IN THE PINK
On the cover
We have gone pink in this issue in support of Sunday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville PinkDrive racemeeting. The horse behind the pink hue is Sabine Plattner’s Cape Eagle, who runs in the Sunday PinkDrive Michaelmas Handicap feature. Candiese Lenferna took the photograph. Read more on page 12.
MINISTER VISITS CAPE RACING
The South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie visited Hollywoodbets Kenilworth headquarters on Thursday 3 October and engaged with Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz on the future of the sport in the country, and specifically in the Western Cape.
Racing in the Western Cape is undergoing a dramatic transformation under the Hollywoodbets and Bortz ownership, with the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racing facility unrecognisable from 18 months ago when the sport was in serious danger of closing its doors.
In their fruitful meeting, Bortz gave Minister McKenzie a tour of the facilities and explained the growth that was still being planned, and what had been achieved so far.
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth has become more than a venue exclusively for horseracing. It is evolving into a multi-faceted ‘sportstainment’ hub designed to benefit the broader community, which includes serving as an events and functions hosting venue.
The Ultra Electronic Music Festival has already been staged at the venue for the past two years.
Other expansion plans will give rise to many more employment opportunities, on top of the
Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz welcomes Minister Gayton McKenzie | Credit: Supplied
significant number of jobs already created by the horseracing industry.
These new plans include the introduction of Padel, Fives Futbol, leisure areas, and restaurants, with the facility destined to become a seven-day-a-week destination.
Minister McKenzie applauded Cape Racing’s drive to make the sport accessible to all South Africans through its owners’ syndicate scheme, which makes the sport more affordable for a wide range of new owners. This, together with the sizable capital investments being made into Cape Racing’s properties, will help drive foot traffic to our racecourses and elevate the sport’s standing.
“Racing’s future depends on greater inclusivity,” Bortz said. “We want to change the perception that this is an exclusive sport and open the gates for all South Africans to enjoy. We’re committed to evolving our venues into spaces that serve the wider community and drive economic growth. We are grateful to Minister McKenzie for giving us so much of his time, and for his commitment to help support our efforts. The lack of government involvement in our sport was noted by the Minister with concern and accompanied by a commitment to do everything in his power to help our critical industry not only survive but thrive.”
• Media release by Cape Racing on Tuesday, 08 October 2024.
The politician looks at Politician! Greg Bortz shows Minister Gayton McKenzie a champion of the past | Credit: Supplied
MAKE A DIFFERENCEGET THE PINKDRIVE POWER ON SUNDAY
Officer In Command (Muzi Yeni) goes for three on the trot when he contests the PinkDrive Michaelmas Handicap on Sunday at Hollywoodbets Greyville | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
KZN horseracing’s long and proud association with the South African non-profit organization PinkDrive continues on Sunday when Hollywoodbets Greyville will be ‘painted pink’ to support cancer survivors, and those battling the scourge.
PinkDrive’s main purpose is promoting awareness and early detection of genderrelated cancers by providing free health education, free mammograms, clinical examinations and pap smears. The goal of all PinkDrive units is to provide free access to its services for all medically uninsured people.
The eight-race programme on Sunday will raise cancer awareness in South Africa and race sponsors on the day include the Hollywood Foundation, World Sports Betting, the Coastal Horse Care Unit and Gallop TV.
The day’s headliner is the R120 000 PinkDrive Michaelmas Handicap (16h10), a 1900m
contest that, when run as a listed feature in 2023, was the springboard for local hero Royal Victory’s subsequent success in the Betway Gr1 Summer Cup.
On Sunday seven runners go to post in a competitive line-up that includes the Andre Nel-trained Cape Eagle, a burly Vercingetorix gelding who is known to be something of a tricky customer. He is a powerful galloper and buoyed by his recent out-of-province feature success, Serino Moodley could work the magic.
Now based in KZN, multiple champion trainer Mike de Kock saddles Trois Trois Quarte and
It’s not always pretty in pink! But Pink Panthers Kevin Shea and Warren Lenferna got into the spirit of things at the 2015 PinkDrive racemeeting. We hope to see you all on Sunday! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
the progressive Officer In Command, a winner of his last two. The latter is up in class but carries just 52kgs and has Gr1 globetrotter Muzi Yeni in the irons.
A full feature preview will follow closer to raceday.
Gold Circle supports PinkDrive, a South African non-profit organization whose main purpose is promoting awareness and early detection of gender-related cancers by providing free women’s health education, free mammograms, clinical examinations and pap smears. The goal of all PinkDrive units is to provide free access to its services for all medically uninsured people, hence they all go to semi-urban and metropolitan locations around the country.
The astounding Durban View Restaurant will offer a buffet-style dining experience with a spectacular view of the racecourse finish line.
To book your table, please contact Denise on 031 314 1736. Entry costs R180 per person and R150 for members and a guest of their choosing.
The best part is the variety of activities and food options available on the day, Hollywood Bunny Bar will be open to serve mouthwatering food on the day, and there will be entertainment on the track and activities to keep the kids entertained in the KidZone, so come out with your families; there will be entertainment, food and fun for the whole family.
Dress in Pink and stand a chance to win one of the many prizes of the day, which commences at 12h35 with the running of the Welcome to the PinkDrive Charity Racemeeting Maiden Plate.
Visit www.goldcircle.co.za’s social media pages to find out more.
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY
PinkDrive NPC, a health sector NGO, was founded in 2009 by Noelene Kotschan, on the premise that ‘Early detection will help to prolong a life’. PinkDrive’s cardinal purpose is to contribute meaningfully towards preventing as many people as it can, from succumbing to breast, cervical, prostate and testicular cancer. The primary focus is on citizens without access to reasonable care for these conditions, and who reside in areas where health services do not reach.
It recognises that treatable cancers receiving even the basic levels of care, could translate into varying lengths of extended life for the afflicted, when detected and treated early. It’s posture is ostensibly a promoter of health awareness in general, and specifically health education and heightening awareness of gender-related cancers in South Africa.
Visit www.pinkdrive.org.za
NO DOUBTING THE TRUTH IN THIS RUMOUR!
The Peter de Beyer bred Vercingetorix mare Celtic Rumours scored a well-deserved maiden stakes success when she benefitted from a finely judged ride by Gavin Lerena to hold off Joey Soma’s 3yo Fiery Pegasus to win the R450 000 Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring F&M Challenge at Turffontein on Saturday.
Out of a one-time winning Dupont mare who raced in the Peter de Beyer silks and has served the top breeder with distinction, the Sean Tarry-trained winner is a half-sister to the speedy Almond Sea (Canford Cliffs) and despite a bit of hesitancy at the start was always going well and in touch under Lerena.
Timing it perfectly, Gavin Lerena got Celtic Rumours (7-2) home by a quarter length in a time of 87,52 secs.
Fiery Pegasus (7-1) has consistent form and ran a gallant race in defeat, with last year’s runner-up Captain Peg (16-1) staying on for third a further 0,90 lengths.
Piere Strydom had White Pearl relaxed back of midfield after an 18 week break and the daughter of Danon Platina stayed on for fourth. She has surely got something decent in her this season over a mile plus?
The tote favourite VJ’s Angel was never in it and ran downfield.
Celtic Rumours (Gavin Lerena) holds off Fiery Pegasus (Malesela K Katjedi) to win
Credit: JC Photos
Bred by Peter de Beyer, the winner is by Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of Sylvie (Dupont).
A R700 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, Celtic Rumours boosted her paddock value and was registering her fifth victory from 15 starts with 8 places for stakes of R659 750.
The R1 million carryover injected Turffontein Pick 6 pool was projected to reach R5 million but sadly fell short of the target, hitting a net R3 517 527. That beat the Hollywoodbets Durbanville pool of R483 918 for the same bet.
‘Fortune favours the bold, so kudos to Peter de Beyer for retaining Sylvie, a moderate race filly many breeders would have shunned as a broodmare’
Talented! Celtic Rumours’ Canford Cliffs half-sister Almond Sea | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
The time-honoured adage ‘good things come to those who wait’ was underlined when Celtic Rumours landed her first stakes success at the tender age of five in last weekend’s Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring F&M Challenge.
The Sean Tarry-trained mare’s maiden stakes victory not only increased the lead of her sire Vercingetorix at the head of the General Sires log, it also added lustre to a dyed-in-the-wool South African female family which has enjoyed its fair share of success - that of the Drum Beat mare Terpsichore.
Bred by Normandy Stud, Terpsichore was a half-sister to Tribesman, a slashing chestnut by New South Wales who had the distinction of beating subsequent Durban July winner Beau Art in the Gr1 SA Derby.
Terpsichore’s dam Tramore hailed from the revered stud of Alex Robertson and although she produced seven winners from as many runners, it was her daughter who singlehandedly continued the excellence of the female line.
Celtic Rumours has, as her third dam, Terpsichore’s daughter French Muse, sired by the French import Melun. This son of Riverman had won the Prix du Ranelagh in his birth country before his importation to SA, and when put in training with Ralph Rixon, added the Gr2 Greyville 1900.
Retired to stand at Normandy, he failed to make much impact, siring just two stakes winners, one of which was French Muse, a winner of the Listed Vaal Bookmakers Handicap by the time she returned to Normandy. She duly became the dam of four winners, the best by far being
Sylvie’s first – the smart stakes-winning What A Winter filly Sarah | Credit: JC Photos
SA Horse of the Year Winter Solstice. Trained by Joey Ramsden, this son of Western Winter proved a top-flight galloper as a dual winner of the Gr1 Queen’s Plate, in addition to which he also claimed the Gr1 Gold Challenge and Gr1 Champions Cup.
French Muse bred three fillies, two of which, Diva and Simone, to the Lyphard horse Trigger Finger.
Diva was a smart sort, winning five and earning black type when third in the Chairman’s Cup. She became a successful broodmare for Normandy as the dam of the triple Gr3 winner Depardieu and Gr3-placed Matinee Idol. Full sister Simone never raced but was retained by the stud. The success of Depardieu no doubt prompted a mating to his sire Dupont, with the resultant foal being a filly named Sylvie.
Enter Peter de Beyer, who raced Sylvie with the utmost patience. Unraced at two, she only broke her maiden at four, but given that she was a three-part sister in blood to a decent horse in Depardieu, she joined her owner’s broodmare band.
What she lacked in talent as a racehorse, she has more than made up for at his Black Swan stud, her first foal being the What A Winter filly Sarah. Very much her sire’s daughter, she proved herself a fine sprinter, winning the Swallow Stakes and reaching the frame in both the Gr2 Camellia and Gr2 Magnolia Handicap.
All in the family! Bravura, who is out of French Muse’s Centenary daughter Musing, was piloted by Anton Marcus to beat Noordhoek Flyer (Karl Neisius) in the 2010 Cape Derby | Credit: Supplied
Sarah was trained by the Peter family, as is Sylvie’s second stakes winner Almond Sea. The daughter of Canford Cliffs made an auspicious start to her racing career when winning her first two starts by a combined margin of ten lengths, before turning last season’s Ruffian Stakes into a procession, pulverizing her rivals by over eight lengths. Almond Sea subsequently lost her undefeated record when third in the Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery but regained the winning thread by inflicting a 2.50 length defeat on four male rivals over 1000m at Turffontein. Not seen out since July, she certainly has the makings of a fine sprint prospect.
Celtic Rumours is her dam’s third stakes winner and is by Silvano’s champion son Vercingetorix.
By the way, Silvano had already sired a Gr1 winner from the family before Celtic Rumours came along, that being Bravura, who is out of French Muse’s Centenary daughter Musing.
She too, won just once at three yet came good in the Normandy paddocks.
Trained like Winter Solstice by Ramsden, Bravura won the Gr1 Cape Derby, ran champion Dancewiththedevil to a head in the Gr1 Gold Challenge and chased Igugu home in the Gr1 J&B Met. Also dam of stakes-placed Epic Poetry and Mazar-E-Sharif, Musing’s Kabool daughter Quetta produced Gr1 Cape Derby runner-up Sachdev to Silvano.
Remarkably, neither French Muse nor her daughters were by elite sires, yet when mated to the likes of Western Winter and Silvano, were quite capable of producing Gr1 winners Winter Solstice and Bravura.
Peter de Beyer clearly repeated a proven recipe when he sent Sylvie to sons of both powerhouse sires, with great success.
Not surprisingly, Sylvie’s success spilled over into the sales ring when her filly by Captain
SA Horse Of The Year Winter Solstice – a son of Western Winter out of the Melun mare, French Muse | Credit: JC Photos
Of All fetched R550 000 at this year’s National Yearling Sale and has joined the stable of Gavin van Zyl.
Sylvie’s newly-turned yearling colt, an own brother to Almond Sea, is “a lovely specimen,” according to De Beyer.
Fortune favours the bold, so kudos to him for retaining Sylvie, a moderate race filly many breeders would have shunned as a broodmare. In fairness, he explained: “At the time, I was busy building up my broodmare band, so I wasn’t as discretionary as I would be today. Besides, she was from a fine family and showed quite a bit of speed. By sending her to Vercingetorix, I was hoping to get a middle-distance horse, but Celtic Rumours excels over 1400m!”
He reports that Sylvie foaled a filly by Kommetdieding this spring and has been pencilled in to visit Canford Cliffs.
“With Almond Sea showing so much promise, it’s probably worth another go,” he added.
Finally, it would be remiss not to mention that Terpsichore is also ancestress of the now departed superstar filly Gimme A Nother.
She traces to Terpsichore’s daughter Russian Muse, a one-time winner by the Nijinsky horse Russian Fox.
Returned to Normandy, she was sent to Windrush and produced champion Mother Russia, the grandam of Gimme A Nother.
Rachel Venniker steers the lightly raced Back In Business home for Joey Soma | Credit: JC Photos
In the absence of Muzi Yeni who was out of town winning the final Grade 1 in Singapore racing history a few hours earlier, Rachel Venniker amplified her wide range of skills in the saddle when she travelled to Turffontein on Saturday to steer the lightly raced Back In Business home for Joey Soma in the R550 000 Betway Gr2 Spring Challenge.
The winner under Muzi Yeni of the Betway Listed Spring Spree Stakes in August, the Klawervlei-bred 5yo is clearly loaded with ability and made it 6 wins from just 11 starts when he slipped through down the rail to put a 1,50 lengths margin between himself and the late finishing Barbaresco (11-2) who deadheated with the exciting 3yo Wild At War (66-1).
The winner clocked 86,63 secs for the 1450m and with nominal miles on the clock he is bound to make his presence felt again. It was a second winner on the day for Rachel Venniker, who was aboard Atarime who scored in the third for Paul Matchett.
Summerveld home boys Stuart Ferrie and Sean Veale will be happy with the performance of the consistent Gladatorian (6-1), who paid for the trip, running fourth and a further 1,50 lengths back.
Despite being touted as being ready to win after a ten-week break, the 17-10 favourite Main Defender never sparked and ran seventh and
some 4,70 lengths behind the winner. This was a disappointing effort from the ever-consistent son of Pathfork and will not be the way his connections will have wanted to commence their Betway Summer Cup build-up.
Raced by ANOA (Pty) Ltd, whose nominee is Andria Dannhauser, Back To Business was bred by Klawervlei Stud and is a son of the farm’s Captain Al stallion William Longsword out of the three-time winning Var mare, Enchanting Cathy.
A winner of 6 of his 11 starts with 2 places, Back In Business, a R325 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, was registering his second stakes victory and took his stakes earnings to R725 750.
SA JOCKEY CELEBRATES BECKETT TEAM’S ARC VICTORY
There was a unique South African connection in the background as the Ralph Beckett-trained Bluestocking charged to victory under Rossa Ryan to win the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at a rain-soaked Longchamp on Sunday.
Eric Ngwane in his KZN riding days | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
The well-backed four-year-old was always prominent in the famous Juddmonte silks and powered to victory ahead of Aventure in what was a replay of the finish of the Prix Vermeille in September.
SA Jockey Academy graduate Eric Ngwane, who hails from Merewent, was coached by former champion jockey Garth Puller early in his career and was twice crowned champion apprentice in his time.
After calling time on race riding here Eric joined the Ralph Beckett yard at Kimpton, Hampshire three years ago. He rides all the work and looks after the Arc winner, a filly he hailed ‘the best in the world’ just a few months ago!
Not originally entered for the showpiece, Bluestocking was supplemented for €120 000 on Wednesday, and was one of only two British-trained runners.
She was sent off at 5/1, having been 11/1 on the morning of the race.
Racing TV reports that she enjoyed a troublefree passage in the slipstream of front-running Los Angeles before holding off the advancing Aventure, who fared best of the home team.
In the process, Bluestocking was providing a record seventh Arc for the late Khalid Abdullah’s decorated racing operation.
The thrilled Arc winning team | Credit: Racing TV FB
“It’s a tribute to her constitution as much as anything,” said Beckett. “It’s extraordinary to have a horse to start in May and dance all those dances, the King George, the Juddmonte (International), and get beaten and come back and do that. After only three weeks and what looked like a tough race in the Vermeille, it’s extraordinary. She is an extraordinary beast.
“I think the draw helped, it was terrific. He got her into the right place, and everything went to plan, he was able to pull it off. “Westover hit the front with a furlong left last year and I was kind of waiting for something else to come and get her, what a day.
“This is our best ever day, it has to be. I’ve been lucky enough to win a couple of Oaks, but this is our best day, for sure.
A jubilant Ryan, 24, told Equidia soon after passing the line: “I know everyone overlooked her, but on form she had been at the top table and done it all. She just proved she’s something else.
“I can’t really believe it, this filly has been something else to my career. My family are here, they all came over and it’s very surreal.”
Bluestocking failed to get her head in front in six races last season, but this campaign has been a different story.
She registered her second Group One success of the season in the Prix Vermeille over the Arc course and distance on Trials Day last month, having also landed the Pretty Polly at The Curragh earlier in the campaign.
Her two defeats this term had come against the boys, when runner-up to Goliath in the King George, and when fourth to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International.
She seemed to have no excuses on the first occasion, but possibly found dropping back to ten furlongs against her at York.
It had been 16 years since a Prix Vermeille winner (Zarkava) followed up in the Arc, but Sunday’s 1-2 meant that stat was broken in style. The winner also became the tenth filly/ mare to win in the past 17 editions of the race.
MIGHTY MONTJEU’S ARC LEGACY
The finish to Sunday’s Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was dominated by progeny of Camelot and Sea The Stars. The former is the sire of both 2024 Arc winner Bluestocking and third placed finisher Los Angeles, while 2009 Arc hero Sea The Stars is the sire of this year’s Arc runner up Aventure and fourth home Sosie.
Both Bluestocking (Emulous) and Los Angeles (Frequential) are out of mares by Dansili -whose close relation Ideal World stands at Mauritzfontein. Dansili is also broodmare sire of Paardeberg Stud’s resident sire Expert Eye.
Camelot, seventh in the 2012 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, was also represented in this year’s Arc by fifth place finisher Sevenna’s Knight. Four-time Gr1 winner Camelot has had
a fine year in 2024, with the son of Montjeu’s flagbearers including the Gr1 winners Bluestocking, Los Angeles and Luxembourg, as well as the group winners Pensee Du Jour, Prydwen, and the aforementioned Sevenna’s Knight.
At the time of writing, Camelot had been responsible for 12 Grade/Group One winners and 63 stakes winners in total.
Montjeu’s classic son Camelot – out of Tarfah | Credit: Coolmore
The 2024 Arc was also yet another feather in the cap of 1999 Arc hero Montjeu, sire of Camelot. Despite dying relatively young at the age of 16, Montjeu left behind a remarkable legacy, and had a reputation as an outstanding sire of classic winners and top-class middle distance gallopers. In total, Montjeu supplied 126 stakes winners, including four English Derby winners -Motivator, Authorized, Camelot and Pour Moi. Winner of the 1999 Irish Derby, Montjeu also enjoyed tremendous success as a sire in that Curragh classic, and was responsible for Irish Derby winners Hurricane Run, Frozen Fire, Fame And Glory, and Camelot. Camelot himself has sired the Irish Derby winners Latrobe and Los Angeles.
Montjeu also has exerted quite an influence on the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Himself an exceptional winner of the 1999 Arc, when coming from a seemingly impossible position to score, Montjeu sired 2005 Arc winner Hurricane Run, whose 8 wins also included
triumphs in the Gr1 Irish Derby, Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, and Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Montjeu’s Derby winning son Motivator sired brilliant, dual Arc winner Treve and Camelot has since become the latest sire son of Montjeu to enjoy success in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Treve made her mark over the weekend - her daughter Doha (Sea The Stars) won Friday’s Listed Prix Dahlia-Fonds European de l’Elevage at Saint-Cloud, with the four-year-old having finished second, to subsequent Gr1 Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes winner Tamfana (Soldier Hollow), in the Gr3 Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes previously.
Montjeu also made his presence felt in Australia this weekend. His deceased son Tavistock is the sire of Saturday’s F1 TAB Epsom winner Ceolwulf, and also ranks as the broodmare sire of 2024 Gr1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes hero Mr Brightside (Bullbars).
The latter, who is out of the Tavistock mare Lilahjay, has earned more than AUS $14.158 million in stakes, with Mr Brightside’s 17 career wins including seven Gr1 triumphs.
The ill-fated Tavistock, one of his sire’s best stallion sons, left behind more than 50 stakes winners and was Hong Kong’s Champion Sire in 2021-2022.
Montjeu also continues to make his presence felt as a broodmare sire, and ranks as the damsire of Gr1 winners of the ilk of Paddington, Charm Spirit, Wonderful Tonight and Starman. The latter, winner of the 2021 Gr1 Darley July Cup, has made a big impression with his first yearlings in 2024 and was the Leading Sire, by Aggregate, at the 2024 Goffs Premier Yearling Sale.
4 LOTS MAKE OVER €1 MILLION
Held in the very heart of the prestigious Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, that also saw the running of the final leg of the ARQANA Series, the 2024 Arc Sale registered historic results on Saturday evening.
Of the 40 lots offered, 25 changed hands for a record average of €415,200, up 35% from the 2022 edition.
For the first time, the turnover for the sale passed €10 million, ending at €10,380,000 with four lots making over €1 million.
RAMADAN knocked down for €1,5 million
Bids rocketed for this afternoon’s Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein (Gr.2) winner RAMADAN (lot 41), that had been eagerly awaited in the ring following his win at ParisLongchamp. It was Vin Cox that signed the docket at €1,5 million for the Christopher Headtrained colt that had
already taken the Prix Daphnis and Prix de Fontainebleau (Grs.3) this season. The son of Le Havre is a half-brother to the black-type RASIMA and hails from the family of Group 1 winners RAFHA, INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, KODIAC and MISHRIFF.
€1,4 million for the German Derby
scorer PALLADIUM
Another eagerly awaited in the ring, the Henk Grewe-trained PALLADIUM (lot 34) was subject to a lot of interest from buyers with the gavel finally fell at €1,4 milllion in favour of Highflyer Bloodstock for the Gr1 Deutsches Derby winner. The three-year old son of Gleneagles
out of the black-type PATH WIND is a halfbrother to Listed winner PANJARI and hails from the family of WILD SIDE, WILD COCO and WIN FOR US. ZARIR heads to Australia A little earlier in the evening, Vin Cox had also signed the docket at €1,3 million for the talented ZARIR (lot 38) from his trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. Runnerup in the Prix Ganay (Gr.1), the Aga Khan Studs’ homebred most recently finished runner-up in the Gr2 Prix Foy. The four-year-old son of Frankel out of Group winner ZARSHANA hails from the excellent family of ZARKAVA, ZARAK and ZARIGANA. “He’ll go to Australia,” said Vin Cox. “He looks to have the potential to be a good stayer. We’re delighted to have been able to get a horse of his quality and bred by the Aga Khan Studs, and we can’t wait to see him run down under.”
Black-type TRAFALGAR SQUARE makes €1,15 million
Runner-up in the Gr2 Qatar Prix Chaudenay a few hours earlier before going under the hammer, bidding for TRAFALGAR SQUARE (lot 54) reached €1,15 million in favour of the
Libyan owner Ismil Sh Ghrghar, represented by Miladi Moez. Group placed on three occasions this season, the Gousserie Racing and Écurie Pilarski owned colt also took the Prix de l’Avre (L.). The three-year-old son of Kendargent is a half-brother to Listed winner and Group 1 placed TIMES SQUARE. Following the sale, ARQANA’S President Olivier Delloye and Executive Director Freddy Powell commented, “We would like to thank our vendors for the exceptional horses that they have entrusted us with this evening, as well as our buyers who have once again turned out in force. Some of them have been coming for decades. Their trust in us enables this sale to establish itself a little more as an unrivalled international event each year.”
Click on the image below to view the full sales results.
CONGRATULATIONS JASON!
Jason Gates represented South Africa over the weekend in the Peoples Turf PLC Mauritius Jockeys International where he finished second overall.
From 12 rides over two days, he registered 4 winners (33%), 2 second places and 2 fourth places.
On Saturday 5 October he won on: Gordonstoun trained by C Ramdin Clean Slate trained by Dominic Zaki
On Sunday 6 October he won on: Tartarus trained by A Sewdyal Partner In Crime trained by Dominic Zaki
HAPPY AND SAD…SMART STAR MUZI GRABS GOLD
Sacrificing a possible Grade 2 feature double at Turffontein last Saturday, and after travelling nearly 9000km from home, SA national log-leading jockey Muzi Yeni went to the Gr1 Grand Singapore Gold Cup start at Kranji with renewed resolve and purpose – traits the ‘pocket dynamo’, as he was tagged by the Singapore press, has never lacked.
He had just completed four frustrating unplaced rides at the historic final racemeeting in the Lion City and his decision to forego the rides on runner-up Fiery Phoenix and impressive winner Back To Business in the two Grade 2 features at Turffontein on the same day was suddenly starting to be heading pear-shaped.
Speaking to the Sporting Post on Sunday, Muzi told of the learning curves that were his earlier rides.
“They don’t make use of false rails and the Kranji straight is very short. So it’s a whole different ball game to the way our races unfold on most South African tracks. I kept finding myself stuck out wide. The guys all ride more vigorously and get stuck in early. It turns into a mad stampede for home. In South Africa, we have more time on our hands, somehow! So when I cantered down for the final race and feature on Smart Star, I decided, that’s it – they are not going to catch me sleeping this time!” he laughed, as he explained how his long trip changed complexion in the 2 min 0,45secs
Muzi Yeni – thumbs up on a momentous final trip to Singapore | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
it took for the 35-1 longshot to complete the 2000m on the Short Course to close a 182 year chapter in history and win the SG$1,38 million Gr1 Grand Singapore Gold Cup.
It was a vigorous, yet sweetly timed ride to beat the more fancied Lim’s Saltoro.
He rode in Singapore six years ago at two meetings, including the inaugural Premier Gateway International Jockeys Challenge, and said that as he packed his bags for the trip home that he is ‘very glad’ he accepted the invitation to travel for a final visit.
“Getting my first – and as it turns out last - win in Singapore felt awesome. The racing vibe in this country is crazy, even if I also felt a bit sad knowing that it was the last race.”
On the feature, he conceded that he hadn’t expected the fast pace.
“We sat outside and he put himself well and in touch in the race. He was very fresh. We sat three deep, but I tried my best to get a clean break and the pace just suited him to the ground. I pounced at the top of the straight and at the 150m, I rolled to the front,”enthused the feisty competitor.
The neck-win brought back memories of the Smart Bet Stable’s top galloper, Smart Bet, winning the 2002 Gr1 Singapore Gold Cup under a back-breaking 59kgs.
Three-time Gr1 winning trainer David Kok said that he had always harboured ambitions of winning the Singapore Gold Cup.
“Finally, I won the last one! I knew my horse is in very good condition. I was also hoping for a bit of rain and when it didn’t, I was a bit worried. I told Muzi to ride him where he’s comfortable and to start sprinting just before
Smart Star (Muzi Yeni) wins the Grand Singapore Gr1 Gold Cup | Credit: STC
coming into the straight. I thank my friend Michael Lee (Deputy Racing Editor from The Straits Times), who suggested to me to bring Muzi Yeni. I must also thank all my staff and the owners like Smart Bet Stable, Pacific Stable and Royal Sabah Turf Club, as well as all my other owners.”
Kok confirmed that Smart Star will now move to Kuala Lumpur with him.
“I will get my stable at Selangor Turf Club up and running in November.” Muzi told the Sporting Post that celebrating his first, and last, win in Singapore ‘just felt awesome’.
We asked him about the crop laws in Singapore.
“They don’t count strikes, but obviously they frown upon a jockey giving a hiding to a horse who is clearly out of contention,” he added as he tells that he and trainer David Kok could not contain their excitement after the six-year-old son of Star Witness returned to the podium.
On the emotions as the lights went out on Asia’s oldest turf club for the last time after 182 years of history, a reflective Muzi said it’s a bitter pill for him to swallow as an outsider who has only good things to say about his Singapore experiences.
“Governments make decisions, and it’s all about viability and future planning, I believe. But just looking at their world-class facilities, it’s difficult to comprehend. Their training tracks are world-class and multi-dimensional. You can train on either leg, on a variety of the best quality surfaces. There are enough swimming pools and treadmills for all the horses. The crowd of 10 000 were absolutely emotional but also loving the moment. I teamed up on Sunday for lunch with a Singapore jockey who I have kept in touch with. He came out with a group of seven appies to the SA Jockey Academy 19 years ago. In public I noted people acknowledged us. The racing culture is amazing. It is difficult not to believe there won’t be a void left, but I’m glad that the horses and the trainers and jockeys will find homes in new jurisdictions. I can only thank them all for the most wonderful hospitality and the privilege of being a part of their history – even at a sad time like this,” he concluded
The Stone-Stamcor sponsored Muzi is currently quoted at 3-1 with Hollywoodbets to win the SA championship – it would be his first national title. Maybe it’s time.
He took 5 rides at Hollywoodbets Greyville today. The chase continues unabated!
FOUR WINNERS GIVE QUIEROZ A COOL KRANJI SEND-OFF
JOCKEY BRUNO QUEIROZ HAS REACHED A NEW PERSONAL MILESTONE IN HIS SIX YEARS OF RIDING AFTER HE EDGED FELLOW CHAMPION BRAZILIAN JOCKEY MANOEL NUNES OUT FOR A NARROW WIN ON THE SINGAPORE JOCKEYS’ PREMIERSHIP THIS SEASON.
While Singapore, and most of the international racing fraternity had their eyes locked on the final running of the SG$1.38 million Grand Singapore Gold Cup, which was eventually won by the David Kok-trained Smart Star and South African visiting jockey Muzi Yeni, Queiroz had another goal he wanted to achieve other than the most coveted trophy on Saturday.
A Group 1 win for him in Singapore was not meant to be after Pacific Vampire peaked on his run and came back last in the feature race,
but the two-time Rio de Janeiro champion jockey still booted home four winners on the undercards at the 10-card meeting to sit on 58 wins with Nunes.
A five-time Singapore champion jockey, Nunes bagged a treble at the penultimate meeting on 28 September and sat on a comfortable threewin lead on Queiroz, who had 54 wins coming into Saturday’s races.
The 23-year-old rider, who began riding in
Pacific Padrino (No 2) brings up jockey Bruno Queiroz’s fourth win in Race 9 on Saturday | Credit: STC
Singapore in July last year, drew first blood in the SG$45,000 William Henry Macleod Read Cup, a Class 5 race aboard the Kuah Cheng Tee-trained Ciango, who was also Kuah’s sole runner and winner on the day. Nunes immediately hit back with a win atop Ocean Jupiter in the SG$45,000 Colonel Cup, a Class 5 race in the second race to maintain his lead.
Down but not out, the determined Queiroz grinded his way back with three more wins on board The Wild Chief in the SG$45,000 Abdul Mawi Cup, a Class 5 race , Pacific Warrior in the SG$85,000 S.R. Nathan Cup, a Class 4 race and Pacific Padrino in the SG$85,000 Rocket Man Cup, a Class 4 race.
Both Brazilian jockeys were sitting on 58 wins by the second last race, but with Nunes’ mount, Dream Alliance, finishing in fourth in the Grand Singapore Gold Cup, the decider came down to the number of seconds, in which Queiroz (54) had more than Nunes (48), hence he took the crown.
It was a thrilling battle to the wire at the final season in Singapore. The last time Singapore saw a similar nail-biting finish in the premierships was when the late legendary trainer Laurie Laxon and Australian trainer Michael Freedman each had 76 wins by the last race in 2012, but the former eventually took the training honours based on a better countback for seconds.
Queiroz probably had no idea of the battle of the Titans back then given the Sao Paolo native was only 11, albeit he might have already heard of the Little Red Dot 16,978 km away from him given his godfather and famous jockey Joao Moreira won his third consecutive champion jockey’s title that year.
“It’s the perfect day for me, thank God,” said Queiroz, who had his father and jockey
Antonio, mother Sandra and girlfriend Kemilly Rodrigues with him on Saturday.
“After a break back home last December, my goal this year when I came back was to win the premiership because it’s very important for me.
“But it’s not easy because Nunes is a very strong and competitive rider and he has good support. He’s very experienced and has been riding for eight years here.
“But I worked hard, always did my best and I know I had some good rides. I’m very happy I won (first Singapore champion jockey title) and I want to thank all the trainers and owners who supported me.
“Also, thanks to my family and friends in Brazil. My dad, mum and girlfriend gave me a lot of support here.
“My sister and family in Brazil watched the races in the morning in Brazil. Joao’s races in Australia (Melbourne) ended earlier and he watched my races too and was very happy for me.”
Moreira had six rides at Flemington racecourse on Saturday and finished second aboard the Chris Waller-trained Buckaroo in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes, which was won by stablemate Via Sistina and jockey Damian Lane.
The pair of godfather and godson will ride in the races at Sao Paolo on 11 and 12 October after Queiroz flies back to Brazil with his family and girlfriend today.
HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE – WEDNESDAY, 31ST JULY 2024
Race 1 - HOT LAVA - Anele Ntusi
Race 2 - BARRY DU GROND - Small Qadi
Race 3 - GOT THE WORD - Patric Mawasana
Race 4 - JP’S PALACE - Magoba Ndzelu
Race 7 - CARE FORGOT - Themba Ngxono
Race 5 - FOEMAGER - Thabani Mpuma
Race 8 - SELUKWE OLWETHU - Ketelu
Race 6 - QUASIFORSURE - Melikhaya Dolo
Race 9 - WARRIOR ROYALE - Sandile Ndovela
Witness Stand (GB) wins the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes
20 Sep ‘24 - 3yo WITNESS STAND (Expert Eye) wins the Dubai Duty Free Cup S. (Listed) (above) at Newbury (GB) by 3 lenghts over 1400m, on soft ground.
19 Sep ‘24 - 2yo EVE’S BOY (Expert Eye) won the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice S. at Ayr (GB) by 2 lengths over 1400m, on good ground.
17 Sep ‘24 - 2yo NAINA (Expert Eye) won the Download The Raceday Ready App Nursery H. at Yarmouth (GB) by 1,25 lengths over 1400m, on good ground. NAINA has won 3 of her last 4 starts.
17 Sep ‘24 - 4yo SNIPER’S EYE (Expert Eye) won the SPP - That Get You Noticed H. at Yarmouth (GB) by a head over 2000m, on good ground.
12 Sep ‘24 - 2yo NESTHORN (Expert Eye), 2nd Prix des Chenes (Group 3) at Longchamp (FR) over 1600m, on soft ground.
6 Sep ‘24 - 2yo EXPOSURE (Expert Eye) won the Prix Kendor (ON DEBUT) at SaintCloud (FR) by 1,25 lengths over 1600m, on soft ground.
Witness Stand (GB)
CRUISING INTO A LUCKY 13!
He may be the reigning East Cape Polytrack Champion Male but there are few that can match strides with the lightning-fast Cruise Control on the turf, and the son of Querari chalked up his ‘lucky’ thirteenth career victory when winning the R200 000 non black-type Betway Cradock Place Stakes at Fairview on Friday in the shape of a horse with plenty in the tank.
Registering his second victory from five starts for the Hollywood Syndicate who acquired him from Mauritian owner Vicky Veeramootoo, Cruise Control (410) became our latest equine millionaire as he jumped out and rolled along, before grinding his four opponents into oblivion with a facile 5,50 length victory under Sporting Post rider Louis Mxothwa in a time of 67,21 secs for the 1200m.
The 7yo Evie’s First (16-1) stayed on best of the rest, to deny the Hollywood Syndicate a 1-2, with Alan Greeff’s Cliff Top a further 1,50 lengths away in third.
Fourth-placed Speed Machine (7-1) was 11,50 lengths off the winner for
fourth in a quartet that stretched from Fairview to Humansdorp.
Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Gavin Smith has done an outstanding job keeping Cruise Control on the boil since he broke the Fairview 800m track record on debut in December 2021.
A Boland Stud-bred son of the outstanding Querari (Oasis Dream), he is out of the Sail From Seattle mare, Eurythmics.
Cruise Control originally cost R200 000 at Nationals and has won 13 races with 3 places from 22 starts for stakes of R1 051 563.
For all his speed and terrific ability, Cruise Control is not a stakes winner and that will no doubt be a season goal for his passionate connections.
So where to now? Maybe Cape Town for the lucrative summer season, or the Gr1 Computaform Sprint at Turffontein, where the quick ground could suit his speed.
They will battle to stop him at Fairview.
The next Fairview racemeeting has been carded for Friday, 11 October.
Cruise Control (Louise Mxothwa) comfortably wins the Betway Cradock Place Stakes at Fairview | Credit: Pauline Herman
RACHEL’S STAR SHINES BRIGHT
Rachel Venniker drives Care Forgot to victory as Serino Moodley and Destiny Of Fire chase hard | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Just 24 hours after booting home a Grade 2 feature winner to cap a three-timer at Turffontein, the fast-ascending star of South Africa’s only female jockey Rachel Venniker continued to shine bright as she rode a peach of a race to win the R120 000 non black-type Beach Beauty Mile at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday on the Barend Botes charge, Care Forgot.
The victory was a cracking farewell to KZN racing for Summerveld trainer Barend Botes who is set to return ‘home’ to Turffontein, to better service his Highveld owners.
The 3yo fillies contest headlined the nine-race KZN programme on the turf and after the disappointing withdrawal of the exciting Spirit Of Levana on Saturday due to an abnormal blood count, the field was further reduced by the scratching, as a result of injury at the start, of the Paul Lafferty-trained The Ghost.
Princess Palace took the six-strong field along on a Sunday afternoon walk from the mile marker and the race turned into a sprint for home, with Serino Moodley riding a confident race on the 9-4 Mike de Kock debut winner Destiny Of Fire.
Into the final stages Destiny Of Fire looked to be asserting her class, but race experience and the skills of Miss Venniker came into play, as Care Forgot (tote favourite at 33-10) got up on the line to clock 100,65 secs for the 1600m.
Stuart Ferrie’s She’s A Machine (5-1) flashed her beautiful white face late and looked to challenge, only going down just over a length further back in third.
Rachel Venniker said that Care Forgot ‘ dug deep’.
“We got our timing right. She ran a great race. It’s fantastic to ride a winner for Mr Botes and owner Mr Michael,” she added modestly.
Serino Moodley, who rode the runner-up, said that the muddled pace had created havoc and that he had made his move possibly earlier than he should have.
A R300 000 BSA August 2yo Sale graduate, Care Forgot was bred by Moutonshoek and is a daughter of the Piketberg farm’s Galileo kingpin The United States out of the unraced Irish-bred Hawk Wing mare Love Unlimited.
Care Forgot has now won 3 of her 7 starts with 2 places and stakes of R272 625.
• The feature is named in honour of a SA champion of the turf- Michele Wing’s tribute – click here for the full story.
CAPE RACING SALES
– SCAN, CLICK, BUY!
Cape Racing Sales has announced the launch of its new online buyers’ card profile login system, designed to enhance the buying experience for their valued clients.
This innovative platform allows buyers to create a profile, manage details, and access their digital buyers card once approved.
Starting Monday 7 October 2024, buyers can easily create a profile on the Cape Racing Sales website to begin the process of obtaining a buyers’ card.
After logging in, users can apply for their card, which will streamline the purchasing process for upcoming sales.
Upon approval, buyers can select the specific sale they wish to participate in and must agree to the outlined terms and conditions.
Key Features of the New Buyers Card Profile System:
• User-Friendly Interface: Buyers can easily navigate the platform to create and manage their profiles.
• Digital Buyers Card: Once approved, a digital buyer’s card will be ready for use, facilitating a smoother buying experience.
• Terms and Conditions Agreement: Ensures all participants are informed and compliant with sale policies.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new online system to our buyers,” said Justin Vermaak, Executive, Racing and Bloodstock at Cape Racing Sales. “Our goal is to streamline the buying process, making it more efficient and
user-friendly. This upgrade is a significant step toward enhancing the overall experience for our customers.”
Cape Racing Sales is committed to providing the best service and support to buyers.
They invite all prospective clients to create their profiles today and experience the benefits of their new digital platform.
For more information or assistance with the registration process, please visit the website at https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/ or contact their support team at vicky@caperacing.co.za
• Media release by Cape Racing Sales on Monday, 7 October 2024.
TATTERSALLS OCTOBER YEARLING SALE: BLOCKBUSTER START
An electric atmosphere and frenzied trade characterised a remarkable opening session at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale on Tuesday with a Frankel filly realising 4 400 000 guineas, the second highest price for a yearling in European auction history, and eighteen lots realising 500 000 guineas or more.
The progeny of Frankel were in great demand realising three of the four million guineas prices, whilst Amo Racing’s Kia Joorabchian was the leading first day buyer
securing 10 lots for 11,045,000 guineas.
The clearance rate during the opening day was an impressive 90%.
The top lot on the opening day of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale was the Frankel filly out of Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes winner Aljazzi who was knocked down to Kia Joorabchian, stood alongside agent Alex Elliott, for 4,400,000 guineas after he saw off a determined effort from Japanese trainer Mitsu Nakauchida.
Lot 68: Frankel (GB) / Aljazzi | Credit: GB
The sale represented the second highest price for a yearling in European auction history, behind the 5,000,000 guineas sale of the filly subsequently named Al Naamah at this sale in 2013.
Once Elliott had taken a breath, he said: “Phew! Kia and partners wanted the filly very badly – a Frankel filly from that family and with that physical, she was always going to be a collectors’ item. It is a deep price tag and, though we had discussed her at length, obviously I did not see her making that – but we had very much homed in on her.
“But she is part of Team Amo now… wow! She is a spectacular filly, it is a spectacular price, a spectacular bunch of horses here. I’d like to say I was a cool customer when all that was taking place, but that would be a fib – I have never been in that rarified atmosphere before.”
He added: “We have seen Ylang Ylang from the same farm and from the same cross, we just need history to repeat itself! The figure I had in mind was a good bit below that but, as I keep saying to people, good horses will pay you back!
“It is great that she is staying here, it is great for British racing that these people are around to buy these horses as we all understand how difficult the product is to promote at the minute. To have two men to say they are going to keep her here, it is huge kudos to them. Kia knows you have got to buy them at the
top level to compete at the top level.”
Elliott continued: “This filly has got through most of the hoops – she is by the right stallion, she is out of a good Shamardal mare, she is from a great farm, she has come to a sale, she has shown she is in the top echelon of horses, now she has got to keep going!”
The SHAMARDAL mare ALJAZZI was purchased by Newsells Park Stud at the 2018 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale for a record breaking 1,000,000 guineas, and this filly’s great granddam MAJESTIC SAKEENA was bought by Tony Nerses at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale in 2006 for 200,000 guineas.
Consignor Julian Dollar of Newsells Park Stud said: “To be honest with you, I was hoping she would make a million and that would have been nice, but obviously some good players had her valued at twice that. We are obviously delighted. Mitsu Nakauchida is a great trainer and a lovely guy and he loved her, and obviously Kia, Amo and Alex loved her too… it is unbelievable.
“I said to Graham [Smith-Bernal] that there were two fillies that I’d like to keep, she was one and the other was the Dubawi filly. We also have a nice filly to sell on Thursday, the halfsister to Ylang Ylang. But I always loved this filly and thought she was outstanding. I am thrilled with that price, it makes a big difference to a commercial operation like Newsells. It is great.”
SOUTH AFRICA vs SCOTLAND
STADE DE MARSEILLE, MARSEILLE
REFEREE: ANGUS GARDNER
18 – 3
Steven Kitshoff looks on as Cheslin Kolbe latches on to Sione Tuipulotu. The Scotland centre of Australian and Samoan heritage of the South Africans.
BRAVEBATTLING the HEARTS
Back: Jasper Wiese · Malcolm Marx · Frans Malherbe · RG Snyman · Jesse Kriel · Marco van Staden · Trevor Nyakane
Middle: Faf de Klerk · Manie Libbok · Kurt-Lee Arendse · Bongi Mbonambi · Damian Willemse · Ox Nché · Grant Williams · Cheslin Kolbe
Front: Franco Mostert · Pieter-Steph du Toit · Willie le Roux · Siya Kolisi (captain) · Jacques Nienaber (coach)
Damian de Allende · Eben Etzebeth · Steven Kitshoff · Duane Vermeulen
SQUAD UPDATES
Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk earned his 50th Springbok cap against Scotland while there was a notable change at No 8 from the warm-up against New Zealand, with Jasper Wiese preferred to Duane Vermeulen.
Poignantly, Malcolm Marx was the starting hooker. It would be his only action at the World Cup because of a training ground accident the following week.
On the 11-hour ferry journey from Corsica to Toulon, the discussion among the Springboks was that they were docking in France to play
a match as important as their last World Cup game, the final against England in 2019.
They had to treat their opening game against Scotland that seriously because their Pool B was so competitive. World Rugby had done the draw too early (in December 2020) for France 2023 and nearly all of the top teams in the world were in the Springboks’ side of the draw.
The Boks’ arrival in the naval town of Toulon was a homecoming of sorts for Cheslin Kolbe because he was playing for RC Toulon at the time. Coach Nienaber won favour with local journalists on arrival when he delegated
media duty to Kolbe. Kolbe said: “We are here in Toulon to prepare for a ‘final’ against Scotland. Our pool is so tough that we cannot regard this match in any other way.”
It was put to Kolbe that the Boks were one of the favourites for the tournament and should beat Scotland. He replied: “The favourites tag will not make us better than Scotland, only thorough preparation will help us, nothing else. Scotland are ranked fifth in the world and we know that they have targeted this game. It is vital that we hit the ground running from our first training session.”
It was baking hot in Toulon at that time and Kolbe said the Boks felt at home after cooking in Corsica.
“We could have gone home after the match in London but instead we chose to make a sacrifice and extend our time on the road by training in the heat and humidity of Corsica,”
Faf de Klerk launches an attack against Scotland under the watchful eye of captain Siya Kolisi.
Left: Ox Nché and the Springbok forwards wait for Trevor Nyakane to complete the front row.
he said. “We are prepared to do whatever it takes to defend the World Cup.”
The Boks trained ahead of the Scotland match at the Stade Mayol, the home ground of Toulon, and while the training sessions were fierce, their o -time environment was idyllic. They had booked out the luxurious seaside Hotel Grand des Sablettes, which was equipped with a state-of-the-art gym, while spacious rooms looked out onto the sun-kissed beach.
The Boks caught a ferry across a beautiful bay to their training sessions. The locals were pleased to have the world champions in town, and South African flags and Springbok insignia were in liberal attendance while the Toulon train station was adorned with pictures of Siya Kolisi and also Trevor Nyakane, who is popular in France as a charismatic player with Racing 92.
On the eve of the match, the Boks travelled the 65km to Marseille where a crowd of 64 000 awaited kick-o at the Stade de Marseille (Stade
Vélodrome). A large tartan army constituted much of that crowd and the intimidating skirl of bagpipes added to the oppressive 30°C heat. Outside the stadium a unicyclist juggled knives with a rugby ball balanced on his head. The Scots might have cherished such a nimblefingered athlete among their ranks as they challenged a formidable Springbok side that had climbed from fourth to second in the world rankings after record-breaking defeats of New Zealand and Wales.
Below: Franco Mostert carries forcefully against Scotland as a menacing Frans Malherbe lines up Scotland defender Zander Fagerson. Looking on are Eben Etzebeth and Manie Lobbok.
Right: Duane Vermeulen and Siya Kolisi share a moment in leadership.
LEFT: The Scotland game plan was based on an all-out attack but the Springbok defence was more than up to it. In the top image, Jesse Kriel stops Jack Dempsey in his tracks with the help of Siya Kolisi. RG Snyman (middle) takes on Jamie Ritchie and Dave Cherry and (bottom), Bongi Mbonambi and Jasper Wiese halt a Scotland attack while Faf de Klerk looks on.
THIS IMAGE: Kurt-Lee Arendse is sandwiched between Duhan van der Merwe (left) and Finn Russell.
There were several changes to the Bok side that had thumped the All Blacks. Nienaber brought in Jasper Wiese at No 8 for Duane Vermeulen, Kolbe for Makazole Mapimpi on the left wing, Damian de Allende at 12 for André Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel came in for Canan Moodie at outside centre.
The bench looked a touch more conventional, with Grant Williams joining Willie le Roux as a second backline replacement in a six-two split.
Poignantly, Malcolm Marx would have had no way of knowing that this would be his sole appearance in France – he would be badly injured in training the following week.
Before a ball was kicked in anger, South Africans were howling with outrage. Their beloved team appeared for the warm-up in colours that could have been thrust on them by vengeful aliens.
It was a strip that launched a thousand jokes and gave Checkers’ delivery service an inadvertent shot in the arm. Their directors must have been dancing in the boardroom at the free publicity as Springbok fans showed wonderful invention in voicing their disapproval of the teal green and white strip that was also likened to a Listerine bottle and a can of Creme Soda.
Right: Scotland hooker George Turner has the unenviable task of stopping Steven Kitshoff in another Springbok prop in Frans Malherbe is about to add his weight to Kitshoff's charge. Manie Libbok is in the background.
Above: Malcolm Marx in a moment of introspection during the Scotland game. He had no clue that he would not play again in the World Cup because of a training ground injury the following week.
World Rugby insisted on the teams taking turns to wear change strips that looked bizarre to fans with normal eyesight, and the method in their madness was to make the matches watchable to the colour-blind.
One such su erer told a Cape radio station: “The blue of Scotland and the [traditional] green of the Springboks would have made it impossible to distinguish the two sets of players. If they had worn their original kits, I would have simply seen 30 guys running around. Instead, I could follow the game as never before and I loved it.”
The Springbok recipe for Scotland was always going to be a basic one – an overwhelming dose of physicality and a dash of panache if required.
Marseille is an ancient port city, with many a dimly lit alley, and this game was the equivalent of Scotland being dragged down the cobbled street of one of them and given a good clobbering.
You could see how Scotland wanted to play – at breakneck speed – but the long arm of the Springboks grabbed them by the scru of the neck and pulled them into a close-quarter wrestle that could have only one winner.
The Scots battled bravely but with the game fought in the trenches and away from the open space they craved, the swords of the Bravehearts were no match for the Springbok sledgehammers.
There was a skirmish that kind of summed up the game. The Scotland scrumhalf Ben White had taken umbrage with De Allende and, in an instant, players hurtled in from everywhere.
Left: Damian de Allende had his hands full during this match, In the top image he absorbs a and in the bottom picture he enters into a conversation with the Scotland forwards, including Zander Fagerson and captain Jamie Ritchie (on the right).
When I saw that bit of space for Kurt-Lee I knew what to do because I have done that look-the-other-way kick a thousand times in practice. I was stoked that it came off. You do these things so often at training and sometimes in a game your instinct takes over.
In one stando , the Scottish skipper, Jamie Ritchie – no shorty at 1.90m – grappled with Eben Etzebeth, but when Eben the Angry broke into that fearsome glare that once reduced Wallaby prop Allan Ala’alatoa to a quivering wreck, Ritchie visibly wilted.
That symbolic moment set the tone and it was reinforced a little later when Scotland’s very own slab of South African beef, Duhan van der Merwe, lined up Kolisi for a tackle, but the Springbok captain bowled him over and onto his backside with contemptuous ease.
But few Scots su ered more than Finn Russell, the enigmatic flyhalf who shouldered so much of his team’s hopes. Time and again the Bok defence shot up and cut him down. Once, he clattered into Kurt-Lee Arendse and was lucky to escape a card for his no-arms approach, but he did add bruised ribs to the bloody wounds on his nose and cheek. The Scottish fans thought Arendse in some way
had erred but once they saw the replay, their sudden silence was a guilty verdict. Referee Angus Gardner’s decision went the way of South Africa.
On the subject of cards, the game might have taken a di erent turn if an incident in the opening minutes had been picked up by the o cials. Kriel had been upright in a fronton tackle on Jack Dempsey, with his head appearing to clash with the face of the No 8, but it was missed by Gardner and the TMO ignored it too.
In essence, the Scotland plan was for the forwards to give Russell a platform to unlock space out wide for fleet-footed attackers in Van der Merwe and the equally lethal Darcy Graham, but the plan stayed on the blackboard.
In a tense first half, two Manie Libbok penalties had South Africa ahead but Scotland earned a morale-boosting scrum penalty shortly before half-time, slotted by Russell. Their coach,
Left: Damian Willemse is in attack mode as Malcolm Marx backs him up. Scotland’s Grant Gilchrist can only look on.
Right: Much of Scotland's hopes rested on the shoulders of playmaker Finn Russell but the Springboks shut him down at every turn. Here the
Left: Bongi Mbonambi enjoys the attention of the fans after a hard-fought match against the tough Scots.
Middle: Scotland No 8 Jack Dempsey is smashed backward by Cheslin Kolbe.
Bottom: Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit acknowledge the South African supporters in the stands at the Stade de encounter had been dealt with and the Boks were under way.
Steven Kitshoff
Malcolm Marx
Frans Malherbe
Eben Etzebeth
Franco Mostert
Siya Kolisi (c)
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Jasper Wiese
Faf de Klerk
Manie Libbok
Cheslin Kolbe
Damian de Allende
Jesse Kriel
Kurt-Lee Arendse
Damian Willemse
THE TEAMS SUBSTITUTES
Bongi Mbonambi Ox Nché
Trevor Nyakane
RG Snyman
Marco van Staden
Duane Vermeulen
Grant Williams
Willie le Roux
SCORERS
Pierre Schoeman
George Turner
Zander Fagerson
Richie Gray
Grant Gilchrist
Jamie Ritchie (c)
Rory Darge
Jack Dempsey
Ben White
Finn Russell
Duhan van der Merwe
Sione Tuipulotu
Huw Jones
Darcy Graham
Blair Kinghorn
Dave Cherry
Jamie Bhatti
WP Nel
Scott Cummings
Matt Fagerson
Ali Price
Cameron Redpath
Ollie Smith
SOUTH AFRICA 18 (6) – Tries: Pieter-Steph du Toit (47’), Kurt-Lee Arendse (50’). Conversion: Faf de Klerk (52’). Penalties: Manie Libbok (13’, 25’).
SCOTLAND 3 (3) – Penalty: Finn Russell (40’ +1’).
Gregor Townsend, leapt to his feet with a fist pump and his team headed into the changing rooms 6-3 down and convinced they could upset the champions.
But that was akin to Jack shaking the beanstalk to wake the giant and the Springbok team that re-took the field bristled with malicious intent.
Within minutes the Bok forwards rampaged through the phases to set up Pieter-Steph du Toit to plough through Scotland’s Samoan centre Sione Tuipulotu for a try.
The jubilant Bok fans had barely sat down when Libbok sprinkled some magic on the otherwise brawny proceedings. He saw Arendse in rare space out wide and he wrong-footed the defenders by looking one way and kicking the other. Such was this brilliance that Arendse simply had to catch the ball and saunter to the line.
The wind in the Scottish sails disappeared with a whoosh after that two-tries-in-fourminutes surge and they were left for dead.
There was no further scoring in the remaining 30 minutes and only desperate Scottish defence prevented Kolbe and Williams from scoring.
By the time Gardner looked at his watch for the final time, the chants of “Scotland, Scotland”
had ebbed away and the stadium DJ, sensing the mood and having had some good advice from a South African, blasted the Mandoza classic “Nkalakatha” through the speakers as the Bok fans flooded down to the lower stands to roar their approval to the players.
The score of 18-3 flattered the Scots and there would have been a more accurate reflection of the game on the scoreboard if Libbok had not flu ed three shots at goal and Faf de Klerk, who assumed the kicking duties late in the game, another.
The pre-tournament question of whether the Boks had a flyhalf who could kick the big goals when it matters had been underlined and many a fan was pining for Handré Pollard...
KEY MOMENT
Move over Mona Lisa. Manie Libbok’s brilliantly disguised cross-kick to Kurt-Lee Arendse, so nonchalantly performed, should be framed and hung in the Louvre. It was a beauty that lifted the spirits of the Boks by the same measure that it sunk the Scots.
Left: Springbok replacement scrumhalf Grant Williams, wearing a Scotland jersey, is dwarfed by Duane Vermeulen (left) and RG Snyman as they
THEY SAID IT
RASSIE ERASMUS
SA RUGBY DIRECTOR
ON SCOTLAND BEING THE “BIGGIE”
“Long before we got to France, this was the game I was most worried about. We saw Scotland as a hurdle that had to be overcome because if we got past them, then it was relatively easy games against Romania and Tonga. There had been talk about how we had to beat Ireland but I said, ‘Hold on. If we beat Scotland then it is not a train smash if we lose to
the quarters, but Scotland is the biggie.’ The pressure was off by beating Scotland.”
SIYA KOLISI SPRINGBOK CAPTAIN
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPRINGBOKS STARTING THE WORLD CUP WELL
“Scotland are a niggly team and it took us a while to get going. We got there in the end, but we have to get out of the blocks better than that if we are to be contenders.
“We knew that Scotland were targeting us in what has been called the Group of Death and we planned to shut them down at source and not let them get their game going.
“Our intensity has to get better. That is what we spoke about at half-time when were just 6-3 up – we knew we had the beating of them but we needed better composure.
“The composure came, and the pressure produced points. opener out of the way.”
ON STOPPING DUHAN VAN DER MERWE, WHO HAD SCORED 18 TRIES IN 30 TESTS
“The way we kept him out was special. We knew we had to keep their backline on the back foot. It was very rewarding when we kept them from scoring when they had their best period with the ball, and then we went and scored.
“Our intensity has to get better. That is what we spoke about at half-time when were just 6-3 up – we knew we had the beating of them but we needed better composure.
“The composure came, and the pressure produced points. It is a big of the way.”
ON PLAYING IN THE EXCRUCIATING HEAT
“In 2019 we went to Japan early to acclimatise in the heat and it proved crucial. We did something similar this time by going to Corsica after the game against the All Blacks in London. We never went home and we moved toward the heat and it helped us. It was seriously hot out there.”
Malcolm Marx is a man on a mission but, sadly, his time at the World Cup is running out. He would be seriously injured the following week in training.
RELIVE THE NAIL-BITING EXCITEMENT…
...of South Africa’s back to back triumph in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Written by renowned rugby journalist Mike Greenaway, and filled with action shots from internationally awarded photographer Steve Haag, this is a book every South African sports fan needs in their library. Bonus material includes an introduction interview with SA Player of the year Eben Etzebeth, and images from the trophy tours, fan zones, and training sessions.
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By most accounts, the Boks' opening game against Scotland was also the most important in their World Cup campaign. Smile as you recount Manie Libbok's sublime 'look the other way' kick, and raise an eyebrow at the controversial teal and white strip that had fans up in arms. Take advantage of this free chapter and kick-o the unforgettable 2023 Rugby World Cup journey.
EBEN ETZEBETH
The 2023 Trophy Tour across the country was like the 2019 homecoming on steroids. It was simply unreal to see so many happy South Africans celebrating the Springboks. Every neighbourhood we went to, rich or poor, was a joyful scene, and to see that from the top of a bus with your teammates was extraordinary. It will be with me always.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER
As of June 2024, Mike has spent 29 consecutive years at The Mercury newspaper in Durban covering Sharks and Springbok rugby for Independent Media. It is a career that has taken him to every corner of the rugby world including London, Dublin, Rome, Edinburgh, Auckland, Buenos Aries, Sydney, Houston and Paris. “It has been an honour to write this book on how the Boks in 2023 beat the odds to defend their 2019 title. Reliving the journey has been an honour and an emotional roller coaster. The tears have flowed. I have to confess that there is something warmly reassuring about writing a story in which you know the outcome! I sincerely hope the reader enjoys this trip back into South African sporting euphoria.”
Steve Haag has grown into one of the world's leading sports photographers, traversing the rugby world and building strong relationships with many of the game's greatest stars and teams. He has covered over 400 rugby Test matches, six Rugby World Cups, and three British and Irish Lions tours. In 2018, Steve was awarded the Sports Photographer of the Year award in South Africa. There are very few photographers that have been invited into the post-game dressing rooms of the All Blacks, British and Irish Lions, and Springboks, but Steve has been a trusted guest in these inner sanctums.
Steve Haag - Photographer
Mike Greenway - Author
FRENCH READY FOR THE BRITS
Calandagan wins the Gr2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in June | Credit: Coolmore
Calandagan is set to lead a strong raiding party from France on QIPCO British Champions Day, Saturday 19 October, with the Aga Khan homebred preparing to take on Economics in Ascot’s Gr1 QIPCO Champion Stakes.
French challengers have notched seven successes on Britain’s richest raceday, including Cirrus Des Aigles (2011), Almanzor (2016) and Sealiway (2021) in the Gr1 QIPCO Champion Stakes.
Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, Calandagan made a sparkling British debut at Royal Ascot in the Gr2 King Edward VII Stakes, in which he stormed clear to win by six lengths.
The son of Gleneagles confirmed his status as one of Europe’s leading three-year-olds when going down by a length to City Of Troy in York’s G1 Juddmonte International.
Graffard said: “Everything is well with Calandagan and he looks in very good shape. He has had a bit of time since York and, provided all goes well between now and Champions Day, he will be spot on for the Champion Stakes.
“I thought it was a fantastic run at York. He accelerated strongly and his final three furlongs were impressive. The main difference between York and Champions Day will likely be the ground, but he has form on soft ground earlier in the year.
“We have already met City Of Troy and now we take on another very strong opponent in Economics. It will be interesting to see how it pans out, and ground conditions could be a factor, but we know that Calandagan is a very good horse and look forward to the race.”
Iresine is on course to join Calandagan in the 10-furlong highlight, with the dual Gr1 winner
having made a successful start to his autumn campaign in the Gr2 Prix Foy at Longchamp.
Iresine supplied his jockey Marie Velon with a breakthrough Gr1 success in the 2022 Prix Royal-Oak and the duo linked up again in 2023 to win the Gr1 Prix Ganay.
“I think you can forget about his run in the Queen Anne Stakes as he lost a shoe and raced on the wrong side of the track. I thought he ran a good race at Goodwood, even though the ground was a little bit too firm for him.
Trainer Jean-Pierre Gauvin, who has yet to saddle a runner in Britain, said: “We could have stayed in France for the Prix du Conseil de Paris or the Prix Royal-Oak, but the RoyalOak has moved to Saint-Cloud, a track where Iresine performs worse than at Longchamp.
“The horse deserves to run in Group One races and we all collectively really want to experience this English adventure with the different coowners, including my children. Personally, I have never had a runner in England. The
distance may be short for him, but he has already won a Group race, the La Coupe, over 2,000m. The distance is not the most important factor for him. With Iresine, the key is the ground. We hope it will be as soft as possible.
“The horse is better than ever after the Prix Foy. His last outing did him a lot of good, and I think he is in top form now. I am a bit concerned about the journey, although it will be simpler than when he went to Japan.
“We could have sold Iresine several times but the ownership group I am part of chose to keep him for the sport. We do this job for the adventures as well. For a medium-sized stable like mine, we need to try to keep the good horses for as long as possible. I have already been lucky to have several horses capable of
winning Group One races. When you have a more modest string, you try to compensate with the best quality of work possible.”
France has three contenders in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By QIPCO), with Classic winner Metropolitan entered alongside last year’s one-two of Big Rock and Facteur Cheval.
Metropolitan provided trainer Mario Baratti with his first Classic when taking the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains in the spring, after which he finished third in the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Zarak colt will be looking to turn the tables on Charyn at Ascot, having chased home Roger Varian’s star in Deauville’s Gr1 Prix
Jacques le Marois last time out.
Baratti said: “Metropolitan has improved again since the Jacques le Marois. He is getting stronger all the time and I have been very happy with his preparation for Champions Day.
“The plan is to go for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. We would like to try him over further at some stage, which is why he has an entry in the Champion Stakes, but I think it makes sense to stick to a mile for this race.
“I believe we can get closer to Charyn this time. Charyn was very impressive at Deauville but, in my opinion, he is better on good ground, whereas I think our horse is better on soft ground. Ascot is usually on the soft side in October and that will help our chance.”
Facteur Cheval announced himself on the world stage earlier this year with victory in the G1 Dubai Turf. Jerome Reynier’s five-year-old has raced twice in Britain subsequently, finishing sixth in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes and third in the Gr1 Qatar Sussex Stakes.
Reynier said: “Facteur Cheval is in good shape. We have been thinking about the Breeders’ Cup, but I think it makes sense to follow the same plan as last year and go back to Ascot for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
“I think you can forget about his run in the Queen Anne Stakes as he lost a shoe and raced on the wrong side of the track. I thought he ran a good race at Goodwood, even though the ground was a little bit too firm for him.
“Given how he looks and the way he is training, I think we have him in better shape now than before the Sussex Stakes. His latest gallop on Saturday was very good, and I am really pleased with where we are.”
Reynier is contemplating the Gr1 QIPCO
Champion Stakes for Zarakem after his creditable sixth in the Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The four-year-old produced a career-best over the course and distance when second to Auguste Rodin in the G1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.
Reynier said: “It was a courageous run from Zarakem in the Arc. He had a clear run round and was not beaten far. We are going to see how he recovers from the race, as he could go for the Champion Stakes or the Prix du Conseil de Paris at Longchamp the following day.
“The Champion Stakes looks like it is going to be a very tough race with Economics, Calandagan and others, whereas the Longchamp race would be an easier option. We will see how he is.”
Beauvatier is under consideration for the Gr1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint after a fastfinishing third in the Gr1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp.
Yann Barberot’s three-year-old has now hit the frame in three G1 contests so far this season, having also took third in the Prix Jean Prat and Prix Maurice de Gheest.
Barberot said: “Beauvatier ran an exceptional final straight in the Prix de la Foret and could well run on Champions Day. He showed an incredible turn of foot and was the fastest of the race in the final furlongs.
“He is training very well in the mornings, is straightforward and very consistent. He has proved again that he is a Group One horse and is improving with each race.”
For more info on QIPCO British Champions Series and Day visit britishchampionsseries.com
THE LEGACY OF THE SWALLOWS
The term ‘Swallows’ was coined in the 1950’s to describe wealthy travellers from abroad who spent their holidays enjoying the South African summer, particularly in Cape Town.
Theo De Klerk, champion trainer in the Cape at the time, was especially popular with the early groups of Swallows.
Theo’s list of owners included the leading lights of South African society, but there was always a member of the English racing aristocracy among them.
Bloodstock consultant John Freeman said that the Swallows have played a significant role in South Africa’s racing and breeding industry.
While one swallow may not make a summer, the collective contributions of these international racing enthusiasts have undeniably transformed South Africa’s racing
landscape, creating a lasting legacy that continues to shape the industry today.
There are several examples of nomadic benefactors, including Alec and the Honourable Gillian Foster, Martin Wickens and Gisela Burg, Neville and Pamela Isdell, Charles and Caroline Gregson, Ian and Mary Mavor, John and Jill Warner and of course Lady Christine Laidlaw of Khaya Stables fame.
The Fosters originally came to South Africa on a cricket tour in 1977 and Freeman bought their first broodmare, Air Of Elegance.
They have become owners and breeders of repute and are associated with numerous stars
The Hon Gillian & Alec Foster lead in Gr3 Okapi Chairman’s Cup winner, Doublemint | Credit: 4Racing
of the track, including a home-bred Gold Cup winner Cereus, a Guineas winner Tap O’Noth, and a Durban July winner, Belgarion.
More recently, the Fosters bred and owned the rising star Questioning (by Querari), out of Wheredowego (by Captain Al). Freeman noted: “The Fosters are very loyal to their trainers, keeping the progeny of mares acquired by a specific trainer within the same stable.
Vaughan Marshall purchased Wheredowego
and trained her runners, including Senso Unico and, of course, Questioning, who is now owned by Greg Bortz and his partners.”
Neville Isdell was one of the most successful CEO’s of the Coca-Cola company. He and his father first came to South Africa from Northern Ireland in 1954 on the ocean liner, the Bloemfontein Castle, and fell in love with Africa.
The Isdells have lived and worked in 11 countries on five continents, spending decades championing large-scale conservation in Africa and around the world. Among her host of philantrophic ventures, Pamela Isdell has helped support a broad portfolio of nonprofit organisations, especially The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Peace Parks South Africa.
Her current partnerships includes interests in smart three-year-old Please Be True and older handicappers Zapatillas, Salvator Mundi, Future Of Swing, Master Of Paris and Pacaya.
Jill & John Warner lead in Rio Querari | Credit: 4Racing
Trainer Justin Snaith commented: “It’s not often you meet people who make your life better, but this was the case when I met Pamela and Neville Isdell. Pamela loves her horses and all animals in general, supporting many welfare organisations, including the Western Cape Equine Trust, which caters to retired racehorses. They’ve had tremendous success in owning horses locally, and they’re a delight to train for.”
Professor John Warner is an Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics at Imperial College, London. His wife, Dr. Jill Warner, is an expert in allergic diseases and a sought-after speaker at scientific and clinical conferences across the world.
They are both Honorary Professors in Paediatrics at The University of Cape Town.
Avid racegoers, they spend their time between their home in Val De Vie, Paarl, and their home in Winchester in the United Kingdom.
Their best runners so far have been the exported star sprinter, Carry On Alice, Computaform sprint winner, Rio Querari and the inaugural Gold Rush winner, Royal Aussie, all owned in partnership.
They have also kept two of their Captain Al race mares for breeding at Klawervlei Stud.
The Laidlaw family, like the Isdells, have invested much into the advancement of education, especially tHAT of deprived young people…
Click on the image below to read the full story…
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BACK IN BUSINESS CAPPED AT 114
Back In Business has seen his rating adjusted from 106 to 114 after his win in the Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m at the Turffontein Inside track on Saturday.
Back In Business had to be capped at a rating of 114 despite running to a higher mark due to the specific conditions of the race, which do not allow for an increase of more than 8 points for the winner and not more than 4 points for placed runners.
The Handicappers were of the view that fourth placed Gladatorian made for the best line horse to rate this race, and as such, his rating remained at 120.
Two more runners received upward adjustments to their ratings. Second placed, Barbaresco, who finished 1.20 lengths ahead of the 120 rated line horse, went up to 122 from 120.
Third placed, Wild At War, could only be raised 4 points, from 100 to 104 despite achieving a much higher mark.
Melech and Zinovi, were each given 1-point drops, going down to 117 from 118 and to 113 from 114 respectively.
Sixth place finisher, William Robertson, was dropped to 122 from 125 after failing to confirm
his rating of 125 in his recent performances.
Main Defender, who has not managed to confirm his rating of 131 in his latest 3 runs was dropped from 131 to 129.
Lastly, Gimmeanotherchance, was dropped to 117 from 119.
Betway Joburg Spring F&M Challenge (Grade 2)
Celtic Rumours has had her rating increased from 106 to 107 following her victory in the Betway Gr 2 Joburg Spring F&M Challenge over 1450m at the Turffontein Inside Track on Saturday.
The Handicappers were of the opinion that, third placed Captain Peg made for the most suitable line horse and consequently her rating remained unaltered on 104.
Fiery Pegasus, who finished second in this contest, was the only other runner to receive an increase was raised to 105 from 104.
The only drop in this event went to fourth place finisher, White Pearl, who was dropped to 107 from 109.
• Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 08 October 2024.
INGLIS EASTER GRADUATE WINS WELL
Shenandoah secured
Stakes
Disappointment gave way to unbridled joy for Hermitage Thoroughbreds and Arrowfield Stud when Inglis Easter graduate Lady Shenandoah secured Gr1 glory in Saturday’s Darley Flight Stakes over
1600m at Randwick.
The combination felt the pain of misfortune only on Friday when the unbeaten Autumn Glow – bought by Arrowfield and Hermitage as the 2023 Easter sale topper for A$1.8 million – was scratched as a red hot favourite from the Flight Stakes and ruled out for the Spring.
But in her absence on Saturday, Lady Shenandoah – co-bred by Arrowfield with Planette Thoroughbreds and bought by Hermitage – provided ample compensation with a dominant victory in the 3YO fillies’ feature, travelling ominously well throughout and streaking clear in the straight to win by an ever-widening 3.2 length margin.
Lady Shenandoah, by Arrowfield’s ageless four-time champion sire Snitzel, was bought at last year’s Inglis Easter sale for A$525,000 by Hermitage, on recommendation from trainer Chris Waller and his chief bloodstock consultant Guy Mulcaster.
She is the 100th individual Gr1-winning Inglis graduate since 2018.
“That was an exceptional win, and very, very pleasing, because we’ve got the sire and the dam,” said Arrowfield owner John Messara.
“It’s also grand for our partners in Autumn Glow. We and Hermitage have had a bit of a consolation, since we bred Lady Shenandoah and they bought her. For us at Arrowfield, it doesn’t fully make up for the disappointment
over Autumn Glow, but it certainly goes a good way towards doing so.
“He’s like a bottle of wine that stallion of ours,” Messara said in reference to four-time champion sire Snitzel. “He continues to do well with age.
“And the mother had already produced a Gr1 winner in (Inglis Easter Yearling Sale graduate) Stronger, so she’s more than proven.”
Saturday’s was the 11th Gr1 triumph for Hermitage’s famed green and red chevrons. It followed five Gr1 wins for famed Easter graduate The Autumn Sun – another Arrowfield stallion and the sire of Autumn Glow – plus two each for mares Egg Tart (Inglis Easter Yearling Sale graduate) and September Run, and one to Rocket Spade (Inglis Easter Yearling Sale graduate).
“It’s been a very up and down week,” said Hermitage manager Shannon Clarke. “It was obviously disappointing with Autumn Glow being scratched yesterday morning, but to have this filly step out today and do what she did was very gratifying.
“It was a very dominant win. I was very impressed with how she handled herself. She and Autumn Glow are at different ends of the scale. Glow’s very relaxed and Lady Shenandoah’s a bit highly strung, but she did it with ease today.
“She was a horse Guy Mulcaster had on his list for us. He’s been very good at finding horses for us in the past. She was a filly (Hermitage owner) Eugene Chuang quite liked the look of as well.
“We’ve got a good partnership with Chris and Guy finding us the right horses, and it’s worked out well for us.”
Waller, too, was amply consoled following the scratching of his star mare Autumn Glow, who required surgery to remove a bone chip from a knee.
“It was a tough week but I’m not going to get emotional about it because I’m so blessed to have these types of horses in the stable,” he said. “Autumn Glow, she’s a star. But this little girl here (Lady Shenandoah), she’s pretty good too.
“I spoke to John Hawkes a couple of days ago. The horse has a mind of his own, and he runs when he wants to run. So they’ve been doing all sorts of work on his head. They took him up to their farm, rode him around, jumped him over some fences, and it looks like it worked.
“Guy and I, we got our heads together and said at the sales, ‘This is a Flight Stakes-type filly’.”
Waller said the plans for Lady Shenandoah were still to be decided but said “she’s still got a little bit up her sleeve”.
“We won’t get too carried away, she’s still filling out and developing, but she’s got a Gr1 next to her name,” he said.
Winning jockey Zac Lloyd said Lady Shenandoah had shown a “scintillating” turn of foot in a race where the small field had posed questions about tactics.
“I really wanted to get cover on her because I thought if I just get her to switch on she would have a good turn of foot. Lucky I was able to
get in the one-one,” he said.
“She travelled like the winner the whole way and I just had to count to five before I let her go. But I don’t think it mattered – she’s very good.”
Also at Randwick, Inglis Easter graduate Airman earned a well-deserved first Stakes win when taking out the Gr2 Premiere Stakes over 1200m – raising the prospect of participation in the A$20m The Everest over the same course in two weeks.
Bought from the Segenhoe Stud draft for A$500,000 by trainers John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes, Airman added to an illustrious honour roll for one of the finest families in the Australian studbook – that surrounding his second dam Legally Bay, herself an Easter
Yearling Sale graduate, mother of three Stakes winners including dual Gr1 victor Merchant Navy, who was also sourced as a yearling at Easter.
There may have been only a few cheers on course for Airman, as Lloyd guided the A$41 longshot to a thrilling head victory over A$7 chance Mazu, with A$2.40 favourite Bella Nipotina close-up in third in a trifecta of Inglis graduates.
But that wasn’t the case in the home of the five-year-old gelding’s breeder Chris Barham, a Toowoomba chiropractor.
“I was jumping up and down cheering, so was my wife Jane. Our dogs were going crazy –though they didn’t know why,” said Barham, who stayed in the ownership of Airman, who races in the familiar colours of Rupert Legh.
“That was a special win. We’re really happy, and I’m really happy for Team Hawkes too.
“I spoke to John Hawkes a couple of days ago. The horse has a mind of his own, and he runs when he wants to run. So they’ve been doing all sorts of work on his head. They took him up to their farm, rode him around, jumped him over some fences, and it looks like it worked.
“John had been saying he was doing well all week. So we decided we might even have a little bet. Then the odds were well in our favour, which was nice.”
The win continued a buoyant Spring for Barham.
The boutique breeder also owned Legally Bay, and bred Airman’s dam Zara Bay (Fastnet Rock) and her full sister Jolie Bay.
And Jolie Bay’s outstanding Gr1-winning daughter Joliestar (Zoustar) – also bred by Barham – a winner last season of the Gr1 Thousand Guineas and now amongst the leading fancies for the A$20m The Everest in two weeks.
“It’s amazing. To have a couple of star sprinters from the same family, bred by a small breeder like myself,” said Barham, who now has Zara Bay’s week-old Home Affairs filly on the ground – a threequarter sister to Airman.
“As Segenhoe’s Peter O’Brien said, this has got to be one of the best families in the Southern Hemisphere right now.”
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said Airman’s win had raised the possibility he may be picked up by a slot holder for The Everest (1200m), while conceding he’d heard of no interest in the gelding for the world’s richest sprint before Saturday.
“Look, we haven’t, to be fair, because he’s been a bit out of form,” Hawkes said. “But you know what, this is the best of the best of what’s around and he’s put paid to them. We’ve always known he’s had the ability but to do what he did today, he’s beat some creditable horses, and he’s a good horse on his day.”
The Lion In Winter smashed track records in the Acomb Stakes in August | Credit: Coolmore
N BALLYDOYLE AND GODOLPHIN DICTATING DEWHURST
ewmarket racecourse hosts the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on Saturday afternoon (16h00), the highlight on a seven-race card which includes the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Heritage Handicap.
Britain’s most prestigious juvenile race, the Dewhurst is a Group One run over sevenfurlongs on the Rowley mile course. Epsom Derby winner City Of Troy won in commanding fashion last season.
Only three trainers have declared this year with Hugo Palmer engaging champion-elect Oisin Murphy to ride his Galileo Gold colt Seagulls Eleven, third in the National Stakes. The Ballydoyle and Godolphin operations field the balance.
Aiden O’Brien has five, but with Camille Pissarro victorious at Longchamp on Sunday, his main hope to secure a record ninth victory rests with his unbeaten colt, The Lion In Winter. He has also kept recent winners Aftermath and Expanded in as well as Rock Of Cashel.
Next year’s Derby favourite, The Lion In Winter who is sired by Sea The Stars attempts to follow in the footsteps of Rock Of Gibraltar, St Mark’s Basilica and City Of Troy who all won this on the way to greater things for Ballydoyle.
The Lion In Winter was an impressive winner of his maiden at the Curragh in July, before winning arguably the hottest juvenile race of the season at York’s Ebor meeting where he put the highly touted Godolphin colt Ruling Court in his place in the Gr3 Acomb Stakes.
The form of that race was franked with the runner-up Wimbledon Hawkeye following up with victory in the Gr2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket, whilst the fourth-placed, The Wacko Kid was a very easy winner at Newmarket in the Gr3 Tattersalls Stakes. Godolphin’s leading trainer Charlie Appleby saddles two with the unbeaten Ancient Truth joined by his stable companion Shadow Of Light, supplemented on Monday at a cost of £35,000.
Ancient Truth puts his unbeaten record on the line. The Dubawi colt made it three on the trot when a one-and-a-half length winner of the Superlative Stakes in July and his trainer has high hopes for him in next year’s 2,000 Guineas.
It’s very interesting that Appleby has added his Middle Park winner, Shadow of Light. The Lope De Vega juvenile bids to become only
the second this century to do the double in Newmarket’s two autumn Group 1s for colts.
He powered four lengths clear of Whistlejacket in the Middle Stakes two weeks ago and now tackles another Ballydoyle star here. Which will William Buick choose to ride?
Charlie Appleby noted of Shadow Of Light: “The current plan is for him to join Ancient Truth and run on Saturday. We are very pleased with what we have seen so far from him and feel that he has the potential to stretch out to seven furlongs.”
LAYING DOWN THE LOR ON SHA TIN DIRT
Winless after eight meetings, Frankie Lor’s stable cranked into top gear at Sha Tin on Sunday with a double crowned by Sword Point’s brilliant win in the Class 2 Nam Long Shan Handicap.
Champion trainer in 2021/22, Lor slotted his first winner of the season when unraced Mendelssohn gelding Master Trillion proved too slick in the Class 4 Middle Bay Handicap (1000m) under Derek Leung before the pair combined with Sword Point, who blazed to a three- and three-quarter length win while making his dirt track debut in the afternoon’s feature.
“It took a long time to get a winner, but sometimes you just have to concentrate on
your horses and get them in good form for the races and not worry about the days that you will win – sometimes you just don’t know when you will win,” Lor said.
Master Trillion ended Lor’s frustrating run of outs, capped by a string of minor placings – six seconds and three thirds from 45 runners – with an impressive triumph.
“I’ve had six seconds – some just beaten by a head, some just beaten by a neck, some had
Derek Leung delivers Sword Point for a smart win
| Credit: HKJC
no luck. I haven’t been that lucky. Anyway, I need to do my best to win for my owners,” Lor said.
Lor indicated Sword Point, a dual winner on turf and Group 2-placed in Hong Kong, will be prepared for the Gr3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) on 3 November after the sixyear-old was given a perfect ride by Leung to take his earnings beyond HK$13 million.
“I don’t think there will be another dirt race for him for a while. His sire is American Pharoah and I just trialled him on the dirt to see if he could show me if he liked it,” Lor said, adding he was pleased with Master Trillion’s debut.
“He trialled four times. His trials weren’t really good – just so-so. Some horses like this when they don’t trial very good, maybe in a race they’ll be better. I think this horse is like that. Also, this race wasn’t that strong. It was a little bit weak.
“I think he should get further later on. We’ll see how he improves after this race.”
Michael Chang matched Lor’s brace with the wins of Lady’s Choice and Forever Folks, who gave Ben Thompson his second win of the term with success in the Class 4 High West Handicap (1650, dirt). Chang and Karis Teetan successfully combined with Lady’s Choice in the Class 3 Sai Wan Shan Handicap (1200m).
Zac Purton (17 wins for the season) and Hugh Bowman (12) both rode doubles.
Bowman opened his account atop Danny Shum-trained Joyful Prosperity in the Class 5 Tung Lung Chau Handicap (1800m). By Daiwa Major, the gelding had notched eight minor placings in 19 starts before Sunday’s victory.
Talented Sky Trust then continued his upward
spiral for Caspar Fownes with victory in the Class 4 Pak Tam Au Handicap (1400m) under Bowman. Resuming after undergoing throat surgery in August, the So You Think gelding comfortably dispatched his rivals under a clinical Bowman ride.
Purton countered with wins aboard Young Horizon, who posted his third course and distance win for David Hayes in the Class 5 Lamma Island Handicap (1400m) before the seven-time Hong Kong champion scored on Pierre Ng-trained Aeroinvincible in the second section of the Class 4 Pak Tam Au Handicap (1400m).
Ricky Yiu and Jerry Chau teamed with Lucky Eight to snare the Class 4 Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m) before Cody Mo-trained Alpha One landed the Class 3 Federation Of HK Guangdong Community Trophy Handicap (1000m) under Matthew Chadwick.
A three-time winner in Australia for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young, Alpha One was Gr3-placed behind crack sprinter Giga Kick in Australia and was having only his fourth start in Hong Kong.
Michael Chang wraps up a double on Lady’s Choice | Credit: HKJC
IRISH GAMBLING BILL COULD MAKE BROADCASTING ‘UNVIABLE’
reland’s Gambling Regulation Bill is on the verge of being signed into law after it negotiated the report and final stage in the Seanad on Tuesday, with the legislation set to return to the Dail before being enacted.
The Racing Post reports that the bill, which contains legislation on a daytime gambling advertising watershed that threatens the viability of Racing TV’s operations in Ireland, completed all five stages in the Dail (lower house) this year and has passed through the final legislative steps in the Seanad (upper house). Last week, it was revealed that Sky Sports Racing has made provisions for the incoming measures by introducing a separate feed for Irish viewers with a tailored advertisement offering.
However, Racing TV, who through its parent company Racecourse Media Group (RMG) holds the rights to show pictures from all 26 of Ireland’s racecourses until 2029, has stated on several occasions that the ban would render broadcasting in Ireland “economically unviable”.
The bill had been in the committee stage in the Seanad since May 14 before completing that step on Thursday and has been moving quickly since amid reports that a general election could be held before the end of the year.
One of the main features of the Seanad debates was a call to introduce a blanket ban on inducements offered by bookmakers. James Browne, the minister of state at the Department of Justice, responded by introducing amendments which grant the newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority significant powers to regulate the offering of inducements
or promotions, particularly those which are targeted at specific customers.
Browne said: “I consulted with the office of the attorney general in respect of these provisions and was advised that the section as originally drafted was somewhat legally ambiguous. It would put the courts in a difficult position as it would struggle to determine what was a permissible but regulated promotion open to everyone and what constituted an inducement that was targeted at a person or a specific group of people, which would be prohibited and prosecutable.
“I was advised to be live to the potential of challenges to the legislation on the grounds that it may constitute a disproportionate interference with property rights and right to earn a livelihood. However, this does not deter me from regulating this sector. The bill is replete with the granting of significant regulation making powers to the authority. This level of regulatory agility is designed to allow the authority to navigate this complex sector, to be in a position to effectively regulate it and respond to various market practices.
“The net effect of the government’s amendments is that it shall be a criminal offence for a targeted inducement to a person or a specific group of people.
“Licensees will be restricted to offering promotions in compliance with any regulations made under this section. They may impose conditions, including restrictions on the manner of which an offer may be made to the public, on the type of offers and may prohibit certain offers being made. Failure to comply shall be a criminal offence and subject to prosecution.”
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