Sporting Post Sprint - 30 March 2022 by Sporting Post

Chase Liebenberg

Rain In Holland out front - expect a similar show on Saturday!

BANKER RAIN IN R5 MILLION PICK 6

The Joburg Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival at Turffontein on Saturday will form a backdrop to what has all the makings of a superb day of racing. A R1 million carryover is expected to boost the Pick 6 pool to R5 million. All eyes will be on Sean Tarry’s Rain In Holland who is set for Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara honours.

After winning the first two legs in such devastating fashion. Rain In Holland looks to

have her nine opponents cold and will start at short odds to become the fifth filly in our history to win the coveted title after Igugu (2011), Cherry On the Top (2013), Summer Pudding (2020) and War Of Athena (2021).

The absence of SA Classic runner-up Safe Passage in the final field for the Gr1 WSB SA Derby sees Joey Soma’s rising star Red Saxon set for a big bid to snare his second Gr1 title. Soma told Gold Circle’s David Thiselton: “He put up a very

good grass gallop on Friday and after looking at the field I decided it would be stupid not to go for the Derby. We will see if he stays.” Whether Red Saxon can see out the tough 2450m trip of the Turffontein Standside course is open to debate because he is by sprint-miler sire Red Ray out of a mare by stamina influence Casey Tibbs who herself won a Non-Black Type event over 2600m and finished second in a Grade 3 over 3200m.

His dam Rodeo Sioux’s first foal was by speed influence Seventh Rock and yet won over 2600m which augurs well for Red Saxon. Soma went on to confirm that they have been patient and took it easy when the conditions were bad. “There was a recent three week gap where we could do normal work. Red Saxon was able to have a grass gallop and his and the other horses wins all coincided with that good period. It did not rain much last week and this week is sunshine all the way through too. So we have been able to get good work into Red Saxon and others and he is very well.”

Julius Mariba has ridden all of the recent winners and Soma said: “He is the stable jockey. It has been work in motion for 16 months. He has worked very hard, has listened well and changed his seat a little bit. He has a good head on his shoulders and I am very happy to have him as my first call rider. I am shocked he doesn’t get more support as he is very professional and could hold his own with any riders in the country.” Cape hero Kommetdieding will jump from a 4 gate when he has his first Gauteng start in the Gr1 Wilgerbosdfrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes.

The son of Elusive Fort is based with Roy Magner and is reported to have settled in well. Read more news closer to raceday on www.sportingpost. co.za Cover Image Chase Liebenberg captured Warren Kennedy in reflective mood at Turffontein on Saturday

IT’S FESTIVAL TIME

The Joburg Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival at Turffontein Racecourse, originally scheduled for 5 March, will be held on Saturday. The photograph is a flashback to the event in 2019 and demonstrates its popularity.

Gates open at 11h00 and entertainment carries on until 19h00.

Tickets cost R50 for adults and R25 for u-18s, with a family ticket for two adults and two children u-12 costing R100.

Get your tickets at Webtickets.

Guests over the age of 12 need to be fully vaccinated.

Watch It Live On Gallop TV Sydney’s world-famous Royal Randwick hosts one of Australian sport’s biggest events this Saturday with the running of four renowned Gr1 races at The Star Championships Day 1. The Gr1 A$3 million The Star Doncaster Mile,

Gr1 A$2.5 million Bentley Australian Derby, Gr1 A$2.5 million Furphy TJ Smith Stakes and Gr1 A$1 million Inglis Sires’ feature on a 10race card which has attracted 171 entries. On a day which includes world-class racing and a special concert after the last 5

race by Australian indie pop sensation Sheppard in the Theatre Of The Horse, Saturday also marks the first major carnival day of operation for the public’s new A$47 million WINX Stand.

WILGERBOSDRIFT CONGRATULATES THE CONNECTIONS OF

RAIN IN HOLLAND on winning the

WILGERBOSDRIFT SA FILLIES CLASSIC (Gr 1) 1 800m the second leg of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara. Owner: Drakenstein Stud Trainer: Sean Tarry Jockey: Richard Fourie Breeder: Drakenstein Stud

6 TAB supports responsible gambling. Gambling for persons 18 years and older. Winners know when to STOP. National Responsible Gambling Toll-Free counselling line 0800 006 008. Alcohol not for sale to persons under the age of 18. Drink Responsibly.

Chase Liebenberg

Keagan de Melo steers Karangetang to a smooth win

MOUNTAIN OF FLAME Backed almost to the exclusion of the opposition, Erupt’s recent Listed Storm Bird Stakes winning son Karangetang kept his perfect record intact with a professional performance to win the R250 000 Gr3 Protea Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday. The handsome chestnut came into 4-10 before going off at 7-10 to complete a Johan Janse van Vuuren – Wernars silks double when never troubled over the 1100m. The Van Vuuren yard won the opening two legs of the carryover Pick 6, with the pool reaching R4 188 682. It was

paying a minimum dividend of R18-60 after the two winners. Keagan de Melo continues to grow in stature and he enjoyed something of a confident armchair experience, when Karangetang led all the way and held off the game topweighted filly River Queraress by a half length in a time of 63,87 secs. While the margin may have flattered the runner-up, she ran on steadily giving the talented colt, 1,5kgs. The third placed Magic Tattoo was eight lengths back in third. Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, Karangetang

was bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein and is now a first graded stakes winning son of Erupt (Dubawi) out of the Var two-time winner, La Revere. A R300 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Karangetang has won two from two for stakes of R265 625. Erupt, who stands at Maine Chance in Robertson, has 15 lots on the BSA National Yearling Sale on 28 & 29 April.

Chase Liebenberg

Karangetang is led in by Anthony Joannides and Laurence and Jarryd Wernars

NIARCHOS RECORD SPEAKS VOLUMES

History shows that over the years, the internationally acclaimed Niarchos family can take credit for a number of their homebred colts succeeding as stallions in South Africa. Those that readily come to mind include Caesour, Mogok and Judpot and if early signs are anything to go by, young Maine Chance recruit Erupt could yet add his name to that list.

reached a significant milestone as the sire of an unbeaten first crop stakes winner in Karangetang.

The stallion career of the son of Dubawi may still be in its infancy, yet he has already

For those not familiar with Erupt, the Niarchos homebred is a dual Gr1 winner of the

Johan Janse van Vuuren’s charge did the honours on debut when he dashed up the Turffontein straight to win the Listed Storm Bird Stakes and last weekend, the colt successfully made the step up to Graded stakes class level to land the Gr3 Protea Stakes.

Grand Prix de Paris and Gr1 Canadian International, both over 2400m. Sadly, that’s a distance nowadays regarded as the kiss of death for almost any stud prospect in Britain and Europe and one which would invariably consign him to the ranks of the National Hunt stallions. Fortunately, Dr Andreas Jacobs, owner of the famed German Fährhof Stud and, of course Maine Chance in South Africa, stepped up to the plate. He explained: “As you know, Erupt was a

That figure was matched in the third season, but with no runners yet to show his powers and his racing career a fading memory, the fourth season at stud is a dreaded one, hence Erupt covered just 50 mares in 2021. Maine Chance stud manager Tim Bootsma further attributes the diminished support to the vastly- reduced number of broodmare currently in production, whilst adding: “Breeders generally want access to just a handful of elite stallions, alternatively they will support the newcomers.” Point taken.

9 Erupt: Dubawi ex Mare Nostrum

Some years ago, the writer was lucky to visit Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket and had the privilege of seeing Erupt’s sire Dubawi, who is a not overly big, burly chestnut. Physically, Erupt is clearly his father’s son, but according to Tim, stands probably a hand higher. He also pointed out the young stallion’s wonderful temperament. “He’s so laid back, he’s unconscious. He doesn’t turn a hair, you could literally put your kids on his back,” observes Tim.

Chase Liebenberg

late maturing stayer. The Niarchos family were looking for a home for him but initially I was not very keen to stand him in Germany where I saw limited chances for him. The Niarchos family are great partners and due to my personal relationship with Maria and Electra and their racing manager Alan Cooper, I offered to stand him at Maine Chance. Unfortunately, Erupt arrived at Maine Chance very late and only covered 50 mares in his first season, so I asked Justin Vermaak to market the horse, which he did very well and in year two he covered around 100 mares.”

To keep a check on his weight, Erupt has to be lunged daily, for as Tim notes – “He loves his food and the moment he walks into his paddock, he’s head down and grazing.” Tim feels Erupt definitely stamps his stock. “But they are a lot leggier and very correct. The trainers find them easy to work with, they aim to please.” Although Karangetang was bred by Wilgerbosdrift/ Mauritzfontein, the colt’s female line is a familiar one nurtured at Varsfontein Stud, which incidentally, was home to both Caesour and Judpot.

Covenant, Pluck and Erik The Red.

female line of their great mare Miesque.

The judges are still out on Erupt, who has 15 lots catalogued for next month’s National Yearling Sale, three of which from Maine Chance. The trio is made up of two fillies and a colt and all boast rock solid families.

One swallow does not make a summer. However, in addition to Karangetang, Erupt is also sire of the promising colt Set To Go. Trained by Paul Peter, he has reeled off two smart wins over the minimum trip after finishing second on debut.

Tim is particularly high on the filly Kythera, whose dam

That’s a fine start from essentially a classically bred and performed sire.

‘As you know, Erupt was a late maturing stayer. The Niarchos family were looking for a home for him. But initially I was not very keen to stand him in Germany where I saw limited chances for him…’ – Dr Andreas Jacobs

He is the first foal of La Revere, a Varsfontein-bred daughter of Var. This halfsister to Gr3 Flamboyant Stakes winner Hashtagyolo won twice and also ran third in the Gr2 Debutante. Their dam My Guiding Star is a Jallad half-sister to Master Of My Fate and Justthewayyouare, who produced Triple Crown winner Malmoos. This is of course Varsfontein’s fabulous Secret Pact family of champion Promisefrommyheart,

Kashmira is a winning halfsister to Gay Fortuna, the dam of champion Marinaresco. Lady Elliott is out of La Collossa, a grandaughter of German champion La Colorado, who has achieved lasting fame as the dam of champion Lomitas, the sire of Silvano. The Niarchos family never fails to support their South Africanbased stallions and Maine Chance sells on their behalf an Erupt colt out of homebred Kitoko, an unraced Montjeu mare from the wonderful

In conclusion, Dr Jacobs remarked: “According to Alan Cooper, if they stay sound, time and more distance should bring out the best in them, although, in the case of Karangetang, being out of a Var mare clearly helped.” Ed - On Monday, the Australian filly Duais scooted to victory in the Tancred Stakes, her third at Gr1 level. Significantly, both she and Erupt share as their fourth dam the Canadian champion and Broodmare of the Year Fanfreluche, who is also ancestress of the notable stallions Encosta De Lago, Flying Spur and Lode.

14 Keagan de Melo salutes as Second Base returns to the number 1 box

Chase Liebenberg

SIMPLY NO SECONDS!

A dual Gr3 winner prior to Saturday, Gimmethegreenlight gelding Second Base found a powerful finish to score a career peak success when winning the R400 000 Gr2 Colorado King Stakes at Turffontein. All the dice are rolling for Keagan de Melo at the moment, and the KZN-based jockey is riding the crest of a wave. In a remarkable seven days leading into his feature double on Saturday, he rode a double at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Sunday, a double at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday, a double at Durbanville on Wednesday, a single winner at Turffontein on Thursday. De Melo rode the perfect race on Second Base on Saturday.

He had the gelding settled near the rear as Imperial Ruby, and then the favourite Shangani led the charge for home. Hesitating momentarily as Denis Schwarz and Johnny Hero made things a bit tight down the inside, Second Base hit the front full of running just as Sparkling Water loomed menacingly down the centre. The De Kock filly was thought to be only 80% ready for this, and De Melo, switching crop hands vigorously, kept Second Base (28-10) at it and balanced as Zillzaal (6-1) came out lowflying. At the line, the son of Gimmethegreenlight had enough in reserve and held off the Summer Cup winner to score by a quarter length in a time of 124,05 secs.

Second Base was the third winner of the day to carry the Wernars silks. Sparkling Water (5-1) stayed on nicely for third, with Johnny Hero (20-1) a well beaten 3,50 lengths away in fourth. Shangani ran fifth a further three quarter lengths back after trying to take them on early in the straight. A winner of 7 races with 7 places from 19 starts for stakes of R1 249 150, the Gold Star Stud-bred Second Base is out of the one-time winning Fort Wood mare Passionate Kiss. He is priced up at 33-1 in the Hollywoodbets Durban July ante-post market.

The Merits SECOND BASE has had his merit Rating raised from 116 to 118 after his success in the Grade 2 Colorado King Stakes over 2000m on the Turffontein standside track on Saturday 26 March. The Handicappers were of the unanimous view that both runner-up ZILLZAAL and 4th placed JOHNNY HERO made for the most suitable

line horses, which leaves them unchanged on marks of 117 and 110, respectively. There were increases also for 3rd finisher SPARKLING WATER, who goes up from 112 to 114, and for 5th placed SHANGANI, who goes up from 105 to 108 to make him the equal of 6th finisher GOLDEN PHEASANT, who

was dropped from 110 to 108. Aside from GOLDEN PHEASANT, the only other ratings drop was for MARCHINGONTOGETHER, who is down from 110 to 107.

Chase Liebenberg

THE WERNARS’ WINNERS – FOUR TIMES OVER! Owner Laurence Wernars enjoyed a milestone at Turffontein on Saturday with four winners in his

white,red and black silks – including the Gr2 Colorado King Stakes and the Gr3 Protea Stakes. MJ puts another subject on the spot! 20

Later today, Laurence chats to the Sporting Post – catch up with the interview on www.sportingpost.co.za

Chase Liebenberg

Craig Zackey steers Galla Vanting to win and stay unbeaten – chased by Blindedbythelights (Warren Kennedy)

LET’S GO GALLAVANTING! On a memorable afternoon for the Maine Chance Farm team, Querari’s daughter Galla Vanting went all the way to win the R200 000 Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday and

give her leading sire his 28th stakes winner. After another Maine Chance stallion in Erupt had registered his first graded stakes success a half hour earlier, the

Robertson nursery produced another stakes success for their well-established Oasis Dream sire Querari. And they bred this one themselves.

Craig Zackey rode a confident race for trainer Lucky Houdalakis and kept the recent debut winning Galla Vanting, who was easy to back at 5-1, at her task to score an easy 1,25 length win over the favourite Blindedbythelights (18-10) in a time of 64,16 secs. Corrie Lensley’s Show Time (9-2) stayed on best of the balance for third. Galla Vanting is a daughter of Querari (Oasis Dream) out of the one-time winning

High Chaparral mare, Grande Roche.

bound for bigger and better things.

A R150 000 BSA August 2yo Sale purchase by T&L Racing, Galla Vanting has won two from two for stakes of R193 750.

Querari has 25 lots on the BSA National Yearling Sale on 28 and 29 April. Currently South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2yo’s by stakes, the son of Oasis Dream has been responsible for seven juvenile winners this season thus far, with this tally including impressive recent Khaya Stables debut winner At My Command.

Galla Vanting was one of two winners for her inform sire on Saturday, with Querari’s classy daughter Marigold Hotel capturing Turffontein’s third race on the card. Trained by Sean Tarry, the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred 3yo showed tremendous courage in besting stablemate Imbewu, and Marigold Hotel looks

26 JP van der Merwe steers Global Drummer to a popular win

Pauline Herman

15 VICTORIES FOR ASCOT DRUMMER!

On an afternoon when the already pressured tote pools took a hammering courtesy of a television broadcast blackout from Fairview, Gavin Smith’s Global View soldier Global Drummer put in a typically gutsy performance to win the R175 000 Listed East Cape Sprint Cup.

Drummer (15-10) ground them away and drew clear under joint top weight to beat accomplished Cape raider Pleasedtomeetyou (8-1) by 1,50 lengths in a time of 68,39 secs for the straight 1200m.

Global Drummer is out of the four-time winning Kilconnel mare, Royal Drummer. There will be plenty of interest in the Heavenly Blue half-brother to be offered at Nationals on 28 and 29 April!

It was Global Drummer’s fourth win on the trot and the rest didn’t matter.

The result was never in doubt as Hollywoodbets-sponsored Gavin Smith’s son-in-law JP van der Merwe – at his first feature success since returning to SA – steered the Ascot Stud-bred 4yo to his 15th win at his 19th start.

Global Drummer was a R250 000 buy from the 2019 Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale. And took his earnings on Friday to R746 050.

Gavin Smith saddled three winners on the afternoon, including both feature races – Safari Blue having won the Listed East Cape Guineas a half hour earlier.

Running in the familiar blue and yellow flag of Mauritian Vega Veeramootoo, Global

He has won 15 races with 2 places from his 19 starts. Bred by Ascot Stud from their Galileo stallion Global View,

The opening Smith winner was ridden by up-and-coming apprentice Kaidan Brewer, who registered his 41st winner and the first success of his 1,5kg claim phase.

The Merits GLOBAL DRUMMER remains unchanged on a mark of 113 after his victory in the Listed East Cape Sprint Cup over the straight 1200m course at Fairview on Friday. It was GLOBAL DRUMMER himself who was used as the line horse here, hence his unchanged rating. In assessing the race this way, 4th finisher FLY MY FLAG also runs

to her mark of 100 as a consequence of carrying 1 kg overweight and she effectively becomes a line horse as well. There were increases also for runner-up PLEASEDTOMEETYOU, who is up from 105 to 110, and for 3rd finisher INHERIT THE RAIN, who was raised from 97 to 103.

There were ratings drops for four horses. WHATEVER NEXT is down from 105 to 103, JOYFUL NOISE drops to 101 from 104, REGIMENTAL was trimmed from 100 to 99, and lastly SPEED MACHINE is down from 109 to 108.

Pauline Herman

Ashley Parker leads in another winner

Ascot – Another Drummer At Nationals! Situated just outside Port Elizabeth, the Parker family's Ascot Stud has long ranked among South Africa's top thoroughbred breeders. The farm was started in 1966, with Ashley Parker taking over and running the operation after qualifying as a veterinarian. It has gone from strength to strength over the years, with Ascot Stud boasting an impressive list of past alumni. Among the equine stars

bred by the Parker family are Ascot's former resident sire, and globetrotting champion, Bold Silvano, and such Gr1 winners as Bold Respect, Coral Fever, Elusive Gold, Gulf Storm and Pacific Trader. The farm also bred current East Cape champion Global Drummer who took his tally of wins to 15 when he won the recent Listed East Cape Sprint Cup. Ascot also bred the brilliant Rock Opera, a champion filly who went on to make her mark on the international stage as a broodmare.

A daughter of the farm's Seeking The Gold sire Lecture, Rock Opera was South Africa's Champion 2YO Filly of 2004-2005, with her wins headed by a score in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship. Rock Opera, however, proved even more successful at stud, producing Gr1 Criterium International winner, and now Australian sire, Royal Meeting, as well as Heavy Metal, a Gr2 winner both in Britain and in Dubai.

Remarkably, Rock Opera was not the only star bred by Ascot to have made her mark in Australia. The Ascot Stud bred Warning Zone, South Africa's Champion 2YO Filly of 2003, produced Australian Gr3 winner Pittsburgh Flyer, and the latter in turn produced current Australian star September Run. The latter recently claimed the Gr1 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes, with September Run having also triumphed in the 2020 Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.

South Africa's Champion Sire of 1999, left behind numerous high-class horses headed by Cape Guineas winner and multiple champion sire Captain Al, as well as the dams of such standout performers as the aforementioned Bold Silvano and fellow globetrotting champion Jay Peg.

The farm has been home to a number of high-class stallions and mares, with its past sires headed by the very influential Al Mufti. The latter,

The current roster at Ascot is headed by Galileo's well performed son Global View and Snitzel's Gr1 SA Classic winning son Heavenly Blue.

Remarkably, Ashley assisted in returning the blue blooded Al Mufti back from a suspensory injury to finish second in the 1991 July, despite losing a shoe in the race.

The latter has some very well bred members of his first crop on offer at the upcoming National Yearling Sale, with Ascot set to offer two Heavenly Blue colts at April's auction. This pair is headed by a half-brother to current East Cape star Global Drummer and Gr1 winning sprinter Gulf Storm. Other standout lots in the Ascot Stud's National Sale draft this year include Stormy Choice (Lot 198), a Querari filly out of a stakes winning daughter of Fort Wood, and Adderley (Lot 269), a Silvano half-brother to Gr1 Computaform Sprint winner Pacific Trader.

Chase Liebenberg

Warren Kennedy poses as Safari Blue charges to victory

SMITH IS ON A SWINGING SAFARI Drakenstein Stud’s consistently successful resident sire What A Winter celebrated his 17th stakes winner when his three-yearold son Safari Blue landed Friday’s Listed East Cape Guineas at Fairview. Trained by Hollywoodbetssponsored Gavin Smith, the gelded Safari Blue had finished third in the Listed Ibhayi Stakes last time out, and filled the same placing in last season’s Listed Champion Juvenile Cup. Under a great ride from Warren Kennedy, Safari Blue (11-2) turned Friday’s Listed

feature, and second leg of the EC Sophomore Challenge, into a one horse rout, drawing clear in the closing stages to win by a comprehensive two and a half lengths. He clocked 101,66 secs for the mile and beat the luckless Master Redoute (5-4) 2,50 lengths, to give Gavin Smith the first leg of a terrific feature double.

has now won four of 11 starts with 5 places for stakes of R296 625. The gelding was a R180 000 buy from the 2020 BSA National Yearling Sale.

Third -placed You Know Who, also from the Smith yard, is also a son of What A Winter.

Safari Blue was the second winner on Friday’s East Cape card for What A Winter, with the multiple Equus Champion also responsible for Glacier Gold -who beat fellow What A Winter daughter Winter Furi when successful in the fifth race on the Fairview card.

Out of the National Emblem mare Ladysingstheblues, the Terry Andrews-bred Safari Blue

South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2yos in 2020-2021, What A Winter has some

exceptionally well bred yearlings on offer at the 2022 National Yearling Sale, including a half-sister (Lot 20)

to Singapore champion Lizarre, a half-sister (Lot 34) to this season’s top-class three-yearold Trip Of Fortune, and a filly

(Lot 408) out of fellow Equus Champion Hammie’s Hooker.

The Merits SAFARI BLUE has had his rating increased from 93 to 99 after he ran out a fluent winner of the Listed East Cape Guineas over 1600m on the turf course at Fairview on Friday 25 March. It was 4th placed SWEET THE SOUND who

was deemed to make for the correct line horse here, which leaves her unchanged on a rating of 85. The winner aside, the only other increase was for 3rd finisher YOU KNOW WHO, who is up from 88 to 90.

Two horses were given a rating’s drop. PEACE IN OUR WORLD is down from 94 to 90, while BUSH TRACKER drops to 98 from 99.

BLACKOUT KNOCKOUT AT FAIRVIEW South African horseracing fans endured an unprecedented blackout from Fairview Racecourse on Friday. In a statement published on Saturday, Telemedia and all service providers involved, said that they would like to extend their sincere apologies to 4Racing and the Horse racing community with regards to the transmission failure experienced on the 25 March 2022 from the Fairview Racecourse.

Telemedia have two circuits into Fairview. The primary being on fibre and the secondary on a permanent satellite link. Historically, across all the courses these connections have proven to be stable and normally if there is a failure, the switch over proves to be seamless. However, Friday proved not to be the case. Our monitoring systems had identified before the first race jumped that the satellite link showed degradation on the received

backup video stream. At this point the Primary line was fully functional, and the video stream was still being delivered to our Campus based in Rivonia. Our Engineers and the 4Racing staff based at Fairview began trouble shooting on the permanent satellite link to restore the backup to full function. Then, black on air, the primary line had failed!

Further investigations with our Fibre provider revealed that their Primary and Secondary Fibre lines both experienced a break on them 18km from the north end. The fibre line was repaired by 23H00 on the same day by the fibre providers. The secondary line trouble shooting found that the amplifier on the permanent satellite link had failed. Subsequently replacement parts have been sent onto

Fairview and the permanent satellite link should be fully functional by Tuesday 29th March 2022. This has proven to be a series of most unfortunate events and in our long history of delivering video, not only on behalf of 4Racing, but the broadcasting industry as a whole, these types of occurrences can be counted on one hand. Telemedia would like to extend a warm thank you to the 4Racing staff at Fairview

Racecourse that continued to work effortlessly without reward to return the video to the punter and once again convey sincere apologies from ourselves and all connected parties to the Horse Racing Community. • Media release by Telemedia on Saturday 26 March 2022

ACROBAT FOR COOLMORE AUSTRALIA

38 Acrobat is led by Tom Magnier

Coolmore

Coolmore Australia have announced the addition to their 2022 roster of recordbreaking, unbeaten stakeswinning juvenile Acrobat, the fastest 2YO in history over 1000m at Randwick. “Not only did Acrobat break the Randwick 2YO track record, he also won this important pre-Christmas juvenile test in faster time than Blue Diamond winner and now sire-sensation Extreme Choice,” enthused Coolmore’s Racing Manager Rob Archibald. “By winning the Inglis Nursery in 56s, he also won in faster time than Moir Stakes winner Wild Ruler, as well as Golden Slipper stars She Will Reign and Mossfun. Acrobat was always extremely natural and fast, from the day he was broken-in at Coolmore until his unfortunate career ending accident at a time where he was one of the favourites for the Golden Slipper. There is no doubt in our minds that he would have reached great heights on the track and it is a

great shame that he could not realise his immense potential.” “He floats across the ground, he has a beautiful mind and a good action, he’ll make a proper racehorse,” said James McDonald after the Nursery, while trainer Ciaron Maher declared Acrobat “a colt with enormous potential, one of the most naturally-gifted 2YOs we have trained – a leading Golden Slipper contender.” Acrobat with Tom Magnier at Coolmore Australia Unfortunately for all concerned, Acrobat was injured in the lead-up to the Inglis Millennium and never raced again. But his Inglis Nursery victory had thankfully demonstrated both his precocity and recordbreaking speed. Coolmore Australia Principal, Tom Magnier is adamant that Acrobat has all the credentials required to forge a successful career at stud.

Rock’s Gr1 Blue Diamond winner Catchy,” explained Magnier. “He’s from a mare by Champion sprinter and leading broodmare sire Stravinsky, from a brilliantly fast Australian 2YO speed pedigree. His dam Hips Don’t Lie won a Golden Slipper lead-up, the Group Two Reisling Stakes and has produced not only Acrobat but also Group Three Chairman’s Stakes-winning juvenile Ennis Hill and Gr1 Golden Slipper and Blue Diamond placegetter Lake Geneva. “And to top it all off,” continued Magnier, “he was valued at $1million as a yearling and is one of the best-looking Fastnet Rock colts I have ever seen. At his introductory fee of A$13,750, there will be no better value sire prospect retiring to stud in 2022.”

“He’s the fastest 2YO ever by legendary sire and sire-of-sires Fastnet Rock – rated higher as a 2YO than even Fastnet

What A Run September Run continued the remarkable success of her sire Exceed And Excel when she won the Gr1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley in Melbourne on Friday, 25 March. Exceed And Excel was a dual Gr1 winner. He has sired more than 500 juvenile winners to date and nearly 100 Group winners in a

brilliant career at stud. September Run, out of the Stakes-winning mare Pittsburgh Flyer, burst back to best form by easily beating Halvorsen and General Beau in the $1 million sprint over 1,200m at The Valley. Jockey Craig Williams 40 brought the four-year-old with a well-timed run to record

her sixth win, with three placings, from 19 starts for premier trainer Chris Waller. It was her fifth Stakes race success and her second at Gr1 level following her Coolmore Stud Stakes win in 2020.

MJ puts another subject on the spot! 42 A lot of winners! Team Centenary enjoy Nippy Winter's victory

Chase Liebenberg MJ puts another subject on the spot! 43

The Centenary Club has been at the forefront of racehorse syndication in the Western Cape since its launch in 2020 by Bass Racing Stables, and has proven a great success for all involved. The plans for the future are very exciting and just may be the perfect answer to what we have all been looking for in growing the Sport of Kings in South Africa. Syndication is not new to horseracing, but has probably never fully been taken advantage of properly in South Africa. Most trainers have dabbled in it from time to time, but

for some reason it just never really appears to sustain and succeed long term. But the Centenary Club have other ideas. They work slightly differently to regular syndicates – so they require a once-off minimal payment upfront. No monthly training fees, no syndication fees, no vets bills and no future bills whatsoever! And as the name suggests it is a syndication of 100 members, which is well over the National Horseracing Authority’s designated limit of 20 members. This means affordability, and that can only lead to an opening up of a whole new market of potential buyers.

The first Centenary Club syndicate was formed in 2020 when purchasing the Maine Chance bred What A Winter filly, named Nippy Winter. The compact CTS Ready To Run graduate cost just R120 000. The 100 shares were sold in just 48 hours! She looked a typically early and fast type, and a perfect model for mass syndication. While it took a while for Nippy Winter to win her first start , placing in her first 7 attempts kept her owners in high suspense. And when she did win, she practically brought the house down.

Candiese Lenferna

44 What a smasher! Just a few shares left – the colt’s name is Forged Steel

Her record now stands at 14 runs 2 wins and 11 places for earnings just shy of R200 000 – and she is only a three year old. Her trainer Candice Robinson told the Sporting Post that Nippy Winter is a little star with the heart of a lion. “She makes us all super proud every time she steps foot on the race track, giving it her all every time. She is nick-named the ‘ATM’ on the owner club’s Whats App group with her 100 owners, and she must be the most popular horse in South Africa at the moment, with family visits from her owners and admirers most Saturdays. “I am aiming at some black type with her! She is improving all the time and she will be a great asset at stud one day which is great for the owners as they are the ones who will benefit,” added Candice. Nippy Winter is a prime example of what can be done to introduce new people to the game of racing. More than 75% of her owners had never owned a race horse previously. They receive all the stakes she earns as well as any value held by the mare at Stud. An enthusiastic Mark Bass confirmed that the concept has been a great success and a lot of fun.

“I am in the process of arranging that the owners maintain ownership free of charge after her career, as a broodmare, so that they can then experience the racing cycle of life in full circle. We will then decide as a group as to whether we sell her progeny or race on the legacy.” Mark adds proudly that the concept has created some racing fans of note.

of owning a race horse are now owners. We even have a Royal Ascot owner as well as a cricketing legend in Brian Mc Millan. It’s all about anticipating that winning feeling. Although you only own a small share, it’s your share, and in my opinion is as good as owning a whole horse yourself. In fact it’s more fun as you get to experience it with friends, family and new partners.”

“They can’t get enough of her, and their interest in racing has sky rocketed. Many have even bought shares in other horses and are now official owners. We launched our second Centenary Syndication this year, where we offered 200 shares in two horses – a colt named Forged Steel and a filly called Pipers Creek. And it has gone fantastically! We are practically full now with just under 20 shares left to sell. As with Nippy Winter the cost to own a share is just R4 000 once off. We have owners from SA and all over the globe – including the USA, Europe, Mauritius, and a host of other countries.”

Mark points out that many people have also bought a share as a Birthday or Christmas gift for Kids, families, grandparents, and practically anyone can get involved.

Looking at the demographics, Mark says that most are new to the game but it is a great mix as there are also some big racing enthusiasts involved who just love having an interest.

The reality is that syndication is successful in many countries, including England, Ireland and France. But none more so than Australia and the United States.

“Many of the smaller punters who have only ever dreamed

“We even have a three month, interest-free terms arrangement, leaving no one out of being able to get involved. Nippy Winter will in all likelihood make a reasonable profit for her owners, but that’s not the point. The main reason is that they are there to experience one of the greatest feelings in the world - eading in a winner !”

Syndication groups like China Horse Club, Dooley Racing, The Value Club and Diamond

Racing, to mention a few are all massively successful and have up to 3000 members per syndicate. . As a result, they are amongst the biggest buyers on the Sales circuit and the more members, the more buying power the manager has. “It’s a recipe for success!” says Mark Bass. “Just this weekend the Dubai World Cup was won by the Bob Baffert trained County Grammar who won a first place stake of R125 million for his 350 owners. There have been so many champion race horses in the past, including Animal Kingdom, who provided a

30 000% return on investment after winning the World Cup and the Kentucky Derby. With mass syndication the dream is real , and the dream is affordable. It’s time we take this seriously!

Mark intends calling a few meetings with his peers, and says that his vision for South Africa is for every stable in every centre in the country to have a Centenary managed syndicate.

So how do we take this forward in South Africa? Mark Bass has a grand idea on the horizon for the future of the Centenary Club.

“The numbers are quite staggering on the market cap. There are 128 registered trainers. If everyone bought into this idea and we ran it as an official entity where we all worked together on the same module, that would mean potentially a staggering 12 800 new owners every year. Getting 100 new owners each is really not a hard task to achieve given the fact that you would practically have a

“The Centenary Club has been a great success for us and will continue to be so as we purchase a new one every year. But why stop there? We need South African racing as a whole to benefit , not just Bass Racing.”

Candiese Lenferna

46 Piper’s Creek is a daughter of Global View – you snooze, you lose!

Chase Liebenberg

Centenary Club's Nippy Winter flies home under Aldo Domeyer year to put it together.” Mark concedes that getting every trainer to do this may be a bit far fetched but even if the industry attracted a fraction of this, it’s thousands of new owners. So how does Mark envisage this working in the future? “By working together under one Syndication entity with the same vision, this can easily be achievable. Historically, we have never been an industry that works together, but I think it’s about time we all pull together for the betterment of the industry and for all our futures in

this sport. There are so many benefits. By putting together hundred man, affordable syndications in the hands of trainers, and managing this all for them, it could just work!” Mark has though widely and says that he would love to see an annual Centenary Cup run, which would be a race limited to trainers and their syndicated horses. We can also bring the classic and exciting Match Race back again as stables and syndications fight it out oneon-one on the track. More

importantly everyone benefits. I would love to negotiate and agree with industry players for mass discounts on stabling vets, feed, transport, physios and even free Private suits on our major courses for all the members to enjoy. There are many other perks we can pass on to the owner and trainer. Everyone needs to give and contribute to make this a success. It's marketing on a grand scale and a sacrifice we all need to concede to grow the game. We need to treat our new owners like royalty.” Mark adds excitedly that trainers would benefit from

a huge cash flow boost annually as they receive training fees up front, a marketing boost for the stable, and access to a mega data base of potential future buyers. He feels that the industry would also benefit as a whole as potentially thousands of new people flock to the game including new sponsors, free marketing through word of mouth, and injecting life into race courses and on-course

restaurants that would actually have an atmosphere again. “I know there are many important factors to making racing great again, but I think it’s a good starting point to kick things off in the right direction. It’s a win-win in my opinion, but the trick is to obviously make it all happen!” To get involved in the Centenary Club you can visit their website at: www.centenaryclub.co.za or

just visit the Bass Racing website for more info.

Candiese Lenferna

DR T IS BACK IN THE RING

Situated in the Nuy Valley, just outside of Worcester, Ambiance Stud has a long tradition of breeding top-class thoroughbreds, with the Cape based outfit having produced some truly memorable champions. After having a sabbatical from racing, Ambiance's Dr Marianne Thomson, a canny veteran of the game, has made a welcome return to the thoroughbred breeding industry. A few years ago Thomson moved from her original Worcester farm to a smaller stretch of land and, with that, planned on wrapping her successful breeding operation. However, the lure of the game proved too strong, with the charismatic ‘Dr T’ returning to the industry having restocked her broodmare band. Standout thoroughbreds bred by Ambiance include champion sprinters Al Nitak and Cataloochee, 2005 Met winner Alastor, Cape Derby hero and sire The Sheik, dual Gr1 winning sprinter Bull Valley, and champion Almah to name but a few. The farm is also responsible

for current smart sprinter Alesian Chief -winner of both the Gr3 World Sports Betting Merchants and Listed Golden Loom Handicap this season. Ambiance were also involved in a piece of racing history -when the Ambiance bred Alastor captured the 2005 J&B Met he provided subsequent multiple champion trainer Sean Tarry with the first Gr1 success of his illustrious career! The farm has also been home to some outstanding matriarchs, with former star mares to have graced Ambiance's paddocks including Jessamine -South Africa's Broodmare Of The Year of 2002, and dam of both Al Nitak and The Sheik. Marianne also bred Gr1 Fancourt Majorca Stakes winner, and subsequent topclass producer, Sarabande. The latter produced seven winners headed by the graded stakes winners Chesalon and Mardi Gras, as well as the Gr1 placed dam of Gr3 Starling Stakes victress She's A Giver. Dr Thomson is also the breeder of the classy filly Cockney Pride, whose victories included a triumph in the Gr2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper of 2019.

Cockney Pride, who was produced by the Rakeen mare Lovely Jubbly, has a Querari full-brother (Lot 37) on offer at this year's National Yearling Sale. The latter colt, who has been named La Plazuela, is one of 12 yearlings Ambiance Stud has entered for the 2022 National Sale. The rest of the string consists of yearlings sired by a host of popular stallions including Lancaster Bomber, Master Of My Fate, Querari, Var and champion sire elect Vercingetorix. Ambiance will also be offering a Captain Of All half-brother to top-class filly Safe Harbour, as well as Azimuth, a filly from the first crop of Dynasty's regally bred son Horizon. The beautifully bred Azimuth is out of Patricia's Gift -a Master Of My Fate three-parts sister to globetrotting champion J J The Jet Plane and Gr3 Kings Cup winner Jet Legend. The string can be viewed in its entirety online at www.bsa. co.za The BSA National Yearling Sale will be held on 28 and 29 April at the TBA Sales complex in Johannesburg.

Chase Liebenberg

WE ALL GONNA MISS MJ! 54

A quarter of a century after a bright-eyed youngster from Limpopo took his first small step with nervous trepidation into the rough and tumble world of life as a professional jockey, one of South African racing’s favourite sons has been forced to hang up his boots. Giant steps coupled with a work ethic second to none saw the charismatic MJ ‘Bakkies’ Byleveld achieve seven Gr1 victories and close on 1150 firsts in an innings that commenced with his aptly named first winner, What A Promise, for Alistair Gordon on 14 July 1999 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. And now it’s sadly all over. The One World Met winning glory moment! (Pic- Chase Liebenbegg) Following a work riding injury in September 2020, where he fractured the medial maeleuoses bone and tibia, MJ has had his fill – in the nicest way possible, he stresses – of medical specialists, biokineticists and physiotherapists. In an emotional chat with the Sporting Post on Monday, the 40 year old 2020 Sun Met winning jockey told how he is dealing with the loneliness and the deafeningly stark realisation that a profession that consumed his every

waking moment, and that he loved and lived with zest and zeal for so long, is now actually trailing one-paced behind him. “Modern medicine is amazing and I am privileged to have benefitted from some worldclass care over the years. But when Dr Graham McCollum sat me down and said it’s time to face the music, the gnawing denial of two years of pain, three operations and endless treatments, finally came to the boil and hit me in the solar plexus.” The simple term of a ‘nonunion’ – the refusal of a fracture to knit – is at the core of it. Attempts at a comeback have failed – the pain is unbearable when he shortens his irons. The usually chirpy and chatty MJ is tangibly devastasted. The reality is that he has had no luck with injuries in the past six years. In August 2016 he had an operation to repair the right leg injury he suffered when he was kicked by Ready To Attack after the 2015 Langerman. In September 2018 he underwent complex back surgery. In 2019 he suffered a neck injury that kept him out for many months. And now almost two years of uncertainty and paging mindlessly through outdated

magazines in medical waiting rooms are wrapped in a file of documents, reports, scans and rubber stamps. “I haven’t yet worked out how I am going to get over not riding again. I suppose I haven’t got a choice, have I? I am going to miss it – the horses, the trainers, the owners – the camaraderie. What I won’t miss is the pain and the risks, the injuries and the agony, that goes with the often inevitable accidents. We know the cliché that race-riding is the only profession where an ambulance follows while you are working. But that’s an indisputable fact.” He wipes away a tear as he urges us to record his thanks to ‘so many people’. “My parents and family, first and foremost. I had the philosophy that hard work and honesty never killed anybody drummed into me from when I was a kortbroek. My Dad was a policeman and he and I have a small meat wholesale business that I am going to focus on now. He never stops working – a great influence in my life.” While he and his girlfriend of the time Bianca Mincione are no longer together, MJ says she has been a pillar of strength and a shoulder to cry on.

“Bianca is a horsewoman and mature beyond her years. She has been a great sounding board. And I have learnt to cry, believe me.” And MJ talks fondly about the top trainers with whom he was associated over the years. “You can be the greatest jockey in the world. But without support and horses to ride you are on your own! I have been fortunate to have had great backing – from Mark Dixon to Oom Nic Claassen in the early days. Then I had a chance to move to Cape Town – which was a lifechanger for me. I must thank my good friend Bernard Fayd’herbe for pushing me when I had doubts. I enjoyed extended associations with powerful yards like Alan Greeff, Glen Kotzen and Dean Kannemeyer. Then one day I had a pick-up ride which won for Vaughan Marshall – how’s that for a lifechanger! He has been my second Dad ever since. I am indebted to him and his wonderful owners. One World’s win in the Met on the eve of the devastating covid pandemic was a career and life highlight that I never realised the value of – but will cherish forever. I have the video to watch when I’m feeling otherwise.” MJ had a close on twelve year association with

Avontuur Estate as sponsors. “It was an honour to be associated with a prestigious brand. I learnt so much about social skills and life – about carrying yourself and behaving properly. I rubbed shoulders with leading local and international personalities. Pippa Mickleburgh has been a friend, an inspiration and a firm voice when I needed some ‘rukking reg’,” he laughs. MJ says that he was fortunate to work on the Cape Summer Season big days for 4RacingTV. “I am no Larry King – I come from farming stock and policemen – but I loved the edge and dynamics of television work, which also helped me to stay directly involved in racing. I am here if they need me – it would be a pleasure to stay in the racing mainstream, but I realise that I also have to consider the security of my financial future. I would probably have been riding for another 15 years in good times!” MJ understandably doesn’t want to reminisce too much at this juncture about how living every day and life to the full is so vitally important. History now shows that his last feature winner was Black Knap in the Listed Settlers Trophy for the Fosters and

trainer Vaughan Marshall on 26 September 2020 at Durbanville. Two days later he steered what was to be his final career winner – and ironically his final ride – home when Wicked Grin won for trainer Duncan McKenzie on Monday 28 September 2020 at Fairview. The next morning at Milnerton track-work for Vaughan Marshall, his mount had a heart attack and MJ came down heavily, fracturing his tibia and ankle. That was to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. His career died that day.

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Chase Liebenberg

A memorable Met day!

Sprint Cup On Sunday Jimmy Ting stunned Sha Tin last year when Amazing Star landed the Gr2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at odds of 178/1 and on Sunday the handler is out to do it again, taking aim with Computer Patch – a recent bigname acquisition to the stable who is hunting an overdue win. A reliable performer who placed at Group 1 level last term, Computer Patch finished a length off winning a hot Class 1 at his first run for Ting earlier this month in a contest which also featured Hot King Prawn, Master Eight, Super Wealthy and Sight Success – an effort the 49-year-old trainer hopes

will springboard the bay to lucrative late-season riches. “This horse is similar to Amazing Star, if he gets a good position then he can run well, I hope I can win it again – fingers crossed,” Ting said. “If he runs well, we’ll go to the Chairman’s Sprint Prize.” Generally, an on-pacer, Ting has employed new tactics for the five-year-old to adhere to, adopting a more conservative approach in the run as he pursues his first win since claiming the G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) on 1 October, 2020. “For me, I don’t think he is a leader, I think with a good 57take a sit position he can and then in the straight sprint

fast and keep going, his sprint isn’t too strong, but he will keep going,” said Ting ahead of this weekend’s HK$4.75 million Sprint Cup at Sha Tin. Computer Patch has banked HK$16.65 million for connections, largely due to his close-up second for trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Matthew Chadwick in the 2021 G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) behind Wellington. “He just needs to be a bit more relaxed, take a sit and I think he can be better doing that, his form is good, so I hope that he will run well,” Ting said.

Grecian Gale wins the 1995 George Azzie Memorial Handicap

Racing & The Paddock – What’s The Balance? It is possible to train horses to race more frequently – but to what extent does hard racing affect the breeding potential of mares? Robin Bruss writes that eleven times Champion US Hall of Fame trainer Hirsch Jacobs was a legend in his lifetime, not only for how he trained, but also his partnership with his monied patron Isidor Bieber in the breeding of horses. His record provides an answer.

In the mantra of Race to Breed and then Breed to Race, it was the ultimate team interplay, not tainted by breeding to sell commercial yearlings. There is a difference between targeting the winning post of the sale rings, and the winning post of the racetrack.

of Jacobs breeding stock. As like produces like, his homebreds became his most famous examples of a successful policy.

Did you read Robin Bruss’ previous editorial? Please click here

He started with Searching, a daughter of War Admiral (21 wins in 26 starts). She had been winless in 20 starts when he acquired her from breeder Ogden Phipps. Racing her longer,

By proving the horses to be warriors of soundness and durability, the racetrack test was critical to the selection 59

Jacobs admired the La Troienne female line and determined to acquire descendants.

adding blinkers and racing frequently, within one year the rejuvenated Searching had won 11 times. In a 36 month period, through ages 4, 5 and 6, she racked up 69 more starts, winning 25 races altogether and a further 35 places. Amongst these were 12 Stakes race wins, including races classified today as Gr.1. If anyone thought that Searching’s 89 starts in 7 years old would kill her breeding prospects, they were dead wrong. For Bieber-Jacobs, she became one of the most famous foundation mares in the history of the breed. The first mating was to Swaps (19 wins in 25 starts) – meaning that the parents started 114 times between them. The filly foal was named Affectionately. She raced 52 times for 28 wins and 18 places. She was USA Champion 2YO winning 6 Stakes at 2 years, then later became Champion Sprinter and Champion Handicap mare, winning 17 black type stakes. When Affectionately went to stud, Jacobs mated her to his homebred champion colt Hail To Reason (who won 9 of his 18 starts as a 2 year old inc 6 Stakes!).

The foal was Personality, who ran 25 times, winning the Classic Preakness S. G1 and became Horse of the Year 1970. The second foal of Searching was the filly Admiring (by Hail to Reason), another iron racemare who raced 43 times, winning 7 and became the ancestress of more than 30 Stakes Winners amongst them the Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero (24 starts, three Gr.1 wins). The third foal was another filly, Priceless Gem (by Hail to Reason), who raced only 15 times, but famously beat Buckpasser in the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes, before going on to become the dam of the best filly in the world in her time, the great Allez France (by Sea Bird), winner of 9 Group 1 races including the 1974 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Champion Breeders of USA four times, Bieber-Jacobs partnership is also remembered for another Amazonian warrior mare, Straight Deal. Buying a non winning granddaughter of La Troienne for $7,500, they bred her to Hail to Reason and out came the great racemare Straight Deal. Incredibly tough, Straight Deal had 99 starts over 5 seasons – 20 starts per year – and won 21 races, 21 seconds and 9 thirds. Along the way there were 13

stakes wins and a title of USA Champion Handicap Mare. For those that might point out that a long racing career can be detrimental to a broodmare, Straight Deal did not produce a live foal in her first 3 years at stud, but then she had 10 foals, eight of which won and three were Stakes Winners. One of them Desiree was a Gr1 winner who Jacobs mated to Seattle Slew (14 wins in 16 starts) and produced Adored (12 wins in 23 starts including the Santa Margarita H Gr1). Three generations of Gr1 winners in succession. It sounds easy, but breeders will point to warrior mares being masculine and physically unable to produce robust foals, and there are many grand racemares who are put up as examples : the great Zenyatta, for instance, 19 wins in 20 starts, of 13 were Gr1, has yet to produce a winner of any description. For this reason, its often that we notice their moderate daughters transmitting the genetics of toughness and durability into the next generation. This year’s $20m Saudi Cup winner, Emblem Road (pictured below) is a case in point. His dam Venturini was unplaced in 2 starts and

Hamish Niven Photography Robin Bruss – the writer poses some interesting angles culled by Juddmonte Farm for $62,000. However, she is the product of Champion parents, Bernardini and Ventura, who had 7 Grade 1 wins between them. Mated to 4x Gr1 Winner Quality Road, Venturini produced Emblem Road, an $80,000 two year old purchase who is now a Gr1 winner of $10,240,000. Closer home in my own experience, my mares Teclafields and Bushgirl, both weak runners, but both are daughters of Durban July winning champions Tecla Bluff and Devon Air respectively. And between them, these two mares have produced 4 Gr1 winners and founded

I call this “the wave motion of inheritance”.

stallions in the history of our Stud Book. And ask any trainer about the soundness and toughness of their stock.

We can’t leave the BieberJacobs story without reflecting on its impact in South Africa.

We noted the late Buddy Maroun who trained the Jacobs way.

Their 17 hands champion Hail to Reason is the stallion to whom our chef de race sire Jet Master is inbred to and almost certainly is responsible for his size and strength, and perhaps for his 17 wins in 24 starts !

He raced Grecian Gale (by Foveros) 61 times for 11 wins, from 1200m (winning the George Azzie S.) to 3200m.

their own dynasties.

Our other locally bred chef de race, Captain Al, is a male line descendant of Hail to Reason. Jet Master and Captain Al have impacted the breed more than any other South African bred

Amazingly, her Durban July campaign was 6 runs in 6 consecutive meetings, and although unplaced in the July, no holiday for her, she then won her next race in the A Division. And a tilt at the 3200m Durban Gold Cup. No trainer would do that today.

I was the agent that recommended Grecian Gale’s sale to Mike McHardy’s Rathmor Stud. When I went to see her, she was like a greyhound, as sleek and fit and tight as any horse I had ever seen, without an ounce of fat, streamlined and pure athlete. I didn’t see such a thing again until I visited Ballydoyle in Ireland and saw Aidan O’Brien’s team. Fitness in a different league. In her first 6 years at stud, Grecian Gale produced only 3 foals. The first Hurricane Man (Rakeen) won 7 races in 43 starts. The second Malteme (Rakeen) won 5

times in 25 starts including the Gr1 Summer Cup and Gr2 Clairwood Derby; the third was Wendywood (Fort Wood) who was Equus Champion 3 Year Old Filly, and won the Gr1 Woolavington before being lost to colic. Hirsch Jacobs would have been pleased. Let’s think about stud selection. Is victory in a Graded Stakes Race all important or should we seek other desirable traits such as durability, soundness, toughness and will to win? Last time we wrote about the admirable Rouge Allure (8yo, 95 starts, 13 wins), but she is not the only warrior mare around: Rabia the Rebel (7yo, 89 starts, 9 wins), Ginger Biscuit (10yo, 90 starts, 11 wins) and All of Me (6yo, 64

starts, 12 wins). Their merit ratings may be below 100, but they exhibit these incredibly tough and durable traits in bucket loads. Breeders shy way and I’m wondering if it’s valid. The question now is: Can a breeder take such traits and add the class of a Gr1 Winning stallion in the hope of producing the future champion warrior that can be so sound and tough that it can race more often, give its owner more pleasure, earn more money, exploit the merit rating system and also have class to win at Graded race level as well ? And probably just as importantly, will that horse find the trainer willing to take him all the way?

The Sun Is Rising Fast Five Graded Stakes Victories in the 7 races by Japanese horses at Meydan’s stellar Dubai World Cup meeting last week, including the Gr1 Sheema Classic and Gr1 Dubai Turf, confirmed something we already know: the land of the Rising Sun is becoming a dominant force in world racing and breeding. Robin Bruss writes that four wins at the Saudi Cup meeting last month – turf and dirt – plus two of the four Gr1 races at Hong

Kong’s biggest meeting in December and two Breeders Cup wins the previous month at America’s flagship day makes it 13 international Stakes wins in the past 3 months confirming again: Japan is a major player. “These Japanese breed phenomenally tough horses” remarked British champion trainer John Gosden at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night. “ We in international racing now have to respect them, because they are kicking us 62

for a Six!” he told Andrew Bon in a 4Racing interview. “I just wish our racing in England was part of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, like Japan’s”, he said, “and we had a tote monopoly and it could invest back into the sport. In Japan, the prize money they run for is just in another league – and Japan is really showing us what the sport is all about.” Please read more here

MJ puts another subject on the spot! Mike & Norma Rattray

LEADING OWNER NEVER REALISED JULY DREAM One of South Africa’s leading owners and breeders for decades and a successful businessman, Mike Rattray has passed away just over four mounts prior to his 90th birthday. He had been ill for some time. Michael Loring Peter Rattray famously brought the Santa

Gertrudis cattle breed to South Africa, founded Mala Mala game reserve in 1964, and most significantly for SA horseracing, imported multiple champion sire Western Winter to this country. He was a director of The Citizen newspaper for 15 years. He also operated the iconic Lammerskraal Stud for many years. 63

Mike Rattray was born on 11 August 1932 into KwaZuluNatal farming stock and his father and grandfather farmed at Kwambonambi. Sugar and timber were the primary crops and Rattray himself later farmed at Mkuzi and Heatonville. His grandfather was responsible for planting what

is now the forest between Richards Bay and St Lucia. Mike Rattray had a lifelong connection with horses after his Dad gave him a horse, imaginatively named Pony, when he was three. From the age of 13 he got involved with polo. He was selected for the Springbok team and was head of the SA Polo Association. He played actively till the age of 64 and was the life president up to his passing. His association with racing also goes back to his youth. He bought a horse called Royal Dandy. In those days they had races at gymkhana’s and he used to train him and ride him. Later he joined the board of the Durban Turf Club and became Chairman. He was on record about how the Lammerskraal purchase came about. “One day I went with Terrance Millard to look at horses in Ceres. I asked if there were any stud farms for sale. The answer was no, but a sheep farm was on the market. The end result was that I bought Lammerskraal. We concentrated on getting quality mares. The rule of thumb was that they had to have won five races before we would consider them. So

we had a set base with quality mares, and then [stallion] Western Winter came along – he made the whole show. His progeny have won more Grade 1s than any stallion in the history of this country. But when he died I decided to sell.” While he never won the big race, the Durban July was always a special race and an ambition that he sadly never fulfilled. “My first July was in 1951, when I was 18. We were friendly with Dennis Labistours and his Gay Jane won that year. I borrowed R10 and won R100. I had never been so happy.” he was on record as saying. Rattray enjoyed three seconds in the July, two with his Lammerskraal home-breds, Celtic Grove was second in 2001 and Yard-Arm second in 2003. His SA Horse Of The Year Rainbow Bridge ran second behind Do It Again in 2019. His Lammerskraal homebred Jagged Ice was beaten less than half-a-length into third in the 2007 Durban July. He also has the honour of having owned the only oddson favourite in July history, Yard-Arm, who finished a disappointing fifth at a starting price of 8/10 in 2004. His last major success was

Rainbow Bridge’s victory in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge, won by Rainbow Bridge in 2021. Mike Rattray is survived by his wife Norma, seven children and 18 grandchildren. Our condolences are extended to his family and friends.

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‘TOUGH WINNING RACES AT FAIRVIEW’ - VISSER

MJ puts another subject on the spot! 66 Jaap already has a broom in his hand as he sorts things out at the Vaal early on Friday

MJ puts another subject on the spot! 67

While the closure of Flamingo Park in 2020 devastated the lives and dreams of many, former Northern Cape Champion trainer Jaap Visser refuses to tag himself as a victim. The one-time top cop has been training horses since 1978 and opened another chapter in an incredible journey when he arrived at the Vaal en route from Fairview on Friday morning. The Upington-born former Griquas and Blue Bulls Flyhalf and Fullback drove into Vereeniging accompanied by his wife Joanne, son JC (his assistant) and his wife Chane, with 14 horses in tow. The 66 year old had been based in Gqeberha, following the closure of Flamingo Park and saddled his first runner after a five year absence in March 2021. He made the decision to move North for a variety of reasons. “There is nothing wrong with the training facilities at Fairview. But it’s really tough taking on the local big guns who have been there for generations and have three or four for every one of ours. Then you have the Cape powerhouse yards raiding. I’m not whinging. I’m just facing facts,” says Jaap.

He says that he is definitely not underestimating the quality of trainers in Gauteng either. But the programme means that there are also more opportunities for the average level of their horses. “And the stakes are better here than in the Eastern Cape. So it makes sense and I must thank my loyal owners who supported the move, and assisted us so generously,” says Jaap. Assistant JC, who has been learning the ropes from Dad since he was in short pants, also points to the environment and climate. “It’s humid and a different ball game training horses on the coast. We are used to training in this climate – in the dry air. We used to raid the Vaal from Kimberley in past years. So we know it well. You should see how happy our horses are this morning! All heads are over the stable door and they are happy,” enthuses the 26 year old, who is ready to take over the reins when the old man calls it a day. “Dad’s too fit and too involved to retire now! So I’m patient and learning every day,” adds JC. The Visser team will saddle their first runner in the opener at the Vaal on Thursday 31 March.

“Trent Mayhew will be riding Tara Iti. His earlier form in the Cape is fair and we are hoping for a decent effort from him,” says JC. Jaap’s already feeling at home at his new barn. His neighbours include Jannie Borman, Corrie Lensley and Heinrich van der Westhuizen. “It’s like moving back home! Now I just need to fill my 42 boxes and get back into the winner’s enclosure. And again, please allow us as a family training operation to extend our gratitude to our owners. We appreciate the support – we really do!” he concluded. • Email Jaap on jcpersoonlik@gmail.com.

AN EQUINE LIFESTYLE! 72

Summerveld in the heart of KZN on the outskirts of Hillcrest and Shongweni is home to magnificent equestrian lifestyle properties, some of which boast green fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. A large equestrian community makes the area a great place to live in for horse owners, racehorse trainers and general equine enthusiasts. The Summerveld Training Centre (which houses 1700 racehorses), The South African Jockey Academy and the Summerveld Equine Hospital are also perfectly situated in the area.

Coming under the In2assets hammer on 21 April 2022, is a high class ± 6, 4 Ha property in the centre of this sought after equestrian hub with a large double storey upmarket home, 2 self-contained cottages, a brand new state of the art stable block for 40 horses, ample grooms accommodation, office and ablution facilities. Post and rail paddocks flow alongside the tree lined entrance together with a lunging ring. This large property is well equipped lending itself for an ideal pre-training and spelling operation.

plan kitchen, dining room, garages and swimming pool leading off a large veranda with sweeping views. The 2 self-contained cottages offer additional accommodation which can also generate rental income. This is the ideal property if you are looking for an established equestrian facility. • Enquiries: Contact Luke Hearn on 071 351 8138 or lukeh@in2assets.com.

The main double storey house has 4 bedrooms, bathrooms, lounges, bar area, open

About Summerveld Lying at 700m above sea level, the Summerveld Training Centre is situated about halfway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, at Shongweni. It is far and away South Africa’s most scenic thoroughbred training centre and also houses the SA Jockey Academy. The Centre boasts 1600 stables and grooms’ accommodation.

Before the closure of the Clairwood training facility in 2014, Summerveld was extensively upgraded with the building of new stables and the laying of a 1200m Polytrack. The training facilities comprise a 2000m grass track with a 1 000m righthand bend running into a 1000m straight, as well as another grass track with an 800m bend and a 1 000m uphill straight.

Then there is also the 1200m polytrack, a sand track around a turn running into a 1000m straight and another sand track with an 800m straight. The centre also has two 350m trotting rings.

Emirates Racing Authority

The victorious Country Grammar connections

USA Triumph In World Cup It was a fourth victory in the $12 million Gr1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday for both trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Frankie Dettori, with the latter timing his ride to perfection aboard the game Country Grammer.

The Todd Pletcher-trained Life Is Good set the pace under Irad Ortiz Jr., with Steve Asmussen’s charge Midnight Bourbon taking close orders.

The Saudi Cup runner-up hunted down longtime leader Life Is Good in the final furlong of the 2000-metre dirt contest to win by a length and three-quarters.

However, Country Grammer was not finished, and with Dettori urging him along the straight, he took command as Life Is Good faded into fourth. The rallying Hot Rod Charlie

Turning for home, Ortiz Jr asked Life Is Good for an extra effort and started to kick clear.

claimed second for Doug O’Neill with Flavien Prat up, while Ryuji Okubo’s Chuwa Wizard, who was runner-up in last year’s race, was a further half-length behind in third. Amr Zedan, co-owner of Country Grammar with WinStar Farm and Commonwealth Thoroughbreds, said: “I mean, I don’t have any voice left after that! It was a project – we picked the horse and

he has come here in the care of the best trainer in the world in Bob Baffert. Deep down in my gut I knew we had a shot. I have huge respect for all the others, especially Life Is Good who I know intimately as he used to train with Country Grammar when he was with Baffert.” Zedan continued: “This win reminds me of Medina Spirit. He was a champion and these horses are all heart. I hope Medina Spirit is reinstalled as the Kentucky Derby winner, God willing. I can’t believe I’m sitting here and my silks are here! “I am just very thankful to the entire team and Frankie, who gave him a perfect ride. He is one of the best, if not the best. Results speak louder than words. A trainer of that calibre is bound to produce such results. I am just dedicating this race to him.” Jimmy Barnes, assistant trainer to Bob Baffert, said: “It’s been a long trip, Frankie just rode him awesome. He couldn’t have done any better. The speed worked out just as we thought it would, he put him in a close enough spot that when he called upon him, he’s a true mile-and-aquarter horse and it kicked in. I give a lot of credit to Bob Baffert for his ability to come back and perform, it’s what we do, we’re great off a layoff. I’m just so excited. I was here when Arrogate won the

Dubai World Cup, so this is my second with Bob and it is very, very special.” Frankie Dettori, who first won the Dubai World Cup for Godolphin aboard the great Dubai Millennium in 2000, said: “I have equalled Jerry Bailey now. All my other three wins came on the Nad Al Sheba track so it’s nice to have a winner at Meydan. “When the draw came out, I had just wanted to put him on the fence. At the half-mile, I wasn’t able to keep on with the front two but in the end they came back to me. At the furlong pole, it was surreal as I knew I was going to win. It’s just unbelievable. It’s like a dream!” Doug O’Neill, trainer of runner-up Hot Rod Charlie, said: “He had a great run and congratulations to Bob Baffert for getting his horse ready the way he did. We’re super proud, Leandro Mora and all the guys have been here the whole time and they’ve done a great job. “We wanted to win of course but we’re super proud and mid-race we were thinking it just wasn’t Charlie’s day. He then re-engaged and got up for second so it was a great night.” He continued: “These are one of the few times that you wish horses could talk. I think maybe blinkers might need to go back on – he broke okay but then when he got behind horses,

maybe that was it. Flavien said he took the kickback pretty well though, so we’ll re-group and we’ll give him plenty of time now and we’ll huddle up and think of a game plan.” Flavien Prat, rider of Hot Rod Charlie, added: “We broke well and I got myself into the rail. Then we were travelling really well down the far side and he then needed to dig in and we got a nice run down the lane.” Yuga Kawada, rider of thirdplaced Chuwa Wizard, said: “It was a good place. He was second last year and this year he was third so it was a very strong race and a very good run. He’s matched last year’s performance today and we’re very happy.”

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Emirates Racing Authority MJ puts another subject on the spot! Panthalassa dead heats in the Gr1 Dubai Turf thriller on Saturday

JAPAN – BIG IN MEYDAN

Japan dominated proceedings at Saturday’s Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan.

Horses trained and bred in Japan captured all of the Gr1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, Gr2 UAE Derby, Gr2 Dubai Gold Cup, and Gr2 Godolphin Mile. Another Japanese galloper Panthalassa dead-heated for first in Saturday’s Gr1 Dubai Turf, while Japan’s Chuwa Wizard ran third in the Gr1 Dubai World Cup and the country’s Red Le Zele ran second in the Gr1 Dubai

Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Atlantis Dubai. Japan trained/bred horses ran 1-3-5 in the Sheema Classic -whose previous winners include Japanese champion Gentildonna and subsequent successful Japanese stallions Heart’s Cry and Stay Gold. A notable feature of the Japanese success was the ongoing success enjoyed by their deceased star sire Deep Impact. Not only is the late Japanese Triple Crown/Japan Cup winner sire of Saturday’s Gr1 Dubai Sheema Classic winner 78

Shahryar, Deep Impact’s Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winning son Kizuna is responsible for Bathrat Leon -the upset winner of Saturday’s Gr2 Godolphin Mile. Saturday was not the first time that Deep Impact made his mark on World Cup night. Other progeny of Deep Impact to have won at previous Dubai World Cup meetings include Gentildonna (Gr1 Dubai Sheema Classic), Vivlos (Gr1 Dubai Turf) and Real Steel (Gr1 Dubai Turf).

The champion has also continued to enjoy massive international success following his death, with Deep Impact’s global standout performers last year headed by ill-fated, triple Oaks winning filly Snowfall, Gr1 Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly& Mare Turf/ Gr1 Longines Hong Kong Cup victress Loves You Only, and Gr1 Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes hero Profondo. Champion sire for ten years running in Japan, Deep Impact’s current tally of stakes winners stands at 184, with the late champion’s progeny have earned more than $900 million thus far. The son of Sunday Silence is also making his mark as a sire of sires. His aforementioned son Kizuna was Japan’s Leading First Season Sire in 2019 and Leading Second Season Sire the following year, with Kizuna’s runners including not only Bathrat Leon but also Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup heroine Akai Ito and Gr2 Prix Foy victor Deep Bond.

With a large number of sire sons standing in Japan, Deep Impact was responsible for two of the top ten Leading First Season Sires there for the past year. His son Silver State finished second on the First Season Sires List, with fellow Deep Impact horse Satono Aladdin ninth on the same list. Silver State, a winner of four of just five starts and winner of the Tarumi Stakes, made a pleasing start with his first runners in 2021. His 22 2yo winners last year were headed by Gr3 winner Water Navillera -who ran third in the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies. Two other sons of Deep Impact who caught the eye with their first runners in 2021 included Vanquish Run (whose nine first crop runners included six winners) and Tosen Reve. The latter, winner of the Gr3 Epsom Cup and a direct descendant of the outstanding mare Schwarzgold , had just five 2yo runners in 2021, but three won. Deep Impact enjoyed notable success in Australia, and his Gr1 George Ryder Stakes winning son Real Impact has already enjoyed success at

the highest level. A Gr1 winner in both Australia and Japan, Real Impact’s progeny include G1 NHK Mile Cup winner Lauda Sion. Another Deep Impact son whose offspring have made an impression, albeit in the sales ring not yet on the track, is the Coolmore based Saxon Warrior. The latter, winner of the Gr1 Racing Post Trophy at two and Gr1 Qipco 2000 Guineas at three, made a big impression with his first yearlings in 2021. Saxon Warrior, who was produced by Galileo’s Gr1 winning daughter Maybe, had a colt fetch ¥190 million at the 2021 JRHA Select Yearling Sale, while another colt by the son of Deep Impact was knocked down for $400 000 at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Deep Impact’s sole son at stud in South Africa, Japanese champion and Gr1 winner, Danon Platina made his mark at the recent Cape Yearling Sale, where a colt from his first crop made R550 000.

Plumpton On Sunday – A Great Cause Hollywoodbets will support a Breast Cancer Awareness Race Day at Plumpton Racecourse on Sunday 3 April in partnership with their sponsored jump jockey, Jamie Moore.

the participating jockeys and run fundraising activations on the racecourse, in a tangible show of support for an excellent cause. Over two million women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

The leading international sports betting operator are extensively involved in community work and grassroots initiatives in their native South Africa and have extended this charitable footprint to the United Kingdom with the support of PinkDrive, a well-established South African non-profit organisation.

The Hollywoodbets involvement came about as a result of Jamie Moore approaching his sponsors to participate in this worthy initiative.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Race Day at the National Hunt racecourse will see Hollywoodbets sponsor three races on the 3 April programme. Hollywoodbets will also provide pink breeches for all

It is a cause close to Jamie’s heart. His wife, Lucie, has bravely beaten breast cancer and her story highlights the desperate need for spreading the message of awareness and early detection. “Breast cancer are words nobody ever wants to hear. Having faced it first-hand and thus having had the privilege of meeting the amazing people that assisted us through the treatment, we

can never thank them enough for the support and love that they gave our family during this difficult time. With the support of Hollywoodbets, my husband Jamie, and Plumpton Racecourse, we have put our collective weight behind this fun race day to raise funds for those suffering from breast cancer. We want to do our bit to try and help make their lives a little more bearable through this nightmare time,” said Lucie Moore. The event will raise money for Cancer Research UK. The plan is to host an auction, a silent auction, and a raffle on the day for the beneficiary charity. Please save the date and venue - 3 April at Plumpton Racecourse in Sussex. Racing gets underway at 13h55 with seven races carded.

MJ puts another subject on the spot! The connections of Johan after the SBK Lincoln Heritage Handicap, the opening flat day feature

PUMPED UP FOR THE FLAT! Doncaster hosted the traditional opening day to the 2022 British Flat season over the weekend and the race day spectators enjoyed some competitive racing on a sunny afternoon. The SBK Lincoln Heritage Handicap, the feature on the day, saw a large field of 22

line up over the straight mile for the £51,540 first prize. The draw dependent race went the way of the Mick Channon trained Johan (draw 4) under an inspired ride by the former British Champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa. Close up, just a length off the leader Saleymm (drawn in 3); Johan responded under a vigorous

ride over the last furlong to stay on well in the closing stages and register a one and a quarter length success. Saleymm kept on for second from a fast finishing Rogue Bear (draw 19), with Irish Admiral (draw 1) a head back in fourth. Broken Spear (drawn 5) finished in fifth.

The progressive Rogue Bear, who was held up early on the stand side ran the fastest final two furlongs and together with Irish Admiral are two to note for later in the season. Chindit justified short odds when quickening smartly in the final furlong to land the Listed SBK Doncaster Mile Stakes. Sent off the 6/10 favourite on his first start since October, Chindit gave his supporters a few anxious moments in the first half of the race when fighting for his head as the leader Tempus set slow fractions up front. Tempus caught a couple of his rivals flat-footed when quickening entering the final two furlongs and Chindit needed to be pushed along by Rossa Ryan to get on terms.

and a quarter lengths as Tempus kept on for second. Ryan said: “He’s done this with class more than anything. He’s just fresh. He has started to settle at home and in his work. He’s a class act to pull as hard as he did and to get to the front and then idle, but he put the race to bed and I’d like to see him come on again.” “The Chindit I ride, I think he wants fast ground. It’s really gluey out there and he hated it. When he did get to the front, he held a bit for himself which shows he’s minding himself. If he comes forward again, hopefully a big one can fall for him and we’ll see the Chindit we saw as a two-year-old.” Earlier on the card, Rossa Ryan booted home the first leg of his winning treble when Persian Force ran out a most impressive winner in the traditional two-year-old season opener, the Brocklesby for the Hannon yard.

The favourite's class soon told however, and he ultimately ran out a comfortable winner, by two

At €225,000 as a yearling, Persian Force was by far the most expensive purchase in a field. The full-brother to the 2021 Super Sprint winner Gubbass clocked a subminute winning time which was the fastest this century. Royal Ascot is the target for this impressive looking son of Mehmas. There might not have been any Classic winners on show at Town Moor but across the Irish Sea at the Curragh last season’s 1000 Guineas heroine Mother Earth got her season off to a winning start with the minimum of fuss in the Park Express Stakes. Held up off the pace by Ryan Moore, she made steady progress approaching the two-furlong mark, and then held on well from the improving Isinuendo to win by three-quarters of a length. Aidan O’Brien’s best older filly in training this season will improve for the run and is likely to be seen at Royal Ascot in the middle of June.

Honour For Betty A four-year-old girl who spent the first 13 months of her life in hospital has been named as the honorary 41st runner in this year's Grand National. Betty needed critical care when she was born more than four months premature weighing 1lb 7oz (650g) in June 2017.

Her name will appear on the racecard alongside the 40 horses taking part in the world's most famous steeplechase. Her father Phil, from Warrington, described his daughter as "our little miracle". 82 "Betty is just amazing. She is the most delightful, placid and

brave little girl," he said. "A nurse once said to us 'Betty brings out the best in people'." The Jockey Club, which stages the race at Aintree, nominated Betty for the honour to help raise funds for Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

results up to: 2022-03-29

TRAINERS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places Place %

Win Stake (R)

146 115 61 67 91

105 104 57 52 88

80 107 60 38 81

160 183 98 70 143

9,033,313 13,162,438 8,809,025 13,109,963 5,732,250 8,351,063 5,208,688 7,552,000 4,029,375 6,206,563

2nd

3rd

Other Places Place %

764 839 548 344 825

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

19.1. 13.7 11.1 19.5 11.0

345 394 215 160 312

45.2 47.0 39.2 46.5 37.8

Total Stakes (R)

JOCKEYS Name

Rides Wins Win%

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

1141 654 733 745 979

195 127 122 118 107

17.1 19.4 16.6 15.8 10.9

175 112 86 107 124

148 89 81 89 118

217 131 148 162 210

540 332 315 358 452

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

47.311,107,250 50.8 9,289,675 43.0 8,844,388 48.1 7,288,950 46.2 5,704,313

16,212,638 12,124,225 12,249,838 10,129,025 9,653,688

BREEDERS Name

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

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

264 1212 309 1460

56,752 121 171 44,256 105 135

45.8 487 34.0 566

10 6

14 7

14,982,450 13,675,038

136 133 114

80,620 62,930 54,752

45.6 267 40.6 256 43.0 251

13 5 5

15 6 5

10,964,275 8,369,738 6,241,675

B.T. Wins

Total Stakes (R)

11 9 9 1 2

9,287,125 8,836,163 8,418,388 8,281,800 8,237,238

641 611 531

62 54 49

94 83 70

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

Runrs Runs AEPR 137 163 139 165 163

641 738 617 826 759

67,789 54,210 60,564 50,193 50,535

B.T. Wnrs Wins Winrs/ Places Winrs Rnrs % 67 67 59 77 66

94 89 86 102 101

48.9 41.1 42.4 46.7 40.5

272 299 263 373 333

See all the detailed standings - Click here 83

8 8 7 1 2

BARCA FAVOURITES ON SUNDAY

Barcelona welcome Sevilla to the Camp Nou on Sunday in the standout fixture among this week's La Liga games.

of Pedri, Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia have made Barcelona the league’s form team. Not only are they winning, they are winning well.

Barcelona vs Sevilla | Sunday 3 April | Camp Nou | 21h00

High on confidence following their impressive string of performances, the Blaugrana will be expecting nothing less than three points against a Sevilla side who haven't won at the Camp Nou since 2002.

Chadley Nagel writes that Julen Lopetegui's men are second in the table, nine points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid and three ahead of Xavi’s side having played a game more. However, Barcelona are the league’s in-form team and will seek to continue their momentum as they look to haul themselves back into the title picture. To Win Barcelona 9/20 Draw 33/10 Sevilla 54/10 Barcelona Barcelona will be strong favourites to win this tie, they are the in-form side, playing in front of their home fans. Xavi’s side have racked up five wins in a row, a run that has seen them soar up the table to give them an outside chance of fighting for the title. The creativity of Ousmane Dembele, the scoring form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the youthful exuberance

Sevilla The Rojiblancos will have their task cut out against a Barcelona side who just thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in their own backyard before the international break. But Lopetegui's side know they are fully capable of pulling off an upset. Sevilla have gone 15 league games without a loss but too many draws have hampered them. The Andalusian side failed to win a league game last month with back-to-back away draws against bottomhalf sides Alaves and Rayo Vallecano, while they were held at home by Real Sociedad last time out. Sevilla have been underwhelming of late and Lopetegui will know his side need to be alert right from kickoff as Barca will aim to come out guns blazing. One thing’s for sure: it would take a near-perfect performance to

leave the Camp Nou with all three points. Probable line-ups: Barcelona: 4-3-3 Ter Stegen; Araujo, Pique, Garcia, Alba; De Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Dembele, Aubameyang, Torres. Sevilla: 4-2-3-1 Bounou; Navas, Kounde, Gudelj, Augustinsson; Torres, Jordan; Ocampos, ElHaddadi, Corona; Martial. Prediction: Barcelona (9/20) Everything points to a win for Barcelona. They are the in-form side with home advantage and haven't lost at home in the league to Sevilla since 2002. Ferran Torres has been in red-hot form, scoring in all three of Barca’s La Liga matches last month, while he was also on target for Spain in their 2-1 win over Albania last weekend. Look out for what price Hollywoodbets have him as an anytime scorer.