The Hollywood Syndicate owned What A Winter gelding Isivunguvungu has become something of a racing household name over two continents in recent months. He is seen here going to post under Manuel Franco on Saturday at Del Mar where he had no luck in the Prevagen Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. He’ll be back! Full marks to photographer Candiese Lenferna who worked like a trojan to give us Breeders’ Cup 2024 memories that will last forever.
On the cover
The curtain came down on two fabulous days of the 41st renewal of the Breeders’ Cup Championships at Del Mar this past weekend. In this issue we pay tribute to the champions, including SA stars Beach Bomb, Isivunguvungu and our star photographer, Candiese Lenferna.
FEELING THE CITY HEAT?
4Racing, in conjunction with the NHA Handicappers, have published the final log for the 2024 R6 million Gr1 Betway Summer Cup set to be run at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday 30 November.
4Racing, in conjunction with the NHA Handicappers, have published the final log for the 2024 R6 million Gr1 Betway Summer Cup set to be run at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday 30 November.
There have been no changes to the top three, with Equus Horse Of The Year DAVE THE KING still topping the log ahead of SEE IT AGAIN who registered an impressive victory in his preparation in a 1600m Pinnacle Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday where he beat the third log horse and defending 2023 Summer Cup winner, ROYAL VICTORY.
After his below-par effort and report of not striding out on his left hind leg in the Allied
Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile last Saturday, trainer Mike de Kock reported that DAVE THE KING is ‘an extremely sound horse so that was very uncharacteristic’.
“He was just slightly off behind, not serious and it was hard to make a judgement post-race. He was given anti-inflammatories on Sunday and on Monday was to be fully checked out by a veterinarian. We will report back, “ added De Kock. That report will be published here when available.
After a solid return to form winning the OnAMission Charity Mile, 2023 Durban July winner WINCHESTER MANSION climbed four places and is fourth on the log, followed by MAIN DEFENDER in fifth.
Happy Royal Victory connections celebrate the 2023 Betway Summer Cup thriller | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
The scratchings of COUSIN CASEY (4th Log 1) and FLAG MAN (7th Log 1) have allowed LITIGATION AND ZEUS to enter the top 20. Also scratched from the first log are RAISEAHALLELUJAH, JORDAN, HOMEOFTHEBRAVE and NAVAJO NATION.
It is worth noting that 11 of the 14 carded runners in this weekend’s, 09 November, Betway Victory Moon Stakes (Grade 3) are entered in the Betway Summer Cup.
All of MAIN DEFENDER, PURPLE PITCHER, PUERTO MANZANO, PURE PREDATOR, FUTURE PEARL, ATTICUS FINCH, SAFE PASSAGE and MY SOUL MATE appear in the top 20, while ARAGOSTA, SHOEMAKER
and THUNEE PLAYA are vying for their place in Africa’s Richest Race. It will certainly give an indication of how these runners are shaping up ahead of the big day.
Final entries close at 09h00 on Monday, 18 November 2024, after which weights will be announced.
Declarations must be in by 11h00 on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 and barrier draws will be conducted at a Betway event on 20 November 2024.
Ed – please note that since the compilation of the log, Homeofthebrave and Navajo Nation have been scratched.
Race 1 - JOAN THE WAD - Bandile Nokhwabuza
Race
Zwelijikile Dlamini
Race
QUERARI ROSE - Khaya Nqetho
Race
Race 4 - BLOWIN IN THE WIND - Zamile Zawana
Race 4
GLOBAL MOVEMENT - Lindani Ngayeka
Race
Strongman Ncumbese
Lovemore Mpukane
SNAITH’S SUZIE TAKES ON KANNEMEYER COUNTESS
Gimmie’s Countess (Serino Moodley) charges clear to win the Baker McVeigh Gr3 Diana Stakes | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
A clash of two beautifully bred 3yo fillies from training centres on either side of the Cape Peninsula should be a highlight of forthcoming Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth headline feature, the R450 000 Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship.
A bumper ten race card, with 138 runners and two Listed support features, sends a message that the Cape Summer Of Champions Season is just weeks away, and this is racing!
With the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas a few days short of a month away, the 1400m feature has attracted an exciting field of twelve, headed by Milnerton trainer Dean Kannemeyer’s recent Baker McVeigh Gr3 Diana Stakes eyecatcher Gimmie’s Countess (111) and including Futura Park kingpin Justin Snaith’s less exposed Trippi maiden winner, Little Suzie (89).
Gimmie’s Countess was fresh off a 14 week break following the Champions Season on the East Coast when she bounded clear to win the Gr3 Diana Stakes under 51,5kgs to give Serino Moodley his first Hollywoods Durbanville feature success on 28 September.
Craig Zackey takes the reins at the daughter of Gimmethegreenlight’s first start at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, and she has to contend with a 12 draw – tricky over the 1400m.
Little Suzie was supremely impressive when shedding her maiden from a tricky draw just a
week earlier at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. She has the advantage of a pole position draw on Saturday and Grant van Niekerk keeps the ride.
“She has so much scope and gave me a bomb feel. Hollywoodbets Kenilworth with a bit more give in the ground and a longer run in will be even better for her. She has the action and a turn of foot, so it didn’t matter that we ran wide. I am going to ask Mrs Rupert to retain me again seen as I’m riding all these winners,” chirped the delighted Van Niekerk in the Little Suzie maiden post-race chat.
While Gimmie’s Countess hails from a Grade 1 family that has served the Khaya-Kannemeyer partnership with distinction , Little Suzie boasts a royal family of her own.
She is out of Street Cry daughter Oh Susanna, who was foaled in Australia, and was the family operation’s first Met winner in 2018 – when ridden by the very same Grant van Niekerk –and was the first 3yo filly in 100 years to win the Cape flagship. She went on to SA Horse Of The Year honours.
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Little Suzie – crushed them in her maiden win. She looks really smart! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
VICTORY MOON CONTENDERS SHOOT FOR STARS
Saturday’s R400 000 Betway Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes at Turffontein is something of a last chance saloon for Betway Summer Cup entrants either trying to cement a place in the 30 November flagship, or up their fitness levels.
Main Defender tries the 1800m for the first time after his season debut in Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge produced a less than spectacular start to his 4yo campaign.
We did try and get some clarity from the trainer after that run, but none was forthcoming. He remains a class act and will need to win this
if they are going to step up to the 2000m of Betway Summer Cup.
Defending champion Atticus Finch is back. His Victory Moon win last year capped a four run winning streak and his recent season debut effort was satisfactory when running third behind Beating Wings.
Atticus Finch charges to victory under Calvin Habib last year – he is back to defend his title on Saturday | Credit: JC Photos
Mike de Kock will be looking for some fire from his trio of Safe Passage, Aragosta and Shoemaker, who have not been at their best of late. This feature is named in honour of the former Mike de Kock-trained Maine Chance Farms based stallion Victory Moon, who died suddenly in 2009.
The handsome and supremely talented son of Al Mufti, described as a racehorse who changed many people’s lives, helped to reaffirm South Africa’s position on the world racing map with a win in the 2003 UAE Derby –and was a fast emerging and exciting sire when his life was cut short.
Victory Moon was bred in South Africa by Litchfield Stud Closed Corporation and foaled in 1999.
He was out of the winning Dancing Champ mare Dancing Flower and won or placed in 10 of 13 races, earning $2,414,974 in his career.
He raced for the Mad Syndicate and was trained by Mike de Kock.The R250 000 Betway National Colour Stakes is the support feature on the card.
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COURAGEOUS SA STAR GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT
Manuel Franco can be seen snatching Isivunguvungu up as Starlust burst through in the pink and green silks | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
The incredible journey of former SA Champion Sprinter Isivunguvungu continued at Del Mar on Saturday when the Hollywood Syndicate flagbearer ran his heart out in a dramatic sixteenth renewal of the $1 million Prevagen Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.
On a rollercoaster day when the Hollywood Syndicate achieved their magic milestone 600th winner on African soil at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, things didn’t quite go Isi’s way in California as he enjoyed the honour of being only the third South African-bred galloper to have competed at a Breeders’ Cup meeting after Spook Express (2001) and Super Brand (2004).
Beach Bomb would follow a few hours later.
And we will never know where the Narrow Creek Stud-bred 6yo gelding would have
finished after he jumped smartly and made inroads on the much vaunted Cogburn in the home run.
Isivunguvungu then had to be checked and snatched up late by Manuel Franco as the flying winner Starlust was angled outward by Rossa Ryan as he made his victory run.
Isivunguvungu suffered interference, but the race was effectively over. He was not disgraced, finishing seventh of eleven runners, beaten only two lengths.
There was no progress on the inquiry immediately afterwards and winning rider Rossa Ryan punched the air in delight when the all-clear was given.
Winning trainer Ralph Beckett said of the inquiry: “It was a long time ago and you may not remember, but Secret Gesture got taken
Candiese Lenferna
down in the Beverly D. in 2013 and there was a bit of deja-vu, but it wouldn’t have been fair to take him down, given the favorite lugged out. But, finally, it’s a terrific day.”
An invitation to run in the HK$26 million Longines Hong Kong Sprint over 1200m at Sha Tin on 8 December is in the pipeline for the Graham Motion-trained Isivunguvungu.
While a placing on Saturday may have been a confidence booster for his connections when considering a trip to Sha Tin, Isivunguvungu had excuses. There will be decisions to be made in the next few weeks!
But let’s give full credit to Starlust (GB),the winner of Saturday’s Gr1.
Last early on, the son of Zoustar found clear running along the rail in the stretch to score a neck victory over Motorious (GB).
Trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Rossa Ryan, Starlust completed the 1000m on a
firm turf course in 55.92 secs. It is the second World Championships victory for Beckett, who previously won with Muhannak (IRE) in the 2008 Marathon. It is the first Breeders’ Cup win for Ryan.
Heavily favoured Cogburn rocketed out to an uncontested lead and maintained a daylight advantage until mid-stretch when the field began to close in. Ag Bullet and Star of Mystery (GB) closed in first on Cogburn while to the inside, Starlust had clear sailing and got up in the final strides for the victory. Motorious got up for second by a nose over Ag Bullet.
Third in the Breeders’ Cup Gr1 Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita last year, Starlust is a 3-year-old son of Zoustar (AUS) out of the Invincible Spirit mare Beyond Desire (GB). Starlust now boasts earnings of $915,137.
Full marks again to Isivunguvungu and the Hollywood Syndicate. There’s no disgrace in this defeat!
The Hollywood Syndicate celebrated a milestone 600th winner on African soil when the Danon Platina gelding Luhamba Phambili stormed to victory to win the R200 000 Non blacktype Need For Speed Sprint as local racing returned to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Corne Orffer has Luhamba Phambili are in control as Roman Agent (JP van der Merwe) chases late | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
The Hollywood Syndicate celebrated a milestone 600th winner on African soil when the Danon Platina gelding Luhamba Phambili stormed to victory to win the R200 000 Non black-type Need For Speed Sprint as local racing returned to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Just hours prior to the Hollywood Syndicate’s ground-breaking Breeders’ Cup Sprint bid by their champion Isivunguvungu 16 000km away in California, Luhamba Phambili (3-1), who had arrived in the province a fortnight earlier, made his Cape debut a winning one when he was always in the mix before stamping his authority to register a convincing length victory in a time of 57,14 secs for the 1000m.
The Hollywood Syndicate registered a double after first-timer Elizabedi Gold had won the opener.
The Snaith’s good-looking grey Roman Agent (25-2) came on late to hold Miss World (25-2), with the more fancied Lion Rampart (9-10) outpaced and then tiring late for fourth.
A R550 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Luhamba Phambili was bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein and is a son of Deep Impact stallion Danon Platina out of the four-time
winning Silvano mare, Simply Royal.
He is now a winner of 2 races with a place from 4 starts and stakes of R208 625.
There is plenty of symbolic significance in Luhamba Phambili’s name, which means ‘move forward’. It is a phrase of encouragement, urging one to take bold steps, be innovative, and push forward, even in the face of obstacles. It’s a call to action, inspiring individuals to be trailblazers and make a positive impact. That sums up the Hollywood brand in many ways!
The multiple Grade 1-winning Hollywood Syndicate have grown exponentially since Splendid Night recorded their first victory back in 2002.
As a mark of appreciation, the syndicate presented winning trainer Gareth van Zyl with a cheque of R10 000, while jockey Corne Orffer received the same amount.
Hollywood Syndicate team members (L-R) Jaiyana Peterson, Anga Ndzantsi and Jack Masengesho celebrate the epic milestone | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Drakenstein star Beach Bomb seen in work last week – she ran a great race in defeat | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
BEACH BOMB – BEATEN BUT BRAVE
The former Candice Bass-Robinson-trained Drakenstein Stud homebred Beach Bomb ran a cracker in the Gr 1 Breeders Cup Filly And Mare Turf at Del Mar raecourse in San Diego on Saturday, especially considering she had to jump from a wide draw of eleven on a tight track that does not suit her.
Turf Talk report that the filly’s late sire Lancaster Bomber actually finished second in the Breeders Cup Mile on that course in 2017, although this race was over a mile and three furlongs.
Beach Bomb’s jockey Antonio Fresu managed to find a good position one out with cover in midfield.
He had an opportunity to get on to the rail in the home straight first time past past the stands and he made a move towards doing so, but then decided against it.
Two races earlier in the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint he had come from a midfield rails position to run second on the relative outsider Motorious in
the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint. In this race, as it panned out, Beach Bomb would have ended up behind the favourite Cinderella’s Dream had he decided to ride his longshot for luck and take that rails position and she might have been able to sneak a place.
Instead the tiny filly was continually shuffled outward as they jostled for position nearing the straight.
That is talking retrospectively though and he probably had good reason to have remained in that one out position because he had been behind the Canadian mare Moira, who had finished third in a stronger field last year and she duly went on to win on Saturday under superstar jockey Flavian Prat.
Beach Bomb had a mountain to climb once she had been shuffled outward, but she showed her usual huge heart by running on to be beaten only 3,50 lengths into eighth, a fine effort against some of the best in the world.
The race was won by Moira – please see page 45 for the full report.
SA OWNER’S TATTS PURCHASES SWEETLY
TIMED
All kudos to Willem Ackerman for investing in foreign stock at a time when South African buyers at British & Irish sales have become as rare as hens’ teeth
Lake Victoria stays unbeaten when winning the Gr1 Breeders Cup Fillies Juvenile Turf on Friday –Willem Ackerman bought her three part brother days before | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
SA-based owner Willem Ackerman could not have timed it better. His four purchases at last week’s Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training sale includes the Galileo colt The Equator, whose fortunes received a hefty boost at last weekend’s Breeders’ Cup meeting at Del Mar in California.
The three-year-old just happens to be a threepart brother to the sensational Irish juvenile Lake Victoria, who stretched her unbeaten record to five from five with a splendid victory in the Gr1 Breeders Cup Fillies Juvenile Turf.
Raced by the Coolmore outfit, this daughter of Frankel overcame a troubled passage, yet burst clear of her rivals in the final furlong to score by a length and a half. The victory no doubt cemented her claims to championship honours and capped a Gr1 treble which started in September’s Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh, followed by the Cheveley Park Stud Stakes at Newmarket barely three weeks later.
Likewise raced by the Coolmore partners, The Equator ran six times, winning over 2000m and placing twice. Fourth in the Gr3 Gallinule Stakes, his most recent start saw him finish second at York in late August.
Also a full brother to Gr2 Dante Stakes third Bluegrass, the colt is out of Showcasing’s champion daughter Quiet Reflection, a dual Gr1 winner of the Commonwealth Cup and Haydock Park Sprint Cup.
Probably the last son of the former Coolmore colossus set to race in South Africa, The Equator will go into training with Tony Peter,
Willem Ackerman is seen with Philasande Mxoli and trainer Tyrone Zackey
whose father Paul accompanied Willem to cast an expert eye on his purchases.
We caught up with Willem just before he was due to return to South Africa and he remarked: “He is lightly-raced and I liked the fact that he is out of a Gr1 winning sprinter.”
All four will hopefully leave for South Africa by late November, early December.
While The Equator possibly boasts the more attractive pedigree, there is no doubt that, from a racing perspective, the best-performed amongst Willem’s purchases is the colt’s former stable companion and stakes winner His Majesty.
A three-year-old son of No Nay Never, he was a very smart juvenile last year when he landed
the Listed First Flier Stakes at the Curragh, ran second in the Gr2 Prix Robert Papin, third in both the Gr2 Railways Stakes and Gr3 Marble Stakes, and fourth in the Gr2 Norfolk Stakes. In his sole start this season, he finished off the board in the Gr3 Renaissance Stakes.
His Majesty is one of three winners from as many runners out of Galileo’s grandaughter Czabo, who won the Gr3 Park Express Stakes and Listed Prix des Lilas and finished fourth in the Gr1 Irish 1000 Guineas.
Yet to race is the Sea The Stars three-yearold Mission To Mars, purchased from the Freemason Lodge Stables of soon-to-retire master trainer Sir Michael Stoute. A 500,000 guineas yearling, this colt is a half-brother to Kingman’s Gr2/3-placed son Kingmax and is
out of the very smart Jeremy mare Baino Hope, a winner of six races including the Gr2 Prix Pomone.
By Sea The Stars out of a Jeremy mare, the pedigree screams ‘late bloomer’, a point underlined by Willem: “He is a big, backward baby from a trainer who does not really race two-year-olds or push horses.”
In contrast, and rounding out the quartet, is the speedy juvenile filly Deal Maker, sired by Gr1 King’s Stand Stakes winner Profitable, a son of Invincible Spirit.
Very much her sire’s daughter, she won over 1000m as early as March and boosted her catalogue page when scoring for the second time at the end of September, also over the minimum trip. Willem picked her up for 5000 guineas, a trifling considering that her seven
winning siblings include the Gr1 Al Maktoum Challenge winner Salute The Soldier.
Although he is first and foremost a racing man, Willem also dabbles in the breeding side and keeps a couple of mares, the most successful of which is Flower Alley’s daughter Bold Fortune, winner of the Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge and Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap. She is in foal to Paardeberg newcomer Expert Eye, as is Tulip Tree, a four-time winner by What A Winter. Mystic Cloud, a Querari half-sister to stakesplaced Frederico’s Dream, is in foal to Buffalo Bill Cody.
Whether Willem’s purchases go on to South African success only time will tell. But all kudos to him for investing in foreign stock at a time when South African buyers at British/Irish sales have become as rare as hens’ teeth. More power to him!
Paul Peter with Deal Maker, one of the Ackerman purchases | Credit: Supplied
O’BRIEN
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“WE THOUGHT WE DID BUT WE DIDN’T”
Sierra Leone wins the Longines Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic as Flavien Prat picks up his second Classic victory | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Aidan O’Brien has blamed himself for City Of Troy’s forgettable swansong after Sierra Leone charged into contention exiting the far turn and then outduelled Fierceness through the lane to prevail by 1 ½ lengths to win the 41st running of the $7 million Longines Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on Saturday.
European champion two-year-old and Derby hero City Of Troy will now retire to Coolmore’s base in Fethard, County Tipperary.
He finished eighth on Saturday at his only start on the dirt.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “He lost it at the start and obviously I didn’t have him prepared to come out quick enough. We thought we did but we didn’t. He missed it and left Ryan with no chance really, the race was over at the start. He’s been an incredible horse and it’s so sporting of the lads to let us have a go at this race. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to have him and we’ll look forward to having his foals. It’s great the lads love the sport so much that they aren’t afraid to push the boundaries and put him in somewhere they haven’t been before.”
Jockey Ryan Moore said that they went so hard and he just couldn’t get going. “I let him get
comfortable and he’s done well to keep going to the line.”
But the race belonged to Sierra Leone, who was prepped to the moment by Chad Brown and ridden by Flavien Prat.
Sierra Leone covered the 1 ¼ miles in 2:00.78. The victory is the 19th for Brown in the World Championships and first in the Classic. Prat picked up a second Classic victory to go with the Flightline triumph at Keeneland in 2022 and sixth overall.
Derma Sotogake (JPN) led the field through rapid early fractions of :22.43, :44.96 and 1:09.44 with Fierceness tracking just off his flank. Going into the far turn, Fierceness ranged up to the outside of Derma Sotogake and took over with Sierra Leone on the move right behind him.
Sierra Leone drew on even terms with Fierceness at the top of the stretch and shot on by and slowly extended his margin to the wire. Forever Young (JPN) rallied to finish third, 1 ¼ lengths behind Fierceness and a half-length in front of Newgate.
The victory was worth $3,640,000 and improved Sierra Leone’s earnings to $6,008,000 with a record of 9-4-3-2.
It is the second Grade 1 victory for the 3-yearold Kentucky-bred son of 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Gun Runner out of the Malibu Moon mare Heavenly Love.
GHOSTZAPPER
Moira and Flavien Prat take the lead | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
The third time was the charm as K-Men Racing, Madaket Stables and SF Racing’s Moira assumed command entering the stretch and held off a late bid from Cinderella’s Dream (GB) by a half-length to win the 26th running of the $2 million Maker’s Mark Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar Saturday afternoon.
Trained by Kevin Attard and ridden by Flavien Prat, Moira completed the 1 3/8 miles over a firm turf course in 2:14.95. The victory is the first for Attard at the World Championships and the seventh for Prat and first in the Filly & Mare Turf.
The 5-year-old Ghostzapper mare had been fifth in this race in 2022 at Keeneland and third last year at Santa Anita.
Moira’s stablemate Full Count Felicia set the pace with fractions of :25.38, :49.84 and 1:15.08 with Moira racing in mid-pack. On the far turn, Sunset Glory went after Full Count Felicia with Moira on the move right behind and taking over at the top of the lane.
Moira opened a daylight advantage in the lane and had enough left to hold off Cinderella’s Dream, who got up to get second by a nose over Didia (ARG).
The victory, her first Grade 1, was worth $1,040,000 and boosted Moira’s earnings to $2,996,017 with a record of 17-7-6-2.
ANNA IS TOO HOT TO HANDLE
Brian Hernandez Jr. drives Thorpedo Anna to victory in the BC Distaff | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, breeder Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing’s brilliant Thorpedo Anna capped a banner 2024 by leading all way to post a 2 ½-length victory over Raging Sea to win the 41st running of the $2 million Gr1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff for fillies and mares on Saturday afternoon at Del Mar.
Trained by Kenny McPeek and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Thorpedo Anna completed the 1 1/8 miles on the fast main track in 1:49.10. It is the first Breeders’ Cup victory for McPeek and second for Hernandez, who won the 2012 Classic on Fort Larned.
Hernandez put Thorpedo Anna right on the
lead and with Raging Sea tracking a close second to her outside through fractions of :23.81, :47.99 and 1:12.01. On the far turn, Raging Sea inched closer only to see Thorpedo Anna kick away again to claim her sixth victory in seven starts this year. Raging Sea held second by 3 ¼ lengths over Candied.
The victory was worth $1,040,000 and increased her earnings to $3,843,663.
It was her fifth Grade 1 victory of the year with her only defeat coming against males when she fell a head short of catching Fierceness in the Gr1 Travers.
Thorpedo Anna is a 3-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Fast Anna out of the Uncle Mo mare Sataves.
DUBAWI DOES IT AGAIN!
William Buick drives Rebel’s Romance to a good win over Rousham Park (Christophe Lemaire) | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Superstar stallion Dubawi came up with a Breeders’ Cup winner for a fourth consecutive year on Saturday when his son Rebel’s Romance won the Gr1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Also victorious in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf, six-year-old Rebel’s Romance has won seven Gr1 races, with the gelding having scored at the highest level in all of Dubai, Germany, Hong Kong and the United States.
Winning jockey William Buick said: “He’s just a legend of a horse who is all class and heart. We had a good run around and he stuck his head down to the line.”
Hugh Anderson, representing winning owner Godolphin: “We’ve got huge faith in him and he is now one of Godolphin’s greats. He’s won on numerous continents and has been a superstar. Huge congratulations to Charlie Appleby and the team and William (Buick) who gave him a brilliant ride.”
His sire went close to having a Breeders’ Cup double on Saturday, with his dual Gr1 winning son Notable Speech beaten less than a length when third in the Gr1 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile presented by PDJF.
Dubawi also made his presence felt as a broodmare sire this weekend, with Cinderella’s Dream (out of the Dubawi mare Espadrille) finishing second in Saturday’s Gr1 Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Beautiful Love, who ran fourth in the Filly & Mare Turf is out of another Dubawi daughter in the form of Powder Snow.
Had Notable Speech won the 2024 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, he would have given his sire a remarkable fourth consecutive win in the
Mile, with Dubawi sons Master Of The Seas (2023), Modern Games (2022) and Space Blues (2021) giving their sire an impressive hatrick of wins in the contest.
Dubawi’s Breeders’ Cup record was embellished further in 2021 when the Darley star was responsible for three winners at the meeting - Modern Games (Juvenile Turf), Space Blues (Mile) and Yibir (Turf).
Also sire of the 2017 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Wuheida, Dubawi has had another phenomenal year in 2024.
At the time of writing, the twenty-two-year-old had been responsible for 32 stakes winners, four of which are Gr1 winners, this year.
Notable Speech (Qipco 2000 Guineas) is one of two English classic winners for his sire this year, with Dubawi also responsible for 2024 Gr1 Betfred Oaks heroine Ezeliya. Dubawi fillies Ezeliya and Dance Sequence gave their sire a notable classic 1-2 when fighting out the finish to this year’s Oaks.
Dubawi has also enjoyed considerable success as a sire of sires in 2024, with his sons Night Of Thunder, Too Darn Hot and Zarak enjoying particular success.
Dubawi’s triple Gr1 winning son Too Darn Hot, whose unbeaten daughter Smoken won Saturday’s Listed British EBF Montrose Stakes, has had a great run of success in 2024.
Too Darn Hot, whose numerous high-class relatives include champion sire Darshaan, has had Gr1 success in Australia, Britain and Ireland this year. His son Broadsiding has won three Gr1 races in 2024 thus far, while Too Darn Hot filly Fallen Angel won this year’s Gr1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas.
A stallion who appears destined for even more success, Too Darn Hot has some very promising two-year-olds this year, including Gr1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes victor Hotazhell.
The superbly bred Zarak is another Dubawi son to make his mark in 2024.
Winner of the 2017 Gr1 Grand Prix de SaintCloud, Zarak, whose son Flatten The Curve won the Gr3 Silbernes Pferd on Saturday, is the sire of 2024 Gr1 Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) winner Metropolitan and ill-fated 2024 Gr1 Prix Ganay victor Haya Zark, among others.
However, it is arguably Night Of Thunder who has been his sire’s biggest star sire son thus far.
The dual Gr1 winner has had a wonderful
season, with Night Of Thunder’s 16 black type winners thus far including the Gr1 winners Economics (Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes) and Desert Flower (bet365 Filllies Mile). Between them, Economics and Desert Flower won five group races this year, and Desert Flower ranks among the leading contenders for 2025’s 1000 Guineas and Oaks.
The Dubawi factor was also felt in South Africa on Saturday.
Dubawi’s Gr1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris/ G1 Pattison Canadian International Stakes winning son Erupt is the sire of the Gt3 Betway Graham Beck Stakes winner Moonlight Trader.
Out of the Silvano mare Dalaal, Moonlight Trader is the fourth stakes winner for Erupt, whose progeny include Zimbabwean Triple Crown winner Buster Barnes and 2022 Gr3 Protea Stakes victor Karangetang.
BIG NUMBERS!
After a thrilling two days of actionpacked horseracing, Breeders’ Cup Limited announced that total all-sources, global common-pool turnover for the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club was $179,218,631.
This is the third highest total turnover in the history of the event and a 1,7% increase over the 2023 total.
Total common-pool turnover on Saturday’s
12-race Breeders’ Cup card was $115,538,687. All-sources common-pool turnover on Breeders’ Cup’s 10-race Future Stars Friday card was $63,679,944.
On-track turnover for the two days was $18,450,724.
Saturday’s attendance was 36 436.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships will return to Del Mar in 2025 when the 42nd edition will be held October 31-November 1.
John Velasquez gets Straight No Chaser home in a thriller | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
STRAIGHT DOWN THE LINE!
MyRacehorse’s Straight No Chaser rallied from just off the pace to take command in deep stretch and post a half-length victory over Bentornato to win the 41st running of the $2 million Cygames Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint for 3-year-olds and up at Del Mar Saturday afternoon.
Trained by Dan Blacker and ridden by John Velazquez, Straight No Chaser covered the 6 furlongs on the fast main track in 1:08.62. It is the first Breeders’ Cup victory for Blacker and the 21st for Velazquez and second in the Sprint. His first Sprint victory came 20 years ago at Lone Star Park with Speightstown.
Federal Judge set the pace with fractions of :21.74 and :44.12 with Bentornado in closest pursuit and Straight No Chaser stalking in third. In the upper stretch, Bentornado took over, but was immediately challenged by Straight No Chaser who gradually pulled away.
Favored Mullikin finished another 2 ½ lengths back in third with stablemate Federal Judge fourth.
The victory, the first Grade 1 for Straight No Chaser, was worth $1,040,000 and improved his earnings to $1,416,300 with a record of 10-6-0-1.
Straight No Chaser is a 5-year-old Kentucky-bred son of Speightster out of the Johannesburg mare Margarita Friday.
Jose Ortiz and More Than
Candiese Lenferna
SON OF MORE THAN READY SHOWS WAY
Victory Racing Partners’ More Than Looks, last early in the field of 10, rallied strongly in the stretch to post a 3 ¼-length victory over Johannes to win the 41st running of the $2 million FanDuel Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile Presented by PDJF for 3-year-olds and up Saturday afternoon at Del Mar.
Trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by Jose Ortiz, More Than Looks completed the mile over a firm turf course in 1:32.65. It is the first Breeders’ Cup victory for DeVaux and the sixth for Ortiz.
Goliad led the field through fractions of :22.73, :45.90 and 1:08.89 while receiving light pressure from Ten Happy Rose (JPN) and Geoglyph (JPN).
Heading into the far turn, Ortiz moved More Than Looks off the inside and began picking off horses. Swinging into the stretch six wide but in the clear, More Than Looks quickly overtook the field and coasted to victory.
Johannes held off favored Notable Speech (GB) by a head to hold second.
More Than Looks is a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred son of More Than Ready out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Ladies’ Privilege. The victory was worth $1,040,000 to $1,870,715 with a record of 11-5-3-1.
THIRD BC VICTORY FOR SADLER
Full Serrano (Joel Roasario) make this victory look easy | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Hronis Racing’s Full Serrano (ARG) swept to the front at the top of the stretch and had more than enough to hold off Post Time by 1 1/2 lengths to win the 18th running of the $1 million Big Ass Fans Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile to conclude the two-day World Championships programme at Del Mar.
Trained by John Sadler and ridden by Joel Rosario, Full Serrano completed the mile on a fast main track in 1:35.48.
It is the third Breeders’ Cup victory for Sadler and 16th for Rosario. Rosario previously won the Dirt Mile with Dakota Phone in 2010 and Knicks Go in 2020.
Longshot T O Saint Denis (JPN) led the field through fractions of :22.30 and :45.47 with Full Serrano lurking just to his outside.
On the far turn, Full Serrano went looking for the lead and, in the stretch, quickly opened up. Post Time rallied from last to get second, 2 ¼ lengths in front of favoured Domestic Product.
Full Serrano is a 5-year-old son of Full Mast out of the Jump Start mare Serra Do Mar (ARG).
The victory, which came on the heels of a runner-up effort in the 1 ¼-mile Gr1 Pacific Classic, was worth $520,000 and increased his earnings to $797,223 with a record of 17-6-5-2.
TIME TO GIVE A LITTLE BIT!
Chad Little – starting over | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Chad Little’s clawback from the brink of an abyss of a wasted life drifting aimlessly from one day to the next, has been nothing short of remarkable. The former multiple champion apprentice’s unsteady future was on a downward spiral to oblivion, until he got a few proverbial kicks in the rear that he has somehow converted into his own mini miracles.
At the age of 40, Chad realizes that he has been thrown a last lifeline with the news this week that he will be allowed to ride again.
This after a five year suspension handed down by the National Horseracing Authority at an Inquiry held in Johannesburg in September 2019. The penalty followed a urine specimen taken at the Vaal on 11 July 2019, which was found to contain methamphetamine, which is a banned substance.
The story starts when Alfie and Dale Little welcomed a fiery bundle of joy into their lives on 30 August 1984 and a brother for the now Scotland-based, Lester.
Grandfather Bennie Little, an internationally successful jockey, and five times SA amateur boxing champion, had ridden Tiger Fish to victory in the Durban July for the Oppenheimers 25 years earlier. Dad Alfie was a racing man – a trainer and then agent to top jockeys Willie Figueroa and Piere Strydom over the years, before joining Phumelela. So racing was coursing through the young Chad’s veins from the day he was born.
Athletic and sporting, hard as nails, and built for the saddle, it’s no surprise that Chad packed up his schoolbooks at Alberton High and became the next Little to forge a career as a professional jockey.
He found himself at the SA Jockey Academy in 1998. Life was good, he enjoyed the camaraderie and he loved connecting with the horses and his peers who shared similar dreams of conquering the world.
“I was surrounded by guys who went on to become top jockeys in their own right. Bernard Fayd’herbe, Muzi Yeni, Richard Fourie, Raymond Danielson, Marco van Rensburg,” reflects Chad as he tells about the adrenaline high of his first ride, which was a winner.
“It was 2 March 2000. I rode a Gallic League filly called Tachinga for Mr Vaughan Marshall. It was a 1000m C Division sprint at what we now know as Hollywoodbets Scottsville. First ride, first winner. Easy game. Adulation. The whole world says here’s a new star. A champion. That’s a whole lot of smoke blowing for a windgat 16 year old!” frowns Chad as he tells that the seed of his future problems was probably planted that day.
“Not everybody gets swept up in the new found star status. But money, nice cars and attention is a lot to handle for an average teenager. We have seen it before and we will no doubt see it again.”
Despite his lust for the good life, Chad’s career progressed well and he rode some top horses for top yards – including the likes of Sean Tarry’s Met winner Alastor to win the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes, July winners Pomodoro and Heavy Metal, champion sprinter National Colour and a number of really smart horses for David Payne.
But as the years passed, he found himself slumping into a pattern of substance abuse.
“It starts as a party kicker every few months. Before you know it, your life is overpowered and you are dependant and addicted - and the choice is no longer yours. The drug addict
is selfish. You bulldust your way through life. All you look for is that next fix. My worst when I look back now is how I let so many good people down. From my family, to trainers and owners, who were supporting me. Only one person mattered and that was Chad Little,” he adds with a shake of the head.
Chad tells how he landed up in rehab and went through the motions. Time after time he completed the programmes, and walked out the door saying outwardly that he ‘was fine’ –but somehow knew that he wasn’t.
“The thing was that I thought I was okay. But there was always this niggle and a gnawing yearn in the back of my head to just go back for one more high. And the more one messes up and relapses, the deeper and darker the hole becomes. And it’s a terribly lonely place!”
When he picked up his five year ban, the depression and darkness reached black hole status.
“I had nothing to live for. Five years is a lifetime for anybody and more so for a jockey in his mid -thirties. I always had my career as an anchor of sorts. And getting back to near normal was a goal in the distance. But that eventually became a mirage in the desert that was my life. I could see it some days, but mostly I didn’t want to get out of bed. I didn’t care.”
That’s when Chad decided he had to give rehab one last bash. This new dawn also coincided with the birth of he and fiancé Nikita’s beautiful daughter, Grace-Ann.
“Grace-Ann’s arrival was the God-given catalyst that grabbed me round the neck and shook some sense into me. I decided I had to drop the selfishness and the pathetic creature that I had become and to do it for my daughter, and for my family.”
The Littles packed up their life in Johannesburg.
“I had to get away from the trigger points, the memories, the people. I am not blaming anybody but I needed a clean start. We moved to the Cape. I spoke to Glen Kotzen and a few other people. There was nothing.”
Then in the week that they were packing up to return to the Highveld, he got a whatsapp from Glen Kotzen.
It was short and curt: ‘Come ride some work’.
“I was at Woodhill Estate the next day. The Kotzen family and their team have been amazing. Loving, kind and understanding. They owed me nothing. But they gave me everything – and a second, or is it a third, chance, to recapture my dignity, my life.”
A proud and thrilled Glen Kotzen said that Chad is an inspiration to many and has shown enormous dedication and tenacity in working towards his dream to race ride once again.
“He arrives punctually at the yard with a smile and a ‘can do’ attitude. Chad has become an integral part of the Woodhill Team and we wish him only the very best for the future,” said Glen.
Chad is resident in Table View and his Mom, Dale, has joined the family. He says that he is more excited about the future than he has ever been.
“I believe one needs to reach ground zero rockbottom before really being able to turn things
Chad and Nikita – looking ahead to a bright future | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
around. That’s what happened to me. I was half-hearted until I was staring no prospect of any future in the face. The birth of my daughter, who is now three and a half, will always be my Damascus moment, for want of a better definition. I have found my spiritual grounding and my faith. I have also joined a community life group at our church, where we meet Monday evenings. It’s good to be in a position where I can lift people up and add value in terms of personal counsel and life experience.”
He adds that so many people are facing their own demons without therapy or a caring ear.
“It doesn’t have to be drugs. It can be anything. My addictive personality compounded issues and we don’t really want help until there’s no turning back. But it doesn’t have to get there. That’s why I enjoy sharing my experience so others can see the signs and take heart that better days lie ahead when we take proper ownership and have something to live for.”
Chad is hoping to fulfill the NHA licence conditions so that he can return on 16 November to race riding.
“I have come down in four months from 68 kgs to 57,5 kgs. I am working hard. I’m fit and cannot wait. It’s also exciting to know that Glen Kotzen has an outstanding string of horses for the season. I just have to sort the insurances and medical cover, do a fitness test and then I am back doing the one job that I dreamt of since I was old enough to chat to my buddies who wanted to be firemen and fighter pilots. I had the chance. I stuffed it up. This time I am here to stay. Thank you to every person that has shown an interest. I am eternally grateful for the care and love,”he concluded.
Ed – Another man hoping to ride again, Andrew Fortune expects to learn the outcome of the licencing decision of an Appeal Board on Thursday 7 November 2024.
TRIPPI SON BACK ON TOP!
Winless since his career peak 2023 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July success, Brett Crawford’s Winchester Mansion bounced back from a below-par season debut three weeks ago to win the R1 million Allied Steelrode-Onamission Gr2 Charity Mile and set himself up for a major bid for Betway Summer Cup glory.
After over-racing early in the mile
Pinnacle Stakes on 12 October, Piere
Strydom did not persevere with his ride from the 300m and reported that the gelding took no interest in running. The Veterinary Surgeon reported that the 6yo was ‘blowing’ afterwards.
But a different horse arrived on Saturday and paired with the Thusanani Children’s Foundation, Winchester Mansion (40-1)
was produced late by Marco van Rensburg and drew off in impressive style to beat flying KZN raider Gladatorian (20-1) by 0,75 lengths in a time of 97,84 secs for the mile.
The grey Barbaresco (5-1) was not disgraced in third, with Silver Sanctuary (14-1) rounding off the quartet. Pacemaker Dave The King went out strongly for 1300m but tired and finished 19 lengths off.
Marco van Rensburg salutes as Winchester Mansion takes the lead ahead of Gladatorian (Tristan Godden) | Credit: JC Photos
There was drama early on when Back In Business appeared to clip heels after Silver Sanctuary and Meridius shifted and Muzi Yeni came down heavily. Reports are that the national log-leader has been stabilized, with a suspected fractured clavicle.
A Drakenstein bred and raced gelding, Winchester Mansion is by champion Trippi (End Sweep) out of the Spectrum mare Sea Point.
Now a winner of 6 races with 9 places from
21 starts, Winchester Mansion took his stakes earnings to R4 629 100.
Second entries for the Betway Summer Cup closed at 11h00 on Tuesday 5 November 2024.
Final Entries close at 09h00 on Monday 18 November 2024 – weights will be published the same day.
Declarations are due by 11h00 on Wednesday 20 November. The final field will be announced later that afternoon.
All smiles - 4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe, Marco van Rensburg and James Crawford | Credit: JC Photos
YENI FALL SHOWS DANGERS OF RACE-RIDING
Muzi Yeni – awful blow to title hopes | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
While log-leader Muzi Yeni’s national title hopes would have received a setback after Saturday’s Allied Steelrode Onamission Gr2 Charity Mile accident, the hardworking rider will be lucky to have escaped with a fractured clavicle and suffered no loss of consciousness in what was a nasty fall from his mount Back In Business at the 1400m of the Turffontein feature.
Two jockeys were interviewed after the incident and the Stipes have adjourned to consider matters further.
The official Stipes report states that shortly after the start, SAFE PASSAGE (M K Katjedi) was squeezed out when awkwardly placed between MERIDIUS (R A Venniker) and WINCHESTER MANSION (M van Rensburg), which jumped inwards leaving the stalls.
Approaching the 1400m, FRANCES ETHEL (K Matsunyane), which was ridden forward, was tightened for galloping room on the heels of SILVER SANCTUARY (R Danielson), which shifted in slightly when in restricted galloping room on the inside of WINCHESTER MANSION (M van Rensburg), which commenced to overrace and shifted in.
Consequently, SHOEMAKER (D De Gouveia) was steadied when tightened for galloping room.
Immediately thereafter, SILVER SANCTUARY (R Danielson) was directed outwards to relieve the pressure on FRANCES ETHEL (K Matsunyane) and this led to MERIDIUS (R A Venniker) being severely tightened for galloping room between SILVER SANCTUARY (R Danielson) and HOTARUBI (C Habib) which itself received pressure from BARBARESCO (G Lerena),
which shifted in marginally.
As a result, MERIDIUS (R A Venniker) had to steady and subsequently, its heels were clipped by BACK IN BUSINESS (M Yeni), which stumbled and led to Jockey M Yeni being dislodged.
GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE (C Zackey) and ZINOVI (S Moodley) were forced to take evasive action and consequently clipped the stricken Jockey (M Yeni).
Jockey M Yeni (BACK IN BUSINESS) was attended to by the course paramedics and escorted to the medical centre for further assessment.
Jockey R A Venniker (MERIDIUS) and Jockey C Habib (HOTARUBI) were interviewed and after they gave their interpretation of what had transpired, the Board has adjourned to consider the evidence.
Further, jockey R Fourie reported that he felt something amiss with DAVE THE KING in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding.
In view of the Starter’s report with regard to CELTIC RUMOURS, this mare’s starting stall certificate has been withdrawn and she is suspended in terms of Rule 61.6.10 for a period of 7 days and until such time as she proves tractable loading and jumping with a companion.
Suspension dates: 3 November 2024 to 9 November 2024. CELTIC RUMOURS may not be presented for re-passing during this period. Trainer S G Tarry was advised.
Jockey P Mxoli appeared before the Board and was questioned regarding his riding of CELTIC RUMOURS.
He stated his instructions were to obtain a midfield position and to give this mare a chance to finish the race off strongly.
He added that this mare started better than anticipated and he had found himself in a prominent position and had hoped QUASIFORSURE would clear him and that he would have cover behind this gelding.
As this did not transpire, he had found himself exposed and raced wider and more forward than his instructions were. His explanation was noted.
The Vet reported:
• DAVE THE KING not striding out left hind.
• QUASIFORSURE mild post race distress.
• LITIGATION cut into right front.
• MERIDIUS cut into left hind.
• CELTIC RUMOURS moderate post race distress.
• ZINOVI abnormal respiratory noise.
CHARITY THE
Winchester Mansion carried the dreams of The Thusanani Children’s Foundation at Turfffontein last Saturday | Credit: JC Photos
THE BIG WINNER!
ISAAC SHELBY TO STAND AT NEWSELLS PARK STUD IN 2025
The Superlative Stakes winner, who was beaten a short-neck in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, will be the first son of Night Of Thunder to stand at stud. He remains in the ownership of Wathnan Racing. His fee has been set at £7,000 Oct 1, SLF. At two, Isaac
Shelby made a four-length winning debut at Newbury in May before following up in the Gr2 Superlative at the July meeting, a race also won by his grandsire Dubawi. He made his three-year-old debut in a high-class running of the Gr3 Greenham – the race in which Night Of GR2-WINNING TWO-YEAR-OLD AND CLASSIC MILER ISAAC SHELBY HAS BEEN RETIRED AND WILL STAND AT NEWSELLS PARK STUD.
The magnificent Isaac Shelby | Credit: Newsells Park Stud
Thunder lost his unbeaten record to Kingman. Isaac Shelby ran out the convincing winner, defeating multiple Gr1-winning miler Charyn by three lengths. Caught late in the French Guineas, he returned to seven furlongs to run second to Kinross in the Gr2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood, beating the 2024 winner of the race Audience. He was also runner-up in the Gr2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein.
Trainer Brian Meehan said, “Isaac Shelby is one of the smartest horses I’ve ever trained. He oozed style and class throughout his racing career. His win in the Superlative Stakes was impressive, but his performance in the Greenham was sublime.
His greatest attribute was his tenacity and his will to win. I have been privileged and proud to have trained him and look forward to training his progeny in the future.”
Julian Dollar, General Manager at Newsells Park Stud, said, “We’re delighted to be standing the first son of Night Of Thunder
to retire to stud. Isaac Shelby was hugely talented – even better than his sire at two, and a proper Guineas horse too. I can’t wait to show him off to breeders: he’s great-looking, very athletic and has a wonderful temperament. We’re very grateful to the team at Wathnan and look forward to supporting him strongly.”
Richard Brown, Wathnan’s racing manager, added, “Isaac Shelby was a hugely talented horse who so nearly got Wathnan off to a dream Gr1 start when second in the French Guineas – the very first runner in the Wathnan silks. He’s a fine horse by a very special young stallion and we’ll be very keen to see all his offspring when they come to market.”
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V EASY VICTORY FOR DAUGHTER OF NEW PREDATOR
eteran Piere Strydom delivered the goods for his sponsors the ASSM Racing Syndicate when producing a confident pillar-to-post ride on the Brett Crawford-trained Fatal Flaw to win the R250 000 HSH Princess Charlene Gr3 Starling Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday.
Most player’s exotic banker on the afternoon, Fatal Flaw (4-10) buried her 2yo feature bridesmaid tag and stamped herself an SA Triple Tiara prospect as she got a flyer out of the gates and was not seen again, Strydom gearing down and posing at the line to beat World Of Alice (8-1) in a time of 85 secs flat for the 1400m.
Fanie Bronkhorst’s Stars And Bra’s stayed on at 100-1 to run third.
Bred by Laurence Wernars, the winner is by the ill-fated New Approach stallion New Predator out of the five-time winning Rock Of Gibralatar mare, Alinga.
Fatal Flaw was registering a maiden stakes success and took her earnings to R587 750 with her second win with 5 places from 8 starts.
Fatal Flaw storms home under Piere Strydom | Credit: JC Photos
Happy Fatal Flaw connections enjoy the moment!| Credit: JC Photos
MXOLI-MATCHETT’S MOONLIGHT MAGIC
Philasande Mxoli spoilt the Piere Strydom double celebrations when he produced Paul Matchett’s 33-1 Moonlight Trader with a finely timed effort to grab the top honours by a proverbial nose in the R400 000 Betway Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday.
Strydom went pillar to post a half hour earlier in the ASSM Racing Syndicate silks to win the Starling Stakes and he tried similar tactics on Mike de Kock’s Wolf Mountain.
Getting a keen break and dictating matters, Strydom looked to have them beaten at the
50m marker until Moonlight Trader (33-1) powered up the outside.
At the line it was a bad heads down for the Striker fans as Moonlight Trader got the nod from the judge to beat Wolf Mountain (14-1) in a time of 84,88 secs for the 1400m.
Philasande Mxoli (striped cap) gets Moonlight Trader up to pip Piere Strydom and Wolf Mountain in a thrilling finish | Credit: JC Photos
Legend Of Arthur (9-4) caught the eye, flying up from nowhere for third. His fancied stablemate The Specialist fought his rider and ran the worst race of his career in the process, to run out of the money.
There were only 3459,54 Pick 6 combinations alive after the halfway marker, with the minimum dividend of R1060,50 suggesting a telephone number dividend.
Raced by Matthew and Anthony Kapnias, the winner was bred by Big Sky Ranch and is a son of Dubawi sire Erupt out of the once winning Silvano mare, Dalaal.
A R225 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, the winner took his stakes earnings to R406 438 with his third win and 4th place from 10 starts.
MARCO MAKES A STATEMENT, OLIVIA GETS HER WAY!
Marco van Rensburg and Olivia’s Way finish strong! | Credit: JC Photos
Marco van Rensburg is clearly determined to make it a November to remember and after a good winner at Fairview on Friday, he grabbed a treble at Turffontein on Saturday, including a nice feature double.
Van Rensburg won the second race on Fanie Bronkhorst’s Big Boy Bruce, before a terrifically judged ride for top honours on Winchester Mansion in the Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile.
And it was a chance ride after Muzi Yeni’s unfortunate accident in the headline feature that saw him called up for a late substitution on Roy Magner’s Olivia’s Way in the R200 000 Allied Steelrode Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap.
Relaxed in midfield as Champagne Cocktail led the charge, Van Rensburg unleashed the progressive Olivia’s Way 300m from home as Forgiveness ranged up looking dangerous.
But things were under control and Olivia’s Way (17-2) powered home to beat the late-finishing
tote favourite Sukhumvit (33-10) by 2 lengths in a time of 110,72 secs for the 1800m.
Forgiveness (4-1) failed to maintain her momentum and was a further 1,50 lengths back in third, with the 16-1 Lady Fallon kicking the quartet dividend in fourth.
Raced by Gerald Sadleir, the winner was bred by The Flying Stud and is a 3yo daughter of Pathfork (Distorted Humor) out of the one time winning War Pass mare, My Lovely.
She has now won three on the trot and took her tally to 4 wins with 2 places from 7 starts.
Olivia’s Way has won R308 750 in stakes and looks set to build on that.
IT’S ALL RHYTHM AND RHYME FROM POETS WARRIOR
Rachel Venniker rounded off the Allied Steelrode Charity Mile feature programme at Turffontein on Saturday when she rode the handsome Poets Warrior for the Azzie training partnership to a pillar-to-post victory in the R225 000 Allied Steelrode Listed Java Stakes.
Jumping from the pole position gate, and with just 52kgs on his back in the 2400m feature, the 5yo Poets Warrior made it 4 wins from his last 5 starts and registered his maiden stakes success when his perpetual motion style and long stride broke the hearts of his opposition.
Messrs G W Mackintosh & Justus van Wyk race the Ambiance Stud-bred son of Durban July winner Wylie Hall (Redoute’s Choice).
The athletic chestnut Poets Warrior (18-10)
was a popular winner, stretching well to beat the consistent Explosive Bond (25-2) by 3,25 lengths in a time of 150,80 secs for the 2400m.
Zeus (10-1) was just passed late by the Matchett filly, and stayed on for third, a half-length in front of the quartet closer, Battleground (7-1).
The winner is out of the Rakeen mare, Lovely Jubbly, and has now won 5 races with 3 places from 11 starts for stakes of R377 125.
Poets Warrior (Rachel Venniker) leads the way to register his maiden stakes success | Credit: JC Photos
GOLDEN LOOM SPRINT THRILLER
Durban-based Winning Formsponsored Serino Moodley has proven himself something of a national feature ‘super sub’ and he popped up again at Turffontein on Saturday to ride a cracker on the Johan Janse van Vuuren 6yo Chyavana, who came from lengths off the gallop to win the R225 000 Allied Steelrode Listed Golden Loom Handicap.
The lesser fancied of the Van Vuuren trio, the Maine Chance Farms-bred Chyavana (25-1) was switched to the outside from near last at the 250m marker and flew late to nab the freerunning 3yo Taxi To The Moon (5-2) late.
Chyavana won by three quarters of a length to clock 56,84 secs for the 1000m in a race named in honour of a sprint champion we knew as ‘Goofy’.
The R1 million Pick 6 carryover injection fell way short of the projected R5 million, reaching R3 668 679-29. Moodley’s ride was pure genius, but only 159 120 combinations remained, with the exotic showing a minimum of R23-10 after the opening leg.
The winner’s stablemate Sheldon (10-1) looked dangerous late but was relegated to third.
The winner is by Distorted Humor stallion Flower Alley out of the three-time winning Querari mare, Cosmic Light.
This was Chyavana’s first stakes success and he took his earnings to R775 250 with his eighth win and 7 places from 22 starts.
Chyavana (Serino Moodley on outside) stays on well to beat Taxi To The Mood (Kaidan Brewer) | Credit: JC Photos
GREAT PLAINS STAMPS
CLASSIC PROSPECTS
Probably best remembered as the horse that gave Richard Fourie a record equalling 334th winner when scoring in the Hollywoodbets Sharks Listed Gatecrasher Stakes on the East Coast last season, the Justin Snaithtrained Great Plains stamped himself a likely classic prospect with an eye-catching victory in the R300 000 Gr3 Cape Classic at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
While owner Nic Jonsson pragmatically suggested afterwards that ‘we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves’, it was the manner of Great Plains cavalier rails dash in a fast-run race that caught the eye as he got the better of the clearly talented Boundless Energy, who was bidding to make it three on the trot.
Great Plains (4-1) was tote favourite and accounted for the smart finishing Boundless Energy (4-1) by a half-length in a decent 85,15 secs for the 1400m winter track.
The Drakenstein bred Great Plains was a first stakes winner at the time when winning the
Gatecrasher for his sire Danon Platina (Deep Impact) and is out of the one-time winning Var mare, Mara.
Danon Platina also sired Luhaba Phambili, the earlier winner at the same venue of the Need For Speed Sprint
He cost R700 000 at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale and took his tally to 4 wins with a place from his 7 starts for stakes of R515 625.
Trainer Justin Snaith suggested that the obvious route of the Cape Punters Cup into the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas may not be the programme for Great Plains. We wait to see.
Great Plains was a third winner on the day for the Grant van Niekerk-Justin Snaith combination.
Snaith saddled four winners, with JP van der Merwe booting Lickety Split home in the Pick 6 opener.
Great Plains wins a good race under Grant van Niekerk. Boundless Energy (Aldo Domeyer) stays on for second
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
SON OF VAR GRABS MAIDEN STAKES SUCCESS
Dance Variety (Corne Orffer) registers an overdue maiden stakes success. Second-placed Gimmelightning (Keanan Steyn) and third-placed Meu Capitano (Grant van Niekerk) stay on strong. Ziyasha (Louis Mxothwa) and Future Variety (Aldo Domeyer) can be seen in the background | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
A model of consistency, Adam Marcus’ Dance Variety made it five wins from his last ten starts and registered an overdue stakes success when he beat a smart field on an ironically largely windless afternoon at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth to win the R225 000 Listed Southeaster Sprint.
Always in touch as Ziyasha bounded clear to set the fractions, regular pilot Corne Orffer built the gelding up and moved into contention inside the final 400m.
In a matter of strides Dance Variety (4-1) signalled his intentions as he moved up to take over with Gimmelightning (25-1) chasing hard
but beaten 1,25 lengths in a time of 57,71 secs for the 1000m.
The good-looking meu Capitano (28-10) had no luck in running but managed to collar Ziyasha (17-2) to run third.
Bred by Sherwin Jerrier, who races him in partnership with Mr A Singh, Dance Variety is a son of late speed champion Var (Forest Wildcat) out of the unraced Trippi mare, Trippitango.
A winner of 6 races with 11 places from his 22 starts, Dance Variety has earned R721 088 and went through the Cape Premier Yearling Sale ring for R250 000.
Welcome bubbly, complimentary drinks & a 3-course feast. Indulge in culinary mastery as you witness the action! THE ULTIMATE VIP RACE DAY EXPERIENCE SCAN HERE
WINCHESTER MANSION MOVES UP TO 129
Winchester Mansion has seen his merit rating increase from 124 to 129 after winning the Allied Steelrode Gr2 Onamission Charity Mile (handicap) over 1600m on the standside track at Turffontein on Saturday, 2 November.
The Handicappers were of the opinion that Barbaresco made for the ideal line horse here, leaving him unchanged on a mark of 122.
The only other increase was for runner-up Gladatorian, who was adjusted from 120 to 123.
Four horses received a drop of 1 point each, Litigation dropped to 114 from 115, Safe Passage dropped to 108 from 109, Zinovi dropped from 113 to 112 and Gimmeanotherchance dropped from 116 to 115.
Betway Graham Beck Stakes (Gr3)
Moonlight Trader had to be capped on a rating of 101 after winning the Betway Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes for three-year-olds over 1400m at Turffontein on Saturday.
Here, it was 4th placed Waheed who was deemed to make for the best line horse, leaving him unchanged on a rating of 107.
In rating the race this way, the winner Moonlight Trader, runs to a considerably higher mark than his current adjusted figure of 101 but had to be capped due to the arbitrary restrictions imposed on the Merit Rating system in this Grade 3 event. The specific conditions, referred to above, state that the winner will not incur an
adjustment of more than 8 points and placed horses will not incur an adjustment of more than 4 points.
Moonlight Trader (101) will actually now receive 3kg from Waheed (107) and receive 5kg from Legend Of Arthur (111) in future handicaps after beating them at level weights in this Grade 3 race.
This restriction inhibits the Handicappers from equalizing their chances in Handicaps in the immediate future. Furthermore, the winner of the Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes will now be rated 9 points lower than Fatal Flaw despite winning a race of equal status, while producing a faster time – 84.88 vs 85 on the same day.
This restriction also means that the Cape Classic winner Great Plains is rated a full 9 points superior to Moonlight Trader despite winning races of similar status and quality.
Only two horses received drops in this event, Ombudsman dropped to 88 from 89 and Zip Code dropped from 96 to 94.
HSH Princess Charlene Starling Stakes (Gr3)
Fatal Flaw has had her rating picked up from 107 to 110 following her easy win in the HSH Princess Charlene Gr3 Starling Stakes for three-year-old fillies over 1400m at Turffontein on Saturday.
Here it was runner-up World Of Alice who was considered to make for the best line horse, she remained unchanged on a rating of 101.
The specific conditions of this race do not allow for an increase of more than 4 pounds for placed runners. Stars And Bra’s was only adjusted to a rating of 90 from 86 despite actually achieving a higher rating, while Poblano was only adjusted from 87 to 90 despite achieving a higher mark.
The Handicappers opted to only adjust Poblano by 3 points to 90 so that she would not be rated higher than the 90 rated Stars And Bra’s who beat her here at level weight terms.
The only finisher in this race to receive a drop was Valieva, who was dropped to 90 from 94.
Allied Steelrode Yellowwood Handicap (Gr3)
Olivia’s Way had her rating increased to 110 from 97 after landing the Allied Steelrode Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday. The runner-up Sukhumvit was used to her prerating of 91 to rate this race and accordingly she remained on that figure of 91.
The only other increase in this event went to Forgiveness who went up to 88 from 87.
The following received drops to their ratings, Lady Fallon was dropped to 95 from 97, United Council was dropped to 93 from 94 and Juliet Tango was dropped to 88 from 90
Allied Steelrode Golden Loom Handicap (Listed)
Chyavana has had his rating raised from 100 to 104 after impressively winning the Allied Steelrode Listed Golden Loom Handicap over the straight 1000m course at Turffontein on Saturday.
It was 3rd placed Sheldon who was used as the line horse here, leaving him unaltered on a rating of 110.
The only other increase in this race went to the runner-up Taxi To The Moon, who was increased by 1 point from 106 to 107.
Three horses received drops. Richard The First dropped to 95 from 96, Cosmic Star dropped to 104 from 105 and Magic Tattoo dropped to 99 from 101.
Allied Steelrode Java Stakes (Listed)
Poets Warrior has had his rating raised from 96 to 104 following his success in the Allied Steelrode Listed Java Stakes over 2400m at Turffontein on Saturday.
It was the runner-up Explosive Bond who was used as the line horse, leaving her unchanged on a mark of 97.
The only other increase went to 4th placed Battleground, who was raised to 96 from 94. He finished 0.75 lengths behind the line horse while conceding 2kg in weight, hence his increased rating.
The only runner to receive a drop was Aragosta, who was dropped from 113 to 112.
Cape Classic (Gr3)
Great Plains has had his rating raised from 109 to 110 following his win in the Gr3 Cape Classic over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
It was 3rd placed All Out For Six who was used as the line horse, leaving him unchanged on a mark of 107.
Runner-up Boundless Energy was raised to 109 from 90 after beating the 107 rated All Out For Six at level weights by 0.75 lengths.
Mauritius Kestrel and Captain West were increased to 105 and 103 respectively so that they meet on correct Handicap terms with Great Plains and Boundless Energy in future handicaps, furthermore their ratings will now also place them in the correct order for elimination purposes.
There were no other changes to this race.
Southeaster Sprint (Listed)
Dance Variety has seen his rating adjusted to 112 from 108 after impressively winning the Listed Southeaster Sprint over 1000m at
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The Handicappers were unanimous in opting to use Meu Capitano as the line horse here and he remained unchanged on a rating of 104. The only other increase went to the runner-up Gimmelightning who went up to 96 from 94.
The following horses received drops, Ziyasha dropped to 113 from 116, Future Variety also dropped to 113 from 116 and Icy Blast dropped to 94 from 98.
Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 05 November 2024
SON OF DUBAWI RETIRES TO COOLMORE
Coolmore Stud announced on Monday that the supremely bred Gr1-winning 2YO Henry Longfellow will retire to its Fethard operation to take up stud duties for the 2025 season.
Henry Longfellow’s flawless three-for-three juvenile campaign culminated in a 5-length demolition of his rivals in the Gr1 Goffs Vincent O’ Brien National Stakes at the Curragh, leaving the facile Gr1 Phoenix Stakes winner, Bucanero Fuerte, trailing in his wake.
In doing so, he emulated both of his illustrious parents, leading sire, and sire of sires, Dubawi and the all-conquering 7-time Gr1 winner Minding in winning at the highest level as a 2-year-old at Ireland’s HQ.
Henry Longfellow showed the class and determination worthy of his pedigree in putting up top-class performances in the St James’s Palace Stakes, going down by a neck to the season’s leading 3YO miler Rosallion and again when running a very solid third in the messily
run Prix Du Moulin behind Tribalist and the season’s Champion Older Miler Charyn.
“He went unbeaten in three starts at two years including the Gr1 National Stakes just like his sire Dubawi who is becoming a very significant sire of sires.” said Coolmore’s Director of Sales, David O’ Loughlin.
“He again showed top class form at three over a mile when beaten just a neck by Rosallion in the St James’s Palace Stakes. He’s arguably the best-looking son of Dubawi to go to stud and he’s out of one of the best Galileo racemares ever. I have no doubt that he will prove extremely popular with breeders.”
Henry Longfellow’s fee will be announced shortly.
The winning connections – Louis Mxothwa, George Chrisochos, Corne Oosthuizen, Hanco and Dad Ziets, and ABC’s Dave Scott Credit: Pauline Herman
On Saturday 26 October 2024, Kommetjie Storm (Elusive Fort - Adorable), the 3yo full-sister to champion racehorse and now sire, Kommetdieding, hacked up at Turffontein to win her maiden at her second start by 5 lengths, easing up.
She was the sales topper at the 2023 BSA National Yearling Sales, and already that R3.2m price tag looks cheap with her obvious paddock value.
Bred by Barbara Sanne’s Oldlands Stud, she earned the highest auction price of any Elusive Fort yearling, and it is thus particularly pleasing that she has started her racing career so well.
Kestorm Investments (Mr K Pillay) should have a lot of fun with her.
She continues Elusive Fort’s incredible record of 96% winners to runners out of Captain Al mares.
At the other end of the scale, El Romiachi, an 8yo gelding by Elusive Fort out of Scent of Victory, made his 100th racecourse appearance at Fairview on 1 November 2024.
He started his career in Gauteng and took 22 runs to break his maiden. A few wins and places followed in his next 22 runs. and he then relocated to Alan Greeff in Port Elizabeth, for whom he won 3 on the trot.
In August 2022, the 6yo with 55 runs under the belt, was put on the online auction, and acquired for just R5000 by the astute Zietsman Oosthuizen in partnership with Mr George Chrisochos.
He rewarded his new owners with a win in June 2023, and has stayed sound and competitive, regularly placing, but came into his 100th run some 460 days after his 8th win.
He was overdue for some relief from the handicapper, and significantly, was dropped 6 points just prior to this run.
Zietsman is a very good horseman and has a shrewd grasp of the MR system.
He gave his passionate owners, and the public, confidence that his old soldier had
a good winning chance. Well ridden by the strong Luyolo Mxothwa, he just prevailed in a tight finish, beating the much younger, early favourite Union Rose, by a neck.
Never mind that this was a lowly MR 70 handicap - the excitement of a plan well executed was a joy to behold.
El Romiachi has now earned more than R750 000 in stakes in 7 seasons of racing, and his toughness and durability is a credit to his breeder, Adv Altus Joubert, of Riethuiskraal Stud.
Centurion El Romiachi wins under Louis Mxothwa last Friday at Fairview | Credit: Pauline Herman
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE HIGH QUALITY THOROUGHBREDS
Cape Racing Sales have announced the forthcoming Thoroughbred Stud Mixed Sale, featuring the Nadeson Park Stud dispersal.
The sale is set to be held on 17 November 2024, starting at 11h00 at Nadeson Park Stud, Hemel n Aarde Road, Hermanus.
The Nadeson Park Stud dispersal represents a unique opportunity to acquire high-quality thoroughbreds, including exceptional breeding stock, racehorses, and yearlings.
Please click here for the online catalogue
Nadeson Park Stud has a long-standing reputation for producing top-tier racehorses, and this sale will feature a selection of their finest bloodlines.
“We are excited to offer this collection of horses from Nadeson Park Stud,” said Justin Vermaak, Executive: Racing and Bloodstock.
“This sale not only highlights the quality of horses produced by Nadeson Park Stud but also provides a platform for buyers to enhance
their breeding programs and procure yearlings ahead of the 2025 auction season. All yearlings receive entry into the Cape Racing Sales March Yearling Sale.”
The sale is open to all buyers, with bidding options available both in-person and online, ensuring accessibility for everyone interested in participating.
A reminder to please apply for a digital buyer’s card or if already registered, please agree to the conditions of sale to activate your digital buyer’s card for the Mixed Sale.
Sale Details:
• Date: 17 November 2024
• Location: Nadeson Park Stud, Hemel n Aarde Road, Hermanus
• Time: 11h00
• Online Bidding: Available via Zoom
For more information about the sale, the catalogue of horses available, or to register for bidding, please visit www.caperacingsales.co.za or contact Vicky Minott vicky@caperacing.co.za
DAMN FROM GR1 PARTY TIME FEMALE LINE
KNIGHT’S CHOICE CLAIMS LEXUS MELBOURNE CUP
Australia’s most historic sporting event, the Group 1 A$8.56 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m), has a new chapter etched into the history books after Queensland-trained Knight’s Choice won the nation’s greatest race at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday to the cheers of a bumper 91,168 racegoers, a 7.3% increase on last year’s attendance.
The first woman to train a winner of the Lexus Melbourne Cup in 2001, Sheila Laxon, returned to the race for the first time since her historic victory with Ethereal. Now in a training partnership with husband John Symons, she maintained her perfect Lexus Melbourne Cup record as Knight’s Choice – ridden by firsttime Cup jockey Robbie Dolan – edged out Japanese challenger Warp Speed.
Okita Soushi finished third, less than a length from the winner, with Jamie Kah becoming the first female jockey to place in the Lexus Melbourne Cup twice.
Knight’s Choice’s win was the highlight on a spectacular day of racing that proved a showcase of the next generation of trainers to a wider audience.
One of Australian racing’s great dynasties, the Hayes family, won the Gr3 Darley Maribyrnong Plate for the 10th time with Tycoon Star. Young
Knight’s Choice (Robbie Dolan) wins the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Credit: Flemington Racecourse and Victoria racing Club on FB
trainers Michael Hickmott, Liam Howley and Dominic Sutton all recorded their first Melbourne Cup Carnival victories.
Hickmott, from Murray Bridge in South Australia, prepared Fancify to win the Gr3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m); Howley’s Opening Address took out the Listed TAB Trophy (1800m) for three-year-olds, a race that has proven a stepping stone to Group 1 glory in the past; and Sutton, who only had his first runner in March, won the Australian Heritage Cup (2800m) with outsider Garachico.
At the conclusion of today’s racing, the Ron Hutchinson Award – presented to the leading jockey over the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival – is led by James McDonald, who has opened up a big lead on his rivals with two winners on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day to go with a treble on Penfolds Victoria Derby Day. He has amassed 22 points through two days,
ahead of Jamie Kah on 13 and Blake Shinn on 10.
In the race for the trainer’s equivalent, the J B Cummings Award, it is a tight battle at the top between the last three winners of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Ciaron Maher ended day two in front on 12.5 points from Anthony and Sam Freedman on 11 and Chris Waller on 10.
Remarkably, from 19 races so far at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival, there have been 14 different winning stables.
What a crowd! Credit: supplied
FERRARIS SHOWS SKILLS AT SHA TIN
Karis Teetan and Ensued power home | Credit: HKJC
Ensued took a vital important step towards the 2024 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) on 8 December with victory in the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap under an inspired ride by Karis Teetan at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Third in last season’s Hong Kong Classic Cup, John Size’s charge jumped from barrier 13 before sliding forward and benefiting from Moments In Time’s mid-race move – which injected speed into the race and effectively split the field into two divisions –to ultimately have a perfect run.
Settling fifth behind leader All For St Paul’s, Ensued forged into clear running at the top of the straight before hitting the front 200m out and holding off La City Blanche by three quarters of a length in 1m 46.41s. Chancheng Glory was third.
Earning a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million as well as HK$2.35 million in prizemoney, Ensued improved his Hong Kong record to four wins and two minor placings from nine starts and holds entries in both the HK$40 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup and the HK$24
million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase on 8 December.
Winner of 12 Hong Kong trainers’ championships, Size said: “He hasn’t got much in the way of options, actually, because of the fact he’s a stayer and the fact his rating is going to go a bit higher, so I think the options are just about zero – he’ll have to run in those HKIR races and hope he can grab some prizemoney.
“He raced very well today. I haven’t had the benefit of watching a replay yet, but it seemed to me watching the race live that it was just run perfectly to suit him. They seemed to separate, and a division of the horses became unattached to the leading division and it looked set up beautifully for him approaching the turn. Luckily, he was in a position to take advantage of all that. Today he had a lot of luck.”
Luke Ferraris drives My Wish to victory after a nervous start | Credit: HKJC
Raced by Ada Wong, who also owned Size’s previous Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse winner Endowing (2013), Ensued gave Size his fourth win of the season.
“As everyone’s aware, I’m a little bit slow to get away because I like my horses to have a break so, therefore, they’re slower coming into form. This is a great result for us today and hopefully we can start our season and improve on that,” he said.
Celebrating his second victory in the race after Horse Of Fortune in 2016, Teetan said: “It’s always good to get those big races like that. It’s such a big day, it’s nice to ride for Mr Size, who gave me the opportunity and I’m really grateful for the support and I’m also happy to win this race again.
Luke Ferraris’ horsemanship proved decisive before the start of the Class 3 Santa Monica Handicap when the young South African athletically controlled race favourite My Wish who broke through the barriers before the start.
Restrained after only a few metres, My Wish was inspected by vets and allowed to start –and proceeded to an impressive victory under 122lb.
“Fair to say, we deserved that,” Ferraris said. “We’ve got to work on his barrier manners a bit, he can be a difficult customer, but he’s got the ability and he showed it today. It was not an easy feat stepping up in distance and he had to show us he is the horse we think he could be and he’s done a superb job from barrier 14 –he’s pulled off a really good win.
“Well done to Mark Newnham and his whole team. I’m grateful for the support – Mark is
going from strength to strength.”
Keith Yeung, Derek Leung and Vincent Ho all starred with doubles as Yeung slotted his first brace of the season with Kingly Demeanor and Master Of All.
Yeung prevailed on Hong Kong International Sale purchase Kingly Demeanor for Tony Cruz in the Class 5 L’Oreal Paris Handicap before winning narrowly on Chris So-trained Master Of All in the Class 4 Eleanor Handicap.
“Master Of All is a lovely horse, he tries his best the whole time and he deserved to win,” Yeung said.
“The track today benefits the front-runners and both of my horses had enough speed to be travelling well and have a soft lead in front –it’s been a good day.”
Following Wednesday’s (30 October) two wins at Happy Valley, Cruz sealed a double when Californiatotality landed the Class 4 Grace One Handicap under Brenton Avdulla before Caspar Fownes-trained Flying Luck clinched the Class 4 La Estephe Handicap, driving late on the inside for Vincent Ho.
Ho closed out another successful meeting with success on Francis Lui’s Steps Ahead in the Class 3 Dr. G Handicap, while Leung scored on Sugar Ball in the Class 4 Canmake Tokyo Handicap for Cody Mo and Jimmy Ting’s Glory Elite in the Class 3 Suisse Programme Handicap.
Geneva made it two wins in a row with success in the Class 4 Kate Tokyo Handicap for David Hall and Hugh Bowman.
Keith Yeung – enjoyed a good double | Credit: HKJC
