Equus Champion Quid Pro Quo and her trainer Barend Botes have given us a lifetime of entertainment in 2024. We salute the daughter of Lance, her top-class conditioner, and owner-breeder Gerald and his wife, Karen Kalil. The 3yo could be taking on the world in 2025 – we can’t wait! Candiese Lenferna took the photograph.
– SP NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR!
Last Year it was Greg Bortz and, while it’s inevitably a numbers game, this time round there was no question as ‘Mr 378’ Richard Fourie gets our accolade for the highlight of 2024!
Originally sponsored by Winning Form and now with Ridgemont, Fourie rode his way into the hearts of the racing public and the South African racing history books at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 8 June 2024 when he registered his 335th winner of a remarkable last season, that saw him displace retired champion Anthony Delpech as our winning-most rider of all time in terms of victories in a single racing season.
The Delpech magic mark of 334, set in the 1998/99 season, shattered Piere Strydom’s existing record at the time, and has thus stood the test of a quarter of a century of intense competition featuring some of the world’s greatest jockeys.
Fourie produced another exemplary performance in the saddle on Double Grand Slam for the Justin Snaith yard to register the new benchmark, in the process banking the Hollywoodbets Delpech 334 Challenge Incentive bonus of R1 million. In a defining moment for South African sport, the winner is owned in partnership by golfing legend Gary Player, owner Suzette Viljoen and Dave McLean.
At the commencement of last season, Hollywoodbets ignited unprecedented interest in the chase for a new national record when South Africa’s leading international sportsbook operator offered a record R1 million incentive for the first rider to break the Delpech record.
Richard Fourie became the second consecutive Winning Form-sponsored rider, after Hong King-based Keagan de Melo, to be crowned SA Champion Jockey, on 31 July 2024 , with a new benchmark of 378 winners on the board.
Outgoing record-holder, and present day Hollywood Syndicate Racing Manager, Anthony Delpech was the first to step forward at the time and congratulate the new ‘number one’.
“That was most impressive! I know how tough it is to travel and keep one’s shoulder to the wheel for so many months. It’s absolutely exhausting mentally and physically, and Richard Fourie has made us all proud and shown himself to be a champion of enormous talent and mental strength. I am thrilled for him, and all of those that supported him. And to the Hollywoodbets, team, congratulations for coming up with another winner, in what has been a fan tonic and boost for our racing. This record chase has been the talk throughout the season, and I believe it will be for many years to come. I am personally very proud to have played my small part,” added Delpech.
A final field of thirteen goes to post for the 164th renewal of the R3million L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday and two top-class sophomores, each receiving 5kgs from their elders, make this clash of the magic milers a vintage one!
Vaughan Marshall’s boom three-year-old One Stripe, a sparkling winner of the recent Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas, and Justin Snaith’s third-placed Great Plains, are the two 3yo representatives in a high quality field.
History shows that three-year-olds have it all to do in this prestigious mile race, given that there
have been only ten sophomore winners since its inception in 1861, two of which in the new millennium.
To put it into perspective though, strangely very few 3yo’s take their chances in the prestige mile. The 2012 renewal saw future champion stallion Gimmethegreenlight break
a 38-year drought to become the first threeyear-old winner this century of this coveted prize by finishing a half-length in front of old foe Variety Club. The last sophomore to land the prestigious mile event before that had been Yataghan, who crossed the wire first way back in 1973, almost a lifetime ago!
Nine years went by before another Snaithtrained three-year-old took the honours.
This time it was future champion Jet Dark who dented some huge reputations in the 2021 renewal.
The sole representative of what many considered a vintage classic crop, he was thrown in the deep end considering the quality of the field, yet proved up to the task and ran on stoutly to hold off Rainbow Bridge, who came with a powerful surge up the outside.
Twelve months later, Jet Dark put up arguably the best performance of his career to score by over two lengths from Kommetdieding, who had a head to spare over Rainbow Bridge.
Great to see Gauteng-based trainers support the Western Cape’s premier mile race.
In somewhat of a bold move, Sean Tarry has engaged Serino Moodley for the dual Gr1 winning sprinter Lucky Lad, who has yet to score over the mile distance. In his sole attempt over the trip, he finished almost twelve lengths behind Dave The King in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
However, Tarry is no stranger to King’s Plate success, having trained the last Gauteng winner, the magnificent miler Legal Eagle, who completed a rare treble in 2018.
In 2016, the then four-year-old delivered the killer blow at the top of the straight and repelled all challengers to power home a facile winner over former Horse of the Year Legislate and Cape Guineas winner Noah From Goa.
Twelve months later, he smoothly moved to the fore under Anton Marcus before bounding clear
of his rivals to come home unchallenged, with Captain America in second.
In 2018, he lined up as a dual Horse of the Year winner and in a hard-fought affair, held off longshot Copper Force and Captain America, victory taking his career earnings to almost R10,6-million which at the time, made him the country’s top earner.
Fellow Gauteng trainer Alec Laird also has a King’s Plate trophy on his mantlepiece, having won the 1997 renewal with the mighty London News, who sauntered to victory. He returns to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth with Atticus Finch, a somewhat surprise winner of the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup.
Gone are the days when KwaZulu-Natal trainers regularly raided the Cape season, least of all saddling a King’s Plate winner. One has to go back all of 31 years to 1994, when David Payne led New Zealand -bred import Take A Walk into the number one box.
Last year, the Michael Roberts-trained See It Again ventured from his Summerveld base and came close when runner-up behind Charles Dickens. Happily, the chestnut will be given a second crack at the prize.
Also back is Ricky Maingard’s Al Muthana, who famously brought to an end Charles Dickens’s undefeated record when he grabbed the honours with a whirlwind finish in 2023.
Twelve months later, the tables were turned, with Al Muthana having to settle for fourth.
As usual, the powerful Justin Snaith stable leads the local contingent with three runners. Since his maiden victory with Gimmethegreenlight, he has added Do It Again (2019) and of course Jet Dark, who completed the double in 2022.
This year, Snaith’s main hope may well rest on Snow Pilot. Ninth in last year’s King’s Plate, the former Cape Guineas winner gave notice that he will be no pushover with two wins from as many starts this season, one of which a length victory over One Stripe.
Completing the Snaith trio are last year’s King’s Plate third Royal Aussie, who will be partnered by multiple UK champion jockey, Oisin Murphy.
It is exactly a decade ago since Brett Crawford celebrated his first King’s Plate winner.
Having run second with Jackson in 2013 and 2014, he finally got it right in 2015 with Futura, who cornered stone last and powered home to take the honours from Triple Crown winner Louis The King.
The race has since eluded Crawford, albeit that Captain America twice finished in the frame.
This year the stable relies on Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July winner Oriental Charm, who recorded a smart victory in the Gr3 Green Point Stakes since arriving from his Randjesfontein base. They also saddle Khaya Stables’ At My Command, but it is Dean Kannemeyer’s interesting runner Gimme A Prince, who could be Lady Christine Laidlaw’s pick. The dual Grade 1-winning sprinter jumps from a wide gate, but has an excellent turn of foot and will relish the summer course run-in.
There is no doubt that Vaughan Marshall would dearly love to win this elusive Gr1 race still missing from his CV, but this is tough!.
A R1 million Pick 6 carryover is likely to see the exotic pool climb to R5 million.The first leg is race 4, the Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes, which is carded to jump at 14h15.
The in-form Craig Zackey gets his first opportunity to ride Red Palace when he partners the daughter of Potala Palace in the R1 million Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
When the fields were published earlier today, Sporting Post readers were speculating as to the reasons why Anthony Andrews, who is the son of the breeder and part owner, was not aboard the Sorrento Stud flagbearer.
In a much publicized short notice sale to dissolve a partnership, Red Palace was bought back by her breeder and majority partner Terry Andrews earlier this month.
The Grade 2 winner was moved from the Candice Bass-Robinson yard to the Dean Kannemeyer stable, and was scratched the morning following the sale from her engagement in the Victress Stakes by her former trainer, a matter that is currently the subject of an NHA Inquiry.
\In a chat with the Sporting Post on Monday, Anthony Andrews explained that he was not riding Red Palace as he is currently injured and expects to be out of the saddle for four months.
In what has been labelled a ‘successful operation’, Andrews, who sounded like he was in a measure of pain, explained that he had a plate and six screws inserted into his heel on Saturday morning, after a freak accident.
“Naturally I am disappointed not to be riding Red Palace and my other engagements on the big day, but I won’t be walking for the next three months. I wish my good mate Craig Zackey well and she really could not be in better hands,” added the jockey.
Trainers scratching horses without the apparent necessary authority is not a subject that has been an issue over the years, but just weeks after the Red Palace incident, we note that
Gqeberha trainer Kelly Mitchley was charged with a contravention of Rule 9.13 (read in conjunction with Rule 51.3).
This was as a result of her scratching the horses Countess Q from the second race on 27 December 2024 and Oranjemund from the second race on 30 December 2024 when they were removed from her as a Grantee of the Authority and/or sold/leased with engagements, which is prohibited in terms of the rules.
Mitchley signed an Admission of Guilt and was fined R12000, of which R5000 is wholly suspended for a period of two (2) years on condition that Rule 9.13 and Rule 51.3 are not contravened during this period.
One of South Africa’s most successful racing stables, Bass Racing, has joined forces with leading sports betting brand Betway, becoming sponsorship partners to the yard ahead of the ’24/25 Cape Summer season.
In addition, Bass Racing’s head trainer, Candice Bass-Robinson, has been appointed a Betway ambassador as the stable continues to grow.
Bass-Robinson, who took over head trainer duties from her celebrated father Mike in 2016, promptly became the first female trainer to saddle the winner of the famous Durban July in 2017.
She finished fifth on the National Trainers’ log for the 2023/24 season.
Her total stakes earned for the past season amounted to R14,5 million. Her four Grade 1 winners included the brilliant Charles Dickens, now at Drakenstein Stud, and the superstar filly Beach Bomb, exported and racing in the United States.
“Betway is synonymous with sport globally and has initiated a huge drive into the South African sports, and horseracing market. The R6-million Betway Summer Cup is the richest group race in Africa. “They have shown themselves to be huge supporters of the industry and I’m excited
to be part of the journey with them. It’s also a privilege to become a Betway ambassador,” said Bass-Robinson at the announcement. Mark Bass, the Bass Racing marketing and racing manager, said: “ Bass Racing is approaching its 50th birthday which was established by my father Mike in 1976. He trained 2450 winners including 50 Grade 1’s and we have a generational investment in the sport and share the same core values and principle as Betway. This is the start of a new chapter at Bass Racing and we are delighted to be taking the next step with a brand that has the reputation as Africa’s foremost online and mobile gambling company - we are honoured to align our flags.”
In welcoming the partnership with Bass Racing, Betway Africa’s Jonathan Blumberg said: “ We are proud to be associated with the Bass Racing family. Candice has proven herself as a top-class trainer in the short time since taking over from Mike and will no doubt be a great addition to our family as a Betway ambassador.”
Since taking over head trainer duties, BassRobinson has saddled 12 Grade 1 winners and 51 Graded winners in her total of over 700 career victories.
She propelled herself into the top 10 ranked female trainers in the world in her first year as a professional trainer when winning the Durban July with Marinaresco.
The stable was also home to two of the finest racehorses seen in the country in the last 20 years – Pocket Power and Charles Dickens.
After booting Vardy to victory in the 2020 L’Ormarins Gr1 Queen’s Plate, our national jockey log-leader Craig Zackey will be aiming for his second victory in the prestigious weight-for-age mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday when he partners the class 6yo Gimme A Prince for Dean Kannemeyer.
The Mauritzfontein & Wilgerbosdrift-sponsored
Zackey is enjoying the season of his life and became the first SA rider to break the 100 winner mark this term when he booted Tsunami Warning home for Kannemeyer at the final Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racemeeting of 2024 on Saturday.
An illustration of the impact of Zackey’s best season ever is that he only reached the century mark in April last season – so he is effectively
four months in front of where he was last term, when ending on 168 winners.
His previous best was 138 winners, and he earned the National Champion Apprentice title in the 2014/2015 season, when riding 58 winners.
On Saturday, he appropriately registered his century on Tsunami Warning, who is raced by his sponsors of ten years, Mauritzfontein & Wilgerbosdrift, and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, for whom he is stable jockey. Zackey is also retained by Lady Christine
Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables.
Zackey boasts a 17,7% win strike-rate and, as we went to print, was 4 winners ahead of Gavin Lerena (25,7%), with reigning champion Richard Fourie (22,8%) on 86 in third.
He is currently quoted at 22-10 with Hollywoodbets to win the national title.
His L’Ormarins King’s Plate mount Gimme A Prince is an interesting runner and tries the mile for only the second time in his career.
A multiple Grade 1-winning sprinter, Gimme A Prince ran on powerfully for third in the Cape Mile, finishing 0,35 lengths off Rascallion. His racing style suggests the summer course will be right up his street on Saturday.
Kannemeyer knows how to train winners of this race. He saddled Capetown Noir (2014) and Free My Heart, who won it in 2002 and 2000.
Craig Gerard Simon Zackey is the son of Simon and Debbie and the fourth of their five children. He has one younger sister, Franchesca and three older brothers, Gerad, Byron and Marco.
“Seeing that I am Lebanese, I also have 67 other cousins and supporters,” he laughs.
Craig was born in Benoni, but grew up in Brakpan. Not hailing from a horsey family, he admitted that his interest in racing started because both his father and grandfather played the horses as a hobby.
Craig joined the SA Jockey Academy in 2011.
“My dad owned a horse with Duncan Howells when I was young, but I hadn’t been on a horse until I got to the Academy. I think I handled it pretty well. Well, I didn’t fall, is probably a good way to put it!”
He signed his papers in March 2012 and had his first ride under rules aboard West End for
the Jeff Freedman yard on 18 March.
“To be honest my heart was in my throat and my hands were shaking. I was nervous – I didn’t know what to expect. But once the gate opened, that all changed. It’s like you become a different person and I was more confident in the race than in the stalls. As time went by and I got more rides, I adapted to it.”
Craig’s first win came at Clairwood on 2 August 2012, riding Commander Cat for Tony Rivalland and like most jockeys, it proved an unforgettable experience. “It’s hard to explain. It was a really good feeling and just a whole lot of excitement and joy and happiness all at the same time.”
He started riding for Dominic Zaki and his main owner, Kalil Zackey started giving him opportunities that led to Craig’s maiden Grade 1 success on Arabian Beat in the SA Nursery on 25 April 2015.
Just months away from his 30th birthday on 7 April, Craig has emerged this term as a serious championship contender and one of our leading new generation riders.
As the racing year draws to a close, it’s a time for reflection and for many we are sure the highlight over the past twelve months has been the rise of the sensational filly Quid Pro Quo.
Talk about a rags-to-riches story. Unwanted at the sales, she rose above her humble pedigree to become the champion juvenile of her generation and also stepped into the history books as the only two-year-old filly to win the coveted Gr1 Douglas Whyte Stakes, Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship and Gr2 Golden Slipper.
More significantly, she started her three-yearold campaign with a breathtaking comeback run. Off the track for four months, she returned to racing in the Betway Gr2 Dingaans and promptly humbled her male rivals to score by daylight.
No wonder then that this past week, we learnt that Quid Pro Quo has been sold and provided
she passes the necessary blood tests, will continue her racing career overseas.
The buyer? Team Valor principal Barry Irwin, an ardent admirer of our local bloodstock whose success with South-African fillies is unparalleled. He has had his eye on Quid Pro Quo for quite a while.
“Brilliant,” he described the filly after she had closed out her juvenile campaign with victory in the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Stakes.
In a day and age where big breeders invariably hog the limelight, it is indeed heartening for a small breeder to come up with a champion. That is exactly what owner/breeder Gerald Kalil achieved.
He sent his mare Delightfull Diva to little-known stallion Lance, albeit that she had already produced the Listed Ruffian Stakes winner and Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery third Daring Diva.
“The reason I sent her to Lance was that I liked him as a stallion,” he remarked. “He is a son of Jet Master and would have won a lot more races if he had not injured himself.”
Delightfull Diva did not have the ritziest of female lines either. Her sire, the classic winner The Sheik, was no star as a stallion, while her dam Delightful Miss scored just once as a juvenile and produced four winners, none of which earned black type.
The next dam Delectable Miss, a one-time winner by the failed Riverman stallion Jabal Tarik, was no great shakes either. At stud, she produced 14 foals, seven of which became winners, the best being Delegator, who scored five times.
Clearly, apart from Daring Diva, there was little
to enthuse about in the first three generations of Quid Pro Quo’s female family and when she was offered at the KZN Yearling Sale, Kalil ended up buying her back for a measly R60 000.
Given that the filly is now a champion and a millionaire twice over, he has had the last laugh, so one in the eye for those buyers who look at quality through the lens of black type.
Kalil fully deserves the breeding achievement award of the year. While he is sad to see Quid Pro Quo go, he will no doubt be cheering the loudest should the filly go on to overseas success.
“Hopefully she will fly the flag for South Africa and be a fine advertisement for our bloodstock,” he remarked.
Barry Irwin of Team Valor International has confirmed that plans are in place to export Equus champion Quid Pro Quo to Europe and ready her for Dubai in 2026.
The leading international owner was talking to the Sporting Post last Saturday morning after news broke that Gerald and Karen Kalil’s allconquering Lance filly would be winging her way to an international career.
“Depending on how soon she can be readied for a direct flight, she may run a time or two in Joburg with her current trainer, Barend Botes,” added Irwin who confirmed that as of Friday’s vetting by Dr Terry Casey of Fourways Equine
practice, Team Valor International has managed to acquire Quid Oro Quo, pending blood tests to determine her eligibility to be exported.
The veteran racing man said that ‘it was not an easy transaction’ as Quid Pro Quo’s ownerbreeder Gerald Kalill was quite understandably reluctant to let go of a Champion filly of her quality and remaining international potential.
“She is quite a tall filly and she is still growing. Her trainer has done an absolutely brilliant job in managing her to this point. We greatly look forward to allowing the filly to showcase herself on the worldwide stage over the coming years in Dubai, Europe and the United States,” he concluded.
One of the undoubted success stories of the past SA racing and breeding year has been One World.
The champion son of Captain Al made a sensational start to his stud career and ended the 2023-2024 season as South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire.
One World enjoyed notable success throughout the year, with his offspring shining in both the sales ring and on the racetrack.
One World caught plenty of attention when his first-crop son One Stripe demolished his rivals over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. The R1 400 000 sales topper from the 2023 Cape Racing Sales Ready To Run & Unbroken Two Year Old Sale had finished a close up fifth on debut before winning by six at the second time of asking. One Stripe would go on to become his sire’s first graded stakes winner when he won the Gr3 City Of Cape Town Cape Good Of Hope Nursery. The same month, saw a pair of One World colts (Godric Gryffindor and Undivided) make R900 000 apiece to jointly top the Cape Yearling Sale.
One World’s son One More made the perfect start when he made a winning debut at the Vaal.The two-year-old would go on to catch the eye when running a creditable fourth in the Gr1 Gold Medallion next time out.
• APRIL
One World colt Lion Rampart stamped himself a horse to follow when he romped home to a two length win at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth over 1100 metres. Trained, like both One World and One Stripe, by Vaughan Marshall, Lion Rampart had finished fourth, behind One Stripe, in the Gr3 City Of Cape Town Cape Good Of Hope Nursery and he would go on to further enhance his reputation.
One World colts, One Stripe and Lion Rampart, ran 1-2 in the Gr3 Winter Nursery at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. In the process, the upwardly mobile One Stripe took his tally of wins to three from just four starts.
A One World colt, named One Cape, made R1 000 000 to top the Cape Racing Winter Yearling Sale.
One World runners, Lion Rampart and Miss World, gave their sire another memorable 1-2 when they ran first and second in the Listed Somerset 1200.
While One Stripe was a controversial late scratching from the Gr3 Langerman, another son of One World, All Out For Six, went close to landing the feature when he ran second to Eight On Eighteen.
One World yearlings continued to be in great demand, with the Drakenstein stallion heading the Sires List (by aggregate) for the 2024 KZN Yearling Sale. All twelve One World yearlings on sale sold for a total of R4,115 million. One World ended the 2023-2024 season having supplied 30 two-year-old winners, a new record for a South African first season sire. His first juveniles won 40 races and earned more than R5,224 million which saw One World finish second on the Leading Sires of 2yos premiership.
Two-year-olds by One World made up to R1 000 000 at the August Two Year Old Sale. The emerging star sire’s top lot was a filly (#306) out of the four-time winning Silvano mare Summer Moon who made R1 000 000.
The exciting One Stripe made a pleasing return to racing when second to the previous season’s Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Snow Pilot, over1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. He would go on to confirm his class in subsequent races.
One Stripe stamped himself a leading Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas contender when he romped home to land the Gr2 Cape Punters Cup by a length and three quarters. It was a 1-2 finish for One World, whose son All Out For Six chased him home. Cape Punters Cup day was a memorable occasion for One World, whose sons Lion Rampart and Kaiboy ran first and second in the Listed World Sports
Betting Sophomore Sprint.
Classy filly World Of Alice became her sire’s first daughter to win a graded race when she stormed home to land the Betway Gr3 Fillies Mile at Turffontein. Trained by Sean Tarry, World Of Alice had finished second, to subsequent World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner Fatal Flaw, in the HSH Princess Charlene Gr3 Starling Stakes.
One Stripe became his sire’s first Grade One winner when he won the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, a race won by One World’s own sire Captain Al in 2000. One Stripe was one of two runners in the Cape Guineas for his sire, with All Out For Six finishing sixth behind his paternal half-brother.
As the sun sets on 2024, we thought it a good time to reflect back on twelve glorious months of the standout features races of the year.
Credit: Chase Liebenberg
Newmarket-based visitor Daniel Muscutt became the first overseas-based jockey to win the R2 million World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Town Met when he rode a superbly polished race to get the Snaith longshot Double Superlative home to win the Cape flagship race in sensational style at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Dean Kannemeyer’s Green With Envy trounced his rivals in the SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. The Khaya Stables star came from off the pace to record a wide-margin victory over the filly Beach Bomb, with longtime leader Oriental Charm staying on for third at 100/1.
MARCH ’24 – REMEMBER THE WILGERBOSDRIFT HF OPPENHEIMER GR1 HORSE CHESTNUT STAKES?
Tony Peter’s star 3yo Main Defender and jockey Calvin Habib silenced the detractors as the gelding produced the peak performance of his short career at Turffontein on Classic Day when he stormed home to become only the second 3yo in a decade to win the R1,5 million Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes.
APRIL ’24 – REMEMBER
THE JONSSON WORKWEAR GR1 COMPUTAFORM SPRINT?
A remarkable feat of training and jockeyship delivered the goods in the R1 million Jonsson Workwear Gr1 Computaform Sprint at Turffontein when the Avontuur-bred Thunderstruck registered his second elite success and endorsed his steely ability and the scintillating versatility of his top sire, Rafeef.
MAY ’24 – REMEMBER THE GR1 DAILY NEWS 2000?
Dean Kannemeyer’s 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July dream was well on track after ante-post favourite and Khaya Stables’ star Green With Envy defied the odds under the talented Craig Zackey in an incident filled renewal of the R2 million Gr1 Daily News 2000 to beat the ill-fated Flag Man.
’24 – REMEMBER
Almost two years to the day since making a winning 40-1 debut for Vaughan Marshall in the winter mud over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, the lionhearted Dave The King finally cracked a highly deserved feature victory – and that in cavalier style when sweeping home to win the R2 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge.
JULY ’24 – REMEMBER THE HOLLYWOODBETS GR1 DURBAN JULY?
Trainer Brett Crawford celebrated a second consecutive R5 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July victory at Hollywoodbets Greyville when JP van der Merwe picked up his first victory in the iconic contest, steering 3yo Oriental Charm to a dramatic victory in what was a scrappy race of hard-luck stories in front of a crowd of just over 40 000.
’24 – REMEMBER
A nominee along with Luna Halo and Three Rocks for the Champion 3yo Filly title at the East Cape Awards, the topclass Master Of My Fate filly Joy And Peace made it five wins on the trot when slamming a representative field that included three Cape raiders to win the R150 000 Listed Jockey Club Stakes at Fairview.
Milnerton veteran Vaughan Marshall saddled champion Captain Al to win the Matchem Stakes under Jeff Lloyd in 1999 and saddled his fifth winner of the race in the 21st century when the consistent Questioning romped home at a cloudy Hollywoodbets Durbanville.
OCTOBER ’24 – REMEMBER THE BETWAY JOBURG GR2 SPRING CHALLENGE?
In the absence of Muzi Yeni who was out of town winning the final Grade 1 in Singapore racing history a few hours earlier, Rachel Venniker amplified her wide range of skills in the saddle when she travelled to Turffontein to steer the lightly raced Back In Business home for Joey Soma in the R550 000 Betway Joburg Gr2 Spring Challenge.
While the 2024 Betway Summer Cup day will go down as a best show yet for 4Racing, the Highveld showpiece also provided the thrills and spills on the Turffontein track, the R224 437 big race quartet dividend telling the story of Atticus Finch.
Drakenstein Stud’s top-class young stallion One World’s outstanding run of form continued with a pair of eye-catching winners at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, headed by his son One Stripe’s fluent win in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas. In landing the Cape Guineas, One Stripe made amends for his sire’s Cape Guineas defeat, when third in the 2018 renewal.
Resolutions, goals and plans – we have all had a few! When the clock strikes midnight this evening, the slate is wiped clean and it’s just like starting over. The Sporting Post asked a few racing personalities to share their wishes or resolutions.
LAURENCE WERNARS, LEADING OWNER AND BREEDER
‘We have to achieve unity in horseracing in 2025 and that has to be all of our goal. Islands of success are commendable but don’t work for the collective. South African horseracing under a united flag is the only answer and the only way we can sustain a future for the next generation.’
GREG BORTZ, OWNER & CAPE RACING CHAIRMAN
‘My resolution or wish for 2025 is to establish a far better work / family/ personal life balance. Achieving this equilibrium will make me not only happier, but more effective in all spheres. PS - It would be nice to win another Group 1 too!’
‘2024 was a great year after five long years in the trenches. I got my licence back and broke the ice with a winner. It’s onwards and upwards from here and I want to wish everybody in racing a wonderful 2025 and always remember that nothing in life is impossible!’
‘I want to focus on finding more solutions – no negatives. So I am adopting a solution-driven approach and I hope the industry comes on board to do the same and make it a great 2025.’
‘I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I just plug away and do what I normally do. That works best for me!’
CAPE RACECALLER & PODCASTER
“I’m missing the familiar faces at races, the vibe, the laughs, catching up on what’s good for the day. But most of all I miss what I enjoy doing most - commentating. So for 2025 I will be more focused on the areas that require attention which will lead to me getting there. As the song goes ... these boots are made for walking!’
ROBERT BLOOMBERG, RACING ATTORNEY & OWNER
‘My wish is that the NHA stops wasting operators’ money on exorbitant legal fees in matters that can easily be resolved and on cases that they can’t possibly win. It’s time for common sense to prevail over rule books!’
‘I am going to be kinder to myself and spend more time with family. And remember that many people out there think I have a cool job! Best of the best to all stakeholders for 2025.’
‘Personally, I will look at downsizing my yard and looking for more quality.I also need to up my personal fitness. On the general racing front, I believe 2025 is going to be the most exciting year in living memory for KZN stakeholders and the industry at large. The Hollywoodbets-Bortz plans are a gamechanger and give all of us a chance to do our bit to make racing great again. I wish everybody a great 2025.’
‘I hope all racing people, big and small stakeholders across the spectrum, reach their own goals. This sport has survived for so long and we are on the up, which makes 2025 so exciting. We have people in the right positions doing the right things for racing. So we have plenty to look forward to.’
‘My goal for 2025 is to enjoy every minute, have fun, stay safe and go as fast as I possibly can. I wish everybody in horseracing the best year ahead.’
‘Nothing left to prove in terms of performance but it’s about the big ones and we are aiming at getting some silverware back into our yard. We have to aim high. Best wishes to everybody.’
‘I want to build confidence and mindset for more success. This includes dedicating time to building mental resilience, which should in turn boost my performance on the racetrack. I also intend to celebrate the small wins – whether racing relationships or personal achievements.’
Irish champion trainer Aidan O’Brien conquered Britain in 2024 and was crowned Champion trainer for the year. He finished over £3m ahead of his nearest pursuer, in this prize money-determined race.
The Ballydoyle supremo was winning this award for the seventh time, with 31 wins on British soil, including 11 Group 1’s. Highlights of the season included City Of Troy’s Group 1 hattrick, highlighted by the Epsom Derby, a top-level double from the remarkable stayer Kyprios, and Jan Brueghel’s victory in a thrilling edition of the St. Leger.
In also claiming the Irish Trainers Championship, O’Brien replicated the feat of Willie Mullins National Hunt title, with 2024 marking the first time in history that both the British flat and jumps titles have been claimed by Irish-based trainers.
The phenomenal Willie Mullins won the ‘jumps’ training title for the first time earlier this year in April, to go along with his 19 Irish equivalents. In doing so, he became the first Irish based trainer since Vincent O’Brien in 1954 to achieve the remarkable feat.
What is it that these two outstanding Irish racing professionals might have in common apart from having a raft of the best-bred horses to train?
As seen by O’Brien targeting the Breeders Cup on the dirt instead of the turf equivalent with his champion City Of Troy, they don’t shield their good horses from the chance of getting beaten, and it is amazing how often in the debrief after a big-race success one or other will refer to something they have learned by trying something that didn’t work earlier for the horse.
The British Champion jockey title was no contest in 2024 as Oisin Murphy was well clear of his closest rivals by the end of August.
The Irishman secured his fourth British Champion jockey crown at Ascot in mid-October.
Murphy was unrelenting throughout the season, finishing with a flourish, partnering ten winners from 33 rides in the last week.
That took his overall tally to 163, placing him a remarkable 53 clear of his nearest pursuer, Rossa Ryan, and representing the second highest tally for a champion jockey since 2015 when the championship period was shortened to start on 2000 Guineas Day and conclude on Champions Day.
The rider’s most notable successes came at Royal Ascot, where he picked up a Group 1 double aboard Khaadem (Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes) and Asfoora (King Charles III Stakes).
Famous names filled the top five positions on the owner’s table, with the Boys in Blue of Godolphin coming out on top ahead of the yellow and black silks of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, the Coolmore combo of Mrs John Magnier, Mr M. Tabor, & Mr D. Smith, with Juddmonte in fourth.
The Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum-backed owner/breeder powerhouse claimed this prize for the 16th time, having racked up an impressive £4,533,484 in total prize money –over £1.75m ahead of their nearest pursuer.
Top earner Notable Speech was responsible for two of Godolphin’s five domestic Group 1s, courtesy of his sizzling displays in the 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes.
Suzette Viljoen’s top-class Pistol Pete produced what could be his gutsiest showing to date when he withstood a late challenge inside the final stages to win the R250 000 Betway Gr3 Lebelo Sprint at Turffontein on Saturday.
The final South African feature race of 2024, the Lebelo Sprint was the speedy colt’s first victory as a 3yo and his maiden graded stakes success.
Ridden with confidence by Kabelo Matsunyane, the Tony Peter-trained Pistol Pete (13-10) hit the front with authority into the final 300m after Mover And Shaker and Magic Tattoo had led the charge.
Despite taking pressure late, Pistol Pete dug deep and ran all the way to the wire to hold the low-flying Nettleton (7-1) by a nose in a time of 58,65 secs for the 1000m dash.
After playing games at the start, Magic Tattoo ran a cracker for third. Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, Pistol Pete was selected by
owner Suzette Viljoen who paid R380 000 for him at the 2023 Cape Yearling Sale.
A son of Redoute’s Choice stallion Buffalo Bill Cody, Pistol Pete is out of the five-time winning Tiger Ridge mare Oklahoma Sky and has now won 5 races with 3 places from 10 starts for stakes of 673 625.
That brings the curtain down on what was an action-packed 2024 SA feature race calendar and we now look forward to the L’Ormarins King’s Plate raceday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 4 January 2025.
Owner Dave Shawe and trainer Lucky Houdalakis celebrated a second feature success on the trot with the Act Of War filly Lady Fallon, who finished best of all to win the R225 000 4Racing Listed War Of Athena Handicap at Turffontein on Saturday.
In a poetic twist of irony, the winner shares her sire Act Of War with the champion War Of Athena, in whose honour the former Gardenia Handicap is now run.
In a further ironic twist on a day where some jockeys chose to stand themselves down, as is their prerogative, apprentice Trent Mayhew followed in the bootprints of his colleague Malesile Katjedi, who also grabbed a Marco van Rensburg chance ride to score an unexpected feature success.
With Sukhumvit giving Philasande Mxoli a handful and half by over-racing for much of the journey as she stalked Wonderful all the way round, it was the progressive Mayhew who seized the moment on Lady Fallon (4-1), who doubled up on her Listed Summer Pudding victory of last month with a hard-earned 0,30 length win in a time of 115,85 secs.
The 17-2 Sukhumvit started tote favourite and ran a courageous race in the circumstances to bank second, ahead of My Soul Mate (20-1) who showed flickers of her better form to get third.
Now a winner of 4 races with 8 places from 14 starts, the 4yo Lady Fallon took her stakes earnings to R507 375.
Originally a R125 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, passionate owner Dave Shaw purchased her privately and she was having only her fifth run here for him, having earned at her previous 4 starts.
Bred by Blue Sky Thoroughbreds, the winner is by Act Of War (Dynasty) out of the unraced Gimmethegreenlight mare, Chartreuse.
ON A TOUGH TURFFONTEIN SATURDAY FOR PUNTERS, WINNING FORM-SPONSORED JOCKEY MALESELA ‘KERATILE’ KATJEDI RODE A CRACKER ON THE CORNE SPIES-TRAINED CHOCOLATE SOLDIER TO WIN THE R150 000 SOPHOMORE 1000.
After Marco van Rensburg had joined Piere Strydom and Serino Moodley in opting not to ride on an afternoon where there were differing opinions on the safety of the track, Katjedi took the opportunity of the replacement engagement in the non-black type feature with both hands.
He had the fit-as-a-fiddle Chocolate Soldier shunting out front and drifted the son of One World to a more advantageous outside strip before pushing him out to an easy win.
Chocolate Soldier (20-1) beat the favourite Almond Sea (5-2), who never really looked comfortable after some farrier attention at the start, by 3 lengths in a time of 58,60 secs for the 1000m.
Rachel Venniker had to switch the good-looking Karate Kid (33-10) a few times, and he may not have relished the conditions, staying on for third a length further back.
Raced in partnership by R P Macnab, I D Berg, C D Brown, S Poriazis, J M D S Soares & Corne Spies Racing (Pty) Ltd, the winner was bred by Ian van Schalkwyk and is a son of boom stallion One World (Captain Al) out of the sixtime winning Pathfork mare, Secret Star.
A R220 000 National 2yo Sale graduate, Chocolate Soldier took his win tally to 4 strikes
with 3 places from 12 starts for stakes of R375 750.
Known as something of a specialist miler and a major centre big-hitter in his prime, the Stonebridge family’s pride and joy Bingwa went all the way at just his second start in Gqeberha to win the R175 000 Fairview 1900, the final East Cape feature of 2024.
Carrying joint topweight and having his second run for the high-riding Gavin Smith yard, Craig Zackey registered his 99th winner of the season as he rode a confident race at a good gallop from out front to register a courageous eighth career victory on the trojan 7yo.
Changing legs into the straight, Bingwa (61) was in full stride at the 350m and there was no catching him as he stormed clear to beat Sequoia (10-1) by 1,50 lengths in a very decent time of 114,45 secs. This was national log-leader Craig Zackey and Hollywoodbets sponsored Gavin Smith’s third winner of the afternoon.
Replacement rider Chad Little rode a cracker to boost the quartets on Alan Greeff’s 50-1 Global Ally, with the gallant Firealley (33-10) run off his feet but hanging on to earn again, staying on into fourth.
The tote favourite Blackberry Malt (5-2) was beaten 7,80 lengths into fifth.
A dual winner of the Charity Mile in his time, Bingwa has now won 8 races with 15 places from his 46 starts for stakes of R1 405 850.
Bred by Tanzania residents Colin and Lynne Stonebridge, the winner is a son of Sandown Stud-based Pathfork (Distorted Humor) out of the two-time winning Century Stand mare, Marauding Lady.
Cape-based jockey Aldo Domeyer has had his riding weight restricted to 58kgs after he failed to make the carded weight on the 7-10 favourite Major Master in the seventh race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Domeyer was charged with a contravention of Rule 55.4 in that he failed to weigh out at the carded weight on Major Master, or at the higher weight confirmed in his engagement with the trainer, which resulted in a change of rider.
Domeyer signed an admission of guilt and was fined R1000.00.
The Stewards considered Domeyer’s record regarding contraventions of Rule 55.4 with
regard to weighing out overweight and determined that he be restricted to a riding weight of 58kg’s, with immediate effect, and until such time that he is able to exhibit that he can consistently ride at a lower weight to the satisfaction of the Stewards
The issue ended well for backers of the popular banker when replacement rider Sean Veale got the progressive son of Master Of My Fate home in a tight finish to beat the 25-1 outsider Iconic Destination.
Trainer Gareth van Zyl capped a remarkable year-end purple patch for Hollywood Racing, when he saddled the 6yo Imilenzeyokududuma to a resounding victory in the R150 000 Listed Christmas Handicap at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the Day Of Goodwill public holiday.
Just weeks after sending out Asiye Phambili to win the World Sports Betting Gr3 Southern Cross Stakes for Hollywood Racing down in the Cape, Gareth van Zyl gave the passionate team their 600th winner on African soil when Luhamba Phambili won the Need For Speed Sprint, also at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, last month.
The drama of a lengthy delay at the start threatened to put a damper on the final KZN feature of 2024, with a host of challenges, from the troublesome Palermo, who was given ample time before getting his marching orders, to a new shoe or two for Navajo Nation, and a headgear adjustment for Mexican Pete.
Ironically it was eventual winner Imilenzeyokududuma’s stablemate Natyam, who probably suffered the most.
The son of Noble Tune has been a bit full of nonsense at the start recently, and after he was loaded early, he and jockey Chad Little were left standing dead still for what felt like twenty minutes plus.
The Starter probably made a professional judgement call to leave him in, as there was no guarantee he’d have been happy to return if unloaded.
In the end, Natyam ran stone last. But what the start show must have looked like to the uninformed, and the international audience, is another story. A good reason to consider informing the public in future as to the rationale behind the decision as the action is unfolding? It’s all about information, surely?
After Strathclyde had led the backed Sundance Kid and the rest of the charge early, it was Imilenzeyokududuma (8-1) who was seen to good effect as he made ground up the straight.
Sporting Post-sponsored rider Sean Veale came in fresh off a big win on Outlaw King in the De Grendel Gr2 Cape Merchants at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth just four days earlier and displayed his balance and fine judgement to get the Dynasty gelding home to beat
Selukwe (8-1) by 2,20 lengths in a time of 96,52 secs.
In the previous renewal of the Christmas Handicap, run in January this year, Imilenzeyokududuma, had run second to Formagear.
Diani (16-1) stayed on to boost the trifecta, a neck away in third, with Navajo Nation (14-1) overcoming the trauma of being reshod behind the stalls to round off the quartet.
Milenzeyokududuma, who was clearly revitalized after his break with Nicole Wille and the Hollywood Life After Racing Team, was scoring his maiden stakes success. He was bred by Ridgemont and is a son of late champion Dynasty (Fort Wood) out of the three-time winning High Chaparral mare Chevauchee.
A R400 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, he has won 6 races with 9 places from 24 starts and stakes of R626 850.
Imilenzeyokududuma is named after Hollywoodbets brand ambassador Jerry Sikhosana, an Orlando Pirates legend who scored the winning goal in the 1995 African Cup of Champions Clubs Final. Sikhosana’s nickname during his playing career was ‘Legs Of Thunder’, hence the Xhosa translation, Imilenzeyokududuma.
GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT FILLY CRACKS IT AFTER A BREAK
The Ascot Stud-bred Mary’s Greenlight stamped her class and showed no ill effects after a 21 week break to win the R200 000 Listed Flamboyant Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the Day Of Goodwill public holiday.
Mike de Kock has never been classed a ‘Christmas trainer’ but said that he had earmarked this race for Mary’s Greenlight after her fourth-placed effort in the World Pool With Tabgold Darley Arabian at the end of last season.
“On ratings she had to be in the first two here,” added De Kock of the 4yo who was registering her first stakes success.
Winning Form-sponsored jockey Raymond Danielson said his instructions were simple –v v‘take your medicine from the wide draw’.
“Things went well. When I asked her for an effort in the home straight, she responded immediately, and I had to restrain her as she was coming back from a rest. A good effort,” added the Highveld jockey.
With the 14-10 favourite Celtic Beauty unravelling in her newly fitted blinkers in the pre-race
formalities, things went pearshaped as the consistent daughter of Vercingetorix raced aggressively out front, before running out of puff and capping the back end of the quartet and 2,30 lengths behind the winner.
Nothing finished stronger than Mary’s Greenlight (6-1) who powered home up the outside to ward off the gutsy grey Perilla (10-1) by a neck, in a time of 98,38 secs.
Miss Platina (14-1) stayed on nicely for third, a further 1,90 lengths back.
Bred by Ascot Stud, the winner is a daughter of champion Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) out of the well-related Kyllachy daughter Grand Mary, whose progeny include the smart performers Grand Silvano (5 wins) and Mary O’ Reilly (5 wins).
Grand Mary is a half-sister to Gr1 Falmouth Stakes winner Rajeem, whose progeny include the speed stallion Invincible Army (Invincible Spirit).
A R450 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, Mary’s Greenlight has now won 5 races with 8 places from 18 starts for stakes of R485 000.
Christmas arrived early for favourite backers when Craig Zackey unleashed a rare Vaal feature winner for Lady Christine Laidlaw’s powerful Khaya Stables in the shape of former Cape-based Pomodoro’s Jet, who turned the weather-delayed R500 000 World Sports Betting Grand Heritage into a race for second on Christmas Eve.
Christmas arrived early for favourite backers when Craig Zackey unleashed a rare Vaal feature winner for Lady Christine Laidlaw’s powerful Khaya Stables in the shape of former Cape-based Pomodoro’s Jet, who turned the weather-delayed R500 000 World Sports Betting Grand Heritage into a race for second on Christmas Eve.
Delayed from Saturday, 21 December, after lightning enveloped the Vereeniging track, the race was reduced to 17 runners from the original 24.
After sticking to his inside draw and tracking the pacy Slinky Mapimpi and Savannah Storm for much of the 1475m journey, Pomodoro’s Jet
(3-1) showed the benefit of his cheek pieces and justified the betting boards and stable confidence with a facile 5,50 length victory.
The 6yo won in a time of 86,01 secs, to give the Hollywoodbets-sponsored combination of Brett & James Crawford a maiden success in the eighth renewal of the event from their Randjesfontein satellite yard.
Lucky Houdalakis’ Master Christmas (25-1) gave the quartet a boost by coming out of the pack for second, ahead of Slinky Mapimpi (17-2) and Silver Tudor.
The first three finishers were drawn 4-2-1, while highly regarded Captainofthegreen (6-1 ) finished just out of the money and 6,90 lengths off the winner from his 16 draw under replacement Philasande Mxoli.
Bred by Hemel ‘N Aarde Stud and a R200 000 BSA National 2yo Sale graduate, Pomodoro’s Jet is a son of Jet Master’s Durban July winning son Pomodoro out of the Captain Al mare, Gorgeous Al.
A winner of 6 races with 8 places from 19 starts, Pomodoro’s Jet took his earnings to R799 577.
The in-form Craig Zackey filled his Christmas stocking with three winners at the Vaal on Tuesday, 24 December, including a well-taken feature double on the restructured card.
With the two non-black type features delayed four days, Zackey was in a festive mood as he followed up on his win on Pomodoro’s Jet in the afternoon’s top-liner, with a smooth victory on the Lucky Houdalakis-trained 3yo Count Invicto in the R175 000 WSB Heritage Consolation.
“He went down to the start so well. He’s a horse on the up, and he’s decent,” added Zackey.
“I said to the guys, why go for the Grand Heritage when we can take our chances here and have confidence. In his first two wins he won over 1200m and ground them away. I think he will enjoy it further,” added the delighted trainer.
Defying any favourable draw conspiracy theories, Zackey kept Invicto (2-1) to his outside station and he strode on well inside the 250m to beat the 17-10 Confederate by
1,50 lengths in a time of 86,65 secs. The grey Key News (50-1) was a further 1,50 lengths back in third, with Jury’s Out (17-2) in fourth.
A winner of 3 races with a place from 4 starts, Count Invicto took his stakes earnings to R248 750. He was a R120 000 BSA National 2yo Sale graduate and is raced by Messrs M Havenga, Lucky Houdalakis, M J van Staden and his breeder.
Bred by Stone Hill Stud, the winner is a son of Royal Mo (Uncle Mo) out of the twice winning Imperial Stride mare Idle Hour, who was also trained by Lucky Houdalakis.
Dean Kannemeyer made it three straight victories in the R500 000 De Grendel Gr2 Cape Merchants when the lightly campaigned Rafeef 4yo Outlaw King stormed clear of his field under Sean Veale to win the 2024 renewal of the 1200m handicap at a sun-drenched Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, 22 December.
After Gimme A Prince and Cosmic Highway’s victories in the two previous years, Kannemeyer sent a quartet to post on Sunday and it was the yard’s popular DK Racing Syndicate who held the ace as Outlaw King took his earnings to over R1 million with an emphatic victory.
Sporting Post-sponsored rider Sean Veale was the late call-up with the suspended Grant van Niekerk unable to do duty, and the visiting rider did nothing wrong, producing Outlaw King from 5 lengths off the pace set by the rested Café Culture.
In a matter of strides, Outlaw King (17-2) ratified his good last start effort in the Bantry Bay Stakes and ran clear to beat Café Culture (25-1)
by 1,25 lengths in a time of 71,21 secs for the 1200m.
Surjay (20-1) came out best of the rest to grab third a further half-length back, and just shading the progressive The Real Prince (6-1, tote favourite) in fourth.
The quartet paid over R19 600 in an open race, where a number failed to deliver on expectations.
The DK Racing Syndicate has enjoyed plenty of success over the years going all the way back to the top-notch African Warrior and it was a sweetly -timed victory for longstanding supporters Allison and Martin Holland who
arrived from England recently, and were on hand to lead the gelding in.
Kannemeyer explained that his charge, considered one of the best of his generation at two, contracted a virus in KZN and was duly laid off, allowing nature to take its healing course. He graciously thanked partners of the DK Racing Syndicate for their patience, as the gelding subsequently missed much of his three-year-old season.
“We just had to leave him and hope that he’d come back strong in the Spring. Thankfully, that’s what has happened, and I’m super thrilled for the Syndicate.” Kannemeyer also made positive mention of OUTLAW KING’s sire, Rafeef, “He’s a very good, up-and-coming stallion.” Ranked fifth nationally this season, Sean Veale again proved full value with a well-
judged and enthusiastic ride, and this was his 58th winner. His personal target was 60 by Christmas, but he won’t be complaining!
Bred by James Armitage, Outlaw King, now a dual Gr2 winner, was a R300 000 National Yearling Sale graduate and a son of Ridgemont’s top-class Redoute’s Choice stallion Rafeef out of the four-time winning Greys Inn mare, Way Of Escape.
Outlaw King has won 4 races from 11 starts with 3 places and took his stakes earnings to R1 003 125.
Sunday 29 December 2024 is a day that SA Jockey Academy apprentice Sifisokuhle ‘Ncale’ Bungane will cherish forever.
The 22 year old, who grew up with bleak prospects in KwaMashu and Indanda, had just reached an important milestone in his chosen profession.
Partnering the World Sports Betting owned Wings Of Josephine for the Glen Kotzen yard, Sifiso was always out front and made all the running in the 1100m contest and was looking around for dangers a long way out. Wellbacked favourite Are You Sure tried to keep pace but through the final furlong it was clearly a forlorn chase.
Talking to the Sporting Post afterwards, Sifiso, or ‘Ncwane’ as he is known affectionately to his close friends as a result of his love for gospel music, said that having his Mom Phatheka, a chef at the popular Durban View Room at Hollywoodbets Greyville there to lead him in for his first win, was ‘very special’.
We asked him why he had not gone for the crop in the final stages of the race.
“She felt like she was giving me her all and had I pulled the whip I ran the risk of becoming unbalanced. So I rode with the hands confidently. It’s difficult to describe the moment one hits the line! I think I’m going to watch the replay a few times over!” he laughs.
Sifiso’s personal story is an amazing one and he tells that while growing up, his family relied on his grandmother’s pension to make ends meet, and they managed to get by without going to bed hungry. At the age of 13, he moved to live with his mother in Inanda, where it was just the two of them.
While he harboured dreams of becoming a Cardiologist, Sifiso ended up working as a
waiter at Hollywoodbets Greyville through his Mom’s existing connection there.
He was happy to be earning a living, but constantly had customers and his colleagues encouraging him to take advantage of his slight stature – he weighs only 50kgs – and try and become a jockey.
He tells how he visited the SAJA website and made enquiries. But funding was an issue.
Ultimately, Sifiso’s pursuit of his dreams was made possible through the support of the Hollywood Foundation. With his mother’s financial constraints, the foundation granted him a bursary for his first year of training, providing financial relief and making his dream a reality.
“I applied for the bursary as my mom could not pay the fees. At the time, we had not even been able to pay the enrolment fee at SAJA, and I was very
worried that I would not be able to continue. I am thankful to them for giving me a chance to pursue my dreams,” Sifiso added.
Having never even sat on a horse previously, he joined the academy on 9 January 2023 and has never looked back, loving every moment of his experience.
Outside of the track, he enjoys various hobbies, including soccer, chess, singing, and reading non-fiction.
Looking ahead, Sifiso dreams of becoming a multiple-time Champion Jockey in South Africa and racing in other countries. He believes that confidence, the ability to perform under pressure, effective communication with horses, and unwavering focus are key characteristics of a champion jockey.
Sifiso’s role model is Calvin Habib, and he is passionate about helping those who are less fortunate. He recognises the challenges many youth face today, including limited job opportunities, involvement in substance abuse, and educational obstacles. To aspiring youth, he advises, “Make sure it’s a career you really
love and be willing to work hard to achieve your goals.”
Looking back he has made good friends with the likes of Cole Dicken, Sphe Hlengwe and Jabu Jacobs and his prospects have brightened considerably.
“I have to thank the Hollywood Foundation for making this happen, and the SA Jockey Academy staff, including my riding masters Messrs Roebuck, Agrella and Ball, for their patience and interest in coaching me. I intend to make them all proud.”
Just over six weeks since making a remarkable comeback to the saddle, former multiple champion apprentice Chad Little celebrated an emotional icebreaker at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, 22 December.
Riding Azzurri in the Class 5 third race for the in-form Lucinda Woodruff yard, Chad rode for his life to get the Pomodoro gelding’s head down to pip Calvin Habib and Mela Strength in an exciting finish under sunny skies.
It was his first visit to the winner’s enclosure since returning to race-riding six weeks earlier, and his first winner since booting African Adventure home for Joey Soma at Turffontein on 19 July 2019.
“I cannot thank all the people that have helped me to get to this point. They know who they are,” added a tearful Chad who overcame drug addiction issues that threatened to destroy his life.
“This feels bigger than my first winner, Tachinga, for Vaughan Marshall on 2 March 2000. I am so grateful,” he reflected.
Glen and Kathi Kotzen’s Woodhill Racing Team opened the door initially for the 40-year-old when giving him an opportunity to ride work. Glen wished Chad well and said he was sure it would be the first of many now that the ice was broken.
Winning trainer Lucinda Woodruff marked a nice race-to-race double after Sohot Sowhat
won the second race and said that she was proud to have given Chad his winner.
“We screamed like it was a Grade 1! Full marks to Chad and it was a determined and wellbalanced ride too!”
Maine Chance Farms and the Jacobs family have announced the acquisition of a well-bred stallion prospect in Point Lonsdale, who is by blue blooded Australia, out of a super-fast and early Acclamation mare.
In a statement, the family said that Point Lonsdale is in line with their selection criteria for stallions that commenced when they brought Silvano to South Africa: tough and consistent over several years.
Point Lonsdale is an extremely good looking
and correct horse who raced from 1400m with plenty of speed to 2400m with enough stamina to stay on.
He is out of the Acclamation mare Sweepstake, who was precocious and early: qualities that have replicated in her progeny. She has produced a full brother to Point Lonsdale –Broome – who was a Champion Older Male in 2021-22.
The Jacobs family are showing their commitment to South Africa by bringing in top fresh and different blood that suits all mares.
Their intention is to syndicate at an attractive level for all SA breeders, as they previously did with Silvano and Querari.
Syndication details will be published on 13 January 2025.
They thanked everyone that has supported their stallions over the years and the buyers that have supported them in purchasing
their progeny and wished all a happy holiday season, Merry Christmas and all the best for a prosperous 2025.
Click here to view the brochure
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Cape Racing has announced the launch of its Equine Advocacy Welfare Program, a heartfelt initiative to demonstrate Cape Racing Cares and advocate for the health, happiness, and ethical treatment of all equine athletes.
This program serves as a rallying call for the horseracing community and greater public to join forces in fostering an environment where horses thrive both on and off the track.
At the heart of this program is Kubo, Cape Racing’s new mascot. Named after the Xhosa word meaning “a charge,” Kubo symbolizes Cape Racing’s commitment to care, community, and progress.
Kubo represents the shared responsibility of protecting and celebrating our racehorses and invites everyone to join the cause.
The Cape Racing Cares program has been created to educate the public, dispel myths, and celebrate the bond between humans and horses.
Through this program, Cape Racing aims to inspire meaningful change and collaboration across the industry.
Key initiatives of the program include a newly introduced Code of Conduct, which emphasizes principles of care, respect, and transparency in horseracing. Stakeholders are encouraged to pledge their commitment by signing the code.
To foster community engagement, the program
also features interactive activities like a kids’ collectible card game starring Kubo, designed to raise awareness about equine welfare in an engaging way.
The online platform is central to the campaign, showcasing its commitment to upholding the highest standards of care for racehorses.
It offers valuable educational resources, in-depth insights into welfare practices, and direct connections to key industry bodies such as the National Horseracing Authority (NHA).
Supporters are encouraged to join the movement by downloading a certificate to demonstrate their commitment — click here to get yours.
With detailed information on initiatives, partnerships, and programs, the platform serves as a vital resource for stakeholders and the public to engage with and support the broader equine welfare community.
“This initiative represents a renewed commitment to equine advocacy and collaboration,” said Justin Vermaak,
Executive: Racing and Bloodstock. “Kubo symbolizes our dedication to working closely with stakeholders to ensure adherence to our code of conduct. Together, we can foster a stronger, more responsible, and caring racing community.”
The program encourages all members of the horseracing community and the public to support this meaningful initiative by signing the Code of Conduct and advocating for the welfare of racehorses.
“We believe the horseracing industry has the potential to set a global standard for equine welfare,” Vermaak added. “This program marks the beginning of a transformative journey that prioritizes the dignity and care of every horse.”
Cape Racing is dedicated to elevating the sport of horseracing while prioritizing the welfare of racehorses.
Through its advocacy, partnerships, and commitment to transparency, Cape Racing is shaping a future where horses and humans thrive together.
• Media release by Cape Racing on Friday, 27 December 2024.
Zac Purton became only the second jockey to ride 1800 winners in Hong Kong with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday as the Australian moved to within 13 wins of Douglas Whyte’s all-time record of 1813 wins.
Completing a superb week, Purton combined with John Size to win the second section of the Lung Fu Shan Handicap on Endeared and the Class 4 Ho Chung Handicap on Masterofmyuniverse before closing out the final meeting of the year with victory on Benno Yung’s Tourbillon Prince in the Class 3 Eagle’s Nest Handicap.
With nine wins from his past 18 rides, the seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey has hurtled to 60 wins for the season to lead Hugh Bowman (26) and Vincent Ho (21) after 33 of 88 scheduled meetings.
“Obviously there’s a lot of pride in reaching 1,800,” Purton said. “But it just comes down to the opportunities and support I get, and I can’t do anything without that. I’ve been very lucky in my time here – I never thought I would get to this number, but I’m after another one (1,813) now, so I’ve got to keep going. But it’s nice. It’s very satisfying.
“Being so close to the bigger number (Whyte’s record) is going to overshadow this one, of course, but it’s been a good end of the year and hopefully we can start next year just as well.”
Riding in supreme form, Purton, 41, posted a record-equalling six-timer at Happy Valley on Thursday (26 November). The Australian’s first win in Hong Kong came atop Elfhelm on 12 September 2007 at Happy Valley for trainer Ricky Yiu.
Mark Newnham will target Hong Kong’s lucrative 2400m races with Bravehearts after the former Argentine stayer continued an outstanding season with victory in the Class 2 Buffalo Bill Handicap.
Posting his third win from four starts this campaign, Bravehearts is likely to be set for the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup on 4 May with the possibility of a tilt at the HK$13 million Gr1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup on 25 May.
Winner of the 2022 Gr1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (2400m) in Argentina, Bravehearts (118lb) was ridden patiently by Matthew Poon before emerging at the top of the straight to down Winning Dragon (124lb) by a length, with another length to three-year-old Romantic Thor (124) who showcased his BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) credentials with a brave third.
“He’s (Bravehearts) in really good form. He keeps improving, he appreciated getting back to 2000m today and down the bottom of the weights,” Newnham said. “Matthew’s rides on him all the way through have been 10-out-of-10.
“It’ll be a while until we get the opportunity, but even once he gets further than 2000m, I’m sure he’ll improve again. Looking way ahead, you’d think the Queen Mother Memorial (Cup) later in the season, 2400m, would be more to his liking. But good we’ve got him to this level now and hopefully he can continue to improve.”
Newnham is second overall in the Hong Kong trainers’ championship with 24 wins, trailing only Pierre Ng (26).
Poon vaulted into fifth place in the jockeys’
championship after sealing a double on Tony Cruz-trained Super Fortune in the Class 3 Butterfly Bay Handicap (1000m) and also believes Bravehearts will be even better over extended trips.
“I love him so much, he has improved every start with his mental approach, his fitness and I can’t wait to see him at 2400m,” Poon said. “He’s quite a relaxed horse, finds his feet and you wait for the right time for him to go and he will run for you. So, I think 2400m will be even better.
“I’m really lucky I can ride this horse for Mark and the owner Mr Yue, he gives me lots of support even from when I started and also Mark has given me such a beautiful horse to ride. I can’t thank them enough.”
Romantic Thor impressed after being caught wide early and finished stoutly under Alexis Pouchin, while fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby aspirant Naval Force charged from the rear of the field – clocking a race-best 11.88s for the final 200m – to finish seventh, beaten three lengths.
Britney Wong partnered Manfred Man’s Jolly Companion to victory in the Class 4 Luk Keng Handicap, marking the apprentice’s second win on the All Too Hard gelding and her sixth overall in Hong Kong.
“Three rides on him and we’ve already got two wins together, so that’s good,” Wong said.
“He’s a lovely horse, very straightforward. He always likes to be forward, rolling and leading by himself and that’s a ride that suits me.”
Luke Ferraris extended a fruitful season, notching his 18th win of the term, by landing the first section of the Lung Fu Shan Handicap for Jimmy Ting aboard Satono Aladdin gelding The Absolute.
“I thought the horse had a bit of a chance even though he wasn’t 100 per cent,” Ting said. “He is a nice horse but before he could not breathe. After the surgery he is much better. I think he can win more races and later a longer distance will be better.”
Antoine Hamelin struck on Michael Changtrained Cosmo Navigator in the Class 5 Port Shelter Handicap before Alexis Badel combined with David Eustace to claim
the Class 5 Turtle Cove Handicap.
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Wednesday 1 January with the Lucky Start 2025 Raceday, where the Triple Trio jackpot will be topped up to HK$10 million from the Triple Trio Jackpot Reserve.
If there is only one HK$10 winning unit for the pool, the Triple Trio dividend could reach an estimated HK$18 million.
The Six Win Bonus jackpot will be topped up to HK$3.8 million. In the event there is only one HK$10 winning unit for the pool, the Six Win Bonus dividend will reach an estimated HK$10 million.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s emerging great jockeys, James McDonald’s 2024 may have been soured late in the day by a suspension and fine for his carelessness which led to Lyle Hewitson’s frightening fall at Sha Tin on Sunday, 15 December. But Lyle thankfully emerged shaken and ready to soldier forward – so life goes on.
In a year where we celebrated Richard Fourie’s extraordinary re-scripting of our own history books, James McDonald took on the world and emerged victorious. He left Hong Kong on 22 December with a glorious four-timer and returns to his home base in Sydney to serve out his suspension and reflect on an extraordinary year where he rode 168 winners at a strike-rate of 27%. J-Mac won 19 different Gr1 races across the calendar year in three different countries. His previous best annual total was 15, and he has raced to 106 Gr1 victories at record speed. Think about the fact that he is only 32 years old!
He was crowned Longines World’s Best Jockey for the second time earlier this month and partnered Romantic Warrior to an historic victory in the Hong Kong Cup on 8 December. The champion world record earning thoroughbred arrived in Dubai just days ago to begin preparations for the Gr1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan on 24 January. In a twist of sweet timing, J-Mac’s suspension ends on 16 January 2025!
A few weeks before Romantic Warrior’s Sha Tin glory charge, McDonald cut a swathe through Cup Week at Flemington. His 11 victories included Via Sistina in the Champions Stakes, a fortnight after she and McDonald won the Cox Plate by eight lengths.
Overall, it’s been an amazing fifteen odd years.
Following his victory as New Zealand’s Champion Apprentice in 2007/08 with 89 wins, McDonald catapulted himself into the spotlight and began envisioning ambitious goals.
Sir Peter Vela, Principal of Pencarrow Stud and a member of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, was pivotal in the top jock’s journey.
Reflecting on their initial meeting, Vela vividly recalled recognising McDonald’s extraordinary potential from day one.
“He was the leading apprentice jockey and I did the presentation. I knew the boy’s family, but I’d never met him. He came up to get his
prize and he thanked me, looked me in the eye and said, I can’t wait to ride in the blue and white hoops. And I thought, this boy’s going to go places”.
Vela gave McDonald his first break. James was just 16 and he nominated the kid to ride his horses.
John O’Shea was the first Aussie trainer to recognize McDonald’s talent and transferred him to Sydney for a brief stint in the 2011 offseason. When O’Shea was given the ticket to train the Godolphin blue army, McDonald came with him.
“I wouldn’t have been brave enough to go to Australia without John O’Shea,” McDonald said.
Making an immediate impact, McDonald piloted two winners during a mid-winter Randwick meeting, one for O’Shea and another for Anthony Cummings.
Although James McDonald’s career began auspiciously, it wasn’t without its challenges for the young Kiwi.
Balancing his time between Australia and New Zealand, before ultimately relocating permanently in 2012, McDonald encountered difficulties adapting to the Sydney riding scene.
Initially securing only 20 wins in the 2011/12 season and 53 wins in the 2012/13 season, J-Mac openly acknowledges the hurdles he faced during this period.
“It wasn’t smooth sailing by all means,” McDonald said. “I was actually really lucky I had John (O’Shea) backing me because there were a lot of owners in his stable that didn’t want to put me on and he stood firm”.
McDonald then piloted horses like Astern, Contributor, and Hartnell (GB) to victory for O’Shea in the Godolphin blue and remains deeply appreciative of his enduring support.
In terms of pivotal horses in his career, it was ironically a New Zealand native that McDonald credits for his success. Partnering the Murray Baker-trained Dundeel (NZ) in all 10 of his career wins, he recalls a defining moment in the horse’s career that significantly influenced his own.
“It’s all about opportunity. I think Dundeel fasttracked that process, because he captured everyone’s imagination by winning the Rosehill Guineas by eight lengths and a Derby by eight lengths. I suppose he was the horse that led me to a lot of opportunities”.
Dundeel will probably be best related to by South Africa racing fans as the sire of Zietsman Oosthuizen’s much loved, but ill-fated flagbearer, Atyaab, who gave us so much joy a few years back.
McDonald is not overwhelmed by his own status. He is modest but confident. At 32, he has breezed through 106 elite level winners and is poised to become the most successful jockey in history.
“I enjoy my own space, my own downtime. There are enough things to keep my feet on the ground. Having kids does that,” says the man whose wife and mom accompanied him to the Longines HKIR Gala Dinner that we were privileged to attend recently.
“What has happened in the last four or five years has been amazing. I have to admit I never imagined how big it had become until I went back to New Zealand the last time and it was a bit crazy.”
Dubai Racing Club announced a new partnership with The Jockey Club, the UK’s largest racecourse group, on Monday, 23 December.
The partnership will see a little slice of England come to Meydan Racecourse on Friday, 03 January when the AED300,000 Jumeirah Stakes, for three-year-olds over 1400m on turf, becomes the Jumeirah Stakes Sponsored by The Jockey Club.
With 15 racecourses in its group, The Jockey Club, which operates under a Royal Charter, runs racing at such world-famous venues as Newmarket’s Rowley Mile and July courses, Cheltenham Racecourse, Epsom Downs and Aintree.
The partnership will see representatives from Dubai Racing Club travel to Newmarket’s popular July Course on 11 July, during the prestigious July Festival, when the club will
sponsor the Dubai Racing Club Handicap Stakes, over the exciting minimum distance of 1000m.
Commenting on the alliance, Erwan Charpy, Manager, Racing Operations & International Relations for Dubai Racing Club, said:
“Our leaders teach us always to look forward and in working with global partners to enhance the sport, we are embodying that.
“Racing, now more than ever, is an international sport and we are very happy to work with The Jockey Club in boosting relationships between the UAE and the UK. The Jockey Club’s values are similar to ours, of horse welfare, sporting excellence and entertainment.
“What they contribute to the sport, in terms of the top-class racing and training venues they run in the UK, is unparalleled. We thoroughly enjoy watching our Carnival runners in action at their tracks during the summer months.”
Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses and International Director for The Jockey Club, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Dubai Racing Club in 2025 and to be working together to promote each other’s race programmes to our horsemen, existing
racegoers, followers of the sport and to new fans.
“There is so much synergy between racing in Dubai and the UK in terms of owners, trainers, jockeys and the horses themselves and we look forward to working with Ali Al Ali and his team to bring racing in Britain and Dubai even closer together. That includes showcasing the thrilling sport, equine superstars and fantastic racecourse experiences at our venues, while exploring new and innovative ways in which to promote racing globally.”
www.durbairacingclub.com
WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY
Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal takes the next step to the dawn of a new era at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday 1 January 2025 with a new-look revitalized racing programme and the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments aligns the province with the status quo in the Cape.
The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast came into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).
Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.
The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers. and here for part 2.
Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively
unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.
