SP SPRINT - WEDNESDAY 10 January 2024 by Sporting Post

Wednesday 10 January 2024

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GREG. GINA. GRAVITY!

Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz and his partner Gina Goldsmith celebrate after their Cheveley Stud-bred Querari gelding Gravity (owned in partnership with Leon Ellman) won the Okapi Ladies International at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. It was a double champagne moment for Gina, who was the Race Director for the second renewal of the ladies’ race. Chase Liebenberg took the pic.

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CONTENTS

Issue: 02/2024

On the cover

Charles Dickens (Aldo Domeyer) wins the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. Image kind courtesy of Candiese Lenferna.

CHEERS, CHARLES!

What A Show Chestnut champion shows the way

Trippi – Tale Of Triumph Robin Bruss delves into the

Met Latest And then there were 31

Rose Amongst The Thorns Rachel’s second chapter starts

Sad Passing Of Top Jockey Kenny Michel will be missed

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THAT’S MORE LIKE IT, CHARLES!

Mission accomplished! Charles Dickens and Aldo Domeyer are home! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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After twenty years of sponsoring South Africa’s most prestigious weight-for-age mile, Gaynor Rupert and her Drakenstein team finally celebrated a victory in the King’s Plate at the 163rd renewal at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, courtesy of a 4yo who has been labelled ‘the future of Drakenstein’. The R2 million L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate became the Charles Dickens show as the colt’s electrifying late burst from midfield made it three wins from four renewals for his champion sire Trippi, in the process giving trainer Candice Bass-Robinson and jockey Aldo Domeyer their maiden success in the major, after a desperately close defeat twelve months earlier. Registering his third Gr1 success, and taking his earnings over the R5 million marker, the chestnut champion showed that his below-par effort in the WSB Green Point Stakes on 2 December over Saturday’s track and trip, was simply all wrong. On Saturday, a more stripped and cucumber cool Charles Dickens (14-10) settled in the early running and with no excuses offered or asked, he streaked through and stamped his authority with frightening assertion to beat his recent conqueror See It Again (14-10) by 2,75 lengths in a time of 97,88 secs. First Snaith runner home was the 50-1 Royal Aussie, who ran out of his skin to place third a further 1,25 lengths back.

While See It Again was made to look almost flat-footed in the final stages by Charles Dickens’ turn of foot, and couldn’t provide Piere Strydom with his seventh trophy in the magic mile, the WSB Cape Town Met favourite will be cherry ripe and all set for the 2000m test on 27 January. When Drakenstein boss Gaynor Rupert accepted the beautiful silverware from Lord Robin Renwick she conceded that Saturday 6 January 2024 would go down as the most memorable raceday of her life. The blue team earlier raced and bred the Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes winner Beach Bomb, and look set for another record season. Now a winner of 10 races with 3 places from 13 starts for stakes of R5 119 813, Charles Dickens is a Drakenstein home-bred son of past SA Champion sire Trippi (End Sweep) out of the five-times stakes winner Demanding Lady (Dynasty), who scored up to 2200m. What a horse!

Defending champion Al Muthana (40-1) was a head back in fourth.

Mission accomplished! Charles Dickens and Aldo Domeyer are home! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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NATIONAL HORSE TRUST THANKS DRAKENSTEIN The National Horse Trust wishes to congratulate Drakenstein Stud and Mrs Gaynor Rupert on Charles Dickens winning the King’s Plate. We also offer our heartfelt thanks to Drakenstein Stud, Mrs, Rupert, Kevin Sommerville and the assistance of Katherine Gray for sponsoring the most amazing prize to allow us to collect much needed funds for the National Horse Trust. The prize consisted of a VIP invite to attend the L’Ormarins King’s Plate meeting in the 1881 room for 4 persons, which included catering and drinks as part of the prize.

The feedback from the prize winners has been absolutely brilliant. In fact one of the prize winners has raced at Hong Kong and Royal Ascot and commented that the day was on par with the best he had ever experienced at any other venue in the world. Thank you once again for your sponsorship. Without your assistance the National Horse Trust would not be able to succeed in the wonderful work that the Horse Care Units are doing daily Kind Regards, Martin le Roux - National Horse Trust

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TRIPPI AND THE SEARCH FOR GREATNESS • Enjoy part 1 of the story of a dream come true

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That’s him! Aldo Domeyer shows his joy as Charles Dickens returns | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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When Charles Dickens won the 163rd renewal of the R2m L’Ormarins King’s Plate (Gr.1) on Saturday, it was the 187th Stakes Win and 23rd Gr.1 win for Drakenstein’s famous Champion Foundation Sire Trippi (USA), writes Robin Bruss. Whilst Gaynor Rupert and her Drakenstein team celebrated their first victory as an owner in South Africa’s Mile Championship following almost 20 years of their own sponsorship of the landmark race, it wasn’t lost on breeders that this was the third victory for sons of Trippi in the past four years, for he also sired Jet Dark to win in 2021 and 2022 when, prior to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the race was known as the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Gr.1. Jet Dark (2017) won 9 races in 19 starts, including five Gr.1 Wins, and had lifetime earnings of R5,697,850. Charles Dickens (2019) has 10 wins so far

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in 13 starts, including three Gr.1 Wins and R5,119,813. Jet Dark ended his career on a Merit Rating of 130. Charles Dickens is currently on 132. It may be arguable whether Charles Dickens or Jet Dark is the best of Trippi’s progeny, a moot point perhaps because both of them were bred at Drakenstein and both will stand at Drakenstein. Jet Dark was sold by Drakenstein for R200,000 at the 2019 National Yearling Sales (where the top price was R9 million!) to the bid of astute Nic Jonsson. In 2023, Jet Dark retired

to his home paddocks to cover his first book comprising 134 mares. Charles Dickens is destined to do the same when his racing career is eventually completed. Jet Dark was out of a mare by Jet Master, who also won the Queens Plate Gr.1 twice, back in 1999 and 2000, yet another indication what a breed shaping race it has become. Jet Master achieved six sire championships in South Africa and sired the gelding Pocket Power, who won the Queens Plate 4 times (2006 to 2010). The L’Ormarins King’s Plate Gr.1 as a breed shaping race The history of the race bears the names of many great horses, we pick out dual winner Black Cap and Royal Affair in the Fifties, Sea Cottage won it twice in the 1960s, and William Penn in 1969. Yatahan, Sledgehammer, Politician (twice) were greats in the 1970s, memorable wins by Foveros (GB) and Wolf Power (twice) in the 1980s; Flaming Rock (Ire), London News and the ‘galloping goldmine’ Empress Club (Arg) in the 1990s; Pocket Power’s four wins dominated the first decade of the new millennium, the breed shaping broodmare Mother Russia established a new race record in 2011, and then Gimmethegreenlight (Aus) won in 2011. The gelding Legal Eagle then won three times, Do It Again won as a 3 year old and subsequent successful sires Cape Town Noir and Futura in the following years, until we come to the domination of Drakenstein Stud breds winning in 3 of the past 4 years. Apart from Jet Master’s six Sire Championships, Foveros (GB) also achieved six Sire Championships in South Africa – and Gimmethegreenlight (Aus) has dominated the General Sires List in two of the past 3 years. Charles Dickens and Jet Dark sit in esteemed company. Trippi (USA) is in second place as the most

“It’s tough when you have two horses that you like so much and have so much respect for ” said Pletcher, “because of the way these two go out and give 120 percent every time. You hate to see either get beaten!” prolific sire of Kings Plate Gr.1 winners with three so far, and only behind the Champion Sire Fairthorn (GB) (1942) who sired four winners who won the race 5 times in all: (Sea Cottage twice, Inverthorn, Muscovite, Fair Weather) back in the 1950s and 1960s. Before leaving the King’s Plate, it’s noteworthy to look at race times and winning margins just out of interest: Charles Dicken’s late great storming acceleration was reminiscent of Sea Cottage’s amazing burst in 1962, although Charles Dickens won by 2,75 lengths to Sea Cottage’s ¾ length, and Charles recorded a faster time. Wolf Power won by the same margin as Charles, but his time was a full second slower. Jet Master won by 3,25 lengths in 0,2 secs faster than Charles Dickens; Gimmethegreenlight almost identical time, but won in a photo finish. William Penn, Yataghan, Sledgehammer, Politician and Foveros were all more than a second slower.

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Charles Dickens career has a way to go before he concludes, but it’s safe to say that he will be amongst the greats of the turf and he and Jet Dark will be worthy successors to their sire Trippi, in what Gaynor Rupert noted in her victory speech on Saturday as “the future of Drakenstein stud”. Trippi as a Racehorse Trippi (born 1997) was a $65,000 two year old purchase by the founder of American racing syndicates, Cot Campbell’s Dogwood Farm, and he was trained by Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher and ridden in almost all of his races by another Hall of Famer, jockey Jerry Bailey. Trippi was named by Campbell after the All American star footballer, Charley Trippi, who turned 100 years old in 2022. In his memoirs, Cot Campell wrote that the

racehorse Trippi was “a real gentleman whose character could be seen in his lovely head and big generous eye”. “Could he ever scorch the earth!” Campbell declared. “In his races, he would break a half-length behind the field. But the next three strides would find him two lengths on top, and chances are he would never look back. He had this blinding speed.” Bucked shins prevented Trippi starting as a 2 year old. However he soared home by 5 lengths on his debut over 6 furlongs in January of his 3 year old career in Florida. A month later he ran over 7 furlongs and won by 9 lengths, then announced himself as a Kentucky Derby contender with an easy win over 7 furlongs in the Swale S. (Gr.3) in March. He was odds on when winning April’s Flamingo

Trippi wins the 2000 Vosburgh S. (Gr.1) over 7f at Belmont Park defeating More Than Ready | Credit: Supplied

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Liam’s Map, by Unbridled’s Song - Miss Macy Sue by Trippi, stands for $40,000 stud fee | Credit: Supplied

S. (Gr.3) over a mile and came to the first Saturday of May and the 10f Kentucky Derby as an unbeaten horse, third favourite behind Fusaichi Pegasus and More Than Ready.

on his hands. So in August, it was in the 6f Amsterdam S. (Gr.3) as the 5/10 hot favourite, but by now he was over the top and ran only third to a 12/1 outsider.

The 10 furlongs of the Kentucky Derby proved a distance too far and Trippi faded in the final furlong after being in the speed duel upfront, and he finished 11th, with Fusaichi Pegasus winning and More Than Ready finishing 4th.

No problem as it was the prep run for September’s Gr.1 sprint champion race in New York, the famed Vosburgh S. (Gr.1) at Belmont Park over 7f, and here Trippi had to meet his stablemate, the outstanding Gr.1 Winner More Than Ready, later to become one of the world’s great sires, (amongst his future progeny, Gimmethegreenlight!).

A month later in June, Trippi was dropped back to 7 furlongs and won the Riva Ridge S. (Gr.2) at Belmont Park in New York by an impressive 8 lengths. In July he coasted home by 5 lengths in the Tom Fool S. (Gr.2) at Belmont against older horses to make it 6 wins in 7 starts in 7 months. A racehorse’s job is to race and Todd Pletcher had a tough, sound, brilliant racing machine

According to The Bloodhorse, “After watching his stars More Than Ready and Trippi knock heads with the best 3 Year Olds in America all year, Todd Pletcher’s big goal was to make each Gr.1 Winners and possibly, one of them the Eclipse Champion Sprinter”.

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Not This Time (Giants Causeway – Miss Macy Sue by Trippi) stands for $150,000 stud fee | Credit: Supplied

They would have to take each other on in September’s Vosburgh Gr.1 as a prelude to the November 2000 Breeders Cup Sprint Championship Gr.1. Trippi broke alertly, went straight to the lead, whilst More Than Ready was hampered at the start and had to come on late. In the end Trippi prevailed by ½ length over his stablemate in 1 min 21.6 secs for the 7f in a result which didn’t quite define who was the better of the two brilliant star sprinters. It was More Than Ready’s first sprint defeat of his career, whilst Trippi remained unbeaten at 7f. “It’s tough when you have two horses that you like so much and have so much respect for ” said Pletcher, “because of the way these two go out and give 120 percent every time. You hate to see either get beaten!”. 20 | 10 JANUARY 2024

As things turned out, next up neither ran a place in a very rough run Breeders Cup Sprint Gr.1 over 6 furlongs, won by the grand old gelding Kona Gold (30 starts, 14 wins, $2,2m), with More Than Ready bumped and forced 8 wide to finish 5th and Trippi, hampered on his inside draw, no clear run and finished 9th. It cost Trippi the champion sprint title, but luckily for South Africa as he would likely never have arrived here had he won. As a 4 year old, Trippi was plagued by a foot problem and ran 4 times without winning, and retired with 7 wins in 14 starts and $666,220 in earnings. He was sold to stand at Michael O’Farrel’s Ocala Stud Farm in Florida at an initial fee of $7,500.

Trippi as a Stallion in America Trippi’s attraction to Florida lay in his sire End Sweep, a Gr.3 winning son of the Met Mile Gr1 winner Forty Niner, by Mr Prospector, who had stood in Florida to sensational results before being sold to Japan in 2000. End Sweep’s first crop had raced in 1998 and he set an American record for 2 year old winners with 48 juvenile runners, of which 33 won and 8 others placed. He was looking like another version of his own legendary sire Mr Prospector, who had started his stud career on the same farm. In 1999, , just 3 crops in, End Sweep was bought by Japan’s Yoshida family for their Shadai Stud with southern hemisphere

shuttling rights to Arrowfield Stud in Australia. Trippi was born in End Sweep’s second crop. Sadly, End Sweep stood only 5 seasons in Japan before he died at the young age of 12. In all, he sired 600 winners from 728 runners - a remarkable 82% winners to runners -a feat emulated by Trippi who has 838 winners from 1030 runners so far, which is 81,3% winners to runners! This then is a testament to soundness and consistency of the line. I also attribute these traits to Trippi’s dam Jealous Appeal, who raced 18 times and bred 7 runners, 7 winners of which four were Stakes winners and won 15 Stakes races between them, tough, sound and durable campaigners.

Trippi’s sire, End Sweep | Credit: Supplied

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She was by Valid Appeal (36 starts) from Jealous Cat (26 starts) by the Chilean bred Cougar II (50 starts, 20 wins inc 18 Stakes, tough as teak and achieved Hall of Fame status in the USA).

End Sweep sired altogether 47 Stakes Winners (6,4% of Runners), whereas Trippi has sired 92 Stakes Winners so far (8,9% of runners). The 100 SW mark might yet be achieved by career end. End Sweep’s Gr.1 Winners include Japanese champion Admire Moon (out of a Sunday Silence mare), who won the 2400m Japan Cup Gr.1, and the 1800m Dubai Duty Free Gr.1, and is now a successful sire. End Sweep also sired Swept Overboard, a gelding who won the Met Mile Gr.1 in New York, Trippi who won the Vosburgh Gr.1 over 7f, and four Gr.1 winning fillies. Mostly, like the Mr Prospector line will do, the progeny of Trippi are sprinter milers, and occasionally, there are some that can extend their brilliant speed to 2000m and beyond. Like his sire, Trippi’s first Florida crop, born in 2003, was a big success. He sired 17 individual juvenile winners in the first crop, putting him into the Top 10 Sires of Two Year Olds in America. In his second crop he had 21 juvenile winners and 4 Stakes Winners and his fee jumped up to

$12,500. By his 3rd crop he was the Champion Sire in Florida in both the General Sires List and Champion Two Year Old Sires List. He was the 2nd leading sire standing outside of Kentucky and the 3rd Leading Third Crop Sire in America. In Crop 2, he had sired Miss Macy Sue, who was to win 11 of her 25 starts over 5f to 6f and $880,915, amongst them 6 stakes races. Brilliantly fast as she was, Miss Macy Sue’s legacy for Trippi has been her success as Florida’s Broodmare of the Year. She produced two star horses, now both Kentucky stallion successes in Liam’s Map and Not This Time. Liam’s Map won the 2015 Breeders Cup Dirt Mile Gr.1 and $1,358,000 and stands at Lanes End Farm in Kentucky, where has so far sired four Gr.1 winners in his first three crops. Not This Time only raced at 2 years, winning a Gr.3 and was 2nd in the 2016 Breeders Cup Juvenile S. Gr.1, and starting at a lowly $10,000 stud fee, he has sired 5 individual Gr.1 winners in his first 3 crops, including the USA Champion 3 Year Old 2022 Epicentre and is now one of the hottest young sires in the world. By 2008, Trippi had three crops racing, he had established himself in Florida as the leading young sire, but was now vulnerable to purchase by a smart breeder, willing to recognise his quality and to strike and buy him. That breeder was Gaynor Rupert and how and why it happened as well as the analysis of Trippi’s championship success in South Africa becomes Part 2 of this story, to be continued next week.

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THE CAPE

- WHERE EVERYBODY’S A WINNER! As part of Cape Racing’s long-term vision to increase its horse population with the ultimate aim of hosting more race meetings, the forward-thinking operator has introduced The Country Championship with effect 1 January 2024. As part of Cape Racing’s long-term vision to increase its horse population with the ultimate aim of hosting more race meetings, the forward-thinking operator has introduced The Country Championship with effect 1 January 2024. This championship is aimed at the lower merit-rated horses in the province, which race predominantly in Class 4 and Class 5 races. Class 4 races are for horses with merit ratings of 62 - 78, while Class 5 races are for horses with merit ratings of 66 and below. A diverse horse population is key to sustained future growth, and while programme innovation, vastly boosted stakes, and the

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RaceCape Incentive has seen significantly increased field sizes and a vibrant new energy and buzz in the off-season and the Cape Summer Festival of Champions, the need to cater for a wider spread of talent has been identified as an important medium-term driver of growth. According to Justin Vermaak, Cape Racing’s Executive – Racing & Bloodstock, there is an incorrect perception in the Cape that weaker horses must leave the province to earn or need to be sold or retired, often prematurely. The intent of the new initiative is to shine a spotlight on the meaningful race and earnings opportunities for the so-called “weaker horses” and to illustrate that lower-rated horses in the

Cape have the ability to earn considerably in the province, making the ownership experience economically attractive while allowing the owners to continue experiencing the thrills of racing in the Cape. The ultimate point is that if an owner’s horse is not competitive at the higher levels, it should continue to race in the Cape against horses of a similar calibre while enjoying all the economic incentives the Cape’s owners have come to enjoy. The Country Championship gains further momentum as it will run parallel to the RaceCape initiative’s ‘Runs Bonus’ incentive, which creates further incentives for all horses. With RaceCape, horses that run twelve times in the season earn a R25 000 bonus, which increases further to R35 000 with fifteen runs.

further. We have already made giant strides in this regard – our meetings have increased from fifty-nine per season to seventy scheduled for the current season. Our goal is to get this up to eighty as soon as possible.

We are excited about our high-quality feature programme, but striking a balance is vitally important, and we need to create attractive racing opportunities for lower-division gallopers of a 74 rating and below, too,” added Vermaak.

Speaking to the Sporting Post after a sellout Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas day recently, Vermaak explained that the current programme structure catered well for the MR 74 and above galloper but not as much for the lower-rated horses.

He explained that The Country Championship, which would incorporate all Class 4 and 5 and C Stakes races, and could be likened to a premiership, with a Summer and Winter Championship set of three finals.

“A spread and diversity in the horse population is imperative if we are to achieve our goals to increase our number of race meetings still

“We are determined to create the environment and platform where it is viable to keep horses of 68 and below ratings, that can race at least three times every two months, on average.

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Horses will earn points throughout the local racing season, and as long as they have competed in a minimum of six qualifying races, they will be eligible for their position prize (i.e. a prize based on the horse’s position in the league table) as well as the lucrative opportunity to run in a final. The championship table positions will determine qualification for the finals. This certainly creates an interesting sub-plot for owners and trainers as they bid to improve their positions, while being given the opportunity of earning increased stakes. The competition’s gross prize money is around R2 million, although this season we will only hold the Winter Country Championship Final in view of the launch timing,” confirmed Vermaak, who stressed again that the RaceCape incentive, when coupled this new championship series,

means that the 74 and below category of horse will be able to pay its way and give owners increased opportunity to enjoy the racing experience at the new Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. A combination of the RaceCape appearance fee incentives, increased stakes, ride bonuses and the new Country Championship ensures that there has never been a more economically attractive environment for horse ownership. “Just in closing, there is also the exciting prospect for the connections of further runners and winners on big days as we will hold some of the Country Championship events on the likes of WSB Cape Town Met Day and other big race days going forward,” he concluded.

Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz – making it happen | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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Beach Bomb explodes up the outside under JP van der Merwe to nab Princess Calla (Fourie) and a game Happy Chance (Mxothwa) | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

A TRUE-BLUE HEARTSTOPPER! They say pace makes the race. Even though they dawdled, the R1 million Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes produced a thrilling finish with the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas winner Beach Bomb getting her head down in the shadow of the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth winning post to nab the gallant 6yo SA Horse Of The Year, Princess Calla. With only six runners lining up in the 1800m Gr1, pace was always going to be a poser and it forced a few hands, including that of Richard Fourie who used Princess Calla’s long stride and ability to set sail for home early in the home straight. The move by the top-class Fourie looked to be a winning one, but recent Highveld emigrant

JP van der Merwe had other ideas. The Bryanston Auctioneers-sponsored jockey got the painful end of the stick when he was beaten a nose by Beach Bomb in the Cape Fillies Guineas last month on Silver Sanctuary, but this time he was in the driving seat with the Bass-Robinson regulars unbale to make the 54kgs. 10 JANUARY 2024 | 31

Bomb of a season – new Cape jockey JP van der Merwe is all smiles Credit: Chase Liebenberg

And after his diminutive mount had dropped the bit and relaxed early, Van der Merwe watched Fourie and Princess Calla grabbing a few lengths on them. But Beach Bomb (5-2) is a tiny girl with a massive heart, and Drakenstein raced and bred galloper unwound and shot them down strideby-stride to nab Princess Calla (1-1) and win going away by 0,30 lengths in a time of 113,16 secs. Brett Crawford’s Happy Chance (16-1) looked dangerous on the rail and ran a cracker to grab third, and a further 0,30 lengths back. Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas runner-up and WSB Cape Town Met entry Red Palace (33-10) was never in the hunt and was beaten 2,85 lengths in fourth. Now a winner of two Gr1’s in a month for trainer Candice Bass -Robinson, the diminutive Beach Bomb had her merit rating raised from 98 to 117 after winning the World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas in early December, when she enjoyed the distinction of being the first Gr1 winner for the deceased War Front stallion Lancaster Bomber. She is a daughter of the champion Beach Beauty (Dynasty), and is thus teh first winner of the Paddock Stakes produced by a Paddock Stakes winner! Beach Beauty won 17 races during her illustrious career, winning from 1000-2000m. Her 12 graded wins including five Gr1 scores –two wins in the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes and, like her daughter today, the Gr1 Paddock Stakes, and a triumph in the Gr1 Majorca Stakes. She was also runner up twice in the Gr1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge, and third in the Gr1 J &B Met, when taking on the best males of her generation. Beach Bomb has now won 4 races with a place from 6 starts for earnings of R1 563 263.

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A sea of blue and white! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

JOHN FREEMAN SAID… Racing media often compliment trainers and jockeys for winning multiple races on any day but when a breeder does it somehow it doesn’t attract the same attention. Drakenstein Stud Farm’s quartet of black-type winners on Saturday is truly noteworthy. Well done Drakenstein Stud Farm on another amazing swoop on the features.

The blue and white theme for the Drakenstein and L’Ormarins’ King Plate turns out to be a dream-come-true for Gaynor Rupert and her team. I overheard Bernard Kantor mention to Gaynor in the paddock after the LKP “winning the race you sponsor must be one of the hardest things to achieve in racing and you did it, well done”. 100% agree. Well done. Not only did Drakenstein win both the Gr1 Cartier Paddock Stakes (Beach Bomb by Lancaster Bomber out of Beach Beauty by Dynasty) and the Gr1 L’Ormarins Kings Plate (Charles Dicken’s by Trippi out of Demanding Lady by Dynasty), both home breds, they also bred Mucho Denero (by Twice Over) Nick Jonsson’s winner of the Gr2 Anthonij Rupert

Wine Premier Trophy and they also bred and co-owned Future Swing (by Futura out of Carousel Swing by Trippi), the winner of the Gr3 Glorious Goodwood Chairman’s Cup Gr3 – the latter both trained by Justin Snaith. Winning both Gr1 races on the card was even more spectacular and testimony to the massive commitment that Gaynor Rupert has made not only to her stud farm but to SA racing and breeding. Congrats, as I have noted many times before, well deserved after all the passion, effort and investment made. Incredible to realise that this has all become a huge success after only 20 years in the game. • JF from his eNews 10 JANUARY 2024 | 33

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MUCHO A MET MAYBE? Brand new Met entry Mucho Dinero (Grant van Niekerk) slips through down the inside for his peak career victory on Saturday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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Something of a revelation after starting the season as an 84 rated two-time winner, Justin Snaith’s Mucho Dinero beat ten 2024 WSB Cape Town Met entries to grab the lion’s share of the cheque in the R450 000 Anthonij Rupert Wine Gr2 Premier Trophy at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The 4yo son of Twice Over (Observatory) has been labelled a 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July target horse by the astute Snaith team, and he stepped up off his 99 rating to finish powerfully and beat a decent field on tough terms. The delighted connections lead their rising star in after he made it four in a row Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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He has earned himself a last minute ticket entry into the Met. With a mixed bag of pace throughout the race, Mucho Dinero’s win was all the more meritorious, and he showed a terrific turn of foot from second last into the summer straight after Sugar Mountain had gone for broke early. Switched in twice by Grant van Niekerk, Mucho Dinero (10-1) finished full of running to deny the perennial bridesmaid At My Command (2-1) to win rather easily by 0,20 lengths in a time of 113,09 secs. The winner’s stablemate Pacaya was far more forward than usual off the sedentary gallop,

but stayed on well at 33-10, to hold third a further neck back. The happy Grant van Niekerk said that he had ‘begged’ Justin Snaith to run Mucho Dinero in this race rather than the stayer’s race later in the day. The trainer naturally didn’t confirm Van Niekerk’s expertise, and said that the talented rider was told to ride Mucho Dinero, who was ‘the right horse’. A R1,4 million BSA National Yearling Sale purchase, Mucho Dinero was registering his second stakes win here and is now a winner of 6 races with a place from

13 starts, and earnings of R699 251. Bred by Drakenstein Stud, the winner is a son of Twice Over (Observatory) out of the prolific stakes-winner producing four-time winning Casey Tibbs mare, Cash Register. A full-sister to Equus Champion and Gr1 Durban July winner Big City Life, Cash Register has produced no fewer than five stakes winners.

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WSB Cape Town Met entries Pacaya, Sugar Mountain and Mucho Dinero go head to head on Saturday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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There are 31 entrants left in the race for one of 20 berths in the 162nd renewal of the R2 million WSB Gr1 Cape Town Met to be run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 27 January. That’s the picture after the final opportunity for supplementary entries to get a run in the 2000m Cape flagship closed at 11h00 on Monday 8 January.

move in a race where the stable is well represented. Saturday’s sensational L’Ormarins King’s Plate winner Charles Dickens holds an entry in the Met and the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship over 1000m on the same afternoon. He is clearly a more ominous force than he was when easily beaten in the WSB Green Point Stakes at his previous start, and now presents a poser for his connections.

With all of Puerto Manzano, Cape Eagle, Royal Victory and second stage entry Red Palace now Declarations are due on Wednesday 17 scratched, Justin Snaith’s impressive Anthonij Rupert Wine Gr2 Premier Trophy winner Mucho January, and the final field and draws will be announced the same day. Dinero was the only supplementary entry, to bring the Met entry class of 2024 to 31. The final field is at the discretion of the NHA handicappers, in consultation with Cape Something of a revelation after starting the Racing. season as an 84 rated two-time winner, Justin Snaith’s Mucho Dinero beat ten WSB Cape The 2024 renewal’s fashion theme is ‘Cape Town Met entries to make it four wins on the Splendour’ which embraces a glorious return to trot on Saturday. form, celebrating the evolution of horseracing The son of Twice Over’s official rating has gone at one of Cape Town’s most iconic sporting landmarks. up to 110, and he boosts the Snaith entry to eight, as the champion team bid to win the big race for the third time in seven years after Oh THE SPRINT IS INTERACTIVE Susanna in 2017 and Jet Dark last year. His trainer did label him a 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July prospect, so this is an interesting

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PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WSB CAPE TOWN MET ENTRIES.

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4Racing’s Gabi Soma – damned if he did, damned if he didn’t? | Credit: Supplied

JOBURG FEATURES – SOME HAPPY, SOME NOT Mother Nature and Murphy’s Law conspired to deal 4Racing something of a wildcard with the rain arriving with force at Turffontein on Sunday to end the strategically important threefeature racemeeting after the running of just the third race. The balance of the carded races could not be held due to deteriorating track conditions, after a severe thunderstorm descended over the course. The volume of water rendered the track 46 | 10 JANUARY 2024

unsafe for horse and rider. 4Racing, much to the inevitable chagrin of various stakeholders, took the decision to reschedule the features to this coming Saturday 13 January and to reopen entries yesterday for the Listed Wolf Power 1600, the Gr3 Mother Russia Stakes and the Betway Gr3 Got The Greenlight Stakes. Declarations were made on Tuesday and the fields now look slightly different.

With the R1 million WSB Gr2 Gauteng Guineas to be run on 3 February just over three weeks away, both the Got The Greenlight Stakes and the Wolf Power 1600 presented prep opportunities for the first leg of the SA Triple Crown.

This was not a workable alternative,” he explained after indicating that given the proximity to other features, they could also well have ended up with trainers scratching had they left Sunday’s fields intact, and thus have had substantially reduced numbers.

And then there was also the undeniable public entertainment lure of the much anticipated, and now sadly washed-out clash of arch rivals Sandringham Summit (originally drawn 1), and Main Defender (draw 5), in the Got The Greenlight Stakes.

“Sandringham Summit’s trainer David Nieuwenhuizen did indicate on Sunday afternoon that he would not run the star colt on Saturday 13th January. He did enter him in both options on Monday though, and drew 1 in the Wolf Power. So had he intended to run with a better draw, that was an option,” he added.

So what’s happened? Trainer David Nieuwenhuizen reportedly decided that Saturday 13 January was too close to the Guineas on 3 February, and pulled Sandringham Summit out of both the reopened Got The Greenlight Stakes (where he drew wide), and the Wolf Power 1600, where he drew 1. But that doesn’t make it a one-horse affair! The shrewd tactician Mike de Kock could be a party spoiler for the Main Defender (now drawn 8 of 9) connections, with the unbeaten and progressive Silvano filly Champagne Cocktail, who gets 4,5kgs from the Tony Peter star, as she is switched from the Mother Russia Stakes, her original carding on Sunday, to try and capitalize on the ‘weakened’ boys’ contest for Saturday. We asked 4Racing’s Head Of Racing Operations Gabi Soma to explain his decision to re-open the features afresh, rather than postpone. “There were a number of considerations. The local conditions indicate that we can postpone any Gr1, but give the option to re-open Gr2, Gr3 and Listed races. I did go back on the records, and note that we have never postponed over an extended period and have always re-opened the event. I also even considered the option of maintaining the fields, and then inviting supplementary entries.

Soma said that the weather was obviously an uncontrollable, and there was always likely to be somebody disappointed after a reshuffle. “We did what we believed was in the best interests of racing, and naturally we would dearly have wanted to have the two top 3yo’s bumping heads. It may be worth mentioning that I have since canvassed 48 trainers to determine what our stakeholders would prefer to do going ahead. The survey initially delivered a 24 for, and 24 against the reopening of entries. One trainer subsequently had a change of heart, so it ended up 25 against, and 23 for reopening. So, it is something that is worth considering for further discussion. But ultimately, there are many uncontrollable factors, and the revised timing, coupled with the barrier draws always being a random, will have some people happy, and some less so,” he concluded.

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GOING 4RACING? BEWARE WHAT YOU WEAR! A press release regarding the dress code of the Gauteng parade rings (including the lead in) was issued by 4Racing on 22 November 2023. The racing operator has addressed a further notice to trainers.

Parade Ring Dress Code (Women): Recommended: Dresses or ensembles (top & skirt) are recommended Shoes:

Unfortunately, a number of trainers are ignoring the new rules and continue to enter the parade ring incorrectly attired. This makes it extremely difficult for security to control owners and connections when trainers themselves do not adhere to the dress code.

Heels, Wedges, Smart Sandals & Smart Sneakers

This makes it extremely difficult for security to control owners and connections when trainers themselves do not adhere to the dress code.

Children under 16

In addition, trainers are also allowing people with inappropriate attire to lead in horses, also in blatant disregard of the dress code rules. For those who may have missed it, we set out a copy below:-

• Must adhere to the dress code

Parade Ring Dress Code (Men): Top Collared Shirt or Golf Shirt (No Jacket Required) T-shirt (Jacket Required) Bottom: Long pants Shoes: Closed shoes or smart sneakers NOT ALLOWED: Shorts, sandals, flip flops or boardshorts

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NOT ALLOWED: Boardshorts, flip flops

• Must be accompanied by an accredited adult

Although the Vaal dress code is not as detailed, please note that no man wearing shorts or slops will be allowed in the parade ring or lead in area. Security have been issued clear instructions not to permit access and to remove anyone from the parade ring (including trainers) who do not adhere to the dress code. As previously stated, we are aiming to enhance the racing experience and standard to benefit all punters and connections and we rely on our trainer base to lead by example. • Media release by 4Racing.

The Hollywood Foundation is thrilled to unveil the eagerly awaited return of its highly successful "Back to School" campaign.

WITH A REMARKABLE R8 MILLION PLEDGE. The campaign aims to support parents and empower learners from diverse communities across South Africa, at the beginning of the new school year by providing them with essential school supplies.

"Education is the key to unlocking the full potential of our youth, and the 'Back to School' campaign, set to commence its handovers from the 22 January 2024, is a testament to our commitment to empowering the next generation.

This year's campaign launch holds significance as it features collaborations with influential personalities and organisations that share the Hollywood Foundation's vision.

Through the school supplies drive, we look forward to positively setting the academic scene by ensuring that each child is provided with uniform and stationery and to further alleviate the emotional stress weighing on parents, fostering a community where education is a beacon of hope and opportunity" , said Vuyisile Ngobese, Hollywood Foundation PR Officer.

To aid in school selection, the Hollywood Foundation has partnered with Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassadors; non-profit organisations; sports clubs; renowned personalities, including musicians Khuli Chana; Big Zulu & Sjava; Mr Thela; Rugby player Makazole Mampimpi, and main stream and community radio stations. In an effort to expand the campaign's impact, Hollywoodbets' 97 retail branches nationwide will actively contribute to making a positive difference in the lives of learners, particularly in areas of their operation.

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OCTOBER FEST FOR DAVID ABERY! v

Happiness is! Longstanding owner-breeder David Abery shows his delight at the lead-in, as Candice Bass-Robinson looks on | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Lady luck finally smiled on the talented Trippi filly October Morn at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. With a few hard-luck stories at her recent outings, the Listed Perfect Promise Sprint winner showed her class as things went her way for a change, and she finished best to achieve a career peak success in the R400 000 Cartier Gr2 Sceptre Stakes. David Abery, who bred the winner in partnership with Avontuur, bought out his partners two runs ago and got his just rewards on Saturday with a scopy athlete who must have Gr1 aspirations after this cracking win.

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Settled early by Winning Form jockey Raymond Danielson in the sixteen-horse stampede, October Morn (7-1) weaved her way through after a moment of anxiety, to hold off a thundering late charge from 33-1 shot Asiye Phambili under Piere Strydom.

dominated quartet.

The diminishing winning margin was 0,30 lengths and the winner’s time for the 1200m was 72,93 secs.

Now a winner of 4 races with 5 places from 9 starts, October Morn took her stakes bank to R627 513.

Gr2 Southern Cross Stakes winner Kwinta’s Light (25-2) was back in third, with Shantastic (33-1) rounding off the Hollywood Syndicate

This was a second feature success on the afternoon for Avontuur, after Thunderstruck won the Winchester Sprint Cup.

By Trippi (End Sweep) the Candice BassRobinson-trained October Morn was bred by Avontuur and David Abery out of the Gr1 producing Var mare, Miss October.

Raymond Danielson keeps October Morn going as longshot Asiye Phambili chases hard under Striker Strydom Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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Sean Tarry’s Thunderstruck (Piere Strydom) sets up a Cape Flying Championship showdown as he beats Isivunguvungu on Saturday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

THUNDER ‘N LIGHTNING! After pulling a shoe and having it refitted at the start, Sean Tarry charge Thunderstruck got the better of a ring-rusty Isivunguvungu to score a good win in the R250 000 NonBlack Type Winchester Sprint Cup, in the process setting up a cracking rematch in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship on WSB Cape Town Met day.

After pulling a shoe and having it refitted at the start, Sean Tarry charge Thunderstruck got the better of a ring-rusty Isivunguvungu to score a good win in the R250 000 Non-Black Type Winchester Sprint Cup, in the process setting up a cracking rematch in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship on WSB Cape Town Met day. A 4yo lumping joint topweight of 62 kgs, the still improving Thunderstruck (2-1) was relaxed under the master Piere Strydom and produced a 56 | 10 JANUARY 2024

powerful late surge to beat the accomplished 1810 favourite Isivunguvungu in a fast time of 56,63 secs for the 1000m. The Stipes objected on the grounds of interference against Bereave (14-1) running third and upheld an objection of behalf of fourthplaced Mufasa (33-1), who was promoted. Richard Fourie declared his happiness with Isivunguvungu’s performance after his 22-week

break, and as we mentioned, the Cape Flying Championship is set for a vintage renewal on 27 January. ABSA Online Auction recordbreaker at R1 241 000 as part of the Javett Dispersal some years ago, the Avontuur-bred Thunderstruck was originally acquired for R1 million at the BSA National Yearling Sale in 2021 by Form Bloodstock.

Bred by Avontuur, the Gr1 winning Thunderstruck is a son of Ridgemont champion Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice) out of the five-time winning Gr2 winner Varikate (Var). He has now won two on the trot and a total of 5 races with 6 places from his 14 starts for stakes of R1 200 688.

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RAFEEF IS HOT, HOT, HOT! Fresh off Thunderstruck’s smart victory, and after supplying the previous weekend’s Listed War Of Athena Handicap winner Juliet Tango at Turffontein, Ridgemont’s red-hot resident sire Rafeef was it again when he supplied two eye-catching winners, this time again at Turffontein, last Thursday. Rafeef filly Beating Wings made it two wins from just three starts when she ran out a ready winner of Thursday’s TAB Telebet 0861 000 822 FM 82 Handicap (1400m). Under Calvin Habib, the Stuart Pettigrew-trained three-year-old hit the front full of running and powered home to score by three parts of a length. Bred by Ridgemont, Beating Wings finished fourth on debut before downing impressive subsequent winner Sukhumvit when breaking her maiden over 1600 metres. Beating Wings is out of the Western Winter mare Cool River.

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Beating Wings’ paternal half-brother Ziyasha provided Rafeef with his second win on Thursday when making much of the running to claim the as he liked. Under Siyanda Sosibo, the gelded three-yearold romped home to thrash G3 Godolphin Barb Stakes winner Cliff Hanger by four and a quarter lengths. Trained by Clinton Binda, Ziyasha has now won four times, with the gelding having won three of his last five starts. Bred by Ridgemont, Ziyasha is out of the Kingmambo mare Kelly’s Olympics. South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2020-2021, Rafeef is having another fine season, with his flagbearers including the stakes winners Aragosta, Mrs Browning and the aforementioned Thunderstruck and Juliet Tango. The son of Redoute’s Choice has 16 lots on offer at this month’s Cape Racing Premier Yearling Sale Powered By Tattersalls, and a further eight lots on sale at the 2024 Cape Yearling Sale in February.

Piere Strydom – jockeyship par excellence | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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CELEBRATING WITH SAVANNA, RIGHT! Savanna Valjalo pushes Gravity out to a popular win | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The 25 year old lifetime showjumper Savanna Valjalo made it a dream winning race-riding debut at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday when she rode a beautifully balanced race to get the fancied Gravity home for the Justin Snaith team in the second R200 000 Okapi Ladies International. The ladies race was the opening event on the L’Ormarins King’s Plate raceday. One of seven riders in the field of 12 who were making their debut, Savanna Valjalo had Gravity, who was wearing blinkers for the first time, tucked up a few lengths off the pace set by Love Shack in the 1200m contest. Into the final 200m, Miss Valjalo, who had 60 | 10 JANUARY 2024

remarkably only sat on a real racehorse just four months ago, produced the 9-2 favourite Gravity (9-2) and the son of Querari bounced clear to beat Kim Meaker on the fast finishing Riverstone (7-1) by 2 lengths, with Vicky Lerena completing the trifecta on the 6-1 The US Of A, who was a neck further back in third. A R700 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, Gravity, who races in a partnership of Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz, Leon Ellman and Race Director, Gina Goldsmith, was bred by Cheveley Stud and is by Querari (Oasis Dream) out of the four-time winning Captain Al mare Earth’s Orbit, who also raced out of the Snaith yard. Gravity has won once from 7 starts with 2 places for stakes of R170 175.

A proud Savanna Valjalo celebrates on the podium | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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NO FANCY JAM JARS OR THE LIKE – LIFE JUST GOES ON! 64 | 10 JANUARY 2024

‘I rode three winners the other day at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Then drove out of the racecourse after the last race with my fan-belt squealing and squeaking loudly. That wasn’t very inspiring from a personal PR viewpoint, I suppose. But I have a great mechanic, who looks after my car. So I’m lucky!’ – Rachel Venniker Rachel enjoys her career milestone with winning trainer, Stuart Ferrie | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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South Africa’s newest qualified jockey, dual national champion Rachel Venniker celebrated her new status with a winner at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday from her first ride as a fully-fledged professional! The talented 22 year old’s next target is a WSB Cape Town Met and Hollywoodbets Durban July ride, after the former Roseway Waldorf student twice missed out in her brief career on a golden opportunity to ride in Africa’s greatest race. She rode in the 2023 L’Ormarins King’s Plate, so that was a tick off the big race baptism bucket-list. But the Hollywoodbets Durban July and WSB Cape Town Met are serious goals! “I came off when my filly fly-jumped at the start of a race and was given the mandatory medical suspension, when I was engaged to ride Red Saxon for Mr Joey Soma in the Hollywoodbets Durban July in 2022. Then last year, Mr Verdonese asked me to ride Jimmy Don – and the gelding ended up a second reserve runner. So I am setting my sights high in South Africa’s two premier races for 2024, even though the Met declarations are due next week and I don’t have a ride at this stage.”

Rachel has ridden 211 winners, secured two SA champion apprentice titles, and has a Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas victory on Eye Of The Prophet under the belt – not bad for a rosy cheeked horse-crazy teenager who had to practically kick down doors to get a chance to realise her dream of becoming a jockey. In her typically professional and diplomatic demeanour, she suggests that the challenges and hurdles that she had faced early on actually built character, and that she’d rather talk about the future and appreciate the good racing folk who have contributed to make her dream a reality. The only member of the fairer sex in the local ranks, of what is undoubtedly one of the toughest and most dangerous occupations on earth, Rachel was obviously pleased as punch when she got Fire Tonic home in the KZN Capital City opener on Sunday with a typically polished display from the saddle for owners Jimmy and Viv Burgess, and trainer Stuart Ferrie.

Rachel walks around at 52 kgs, and tells us how her weight has actually stabilised as she has matured. “At a stage, I was worried that as I got older I would have to be very careful. But I don’t need to diet or waste, thankfully. I must admit though that I have always been a careful eater. But I can ride at 52kgs, which broadens horizons,” she adds with a smile. Chatting to the Sporting Post earlier this week, the modest horsewoman, who has been in the saddle since the age of 4, admitted, almost apologetically, that she had fulfilled all of her apprenticeship goals, ‘and more’, since starting out on her incredible professional journey three years ago. 66 | 10 JANUARY 2024

Young Rachel – born to ride! Credit: Supplied

Fire Tonic soars to victory to give Rachel 1 from 1 as a fully-fledged jockey Credit: Candiese Lenferna v

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She rode her first winner as a work-rider in August 2020 when she steered Enjoy The View to victory at the very same Hollywoodbets Scottsville for owner Nic Jonsson and trainer Michael Roberts. Reflecting today with the benefit of hindsight, the two aforementioned gentlemen have played a leading role in Rachel’s progress, and there is some irony in the reality that Mr Jonsson’s late Dad Benji was the architect of the introduction of female riders into the SA Jockey Academy. “It is all about having the support of folk who believe in you, and then matching that with doing your best through hard work,” suggests Rachel, who adds that without the right people behind her, and good horses to ride, she wouldn’t be talking to us today. “Mr Jonsson has been a loyal and fantastic supporter, both as an owner and a sponsor through Jonsson Workwear. Then, what can I say about the massive privilege of having one of the greatest riders in horseracing history as a mentor and a critical tutor? Next to the late Lester Piggott, Mr Roberts is an icon – a genius. Funny thing is, even when I ride away from KZN, and the owner and trainer there is happy with my ride, I will get back to Summerveld and Mr Roberts will watch the replay, and say, ‘but why did you do this, or that? A better option, would have been x, y or z.’ He is a perfectionist, and I learn virtually every day from him. It’s a priceless education in a discipline where one actually never stops learning,” she laughs as she takes the criticism in her stride, and absorbs every ounce of the golden guidance from the man we know affectionately as ‘Muis’. So what is the difference, we ask, between the apprentice Venniker, and the jockette Venniker? “Well, the SA Jockey Academy has been my home from home for three years – and now I am back home. And yes, I will miss the people, the friends and the memories. I could ride when I started there. But I have learnt plenty, and am privileged to call myself a member of the SAJA alma mater,” she adds emotionally. 68 | 10 JANUARY 2024

“He won the WSB Green Point Stakes as things worked out in his favour on the day. He is not a miler though, he’s a 2000m horse. I have ridden top Gr1 horses in work. He is the greatest horse that I have ever had the pleasure of riding. He’s a machine – a freak. I love him and in my opinion they will have to go some to beat him on 27 January!” And the lifestyle changes? Maybe a new car? Independence? “No, I am plain old me. Nothing much changes! I have been taught to be careful with money. No debt, if I can avoid it. No new cars and things. Keep it simple and focus, is the best policy, I think,” as she admits that she drives a faithful used Hyundai I20. “Funny, you talk about my car. I rode three winners the other day at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Then drove out of the racecourse after the last race with my fan-belt squealing and squeaking loudly. That wasn’t very inspiring from a personal PR viewpoint, I suppose. But I have a great mechanic, who looks after my car. So I’m lucky!” What has changed though, is that Rachel will shortly announce the appointment of her new agent.

“It’s not being pompous or a big deal, believe me! It’s hectic trying to ride work regularly, travel, race ride, and then also to contact trainers or receive calls and negotiate rides at an awkward time of the morning, when on the way to races, and with the cell-phone reception as it is. So an agent makes every sense, and I can focus on riding,” she adds.

I have ridden top Gr1 horses in work. He is the greatest horse that I have ever had the pleasure of riding. He’s a machine – a freak. I love him and in my opinion they will have to go some to beat him on 27 January!”

Asked about See It Again’s run on Saturday in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, when chasing Charles Dickens home, Rachel suggests it was a cracking Met trial.

“I am staying in KZN and will happily travel nationally as I am needed. Of course, we all have dreams to ride internationally. All in good time though, and I am happy to chase my goals here in South Africa and grow in experience.”

“He won the WSB Green Point Stakes as things worked out in his favour on the day. He is not a miler though, he’s a 2000m horse.

And any plans to relocate, or travel internationally?

Good luck Rachel!

sportingpost_za FOLLOW US on Instagram!

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Roman Agent powers to victory under Grant van Niekerk | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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NO SECRET – THE GREY

LOOKS

DECENT! The R1 million National Yearling Sale purchase Roman Agent, a popular choice on the big day, stamped himself as a colt to follow when he built on an eye-catching debut to win the R400 000 The Trippi Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday and give the Snaith yard a double to open the card. The opening leg of the R2 million Juvenile Summer Series produced a good finish when Peter Muscutt 20-1 first timer Cold Shine (Lancaster Bomber) came out firing and took the fight to the enemy with a show of solid pace. But inside the final 200m, Roman Agent (33-20) showed the advantage of his experience when he drew clear under Grant van Niekerk to beat the Muscutt runner by half a length in a time of 58,56 secs. Glen Kotzen debut winner Sweetie Darling (4-1) was three quarters of a length away in third. A Varsfontein bred son of Vercingetorix (Silvano), the winner hails from the champion family of Goldkeeper daughter, Secret Of Victoria. Trainer Justin Snaith receives his trophy from Drakenstein’s Kevin Sommerville Credit: Chase Liebenberg

A handsome grey, Roman Agent earned the R100 000 BSA bonus and took his stakes to R285 000 with a win and place from his 2 starts.

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FOUR FOR SNAITH ON ROYAL DAY 74 | 10 JANUARY 2024

A pick-up ride for Anthony Andrews crowned four winners on L’Ormarins King’s Plate day for Justin Snaith when the handily weighted Future Swing stormed home at his first try at 2500m to win the R300 000 Glorious Goodwood Gr3 Chairman’s Cup. The well-backed Future Swing soars to victory under replacement rider, Anthony Andrews | Credit: Chase Liebenberg 10 JANUARY 2024 | 75

Popularly labelled the lucky last, punters celebrated the ninth race with the arrival of the well-backed Future Swing (18-10) who was given a peach of a ride by Anthony Andrews. The 2023 Algoa Cup winner looked stripped in the preliminaries and duly cut them down late to beat stablemate Triple Time (8-1) by 1,50 lengths going away in a time of 159,11 secs. Sean Tarry would have been pleased with the performance of third placed Nebraas (252), who looks overdue to win again soon. Bred by Drakenstein, Future Swing is a son of the 2015 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate winner and former SA Horse Of The Year Futura (Dynasty), out of the twice winning Carousel

Swing, a daughter of champion Trippi. Raced in partnership by Drakenstein, Kalinga and Pamela Isdell, the winner is a John Freeman selected R600 000 National Yearling Sale graduate and a winner of 6 races with 7 places from 16 starts for stakes of R797 350. It was a frustrating day for jockey Muzi Yeni who had arrived on course to fulfill his engagements but did not ride. He was stood down by the course Medical Officer at Fairview on Friday and the Stipes noted that rule 25.12 was not applied, but that he had to be passed fit to continue riding prior to his engagement today.

True-blue end to a great day as Ravi Naidoo, John Freeman and Gaynor Rupert are amongst the thrilled connections | Credit: Chase Liebenberg 76 | 10 JANUARY 2024

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FIFTH IN BIG RACE - BOTHA’S MONTIEN FROM 105 TO 119 Charles Dickens confirmed his 132 rating when winning the WFA Grade 1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racecourse on Saturday, 6 January 2024. It was CHARLES DICKENS himself who was used as the line horse to rate this race, he remains on a rating of 132. ROYAL AUSSIE was adjusted to 124 after producing an eyecatching finish to run in 3rd place. ROYAL AUSSIE was beaten 4 lengths, which is 8 points behind the 132 rated winner at level weight which means he runs to a mark of 124. Only two other horses received increases to their ratings in this event. MONTIEN, who was rated to run last here, was increased from 105 to 119 after performing considerably higher than anything he has managed before by finishing 5th in a race of this quality. COSMIC HIGHWAY only received a partial increase from 111 to 117 to make him equal to 117 rated ANFIELDS ROCKET who he beat here at level weights and 1 point below the 118 rated DOUBLE SUPERLATIVE who beat COSMIC HIGHWAY by 0.10 of a length, COSMIC HIGHWAY would be rated much higher if this performance was taken literally. The only horse to receive a rating drop in this race was AL MUTHANA, who was dropped from 128 to 126. Cartier Paddock Stakes (Grade 1) BEACH BOMB remained on a rating of 117 after producing a strong finish to get up and win the WFA Grade 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes 78 | 10 JANUARY 2024

over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the opinion that BEACH BOMB was the best candidate for a line horse and used her rating of 117 to rate this event. PRINCESS CALLA, who was rated to easily beat this field was not considered as a feasible line horse here, especially as the top 4 finishers were only covered by under a 3 lengths margin and the 99 rated LOVE IS A ROSE was only beaten by a margin of 5.10 lengths. In rating the race this way, HAPPY CHANCE performs to a figure of 116 and was adjusted accordingly. RED PALACE was the only other horse to receive an increase, she was adjusted to 111 from 108. There were no drops in this race. Anthonij Rupert Wine Premier Trophy (Grade 2) MUCHO DINERO saw his rating increased from 99 to 110 after landing the Grade 2 Anthonij Rupert Wine Premier Trophy over 1800m at Hollywoodbets Kenliworth on Saturday. The Handicappers were unanimous in their view that PACAYA made for the most suitable line horse in this event and as such he remained on a mark of 111.

In rating the race this way SUGAR MOUNTAIN achieves a figure of 109 and was adjusted from 106 to 109. The only other horse to receive an adjustment was GENTLEMAN JOE who goes up to 86 from 82. GENTLEMAN JOE was rated to run last and to finish a full 17 points behind the second lowest rated horse in this event but was only beaten 5.80 lengths and achieved a rating considerably higher than his current adjusted figure of 86.

horse SHANTASTIC. The only other increase was for MISS MARGUERITE who went up to 99 from 96 as she was rated to run last here but performed to a considerably higher level than her current adjusted figure of 99.

The following horses received drops to their ratings, WITHOUT QUESTION was dropped from 120 to 117, RUNAWAY SONG was dropped from 114 to 110, ROCKPOOL was dropped to 106 from 108, GEM KING was dropped to 100 from 103 and WATERBERRY LANE was dropped from 115 to 113.

Glorious Goodwood Chairman’s Cup (Grade 3)

Cartier Sceptre Stakes (Grade 2)

The Handicappers were of the opinion that NEBRAAS made for the most suitable line horse here and his rating remains unchanged on 112. TRIPLE TIME received an increase of 2 points from 106 to 108 and was the only other horse to receive an increase in this event.

OCTOBER MORN was raised to 112 from 107 after finishing strongly to win the Grade 2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the unanimous view that SHANTASTIC made for a suitable line horse here and her rating remains on a mark of 108. The runner-up, ASIYE PHAMBILI, saw her rating increased to 111 from 105 following her effort when also producing a strong finish to be beaten by 0.3 of a length. KWINTA’S LIGHT received a small increase of 1 point increase from 109 to 110 after again beating the line

Only two horses received drops to their merit ratings here, GIMME A SHOT was dropped from 111 to 108, while GOLDEN TATJANA was dropped to 95 from 97.

FUTURE SWING was increased to a rating of 103 from 99 after winning the Grade 3 Glorious Goodwood Chairman’s Cup over 2500m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

Four horses received drops to their ratings. THEFUTUREISBRIGHT and SENSO UNICO received a point each from 99 to 98 and 113 to 112 respectively, while DECORATED and OTTO LUYKEN received a drop of 2 points each from 102 to 100 and 99 to 97, respectively. Media release by NHA on Wednesday 10 January 2024.

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Exciting Hawwaam – great expectations! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

COUNTDOWN TO PREMIER FOR TOP BREEDERS The festive season is over, a new year has commenced, and John Everett of Narrow Creek Stud is quietly putting the finishing touches to his draft destined for the Cape Racing Premier Yearling Sale powered by Tattersalls on 25 January. Narrow Creek has in recent years punched way above its weight from a relatively small broodmare band. To put that into perspective, the stud enjoyed arguably its best season in 2021/22 when represented by no more than 58 runners, a fraction of its more prominent peers, yet put them all in the shade with a strike rate of 60,3% winners to runners.

An enviable achievement indeed and one which included a bounty of nine stakes winners, a figure only bettered by Wilgerbosdrift/ Mauritzfontein and Drakenstein Stud! Recent stakes winners born and raised at Narrow Creek include Gr1 SA Classic winner Red Saxon, Gr1 Computaform Sprint ace Isivunguvungu, as well as the Gr1-placed stakes winners Big Burn, Catch Twentytwo, Sprinkles, Homely Girl, Pinnacle Peak and Elusive Heart. This year’s Cape Premier Yearling Sale will be the launching pad for the first yearlings by 10 JANUARY 2024 | 81

champion Hawwaam and Narrow Creek’s first lot through the ring, a filly, is by the son of Silvano. An August foal, Cool Wind (Lot 13) is out of a winning Captain Al mare and as John describes her, “she’s a ‘racy type with lots of strength, she could be a classic type and should go a mile at least.” Next up is Lot 29, a What A Winter own sister to Gr2 Camellia Stakes winner Cold Fact, which John describes as “very nice, she will be like her sister, speedy. She oozes quality. If I breed them all like that, I’ll be very happy.”

dam of last season’s Equus champion threeyear-old Filly Bless My Stars. “What a family, it couldn’t have happened at a better time,” John remarked. Narrow Creek’s last lot is a striking, virtually pitch-black colt (Lot 135) and is out of a Querari half-sister to Gr1 Champions Cup ace African Appeal and Gr2-placed stakes winner Mary Lou, who produced Gr1 Allan Robertson winner Brave Mary.

A pair of youngsters by Rafeef round out John’s quartet.

Named Spirit, the colt is close to John’s heart, for as he explains: “I bred and raced this racy colt’s dam Cover Page. She injured herself as a yearling and never reached her potential on the track, although she managed to place on a number of occasions.”

Aquarius (Lot 85), a ‘tall and racy’ filly, is the first foal out of a half-sister to Gr3 winner Star Express, who has the distinction of being the

Speaking of Rafeef, he of course counts the grey speed machine Master Archie amongst his trio of Gr1 winning progeny.

Narrow Creek’s dual Gr1 winning flagbearer, Isivunguvungu | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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The Computaform Sprint winner has just completed his first covering season at Winterbach Stud, who head to the sale with a draft of six, and it is his own brother which is sure to spark a flurry of bids. Stud owner Hendrik Winterbach also foaled and raised Master Archie and he recalls selling the Querari half-brother for R900,000 at last year’s sale: “The Querari was a big boy and built like a tank. This colt is very nice, but different. Although he’s a bay, he’s very like Master Archie, the way they move, although at this stage, I would say he is a better looking individual. The mare (La Volta) stamps them, she throws a type of look and athleticism.”

Running the rule over the rest of the Winterbach draft, there are two colts by Hawwaam and from Hendrik’s comments, he is clearly very high on the young stallion. “His foals are out of this world,” he enthused. “I was over the moon with them when they were born, they are classy and athletic, of good size and correct. I was so impressed, we immediately sent mares back to him. And dare I say, although he is by Silvano, his progeny look like they could come early. That’s why we nominated two for the first sale of the year.” Buyers will have to look sharp, as the first of the stud’s pair sells as Lot 27 and this fella is none other than a half-brother to Gr3 Cape Mile winner Montien.

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Said Hendrik: “This colt is a great mover and a good size. Montien winning the Gr3 couldn’t have come at a better time, and I think he wasn’t disgraced in the King’s Plate, he finished just four lengths off them. He has been nominated for the Met, and I will be selling his half-brother on the Thursday before the race, what more could I ask for?” Hah Lah Lah, the second Hawwaam colt (Lot 47) is out of stakes-placed Moonlight ‘N Roses, a Captain Al daughter of Gr1 Garden Province winner Soft Landing. “The mare’s first foal Mister Monocle won three races despite having just one eye,” Hendrik elaborates. “This is a classy colt who covers 84 | 10 JANUARY 2024

ground and moves well,” before adding a bit of trivia, “he’s well named too, as the Springboks always shout Hah Lah Lah! before a match!” Those lucky enough to be selling a yearling by One World must surely be in the pound seat, as the champion son of Captain Al is off to a flying start. That early success could well spill over to the sales ring. Winterbach consigns Lot 69, a filly out of a three-time winning Elusive Fort full-sister to Safe Harbour who was runner-up in all of the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic, Cape Fillies Guineas and Paddock Stakes. “The sire looks exciting, doesn’t he? This filly

is tall and on the leg, with strong hindquarters and is from a solid family. She’s the mare’s second foal, the first, also by One World, is in training with Vaughan Marshall.”

performer Second Base from the successful Kiss Of Peace family. Named Parental Guidance, he too, looks a likely candidate for the lucrative sales races, according to Hendrik.

The next lot on offer, Lot 91, a September-born What A Winter filly out of stakes-placed Talitaha Borealis is “a typical sprinting filly and will come early.”

“A very nice colt who also looks an early type. He’s a typical Querari, strong-quartered and correct. The mare’s first foal won at two last season, and she has a Gimmethegreenlight juvenile to race for her.”

“This is a nice filly and whoever buys her should get an early return in one of the sales races,” Hendrik added. Finally, there is Lot 105, a Querari colt out of a winning Captain Al half-sister to multiple Gr1

The full catalogue can be viewed by clicking here.

Master Archie in the Winterbach paddocks | Credit: Supplied

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MAINE CHANCE – POTENT AT PREMIER! 90 | 10 JANUARY 2024

Maine Chance Farms send 14 yearlings to market on 25 January 2024 for the CRS Cape Premier Yearling Sales, powered by Tattersalls. As befits a high- quality breeding establishment, there are potent pedigrees amongst their select draft. Top class Cosmic Highway – has a full-brother (#134) on the sale | Credit: Cape Racing Sales 10 JANUARY 2024 | 91

SA Horse Of The Year Princess Calla has a Hawwaam half-brother (#63) on the sale | Credit: Supplied

Lot 118 is a colt, Bruh, by Danon Platina ex Bandola. The dam has two foals to race - both winners, with the early achievement of Bavarian Beauty who took out the G1 Thekwini Stakes, especially notable. Coming right near the end of the catalogue is Lot 134, a not-to-be-missed Gimmethegreenlight colt out of Cosmic Dream, named Cosmic Encounter; thus, a full brother to top-class, Cosmic Highway, victorious in the G2 Cape Merchants a few weeks ago. Lot 63 is a son of Hawwaam out of Princess 92 | 10 JANUARY 2024

Royal, called Pivotal Role. Of course, Princess Royal threw 2023 Horse of the Year, Princess Calla, who is still going strong as a six-yearold mare, just missing out to Beach Bomb in past Saturday’s G1 Paddock Stakes, so this desirable bay is sure to get buyers’ pulses racing. Lot 130 is Chance Encounter, a colt by muchvaunted stallion Vercingetorix ex speedy mare, Champery, which makes him a full brother to Chansonette, a G1 winner of the Cape Fillies Guineas, and 2nd in the G1 Paddock and G1 Majorca Stakes.

Lot 6 Diamond Martini, a Querari filly out of Dynasty’s Blossom comes up early on the sale which commences at 14h30 on Thursday afternoon. The dam was a doughty stayer and winner of the Gold Cup over 3200m, so this intriguing pedigree from the legendary Aga Khan “D” - family combines endurance with Querari’s established influence for speed and durability. Lot 89 is a fine athletic specimen. The striking colt is by champion sprinter, Rafeef ex Suzanita, an Irish mare by Lomitas and thus bred on the reverse cross of Arc winner, Danedream - Danehill over Lomitas. The

second dam being 3/4 in blood to 4 x European and USA G1 winner, Stacelita, who in turn produced Japanese champion two- and threeyear-old, Soul Stirring. The foal was born and raised at Newsells Park Stud which was then a sister stud to Maine Chance Farms. Symbolic Gesture is bound to attract major attention in stable E26. Lot 28, In A Timely Manner (Legislate ex Inaninstant) is worth closer inspection. The half-brother to now 5 x winner Innamorare also sports plenty of Black Type on the dam’s side.

Lot 63 ex Princess Royal | Credit: Supplied 10 JANUARY 2024 | 93

In addition to those already mentioned, others represented in Maine Chance’s draft are progeny of boom freshman sire, One World, What a Winter (2nd in Stakes for ‘22/’23 season), and The United States which covers a wide spectrum of SA’s best current producers. Maine Chance has a proud history - often at the pinnacle of the South African Breeders Log and a perennial Top Ten listing in SA. The Stud farm has stood legendary Champion Sires such as New South Wales, Jungle Cove, National Assembly, Golden Thatch

Lot 134 ex Cosmic Dream | Credit: Supplied 94 | 10 JANUARY 2024

and more recently - the great, late Silvano. Current resident stallions are Vercingetorix, Querari, Quasillo and Erupt. With Dr Andreas Jacob’s strategic planning evident, coupled with generational links to Europe, the acquisition of quality stock continues to supplement Maine Chance’s premier broodmare band. For further enquiries contact Yearling Manager, Danni Kuttel on danni@mainechance.co.za

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VALE KENNY MICHEL Kenny as a young apprentice | Credit: Supplied

A charismatic personality and a top-class golfer, the Pietermaritzburg-born Kenny Michel joined the SA Jockey Academy in 1969 in the same era as the likes of Stephen Page, Errol Lang, Paddy McGivern and Garth Puller. He was apprenticed to the late Lionel Witkowsky and quickly caught the eye as a horseman of great balance and a natural sportman with good hands.

A former top heavyweight jockey and accomplished international riding master , Kenny Michel passed away on Saturday after a long battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.

Kenny took him to the front and held on from the Ralph Rixon-trained Craftsman, leaving a great field behind them. The ride was lauded in the media as a tactical masterstroke. Kenny Michel was back again to win the Diadem in 1985 on Mrs Mary Zoccola’s Gin Rummy for Piet Steyn, beating Chili Bite

He freelanced and rode winners for a variety of top yards, including Peter Kannemeyer, James Lightheart and Lenny Taylor.

As a freelance rider he enjoyed a winning association with Lenny Taylor’s versatile Do Battle gelding Horatius.

Kenny enjoyed an early Gr1 success when he guided San Louis to victory for trainer James Lightheart in the Richelieu Cape Guineas, which was run at Milnerton on 7 February 1981.

On New Year’s day of 1982, he partnered Horatius to fourth in the Queen’s Plate won by Basil Marcus on Foveros. Eric Fordred was second on Bless My Soul, with Kenny’s 1981 Cape Guineas winning mount San Louis in third, this time with Paddy McGivern in the saddle.

Kenny won many features, including the Diadem, which he celebrated twice. The 1200m speed contest was described as the best test of a sprinter in South Africa by Charles Faull and a race on a par with the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, until the conditions were ‘compromised’ in 2015. In 1982 Kenny won the Diadem on Breeze Past for Chris Snaith.It was a windless day and 96 | 10 JANUARY 2024

Kenny and Horatius came close to upsetting the applecart when the pair chased Basil Marcus and Foveros home in the 1982 J&B Met, with Eric Fordred and Captive Prince, and Garth Puller and Calvados making up the quartet.

Weight eventually forced him to retire from the saddle, and after a short stint as a trainer, he became a riding master at the SA Jockey Academy, which ultimately led to his groundbreaking stint as a coach for the Korea Racing Authority in Seoul. It was a role that he relished as he imparted his horsemanship and his hard-earned life stripes and skills to young apprentices. His ex-wife Wendy told the Sporting Post that she met Kenny through her Uncle, Dennis Houston, a trainer. They married two years later when she was 18, and Kenny was 22. Wendy, a talented amateur rider and assistant trainer, and Kenny, had two children – Craig and Genevieve, and three grandchildren. While Craig pursued a business career, Genevieve was to go on and proudly follow in her Dad’s bootprints as a top jockey.

Kenny and Genevieve, his history making jockey daughter Credit: Supplied

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She enjoys the distinction of being the first female to be trained at the SA Jockey Academy, and the first lady rider in history to participate in the Met. On 10 May 1997, a proud Kenny and Genevieve rode at Kenilworth to make history as the first father-and-daughter professional jockey duo to race against each other. A career-ending injury suffered in track work in 2001 saw the energetic, and now Namibiabased Mum pursue other challenges. She was to go on and represent South Africa at the International Masters World Cross-Country Mountain Bike Championships. Retired champion jockey Karl Neisius told the Sporting Post on Sunday that passion and commitment characterized every aspect of life for his late friend of 40 years, Kenny Michel. Kenny’s 1981 Guineas winner San Louis graced the 1982 renewal racecard cover | Credit: Supplied

“I met Kenny in the Academy. I was a first year, he was in his fourth. He loved his racing and

Kenny is led in on Queen’s Elect by Piet Steyn and Mary Zoccola after winning the 1982 Alderman Abe Bloomberg Handicap | Credit: Supplied

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golf. He was passionate about anything he tackled. He didn’t believe in doing things half. We will miss him on the racecourse and the golf course. The last few months weren’t easy, but he received excellent care. My condolences to the family. A good man has left us,” added Karl.

to master, and it is here that the former top jockey requested that his ashes be scattered.

Kenny Michel was a legend on the fairways of the Milnerton Golf Course, where he holds the record of a hole-in-one on every hole possible.

Our condolences and sympathies are extended to the family and friends of a sportsman who will be sorely missed.

The fourteenth hole took him the longest time

Details of the memorial service will be advised.

Kenny is survived by his four children, being Craig and Genevieve from his first wife, Wendy, and Kyle and Eric from his second wife, Genevieve.

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DECLARATIONOFPEACE (USA) v

War Front - Serena’s Cat (Storm Cat)

Stands at MacRath Stud in Nottingham Road • The son of brilliant American sire War Front has enjoyed two full books of mares in his first two years at stud, His mare book includes Gr1 producing mares such as Mystery Dame (Lady In Black and Nexus) and Bloomhill mare, Wysiwyg – the dam of Bohica and Bartholdi. • A $2,6-million weanling who is a half-brother to Gr1 winner Honor Code and Gr2 winner Noble Tune, Declarationofpeace has also enjoyed significant support from breeders outside of the KZN province, with Cape mares travelling for cover. • Declarationofpeace is throwing quality and size into his foals and his first yearlings will be on offer in the sales rings in 2024. Service Fee: R 20 000 Live foal Enquiries and Booking: Mike McHardy (083 447 5315) advertorial

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COUNTDOWN TO CHELTENHAM CONTINUES! v

It’s a little over two months to go to the Cheltenham Festival and all the star names have been entered in the Group 1 Hurdle contests. We can’t wait for the jump games to begin! | Credit: Supplied

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Constitution Hill – ‘damned near perfect’, suggests his jockey | Credit: BHA

Timeform rates the unbeaten Constitution Hill at 177p, a full 10lbs higher than second on the ratings, the Willie Mullins trained State Man. He’s priced up at 1/3 but has not frightened away the opposition in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

that good at it.”

He was among 22 horses entered for the Cheltenham showpiece when it closed last week, five more than last year when the brilliant two-miler saw off his rivals with a dismissive nine-length triumph.

Matheson runner-up, the Mullins trained Impaire Et Passe, is dual nominated in both the Champion Hurdle and also among 36 entries for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle. The initial field for the three-mile event has attracted its highest entry since 2021.

The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old has won all his eight races over hurdles and scored his seventh straight Group 1 success in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last month. Former champion jockey Ruby Walsh commented on the defending champion: “He’s just flawless. He’s damned close to perfect. At Kempton he was perfect and he’s such a good jumper.” “It’s like he just lifts his knees at a gallop and just takes the jump in a galloping stride. You barely notice him getting off the ground, he’s 104 | 10 JANUARY 2024

Included in the opposition this season is last year’s runner-up State Man, who gained his seventh Group 1 win in the Matheson Hurdle at Leopardstown last month.

Reigning French champion hurdler Theleme, the only horse to defeat the top-class Il Est Francais, heads the betting at a best-priced 9-2 from the Gordon Elliott duo of Teahupoo and Irish Point at 6/1. There are 25 entries for the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle with 2023 Triumph Hurdle winner, the Mullins trained Lossiemouth heading the betting at a top-priced 11-4, from stable-mate Gala Marceau at 6/1.

An eagle-eye view of Cheltenham | Credit: Supplied 10 JANUARY 2024 | 105

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results up to: 2024-01-10

TRAINERS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places

Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

Mr S J Snaith

488

11.5

199

40.8

6,091,756

9,263,025

Mrs C L Bass-Robinson

304

13.5

131

43.1

5,536,250

7,545,938

Mr M F de Kock

248

12.9

114

46.0

2,499,375

5,376,313

Mr B J Crawford

359

11.7

133

37.0

3,031,006

4,959,544

Mr G D Smith

499

11.4

104

220

44.1

3,126,800

4,826,750

Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places

Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

Mr R D Fourie

683

134

19.6

118

151

342

50.1

8,192,063

13,022,188

Mr M A Yeni

730

13.4

173

358

49.0

8,926,563

12,468,388

Mr G J Lerena

393

17.3

201

51.1

4,998,625

7,519,025

Mr C J Habib

557

11.8

107

219

39.3

4,587,188

6,725,400

Mr C Zackey

599

9.7

132

273

45.6

4,328,125

7,671,156

JOCKEYS

BREEDERS Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)

Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)

155

507

93,558

35.5

228

14,501,469

Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

264

960

45,879

117

35.2

405

12,112,163

Klawervlei Stud

210

761

35,123

30.5

300

7,375,788

Varsfontein Stud

127

468

51,314

26.8

191

6,516,906

Ridgemont Highlands

120

417

45,083

34.2

164

5,409,956

Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)

Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)

186

599

46,565

24.2

261

8,661,088

Vercingetorix

165

528

45,936

35.8

206

7,579,400

Querari (GER)

158

562

43,444

34.8

243

6,864,138

Master Of My Fate

162

589

40,799

29.6

251

6,609,450

Pathfork (USA)

211

112,524

48.1

6,076,300

SIRES

See all the detailed standings - Click here 10 JANUARY 2024 | 107

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