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A race with a rich and proud history of being contested by generations of champions of the turf over 125 years, and internationally acknowledged as Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event, the Durban July will be sponsored by South Africa’s leading betting operator Hollywoodbets, with effect from the 2022 renewal on Saturday 2 July. The announcement of the new headline sponsor for the 2200m Grade 1 spectacular last Thursday evening was accompanied by the news that the race will enjoy a prize increase of 250% over the 2021 offering and will carry a record stake of R5 million.
In recognition of the vital role played by Grooms in the racing industry, Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle, simultaneously announced an increase in the awards for the Grooms of winning horses from R1 000 to R2 000 per race, for the months of March, April and May. This joint venture between the operator and Hollywoodbets, known as the Grooms Initiative, has already put almost R2 million into the pockets of a key sector of the industry since the launch in 2019. Well-known as a community-focussed brand, Hollywoodbets, has a long-
standing investment into the growth and success of horse racing, along with the upliftment of the communities within which they operate. The Hollywoodbets Durban July is the flagship event on the East Coast’s KZN Champion Season roster, which will also be the recipient of a major stakes injection of R13 million. The increase in prize money for South Africa’s preeminent racing season will apply to both feature and minor races run in the holiday province from 1 March to 31 August. These ground-breaking announcements, which will be music to the ears of racing fans and the sport’s stakeholders countrywide,
Candiese Lenferna
Hollywoodbets thus join
Rothmans and Vodacom as only the third sponsor of the great race in 59 years.
6 4Racing’s Colin Gordon & Fundi Sithebe enjoy the party
Hosted by well-known broadcasting personality and Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Carol Tshabalala, invited guests included other sporting code personalities and dignitaries from local government and business. The landmark City racecourse has been home to the Durban July through two World Wars, and the international sporting event dates back to Saturday 17 July 1897, when Campanajo crossed the line
first in what was then a mile contest. Commercial Manager for Hollywoodbets, Sandisiwe Bhengu said, “This is a watershed moment for Hollywoodbets as we proudly take the reins of this unique event. The success of our business was built on the foundation of horseracing, and now we are able to continue this legacy with the assistance of a powerful platform. It is a huge honour for us.” “We aim to be more than just a title sponsor,” Bhengu said. “We align ourselves with projects we truly believe in, and the Hollywoodbets Durban July has the potential to spawn incredible opportunities and transformation.”
7 2021 Durban July winning jockey Gavin Lerena
Ms Bhengu said that the vision for this era of the Hollywoodbets Durban July is to open the thrills and benefits of the racing industry to a wider demographic. “The magnitude of this event extends way beyond just horse racing, covering tourism, entertainment, fashion and small to medium businesses. The reach and influence, both brand wise and economically, provides employment for thousands of people.” Events and Marketing Executive at Gold Circle, Stephen Marshall said, “The Durban July is perhaps the most unique South African event in the manner it has mirrored our country’s own
Candiese Lenferna
were made jointly by KZN racing operator Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets at an enthusiastically patronised cocktail function at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Thursday evening.
national journey. It has gone from strength-to-strength over the past 20 years because the social profile of the participants, attendees and audiences have undergone transformation on a parallel path with our society as a whole.
“With Hollywoodbets having joined us on this epic journey we hope to continue the legacy we have built,” he concluded. The Durban July injected almost R300 million in GDP to the economy in 2019, the last year that the public was permitted to attend. It is an
8 Durban July winning Jockeys Michael Roberts & Anthony Delpech
event that involves more than just the race day. Cover Image Benni MacCarthy & Ashwin Reynolds at the Hollywoodbets Durban July party - image courtesy of Candiese Lenferna
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CAN GUINEAS WINNER BREAK DROUGHT?
10 Double Superlative can follow in the hoofprints of Capetown Noir
Candiese Lenferna
‘Double Superlative can join an elite club of standouts who have completed the coveted double, the likes of which include such household names as Colorado King, Politician, Bold Tropic and more recently Rabiya and Jay Peg’
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This weekend's Gr1 Jonsson Workwear Cape Derby at Kenilworth looks done and dusted if the odds are anything to go by. Heading the betting boards is Double Superlative, who is widely expected to add the 2000m classic to his victory in the Gr1 Cape Guineas. If he succeeds, he will break an eight-year drought stretching back to 2013, when Capetown Noir added the Derby to his Guineas success. In addition, he will join an elite club of standouts who have completed the coveted double, the likes of which include such household names as Colorado King,
Politician, Bold Tropic and more recently Rabiya and Jay Peg. Double Superlative announced his arrival in the upper echelons with a smart, if slightly controversial victory in the Guineas, where jockey Anton Marcus' spoiling tactics put paid to the chances of a number of his rivals. That ride came with a sting in the tail however, when the stipes slapped him with an 18day holiday. Double Superlative next tackled older rivals in the Cape Town Met and finished fourth, a creditable performance considering he was beaten less than two lengths by Kommetdieding.
Rated 125, Nic Jonsson's colt towers head and shoulders over his rivals and whilst there is no such thing as a racing certainty, he is a worthy favourite to provide trainer Justin Snaith with a fourth Derby victory, six years after It's My Turn scored a bloodless two- length victory over Brazuca and subsequent champion Marinaresco. Snaith saddled his first Derby winner in 2008, when Fieldspring Racing duo Russian Sage and Tan Can fought out a driving finish, with the former winning the war of attrition by a hardfought neck. Six years later, Snaith again worked his magic as he saddled the first three home,
Chase Liebenberg
12 Universal is out to give Adam Marcus his first Cape Derby strike
victory going to future Horse of the Year Legislate, who led home Guineas winner Captain America and Arion in a dream trifecta for the stable. The cupboard has been bare since, but that could change on Saturday. Besides, Snaith has a worthy backup in Gr3 Concorde Stakes winner Pomp And Power, who chased home his stable companion in the Cape Guineas. The son of Vercingetorix most recently finished a creditable fifth behind Jet Dark in the Gr1 L'Ormarins Queen's Plate, where he was the first threeyear-old home, In contrast, Adam Marcus will be aiming for his first Cape Derby success. Best known
for his success with L'Ormarins Queen's Plate winner Vardy, the young trainer saddles that one's half-brother Universal, who did not enjoy the rub of the green in the Guineas where ironically, he fell victim to the tactics employed by Adam's uncle and had to settle for sixth place. However, the colt bounced back in style with a smart victory in the Gr3 Politician Stakes on Met day and on that effort, looks set to provide doughty opposition to the favourite. Should he succeed, Adam will add to the Marcus clan's fine record in the Cape Derby. Father Basil saddled Cape Guineas winner Jay Peg in the 2007 renewal, and
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the handsome bay duly completed the double with a hard-fought shorthead win over Pick Six. Basil's brother Anton will again partner favourite Double Superlative and bids to add to his winning rides aboard Floatyourboat (2006) and Bravura (2010). On current form, it is hard to look past the aforementioned trio for a likely winner and barring any major upset, everything points to one of the three adding their name to the Derby honour roll.
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PRAWNS & A PICK 6 – SOUNDS GOOD! Cape Racing is hosting The Cape Town Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival at Kenilworth on Jonsson Workwear Derby Day on Saturday. While casual visitors can expect high octane racing, delectable seafood delights from food trucks in the seafood village, live jazz performances, buskers and loads of entertainment for the kids, there is a Pick 6
carryover of R500 000 and the pool is expected to reach Horse Racing on the day includes the Jonsson Workwear Gr1 Cape Derby where Double Superlative is the favourite. The Khaya Stables Jockeys versus Work Riders challenge will also be held after a successful introduction last year.
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Enjoy the sounds of Jimmy Nevis, Nobuhle Ashanti Trio, Thandeka Dladla and Hassan’adas while enjoying the racing. For the children there will be a host of activities from face-painting to magic shows, jumping castles, pony rides and more.
Donovan Everitt, Commercial, Events and Marketing Executive at Cape Racing, says that their team is working hard to create a variety of different events synonymous with horseracing for the people of Cape Town: “Our aim is to bring people to the racecourse with a festive vibe, great food and fun entertainment, ensuring that everyone feels welcome to enjoy a day at the races. “Cape Racing is proud to play a small part in the
rejuvenation of the hospitality industry by providing vendors, entertainers and suppliers a much needed platform to bolster the industry. Come down and support what promises to be a great day!” Gates open at 12h00 and entertainment carries on until 20h00. Tickets cost R 50 for adults and R 25 for under 18s, with a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 costing R 100.
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Get your tickets at Webtickets. Guests over the age of 12 need to be fully vaccinated.
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TBA
MJ puts another subject on the spot! Cape Yearling Sale graduate and dual international Gr1 winner Yulong Prince
FIND A YULONG PRINCE ON SUNDAY! The exciting announcement of a massive stakes boost for the Hollywoodbets Durban July and the SA Champions Season from 1 March will be some positive news in a difficult time for South Africa racing on the eve of one of our best value for money auctions.
To be held at Kenilworth on Sunday, the Cape Yearling Sale has unleashed a string of top prospects over the years, with the list of high-class thoroughbreds offered for sale at this auction a lengthy one indeed.
go on to win the G1 Kennedy Cantala, in Australia under the name of Yulong Prince, heads the list of recent star thoroughbreds who have been offered for sale at previous renewals of the Cape Sale.
The Gr1 Daily News 2000 winning Surcharge, who would
Yulong Stud now stands one of the best horses of his
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generation, who won six of 11 starts here before relocating to Australia in 2019. Yulong Prince’s victory in the G1 Kennedy Cantala Stakes during Melbourne Cup Week was very special as the first Australian Group 1 success for Yulong owner Yuesheng Zhang. Other notable horses sold off recent editions of the Cape Yearling Sale include
Drakenstein Stud’s promising young sire Gold Standard represented by five lots on Sunday - and fellow graded stakes winners Doosra, Elusive Heart, Final Judgement, Green Pepper, Hack Green and Princess Peach.
The majority of the Cape’s top farms represented. The 2022 Cape Yearling Sale is set to start at 12h30 on Sunday, and the online catalogue can be viewed at www.bsa.co.za.
A total of 171 yearlings have been catalogued for this sale, with a diverse offering of sires, including a first from Ascot Stud’s outstanding son of Snitzel Heavenly Blue.
20 Ascot’s Heavenly Blue – has his first lot (#76) on the Cape Yearling Sale
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Candiese Lenferna Sally seen with Anthony Delpech at the sales recently
THE WIND RIVER WARRIORS Sally Bruss' Wind River Farm will be offering a trio of classy lots at Sunday’s Cape Yearling Sale, with the impressive draft made up of yearlings sired by Erupt, Vercingetorix and Willliam Longsword. Dual Gr1 winner Erupt is the sire of Lashlaroo (Lot 18), a beautifully bred half-brother to three winners - notably Gr3 Tommy Hotspur Handicap/Gr3 Magnolia Handicap winner True To Life. Lashlaroo is out of Mina Salaam -a multiple stakes winning, Medaglia
D'Oro half-sister to Gr1 winner Deo Juvente, and this colt's granddam is the Gr1 winning champion Circle Of Life. Storyline (Lot 91) is a filly by promising sire and former Cape Guineas winner William Longsword, and this halfsister to five winners is out of a winning half-sister to the remarkable, globetrotting sprinter Tiza. The latter captured six group or graded races, and scored notable group/graded victories in both France and South Africa.
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Current sire sensation Vercingetorix is also represented in this draft -with the champion son of Silvano responsible for Aculia (Lot 92). The latter, who hails from the same female line as recent Met winner Kommetdieding, is out of a stakes placed What A Winter half-sister to high-class stayer S'il Vous Plait, and her granddam is a winning daughter of outstanding broodmare sire Darshaan.
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Lot 26 – c by Captain Of All ex Neurose (BRZ)
RIVERTON – PASSION, PEDIGREE, PERFORMANCE! Duncan Barry's historic nursery to Gr1 winners, Riverton Stud are breeders of such standout performers as Captain Of All, Domino Man, and last season's Gr1 Mercury Sprint winner Pearl Of Asia, will be bringing five quality yearlings to the 2022 Cape Yearling Sale. The Robertson based farm will be offering buyers lots sired by the likes of Captain
Of All, Master Of My Fate, Pomodoro, Potala Palace and Royal Mo, and no discerning prospector can afford to ignore this draft. The Riverton bred champion Captain Of All, whose progeny include recent Met third placegetter Linebacker among others, is represented here by a half-brother (Lot 26) to speedy, stakes placed, seven time winner Great Shaka.
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Triple Gr1 winner, and former Equus Champion, Captain Of All's half-sister Queen Of Thrones is also represented in this consignment -she has a colt (Lot 40) by proven Gr1 sire Potala Palace on offer. Riverton Stud is no stranger to enjoying success with former G1 Vodacom Durban July Pomodoro, having bred the latter's top-class son Cirillo, and Pomodoro is represented here by a half-
sister (Lot 161) to the smart winners High Voltage and Vertigo Again. The very much inform Master Of My Fate has a filly (Lot 43) out of a winning half-sister to former top-class two-yearold Kilcoy Castle on the sale, while well performed Uncle Mo horse Royal Mo's sole representative in this draft
is a colt (Lot 124) whose three time winning dam is a full-sister to Listed Syringa Handicap winner Secret Obsession. The Cape Yearling Sale is set to take place at Kenilworth racecourse on Sunday February and the catalogue can be viewed online at www. bsa.co.za
Contact Duncan Barry: Cell: +27 (0)82 335 8951 E-mail: info@rivertonstud. co.za Tel: +27 (0)23 626 4309
Lot 40 – c by Potala Palace ex Queen Of Thrones
Lot 43 – f by Master Of My Fate ex Rachel Leigh
Lot 124 – c by Royal Mo (USA) ex Capulette
Lot 161 – f by Pomodoro ex Heliane
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Lot 9: Lip Sync f by Duke Of Marmalade (IRE) ex Lip Service by Silvano
FAIRER SEX QUARTET FROM MAINE CHANCE Maine Chance Farms, whose current roster of stallions include the very promising Erupt as well as the top-class pair of Querari and Vercingetorix, will be offering four fillies at the Cape Yearling Sale on Sunday. Lip Sync (Lot 9) is a Duke Of Marmalade filly out of a
winning Silvano half-sister to G1 Summer Cup winner Liege, and this filly's granddam is the Gr1 winning racemare Lyrical Linda.
Scented Mistress, while Samish Art (Lot 53) is a Flower Alley filly whose dam is a half-sister to Gr1 SA Derby winner Hero's Honour.
Querari, whose progeny include the likes of Rio Querari and Querari Falcon, is the sire of Sainte Croix (Lot 52) -a half-sister to last season's Gr1 Woolavington 2000 third
Last but not least in this consignment, is Sugar Glider (Lot 70), a filly by Selangor Cup winner Gold Standard out of a winning full-sister to the very smart filly Sylvanite.
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Please see the catalogue for Sunday’s sale – click here
Racing Manager: Justin Vermaak
Office Manager: +27 (0) 82 465 4020
Maine Chance Contacts
Telephone: +27 (0) 23 626 2342
tim@mainechance.co.za
Stud Manager: Tim Bootsma Stud Office Manager: Amanda Carey
Office: +27 (0) 23 626 5944 Office Mobile: +27 (0) 73 140 1921
Lot 53: Samish Art f by Flower Alley (USA) ex Samish Bay by Visionaire
amanda@mainechance.co.za justin@vermaakequine.co.za
Lot 52: Sainte Croix f by Querari (GER) Sainte Camille by Lateral
Lot 70: Sugar Glider f by Gold Standard ex Sugar Frosted by Silvano
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RACING TV – WE HAVE GONE BACKWARDS
In a snap poll conducted by the Sporting Post this week, 52% of respondents believe that the unravelling Racing Television saga will have devastating effects on SA racing.
the season.
On Thursday last week we celebrated the best news of
Yet we are now in the final week of February with
The 2022 renewal of the Hollywoodbets Durban July will be run for R5 million – Africa’s greatest race’s richest prize ever.
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the gloomy and bizarre prospect that South African horseracing is in the home stretch of the sport’s biggest turn-off in years.
This television war is plain bloody pinch yourself stuff for most of us.
Our favourite battering ram for as long as we can remember, the studio lights at the Rivonia Roadhouse, aka Tellytrack, the channel we once loved to hate, will switch off forever on Monday 28 February. Let’s be straight – the majority of us are puzzled and still scratching our heads. Many have posed the question to us – ‘does racing’s great benefactor Mrs Mary Slack even know about this pending timebomb’? While some, probably wisely given the five star hospitality, adopted the ‘loose lips sink ships’ philosophy at last Thursday evening’s swish, and really superbly organised
Hollywoodbets Durban July launch, and avoided the subject, the rank and file racing movers and shakers were shaking their heads. But nobody is really saying much – some preferring to smile and laud South African racing’s rescuers, the Gauteng power players, as is the stock standard horseracing politically correct show of humility and gratitude. This is a mudstorm of massive proportions. But maybe it’s really all just a massive early April Fool’s prank. In a nutshell – excuse the pun – KwaZulu-Natal racing will be out in the bitter cold in terms of live television coverage on DStv from 1 March.
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That also means that following the current stalemate – or ‘chequemate’ – our new 4RacingTv channel on 240, will be showing overseas racing and some recorded lifestyle tripe on their ‘off’ two or three days a week, when the holiday province hold their local meetings. Apparently rights and ownership are at the core of it and are the real dealbreakers. Please read more here
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JC Photos
MJ puts another subject on the spot! Gavin Lerena drives Litigation to victory
LERENA AND LITIGATION NAB THEM Like most of his colleagues at some time in their professional lives, Gavin Lerena has yo’yo’d from hero to zero in some quarters. Hopefully those dishing out the brickbats in the recent past will cut the former SA champion
some slack and hand him a small bouquet after a sterling ride aboard the talented 3yo Litigation at Turffontein on Saturday. Clearly brimming with confidence, Lerena drove his 66th winner of the term
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home when the promising 3yo Litigation cracked his maiden feature success in the Wernars’ family silks with a brave performance from the front to win the non blacktype R175 000 Egoli Mile for multiple past SA champion conditioner Sean Tarry.
Lerena, riding off an 18% win strike-rate, took the initiative from the break and the fight to his six opponents, as he rode Litigation like the promising 3yo he clearly is. Without faltering, Litigation (5-1) stayed on and never looked like getting beaten to withstand a late shot from 20-1 shot Whafeef. The Avontuur-bred colt’s time was 99,98 secs and the winning margin of 0,40 lengths frankly flattered the runner-up.
Litigation, who races in a partnership of Laurence and Jarryd Wernars, with stalwart Harry Willson and Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh, has now won 3 races with 3 places from 8 starts for stakes of R241 875. Avontuur have bred the likes of dual Horse of the Year and champion Legal Eagle, and the very well-performed Canterbury Tale from Durban July winner Grey’s Inn (Zabeel) and Litigation looks to have plenty of scope.
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Litigation is out of the threetime winning Jeter, a stakes winning daughter of Jet Master.
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Ready for action – Derreck David is thrilled to be coming home
DD’S BACK IN JOZI! The Gauteng riding ranks have been bolstered with the news that former SA Champion Apprentice and Mauritian Champion Jockey Derreck ‘DD’ David will return to the land of his birth and will commence riding at Turffontein on Classic Day.
With a void at the top level and uncertainty over the future of superstar Piere Strydom due to an eye injury, Derreck David’s return is good timing – and it will be a bonus for owners and trainers that the powerful and internationally experienced jock goes to scale at 50kgs. It will be a sentimental and emotional comeback for the 33 40
year old, who won the Gr1 SA Classic on Pierre Jourdan when beating Brett Smith on Bulsara and Anthony Delpech on Irish Flame, almost twelve years ago. As history shows, the son of Parade Leader was denied an SA Triple Crown success when subsequent SA Horse
Of The Year Irish Flame relished the step up in trip and Kevin Shea steered him to victory in the SA Derby two months later, with Pierre Jourdan a gallant second. “What a horse Pierre Jourdan was!” recalled the quietly spoken David in a catch up with the Sporting Post on Monday.
Derreck, who will be sponsored here by the Tyre Buddy in Benoni, has been keeping fit riding work, but has not ridden professionally since February 2021 when the Mauritian authorities decreed that ‘foreign’ jockeys must take a two year break and are only permitted to ride for three consecutive seasons.
“It’s coincidental that my return after a four year absence is on a day that I enjoyed such a terrific and memorable moment in my early career, and maybe it’s an omen,” he laughed.
“It did not suffice that I am married to a Mauritian and so Angelique and I decided to devote quality time to our now 5 year old daughter Mila, and take the season off. With the uncertainty around covid-19,
41 David family values! Derreck with Mila and Angelique
and the general nervousness, it was a great call in hindsight. We enjoyed it and grew as a family – but now I am ready to get back into the saddle and start winning races again!” he laughs. We asked him how he managed to maintain his weight at 50kgs! “I used to enjoy a drink, but years ago I gave up alcohol and that makes a difference. Staying fit is now more enjoyable and attainable!” Derreck has been pretty busy in his time off the track.
He runs a Soccer Academy with his brother-in-law where they train young aspirant professionals. And he has also been involved with Geoff Woodruff and leading owner Jean-Michel Lee Shim with the establishment of a private training centre, North of the island’s capital, Port Louis. Derreck explains that the 2000m training track at the JML Equestrian Centre will be opened in about ten days and that the concept is an exciting one. “It will serve as a quarantine centre, a training centre and a breaking and spelling centre, with 600 boxes eventually. The idea is that young quality horses will be shipped in from South Africa and then prepped to race internationally.”
The 2015 Mauritian Champion, and a runner-up four times for the national title, Derreck was the first jockey on the island to win 5 races on the trot in over 100 years and is one of only a handful of riders to have been admitted to the Mauritius Horseracing Hall Of Fame.
really keen to get back to Johannesburg and enjoy the SA racing again. My family have not seen Mila since she was born. My Mom Elaine and Dad Eblan are also not getting any younger, although Dad at age 74 may argue that he is not a day over 21!”
His international experience includes 47 winners in Singapore in 2017, as well as winners in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
Derreck will be based in Midrand, close to Randjesfontein Training Centre.
He was packed and on his way to ride in South Australia in 2021. But the covid monster intervened and onerous quarantine requirements meant that he would have been set back physically and financially had he undertaken the venture. “I still hold my Australian work permit, so who knows what the future holds? But I am
He may be contacted for rides and is available to start at Turffontein on 5 March. · Contact Derreck via whatsapp on +23 054 888 934 · Or email him on derreckdavid48@gmail.com
Can You Afford To Punt? Racing must not be undermined by the government’s review of the 2005 Gambling Act, according to Matt Hancock MP, amid fears the industry could lose more than £60 million a year if stringent affordability checks are imposed on punters. The Racing Post reports that Hancock, whose West Suffolk constituency contains Newmarket, said he had recently spoken with the gambling minister Chris Philp about the importance of “striking a balance” when it came to shielding people
from gambling addiction, while not damaging racing in the long term. “I was working on this only last week when I met the minister responsible, Chris Philp,” said Hancock. “The point of the gambling review is to try and bring the legislation up into the modern age, but I made it clear to the minister that while I understand and agree with the need to protect people from problem gambling, we must not undermine the 42 horseracing industry in doing that. It’s about striking a
balance.” Hancock, who resigned as health secretary last summer, was previously secretary of state for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, during which time he slashed the maximum stakes per spin on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) to £2 from £100 in a process designed to protect bettors from problem gambling in betting shops.
Candiese Lenferna
Shampompo Shampizi storms home under Warren Kennedy to beat Socrates (Kyle Strydom) in a thriller (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
CHAMPAGNE FOR HOLLYWOOD KZN Champion owners The Hollywood Syndicate continued with their purple victory patch when the Var gelding Shampompo Shampizi finished with resolution to win the R90 000 WSB Club Prive Fever Tree Stakes at his first ever start at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. Despite stepping up in class and being out at the weights in the 1500m standside feature, the handsome bay delivered after being backed
in to start an easy-to-back (5-1) tote favourite in a competitive line-up Warren Kennedy had the powerful gelding settled in midfield as Al’s My Daddy led the change ahead of Chatterton’s Keeper and the consistent 7yo, Socrates. In the home run, Kennedy let Shampompo Shampizi build up before switching him out for a winning charge. At the line the 4yo was too
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strong and held off a late challenge from Socrates (9-2) by a quarter length in a time of 88,67 secs. Shampompo Shampizi was the Hollywood Syndicate’s 54th winner of the term. Full Blast (5-) ran another solid race to finish third a further 1,25 lengths adrift, with the hard running pacemaker Al’s My Daddy (10-1) not disgraced in fourth. Winning rider and SA national log-leader Warren Kennedy
had a good day in the purple and yellow branding – he also steered Imilenzeyokududuma home for trainer Peter Muscutt to an emphatic victory in the third race. Trainer Alyson Wright was pleased as punch and has done an outstanding job with a horse given to bouts of aggression that match his good looks. Kennedy confirmed that the pair had enjoyed a perfect race.
“He built up nicely and finished his race off well,” he added. Bred by Carl and Amanda de Vos, the winner is a 4yo son of the late Avontuur flagbearer VAR (Forest Wildcat) out of the five time winning Victory Moon mare, Light The Night. A R300 000 National Yearling Sale buy, Shampompo Shampizi He has now won 3 races with 5 places from just 10 starts for stakes of R200 750. The Var gelding was named
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by the late Kaunda Ntunja, who was a well known rugby pundit and Xhosa rugby commentator.
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Cape Derby – 32 Years Ago The photograph above shows Pas de Quoi (Eric Chelin) winning the Cape Derby on 3 March 1990, for which he was jointfavourite at 22/10 with stable companion Jubilee Creek. Run on the new track this time, with its long, fair straight, every one of the 20 runners had every chance to show its best. Pas de Quoi was favourite with his stable companion Jubilee Creek (unbeaten in 5 starts and ridden by Muis Roberts), with Illustrador 3rd favourite at 33/10. Racing three or four lengths off the good pace set
by Game Power, Pas de Quoi again showed his impressive turn of foot about 400m out, and took over 3 lengths on the rest of the field. Running on strongly, without being unduly pressed, he never was in any danger after that, winning by over 3 lengths from Dramatic Verve and Divine Master. Illustrador was 7 lengths back, Jubilee Creek (who showed signs of unsoundness) almost nine. Anton Marcus, who was unplaced on Star Final, is the only jockey still riding. Pas de Quoi was a son of English 2000 Guineas winner 48
Roland Gardens, who had been a successful sire in South Africa for a decade. He’s best remembered for Enchanted Garden, Roland’s Song, Honey ear and Wild West. Pas de Quoi became his only son at stud. The dam Merci Beaucoup was a maiden half sister to dual Derby winner King Charles, and to Abbot’s Grace. The second dam was a half sister to Gr3 winning stayer Off The Hook, while third dam Queen’s Pardon was a full sister to successful sire Royal Pardon.
- 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
LOCKDOWN RELIEF
British racing has outlined plans for easing the remaining COVID-19 raceday restrictions, which would see Weighing Room testing requirements lifted by the end of February. Under racing’s provisional timetable, agreed by the industry’s COVID-19 Group: From Monday 28 February, Weighing Room attendees will no longer be expected to show evidence of a negative lateral flow test prior to entry. From Monday 14 March, racecourses will no longer be required to configure the Weighing Room complex for the purposes of COVID-19 infection control. These changes are possible due to encouraging trends in both the national data and our own pre-raceday testing, together with anticipated government announcements on self-isolation requirements – all of which help reduce the business continuity risk to racing. Weighing Room access will continue to be restricted to essential personnel only. Anyone testing positive for or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should not enter the Weighing Room complex until they can demonstrate evidence of a negative test. Regular self-testing with lateral flow devices will still be encouraged for all Weighing Room personnel and raceday attendees, as will completing a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations, including the booster jab. This will help protect raceday workers and further reduce the risk of COVID-19 related disruption. Racecourses are also advised to consider how best-practice improvements such as increased ventilation, additional personal space, and enhanced environmental hygiene can be factored into longer-term planning around changing room arrangements to protect against other respiratory infections. Announcements from the UK and Scottish Governments on the easing of COVID rules, anticipated for early next week, are unlikely to delay 49 racing’s proposed timetable, but the final plans will be considered in line with government publications.
MURPHY’S LAW Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been banned for 11 months after admitting to breaking rules covering Covid, misleading the British Horseracing Authority and prejudicial conduct and must serve an additional 100 days for two alcohol breaches. The Sportinglife.com reported earlier that the rider faced five charges, two relating to failed tests for alcohol in May and October last year and separate counts of misleading the authority as to his whereabouts and accessing a racecourse in breach of Covid-19 restrictions – both in September 2020 – and to conduct prejudicial to the good reputation of the sport. Murphy temporarily relinquished his licence when the charges were announced as he sought professional help, so his suspension will be backdated to December 8.
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PERTH RECORDS A colt by Playing God topped proceedings while records were smashed across a sensational first day on Tuesday of the 2022 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale. Leading local bloodstock agent John Chalmers outlasted former jockey turned trainer Ryan Hill to secure the day's top seller late in the session for A$330 000. The colt was one of four yearlings to sell for A$300,000 or more during a day in which local buyers helped take the sale to heights never before seen in the state. The average and median prices smashed previous records, while the gross soared over 50 per cent on the sale twelve months earlier in the Swan Valley. Chalmers, who purchased nine lots on Day One for A$865,000, snared his prized selection of the auction - the Playing God colt from Moodometer for A$330,000 from the Willaview Farm draft. "He's a big, scopey colt," Chalmers said. "He's a full brother to a stakes placegetter and the cross works." "I won't disclose who the owner is, but he really wanted him," Chalmers added. The result was an incredible one for the team from Willaview Park, who are presenting their second draft at this year's Perth Yearling Sale.
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Taylor Made Farm FB
Lord Glitters does it again!
Not This Time: Giant's Causeway ex Miss Macy Sue by Trippi
IT COULD BE THIS TIME Former South African champion sire Trippi looks poised to make his mark on the 2022 Kentucky Derby if early betting for The Run For The Roses is anything to go by. His grandson Not This Time
(Giant's Causeway) is the sire of five horses to feature prominently in early markets for the Kentucky Derby this year.
the Future Wager by all of Chasing Time, Epicenter, Howling Time, In Due Time, and Simplification.
Not This Time, whose dam is the Trippi sired Gr3 Winning Colors Stakes winner Miss Macy Sue, is represented in
Not This Time's son Epicenter stamped himself a likely Derby contender when he made much of the running
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to capture the Gr2 Risen Star Stakes presented by Lamarque Ford at the Fair Grounds on Saturday. Runner up in the Gr3 Lecomte Stakes last time out, Epicenter powered home to win Saturday's feature race by two and three-quarter lengths. Out of the Candy Ride mare Silent Candy, Epicenter, who had won the Gun Runner Stakes at two, has now won three of just five starts and he is now assured of a spot in the final Kentucky Derby field.
The Risen Star Stakes has proved a good indicator of three-year-old talent in recent years, with recent winners including subsequent Gr1 winners Mandaloun (Into Mischief) and War Of Will (War Front) as well as subsequent Horse Of The Year, and now boom sire, Gun Runner (Candy Ride). Epicenter's Gr3 Iroquois Stakes winning sire Not This Time (who never raced after his two-year-old season) is also responsible for talented US three-year-olds Simplification, Chasing Time, Howling Time and In Due Time.
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Simplification won the Listed Mucho Macho Man Stakes before finishing second in the G3 Holy Bull Stakes, Chasing Time won his last start by nearly eight lengths, while Not This Time colt Howling Time has won two of just three starts including last year's Listed Street Sense Stakes. The sire is also responsible for In Due Time -a winner of two of just three starts whose recent win saw him score by nearly six lengths. Interestingly, both Epicenter and Simplification are out of daughters of Candy Ride.
Taylor Made Farm FB
Lord Glitters does it again!
Walkabout for Not This Time A half-brother to dual Gr1 winner, and successful sire, Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song), Not This Time was North America's Leading 2nd-Crop Sire by Progeny Earnings of 2021. The Giant's Causeway son was represented by 68 winners
last year, with his progeny (headed by 13 stakes winners) earning over$5.468 million last year. Not This Time is currently North America's Leading 3rd-Crop Sire by Progeny Earnings, with his flagbearers this year
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also including Gr2 Inside Information Stakes winner Just One Time. · The 2022 Kentucky Derby is the 148th renewal of ‘The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports’ and will run on 7 May.
Hollywoodbets' Donavan Vere, Anthony Delpech, Shaheen Shaw & Rouvaun Smit enjoy the KZN racing experience
'RACING IS FAR FROM DEAD!' While they are far too serious about horseracing to be tagged Abbott & Costello, seasoned racing men Shaheen Shaw and Rouvaun Smit have brought a new dimension of fun and interaction for Hollywoodbets customers with their ‘meet ‘n greet’ roadshows at selected purple outlets in the Cape and KZN over the past few weeks. The duo travelled to KZN last
week for a whistle-stop tour that included visits to various outlets in the regions, and an on-course experience of a raceday at Hollywoodbets Greyville and Hollywoodbets Scottsville. For former Tellytrack icon Shaheen Shaw, Sunday’s visit to the Capital City racetrack was a first. “It is a scenic and very friendly racecourse, even though I got
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cleaned up six love in straight sets after Rouvaun found a nice value Place Accumulator for us at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday!” said Shaheen, whose popular thrice-weekly pod and videocast ‘A Shaw Thing’ is growing in popularity. It was in fact Shaheen’s first visit to a racecourse in eight years. “Having my once waning
interest in racing refreshed, my love of the game heightened, due to not only meeting so many fellow punters, but also, very importantly, due to the way Hollywood run the ship, and treat all their staff – what a great feeling! The way we were welcomed and treated was unexpected - superb! But that is what Hollywood is all about. It brought me great pleasure to see how much they appreciate, value and reward their clerks and tellers. No wonder they are so bloody competent and good - they're appreciated! Such appreciation was completely
foreign to the Company I worked for in the past!” said the straightshooting racing addict. He added that walking into Chatsworth Branch ‘was a stroll down memory lane’. “The place was packed with racing punters, just like the good old days - it actually made me both nostalgic and emotional. So many were there to forget their woes, relax and fire - and most deservedly in a clean, bright, air-conditioned setting with staff and management that actually care.”
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Shaheen said that he also relished leading in a Hollywood Syndicate winner too. “Also, on a personal note, and being the father of a child suffering mental disability, meeting Shane at the Bluff was special. He is there when the branch opens and leaves when it closes. The staff adore him, the punters look after him, and Hollywood is his home. I'm told that he often strolls down to the robots to tell people that they must come visit Hollywood. He has his own little advertising campaign going.
After my visit, I'm convinced that racing is far from dead!” Rouvaun Smit is one of South Africa’s leading racecallers. He told the Sporting Post that he had enjoyed every moment of the KZN tour. “Not only did we get to
meet some wonderful loyal customers, but we also made life-long friends, and feel like part of the family. Coupled with the fact that it was a learning experience of note, to be part of Hollywood's meticulous approach to the ever changing needs and demands of punters was wonderful. Everything from start to finish was made
so easy for us and we cannot thank everyone enough,” he concluded. Look out for the team at an outlet near you soon!
Shaheen & Rouvaun entertain Hollywoodbets Chatsworth’s Yogan Naidoo & Area Manager Kuben Naidoo
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WORLD’S RICHEST RACE – CAN MISHRIFF DO IT
AGAIN?
58 Mishrifff wins The Saudi Cup under D. Egan for trainer John Gosden and owner Prince A. A. Faisal
Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia // Neville Hopwood
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Mishriff, who won the 2021 Saudi Cup, heads a compelling international cast of likely runners for the world’s richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup on Saturday at King Abdualaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia. Final fields are expected later today. There are 16 races held at the two-day meeting highlighted by the Saudi Cup, which for the first time is a Gr1 this season. The Saudi Cup is contested around one turn at 1800 meters on dirt. Mishriff, trained in England by John and Thady Gosden, finished second in the 2020 Saudi Derby and a year ago defeated the American horses Charlatan and Knicks Go to win the world’s richest horse race. This year, he’ll face the American horses Art Collector, Country Grammer, Mandaloun, and Midnight Bourbon, a formidable quartet. Five-year-old Art Collector won the Grade 1 Woodward last year, while Mandaloun and Midnight Bourbon rated near the top of the 3-year-old dirt-route class of 2021. Mandaloun defeated Midnight
Bourbon in their common Saudi Cup prep, the Louisiana Stakes on Jan. 22 at Fair Grounds, and looked good doing so. Two capable Japanese dirt horses, Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Marche Lorraine and T O Keynes, perhaps an even better horse than the mare, are expected to start, as is Sealiway, who won the Gr1 Champion Stakes, a race in which Mishriff finished fourth, in his most recent race. Sealiway was trained at the time by Cedric Rossi, whose family subsequently fell afoul of French racing and criminaljustice authorities; FrancisHenri Graffard now trains Sealiway. The Saudi Cup is beamed into more than 350million homes worldwide. It is shown in every corner of the globe from the USA and Europe to China, South America and Southeast Asia. For the 2022 Saudi Cup the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia is opening the gates and inviting spectators to join them at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh to witness firsthand the third running of this spectacular horse race. As well as The Saudi Cup, the raceday also features five highly regarded Group 3 races on both dirt and turf, the Group 2 Obaiya Arabian Classic for
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Purebred Arabian racehorses and the Jockey Club Handicap for locally-trained horses.
What They Said… “Buying horses is such fun and quite addictive!” - Sandy Arundel after Princess Ozma won the first at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today. “With four meetings a month from next month, I don’t think Cape Town is the right place for me…” - Robert Khathi after riding New Orleans to victory in the second at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today.
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HKJC
Doug Whyte and Blake Shinn celebrate
DURBAN DEMON’S GR1 EXACTA The inexorable rise of Douglas Whyte among Hong Kong’s training ranks encompassed yet another milestone at Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon as jockey Blake Shinn and Russian Emperor led home a onetwo finish for the handler in the HK$12 million Gr1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup. Just weeks after savouring Gr1 Centenary Sprint Cup glory with Stronger – his first win at the top-level as a trainer – Whyte took it up a notch this afternoon, not least thanks to an accomplished ground-saving steer from Shinn. “It’s very satisfying, this horse
(Russian Emperor) deserves it more than anything but more so the owners. They have been so patient and they’re very good friends of mine and they deserve it – they really do. “The horse has just bounced back from the International Races and he reproduced that in the mile (Gr1 Stewards’ Cup) and he’s come out today and done what I expected him to do. The rain has helped but, in saying that, he still had to win and he’s just done that,” Whyte said. Savvy Nine filled second for Whyte – relishing the deteriorating ground and relentless rain under Matthew Chadwick, while Golden Sixty
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held third under Vincent Ho with Tourbillon Diamond finishing in fourth spot. “The rain enhanced my feelings, absolutely, but I think the trial and his turf gallop on Tuesday 15 February when I galloped him – I called Blake over and I said ‘You’re in business.’ “That trial and the turf gallop put me into very high confidence with this horse. When the rain came, it went to another level but when you’re up against a champion horse like Golden Sixty, you don’t want to be up against him any day of the year let alone in the Gold Cup,” Whyte said.
Hong Kong’s all-time leader as a jockey with 1813 wins, Whyte has enjoyed a seemingly swift rise to success as a handler – capped now by two top-level wins in under a month. “There’s been a lot of people who have been trying to move the horse, a lot of people who have had the boot in for me and karma is a funny thing but what I will say is he’s been given his time. I think everybody realises that these European horses, once they have a full season or a full season and a half, they find their straps,” Whyte explained.
Regally bred, Russian Emperor is out of Australian mare Atlantic Jewel, while his sire is none other than Coolmore’s imperious stallion – Galileo. Whyte said: “He’s (Golden Sixty) a beautifully balanced horse with a lovely, fluid action so he might not have got through this ground – I’ve ridden here for 22-23 years as a jockey and when this light rain is about it’s when you notice the true difference in the track. “When there’s that heavy rain, it runs right through the track and drains. This light rain makes a difference and
Russian Emperor was there to lap it up.” The time of the race was 2m 04,11s on yielding ground. “He was always going to be a good horse but he was always ‘jarry’ and always feeling the tracks, even after a gallop he would feel the tracks and only now he’s acclimatised and the more time you seem to give him, the better he gets. “He himself has adapted. I haven’t changed and even though I’ve had pressure, I haven’t put the pressure onto him. He’s now given me that pressure back,” Whyte said.
TBA Seek A CEO The council of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association of South Africa is seeking suitable applicants for the role of CEO – Breed Affairs, following the resignation of Catherine Hartley who will be stepping down at the beginning of April as she prepares to relocate to the United States.
The role oversees the functions of the Association, general administration and liaison with industry bodies and stake holders, reporting to the council. The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge of the Thoroughbred breeding 63 industry. and horseracing
For a list of the role’s responsibilities please click here To apply, please send CV and covering letter to: catherine@tba.co.za.
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CHELTENHAM NEXT FOR SOLDIER
The only dual Gr1 winner in the field, Fakir D’Oudairies (9/4) ran on stoutly after a mistake at the second last to land the Gr1 Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday.
Trainer Joseph O'Brien had targeted the two-mile fivefurlong race for his sevenyear-old and he delivered in determined fashion by nearly two lengths from the 25/1
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outsider Two for Gold.
Joseph O'Brien outlined the Ryanair at Cheltenham followed by the Melling Chase at Aintree as the well-backed
winner’s mission for the remainder of the season. "It was tough conditions, but he jumped well, and it was a pretty gruelling race," said the trainer. "He's never really run a bad race and has come up short a few times, but he always runs with his heart on his sleeve," added O'Brien. "Allaho is a great two-and-a-half miler and when you have a Grade 1 horse you meet the best, but it's nice we didn't take him on today." JP McManus’ retained jockey Mark Walsh reflected: "They went a proper gallop and his jumping improved. He's tough and the front two battled all the way to the line. I was confident at the second-last, but he made a mistake, so we had to battle hard.” "That's his third Gr1 over fences and not many horses do that. Hopefully, he can continue to improve. If he comes out of this well, then he could take on Allaho at Cheltenham before going to Aintree." Wincanton racecourse narrowly avoided the wind and rain from Storm Eunice on Saturday and the feature race, the Gr2 Matchbook Betting Exchange Kingswell Hurdle also produced a thrilling finish. Only four went to post, but the market
leaders Goshen (4/7F) and Adagio (15/8) had the race to themselves from the turn into the straight and there was not much between them all the way to the finish. Goshen, who led from the start, looked in trouble when headed approaching the last hurdle but battled back gamely over the final furlong to stay on and win by a widening length and threequarters at the line. The likeable Gary Moore trained six-year-old was winning the Kingwell Hurdle for the second year running. With Cheltenham not on the agenda for Goshen, the Betway Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles at Aintree in April is an option along with righthanded Punchestown, where he was fifth to Honeysuckle in the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle last spring. “He proved when he went round Lingfield the other day he wanted to go right-handed,” Moore said. “I will have to try just once more probably at Liverpool otherwise his season is nearly over unless he goes back to Punchestown, but does he really need to take on Honeysuckle? It’s going to be hard.” “He does want two and half miles now. On a stiffer track I think you’d see a bit better
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horse. The one good thing about him was he had to dig deep.” Trainer David Pipe confirmed his runner-up Adagio to be on course for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham following his encouraging return to action. A Grade One winner at Chepstow last season, the five-year-old went on to finish second in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and at Aintree. Pipe declared before the race that his stable star would improve for the run in the Kingwell Hurdle and having looked the most likely winner early in the straight, he was ultimately outstayed by a race fit Goshen. “He seems to have come out of it all right. I think he deserves to take his chance in the Champion Hurdle and that would be the plan. Outside of Honeysuckle it’s an open race.” With autumn wind surgery delaying his reappearance and a subsequent injury keeping him off the track for a further three months, the trainer is praying for an incident-free three weeks. “We just want a clear run now,” he added.
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results up to: 2022-02-23
TRAINERS Name
Runs
Wins Win%
760 637 461 295 687
Mr S J Snaith Mr P A Peter Mr S G Tarry Mr M F de Kock Mr G D Smith
101 118 52 59 75
13.3. 18.5 11.3 20.0 10.9
Other Places Place %
Win Stake (R)
Total Stakes (R)
168 127 85 59 118
7,523,400 11,341,213 6,898,938 10,129,813 4,357,250 6,259,938 4,502,438 6,090,500 3,179,375 4,946,300
2nd
3rd
95 92 42 42 76
98 68 46 33 67
2nd
3rd
Other Places Place %
Win Stake (R)
146 85 88 107 84
128 79 70 99 76
185 140 110 182 139
8,615,375 12,987,713 8,392,825 11,508,338 6,564,050 9,037,013 5,048,063 8,527,263 4,680,825 7,649,275
361 287 173 134 261
47.5 45.1 37.5 45.4 38.0
JOCKEYS Name
Rides Wins Win%
Mr W B Kennedy Mr S Khumalo Mr R D Fourie Mr M A Yeni Mr K de Melo
975 709 523 857 611
161 117 101 97 88
16.5 16.5 19.3 11.3 14.4
459 304 268 388 299
47.1 42.9 51.2 45.3 48.9
Total Stakes (R)
BREEDERS Name
B.T. B.T. Total Runrs Runs AEPR Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R) Rnrs %
Wilgerbosdri� & Mauritzfontein Klawervlei Stud Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd Summerhill Stud (Pty) Ltd
247 1051 300 1285
50,275 106 146 40,293 98 119
42.9 421 32.7 508
8 4
10 5
12,417,963 12,087,813
133 127 123
66,568 47,371 43,183
42.1 233 35.4 214 29.3 208
11 2 2
12 2 2
8,853,525 6,016,175 5,311,513
B.T. Wins
Total Stakes (R)
10 7 6 1 1
7,564,250 7,167,875 6,997,425 6,953,413 6,392,075
562 522 618
56 45 36
83 67 54
SIRES Name Vercingetorix * Silvano (GER) Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) Master Of My Fate What A Winter
Runrs Runs AEPR 132 137 155 157 157
553 542 631 707 637
57,305 52,320 45,145 44,289 40,714
B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs % 61 56 58 68 59
82 77 77 85 79
46.2 40.9 37.4 43.3 37.6
232 230 256 322 282
See all the detailed standings - Click here 68
8 5 6 1 1
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A CRACKER IN THE OFFING!
Ah yes, the EFL Cup! The only cup in England where the importance of winning is directly related to the success of your clubs’ season and history – all underpinned by the time between your last piece of silverware. Nevertheless, it is the first
domestic English cup on offer and can turn out to be exactly what a club needs to put a little run together as we quickly begin to surge toward the end of the year. So, let’s do this.
To Win (90 mins)
Chelsea vs Liverpool | Sunday 27 February | Wembley Stadium | 18h30
Chelsea
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Chelsea 21/10 Draw 43/20 Liverpool 14/10
Ryan Liberty writes that
Chelsea were recently crowned world champions in Abu Dhabi, and yet despite their success in the Middle East, the Blues haven’t exactly been brilliant domestically. Within a Premier League context, they have struggled, playing out to draws with teams they should really be putting away – judging Chelsea has proven a rather harmful task.
wouldn’t be surprised to see Sunday used an outlet to make a point.
Romelu Lukaku – at least in the opinion of his German manager – might be struggling with a bout of low self-confidence and belief. Thomas Tuchel went one step further and suggested that this is not the time to laugh or ridicule the striker, opting to encourage fans to support and believe.
This is a side who thrive in cup competition, one I wouldn’t be surprised to see win the entire thing.
The fact remains that Lukaku has set a new Premier League record for the fewest touches from a player who has played in a full 90-minute fixture since statistics became available all the way back in the 2003/4 season! Now to be completely honest, not joining in on the pity banter took a serious amount of self-control and maturity (if I must say so myself) but it’s for just one reason – Lukaku is a beast who needs such occurrences to unleash him and allow him to make a massive impact on fixtures. We have seen this before from the Belgian and I
Mason Mount’s ankle injury remains a doubt, with the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek available to slot in, Chelsea is still a dangerous side who systematically and without drawing too much attention won the Champions League last season.
Liverpool Liverpool come into this fixture as one of the most dangerous teams in all of Europe. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been lethal in front of goal – with plenty of touches within the 90 minutes! The Reds often are accused of stepping off of the intensity pedal when they play the so-called lesser sides in the Premier League, no such replication is evident in moments such as these. Jurgen Klopp will be aware of the impotence winning a cup can bring, the momentum such an achievement provides as his side enter a last gasp chase of Manchester City and an attempt at claiming the European title. I think if Liverpool can get onto the front foot early and impose
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themselves on Chelsea, the Blues will have to respond, and this game will ultimately open up. Naturally, this would be ideal for the neutral…but looking at this from a purely Liverpool perspective – they will want to suffocate Chelsea into submission and almost wear them down with just a relentless attack on their goal. I can’t remember the last time I was so intrigued to see the team sheet before a game that didn’t involve Manchester United! I think both sides have players who can hurt the other, but with managers who operate at such a complete and competitive level – the approach becomes simply vital. Prediction: Draw (43/20) I think the game ends in a draw within 90 minutes and we see a penalty shootout at Wembley. These sides are evenly matched and if you must lean a certain way on form, Liverpool come into the fixture in blistering form. Chelsea however, counter this in my estimation with their current run in once-off cup final fixtures! I hope this game is every bit the cracker it should be!
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