The absolute elation on Jockey Calvin Habib’s face says it all as the 2024 Betway Gr1 Summer Cup winner, Atticus Finch is led in by groom Sibabalwe Gidimisane. Trained by Alec Laird, the Varsfontein Studbred son of Master Of My Fate achieved a gutsy victory on a day of world-class racing at Turffontein on Saturday. Candiese Lenferna took the photo.
On the cover Cape Racing’s first Gr1 race of the Cape Racing Summer Festival Of Racing takes place at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday with the WSB Fillies Guineas headlining the day’s programme.
Ridgemont’s Western Cape Fillies Championship winner, Mon Petit Cherie, is one of the contenders on the feature field of 13. Chase Liebenberg took this photo of the Rafeef filly.
WORLD SPORTS BET TING FILLIES GUINEAS UP FOR GRABS
It’s been a decade since a Highveld raider last won the World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies but Fatal Flaw will be seeking to set that record straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Officially of course she represents the largely Cape-based training partnership of Brett and James Crawford, but the daughter of New Predator is trained out of their Randjesfontein barn and arrived in Cape Town on Tuesday to make her Western Cape debut.
There can be no doubting the quality of Fatal Flaw’s form, but she does have a few questions to answer particularly from the widest gate of all. Firstly, she lines up in a highly competitive renewal of the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas just four days after an arduous
1400km road trip and, secondly, Fatal Flaw will be having her first ever start around a left-hand turn. Thirdly, she has shown her best form to date over 1400m and may prove a little suspect over the extra 200m, especially if forced to go harder than she would like over the first quarter of the race.
Amazingly, despite his impressive CV and nigh on 5600 career victories, Piere Strydom has never won the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas, and he will certainly be hoping that everything falls into place for Fatal Flaw come Saturday.
Gimmie’s Countess under regular pilot Craig Zackey will step out for Trainer Dean Kannemeyer and Khaya Stables on Saturday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Run over 1400m on the Winter course, the Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship – the official domestic trial into Saturday’s Grade 1 event – gave us a clue, but no concrete evidence, as to what to expect from the local contingent. The record books show that Mon Petit Cherie edged out Beware the Bomb by a nose with Symphony In White and the fast-
finishing Gimmie’s Countess both within half-alength of the leading duo.
In fact, less than two lengths covered the first seven fillies past the post in the Western Cape Fillies Championship and they all re-oppose on Saturday.
But the mile on the Summer course, with its longer home stretch, is a far different proposition and it is unlikely that the form of their recent clash will translate literally into Saturday’s Classic event.
Gimmie’s Countess leaves the impression that the trip will be no problem and that the extended run-in will be right up her alley. There is every chance that the blue-blooded daughter of Gimmethegreenlight will overturn the form with those that finished marginally ahead of her. From yet another wide gate, the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Gimmie’s Countess will likely adopt similar tactics and be held up for a late charge.
This time though there will be no excuses, and perhaps Lady Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables will emerge with yet another Grade 1 winner in the familiar black and yellow silks to be worn by regular pilot Craig Zackey.
That being said, Mon Petit Cherie was full
value for her Grade 2 success, having also accelerated smartly from near the back of the field. Richard Fourie has a fine record in the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas and Mon Petit Cherie, being out of a Galileo mare, should have little difficulty in coping with the extra 200m.
With the Crawford outfit sending out both Mon Petit Cherie and Fatal Flaw, from the best and worst of the draws, they have a great chance of emulating their successes with Front And Centre in 2018 and Make It Snappy in 2022.
The Drakenstein owned and bred pair of Beware The Bomb and Symphony In White have obvious claims. Perhaps Beware The Bomb is more certain to get home over 1600m than Symphony In White but that remains pure speculation at this point.
Beware The Bomb was the stand-out in the parade ring ahead of the Western Cape Fillies Championship and this imposing daughter of Lancaster Bomber certainly ticks all the right boxes. Its fair to suggest that we have not seen the best of Beware The Bomb and, whatever the outcome on Saturday, there should be a lot more to come going forward.
The 2024 renewal of the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas is truly up for grabs with chances to many in a closely matched line-up, but perhaps Gimmie’s Countess will rise to the throne and claim Grade 1 glory.
THIRTEEN BID FOR WORLD SPORTS BETTING GR1 CAPE FILLIES GUINEAS GLORY
The R1,25-million World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday has attracted a field of thirteen evenly matched 3yo fillies, representing several big guns amongst the Owners’ ranks.
ASSM Racing Syndicate’s Highveld-based Fatal Flaw arrives in Cape Town tomorrow (Tuesday 3rd) and the daughter of New Predator will be partnered by Piere Strydom, fresh off a stellar victory aboard Quid Pro Quo in the Betway Dingaans (Gr2) at Turffontein over the past weekend. As a juvenile Fatal Flaw was runner-up behind Quid Pro Quo in both the Thekwini Stakes (Gr1) and the Golden Slipper (Gr2) and, more
recently, a fluent victor of the Starling Stakes (Gr3) over subsequent Betway Fillies Mile (Gr3) winner World of Alice.
ASSM Racing Syndicate, represented by Arun Chadha, has ensured inter-provincial competition in this year’s WSB Fillies Guineas (Gr1) by also including their Eastern Cape Champion, Splicethemainbrace, to the list of acceptances.
Trained by Alan Greef, Splicethemainbrace has won six of her seven starts to date, but rises in class and tackles 1600m for the first time.
Gaynor Rupert’s Drakenstein Stud are the defending champions having won last year’s renewal with Beach Bomb. They come with a three-pronged attack having declared with Beware The Bomb, Little Suzie and Symphony in White.
All three are relatively unexposed with plenty of upside and perhaps another “Bomb” will land this year. Beware The Bomb (Grant van Niekerk) and Little Suzie (Sean Veale) are trained by Justin Snaith while Symphony In White will be seeking to give the Candice Bass-Robinson/Aldo Domeyer combination successive victories in this prestigious Classic event.
Ridgemont Stud race the 1400m Western Cape Fillies Championship (Gr2) winner, Mon Petit Cherie, in partnership with Hollywood’s Devin Heffer and retained Champion, Richard Fourie, will again be in the saddle. The daughter of Rafeef is out of a Galileo mare and should have no problems in seeing out the extra 200m.
Khaya Stables have endured a frustrating run of late but that could all change with Gimmie’s Countess on Saturday.
Craig Zackey takes the ride for the Dean Kannemeyer outfit, but the own sister to multiple Grade 1 winner, Gimme A Prince, has again drawn towards the outside and is likely to be held up for her customary late charge.
Ridgemont’s Mon Petit Cherie Joins the WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas class of 2024 | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
WORLD SPORTS BETTING GR1 CAPE FILLIES GUINEAS FINAL FIELD
GREEN WITH ENVY AND ORIENTAL CHARM RETURN IN GREEN POINT
Last season’s Equus Champion 3yo, Green With Envy, and the 2024 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July winner, Oriental Charm, launch their Cape Summer Season campaigns in the R600 000 World Sports Betting Gr2 Green Point Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Disappointingly, only six horses, from four different stables, have accepted for this longstanding feature but what the field lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality and intrigue.
“I have left something to work with going forward, but Green With Envy is so classy I would not be surprised to see him win first-up,” commented trainer Dean Kannemeyer earlier today. “His mission is the R5-million World Sports Betting Cape Town Met over 2000m on 25 January, but his preparation has thus far been
flawless, and I am delighted with his progress,” he added.
Brett Crawford was equally positive with regards his “July” hero Oriental Charm. “He is flying at home, but there is always the chance he could find this a little sharp and be slightly in need of the run.” Crawford is also happy with stable companion Surjay - last season’s 1200m Gr1 Mercury Sprint winner - and is cautiously optimistic that the 6yo son of Vercingetorix will get the trip.
Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July winner, Oriental Charm (JP van der Merwe) will kick off his Cape Summer Season on Saturday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Current fitness points to Royal Aussie as a possible winner of this year’s renewal of the WSB Green Point Stakes. He needed his last run when a below-par fifth behind Rascallion in the Gr3 Cape Mile on 16 November and is capable of much better.
He should have improved with the benefit of that run under the belt and ought to make his presence felt. Sugar Mountain can never be discounted but was disappointing in his most recent start when finishing behind Royal Aussie in the Cape Mile.
Without Question completes the six-horse party. The son of The United States generally prefers a tougher test of stamina, but he can surprise the best of them on Saturday. Oriental Charm is likely to go forward and could capitalise on a muddling pace but Green With Envy and Royal Aussie are expected to keep the July winner honest. It may be a small field, but not an easy race to make cast-iron predictions!
Hollywood Syndicate-owned Asiye Phambili stands out in the R250 000 World Sports Betting
Gr3 Southern Cross Stakes over 1000m and will be a popular choice to bring home the bacon. Richard Fourie takes the ride for the Gareth Van Zyl team and it’s virtually impossible to make a strong case for any of her seven rivals. Nordic Chief is very useful and is holding form well but should struggle to match strides with Asiye Phambili, who rates a confident top choice to take home the lion’s share of the purse.
The R225 000 World Sports Betting Cape Summer Stayers over 2500m looks far more open and all seven runners have winning claims. On the evidence of the Woolavington Stakes form, there is little to choose between Love Is A Rose, Holding Thumbs and Call To Unite but they may all have to take a backseat behind a rejuvenated Navy Strength who won this race two years ago. Navy Strength bounced back to winning form over 1800m a month ago and appears to be in a good space.
Vihaan’s Bomb ran below expectations last time and is capable of sudden improvement while both Allez Moris and Royal Invitation are tackling this type of distance for the first time.
Hollywood Syndicate’s Asiye Phambili (Rachel Venniker) is likely to be a popular choice in the WSB Gr3 Southern Cross Stakes | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
LAIRD AND HABIB SET SUMMER ALIGHT
Atticus Finch wins the 2024 Betway Gr1 Summer Cup under Calvin Habib | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
While the 2024 Betway Summer Cup day will go down as a best show yet for 4Racing, the Highveld showpiece also provided the thrills and spills on the Turffontein track, the R224 437 big race quartet dividend telling the story.
The race inevitably also turned into something of a sobering ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ for a variety of connections.
What a run by the gutsy Varsfontein-bred 5yo Atticus Finch.
Suffering a drought since he won the Betway Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes at the same track over a year ago, the gelding belied his 20-1 starting price, while reaping the rewards of lessons learnt in a luckless 2023 Summer Cup, the experience of jockey Calvin Habib, and the benefits of a well-considered preparation.
Full marks to Alec Laird and Calvin Habib, who respectively celebrated another individual Summer Cup trophy after Malteme (2006, ridden by Brett Smith) and Flying Carpet (2021, trained by Sean Tarry).
Calvin Habib found his tactics changed at the jump after he appeared to have taken a bump from his old ally, Main Defender, who was drawn at 3.
“I wanted to lead but had my game-plan changed at the start – so I took my medicine. I just love the way this horse gives his all,” added the delighted jockey.
A hoarse trainer Alec Laird said the win would lift his stable and had come ‘at a good time’.
Finishing with a sustained burst, Atticus Finch (20-1) clocked 125,47 for the 2000m to grab the doggedly determined Purple Pitcher (14-1) to win by 1,10 lengths.
Tristan Godden produced Rule By Force (33-1) late to snatch third a further 1,25 lengths back, with KZN visitor Madison Valley (100-1) running the race of his life in fourth. We’ll mention again that the quarter paid R224 437!
There were a number of disappointments.
See It Again – no excuses said Striker- was given the run of the race by Piere Strydom, but went up and down late, to finish a 2,50 length fifth, ahead of defending champion Royal Victory, who was possibly beaten by his draw.
Oisin Murphy travelled across the world to partner Frances Ethel, but she was prominent and then faded to 6,25 lengths off the winner.
The well-supported Main Defender was a half-length behind the daughter of Rafeef. He didn’t stay.
A R150 000 National Yearling Sale buy, Atticus Finch is a Varsfontein Stud-bred son of Master Of My Fate (Jet Master), out of the Caesour mare Alexia.
Now a winner of 6 races with 7 places from 18 starts, the 5yo took his stakes earnings to R4 237 00 for thrilled owners Lance Clark, Gary Basel, Gary Cornwall & Phil Gregory.
Congratulations on a big payday for the Grooms of each Betway Summer Cup runner who were paid a record-breaking R20 000 incentive each.
Earlier in the day Mike de Kock’s reigning SA Horse Of The Year Dave The King ran a poor race in a Pinnacle Stakes prep for the 2025 L’Ormarins King’s Plate. Given every chance by Piere Strydom, he hit a brick-wall about 300m out to run over 12 lengths off the 40-1 winner Fire ‘N Flames.
Celebrating a successful day - (L-R) Betway’s Jonathan Blumberg, Lance Clarke, Grant Cornwall, Gary Basel, Betway’s Laurence Michael and 4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE!
“It was a good day at the office for Jet Master and there is no disputing that he continues to cast a long shadow over the South African racing industry”
Atticus Finch (Calvin Habib) wins the Betway Gr1 Summer Cup. Cape Eagle (Serino Moodley, purple cap), See It Again (Piere Strydom, obscured in pink cap) and Purple Pitcher (Kabelo Matsunyane, red/white cap) can be seen in the background | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
The late great Jet Master continues to burnish his extensive legacy season after season. That was abundantly clear at the Summer Cup meeting, where various descendants continued to keep his name in the spotlight.
The big prize of the day, the lavishly endowed Betway Gr1 Summer Cup, at R6-million the country’s richest race, went the way of his Alec Laird-trained grandson Atticus Finch.
By Jet Master’s hugely successful son Master Of My Fate and bred by Varsfontein Stud, Atticus Finch is out of a daughter of the farm’s fine matriarch Alexandra Bi, who incidentally visited Jet Master on two occasions, resulting in Listed Sea Cottage Stakes winner Alexandra Palace and Gr3-placed Masterly.
Needless to say, Atticus Finch’s R3.5-million
payday catapulted Master Of My Fate to the top of the General Sires List and brought back memories of the first half of the 2020-21 racing season, when he stubbornly held top spot until passed by barn mate Gimmethegreenlight. He has firmly entrenched himself amongst the elite five stallions ever since.
As imposing an individual as his late sire, Master Of My Fate is enjoying another fine season, which to date has yielded not just Atticus Finch, but also Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes winner Greeting My Master and the Listed stakes winners Miss Marguerite and Joy And Peace.
Jet Master further stamped his authority on the big race as the grandsire of third-placed Rule By Force, who matched his previous best, a third in the Gr1 SA Derby, with arguably a career-best effort. Joe Soma’s five-year-old is
Greeting My Master (Chase Maujean) claims a courageous victory over Main Defender (Gavin Lerena) to take home the Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes | Credit: JC Photos
by Pomodoro, who enjoyed another moment in the sun when four-year-old son Mount Pilatus defeated a crack field of sprinters in the Gr3 Merchants.
Paul Matchett’s charge was always on the backfoot against the likes of Gr1 winner Lucky Lad, yet he rose to the occasion to break through at stakes level. That he possesses a brilliant turn of foot comes as no surprise, after all, he is out of the speedy Covered In Snow, who landed both the Swallow Stakes and Bauhinia Handicap at three for Di Stenger.
In contrast to Master Of My Fate, the stud career of paternal half-brother Pomodoro illustrates the peaks and troughs of the fickle world of thoroughbred breeding.
When he retired to Klawervlei Stud, the handsome bay ticked all the boxes. A dual Gr1 winner of the SA Derby and Hollywoodbets Durban July, he had shown the mark of a true champion, the ability to both sprint and stay,
besides which he was out of Broodmare of the Year Golden Apple.
Pomodoro hit the ground running in his second career by topping the leading freshman sires list at the expense of Master Of My Fate, his first crop featuring the champion filly and dual Gr1 winner Return Flight, as well as Gr2 Hawaii Stakes winner Cirillo, who at three famously split Horse of the Year recipients Do It Again and Rainbow Bridge in an epic renewal of the Gr1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge.
A second Gr1 winner followed when thirdcrop son Russian Rock upstaged the likes of Malmoos, Linebacker, Rascallion and Jet Dark in the Gr1 Cape Guineas.
Although he sired Gr2 victress Golden Belle, the Gr3 winners Black Thorn and Epsom Girl and Gr2-placed stakes winner Caralluma, Pomodoro’s fortunes dwindled to the extent that he was relocated to Heversham Park Stud for the 2024 covering season.
Jet Master’s granddaughter, Quid Pro Quo (Piere Strydom) is creating her own legacy of victories | Credit: JC Photos
On reflection, Pomodoro probably always had to live in the shadow of Klawervlei kingpin Captain Al, a hard act for any stallion to follow!
Undoubtedly one of the highlights on Summer Cup day was the breathtaking comeback run of Jet Master’s grandaughter Quid Pro Quo, whose demolition job in the Gr2 Dingaans was a sight to behold. Returning from a four-month rest, last season’s champion juvenile soundly thrashed her male rivals and we are fast running out of superlatives for this freakishly talented filly.
Quid Pro Quo is by Jet Master’s son Lance, who showed infinite promise before injury put paid to his racing career.
Trained like Pomodoro by Sean Tarry, he made the transition to stakes winner in just his third start with an emphatic three-length drubbing of unbeaten favourite and subsequent Triple
Crown winner Louis The King in the Listed Sea Cottage Stakes at Turffontein.
Sadly, the colt broke down after just six starts, but given that he is one of a trio of stakes winners out of Gr1 Garden Province Stakes winner Lyrical Linda, he was afforded a place at stud. He joined the stallion roster at Summerhill Stud but at such a low-key level, that he was lucky to cover just two mares in each of his first two seasons, one of which being Kuuma, who ended his juvenile campaign on a high when second to subsequent Gr1 winner Dyce in the Gr2 Umkhomazi Stakes.
Quid Pro Quo, one of just a handful of registered foals from her sire’s 2021 crop, is out of The Sheik’s five-time winning daughter Delightfull Diva, dam also of Ruffian Stakes winner and Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery third Daring Diva. Incidentally, Quid Pro Quo is bred on similar lines as Jet Master’s champion Yorker
The majestic son of Jet Master - Master Of My Fate is enjoying a successful season | Credit: Jeremy Nelson
and Gr1 winner Litle Miss Magic, both of which were out of mares by Al Mufti, the sire of The Sheik.
Lance now stands at Heuningsfontein Stud in the Karoo. The achievements of his early runners and Quid Pro Quo in particular, has made breeders sit up and take notice, to the extent that he has already covered more than 50 mares this season.
Jet Master’s reputation as a broodmare sire needs no embellishment and, on the day, a
pair of talented three-year-olds advertised his prowess in that department. The filly Fiery Pegasus looked to have the Gr3 Fillies Mile in the bag but was nabbed on the line by World In Alice, whilst Mike de Kock-trained Greaterix had the misfortune of running into a rampant Quid Pro Quo, yet picked up his first black type when third in the Dingaans.
All in all, it was a good day at the office for Jet Master and there is no disputing that he continues to cast a long shadow over the South African racing industry.
LANCE’S DAUGHTER LANDS ANOTHER
There’s just no stopping her – Quid Pro Quo (Piere Strydom) adds another win to her name | Credit: JC Photos
Comparisons with the Galloping Goldmine Empress Club might be regarded as outrageous at this stage in some quarters, but Barend Botes’ Quid Pro Quo hardly raised a sweat when she beat the males to win the R650 000 Betway Gr2 Dingaans at Turffontein on Saturday.
A trailblazer at her last start at Hollywoodbets Greyville seventeen weeks ago when becoming the first filly to win all of the 1200m Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship, the 1400m Gr2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper, and culminating in the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Stakes over a mile, where she ran without front shoes after spreading a plate on the way to the start, Quid Pro Quo wrote the next chapter on Saturday of an unfolding fairytale that started modestly at the Vaal in a Maiden race in January this year.
And she had her doubters! She was racing first time against the boys – and fitter lads at that –and at Turffontein.
Winning rider Piere Strydom admitted that he was in the doubters group.
“I thought four months off – and we were taking on a De Kock horse. A fit as a fiddle front-runner from a good draw. All I can say right now is wow, wow, wow . I saw Greaterix in front of us and I just thought if her fitness lasts, we can do it. She just got there so quickly. Full marks to Barend. This is a superb training feat!” added the 58-year-old veteran.
“She arrived in the parade ring, full of beans, sweating. But that’s just her. Piere Strydom is a
remarkable rider. Thanks to my team. Thanks to the Kalils for the support. This is an honour and a privilege,” added the happy former jockey who just months ago made the interprovincial move from Summerveld to Turffontein.
The race worked out a dream and after tracking the pacesetting Greaterix (7-10) from a few lengths off, Strydom unleashed Quid Pro Quo (5-2) – and the race was over in strides.
We all wondered how we ever doubted her as she cruised in to beat Fire Attack (16-1) by 2,50 lengths in a time of 98 secs flat for the mile.
The highly regarded Greaterix faded late and was beaten a further 2,50 lengths away in third.
Quid Pro Quo is ordinary on paper – that just adds to the romance of a remarkable racing story! A daughter of Heuningsfontein-based Lance (Jet Master), she is raced and was bred by Gerald Kalil, one of the Botes stable’s first foundation owners, and is out of the five-time winning daughter of The Sheik, Delightful Diva.
Quid Pro Quo is living proof that there are no experts in this game! She was offered at the 2023 KZN Yearling Sale by Summerhill Equestrian and bought back for just R60 000 by her breeder.
Now a dual Gr1 and Gr2 heroine, she has won 6 races with 2 places from 8 starts for earnings of R2 175 250.
Where to from here? Let’s leave that to Barend.
World Of Alice (Craig Zackey) comes through down the inside to beat Fiery Pegasus under Oisin Murphy | Credit: JC Photos
WHAT A WORLD OF WONDER FOR ALICE!
The progeny of Drakenstein’s champion Freshman Sire One World are setting the world alight, countrywide.
Just a week after some scintillating feature performances from his progeny at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, One World daughter World Of Alice powered home to win the R350 000 Betway Gr3 Fillies Mile at Turffontein on Saturday.
“She’s a SA Triple Tiara prospect and she showed real character today,” quipped a delighted Craig Zackey, who had Fiery Pegasus and British multiple champion Oisin Murphy between his hopes and the winning post at the 300m marker.
But things panned out well for the competitive Zackey and the Sean Tarry team as the well backed World Of Alice (9-2) came through strongly down the inside to beat Fiery Pegasus (33-10) by a quarter length in a time of 98,5 secs.
Lucky Houdalakis and owner Dave Shawe will be thrilled with the performance of Willy Meet Again (20-1), with the daughter of William Longsword showing she can hold her own in this company, by staying on for third, a further two lengths back.
The lady duo of Rachel Venniker and Robyn Klaasen rounded off the quartet with the 25-1 Frozen Fantasy.
Trainer Sean Tarry was bullish about World Of Alice’ prospects in the build-up, but said that after the bridle came off, they were lucky to get her to the parade ring.
“That was a worry but Craig Zackey delivered a phenomenal ride and thanks to Eugene and Sandy (Arundel) for their patience and to my team for the hard work,” added the former SA champion trainer.
Raced by Sandy and Eugene Arundel’s Itssa It & Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd, the winner was bred by Varsfontein Stud and is a daughter of
One World (Captain Al) out of the four-time winning Australian-bred Hussonet mare, Alice Springs.
A R240 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, World Of Alice registered her maiden stakes success here and made it 2 wins with 5 places from 7 starts for stakes of R456 875. She looks likely to be even better over more ground, so is certainly one for the notebook
ALEXANDRA BI SIZZLES ON BIG DAY
A gutsy run from Atticus Finch under the guidance of Calvin Habib | Credit: JC Photos
Descendants of Darshaan mare Alexandra Bi
were to the fore on Betway Summer Cup day. The magic mare’s grandson
Atticus
Finch (Master Of My Fate) won the Betway Gr1 Summer Cup, while her great granddaughter World Of Alice won the Betway Gr3 Fillies Mile.
Alexandra Bi also ranks as the third dam of Summer Cup tenth place finisher Main Defender (Pathfork), with the latter a son of Alexandra Bi’s granddaughter Alessia (Judpot).
Atticus Finch’s dam Alexia (Caesour), the granddam of Main Defender, is a full-sister to both Listed Syringa Handicap winner Alexa and to the very high-class Alexandra Rose (Caesour).
The latter, whose daughter Alice Springs (Hussonet) produced World Of Alice (One World), was a graded stakes winner in both South Africa and the USA. Alexandra Rose won South Africa’s Gr2 Golden Slipper before landing the Gr3 Monrovia Handicap at Santa Anita.
Alexandra Rose, whose sire Caesour ranks as the broodmare sire of 2011 Summer Cup winner Dancewiththedevil (Modus Vivendi), also did her family proud at stud, producing Gr1 Jaipur Stakes winner Oleksandra (Animal Kingdom) and the latter’s useful full-brother Prince Alexander.
Alexandra Rose was one of eight winners, and six black type horses, produced by Alexandra Bi, with the latter also responsible for Listed Memorial Mile winner and Derby runner-up
Pavlovich (Soviet Star) and Listed Sea Cottage Stakes winner Alexandra Palace. The latter was sired by Jet Master, whose son Master Of My Fate is the sire of Atticus Finch.
The prolific Alexandra Bi also ranks as the granddam of Gr1 Golden Horseshoe winner Forest Indigo, whose sire Judpot also sired Alessia, dam of the top-class Main Defender.
Alexandra Bi traces back directly in female line to Irish Oaks winner Cinq A Sept (Roi Herode) - whose numerous outstanding descendants include legendary Triple Crown winner Secretariat (Bold Ruler) and dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner and outstanding sire Alleged (Hoist The Flag).
Alexandra Bi’s sire Darshaan was an exceptional broodmare producer, whose daughters have produced 240 stakes winners including English classic winners High Chaparral (Sadler’s Wells), Milan (Sadler’s Wells) and Pour Moi (Montjeu).
Among the outstanding mares sired by Darshaan were Masskana (dam of 3 Gr1 winners), Hoity Toity (dam of dual
Gr1 winner and outstanding broodmare Lillie Langtry), Ebaziya (dam of Gr1 winners Enzeli, Estimate, Ebadiyla and Edabiya), and Alouette (dam of Gr1 winners Alborada and Albanova, third dam of Arc winner Alpinista).
Darshaan is also the sire of star miler Mark Of Esteem, a highly successful broodmare sire. Among the number of top-class performers produced by Mark Of Esteem mares are the Gr1 winners Treasure Beach (Galileo), Triple Time (Frankel), Ajman Princess (Teofilo), Masked Marvel (Montjeu)
and Amadeus Wolf (Mozart).
Mark Of Esteem’s daughters include the outstanding broodmare Reem Three, dam of two Gr1 winners and granddam of both Gr1 Commonwealth Cup hero Inisherin (Shamardal), and triple Gr1 winner Rosallion (Blue Point).
Mark Of Esteem is also responsible for top-class South African broodmare Ireland, dam of three black type horses including dual Equus Champion Celtic Sea (Captain Al).
World Of Alice (Craig Zackey) wins the Betway Gr3 Fillies Mile while Fiery Pegasus (Oisin Murphy) holds on for second | Credit: JC Photos
RACHEL DELIVERS THE GOODS IN STYLE
South Africa’s only lady jockey, Rachel Venniker can ride with the best of them and she celebrated a Betway Summer Cup day double, rounded off with a powerful ride to win the R400 000 New Turf Carriers Gr3 Merchants on Mount Pilatus for Paul Matchett.
While Rachel has had to endure her personal challenges along the way, she is the consummate professional and delivered the goods in style for the Spong family and the Zimbabwe-born veteran, for whom she earlier
won the opening Juvenile race of the term on Rafeef’s daughter Glastonbury, in the first of the day.
In another open looking race with Tarry topweight Lucky Lad and Pistol Pete the chief protagonists, Rachel rode a patient race in the Merchants before delivering Mount Pilatus down the inside.
The son of Pomodoro has been consistency personified, and he powered home under a balanced ride for his maiden stakes success, clocking 67,15 secs for the 1160m.
Mount Pilatus powers home under SA’s only lady jockey, Rachel Venniker | Credit: JC Photos
Pistol Pete (18-10) stayed on for second, but after interfering with Melech (33-1) , an objection by trainer Roy Magner was considered – but overruled in the boardroom.
Sheldon (33-1) stayed on just ahead of Lucky Lad (4-1), who blew in the betting, and failed to fire.
A R170 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Mount Pilatus has won 4 races with 11 places from 17 starts for stakes of R582 250.
Raced by passionate owners Bryan & Taryn Spong, for whom this was a first graded stakes trophy, the winner was bred by Clifton Stud and is a son of Jet Master stallion Pomodoro out of the Crusade four-time winner, Covered In Snow.
THE SUMMER CUP THROUGH THE AGES
If time machines existed, we’d be able to roll back the years to 1886 for a fascinating experience of Johannesburg as a sprawling, untamed mining camp with layers of dust on every tent, and dreams of gold painting the air thick with ambition.
With the 135th Summer Cup staged at Turffontein on Saturday, let’s take some time to remember the incredible historic foundations of the horse race to which headline sponsor, Betway, has assigned R6-million, the richest racing purse ever for an established Grade 1 race on the African continent.
Imagine being in ‘Jozi’ at the time of the Gold Rush, witnessing rugged prospectors from every corner of the world converged on this
chaotic frontier, armed with pickaxes, pans and big dreams.
Nights were loud with chatter in dimly lit pubs and heated arguments erupting into brawls. By day, the lure of easy riches bred an insatiable hunger for competition - whether in the deeplevel shafts of the gold reefs or on the open ground above.
Amidst this raw and restless energy, a new pastime began to emerge. Horses brought in
Java, the original Summer Cup hero | Credit: 4Racing
to aid mining efforts or simply to accompany their owners, became central to a new kind of contest: races on a makeshift track established near the big miner’s camp.
They named it Turffontein - ‘clay fountain’, translated from Afrikaans. Here, fortunes could be wagered, and pride could be earned. In this bustling arena, the only laws were luck and brute strength - born from the thrill of the chase.
The first Summer Cup was named the ‘Johannesburg Turf Club Handicap’, worth the grand sum of £250 and held over a distance of 3200m on 15 June 1887. It was won by a horse called ‘Second’ (by Black Night), owned by Mr. A. Alison and ridden by jockey B. Gunnett. The trainer is not known.
The name of race was changed to the ‘Johannesburg Summer Handicap’ in December 1890 and held that until 1898, when the second Anglo-Boer war broke out and racing at the track was interrupted for two years.
Interestingly, during this period, the Turffontein grandstand and the area around the track were used to house prisoners in a concentration camp set up by the British Army. With its rich and diverse history, Turffontein Racecourse
was awarded a prestigious Blue Plaque, by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, in 2016.
The race re-emerged in December 1901, during the last few months of the war. It was renamed the ‘Johannesburg December Handicap’ for one renewal, before the ‘Johannesburg Summer Handicap’ was established in 1902. It was run over 1800m between 1906 and 1909 and became a 2000m contest in 1910. It was not renamed again until 1972, when the hotel chain, Holiday Inn, took up the sponsorship.
The ‘Holiday Inns’ became the ‘Sun International’ between 1984 and 1987; the Administrator’s Champion Stakes between 1988 and 1991; the ’Administrator’s Cup between 1992 and 1996 and the ‘Premier’s Cup for 1997 and 1998.
In 1999, the race was staged as the ‘Summer Handicap’ which was changed to the ‘Summer Cup’ in 2000. Between 2000 and 2021 a number of major sponsors took care of the stake, including Gomma-Gomma, Steinhoff and Sansui, until the online betting giant, Betway, took the mantle in 2022.
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Chasing Happiness (Aldo Domeyer) and Elegant Ice (Marco van Rensburg, yellow and pink cap) battle it out | Credit: JC Photos
RAFEEF FILLY BRINGS THE HAPPINESS
The Ridgemont team celebrated a glorious start to the Betway Summer Cup day at Turffontein on Saturday as the Rafeef filly Chasing Happiness dug deep to win a thrilling finish to the R300 000 Betway Gr3 Carry On Alice Stakes
“This was a lovely cherry to pick up,” quipped visiting Cape rider Aldo Domeyer who called on all his strength in the finish to win the Pick 6 opener by a nostril as the 6-1 shot made it three on the trot and registered her maiden stakes success in style.
Allowed to free-wheel a length off the pace set by One Fell Swoop, Chasing Happiness looked to have it all to do as Marco van Rensburg bounced Elegant Ice (10-1) into the lead at the 100m.
In a crackerjack spectacle, Domeyer got serious and Chasing Happiness got there in a time of 67, 74 secs. It was good to see Aldo’s veteran champion Dad, Andrew Fortune, at the lead in
Elegant Ice came within a heartbeat, with Garlandsofgreenery (33-1) completing the trifecta.
Tarry’s Mia Moo (6-1) was a further quarter length back in fourth, with the Gqeberha challenger Passschendaele running a cracker in fifth.
The tote favourite Mrs Browning finished well downfield.
Raced by the Wernars family, the winner was a R200 000 National Yearling Sale buy and took her stakes total to R472 375 with her fifth win and 5 places from 11 starts.
Another smashing daughter of Ridgemont star Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice), the winner is out of the three-time winner Kalami (Daylami).
In a Ripley’s believe it or not moment, we hear that Chasing Happiness was apparently named after her trainer, Johan Janse van Vuuren.
Good news for 4Racing and loyal tote punters –the R2 million carryover Pick 6 reached R7 627 654. It was paying R9 minimum after an open first leg.
Betway’s Jonathan Blumberg congratulates Aldo Domeyer | Credit: JC Photos
A VICTORY SO POETIC!
IN A COUNTRY WHERE WE DON’T ASPIRE TO GREAT DEPTHS IN OUR STAYING RANKS, IT’S FASCINATING TO WATCH THE PROGRESSIVE WYLIE HALL GELDING POETS WARRIOR AS HE GROWS IN CONFIDENCE
On Saturday at Turffontein, the 5yo made it three wins on the trot with an impressive gun-to-tape victory in the R300 000 Racehorse Owners Association non black-type Stayers.
The 3200m contest brought the curtain down on a bustling 2024 Betway Summer Cup day at Turffontein and provided plenty of entertainment as Gavin Lerena took the handsome chestnut out to lead.
Going into the first turn Poets Warrior led with ears pricked and that’s where he stayed, going all the way at 13-10 to beat the game Fire Away filly Explosive Bond (7-2) by a facile 3,25 lengths in a time of 211,11 secs for the 3200m.
Trained by the Azzie racing partnership, the winner is raced by Messrs G W Mackintosh & Justus van Wyk.
The Ambiance Stud-bred son of Durban July winner Wylie Hall (Redoute’s Choice) is out of the Rakeen mare, Lovely Jubbly, and has now won 6 races with 3 places from 12 starts for stakes of R564 625.
A R180 National Yearling Sale purchase, the lightly 5yo has clearly recovered from injury and will no doubt pay to follow over ground.
Lerena)
Philasande Mxoli delivers Good Council as Atarime (Rachel Venniker, blue cap) tries hard to get on terms. Safe Passage (Gavin Lerena, white pom-pom) stays on for third | Credit: JC Photos
In one of the best finishes of the afternoon at Turffontein on Saturday, the neversay-die Philasande Mxoli kept Stuart Pettigrew’s Good Council going to win the R300 000 Betway Summer Cup Consolation and put the lid on a tricky R273 130 Pick 6 dividend.
These big days tend to dish up the punting curved balls and the Place Accumalator paid all of R13 408, with Dave The King and The Specialist going west in the opening leg.
But cowboys don’t cry and the day looked like a great success, although attendance figures and tote turnovers – standard information in years gone by – would have been nice numbers to have seen published to get a perspective of the success beyond the obvious good vibe and proliferation of happy people.
Consolation races are always second prizes but after running third in the Betway Summer Cup with longshot Rule By Force’s part-owner Dayalan Chinsammy together with the River Palace Racing Syndicate & Waste Glass Recovery (Pty) Ltd (Nom: J H de Lange),
will be over the moon that the former Ashley Fortune-trained 5yo gelding found himself back in the winner’s box after an absence of twenty months.
Getting involved in a scrap with the determined Rachel Venniker on Atarime (11-2) is not what the young rider was looking for, but he emerged unscathed and was 0,20 lengths to the good as the Oratorio gelding dug deep to clock 126,24 secs for the 2000m.
In a throwback moment, the very talented Safe Passage (11-2) was in the mix, and he looked to have a say, but faded late to finish 1,30 lengths back in third.
A R150 000 CTS Ready To Run graduate, Good Council was bred by the famous home of fine wines and fast horses on the foothills of the majestic Helderberg, Avontuur.
A son of the their former internationally proven Danehill stallion Oratorio, he is out of past SA Horse Of The Year Legislate’s full sister Madame Justice (Dynasty).
A winner of 5 races with 9 places into the bargain for stakes of R693 500, Good Council could pay to follow now that he has found his winning tune.
Owner Dayalan Chinsammy rounded off the day on a high when Captainofthegreen, in whom he is a shareholder, won the last amid great celebrations.
The Atticus Finch connections celebrate their big win | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
4Racing report that the Betway Summer Cup 2024, Africa’s Richest Race, delivered a day of world-class racing, luxurious hospitality, colourful fashion and family entertainment at Turffontein Racecourse.
Fundi Sithebe, CEO of 4Racing, reflected on the event.
“We pride ourselves on being known as the People’s Operator – and today was all about the people. It was one of the biggest crowds we’ve had in Turffontein in the last few years, and was a great sight it was to see horse owners, trainers, punters, jockeys, fashionistas and thoroughbreds all come together at Turffontein for Africa’s Richest Race. The Betway Summer Cup is a celebration of the city’s energy, creativity, and resilience. Congratulations to Atticus Finch under the guidance of Calvin Habib.”
Betway Africa’s Jonathan Blumberg echoed this sentiment, commending the collaboration with 4Racing.
“Our partnership with 4Racing reflects our shared commitment to elevating horse racing in South Africa. Together, we’ve invested in creating an unforgettable experience for fans, competitors, and the broader community. Racing for Africa’s Richest purse has seen the crowds respond well and is a testament to our partnership with 4Racing and the potential to grow the sport. The Betway Summer Cup isn’t just a race – it’s a celebration of what’s possible when innovation and tradition come together.”
Held under the theme ‘Silks in the City,’ it was a dazzling fusion of colour on the track to bold fashion statements on the black carpet. The Betway Summer Cup encapsulated the spirit of Johannesburg – bold, unapologetic, and always buzzing with energy.
Reflecting on the day’s fashion, and floating fashion shows, Mzukisi Mbane, founder of Afro-Futuristic Pan-African fashion brand Imprint ZA, shared:
“The Betway Summer Cup is more than an event – it’s a canvas for South African creativity and individuality. Today’s fashion was a true reflection of our identity as a nation – bold, diverse, and deeply rooted in our culture. From the black carpet to the grandstands, there was an energy that reminded us why Jozi is the cultural heartbeat of Africa.”
The coveted title of Best Dressed was entrusted to an expert panel of judges: Mbane, Glamour Magazine editor Nontando Mposo, and renowned designer Kat van Duinen. Their impeccable eye for style and flair was fittingly rewarded with a suite of luxurious prizes. These included local travel and accommodation courtesy of SAA and Southern Sun as well as vouchers from various suppliers including, Juce Fragrances, Ring Master, Nikki Boutique and Frank Bespoke. Glamour Magazine and GQ subscriptions will crown the experience along with being hosted in premium hospitality for both the Classic Day and Champions Day at Turffontein in March 2025, ensuring their Summer Cup journey extends far beyond the day’s festivities.
Raceday guests in the Turffontein building were in for a treat, as they had their first experience of newly refurbished and renovated hospitality venues.
“After months of renovations, we are happy to welcome back our patrons to a refurbished venue on the third floor. This is where Racing Heritage meets Urban Sophistication. The oldworld charm and heritage of Turffontein has been given a fresh look with plush interiors, striking design elements and an audio-visual experience that will transform your Turffontein
A scintillating win for Atticus Finch and Calvin Habib| Credit: Candiese Lenferna
race day experience,” said Gareth Flusk
Senior Manager for Sponsorships and Marketing for 4Racing.
The after-party brought Turffontein alive after dark as Mi Casa delivered a performance that had the crowd on their feet. Their soulful hits, including ‘Jika’ and ‘La Vida’, turned the Summer Garden marquee into a vibrant dancefloor. The trio’s dynamic energy and captivating melodies united guests in a celebration of music, spirit, and Jozi’s unique rhythm, perfectly complementing the excitement of the day.
From trailblazing entrepreneurs to cultural icons, the Betway Summer Cup attracted a star-studded guest list that epitomised Johannesburg’s energy and diversity.
Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Betway ambassadors Siphiwe Tshabalala suited up to walk the black carpet, South African actress Zola Nombona turned heads with her metallic body-contoured dress, and celebrities such as former Miss South Africa Tansey Coetzee, Lunga Shabalala, added intrigue to an already electric atmosphere.
Jockeys in their silks step out | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
FINCH FLIES UP TO 121
Atticus Finch has had his merit rating raised from 112 to 121 following his success in the Betway Gr1 Summer Cup over 2000m on the Turffontein standside course on Saturday.
The Handicappers were of the view that the 2nd placed finisher Purple Pitcher made for a suitable line horse, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 123.
It must be borne in mind that Atticus Finch’s adjustment includes the under-sufferance amount of 7 points as this race was benchmarked at 119 = 54kg at the bottom end of the weights.
This benchmark ensures that the race keeps a minimum standard of 119.
The other runners to get increases in ratings were 3rd place finisher Rule By Force, who went up from 112 to 117 and 4th place finisher Madison Valley, who went up to 117 from 110.
Rule By Force was 7 points under sufferance but finished 2 points (1.15 length) behind the line horse and Madison Valley was 10 points under sufferance but finished 3 points (1.25 length) behind the line horse, hence their respective adjustments.
The following horses were given drops in ratings. Frances Ethel was dropped from 118 to 117, Puerto Manzano was dropped from 120 to 119, Future Pearl was dropped to 117 from 118, Litigation was dropped to 113 from 114, My Soul Mate was dropped by 3 pounds from 108 to 105, Hotarubi was dropped to 114 from 115 and lastly Pure Predator was dropped to 118 from 119.
Betway Gr2 Dingaans
Quid Pro Quo had her rating adjusted from
112 to 115 after her impressive win in the Betway Gr2 Dingaans over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the view that 2nd placed Fire Attack made for the most suitable line horse here and he remained on a rating of 111.
In assessing Quid Pro Quo’s winning margin, the Handicappers observed that this filly won by far easier than the numerical official margin and further noted that she was clearly eased down before the finish, hence her adjustment to 115 from 112.
Greaterix, was adjusted to 106 from 105 while 4th placed Parisian Walkway and 5th placed Chestnut Bomber were raised from 97 to 101 and 97 to 99 respectively. The only other horse that was given an increase was Zanthar, who was increased from 83 to 86 to ensure that he is not rated lower than the 85 rated Dance King who he beat at level weights here.
Two horses were given ratings drops of 2 pounds each, Waheed and Zip Code were both dropped from 107 to 105 and 94 to 92 respectively.
New Turf Carriers Gr3 Merchants
Mount Pilatus saw his merit rating increased from 100 to 106 after he accounted for his rivals in the New Turf Carriers Gr3 Merchants over 1160m at Turffontein on Saturday.
Here it was 3rd placed Melech who was considered to be the most suitable line horse, leaving him unchanged on a rating of 117.
The Handicappers noted that Melech was carried in, in the concluding stages and objected against the runner-up Pistol Pete, however the Stewards were of the opinion that Melech would not have finished ahead of Pistol Pete and overruled the objection.
The Handicappers also felt that the runner-up Pistol Pete was unexposed at open Grade 3 handicap level and ruled him out as a suitable line horse. He was the only other runner besides the winner to have his rating increased and was adjusted from 112 to 113.
The following horses were given drops, Sheldon was dropped from 110 to 108, Rulership was dropped from 119 to 118, Red Bomber was dropped from 107 to 104 and Quantum Theory was dropped from 111 to 109 and Gimmeanotherchance was dropped to 112 from 115.
Betway Gr3 Fillies Mile
World Of Alice was increased to 108 from 101 after winning the Betway Gr3 Fillies Mile over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday.
The Handicappers were of the opinion that the 4th placed finisher Frozen Fantasy made for the most suitable line horse and she remained on a rating of 103.
The runner-up Fiery Pegasus who finished 0.25 lengths behind the 108 rated winner, was adjusted accordingly to 107 from 105.
Willy Meet Again had to be capped at a rating of 102 even after beating the 103 rated line horse Frozen Fantasy at level weights, courtesy of the arbitrary ratings cap of 4 points for the placed runners in the race conditions.
No runners received drops to their ratings in this event.
Betway Gr3 Carry On Alice Stakes
Chasing Happiness had her rating adjusted from 103 to 109 after narrowly landing the Betway Gr3 Carry On Alice Stakes over 1160m at Turffontein.
4th placed Mia Moo was considered to be the most suitable line horse here and she remained unchanged on a mark of 103.
The runner-up Elegant Ice and 3rd placed Garlandsofgreenery had to be capped to ratings of 108 and 94 respectively, courtesy of the arbitrary 3 points cap placed on rating adjustments in the race conditions.
Two fillies were given a drop of 1 point each, Troppo Veloce was dropped to 106 from 107 and One Fell Swoop was dropped to 103 from 104.
• Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 03 December 2024.
CALLED GIRL POWER!
Hollie Doyle rode her 1000th career winner at Goodwood, West Sussex, in September | Credit: HKJC
Our own fairer sex history-maker Rachel Venniker was bang on target with a double at Turffontein on Betway Summer Cup day, and today we look East to two women whose passion for riding and racing was nurtured in the English countryside and are determined to create history in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley.
Hollie Doyle, 28, who rode her 1000th career winner at Goodwood, West Sussex, in September, 2024, and Rachel King, 34, Oxfordborn but now a ‘true blue’ Aussie after 11 years riding in Sydney, will bid to register a first female win in the series.
“It’s an honour to be selected,” says Doyle, “The HKJC (Hong Kong Jockey Club) pick jockeys from the best around the world that they know will be competitive and serious in their attempt to win the trophy. It creates quite an intense atmosphere.
“We all get on great. We know each other from travelling the world, but everyone is there
for only one thing, and that is to win. It is the atmosphere it should be when you are riding at that level, competing for that amount of money. It’s intense, and that’s how I like it really,” she adds.
In 2020, Doyle became the first female to win a leg of the LONGINES IJC and went on to take equal third overall, while the following year she went one better to finish joint second. This is the fifth consecutive year she has been selected.
“I keep praying I will be asked back. It’s such a great competition. I hope I can get my name on that trophy one day. It would mean so much,” she said.
Doyle’s father was a jumps jockey and her mother regularly rode in Arab horse races. Around horses from a very early age, she was a member of a Herefordshire pony club before riding in her first pony race at the age of nine pony racing is a popular training ground for future jockeys — and after leaving school she took a job at a stable in Wales before a stint
Rachel King will bid to register a
riding trackwork at Santa Anita, California, at the age of 16.
Rachel King has many parallels with Doyle. King was also brought up with horses; her father raced point-to-pointers — a purely amateur form of jump racing that is often a shop window for future National Hunt stars — and she hunted with the Old Berks, one of the oldest hunts in Britain.
Initially, she rode over jumps as an amateur with limited success for dual-purpose trainer Alan King (no relation) and dabbled in Flat racing, riding one winner when apprenticed to Mark Usher. She then reverted to the amateur ranks and joined Clive Cox as a racing secretary with occasional rides in amateur Flat races.
But the turning point in her career came when she ventured to Sydney, working first for the Bart and James Cummings partnership before joining Gai Waterhouse as a stablehand for 12 months, a placement that progressed to the re-booting of her riding career, which was so successful she won the Sydney champion apprentices title in 2016/17.
“My big break as a jockey came winning the Spring Champion Stakes on Maid Of Heaven for Mark Newnham (Randwick, October, 2018). It was my first Group 1, a real milestone,” King said. She has gone on to win another four Group 1s, including the prized Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), a stallion-making race, at Flemington last year.
The parallels don’t end there. In early November this year, both women rode at the Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar before both flying on to ride in the Gr1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington only days later. Success eluded them in both places. In the Melbourne Cup,
Doyle came in 14th aboard Sea King, while King finished 21st on The Map.
The day after the Cup, Doyle flew out to join husband Tom Marquand in Japan, where their riding contracts have been extended to 13 January. King flew back to her base in Sydney but she, too, has another stint lined up in Japan, which will start in the New Year.
It seems the two women are also members of a mutual admiration society. Doyle says of King: “I remember years ago riding against Rachel in an Arab race in England when I was a young kid. It is amazing what she has achieved in Australia. We see each other occasionally on the international circuit and we get along well.”
King says of Doyle: “Hollie is great, a lovely girl. I admire everything she’s done. I couldn’t do what she’s done in England. I tried but I couldn’t break through. She’s done an incredible job for all female jockeys over there. She paved the way for them.”
Now it is all up to what horses the two women are allocated in the LONGINES IJC. It is literally the luck of the draw, though these days a computerised formula is used to evenly spread the more attractive mounts. Either would be a worthy winner of the LONGINES IJC while adding another historic chapter to a great tournament.
The final word goes to Rachel King: “I don’t know what it is about the sport but wherever I’ve gone in the world, I’ve got along with the other girls. The girls are very close. Even with the travelling, I enjoy these meetings. They
bring a different aspect. It makes you just that little bit more competitive. You are representing your country, which means there’s more pressure. But it’s pressure that I enjoy.”
The LONGINES IJC is the most prestigious jockey challenge in the world and the most lucrative for the winning rider.
The four races are worth a combined HK$7.5 million in prize money. Meanwhile, a total prize
fund of HK$1 million in bonus money for the most successful riders will be split three ways, with the winner set to receive HK$600,000 with HK$250,000 for second and HK$150,000 for third, respectively.
2023 LONGINES IJC winner Vincent Ho and Hong Kong Champion Jockey Zac Purton will pit their wits and skills against their homebased rivals and eight overseas challengers –including the ladies!
MUSCUTT’S BEVIE BOUNCES BACK IN STYLE
A sister to Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas prospect Boundless Energy and a mare with a back story of perseverance, Peter Muscutt’s Bevies Delight fought on courageously to win the R120 000 non black-type River Indigo Handicap at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
Following the finding of a forbidden substance after her dead-heat victory on 17 September 2023, Bevies Delight was banned from racing for a year under Rule 74.3 and crowned her return to action after two runner-up cheques, with a deserved reward for her owners when staying on to win the Sunday feature.
After hitting her customary flat-spot late in the straight, Bevies Delight (5-2) asserted her authority under the in-form Gavin Lerena to hold off Warrior Royale (9-4) by 1,10 lengths in a time of 83,95 secs for the 1400m. The beautiful grey Perilla (10-1) stayed on for third, a neck back. Only 2,10 lengths separated the six-horse field.
Bred by Maine Chance Farms, Bevies Delight is a daughter of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the four-time winning Dynasty mare Bella Spumante.
She has now won 2 races with 4 places from 16 starts for stakes of approximately R220 000.
Earlier on in the afternoon, Ridgemont-bred Corne Spies juggernaut William Robertson registered his twelfth career victory and took his stakes earned to over R2 million when winning the sixth, a R120 000 Pinnacle Stakes.
Claiming apprentice Trent Mayhew has formed a solid partnership with the no nonsense 6yo and again did the honours.
Gavin Lerena keeps Bevies Delight at her task as Perilla (Rachel Venniker) stays on for third | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
KZN RACING – THE NEW DAWN TAKES SHAPE
Greg Bortz and Justin Vermaak address KZN stakeholders at Summerveld recently | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.
The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).
Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own
risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.
Please click here for the programme and related reading matter.
Subject to the fulfilment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.
The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.
Paul Lafferty makes a point,watched by Nicolette Roscoe and Michel Nairac | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.
“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.
“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better
field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddlecloths. So there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.
Paul Gadbsy takes the mic as Mark Dixon, Michael Roberts and Doug Campbell listen in | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
DAUGHTER OF QUERARI FLASHES THROUGH LATE
Siesta Sunset (Mathew Thackeray) heads for home | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Summerveld trainer
Mike Miller is a master when it comes to prepping early 2yo’s and it was hardly a surprise when his charges ran 1-2-3 in the opening juvenile race of the KZN racing season at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
The 800 scurry capped the major centre introductions for the youngsters countrywide and was won with a late rattle by Ben Sahd’s Querari filly Siesta Sunset (10-1), who came through late under Mathew Thackeray to cut down her more fancied and very pacy stablemate Holds The Key (15-10) in the Bipot opener.
The winning jockey said that he had opted to side with the filly after the final work last week. It certainly showed his judgement, as she clocked 46,2 secs to beat her stable companion going away by 1,20 lengths.
The Captain Of All colt Atlantic Breeze (20-1) was a further 1,10 lengths back.
The Waterford Stud-bred winner is out of the well-related Peintre Celebre mare, Tramontina.
Twenty four hours earlier, the first Highveld baby race of the season was also won by a filly.
The Paul Matchett-trained Glastonbury, a daughter of Rafeef bred by Pippa Mickleburgh
out of the Gimmethegreenlight mare Gimme London, cost R250 000 at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale.
On 23 November, Cape Racing opened their sparkling juvenile programme with the R250 000 Futurity Plate, run over the 800m straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Justin Snaith’s ‘talking’ horse Black Cheetah, a half-brother to the top yard’s classic prospect Great Plains, stamped his authority after running green and being marginally outpaced early on.
Bred by Drakenstein Stud, Black Cheetah is, like Siesta Sunset, also a son of Querari (Oasis Dream) out of the one-time winning Var mare, Mara. He is raced in a partnership of the breeder and Fiona Carmichael’s Westward Bloodstock Ltd.
A R1 million Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, he was a horse that trainer Justin Snaith admitted that he had fallen in love with when he arrived at the yard.
Number 5! First Wish makes it five on the trot for Richard Fourie
Credit: Pauline Herman
FIVE FOR FOURIE AT FAIRVIEW
Reigning SA Champion jockey Richard Fourie enjoyed his biggest day under the Ridgemont flag when he rode the first five winners on the Fairview card on Friday.
In a storming display of polished raceriding, Fourie grabbed the first five winners in succession, commencing with a smart debut victory for the Alan Greeff-trained Ridgemont bred and raced Gimmethegreenlight filly Walkontheside.
Fourie grabbed one for the Snaiths when Noodsberg shed her maiden in the second as the only runner for the champion yard.
The next three Fourie winners were for Alan Greeff, with My Best Shot winning the third, Arabian Red the fourth and First Wish the fifth.
Fourie took his season win tally to 74 (24,75%) and trails Gavin Lerena on 78 winners (26,8%).
The next Fairview racemeeting is on the polytrack on Friday 6 December, when the Founders Trophy heads the programme.
A STYLISH VICTORY FROM SIR GINO AT NEWCASTLE
Young pretenders Sir Gino and Lossiemouth served notice to their respective champion stable companions that they are ready to compete at the highest level.
On Saturday, Sir Gino maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles with a stylish victory in the Gr1 BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Re-routed from a prospective chasing career following the injury setback sustained by his unbeaten stablemate Constitution Hill, Nicky Henderson’s charge was keen through the race but went to the front on the bridle two out.
The only question was what the winner would find after the last under Nico De Boinville and the answer was plenty, the four-year-old
bounding eight lengths clear of the race-fit Lump Sum in second.
Henderson noted: “I think the first reaction is relief. We’ve not pretended we didn’t believe he was very good, and he looked it there. You have got to say watching this today you might be more inclined to stay over hurdles and leave chasing for next season, but let’s see. He is a very good jumper no matter what you put in front of him, a fence, or a hurdle.”
Last season’s Group 1 winning novice hurdler Mystical Power may have disappointed at Newcastle, but his Willie Mullins trained stablemate Lossiemouth was the toast of the town at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
The five-year-old mare put herself firmly in
The 2024 BetMGM UK Fighting Fifth Hurdle boasted the biggest field since 2006 on Saturday Credit: Newcastle Racecourse
the Champion Hurdle picture after a sublime performance over defending champ Teahupoo in the Gr1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.
Billed as the Stayers’ Hurdle winner against the new Champion Hurdle favourite over a perfect intermediate trip, this proved very one-sided on ground plenty quick enough for the former.
With three of the four runners, trainer Gordon Elliott held the tactical key to the 2m4f contest. However, despite Beacon Edge setting the fractions and Maxxum sitting on Lossiemouth’s girth early on, neither of which made Paul Townend’s life any easier on the keen-running 4-7 favourite, their combined efforts weren’t nearly enough. She was simply far too good.
Sam Ewing led two from home on Teahupoo, but Paul Townend was waiting in behind for as long as he could. Finally, inside the wings of
the final hurdle, he put his rival out of its misery. Lossiemouth pinged the last and cruised nearly four lengths clear under a motionless Townend.
“Once it came down to a speed race, I had no doubt we were going to win,” Mullins mused after securing his fourth Hatton’s Grace. She has gears, she is bred for speed and that always comes in handy when they are going steady. I couldn’t believe they went so slow.”
Elliott expressed himself delighted with Teahupoo, suggesting time might prove he faced a particularly formidable task.
Bookmakers reacted by hardening Lossiemouth into 7-4 (from 5-2) favouritism for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, a race for which Mullins also has reigning champ State Man (4/1) as well, with Sir Gino a general 4/1 shot.
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GALAXY PATCH TUNES UP FOR LONGINES MILE
Galaxy Patch took another crucial step towards the HK$36 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile on 8 December, with a solid barrier trial under race rider Vincent Ho at Sha Tin on Friday, 29 November.
Settling in a familiar rearward position, Galaxy Patch was allowed to balance up before cruising through the seven-horse field over the closing stages to finish fourth, one and three-quarter lengths behind stablemate Beauty Waves, who defeated Pray For Mir by half a length to win the 1200m dirt hit-out in 1m 10.75s.
Pitted against five other LONGINES Hong Kong
International Races (HKIR) entrants – Beauty Waves, Taj Dragon (third), Invincible Sage (fifth), Beauty Eternal (sixth) and Ensued (sixth) – Galaxy Patch pleased trainer Pierre Ng.
“With Galaxy Patch, I told Vincent just to switch him off in the early stages, save ground on the corner and he seemed willing to finish off well enough in the straight, which is what we wanted and hopefully he can time it right this
Galaxy Patch will contest the Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile on 8 December | Credit: HKJC
time,” Ng said. “We want him to run the last 400m strong.”
Beaten as a 1.7 favourite when third in the Gr2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile behind Voyage Bubble, Galaxy Patch remains a work in progress for Ng, who continues to work on the mercurial galloper’s racing manners.
Ng was delighted with Beauty Waves’ impressive showing under Alexis Badel ahead of the gelding’s tilt at the HK$26 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint.
“Beauty Waves was very keen in the trial, he’s fit and well but he’s racing against a very good horse (Ka Ying Rising, in the Hong Kong Sprint) – we’re hoping he can get second this time,” Ng said.
Taj Dragon will contest the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile with Ng indicating the 112-rater will be set for the Gr3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap on 1 January after tackling Sunday’s feature.
“Taj Dragon, at this level it is very competitive for him, so we’re just taking him along and hoping he will run well and we’re aiming him for the Group 3 on the 1st of January,” Ng said.
Red Lion (LONGINES Hong Kong Mile) finished second to Glorious Journey in the second 1200m batch as Ka Ying Generation (HK$24 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase) crossed the line in 11th position.
Howdeepisyourlove impressed with a strong-finishing second to John Size-trained
stablemate Wunderbar over 1050m. Rattling home from the turn under James McDonald, Howdeepisyourlove surged to within half a length of Wunderbar, who clocked 1m 00.91s.
Ka Ying Rising continued a smooth preparation for the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin this morning, working over 1200m in 1m 26.80s with stablemate Chateauneuf, gradually
building tempo after splits of 33.4s and 31.1s before gliding over the final 400m in 22.3s.
Without A Fight completed a leisurely familiarisation gallop on Sha Tin’s turf course as the Gr1 Caulfield Cup and Gr1 Melbourne Cup winner continued his build-up to the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase.
Beauty Waves goes to the line hard-held under Alexis Badel | Credit: HKJC
Vincent Ho wins the International Jockeys Championship on December 7, at Happy Valley in Hong Kong, China
Credit: Alex Evers/HKJC
HO CHASING BACK-TO-BACK LONGINES IJC GLORY
THE LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS’ CHAMPIONSHIP (IJC) HAS MEANT A LOT TO LEADING HOMEGROWN JOCKEY VINCENT HO, WHO HAS JUST JOINED ONE OF HORSE RACING’S MOST ELITE CLUBS WITH HIS 600TH HONG KONG WINNER ON WEDNESDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2023.
The LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) has meant a lot to leading homegrown jockey Vincent Ho, who has just joined one of horse racing’s most elite clubs with his 600th Hong Kong winner on Wednesday, 27 November.
Victor of the last year’s edition of LONGINES IJC, Ho not only hailed it as one of his career highlights but also the event provided him a learning opportunity to compete with other world-class riders, so he can keep improving to become a better jockey.
Ho will bid for consecutive success in the LONGINES IJC at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 4 December, and this year he
will faces a group of global elites, namely Zac Purton, James McDonald, Ryan Moore, Hugh Bowman, Karis Teetan, Hollie Doyle, Rachel King, Yuga Kawada, William Buick and Colin Keane in a four-race series.
Ho said: “Since I started my riding career, I always wanted to be one of the IJC participating jockeys and now I treasure every opportunity to be part of it and enjoying it. All the participating jockeys are experienced world-class riders, on and off the track we have plenty of chances to share. This is really a golden chance to improve yourself.”
Ho recalled that he thought his allocated rides last year were all quite good, he admitted that he wasn’t too confident to be the ultimate champion.
“After all they were all top-class jockeys and I could only do the best I can. Don’t forget in jockeys’ challenge like this there were a lot of factors determining success. It was quite a pleasant surprise to me to take the ultimate honours last year,” Ho said.
“It is true that we enjoyed a bit of home advantage and we are in a better position to respond timely on any sudden changes in track condition. However, other rivals also have no lack of experiences riding in different tracks of the world and therefore they won’t have problems in dealing with the Happy Valley track.
“All along, I am eager to participate jockeys’ challenge all over the world, as I had the
experience in participating the Shergar Cup in Britain and the World All-Star Jockeys series in Japan. These events helped me to have more riding experiences in different racetracks which will be beneficial to my career.
“Looking ahead to this year’s IJC, I will try my best in every race and I don’t feel any pressure at all. The rivals are all world-class and they can provide a good lesson for me. But, of course, it will be great if I can win again.”
Meanwhile, Ho is hopeful with Galaxy Patch, who will contest the HK$36 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile on Sunday.
Ho said: “Galaxy Patch pulled up well after the BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile last time and it was a good performance for him to finish a gallant third on the track condition that didn’t favour horses coming from behind. The horse kept on improving and he is the type of horse with big stride and has good stamina. I believe he will further improve in this year’s LONGINES Hong Kong Mile.”
BALDING EYES HONG KONG FEATURE WITH THE FOXES
English trainer Andrew Balding is hoping to turn back the clock 20 years when he hands The Foxes the formidable task of taking on the globally acclaimed local champion Romantic Warrior in the HK$40 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on 8 December.
Balding is fully aware of the magnitude of the assignment but he is confident the four-yearold, who won the Gr2 Dante Stakes at York last year before finishing a respectable fifth behind Auguste Rodin in the Gr1 Derby Stakes at Epsom, can bounce back to his best.
“He’s got a fair bit to find with Romantic Warrior, but I think we are certainly in the mix with the others. He has come out of his recent win at Newcastle very well and I can’t feel we could have him any better. He’s a horse we have always thought a lot of,” he points out.
The Foxes is a four-time winner for King Power Racing | Credit: HKJC
After Epsom, The Foxes travelled to America to finish a brave second to Far Bridge in the Gr1 Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes before finishing last of four runners in the Gr1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York. Injury concerns surfaced and it took some time to get him back on track.
“We had issues with him straight after he returned from New York. But with plenty of time off and careful rehabilitation, he seems right back to his best. He showed that he was back on his A Game when he beat Dubai Honour at Newcastle.
“Dubai Honour admittedly carried a penalty that day, but The Foxes won well and Oisin Murphy felt there was plenty left in the locker. Looking again at the form of his Dante win, and before that the Royal Lodge as a two-year-old, he has rubbed shoulders with the best in Europe,” he adds.
The Foxes carries the blue and white colours of King Power, the company founded by the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash in October 2018. The company are Thailand’s leading operator of airport duty free stores, and Vichai also took over Leicester City FC in the English Premier League. King Power have 20 horses at Balding’s stable at Kingsclere and are the stable sponsor.
The ‘Chairman’s Yard’ there is named in memory of Vichai, whose picture is prominently placed on one of the walls.
Since the father’s death, his son Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, also known as ‘Top,’ has taken over as chairman of Leicester FC and runs the King Power business. Balding says: ‘Top’ is a pretty useful polo player and he understands horses. He’s always taken a keen interest in the racing amongst all his other things such as the football and the business.
“He’s very supportive and it would give us great pleasure to win this for him. The football season is in full swing and Leicester have a home game at the weekend, so I don’t know his plans,” he adds.
Balding is wanting to revive happy memories. In 2004, he saddled the remarkably successful globetrotter Phoenix Reach to win the Hong Kong Vase, ridden by Martin Dwyer.
The gelding would also win the Dubai Sheema Classic, the Canadian International and finish second in the Singapore Airlines International Cup.
“We haven’t had a horse for Hong Kong for several years. But it’s always something we would like to do. If we have the right horse, Hong Kong is on the agenda.”
The trainer concludes with an interesting observation: “I think The Foxes is quite similar to Phoenix Reach, to be honest.”
Andrew Balding is one of Great Britain’s most-famous trainers | Credit: HKJC
2025 INGLIS EASTER YEARLING SALE – A SELECTION OF THE BEST
The sale renowned as “The Best of the Best”, the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, will again live up to that reputation in 2025 with the catalogue for next year’s edition nearing completion.
While the catalogue will not officially be finalised until mid-January, Inglis unveiled a preview on Friday, 29 November, with a selection of the best pedigrees to showcase some of the extraordinary confirmed entries for the sale, which will be held at Riverside Stables on April 6 and 7 next year.
Among the hugely significant entries for the 2025 Easter Sale are:
• A brother to triple Gr1-winning mare Forbidden Love
• A half-sister to Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes winner El Castello
• A brother to Champion 2YO Militarize
• A half-sister to dual Gr1 winner She’s Extreme
• A Home Affairs half-sister to dual Gr1 winner Artorius
• An I Am Invincible half-sister to star 2YO Coolangatta
• A half-brother to Gr1 winner Autumn Angel
• A half-brother to Gr1 winners Lady Shenandoah and Stronger
• A sister to Gr1 winner Wild Ruler
• A brother to Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland
• A So You Think half brother to champion mare Jameka
• A Too Darn Hot half-sister to star mare I Am Me
• A sister to Gr1 Thousand Guineas winner Joliestar
• A sister to emerging 3YO colt Growing Empire
• A brother to four-time Gr1 winner Tofane
• A half-brother to dual Gr1 winner Sunshine In Paris
There are also foals of star mares including Arcadia Queen, Aristia, Bella Vella, Bring Me Roses, California Zimbol, Catchy, Celebrity
Queen, Chintz, Dame Giselle, El Dorado Dreaming, English, Every Rose, Foxplay, Go Indy Go, Hips Don’t Lie, Hungry Heart, I Am Excited, Invincibella, Invincible Star, Kenedna, Lighthouse, Loire, Macroura, Madam Legend, Madam Rouge, Media Sensation, Miss Leonidas, Missile Mantra, Missybeel, Mizzy, Mossfun, Nakeeta Jane, Pecans, Personal, Pippie, Plucky Belle, Princess Coup, Qafila, Red Tracer, Shoals, Shout The Bar, Sierra Sue, Silent Sedition, Snitzerland, Spanish Whisper, Spright, Subpoenaed, Swift Witness, Twilight Royale, Unforgotten, Vulpine etc.
Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch is delighted with the support of the sale by Australia and New Zealand’s leading breeders and vendors.
“Make no mistake, the Easter Yearling Sale catalogue will again be without peer in the Southern Hemisphere in 2025 in terms of overall quality,’’ Hutch said.
“There are drafts of yearlings coming to Easter from the likes of Arrowfield, Coolmore, Widden,
Yarraman, Vinery, Segenhoe, Sledmere, Yulong, Newgate, North Bloodstock, Kia Ora, Gilgai, Cressfield etc which are very much in keeping with the traditions of the sale.
“The catalogue is going to be smaller than last year, but the concentration of quality is going to be high and it’s hard not to be excited about the sale.
“The sale is again going to be a fabulous spectacle at Riverside in what is just a great fun time for the industry in Sydney, between Days 1 and 2 of The Championships.’’
The catalogue for the 2025 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale will be finalised and announced in mid-January.
