SOQRAT! SALUTE
SUN SETS ON NATIONALS
22 Sold On Gold! A top two days 37 Salute Soqrat
First stakes break for Sandown star 64
Speed Rules
The Mythical Flight magic 84 The Merits
The handicappers have their say 88 Clock The Action Time is money!
On the cover I Salute You (Muzi Yeni) goes head to head with Selukwe (Serino Moodley) to win the WSB Listed Sledgehammer at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. Candiese Lenferna took the photograph. Read more on page 6.
Issue: 15/2025
Good things come to those who wait, an adage James Armitage of Sandown Stud will no doubt attest to. He stands Shadwell’s accomplished triple Gr1 winner Soqrat, whose fortunes received a huge boost in a matter of just three days.
It all started last Thursday on the second day of the National Yearling Sale, when Drakenstein Stud sold a high quality Soqrat colt for an even million, an auspicious occasion given that he became the first of his sire’s progeny to break through the seven-figure barrier.
Named Swaziland, the colt is the first foal of East Cape Oaks winner Swazi Queen, from a female line which has gone from strength to strength this season, courtesy of Gr3 Cape
Classic winner and Gr1 Cape Guineas third Great Plains, not to mention juvenile filly Green Diamond, who cracked her maiden in the Gr2
SA Nursery on just her second start.
On to Sunday and Soqrat’s three-year-old I Salute You, who stepped into the spotlight as his sire’s first stakes winner when he came out tops in a stirring battle to win Hollywoodbets Scottsville’s Listed Sledgehammer.
The Peter Muscutt-trained colt has made steady progress since cracking his maiden at the Maritzburg track in September. That was over 1200m, to which he has since added two more wins over a mile at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
Muscutt, who had sourced I Salute You from the National 2YO Sale, remarked in the postrace interview: “I basically wanted to see where we were with him in the pecking order. Based on today’s run, obviously he’s a horse well above average and loves a scrap.”
Muscutt feels his new stakes winner is maturing into a decent middle-distance prospect. “I always thought he was a ten-furlong horse. He did take a little time to wind up in the
straight, but when he hit the line, he hit it strong, so he may still stay further.”
I Salute You was bred at Sandown on behalf of Shadwell Estate and needless to say, James was over the moon with the events of the last three days. “Great news, it was wonderful to see Soqrat rewarded with a million Rand yearling.”
Remarkably, Swaziland was the sole representative of his sire to go through the ring at last week’s sale. “Sadly, Soqrat hasn’t received as many mares as we would have liked since he’s gone to stud,” James added. “He’s really had to do it the hard way, he
doesn’t have the numbers. That said, he gets good-looking stock and trainers seem to like them, they have sold solidly from day one.”
I Salute You is a case in point, as Muscutt had to outlay R450 000 to secure his latest stakes winner, who is out of the dual winning Var mare Varachino, from the female line of Vodacom
Durban July hero Hunting Tower.
The Sledgehammer winner is not the only Soqrat in the Muscutt stable, he also trains juvenile daughter Jordash, a facile maiden winner second time out at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Ros Coetzee welcomes Muzi Yeni and I Salute You after the Listed Sledgehammer win | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
James was quick to point out another decent Soqrat around: “Don’t forget Sohot Sowhat, she’s won two of her first three starts.”
Trained by Lucinda Woodruff, the three-year-old just failed to make it a hat-trick of wins when beaten a longhead, whilst giving the winner almost 6 kg. Out of Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas runner-up , she too, is a Shadwell-bred born and raised at Sandown.
As for I Salute You’s dam Varachino, James reports that she is currently not in foal, but may well return to Soqrat in the spring.
In the meantime, Peter Muscutt is looking forward to further improvement from her son: “He’s very gutsy. He’s a progressive sort, he continues to mature well and he’s a nice horse for the future.”
Soqrat – dual Gr1 winning racehorse | Credit: Supplied
ANOTHER DIRECT HIT FOR CANFORD CLIFFS? GOOD FRIDAY AT FAIRVIEW
A trio of Ridgemont bred daughters of five-time Gr1 winning stallion Canford Cliffs look set to dominate Friday’s Fairview headliner, the R175 000 East Cape Nursery.
Canford Cliffs has had 5 winners from 9 juvenile starters this season, with an average earnings per runner of R231 655 that outstrips any of his opponents on the 2yo Sires log. He could well add to those numbers on Friday.
Racing on Good Friday was frowned upon in days past, but it seems that it is no longer a point of debate and after the postponement
of the Hollywoodbets Greyville racemeeting that was carded for the evening, Fairview is a standalone on the first day of the Easter long weekend.
Multiple champion trainer Alan Greeff saddles five of the nine runners, including the Canford Cliffs trio headed by the undefeated Direct Hit, who comes in off a two month break after
Unbeaten Canford Cliffs flyer Direct Hit looks tough to oppose on Friday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
travelling to the Cape to achieve a sensational victory in the R1 million SplashOut Gr3 Cape Of Good Hope Nursery.
After a runaway win at home at short odds on debut, Direct Hit came out firing on all cylinders to prove that she is going places and scored in a race won last year by this season’s champion sophomore, One Stripe.
Bred by the high-riding Ridgemont team, Direct Hit is out of the six-time winning Great Britain speedball Wrecking Ball, who won the 2017 Gr3 Tommy Hotspur Handicap.
One imagines that Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on 31 May could well be in the plans, but for
now jockey choice and form suggest she could make it three on the trot on Friday.
Instaworthy is the most experienced of the Canford Cliffs trio and may have just needed it when well beaten into third behind stablemate
Anotherdanceforme in the East Cape Nursery last time.
Course and distance debut winner Hot Sauce did little wrong when sauntering in at her first start and could be anything.
The feature is the eighth race on the nine race programme and is off at 16h10.
COMEBACK! VICTOR LOOKING
Victor The Winner – don’t ignore this fellow! | Credit: HKJC
Trainer David Eustace hopes Victor The Winner can rebound in Sunday week’s (27 April) HK$22 million Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize on FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin.
Unplaced in five local runs since capturing the 2024 HK$13 million Gr1 Centenary Sprint Cup as a 37/1 outsider, Victor The Winner has twice been to Japan – and performed admirably at the elite level – but hasn’t recaptured the heights which saw him win five races from his first eight starts before snaring a surprise Group 1 triumph.
Stepping out for a barrier trial on Monday 14 April at Sha Tin ahead of his Group 1 assault, Victor The Winner bounded to his habitual leading position to make all under Karis Teetan in a time of 1m 10.09s ahead of Chancheng Glory and Invincible Shield.
Eustace said: “He trialled well. He needed a solid hit-out. He stumbled a touch coming out of the gates but he rolled along nicely in front which, obviously, is his style. He’s got the blinkers on and he’s trained well in blinkers, so he’ll wear them.”
The Toronado gelding will have his first start since 19 January’s Centenary Sprint Cup, where he finished a well-beaten eighth behind Ka Ying Rising, and second start for Eustace.
“He looks great and his action is good but he needs to turn his form around. I’m hopeful that he can, albeit well aware that he’s having to do it in one of the season’s strongest races,” Eustace said.
Victor The Winner faces stiff opposition led by the world’s highest-rated sprinter Ka Ying Rising. Japan is represented by Satono Reve, Lugal, Danon McKinley and A Shin Fencer in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize.
“We’re just hopeful of some sort of return to form. He’s a very sound horse and he looks great. He’s been very genuine in his work, so hopefully he can transfer that to the track.
“He’s done a lot in his career but he needs to run well. He’s done a remarkable job and
hopefully he can show something,” Eustace said.
Read more Hong Kong racing content on page 109.
MILLION MANIA HITS BSA
NATIONAL YEARLING SALE
Candiese Lenferna
The 2025 Bloodstock South Africa National Yearling Sale, held at the TBA Complex at Gosforth Park on Thursday and Friday last week, once again proved why it remains South Africa’s premier bloodstock auction.
Despite a decrease in the horse population and the sale of just 305 lots - 39 fewer than last year - the sale rose to expectations, achieving an impressive aggregate of R171,975,000 and an exceptional average of R563,852 per lot sold. This remarkable result underscored the
National Sale’s ongoing ability to attract serious investment, even in the face of a smaller offering.
With 43 yearlings fetching over R1 million, the sale showed the depth of quality and demand.
From the very first lot, which fetched R3,25 million, to the second-last lot at R1,1 million, the spread of million-rand sales from top to bottom, across two days, highlighted its continued strength and broad appeal.
Carol and Lucinda Woodruff enjoying the viewing | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Quality yearlings attracted serious interest at every level, offering opportunities for buyers across the spectrum, from high-end investors to value-seekers with an eye on the budget. Only 11 lots passed through the ring, unsold. Michael Holmes, CEO of Bloodstock SA, said that the Sale lived up to its reputation as South Africa’s most accessible marketplace for first-time owners and seasoned investors. He commented: “We are very pleased with the figures recorded, not just for the big-ticket yearlings, but for the spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie that this sale continues to foster across the breeding and racing industries.
“Beyond the numbers, the National Yearling Sale is a true celebration of tradition and unity, where rivals become friends and buyers of all levels gather together for their common love of the horse. The sheer volume of million-rand sales speaks not just to the quality on offer, but to the enduring faith of buyers in this historic auction.”
There was a healthy mix of familiar faces and fresh interest, supported by a solid international bench. Lots were knocked down to buyers
Mark and Callum Dixon - two heads better than one! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
from the UK, Hong Kong, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius. The atmosphere throughout was vibrant and energetic and Holmes said: “We were packed to the rafters most of the time. We served more than 400 meals to clients on Day One alone. There were smiles and congratulatory pats all round - good to see, and very encouraging.”
The top buyer at the sale, for the 10th year running, was Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock.
Form bought 15 lots for a record R27,075-million at an average of R1,805,000, surpassing their previous best.
The lots included the three top-sellers Lot 197 (R4,25-million, Avontuur Stud), Lot 1 (R3,25million, Hemel N Aarde Stud) and Lot 244 (R3million, Lammerskraal Stud).
Malherbe said: “We were able to buy most of what we shortlisted, including the top colt, a beautiful specimen by Rafeef out of a very good
Maine Chance Farm’s Lot 291 named Sommernacht is a son of Vercingetorix out of Sommerlied - sold to Sirai Stud for R800 000 | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
broodmare. Rafeef is red-hot at the moment, and we specifically targeted his progeny. We ended up securing seven, including a smart colt from Summerview Stud, one of the smaller breeders.”
Jonathan Snaith also opened his shoulders, like he’s done at the last several National Sales. The second-biggest buyer, Snaith acquired 16 yearlings at R625,000 per lot, and totalling R10million.
Ridgemont’s Rafeef emerged as the secondmost in-demand sire at the sale, with 27 lots sold for R27,125,000 - averaging R1,004,630. He trailed only Maine Chance Farms’ prolific top-performing stallion, Vercingetorix, whose 25 yearlings amassed R35,875,000 at a standout average of R1,435,000.
On the vendors’ front, Mary Slack’s Wilgerbosdrift Stud topped the list for the third time in five years, recording a turnover of R20,075,000 from 20 yearlings at an average of R1,003,750. In a notable resurgence, Pieter Graaff’s Lammerskraal Stud achieved a careerbest second place on the vendor leaderboard, delivering a superb average of R1,556,250 - the highest among the leading farms.
Wrapping up, Holmes remarked: “The National Yearling Sale remains the cornerstone of South African thoroughbred breeding tradition. The road to the winner’s enclosure begins with a dream, and it often passes through this very ring.”
The Sprint is interactive – please click here for all the prices.
ONLINE EXCELLENCE
A 10% share in dual Gr1 placed colt Coleman recently became the highestpriced racehorse share in a colt or gelding ever sold on Inglis Digital, realising A$405,000.
Offered by Carringbush Park, the share was the subject of significant interest by several parties both in Australia and abroad before finally selling to STBT/ ZMB.
Coleman was the highest rated 2YO of his generation, narrowly beaten when second in the Gr1 Golden Slipper and third in the Gr1 Sires’ Produce.
Now in the care of Chris Waller, the valuable colt trialled nicely at Warwick Farm and will be aimed at races like the Gr1 Doomben 10,000.
RIDGEMONT UNLEASH THE BIG GUNS
Ridgemont stallions, established star Rafeef and newcomer Malmoos, emerged with sparkling credit as the curtain came down on Friday on the 2025 BSA National Yearling Sale in Johannesburg.
Rafeef had 27 yearlings sell for an aggregate of R27 125 000, at an average of R1 004 630, including producing the sales standout topseller, a magnificent Avontuur-bred colt named October Rush, who was purchased by Form Bloodstock for R4,25 million.
Labelled by observers as a colt with a stallion’s pedigree, October Rush, who is bred on the potent Rafeef/Var cross, is a half-brother to six winners.
Rafeef’s salestopper October Rush – magnificent and athletic specimen sold for R4,25 million | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Two other Rafeef colts, Waiting Game (# 136) and Haute Couture (# 141), made R2 200 000 and R2 100 000 respectively on a sizzling opening day. Rafeef had four yearlings make R1 000 000 plus on Thursday. The son of Redoute’s Choice ended the first session having 16 lots sell for an aggregate of R16.05 million.
The top buyer at the sale, for the 10th year running, was Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock. Form bought 15 lots for a record R27,075-million at an average of R1,805,000, surpassing their previous best. The lots included the Rafeef R4,25 million topseller, Lot 197.
Malherbe endorsed the Rafeef fever that swept the ring:
Ridgemont’s Craig Kieswetter – pleased with their sires | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
“We were able to buy most of what we shortlisted, including the top colt, a beautiful specimen by Rafeef out of a very good broodmare. Rafeef is red-hot at the moment, and we specifically targeted his progeny. We ended up securing seven of the top sire’s progeny, including a smart colt from Summerview Stud, one of the smaller breeders.”
South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2020-2021, Rafeef is enjoying an outstanding season this year with his flagbearers including graded stakes winners Chasing Happiness, Mon Petit Cherie, Outlaw King and Gr1 TAB Computaform Sprint winner William Robertson. His three-timer at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday, was also impressive!
This week’s BSA National Yearling Sale also marked a first appearance in the historic arena for nineteen of the offspring of Malmoos, one of the most exciting equine athletes of his generation, and only the fourth horse in history to win the South African Triple Crown. And Malmoos didn’t disappoint!
He emerged in the mix of the big league established sires, with his 19 lots being snapped up for an aggregate R10 150 000 at an average of R534 211.
Three of the handsome blue-blooded son of multiple champion sire Captain Al’s yearlings fetched over R1 million, including a colt #145, sold for R1,4 million, a filly #67, sold for R1,3 million and another beautiful colt (#129) fetching R1 million.inter
“We are thrilled by the numbers achieved by both Rafeef and Malmoos - the consistency shown at the top end of the market by both, along with Rafeef topping the sale, and the excitement surrounding Malmoos bodes well for their futures. Congratulations to the breeders who have shown commitment and faith in terms of supporting the Ridgemont stallion barn - the support is very much appreciated!” added a delighted Craig Kieswetter.
SOQRAT 3YO STEPS UP SMARTLY
Sandown Stud’s resident stallion Soqrat celebrated a maiden stakes winner at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday when Peter Muscutt’s progressive 3yo I Salute You won the R225 000 World Sports Betting Listed Sledgehammer under a swashbuckling ride by Muzi Yeni.
In a race where the majority of the eight jockeys were having their arms pulled out of their sockets and ultimately turned the 1750m contest into a sprint for home, Muzi Yeni rode a determined race on the Soqrat colt,
who had plenty to do as he was initially caught flat-footed.
At the 200m it was anybody’s race to win, but Yeni wasn’t taking prisoners and he burst
I Salute You (Muzi Yeni, green and white checks cap) goes head to head with Serino Moodley and Selukwe on the outside, as Tristan Gooden (pink cap) produces a challenge from Narina Trogon on the inside | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
through on I Salute You (5-2) to beat Selukwe (25-2), who looked an awkward ride, by 0,15 lengths in a time of 106,93 secs.
The consistent Narina Trogon (7-1) never runs a bad race, and he stayed on for a well-deserved third.
While they have brought the blinkers on board to avoid gelding, Muzi Yeni suggested the unkindest cut of all may ultimately be the way to go.
Raced in partnership by Tony Zackey, Edward Abraham, Tim Herdon, Saira Nattar & Trinisha Pillay, the winner was bred by Shadwell Stud and is by their former Equus Champion 2yo
Soqrat (Epaulette) out of the two-time winning Var mare, Varachino.
Now a winner of 4 races with 3 places from his 9 starts for stakes of R359 450, I Salute You passed a solid test today and could now be factored into the reckoning for the big months that lie ahead.
As much as Peter Muscutt learnt from the winner’s performance, Justin Snaith won’t be thrilled with the Sunday gallop by Rapidash and Legal Counsel in a race that had Cape crawl stamped all over it.
RAFEEF STARS AGAIN
Ridgemont’s top-class stallion Rafeef, after producing the National top-seller last week, has had another wonderful season in 2024-2025, and the son of Redoute’s Choice was at it again on Monday.
Rafeef supplied three winners on Hollywoodbets Kenilworth’s Monday card, with his sons All The Rage, Gold Dust and Crowned Hornbill victorious in races one, five and ten, respectively.
A Gr1 Computaform Sprint winning sire, Rafeef has some very exciting juveniles this season, including unbeaten filly Easy Tiger, Gr2 TAB SA Nursery runner-up Esteemed, and Listed Wilgerbosdrift Ruffian Stakes queen Glastonbury. Rafeef stands at Ridgemont.
VARIETY CLUB MILE STEYNS PRODUCE THE GOODS IN
Milnerton father and son duo Piet and Elbert Steyn produced the goods at the weather-delayed Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racemeeting on Monday, when the promising 3yo Garrix showed the benefit of gelding and a galloping weight to put a smart mixed age field to bed in the R350 000 Gr3 Variety Club Mile.
Racing made a welcome return to the Cape after that forgettable Hollywoodbets Durbanville fixture that ended abruptly on 26 March, and ten well-patronized races brightened up the Monday for local fans.
The only two 3yo’s in the field of eleven, and
both sons of Vercingetorix, dominated matters in the Gr3 feature.
Despite running a bit green, Garrix (14-10) took full advantage of his galloping weight under Ashton Arries to hold off a challenge by the redhot combination of Muzi Yeni and Justin Snaith
Garrix (Ashton Arries) runs on well as sophomores dominate the field of 11 | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
with Let It Be Said (9-2), who was beaten by 1,50 lengths in a time of 99,9 secs for the mile on a soft track.
Eric Sands’ Gallic Dream (25-1) came out of the pack to boost the trifecta and quartet in third, with stablemate Billy Bowlegs (16-1) running another honest race in fourth.
Originally a R475 000 National 2yo Sale purchase, Garrix was acquired after running a 20-1 second on his Hollywoodbets Durbanville debut back in September by a power partnership of Mukund Gujadhur, Rikesh Sewgoolam and Laurence and Jarryd Wernars.
Bred by Jagessar Limited, Garrix is a son of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the unraced wellrelated US bred Smart Strike mare, Makiwara. Garrix was recording his maiden stakes success and is now a winner of 3 races with 3 places from 7 starts for stakes of R587 802.
On the day Justin Snaith and Muzi Yeni enjoyed a three-timer, with Candice Bass-Robinson also registering three winners (Sean Veale rode 2 And Aldo Domeyer 1), while the Crawfords and Louis Mxothwa celebrated a double.
Garrix (Ashton Arries) is led in by Elbert Steyn and his team, with owner’s representative Jonathan Bloch on right Credit: Chase Liebenberg
GOOSE’S ‘GOYA’
IS WORKING FOR BREVAN!
Former KZN-based 2,5kg claimer Brevan Plaatjies is proud to be something of a pioneer, together with his 4kg claiming colleague Sifisokuhle ‘Ncale’ Bungane, as the SA Jockey Academy re-opened its Cape Town ‘branch’ in Bloubergstrand this month.
Brevan Plaatjies – excited about move to Cape | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
“It’s a true honour and a privilege to be given this opportunity and I intend to take the chances with both hands,” enthuses Brevan in a chat with the Sporting Post after he had completed his engagements at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday.
The Pretoria-born rider has made massive strides since breaking the ice at his fourth ride under rules on 13 August 2023 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. He booted Sea Vista home for Michael Roberts in a domestic pressure situation that saw his much-loved Granny Essie leading a crowd-swelling group of family and friends on course in the KZN Capital City
“Granny Essie had travelled the hour plus from Ixopo and I felt the pressure not to let them down. That was a beautiful day,” recalls Brevan as he fast forwards the clock to the present day.
We made the observation that he has come out of his shell and was a good few lengths more polished in his delivery in our interview.
“I have had 26 chances for live practice in my post-race interviews. And I must thank Mr Warren Lenferna who coached us on how to conduct oneself in front of the camera.”
On his move to the Cape, Brevan tells that after two weeks he is loving the environment. That’s a surprise, given the relative scenic surrounds of Summerveld versus that of the more urbanized ‘factory’ look of Milnerton.
“The air, the people and the environment at Milnerton are fantastic,” waxes Brevan, as he stresses that his praise of his new hometown should not been seen as a slap in the face of the many trainers who had helped him at Summerveld.
“I hope I don’t leave anybody out but people like Mr Lafferty, Mr Puller, Mr Govender and Mr Ferrie really did their bit to motivate and support me. I am forever indebted to them!”
We asked if he has ever ridden work in the middle of July at Milnerton.
“I can handle the cold!” he laughs as he points out that he goes to scale at 49,5 kgs and has also never had 8 rides at one racemeeting in his career.
“On Wednesday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth I have a card of 8 rides! That’s a career record for me! The trainers at Milnerton have been welcoming and seem pleased to have Sifiso and I dashing from ring to ring. And I must
Cape Academy buddies - Sifisokuhle ‘Ncale’ Bungane and Brev Plaatjies | Credit: Supplied
mention Mr Louis Goosen at this point. His ‘Golden Eggs’ lectures at Summerveld have realigned our attitudes and there have been mindshifts of note. We all practice the ‘Goosen Goya’ principle!” laughs Brevan in a reference to the veteran trainer cum motivational speaker’s ‘get off your a#*e’ lectures at Summerveld. Brevan and Sifiso walked the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth track last week.
“I rode a winner last season at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth so got the feel of the course then. Like any racecourse it has its unique characteristics. The more we practice, the better we will become.”
Brevan, who is one of five children, says that since his Mom Vanessa and his sister are resident in Gordon’s Bay, the move to the Cape also affords him the opportunity to spend more time with his family. The Plaatjies family moved to KZN from Eersterus in Pretoria when Brev was very young. They moved around and sadly his Dad died when he was just 10.
“With racing postponed on Saturday, I was allowed the chance to visit them. That was really nice,” says the former Ixopo schoolboy, who became a jockey when his Uncle Jules Bezuidenhout pointed him in the direction of a
sport that would ultimately change his life.
He started at the SA Jockey Academy in April 2022 and from nervous beginnings, he says with conviction that he really wouldn’t be doing anything else.
While the Cape Academy is expected to grow over time, Brevan says that he and Sifiso are getting on like a ‘house on fire’ under the guidance of Riding Master Vince Curtis.
“We are similar personalities. We are both quiet. We don’t need attention or noise. We go for walks on the beautiful beach here and are thoroughly enjoying it. I am so thankful to the Management of the SA Jockey Academy and Mr Curtis for believing in me and for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime.”
ABOUT MR GOYA
Brevan Plaatjies speaks about Louis Goosen’s motivational coaching in the article.
“In racing, we seem to enjoy complaining and criticizing. I have decided that I’d rather contribute and make a difference. Fixing the issues is a better outcome than walking around with a poisoned mind and a frown on the brow,” says Louis Goosen rather matter of factly.
LANCASTER BOMBER FILLY CRACKS MAIDEN STAKES VICTORY
Muzi Yeni capped a Justin Snaith treble at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday with a smart win on the Lancaster Bomber filly in the R200 000 Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes.
A change of conditions in the Champagne Stakes forced the champion trainer’s hand to try his luck in the 1400m feature with the Drakenstein bred and raced galloper.
A pole position draw, galloping weight and modest pace saw the stars align for the 3yo to crack her first stakes win, her performance suggesting that a mile could even be with her scope.
Mainly campaigned over the sprints, with one placed effort at her only try beyond 1200m in the Listed Lady’s Slipper at Fairview last term, Be Merry was given a perfectly judged ride by visiting rider Muzi Yeni and was the ham on the Highvelder’s treble sandwich.
Callmegetrix cut out the early numbers followed by Princess Izzy and Gimmethatpearl, with Be Merry loping along in the firing line.
Muzi Yeni has Be Merry full of running to win her first stakes trophy | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
At the 250m , Be Merry (6-1) put her ears back and ran past Gallmegetrix (8-1) to win by a length in a time of 87,68 secs for the 1400m.
Candice Bass-Robinson achieved a 2-3-4-5 placing, with Scarlet Macaw (25-2) in third followed by Gold Poker Game (20-1) and Rainbow Lorikeet (7-2) in fifth.
Bred and raced by Drakenstein, Be Merry is by the champion farm’s deceased War Front
stallion Lancaster Bomber out of the four-time winning Captain Al mare, The Merry Widow.
Be Merry has now won 4 races with 5 places from 10 starts for stakes of R425 326.
Jonathan Snaith (left) and Kevin Sommerville lead Be Merry (Muzi Yeni) in as Justin Snaith and his team follow Credit: Chase Liebenberg
HUNGRY GLISTIAN GALLOPER ON THE UP
The 4yo Vercingetorix filly Tomyris made it 3 wins from her last 5 starts when she powered home late to win the R185 000 World Sports Betting non black-type Scarlet Lady at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
Raced by Glistian (Pty) Ltd, who had the sad misfortune of one of their horses suffering a catastrophic injury at Fairview on Friday, the superb effort by Tomyris (17-2) would have lifted the spirits after the Narrow Creek Stud product benefitted from a strong ride by Smanga Khumalo to beat the highly regarded
favourite Mascherina (33-10) by 0,80 lengths in a time of 105,93s for the 1750m.
The De Kock charge Forgiveness (5-1) looked dangerous late but was beaten 4,40 lengths further back into third.
Smanga Khumalo has Tomyris in charge as Mascherina (Gavin Lerena) chases hard | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
A daughter of Vercingetorix (Silvano), the winner is out of the thrice-winning Windrush mare, Hungry Heart.
A R360 000 Cape Yearling Sale purchase, Tomyris has won 4 races with 6 places from 15 starts for stakes of R383 807.
WET, WET, WET
Gold Circle advised today that KwaZuluNatal has once again experienced heavy rainfall, with Durban surpassing its annual rainfall average within just four months of 2025.
Hollywoodbets Greyville has recorded 82mm of rain over the past two days, and showers continue with more rain expected today, Wednesday.
Due to these conditions, Gold Circle has proactively taken a decision to move the Hollywoodbets Greyville race meeting originally scheduled for Friday 18 April, to Sunday 20 April.
Consequently, the meeting planned at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday 20 April, has been rescheduled to Wednesday 23 April.
SHOOT THE RAPIDS STAMPS AUTHORITY
In a category not known for great depth, Frank Robinson’s 2024 Gold Cup runner-up Shoot
The Rapids stamped himself a contender for the stamina features over the next few months with a hard-earned victory in the R185 000 World Sports Betting Highland Night Cup at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
After the late TC02 related withdrawal of Arumugam, the field for the non black-type feature was reduced to just seven runners, with the free-striding Positive Attitude leading early, after what appeared to be a slipped saddle. In the run for home, Craig Zackey rode Shoot
The Rapids (13-10) with confidence, before staving off a determined late challenge by the tough-as-teak 7yo Cape Eagle (9-2) to win by 0,30 lengths in a time of 151,83 secs for the 2400m.
Craig Zackey has Shoot The Rapids in control as Cape Eagle (Serino Moodley) tries hard | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Justin Snaith’s Master Of Paris (6-1) stepped up in class in his first KZN start and was not disgraced, running third a further length back.
An R80 000 November 2yo Sale graduate, the Wynnholme Stud-bred son of Erupt (Dubawi) is
out of the six-time winning Modern Day mare, Rapid Flow.
Raced by Sid Moodley, Shoot The Rapids has won 3 races with 5 places from 13 starts and stakes of R526 594.
PINHOOK POWER!
“Oh my God!” were the only words Willie Browne could muster at Tattersalls yesterday evening.
Around an hour into the opening session the master of Mocklershill saw his Acclamation colt, a €70,000 pinhook, transfer to Godolphin for a Craven Sale record of 1,400,000gns.
The Godolphin buying team of Anthony Stroud and David Loder were not alone in
their desire to land the youngster, who put in an eye-catching workout during Monday morning’s breeze.
Alex Elliott, standing in the bidders’ area with Amo Racing principal Kia Joorabchian, ultimately filled the role of underbidder, while Jamie McCalmont, bidding beside Coolmore’s Paul Shanahan, was also involved.
PETER SPRINTER REMAINS UNBEATEN IN 2025
An improved horse since gelding, Tony Peter’s Buffalo Storm Cody maintained his unbeaten record in 2025 when he ran on powerfully to win the R150 000 non black-type Mythical Flight Sprint at Turffontein on Saturday, on an afternoon that honoured the memory of those lost in the Hennenman tragedy of 1988.
In a race named in honour of the champion Mythical Flight, who set the course record of 54,96 secs for the 1000m straight in 2007, Buffalo Storm Cody was always in touch in the six-horse field before being challenged by topweight Mount Pinatubo inside the final 200m.
Buffalo Storm Cody (Gavin Lerena) maintains his unbeaten 2025 record | Credit: JC Photos
Gavin Lerena shook Buffalo Storm Cody (4-10) up and showing no side effects at his second run after a rest, the Peter galloper straightened to beat the gallant Mount Pinatubo (14-1) by 2 lengths in a time of 63,70 secs.
Raced by Kenneth Pillay’s Kestorm Investments, the winner was bred by Narrow Creek Stud and is a gelded son of Buffalo Bill Cody out of the one-time winning Trippi mare, Musical Romance.
A R410 000 Cape Yearling Sale purchase, Buffalo Storm Cody took his win tally to 3, with 5 places from his 9 starts and stakes of R323 750.
Evergreen veteran Piere Strydom was in sparkling form on the day, booting home a decent priced double.
Gavin Lerena won 4 on Saturday at Turffontein |
Credit: JC Photos
MYTHICAL FLIGHT THE EXPLOSIVE BRILLIANCE OF
Among the many stars to pass through the yard of multiple champion trainer Sean Tarry, three stand out in his mind: National Colour (National Assembly), Princess Calla (Flower Alley), and Mythical Flight (Jet Master).
Tarry remarked last week: “These were three horses that stormed the barn down. They had pure class and speed. We couldn’t just let them loose in work; we had to hold them back!” Saturday marked the second running of
the R150,000 Betway Mythical Flight Sprint (formerly the Gold Rush Sprint), named in honour of Tarry’s 2007 Equus Champion Sprinter – his second of four Grade 1 Computaform Sprint winners.
Mythical Flight beats Rebel King in the Computaform Sprint | Credit: JC Photos
Mythical Flight was purchased at the 2005 Equimark Vintage Sale, held almost exactly 20 years ago at the Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. He was bred by Philip Kahan at The Alchemy Stud and presented by Lionel Cohen.
Tarry recalled: “He was an outstanding specimen, one of two yearlings from The Alchemy we were determined to buy that day. We got Mythical Flight for R500,000 and Ethereal Lady for R350,000.”
The ownership of Mythical Flight was secured by Chris van Niekerk and Markus Jooste, a
partnership that would produce many top-level winners over the next decade. On his own Van Niekerk, with his focus on championships and major races, was in the process of stocking Tarry’s yard with a variety of well-bred horses.
In 2006, the popular owner’s grey speedster, National Colour, swept aside all her opposition and was being considered for an international campaign. She had already captured both the Equus Joint Horse of the Year and Champion Three-Year-Old awards in 2006.
Tarry recalled: “When Mythical Flight and Ethereal Lady arrived in the yard that year,
Mythical Flight wins his debut at Clairwood Park | Credit: Anita Akal
I thought there was no way we could have anything as good as National Colour in the stable again, especially while she was still around. Yet, Mythical Flight quickly proved himself a sprinter of the highest calibre, and Ethereal Lady was a good filly in her own right. Both of them followed in National Colour’s footsteps, winning Equus Three-Year-Old Awards in 2007.”
Mythical Flight was unbeaten in his first seven starts, all over 1000m. They included a Listed race, a Grade 3 and two Grade 1 contests.
Tarry said: “Not once were we in the slightest doubt that he’d win, even in the Grade 1’s. He was that good.”
Mythical Flight burst onto the scene with a dominant debut at Clairwood Park on 10 June 2006. He followed up with victory in the Listed Falcon Sprint at Turffontein, then added two more wins to his tally that year – a Graduation Plate and the Grade 3 Lebelo Sprint.
In the latter, one of the final feature races held at Newmarket, he powered past that year’s Grade 1 Golden Horse Casino Sprint winner, Let’s Rock N’Roll, by an emphatic 4.25 lengths.
Next up: the deep end. Just a month later, Mythical Flight was thrown into the big league with a trip to Cape Town in January 2007 for the prestigious Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship – a race rarely won by three-year-olds.
It was the same test where Gauteng’s 2003 sprint star, National Currency, was beaten by older rivals. But Mythical Flight made light work of his task, leading from start to finish for a 1.25-length success over Mocha Java.
There were critics who claimed Mythical Flight had faced a substandard field and that the form from this renewal of the Cape Flying Championship would be questionable.
But what made this win remarkable was that Mythical Flight had spent 24 hours on the road to Cape Town after the truck had encountered traffic problems.
Tarry said: “When he arrived on the Wednesday prior to the race, he was exhausted and lay down to rest. He only got up on the Friday afternoon, looked relaxed and happy again, and raced on the Saturday.”
Tarry’s blazing chestnut silenced them all in the 2007 Computaform Sprint at Turffontein on 27
May. Lining up against a high-quality, 15-runner field, he delivered a statement win.
Among his rivals were Charles Laird’s lightningfast Nursery winner, Rebel King, and a powerful contingent from Buddy Maroun’s yard, including Graded stakes winners Vega and Byblos – a horse Maroun had boldly called the best sprinter he’d ever trained.
Mythical Flight led the dash from gun to tape, putting Rebel King under pressure a full 500m from home. He cruised to victory by 2.25 lengths – stopping the clock in a blistering 54.96 seconds, a then South African record.
“The track was fast that day, and jockey Brett Smith didn’t have to move a muscle,” said
Tarry. “I still wonder what Mythical Flight’s time might have been if he was asked to extend himself.”
Smith enthused: “I’ve never sat on a sprinter like this. He is phenomenal. His cruising speed is amazing. It is a tremendous feeling!”
Click on the image below to read the full story…
IDEAL WORLD’S
LOTUS ISLAND MAKES IT 4 IN A ROW
Another one of those galloping billboards for relocation to the Eastern Cape, Lotus Island benefitted from a finely judged ride by Richard Fourie to maintain her unbeaten record in the province when clinching a nail-biting victory in the R150 000 Listed East Cape Oaks at Fairview on Friday.
This wasn’t exactly the way we expect a 7-10 to beat a 40-1 chance, but reigning champion Fourie got the job done, taking years off the lives of the favourite backers in the process. With just one place from 5 starts in the care of Justin Snaith in the Cape, Lotus Island has
turned her career around since her first start in Gqeberha back in January and made it four wins on the trot as she nailed her maiden stakes victory to her burgeoning cv in style.
While her first three wins were achieved by an aggregate 11 lengths, Lotus Island, one of
Lotus Island (Richard Fourie) just gets past Honorable Member (Louis Mxothwa, obscured) in a thrilling finish Credit: Pauline Herman
a quartet of Allan Greff runners in the sevenhorse field, was made to work a lot harder this time, and she appeared to be running for second cheque as Louis Mxothwa looked to have judged things perfectly on pacesetter Honorable Member.
“Lucky for me I had a good horse under me. You don’t leave that strong man Louis Mxothwa too far in front,” quipped the Ridgemontsponsored Fourie, who said Lotus Island was slow away until finding her rhythm when the pace picked up.
In a grandstand finish, Fourie drove Lotus Island (7-10) up the outside to collar Honorable Member (40-1) by a nose in a time of 124,53 secs for the poly 2000m.
The winner’s stablemate First Wish (4-1) was third a further 1,50 lengths back, with fellow Halo Stables resident Can’t Say No (25-1) capping the quartet.
Raced by Wendy Applebaum and Wilgerbosdrift (Pty) Ltd, the winner was bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein.
A daughter of Ideal World (Kingmambo), Lotus Island is out of the one-time winning Tiger Ridge mare, Glenshee.
Now a winner of 4 races with a place from her 9 starts, Lotus Island took her stakes earnings to R278 713.
The switch of the racemeeting from turf to poly drew a number of questions and would not have suited the Cape raiders who travelled up the Garden Route to compete on the originally advertised surface. That’s racing.
The next racemeeting at Fairview takes place on Good Friday.
SAD FACT
The post-mortem relating to the death of Celebre D’Allen after the Grand National has revealed the horse picked up a severe bacterial respiratory infection which had not been present in the horse on raceday.
The findings, shared via the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) website, state that the exercise-associated episode experienced by the horse after the race had concluded by the time of death.
A STALLION WITH AN IDEAL
STRIKE-RATE
When the inform Lotus Island won the Listed East Cape Oaks last Friday, she became the latest stakes winner for her venerable sire Ideal World. The latter remains a stallion with very respectable statistics, siring 62% winners to foals, and 7% winners to foals.
Lotus Island is one of 13 winners, from a mere 16 runners, to have emerged from Ideal World’s current crop of three-year-olds.
This crop also includes TAB Gr2 Gauteng
Guineas winner Parisian Walkway, the stakes placed Diwali Rocket, Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks contender Ancient Wisdom, and Mocha Blend. After finishing third on debut, to fellow Ideal World filly Meritorious, Mocha Blend went on to win her two subsequent starts.
To date, Ideal World has been responsible for 33 black-type winners, led by the Equus Champions Rainbow Bridge, Smart Call and Hermoso Mundo.
Each of Ideal World’s first nine crops have yielded at least one black-type winner, with his foal crop of 2015 yielding an impressive eight stakes winners from 51 runners, with this crop including the ill-fated Gr1 SA Derby winner Samurai Warrior. The superbly bred Ideal World, not surprisingly, has also enjoyed success as a broodmare sire this season.
Earlier this month, Ideal View (out of the Ideal World mare Idaho) and River Power (out of the Ideal World mare Shirley Valentine) won the Independence Trophy and Listed Zimbabwe 2000 on the same day.
Ideal View had earlier enjoyed black-type success when he won the 2023 Listed Castle Tankard. Another Ideal World mare, What Fun, is the dam of 2025 Listed Kings Cup winner Winter Games (What A Winter).
Ideal World’s close relative Dansili, a fullbrother to Ideal World’s champion dam Banks Hill, continues to make his presence felt despite having died in 2021.
His Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes winning son Harbinger has sired eight Gr1 winners, including champion Arma Veloce, runner up in Sunday’s classic Gr1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas).
Dansili’s multiple graded stakes winning daughter Espumanti, already dam of July winning champion Sparkling Water (Silvano),
enjoyed more big race success this season when her daughter Spumante Dolce (a Vercingetorix three-parts sister to Espumanti) won the Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas. That classy three-year-old would go on to finish a creditable second in the TAB Gr1 Empress Club Stakes earlier in April.
Another daughter of Espumanti, Gr2 Joburg
Spring F&M Challenge runner up Gin Fizz (Soft Falling Rain) had a Hawwaam colt,
Fizz Italiano, fetch R1 300 000 at the recent National Yearling Sale.
Dansili, maternal grandsire of Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner and local sire Expert Eye, is also the sire of Gr1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Passage Of Time, whose unbeaten son Cosmic Year (Kingman) is regarded as a leading classic hope for 2025.
Call
KINGDUNDEE CAPS THREETIMER FOR SMITH TEAM
Having his hand forced by a switch to the polytrack failed to stymie the prospects of Gavin Smith’s progressive 3yo Kingdundee, who ran out a facile winner of the non black-type R175 000 Fairview Flying Five on Friday.
With a superbly consistent form profile on the turf, Kingdundee’s maiden sortie on the polytrack held no fears for the son of The United States’ supporters who sent him off at 5-10 to enjoy watching poetry in motion by the class 3yo.
Craig Zackey has formed a winning partnership with the gelding and had him tracking his year older stablemate First Origin, in a race where many of us anticipated Kingdundee doing the donkey work.
Craig Zackey takes it easy on Kingdundee to win the Fairview Flying Five | Credit: Pauline Herman
But relax he did, and at the 250m Zackey sent Kingdundee (5-10) on his way to beat First Origin (16-1) by 2,25 lengths in a time of 56,09 secs for the 1000m.
Raced and bred by longstanding owner Clive Murphy, Kingdundee has now won 5 races with 2 places from 8 starts and stakes of R461 250.
A son of Moutonshoek’s top-class Galileo stallion The United States, he is out of the one-time winning Duke Of Marmalade mare, Miss Marmalade
The Hollywoodbets-sponsored Gavin Smith team enjoyed three winners on the afternoon, with four seconds, two thirds and two fourths on the day.
The Listed East Cape Nursery is the feature event on Friday’s nine-race programme at Fairview. Let’s hope the turf track is sorted out by then.
GARRIX GOES UP TO 109
Garrix’s merit rating increased from 107 to 109 after winning the Grade 3 Variety Club Mile over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday.
Handicappers used Gallic Dream, who finished third, as the line horse for the race, meaning his rating remained unchanged at 101.
The only other rating increase was given to the runner-up, Let It Be Said, who was elevated from 100 to 104.
Two horses received slight rating reductions. Billy Bowlegs, who failed to confirm his 115-rating following a layoff, was dropped to 114. Similarly, Zapatillas had a marginal drop from 117 to 116.
Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes
Be Merry was given a rating increase from 97 to 104 after her victory in the Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
The fourth-place finisher, Gold Poker Game,
was designated as the line horse for assessing this race, which means her rating remains unchanged at 104.
The runner-up, Callmegetrix, was adjusted from 94 to 99 based on her performance. She finished 1.6 lengths in front of the 104-rated line horse while carrying 4kg less, which accounts for her rating adjustment.
The only other rating increase went to My Flower Fate, who was the lowest-rated runner in this race. My Flower Fate outperformed expectations when finishing in 6th position but was given a partial increase from 86 to 89, balancing this standout effort with her overall race profile.
Four horses received decreases of 1-point each. Scarlet Macaw dropped from 111 to 110, Gimmethatpearl lowered from 96 to 95,
Kyalami Girl dropped from 95 to 94 and lastly Miss World reduced to 98 from 99.
• Media release by the NHA on Tuesday, 15 April 2025.
World Sports Betting Listed Sledgehammer
I Salute You was adjusted to an official merit rating of 103, up from 101, after a narrow win in the World Sports Betting Listed Sledgehammer over 1750m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
The Handicappers identified the runner-up, Selukwe, as the ideal line horse for rating the race, so his mark remains at 103. No other horses received an increase.
There were merit rating drops for two horses in this event, Fire ‘N Flames dropped from 108 to 106, and Quatermain dropped from 81 to 79.
Listed East Cape Oaks
Lotus Island’s merit rating was raised from 92 to 95 after her victory in the Listed East Cape Oaks over 2000m at Fairview Racecourse on Friday.
The third-place finisher, First Wish, was used as the line horse for the race, keeping her rating at 91.
The runner-up, Honorable Member, started the race as the lowest-rated entry at 75. However, she surpassed expectations by securing a close second place to the 95-rated winner, Lotus Island, while outperforming the 91-rated First Wish at level weights.
As a result, her rating was adjusted to 93, ensuring that she meets the East Cape Oaks field on correct weight terms in future Handicaps.
No other merit rating changes were made in this event.
• Media release by the NHA on Monday, 14 April 2025
COOLING IT
Trainers have been reminded by the NHA to prioritize effective post-race cooling and hydration of horses in the interests of both horse welfare and public perception. This is particularly important on hot days and for placed horses standing in front of the grandstand.
To assist with post-race cooling, hosepipes and water buckets are available in the winners’ enclosures and post-parade rings across all regions.
Crowned Hornbill (Muzi Yeni) holds off a late challenge from low-flyer The US Of A (Craig Zackey) in the final race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
KRUYER GELDING’S FASTEST
400M TO FINISH
An important scientific complimentary tool of the trade for punters and racing enthusiasts, sectional timing data can enhance both the form study and horseracing viewing experience on both KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape race meetings.
In Time Is Money this week, we look at Sunday and Monday’s highlights.
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 14 April
(originally scheduled for 12 April)
Track Condition
Going: Soft
Penetrometer: 27
Rain: Last 24 hours 8mm –Last 7 days 52mm
Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil
False Rail: Inside rail nil: 2m spur at 600m: Outside rail 4m in from 600m
Wind: 7-18km/h South Easterly head wind
Course Variant: 0,02s fast (straight) –1,23s slow (bend)
Sweet Chestnut Stakes (L) 1400m
Run in a time just 3/100th of a second faster than that of the maiden plate 35 minutes earlier, the pace was not a true one. Callmegetrix made the running and they were 1,4 seconds slower than that of the aforementioned maiden plate coming off the bend. Callmegetrix kept on strongly when the race developed into a sprint and only relinquished the lead 120m from
home to the hard ridden BE MERRY.
The maiden plate over 1400m was won by GOLD DUST. Eric Sands’ charge made all, and won with a bit in hand.
Variety Club Mile Gr3 1600m
It was a similar story in the bill topping Variety Club Mile where despite there being plenty of pace in the race on paper, we were again subjected to a sprint finish. After finding early position the pace on the bend was almost identical to that of the Sweet Chestnut. As such, Billy Bowlegs (detached at the rear after fly jumping at the start) who had raced at least ten lengths behind the leader entering the turn, reduced that deficit to six lengths at the top of the straight without any real effort. The well supported favourite GARRIX (2/1 into 14/10) meanwhile was always handy in the tightly bunched field and went on to score comfortably by a length and a half after striking the front 400m from home.
1100m Races
By far the quicker of the two 1100m races was the Celebrating Van Huysteen’s Birthday Middle Stakes and here we saw a smart performance from the lightly raced Lancaster Bomber gelding AIR RAID. On leaving the stalls it was Elusive Winter who elected to set the
pace and a brisk one throughout it was too.
Air Raid meanwhile (down in trip in this his first outing since December) in a strung out field was easily 8 lengths adrift. The early effort only began to take its toll on the front runner in latter stages and finishing best of all, Candice BassRobinson’s charge got up 50m from home.
1000m Races
The Hollywoodbets Bright Future C Stakes was the faster of the two 1000m races and here Musi Yeni completed a hattrick for trainer Justin Snaith when partnering CROWNED HORNBILL to victory. In the box seat throughout, the son of Rafeef put his head in front 150m from home and with the benefit of first run, he beat the low-flying The US Of A by just under a half. The runner up finished best of all and recorded the fastest 400-finish time of the afternoon.
Track Condition
Going: Good to Soft (both tracks)
Penetrometer: 26 (both tracks)
Rain: Last 24 hours Nil –Last 7 days 10mm
Irrigation: Last 7 days Nil
False Rail: 7m
Wind: 10-15km/h North Easterly cross wind
Course Variant: 0,18s fast (straight) –0,26s (inside track)
WSB Highland Night Cup (NBT) 2400m
Hollywoodbets Scottsville 13 April
The first of the three feature events to be run, the Highland Night Cup, proved to be a very false paced affair. The aptly named Positive Attitude (saddle slipped backwards) made the running and early in the back straight he was a good 8 lengths clear of the eventual winner SHOOT THE RAPIDS racing in third. The pace slowed considerably in the latter part of the back straight though (no doubt caused by the slipped saddle) and coming off the bend the field then led by Cape Eagle was very tightly bunched. Frank Robinson’s charge struck the front 400m out and although Cape Eagle rallied gamely under a determined ride from Serino Moodley, he still had a neck to spare at the wire. After the race Frank said that the winner (second run after gelding) would have needed
the run here, and went on to speak very highly of him.
WSB Sledgehammer (L) 1750m
Another sprint finish was to be had in the afternoon’s top liner where the heavily supported I SALUTE YOU (9/2 into 5/2) did the business. There was visibly no pace early on and this was confirmed by the sections rounding the turn. The race resembled a cavalry charge 300m out and in a thrilling three-way finish Peter Muscutt’s charge got the verdict by a head.
WSB Scarlet Lady (NBT) 1750m
Run in a time a second faster than the Sledgehammer, the pace was much fairer in the Scarlet Lady, but even so, it wasn’t particularly fast. The two leaders both faded quickly in the home straight and as the field began to concertina the race also became wide open going through the 300m. Running on from the rear TOMYRIS finished best of all and with the rest left trailing in their wake, she got the better of the 33/10 favourite Mascherina by three quarters of a length. Jockey Khumalo was fined R1000 for mis-using the crop on Tomyris.
1000m Races
With two of the 1000m races being maiden
events, it was not surprising then that the WSB Race With The Best C Stakes won by HAPPY ANALIA was by far the quicker of the three.
Soon up with the speed, Tienie Prinsloo’s charge set healthy fractions throughout. She kept on strongly after taking up the running 400m from home and beat the running on Tchaikovsky by just under a half. The runner up had raced three lengths behind the winner and finishing best of all recorded the fastest 400m to finish time of the afternoon.
Quickies
Trainer Justin Snaith’s first runner in Champion’s season, GRAN CANARIA was hard held throughout when winning the maiden event over 1400m with a ton in hand. Clearly impressed with the son of Vercingetorix, jockey Andrew Fortune said that he expected him to win his next two or three starts. Fortune also said that he expected Eight On Eighteen to be unbeaten throughout this champions season!
Fastest Times:
1000m (3) Happy Analia 57,03
1400m (3) Colorado Creek 84,41
1750m (2) Tomyris 105,93
400-finish Tchaikovsky 22,92
FOR HEVERSHAM GALILEO STALLION
Superlative Stakes winner and Classic-placed Gustav Klimt will stand at Heversham Park Farm in South Africa, having stood at Haras d’Annebault most recently.
The Racing Post reports that a Coolmore-bred son of Galileo and Massarra, a Danehill sister to Kodiac and half-sibling to Invincible Spirit, Gustav Klimt originally stood at Coolmore before his transfer to France.
The grandson of the hugely influential Rafha had won two of his three starts at two, including the Superlative Stakes, while he placed in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Prix Jean Prat and Haydock Sprint Cup at three. He had also struck in the Leopardstown
2,000 Guineas Trial on his three-year-old return. Gustav Klimt initially retired to Coolmore for an opening fee of €7,500 and stood under that ownership until 2023, when he moved to Haras d’Annebault.
Among his best performers is American Grade 3-placed The Wild Grazer, as well as the Italian Listed-placed Sopran Blakey and five-time winner Gone.
www.racingpost.com
Galileo’s son Gustav Klimt will stand at Heversham in the new season | Credit: Coolmore
SISTINA LEVELS WITH WINX
Via Sistina equalled Winx’s record of seven Group 1 victories in one season with another dominant display in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday, as the British-trained Dubai Honour finished second.
Via Sistina was a top-level winner of the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh when trained by George Boughey in Newmarket before being bought for 2,700,000gns to race in Australia after her fine second to King Of Steel in the 2023 Champion Stakes.
The seven-year-old proved an instant success with victory in the Ranvet Stakes but has gone from strength to strength this campaign.
The evens favourite appeared to be short of room in a bunched field turning for home under James McDonald at Randwick yet surged into the lead when a gap finally appeared to win comfortably. Her seven Group 1 victories include success over seven furlongs at the start of the season and takes her total career haul to £6.6 million.
Waller said: “She just keeps turning up every week. I’d like to have a few more like her and we have, we’ve got a great team, but she just shows the difference between a good horse and a champion.
“She’s a big, big horse and she’s quite scary really. We don’t ask her too much at home, we just hold it together and know that it’s there raceday.
“You’re looking for them to sprint, and when she sprints, the acceleration is there. We’re still getting to know her, it’s as simple as that, and she’s well into her twilight years. It’s scary how good she is.”
Dubai Honour finished a length and three quarters behind in second on Tom Marquand’s final ride in Australia before heading home.
The William Haggas-trained seven-year-old won
the Group 1 Tancred Stakes just 11 days ago.
Marquand said: “He’s run a huge race in defeat and was beaten by a good mare. He had a horrible run round but whether it would have been enough to turn it around, I don’t know.”
Elsewhere at Randwick, the Rachel King-ridden Arapaho landed the Sydney Cup and was cut to 25-1 with Unibet for the Melbourne Cup. www.racingpost.com
STEYN GUILTY
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa confirmed that at an Inquiry held in Gqeberha on Thursday, 10 April 2025, Jockey K Steyn was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.11. The particulars being that he pulled up To Be Free abruptly, instead of easing it up gradually after the finish of Race 6 at Fairview Racecourse on 4 March 2025.
Jockey Steyn pleaded not guilty, however, he was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board, imposed a penalty of a fine of R1000 (One Thousand Rand). Jockey Steyn was given the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed.
Riding Master Position
A vacancy has arisen at the South African Jockey Academy, Cape Town branch. The Academy is seeking to appoint a Riding Master who will be responsible for fostering the development of young elite sportsmen and women.
The successful candidate will work within a team environment under the guidance of the National Riding Master and must understand the high demands of training young apprentice jockeys to become elite professionals. Applicants should have a strong sporting background and an ability to work effectively with adolescents.
Requirements:
• A solid understanding of the Thoroughbred Racing Industry.
• A Training and Assessing qualification is preferred. If not held, the candidate will be required to obtain this qualification.
• Strong ability to mentor adolescents through a demanding apprenticeship.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• High levels of integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and public relations capabilities.
• Computer literacy and technological aptitude.
• Self-motivated, eager to learn, and driven to impart skills and knowledge in a training and learning environment.
• Willingness to live on the property and fulfill housemaster duties during the week and on weekends.
Key Responsibilities:
• Support the holistic development of apprentice jockeys, guiding them to become qualified professional jockeys.
• Develop a tailored progression path for each apprentice.
• Conduct regular assessments of apprentices to monitor and guide their development.
• Take apprentices to track work daily and accompany them to race meetings.
• Handle necessary administrative tasks.
• Be an integral part of the Multidisciplinary Team.
Package: To be negotiated.
To apply, please send a brief CV (max 2 pages) along with a one-page motivation letter to headmaster@theacademy.co.za. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 29th April 2025 at 4:00 pm. The Academy reserves the right not to make an appointment. Submission of an application does not automatically entitle the applicant to an interview.
TO RACING FANS SERIES OF INTEREST
Netflix released the official trailer last Wednesday for Race For The Crown, a documentary series that will tail jockeys, trainers, and owners through the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred horse racing.
Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr., winner of last year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, was featured in the opening scenes of the trailer.
Other big names shown in the two-minute trailer included owners Mike Repole, John Stewart, and Michael Iavarone; trainers Ken McPeek, Brad Cox, Todd Pletcher, and Bob Baffert; and jockeys Frankie Dettori and Flavien Prat.
According to Netflix fan site Tudum, “the new series follows horse owners and jockeys over
the course of a Grade 1 stakes Thoroughbred racing season. The Kentucky Derby is commonly known as ‘the most exciting two minutes in sports,’ but there’s so much more that goes on behind the scenes, both before and after the Run for the Roses. Race for the Crown explores horse racing across six indepth episodes, covering the thrilling journey from the Breeders’ Cup to the Triple Crown.
Plus, the racing world is full of colorful and controversial characters — including billionaire business tycoons and horse-doping trainers — which leads to plenty of intense rivalries fueled
by million-dollar investments and insatiable appetites for glory.”
Other jockeys expected to be featured in the docuseries include: Katie Davis, Umberto Rispoli, Antonio Fresu, Irad Ortiz, Jr., John Velazquez, Javier Castellano, Florent Geroux, Jose Ortiz, and Luis Saez.
All six episodes of the series will be released on 22 April. Race for the Crown is executive produced by James Gay-Rees, Paul Martin, Hillary Olsen, Warren Smith, and Ian Sambor at Box to Box, and co-executive produced by Tim Stampher and Jordan Bogdonavage.
The Sprint is interactive – watch the trailer here.
DERBY MISS
River Thames will bypass the Kentucky Derby and will be pointed instead to the Preakness.
Elliott Walden of co-owner WinStar Farm confirmed a Daily Racing Form report about the decision Tuesday.
He told DRF that part of the reason for the decision was that the Maclean’s Music colt already has had four starts this year
after going unraced as a 2-year-old. River Thames is trained by Todd Pletcher, who also trains Grande, no. 16 on the Derby leaderboard.
With the defection of River Thames, who had been at no. 15 on the Derby leaderboard, Built now is eligible for the May 3 run for the roses.
GUINEAS RECORD O’BRIEN HOPES TO EXTEND
With less than three weeks to go to the first two Classics of the UK Flat season, feedback from Irish champion trainer Aidan O’Brien on his likely runners seems a good starting point.
No trainer in history has won more British Classics than O’Brien and he will be looking to extend his record this year during Guineas Weekend at Newmarket.
He outlined his plans for the first four Classics at a media day at Ballydoyle last week.
First up, the Betfair 2000 Guineas on Saturday 3rd May.
“The two horses we are thinking of for the 2000 Guineas at the moment are Twain and Expanded and both horses are being trained for it. Twain is obviously already a Group One
Newmarket Racecourse is all set for Guineas Weekend | Credit: Newmarket Racecourse
winner and if the two are both going well heading into Newmarket, then Expanded could go for the Irish 2000 Guineas Trial at the Curragh the following Monday and just Twain would go straight to Newmarket. If we are not sure about either of them, then the two of them could both run in the Guineas.”
The Group One Criterium International in France is a race O’Brien often runs his best two-year-old colts in. Last season, he saddled Twain to victory in the race in Paris. On the back of that success, the son of Wootton Bassett is the 11/2 favourite for the 2000 Guineas.
Another son of Wootton Bassett, Expanded is also lightly raced having had only two juvenile starts. After prevailing on his debut at the Curragh, he finished strongly to be beaten only a neck by Shadow Of Light in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
Expanded also has an entry in the Derby at Epsom later this season, so the yard must be confident of the horse’s stamina. The Irish-trained horse does not have the same level of experience as some of his rivals in the 2000 Guineas, but his Dewhurst performance suggests he heads back to the Rowley Mile with realistic claims.
The fillies equivalent, the Betfred 1000 Guineas is run the following day.
“The plan is to run Exactly who has already had a run and possibly Lake Victoria, who is on the way back. We stepped Lake Victoria up a couple of weeks ago and she is really coming to herself now. She could be there in time for Newmarket but if she wasn’t, she could also go to the Curragh instead. It is very possible she could make it to Newmarket and if she did, Exactly could go for the French Guineas instead.”
Not many two-year-olds achieved more than Lake Victoria in 2024. O’Brien’s filly won all five of her races, including three victories at the highest level.
Lake Victoria’s hat-trick of Group One wins began at the Curragh in the Moyglare Stud Stakes. She then dropped down in distance to showcase her speed in the Cheveley Park Stakes, while on her final juvenile start, she was victorious in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.
The Betfred Derby runs on the first Saturday in June.
“The Lion In Winter will not go for the Guineas and will instead start off it the Dante at York, where he should be around 80 to 90 per cent. He is a medium-sized horse and has done well over the winter. He is straightforward, not slow being by Sea The Stars he should stay very well. We are very happy with him and if York goes well we will see what ‘The Lads’ want to do but if everything goes well, the Derby would probably be the plan. Delacroix who won the Ballysax Stakes could now go for the Derrinstown and could also be a Derby horse.”
“If Twain won the Guineas, there is a good chance ‘The Lads’ will want to go for the Derby with him as well for obvious reasons. It was probably impossible what we asked Twain to do last season. He won his maiden and then just over a week later won a Group One in France. He never saw another horse in his maiden when the plan had been to drop him in and educate him, but he jumped out and won by six lengths.”
The day before, Friday 6th June sees the running of the Betfred Oaks.
“Dreamy is a big price but could be an Oaks filly. She is a beautiful mile-and-a-half filly, who could go for a trial at Chester or York. There is also Whirl who ran at the Curragh and who will be better going up in trip and Ballet Slippers, who is the first foal out of Magical and should also be suited by a step up in trip.”
“He went to France after what was only really a racecourse gallop and was still very green but won very nicely. With his pedigree, there is every chance he should stay the Derby trip if all goes well in the Guineas.”
SHA TIN TREBLE CHUNG CELEBRATES FIRST
Angus Chung successfully forged new territory on Sunday 13 April, posting his first Sha Tin treble crowned by Divano’s dominant victory in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 Healthy Community Handicap.
After scoring on Tony Cruz pair Parents’ Love and Gustosisimo, Chung produced a clinical ride on Divano (112lb) in the afternoon’s feature to down Patch Of Theta (127lb) and Taj Dragon (122lb) in 1m 20.69s after trailing Invincible Sage and Drombeg Banner in the run.
“I’ve got a treble at Happy Valley before but
never Sha Tin – always a double,” Chung, 28, said. “I spoke to Divano’s owner, Chen Chun Man, and the trainer many, many times about this horse - Divano. I’ve been looking to ride the horse for a while and I’m glad I got the opportunity.
Angus Chung drives Divano to victory | Credit: HKJC
“He could take a sit today. It was the same as the Class 2 (Gustosisimo) with two horses going quick and benefiting me. I could sit behind both times. It’s great to get a chance on good horses. Today is a success.”
By Brave Smash, Divano improved his record to five wins from 14 starts and, with the winner’s purse of HK$2.08 million and a PPG Bonus of HK$1 million, the four-year-old boosted his earnings to HK$10.5 million.
Purchased for AU$90,000 (approx. HK$438,700) at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Divano competed in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series before returning to form with a last-start third over 1400m under Ryan Moore on 23 March.
Patiently ridden by Chung, the gelding rewarded reigning Hong Kong champion trainer Lui’s faith.
“I think he keeps improving little by little. He’s more relaxed and once he relaxes, he can have a good turn of foot. In the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), I think he learnt from that race,” Lui said.
Last season’s Tony Cruz Award winner as Hong Kong’s leading homegrown jockey, Chung took his seasonal tally to 15 and his Hong Kong career haul to 92 with the success of Parents’ Love and Gustosisimo, who claimed a PP TopUp Bonus of HK$1.5 million with success in the Class 2 Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy Handicap (1200m).
Parents’ Love continued a productive season with his third win of the campaign, striking in the Class 4 JC Echoes Of Love Fund Handicap (1000m). Having his 10th start this preparation, the Deep Field gelding triumphed by a short head over Alsonso.
Lui sealed a double when Winning Wing landed the Class 3 Advancing Culture & Sports Handicap (1800m) with Dylan Mo. A one-time winner in South Australia for Grant Young when he raced as Samid, Winning Wing is the first of Gr1 Australian Cup (2000m) victor Preferment’s progeny to win in Hong Kong.
Chris So reached the 400-win milestone as a trainer with Hong Lok Golf’s success in the Class 3 Sustainability Handicap (1400m) under Harry Bentley and With A Smile’s victory in the Class 4 Thriving Youth Handicap (1400m) for Zac Purton.
“400 wins, it’s good to celebrate,” So said. “12 seasons, 400 wins – not bad.”
Me Tsui also celebrated a brace, striking with Wind Speeder who posted his first win since July, 2022 by leading virtually all of the way in the Class 5 Clap@JC Handicap (1200m) under Keith Yeung and Another Zonda, who gave James Orman his fourth win since moving to Hong Kong in the Class 4 Positive Ageing Handicap (1400m).
Andrea Atzeni notched his 40th winner of the season when Ricky Yiu-trained Ahren swept to victory in the Class 4 JC Campsite Reimagination Project Handicap (1200m).
A three-year-old by Hellbent, Ahren jumped smartly from gate 12 and moved into a striking position behind Lean Master before surging clear.
“He’s learning so quick and he’s got a good temperament. When we work him in the mornings on his own, he’s very casual. We knew Lean Master would lead and that would make it easier for us,” Yiu said.
Jamie Richards won the opening Griffins race of the season when The All Out fended off Quick Money under Purton to win the Racing
For Charity Plate (1000m) by a short-head. By Brutal, the gelding provided Richards with his 13th victory of the campaign.
“I would have liked to see him win a little easier, but a win’s a win. He’s got more improvement to come – he’s a big, strong horse and he’ll improve with more racing,” Richards said. “It didn’t go exactly to plan, he got a bit softened up in front and the horse that ran second got an easy time of it and was going to be strong late after trialling well at Conghua earlier in the week.
“But The All Out’s got more scope for improvement yet, so hopefully he can go on with the job.”
Frankie Lor’s Dream Winner produced an upset victory in the Class 3 Nurturing Talent Handicap (1000m) under Jerry Chau, triumphing at 65/1 in his first win since January, 2023 when he was unbeaten in three starts.
MONKEY BUSINESS
Former Singapore cult horse Golden Monkey is set for an Australian comeback on Good Friday at Echuca in the rich A$500,000 The Country Discovery.
The Tim Fitzsimmons-trained Golden Monkey has settled into his new Bendigo surrounds and progressed nicely at the jump outs.
KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP
NHA CALENDAR
The Sporting Post presents last week’s National Horseracing Authority Calendar, as per 11 April 2025.
The calendar is a summary of the week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information.
Candiese Lenferna captured the action at Hollywoodbets Greyville | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Mr
J O CK E YS results up to: 2025-04-16
BREEDERS
Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein Varsfontein
Ridgemont
7,839,881 6,242,188 6,793,750 5,135,938 20,499,744 10,618,781 9,826,656 8,651,969 8,228,600
16,754,881 19,797,656 17,949,844 7,758,531 5,894,094 23,760,125 25,255,931 24,992,856 13,091,638 9,984,231
22,705,231 19,344,831 11,714,913 9,533,494
23,278,369 17,375,156 14,960,356 13,030,825 12,567,319 S I RE S T R A I NER S