so often the case – and rightly so – in these encounters, a host of changes and various combinations will be used so that the manager continues to find his best squad. In truth, the end of the season last year begun to flatter and then deceive and then just simply fizzle out for the Blues. They were there and there abouts throughout before just seemingly slipping under the radar and quietly welcomed the end of their domestic campaign. The prestigious Florida cup provides Tuchel’s side an opportunity to get a win over their rivals and as a bonus, lift some silverware before they head back across the pond and look ahead to the impending season.

So, whilst the result will be argued and used more as a banter stick between fans, what you should really be on the lookout for is the sort of display the teams put on, is there sufficient urgency, hunger and energy between their system and style of play? Are they able to impose themselves on their opposition effectively for large portions of the game? these questions are far more important than positing on

Instagram that your team has won a pre-season trophy! Prediction: Arsenal/Draw + BTTS (13/10) I think Arsenal to win and both teams scoring is the safest bet to see a return in this game. Arsenal have looked like a side who have a clear and uncompromised approach to how they want to play this year. Mikel Arteta has shown his appreciation for defensive

football through his commitment to hold onto the ball and this is achieved without restricting to the freedom and ability he has in the younger players who are further up the pitch for Arsenal. At 13/10, I’m not sure you need too much convincing – so by all means, have a dabble!