SP Sprint - 28 September 2022

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD CONTINUES

Saturday’s Gr3

Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes and Gr3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes are fitting launching pads for the Cape Summer Season and highlights of the 2022 Hollywoodbets Spring Country series.

The Matchem Stakes was the race that gave legendary champion jockey Felix Coetzee a milestone

3500th career winner in October 2012 when he won on Justin Snaith’s Changingoftheguard.

Both races have been won by some big names over the years.

Dual SA Horse Of The Year Variety Club took the Matchem honours in 2011. Another interesting name on the honour roll is that of passed champion sire Captain Al, who was trained by Vaughan Marshall and won it in the hands

of Jeff Lloyd in 1999.

Justin Snaith’s SA Horse Of The Year Captain’s Ransom has won the Diana Stakes for the past two years running but does not run in Saturday’s renewal.

Both races was traditionally run at Kenilworth but was switched to Durbanville in 2010.

Flashback - Changingoftheguard gives Felix Coetzee a milestone 3500th winner in the 2012 Matchem Stakes

The earliest traceable record of the Matchem Stakes in South Africa dates back to 1958. It was open to 2 and 3yo horses and run on 19 April over 1400m at Kenilworth for a stake of £1,250. The idea of running juveniles against threeyear-olds over 7 furlongs in April, at what was more or less weight for age terms came in for a lot of criticism, with many feeling it was too much to ask of the youngsters.

However, on the day a total of 6 runners faced

the starter, including two 2yo’s (Kowloon and Avon) and four 3yos. The 1958 running of the Matchem proved the quality and strength of the juvenile crop. Although the game filly Kowloon cantered to post as the favourite, she failed to show and it was left to Mr A Kruyer’s colt Avon.

Ridden by M Strydom and carrying 7st 8lb, Avon brought the field into the straight and never looked like being headed, scoring by half a length from the fast-finishing Southern Drawl (8st 13lb) who had been hampered when making his run.Burweed (8st. 13lb) finished a neck back third and

Squeegee (9st 2lb) was fourth.

The 2yo Avon was a bay colt by Naval Prince out of Avonet and was bred by J.R.A. Bailey. He was owned and trained by Mr A Kruyer.

Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Durbanville racemeeting starts at 12h55.

Flashback - 1994 Matchem winner La Mancha - one of Marsh Shirtliff's early smart horses

CAPE’S FAVOURITE

COUSIN IS BACK

Top-notch jockey Grant van Niekerk is back in the saddle and takes seven rides at this Saturday’s double feature Hollywoodbets Durbanville racemeeting.

One of the Cape’s favourite sons, the charismatic and massively talented rider has not ridden since winning the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes on Equus champion Cousin Casey at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 2021/22 season finale on 30 July.

“I took a proper break to sort my back issues out. I have had plenty of physio and treatment and am really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things,” the Drakenstein-sponsored rider told the Sporting Post on Monday.

His seven rides include the Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas winner Chansonette who steps out in the Gr3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes on Saturday.

“She’s all class and has been working well,” added Van Niekerk, who pointed out that the daughter of Vercingetorix has not run since

29 January, when beaten in a thriller in the Gr1 Schweppes Majorca Stakes by SA Horse Of The Year, Captain’s Ransom.

After Saturday’s blockbuster Heritage Day meeting, another decent crowd is expected at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.

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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 consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesentGrant van Niekerk – seen winning the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes on Cousin Casey

Cover Image Hollywoodbets Durbanville start by Chase Liebenberg

Han Solo (Calvin Habib) ranges up on the outside of Somerset Maugham (Richard Fourie) and third placed Thefutureisbright (Sihle Cele) in the closing stages of the feature

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HERITAGE DAY BOARDROOM DRAMA

High drama and a boardroom decision partially clouded a cracking climax to the Heritage day public holiday meeting at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.

The R150 000 Listed Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy ended well enough for most punters with the tote favourite winning it to save those that included the fancied Baratheon

who kicked the back gates of the starting stalls and caught his leg in the back gates, before being withdrawn.

It was a terrific day on the racing and social front, with the feature sadly being decided in the boardroom after the gallant Han Solo (28-10) came from last into the final 350m but brushed the free-striding Somerset Maugham late in the race.

The decision to award the race to Somerset Maugham may have

left the Stipes in a pickle as how do they offset the crop infringement by Richard Fourie?

The interference by the original winner and the transgression by the rider of the original runner-up are clearly separate incidents –but what’s really fair? And in legal terms, Fourie came to ‘court’ with bloody hands, in essence, didn’t he?

Chase

For the record, the Stipes reported that:

At the 100m SOMERSET MAUGHAM (R Fourie) changed stride and became momentarily unbalanced when brushed inwards by HAN SOLO (C Habib), which was hanging in and shifted in. After being straightened HAN SOLO (C Habib) continued to shift in slightly and brushed SOMERSET MAUGHAM (R Fourie) shortly before

the finish. Trainer SJ Snaith called a race review regarding this incident, which was followed by an Objection being lodged by Jockey R Fourie, the rider of the 2nd placed horse SOMERSET MAUGHAM against the winner HAN SOLO (C Habib) on the grounds of interference in the latter stages. The Objection Board, after giving due regard to the evidence put forward, reviewing the patrol films and giving consideration to the margin of 0,05 of a length between the two horses concerned, was of the

opinion that but for the interference SOMERSET MAUGHAM would have finished ahead of HAN SOLO had this incident not occurred and therefore upheld the Objection. Jockey Fourie’s deposit was refunded.

Jockey R Fourie was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M on the use of the crop) in that he misused his crop

by striking SOMERSET MAUGHAM more than 12 times in the entire race. Jockey R Fourie signed an admission of guilt and was fined R2500,00. In determining penalty, the Board took into account the distance over and manner in which Jockey R Fourie used his crop, Jockey R Fourie’s recent record, the number of strikes (14) over the permissible level and the value of the race.

After a lengthy deliberation, the Stipes upheld the Fourie objection and reversed the result with Somerset Maugham (5-4) a

popular winner. No time was published.

A Drakenstein home-bred, Somerset Maugham is a son of champion Trippi (End Sweep) out of the five-time winning Dynasty daughter Demanding Lady.

A winner of 4 races with 12 places from his 22 starts, Somerset Maughan took his stakes tally to R338 700.

Jono Snaith sportingly acknowledged on the podium that nobody likes to win races in the boardroom.

The 5yo gelding was a second winner on the day for the Justin

Snaith and Winning Form rider Richard Fourie combination.

Standout for us on the day was Somerset Maugham’s full-brother Charles Dickens who romped home in the Graduation Plate last race after a three month break to make it three wins from three starts. Here’s a Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas candidate in the wings, if we have ever seen one. Candice Bass-Robinson must be excited about this fellow.

Chase Liebenberg

HAPPY, HAPPY HERITAGE DAY

On-course turnover was up 164% year-on-year and total turnover 31% on Saturday’s atmosphere charged Hollywoodbets Durbanville Heritage Day meeting. Those are good numbers and it seems that the times they are a’changing!

The new spirit of energy and enthusiasm injected by the purple wave that is the Hollywoodbets marketing machine kicked into top gear when an

unprecedented – call it unheard of – crowd of over 1000 people streamed through the newly spruced up gates to celebrate some competitive racing on a beautiful spring afternoon.

If getting bums back on seats and a broader market to buy into a game that has long taken a back seat to the glitz, glam and magnetic allure of the marketing power of the casino is the target, then it seems to be working.

“Hell, when you walk through the gates and are greeted by

a welcoming smile and somebody telling you that your patronage is valued and that the food is there and the tote is over there, then that’s a sea change to the glum demeanour of years gone by. The whole mood is positive and racing is taking small steps to getting the momentum going. The course is looking happy – a lick of paint and a bit of colour sure as hell helps! This was a fantastic day out,” a seasoned stakeholder

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Excited fans crowd the Hollywoodbets Durbanville rail

told the Sporting Post as the tantalising aroma of potjiekos filled the air, against a backdrop of happy families, dazzling dancers and a top-notch menu of great finishes.

The Potjiekos teams lined the outside rail and set the appetite pace from early. The guys with the best jobs on the day were ‘Justices’ Gary Powers, Grant Knowles and MJ Byleveld, who had the ‘tough’ task of tasting the variety of dishes.

In the end it was 4 Farriers & A Pot who banked the

R10 000 first prize ahead of the Fork-U-2 team (R5 000) and the Mincione family’s Heavy Lids, who stormed through late to snare the R2 500 third cheque.

There was also some great live music on a memorable afternoon.

“It was an amazing day and I have seen people I have never seen on a racetrack. Lots of small efforts make for a big difference, ” said Cape champion Justin Snaith.

“The atmosphere is amazing,” said Grant Behr, who booted many players out in the Pick 6 opener.

“A lovely vibe and a good

atmosphere. It’s great to ride on a day like this with the crowd behind us,” said KZN jockey Gareth Wright, who also booted home an early winner.

It was a winner of a lekker public holiday afternoon and the old faces on track from Rodney Dunn to Karl Neisius evoked memories of the glory days of the near vanquished recent past. There’s life in the beast!

Roll on the Matchem and Diana Stakes on 1 Saturday. Best to book now!

SOMERSET MAUGHAM

GOES TO A 100

The National Horseracing Authority handicappers have published their merit rating assessment of Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy feature.

They report that SOMERSET MAUGHAM has had his merit rating raised from 98 to 100 following his win – via an objection – in the Listed Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday 24 September.

HAN SOLO was considered to make for the most

suitable line horse despite his involvement in the objection as he did not suffer any interference. Accordingly, SOMERSET MAUGHAM receives the minimum two pound or 1 kg penalty which all handicap winners must get. However, as HAN SOLO carried 0.5 kg or 1 pound overweight his rating goes up from 95 to 96 despite being the line horse.

3rd placed THEFUTUREISBRIGHT, who was 3 pounds or 1.5 kgs under sufferance at the weights and who was beaten 1.25 lengths (2 pounds) by the line horse, goes up from 91 to 92. There were no other rating’s increases, but four horses received a drop.

CROME YELLOW is down from 110 to 109, CHEWBACA drops to 100 from 101, DUBAI LIGHTS is down from 87 to 85, and lastly SALVATOR MUNDI was cut from 100 to 99.

• Media release by National Horseracing Authority on Tuesday 27 September 2022

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 consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cons ectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet doloreRobbie Miller captain Potjiekos winners 4 Farriers & A Pot

Chase Liebenberg

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The feature finish that caused the confusion

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RACING NEEDS TO UP THE INFO GAME

There has been much speculation and debate about Saturday’s Listed Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy call by the Stipes to uphold Richard Fourie’s objection.

Watch the replay – please click here.

The Sporting Post has been inundated with calls – did the Stipes do the right thing after Calvin Habib, who never touched the crop, came from last on Han Solo and brushed Somerset Maugham, but to still

win going away?

Objecting rider of the runner-up, Richard Fourie transgressed the crop rules limit of 12 in front of a largely novice crowd but still came out on top. What message does that send – racing doesn’t care about horses and its own rules?

Does that make sense? Are our Stipes intimidated by big names?

These are some of the questions being asked and at the end of the day it’s all about communication and education. Maybe the Stipes were spot-on. Maybe they got it right? But we need more

transparency and we don’t need a multitude of question marks. It’s time racing officialdom lift their game and remember it’s the public who pay the salaries.

Here is an excerpt of the official Stipes Report:

RACE 7: HOLLYWOODBETS SETTLERS TROPHY (Listed) : 2000m: Ref 72

Starter: Mr F Bosman

Loading time: 55 sec Runners: 8

Carded time: 16h20

Rescheduled time: —

Off time: 16h25.55

Provisional result: 16h30.58

All Clear: 16h48.43

THE STARTER REPORTED:

a) BARATHEON (JP van der Merwe) kicked the back gates of the starting stalls, caught his leg in the back gates, was taken out, examined by the course veterinary surgeon and withdrawn.

THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED:

a) The start of this race was delayed due to the late scratching of BARATHEON (JP van der Merwe) (Betting 3/1) and to allow the betting public an opportunity to restructure their bets.

b) At the 100m SOMERSET MAUGHAM (R Fourie) changed stride and became momentarily unbalanced when brushed inwards by HAN SOLO (C Habib), which was hanging in and shifted in. After being straightened HAN SOLO (C Habib) continued to shift in slightly and brushed SOMERSET MAUGHAM (R Fourie) shortly before the finish. Trainer SJ Snaith called a race review regarding this incident, which was followed by an Objection being lodged by Jockey R Fourie, the rider of the 2nd placed horse SOMERSET

MAUGHAM against the winner HAN SOLO (C Habib) on the grounds of interference in the latter stages. The Objection Board, after giving due regard to the evidence put forward, reviewing the patrol films and giving consideration to the margin of 0,05 of a length between the two horses concerned, was of the opinion that but for the interference SOMERSET MAUGHAM would have finished ahead of HAN SOLO had this incident not occurred and therefore upheld the Objection. Jockey Fourie’s deposit was refunded.

c) Jockey L Tarentaal reported that he felt something amiss with PACK LEADER and he did not persevere with his riding from the 300m. The veterinary surgeon was requested to examine this gelding.

d) In view of the report from the Starter regarding BARATHEON (JP van der Merwe), Trainer PAW Botha will be advised to have this gelding re-schooled before his next engagement in terms of Rule 61.6.10.

e) Jockey R Fourie was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M on the use of the crop) in that he misused his crop by striking SOMERSET MAUGHAM more than 12

times in the entire race. Jockey R Fourie signed an admission of guilt and was fined R2500,00. In determining penalty, the Board took into account the distance over and manner in which Jockey R Fourie used his crop, Jockey R Fourie’s recent record, the number of strikes (14) over the permissible level and the value of the race.

f) HAN SOLO, placed second on objection, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer GS Kotzen was advised. (RS)

g) SOMERSET MAUGHAM, the winner on objection, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer SJ Snaith was advised. (TJ)

JOCKEY AND/OR EQUIPMENT CHANGES:

a) L Tarentaal rode PACK LEADER (breach of r iding engagement –declared 10h46 on 20220923)

b) G Wright (DUBAI LIGHTS) rode +0.5kg (52.9kgs)

c) C Habib (HAN SOLO) rode +0.5kg (54.4kgs)

THE VETERINARY SURGEON REPORTED:

a) BARATHEON – left hind leg injured in the stalls. Withdrawn

b) PACK LEADER – bilateral epistaxis. Suspended 60 days. Rule 93.1 applied SCRATCHED:

a) TOP QUALITY – injured tendon. Rule 53.5 applies (declared 12h50 on 20220923)

b) BARATHEON – injured in the stalls. Rule 53.5 applies.

DRAKENSTEIN –CHURNING OUT THE BESTSELLERS!

‘It would be fair to say that Drakenstein has hit upon a winning recipe, that of Trippi on Dynasty mares’

Chase Liebenberg

Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas prospect Charles Dickens cruises in under Aldo Domeyer

The juggernaut that is Drakenstein Stud just keeps rolling on. Breeders of a record 18 individual stakes winners last season, the farm picked up right where it left off by claiming the Settlers Trophy at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.

The Listed 2000m race went the way of homebred Somerset Maughan, albeit that it was on objection. Be that as it may, his victory capped a quickfire treble for both his owners and sire

Trippi which was book-ended by victories in the first and final races on the card by a pair of highly promising three-year-olds.

The Trippi filly Hunting Trip set the tone in the day's opener where she broke her maiden in emphatic fashion, whilst the colt Charles Dickens soundly thrashed some smart sorts in the last race. Significantly, both Somerset Maugha and Charles Dickens are out of the Dynasty mare Demanding Lady.

The latest gem in Drakenstein start-studded broodmare band

was acquired following a track career highlighted by a signature win in the Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge where she narrowly defeated her future paddock companion Louvre, who would go on to produce Gr2 winner Trip To Fortune.

Drakenstein racing manager Kevin Somerville elaborated: "At the time we were looking for mares to suit Trippi and Demanding Lady fit the bill. Physically she's a lovely mare, a really classic Dynasty type."

Chase Liebenberg

Gavin Pickford, Kira Pickford and Candice Bass-Robinson lead Charles and Aldo in

Besides, her prowess on the track was backed up by a hard-knocking American pedigree, which has excelled on a global scale. Standouts in the family include Epsom Derby runner-up and successful sire Silver Hawk, Coolmore stallion and Dewhurst winner War Command and American Gr1 hero Papal Power.

As a broodmare, Demanding Lady first hit the headlines when her first foal, the Trippi colt Charles topped the 2017 Cape Premier Yearling Sale at a cool R6-million.

Trained by Brett Crawford, he proved himself a talented, if somewhat frustrating galloper, his finest moment a second in the Gr1 Cape Derby, where he failed by no more than a neck to peg back ill-fated winner Atyaab.

Somerset Maugham came next, and although he

finished third in both the Gr3 Legal Eagle and Pocket Power Stakes, it was his younger full brother Charles Dickens who beat him to full black type honours when a facile winner of last season's Listed Somerset 1200.

The Candice Bass-Robinson runner remains unbeaten in three starts and again reiterated his lofty reputation following Saturday's visually impressive win.

Kevin is cautiously optimistic. "It's early days yet, he still has to prove himself over a mile."

It would be fair to say that Drakenstein has hit upon a winning recipe, that of Trippi on Dynasty mares. Interestingly, Demanding Lady is not the first Dynasty mares to produce stakes winning siblings to the former champion, that honour belongs to champion racemare Beach Beauty, the dam of Wild Coast and his sister Amanzimtoti. The former won the Gr2 Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville, while the latter claimed the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship.

By the way, the reverse cross of

mating sons of Dynasty with Trippi mares is also proving fruitful. Futura currently leads the way with his stakes winning fillies Sweet Future, Vihaan's Pie, and Pink Tourmaline, while Legislate is the sire of Hoedspruit and Jackson sired Freed From Desire from a daughter of Trippi.

The success of Demanding Lady's stakes-performed sons certainly whets the appetite for the siblings’ two-year-old half-sister by Lancaster Bomber. Named Charlotte Bronte, she is destined to join Somerset Maugham in the Justin Snaith yard.

Sadly, Demanding Lady has not had a foal since, but was recently covered by champion Gimmethegreenlight.

OH SUSANNA LADIES INTERNATIONAL

The name of the Cape’s iconic weight-for-age mile, The L’Ormarins King’s Plate, is not the only change in the provinceCape Racing is undergoing a perfect metamorphosis.

The latest addition to the Western Cape landscape is the Oh Susanna Ladies International, an initiative

created by L’Ormarins.

The race, named in honor of Oh Susanna, who made history by becoming the first three-year old filly to win the Sun Met in 2018, will give ladies the reins to showcase their ability in the first professional ladies only race on Kenilworth soil.

The inaugural Oh Susanna Ladies

International will be held on LKP day on Saturday 7 January 2023 and run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth over 1200m for the stake of R200 000.

Please read more here.

SNAITH STARTS SUMMER CUP BID

Cape challenger Hoedspruit commences his Summer Cup challenge at Turffontein on Saturday when Craig Zackey partners the gelding in the R400 000 Gr2 Topbet Mike O’Connor Joburg Spring Challenge.

On a card headed by four feature races, 4Racing’s Topbet Spring Challenge Family Fun Day on Saturday is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the horses, warm weather, and a serene view of the city of Johannesburg from the Turffontein racecourse, with carnival-

inspired entertainment for the whole family.

The event has no entry fee and will feature a family picnic area and kiddies play area with childminders. Additional exciting entertainment for the young ones will be face painting, edutainment shows, and pony rides.

The rest of the family can enjoy delicious, freshly made meals from various food stalls including one of Johannesburg’s favourite authentic Portuguese cuisine restaurants, The Troyeville Hotel Restaurant, party pop-up food stall StripCheez, and many other market-style vendors, craft beer, and gin bars.

A DJ will provide live entertainment for music lovers.

Equestrian market vendors HH Feeds, Motherkind & Equigold, Equine 74, Back on Track, Interwoven, Highveld Horse Care, African Horse Wear, Equestrian Affair, and Cieli will also be exhibiting on the day.

It promises to be an exciting race day with the two main races, the Gr2 Topbet Joburg Spring Challenge and the Gr2 Topbet Joburg Spring F&M Challenge,

Hoedspruit is being aimed at the Summer Cup on 26 November

Chase Liebenberg

drawing top entries and offering stakes of R400 000 and R300 000 respectively.

“4Racing’s goal is to build the world’s most loved horseracing experience for everyone, and we’re so excited to be partnering with Topbet to bring this unique experience to communities and families across Johannesburg, by spending a day at Turffontein and enjoying the exciting on-track experience,” said Fundi Sithebe, CEO of 4Racing.

4Racing is committed to working closely with bookmakers, owners, breeders, trainers, grooms, jockeys, and various partners. The Topbet Spring Challenge is the perfect partnership with industry players and the community.

While general access is free the Turffontein Racecourse also provides the option of exclusive hospitality packages in function rooms with some of the most spectacular views of the city. For more information on the event’s hospitality offerings contact 011 681 1796 or contact KhanyaL@4Racing.com.

Crowds are expected to turn out in numbers at Turffontein on Saturday

CAPE BREEDERS RETURN TO ZIM

Golden Touch

Thoroughbred Services' Gary and Jackie Joliffe have returned to Zimbabwe. The Joliffes have been up North since the beginning of September, with their equine expertise ensuring their considerable popularity in the local horse-racing fraternity.

With their base, Nutfield

Stud, being sold earlier this year, the Joliffes were given three months to relocate and duly chose to return to Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe's gain is very much South Africa's loss, with Gary and Jackie having made a considerable contribution to both the South African and Zimbabwe turf.

A trainer in Zimbabwe for nearly 16 years, Gary met Jackie when he got involved with the breeding

industry in Zimbabwe. Gary was training out of a yard called Golden Lodge Racing, but when that name was found to be unavailable, Gary and Jackie registered their business as Golden Touch Thoroughbred Services.

The couple, who were involved with the spelling and starting of legendary champion Ipi Tombe,

Jackie Joliffe – top breeder has returned to Zim

relocated to South Africa early in the 'noughties.

Their decision to move to South Africa came as a result of the violent farm invasions which were happening in Zimbabwe at the time, with the conflict resulting in Golden Touch suffering a drastic loss of business.

Jackie, whose grandparents were involved in racing in Kenya, got her start when she worked at Borrowdale Stud.

Gary and Jackie more than made their mark on the South African turf , with the

couple involved with a number of top-class thoroughbreds.

They bred Gr1 winners Chestnuts N Pearls (Golden Slipper) Guiness (Tsogo Sun Medallion), and Imperious Star (Woolavington 2000), and also bred and raced the classy Reflective Image. The latter, a daughter of Tamburlaine, picked up the biggest win of her career when she captured the 2014 Gr2 Sceptre Stakes.

The Joliffe influence was also felt at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, where the Golden Touch Thoroughbred Services raised Northern Song caused a 25-1 boilover when he won the sixth race on Saturday's card.

A gelded son of Oratorio and the Fort Wood mare Nordic Spring, Northern Song has three wins to his name, and he also ran second in last season's Listed East Cape Guineas.

He could well add further gloss to the Golden Touch legacy in the months ahead!

We wish Gary and Jackie best of the best back in Zim!

VIKKI’S TURNING

THE BEAT AROUND!

Former jockey Vikki Lerena (nee Badenhorst) hails from a family steeped in equine excellence. With the support of her champion jockey husband and two beautiful children, she is ready for a new challenge at the age of 38.

The dream is called Effect Equestrian & Pre-Training and is based in Eikenhof just across the road from Eye Of Africa.

“I really want to do something where I can be involved with horses. It’s my passion and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. I have conceptualised and established a facility in Johannesburg, where we can break in youngsters. It’s not far for trainers and owners to travel and see how their future champions are going. We would also be doing spelling and rehabilitation and there is also an AHS Vector Protected Quarantine facility,” she says excitedly, as

she tells that she has put together a good team of people who are well accomplished equestrians.”

The team includes Ashleigh Leedo, who has plenty of experience and worked for Johan Janse van Vuuren and now works for veteran conditioner St John Gray in the mornings.

Once the thoroughbred gallops into one’s heart,

Ashleigh Leedo & Vikki Badenhorst are excited about the new venture

they never leave and the petite Zimbabwe-born Vikki started riding at Yvette Bremner's yard when she was 13.

“I knew nothing about horses until we started going to Yvette's yard. I fell in love with horses straight away and never looked back. I was admitted to the SA Jockey Academy when I was 15. It was such an exciting time,” she recalled as she remembered fun

times, good friends and academymates Ian Sturgeon and Charles Ndlovu, amongst others.

One of five children and the daughter of jockey Kleintjie Badenhorst with Mom Janet also employed in the industry, the Gqeberha-schooled Vikki hails from a clan deeply invested in racing.

“My sister Sandra is married to exjockey Barend Vlooh. My bother Wayne and sister Barbara are training in partnership in Durban

together. Barbara and her husband, SA Champion jockey Warren Kennedy are due to emigrate to New Zealand next month,” adds Vikki as she talks proudly of her family.

Vikki reflects back on her brief career as a jockey. She has no regrets and is honoured to have ridden as a professional.

“I loved being a jockey. It was very tough being a female in the sport of

Lerena Family - values and vows

kings. I worked so hard and would battle to get a ride a meeting. I rode initially for Clodagh Shaw and then it got a bit easier when I moved back to my hometown of Gqeberha. I started getting good

support from trainers and my hard work really started paying dividends. And the winners started coming too. That’s when I fell pregnant with my daughter, Emily. That lifechanging and very special event put a stop to my riding. I came back afterwards but it was

never the same,” she muses as she recounts why she eventually called it a day.

“I was really battling to get rides and I thought that it wouldn't get better. So I handed in my licence and

Flashback time! Vikki is led in by Mom Janet and Yvette Bremner

moved to Johannesburg where I was a work rider for Sean Tarry and then Charles Laird for many years. I also rode for Scott Kenny who taught me a lot. I was also an assistant to Dylan Cunha for a couple of years. That’s before Gavin and I decided to start our little family.”

Today, Vikki is content and ‘supremely happily married’ to Gavin Lerena, her ‘amazing husband’, the ‘love of her life and the best Dad to their beautiful children’, Ashton and Ava.

“I help Gavin with his rides and try my best to get the best opportunities possible. So far it’s working well and we are a great team. My husband is the most dedicated person I know.

His love for the game and the horse has no boundaries. Ashton and Ava are the light of my life! They keep me very busy and very entertained. I love being their mom and wouldn't change it for the world.”

The new businesswoman is all set to establish new benchmarks of professionalism.

We asked her what will make her new project different or unique?

“I believe that Effect will be unique as I will be breaking in all the babies myself. Ensuring that each horse gets the correct grounding and building the correct foundation for a bright future.

I believe that the breaking-in process of a young thoroughbred is the most important part of their whole career. I want all my babies to be strong and confident

forward race horses. It takes oodles of love and loads of patience! I have both!” she smiles confidently.

Vikki will be creating a Facebook and Instagram page soon. Watch this space!

• Enquiries: vikkibadenhorst@ icloud.com

MOODLEY SLAMS ‘BASELESS RUMOURS’ AROUND PETER

In a media release published on Tuesday afternoon, the National Horseracing Authority states that the body is aware of the “unsubstantiated serious allegations” after the announcement on 8 September 2022 of Trainer Mr Paul Peter’s decision to relinquish his Trainer’s Licence.

The discussions pertaining to his decision was recorded

by the NHA in the presence of witnesses. This relinquishment was accepted by the Licensing Committee of NHA to cease, after the race meeting of 10 September 2022 at Turffontein Racecourse (Inside track), with effect from 11 September 2022.

Immediately after the dissemination of the NHA’s press release on 8 September, Executive Management were inundated with telephone calls and there was an absurd number of rumours doing the rounds on multiple platforms.

Amongst those was that Mr Peter has had numerous positive specimens from his winners to date and that he was advised by the NHA to hand in his Trainer’s License to make the matter “go away”, despite the absence of any evidence to support or substantiate that rumour.

The leadership of the NHA do NOT take lightly to these wild and loose assertions.

To set the record straight, Mr Peter requested to see

Trainer Paul Peter’s sudden departure had tongues wagging

Candiese Lenferna

the Chief Executive and NOT the other way around. Due to Mr Peter having wins/places during the month of August 2022 and up until 10 September 2022, the NHA was NOT able to respond to these allegations until ALL the specimens for that period were analysed.

The analysing of all specimens until the above date has now been completed by the NHA Laboratory, which is the only authority permitted to perform such tests in South Africa currently.

All outstanding tests and related comprehensive

analyses have provided a negative result for any prohibited substances under the Rules of the NHA. The NHA categorically denies all allegations of Mr Peter’s horses competing with prohibited substances and since July 2018 to 10 September 2022 he has had no positive cases of prohibited substances. The allegations are therefore unfounded and entirely baseless.

It is extremely disappointing that malicious rumours of this nature, especially in the current climate that the Horseracing Industry finds itself in, further erodes the credibility and the image of the Sport.

The NHA prides itself in ensuring

that all governance protocols are adhered to, and the motto of “no fear, favour or prejudice” is strictly applied. The integrity and the legitimacy of the product, that has both local and international customers wagering billions of rands, is paramount in the execution of our duties.

The NHA grants all stakeholders the necessary assurance that the rumours, must be treated as a rumour and no more.

• Media release by NHA on Tuesday 27 September 2022

THE FIRE BURNS ON

Former Eastern Cape pin-up boy Blaze Of Fire continues to enjoy his well earned retirement. Horse Of The Year in the Eastern Cape in 2013, Blaze Of Fire won eight times during his 47 race career while banking nearly R1 000 000 in stakes.

His victories included the

2012 Listed Ibhayi Stakes, with Blaze Of Fire also landing the Friendly City Stakes (Non-Black Type) in 2014.

The former Yvette Bremner trainee won from 1000m to 1800m during a career which saw Blaze Of Fire also contest some of South Africa’s top feature races.

From the 2011 Gr1 Cape Premier

Yearling Sales Guineas, to the Gr1 SA Derby in the same season, and Gr1 Champions Cup of 2013, Blaze Of Fire and his connections took on some outstanding South African champions including dual Horse Of The Year Variety Club.

Blaze Of Fire put up

Coastal Photos

Blaze Of Fire seen winning the 2014 Friendly City Stakes

arguably the finest run of his career when finishing third, beaten two and a half lengths by Jackson, in the 2013 Gr1 Champions Cup.

Amongst his beaten rivals that day was the high-class Espumanti, dam of the 2022 Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Sparkling Water!

The son of Victory Moon recently made headlines yet again when his daughter Mystic Angel (one of just six runners for her sire) romped to a facile, two length win at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

Jan Peskens says of his former stable star: “Blaze

Of Fire is still on our property, close to Ascot Stud but he has not covered any mares since I scaled down. Blaze has another filly named Blazing Kiss which is also at Carl Hewitson, and a colt named Run Away Fire which is at Michele Rix’s yard. Blaze of Fire is very well behaved and follows me like a dog. All of his offspring are fairly good show jumpers.”

Blaze Of Fire hails from one of the very best families in the South African stud book. A halfbrother to Gr1 Golden Slipper heroine Bilateral, Blaze Of Fire was produced by the Secret Prospector mare Buccellati, whose dam State Treasure won the Gr1 Gosforth Park Fillies Guineas.

Ironically enough, State Treasure also ranks as the granddam of Silvano’s Jet -who finished a length in front of Blaze Of Fire when the pair ran 2-3 in the Gr1 Champions Cup!

Blaze Of Fire’s fourth dam is the uber quick Miss Lindeman, whose numerous high-class descendants include champion Tara’s Touch and fellow Gr1 winners Little Miss Magic and Priceless Asset.

Coastal Photos

Some familiar faces at the East Cape Horse Of The Year award handover

WORLD HERITAGE!

Well-known breeder Basil Nelson was elated about the birth of his One World colt born on Heritage Day. He is out of the Nelson’s Querari mare, Mon Cherie.

Based at Drakenstein, One World is a multiple Gr1 winning son of local South African sire, Captain Al.

He won 10 of his 13 starts including the 2020 Gr1 Kenilworth Sun Met, Gr2 Concorde Cup, Gr3 Winter

Guineas, Gr3 Matchem Stakes, Listed Langerman, Gr2 Green Point Stakes and the Gr3 Winter Classic.

One World placed 2nd in the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and ran third in the Gr1 Cape Guineas of his year.

A one-time winner, the youngster’s Dam Mon Cherie is out of the Rebel King mare, Moulin Royale.

A reminder to breeders to please show your foal pics off to the

world. All we require is the date of birth/ sex/ breeding and a back story. Send pics to editor@sportingpost. co.za and note that Karoo Breeders are sponsoring a monthly cash prize for breeders and readers.

KZN FIELD SIZES

UNDER PRESSURE

Shallow fields at recent KZN racemeetings, including just 64 runners with 6 scratchings slimming down Monday’s eight-race card at Hollywoodbets Greyville, are of some concern to racing authorities.

While this is off season racing, Gold Circle Racing Executive Raf Sheik told the Sporting Post that it was puzzling that trainers were nominating at similar levels to past years, but when it came to declarations the

picture was a different one.

“Our horse population is currently around the 1200 mark. But we have 800 boxes standing empty and it is naturally the individual trainer’s and owners’ prerogative to travel to the Cape,” added Sheik, who pointed out that KZN was scheduled to host 120 racemeetings this term as opposed to the 108 of last season. This was in terms of their Tabcorp commitments.

A glance at the Cape Racing visitor’s book shows five KZN trainers travelling down to the

Mother City with 62 horses.

This should not really impact on field sizes at around just 5% of the population on the East Coast, but includes local big players like Peter Muscutt, Gareth van Zyl, Gavin van Zyl, Dennis Drier and Yogas Govender. Other unconfirmed bookings at this stage include Duncan Howells and Wendy Whitehead.

KZN racing action - under threat in terms of field sizes

Candiese Lenferna

LEGAL ACTION FOLLOWS VACCINE ANGER

Equine consumer dissatisfaction with the price of the African Horse Sickness vaccine continues to grow and family farmer body Saai has announced that they will take legal steps with regards to the unfair pricing practices around the AHS vaccine.

The Sporting Post reported on 6 September that the wildfire pricing is compromising the effectiveness of animal health management and increasing the risk of a severe outbreak which could destroy industries, including horseracing, upon which many people depend for their livelihoods.

After a petition garnered over 1500 signatures, Saai have ecided to fund the legal action and up the ante.

They advise that their action will centre around:

The availability of AHS is a huge concern and horse owners require an urgent response from OBP as to the quantity of vaccines that has been produced for the 2022 season.

Compared to other crucial animal vaccines the AHS vaccine is 36 to 55 times more expensive. This is price gouging- when a seller increases the prices of goods to a level much higher than what is considered reasonable or fair. The price of the AHS vaccine must

be investigated by the Competition Commission. We are finalising the complaint.

Farmers are not allowed to do AHS vaccinations themselves but need to get a veterinarian for that, apparently because of the need to maintain the cold chain. That doesn’t make sense as farmers are entrusted to keep the cold chain when vaccinating sheep and cattle and other livestock. As competent and able owners, breeders and trainers who are proven capable of administering other vaccines, they should be allowed to administer the AHS vaccine too.

JC Photos

The beautiful Captain Peg ranks number 1 on the latest log

THE LATEST - READY TO RUN CATALOGUE

A quality catalogue awaits prospective buyers at the 2022 Cape Racing Ready To Run and Unbroken Two-Year-Old Sale at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse Saturday, 29 October.

The official gallops will

be held at 10h00, with the sale starting at 14h30.

The R600 000 Cape Racing Ready To Run Stakes will be contested over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, 30 October.

The Cape Racing Ready To Run Race is restricted to eligible

Please see the latest log below

graduates of the 2021 CTS Ready To Run Sale, and entries will open at 11h00 on Monday, 17 October.

The catalogue is available now - please click here for more information.

SEWGOOLAM PURCHASES

RICH LOG-TOPPER

The latest log for the R7,5 million WSB Gold Rush Stakes to be run over 1600m on Cape Met day, 28 January 2023, has been published.

The race is based on the same principle as The Everest in Australia.

The Gold Rush offers 16 ticketholders (prospectors) the opportunity to race for the massive stake and is

open to graduates of the 2021 Cape Premier Yearling Sale.

In an interesting aside, the Gold Rush race log-topper Time Fo Orchids (Time Thief) was the main attraction at the BSA Sean Tarry Fast Track Sale on Friday at Randjesfontein when purchased by Alyson Wright’s Gee Racing for R850,000.

She was bought on behalf of Rikesh Sewgoolam, who is one of the 16 Gold Rush ‘prospectors’,

who hold a ticket for the big race.

Alyson Wright said the filly would be sent by Sewgoolam to Vaughan Marshall to be prepared at Milnerton for the Gold Rush race.

Turf Talk reported that five lots in total went for over R500 000.

Lot 37, Kambulu, a Querari

hamishNIVENPhotography

Alyson Wright will train the former Tarry filly

colt out of an own sister to Little Miss Magic, fetched R700,000 bought by Form Bloodstock.

Lot 7, Ecstatic Green, is a good broodmare prospect being by Champion sire Gimmethegreenlight and having won the Grade 2 Debutante and finishing second in both the Grade

1 Allan Robertson and Grade 2 Tibouchina. Gelykfontein Stud bought her for R675,000.

Lot 30, a Vercingetorix half-sister to stakes-winner Sarah, went for R525,000 bought by George O’Brien.

Captain Al mare Victoria Paige, who is multiple times Graded placed, fetched R520,000, bought

Latest log for information purposes:

by Triple 8 Clothing.

The aggregate for the sale was R7,184, 000.

Click here to see all the results.

ADAYAR WON’T

RUN IN ARC

Last year’s Derby winner Adayar will not run in Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after being taken out at the second forfeit stage on Tuesday.

The Racing Post reports that the four-year-old had been the second shortestpriced British-trained hope

behind Alpinista left in Europe’s richest race, having made a successful seasonal reappearance at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting earlier this month.

However, the Godolphin-owned colt, who was a general 7-1 shot, will not get the chance to better his fourth-placed effort in last year’s Arc, with the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on

October 15 preferred.

Connections believe conditions at the Berkshire track are more likely to suit Adayar, with the ground at Longchamp on Tuesday morning described as a mixture of good to soft and soft following 9mm of rain in the last 24 hours.

Luxembourg will run in Arc

In a statement via Twitter, Godolphin said: “Following discussions yesterday, it has been decided that Adayar will miss the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and will instead head to the Champion Stakes where conditions are likely to suit him better.”

Adayar was cut to 7-2 (from 5) for the Champion Stakes by Coral following his withdrawal from the Arc.

Coral's David Stevens said: "With Adayar heading to Ascot rather than Paris, Luxembourg has shortened at the head of the Arc betting, while Alpinista continues to attract support for Sunday's big race and is now the 9-2 second favourite.

"While last year's Derby hero has been trimmed to 7-2 for the Qipco Champion Stakes following the news, Baaeed remains a red-hot 1-4 favourite to end his career unbeaten."

With Adayar’s withdrawal, it means only Torquator Tasso and Sealiway remain from the first seven home from last year’s event after the second forfeit stage at 10.30, when Mac Swiney and Thunder Kiss were also taken out.

Reigning champion Torquator Tasso was partnered by Frankie Dettori in a pre-Arc workout on Tuesday morning, while Sealiway could yet come up against Adayar if Francis Graffard opts for his fouryear-old to defend his Champion Stakes crown.

After the trio of defections, there are 24 remaining entries in the Arc prior to confirmations on Wednesday, when Verry Elleegant is expected to be supplemented at a cost of €120,000. With only 20 horses guaranteed a run, Prix de Jockey Club fourth Al Hakeem was the beneficiary of Adayar's withdrawal.

Mac Swiney and Thunder Kiss were below the cut line anyway, meaning Verry Elleegant, La Parisienne True Testament, West Wind Blows and Le Destrier are

now those in need of some luck to get in.

Arc remaining entries:

Titleholder Luxembourg Vadeni Mishriff Deep Bond Onesto Torquator Tasso Alpinista Do Deuce Westover Alenquer Broome Mendocino Mostahdaf Stay Foolish Bubble Gift Mare Australis Sealiway Grand Glory Al Hakeem La Parisienne True Testament West Wind Blows Le Destrier

HELL DRIVER!

Two horses were hit by a van in a dramatic incident at Compiegne on Tuesday when cantering to the start of a race, which one of the horses went on to win but left the other requiring vets assistance.

The Racing Post reports that John Locke, who is trained by the husbandand-wife team of Christian

and Sophie Leech, and Happyday were heading across the track to the start of the opening 2m3f hurdle when they were hit by what appeared to be a maintenance van.

John Locke's rider Gaetan Masure was unseated in the incident, while Happyday's rider James Reveley just managed to remain in the saddle and the pair took part in the race.

Happyday won by a length under Reveley, but John Locke was withdrawn and remains in France under supervision overnight.

Christian Leech said: "He sustained a cut to one of his legs, so the vets want him to stay in France overnight.”

LEGENDARY STAYER CALLS TIME

Star stayer Stradivarius retired from racing on Monday. Trainer John Gosden made the announcement after consulting with his owner/ breeder Bjorn Nielsen.

Gosden stated: “Stradivarius has been the most extraordinary and unique racehorse throughout his career. He exhibited joy in his training and has given enormous pleasure to everyone, both on and off the track.”

“His constitution has been a marvel to behold and his exciting style of travelling easily in a race, and then quickening to pounce,

reflected his character.”

“He goes to stud with an amazing race record and enormous affection.”

His haul of seven Group 1 races matched Yeats's record for a stayer. These victories at the top table included three Gold Cups at Royal Ascot and a record four renewals of the Goodwood Cup. A son of champion Sea The Stars, his standout performance came when he won the 2020 Gold Cup at Ascot by ten lengths from Nayef Road.

Stradivarius recorded a peak official rating of 130, the highest on record for any staying horse in the UK this century, with notables like Subjectivist next on 128 and

Yeats on 126. Furthermore, his 20 wins included 18 Group victories, with career earnings of £3,5 million over seven seasons adding to his legacy.

Bjorn Nielsen believed the time was right to retire his champion, who ran this year’s Gold Cup hero Kyprios to a neck on what was his final start in the Gr1 Goodwood Cup in July. Side-lined since suffering a bruised foot last month, the setback forced him to miss his intended outing in the Lonsdale Cup at York.

Nielsen commented: “It would be hard to get him back now for Champions Day and John just thought it

Stradivarius - always an extremely solid performer!

would be unfair really to put him through it again as a nine-year-old next year.”

“He’s been the soundest horse – he’s never been medicated, he’d never missed an engagement in his career (through injury) and now to start training him with something that’s kind of there that wasn’t

there before, it’s time to draw stumps.”

“In the end we decided to keep him in training for three races and he ran in all three, winning the Yorkshire Cup first time out and then having no luck at Ascot and Goodwood. But each time he showed the fire was still there.”

“He was consistently prolific, going round and round, winning all those

staying races again and again. I know I will never have another horse like him. He was hugely appreciated by the public. It was just a joy from start to finish.”

The music may have stopped but the memories will endure.

Stradivarius as a baby with owner Bjorn Nielsen

John Freeman

HONG KONG MILE

ON THE RADAR

Tony Cruz will cast California Spangle into a potential Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile showdown with Golden Sixty in December after the exciting gelding resumed with an emphatic victory in the Gr3 Celebration Cup Handicap at Sha Tin on Sunday.

With options to contest either the Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m)

or the Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on 11 December, Cruz has decided to target the longer race because of California Spangle’s relentless racing style.

“I think he’s a miler. He’s a real front-runner,” Cruz said after California Spangle improved his overall record to seven wins and four seconds from 11 starts, while also adding a HK$500,000 TopUp bonus to the HK$2.223 million prizemoney he collected

for victory on Sunday.

“At the 1200m, it’s hard to get to the front if you’ve drawn wide, but in the 1600m there are no fast horses around. I think he will be the fastest one and easily lead the race and have it his own way again.”

A 10-time winner over Sha Tin’s 1600m course, Golden Sixty has won the past two editions of the

California Spangle wins easily

LONGINES Gr1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) and downed California Spangle by two lengths when the pair clashed in the Gr1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on 24 April.

Clocking a sizzling 1m 20.49s after bouncing straight to the lead on Sunday, California Spangle demonstrated customary high-cruising speed under Zac Purton with mid-race sectionals of 21.72s and

22.61s before cruising over the final 400m in 22.78s to defeat Healthy Happy by two lengths. Duke Wai was a further three lengths back in third.

“He’s just won the easiest race he’s ever had,” Cruz said. “Zac took it so easy. It made the race look like he hardly had to push the horse.

“He went to the front and he got the rail and at the home turn he could relax. Coming into the straight he only had one horse to challenge him, Healthy Happy, and

I think it was the easiest race he’s ever had.

“Zac said the horse can relax even better now than last season so there’s been improvement in him. He can relax in a race much better than before and he thinks we need to go a mile race next time. He used to be a bit cheeky and fresh but he seems to have calmed down a lot, he doesn’t seem to play around anymore and I think he is

an improved horse.”

Cruz, who currently leads the 2022/23 trainers’ championship with five wins, said California Spangle would be prepared for the Gr2 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on 16 October.

Purton, who has a tabletopping 11 wins for the season after a treble on Sunday, said California Spangle had performed to expectations after weathering early pressure from Matthew Chadwick on Duke Wai.

“It was what I was hoping for. Chadwick kept digging up on my inside early and made it bit more of a genuinely run race than what I thought it was going to be.

“He settled a lot better today – especially on that speed – and handled it better, which was really, really good. It bodes well for the future, if he keeps racing that kindly he’s going to help himself.”

John Size notched his first winner of the season when the 11-time champion trainer’s Sweet Encounter, an unraced Toronado gelding, led all the way to land the first section of the Class 4 Kwong Fuk Handicap (1200m) to provide Alexis Badel with

his maiden success of the term.

Tuchel then completed a double for both Size and Purton with a convincing display in the Class 3 Fuk Loi Handicap.

“The race was set up nicely for him, he was able to take advantage of a decent pace and finish the race off as you would probably expect,” Size said of Tuchel before describing Sweet Encounter as “beautiful horse, a lovely mover, he does everything like a quality animal and today he was afforded a very good start, put himself in a good position and he was better than those horses.”

David Hayes hailed Matthew Chadwick’s performance aboard Star Contact to snare the Class 4 Oi Man Handicap (1400m), describing Chadwick’s ride as “one of the best you will see from a wide barrier” as Ricky Yiu continued his excellent start to the season with the surprise success of Joyful Win in the Class 3 Fu Tai Handicap (1000m) under Lyle Hewitson.

Hayes was delighted with Fantastic Treasure’s effort to overhaul talented Ima Single Man in the Class 2 Cheung Hong Handicap (1200m) under Purton to snare his first win since May, 2021.

“It’s great to have Fantastic Treasure back and Zac’s ride was fantastic,” Hayes said after sealing a brace. “I think I’ll keep this horse to sprints now. He’s done a great job to come back from the issues he’s had.”

Good Buddy provided David Hall with his fourth triumph of the season under a clever Luke Ferraris ride in the second section of the Class 4 Kwong Fuk Handicap (1200m) as Vincent Ho drove Looking Great to victory for Frankie Lor in the Class 3 Hing Man Handicap (1600m).

Peter Ho and Derek Leung combined with Woodfire Bro to clinch the Class 4 Shun Lee Handicap (1650m, dirt) before Angus Chung’s 10lb claim proved decisive in Lucky Victor’s tough win in the Class 5 Wah Fu Handicap (1650m, dirt) for Jimmy Ting.

Hong Kong racing continued at Happy Valley today.

Arsenal vs Tottenham | Saturday 1 October |

Emirates Stadium | 13:30

As if the return of Premier League football isn’t enough, we have n ot one but two feature games for your perusal! The first one sees age-old rivals Arsenal and Tottenham engage in battle at the Emirates.

There is no love lost here and given the competitive edge which silently split their European hopes last season, now coupled with a blistering start in both camps – you know this is

going to be insane.

To Win (90 mins)

Arsenal 1/1

Draw 11/4

Tottenham 51/20

Arsenal

You’ve got to say that Arsenal is still in an amazing position now. They have won six from their first seven fixtures and are playing a brand of football that can only be described as attractive. However, the North London derby is their second biggest challenge and,

after failing at their first, questions will inevitably be associated with another less than perfect result.

The apparent mid-season break has probably come at the worst possible time for Arsenal as well, they had a positive momentum about them before they had to split up for the internationals – I wonder how that plays out in terms of their team chemistry, writes Ryan Liberty.

Last time these two met, Spurs were the victors, thrashing their bitter rivals

three goals to nothing. It pretty much sealed up their top four hopes and relegated Arsenal to yet another season finishing behind Spurs. That was a different Arsenal though, one which lacked confidence and a belief of self, one which was divided by the insecurity around their manager and the impatience of their fanbase.

I have seen – and admittedly been drawn to – the intrigue around where Arsenal is this season. Yes, the start has been incredible…but are they really challenging for the title? History would suggest so, they haven’t finished outside of the top when they won their first five league games! Are they really competing with the likes of Manchester City though? I mean, if not them who is? Liverpool isn’t surely still in the conversation.

You can get around even money for the home win this weekend, you’ve got to say that it is incredible value. Arsenal is playing out of their league at the moment, they will play at home, you know: “Fortress Emirates” (yes, another rather embarrassing title I have come across in recent weeks) and surely, they are deserved favourites. The atmosphere will only give them an edge and not take away from their mentality

as always. The feeling around the Emirates is upbeat and positive anyway.

And yet then again, it’s the hope that kills, as they say.

Antonio Conte’s men haven’t enjoyed the same sort of media attention as their rivals – but unlike their rivals they are unbeaten. They are yet to lose a game this season and it is only a solitary point which splits the teams from North London.

Enough has already been made of the impact Conte has had at Spurs, his side works incredibly hard. They fight and are happy to turn games into a scrappy affair.

They have discipline beyond all telling on defense and can explode into an attacking array with players who possess devastating attacking ability. Oh, and they have a manager who is happy to celebrate every moment along the way. if this game was being played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I think Spurs win it.

The way they have played at home this season has been brilliant –but therein lies my issue. They have not replicated those sorts of complete performances on the road. They struggled against Nottingham Forest and stumbled to a draw with West Ham and Chelsea. They aren’t really the sort of performances which shout confidence.

Unfortunately, I just can’t see past those sort of flat and pedestrian

performances Spurs have registered and think if Arsenal turns it on, surely, they win. Yes, Spurs have world-class players of their own – think Harry Kane and the like – but if Arsenal ask Spurs to play at an accelerated tempo and with a direct approach, closing those intricate midfield spaces, I just don’t see how Conte’s men win.

Prediction: Arsenal Halftime/Full-time Double (2/1)

If I’m an Arsenal fan, and I can assure you I am the furthest thing from that, I would be confident going into this weekend. Their style and energy combine so well to make life difficult for teams usually…let alone a side who need to rely on central spaces to find players’ feet.

If Arsenal can get into the game early on, I think they could win the game in the first half already. I know Spurs have shown an ability to fight their way back into fixtures and come away with something but to do it again at the Emirates might be a bridge too far.

Back the red side on the half-time and full-time double – 2/1 is a pretty price so get yourself involved.

Tottenham