SP SPRINT - 19 JANUARY 2023

STAR LINE-UP FOR '23 MET

Troy Finch

Grant van Niekerk and owner Ravi Naidoo are quizzed about the chances of Cousin Casey at the official WSB Met draw on the V&A Waterfront last evening

Defending champion

Kommetdieding heads a high-class field of 19 that will line up at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 28 January in the 161st renewal of one of our oldest and most prestigious racing events, the R2 million WSB Cape Town Met.

In what is expected to be his swansong appearance before he departs for the Klawervlei paddocks to take up stallion duties, Kommetdieding will again be ridden by Gavin Lerena and drew barrier gate 6 at the final field function on the V&A Waterfront on Wednesday evening.

Boasting the distinction of being the first horse since Mike de Kock’s great filly Igugu (2012), and another star in Pocket Power ( 2009), to register the consecutive Durban July – Met double, Kommetdieding comes in fighting fit after placings in the Gr2 Green Point Stakes and the Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate – both races over his less than optimum trip of a mile.

Kommetdieding meets last year’s second and third-placer Jet Dark (0,75 lengths) and Linebacker (0,95 lengths) again, as well as having to contend with recent L’Ormarins King’s Plate winner Al Muthana, and two really smart 3yo’s in Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas runner-up Cousin Casey, and the dual Gr1 winning 3yo filly Make It Snappy. The decision to run Make It Snappy here as

opposed to taking on Captain’s Ransom, whom she beat in the Paddock Stakes last time, in the Gr1 Majorca Stakes, was obviously not taken lightly. But she will clearly be more comfortable over the 2000m, and Hollywood Syndicate Racing Manager Anthony Delpech will know what it takes for a filly to win this race. Delpech was aboard Imperious Sue in 1998 and 2012 heroine, Igugu. The last 3yo filly to win the 2000m contest was Oh Susanna, who stormed home under Grant van Niekerk in 2018. The previous 3yo filly to win prior to her dates back to Black Bess in 1905.

Beyond Make It Snappy, there are three further members of the fairer sex in the 2023 renewal, including SA Triple Tiara winner Rain In Holland, Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Sparkling Jewel, and the very smart mare Marina, who bids to give trainer Candice Bass-Robinson her first win in the prized race.

Fillies have a good record in the Met this century, with Oh Susanna winning in 2018, Smart Call (2016), Igugu (2012) and River Jetez (2010.

The engagement of Piere Strydom to ride Al Muthana is an interesting one on the occasion of the veteran champion’s final Met ride. The Australian-bred gelding has drawn 12 and his stamina is in doubt.

Strydom is one of six jockeys in the line-up to have won the Met previously. That roll includes defending champion Gavin Lerena, Aldo Domeyer, JP van der Merwe, Bernard Fayd’herbe and Grant van Niekerk.

The race will be run at 17h10 on Saturday 28 January. Read more about the race’s rich history in the SPRINT on Wednesday 25 January.

Justin Snaith holds a powerful five-cornered hand in the WSB Met. Here he gets Grant Knowles smiling on the stage at last evening's official draw.

Troy Finch

Candiese Lenferna

Chase Liebenberg

STRIKER WANTS ANOTHER MET WINNER!

Piere’s Met ride Al Muthana winning the L’Ormarins King’s Plate under Bernard Fayd’herbe

The 161st renewal of the WSB Gr1 Cape Town Met on Saturday 28 January heralds the end of an era for South African horseracing.

Multiple champion jockey Piere ‘Striker’ Strydom will take his final bow on L’Ormarins King’s Plate winner Al Muthana in the flagship 2000m contest, some 35 years after finishing runner-up behind Mark Antony and Felix Coetzee at his first Met attempt.

The honour roll of the great race shows that Piere has only won it once – that was back in 2003 when Angus powered home for leading owner Sabine Plattner from the widest of the draw to beat Free My Heart (Karl Neisius) and Set Afire (Anthony Delpech).

“Angus was a lovely big strong son of Northern Guest. We had won the Premier Trophy

three weeks earlier and had run second behind Ipi Tombe in the 2002 Durban July. Mark Neisius rode him to third in the previous year’s Met, when I coincidentally finished just behind him in fourth on Free My Heart. We knew Angus stayed the 2000m. There are naturally some question marks against Al Muthana staying the trip, but he is in prime form,”adds Piere.

He says that Bernard Fayd’herbe rode an intelligent race to win the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, and when the ride became available he snapped up the chance to partner the Australian-bred son of Deep Sleep.

Piere had other options, including Rain In Holland and Nexus.

“Al Muthana is the highest rated horse in the field. The only times he tried further, he was beaten under 5 lengths

on very soft ground behind Flying Carpet in the Summer Cup, and was only just under 6 lengths behind his stablemate Sparkling Jewel in the Hollywoodbets Durban July last year. He is a dual Gr1 winning miler and given that he is in great form, it makes sense to take a chance with him in the Met, I feel. And Mr Maingard knows how to train Gr1 winners!”

On his draw of 12 in the 19 horse field, Piere shouldn’t have any sleepless nights. He won it from the 16 gate in a field of 16 on Angus.

“Al Muthana will probably be ridden from off the pace, so I really don’t see the 12 gate as an issue,” he adds. One thing that is unquestioned, is that Piere wants to win the race again. One strike in 35 years is not his standard!

“I recall my first Met ride like

Candiese Lenferna

Piere Strydom wins the 2003 Met on Angus for Brett Crawford and the Plattner team

Piere Strydom – ready to go out in style Credit JC Photos yesterday. I was just 21 and was still based in the Eastern Cape and rode Western Wind for Stanley Greeff. He raced in the Aldo Scribante silks. Western Wind ran his heart out and we finished second behind Mark Antony and Felix Coetzee. We could never have beaten them, but since then I have had a few closer calls!” Ironically, Piere would move to Gauteng later in 1988 and return to win the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate on Yardmaster the same year.

“In the 1999 Met I finished a 1,75 lengths fifth on Yardmaster behind Fearless Streaker. I’d managed to lead in the Queen’s Plate because no-one wanted to go. In the Met, they went a bit harder and it’s a bit further. I sat fourth or fifth and a horse ran in behind me. I was subsequently fired by old man Spies. It wasn’t the last time in my career. It’s not difficult to blame the jockey and one learns to accept it as an occupational hazard,” he laughs.

He reflects on the 1998 Met when he rode North By Northwest and was beaten a nose by Anthony Delpech on Imperious Sue.

“Imperious Sue was on the inside rail. We moved up to win it, but somehow Anthony kept the good filly going and we were pipped.” In a token compensation, Piere would win the Jubilee Handicap at Turffontein four months later on North By Northwest.

It’s over 40 years since his maiden career winner on 29 September 1982, when Piere won at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on the Johnny Nicholson-trained Saadabad. At the age of 56, Piere is just about ready to canter into the sunset.

He certainly has done it all, professionally speaking. He rode his 5000th career winner on Joey Ramsden’s Act Of War at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in the Selangor Cup on 22 November 2014 and just two months ago rode his 5500th winner at Vaal for Barend Botes. Not bad for a young lad who didn’t want to be a jockey, but stuck it out to keep his Dad, Hekkie, happy!

“I am keen to go out with a winner at my last meetings in the various racing regions. I have ticked that box in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, so just need Gauteng and the Cape. And the Met would be the cherry on the top, it really would!”

On the domestic front, he is moving house with his Attorney wife Chrisna to the affluent wine-producing suburb of Constantia in the Cape, where the couple intend running an Airbnb.

He is clearly enjoying semi-retired life and has just returned from a week at the beautiful St Francis Bay, which is an hour down the Garden Route from his Gqeberha hometown.

“Chrisna has a strong legal practise up in Gauteng and clients down in the Cape. We are in the process of implementing changes at the new house in Cape Town and will generally be between the Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng for the forseeable future. Life’s good!”

And once he is retired, will he be sitting down to write the biography of a six-times national champion and international Gr1 winning jockey?

“I am not so sure that anybody would be particularly interested to read about my life. But maybe, like Mr Ormond Ferraris, I will wait a few years and then consider it. I just hope my memory stays as strong as his has!”

Al Muthana is currently priced up at 20-1 with Hollywoodbets.

HOW THE HANDICAPPERS RATED THE FEATURES

Sharon Kotzen galloper And We Danced has had her merit rating raised from 99 to 103 following her success in the Listed Lady’s Bracelet for fillies and mares over 1600m on the turf course at Fairview on Friday 13 January.

The Handicappers were of the view that runner-up SANTA THERESE made for the ideal line horse, leaving her unchanged on a mark of 103.

The other four contestants all received a rating’s drop. PHOENIX is down from 88 to 87, FLAME FLOWER drops to 85 from 86, HEARTSEASE drops from 80 to 79, and lastly INTEGRITY was dropped from 92 to 90.

Listed Tattersalls Jamaica Handicap

EVENING PRIMROSE has had her rating raised from 89 to 92 after winning the Listed Tattersalls Jamaica Handicap for fillies and mares over 2000m on the summer course at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. Here it was 3rd

placed FLOWER OF SAIGON who was deemed to make the best line horse, leaving her unchanged on a mark of 93.

Second placed GOLD POKER GAME – who was 7 pounds or 3.5 kgs under sufferance at the weights - was raised from 93 to 102. 4th finisher TIME FLIES – who was 3 pounds or 1.5 kgs under sufferance at the weights – goes up from 86 to 88 and was the only other runner to receive a rating’s increase.

However, there were drops for no fewer than six horses. BYE BYE BOMBSHELL is down from 100 to 98, YOUNG LOVE was trimmed from 98 to 97, WINTER SCOUT drops from 87 to 84, BLACK SILVER is down to 94 from 95, DO ANGELS CRY drps from 102 to 100, and lastly FOLLOW THE STAR was dropped from 95 to 93.

Listed Michael Roberts Stakes

CAPE EAGLE has had his rating raised from 89 to

95 after landing the Listed Michael Roberts Stakes over 1750m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. Here it was 5th placed NEWS STREAM who was used as the line horse, leaving him unchanged on a rating of 88. In rating the race this way, CAPE EAGLE actually runs to a mark of 96, but the specific race conditions do not allow for more than a six-pound raise for the winner and as such the Handicappers were obliged to limit CAPE EAGLE to a mark of 95.

The race conditions also do not allow for an increase to the rating of any horse aside from the winner. Accordingly, 2nd placed JUAN CARLOS and 3rd finisher AQUAE SULIS remain on 84 and 83, respectively, despite running to marks of 90 and 85, respectively.

The only drop was for FIGHT SONG, who is down from 89 to 87.

• Media release by National Horseracing Authority on Tuesday 17 January 2023.

PREMIER POWER!

Wayne Marks

The Hong Kong Jockey Club paid R3,8 million for Maine Chance Farm’s Valley Of the Kings (#107)

The 13th renewal of the new generation Cape Yearling Sale, powered by Tattersalls, and held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre last Thursday, produced sparkling results against a background of a revitalised Cape horseracing.

Cape Racing’s newly established Thoroughbred Sales Division have raised the bar in double quick time, and their philosophy of an unfettered commitment to the sport has clearly captured the imagination of both the power players and broader community.

It was pleasing to see some familiar faces on the

international buying bench, including Amanda Skiffington, who bought Varsfontein’s Handsome Prince (#59) for R2 million, the second highest priced-yearling to come under the hammer.

While year-on-year comparisons of the Cape Premier Yearling Sale are discoloured somewhat by covid and a short-lived venue change that did not garner across the board acceptance, the 2023 numbers are there for all to see.

On Thursday, 122 lots were catalogued, with 109 going through the ring and 101 sold for an aggregate of R44 825 000. This compares in glowing

terms with last year, when the 166 lots to sell (that’s 64% more yearlings than Thursday) grossed R43 330 000.

The average of R443 812 achieved on Thursday was 70% up on the 2022 level of R261 024, and the median of R300 000 is 71% more than the 2022 median of R175 000. Difficult to knock those numbers!

Last year’s topseller went for R2 million, and this benchmark also rocketed as the shadows lengthened over the Mother City on Thursday when Justin Vermaak, bidding in tandem with the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s International Sale Manager Danny Rolston on the

telephone, paid R3,8 million for Maine Chance Farm’s Valley Of the Kings (#107).

An exceptionally handsome son of past champion sire Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) out of Captain Al’s stakes winning daughter, Victoria Lavelle, the salestopper’s first two dams are stakes winning daughters of Captain Al and Western Winter, respectively.

The top-selling filly on the sale was Klawervlei’s (as agent) Trippi filly out of the stakeswinning Captain Al mare, Call To Account. Catalogued as the opening lot, she was purchased for R1,1 million by the Tawny Syndicate.

While their solitary big ticket buy placed the Hong Kong Jockey Club on top of the buyer log, there was interest at all budget levels with Vermaak again leading the way, his other five purchases grossing R3 450 000 at an

average of R690 000.

Glen Kotzen Racing was next, their seven costing R 2 775 000 at an average of R396 429.

The recent dual Gr1 winning Hollywood Syndicate acquired a quintet for a gross R2 750 000 at an average of R550 000. Their basket included a milestone maiden R1 million ticket in the shape of Ridgemont Highlands’ Rafeef colt, El Kapitan (#117).

Varsfontein-based Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) topped the sire tables on both aggregate and average.

The G1 winning son of More Than Ready was responsible for three of the top four lots sold, including Thursday’s sale topper, with Gimmethegreenlight ending the day as the sale’s Leading Sire by Aggregate.

Gimmethegreenlight colt

Valley Of The Kings (Lot107) was knocked down to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for R3 800 000 to top Thursday’s sale.

Consigned to the auction by Maine Chance Farms, the handsome colt, bred on the same Gimmethegreenlight/ Captain Al cross as Gr1 winner Gunner, is out of Captain Al’s Laisserfaire Stakes winning daughter Victoria Lavelle.

His sire had three yearlings make upwards of R1 000 000, and a further three lots make upwards of R500 000 on Thursday.

In total, Gimmethegreenlight had 15 yearlings sell for a gross aggregate of R11,575 million, with Gimmethegreenlight sired lots averaging an impressive R771 667 at the 2023 Cape Premier Yearling Sale.

South Africa’s Champion Sire of 2020-2021, Gimmethegreenlight is again

A team effort! Plenty of blood, sweat and tears went into the successful sale

Wayne Marks

heading the South African General Sires List for the 2022-2023 season.

Maine Chance kingpin Vercingetorix had ten gross R6 825 000 for an average of R682 500, while the very popular Rafeef (AUS) was in the top mix with his ten selling for R4 925 000 (an average of R492 500).

Former multiple champion breeders Klawervlei topped

the vendor charts, grossing R10 175 000, with their 18 selling for an average of R565 278. That was outstripped by Maine Chance’s average of R732 500 for their 10 lots.

The Kieswetter family will be pleased that Ridgemont Highlands grossed R3,8 million for their 8 lots at an average of R475 000.

Now everybody is racing to get a runner from this sale in the inaugural R1,25 million Cape Racing Sale Slipper, to be run on Met day, 2024.

Next major sale is the Bloodstock SA Cape Yearling Sale which will be held at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 26 February 2023.

Wayne Marks

Varsfontein’s Carl de Vos chats to Lammerskraal’s Lindi Garlicki

BORTZ TALKS FROM THE HEART

Greg Bortz and Tattersalls auctioneer John O'Kelly shake on it

‘When I came in, I’ve been asked this question a few times – ‘why would you have gotten involved in racing?’ And I can tell you as someone that has a financial background –this must be the dumbest business decision of all time. Like, truly, this makes absolutely no financial sense. But this is not about financials here, this is about passion’

Wayne Marks

Kenilworth Racing Chairman Greg Bortz addressed a gathering of local and international racing folk prior to the start of what was a very encouraging inaugural Cape Premier Yearling Sale hosted under the auspices of Cape Racing Sales at the Cape Town International Convention Centre last Thursday.

The charistmatic leader’s speech was peppered with his trademark forthright fervour and homebaked humility, and included some very interesting statistics. We say interesting, as hard numbers, tote turnover particularly, is not something

that we get thrown dead with by SA racing’s leadership. But read on.

Following popular demand, the Sporting Post has transcribed the speech and it is carried below in its entirety.

Welcome everybody. Welcome to buyers from far and near. Really tickled pink to see people from all over the world here. We’re very honored to have you all.

I would also like to say firstly, it’s already been said but, a huge thank you to Tattersall’s who are our headline sponsor, we are really honored to

be associated with the preeminent horse auction house in the world and we are flattered to be the recipient of your largess, so thank you for that.

A few other thank you’s I’d like to extend, a big thank you to Nick Jonsson from Jonsson workwear for all the grooms’ outfits – the grooms all look fantastic, so a big thank you.

Big thank you to Gaynor Rupert for the red and white wine on the tables and to Avontuur for the rosé – we really appreciate all your support, and I’m sure

it’s going to make it a fun and festive occasion.

Everybody, this is as you all know, Cape Racing’s first Cape Premier Yearling sale, and we greatly appreciate the support.

We greatly appreciate all the breeders that are here, it really means a lot. We hope to get more breeders here at our next sale, but this is the beginning of the marathon, certainly not the end – we are grateful to all the breeders for the support, and to all the buyers that are here.

I do want to remind everybody that 100% of all profits on this

sale go into the stakes that your horses will race for in the Cape. 100%, so do not be shy, your money will be recycled hopefully for your own benefit!

As already mentioned by Andrew, our sales race is a R1.25million. Cape Racing Slipper – down the straight on WSB Met day in 2024 –we expect to have 20 horses in that field. You can only imagine a stands-packed racecourse, watching 20 of these beautiful horses racing for R1.25million.

The other thing I want to remind you of is, you’re all aware of the Cape Racing

RaceCape initiative hopefully, which has put a lot of money back into the pockets of owners and trainers – you need to tick the box in order to be eligible, so please don’t forget when you sign for your horses to tick the box.

If I can, if you will forgive me a brief indulgence, as we reflect back on the last five, six months of Cape Racing – what I would say to you without hesitation, that the biggest achievement that we have achieved is the putting together of our team.

New trainer Tony Peter travelled from Gauteng to buy a few

Wayne Marks

Louis Mxothwa drives And We Danced up on the outside to win a thriller

Pauline Herman Photography

Louis Mxothwa threw the reins at And We Danced in the final strides to clinch a thrilling victory in a grandstand finish to the R150 000 Listed Lady’s Bracelet at Fairview on a lucky Friday 13th – for some!

The 4yo daughter of Ridgemont Highlands’ Sandown-based Pathfork (Distorted Humor) was celebrating her maiden stakes victory and made it five in a row when the ever improving recent dual Gr1-winning rider threw the kitchen sink at his mount, to withstand a spirited late threat from the 33-20 second favourite

Santa Therese (Richard Fourie).

In fact Mxothwa conceded that he had used a few hints once imparted to him by Fourie.

“Richard once told me to put my whip away, put your head down and ride. That’s what I did. And We Danced dug deep for a top win,” he added.

And We Danced made all the running in the mile feature and when challenged late by the year older eleven-time winner, it looked like she would have to settle for second.

But And We Danced (1-1) is courage personified and she

held on under an inspired and beautifully balanced ride to grab the verdict by a head in a time of 96,91 secs.

The two dominated the race, with the runner-up’s thirdplaced stable partner Phoenix eight lengths away in third.

Bred by Andy Williams’ Worldwide Bloodstock, And We Danced is a daughter of former Irish champion, and Gr1 boylesports.com Vincent O’Brien National Stakes winner Pathfork out of the oncewinning Commands mare, Dance City Queen.

A winner of 7 races with 8 places from 21 starts, And We Danced races in the Andy Williams silks in partnership with Cape breeder David Hepburn-Brown and has banked stakes of R462 838.

She has certainly enhanced her paddock value with this

eyecatching stakes score.

And We Danced’s victory was the second leg of a double on the day for trainer Sharon Kotzen and Louis Mxothwa after the fast emerging KZN sire New Predator’s son War Front won the second race on debut.

Leading trainer on the day was Hollywoodbets’ Gavin Smith, who saddled three winners.

The next East Cape racemeeting is on this coming Friday, 20 January.

Trainer Sharon Kotzen accepts her trophy from the ROA’s Marilyn Smith

Pauline Herman Photography

PATHFORK –THE PROFIT PRINCIPLE

‘The two most profitable stallions when it comes to production cost vs progeny earnings are Pathfork and Elusive Fort…’ – James

Armitage

Pathfork son Jimmy Don wins the 2022 Gr3 Tony Ruffel Stakes

There's no denying that Pathfork is currently riding the crest of a wave, three individual stakes winners in the space of as many weeks are proof of that. Not too shabby, considering that's more than many stallions have sired this season.

Pathfork's stakes treble was initiated on Christmas eve when Erico Verdonese-trained son Jimmy Don announced his arrival in the stakes echelons with a fluent victory in the Listed Secretariat Stakes at Turffontein.

Barely a week later, fellow three-year-old Royal Victory travelled from homebase KZN and promptly showed his Joburg rivals a clean pair of

heels in the Gr3 Tony Ruffel Stakes, scoring by the best part of four lengths. Natie Kotzen's charge has clearly built on some fine juvenile form; after all he had chased home champion Cousin Casey in both the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes and Gr2 Golden Horseshoe.

This past Friday, Pathfork's stakes treble was rounded out at Fairview, where Sharon Kotzen saddled four-year-old daughter And We Danced in the Listed Lady's Bracelet. Following a battle royale over the final furlong, the filly showed true grit and determination to outduel multiple stakes winner Santa Therese for a hard-fought head win. Not only was this

her first black type success, she was winning for the fifth time in succession, which takes some doing.

This newly minted stakes trio brings Pathfork's seasonal tally of black type winners to four. In November, his faithful son Bingwa put the likes of subsequent Gr1 Summer Cup ace Puerto Manzano and last season's Champion three-yearold Safe Passage in their place when landing the Gr2 Allied Steelrode-Onamissionmile for the second year running.

By the way, Pathfork also features as the sire of threeyear-old filly La Pura Vida, a smart maiden winner at Kenilworth this past weekend. The money came in buckets

for the Gareth van Zyl-trained miss, who fully justified her cramped odds to score over 1200m.

As for her sire, we have said it before, and will do so again, he has largely flown under the radar his entire stud career, yet continues to make his presence felt, as reflected by his latest stats, which are illuminating to say the least.

So far this season, his 39% strike rate of winners to runners is second only to that of elite stallion Vercingetorix (41%), while his tally of four stakes winners puts him on a par with former champion and current log leader Gimmethegreenlight. Furthermore, he currently finds himself in good company as the country's tenth leading active sire, notwithstanding the

fact that he has no more than 72 runners on the track.

Jimmy Don, Royal Victory and La Pura Vida hail from Pathfork's current three-yearold crop, which according to stud master James Armitage, is his biggest since the stallion exchanged Ridgemont Highlands for Sandown Stud in 2018.

"That year, he got 70 mares, basically on the strength of his first Gr1 winner, the filly Mighty High, who won the Allan Robertson. Since then, he has barely covered 30 mares a season, most of which have come from Anton Shepherd and myself. Such a shame."

James added further food for thought: "You know, his progeny are tough and durable, they sprint and stay.

The Mauritians love them, which is a bit of a double negative, as local trainers pick them up cheaply as yearlings, win a race or two with them, and then sell them on at a handsome profit, which robs him of local representation."

On a more positive note, he added: "Thankfully, it does look as if buyers are starting to pay for them and he is picking up respect in the sales ring. I sold a filly for R375,000 at the November 2YO Sale."

Sadly, Pathfork has no representation at the forthcoming Cape Yearling Sale, which is a travesty in itself, for as James pointed out: "Ironically, the two most profitable stallions when it comes to production cost vs progeny earnings are Pathfork and Elusive Fort."

Pathfork: Distorted Humor – Visions Of Clarity (Sadler’s Wells)

KZN TRAINERS SHOW THE WAY

Chase Liebenberg

Sporting Post-sponsored Thandi Mgudlwa steers Evening Primrose to a smooth win over Gold Poker Game (Gareth Wright)

The KwaZulu-Natal trainers will be wondering why they waited for the introduction of the RaceCape incentive carrot before taking their chances again in the big league summer season down South.

The often-maligned Summerveld soldiers took the honours in four of the ten races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, including the afternoon’s feature.

In the days of yore, the Durbanites used to be a serious force. After a few years in the wilderness, they

are gaining respect and edging back slowly, with the RaceCape incentive clearly the drawcard.

Sporting Post-sponsored Thandi Mgudlwa steers Evening Primrose to a smooth win (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)

On a confidence boosting afternoon, Gareth van Zyl grabbed a double, crowned by a win in the day’s headliner, with Peter Muscutt and Dennis Drier adding to the raider basket, celebrating a winner apiece.

The R200 000 Tattersalls Listed Jamaica Handicap

was the penultimate event on an enthralling afternoon’s horseracing, that capped a week of entertainment, including the big business of the Tattersalls Cape Premier Yearling Sale on Thursday.

In a field of ten, there was plenty of interest in the Brett Crawford-trained Dynasty 4yo Time Flies, who was on a hat-trick in a race she looked capable of winning.

But after stalking her field from the rear it was not to be, as the only visitor in the line-up made it 2 wins from her 3 starts in the Cape.

Assistant trainer Spencer Cook hugs jockey Mgudlwa

Chase Liebenberg

Evening Primrose, one of two Flower Alley daughters in the 2000m race, tracked the freestriding Young Love all the way round. Her happy pilot Athandiwe Mgudlwa enjoyed the distinction of being the first Sporting Post-sponsored jockey to win a feature in the Cape and rode a finally judged race on a windy afternoon.

Into the home run Young Love was running on empty halfway home as Mgudlwa slipped Evening Primrose (4-1) through down the inside. Despite lugging outwards towards the middle of the track, she kept on galloping and held on convincingly to beat a latefinishing Gold Poker Game

(5-1) by 0,20 lengths in a time of 127,28 secs.

A hard ridden Flower Of Saigon (33-1) finished third, a further 1,25 lengths back, knocking a good few Place Accumulator tickets for a six after the favourite Time Flies (3-1) was left with too much to do and ran on too late.

Tattersalls veteran John O’Kelly presented the winning trophies.

Bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, the winner is a 4yo daughter of Flower Alley (Distorted Humor) out of the twice-winning Dynasty mare, Noor. Evening Primrose was

thus the second consecutive Cape feature winner for her sire after Princess Calla won the Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes on L’Ormarins King’s Plate day.

A R280 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, Evening Primrose has won 5 races with 3 places from 12 starts for stakes of R434 313.

Well-known local racing-cumbreeding personality, and now an Assistant trainer, Spencer Cook received plaudits from winning conditioner Gareth van Zyl for the sterling work he is doing at the team’s satellite yard, in what has been a super summer season so far.

A happy Thandi Mgudlwa enjoys the post-race

Chase Liebenberg

Candiese Lenferna

Robert Khathi celebrates a plan come together as Cape Eagle storms home

The Sabine Plattner-owned Cape Eagle made it a hat-trick of victories and registered his first stakes success when he went from gun to tape to win the R100 000 Listed Michael Roberts Stakes at a sweltering Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.

On one of the longeststanding ‘honorary’ racedays in a sport that tends to forget about the legends of the past, Gold Circle paid tribute, as they do annually, to eleventimes SA and one-time UK champion Michael ‘Muis’ Roberts.

All races on the sweaty 37 degree Pietermaritzburg day were named in honour of horses ridden by the ace.

It’s quite bizarre to remember, and enough to make any of us feel dated, that Muis rode his first career winner at this very track over 54 years ago!

A powerful and relentless galloper with a nice stride on him, Cape Eagle was bounced out at the 1750m by regular pilot Robert Khathi, and there they stayed.

Going into the final 250m, Cape Eagle (33-10) looked to have found another breath, and he stayed on unthreatened to beat the improved again Juan Carlos (16-1) by 2,80 lengths in a time of 106,16 secs.

The trifecta dividend was boosted by Duncan Howells’

6yo mare Aquae Sulis (33-1) in third, with Kannemeyer’s Dawnofanewday (9-2) well beaten back in fourth.

Byron Foster saddled the winner, a galloper he labelled a ‘flagship horse’, for the West Cape-based Andre Nel. Foster

said it was an honour to win a race named in honour of a childhood hero of his.

The winner was bred by La Plaisance Stud and is a son of Maine Chance kingpin Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the Plattner raced two-time

winner Joie’s Winter (Western Winter).

A winner of 5 races with 6 places from 13 starts, Cape Eagle has banked stakes of R343 500.

Candiese Lenferna

Michael Roberts (3rd left) presents the trophy to Byron Foster as Colin Storey and Robert Khathi join the celebratory pic

NEW PREDATOR DECLARES WAR!

Just under a fortnight after celebrating his first winner, Blue Sky Thoroughbreds based New Approach stallion New Predator marked his second winner from just three runners when War Launch won on debut at Fairview last Friday.

From three runners, New Predator has had two winners and another place – all three progeny currently racing have yet to be out of the money in all of their starts to date!

A R30 000 graduate off the

2022 BSA August 2yo Sale, War Launch was bred by leading SA owner Laurence Wernars, who also raced the top-class New Predator.

Ridden by in-form jockey Louis Mxothwa, War Launch won the 1000m Maiden Plate in smart style for trainer Sharon Kotzen and owners Mrs D Jithoo, Dr KG and Mr GM Bakos, Mr GM Kotzen, Mr Jack Swart, Sharon Kotzen Racing (Pty) Ltd and SA Punters Forum Syndicate (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mr Deva Govender). The winning connections happily also banked a cheque

New Predator is the property of a syndicate. He stands at Blue Sky Thoroughbreds in KZN.

of R100 000 for the BSA Maiden Juvenile Plate sales incentives.

Consigned by Bush Hill Stud acting as agent at the sale, the all Australian-pedigreed War Launch is inbred to super sire Fastnet Rock, out of the Street Sense mare Monarch Games. The multiple Gr2 winner

War Launch (Mxothwa, purple cap) gets the better of the more experienced Vision Of Wonder (Van der Merwe) to win impressively

Pauline Herman

and Gr1 placed New Predator stands at Blue Sky Thoroughbreds. Bruce Le Roux reports that the athletic racer only received approximately 30 mares for the past season,

but if his current stats continue the way he has started, it looks like there are exciting times ahead.

New Predator is the property of a syndicate. He stands at Blue Sky Thoroughbreds in KZN.

HONG KONG SHOPPING AGAIN

Just days after purchasing the highest-priced lot at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale in Cape Town, the Hong Kong Jockey Club purchased a quintet of well-bred colts at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in Australia for a combined outlay of AU$2,875,000 (approx. HK$15,152,000).

The Club commenced buying with Lot 134 for AU$600,000. The attractive bay colt is by Pierro, sire of 2019 BMW Hong Kong Derby and Hong Kong Classic Mile winner Furore, as well as Rewarding Together – a two-time winner this season in Class 2 who was narrowly defeated last start at Group 3 level in the

Bauhinia Sprint Trophy.

Lot 208 was the second to fall the Club’s way. The handsome youngster is by Zoustar – best known in Hong Kong as the sire of Hong Kong Classic Cup and Group 3-winning Healthy Happy.

MYSTIC SPRING

Kabelo Matsunyane salutes after Navy Strength (Dynasty-Spring Lilac) won the Gr3 Drakenstein Stud Cape Summer Stayers Handicap in December

A TRUE CHAMP!

Chase Liebenberg

South African horseracing awoke to the sad news today that at the ripe old age of 27, Mystic Spring, the matriarch of Cheveley, quietly said goodbye.

Vaughn Kosyter said that it was a sad day on Cheveley as they mourned her passing and try to remind themselves of all the joy and excitement that she has provided them.

As a prolific breeder of high class racehorses her legacy lives on through her daughters and granddaughters. She produced 7 stakes winners, including 2 Champions in Rabiya and Bela- Bela. She was crowned with the highest honour as Broodmare of the Year in 2016/17 and was awarded Exceptional Broodmare Achievement in 2016. Arguably the most sought after family in SA in the modern era has a wonderful future as her daughters have and granddaughters start producing champions.

‘Thank you to John Newsome and John Freeman for letting us be part of her journey. We are truly blessed that you crossed our path and are indebted to you for life. Now go and join your ancestors on greener pastures.Rest in Peace our beloved Mystic Spring.’

The outstanding broodmare’s name has cropped up in the pedigrees of a number of notable winners this summer season. The grey daughter of Royal Academy has featured as dam, granddam and great

granddam of a number of winners this season.

Both Gr2 Western Fillies Championship winner Ciao Bella (Gimmethegreenlight) and Gr3 Drakenstein Stud Cape Summer Stayers hero Navy Strength (Dynasty) are descended in female line from Mystic Spring, with Mystic Spring having produced both Ciao Bella's champion dam Bela-Bela (like Navy Strength, sired by Dynasty) and Navy Strength's Gr3 Fillies Nursery winning dam Spring Lilac (Joshua Dancer).

The latter has proved a topclass producer in her own right - Navy Strength being one of four stakes winners. Other stakes winners produced by the daughter of Mystic Spring include Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas/ Gr1 Majorca Stakes winner Snowdance (Captain Al), and her stakes winning own sisters Juniper Spring (East Cape Breeders Stakes), and Victorian Secret (Laisserfaire Stakes, Lady's Pendant).

Victorian Secret’s two-yearold daughter Golden Sickle (Vercingetorix) caught the eye earlier this season when scoring on debut at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Golden Sickle, a R700 000 yearling buy, is not the only eye catching debut winner to descend from Mystic Spring in recent times.

Dumbledore (William Longsword), whose granddam

is Mystic Spring, made the ideal start to his racing career when the two-year-old won over 1000m on debut.

Dumbledore is out of another top-class racemare and daughter of Mystic Spring in the form of Secret Of Victoria (Goldkeeper). Closely inbred to the wonderful broodmare Crimson Saint (Crimson Satan), Secret Of Victoria won four black type races, including both the Gr2 Sceptre Stakes and Gr2 Southern Cross and proved, if anything, even better at stud. She has produced a pair of Gr1 winning Captain Al sired full-sisters in the form of champion All Is Secret and fellow Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship winner The Secret Is Out as well as their Lady's Pendant winning own sister Canukeepitsecret.

Secret Of Victoria is also dam of Naval Secret (also by Captain Al) who recently romped home over 1200 metres.

AN SA THOROUGHBRED DYNASTY

Michael Roberts, who had a race day in his honour at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday was not only a fine ambassador for South African racing but his success inadvertently had a positive impact on South African bloodstock.

David Thiselton writes that Roberts was approached one day in the late 1990’s by Karen Newsome of Fieldspring Racing and asked about a filly they owned.

Karen’s husband John was the

Cheveley Stud

founder of Fieldspring Racing and South African racing will forever be indebted to this couple for their 1997 decision to create a racing base in South Africa.

This included John’s decision to never sell Fieldspring’s greatest horse Dynasty for export.

The Newsome’s young filly Mystic Spring had not been doing too well racing in England and Karen asked Roberts whether he believed it would be worthwhile sending

her to South Africa. She was out of a full-sister to Mystiko, who had given Roberts his first British classic success in the 1991 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Roberts recalled: “I told her I didn’t see why not as Mystiko had been a good fast ground horse and that was what you needed in South Africa.”

Mystic Spring was shipped over and put in training with Dean Kannemeyer but didn’t show much and was soon retired to stud.

Mystic Spring with her 2018 foal

A couple of months later John Newsome made an arrangement with the great horseman and thoroughbred breeder Wilfred Koster to use the latter’s Cheveley Stud farm as the base for Fieldspring’s breeding operation.

This included bringing about ten imported mares in over a period of a number of years.

Vaughan Köster, who took over Cheveley Stud when his father passed away in 2008, remembered the arrival of a small and slight Mystic Spring at the farm.

He said at the time: “She was very sour and would chase you out of her stable. Perhaps it had something to do with all the travel and quarantine she had endured, but after being put out to pasture her attitude changed massively. She became a happy mare, although to this day she is still very protective over her offspring and with foal at

foot you would not enter her stable without caution.”

Mystic Spring’s first foal was by Jallad.

Vaughan recounted: “It was a complete disaster. He was gangly, had an ugly head and was bad-legged with particularly bad hind legs. My father was given two options by the vets, either put him down or ‘throw him to the mountains.'”

The great horseman took the latter option. “Throw to the mountains” is a saying meaning the foal should not be fed too much, thus preventing too much weight on the legs.

A year later the sales inspectors were ‘generous’ in giving the colt three out of ten as he still had atrocious legs.

“But he was very athletic,” recalled Vaughan.

The colt was put in training with the Kannemeyers.

Vaughan recalled: “Peter Kannemeyer phoned about three months later and told us, ‘This horse can run’. My father laughed and said impossible!

The grey colt called Rabiya went on to win the Gr1 Cape Guineas, the Gr1 Daily News 2000 and the Gr2 Cape Derby running in Fieldspring Racing’s maroon silks with the grey chevron.

However, his bad legs caught up with him in the most tragic of circumstances as he broke down in the 2005 Vodacom Durban July after starting favourite and had to be euthanised.

Nevertheless, Wilfred’s decision to work through a problem had ensured the foundation of a South African thoroughbred dynasty.

WEATHER HITS UK RACING

Wincanton has cancelled its fixture today due to frost, meaning there will be a second consecutive day in Britain without jumps racing. The course had initially planned to inspect on raceday at 8am, but that was brought forward and the meeting was subsequently called off.

Ludlow's fixture today has also been cancelled following an inspection yesterday morning, with the course frozen in places.

Temperatures rose to around 6C on Wednesday afternoon but that was not enough for clerk of the course Simon Sherwood to give the green

light for a further inspection.

"Our problem was the -4C forecast last night with freezing temperatures until about 11am today – that would have totally scuppered us," said Sherwood.

Deputy daughter, Flying Ice

GODOLPHIN’S SA FIRST

A significant event went by virtually unnoticed when Godolphin acquired a yearling colt at this week's Magic Millions Sale on Australia's Gold Coast.

What's so special about that, many would ask, especially as he cost just A$280,000, a trifling, considering the famed racing outfit is not averse to spending ten times as much, if not more, on a single horse.

However, this was an auspicious occasion, for as far as we know, it marked the first time Godolphin has purchased

a yearling at auction out of a South African-bred and raced mare.

By Godolphin's champion sprinter Blue Point, the handsome colt is the second foal out of Go Deputy mare Flying Ice, who incidentally, was the last stakes winner trained by the late Neil Bruss.

She was acquired by Team Valor principal Barry Irwin following a South African career capped by victory in the Gr2 Gold Bracelet, which came at the expense of subsequent Gr1 winner Nightingale. She

also won the Listed Devon Air Stakes as a juvenile and finished second in Scottsville's Gr3 Oaks.

Irwin sent her to the States in 2017 and put her in foal to Noble Mission, a multiple, Gr1 winning own brother to the great Frankel.

This is where fate stepped in. As it so happened, South African bloodstock consultant Alistair Brown was on the lookout for a descendant of Flying Ice's third dam Taineberry, this on behalf of Australian breeder Bill Hodder,

Go

who had in fact bred the daughter of Centaine.

She had been imported in the mid-nineties and trained by Sunday birthday boy David Payne, raced with distinction, winning six races in all, the highlight of which was the Gr2 Oaks at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

Bred by Lammerskraal Stud, Flying Ice is out of Taineberry's grandaughter and Gr2 Fillies Guineas runner-up, Strawberry Ice, who just happens to be an own sister to Gr1 Cape

Guineas hero Solo Traveller, Gr1 Garden Province victress Redberry Lane and to Skylar Lane, the dam of Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes winner Good Traveller, all bred by Lammerskraal.

Alistair duly purchased Flying Ice from Irwin and the mare found herself en route to Australia.

Godolphin's purchase is the mare's second foal, the Noble Mission foal, a filly named Iceberry, is yet to race.

There's a twist in the tail though. Hodder no longer owns Flying Ice; he sold her last year!

A PLEA FOR HELP

The man mentioned in the Flying Ice story is Alistair Brown who established Equarius Bloodstock in 1989. Over more than three decades the popular International Bloodstock broker and consultant introduced leading sires Fort Wood, Al Mufti, Goldkeeper, Ideal World, Strike Smartly, Sail From Seattle, Global View and more recently, Royal Mo, to South Africa.

Like anybody involved in the sport, Alistair has faced the challenges and the rollercoaster that is life in a competitive and unforgiving world.

“I wouldn’t have changed my life for anything, frankly. And although the past decade has been a huge struggle, the descendants of horses I have sourced have brought me much satisfaction and their

influence is something that I am extremely proud of,” he adds.

Alistair’s input and influence on the breed here is unquestioned, but we share the sad news that the proud horseman faces an uphill battle against stage 4 chronic kidney disease.

Are you able to help? Please click here to read more.

‘My Gran used to telephone Oupa Boetie and he would say he is very busy in the ceiling or down a manhole, working. In the meantime, the racing commentary was loud and clear in the background!’

Nathan Delport – admits he is crazy about horses and racing

NATHAN’S GEARING UP!

Gauteng owner Nathan Delport was mentored into horseracing by his two Grandfathers, who he concedes were both sick for the game. Reading Computaform instead of a Geography text book at school laid the foundation for a love of racing. Today Nathan is a proud owner and is living a childhood dream.

When Opera Glass bounded home at 25-1 under the promising Siyanda Sosibo to break the Vaal course record

for the 2400m last Thursday, part owner Nathan was over the moon. His Dad Pieter, younger brother Ryan and sister Shay are also partners, together with the trainer’s wife Julia and Tommy Shawe.

The Listed Spook Express winner had registered 145,70 secs on a course that was clearly running fast.

“We are so proud. What a lovely achievement by our trainer Stevie Moffatt. We aren’t under any false illusions,

and we are not saying exactly that the record was ‘smashed’, as the horse that ran fourth had the record beaten by a few split seconds,too! But it’s also good to see the small trainers like Heinrich van der Westhuizen getting up for second beaten only a short head.”

Nathan may have been talking more emotionally than he ordinarily would – his partner Rochelle happens to be former ‘Oom’ Nic Claasen assistant Van der Westhuizen’s

daughter!

“The small trainers are the game’s bread and butter. They are the backbone. Without them we have a few powerful rich people taking turns against each other. The small guys need all the exposure and backing, as they are keeping this game alive. I get excited when a small yard wins. I really do. It shows the game is fairly healthy, even though we have multiple challenges.”

Looking back at how it all started, Nathan recalls being intrigued by a Computaform at school.

“One of my Lebanese friends in class was always reading it. He also somehow always had money for the tuckshop. I took the lead from him, and it probably helped having the game in my genes already!” says the 31 year old, a partner in the family business Delport Gearboxes, which is located near the Turffontein Racecourse.

He was chatting to the Sporting Post earlier this week as he wondered what the answers are to get people into the sport today and reminisced about how his two late ‘Oupas’ set him up to love the game.

“Jimmy Thomas Volschenk ran Boeties Plumbing. He was a legend in the South of Johannesburg Weichong Marwing was one of his customers and when the champion jockey won here on Wolf Power he gave my Grandpa his crop. That was a treasured gift and I recall spending hours holding it like a magic wand, and riding my own race on the couch!”

Nathan says that horseracing attracts unique and special people, and the experience of spending an afternoon out at the races with friends and family was his joy.

Opera Glass storms home to break the Vaal 2400m course record last Thursday

– Siyanda Sosibo did the honours

JC Photos

“Oupa Boetie was a hardworking man. But racing was his real passion. My Gran used to telephone him and he would say he is very busy in the ceiling or down a manhole, working. In the meantime, the racing commentary was loud and clear in the background!”

His other Oupa – his Dad Pieter’s father – ran a scrapyard in Booysen for many years.

“So many people know the late Buks Delport. He used to drive around at Christmas in a sleigh, handing out gifts in his red suit to the underprivileged. But, boy, racing was his first love!”

Nathan recalls that his Dad played the role of Bookie at home and laid bets for him and Buks.

“He said it’s better than us making the Bookies richer

He made as if to speak to his purchase and said: ‘goodbye, you are off to Gqeberha. I probably won’t see you again.’ We were horrified. We visit our horses like our family.

than they were already. It was convenient too and he often gave us credit!” laughs Nathan.

The ownership passion commenced when Pieter Delport was offered a share in the Grey Eminence gelding The White Horse. A friend put him off and that didn’t end up being the best advice as The White Horse would go on to win 6 races with Geoff Woodruff.

Pieter then raced Tiger Stripes, a Cataloochee gelding. “Ten races later in Gauteng

and not a single cheque, this wasn’t exactly the champion we dreamed of. My Dad sent him to Tienie Prinsloo in Kimberley. It didn’t take long to get results!”

Nathan recalls that Tiger Stripes needed his first start in the Northern Cape, but on 30 January 2012, their ship came in, big time!

“Tiger Stripes was 50-1. I was told to put the money on at the last moment. He got up at 50-1 to short head the 13-10 favourite He Who Dares. I was screaming him home – the tote was dead quiet. These mean looking guys had backed the runner-up. In my naivete and excitement I said ‘we got the lot’ – he couldn’t lose. That was probably a really dumb thing to say to guys who had just done their money on the favourite. I got out of their

like Speedy Gonzales. I can’t remember if I even waited to cash our tickets!” laughs Nathan.

It was a momentous day - a first winner for Tienie Prinsloo, first for Chase Maujean in Kimberley, and Pieter Delport’s first winner.

“We were hooked. Tiger Stripes never earned another cent, but it hardly mattered. He had given us the thrill and the photograph on the wall. Despite tough times in business thanks to covid, and racing’s challenges, we are still in it and love it dearly!”

Nathan mentions the successes achieved by the new

team in the Cape and says that he doesn’t always see the same up North.

“We watch the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth horseracing and see what they have achieved. I have made suggestions to our people. They say ‘we will get back to you’. Nothing happens. Take Heritage Day – there was nothing for the public at the Vaal. Why can’t we make a plan and bring the Grooms families racing, as one example? These guys work so hard, and we need to involve their support networks and show them that racing appreciates them – and that it’s a game for every man.” Nathan bought a 2yo in August and he is registering

a new syndicate. He likes the progeny of The United States and is excited about racing with some new people in the game.

“We love our horses. They are our family. I recall a gentleman at the BSA August 2yo Sale. He made as if to speak to his purchase and said: ‘goodbye, you are off to Gqeberha. I probably won’t see you again.’ We were horrified. We visit our horses like our family. That’s why we enjoy small trainers of the ilk of Stevie Moffat and Heinrich van der Westhuizen. The personal touch matters to them, and we enjoy it that they care so much.”

MR CHELTENHAM!

Willie Mullins – veteran conditioner

Mullins Racing

With the National Hunt season now in full swing and Cheltenham on the horizon, an insight into one of the modernday great trainers is in order. The subject, Willie Mullins, the leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival over the last decade and a half.

Already the winning-most trainer in Festival history with an incredible 88 victories to his name, including Group 1 champions Hurricane Fly, Annie Power, Quevega, Al Boum Photo and Faugheen.

Growing up his dad Paddy was his biggest influence and to this day Mullins junior will credit his father with plenty of his life lessons and knowledge.

He started his racing life as an amateur jockey winning many big races in Ireland and in the UK at Aintree and Cheltenham.

But the training ranks were always his goal. After spells as an assistant trainer, firstly for his father and then with fellow Irish legend Jim Bolger, Mullins took out his own licence in 1988.

He's not looked back. Since 2008, Mullins' reign as Irish Champion Trainer hasn't been ended, winning 15 consecutive National Hunt titles. Last year, he broke his own record at Cheltenham when saddling 10 winners.

It is difficult to pinpoint what makes Mullins so good. Of course, he has the horses now, and he has the owners. He has the resources to buy the big horses and he has the networks through which to do it. However, none of it would be possible without the ability to train racehorses.

David Casey, one of his current assistants, tells you that Mullins sees things that nobody else can see. That’s the thing about genius: you can’t explain it.

A case in point, Vautour’s 2016 victory in the Gr1 Ryanair Chase. His former number one rider, Ruby Walsh said that leading up to the Festival the horse had been working so poorly, if he was training him, he wouldn’t have even taken him to Cheltenham.

Mullins decided on an alternative route to get the horse ready. He threw the horse out into the field. Whatever they were doing, it wasn’t working, so he tried doing something different: nothing. He left him out in a field for 10 days, and the first time the horse was in a stable in the last two weeks prior to the race was when he arrived at Cheltenham.

This year he should be adding to that total come March. At time of writing his Closutton yard have 12 runners priced up as favourites for various Group races including Galopin Des Champs in the blue riband Gold Cup, the unbeaten Facile Vega (son of the great Quevega) in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, and Energumene in the Champion Hurdle. They are all currently odds on to succeed. Add in the top class Allaho who goes for a hattrick of wins in the Gr1 Ryanair Chase and Mullins will be closing in on a century of Festival triumphs.

It’s a massive game, a huge game! The Premier League Champions-elect host United at the Emirates in what will surely be a throwback of sorts to a rivalry which is itself the fibres of the league

Arsenal vs Manchester United | Sunday 22 January | Old Trafford | 18h30

These are the sorts of games Arsenal need to be winning, but has Erik ten Hag gotten United close enough to challenge the league leaders?

To Win Arsenal 19/20

Draw 26/10 Man United 11/4

Arsenal

I know I might get some flak for this – or at the very least a few rolling eyes – but I don’t agree with the price available on Arsenal here. 19/20 about the Arsenal win, even at the Emirates, against Manchester United seems a little short. I mean they currently playing at their peak in the league and rightly see themselves sitting at the summit…but I think we should get a better price for their value.

The Premier League was built on the history of rivalry between teams like these two. Who can forget the battles of Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira? You know the game would always be fiercely contested and I have a feeling we will return to those days

come Sunday evening.

Mikel Arteta has done a brilliant job with his Arsenal side – I have said it before, and I will say it again…the mentality evident at Arsenal acknowledges that they have players who can obviously play football, but more importantly, they believe that they can compete and win titles.

Arsenal will take the game to United; they are unbeaten in their last five games and having scored 12 times they have no reason to question their ability. Notably they have also only conceded three goals at the same time…what a game this could be.

Manchester United

Let’s start by addressing the important topic first…my colleague Joshua Gaillard deserves an apology. He was correct, Marcus Rashford was offside after interfering with play (this is from the perspective of the keeper). He was correct for this assertion, and I apologize for my emotional and somewhat frivolous reply – but I’ll take the points on offer anyway!

Anyway, there is absolutely no way you can dispute the improvement Manchester United have enjoyed under the pupilage of Erik ten Hag. The culture he has brought into the team is unmatched. The direct and intentional approach to defending and then turning defence into attack is reminiscent of the glory days

and the support he has of the Old Trafford faithful is clear for all to see.

United have seen a rejuvenated Marcus Rashford find his form again in a red shirt, scoring on nine consecutive times at home. United have catapulted themselves into the top three of the league and sit just off the pace of the top two.

Casemiro has been brilliant for the club, he has a work ethic like no other and a winning mentality – two things surely beginning to seep through the corridors at Carrington! He’s secured the midfield and allowed the attacking and creative ability of United to dazzle on full display.

United face a tough test against Arsenal, they should expect both their defensive lines to be tested as well as their attacking threat met with just as much defensive creativity. However, could their midfield be where the game is won or lost?

Predicted Line-up:

Arsenal: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Xhaka, Partey, Odegaard, Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.

Manchester United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes, Eriksen, Garnacho, Rashford.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals + BTTS (21/20)

I can’t believe the price available about both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals! I know the reservation might be in a game

like this as neither team wants to be overly zealous and go hammer and tong – but when you have the attacking threat these two teams hold, how can goals not play a role?

For me, taking advantage of this 21/20 price allows you to add this game to your weekend multiple, sit back and enjoy the fireworks we will surely see and have skin in the game!