The Vercingetorix colt Sail The Seas has a veritable mountain to climb in Saturday’s SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby as he takes on highly vaunted stablemate Eight On Eighteen. But they say the smaller the field, the bigger the upset and he could be the value! Chase Liebenberg took the photograph.
& Jazz – good reasons to go
the clock is clever
In what will be exciting news for many racing fans, former SA Champion Jockey Andrew Fortune has been licenced by the National Horseracing Authority of South Africa to return to the saddle.
Billed as the comeback to beat all comebacks, ‘The Candyman’, who handed in his licence in 2017, looks to resurrect a career on African soil that captivated and entertained the SA racing public for close on 30 years.
The flamboyant son of the Cape Flats, with his characteristic never-say-die commitment, has been getting into shape for over a year now and shedding the kilo’s as he bids to regain some of the glory of yesteryear.
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa confirmed that the Licensing Board met on 14 February 2025 to consider Fortune’s application for a Jockey Licence and he subsequently appeared before the Licensing Board on the morning of Tuesday 18 February 2025 in this regard.
At the meeting, Fortune was informed of outstanding administrative requirements and disciplinary matters that had been identified by the Licensing Board. He subsequently provided
documentation in support of his application and signed an Admission of Guilt concerning contraventions of Rules 72.1.26 and 72.1.43 in relation to social media content which could be construed to discredit horse racing, the NHA and its officials.
A fine of R500 000 was imposed, of which R250 000 is suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not found guilty of contravening rules pertaining to his conduct during this period.
Consequently, after careful consideration, the Licensing Board granted Fortune a Jockey licence, with immediate effect, with certain conditions that were put in place.
These conditions include that Fortune be initially restricted to a minimum riding weight of 58kg, that he is restricted to riding in Southern Africa under the Rules of the NHA until 31 July 2026 and that his future professional conduct would be closely.
A MUCH SOFTER FORTUNE?
Glistian Events’ Joao de Mata catches up with the Comeback Kid, Andrew Fortune, in his first interview after being relicenced to ride.
“If I was in the NHA’s shoes, I would have done the same thing,” says the 57 year old Fortune who will be wearing a suit to races, as a start.
please click here to watch the interview.
IT SURE LOOKS A ONE HORSE RACE
Owner, breeder, assistant trainer – Nic Jonsson, Gaynor Rupert and Jonathan Snaith after the WSB Cape Town Met. Will it be the same story on Saturday? | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Justin Snaith’s WSB Cape Town Met winner Eight On Eighteen heads a quintet of runners from the champion yard in a field of just seven runners that will contest the 2025 renewal of the R1,5 million SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
After the first entry deadline was extended by 24 hours last week, the writing was always on the wall that a small field was set to line up at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 2000m marker on the SplashOut Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival day on Saturday.
The Snaith team clearly have massive resources at their disposal and they won’t lack for numbers as they bid to win the Cape Derby for the fifth time – their most recent success dating back to Pomp And Power in 2022, and
their first coming via Russian Sage in 2008.
SA champion Richard Fourie has ridden 3 of the 4 Snaith Cape Derby winners, and he can add to that impressive tally with Eight On Eighteen who looks near unbeatable.
Andre Nel and Piet Steyn are the only other two trainers with representation.
Nel saddles City Of Cape Town Gr3 Politician Stakes winner Zeitz, while Milnerton veteran Piet Steyn has Garrix taking his chances.
The first of nine races is off at 12h10.
The SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby is carded to run at 15h45.
Ed – we were unable to confirm whether there will be any carryovers on Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racemeeting. No information was available at time of publication.
TOP TRAINERS DEFEND THEIR POSITIONS VERMAAK ON CHALLENGES OF FIELD SIZES
Just under a month after the Maine Chance Farms Gr1 Majorca Stakes attracted a disappointingly small field of just seven runners, the R1,5 million SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby will host the same number of starters at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
In the 2025 Cape Derby field published earlier on Monday, Justin Snaith’s WSB Cape Town Met winner Eight On Eighteen heads a quintet of runners from the yard in a field of just seven runners.
Cape Racing Executive Racing and Bloodstock Justin Vermaak philosophically told the Sporting Post that assembling decent sized fields for a 3yo Grade 1 over ground was always going to be a challenge, but that with the exception of ‘maybe one or two horses missing’, the SplashOut Cape Derby field was representative and of a high quality.
“As seen in Saturday’s Betway London News Stakes, which is an all-ages Grade 3, only seven runners accepted. The industry is being hard hit by the impact of the massively reducing foal crops, which has been evidenced in the 2yo race fields. This, coupled with the breeders’ focus on producing sprinter-milers, has created a complete dearth in middle distance and staying races,” he explained.
Justin Vermaak – understands the realities but puzzled with big yards | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Brett Crawford – ‘my 3yo fillies stronger than the boys this season’ | Credit: Candiese
“We have also experienced with some of the other features this summer, including the King’s Plate and the Green Point Stakes, that we have to live with smaller fields. But again we are happy with the quality of Saturday’s field.”
Vermaak said that maybe what was more telling, is that beyond Justin Snaith’s support, and with kudos to Piet Steyn and Andre Nel, who don’t have the luxury of yearling numbers, he notes the absence of other ‘massive’ Cape yards, who have the benefit of big buying power from the leading farms at the yearling sales, and also enjoy the luxury of top breeder support.
“None of them could muster a runner in the Cape Derby. It’s really quite telling in my opinion,” suggested Vermaak.
While Vermaak did not mention any trainer by name, we took the liberty of contacting Hong Kong-bound Hollywoodbets sponsored Brett Crawford, who has a Cape Derby winner on his illustrious cv and trains in partnership with his son James at Futura Park in Philippi.
“Our yard just happens to be stronger amongst the 3yo fillies than the 3yo males this season. One should remember that it’s inevitably all in the nature of cycles. If we bought well every year, we’d be enjoying multiple Grade 1 winners every season! I have also never been one to run an 88 merit-rated horse for the sake of filling a Grade 1 field. Believe me, if we had a competitive Cape Derby candidate in our ranks, we’d enjoy nothing more than taking them on in the SplashOut Cape Derby on Saturday!” added Brett.
We then spoke to Betway sponsored Candice Bass-Robinson, who did not accept with the promising Major Master in the Cape Derby, but is certainly regarded as one of the bigger yards in the region.
“I always owe it to my owners and their horses to do first and foremost what I believe is best for them. Major Master is a lovely horse. But he showed in the recent Politician Stakes that he is just not ready and is being gelded tomorrow. He couldn’t have beaten Eight On Eighteen at this stage of the game. Consider too that he is currently rated 88 – if we run
Lenferna
anywhere near Eight On Eighteen, and the chances are always there that we could do so in a small field, we are going to be lumbered with a potentially ludicrous increase in rating. Those considerations, coupled with the fact that the declaration fee is not a pittance, suggests it makes little sense to run for the sake of filling a field. So in consultation with his owners, we opted not to run him,” explained the leading lady trainer.
On the aspect of her stable size Candice went on to say that even with 45 youngsters coming into the yard, and taking into account that there are many fillies amongst them, there was no guarantee that she would automatically have a
competitive Cape Derby runner every year –as much as she strives high and would relish that opportunity
“The long-term penalty of taking a chance in top features is an issue and that needs discussion and industry consideration. Take our horse Future Variety – he ran second behind Thunderstruck in the Diadem last year. He was pushed from a 112 to a 118. We were limited thereafter and he has dropped steadily, running only a single place all year. But then he finished unplaced over 7 lengths behind Dean Kannemeyer’s Gimme A Prince in the Cape Flying Championship, and he goes up from a 112 to 114. It’s frustrating!” she concluded.
‘Best interests of horse and owner come before filling fields’ says Candice Bass-Robinson | Credit: Supplied
ONE STRIPE
– SPLASHOUT CAPE DERBY WAS NEVER ON THE ORIGINAL AGENDA
One Stripe – Derby was never on radar and last outing planned for Big Cap | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
The circumstances behind the decision by the connections of the dual Grade 1- winning sophomore One Stripe to ‘bypass’ the R1,5 million SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby on 22 February in favour of a likely final run on South African soil in the non-black type Big Cap on 16 March have been explained by trainer Vaughan Marshall.
“I can tell you categorically that the original plan was never to run One Stripe in the Cape Derby. After his victory in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate he was given a fortnight off with an eye on a last start here in the Big Cap on 16 March. But then there was some issue and uncertainty over the originally confirmed quarantine dates and it appeared that he would possibly have to go into quarantine before the sales race. So the Cape Derby then became a possibility for the connections. But that was never really an ideal option given his prep,” explained the veteran
Milnerton conditioner to the Sporting Post early on Thursday.
We approached Mr Marshall after longstanding racing man Hilton Witz wrote (before the benefit of this explanation) in the Sporting Post Mailbag that the recent decision to run One Stripe in a non-black type sales race, rather than the prestigious stallion-making Gr1 Cape Derby, was ‘beyond belief’.
Hilton Witz wrote:
Here we have a crack 3yo colt who harbours future stallion ambitions and has won the coveted Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas and the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate over 1600m, turning down the opportunity of adding the coveted SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby over 2000m to his portfolio.
Vaughan Marshall – clears up the doubt | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
In my racing career I have never seen a 3yo win all three prestigious races in one season and added to the fact that he would be meeting the recent WSB Cape Town Met winner over a distance that is the same as the Met would surely make this race the race of the season – if not the race of the decade and would create major hype which is sorely needed.
Think about it – the stallion-barn value of One Stripe having won Gr1 races from a mile to 2000m would surely offset the difference in the stakes of running in the sales race as opposed to the Cape Derby, as breeders will acknowledge that he has both stamina and speed
Witz continues that in his opinion the connections of this star 3yo will look back on this decision with huge regret – and that just so that he can earn some extra stakes in a race that has absolutely zero importance to the stud book.
Also, if One Stripe would go on to win the Cape Derby surely the SA Horse of the Year, never mind Champion 3yo Equus title would almost certainly be his? That is of great significance to the stud book and one only has to look back on the history of the Cape Derby to see how many Durban July and Met winners and Horses of the Year and stallions have come from that great race. Sadly, by the look of things this race will be in danger of losing its Gr1status if we have this type of decision-making taking place again in the future!
Can you imagine the connections in the USA or England knocking back a chance to run in the Kentucky Derby or English derby for a non-black type sales race?
A dual Grade 1 winner and South Africa’s second highest rated racehorse, One Stripe (132) now campaigns in a partnership of
Hollywood Racing and Rikesh Sewgoolam after a deal was brokered following his sensational L’Ormarins King’s Plate success last month.
In the process he became the first threeyear-old in over half a century to win both the prestigious weight-for-age mile and the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas in his sophomore year since the David Payne-trained champion In Full Flight completed the double almost a lifetime ago in 1972.
Only the eleventh 3yo winner of the prestigious mile since its inception in 1861, One Stripe earned an automatic ‘win and you’re in’ ticket into the $2 million FanDuel Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile. That’s where he is headed!
Without the advanced global travel plans, and subsequent quarantine commitments, it’s no doubt that the Cape Derby could well have been a veritable no-brainer based on Mr Witz’ very valid argument.
All going well, the Drakenstein-bred colt’s run in the Big Cap on 16 March will be his final start here before he jets off to take on the world.
Entries for the Big Cap close at 11h00 on Friday 7 March 2025.
In Full Flight – led in by David Payne with Fernando Toro in the saddle | Credit: Supplied
DISAPPOINTMENT FOR WORK RIDERS AND BIG SPONSOR
A planned R200 000 Maiden Plate on SplashOut Cape Derby day that one would imagine having owners queueing to run their horses had to be scrapped by Cape Racing on Friday as only five entries were received.
The R200 000 Khaya Stables Work Riders And Jockeys Championship Maiden Plate was to be run over 1200m on Saturday 22 February and besides being a contributor of vital points to the popular 2024/25 Hollywoodbets Work Riders Series, was set to pit the professional jockeys against the registered work riders in their annual clash.
But beyond Ricky Maingard, Glen Kotzen, Eric Sands, Andre Nel and the Brett and James Crawford yards, no other trainers offered
entries despite the stake, and the contest had to be abandoned in the short term.
Through the generosity of Lady Christine Laidlaw of Khaya Stables, who also sponsors the undercard feature of the Gr2 Diadem Stakes on the day, the winning rider was to be presented with a cheque of R15 000 (their normal winning stake percentage, plus a top up). The first rider of the opposing discipline across was to be presented with a cheque for R10 000.
The work riders action adds a different dimension for spectators and participants | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Siphiwo Feni was set to captain a strong Work Riders team, that included veteran William Bambiso and log-leader Louis Burke.
The Sporting Post learns that three leading Cape jockeys opted not to participate, but the in-form Corne Orffer was selected captain of
the Jockeys team, that included Gavin Lerena and Hollywoodbets Durban July winners Kabelo Matsunyane and red-hot local, JP van der Merwe.
Cape Racing are likely to announce an alternative event this week.
SEAFOOD, JAZZ & RACING – THE ULTIMATE SUMMER TRIO!
The Cape Racing Summer Festival of Racing is in full swing, and on Saturday the excitement continues with the SplashOut Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. As the seventh of eight featured racedays, this event promises an unforgettable experience with thrilling horseracing, great live music, and an indulgent selection of seafood cuisine.
The day takes place against the backdrop of exhilarating racing, including the highly anticipated Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby run over a distance of 2000 meters. Gr1 World Sports Betting Cape Town MET winner Eight On Eighteen is just one of many reasons to attend the SplashOut Cape Derby. As the final Gr1 race of the season, it will feature a thrilling 9-race card. Some of the most prominent horses to have won the Cape Derby include Dynasty, Jet Master, Rabiya, and the
recently retired Green With Envy in 2024.
The Cape Derby has long been a key indicator for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Last year’s winner, Green With Envy, went on to be crowned South Africa’s Champion Three-YearOld Colt, while Oriental Charm used this race as a stepping stone to his July victory.
Adding to the excitement, the Gr 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over 1200m promises to be a spectacle. Gimme A Prince delivered the standout performance of the season in the HKJC World Pool Cape Flying Championship on 25 January, and he is set to draw even more attention to what promises to be an unmissable day of racing.
The SplashOut Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival is more than just a day at the races—it’s a vibrant celebration of summer in Cape Town.
Music lovers can look forward to a stellar line-up of live performances, including the soulful sounds of Penelope Radsma, and the incredible Cape Town sensation Salome and the upbeat grooves of DJ’s Selwyn and Roy. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or simply love a great tune, the festival’s music line-up will set the perfect mood for a relaxing day under the summer sun.
Foodies will be in for a treat, with a great selection of seafood offerings. Guests can indulge in a delicious variety of fresh seafood while strolling through the bustling Cape Racing Trackside Market. Food trucks will be on hand, serving up crowd-pleasing street food favourites, ensuring that there’s something to suit every palate.
For families, the festival’s dedicated Kids’ Zone offers plenty of entertainment for young racegoers. Older kids can dive into immersive VR experiences, while younger ones enjoy games and a free treats station with popcorn, slushies, and more. It’s the perfect way to keep them entertained while parents enjoy the festivities.
Racegoers can enjoy a premium trackside experience with top-class hospitality. Whether from the grandstand, lounge areas, or picnic-
style seating on the lawns, there are plenty of ways to take in the racing action.
Secure Your Free Tickets Today
Entry to the SplashOut Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival is completely free, and tickets must be claimed in advance via Open Ticket.
Want to elevate your SplashOut Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival experience? Get an exclusive pass to luxury and excitement by booking a table in the Peninsula Room.
Watch the Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby in comfort, and enjoy prime views, reserved seating, a three-course meal, and a welcome drink. Stay close to the action with dedicated Totes, live race broadcasts, and access to airconditioned facilities.
• Cost: R600 per person
• Bookings: 2–10 guests
• Cash bar, drinks charged on consumption.
Experience the magic of racing, the joy of live music, and the flavours of summer, all in one unforgettable day.
For more information and ticket reservations, visit Cape Racing.
DIADEM’S PROUD HISTORY
The Khaya Stables Gr2 Diadem Stakes has the honour of being the oldest weight-forage sprint in South Africa.
Run under different guises over the years, the sprint started out as the Diadem WFA Plate, was run as the Southern Cross Stakes in 1971 and 1972 and then reverted to the Diadem Stakes from 1974 onwards.
It may only carry Gr2 status, yet it has been won by some of the country’s top sprinters. Remarkably, the very first winner was a filly, the
top-class sprinter Tetrina, who landed the 1957 inaugural running by a half length, defeating Black Pirate.
Tetrina became an influential broodmare and produced no less than four stakes winners, headed by Cape Derby hero Arion and Sceptre Stakes victress Tarma.
Black Pirate again had to settle for second twelve months later when Tetrina’s own brother Royal Affair sauntered home by seven lengths, despite losing four lengths at the jump.
What A Winter storms to victory under Bernard Fayd’herbe in the Diadem in 2012 | Credit: Hamish Niven Photography
Twelve months later, Black Pirate finally got his moment in the sun, before making it two in a row the following year. He was no onedimensional sprinter either, as he finished second in both the Queen’s Plate and Met.
As for Royal Affair, this brilliant, if unsound sprinter, won the 1959 Queens Plate, despite breaking down inside the final furlong. He became a sire of note, with his son Lancaster emulating his sire in the 1974 Diadem.
The grey flyer Lords, winner of the 1972 race under top British rider Willie Carson, was
another to excel at stud, siring champions Phantom Earl, Extra Cover and Scarlet Lady. Diadem winners of a recent vintage who added great value at stud include the mighty Captain Al and What A Winter. Captain Al won in 2000 and is the sire of two subsequent winners in Captain Of All (2014) and Kasimir (2019 and 2020). His influence now stretches to the next generation, as Captain of All is the sire of this year’s contender Meu Capitano.
Top sire What A Winter posted back-to-back Diadem wins in 2011 and again in 2012 and has yet to emulate Captain Al, although he
Karl Neisius guides champion Flobayou to victory in the 1995 Diadem | Credit: Supplied
came close in 2021, when daughter Hello Winter Hello ran second.
What A Winter is in fact one of a number of exceptional sprinters to have claimed the Diadem more than once, pride of place going to the wonderful geldings Flobayou and Nhlavini, both of whom won the 1200m dash on three occasions.
The former beat fellow champion sprinter Taban in 1994, repeated in 1995 and after finishing fourth in 1996, bounced back for a third win in 1997.
Nhlavini triumphed in 2001 and again in 2002, finished second in 2004, before exacting revenge in 2005 as a seven-year-old veteran.
It is not just pure sprinters who have made the Diadem their own, some of the best classic horses have used the race as their seasonal pipe-opener and the results reflect that the Kenilworth 1200 is a worthy test of a true champion.
Classic horses to have stamped their authority on the sprint include Durban July winner Over The Air, who came with a late rattle to beat
Des and Neville Scott lead in 1969 Diadem winner, Leta | Credit: Supplied
the exceptional filly Sweet Chestnut in 1979. Another grand filly, the Queen’s Plate victress Wainui, taught Met winner Mark Anthony a galloping lesson when she won the 1989 Diadem by almost five lengths.
And then there is the outstanding Irish import Flaming Rock. The mark of a true champion is the ability to both sprint and stay, and none showed this rare ability as did this dual Horse of the Year. Successful in both the Rothmans July and Queens Plate, the Chris Snaith-trained champion put pure sprinters in their place not once, but twice, claiming the Diadem in 1991 and again in 1992.
Members of the fairer sex likewise, have etched their name on the honour roll. The Scott Bros homebred Leta became the second female winner when she defeated subsequent dual Queen’s Plate winner Chichester in 1969. Seventeen years later in 1986, Politician’s
speedy daughter Izindaba beat a crack field, followed three years later by Wainui.
In 2013, Mike de Kock and Kevin Shea brought Mary Slack’s Welwitschia to the Cape, and she defeated Cape Derby winner Jackson by a length and a quarter. She subsequently became the dam of dual Gr 1 winner Desert Miracle.
The last filly to win the Diadem was Lanner Falcon in 2015. In fact, the race proved a onetwo for the fairer sex, as she defeated Fly By Night, who would subsequently claim the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint.
The Khaya Stables Diadem has been won by champions, from champions, providing spectacle, fame and folklore. Besides which, its rich history and lasting impact on our tracks and stud book cannot be overstated.
FAULL ON THE FALL
In a move condemned as a disgrace by racing expert Charles Faull, 2015 saw the Diadem subverted to WFA plus penalties, with the victory going the way of the Mike Bass-trained Lanner Falcon (Grant van Niekerk), over Fly By Night, Gulf Storm and King Of Pain.
“This was a very important race. It’s a disgrace that a race with such a great heritage and importance to South African sprinting history has been reduced to a conditions event.”
The following year, the race was inched even further forward in the calendar, being run in mid-January 2017 and went the way of Trip To Heaven (Sean Tarry / S’manga Khumalo), who characteristically got left at the gates and came
flying to win by 3,5 lengths from the always game, Tevez.
In 2018, the race was won for the first time by Justin Snaith, with his Lammerskraal-bred Bishop’s Bounty and the in-form Grant van Niekerk, by two lengths from the evergreen Tevez.
2019 saw the race moved right back to its current slot at the end of February, to share the billing with the Vasco Prix du Cap.
Charles adds in closing: “The Diadem has been won by champions, from champions, providing spectacle, fame and folklore. Its rich history and lasting legacy on our tracks, stud and history books, cannot be overstated.”
VERCINGETORIX
– THE SEEDS OF THE LEGACY…
‘Notwithstanding the fact that he is approaching the twilight of his career at age 15, Vercingetorix is enjoying a stellar season, so much so that he is odds-on to garner a first General Sires title, such is his commanding lead at the top of the log’ Vercingetorix’ son Zeitz is a serious contender in the SplashOut Cape Derby | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
That Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Oriental Charm will join the Drakenstein stallion roster at the end of his racing career comes as welcome news, especially as he is the first Gr1 winning son of Vercingetorix to enter stud.
Notwithstanding the fact that he is approaching the twilight of his career at age 15, Vercingetorix is enjoying a stellar season, so much so that he is odds-on to garner a first General Sires title, such is his commanding lead at the top of the log.
That lead could grow this coming weekend, given that the Maine Chance standout will be represented by no less than four runners in the SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby.
For all that the son of Silvano has achieved as a stallion, it is quite remarkable that it has taken quite some time for one of his top sons to retire to stud. Granted, most of his best males were gelded, Pomp And Power, Astrix and Surjay being prime examples, whilst the sad loss of Golden Horse Sprint winner Alesian Chief at
age four not only robbed the industry of a fine athlete, but also a potential stallion.
History shows that Vercingetorix’s sire Silvano trod a similar path, with the majority of his excellent sons - Kings Gambit, Aslan, Marinaresco, Bravura, Martial Eagle, Power King and Zillzaal - suffering the unkindest cut.
With champion Bold Silvano now infertile, his legacy as a sire of sires appears to be a tenuous one, for it leaves just Vercingetorix and the unproven full brothers Hawwaam and Celestial City as his sole flagbearers.
Fortunately, Vercingetorix could yet right the ship, as there are a number of accomplished entire sons in training which could, in time, join Oriental Charm in the breeding shed.
Oriental Charm – first Gr1 winning son of Vercingetorix for stud | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Vercingetorix’s Cape Derby contenders Zeitz and Garrix certainly qualify on pedigree. The former, a Gr3 winner of the Politician Stakes, is out of a mare by renowned sire Redoute’s Choice, while his immediate female line is that of unbeaten champion Zarkava and our own Igugu.
Politician Stakes runner-up Garrix is the second black type performer produced by the American-bred Smart Strike mare Makiwara, a half-sister to Maine Chance Farms stallion Erupt.
Mike de Kock’s talented Gr2 winner Greaterix is another with stallion potential. Out of a
stakes-placed Jet Master mare, he hails from the famed Argentinian ‘E’ family which gave us Empress Club, Epoque, Ecurie, Emerald Beauty Eventuail and Escoleta Fitz (dam of champion Hermoso Mundo), to name but a few.
A proven Gr1 winner, the now five-year-old Cousin Casey looks another stud prospect. Out of an own sister to Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Big City Life, he earned his Gr1 spurs in the Premiers Champion.
Voted the country’s champion juvenile colt, his best efforts at the elite level saw him chasing home Charles Dickens in the Gr1 Cape Guineas, besides which he narrowly failed to emulate Big City Life when beaten a neck by Oriental Charm in last year’s Durban July.
Ikigai – 8yo son of Vercingetorix – could yet go to stud | Credit: JC Photos
Those efforts rather summed up the career of a horse who was clearly very talented and it would come as a surprise should he fail to find a place at stud.
A similar case could be made for the Sean Tarry-trained Ikigai, a classic winner of the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas. From the active family of Joy And Peace and Juliet Tango, it is quite amazing that this proven sprinter/miler has yet to find a place at stud.
Tarry admits that the chestnut was the subject of an offer two seasons ago, only for the deal to fall through. Undeterred, he has kept Ikigai ticking over to the extent that he ran out a facile
winner at age eight just over a week ago! Let’s not forget that his former stable companions Eden Roc and Chimichuri Run only retired to stud at age seven. It is no coincidence that Tarry also trained Quid Pro Quo’s sire Lance and abovementioned Celestial City, so some savvy breeder may yet snag himself a tough and durable warrior in Ikigai.
Considering his popularity amongst the country’s breeders, Vercingetorix has had access to top broodmares. Consequently, he will not suffer from a lack of firepower and there are surely a number of prospective stallion prospects amongst those colts yet to race.
KOTZEN & VEALE ARE THE PAARL DIAMONDS
Sean Veale has Holding Thumbs in control as Chase Bantam tries to extricate more out of Call To Unite | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Our charismatic Sporting Post-sponsored jockey Sean Veale capped a double at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday with an inspired tactical ride to win the R185 000 Paarl Diamant A Stakes on the progressive 4yo Holding Thumbs, who could yet harbour hopes of lining up in the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July.
The top-liner on the ten-race card, the 2000m contest always looked to lack pace with the field reduced to just seven runners after the withdrawal of Otto Luyken and The Futurist.
Enjoying his best season in 20 years, recently contracted Hollywood Racing rider Sean Veale took the initiative to dictate on the 2024 World Sports Betting Listed Cape Summer Stayers Handicap winner Holding Thumbs, who looks a few lengths sharper in the blinkers.
After giving the gelding a breather round the turn, Veale cleverly gave his six rivals the slip at the top of the straight and enjoying the 54kgs on his back, Holding Thumbs (33-20) delivered the goods as he stayed on effortlessly to beat Call To Unite (7-1) by 1,75 lengths in a published time of 120,05 secs for the summer course 2000m – which is obviously incorrect and is being investigated.
Sean Tarry will be pleased with a better run from his accomplished 8yo Nebraas (14-1) who was a head back in third.
Woodhill Racing boss Glen Kotzen has had a rollercoaster season between bad bloods and a Grade 1 winner, but is aiming high with Holding Thumbs, who he suggested may come into the Hollywoodbets Durban July with bottom weight and may even be a Gold Cup horse.
“He is only now growing into his frame. He is a big horse and his massive frame means he gets claustrophobic in the pens. Thanks to the owners who had no issue with us pulling him out last time. We will still have plenty of fun with him,” added the eternally optimistic and competitive horseman.
Sean Veale was full of bounce and said that he told the team he would win the Gold Vase and Gold Cup on the gelding.
The Doyles were out from Ireland to lead their winner in.
Holding Thumbs races for a partnership in the famous Gary Player silks.
The Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein gelding is a son of high-riding Maine Chance Farms resident Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the threetime winning Fort Wood mare Withbatedbreath.
A R1 million National 2yo Sale purchase, Holding Thumbs took his stakes earnings to R611 188 with his sixth victory and 3 places from his 16 starts.
Sean Veale earlier booted home the beautifully bred One World colt Dreamworld home for Vaughan Marshall on debut in the second.
RAISING THE BAR…
The headline is a tad corny, but trainer Dean Kannemeyer and the happy ‘George’ team lead in the What A Winter filly Back At The George after her scintillating win at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. Visit www.sportingpost.co.za to read the happy story of a group of friends, an Umhlanga Rocks watering hole, and a top trainer, and how they are loving their racing. Chase Liebenberg took the photograph.
CHETTY’S GOOD SON BACK TO WINNING WAYS
Winless in the 680 odd days since he won the World Sports Betting Gr1 SA Derby on April fool’s day back in 2023, the now 5yo Son Of Raj found his best tune under Gavin Lerena as a well-backed winner of the R400 000 Betway Gr3 London News Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday.
Supported into 2-1 at the off, Son Of Raj carried too many guns inside the final 300m and drew away to beat the topweight Purple Pitcher, who looked dead and buried at the 350m, but rallied well to bank second.
On a weather elements interrupted afternoon, the R400 000 Betway Gr3 London News Stakes honoured the extraordinary exploits of London
News, one of only seven horses to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July and the WSB Cape Town Met.
The Alec Laird-trained champion son of Bush Telegraph is best known as the SA equine ambassador who achieved international fame by winning the 1997 QE II Cup in Hong Kong.
Son Of Raj (Gavin Lerena) makes an overdue return to the winner’s enclosure | Credit: JC Photos
Gavin Lerena made it a second win on the afternoon as he guided the 5yo to a good winfor trainer Tony Peter in a time of 114,79 secs for the 1800m.
My Soul Mate (6-1) carried the flag for the fairer sex, running into third ahead of former Capebased Rodicchio (10-1), who now races for Barend Botes.
Bred by proud owner Steven Chetty, the winner was raised at the Freeman family’s Boland Stud and is a son of deceased Cartier Champion and five-time Gr1 winner, Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill) out of the three-time winning Black Minnaloushe mare, Freudinia.
Son Of Raj is now a winner of 5 races with 5 places from 20 starts for stakes of R1 587 250.
Interestingly Son Of Raj, who ran off a 119 on Saturday, had his merit rating raised from 81 to 115 after his victory when beating the 114-rated Billy Bowlegs in the 2023 SA Derby, with the third placed Rule By Force used as the line horse on a rating of 108.
NO CHANGES FOR WINNING SON OF RAJ
Son Of Raj remained unchanged on his official merit rating of 119 following his win in the Betway Gr3 London News Stakes over 1800m at the Turffontein Standside Track on Saturday.
The Handicappers unanimously agreed to use third place finisher, My Soul Mate, to assess this race, leaving her rating unaltered on 106.
The only other change in this race was for
Radicchio, who finished fourth and had to be capped at 103 due to the specific conditions of this race that do not allow for an increase of more than four points for placed runners.
There were no drops for any runner in this race.
• Media release by the NHA on Monday, 17 February 2025.
Watch the replay of the Betway Gr3 London News Stakes on page 50.
PULLER FEATURE WINNER CLOCKS FASTEST 400M TO FINISH
Our new weekly column ‘Time Is Money’ is now well into stride and the benefits of using sectional timing data is unquestioned.
Today we look at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday and the KZN Capital City meeting on Sunday, and find some interesting horses to follow.
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 15 February
Track Condition: Good to Soft Penetrometer: 25
Rain: Previous seven days - Nil
Irrigation: Previous seven days 65mm
False Rail: was out 2m from 1700m with a 4m spur at the 600m mark. The outside rail was moved inwards 4m from the 600m mark.
Wind: Moderate to strong south easterly headwind of 25-36km/h.
Course Variant: 0,47s fast (straight) – 0,31s slow (bend)
HWB Kenilworth Welcomes You Maiden
Juvenile Plate 1000m
A Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000m got proceedings underway on Saturday and in a fast run race, in which eight of the nine runners were newcomers, we saw a smart performance from the Declarationofpeace colt SPACEBOUND.
Garth Puller leads African Skyline (Serino Moodley) in after winning the Fever Tree Stakes on SundayCredit: Candiese Lenferna
Backed into favouritism at the track, Peter Muscutt’s charge pinged the gates and was soon three quarters of a length clear. He kept up a healthy gallop throughout and with the sectionals clearly showing that he speeded up between the 400m-200m markers, he went on to score very easily by four. Clearly impressed, Fourie quipped that the horse could have been named Rocket Ship because of his speed. Spacebound recorded a 400-finish time of 23,01 seconds which proved to be the fastest of the afternoon. Although making no impression on the winner in the closing stages of the race, the runner up Follow Your Heart ran on well from off the pace and looks sure to improve plenty, especially if put over further, next time.
Paarl Diamant A Stakes 2000m
Run over the Met course and distance the Paarl Diamant A Stakes topped the bill and in what proved to be a very false paced affair the uneasy favourite HOLDING THUMBS did the business. The pace was slow on leaving the stalls and drawn in pole position Glen Kotzen’s charge very quickly found himself at the front. He set just a steady pace around the turn which proved to be 1,8 seconds slower than the 1400m maiden plate. Holding Thumbs kept on determinedly when the race developed into a sprint 500m out and went on to score comfortably by a length and three quarters. The time of this race was originally given as 120,05 which would have been a new course record by over 2 seconds. This was then changed to 125,76 seconds which is correct.
Interbet Class 4 1200m
Four of the afternoon’s ten races were staged over 1200m and in the fastest of these, The Interbet Class 4, the What A Winter filly BACK AT THE GEORGE registered her second
career victory. Song Of Myself and Kamakazi set a good pace before fading quickly late on, whilst Dean Kannemeyer’s charge was always travelling nicely some 4,5 lengths off them in seventh.
She quickened well over the final 400m and under a well-judged ride from Craig Zackey, she struck the front 150m out and won well by a length. The official time of this race was also initially posted wrongly as 76,4. This was then changed to 72,40 which again was correct on my clock.
Hopes And Dreams Stud Maiden Plate 1400m
Just a tenth of a second separated the winners of the two 1400m races on the card, a Maiden Plate and a C Stakes, with the former, won by BEL CANTO DREAM being the faster. Friendless in the betting market (25/2 out to 16/1), the son of Oratorio raced third off a strong pace early on. He put his head in front going through the 500m and although the heavily supported favourite Konnichiwa chased hard in the latter stages, he did have that one held by two and a quarter at the wire.
Quickies
Both trainer and jockey spoke very highly of newcomer DREAMWORLD after winning the Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m.
Deep in the red, EMPIRE STATE recorded the third fastest 400-finish time of the afternoon when winning the closing Hollywoodbets Bright Future Class 4.
Interestingly though, the runner up AFRICAN PRINCE, coming from off the pace, was marginally quicker over the final 400m.
Fastest Times:
1200m (4) Back At The George 72,40
1400m (2) Bel Canto Dream 88,71
400-finish Spacebound 23,01
Notebook: Spacebound (P Muscutt)
Follow Your Heart (C Bass-Robinson)
Hollywoodbets Scottsville 16 February
Track Condition: Soft
Penetrometer: Stand side track 28 – Inside track 28
Rain: Previous seven days 17mm – Previous 24 hours 8mm
Irrigation: Previous seven days Nil – Previous 24 hours Nil
False Rail: 5m
Wind: 10-15km/h North Easterly cross wind Course Variant: 0,44s slow (stand side) –0,58s fast (Inside)
Fever Tree Stakes (NBT) 1500m
The easy to back Field Marshal (9/2 out to 17/2) made the running in the afternoon’s feature event and after setting a fair pace he ran on strongly in the straight. Meanwhile the eventual winner AFRICAN SKYLINE (reported as making an abnormal respiratory noise) raced three lengths away in fifth and was always travelling well. He quickened nicely early in the straight and although Field Marshal did rally gamely when headed 150m out, he got the verdict by a neck. The 400m-finish time of the winner proved to be the fastest of the afternoon.
Gallop TV Youtube Channel Middle Stakes 1200m
Three of the afternoon’s eight races were staged over 1200m and in comfortably the
fastest of these LICENCE TO THRILL registered his second career victory. Although the pace was a good one the field was always quite tightly grouped. Indeed, Mike Miller’s charge sat eighth and was only 2,5 lengths off them. He stayed on best when the early effort began to take its toll on the leaders and under a welljudged ride from Tristan Godden, he got up 50m from home.
Follow In The Box Seat Podcast Class 4 1750m
The two 1750m races were both Class 4 events and in different ways were falsely run. The Follow In The Box Seat Podcast was the faster of these. EL REY VIENE made the running and after taking it steady early on, the 5yo quickened and strung them out around the turn. He ran on strongly early in the straight, but did then not surprisingly tire quickly over the final 300m. Much more restrained early on, the 3yo JP’S PALACE had been nicely placed in fifth and was only three lengths off the pace turning for home. He ran on well over the final 500m and with the benefit of first run he got the verdict over another 3yo in View Of The World. Two and a half lengths behind the winner when the race began in earnest, the runner up finished well and was only beaten 0,6 of a length. View Of The World had been slow into stride here after being squeezed at the start. He also lost a length last time out where disadvantaged by a slipped saddle he was only beaten by a head. Sure to improve.
Just 24 hours after Varsfontein’s young Captain Al stallion Erik The Red celebrated his first winner at Turffontein, the high-class sprinter marked a second success when his daughter Polar Light improved dramatically at her second start to open her account at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.
On Saturday the Alec Laird-trained gelding Tenjiku broke the ice for his sire when showing courage down the long Turffontein straight and on Sunday it was another Varsfontein Stud product – this time of the opposite sex – that showed the way when the Paul Lafferty-trained Polar Light finished with a rattle at any price to beat the 8-10 favourite Treasure Island by 1,60 lengths in a time of 64,51 secs for the 1100m straight.
While the outside going may well have worked in her favour, it was a meritorious victory under Apprentice Jaycee Botes, who was registering his personal ninth career victory.
Trainer Paul Lafferty said that he had liked the filly at the Cape Yearling Sale last year and picked her up for R120 000. She was subsequently snapped up by a few regular Lafferty supporters, including KZN stalwart Eric Buhr, in whose silks she races.
Polar Light is out of the Gimmethegreenlight one-time winner Different Light and her Ideal World half brother View Of The World was carded to race for the Lafferty stable in the fifth race.
Trained by Justin Snaith, Erik The Red was a high-class sprinter who won six of ten starts. The well-bred bay, who won from 1000-1200m, scored in five graded or listed races, including a trio of graded triumphs.
One of 105 stakes winners for his late champion sire Captain Al, whose sire sons also include the sensational One World as well as proven Gr1 stallions Captain Of All and William Longsword, Erik The Red is bred on the same Captain Al/Western Winter cross as Gr1 winners Carry On Alice and Tap O’ Noth, Erik The Red is one of five winners produced by the Western Winter mare Covenant.
The latter, also the dam of Gr1 Gold Medallion runner-up Varallo and the stakes-placed dam of Gr2 winner Cala Muretta, was a top-class performer whose seven career victories included the 2011 Klawervlei Gr1 Majorca Stakes and three other graded victories.
Erik The Red has twelve offspring on the BSA Cape Yearling Sale on Sunday, and 18 on the CRS Cape Premier Yearling Sale on 13 and 14 March.
HARRY NYQUIST COULD BE SOMETHING!
Two sons of the late Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) enjoyed success at Turffontein on Saturday.Uncle Mo’s champion son Nyquist came up with an impressive debut winner when his son Harry Nyquist won at the first time of asking.
The Mike de Kock-trained British bred Harry Nyquist turned the Racing Today Maiden Plate (1160m) into a one-horse race.
Harry Nyquist clocked 67,93s – 0,61s faster than the class average, and made a good impression. He jumped like a pro, cruised into the lead, came across from the inside to the standside, romped home by just over four lengths.
This was one of those rare races where, after 400m, one kind of got the feeling that it was
over as a contest.
Watch the replay to see how Harry Nyquist has them all off the bit at the 600m. He quickened away, using his beautiful action. “He won a smart race,” said jockey Chase Maujean.
“I didn’t see that one coming,” a suitably impressed Mike de Kock said on his website.
De Kock said in his preview that he felt that this was a beatable field, but the ease of the win was unexpected.
Chase Maujean has Harry Nyquist in top gear to win easily | Credit: JC Photos
The top trainer also noted that Harry Nyquist had been problematic to train. He and Mathew will be crossing fingers that it’s plain sailing from here, so that he can develop into a decent prospect.
Assistant David Dlamini commented: “Harry Nyquist had niggles and it was a good idea to geld him. What we saw today is the type of work he’d showed us in the beginning.”
Harry Nyquist is by 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist out of Go On Mary (Broken Vow), and was bred by Jessica Slack, who said: “Broken Vow is in the USA now and is due next to Game Winner (Candy Ride).”
Go On Mary’s dam Blue Orleans (Bluegrass Cat) is a half-sister to Pico Central (Spend A Buck) a Gr1 winner in both Brazil and the US.
Harry Nyquist runs in the silks of stalwart owner Henk Leyenaar, in partnership with Chris Haynes, Mike de Kock, George Ragunan and Noeline Malherbe.
Leyenaar, who became well-known in SA racing circles as one of the original owners of Ipi Tombe, told Mike de Kock Racing from his Harare home:
“It’s a pity he had to be gelded, he has a wonderful American pedigree. But we, the ‘mushrooms’, are very pleased and thankful to the De Kock Racing Team”. ‘Mushrooms’, said Henk, was a name suggested by Chris and Jehan Malherbe, because ‘Mike always keeps us in the dark!’
Henk will be celebrating his 79th birthday next Saturday and said: “I still ride my own horse around Borrowdale Park every week.”
Nyquist, just the second horse to win both the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Gr1 Kentucky Derby, had a break out year in 2024. His four Grade One winners last year were headed by US champion and Gr1 Netjets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Immersive, as well as Johannes, Randomized and Tenma.
Tenma recently made it four wins from five starts when running out a six and a half-length winner of the Gr3 Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita.
Immersive is the second Nyquist filly to win the Juvenile Fillies, with her paternal half-sister Vequist having prevailed in that race back in 2020.
In total, Nyquist (who emulated Uncle Mo in winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile) has been responsible for 28 stakes winners and a further 39 black-type placed horses.
Nyquist’s paternal half-brother Royal Mo has relatively few runners to his name but his representatives include 2024 Gr2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes winner Royal Aussie and World Sports Betting Heritage Consolation winner Count Invicto.
The late Uncle Mo, whose first crop included 25 stakes winners, continues to make his presence felt as a sire, sire of sires and broodmare sire.
Last year, the champion was responsible for 16 black-type winners in North America (Nyquist had 11 stakes winners during the same period), headed by the Gr1 winners Adare Manor (Apple Blossom Handicap, Clement L. Hirsch Stakes), and Kingsbarns (Stephen Foster Stakes).
Nyquist aside, Uncle Mo is already responsible for the Gr1 producing stallions Outwork and Laoban, while his Gr1 Hollywood Derby winning son Mo Town has already sired 14 stakes winners, including 2025 Gr2 Inside Information Stakes winner Mystic Lake and Volleyballprincess, a ten length winner of the Ruthless Stakes.
Royal Mo | Credit: Supplied
With such exciting, unproven Grade One winning prospects as Golden Pal, Mo Donegal and Yaupon in the wings, it seems likely that Uncle Mo will enjoy further success as a sire of sires.
Uncle Mo daughters also continue to excel, with Uncle Mo ranking as the broodmare sire of reigning US Horse Of The Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna). A winner of eight of ten starts, including both the Gr1 Longines Kentucky Oaks and Gr1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff of 2024, Thorpedo Anna is out of the Uncle Mo mare Sataves.
Thorpedo Anna was one of eight stakes winners produced by Uncle Mo mares in 2024, with this tally including the Gr1 winners
Muth (Arkansas Derby) and Howard Wolowitz (Aristocrat Franklin-Simpson Stakes).
Another son of Uncle Mo, Royal Mo, went close to having a pair of winners at Turffontein on Saturday with Royal Mo gelding Count Huhtikuu winning the fourth race.
Royal Mo is also the sire of Bob’s Your Uncle, who finished second in the eighth and final race. Count Huhtikuu and Bob’s Your Uncle were Royal Mo’s only runners on the card.
Thorpedo Anna after her big moment | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
THE TEN FURLONG CHALLENGE
One of the most significant factors underpinning the UK racing industry is the sale of horses in training to Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong and other jurisdictions. Horses that can get 1600+ metres, have a rating in the 90s, and are somewhat progressive, achieve prices in the vicinity of £300k+ (roughly R7 million).
As an aside, it’s one of the reasons why it’s so hard for us to buy stallions these days.
Oscar Foulkes writes that the international racing programme is so lucrative that it makes more financial sense to geld the well-bred colts that are slightly below top-flight than to sell them as stallions.
This situation also suggests that we’re unlikely to repeat the success stories of the likes of Foveros, Spanish Pool and others that continued their racing careers in South Africa.
The point I’m trying to make, is that the opening of direct exports creates an interesting market for South African racehorses. This is not confined to the best horses of each generation.
One Stripe or Eight on Eighteen could clearly not be bought for £300k, but that surely does not apply to the horses that finish within a few lengths of them in graded stakes.
But, we have a problem. The number of horses that campaign over 2000m is too small to support any kind of meaningful export effort.
Considering the importance of our top Grade I races over 2000m (or 2200m in the case of the Hollywoodbets Durban Durban July), it’s astonishing that so few ‘regular’ races are run over that distance. In fact, it’s not unusual to go through an entire card comprising sprint and mile races.
I am told that programmed races over 2000m+ are regularly cancelled due to lack of entries/ acceptances. Putting aside the issue of a punitive merit rating increase for a placed runner in the Cape Derby, the small number of entries for this prestige event in recent years surely tell a story.
The early part of the three-year-old season sees a flurry of promising youngsters being stepped up to 1400m to see if they could be Guineas horses.
Experimentation over distances beyond a mile does happen, but it’s on a smaller scale, much more cautious, and often tried as a last resort. How often do you see horses given a chance beyond 1800m?
Oscar Foulkes – some interesting thoughts | Credit: Supplied
The fact is that a large number of horses in South Africa are bred for the best part of 2000m. I’d go so far as to say that for many of them, 2000m is a minimum distance.
When one breeds for 2000m, there will inevitably be horses that either don’t quite get that trip or that need further.
Given a horse population that is likely to stay 2000m, why aren’t more of them being given the opportunity?
How many potential winners are retiring as maidens because they weren’t run over their ideal distance? Are trainers being unadventurous, or are the races simply not on the programme?
I can’t help but look at what’s happening from wider perspective and imagine that we’re on a slippery slope. How much longer before we end up in a situation like Australia, where the winner of the WS Cox Plate (the most prestigious 2000m race in the country) is more likely to be imported than locally bred. Yes, the four-time winner Winx is Australian bred, but
she’s by a shuttle stallion out of a New Zealand-bred mare.
A diet of sprint and mile races looks highly unappetizing to me, and that’s before we get to the aspect of removing opportunities for a big portion of the horses we breed. Furthermore, if we look to competitive advantages in international markets, the breeding of sprinters is something that Australia is already doing extremely well. That’s a battle that’s not easily won.
This comes down to breeders using bloodstock that will produce middle-distance horses, owners that have the patience to wait a few extra months before they are ready to race, trainers that will give them opportunities over the distances for which they are bred, and racing operators putting the appropriate races onto the programme. We all have our parts to play.
If we get it right, we’ll have the opportunity of generating new income streams for our industry, at the same time as putting on a more interesting offering on the racecourse.
ANOTHER EYE - CATCHING WINNER FOR KZN FRESHMAN
The lightning-fast Spacebound (Richard Fourie) brings it home for his sire, Declarationofpeace | Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Just as they did in midweek with the Soqrat filly Jordash in the same silks, Ridgemont rider Richard Fourie and trainer Peter Muscutt produced the opening winner on the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth card on Saturday when exciting Rathmor Stud War Front stallion Declarationofpeace delivered his second impressive winner in the space of a week.
The lightning-fast Spacebound (9-4) carried too many guns for his eight opponents in the R150 000 Maiden Juvenile Plate on Saturday and ran right away from his field to beat Follow Your Heart (33-10) by 4 lengths in a time of 60,11 secs for the 1000m.
The tote favourite Getupandgo (5-2) was a further 1,25 lengths back in third, with the winner’s stablemate Military Command (25-1)
rounded the quartet off in fourth in a decent effort for a horse who should go further.
Winning jockey Richard Fourie, fresh off his Valentine’s Day four-timer at Fairview, just posed on the back of Spacebound.
“They should have called him Rocket Ship! A lovely horse, “ enthused Fourie.
Trainer Peter Muscutt labelled the winner ‘relaxed, professional with plenty of natural speed’. Bred by Rathmor Stud, Spacebound cost R280 000 at the National 2yo Sale and races in the silks of Miss Jordie Daniel.
He is out of the well-performed Earth’s Orbit (Captain Al), who was trained by Justin Snaith and won four races.
It’s been a flying start for KZN based stallion Declarationofpeace!
Mike Miller’s Treaty Of Paris, only the second runner for Declarationofpeace, opened the stallion’s account at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday 9 February.
Declarationofpeace is stationed at Brad and Cait McHardy’s Macrath Stud, whilst the stallion is owned by Mario Ferreira’s Rathmor Stud in a syndicate and has enjoyed full books each season.
Declarationofpeace is out of Serena’s Cat, making him a half-brother to Gr1 Breeders Cup runner up Noble Tune and Gr1 winner, Honor Code. His dam has produced three stakeswinning colts, all of whom have become sires. Notably, his half-brother Honor Code was sold in 2023 to Japan and stood his 2024 season at Yushun Stallion Station and has produced three Gr1 winners to date.
As a foal, Declarationofpeace commanded a remarkable $2.6 million at Keeneland, sold to the Coolmore connections.
His racing career was marked by victories in
Ireland and America. He won the Qatar Juvenile Turf Sprint Stakes (1000m on turf) at Del Mar on Breeders Cup day, and placed Group 2 Sapphire Stakes and Group 3 Mercury Stakes in Ireland and contested 5 Gr1 sprints for Aidan O’Brien at 2 and at 3, in UK, Ireland and France.
The paternal grandson of Danzig that has been successful in South Africa, is one of three sons of War Front to stand in South Africa alongside the deceased Lancaster Bomber and Fire Away, both of the latter stallions have seen their progeny exported to America, including Beach Bomb and Egyptian Mau.
Lancaster Bomber again highlighted the War Front link, producing a double on WSB Cape Town Met Day as Rascova won the Maine Chance Farms Gr1 Majorca Stakes, whilst Eight On Eighteen won the WSB Gr1 Cape Town Met.
Declarationofpeace stood for a fee of R12 000 live foal in 2024. His highest sales price to date saw Bloomhill Stud-bred half-sister to Bohica sell for R425 000 to Form Bloodstock at the August 2YO Sale in 2024.
PATIENT PULLER ENJOYS AN AFRICAN SKYLINE
Patience is a virtue and it can pay dividends. The 6yo African Skyline endorsed that maxim in no uncertain terms when bouncing back from a 721 day absence from the number 1 box to win the R200 000 Fever Tree Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
Veteran horseman Garth Puller wouldn’t have stuck it out this long if he didn’t believe that there was something in the pipeline, and it’s worth noting that the Bruce Le Roux-bred son of Mogok has earned at 73% of his 30 starts over 5 seasons – that long before the days of the luxury of generous appearance monies and the like!
Back up to 1500m on Sunday, Winning Formsponsored jockey Serino Moodley did all the right things and counted to ten late in the race to produce African Skyline (13-2) with a sustained finish to hold off Field Marshal (17-2) by 0,30 lengths in a time of 89,52 secs.
The consistent Narina Trogon bailed out PA punters, running third a further length back with Formagear (4-1) crowning the quartet
and shading the running-on tote favourite Imilenzeyokududuma (5-2) in fifth. African Skyline is raced in partnership by Cathy Steele, Gerald Kalil, trainer Garth Puller and Tony Tombe, and has won 5 races with 17 places from 30 starts for stakes of R584 000 .
Bred by Bruce Le Roux, African Skyline is a son of the multiple Grade 1 winner producing Storm Cat sire Mogok, who retired in July 2019. The winner is out of the once winning Trippi mare, Sunrise In Africa.
Winning Form 1-2! Serino Moodley times it right on African Skyline to beat Kabelo Matsunyane and Field Marshal | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
GARTH’S GAZING AT THE SKYLINE
Special friends! African Skyline and Garth Puller after the feature win on Sunday
Credit: Candiese Lenferna
Summerveld trainer Garth Puller’s R200 000 Fever Tree Stakes victory at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday with the 6yo African Skyline was a feelgood moment in a tough game, even if the handicapper has thrown a wet blanket on the celebrations of a win by a 6yo that hadn’t banked a first cheque for 721 days.
Veteran horseman Garth Puller wouldn’t have stuck it out this long if he didn’t believe that there was something in the pipeline, and it’s worth noting that the Bruce Le Roux-bred soldier son of Mogok has earned at 73% of his 30 starts over 5 seasons – that was long before the days of the luxury of generous appearance monies and the like!
A horse he describes as ‘a beautiful goodlooker with the heart of a lion’, Garth is frustrated, but not surprised, by the NHA handicapper’s decision to hike African Skyline’s merit rating to a 102.
“He hasn’t won for ages. The handicappers slowly dropped him to a 98 where he becomes
competitive. On Sunday we had him in a good space, things went his way, and he wins bv a long head and they knock him back to a 102! He’s a six year old. How much improvement do they actually believe he has in him? Do they think he’s going to Hollywood? I wish!” muses the veteran horseman who explains that African Skyline is one of those ‘truly special horses’ who run their heart out every time – irrespective of the distance or the company.
“He is not fashionably bred and I bought him for next to nothing. He is no star but, as I say, he is a trier of note. But practically every time he runs second, they pushed him up 3 pounds. He is a horse with a will to compete and a winning spirit – but the handicapper has broken his heart over and over again. He was racing off a 104 as a four-time winner forever. Then when I moan, they tell me he is earning. But they don’t get it – it’s one thing running second and another stopping him from winning. He beat Field Marshal by a head on Sunday – with the penalty he won’t beat him again.”
On a positive note, the Hollywoodbetssponsored Garth says that the staunch partners
love their horse and they leave it all up to him. African Skyline is raced in partnership by Cathy Steele, Gerald Kalil, Garth and Tony Tombe, and has won 5 races with 17 places from 30 starts for stakes of R584 000.
“I’m fortunate to have friends as owners. Cathy has been around forever. Gerald is a great supporter of my yard and enjoys the best of luck – which happens to good people! Tony is married to the late ‘Big Race’ Joe Byrnes’ daughter and lives in Cyprus. But he is on the phone daily – he follows our racing closer than most people do here! He loves the game, and is on top of the programmes and changes. The collective passion is inspiring!”
Garth then switches back to African Skyline.
“He has had a sore back and the tracks get heavy and their tails go up in the air. But he gets love and treatment and he bounces back. He had a pelvis joint issue recently. And Sunday we arrived – it’s 1500m, there’s a bit of rain about, and the ground is soft. But you know he’s going to give his all. And Serino
(Moodley) has mastered the art of waiting until the edge! A great ride and a happy moment –even if it was two years down the line,” laughs Garth, who adds that he buys all his horses himself, keeps them happy, and races them while they are enjoying it.
“They are fascinating creatures. I have his halfbrother African Dusk. He’s an Ideal World and has won 4 races. A very different sort of horse. But with plenty of heart too. It’s in the family.”
Bred by Bruce Le Roux, African Skyline is a son of the multiple Grade 1 winner producing Storm Cat sire Mogok, who retired in July 2019. The winner is out of the once winning Trippi mare, Sunrise In Africa.
Interestingly, the Sporting Post’s ‘Time Is Money’ sectional timing team had African Skyline down as the fastest 400m to finish clocker at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. Don’t mention that to the handicapper!
Read more about the Sectional Timing news on page 62.
CAPE YEARLING SALE – FIND YOUR DREAM
The BSA Cape Yearling Sale to be held in Constantia from 12h30 on Sunday 23 February has unleashed a flood of high-class performers in recent years.
Among the stakes winning graduates of the sale in the past decade are the likes of Alula’s Star, Chollima, Gem King, Golden Sickle, Homely Girl, Main Defender, Pistol Pete, One Fell Swoop, Rascova, Questor, Sprinkles and Whistle The Tune.
This year, the storied auction is set to be held at a new venue, being the SARDA Centre in Constantia. The venue reflects the new partnership between BSA, SARDA and the Constantia Valley Riding Club.
The latter is based at the SARDA Centre in Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights,
approximately six kilometres from the old site. Many of South Africa’s top breeders will be offering drafts, while top stallions Gimmethegreenlight, Master Of My Fate, One World, Querari, Rafeef, Vercingetorix and What A Winter are all represented here.
The online catalogue for the Cape Sale can be viewed at www.bsa.co.za.
Flashback – Main Defender (Craig Zackey) wins the BSA Sales Cup for colts and geldings in 2023 | Credit: Candiese Lenferna
A STELLAR YEARLING DRAFT FROM VARSFONTEIN
Varsfontein Stud, the breeders of numerous top-class gallopers including this season’s Betway Gr1 Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch and Gr1 Cartier Paddock Stakes winner Double Grand Slam, will be bringing another quality consignment to this year’s Cape Yearling Sale.
The farm will be offering yearlings sired by their resident sires, and close relatives, Erik The Red and Master Of My Fate, as well as by Gold Standard (a former Cape Sale graduate himself), One World and What A Winter.
Below are a few of the standout lots in their BSA 2025 Cape Yearling Sale draft:
Lot 7 – Flamethrower (c) by Master Of My
Fate ex Black Flame
• Jet-black, medium size eye-catching really handsome, classic type. He is a well-made, athletic, stands over ground and has a balanced frame.
Lot 14 – Celtic Manor (f) by Master Of My Fate ex Castle Pine
• High-class and gorgeous with good rein and scope. Lovely sloping shoulder and a muscular hindquarter. It’s difficult to fault her as she is an all-round, top-class individual.
Varsfontein Stud – a farm with a rich history | Credit: Varsfontein Stud Farm
Lot 40 – Viking Leader (c) by Erik The Red ex Guiding Light
• There are two examples of inbreeding to the potent Secret Pact family on this sale and this is one of them. He is a good size and rangy with good rein, a deep girth, very racy, athletic and carries himself with presence.
Lot 41 – Winter Circle (c) by What A Winter ex In The Stars
• Physically bred for speed, medium size, covers ground with a deep girth and a powerful frame. He has short cannons and is strong through the forearm and gaskin. He looks like he could come to hand early.
Lot 43 – Verdandi (f) by Erik The Red ex Kawakami
• Beautifully named after the Norse goddess of Fate which ties in with both her sire and dam
sire. She is a medium racy, speedy type with a nice topline and lovely hindquarter and hind leg.
Lot 71 – King Gorm The Old (c) by Erik The Red ex Our Lady Peace
• A half-brother to Peace In Our World, a wellmade, medium size, robust individual. Well topped with a strong shoulder and hindquarter. He moves very well too.
Lot 76 – Polly Plummer (f) by Erik The Red ex Pollygoneshopping
• One of the stand-outs in the string, she is a good size with a powerful physique. This athletic mover is correct and balanced with good depth of girth and an amazing walk.
This classy draft can be found in Block A at the SARDA Centre on 23 February.
WILGERBOSDRIFT PRESENTS A FIVE STAR DRAFT
Wilgerbosdrift, one of South Africa’s premier thoroughbred nurseries, will be offering a very exciting draft at this month’s BSA 2025 Cape Yearling Sale.
Not only does this string include yearlings sired by the likes of Buffalo Bill Cody, Danon Platina, Fire Away, Flower Alley, Malmoos, Master Of My Fate and Rafeef, but it also includes horses out of such high-class racemares as Europa Point, Lizzie Arden, Milk And Honey and Simply Royal.
The farm’s Shane Van Zyl is delighted with the string he is bringing to the Cape Sale, and mentioned the following horses as potential standouts:
Lot 5 – Pilates (f) by Flower Alley ex Bend Not Break
• Nicely topped and walks well, strongly made with a good hindquarter.
Lot 29 – La Farola (f) by Malmoos ex Europa Point
• Lots of quality, she is well balanced and is correct.
Lot 35 – Peach Cobbler (f) by Buffalo Bill Cody ex Fudge
• Has lots of substance, very attractive sprinter type with a strong quarter. Nice head on her and easy way of going.
Wilgerbosdrift – a place of champions | Credit: Romi Bettison
Lot 90 – Royal Connection (f) by Rafeef ex Simply Royal
• Scopey filly who is well grown and also heaps of quality. Correct in front and moves well.
Lot 17 – Peace Sign (c) by Fire Away ex Chinchilla
• Good looking, racy with lots of presence. Big white face hard to miss, definitely typical Fire Away type with a strong hindquarter.
Lot 56 – Frontiersman (c) by Buffalo Bill Cody ex Milk And Honey
• Well-balanced, he is a good mover and very flashy.
Lot 68 – Sutter’s Mill (c) by Fire Away ex Oh My Darling
• Attractive individual, nicely topped with a good hindquarter. Looks an early sort.
Lot 98 – Rules Of Conduct (c) by Buffalo Bill Cody ex Themis
• Strong and balanced. He is a typical Buffalo Bill Cody type, attractive head and very correct.
The farm’s 2025 Cape Yearling Sale string can be viewed from Block E at the SARDA Centre in Constantia on 23 February.
AN OUTSTANDING SELECTION FROM OLDLANDS
Oldlands Stud, breeders of such Gr1 winning stars as Canadian Summer, Zarina, and English Garden to name a few, will be offering a classy consignment at the BSA 2025 Cape Yearling Sale.
Their draft includes yearlings sired by the likes of Erik The Red, Futura, Soqrat and What A Winter, and Barbara Sanne is confident that buyers will like what they see!
Barbara had the following comments to make about her draft for the sale:
Lot 2 – Bluebells (f) by Heavenly Blue ex Alraune
• A first foal, very classy a good mover by the sire of Three Rocks and Truth, out of a six-time winning full-sister to the Gr3 placed Margot On Stage.
Lot 15 – Cat’s Future (c) by Futura ex Cat’s Game
• Well grown athletic, correct, and from a proven cross – on the same cross as dual Gr3
winner The Futurist, from the immediate family of the Oldlands-bred champion Canadian Summer.
Lot 21 – Cyber Mo (c) by Royal Mo ex Cyber Magic
• A late individual who is coming on nicely, a half-brother to a winner, he is out of a Gr3 placed half-sister to Listed Olympic Duel Stakes winner Hanabi.
Lot 31 – Fiery Dragon (c) by Soqrat ex Fire Flower
• First foal, very energetic type, from the family of Jet Master. By a triple Gr1 winner and champion, out of a three-time winning daughter of top-class racemare Festival Of Fire.
Oldlands Stud – the quality life | Credit: Oldlands Stud Farm
Lot 80 – Tax Free (f) by Horizon ex Road Tax
• A correct individual with a lot of temperament, very good looking from the family of Diesis and Kris, this half-sister to 3 winners is out of a halfsister to a horse who won Gr1 races in Australia and South Africa.
Lot 87 – Okami (f) by What A Winter ex Sekhmet
• Tall and substantial with a very powerful backside, out of a winning Vercingetorix half-sister to Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas winner Go Indigo.
Lot 92 – Slightly Mo (f) by Royal Mo ex Slightly Blonde
• Typical of the damline, strong early type, a half-sister to three winners, from the family of top-class fillies Captain’s Gal, Netta and Yquem.
Lot 93 – Into Red Space (c) by Erik The Red ex Space Girl
• Very well grown with a solid pedigree, this half-brother to two winners is out of a five- time winning half-sister to Hanabi.
Lot 104 – Climate Friendly (f) by Soqrat ex Verolina
• First foal, very strong, correct, and wellmuscled, out of a winning daughter of Vercingetorix, her granddam is a winning half-sister to the Oldlands-bred Gr1 winner English Garden.
This draft can be found in Block A at the SARDA Centre in Constantia.
MAURITZFONTEIN’S IMPRESSIVE YEARLING LINEUP
In the last few years, Mauritzfontein has begun a renewed effort to obtain fresh blood and exceptionally well-bred fillies to continue the dynasty and shape their thoroughbred nursery.
The farm has produced no fewer than 14 Oaks winners, 7 Durban July winners and most impressively a Triple Crown and a Triple Tiara winner.
They will be presenting a quality quartet at the BSA 2025 Cape Yearling Sale on Sunday, 23 February.
Lot 85 – Catfish (c) by Danon Platina ex Sea Cat
A half-brother to the 2024 Gr2 @WorldPool Twitter Umkhomazi Stakes winning Cats Pajamas, out of the high-class Var mare who
won all of the Listed Breeders Guineas, Listed East Cape Guineas and Listed Lady’s Bracelet. A direct descendant of the wonderful producer Kittiwake, herself the ancestress of numerous Gr1 winners including English classic winner Dawn Approach.
Lot 23 – Daley Park (c) by Danon Platina ex Dalley
From the family of champions Edict Of Nantes and Colonial Girl.
Proven sires Fire Away and Flower Alley each have a single lot in this draft.
Mauritzfontein – A dynasty through the ages | Credit: Mauritzfontein on FB
vLot 18 – Christmas Rose (f) by Fire Away ex Christmas Flower
Beautifully bred, her granddam is a half-sister to international Gr1 winners Lily Of The Valley and Mubtaahij
Lot 96 – Colorado Columbine (f) by Flower Alley ex Supposing
Out of a winning Invincible Spirit half-sister
to multiple group winner Solid Stone, her granddam Landmark was sired by Arch, who ranks as the broodmare sire of the Flower Alley-sired Kentucky Derby winning champion I’ll Have Another.
This draft can be viewed in Block C at the SARDA Centre in Constantia.
LOCAL HOPES TO STOP HONG KONG WARRIOR
Thamer Aldaihani believes his new recruit Al Musmak (IRE) has the potential to pose the chief threat to international superstar Romantic Warrior (IRE) in Saturday’s US$20m Saudi Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s champion trainer elect, who has a huge lead in the standings, will saddle two of the field for the main event at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
Aldaihani has the greatest respect for Romantic Warrior but is aware of the challenge that Hong Kong’s turf champion faces now switched to the dirt. Al Musmak, twice a winner at Listed level in the United Kingdom for Roger Varian and owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, made an impressive Saudi Arabian debut on January 4.
“We wanted a run to get him fit but he needed to be fresh for this” Aldaihani said. “He ran in England all the time on the grass and he won easily, but this is a stronger race, we have the best horses in the world here.”
He continued: “I’ve seen Romantic Warrior’s races, he’s number one in the world, a very good horse. If he’s good with the dirt, nobody can beat him.
“After two furlongs, you’ll know if Romantic Warrior can win or not. He must jump from
Trainer Thamer Aldaihani at this morning’s press conference, King Abdulaziz Racecourse Credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia
the gate and carry on the pace, sit in a good position. Forever Young (JPN) is a very good horse too.”
The trainer also saddles the consistent Wait To Excel (GB), recent runner-up in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, and said of him: “He’s training well and I trust the horse. He’ll love the distance, he loves the track and he has a good heart.
“He ran a really good race last time but was on the outside and lost too many lengths. He can’t do that in the big race.”
Asked for a verdict on his chances, with Mohammad Aldaham aboard Al Musmak and Adel Alfouraidi lined up for Wait To Excel, Aldaihani said: “Al Musmak is new for me. If he runs like in England and he acts on the dirt very well - like Romantic Warrior - the race will be between Romantic Warrior and Al Musmak,
I’m sure.” Aldaihani has a few other runners set to start on the night but is particularly excited about the $1.5m Saudi Derby presented by ZOOD Realty.
Mhalhal (USA) was fifth to stable companion Mhally (GB) in the 2000 Guineas (Saudi Derby Qualifier) Sponsored by Saudi National Bank but looked a different horse when coasting clear in a subsequent outing at the start of this month.
“This horse [Mhalhal] can do like Forever Young [last year],” he said. “He will win here, he will run in Dubai and I hope will go to America. He’s a good horse.
“When he ran in the trial, he was in the box for two weeks and only trained for maybe eight or nine days. Then he ran 1600m, had an easy run and if the jockey had pushed him, he would have broken the [track record].”
PIC D’ORHY DOMINATES IN ASCOT CHASE
Pic D’Orhy (Harry Cobden) has successfully retained his Betfair Ascot Chase title | Credit: Ascot Racecourse on FB
Pic D’Orhy defended his title in the Group 1 Ascot Chase, landing back-to-back renewals on Saturday for his trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Harry Cobden.
The ten-year-old boasts an excellent record at Ascot with four victories including this feature last season when he was not for catching beating the re-opposing L’Homme Presse by five-and-a-half lengths.
It was a similar performance on Saturday, with Pic D’Orhy once again dominating from the front throughout the two-and-a-half-mile contest, jumping for fun before extending his lead in the home straight.
With L’Homme Presse having jumped poorly from the start and having to be pulled up around halfway, it was left to Irish challenger Corbetts Cross to put in up to the Ditcheat trained runner. The 7/4 favourite made some headway to stay with the leader as they rounded the final bend but faded up the straight, finishing 10-lengths behind. The faster ground was of no help to him.
The Willie Mullins-trained Blue Lord stayed on to finish third.
In an interview with ITV Racing, Cobden said:
“It’s brilliant. He’s not the most straightforward, he’ll take the odd fence with him if you allow it to happen, but he’s a great horse, we’ve had so many good days with him. Really enjoyed that.”
“I looked at the big screen halfway round and I knew all I had to do was stay in the saddle.”
“The stable had a slow start, but these horses are starting to come alright. I think we’ll have a good spring.”
Nicholls added: “We all have peaks and troughs, and it hasn’t gone right since Christmas for us for various reasons and you’ve just got to keep believing in the horses and what you do. I knew Pic D’Orhy was right today, and he looked great and just put them to the sword. I’d say that’s probably a career best run from him, and he’s 10.”
“He loves it round here; it’s the sort of race that suits him. He won’t go to Cheltenham; we’ll get him right for Aintree again and try and get him in the top four.”
Up at Wincanton, the well-backed Golden Ace (6/5 favourite) stayed on the stronger from the final obstacle to deny Burdett Road by threequarters of a length and land the Kingwell Hurdle.
Jeremy Scott’s seven-year-old mare beat Champion Hurdle bound Brighterdaysahead in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at last season’s Cheltenham Festival but failed to reproduce that form in her first two starts this term.
She returned to winning ways on Saturday after being dropped back down in trip to two miles for this Group 2 feature.
HOLLIE AND TOM OPEN THEIR ACCOUNTS AT SHA TIN
Johannes Brahms led the charge towards the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup with victory in the HK$3,12 million Class 2 Heung Yee Kuk Cup Handicap at Sha Tin on Sunday as Sky Heart and Steps Ahead also advanced Four-Year-Old Classic Series claims.
Formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien in Ireland where he was placed at Gr2 level, Johannes Brahms (121lb) earned a Top-Up Bonus of HK$1.5 million after scoring by a short head from Speed Dragon (121lb) in 1m 33.59s for Pierre Ng and Andrea Atzeni.
“This time we really wanted to test him, get him higher in rating and prove he’s a capable Class 2 horse. The next test is the (Hong Kong) Classic Cup – 200m further, so we probably have to ride him more quietly,” Ng said.
“He’ll be a very good miler. The four-year-old races always have a slow pace. It didn’t suit him last time (when 14th in the Hong Kong Classic Mile) but hopefully we’ll get a better draw next time and better pattern of race.”
Atzeni believes 84-rater Johannes Brahms is capable of successfully extending to 1800m of the Hong Kong Classic Cup on 2 March and is also capable of strongly contending in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby on 23 March beyond if he is ridden conservatively.
Johannes Brahms (pink/purple cap) stays on strongly for a terrific victory | Credit: HKJC
“He’s obviously got very good European form and if you could ignore his last run when he had excuses in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), he was entitled to be one of the top horses in the race today,” the Italian said.
“We didn’t have a good draw (10) obviously today and we had to take him back and ride him to finish with a mind of running 1800m or maybe further in the future. At the moment, there are a lot of horses with questions marks at the distance. I think this horse, if you ride him quiet, there’s a good chance he could get it. He’s a good horse and it was no surprise today.”
Sky Heart enhanced Hong Kong Classic Cup hopes with a courageous win in the Class 3 Rose Handicap for Caspar Fownes and Hugh Bowman.
Rated 69, Sky Heart will be among several Fownes-trained entrants for the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
“He’s such an honest horse, he’s actually a quality horse and he can only get better,” Fownes said of the Ardrossan gelding. “He’s going to run further. I think he’s got a very good future in Hong Kong. He’s definitely a horse on the up. He was very strong through the line, indicating he will run further, so quite exciting for us.”
Steps Ahead was the first to advance BMW Hong Kong Derby claims with a narrow win over Lo Rider in the Class 3 Marigold Handicap (1800m). Trained by Francis Lui, the Written By gelding lifted late under Atzeni.
“He’s an honest horse. He always keeps fighting in his races. I’ll try get him to the Classic Cup and Derby, but his rating might not be high enough,” Lui said.
Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand, who are in Hong Kong on a short stint to cover injured colleagues Zac Purton, Vincent Ho, Angus Chung and Keith Yeung (who returns
Hollie Doyle is all smiles
Wednesday, 19 February), both posted their first wins at Sha Tin.
Doyle struck first with a patient ride on Billionaire Secret for Jimmy Ting in the Class 4 Lotus Handicap. Last entering the straight, Doyle guided the Slade Power gelding to the outside before hitting the line powerfully.
“My first day on this lovely track and they seem to be hard to peg back today, but there was a pace collapse and it played to my horse’s strength,” said Doyle, who had previously ridden four winners at Happy Valley. “It’s great to be back and seemingly I have some nice rides.”
Marquand, who had previously ridden two winners at Happy Valley, scored on Luitrained Invincible Shield in the Class 3 Primula Handicap (1200m). Formerly trained by Tony
Gollan in Queensland, Invincible Shield won four races at Doomben before export.
“We’ve ridden a few nice horses here in competitive races but we haven’t shot gold, so it’s nice get one win in each and I have to reiterate that we’re only here because of the boys’ misfortune and it’s pretty rubbish for them because all of us just want everyone to get around safe,” Marquand said, also referring to Doyle’s breakthrough.
“If we can fill a gap, we’re more than pleased to and we’re glad we were on the call list of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.”
Horsepower maintained his unbeaten record with victory in the Class 3 Osmanthus Handicap for Frankie Lor and Matthew Chadwick. Raced by The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chairman Mr Michael Lee, his wife Vanessa and daughter
Horsespower runs on well to win | Credit: HKJC
Amelia, Horsepower (131lb) charged over the final 100m to make it two wins from as many starts.
Formerly known as Fire Follower when trained by Anthony Freedman in Australia, Horsepower’s finishing surge impressed Chadwick.
“He did it pretty well today, he had a heavy weight and he jumped only fair. I just had to wait for a run. He’s got a nice sprint and turn of foot. He’s got to be able to get there and then sprint and he did that today,” Chadwick said.
David Hall’s Magnifique also remained unbeaten by winning the first section of the Class 4 Daisy Handicap under Avdulla who proceeded to a race-to-race double when John
Size-trained Magnificent Nine won the first section of the Class 4 Jasmine Handicap (1400m).
Chris So’s Master Of All claimed the second section of the Class 4 Jasmine Handicap (1400m) under Alexis Badel, posting his second course and distance win of the season after Gallant Crown scored his first win since June, 2023 with a comfortable success in the Class 5 Camellia Handicap for David Hayes and Derek Leung.
Matthew Poon continued a superb season with victory on Benno Yung’s Ka Ying Warrior in the second section of the Class 4 Daisy Handicap (1200m). Poon took his 2024/25 tally to 25 wins.
CUPID’S DREAM COMES TRUE ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and Cupid’s Dream read the script to perfection at Meydan Racecourse, winning one of the dirt features on the Al Tayer Motors-sponsored Carnival card.
The four-year-old, whose dam is called Valentine’s Day – was an appropriate winner of the Lincoln Presidential Handicap, over 1600m.
Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s gelding had looked unlucky not to win on his local debut when opening up a huge lead but was ridden with more restraint here by Silvestre De Sousa. He tracked the leaders, going ahead off the home turn and winning stylishly, by four lengths, from Mount Kosciuszko.
“He’s been pleasing in every gallop at home,” said De Sousa. “Dropping back in trip suited
him and there was plenty of pace. We’re keeping the dream alive!”
William Buick has a busy weekend ahead in Qatar and flew in for just one ride, which was a winning one when Creative Story landed the Lincoln Aviator Presidential Handicap.
A winner last time out, Charlie Appleby’s gelding made it two from two at Meydan, traveling in midfield, switching out for space at 400m, but still winning cosily by a length from Al Salt.
Silvestre de Sousa steers Cupid’s Dream to victory | Credit: ERA
“He’s a lovely horse and he came here winless this winter having been tried in some nice maidens at home,” said Buick. “I love the way he does it, he’s a very straightforward horse and he just does everything you need him to. He relaxes, picks up well, and he’ll stay a mile. I know it was off a low weight [55kilos], but he had plenty left.”
Earlier on, there was a thrilling finish to the Lincoln Corsair Handicap, over 2000metres on turf, which gave Valdivia his second win of the season, and first on turf.
Ahmad Bin Harmash’s four-year-old has been highly consistent this season and recovered from some interference at the 200metre marker, getting in front when it mattered and beating Kathab by a neck, with Natural World third.
“It was a messy race all the way, 16 runners with the rail pushed out has tightened the track up a fair bit,” said Beasley after his 29th winner of the season. “But he’s stuck his neck out and run all the way to the line.”
Beasley and Bin Harmash doubled up 35 minutes later when Sir Harmony dominated the Lincoln Nautilus Conditions race, for three-yearold non-winners of two.The son of Speightster was far too good here, making all and landing his second career win, adding to a maiden success at Jebel Ali a month ago.
“We’ve always held him in high regard from day one. He won nicely up the hill and the didn’t back it up. He’s a horse with plenty of ability, he just needed to grow up a bit,” said Beasley.
“Today he was a lot better; jumped, traveled good and got the job done nicely. Whatever he does this season is only a bonus, I think he’ll be a nice horse for next season.”
Laurel River’s Lorenzo Off The Mark
Apprentice Lorenzo Putzulu has made a name for himself as the daily rider of Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River but gained his first win in the UAE when Markakol took the Lincoln Aviator Handicap, over 1000metres on turf.
The win also ended a frustrating run of placed horses for trainer Julio Olascoaga, although he may have had a few anxious moments at the start when Markakol broke awkwardly, only to quickly get on terms and go clear at the halfway point. He tired close home but was still a comfortable length and a quarter win over Al Muzn.
“It’s a tough game, especially here with all the top guys. I’ve been looking for it for a while and thanks to Julio and the owner for giving me the chance. It’s my first win in the UAE and to have it here at Meydan is amazing.”
It was a good day for apprentices, beginning in the very first race, the Al Tayer Motorssponsored Purebred Arabian event. It went to Salb, who was given a patient ride by 3kilo claimer Hamad Al Busaidi, who produced him late on the rail to steal the victory.
I saw the previous runs of this horse and I thought he would have a chance as he dropped a little bit in the handicap and he had the claim [three kilos],” said Putzulu who is race riding in the UAE for the first time this season but rode several winners during the summer in Scandinavia.
It was a first Meydan winner for the Omani-born rider, fittingly in the colours of the Royal Cavalry of Oman and trained by another Omani in Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
Keeping up the Valentine’s theme, Mashkoor, a son of Cupid, landed the Lincoln Handicap, over 2200metres on dirt.
Continuing the good season of owner and trainer Marwan Al Baidhaei, the five-year-old grey was three-quarters of a length too good for Swedish raider Havandi.
The last race, the Lincoln Navigator Handicap over 1400metres on turf, provided a welcome win for trainer Fawzi Nass. His No Retreat had finished second on his four previous starts, but got the win here under Pat Dobbs, beating Warsong by half a length.
• Meydan is back in action onFriday, when the Gr2 Balanchine is the feature race.
FOUR DUBAI WORLD CUP RACES JOIN BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE SERIES
Dubai Racing Club has announced their partnership with Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, whereby winners of the Gr1 Dubai World Cup, G1
Dubai Golden Shaheen, Gr1 Longines
Dubai Sheema Classic and Gr1 Dubai Turf will gain automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup meeting.
With this move, the Dubai World Cup meeting – set to take place on Saturday, 5 April 2025 – held at the iconic Meydan Racecourse and known as the world’s most spectacular race
day, further cements its status as one of the premier global horseracing events, attracting elite horses and connections from around the world.
Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, commented: “This is a significant development for international horseracing, further strengthening the positioning of the Dubai World Cup and the Breeders’ Cup – two of the most important international meetings on the horseracing calendar.”
“We are delighted to enter this partnership and thank the Breeders’ Cup team for expanding their Challenge Series, allowing four winners from the Dubai World Cup 2025 meeting to compete in America later this year and we look forward to welcoming winners from the Breeders’ Cup 2025 at the Dubai World Cup 2026, in March next year.”
Winners of the Dubai World Cup (Gr1), Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr1), Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr1), and Dubai Turf (Gr1) will earn automatic spots in corresponding Breeders’ Cup races:
• Dubai World Cup → Breeders’ Cup Classic
• Dubai Golden Shaheen → Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint
• Dubai Sheema Classic → Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf
• Dubai Turf → Breeders’ Cup Mile
• This year’s Breeders’ Cup is being held at Del Mar, California, on 31 October – 1 November.
Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited, said: “Breeders’ Cup Limited
is very pleased to expand our international Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series with the addition of the Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Golden Shaheen, the Dubai Sheema Classic, and the Dubai Turf.
“This partnership with our friends at the Dubai Racing Club speaks to continued progress made toward the global unification of our great sport and rewards international contenders for competing at the highest level. We appreciate the spirit of collaboration
and the shared pursuit of excellence that brought this opportunity about and look forward to welcoming four Breeders’ Cup Challenge winners from Meydan to Del Mar.”
Included in the benefits of the arrangement between Breeders’ Cup Limited and the Dubai Racing Club, the winners of the four Breeders’ Cup races will receive an automatic starting position and free entry into the corresponding races at the 2026 Dubai World Cup meeting.
As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees for the winners of the Dubai quartet to start in their respective divisions at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Breeders’ Cup will also provide a travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 20, 2025, to receive the rewards.
For more information, visit dubairacingclub.com and breederscup.com
• Media release by the Dubai Racing Club on Monday, 17 February.
