20220204 - Sporting Post Sprint Ver 1.4 Single Pages by Sporting Post

It’s happening.

the untouchable… finally within reach.

A bold and audacious plan to create a new export route for South African horses has emerged with the announcement of a direct charter flight from Johannesburg to New York confirmed for 7 March 2022. The export flight has been devised and arranged by Gerard Connolly of Connolly & Turner Bloodstock Forwarding (“CTB”) and Robin Bruss of Northfields Bloodstock after more than a year of negotiation and planning. It is the first direct flight to the USA since the export of Horse Chestnut and several other stars, who travelled via the USA to various other countries, which took place

23 years ago. “We had to overcome a number of legal and logistical challenges” said Connolly, a lawyer by training, who took over his late father, Kevin Connolly’s, 30-year-old shipping business. “The beauty of the American route is that the USDA work on a PAQ (Post Arrival) Quarantine system, and not the Pre-Export Quarantine (PEQ) required by the EU: therefore, no AHS Free Zone and no transit quarantine in a third country. It’s an overnight direct flight from Johannesburg to New York.” “Under the agreement negotiated with the USA veterinary authorities, the

6 Gerard Connolly - excited about opening the gateway

horses will do one week in CTB’s Johannesburg facility undertaking some routine tests before flying them directly to the USA. On arrival they will quarantine 60 days at the USDA facility before release as permanent imports. There will be exercise facilities for the horses to maintain a level of fitness until release.”. “Those aiming at races like the Breeders Cup meeting will have an 8 months build up to peak fitness” he added. “The USA is the world’s biggest market for trade in bloodstock” said Bruss, “and it stands to reason that South Africa should have access to it, especially since we did well with the small number of

South African horses whose export we pioneered in association with Barry Irwin’s Team Valor and others.” He refers to Spook Express who won the $500,000 Gr2 Galaxy Stakes, and was 2nd in the $1m Gr1 Breeders Cup Fillies and Mares S, Crimson Palace won the Gr1 Beverly D, Gypsys Warning won the Gr1 Matriarch Stakes whilst Team Valor won a slew of other stakes. “Let’s not forget our champion trailblazers such as Colorado King in the 1960s and Hawaii in the 1970s who proved to Americans that South Africa could breed a world class horse.” America stages around 35,000 races annually with total purses around US$1,25 billion (R20 billion). Most races are on dirt, but more than 5,500 are on Turf. Half of these are between 1200m and 1600m, with 25% at 800m-1000m and 25% more than 1600m. America races in 46 of their 50 States and there are markets everywhere. Prize money is on the increase and recently New York, Monmouth and Kentucky announced that Maiden Special races will offer $100,000 (R1.5m) purses.

“It means that we don’t have to only export our top Gr1 horses,” said Bruss. “There is a powerhouse market for any young horse that shows some talent”. “We had planned this flight for October last year” said Connolly, “Robin had arranged sales of 8 Gr.1 winners and 7 Gr.1 placed horses, destined for USA, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Australia. But then if Covid wasn’t a big enough challenge, we encountered the global shipping and supply chain crisis, and that forced us to postpone the aircraft and everything was halted.” “We started again this year, and now we have our flight arranged and we are starting to accumulate and book new horses. We believe the route can be a game changer for the South African export market.” “We begin with a minimum load of 15 horses on this first shipment, but we can cater for a much larger number. Accordingly, we have reached out to our clients of varying equitation disciplines - showjumpers, eventers, Arabian horses and very importantly Endurance horses – for which the South African bred horses are a world leader.” The USDA post arrival quarantine period of 60 days was legislated in 1958 when little was known about African

Horse Sickness - a near fatal disease endemic to Africa but which is reportable and for which a vaccination is given, and annual losses today are less than 0.5% of the population. Like Covid, AHS has a 10-day incubation and like Covid, its presence is detected by a simple PCR test. It is hoped that the SA Veterinary Authorities will aid the export drive by negotiating post arrival PCR tests in USA to equate with modern science, and ultimately be able to reduce the quarantine period. “Imagine humans being saddled with 60 days post arrival quarantine to avoid Covid ” quips Bruss. “This breakthrough export flight will permit access for South Africa’s top racehorses into the Breeders’ Cup Series: The Breeders’ Cup Classic is worth $6m. (R90m) whilst the Turf Mile and The Fillies Turf Distaff carry purses of $2m (R30m) each.From America it’s then possible to raid into next year’s Dubai World Cup $12m (R216m) and $20m (R300m) Saudi Cup $20m (R300m). What an opportunity for the cream of our crop and to prove that our South African horse exports have wings!" Connolly says that once the first flight has been concluded successfully, he plans to open

a second flight later in the year and ultimately hopes that full flights, lower costs and shorter quarantine will permit the route to become a regular and stable feature for South Africa. Apart from serving USA markets, horses can onward ship forwards to anywhere in the world and this route will therefore supplement the

other routes and efforts still under negotiation. Interested parties requiring more information – please contact:

Robin Bruss – Northfields Bloodstock. Cell 082 469 4231 Email coaraze7@gmail.com

Gerard Connolly – CTB. Cell: 082 828 7623 Email: gconnolly@ctbinternational.com (Instagram @ctbinternational)

The Merits

Gr2 WSB Gauteng Guineas SAFE PASSAGE has had his merit rating raised from 110 to 116 following his fluent success in the Gr2 WSB Gauteng Guineas over 1600m on the Turffontein standside track on Tuesday. The Handicappers were unanimous in their view that 4th placed ARAGOSTA was the correct line horse to use when assessing

the Guineas. It was noted that SAFE PASSAGE again proved superior to ARAGOSTA as he beat his stable companion by 2.5 lengths in the Gr2 Dingaans and by 3.5 lengths or 7 merit rating points in the Grade 2 Guineas and was adjusted accordingly. 2nd placed PYROMANIAC was raised from 101 to 113, while 3rd finisher

OUTOFTHEDARKNESS is up from 104 to 110. The only other increase was for 5th placed SUPER EXCITED, who was raised from 102 to 107 to make him the equal of RED SAXON, who finished only a head further behind in 6th place. The only drop was for VAL D’ ORCIA, who is down from 100 to 98.

Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas RAIN IN HOLLAND has had her rating raised from 109 to 115 after she ran out a comfortable winner of the Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas over 1600m at Turffontein on Tuesday evening. Here the Handicappers took the view that 6th placed PERFECT WITNESS made for the

most suitable line horse when assessing the race, which leaves her unchanged on a mark of 103. Runnerup SPRINKLES was raised from 107 to 110, while 4th placed SUPREME QUEST is up from 102 to 108. The only other increase was for 5th placed CLAFOUTIS, who goes up from 103 to 105 to at

least make her the equal of ETERNITY RING and BOLD ACT, who finished behind her in 7th and 8th place, respectively. There were no ratings drops for any of the runners in this event.

Racing Legends

‘Clearly, South African-breds have more than held their own in the ultra-tough arena that is American racing…’

IN THE HOOFPRINTS OF GIANTS 11

The announcement that South African racehorses could soon wing their way direct to the States comes as a tremendous shot in the arm for our beleaguered industry. Hats off to bloodstock consultant Robin Bruss and shipping agent Gerard Connolly, who succeeded in finding an export portal that will circumvent the arduous and time-consuming trek demanded by the current EU protocol. Needless to say, those that find themselves crossing the Atlantic will follow in the hoofprints of a number of remarkable South Africanbreds.

We go back to the sixties to the trailblazing duo of Colorado King and Hawaii. Both South African champions, they raced with distinction in their adopted country. The former, a Birch-bred who proved himself the dominant two and three-year-old in South Africa, was campaigned on both the west and east coast, winning on dirt and grass. Successful in six of his first eleven starts, he recorded a fine hat-trick of stakes wins which included an eight-length romp in the American Handicap at Hollywood Park where he equalled the world record over 1800m. Hawaii too, was an exceptional two and three-year-old, winning 15 of 18 South African starts

12 Exported Bold Trop wins the 1979 Cape Guineas

and to this day, is the only horse to have completed the Cape, Gauteng and SA Guineas treble. Sent to Hall of Fame trainer MacKenzie Miller, Hawaii went on to win 6 of 10 American starts and ran unplaced just once in his sole dirt start. The American Grass Champion in 1969, he won the Man O’ War Stakes over 2400m in course and race record time, a mark which stood until 1973 when it was bested by the legendary Secretariat in 1973 and a year later by the great racemare Dahlia.

Hawaii won 15 of 18 SA starts before export Retired to the famed Claiborne Farm, Hawaii became a successful sire. Like their sire, his progeny excelled on grass and he has the distinction of siring an English Derby winner in Henbit, while Hawaiian Sound (2nd) and Hunza Dancer (3rd) both reached the frame in the famed Epsom classic. Other prominent stars to race in the States all those years ago included two halfbrothers to the great Sea Cottage, the Cape Derby and SA Guineas winner Top Galllant and Durban July hero Naval Escort, neither of which set the American tracks on fire, although the former won an allowance race. Jollify, who deadheated

with Sea Cottage in the 1967 Durban July, also found his way to the States, where he ran second in two stakes races, while Cape Guineas winner Shah Abbas scored twice at allowance level before his return to South Africa to take up stud duties. It wasn't until the early eighties that prominent South Africanbreds again tasted success on American soil. Bold Tropic, the champion two and three-year-old of his year, was sent to legendary Californian trainer Charlie Whittingham. His deft touch with the son of Plum Bold yielded seven wins, of which six were at Stakes level and included the Gr2 Carleton F Burke and two renewals of

the Gr2 American Handicap. Although he failed to add a Gr1 win to his tally, his placed efforts in that exalted company included a second in the Gr1 Century Handicap and a third in the Oak Tree Invitational Handicap. Prince Florimund, a dual classic winner of the SA Guineas and Daily News 2000 and conqueror of the mighty Wolf Power in the Clairwood Winter Handicap, likewise joined the Whittingham stable. He managed to win just once but his best effort came in defeat when he was second, beaten just over a length, to the formidable John Henry in the Gr2 American Handicap.

Unlike Bold Tropic, he returned to South Africa and although he never reached great heights as a stallion, he will go down in history as the broodmare sire of the mighty Pocket Power and his Met winning sister River Jetez, who incidentally, ran third in the Gr1 Beverly D Stakes at Arlington Park! Another twenty years or so would go by before a South African-bred again ventured to the Land of the Free, this being the exceptional Oppenheimer-bred standout Horse Chestnut. Horse of the Year and the country's first Triple Crown winner, the colt made a dream American debut when he powered to

a five-length victory in the Gr3 Broward Stakes at Gulfstream Park. However, that was to be his sole start, as in a cruel twist of fate, he suffered a careerending injury in a workout. Who knows what heights he could have scaled? Like Hawaii before him, Horse Chestnut joined the stallion roster at Claiborne and also became a Gr1 sire. He was repatriated after ten seasons and spent his remaining years at Drakenstein Stud, siring the Gr1 winners Chestnuts N Pearls and Tilbury Fort. Undeterred by Horse Chestnut's misfortune, trainer Mike de Kock returned to the States in 2013 with

16 Exported Paddock Stakes victress Crimson Palace

champion The Apache and the colt almost pulled off the unthinkable, crossing the line first in the Gr1 Arlington Million, only to lose the race in the boardroom. Significantly the disqualification robbed the Scott Brothers’ stallion Mogok of a second American Gr1 winner, the stallion’s daughter Gypsy’s Warning having landed Hollywood Park’s Matriarch Stakes in 2010, the first South African-bred filly to win at the elite level in the States. She was not the first prominent South Africanbred female runner to excel in the States though, that honour belongs to the De

Kock-trained champion Spook Express, who was sold to overseas interests after defeating Drum Star and Blossoming Fields in the Gr1 Sharp Electronics Cup. Also first across the line first in the Gr1 SA Fillies Guineas and Gr1 Garden Province Stakes, the daughter of Comic Blush was named the season's Champion three-year-old filly. She would build on her South African form with three more Graded successes on American soil and had the distinction of chasing home champion Banks Hill (who became the dam of Ideal World) in the 2001 Gr1 Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf. A number of female stakes winners followed, the majority of which were purchased in South Africa by Barry Irwin, the shrewd principal of Team Valor International. De Kock-trained champion three-year-old Irridescence, who won the Gr1 Woolavington 2000 for Team Valor and emulated London News when successful in the Gr1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin, failed by just a head in the Gr1 Beverly D Stakes. Fellow Team Valor purchase, the Paddock Stakes victress

Crimson Palace, succeeded where Irridescence had failed, winning the Beverly D, albeit in the blue silks of Godolphin, who had purchased the daughter of Elliodor after her first Dubai start. Incidentally, she features as the grandam of Syringa Handicap winner Way Of The World, who is out of Crimson Lane, her unraced daughter imported by Brian Finch. Warning Zone, the champion juvenile filly of 2002, was another ex De Kock-trained filly to earn American black type in the Team Valor silks when successful in a Listed race at Fair Grounds. Sent to Australia, she became the dam of Gr3 winner Pittsburgh Flyer, who in turn produced the Gr1 winning sprinter September Run. Yet another Team Valorcampaigned American stakes winner was Alexandra Rose, a Gr2 winning juvenile trained by Glen Kotzen. The daughter of Caesour crowned her American campaign with victory in the Gr3 Monrovia Handicap at Santa Anita and like Warning Zone, found her way to Australia. She has the honour of being the first South Africanbred dam of an American Gr1 winner, her Australian-bred daughter Oleksandra defeating male rivals in the Gr1 Jaipur Stakes at Belmont Park.

Cape Fillies Guineas victress Captain's Lover also raced with distinction in the Team Valor silks when romping to a seven length victory in Monmouth Park's Matchmaker Stakes. Sadly, she has managed to produce just two foals since her repatriation in 2012. That said, her Americanbred daughter Shipboard Romance, the dam of UAE 2000 Guineas third Last Voyage, was imported by Wilgerbosdrift-Mauritzfontein. Clearly, South African-breds have more than held their own in the ultra-tough arena that is American racing, which augurs well for the likes of Jet Dark and Kommetdieding. Should they (and who knows, maybe Captain's Ransom as well) find themselves on a plane bound for New York come 7 March, our hearts and hopes go with them. May they add to the fine record built by those that have gone before them.

Wayne Marks

THE POWER OF PREMIER! Celebrating its twelfth renewal, the one-time unique inner city Cape Premier Yearling Sale has adapted seamlessly to the demands and realities of a changing world and marked its second year at the internationally renowned De Grendel Wine Estate outside of Cape Town on a warm Sunday this past weekend. Cape Thoroughbred Sales partnered with De Grendel for the 2021 renewal of the sale last January, and after the inaugural success we found ourselves enjoying the hospitality and magnificent setting again.

With its breathtaking views of the winelands and one of the world’s seven wonders of natures, the venue is a winner and enjoyed another great turnout on Sunday. With all of South Africa’s top breeders represented, multiple national champion nursery Klawervlei Stud were out in numbers and celebrated the distinction of producing the top lot via their high quality stallion Twice Over’s unnamed son (# 66), who was knocked down to leading local bloodstock consultant John Freeman for R2 000 000. The chart-topper is bred on the same Twice Over/Jet Master

cross as this season’s Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Double Superlative, and is out of the three-time winning Jet Master mare Jet Set Model. It was the Klawervlei flag that again fluttered proudly a few hours later when the hammer fell on the purchase of the top selling filly. South Africa’s reigning champion sire Gimmethegreenlight’s unnamed daughter (# 115) was also knocked down to John Freeman, fetching R1 100 000. Also consigned by Klawervlei, she was produced by the blue-blooded Giant’s

Causesway mare Primrose Hill, already dam of the very smart Hug And A Kiss -a dual winner and runner up in the Gr3 Prix Penelope. It was a busy day for the Ridgemont Highlands team (Pic – Wayne Marks) Overall, the sale numbers were pleasing with 177 of the 188 yearlings originally offered passing through the ring. The 166 lots to sell grossed R43,33 million, with the average price R261 024, and the median R175 000. On a similar sized catalogue to 2021, the aggregate was up 16%, while the average (R243 451 in 2021) increased by 7% and the median (R200 000 in 2021) dropping 12,5% year-on-year. Klawervlei kingpin William Longsword topped the

sires aggregates, with his 25 offspring selling for a gross R5 985 000 at an average of R239 400. But it was Ridgemont Highlands’ Rafeef and Maine Chance’ Vercingetorix who were neck and necks as they topped the sire averages at R562 500 each – their individual sextets selling for a gross R3 375 000. Klawervlei topped the vendor charts with their 47 to sell averaging R350 531, at a gross R16 475 000. John Freeman bought both the top colt and filly and the veteran bloodstock consultant topped the buyer log with 14 lots at R7 700 000. Freeman’s average of R550 000 was shaded by Form Bloodstock, whose 8 lots grossed R4 550 000, with an average of R568 750.

There were some familiar faces at the sale, including former Springbok rugby star Percy Montgomery who was enjoying his newly launched Agave spirit brand, El Centurion 102, and World Champion swimmer Ryk Neethling, who bought a share of a Master Of My Fate colt from Avontuur. Cape Thoroughbred Sales MD Grant Knowles was thrilled with the ‘superb vibe’ that prevailed. “It was extremely well attended and catered for all clientele. The clearance rate was excellent with the aggregate showing a significant upturn. A very positive result for the industry,” he concluded. See all the results here

Nordic Normandy Works! Normandy Stud’s Oscar Foulkes found himself in the relatively unusual position of having consecutive lots on Sunday’s sale #100,#101 and #102 were alphabetically set to either be stressful or work out well. The passionate breeder told the Sporting Post that things worked out well. “It was great and John

O’Kelly did a fantastic job of weaving it all together. He was also able to lift the energy and attention in the auction area,” he said. As regards the Normandy offering, Oscar says that he had a sense, in advance of the sale, that #100 and #102 would be very popular. “There were many people who liked them both, so it would come down to the commitment of bidder and 20

underbidder. I don’t think one can reasonably expect a price in the vicinity of a million - my expectation was pegged at a much lower level, although I suspected that the possibility existed for them to sell well. They are two exceptional individuals. We had a much lower reserve on lot 101, which he didn’t make, so we’ll bring him back for Ready to Run. Nordic Normandy worked out well!”

Wayne Marks

21 Fee Ramsden and Percy Montgomery enjoy the tequila

JOHN KOSTER - ‘ALL GLORY TO THE HORSE!’ A strategy of reverting to his father and grandfather’s ideals of a boutique stud offering bespoke personalised service, meticulous attention to detail, all in search of the perfect thoroughbred is well on track! “I thank you for supporting us on this journey. All glory to the Horse.” That was the message from Klawervlei boss John Koster following Sunday’s De Grendel Cape Premier Yearling Sale where his multiple national champion nursery provided both the top-

selling colt and filly, and also topped the vendor charts with their 47 to sell averaging R350 531, at a gross R16 475 000. “There was an optimism and positive energy that was infectious at the sales ground on De Grendel Wine Estate – not just on the Sunday but for the week leading up to sale day,” John Koster told the Sporting Post as he added that the Cape Thoroughbred Sales personnel went out of their way to create excellent conditions for vendors and buyers alike. “Their efforts were rewarded with a full tent of excited horse people – the energy was

tangible and visible,” he said enthusiastically. John noted that the first 30 odd lots started slowly. “However soon the sale slowly developed momentum and ignited with lot 66, after which the momentum simply grew.” He says that the racing and breeding industry can, and should be proud of just how resilient the recovery of the sport was with increases of 16% on aggregate, 7% on average and with 90% horses sold.

“This is more than the first tender green shoots, this is a vote of confidence in an industry that deals head on with our challenges with old fashioned, grit, humility, excellence and excellent customer service!” “At Klawervlei, we are extremely grateful to all our clients and friends, local and international, who have so willingly supported the stud, our horses and our people. We sincerely thank each and every one of you!”

A seasoned buyer messaged the Sporting Post on Sunday to say that the Klawervlei horses were turned out beautifully. We passed this on to John. “Thank you! The feedback is valued. And yes, I know our string looked and showed magnificently. This was in no small way due to all the hard graft and attention to detail put in by Riaan Ruiters and our team of top class men and ladies. We salute you one and all!” he said proudly.

John concluded by saying that it was very pleasing to witness buyers giving the Klawervlei stallions great support with so much confidence. “Their progeny are all still strongly contesting with much success on the racecourse.”

Chase Liebenberg

MJ puts another subject on the spot! The top notch Malmoos in action

SA Triple Crown Champ To Stand At Ridgemont

One of the most exciting equine athletes of his generation, and only the fourth horse in history to win the South African Triple Crown, former Mike de Kock champion Malmoos will join the exciting Ridgemont Highlands stallion roster in advance of the new season.

With parallels to Horse Chestnut’s facile victory in the Grade 1 South African Derby more than two decades earlier, Malmoos galloped his way into South African turf history on 3 April 2021 as he registered his seventh victory

from his first eight career starts, taking his earnings to over R3,5 million on that memorable Turffontein afternoon. In the course of that emphatic victory, Malmoos effectively signed his paddock passport as he enjoys the distinction of being the last Grade 1 winning colt sired by former champion sire, Captain Al. “He’s the real deal. He has the looks, the pedigree and thankfully he will go to stud in South Africa,” said multiple champion trainer Mike de Kock.

The now Hong Kong-based SA Champion apprentice Luke Ferraris became the youngest jockey in history to win the SA Triple Crown. “Malmoos changed my life. I had a lot of butterflies before the race, but they disappeared once the gates opened. But once he started going through his gears the butterflies came back again. He gave me goosebumps,” added Ferraris. An athlete in every respect, the handsome Malmoos was the second top lot sold at R4,4 million off the 2019

Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale. Racing in the internationally recognised silks of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, Malmoos possessed the eclectic hallmark of natural speed and stamina, winning seven races from 1200m to 2450m, including two Grade 1 races, a Grade 2 and a Grade 3. In his brief but distinguished career spanning fifteen months with twelve runs, Malmoos earned a rating of 125. A son of the late South African multiple champion sire Captain Al, the regally pedigreed Malmoos is bred on the same Captain Al/

Fort Wood cross as Grade 1 winners Captain America and William Longsword. He is out of the Spook Express Handicap winner Justthewayyouare, a half-sister to Varsfontein sire Master Of My Fate. In confirming the great news for the Western Cape thoroughbred breeding community, Ridgemont Highlands’s Craig Kieswetter said that the beautifully bred Malmoos would dovetail perfectly with the champion farm’s existing stallion band of multiple Group 1 winning international stakes producer Canford Cliffs, South African Champion Freshman Sire Rafeef, and Grade 1 winning Singspiel sire, Potala Palace

“Malmoos ticks all the boxes of blue blood, physical conformation and elite level race performance, and it goes without saying that we are very excited and he will be visited by our top mares from day one! I must also extend sincere thanks to Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum and the Shadwell team for facilitating what will inevitably be an exciting and popular addition to the thoroughbred breeding industry in South Africa,” concluded Craig Kieswetter.

WILGERBOSDRIFT CONGRATULATES THE CONNECTIONS OF

RAIN IN HOLLAND on winning the

WILGERBOSDRIFT GAUTENG FILLIES GUINEAS (GR 2) 1 600m the ﬁrst leg of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara. Owner: Drakenstein Stud Trainer: Sean Tarry Jockey: Richard Fourie Breeder: Drakenstein Stud

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DE KOCK EYES THE CROWN

32 Smanga Khumalo drives Safe Passage to victory

33 JC Photos

On a red-letter evening for Drakenstein Stud, Smanga Khumalo produced recent Gr2 Dingaans winner Safe Passage under an animated left-handed ride to make it five wins on the trot with victory in the R1 million World Sports Betting Gr2 Gauteng Guineas at Turffontein on Tuesday evening.

happy for Drakenstein on their feature double and they are supporting Gauteng racing,” added De Kock.

After the disappointment of Desert Miracle’s defeat – labelled ‘a debacle’ by the champion trainer - in the fairer sex equivalent, Mike de Kock must fancy his chances of making it an SA Triple Crown double after the recently retired new Ridgemont Highlands stallion Malmoos’ dramatic success a year earlier.

When Khumalo changed the crop to his left hand, Safe Passage (4-1) straightened like a class act and went on too powerfully to beat the low-flying Pyromaniac (25-1) by 1,50 lengths in a time of 99,61 secs.

“He’s a helluva horse – I still want to see him over a mile and a half. This horse has got freakish heart-rates. I’m very

While the complexion of the race changed dramatically over the final 350m, it was an impressive performance by Safe Passage, who was produced from midfield by Khumalo.

Outofthedarkness (10-1) should be a serious proposition over further next time as he showed smart acceleration to fly up for third, ahead of the winner’s tote favourite stablemate, Aragosta (4-1).

Another Drakenstein homebred to catch the eye, Safe Passage is by deceased champion stallion Silvano (Lomitas) out of My Sanctuary (Antonius Pius), whose four wins included the 2013 Gr2 The Debutante. Safe Passage has won 5 races with 1 place from 7 starts for stakes of R993 562. A bonus of R2 million will be paid to connections of the horse that wins all three legs of the WSB SA Triple Crown. Safe Passage will enjoy the step up to the 1800m in the second leg, which is the R1,5 million Gr1 WSB SA Classic run at Turffontein on Saturday, 5 March. The third leg of the series is the R1,5 million Gr1 WSB SA Derby run over 2450m at Turffontein on Saturday 2 April.

De Kock – The Good & The Bad It was a Tuesday evening of mixed fortunes for multiple champion trainer Mike de Kock. He is on the road to winning the SA Triple Crown for the second straight year, but clearly isn’t pleased about Desert Miracle getting beaten in the SA Triple Tiara opener. While Safe Passage is an obvious Triple Crown hopeful, his stablemate Aragosta (fourth in Guineas, staying on) will present a

danger in both the next two legs, the SA Classic (1800m) and the SA Derby (2450m). Mike said: “He’s a very good horse too, it’s also a case of the further the better so it will be interesting to see what will happen between the pair when they clash over further,” said Mike. The stable’s star filly Desert Miracle was beaten into third, in the G2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas. Mike commented: “This to me was 34a totally unacceptable ride considering we had a game plan. We’ll

leave it at that.” He said about Bold Act: “I think she showed us now she doesn’t stay a mile, we’ll revert to shorter with her. Clafoutis ran well, she was beaten just over four lengths over a trip too short. “Our first-timer Arividicio made a very good debut in a Juvenile Plate against winners, he’s one punters can follow.”

JC Photos

Richard Fourie has Rain In Holland well in control

RAIN – AND MORE RAIN! The only Gr1 winner in the field, Equus Champion 2yo filly of last term Rain In Holland was produced with immaculate timing by Cape jockey Richard Fourie to upstage the red hot favourite Desert Miracle and win the R750 000 Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas at Turffontein on Tuesday evening. Going off at 3-10, Desert Miracle was the hot pick in the first leg of the SA Triple

Tiara, despite running off a nine week break following her shock defeat in the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas down at Kenilworth. But she looked in fine fettle and clearly fresh and loaded with enthusiasm, she stalked stablemate Clafoutis around the turn and hit the front a long way from home. Despite looking to be full of running, she had no answers for the Sean Tarry star who was registering her first victory as a 3yo.

Rain In Holland (5-1) clocked 99,74 secs and beat Sprinkles (20-1) by 2,50 lengths with the 1-3 Desert Miracle fading late to be beaten a head back in third. The high riding Richard Fourie registered a personal double on the evening and said his instructions were simple – Trainer Sean Tarry said place her wherever she was happy. “Contrary to my expectations, she was on the bridle and

the pace wasn’t really on. As we came off the false rail I followed the best horse and I thought I was racing for second or third. But 200m from home I asked for an effort and Rain In Holland delivered,” explained the modest Fourie. “She has upped her performance a gear today. We were always respectful of the favourite but as an Equus champ and the only Gr1 winner in the line-up, she had to have a shout,” added Sean Tarry, who always seems to pull the big one out of the hat. Raced and bred by

Drakenstein Stud, Rain In Holland has won 6 races with 4 places from 10 starts for stakes of R967 250. A daughter of deceased Danehill sire Duke Of Marmalade, she is out of the Aqlaam mare Imvula, a half sister to July winner Dancer’s Daughter. The mare was purchased in the UK, where she won once from two starts. A bonus of R1 million will be paid to the connections of the filly that wins all three legs of the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara.

The next leg is the R1 250 000 Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic to be run over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday 5 March. The final leg is the R750 000 Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 SA Oaks to be run over 2450m at Turffontein on Saturday 2 April. Sean Tarry and the Drakenstein team have plenty to look forward to.

40 Keagan de Melo and Gallic Princess win the Tommy Hotspur

JC Photos

VERCINGETORIX MARE OUTGUNS THEM 41

Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Candice Dawson and KZN-based jockey Keagan de Melo teamed up with the Vercingetorix mare Gallic Princess who enjoyed the give in the ground to register a career first stakes success at Turffontein on Tuesday evening. After an electric storm delayed matters at the racemeeting postponed from Saturday, the rains came and conditions suited some and not others in the lineup of the R250 000 WSB Live Blackjack Gr3 Tommy Hotspur Stakes contested over the straight 1000m. After learning from some bad luck at a slow start to the Lebelo Sprint at her last

start, Keagan de Melo rode a patient race as he allowed Gallic Princess to bowl along in midfield as Kings Road and the snow white Anna Capri led the charge down the middle inside. At the 300m, Gallic Princess (8-1) was switched in and she went clear to win unextended by 2,25 lengths under a soft ride in a time of 56,42 secs. Winter Stories (8-1) maintained form and ran on into second ahead of the fast finishing Sweet Future (5-1) who edged out the gallant Anna Capri for fourth. The favourite Master Archie never threatened and finished in sixth and just out of the money. Bred by The Alchemy, the winner is a daughter of

Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the Jallad mare Julliard. A R70 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, Gallic Princess has won 6 races with 11 places from 24 starts for stakes of R656 375. The race is named in honour of the champion ten time winning speed merchant Tommy Hotspur, who won the 1997 Gr1 Computaform Stakes, covering the Gosforth Park 1000 m in a record 56,37 seconds. After the transfer of the meeting from Saturday, it was heartening to see the R1 million Pick 6 carryover pool reach the R5 million target and go beyond, with R5 394 175 in the bank.

17th Stakes Strike! Maine Chance Farms’ prominent resident sire Vercingetorix’s great season continued at Turffontein on Tuesday night when his daughter Gallic Princess ran out a convincing winner of the Gr3 WSB Live Blackjack Tommy Hotspur Stakes.

She is the 17th stakes winner for Vercingetorix -who also enjoyed success at Fairview on Tuesday when his Boland Stud bred son Celtillus scored over 1200 metres. South Africa’s Champion Sire elect for 2021-2022, Vercingetorix proved popular at the recent Cape Premier

Yearling Sale where his stock made up to R850 000. The champion son of Silvano (sire of Tuesday night’s Gr2 World Sports Betting Gauteng Guineas winner Safe Passage) has seven lots on offer at the upcoming Cape Yearling Sale.

CERES VALLEY WELL REPRESENTED

Boland Stud and Cheveley Stud, two of the country's top thoroughbred nurseries and both based in the Ceres valley, will both be represented at the upcoming BSA Cape Yearling Sale at Kenilworth Racecourse. Boland Stud, whose recent alumni include the course record breaker Cruise Control, will be offering a trio of quality yearlings, sired by such exciting prospects as Danon Platina, Rafeef and

The United States. The latter, who made such a splash with his first runners last season, is responsible for a filly (Lot 72) whose dam is a winning half-sister to Equus Champion Via Africa - the dam of star Australian galloper, and Gr1 XXXX Golden Rose winner, In The Congo.

Red hot sire Rafeef, sire of recent graded stakes winners Aragosta and William Robertson is represented here by Nelson Bay (Lot 30) -a colt whose granddam is GR1

SA Fillies Classic heroine Bambina Stripes, while exciting young Deep Impact horse Danon Platina, whose first crop are yearlings, is the sire of a colt (Lot 134) whose dam is a stakes winning daughter of top-class sire Querari. Situated close to Boland Stud is the Cheveley Stud - breeders of umpteen topclass horses including Horse Of The Year Legislate and star filly Bela-Bela, to name but two.

Cheveley will be bringing a small but quality string to the Cape Sale, with their draft made up of yearlings sired by all of Fire Away, Lancaster Bomber, The United States and reigning South African champion sire Gimmethegreenlight. The latter is represented here by a regally bred colt (Lot 7) whose speedy, G3 placed dam is a full-sister to the Gr1 winning champion Talktothestars.

Sadly, War Front's Gr1 winning son Lancaster Bomber is deceased, but that top-class galloper is represented in Cheveley's string by a halfsister (Lot 25) to two winners and her dam is a full-sister to Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint runner up Maelstrom. Fire Away is another son of War Front represented here -he is the sire of a colt (Lot 85) from the famed Miss Lindeman family, while exciting Gr1 Ranvet Stakes winner The United States' sole offering

in this draft is a beautifully bred filly (Lot 41) out of Commands' Gr3 Flamboyant Stakes winning daughter Queen's Command. In search of a champion racehorse? Come and inspect the Boland Stud and Cheveley Stud's consignments at the 2022 Cape Yearling Sale – Kenilworth Racecourse on Sunday 27 February. Please click here to see the online catalogue

MJ puts another subject on the spot! 46 Liam Kotzen and Granny Judy Wintle lead Han Solo (Richard Fourie) in after his win on Met day

Candiese Lenferna

A LIFETIME OF LOVE! MJ puts another subject on the spot! 47

As the sun sets on the 2021/22 Cape Summer Season, with only the Cape Derby meeting to be run on 26 February, there have been some thrilling and impressive performances to talk about. While Kommetdieding captured the imagination and Jet Dark strutted his stuff, a 5yo gelding called Han Solo has been a hero in his own right to his 80 year old owner-breeder Judy Wintle and the Kotzen clan. With two seconds in December and a victory on L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate day and WSB Cape Town Met day, Han Solo had the fit as-a-fiddle Judy Wintle celebrating and dancing with her grandchildren on the winner’s podium on both big days. The great joy for Judy and the Kotzen family is that Granny rode winners in the Cape Hunt meetings 60 years ago in the very same silks worn in 2022 by the gallant Han Solo! And getting hold of Judy for a two minute chat was no walk in the park either for the Sporting Post – while many of her age are watching Judge Judy or whinging about prices or Eskom loadshedding, the veteran owner-breeder attends daily aqua and gym classes and tells us she is an avid Nordic walker!

Judy in those famous silks in the Cape Hunt days

A member of the Southey Clan from the Karoo, Judy’s Dad was a sheep farmer while her Uncles were Racehorse Breeders. “I am a graduate of the Grahamstown Teachers Training College and a primary school teacher by profession,” she explains proudly. Judy’s immediate family wasn’t horsey but she was ‘mad about horses’ and two of her daughters – Linda and Kathi - followed on .

“I remain very much in the game as I have children heavily involved in the equine world. Remembering back, the Cape Hunt Meetings were enormously popular and that platform encouraged many young people to become involved in racing,” says Judy.

“The highlights then were of course the Met and the Richelieu Guineas. But Han Solo’s win on Met Day was a huge thrill as was his winning on L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Day! It was amazing and a real family affair!” she tells, beaming with pride.

She laments that in the days before television coverage we also had huge crowds at racemeetings.

Family and horses, and keeping fit, occupy Judy’s everyday!

“Back in the day I used to ride work for Alan Higgins at the Philippi Training Centre. My Cape Hunt horse was Non Skid and I also rode a horse called Final. My youngest daughter Linda (aka ‘Lamb’) became a very successful Cape Hunt rider from the age of 12!” Judy reminisces and says there were some great personalities from those days. She mentions Chris Smith and also Selwyn Simpson from Emeritus Bloodstock. While Han Solo is clearly deeply ensconced in her heart, she tells that the sadly ill-fated Vodacom Durban July winner Big City Life is the most famous horse she has bred, and she also gives an honorary mention to a filly called Bombay Duck.

“I visit Woodhill Estate often and check up on the mares, foals and horses-intraining with Glen and Kathi. Life is busy - I have ten grandchildren and a great grandchild!” she says with a broad smile. Well done Judy – you are a shining example of love and passion for a sport under the cosh.

The Sporting Post Sprint is interactive. Click on the live links throughout and enjoy the read!

SUGGESTIONS? Please email editor@sportingpost.co.za

JC Photos

Billy Ruiters – a spring chicken at 63

BILLY’S ICEBREAKER JOY

Like a test batsman who has escaped the nervous ‘noughties’, Turffontein trainer Billy ‘The Kid’ Ruiters is hopeful that his icebreaking winner at the Vaal on 27 January will now set the foundation for his first century. And before we settled down to a chat, we asked where he thought his next winner may be?

Billy fancies the chances of House Master in the opener at the Vaal on Thursday. “Donovan Cooper rode him last time. He was not allowed to use his crop as it was his first race around the turn. Now on Thursday he gets the crop, even though he cannot use it behind the saddle. The gelding is well and I think he will go close!”he told the Sporting Post with some measure of confidence. 52

Unconventional and unorthodox are the words that spring to mind when chatting to the Hollywoodbetssponsored conditioner, who saddled the Eightfold Path 5yo Qauttro Passi to a memorable milestone victory in a modest handicap at the Vaal on that generally not-sothrilling Thursday last month. But facts are facts, and while it’s not quite on the level of

those Ripleys believe-it-ornot tales that we used to read as our mouths moulded the flavour infused chappies chewing gum, to train your first winner when most are focussing on retirement, is no mean feat. “It’s like getting that first run on the board – you are not going to go out for a duck,” laughs Billy as he outlines the pleasure that veteran champion jockey Mark Khan and the well-travelled Quattro Passi gave him when the pair charged home to beat Lulu’s Boy by over a length in the MR 66 Handicap. Relatively fancied at 5-1 after a decent second at his penultimate start, Quattro

Passi was not winning out of turn. “He was one of a batch of horses that went to Durban for what turned out to be a bit of a wasted exercise. When he returned he looked like he needed a square meal and we have worked on building him up. This was his sixth run back with me and I knew he would run a big race,” says the man who started out in the dark old days of discrimination with ambitions of becoming a jockey. “I ride a lot of my own work, but this is a strong fellow, so Mark Khan came and worked him a week before the win. He jumped off and, being the good judge he is, said that Quattro

Passi is well and should go close. He asked me what I was going to do with him in the interim – I said, walk, trot, walk,trot, walk, trot – then race! History shows it worked out as planned and congratulations must go to owner Benny Marais,” adds a pleased as punch, Billy. Over 46 years in the racing industry have fashioned Billy – he doesn’t have stars in his eyes but is determined to make a success of training. “I started for my own account when Chris Erasmus left for KZN in January last year. So, yes, it took me a year to break the ice, but I only had five horses in my string to start with and that’s now JC Photos

53 Quattro Passi (Mark Khan) is led in by Jomo Shabalala, Stincky Poie, Billie Ruiters & Joseph Chauke

grown to 30, with a few nice babies in the mix too.” Billy will run the first of his 2yo’s in a few weeks. “Having few runners, means one could be tempted into rushing things. But patience is a vital business asset when it comes to racing. And I’m pleased with the feedback on the babies. Denis Schwarz has singled out one filly who he feels is feature material in time. That’s encouraging. But I’m not getting ahead of myself!” He adds that having good workriders is important for feedback and planning. “One of the senior jockeys said he’d come regularly but I have never seen him again. But Neo Quale and Charles Ndlovu are a major help to me and we get through the work,” he adds as he says he is keen to increase the size of his string. “I only have three owners – but I am fortunate to say that they are staunch. Hollywoodbets have been a massive help with the sponsorship of blankets and equipment. I must thank Clinton Binda for introducing them when I started out. I had very little and it was a godsend. Anthony Delpech and the team have been very helpful and kind too.”

On the state of the game, Billy, who celebrates his 64th birthday on 27 October, says he remains a realist. “Things are tough across the board. But good ethics and hard work are excellent foundation stones. And I wake up every day knowing that there is absolutely nothing else I would rather be doing for a living – how many people can say that?” The fifth of twelve children born to Emily and Willem Ruiters in the Elandsriver District of Uitenhage, Billy started out life wanting to be a jockey. But black and coloured applicants were not allowed at the SA Jockey Academy at the time and the eager young man’s ambitions were dashed. “I dreamt of a career as a jockey for many years. And then one day I experienced a lifechanger. I met a trainer by the name of Mr Lynton Ryan at Fairview Racecourse. He was like a Dad to me. He took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. He inspired me and said that I could do other jobs beyond being a jockey. He guided me to become an honest player in the racing profession.” Billy fondly recalls jockeys like the late Jo-Jo Myburg, Domingo De Allende, Martin Shum, Bill Spencer and Claude Walker.

“These were the jockeys I worked with every day. They would teach me how to hold the reins. How to sit on a horse. And how to remain honest to one’s morals. I was an impressionable 18 year old when I started in the racing industry in 1976.” An early highlight for the passionate young man was saddling the Jackpot at Arlington, ‘way back when’. “Mr Ryan had left for Durban to help his father Mr Terry Ryan, and I was in charge of managing the PE stables on his behalf. I was also responsible for riding work. Mr Ryan told me to work all the horses myself. The jockeys were a bit peeved off about it. But when the yard saddled the Jackpot that week, everybody was thrilled!” Today Billy prides himself on family and his horses. “My daughter Ursula just had a child. She is six months old – and she keeps me busy! I now have thirteen grandchildren and they are my pride and joy!”

Chase Liebenberg

Cape star Kommetdieding is tied with Jet Dark in the SA Horse Of The Year chase

HALFWAY - THE STARS ARE ON THE MOVE! With half of the 2021/22 racing season completed, Cape Met winner Kommetdieding and L’Ormarins Queens Plate winner Jet Dark jointly lead the Horse of the Year points log with 72 points. Each has accumulated their points with a win and a second in a Super Gr1 race. The fillies Captain’s Ransom and Chansonette have also accumulated 72 points, although those points were earned over more pointaccumulating races than the two colts, with the former unbeaten this season in three fillies Graded races, and the latter winning a fillies age-

group Grade 1 and finishing second in three fillies only Graded races. Other contenders are Bohica (40) after his Cape Flying Championship win, Seeking The Stars (40) with 2 Graded wins, and Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Double Superlative (38). Champion Three-Year-Old Colt Double Superlative leads the three-year-old Equus award category for colts with 38 points, while another Snaithtrained runner, Pomp And Power, is on 32 points. Cosmic Highway (19), Safe Passage (16) and Aragosta (12) are all early contenders.

While the Cape Summer season comes to an end with the Cape Derby meeting at the end of February, the Highveld Autumn season starts this coming weekend with the joint first legs of the Triple Crown and Triple Tiara. The Cape Derby offers 32 points to the winner while the Highveld Triple Crown races offer a combined 80 points for the winners of the three legs. The Highveld trained Mike de Kock pair, Safe Passage and Aragosta, will have the three Triple Crown races to close the gap on Double Superlative. Champion Three-Year-Old Filly

Chansonette has opened a big lead on her opposition in the three-year-old filly category with 72 points. She won the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas and recorded three seconds in other pointsaccumulating Graded races, twice being touched off by Captain’s Ransom.

total of 64 points is up for grabs for the winners of the three legs of the Triple Tiara.

Desert Miracle, second in the Cape Fillies Guineas, is on 24 points but has the three races of the Highveld Triple Tiara series to close the gap on Chansonette, who is unlikely to travel to the Highveld. A

Kommetdieding and Jet Dark share top spot on 72 points in the Champion Older Male category, with Bohica (40), Seeking The Stars (40) and Flying Carpet (32) making up the log.

Big Burn (22), Amanzimtoti (16) and Sprinkles (10) follow in the points log. Champion Older Male and Female

Captain’s Ransom on 72 points leads the Champion Older Female category with Sparkling Water (30), Bold Fortune (24), Kitty Kat Chat (16) and Marina (16) behind her. Please read more here

Leopardstown Racecourse

DO THESE LOOK LIKE UNHAPPY PUNTERS? 58

The images from Leopardstown on Day 1 of the Dublin Racing Festival on Saturday seem to show folk happy to just be back on track. But Leopardstown's racing and operations manager Jane Hedley has acknowledged the track could have provided a better experience for racegoers on Saturday. A lack of staff meant long queues were commonplace and, in some cases, bars and restaurants ran out of supplies causing frustration for the 12,957 in attendance.

The Racing Post reports that Leopardstown uses the same catering service as the Aviva Stadium and, with Ireland facing Wales on Saturday in the Six Nations, Hedley said the agency responsible for staffing prioritised the rugby over the racing. The issue was raised in a meeting between management at Leopardstown after racing on Saturday and, according to Hedley, the service provided to racegoers on Sunday was much better for the 11,972 who came through the gates.

very difficult day for us. Anyone who has ever run a racecourse will know that, on your first day of the season, there are always teething problems. For us to have our first day with crowds in over two years and go straight into a near capacity crowd was difficult. "Many of the staff were out of practice, plus, the agency sent a lot of staff to the Aviva on Saturday as well. That was difficult, for sure. But Sunday was much, much better."

She said: "There is no doubt that Saturday was a very, Leopardstown Racecourse

The Furious Gamble Still going strong after having celebrated her 87th birthday in December, Anne Upton trained a top horse in Furious for Cyril Hurvitz. Fred Rickaby’s top pick of the 1976 National Sale, Hurvitz had to go to R17 000 for the son of Savonarola. He had one run for Rickaby and joined the Upton yard at the end of 1977. Furious’ first start in Anne’s care was over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in January 1978, which he won comfortably. He won again at Hollywoodbets Greyville in February. Anne recalled: “I phoned Hurvitz to tell him he was in Botswana counting

his cattle - and he immediately said he wanted Furious to win the Holiday Inns at the end of the year!” On 9 December 1978, less than 11 months after his first win, Furious won the Holidays Inns in style. Asked what her emotions were at the time she answers, “You know, it’s great to win a big race, I can tell you that now, but with Furious I was very relieved because the scary thing about Furious was his owner!” Hurvitz was the biggest gambler in SA at the time and had started backing Furious in March. He won a fortune. "When the horse won I thought 'that’s magic, I’ve

done my duty and that’s fine.' Immediately afterwards Hurvitz said he wanted me to go to Cape Town and have a crack at the Met and I said ‘I’m not going to Cape Town, nor is Furious - he’s having a holiday.’ Those were my very words to him, so he knew who he was dealing with,” she said firmly. Furious ran several more times, winning the Gr1 Champion Stakes and Gold Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville. In retirement, Furious lived out his days as the lead horse at Turffontein and he is honoured by having the Furious Room named after him.

- Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden

n Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies -

Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies

Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golden Oldies - Golde

DUBLIN FESTIVAL DELIGHTS

62 Galopin Des Champ and Paul Townend storm home in the Ladbrokes Novice Steeplechase

Leopardstown Racecourse

Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore after extending their unbeaten record to 14! The Dublin Festival at Leopardstown was highlighted by the great mare Honeysuckle remaining unbeaten in fourteen starts after securing a third win in the Irish Champion Hurdle on Sunday. She joins the greats Istabraq and Hurricane Fly as only the third horse to have won this race on three occasions.

A penalty kick for all that the two Mullins horses, Saint Roi and Echoes In Rain had potential and Zanahiyr was narrowly beat a neck in a Grade One over the course and distance last time out. Official figures said Honeysuckle had 6lbs in hand of her nearest rival and she was getting 7lbs from them. It showed. Cheered down to the start, during the race, and after the race when getting the best

reception of the weekend, this is a superstar doing what she does best. She was upsides Zanahiyr rounding the turn for home. A few strides later she was four lengths clear and the contest was over. No horse has ever before won their first 14 races over hurdles. Next up for Honeysuckle will be the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. After that Sir Ken’s record of 16

consecutive hurdles wins will be in sight.

rallied strongly and was only beaten half-a-length at the line.

up in the Gr1 Ladbrokes Dublin Chase by 12 lengths.

Apart from Honeysuckle winning for trainer Henry de Bromhead, the Willie Mullins Show was evident throughout the weekend. The master of Closutton stables was victorious in seven of the fifteen races, including six of the eight group one events.

Facile Vega, a son of leading sire Walk In The Park out of six-time Cheltenham Festival winner Quevega, won the concluding race of the day, the Gr2 Flat Race in commanding fashion. Mullins thought Facile Vega was his best bumper horse this year, and in what looked a potentially strong renewal, his manner and margin of victory had bookmakers slashing his odds for next month’s Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. He won by an easy nine lengths.

Mullins commented: “Chacun Pour Soi was brilliant, he was back to himself having just come right for me in the last 10 days.”

On day one, It looked like a strong renewal of the Gr1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle as the field included five unbeaten hurdlers, most notably Fil Dor an unbeaten winner of three starts over hurdles for Gordon Elliott. Fil Dor held every chance when jumping on at the second-last, but simply had no answer to Vauban's turn of foot. Willie Mullins charge improved on his first start over hurdles on Boxing Day (when runner-up to the smart Pied Piper) to power away after the last and win readily by three-lengths. Blue Lord took advantage of a final fence mistake from an unlucky Riviere D'etel to win the Gr1 Irish Arkle Novice Chase. The grey mare, Riviere D'etel, was in front jumping the last, but pecked badly on landing and Paul Townend wasted no time in sending Blue Lord two lengths clear. He needed that advantage as the runner-up

Sunday at Leopardstown, saw the four “good things” all arrive with bookmakers having nowhere to hide. Galopin Des Champs, Chacun Pour Soi, Honeysuckle and Sir Gerhard - all odds-on for Grade One contests – obliging. Galopin Des Champs, a chaser all over, galloped his rivals into the ground with the most stylish of wins in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase over 2 miles and five furlongs. “A few times he met fences on the wrong stride, he just stood back at them. Paul was trying to teach him to get in close to them. He learnt a lot today.” Willie Mullins said. The champion trainer then witnessed one of his favourite chasers Chacun Pour Soi hose

“Maybe at this stage of his career he’s almost better off being 90%, or 95%, than fully 100%.” Multiple backers were waiting on Sir Gerhard in the Gr1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle. Taken to the front from the off by Paul Townend, he didn’t jump brilliantly, but there was never really any doubt as to the result with only the second favourite Three Stripe Life being able to stay with him throughout the race. The Irish Champion trainer reflected: “When he crossed the road and clicked into gear, he galloped all the way up the home straight and jumped better too. So I was pleased with that.” A great weekend for spectators and favourite backers who will now look forward to March and the Festival.

HKJC

Golden Sixty wins the 2021 G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup

SIXTY AIMS FOR GOLD After suffering a rare defeat – his first since July, 2019 – Golden Sixty will aim to recapture his winning thread in Sunday week’s Gr1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup after pleasing both jockey Vincent Ho and trainer Francis Lui in a

trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning. Stepping out cleanly under Ho, Hong Kong’s champion let rip down the centre of the track in fine style – crossing the line first in 58.80s over 1000m on the turf course.

“He went very well, he feels fresh – 1000 metres is not enough for him but he felt good and I’m happy with that, it was a nice piece of work,” Ho said. Golden Sixty – earner of HK$98.09 million – had

his winning streak halted at 16 after shock defeat by Waikuku in last month’s Gr1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m). But this morning, Francis Lui declared it’s all systems go for the galloper ahead of his HK$12 million test in 12 days’ time. “I was happy with the trial – that was what I wanted to see, everything is fine,” Lui said. The six-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro steps up to 2000m for the first time since winning the Hong Kong Gold Cup last year, when prevailing by a short-head to the recently retired Furore, while Exultant filled third. “I don’t have any concerns about the 2000 metres, there is no problem with that – we have won it before and he can relax pretty well now – hopefully we can do it again,” Ho said. Golden Sixty has won 19 of his 21 career starts in Hong Kong, scoring five times at Group 1 level – including consecutive G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m)

crowns in 2020 and 2021. He was recently rated the world’s joint-top miler in the 2021 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. “It’s always a good feeling no matter when I am on him – he’s a great partner, he’s such an amazing horse with his own character,” Ho said. Since the turn of the century, only three horses have won consecutive Hong Kong Gold Cups – Viva Pataca (2008 & 2009), Military Attack (2013 & 2014) and Designs On Rome (2015 & 2016). Both Ho and Lui are also aiming to recapture Hong Kong’s ultimate prize next month – the HK$24 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m). The pair savoured success in 2020 with Golden Sixty and this time will task The Irishman – who finished a fast-closing third last start in the HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) – leg one of the lucrative Four-Year-Old Classic Series. “I will give him a barrier trial next Tuesday (15 February) – he’s getting better and better

but I’d like to teach him to relax – the target is the Hong Kong Derby,” Lui said. The Irishman – a New Zealand-bred son of Tavistock – has raced three times in Hong Kong for three placings. “He will be a quality horse, he’s still young and he hasn’t run too much in Hong Kong – so there’s still lots to learn but the other day he felt a bit too keen and the track bias wasn’t as good to the outside, so there are things we can look into with him but he should be better in the Classic Cup,” Ho said. The Irishman’s next task will be the HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on Sunday, 27 February before shooting for BMW Hong Kong Derby glory on Sunday, 20 March.

results up to: 2022-02-08

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

Runs

Wins Win%

732 560 416 261 631

100 104 45 54 69

13.7. 18.6 10.8 20.7 10.9

2nd

3rd

90 81 37 38 73

92 61 43 29 61

2nd

3rd

Other Places Place %

Win Stake (R)

164 114 73 52 114

7,445,275 11,100,838 6,045,813 8,776,813 3,490,125 5,028,563 3,658,688 4,983,000 2,910,625 4,579,825

346 256 153 119 248

47.3 45.7 36.8 45.6 39.3

Total Stakes (R)

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

Rides Wins Win% 880 677 479 804 551

144 114 96 92 75

16.4 16.8 20.0 11.4 13.6

133 1119 82 76 80 66 100 92 76 68

Other Places Place %

Win Stake (R)

169 130 100 167 124

7,652,875 11,500,838 7,661,575 10,642,088 5,832,800 8,044,063 4,790,250 7,999,500 3,855,825 6,443,900

421 288 246 359 268

47.8 42.5 51.4 44.7 48.6

Total Stakes (R)

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

Name

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

241 963 289 1176

47,476 102 138 38,107 87 107

42.3 385 30.1 464

8 4

10 5

11,441,825 11,013,013

128 121 119

56,775 46,557 41,531

39.8 210 35.5 197 29.4 194

10 2 2

7,267,150 5,633,438 4,942,200

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

9 1 6 6 3

6,884,763 6,383,288 6,161,500 5,914,113 5,804,588

510 481 565

51 43 35

76 63 49

SIRES Name

Runrs Runs AEPR

Vercingetorix 128 154 Master Of My Fate Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)150 130 * Silvano (GER) 106 Elusive Fort

499 653 565 500 492

53,787 41,450 41,077 45,493 54,760

B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs % 57 61 53 53 37

76 77 71 70 50

44.5 39.6 35.3 40.8 34.9

210 303 220 210 215

See all the detailed standings - Click here 70

7 1 6 5 3

THE CHAMPIONS ARE BACK! 72

The Champions League has returned in all its glory – so we just simply had to have it as a feature! City, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are all in action in somewhat simple ties (if there is ever such a thing) but our attention will be squarely set on the Parc des Princes! “If not now then when” seems to the theme of the article – so without further ado: enjoy! Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid | Tuesday 15 February | Parc des Princes | 22h00 To Win (90 mins) PSG 21/20 Draw 26/10 Real Madrid 24/10 PSG Ryan Liberty writes that Ligue 1 – at least at the summit – has begun to return to something more recognizable. PSG sit at the top of the pile with a 13-point lead after 23 fixtures and have looked reasonably comfortable doing so. This is important insofar as the Parisians’ European quest is concerned. Much like Manchester City, to be crowned King of Europe

is of the utmost importance to this football club. Their history relegates almost every other cup to second fiddle and their financial prowess is comfortable to ‘demand’ one of the world’s toughest club competitions. Losing to Nice on penalties is their only blemish from their last 14 fixtures in all competition, and whilst such a result will always raise a few eyebrows…I think PSG and Mauricio Pochettino have enjoyed a brilliant start to the 2022/23 football season. Now at the risk of sounding disrespectful, even in the modern game, I don’t think the PSG job is as much about being tactically astute, as it is about managing enormous personalities. The questions that pop up about the capabilities of Pochettino are quite simply unfounded and often quite shallow in depth. PSG looked desperate coming into this season’s Champions League, ‘if not now, then when’ seemed to almost be etched into the very fabric of the side and yet they are a side with legendary players supplying a core around which a team is built. Real Madrid might prove just one of two tricky tests for the Parisian side in this year’s tournament. Having Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos on the blue side might suggest

that their preparation will be incredibly collaborative. Ramos obviously came from Real, whilst Messi would have spent years analyzing (and tearing apart) their Spanish guests. Should PSG win this tie, they will not face Chelsea, Manchester City or Bayern Munich until the final – so truly if not now…then when!? Real Madrid Real Madrid looks to be unrelenting in their efforts to return their great club to historic glory! Yes, they have slipped up and opened the door to their local rivals – but their response in critical moments can be likened to that of a Champion. Carlo Ancelotti is no stranger to achieving success at the highest level and combining the Italian’s pedigree with a club who itself is undisputed in its achievement in this tournament, makes for a testing encounter. Real Madrid carries themselves with a particular aura in this competition and have every right to. Los Blancos have history as a source from which they will draw unmatched confidence. After being knocked out of the Copa del Rey, Real responded well against Granada. They dominated

the game in large areas of the field and always looked to be knocking on the door when they had possession of the football. That was a performance without Karim Benzema and Vinicius – two players who would make a massive difference to any club they would play for. These two athletes should be back into the squad for this titanic clash, and nobody would be surprised to see either of them have a part to play in the Shakespearean drama that should surely unfold on a night out in Paris!

Prediction: PSG (21/20)

Les Parisiens, it’s right now!

This PSG side is riddled with talent and ability. I stand by what I suggested earlier in this piece – the quality on the field and in the coffers of this club often understates the importance of every other cup in Europe.

Elsewhere, I think Manchester City and Bayern Munich will enjoy straightforward wins. Liverpool and Inter should be an absolute treat – both teams to score should be the way to go there.

The players in this team know the importance of such a game and I can’t see past a win for the hosts here to be completely honest. These are never the sorts of games you want to be too bullish – but if there was ever a chance to get stuck into

Combine all these picks for a nibble at a rather simple looking 5/1 quad!