Gavin Lerena lifts the magnificent Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas trophy aloft after bagging his first title in the ‘Classic of Kings’ via the Vaughan Marshall-trained One World on Saturday.
Chase Liebenberg took the photograph.
Anthony Andrews raises the Ridgemont Gr3 Peninsula
in delight after his innovative ride to win the 1800m contest on the
on page 32. Chase
AIMS FOR A THIRD MERCHANTS
R1 MILLION JACKPOT POOL PROJECTED
The R500 000 De Grendel Gr2 Cape Merchants headlines an attractive card at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, with trainer Dean Kannemeyer poised to register a hat-trick in the 1200m handicap.
Kannemeyer will be looking to put a tough start to the Summer Festival Of Racing behind him and sends out defending champion Cosmic Highway (Rachel Venniker), along with the progressive The Real Prince (Athandiwe Mgudlwa), Outlaw King (Sean Veale) and Teflon Man (Anthony Andrews).
While two of the four are Khaya Stables owned horses, Craig Zackey has jumped ship to partner Brett Crawford’s At My Command who returns from a twelve week break and must be taken to be the elect of Lady Christine Laidlaw’s attack.
With good lightweight jockeys scarce, Chase Maujean makes a rare trip South to partner Piet Steyn’s Meu Capitano, who carries 53kgs.
The son of Captain Of All was slow into stride in the Non-Black Type Bantry Bay Stakes last time, but ran on well to finish a short-head behind the winner. He finished 1,45 lengths behind Adam Marcus’ soldier Dance Variety in his penultimate run. He is 2kgs better off at the weights here and that should be enough for the tables to be turned. Three of his four career victories have come over this track and trip.
Vaughan Marshall is fresh off his Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas triumph with One Stripe and saddles 7yo Seeking The Stars in the same
silks. The son of Vercingetorix won a good race over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time. He has won once and finished third twice from four starts over Sunday’s course and distance. He may be hard to peg back in the run down to the line.
Marshall also stables Wecangoallnight, he transfers from the Eric Sands yard under new ownership.
Tony Rivalland is in town and saddles the promising King Of The Gauls, who has not run in 21 weeks since beating Lunarcam in the LHKIR in December Listed Umngeni Handicap. He has been touted as being of Grade 1 calibre and it’s a good sign that Richard Fourie returns to the controls. Fourie last won this race on Erik The Red in 2020.
Sean Tarry raids with the Arundels’ Mia Moo, a very smart daughter of Vercingetorix who has her first start in the Cape. It has been six years since Tarry brought Africa Rising down to win this race in the hands of Lyle Hewitson.
The De Grendel Merchants is the third leg of a carryover first jackpot of R200 000 which is anticipated to reach R1 million. The first leg is race 5, which jumps at 14h40.
The Vaal seldom hosts a Saturday racemeeting but Christmas has come early in Vereeniging with the running of the 2024 renewal of the World Sports Betting R500 000 Grand Heritage.
Unique by virtue of the fact that it is run over the 1475m straight and can host up to 28 runners, the Grand Heritage was introduced in 2016 by Phumelela with the intention of it becoming South Africa’s equivalent of famous big field handicaps like The Cesarewitch, The Cambridgeshire and the Tote Ebor, which are three of the biggest
‘N
annual betting heats in England.
Run for the first time in 2016, the Grand Heritage has survived eight years of challenges, and whether it has achieved its original goal is a moot point. But for quartet players, it’s a great challenge and 22 runners will line up at 15h45
on Saturday in the third leg of the Jackpot 1 carryover of R200 000, which is expected to get to R1 million.
• Follow the latest news on the WSB Grand Heritage on www.sportingpost.co.za
Drakenstein Stud bred the trifecta as Vaughan Marshall saddled his sixth Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner courtesy of champion One Stripe, who asserted his authority in dramatic style to win the prestigious and time-honoured R2 million Grade 1 classic at a sun-drenched Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Backed into 6-10, One Stripe enjoyed a superbly judged ride from national log-leading rider Gavin Lerena, who rode a peach of a race, drifting to the centre off the heels of Great Plains around the turn, before allowing his mount to drift wide out to hug the outside rail up the summer course home straight.
The visual deception of having the favourite wide out with Richard Fourie setting Eight On Eighteen
alight down the inside had the One Stripe supporters holding their breath momentarily.
But the astute Lerena grabbed his personal first Cape Guineas trophy as he clearly knew what he had under him and it was plan come together as One Stripe endorsed his prospects as South Africa’s most exciting 3yo, powering home in a time of 97,74 secs.
Having only his second start this term, Eight On Eighteen stamped his Cape Derby prospects with a big effort over the mile to hold second.
His stablemate Great Plans (20-1) ran a cracker in third, with Plattner Racing’s O’Tenikwa (80-1) staying on for fourth, after fighting Corne Orffer around the turn in his first try at a mile.
Mike de Kock’s formerly undefeated raider Heather’s Boy looked a picture in the pre-race, and only ran out of steam late in the race to run fifth. Alongside runner-up Eight On Eighteen, he is a 2025 WSB Cape Town Met entry. One Stripe’s victory marked a maiden Grade 1 success for owner Rikesh Sewgoolam, who watched the action from Australia, as well as for SA Freshman champion sire of last season, One World – a son of Captain Al who was saddled by
Vaughan Marshall to win this race in 2000.
One Stripe took his stakes bank to R2 380 513 with his fifth win and a place from seven starts.
The R1,4 million sales-topper at the 2023 Cape Racing Ready To Run And Unbroken Two Year Old Sale, One Stripe is out of the three-time winning Silvano mare Silver Stripe, who stayed well and won up to 2450m.
More interesting times ahead!
‘Captain Al has had an extraordinary impact on the classic and is the only modern era winner whose progeny have emulated their sire, both of which were trained by Vaughan Marshall’
It would be safe to say that the name of Captain Al runs like a golden thread through the training career of Vaughan Marshall.
It was he who expertly guided the son of Al Mufti to a career best in the 2000 Gr1 Cape Guineas and nursed the colt back to health after he contracted a lung disease during the subsequent Durban season.
Sadly, Captain Al had lost a third of his lung capacity, which forced Marshall to restrict him to sprint races. That Captain Al won both the Gr2 Merchants and Gr2 Diadem Stakes at four is testament to his trainer’s skills.
Having closed out his career with a fifth place in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship “a distance
too short”, the trainer admitted, Captain Al duly returned to birthplace Klawervlei Stud for a stud career, where he ruled supreme.
Needless to say, Marshall has been an avid fan of his former protégé and has brought out the best in many of the stallion’s immediate offspring, training no less than seven of the stallion’s Gr1 winners, amongst which the Gr1 Met winners Hill Fifty Four and One World, as well as champion filly All Is Secret and her Gr1 winning own sister The Secret Is Out, to our knowledge, the only siblings to have won the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship.
Marshall had also trained their dam Secret Of Victoria, who was runner-up in the 2005 Allan Robertson. Off the track for nine months with a fractured sesamoid, she returned to win the Olympic Duel Stakes as a late three-year-old and at four won both the Gr2 Southern Cross and Gr2 Sceptre Stakes.
As regards the Cape Guineas, Captain Al has had an extraordinary impact on the classic and is the only modern era winner whose progeny have emulated their sire, both of which were trained by Marshall.
Sixteen years after his sire’s Guineas win, William Longsword overcame a deep draw to defeat Gold Standard and after winning the R3,3-million CTS Mile, joined the Klawervlei stallion roster as a replacement for his illustrious sire, who was humanely euthanized after post laminitis surgery complications in July 2017.
That year’s Guineas was a poignant, yet auspicious occasion, as Captain Al sired the winner Tap O’Noth as well as third-placed Like A Panther. A year later, One World chased home Soqrat and Twist Of Fate.
Incidentally, Captain Al was denied another Cape Guineas winner when Captain America was pipped on the line by his unfancied stable companion Elusive Gold, in a desperate finish to the 2013 race.
On Saturday, Marshall broke a seven-year drought with budding superstar One Stripe, who became his trainer’s sixth Guineas winner.
In a sense, it was a fairytale third-generation success, given that One Stripe is a grandson of Captain Al. The colt hails from the initial crop of champion One World, who has made a flying start to his stud career and looks to be a natural successor to his illustrious sire. Marshall’s admiration for the progeny of One World knows no bounds, “I currently have 28 of them,” he quips. Besides, he paid R1.4-million for One Stripe, the top price at last year’s Cape Racing Sales Ready To Run Sale.
Asked if One Stripe reminded him of his grandsire, he made an interesting observation: “No, he is very like his father One World, who is a more refined horse. He has phenomenal ability and is as genuine as Captain Al was.”
While One Stripe is the first grandson of Captain Al to claim the Guineas, another grandson came close in 2020, the Marshalltrained Linebacker, who went down by a long head to Russian Rock. Despite being by Captain Al’s champion sprint son Captain Of All, he went on to complete the Gr1 Cape Derby/ Daily News 2000 double and finished second in the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July!
On the distaff side too, Captain Al has stamped his authority on the classic as the broodmare sire of last year’s winner Snow Pilot and repeated in that sphere with this year’s runnerup Eight On Eighteen. Interesting to note that both were sired by the much-missed Lancaster Bomber.
For now, Marshall can savour his latest Guineas success.
Future plans for One Stripe are fluid, but the trainer indicated that he will be entered for the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate, although a run will be dependent on the draw.
Another likely target is the R5-million Big Cap in March.
The Mike de Kock-trained Heather’s Boy, the stable’s leading three-year-old colt, will be out of racing for a long time due to an injury incurred in Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas.
Mike de Kock said on Monday: “Heather’s Boy returned lame after the race. Scans revealed that he had injured his near-fore tendon.”
This is a big blow to the stable and Heather’s
Boy’s owner, Lady Christine Laidlaw, as he was a WSB Cape Town Met entry and a contender for the forthcoming Cape Derby and the 2025 three-year-old classics.
Mike de Kock said on his website: “Heather’s Boy will be out for a minimum of six months and it is most disappointing, but injuries are a part of racing.
He will be getting the best veterinary care and all the time he needs to recover.”
Anthony Andrews doesn’t always get the big chances and the best rides. But he’s a born and bred horseman and caught his colleagues off guard with a finely judged front-running ride on a revitalized The Futurist to win the R350 000 Ridgemont Gr3 Peninsula Handicap in the first genuine knockout of the big day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The advantage of riding longshots is that a devil-may-care approach is never going to be criticized by connections or keyboard warriors, and Andrews threw some calculated caution to the wind on the biggest outsider in an eleven horse field that included five WSB Cape Town Met entries.
In a slight variation on his memorable frontrunning victory on The Futurist in the Gr3 Pocket Power Stakes seven months ago, Andrews couldn’t get the gelding to move forward in the first 200m on Saturday.
But fresh from a stay on the Highveld, where he didn’t exactly shine in two starts, the gelding then took the initiative, and it was race over.
“I’m just the passenger not the pilot,” laughed Andrews modestly after the race.
In a thrilling finish, with the pack chasing hard, Andrews got The Futurist (66-1) home by 0,40 lengths in a time of 109,96 secs for the 1800m.
Otto Luyken (17-2) finished well for second, and 0,30 lengths ahead of the winner’s stablemate Infrared (7-2) back in third in
what was a great race for the new father-andson training partnership of Brett and James Crawford.
Justin Snaith’s Future Swing (5-1) was the first WSB Cape Town Met entry home, running just over a length off the winner in fourth. The favourite Triple Time, also a WSB Cape Town Met entry, never got into things and finished in midfield.
A 6yo gelded son of Futura (Dynasty), the winner was bred by Peter Carolin and is
out of the Black Minnaloushe mare, Black Mischief.
A R70 000 Cape Ready To Run graduate, The Futurist is now a winner of 6 races with 6 places from 26 starts and has earned stakes of R769 864.
In a race that attracted its fair share of pre-publicity, Milnerton trainer Candice Bass-Robinson enjoyed a rewarding outcome as she saddled the Yuppie Syndicate’s Rainbow Lorikeet to a career peak victory in the R225 000 SplashOut Gr3 Victress Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The withdrawal of the winner’s former stablemate topweight Red Palace after a sale in midweek looked to have played into the hands of the very talented Andre Nel Dynasty mare Saartjie, who went off at 4-10 as many player’s Pick 6 banker.
But with the carryover Pick 6 pool climbing to R3 933 671, it was not to be as Aldo Domeyer produced a powerful performance from the saddle to get Rainbow Lorikeet (9-2) past Grant van Niekerk and Knockout (14-1) late to register a three-quarter length victory in a time of 114,54 secs for the 1800m.
The original pacemaker Time For Love (16-1) came back courageously from the edge of nowhere to run third.
Saartjie was last for much of the trip and had nothing to come, finishing last of the five runners. There were unconfirmed reports that she had spread a shoe in running. Little compensation for her supporters
Rainbow Lorikeet is raced by the Yuppie Syndicate and was bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein.
She is by Maine Chance resident Querari (Oasis Dream) and is out of the Silvano mare Nightingale, who coincidentally gave trainer Candice Bass-Robinson her maiden Grade 1 success in the 2017 Klawervlei Majorca Stakes, when ridden by present day Hollywood Racing manager Anthony Delpech.
The Cartier Paddock Stakes could be next on the agenda for Rainbow Lorikeet who has won 5 races with 7 places from her 16 starts for stakes of R642 651.
Yuppie Syndicate nominee Zach Bloch was out from London to lead Rainbow Lorikeet in. He conceded that he ‘loves horseracing’ and was dearly hoping that his boss wasn’t tuned in to Gallop TV as he admitted in the post-race interview to listening to racing ‘all day long’ at work.
Maybe when his London boss latches on to Zac’s distractions, Cape Racing will consider contracting him as a Youth Ambassador for the sport. He says all the right things and is clearly sick for it. Racing desperately needs more twentysomethings like this fellow!
Rainbow Lorikeet’s gutsy victory in the SplashOut Gr3 Victress Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last Saturday was a defining moment in the life and passion of a young man who lives, works, eats and sleeps racing.
A Cape Town-born professional doing his accounting articles with a leading international audit firm in London, Zac Bloch was planning his annual leave and summer break in his hometown a few months ago, and went into his boss’ office to ask if he could take the time off.
“From when to when do you need it?” asked his boss paging through a calendar.
Normal people talk in dates. Zac’s reply – “from the Cape Guineas to the Cape Town Met will work for me, please.”
Such is the racing spirit of the energetic Zac Bloch who lives in a multi-dimensional universe of racing – even though he insists his life is very balanced and he even finds time for gym on a Saturday morning. That is, if it doesn’t encroach into his racing time!
Zac is the nominee of the Yuppie Syndicate and the 24 year old accounting graduate is determined to see the sport of horse racing grow and flourish.
“Racing doesn’t have a future without bringing in the twentysomethings, they are, after all the next generation. The demographics were never an issue in the days when my Dad and yourself were introduced to the game via your family, ten cent jackpots, and the Cape Hunt & Polo Club racemeetings in your school holidays. It was the only game in town. Today it’s competing for Millennial and Generation Zee attention with a host of other distractions – but it remains a sport that offers plenty,” enthuses Zac as he tells of his journey with the nine-strong Yuppie Syndicate.
Zac’s Grandparents were the Schonwalds, who ran a powerful breeding operation in the Cape, standing the likes of French Tutor and Rainbow Dream, and Dad Jonathan has been involved forever.
“It’s a cliché, I suppose, but I was born with racing in my blood. My Dad used to sit and watch the racing on television and I’d be fascinated by the horses, their names and the numbers. It intrigued me – I must have been 5 years old. The bug had bitten.”
He became close mates with Judd Bortz while still at school, and the teenagers enjoyed coming racing, shouting Greg’s horses home, and dreaming of one day owning a Met winner together.
Despite his solid foundation around horses, Zac concedes that his first horse was not chosen with science, but caught his eye in the catalogue as a result of the name.
“We used to be avid viewers of the Fawlty Towers series and there was an episode where Basil Fawlty’s horse Dragonfly wins and he has to get his staffmember Manuel to zip his lip about it. Basil famously said to Manuel – ‘you know nothing.’ It was hilarious. So Dragonfly jumped out of the catalogue!” he laughs.
But back to the fairytale that is the Yuppie Syndicate.
“I thought let me bring in say ten young professionals. I had a 10% share for each in my head. So it was big enough to feel the benefit of a stake cheque, but small enough that nobody would get hurt if we got a slow horse,” he laughs as he explains that his idea was to give tomorrow’s big earners a positive introduction to racing.
“They are all around my age – we don’t have a lot of capital to throw around, so I then mulled over asking them each for say R5 000 to buy a horse. I thought that is not going to work – after all a Kommetdieding champion cheapie doesn’t come by every day. Through Jehan Malherbe I approached Mary Slack. The champion
breeders keep their best-bred fillies to race, so I asked if we could lease a filly. That way there was no capex outlay on the part of the syndicate members. Mrs Slack was amazing. She loved the idea and so arrived the beautifully-bred Rainbow Lorikeet. She happened to also be bred on the Querari-Silvano cross that has worked so well.”
Zac recalls the day Rainbow Lorikeet made her debut over 1000m.
“She started 80-1. It was a wet Cape May day. The ground was soft. Normally there is talk if a horse is decent, but this time there was nothing. I remember walking into the parade ring thinking she was going to run last and I was about to lose 8 friends.”
He tells that there he was, full of buzz, excitement and nerves – while trying to tell the syndicate members that she’s bred for ground, will mature with age and let’s just hope she
runs on and is in the first half of the field.
“I felt like a trainer giving the excuses before the run. At the same time one of my best friends who is in the syndicate and has never missed a race, Raphi was telling everyone she will shit in! What fun this was. It wasn’t exactly glamorous I know, but everybody was over the moon when she ran sixth, just over 4 lengths off the more experienced winner. I was relieved! She then ran two places and won at her fourth start. The Yuppie Syndicate was on the road! Rainbow Lorikeet has earned at almost every start since – she’s won five races, including Saturday’s Grade 3 pinnacle! And now we live in hope and dream of participating in the Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes!”
Zac says that the syndicate has worked in forging friendships and it’s an almost 90% attendance when she runs, assuming everyone is in town.
“Cameron Braun and myself, for example, have clicked and become firm mates. He’s based in Sydney and much like me, he does all he can to watch every Cape race and is as sick for the game as I proudly am! We feel like we have been friends for life”
Zac has also dabbled in trading horses and is excited about Wecangoallnight who runs in the De Grendel Gr2 Cape Merchants on Sunday.
On the answers to rebuild racing, Zac says that Greg Bortz and Hollywoodbets have struck gold at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
“Service by their world-class staff and the facilities are outstanding. It makes marketing the game to a new generation a tad easier. And I was at Epsom for the Derby. I would still choose Cape Racing’s HQ!”
He says ultimately racing horses has to be about ‘fun’.
“That is the answer. Make it fun. Nobody is expecting to become a multi out of it! But we all love fun!”
The Snaith Racing Team epitomizes the total ownership experience in Zac’s view.
“Every trainer runs their yard in their unique way. We have enjoyed experiencing a variety of them, and while I chat to Mr Marshall almost every week, and he is just a master of his art,
he gives me the time of day and is always willing to impart knowledge and to listen. That’s top-class for me as an owner!”
Zac tells that as a team to market the concept of ownership, he feels Snaith Racing have found the sweet spot.
“They are professional and whether you have 5% of a maiden or own 5 Grade 1 horses, they treat you the same. Their door is always open,
and their beach outings are simply special,” reflects Zac.
On his future plans, Zac explains that he only moved to London to gain international experience.
“I can’t be too far away from Hollywoodbets Kenilworth for too long. So my GPS is very focused he laughs.”
In a sequel to a public auction to dissolve a partnership hosted by Cape Racing Sales on Wednesday 11 December of the top-class Red Palace, the National Horseracing Authority have announced that they have launched two investigations.
The Sporting Post published an editorial on Monday 9 December, wherein it was confirmed that Cape Racing Sales would be auctioning the filly after the final race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday 11 December.
She was sold for R3,8 million to breeder and former part owner, Terry Andrews.
Cape Racing Sales advised the Sporting Post that Red Palace was being sold with the engagement of the SplashOut Gr3 Victress Stakes on Saturday 14 December.
It thus came as something of a surprise when we were informed by readers that the National Racing Bureau had recorded the withdrawal by the former trainer of the filly at 08h04 on Thursday 12 December, for reason of ‘sold without engagement’.
This was subsequently amended in the course of Thursday to having been withdrawn due ‘to a change of stables’, and was credited to the new
trainer, Dean Kannemeyer.
The racing regulator has now launched an investigation into the scratching and also the reason why trainer Bass-Robinson did not declare riders for her three declared runners in the SplashOut Victress Stakes.
Aldo Domeyer was declared at 15h52 on Thursday 12 December for the eventual winner Rainbow Lorikeet, while JP van der Merwe was declared at the same time for stablemate Gold Poker Game.
Jockey declarations are ordinarily required to be made by declaration – in this case Monday 9 December at 11h00.
Beyond the pending investigations, things ended well enough for the Bass-Robinson yard when the improving Rainbow Lorikeet stamped her Paddock Stakes prospects with a gutsy victory in the SplashOut Victress Stakes under a top-notch ride by Aldo Domeyer, to put the cherry on the top of a three-timer for the combination on the big day.
Broodmare daughters of the late Silvano (Lomitas) made their presence felt on Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas day.
The Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas winner One Stripe (One World) is out of the Silvano mare Silver Stripe, and the SplashOut Gr3 Victress Stakes winner Rainbow Lorikeet (Querari) was produced by another daughter of Silvano in Nightingale.
Tellingly, perhaps, both Silver Stripe and Nightingale were stakes winners, with the former’s three wins including a triumph in the Listed Spook Express Handicap, and the top-class Nightingale winning the 2017 Gr1 Klawervlei Majorca Stakes and finishing just three-parts of a length off paternal half-brother, and Equus Champion, Marinaresco in the 2017 Vodacom Durban July.
Rainbow Lorikeet is one of six graded stakes winners bred on the Querari/Silvano cross. The tally is made up of Gr1 Douglas Whyte Thekwini Stakes winner Bavarian Beauty and fellow graded stakes winners Cosmic Light, Homely Girl, Wonderwall, and Cosmic Speed.
The latter recently made a winning return to the track, having won last season’s Gr2 Durban Golden Horseshoe.
Cosmic Speed is out of one of Silvano’s best broodmare daughters in the form of Cosmic Dream. A lightly raced winner, Cosmic Dream is the dam of graded stakes winners Cosmic Light (Querari), Cosmic Highway (Gimmethegreenlight) and Cosmic Speed (Querari), but also ranks as the granddam of this season’s Listed Allied Steelrode Golden Loom Handicap winner Chyavana (Flower Alley).
Silvano ended last season sixth on South Africa’s Leading Broodmare Sires premiership, with the champion’s daughters responsible for eight black type winners who won 10 stakes races in the 2023-2024 South African racing season. He features prominently on the same list this season, and is currently in fifth spot.
Among Silvano’s flagbearers as a broodmare sire this season are Gr3 Betway Graham Beck Stakes winner Moonlight Trader (Erupt) and Love Is A Rose (Master Of My Fate). The latter finished runner- up in both the Listed Woolavington Stakes and Listed World Sports Betting Cape Summer Stayers Handicap.
The deceased son of Lomitas could well be on track to enjoy further success as a broodmare sire.
Silvano set to be represented as a broodmare sire by the trio of One Stripe, Rainbow Lorikeet and Cosmic Speed, and is broodmare sire of three likely runners in Saturday’s World Sports Betting Grand Heritage. His maternal grandson Cosmic Highway, winner of the race last season, is also a potential starter in Sunday’s Gr2 Cape Merchants,
With a number of high-class daughters, such as Monday’s Mike de Kock Ipi Tombe Stakes runner-up Silver Sanctuary and Red Maple, yet to retire to the paddocks, Silvano will no doubt be making his presence felt as a broodmare sire for years to come.
A Gimmethegreenlight half-sister to the well performed dual stakes winner Sheela (The United States), the dogs were barking about Justin Snaith’s Wild Wild Green and she duly delivered to win the R200 000 Flash Summer Coronation Plate at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The compact but athletic filly was a few lengths off the pace set by Between The Lines, her stablemate Whatastar and Walk Right In, before surging forward under JP van der Merwe to catch the pacy Whatastar (25-1) and go on to win by a length at 18-10 in a time of 60,4 secs.
Whatastar shouldn’t miss in similar company next time, while the Paul Reeves-trained Captain Of All filly Love Her Madly (33-1) came from the clouds to bank third cheque, a further half-length back.
The first Hawwaam daughter to race in the Cape, Take It As Red (17-2) looked good in the preliminaries and ran a nice fourth, just 0,40 lengths further back.
“There is not much of her but when I squeezed she put her ears back. She’s all heart. She hit the front a bit green, but went on nicely,” added Winx-sponsored JP van der Merwe, who rode a well-judged race to win.
Justin Snaith has steadfastly supported the Cape Racing juvenile programme and it paid dividends again.
“I am not sure about my strike-rate as I have to put three or four in a race, but I want to support Cape Racing’s drive to bolster fields. Wild Wild Green won well. I only get their babies the last few months. But the Drakenstein set-up is superb and well done to their team,” added the SA champion.
“Her sister Sheela was a good sprinter. We are thrilled and well done to the teams and to Jenna who liked her early on,” added owner Gaynor Rupert.
Raced and bred by Drakenstein Stud, the winner is a daughter of champion sire Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) out of the one-time winning Trippi mare, Trip To India.
A half-brother to last term’s Equus Champion 2yo colt Proceed, Paul Reeves’ Parental Guidance tracked pacemaker Yamazaki before drawing to clear to register an impressive debut effort in the R250 000 Pragmatic Commonwealth Plate on the Kaapse Klopse Voorsmakie raceday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Under bright sunny skies in perfect conditions for racing, the Pragmatic Commonwealth Plate was the first local baby race over 1000m and opened the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas day.
Ridgemont rider Richard Fourie showed his astute professional skills again when selecting the ride based on the Gr1 family connection on which he had won.
While conceding his concerns about the threat of the Snaith filly She’s My World, Fourie had nothing to worry about and Parental Guidance (13-2) strode clear to beat the filly She’s My World (7-2) by 2 lengths. Malmesbury Missile (17-2) produced a cracker after a tardy start, to run third a further
1,25 lengths back, with the fancied Captain Jon Snow (9-4) rounding the quartet – beaten some 8 lengths in a disappointing debut.
A R225 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, the winner was bred by Laurence Wernars and races for Francis Carruthers, who apparently bought the colt as he felt sorry for the Indigo-sponsored Milnerton trainer at the sale. One good turn deserves another!
A son of Querari (Oasis Dream), Parental Guidance is out of the Captain Al mare Xplosive Kiss. He looks one worth following.
CLASS OF ’24
CELEBRATED AT HOLLYWOODBETS
The Hollywoodbets Grooms School at Milnerton was a hive of activity last Friday morning as eleven proud graduates from the class of ’24 were acknowledged and received their Workrider certificates, which were handed over by the vastly experienced William Bambiso, the Cape’s ‘senior statesman’ of the ranks, and the reigning Workrider Of The Year.
The Hollywoodbets Grooms School at Milnerton was a hive of activity last Friday morning as eleven proud graduates from the class of ’24 were acknowledged and received their Workrider certificates, which were handed over by the vastly experienced William Bambiso, the Cape’s ‘senior statesman’ of the ranks, and the reigning Workrider Of The Year.
In a year in which the school again made great strides in upskilling a strategically vital support sector of the industry, Riding Master Craig Du Plooy told the Sporting Post that the delivery of kitchen, office, medical and stable supplies provided by the Hollywood Foundation in February had made a ‘world of difference’ to their already refurbished facilities and added impetus to what was a productive year.
“Reflecting back, I am particularly proud of this year’s graduates. It is well documented that our winter in the Cape was the bleakest in living memory. Yet the students punctually attended lessons, determined to improve their skills,” added Du Plooy, who is in his 19th year of teaching and coaching Workriders.
The former professional jockey explained some of the practical daily challenges facing a student wanting to improve his lot in life.
“The guys, many of whom walk to work, start the day very early and they attend the school after the first phase of their own daily work is done. So it’s effectively in their rest time that they learn. With the rain and inclement weather that we experienced, there was many a morning where I sat with a class full of drenched exhausted students. Yet we always had full attendance. I don’t think many comprehend the sacrifices that are made under very trying conditions. That is why I will personally go beyond the pale for each one of them. Stepping out with a certificate as
they did today, is an admirable outcome for dedication and hard work, and chatting to them afterwards one gets the sense that, for many, it is a massive milestone in their lives,” added Du Plooy.
The aim of the course is to enable Grooms to become qualified Workriders, thus filling a vacuum created by the slanted ratio of the horse population to professional jockeys. This means that trainers rely heavily on the graduates of the Hollywoodbets Grooms School to perform a vital function.
The course equips the students practically and technically, and it also teaches them to assess the horse underneath them and so to provide the trainer with important feedback.
Thirteen students were enrolled with 11 graduating last week.
“The two remaining guys need a little more time, and I will be focusing on them in the next few months,”said Du Plooy, who is clearly proud of his students.
Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager Devin Heffer lauded the work being done by Craig du Plooy and his assistants Bongi Maqelana and Wiseman Mlindi, and the extraordinary commitment of the students.
“Education and coaching is key to upliftment, upskilling and self-improvement in any sphere of life and we are proud of the important role of the Hollywoodbets Grooms School. It is worth mentioning the significant progression
of 50% of students from groom functions to workriders, and the remaining students progressing towards becoming race riders. The positive impact this progression has had on graduates’ earning potential and potential personal advancement, reflects Hollywood’s commitment to their professional and personal growth. This is a success story in every sense of the word,” concluded Heffer.
Not all Workriders take the quantum leap immediately into race-riding, but one graduate of the class of ’24 has already done so and some of the others will no doubt be seen in action over the next few months.
Two legs of the 2024/25 Hollywoodbets Workriders’ Series have already been completed, with the next two scheduled for
29 January and 22 February, culminating in an exciting finale on 16 March 2025, the Cape Racing Sales Day.
Congratulations to the class of ’24:
• Zubenathi Jevu
• Siyakholwa Maqelana
• Masiviwe Matiwane
• Lelethu Feni
• Masonwabe Jevu
• Asavela Mdludlu
• Sandiso Nikani
• Xumani Mangaliso
• Sithulile Geledu
• Mcebisi Sizani
• Wonga Mdludlu
An acknowledged master of the art of prepping 2yo’s to win early, trainer Mike Miller saddled the quartet in the Hollywoodbets Scottsville opener on Sunday.
Miller saddled five of the seven runners in the 900m Maiden Plate and it was the outsider of his quintet in the shape of the 40-1 Captains Envy who produced a powerful late burst to nab her more experienced male stablemate Holds The Key (evens) and beat him by 0,20 lengths in a time of 51,76 secs for the 900m.
The quartet in the seven horse field paid R1 235-20.
The upstaging of a favourite in a multiple runner baby race was a repeat of two weeks ago when the Miller horses ran 1-2-3 in the opening juvenile race of the KZN racing season.
There it was again the underrated Mathew Thackeray who spoilt the favourite backers party when he came with a late rattle on Ben Sahd’s Querari filly Siesta Sunset (10-1), to cut down her more fancied and very pacy stablemate Holds The Key (15-10).
Tristan Godden has ridden Holds The Key on both occasions and he will no doubt be keen to make it third time lucky for the son of What A Winter’s supporters.
Bred by the late David Abery and Klawervlei Stud, Captains Envy is a daughter of Pomodoro (Jet Master) out of the one-time winning Captain Al mare, Frosted Steel.
“My son Sterling and I had R100 000 for her at the Cape sale. We bid R20 000 and there wasn’t another bid. We are not complaining,” recalled Mike Miller, as he explained that the 2,5kg sex allowance makes a massive difference.
“Andrew Fortune always said that juveniles can’t carry weight,” he added.
Jockey Mathew Thackeray conceded that Captains Envy was ‘more forward’ than he had anticipated after riding her in work at home.
The sheer brilliance of the evergreen Piere Strydom sealed a memorable 1-2 finish in the R500 000 Mike de Kock Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge at Turffontein on the Day of Reconciliation public holiday meeting.
Racing has a way of scripting fairytales, and with the 28-10 VJ’s Angel having done the donkey work out front and no luck forthcoming for the 9-10 favourite Fiery Pegasus, who was caught out wide off a modest pace, it was left to the 58-year-old Strydom to showcase his judgement and patience.
While Raymond Danielson was making up lengths down the inside on topweight stablemate Silver Sanctuary, Striker was looking left then right and left again, as he waited for a gap to open as White Pearl turn it on, relishing the forgiving gallop.
The gap opened and White Pearl (10-1) flashed up to hold the gutsy Silver Sanctuary (17-2) by 0,30 lengths in a time of 99,58 secs for the standside mile.
Let’s Go Now (17-2) grabbed third a further 0,40 lengths back, with VJ’s Angel (28-10) stopping late for fourth.
The top four finishing within under a length of each other.
“I probably had a whisky or two in at the time, but I told Piere Strydom once that he is the
Tiger Woods of the jockey ranks,” conceded De Kock as he praised the ride of both of his jockeys.
Pushed if he had only passed the compliment once, De Kock added: “You can’t tell them more than once – it can go to their heads, you know!”
On the runner-up Silver Sanctuary, De Kock said that he left the racecourse on Betway Summer Cup day in absolute disbelief that the daughter of Silvano had run last in the topliner.
“Two weeks after that she runs a great race in a Grade 2. Just makes one wonder.”
It was a terrific feature outcome after the disappointment of the top yard’s Heather’s Boy who was injured and pulled up lame after the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas in the Cape 48 hours earlier.
Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, White Pearl, who perfectly suits the Strydom patience
and probably doesn’t stay a genuine hard-run mile, was winning her first Grade 2 and has now won 4 races with 10 places from 18 starts for starts for stakes of R1 072 375.
By Deep Impact’s son Danon Platina, a champion 2yo colt of Japan in 2014, the winner is out of the Tiger Ridge mare Oyster Pond.
White Pearl was a R450 000 purchase from the 2022 August Two Year Old Sale.
A half hour after White Pearl’s dramatic victory, local star Main Defender bounced back to winning ways when cruising home to win a R200 000 Pinnacle Stakes over a mile. Gavin Lerena rode the winner for Tony Peter.
The Ascot Stud-bred The United States mare United Council successfully defended her Sun Chariot Handicap title at Turffontein on the Day of Reconciliation public holiday, having not won in between the two races.
Robbie Sage trains the consistent mare for longstanding owner Colin Bird and Gavin Lerena laid down the gauntlet halfway up the straight after topweight Explosive Bond led briefly in the R150 000 non-black type contest.
Never looking like getting caught, United Council (9-2) stayed on stoutly to register a time of 153,96 secs for the Turffontein 2400m standside track.
The year younger One Religion (18-10) looked dangerous at around the 250m, but was well beaten 4,75 lengths back, with Explosive Bond (15-10) feeling her weight impost and petering out to run a further 2,25 lengths back in fourth.
The winner was bred by Ascot Stud and is a daughter of Moutonshoek’s Galileo stallion The
United States out of the twice-winning Danehill Dancer mare, Unconditional.
A winner of 4 races with 6 places from 20 starts for stakes of R406 000, United Council was a R270 000 BSA National 2yo Sale graduate.
It is worth noting that Gavin Lerena is riding with great confidence, this being his 90th winner of the term at a win strike-rate of 25,79%. He leads the national log with a good seven and a half months left of the season.
Maine Chance Farms’ top-class sire Querari made a big impression at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The son of Oasis Dream had a treble of winners, including the SplashOut Gr3 Victress Stakes winner Rainbow Lorikeet.
Winner of both the 2024 Listed Schweppes Cape Fillies Classic and 2024 Listed East Cape Paddock Stakes, the Candice Bass-Robinson trained Rainbow Lorikeet picked up her first graded win when landing Saturday’s SplashOut Victress Stakes.
Under the inform Aldo Domeyer, the four-yearold daughter of Querari stayed on gamely to win by three parts of a length.
Rainbow Lorikeet is out of the Silvano mare Nightingale and is thus bred on the same Querari/Silvano cross as the likes of Bavarian
Beauty, Cosmic Light, Cosmic Speed, Homely Girl and Wonderwall.
Her sire has made a flying start with his early two-year-olds this season and Querari came up with another two-year-old winner on Saturday. Promising colt Parental Guidance became Querari’s third two-year-old winner this season, from just five runners when he won the first race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. The Paul Reeves-trained colt made an impressive winning debut when running out a two-and-a-half length winner of the Pragmatic Commonwealth Plate.
A half-brother to champion Proceed, the
Laurence Wernars bred colt joins the likes of fellow debut winners Black Cheetah and Siesta Sunset as two-year-old winners for Querari in 2024-2025.
Querari is currently South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2YOs for the current season.
Parental Guidance is out of the Captain Al mare Xplosive Kiss and is bred on the same cross as graded stakes winners Head Honcho, Kampala Campari and Questioning.
Querari is also the sire of well-bred filly From A Distance, who got off the mark on Saturday when victorious in the Ozow Maiden Plate (F&M) over 1200 metres.
One Stripe remained unchanged on his official rating of 118 following his impressive win in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas for three-year-olds over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
In fact, it was One Stripe himself who was deemed to be the most suitable line horse to rate this race, hence his unchanged rating.
No fewer than three horses received increases in their ratings following this contest. 2nd placed, Eight On Eighteen was adjusted to 115 from 110 for finishing 1.25 lengths (3 points) behind the 118 rated line horse (One Stripe) at level weights.
3rd placed Great Plains, who finished 2.75 lengths (6 points) behind the line horse was adjusted to 112 from 110. Lastly, 4th place finisher, O’tenikwa was increased from 97 to 108 for a 5.0 lengths (10 points) beating by the line horse.
No horses received a relief in the ratings in this race.
The Futurist has seen his rating raised from 104 to 107 after capturing the Ridgemont Gr3 Peninsula Handicap over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The Handicappers were of the opinion that 4th placed, Future Swing, made for the most suitable line horse to assess this race and as a result his rating remained unaltered on 110. Runner up, Otto Luyken was the only other
runner apart from the winner to receive an upward adjustment and he went up to 100 from 99.
There were however ratings drops for three runners following this contest. Triple Time and William Iron Arm both dropped to 111 from 112, while Coastal Commander received a two points relief, from 111 to 109.
Rainbow Lorikeet has had her rating adjusted to 105 from 101 following her win in the SplashOut Gr3 Victress Stakes for fillies and mares over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The Handicappers were of the opinion that Rainbow Lorikeet would not have run worse than the 105 she achieved in the Summer Bowl back in November and hence used that mark of 105 to rate this race.
It is worth noting that Rainbow Lorikeet could not be adjusted for her Summer Bowl run due to the conditions of that race which precluded the handicappers from increasing ratings for placed runners.
Two more runners received increments in the official ratings. Runner up, Knockout was increased to 103 from 98 for finishing 0.75 lengths (2 points) behind the 105 rated winner at level weights. 3rd place finisher, Time For Love, was adjusted to 102 from 98 after finishing 1.15 lengths (2 points) behind the winner and carrying 0.5kg more.
There were no drops for any runners in this race.
White Pearl has had her rating raised to 114 from 111 following her gutsy victory in the Mike De Kock Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge over 1600m at the Turffontein Standside track on Monday.
The Handicappers were unanimous in their view that 3rd placed Let’s Go Now made for the most suitable line horse to assess this race
and as such her rating remained on 113.
Silver Sanctuary, who finished 2nd in this race, was the only other runner to receive an increment in the ratings and she went up to 117 from 116.
There were no changes to any other runners in this race.
• Media release by the NHA on Wednesday, 18 December 2024.
The National Horseracing Authority has reminded all stakeholders of an important amendment to the Rules regarding Equine Influenza vaccination.
Effective 1 January 2025, all horses and foals, including those on stud farms and spelling farms, shall only be vaccinated against Equine Influenza by a registered veterinary surgeon.
39.7.1 All HORSES and all FOALS shall be vaccinated by a veterinary surgeon against Equine Influenza both in accordance with the programme of vaccinations and with a nonexpired vaccine from the recommended list as determined by the NATIONAL BOARD and as published from time to time in the RACING CALENDAR.
39.7.3 The veterinary surgeon administering the vaccination shall record in the HORSE’S or FOAL’S PASSPORT or where a PASSPORT has not been issued, into the vaccination record
form, the name of the veterinary surgeon, the name of the HORSE or FOAL vaccinated, the date of vaccination and a description of the vaccine used. In addition, the veterinary surgeon shall, where the vial containing the vaccine carries a detachable label, stick such label into the HORSE’S PASSPORT or into the vaccination record form, as the case may be.
This change is being implemented to ensure compliance with the IFHA International Agreement on Breeding, Racing, and Wagering, as well as the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act of 1982, and to safeguard the health and welfare of equine athletes.
The NHA kindly requests all breeders, spelling farms and relevant personnel to make the necessary arrangements to comply with these updated Rules.
Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the NHA Veterinary Department at veterinary@nhra.co.za.
Imperial Emperor was flagged as a Gr2 Godolphin Mile prospect when he won first up this season, but now connections may aim even higher after another dominant display on week four of the Carnival.
Deva Racing’s smart recruit, who is trained by Bhupat Seemar, could head to the Gr1 Maktoum Challenge on 24 January after this latest impressive success. Despite carrying top weight of 62kg in the Palm Jebel Ali Handicap over 1600metres, he was given a confident ride by Tadhg O’Shea, disputing the lead early on and going it alone from 900metres.
From there, it was never in doubt, and he stormed home for a seven and a quarter-length win over Khanjar, with Al Jaddaf third.
“He trains like a smart horse and he broke
on terms tonight,” said O’Shea. “He settles and he’s easy, and like the majority of these Dubawis he’s very good on dirt. We’ll have to go back to the drawing board and see if we stretch out beyond a mile and aim for the Maktoum Challenge or something like that.”
“As a horse he’ll give himself every chance to stretch out. The dream is alive.”
The dream is also alive for another syndicateowned horse, Mendelssohn Bay, who left it until the line to steal victory from stable companion Killer Collect.
The two squared off in the concluding Dubai Islands Conditions Stakes, over 1900metres, which was a fascinating race to watch; O’Shea on Killer Collect taking the lead early and looking to have it won turning in, only for Mendelssohn Bay to go ahead, be headed and fight back for a nose success.
“He flew the gates,” said winning jockey Pat Cosgrave. “He’s a talented horse but he’s not straightforward – he’s not a fan of kickback but he doesn’t want to lead.
“I had to give Killer Collect weight and he’d had a run. It’s not easy to produce a horse late on the dirt, but hopefully he’ll improve a bit from tonight. He’s still very immature, but he’s got talent and I’m sure Bhupat will get it out of him.”
Unleashed has had a steep rise to near top of the Purebred Arabian ranks and the five-yearold picked up a first Group race success when landing the Gr2 Madjani Stakes (sponsored by Nakheel) – the evening’s official feature.
Trained by Dr Jaber Bittar, he made the running from stall six and got stronger as the race went on, never looking like being passed by either Kanaille De Faust or AF Yatwy, second and third.
“This horse has been knocking on the door,” said rider Richie Mullen. “His last race was always going to be tough, as it was over 1400metres, but they had to start him somewhere.
“This trip is the minimum he wants to go. I didn’t want to take him back behind Tadhg O’Shea’s horse (RB Yas Sir) as sometimes he can get a little intimidated.
He’s a horse you probably won’t see in Round 1 of the Maktoum Challenge over a mile, but Round 2 and 3 would suit him, over further, if that’s the route connections want to take.
Doug Watson had been excited about running Oasis Boy and his faith in the colt was wellfounded when he made a winning Red Stables debut in the Nad Al Sheba Gardens Conditions race, over 1400metres.
The son of Asiatic Boy is in his second season in the UAE, having previously been with Julio Olascoaga, and he was tenacious here under Pat Dobbs, despite being hit in the face by a whip in the closing stages. The result was a battling quarter-length success over Magic Petition, with Straight And Level third. Strobe could be one to watch, having been an unlucky fourth.
“I was delighted tonight,” said Dobbs. “I thought the draw (8) was a bad draw, but it was a good draw and neither me nor the horse really wanted to let Adrie de Vries, on Strobe out.
“Oasis Boy could have easily laid down in the straight but he switched leads and then finished strong. He held his line very well – he’s a tough horse.”
Oasis Boy completed a double for Dobbs and Watson, after the earlier victory of Nyaar in the Como Residences Handicap, over 1400metres.
He made all the running from stall three and was a comfortable winner, beating Atlantic Sky by four and a half lengths.
“As long as he jumps he’s very good,” said Dobbs. “Sometimes he gets agitated and misses it half a beat.
“Obviously backing up after a week isn’t ideal, but Carl Hodgson who rides him at home was very happy with him. He’s a horse who always looks like he needs a run, because he’s quite stocky.
“I’m delighted for the owner Vaibhav Shah who is a nice fellow and had a big winner in Hong Kong this week too, Giavellotto, Gr1 Hong Kong Vase.”
There was a dramatic result in the first of the Thoroughbred races, the Palm Beach Towers Conditions Stakes, for non-winners of two, which went to debutant Noogool.
Ridden by Andrew Slattery for Seemar, the son of Tonalist was outpaced and adrift in the early stages of the 1200metre contest, but motored home off the final turn and passed his five rivals easily enough in the end, beating Golden Redemption by just under a length.
“I was thinking, turning in, that they weren’t getting any further away! But he picked up well – he’s a nice horse,” said Slattery, who rides Noogool each morning.
“I won’t say it was a complete surprise, but with a fine, big horse, you wonder if they are mentally and physically strong enough to do it.”
Another first-time winner was Valdivia, who broke the heart of long-time leader Cupid’s Dream when swooping late in The Acres maiden, over 2000metres.
The Demarchelier colt was making his fifth start and was gritty where it mattered, reeling in his rivals close home and beating stablemate Al Mukhtar by three-quarters of a length.
“He showed plenty last season without winning,” said winning jockey Connor Beasley, riding for Ahmad Bin Harmash. “He’s a big gross horse and he’s obviously been crying out for this trip – the further he went, the better he got.
“Our other horse, Al Mukhtar, was second and I had him in my sights and then Danny’s Tudhope horse, Cupid’s Dream, looked like he had tired legs so I had something to aim at.”
With form figures of 3-2-2 ahead of tonight, Aldhaja was another who deserved a change of luck and he kept up Musabbeh Al Mheiri and Tudhope’s good form in the City Walk Handicap, over 1900metres.
Naser Askar’s five-year-old pecked slightly on leaving the stalls and had to do it the hard way, leaving it until late in the straight to pass Fall Of Rome for a half-length success.
“He just kind of flopped out of them,” said Tudhope of the starting stalls. “He picked
up well in the straight, but I wasn’t sure I was going to get them. We know it’s hard to come from behind here, but if they handle the kickback then you’ve got a chance.”
An excellent evening of racing was given added gravitas thanks to an appearance by Danny Shum, trainer of Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior.
In Dubai to check out the facilities ahead of the horse’s arrival on Tuesday, Shum was impressed with what he saw.
“Dubai is very popular, it has lots of the best racing in the world,” he said. “I’ve had a good visit to international quarantine this morning and I’m enjoying the racing tonight. Of nine-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior, he added; “He loves racing, especially when James McDonald is onboard – he has all of his best form with him onboard. He’s a strong, wonderful horse.
“He’s going to leave his stable in Hong Kong on the 17 December and arrive in the morning to Dubai.”
Romantic Warrior will line up in the Gr1 Jebel Hatta on Fashion Friday, 24 January. Meydan is in action four times prior to that, however, next hosting Festive Friday, 20 December. and racing each week in January.
www.dubairacingclub.com
Dubai Racing Club has welcomed a strong influx of international horses for the Dubai Racing Carnival, which continues this week with Festive Friday on 20 December.
More than 300 applications for overseas horses were received by the club for the Carnival, which began on 8 November and continues until March, preceding the Dubai World Cup fixture on 5 April.
The international programme, which was widened in 2023 to include every fixture at Meydan Racecourse, has already welcomed one overseas winner this season when Heart Of Honor struck for British trainer Jamie Osborne on 6 December.
Osborne is one of several trainers basing horses in Dubai for the whole winter, along with Lucie Botti and multiple Norwegian Champion Trainer Niels Petersen.
One name which stands out among the applications is that of Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior, who arrived in Dubai on Tuesday to begin
preparations for the Gr1 Jebel Hatta on 24 January.
A nine-time Group 1 winner and the highest-earning horse of all time, Romantic Warrior, Danny Shum’s star will be based at Meydan Racecourse.
He is one of several Gr1 winners nominated, others including Gr1 Dubai Turf winner Facteur Cheval and Dubai regular King Gold.
Commenting on the strength of the nominations, Erwan Charpy, DRC’s Manager of Racing Operations and International Relations, said: “we are delighted to receive so many stable applications for the Carnival, which came from all over the world.
The quality of the nominations was also extremely high and we are very happy that so many trainers wish to base horses in Dubai for the season, further strengthening our belief that this is the ideal hub from which to race across the Middle East.”
The Carnival continues on Friday, when the Gr2 Maktoum Mile and Gr2 Al Rashidiya are among the highlights.
The third meeting of the season at this iconic venue marked a significant moment for the UAE’s horse racing industry, highlighting its commitment to fostering local talent and leadership.
A former endurance rider who enjoyed notable success in both the UAE and abroad for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Alblooshi transitioned to race stewardship in 2021 under the mentorship of Sam Shinsky with the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA).
His journey from a decorated equestrian career to a key administrative role exemplifies the ERA’s vision of cultivating Emirati involvement in all aspects of the sport.
Mohamed Al Shehhi, Director General of the ERA, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “This is a monumental moment for UAE racing. Rashid’s accomplishment underscores our mission to see more Emiratis rise to the forefront of this prestigious sport.”
Rashid Alblooshi achieved a historic milestone on Friday, 06 December, becoming the first Emirati to chair a meeting at Meydan Racecourse as Head Steward.
Abdulaziz Al Noori, Head of Racing Development, echoed these sentiments, adding, “The ERA remains steadfast in its efforts to support and develop Emirati talent across the racing spectrum.
Rashid’s appointment Friday as interim head steward is a testament to the progress we’re making toward achieving this vision of more local involvement.”
John Size’s stable continues to build impressive momentum after the master trainer posted a quartet, crowned by Stellar Express’ victory in the HK$2,84 million Class 2 Lukfook Jewellery Cup Handicap run over 1000m at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Following a double on Wednesday 11 December, 12-time Hong Kong Champion trainer Size boosted his season’s tally to 11 wins when former French galloper Stellar Express sped to his first victory in Hong Kong as Mickley, Grand Nova and Beauty Alliance also triumphed for the Australian maestro.
Jumping from barrier six, Stellar Express found the outside rail under Brenton Avdulla and was never headed, clocking 55.90s to beat I Give and James Tak to claim a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million, plus the winner’s purse of HK$1.59
million. Favourite Fast Network was slowly away and finished fourth.
“I’ve been a bit slow out of the gate this season because our horses had to have a break, but they’re starting to show some form now. Hopefully, it will continue on,” Size said. “We had to be patient and had to wait for it, but it came.”
Formerly trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, Stellar Express won three races in France where he raced as Dariym.
Avdulla said: “He (Stellar Express) was good, he’s obviously been busting to win one. I’d only had two rides on him and he ran well both times but hadn’t been able to get the job done.
“I think the blinkers have really helped, he was able to find the outside fence, controlled the gallop and he was tough. He responded really well.”
Mickley enhanced Four-Year-Old Classic Series hopes when the Brittania Stakes winner charged late along the rails under Hugh Bowman to win the Class 3 Lukfook Jewellery Dear Q Handicap to also earn a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million.
“It was a nice win. I understand he hunted the rail and didn’t go around a horse, but still he had to find the acceleration and pick up. His manners are good, he seems to have settled in
to Hong Kong quite quickly and he should have a bright future,” Size said.
Edging closer to Douglas Whyte’s Hong Kong record of 1,813 wins, Zac Purton notched his 50th victory of the season as a part of double to take his Hong Kong career tally to 1,791 – just 22 wins shy of Whyte’s towering landmark.
“We’re chipping away, hopefully there’s a few more to come. Getting there – slower than I want. I would like to ride a few more winners,” Purton said after striking aboard Frankie Lor’s Triumphant More.
Purton also produced a brilliant, ground-saving ride on Beauty Alliance in the Class 4 Lukfook Jewellery Goldstyle Handicap for Size, who earlier combined with James McDonald to land the Class 4 Lukfook Jewellery Love Is Beauty Collection Handicap (1000m) with Grand Nova.
McDonald snared another double with success on Swift Ascend in the Class 3 Lukfook Joaillerie Handicap.
Alexis Pouchin notched his first winner in Hong Kong when Ricky Yiu-trained Harry’s Hero claimed the Class 5 Lukfook Jewellery Wedding Collection Handicap (1400m), scoring the breakthrough victory at his 21st ride.
“It’s my first winner after a few weeks, now I feel better,” Pouchin, speaking through a translator, said. “I really enjoy to catch a winner in Hong Kong. Thank you to the owners and trainers who have given me rides in Hong Kong. I had three seconds and three thirds before, but I won today which is the most important thing.
“The distance was quite good for the horse today and the pace was fast enough so he could travel easily in the race. He was quite a good performance. He had a nice action in the straight. I hope to catch another win with this horse.”
Benno Yung slotted his second win of the season when Tourbillon Prince prevailed in the
Class 3 Lukfook Jewellery Beloved Collection Handicap under Luke Ferraris.
“It feels very good. It’s lovely to have another winner because I’ve been waiting for a long time. I feel very good and especially after a winner,” Yung said. “I’m still working from home because I can’t have too much close contact with people yet.”
Fresh from a Happy Valley double on Wednesday 11 December, Andrea Atzeni continued his strong form aboard Manythanks Forever for Chris So in the Class 5 Lukfook Jewellery Hexicon Handicap (1400m) before Ben Thompson piloted Michael Chang’s New Future Folks to victory in the Class 4 Lukfook Jewellery Heirloom Fortune Collection Handicap.
“He had been knocking on the door – it can sometimes be the hardest race to win, the maiden,” Thompson said. “So, it was nice to get that out of the way. The support has been great, particularly from Michael Chang and Mr and Mrs So. We’ve linked together well.”
A recent recipient of the the LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Award for the second time in three years, James McDonald pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding that contributed to the Lyle Hewitson accident in the ninth race at Sha Tin on Sunday.
McDonald was aboard the eventual winner Swift Ascend and pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 450m marker of the 1200m race, he directed his mount out to the outside of Charming Babe when not clear of Lucky Archangel, resulting in Swift Ascend making heavy contact with Lucky Archangel and taking that horse across the running of Hewitson’s mount Joyful Hunter, resulting in Joyful Hunter falling and Hewitson being dislodged.
Hewitson was transported to hospital for treatment and appears to have escaped serious injury. Joyful Hunter also survived the accident.
McDonald was suspended from riding in races for a period commencing on Thursday 26 December 2024 and expiring on Thursday 16 January 2025 on which day he may resume race riding.
This is a total of 7 Hong Kong racedays.
In addition, McDonald was fined HK$60 000 –the approximate equivalent of R145 000.
In assessing the penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness (grade 3) and the consequences (grade 5), and also considered McDonald’s very good race riding record.
McDonald is scheduled to return home to Sydney on 22 December, so the suspension allows him to complete his Hong Kong stint.
A veterinary inspection immediately following the race found Swift Ascend to be a ‘roarer’ which had previously been reported.
Ed – Roaring (laryngeal hemiplegia) is a condition in horses that greatly reduces their airflow during exercise. Affected horses make a ‘roar’ sound under work. Damage or breakdown of the laryngeal nerve causes roaring. The term laryngeal hemiplegia means paralysis of half of the larynx.
Offering 13 stallion shares and breeding rights, the ARQANA December Online Sale took place on Tuesday 17 December. Following the sale, nine lots were sold for a total of €1,323,000.
Making the highest price of the year at an online sale, a share in ZARAK (lot 10) was knocked down for €800 000 in favour of Elliott Bloodstock Services.
The sire of 16% stakes winners or placed horses for his whole production to date, Zarak is notably the sire of Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Gr1) winner METROPOLITAN as well as Group 1 winners HAYA ZARK and ZAGREY and Group 1 placed LA PARISIENNE, SPANISH EYES, STRAIGHT, TIMES SQUARE, ZARAKEM, CROWN PRINCESS and PURPLEPAY.
A son of the excellent Dubawi out of the incredible ZARKAVA, the Aga Khan Studs
stallion was also a Group 1 winner.
Read more about Zarak.
Laurent Benoit (Broadhurst Agency) had the final say at €250,000 for a share in HELLO YOUMZAIN (lot 1).
The leading first crop stallion in Europe by number of winners as well as black-type performers, the Haras d’Etreham sire has already produced two Group winners including MISUNDERSTOOD, a Group winner and placed in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Gr1).
See all the results of the sale here.
Unbeaten filly Within The Law (Lucky Vega) will aim to become the first horse to win the A$2m Inglis Triple Crown following her victory in Saturday’s A$500,000 Inglis Nursery at Randwick.
The Bjorn Baker-trained filly debuted with victory in the A$500,000 Inglis Banner at Flemington last month, in doing so becoming the first horse to win both the Banner and Nursery.
She will continue down the A$12.55m Inglis Race Series path again, with her next run set to be in the A$2m Inglis Millennium at Randwick on February 8.
To win the Triple Crown, a 2YO must win either the Banner or the Nursery, as well as the
Millennium and Inglis Sires.
Scott Darby and his Darby Racing team bought Within The Law for just A$30,000 at this year’s Classic Yearling Sale, where she was offered by Yulong, who bred the filly.
From just two career starts Within The Law has now won A$593,000 in prizemoney.
She continues a stunning run for Darby Racing purchases from the Classic Sale, headlined by A$20,000 Golden Slipper-winning filly She
Will Reign and A$10,000 buy Yankee Rose, a dual Gr1 winner in Australia before selling for an undisclosed significant sum to Japanese interests as a broodmare.
“I
absolutely love the Classic
Sale, I’ve got some absolute bargains out of that sale, it’s just been so good to me and the business,’’ Darby said.
“A$30,000 in 2024 is probably like a A$10,000 or A$20,000 from back when we bought, She Will Reign and Yankee Rose and she’s one out of the box, just as they were.
“This Inglis Race Series is incredible, absolutely incredible. The amount of money on offer is amazing, especially for the 2YOs. A lot of owners don’t like to wait, and these are massive cheques to be winning. She’s got a bloody good future this filly. Let’s hope she can keep going and win that Triple Crown bonus too!’’
Darby will continue to dream with his star filly, confirming the Millennium is next on the agenda following a short break.
“After she trialled in October, we looked at the Inglis Banner at Flemington on Oaks Day for her but to be honest we didn’t have this race in the plans at that stage but she just pulled up so well from Flemington, so we thought ‘why not double up’,’’ Darby said.
“She’ll have a little break now and come back for the Millennium.
“I remember at the Classic Sale she was a really nice, athletic type of filly. We took a punt on the stallion, we didn’t know much about him
obviously at the time but loved her athleticism and thought we could get her for a bargain price, which we did, and she’s now won what, A$600,000 from two starts. It’s unbelievable.’’ Yulong’s Sam Fairgray added: “It was great to see her back up the Flemington win and bring that to Sydney and do it again.
“It’s a big coup for Lucky Vega to have a filly like her in his first crop, she’s doing everything right and we’re enjoying watching her have this early success.
“It’s a busy time for us obviously and with the Premier catalogue coming out this week, we’ve got 87 entries there at Oaklands and 26 at Classic and they’re all now in prep for the sales so it’s all systems go.’’
To view the catalogue for the Premier Yearling Sale – click here.
To view the Classic Yearling Sale catalogue – click here.
Baker also received a pair of Swarovski Binoculars for being the winning trainer of an Inglis Race Series event.
Within The Law defeated fellow Darby Racingowned juvenile Cobra Club in the Nursery, with Sequista in third.
The other big winner out of the race was Gail Jeanette which, despite finishing eighth, was the first Pink Bonus-eligible runner home and hence earned her connections a A$200,000 bonus.
To be eligible for the Inglis Pink Bonus – the world’s most lucrative women’s racing bonus – a horse simply needs to be paid up to the Inglis Race Series and be minimum 75% female owned.
Trained by Fabio Martini, Gail Jeanette is a A$130,000 Classic Yearling Sale buy for Tony Muollo’s AGR Racing.
Tony gifted the horse to his wife Gianna who in turn gifted shares to their daughters Sofia and Natalia, all of whom were trackside today cheering her on.
“It was my birthday yesterday, what a wonderful gift!’’ Gianna said,
“My heart’s still pumping, I can’t believe it. We were watching her in the run and trying to see if there were any other pink saddlecloths around her but she was first, it’s amazing.
“I thought ‘Oh my gosh she’s going to do it’ and she did, it’s just unbelievable. This is our first Pink Bonus horse and the first horse my daughters have ever been in, it’s all still quite surreal.’’
Invincible Woman burst into contention for next month’s A$3 million The Star Gold Coast
the
On the speed from the outset in the juvenile feature, the daughter of I Am Invincible raced clear of her rivals on straightening setting up a race winning break.
To the cheers of her all female ownership group, Invincible Woman raced away for a two- and three-quarter length success over fellow debutant Zouclaire, while the favourite Bacash was a length and a quarter further back in third place.
Invincible Woman is held in high regarded by her co-trainers Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy
Yeomans and was sent out a A$3.80 second elect.
The daughter of I Am Invincible, who was a A$250,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy for Kennewell Racing, Group 1 Bloodstock and Race With Lizzie from the Widden Stud draft, will now be chasing glory on the Gold Coast.
Invincible Woman was the first yearling purchase by Kennewell and Yeomans after their training partnership was launched and the decision to make her a Magic Millions Racing Women’s Bonus aspirant was a masterstroke.
“Lloyd had some all-women’s syndicates in the past without much luck,” Yeomans said. “I said you’ve got to go again and spend a bit more now you’ve got a female co-trainer and now she looks a steal.”
A chance to race for a share of the A$500,000 Racing Women’s Bonus in conjunction with the A$3 million Classic prizemoney on January 11 is now a huge lure for connections.
Yeomans said the stable would monitor the filly to see when or where she would have another run before the feature.
“We’ll be guided by her. We don’t think she’s just a two-year-old. She has a bright future, so we won’t force the issue,” she said.
Winning rider Damien Lane couldn’t help but be impressed by the brilliant debut victory.
“She’s very natural and very quick,” Lane said. “She’s still learning what it’s about and hopefully she’ll take some learnings from today and that brings her on.”
“She’s doing it all on natural ability,” he added.
A daughter of Yarraman Park Stud’s champion
sire I Am Invincible, Invincible Woman is one of three winners, from three to race, for the stakes performed mare Showcase.
A daughter of Big Brown, Showcase won four races and earned over A$212,000 in Perth. She earned black type with a second in the Listed Challenge Stakes and third in a Starstruck Classic.
Showcase is a half-sister to two stakes performers including Flemington Group winner and five-time stakes winner Disposition.
Meanwhile, progressive filly Yes Lulu made it back to back wins on the Caulfield Heath track when she stormed home to win the A$175,000 Magic Millions VIC 3YO & 4YO Classic.
The Ciaron Maher trained daughter of Everest winner Yes Yes Yes could now target the A$1 million TAB Magic Millions Fillies & Mares following her impressive come from behind win.
Yes, Lulu was a A$260,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy in 2023 for Ciaron Maher and Brut Racing from the draft of Widden Stud – making it a Magic Millions VIC double for the historic thoroughbred nursery.
From an unraced daughter of Redoute’s Choice, Yes Lulu is a half-sister to the Listed Murray Bridge Gold Cup winner Jack the Lad.
The Road to Magic Millions focus now switches to the Gold Coast Turf Club’s first ever night meeting on Friday 20 December with the A$250,000 Magic Millions The Debut 2YO Plate the feature event.
Welcome bubbly, complimentary drinks & a 3-course feast. Indulge in culinary mastery as you witness the action! THE ULTIMATE VIP RACE DAY EXPERIENCE SCAN HERE
Scott Darby never dreamed he and his owners would be winning a A$2m race with Robusto (Churchill) when he bought him for A$160,000 on Inglis Digital just four months ago.
But that’s exactly what happened at Randwick on Saturday when the 5yo scored a thrilling victory in the feature Gr2 The Ingham.
Robusto was already a six-time city winner for his previous trainer Chris Waller and the Ingham family, who bred the horse, when Darby purchased him online in the September (Early) Sale. He has now raced five times for trainer Bjorn Baker and his new connections and won A$1,226,250 in prizemoney.
“Robusto was a sound horse that had been well looked after by Chris Waller and with Bjorn Baker’s touch, he’s done it with a tried horse again for us. It’s unbelievable, terrific,’’ Darby said.
“It’s a great platform Inglis Digital, each and every sale there’s always something there.
“We’re always looking for those higher end horses there on Inglis Digital to bolster the team and they’re always there to be found. I’m rapt.
“The platform is that good, if you do your homework there’s some great ones to target, horses that might need gelding, horses coming from big syndicates or big stables, this is what we got our hands on and now we’ve won a A$2m race with him four months after buying him.’’
Robusto’s win capped off a huge day for the Darby Racing team, who also owned the quinella in the A$500,000 Inglis Nursery in Within The Law and Cobra Club.
“It’s enormous, these are the days you dream about as an owner and a syndicator,’’ Darby said.
“Our partnership with Bjorn has become lethal, it’s amazing. What he can do with either the tried horses or the yearlings we give him to train is unbelievable, he just keeps churning out the winners for us.’’
Also at Randwick on Saturday, the consistent 5yo Jedibeel (Savabeel) scored a deserved first Stakes victory when winning the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap.
The Brad Widdup-trained gelding has been a model of consistency for his connections, with his 17 career starts netting seven wins and seven minor placings for A$530,000 in earnings.
Widdup purchased the Waikato Stud-bred Jedibeel for A$190,000 at the Classic Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Cannon Hayes Stud.
Jedibeel races in the colours of Mike Gregg and his grandson Lachlan Sheridan, who works at the Widdup stables.
www.inglis.com.au
