My first document

Wednesday 10 May 2023

Picks Up

On the cover

See It Again (Piere Strydom) ran second behind Charles Dickens in Saturday’s WSB Gr2 Guineas – he is now top of the ante-post betting boards for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. The image was

Issue: 20/2023

taken by Candiese Lenferna.

Wela Kapela! Frankie's Tongue Twister

Frankie Dettori pictured with a glass of something at Newmarket on Saturday. The multiple champion won the Qipco 2000 Guineas on Chaldean for trainer Andrew Balding, in what is likely to be his last ride in the classic. The image is by Newmarket Racecourse

Chase Liebenberg

JULY HOPES AND DREAMS ON THE LINE

Vaughan Marshall's Rascallion will be looking to enhance his Hollywoodbets Durban July claims on Saturday

The penultimate preferential consideration event for qualification in the final field of 20, which will include two reserves, for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, the World Sports Betting Gr2 1900 will see 12 runners line up at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

In a quality field, it is only Sean Tarry’s one-eyed galloper Indlamu who is not amongst the 48 remaining prospects for the big race on 1 July.

Highest rated of the Hollywoodbets Durban

July hopefuls in Saturday’s Gr2 contest is Vaughan Marshall’s Anthonij Rupert Wyne Gr2 Premier Trophy winner Rascallion, who ran a cracking fifth and only 2,75 lengths behind Kommetdieding in the 2022 renewal of Africa’s greatest race.

The son of Vercingetorix has not run since finishing sixth and two lengths off Jet Dark in the Cape Town Met.

Recent Jonsson Workwear Gr1 Computaform Sprint winning trainer Peter Muscutt has high hopes for his Quasillo 4yo Quasiforsure, a winner of 5 of his 8 starts, and the horse that only lost the Listed Jet Master Stakes in the Cape summer season due to a blunder by his jockey.

Quasiforsure is joint favourite with Paraca (28-10).

This will be Quasiforsure’s big chance to put his hand up as a genuine big race prospect – and he certainly looks capable of upping his game again.

DERBY DAY AT FAIRVIEW ON FRIDAY

Hollywoodbets sponsored trainer Gavin Smith won the East Cape Derby in 2021 with Jaeger Moon but had to settle for second last year when Glen Kotzen’s Chollima beat Peace In Our World.

On Friday he saddles the Listed East Cape Guineas winner Perfection in the 2023 renewal of the WSB East Cape Derby, one of Nelson Mandela

Bay Racing’s biggest events of the year at Fairview.

It is the Derby Day meeting and the two big races are the R350 000 World Sports Betting East Cape Derby for three-year-old’s over 2400m and the R175 000 Dahlia Plate for two-year-old’s over 1200m.

Both races are steeped in history.

There are nine races carded and off time of the first is 12h00. Follow all the latest feature race news on www.sportingpost.co.za.

Candiese Lenferna

FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE!

Candice Bass-Robinson and Kevin Sommerville are enjoying a purple patch - they welcome Trip Of Fortune back to the winner's horseshoe after his Gr2 win

Just a month after winning the HF Oppenheimer Gr1 Horse Chestnut Stakes up at Turffontein, the welltravelled and improved Trip Of Fortune produced a top-class effort to win the R500 000 Independent On Saturday Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

Six years after she saddled the high-class subsequent Durban July winner Marinaresco to win the Drill Hall Stakes, Candice was back in the winner’s enclosure of the traditional season launch-pad.

It has been a terrific few days

for the Milnerton team, with another Drakenstein homebred in the smart Winter Cloud bolting home on 30 April in the Gr3 Strelitzia Stakes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

Clearly a horse who continues to up his game, Trip Of Fortune was allowed to start at 7-1 as he took off from some way off to grab the leader Seeking The Stars, who had set a blistering early pace.

In a rush to the line, Trip Of Fortune held off a gallant late challenge from the widely drawn Gimme A Prince (5-1) to beat the Kannemeyer star by 0,75 lengths in a

time of 82,89 secs.

L’Ormarins King’s Plate winner

Al Muthana (25-2) flew up late for third a further 0,15 lengths behind, with the tote favourite Desert Miracle (28-10) well beaten into fourth.

A fancied Hollywoodbets

Durban July entrant, Safe Passage was always well back and never improved from last.

“He has taken a step up since being gelded and he even feels like he has matured since his Gr1 win in Johannesburg. We didn’t have the best of draws, but he settled and I was only confident when we

Trip Of Fortune storms away under Aldo Domeyer to beat Gimme A Prince (Keagan de Melo)

Candiese Lenferna

hit the line as we had some decent horses chasing,” said a delighted Aldo Domeyer.

Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson is enjoying a purple patch and saddled Marinaresco early in her career to win the 2017 renewal of this race.

“Trip Of Fortune had a long season in the Cape and travelled to Joburg before only coming down to Durban recently. He takes everything in his stride. He really has turned into a smart horse. He has won two Gr2’s and a Gr3 this season. To the Drakenstein team, many thanks and

appreciation and what a season we have enjoyed,” she added.

Kevin Sommerville said it was a privilege to win a race of this calibre as it had been won by so many good horses in the past.

“Thanks to the team and to Gaynor (Rupert). She watches all the racing and she would have shouted Trip Of Fortune home,” he said.

A son of End Sweep stallion Trippi, Trip Of Fortune is out of the versatile ten-time winning Doowaley mare, Louvre.

He is bred and owned by Drakenstein, and is registered as a R750 000 National Yearling Sale graduate.

Trip Of Fortune has now won 9 races with 4 places from 17 starts for stakes of R1 862 750.

The R1 750 000 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge on 10 June looks likely to be Trip Of Fortune’s next start.

Candiese Lenferna

SAFE TO WRITE THE EARLY FAVOURITE OFF?

All is not lost for the supporters of the early Hollywoodbets Durban July ante-post favourite Safe Passage after the son of Silvano put up an almost toobad-to-be-true performance in Saturday’s R500 000 Independent On Saturday Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Safe Passage suffered a niggle whilst prepping in the Cape in January prior to the WSB Cape Town Met and was having his first run on Saturday in the 23 weeks since beaten a half length by subsequent Gr1 Premiers Champions Challenge hero Puerto Manzano in the Betway Gr1 Summer Cup late last year.

On Saturday, Safe Passage was always labouring in last in the 2023 Champions Season opener, and eventually ran 14,75 lengths off winner, Trip Of Fortune.

The performance of the Hollywoodbets Durban July favourite did not escape the attention of the Stipes, who requested the Veterinary Surgeon to examine the gelding.

Trainer Mike de Kock was also advised to report back to the Stipendiary Board on the condition

the 4yo on his return to stables.

Jockey Richard Fourie appeared before the Board and was questioned regarding the disappointing performance.

Fourie explained that he was somewhat surprised by this gelding’s indifferent performance and he felt that his mount had never taken the bit during the running and hence raced detached from the field throughout. He added that Safe Passage was returning from a lengthy lay off and that in his opinion, the 1400m may be on the short side at this stage of his career. Fourie’s explanation was noted by the Board.

A spokesman for the Mike de Kock yard told the Sporting Post on Sunday that there was no explanation for the poor effort but that Safe Passage was ‘100 percent’ 24 hours later.

They also noted that he had received a bump in the race and had ‘spat out the dummy’ after that. The six-time winner, who ran third behind stablemate Sparkling Water in the 2022 renewal of Africa’s greatest race, also reportedly returned after the Drill Hall with a closed eye.

While it could not be confirmed, there has been talk that Richard Fourie had Safe Passage in mind as a Hollywoodbets Durban July ride. We were unable to reach him for comment.

Safe Passage is certainly a strategic horse in the scheme of things for the big race on 1 July. He is the likely topweight and his absence would be a potential gamechanger in respect of the weights to be carried by the 3yo’s.

He has only run thrice since finishing third behind stablemate Sparkling Water last year, and after Saturday’s effort there would probably be an expectation amongst his fan base that he turns up and establishes his wellness credentials in the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge on 10 June.

This is the last of the all-age

male automatic qualifier races for the big race.

Hollywoodbets’ Patrick Bradley confirmed to the Sporting Post that there was a lot of money for Safe Passage last week from different sources, hence the reason he shortened into 5-1.

He is now out at 8-1 alongside original favourite Cousin Casey and the fast-emerging 3yo, Without Question.

“I must admit that I am a bit confused with Safe Passage as prior to Saturday he was my personal choice for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, but his run yesterday was too bad to be true. I’d suggest we await a bit of information before dismissing his chances for the big race!” concluded Bradley.

After his terrific flying second behind Charles Dickens in the

WSB Guineas on Saturday, Michael Roberts’ new antepost board-topper See It Again was labelled the ‘biggest Hollywoodbets Durban July pointer’ from the weekend by some informed observers.

They include Hollywoodbets’ Kyle Johnstone who feels that the mile is short of the son of Twice Over’s optimal distance and that the SplashOut Cape Derby winner ‘got lost’ between the 400m and 200m on Saturday, before running on nicely.

“He and Without Question look like the pick of the 3 year olds. Saturday probably also showed that the Cape 3 year olds are superior to their upcountry counterparts. For what it’s worth, Hoedspruit remains my outside choice of the best weighted older horses,” he added.

GERICKE DOUBLE

Tinus and Liz Gericke celebrated a fine double at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday with a powerful finish from Blue Sky-bred Var filly, She Can, and following up with an incredible fifth win in a row for the Rafeef filly, Our Emily.

She Can, a powerfully built Var filly out of Bedloe’s Island bred

by Tinus Gericke and Bruce Le Roux in partnership, sold for R160 000 at Nationals and is raced in partnership with Tinus Gericke and Sterling Miller – Sterling also enjoying a double on the day and a 1-2 result in subject race, trained by Mike Miller. She races in Tinus’s blue and orange diamond colours.

The Michael Roberts-trained Our Emily is owned by Liz Gericke and runs in the familiar white and red cross colours. A smart Rafeef filly who carries the name of the Gericke’s grand daughter, she has had six career wins, making it five in a row on Saturday.

AND THEN THERE WERE 48…

in

meet again on Saturday and are both Hollywoodbets

Twelve of the original 60 Hollywoodbets Durban July entries have fallen by the wayside at first declaration stage on Monday for the 127th renewal of the historic R5 million spectacular to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 1 July.

A final field of 20, including two reserve runners, will be announced on Tuesday 20 June. There are 48 entries currently live.

On Monday all of Astrix, Linebacker, Red Saxon, Silver Host, Johnny Hero, Canadian Summer, Divine Odyssey, Zeus, Winter Greeting, Wiccan Warrior, Noble City and Golden Ducat were taken out of the 2200m contest to be run on the first Saturday of July.

On Saturday the R400 000 WSB Gr2 1900 will be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville and hosts the first Justin Snaith feature contestants of the season.

The winner of this race will receive a preferential consideration ticket from the Hollywoodbets Durban July selection panel.

The following races earn the winner a ‘golden ticket’ into the big race:

• The L’Ormarins King’s Plate –won by Al Muthana

• World Sports Betting Cape Town Met – won by Jet Dark

• SplashOut Cape Derby –won by See It Again

• World Sports Betting SA Classic – won by Anfields Rocket

• Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic – won by Bless My Stars

• World Sports Betting SA Derby – won by Son Of Raj

• Premier’s Champions Challenge – won by Puerto Manzano

• Daily News 2000 – to be run on 27 May

• Woolavington 2000 – to be run on 27 May

• Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge – to be run on 10 June

Pacaya nabs Quasiforsure (Josh Solomons)

the final stride of the Listed Jet Master Stakes - the pair

Durban July entries

Winners of the following races in the current season will enjoy preferential consideration for inclusion in the final Hollywoodbets Durban July field:

• Betway Gr1 Summer Cup - won by Puerto Manzano

• World Sports Betting Gr2 1900 – to be run on Saturday

• Gr3 Cup Trial - to be run on 10 June

The first Hollywoodbets Durban July log is expected to be published early next week. There were no supplementary entries for the Hollywoodbets

Durban July when that stage closed at 11h00 on Tuesday.

The countdown timeline:

• Second declarations close at 11h00 on Monday 29 May

• Final supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Tuesday 13 June

• Weights will be published on Tuesday 13 June

• Final Declaration close at 11h00 on Monday 19 June

• Final Field and Draw announcement will take place on Tuesday 20 June

• Public gallops (compulsory) will be held on Thursday 22 June

THIS BOY IS BORN TO RULE!

After two highly respectable Grade 1 runner-up efforts, the Charles Dickens fairytale is back in print in 2023 after the magnificent chestnut son of Trippi soared to victory in Saturday’s R500 000 World Sports Betting Gr2 Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

The Cape raiders have dominated the East Coast classic in the 21st century

and Charles Dickens returned to action on the day of King Charles’ coronation after a ten week break to maintain the visitor’s unbeaten sequence since Bernard Fayd’herbe steered Do It Again to victory Justin Snaith in the 2018 renewal.

Just a week after travelling up from Milnerton to join the small Candice Bass-Robinson

Champions Season string at Summerveld, a ring-rusty Charles Dickens disposed of a field comprising eight of his contemporaries, including three Gr1 winners, in the style reminiscent of the latter half of 2022 when we witnessed him reeling off his first six victories, culminating in the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas a week prior to Christmas.

Charles Dickens is back! Aldo Domeyer guides the son of Trippi to a terrific win

Having his first start away from his home province, Charles Dickens was all the rage in the build-up and had the public out in numbers to cheer him home at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

Backed into 5-10, Aldo Domeyer had the star galloper in midfield as Wiccan Warrior led At My Command and Dave The King early.

Coming off the false rail into the straight, Domeyer pulled Charles Dickens inside and onto the rail.

In a matter of strides the chestnut was stretch and after a reminder at the 250m mark with the threatening action in midfield, he drew clear to beat the fast-finishing SplashOut

Gr1 Cape Derby winner See It Again (20-1) by 2 lengths

in a time of 96,14 secs.

Now with Mike de Kock, Dave The King (10-1) was always thereabouts and stayed on for third, ahead of Cousin Casey (11-2), who appeared to have every chance before fading late for fourth.

The Gr1 WSB SA Classic winner Anfield’s Rocket (161) takes forever to get into

the race and was beaten 4,50 lengths into fifth.

A relieved Candice BassRobinson said it was a privilege to train high-class horses and stallion prospects like Charles Dickens, but they clearly are not without pressure! With Saturday out of the way, she indicated that Charles Dickens would be aimed at the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Gold Challenge at the

same venue on 10 June.

The confident Aldo Domeyer joked that he was more worried about accommodation in Durban than whether South Africa’s highest rated 3yo would come through the test. He said that if his favourite horse was 60% ready, he would beat Saturday’s field.

Now a winner of 7 races with 2 places from 9 starts for stakes

of R2 603 438, 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.

Charles Dickens’ victory completed a feature double on the day after Trip Of Fortune, also a Drakenstein home-bred, had won the IOS Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes earlier on.

Aldo Domeyer bonds with Charles Dickens

CAPE SALE –CATALOGUE ONLINE

The catalogue for the Cape Racing Mixed Winter Sale, scheduled for 16 June at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, has been published online.

The Sale incorporates the Mare & Weanling Sale (originally planned for 12 June) and the Cape Winter Yearling Sale into a varietal, prioritised one-day auction.

A number of high-profile stud farms are represented at the Winter Sale, including the National Top 6 Drakenstein Stud, Wilgerbosdrift, Klawervlei, Ridgemont Highlands, Maine Chance and

Varsfontein, and most will present lots at both the yearling and broodmare auctions.

It follows that selected progeny of South Africa’s six leading sires will come under the hammer on the yearling side – the names of Gimmethegreenlight (2 lots), What A Winter (7), Vercingetorix (2), Master Of My Fate (6), Querari and Trippi (1 apiece) all appear in the catalogue, alongside the leading freshmen Fire Away (4) and Lancaster Bomber (1), new stallion One World (7) and the established

Rafeef (2), Flower Alley (4) and William Longsword (8).

On the broodmare sale, there are daughters of the current log-leaders Captain Al (4), Jet Master (3), Silvano (3), Western Winter and Trippi (5 apiece) and VAR (2).

All were covered during the latter part of 2022 and will pass through the ring alongside a number of beautifully-bred others, including Louvre (Doowaley), the dam of recent Gr1 Horse Chestnut And Gr2 Drill Hall Stakes winner Trip To Fortune, and

Stakes winner Alula's Star is on the sale

covered by What A Winter.

A notable among recently raced fillies and mares is the speedy Alula’s Star (Red Ray), a Gr3 winner, not yet covered.

The sale will commence at 11h00 am and is comprised of 175 lots to be sold in the following order: yearlings, followed by mares, and then weanlings.

Justin Vermaak, Cape Racing’s

Racing Operations and Bloodstock Executive, commented: “Combining the sales dates into a one-day auction makes more sense than dragging it all out over the week. We will auction off the yearlings first, allowing breeders to evaluate their sales, before going into the breeding stock section of the auction. We have entries of particularly high standard and representation from some of the country’s top breeders.”

For sale related queries, please contact:

Justin Vermaak (justin@caperacing.co.za)

or Robyn Collyer (robyn@caperacing.co.za)

Media release by Cape Racing Sales on Monday 8 May 2023

HOW TO GET A YIB TO COME RACING

Here is a real conversation with a South African man in his mid-20s. We’ll call him “Young Intelligent Bore” (YIB) – an individual from Generation Z – those whose participation in horseracing was noted at the 2023 Asian Racing Conference as essential to the growth and survival of the sport.

The chat is initiated, on request, by Old Racing Fella (ORF), a 50-something racing purist and lifetime supporter of thoroughbred racing.

The young chap fired the first shot.

YIB: “I agree with the young

and intelligent bit. But why ‘Bore’?

ORF: “That’s a description just for purposes of recording our talk, really. But you do play video games all day. And you make those awful Tik-Tok clips and write codes that nobody cares about. Or you read all day about Artificial Intelligence and philosophy. You never come out of your room and you don’t work!”

YIB: “Wow, I feel so inspired now. But I can tell you a million things you are not aware of? Did you know, for example, that the latest Tesla automotive models in the US can fart? It’s officially called

Emissions Testing Mode, installed for pranksters, with sound settings for passengers and pedestrians. Do you know that Artificial Intelligence will replace most known jobs within the next 7-10 years? Do you care? I have an online business. Have you ever seen me without money?”

ORF: “Money? To feed yourself or to buy data? I haven’t seen a Ferrari parked in your garage? Oh, and listen, AI won’t come to that. Humans will ensure a balance between humans and robots. I don’t like your hairstyle, by the way.”

YIB: “You are way out of touch with society and the world.

Your problem is that you don’t understand me. Or my friends. Let me tell you, you say you do, but you don’t respect our generation. You think we are freaks. Admit it. Are you stuck in the 1960s?”

ORF: “Let’s leave it there. You and your buddies will come running to us when you’re out of cash and ideas. I want to talk to you about horseracing.”

YIB: “Oh, cool, that’s the sport I’ve seen you study with your feet up on the couch for my full 24 years on earth. Same thing, day in and day out. And by Race 6 you’ve lost the lot and you’re snoring away. Is that your Maserati I see in the garage?”

ORF: “Your sense of humour is astounding for a man with so little ambition. They need waiters in the Grandstand Room at the racetrack. Can I arrange an interview for you?”

YIB: “Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll be bored to death between serving drinks. I’d rather stay home and play Minecraft.”

ORF: “Seriously, I have

rented a private suite for next Saturday. It’s all catered for, great food and drinks free. Bring your friends, there is room for 10!”

YIB: “Uhm. I’m not sure. It’s a really long day.”

ORF: “Oh please, there are nine races to play on. And you can have a nice, free party.”

YIB: “Sure, but you have to wait, like, 30 minutes between races. And listen to all those guys talking about form and tipping horses and wallowing in their own glory when they fluke them right. It’s a bit much after a while.”

ORF: “But your mates will like to bet. I’ll help them. I’ll get good information!”

YIB: “Just don’t explain form to them. Please. It’s way too complicated. Takes too much time to figure out. And then those so-called form horses seldom win. Maybe the guys will bet on something, but they’ll want to go home after a few races. Too boring, racing.”

ORF: “But everybody likes

horses, surely!”

YIB: “Yes, we do, but up close is better than seeing them out there.”

ORF: “We can stand next to the rail and watch them.”

YIB: “If there were more young people my age, more interesting characters down there maybe, maybe. You need more people from across the spectrum at racing. My female mates do love the horses. But they don’t want to be bored waiting between races.”

ORF: “Up in the suite we can have snacks and drinks while you wait?” YIB: “You know what you should have? Onboard cameras, like they have in F1 motor racing. So we can hear what the jockeys say and shout in a race. And see the horses’ manes blow in the wind and hear how they gallop, close up. And to see and hear what happens behind the scenes. The other day two jockeys had a fist fight. We’d like to see action like that!”

ORF: “TV presentations have improved.”

YIB: “Yes, but racing needs to be more upbeat and exciting. And fast.” ORF: “What about team racing. Teams, like they have in 20-20 cricket?”

YIB: “Yes, sounds interesting. I’d like that. With all getting points and racing against each other you mean? Two at a time?”

ORF: “Yes, two teams with four or five riders in a side per race. But now that you mention it, match races used to be popular way back when. That’s an idea to consider.”

YIB: “Oh, and the jockeys mustn’t abuse their horses, we don’t like to see that. Every young person I know gets cross and sad about that, actually.”

ORF: “What do you mean by abuse? Jockeys don’t do that?”

YIB: “They do. They hit them hard, in every race!”

ORF: “Oh good grief, those whips are safely padded. They don’t hurt!”

YIB: “Mate, tell that to the masses on social media! You’re never going to win that one.”

ORF: “Aargh! I knew this was coming. This ‘wokeness’!”

YIB: “Call me, call us, whatever you like but either way we are the future? Maybe time to adapt?

Media release by Global Team Horseracing.

VERCINGETORIX AGAIN!

Unbeaten in her first three starts in the Eastern Cape, Vercingetorix daughter Peach Daiquiri caused the first feature upset of the 2023 Champions Season when she stormed through late to win the R450 000 World Sports Betting Gr2 Fillies Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

Having her first run back over a mile since a well beaten effort in the WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas last December, the Playgate SA raced Peach Daiquiri (33-1) showed the

benefit of two sprint pipeopeners and came through from midfield in a scrappy race.

Out of the trouble down the inside, Louis Mxothwa steered the Alec Laird-trained filly to a 0,60 length victory in a time of 98,06 secs.

Plattner flagbearer Saartjie (25-2) ran out of her skin to grab second, ahead of the scrapping Drakenstein pair of Hold My Hand (5-1) and the more fancied Golden Hostess (9-4).

Aldo Domeyer, rider of Golden Hostess, objected against the third-placed finisher on the grounds of interference, but had his protest overruled.

Bred by Maine Chance, Peach Daiquiri is Vercingetorix’s 28th stakes winner out of the twice-winning Querari mare, Pomona.

She hails from the family of Punta Arenas and Paraca.

Now a winner of 4 races from 7 starts, Peach Daiquiri has earned R428 375.

Alec Laird and team welcome Peach Daiquiri to the winner’s horseshoe

Louis Mxothwa steers Peach Daiquiri to her maiden stakes success

It's been a long time between drinks for Alec Laird. Eight years have passed since the Randjesfontein-based trainer last stood in the winner's horseshoe at Hollywoodbets Greyville, that after champion Smart Call's victory in the Gr1 Woolavington 2000.

Hence there was plenty to celebrate after his Peach Daiquiri won the World Sports Betting Gr2 Fillies Guineas this past weekend.

In what was her first success at stakes level, the daughter of Vercingetorix outgunned the

more fancied Cape contingent of Saartjie and the Drakenstein duo of Hold My Hand and favourite Golden Hostess.

No champagne or rum for the affable trainer afterwards though: "I had a whisky daiquiri instead," he quipped.

The Hollywoodbets Greyville classic was only Peach Daiquiri's third start for Alec and she came to him with a huge reputation, notwithstanding her disappointing effort in the WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas in December.

That was her first defeat

and came on the back of a scintillating three-win streak for Gqeberha trainer Sharon Kotzen.

A runaway winner on debut (she trotted up by almost nine lengths), the Maine Chance bred went on to inflict two defeats on Dahlia Plate victress Ekoria, the last of which a five-length drubbing over 1400m. That was no mean feat, considering her rival has since won the Listed Breeders Guineas and is arguably the leading sophomore filly in the Eastern Cape.

No doubt many will wonder why Peach Daiquiri left the

Kotzen stable, but as Alec explained:

"The arrangement with the owner was that if she was any good, she would relocate to Johannesburg, so I was lucky to get her."

Off the track for three months, the filly made her debut for the Laird stable at Turffontein in mid-March and was patently ring-rusty when finishing nearer last than first over 1160m.

That run blew away the cobwebs, for upon her return a month later, she showed a welcome glimpse of her true form when a close-up fifth, again over 1160m.

"She has learned to settle in her last two starts, as opposed to her previous runs, where she would pull herself to the front. Also, she was way above herself in the Cape Fillies Guineas."

Alec's decision to travel to

KZN for the Guineas was fully vindicated. " We always thought she'd go the mile, especially at Hollywoodbets Greyville. She's not very big, but she has a huge stride. She's a bit of a character, she's so gutsy."

Instead of leaving her in KZN for the season, Alec elected to return his prized filly to her Randjiesfontein base.

"I thought I would like to keep her in familiar surroundings. She is home for now and travelled well. We might return for the Woolavington or the Garden Province, but obviously she would meet far stronger and there is the matter of stamina."

Alec's concerns as regards the 2000m trip of the Gr1 Woolavington 2000 may be valid to a degree, considering Peach Daiquiri is out of a mare by Querari.

Interestingly, she is bred on the same cross as former Gr1

Cape Fillies Guineas Fillies winner Chansonette, who never won beyond a mile. However, that came as no surprise, given the fact that her dam was a sprinter, pure and simple, whereas Peach Daiquiri's dam Pomona scored twice over a mile.

Out of the unraced Candy

Stripes mare Peru, Pomona is also a half-sister to Gr3 Winter Derby winner Punta Arenas, who scored up to 2400m and famously, was the runner-up in Silvano's epic 2015 Durban July hat-trick. Besides, another family member, the Silvano gelding Plano, captured the lung-bursting Port Elizabeth Gold Cup over 3600m.

The Gr1 Garden Province, also over a mile, may well be a bridge too far at this stage of Peach Daiquiri's career, but Alec is nothing if not philosophical: "There is always next season."

Spoken like a true professional.

Alec Laird (3rd from left) on the podium with Gold Circle Director Lance Whiteford, WSB's Steve Karam and Gallop TV's Rahiel Radhakrishna

Candiese Lenferna

DONALD BREAKS HIS DUCK IN BOWL

The lesser fancied of the Sean Tarry duo, 3yo Hollywoodbets Durban July entry Future Pearl produced the goods with a smart display over the testing 3200m to win the weatherdelayed World Sports Betting R250 000 Gr3 Gold Bowl at Turffontein on Sunday.

A joyous first feature winner for the Cornerstone Studsponsored 2,5kg claiming apprentice Donald Geerthsen, who found himself with a R750 censure from the Stipes after a before-the-line salute, Future Pearl (10-1) kept on doggedly under his 50kg paperweight to beat accomplished longhauler Arumugam (6-1) by 3,25 lengths in a time of 210,7 secs.

In a strung-out field, thirdplaced Flying First Class (50-1) was 9,75 lengths back.

Both fancied joint topweights Shangani (8-10) and Nebraas

(11-2) were well beaten, some 20 lengths off the winner.

Trainer Sean Tarry said that the decision to bypass the travel vigours of the East Cape Derby this coming Friday was vindicated.

He paid compliments to owners Antony and Angela for their trusted support, and to young Geertshen for a polished ride.

“He has a bright future if he keeps his head, and enjoys a good strike-rate for me. I wouldn’t usually go with inexperience in a feature but I was running out of options with five horses racing off the 50kg mark in this race,” added the former multiple SA champion trainer.

The Drakenstein Stud-bred Future Pearl was a R525 000 National Yearling Sale purchase and took his stakes earnings to R411 375 with his

third win and 6 places from 11 starts.

The three-year-old Future Pearl is by Drakenstein Stud’s four time Gr1 winning stallion, and former Horse Of The Year, Futura, for whom he was a 14th stakes winner. He is out of the twice-winning Al Mufti mare Arabian Pearl, who won up to 2400m.

Ed:

• Apprentice D B Geerthsen signed an admission of guilt and was fined R750 for a contravention of Rule 62.2.10 in that, whilst riding Future Pearl, he saluted in a celebratory gesture prior to the finish line.

• Shangani not striding out behind.

• Nebraas examined post race, nothing obvious detected.

• Apache Fighter choked up.

Donald Geerthsen salutes as Future Pearl charges home

HOW THE HANDICAPPERS RATED THE WEEKEND

Bass-Robinson galloper

Trip Of Fortune has had his rating raised from 125 to 127 after winning the Grade 2 Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m on the turf course at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday 6 May.

The Handicappers were of the view that 5th placed BINGWA had at least equalled the mark of 118 he ran to when finishing fifth behind the same winner in the Gr1 H F Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes at Turffontein in early April and used that as the benchmark when assessing the Drill Hall Stakes. BINGWA himself was given a small drop here and is down from 123 to 122.

Aside from the winner the only other ratings increase was for second placed GIMME A PRINCE, who is up from 123 to 125.

In addition to BINGWA there were ratings drops for three other horses. AL MUTHANA drops from 133 to 132, SILVER

OPERATOR is down from 117 to 116, while BATTLE FORCE drops to 109 from 111.

WSB Gr2 Fillies Guineas

PEACH DAIQUIRI has had her rating raised from 98 to 106 after she won the Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

The Handicappers noted that 2nd placed SAARTJIE and 3rd finisher HOLD MY HAND replicated their form of their previous meeting in the Listed Cape Oaks at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in February and used both to assess the Fillies Guineas. Accordingly, they both remain unchanged on 105 and 104, respectively.

Aside from the winner there were no ratings increases out of this race, and no horse was given a rating’s drop.

WSB Gr2 Guineas

CHARLES DICKENS remains unchanged on a mark of 132

after he landed the Grade 2 WSB Guineas over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. Here it was 4th placed COUSIN CASEY who was used as the line horse, leaving him unchanged on a rating of 122.

In assessing the race this way 2nd finisher SEE IT AGAIN confirmed his Grade 1 Cape Derby assessment of 124 here by beating Cousin Casey by 2 pounds or just under a length (0.9L), effectively making him a line horse as well and leaving him with an unaltered rating too.

The Handicappers observed that CHARLES DICKENS (132), who was rated to beat SEE IT AGAIN (124) by 4 lengths and COUSIN CASEY (122) by 5 lengths had only beaten those rivals by 2 lengths and 2.9 lengths respectively.

This would imply that either CHARLES DICKENS had won the WSB Guineas easier than the margin and did not actually need to produce a

132 performance to win or that SEE IT AGAIN and COUSIN CASEY had improved by 4 pounds. The Handicappers opted to go with the former and accordingly CHARLES DICKENS only runs to 128 – which is a 4 pounds better performance than SEE IT AGAIN and 6 pounds better performance than COUSIN CASEY.

There were increases also for 3rd finisher DAVE THE KING, who goes up from 111 to 122, and for MELECH, who was raised from 97 to 107.

No horses from this race were given a rating’s drop.

WSB Gr3 Gold Bowl

FUTURE PEARL has had his rating raised from 100 to 106 after winning the Gr3 WSB Gold Bowl over 3200m on the

standside

track at Turffontein on Sunday.

The Handicappers strongly believed that 2nd placed ARUMUGAM would not have run worse here than when finishing 3rd in a similar event over 2850m in April and used the 98 he actually achieved on that occasion to rate the Gold Bowl. However, as the specific conditions of both races do not permit for an increase in the rating of any horse other than the winner, ARUMUGAM still remains on a mark of 94 despite now achieving 98 twice in succession.

Likewise, the specific conditions of the Gold Bowl do not allow for a more than a six-pound increase to the winner’s rating so the Handicappers were obliged to cap FUTURE PEARL at 106 even though he actually ran to a mark of 108.

Two horses were given small rating drop. Third placed FLYING FIRST CLASS is down from 88 to 87, while 4th finisher ELECTRIC SURGE is down to 77 from 78.

Media release by NHA on Tuesday 9 May 2023.

HEALTHY HONG KONG!

Prize money for the 2023 Gr1 LONGINES

Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) will be worth an unprecedented HK$118 million as the December showpiece meeting continues to host the world’s richest Gr1 turf races over 1200m, 1600m and 2000m.

The Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup – the jurisdiction’s richest race – receives a 5.9% increase to HK$36 million, the Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) is boosted by 8.3% to HK$26 million, the Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) grows by 6.7% to HK$32 million and the Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) advances 9.1% to HK$24 million.

Underlining their elite quality, three of last

year’s Gr1 LONGINES HKIR features – the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup and the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint – figured in the LONGINES World’s Top 100 Gr1 Races in 2022.

With the glittering LONGINES HKIR meeting highlighting Hong Kong’s stunning prize money growth, each of the city’s 12 Gr1 races will rise by a minimum of HK$1 million – a combined HK$20 million boost – as part of an overall prize money increase of 10%.

The enhancements cap Hong Kong’s record prize money and incentive structure of an estimated HK$1.73 billion across the 2023/24 season.

IS YOUR CHAMP NOMINATED?

The 2023 Highveld Feature Season Awards will be held at The Venue, Melrose Arch on Saturday 20 May 2023.

The event is hosted by the Racehorse Owners Association to honour and celebrate the achievements of our champions during the Highveld Feature racing season.

The nominees for the 2023 Highveld Feature Season Awards are:

Champion two year old filly

Only one nominee – will be announced at the Awards function

Champion two year old colt/gelding

Only one nominee – will be announced at the Awards function

Champion three year old filly

Bless My Stars Lady Of Power

None Other

Champion three year old colt/gelding

Anfields Rocket

Billy Bowlegs

Eye Of The Prophet

Royal Victory

Union Square

Champion older filly/mare

Desert Miracle

Princess Calla

Rain In Holland

Champion older horse

Isivunguvungu

Puerto Manzano (ARG)

Trip Of Fortune

Champion Sprinter

Isivunguvungu

Princess Calla

Champion Middle distance horse

Anfields Rocket

Bless My Stars

Desert Miracle

Puerto Manzano (ARG)

Trip Of Fortune

Champion Stayer

Arumugam

Future Pearl

Nebraas

Son Of Raj

The Chairman of the voting process is Nico Kritsiotis, and he is joined on the panel by Jack Milner and Lyall Cooper.

Some categories were fairly predictable, and others attracted lengthy discussion.

However, by the conclusion of the deliberations the judges were satisfied that a fair process had taken place and the correct decisions were taken.

Winners in the following categories are based on a

points structure and will be announced at the Awards function:

• Champion Work Rider

• Champion Apprentice

• Champion Breeder of the season

• Champion Owner of the season

• Champion Jockey of the season

• Champion Trainer of the season

The following points structure was applied: 1st-2nd-3rd

All equine winners are then eligible for the prestigious Horse of the Season award.

Media release by Racehorse Owners Association on Thursday 4 May 2023.

DRAKENSTEIN SIRES TO THE

DRAKENSTEIN THE FORE

Drakenstein Stud

Drakenstein Stud sires have had a wonderful run of things this year. Their evergreen champion Trippi is responsible for this season's Gr1 WSB Cape Town Met winner Jet Dark and also fellow Gr1 winners Charles Dickens and Trip Of Fortune -both of whom won graded races at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

Stablemate What A Winter's recent flagbearers include Gr1 Computaform Sprint hero Isivunguvungu and graded stakes winning fillies Cold Fact and Winter Cloud.

Another stallion based at

Drakenstein, Futura, is the sire of Sunday's impressive Gr3 WSB Gold Bowl winner Future Pearl.

A former member of Drakenstein's stallion band is also having a fine time of things this year.

Cartier Champion, and late Drakenstein Stud based resident, Duke Of Marmalade is having a wonderful posthumous year in 2023 thus far.

The five time Gr1 winning son of Danehill continues to enjoy success as a broodmare sire, with the Duke well and

truly to the fore on Friday.

Daughters of Duke Of Marmalade were responsible for winners at both Belmont Park and Goodwood, on Friday, with Duke Of Marmalade notably the broodmare sire of Gr2 Sheepshead Bay Stakes winner Higher Truth (Galileo).

Another daughter of the former Drakenstein resident, La Marchesa, is the dam of Friday’s Listed British EBF 40th Anniversary Daisy Warwick Fillies’ Stakes winner Luisa Casati (Vadamos). The latter could be aimed at the Lillie Langtry Stakes following her

11-1 win in the Goodwood feature.

Higher Truth, who has now won four of ten starts, having finished third in the Gr1 Belmont Oaks Invitational at three, is out of the Duke Of Marmalade daughter Wannabe Better. The latter, a three-parts sister to Gr1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Wannabe Grand (Danehill), has been a stalwart for Duke Of Marmalade with Wannabe Better winning both the Gr3 Ballycorus Stakes and Listed Ruby Stakes.

Wannabe Better has also enjoyed success as a broodmare and ranks as the dam of Gr2 winner Higher Truth and Gr3 Darley Stakes winner Lady Wannabe (Camelot).

Duke Of Marmalade, whose broodmare daughters have enjoyed plenty of success when mated to the late, great Galileo, is also broodmare sire of the 2023 Gr3 Premio Regina Elena Italian 1000 Guineas winner Shavasana. The latter, in turn, was sired by Galileo’s

classic winning son Gleneagles.

Shavasana was produced by the Duke Of Marmalade mare So Many Shots, a Gr3 winner in Italy who ran third in the 2014 Gr2 Oaks d’Italia (Italian Oaks). So Many Shots is one of a handful of mares to have produced more than one classic winner, with So Many Shots also dam of 2019 Gr2 Derby Italiano (Italian Derby) hero Keep On Fly. The latter was sired by another son of Galileo in the form of Rip Van Winkle.

Duke Of Marmalade’s South African runners are also doing their bit to keep their late sire in the headlines.

His three-year-old Son Of Raj became the late sire’s eighth Gr1 winner when he won this season’s Gr1 World Sports SA Derby recently. Also winner of this season’s Listed 4Racing Derby Trial, Son Of Raj has won four of his first seven starts.

Son Of Raj is out of the Black

Minnaloushe mare Freudiana –who also produced Son Of Raj’s full-brother Arumugam (Duke Of Marmalade). The latter did his bit to maintain the family’s honour when he captured the 2022 Listed Racehorse Owners Association Stayers at Turffontein.

Arumugam added further gloss to his family's growing reputation when finishing second in Sunday's Gr3 WSB Gold Bowl.

Duke Of Marmalade’s Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara winning daughter, and dual Equus Champion, Rain In Holland also added to her fine record recently when she stormed home to thrash male rivals in the Gr2 Colorado King Stakes.

A champion at both two and three, Rain In Holland has now won six graded stakes, having snared graded features at two, three and four.

Have a look at our stats on page 79!

GOING GLOBAL!

Ascot Stud’s well-bred resident sire Global View had a notable payday on Saturday when the stallion’s gelded son Ideal View captured the Castle Tankard at Borrowdale Park.

In claiming Zimbabwe’s premier horse-race, Ideal View accounted for former Zimbabwe champion Dindingwe by a neck.

The win saw Ideal View improve his record to six wins in 15 races with three placings and also sent punters smiling all the way to the bank after closing at 25/1.

He is trained by Kirk Swanson and was ridden by Nathan Klink.

Bred by Riyo Stud, four-year-

old Ideal View is out of the Ideal World mare Idaho.

His sire Global View, South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2019-2020, is also the sire of this season’s high-class three-year-old Dave The King, who finished a creditable third in Saturday’s World Sports Betting Gr2 Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

VAAL – AHS CAUTIONARY

The National Horseracing Authority advised all Trainers and relevant stakeholders on Saturday 7 May 2023 that a positive case of African Horse Sickness (AHS) has been confirmed, after Laboratory analysis, in the Vaal Training Centre.

Trainers are advised to exercise strict midge vector control during this period.

Please refer to the previous AHS

press release regarding the various precautions which should be taken in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

The movement of horses within the Infected Zone as well as the Racing schedule is not affected at this stage, however, this situation may change and is largely dependent on all role players adhering to the professional guidance as provided.

Jason Gates (yellow) drives Trafalgar Square to a gutsy victory over Athandiwe Mgudlwa and defending champion, Faustino

The R120 000 World Sports Betting 400m Dash provided an exciting start to the opening meeting of the 2023 Champions Season at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

With the even money favourite Renaissance Man sluggish out of the gates and always outpaced thereafter, clocking 69,9km/h at peak in the the first 100m (versus eventual third-placer Miss Lizzy’s 72,2 km/h), the upset was on the cards.

And it was Dennis Bosch and Jason Gates who celebrated an early success on the big day when Trafalgar Square (201) proved the hidden omen on King Charles’ coronation day as he blitzed to victory to beat

defending champion Faustino by 0,40 lengths in a time of 24,87 secs.

It was a sentimental victory for young Jason Gates, who rode the Australian-bred Effortless Reward to victory in the same event in 2019. The daughter of Reward For Effort (AUS) still holds the little tested record of 24,18 secs for the 400m.

It was interesting to see from sectional timing tracking data provided that Trafalgar Square clocked 75,4 km/h at his peak over the final 300m.

The Sprint is interactive - have a look at the sections here to see how your selection fared in this race.

Sectional timing data, which

has been produced by the internationally acclaimed French company McLloyd, who also provide the service to French and Hong Kong horseracing, is now available on the Winning Form website (www.winningform.co.za) for Hollywoodbets Greyville and Hollywoodbets Scottsville race meetings, and is also being phased in on Cape racing.

The 4yo Trafalgar Square was bred by David Southey and is a son of Great Britain (Green Desert) out of the three-time London News mare, London Dipper.

A R15 000 National 2yo Sale graduate, Trafalgar Square has won 4 races with 11 races from 28 starts for stakes of R325 500.

Veteran trainer Dennis Bosch - happy man!

Chase Liebenberg

Sponsor and delighted owner Preggie Somasundram congratulates Jason after Canadian Summer's Gr1 success

A prodigious talent on any average day, Saturday’s WSB 400m Dash winner Jason Gates is one of our most capable Gr1-winning lightweight riders and celebrates his 23rd birthday today.

A lot has changed in the instantly likeable, yet mercurial, young man’s life in the year since his 22nd birthday celebration.

Today Jason has a wife and a beautiful daughter, and is finding the responsibilities of being a Dad and husband the ultimate tonic to growing up.

The Gates family are resident in Pietermaritzburg. Strategically that’s probably not ideal with the recent closure of Ashburton. But the energetic Jason is up at sparrow and on the traffic-free N3 to Summerveld when

most of KZN is still in lala land. He said the residential arrangement works well as his wife Della, a former assistant in the Duncan Howells yard, has her Mom to support her with eight-month old Amori, the apple of Jason’s eye.

“Della looks after Amori and it helps having her Mom there with her. We have a flat in Durban, so

DADDY'S COOL - AND LOVIN' IT!

when it’s a Hollywoodbets Greyville raceday, I will go to Summerveld and ride work, and then it’s off to the flat to freshen up before races.”

Like any young athlete adjusting to the rigours of life as a professional sportsman in a dog-eat-dog world, the wellmeaning and once emotionally naïve Jason concedes that he has been his own worst enemy at times. But he is adamant

that his new family are the foundation stone and rock that he has always cried out for.

“Being a single guy can be fun, but it can also mean a rudderless existence. Now every time I drive to work or throw a leg over a horse at races, I’m doing it for my wife and daughter. I love it!” he says enthusiastically.

He then dons his serious

face as he adds that when he looks back today, he only now realises how much he still has to learn.

“I have had some great people help and guide me – like Mr Garth Puller and Mr Joao Da Mata. But I have rattled some cages along the bumpy road. But really and truly, it was never malice. Just plain ignorance. I was a newbie in horseracing, I

was clueless about dealing with people, and saying the wrong thing at the right time became my second name,” he reflects as he turns the chat to bringing Trafalgar Square home for Dennis Bosch in the unique dash at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

It's a victory that gave Jason great satisfaction and he believes that he could just about have won on any horse in the race.

“I am not bragging but I am now two from two in the Dash. I won the inaugural race on the Australian-bred filly Effortless Reward – she still holds the record and was one of Mrs Suzette Viljoen’s early ‘feature’ successes. Then in 2020 I waited for the riding engagement and it never came. So I watched from the sidelines. Then it was two years of covid and we had the third renewal on Saturday. I was originally engaged to ride Donquerari, but that never materialised. Then Mr Bosch called me about Trafalgar Square. It’s a story with a happy ending,” he smiles proudly.

Born in Pretoria, Jason’s career started in 2014 when West Rand-based John The Butcher, thought that the wide-eyed youngster looked like he’d make a good jockey.

Jason says that he didn’t know a single thing about horseracing before the ultimately life-changing encounter in

Jason Gates - thumbs up for a bright future

Candiese Lenferna

Goldman Street, Florida.

“John saw me in his shop one day, dressed in my school uniform. He is not a punter, his interest was not about betting. I was just a small kid who happened to walk into his business. I was quite fit, maybe I looked a sporty type, so I struck him as someone who should be a jockey. My parents also had no knowledge, and in fact no interest, in racing but they helped me to apply.”

Almost a decade on, Jason boasts his first Gr1 winner courtesy of Canadian Summer in the Thekwini on Gold Cup day of 2022. But he frankly admits that the milestone

hasn’t exactly been an instant passport to success and his phone is not exactly ringing off the hook.

That is why he has now appointed an agent in the shape of Ryan Richards.

“We have broken through in the Eastern Cape and recently had our first full card of rides. Jason goes to scale comfortably at 52kgs and he has been well received. We will look at Johannesburg too, but for now we are focussing on growing Jason’s capacity in KZN and the Eastern Cape,” Ryan told the Sporting Post.

Owner and successful

businessman Preggie Somasundram is another majorly influential player in the evolving Jason Gates success story.

A popular and well-known racing personality, Preggie owns logistics company African Spear, who are the birthday boy’s sponsors.

“I am so proud to race under a brand like African Spear. Mr Somasundram is an astute businessman, loves his horses and his racing, and he helps me so much. I’m very, very fortunate to enjoy a sponsorship of this level and I hope to make him proud!” enthuses Jason.

Looking at the Champions Season, Jason’s favourite filly Canadian Summer was scratched from the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Monday and her 3yo season is sadly over after an unfortunate injury in work last week.

“We are all disappointed, but she is still growing and will come back stronger as a 4yo. She is an amazing and very valuable filly and is worth waiting for! And Mr Somasundram has some lovely youngsters in the wings. So we have it all to play for!” he adds.

Jason Gates is happy to travel nationwide – contact agent Ryan Richards on 084 620 5606

Della and a snoozing Amori

MUNGER OFF THE MARK!

Just weeks after Greg Cheyne won on his first two rides in Britain, another SA Jockey Academy graduate carried the flag abroad – this time in Canada.

After having only flown out of Johannesburg with his wife Kelsey on Monday 1 May, 27 year old Ryan Munger opened his account in style with his first ride in the sixth race at Woodbine on Saturday, in a great result for his Agent Mike Luider.

Racecaller Robert Geller tweeted that Ryan ‘sat the perfect trip aboard Silent Miracle punching out the victory in a thrilling three way battle in deep stretch’.

Bred and owned by RCC Racing Stable, the longshot Silent Miracle, a 3-year-old son of Silent Name (JPN), is trained by John Mattine.

SAFFERS AT CRANBOURNE

South African connections were in the 1 box at Cranbourne, Australia on Friday when Stormy Grey broke her Maiden under SA jockey Callan Murray at her third start.

She is owned by South Africans Mike de Kock, Larry Nestadt and Lindsay Ralphs, trained by former South African Mathew de Kock (in partnership

with Robbie Griffiths).

Stormy Grey took over late in the race and then drew clear nicely, winning by 3,5-lengths and Mathew de Kock said: “We were looking to get some mileage into Stormy Grey for a Gr3 race for threeyear-old fillies we have planned for her in Adelaide in two weeks’ time, so we’re very happy.”

FANTASTIC FRANKIE!

Frankie Dettori won the QIPCO Gr1 2000 Guineas on Saturday at Newmarket on Chaldean on what was his final ride in the Classic.

The Italian is retiring at the end of the current season and knew he had one more shot at glory in the historic race, to add to his three previous victories in the mile contest.

Never far from the pace, Chaldean (7-2) took a lead off Hi Royal who was just about still in front when he veered across the track, which enabled Dettori to forge into the lead.

The Andrew Balding-trained winner had to dig deep, but he eventually came home a length-and-three-quarter victor from 125-1 shot Hi Royal. Royal Scotsman (11-1) was third with 150-1 chance Galeron in fourth.

Auguste Rodin was sent off the 13-8 favourite but was never travelling for Ryan Moore and trailed home well beaten.

Dettori said: “I was in a fight with Oisin (Murphy on Hi Royal) and once I got rid of him, I thought ‘I’m sure something is going to come’, but I saw plenty of daylight.

“I can’t believe it’s happened really. My last (2000) Guineas, to win it in front of my home crowd, amazing. Winning Classics is difficult. It’s my last season and to cap it off with a Classic is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Balding said after the race: “I was a bit worried about the mile in this ground, but he’s just done a wonderful job, Frankie. We’re making the most of our unconventional prep race (unseated in the Greenham), we might set a trend there! It was a concern beforehand, but it did him some good because he got out there. I’m just thrilled, what a brilliant ride.”

With rain falling throughout the day, the ground had turned soft and the likes of Little Big Bear and Sakheer, who had to prove their stamina, drifted markedly in the betting.

On the other hand Chaldean was well supported, from 5-1 to 7-2 and Dettori always looked comfortable.

Hi Royal briefly gave him something to think about and really stretched the field, with all bar the winner and Royal Scotsman treading water.

Chaldean strode out purposefully, though, to give Balding a second 2000 Guineas success after Kameko in 2020. The famous Juddmonte colours were last carried to glory by the brilliant Frankel, Chaldean’s sire, in 2011. “What can’t you say about Frankie? Since I’ve been involved in the sport he’s been an omnipresent superstar and what a fitting way to ride his last 2000 Guineas.”

“He always looked to be travelling comfortably, I was just a bit worried about getting past Oisin (Murphy, on Hi Royal) because he can

get extra lengths out of horse but once we collared him, I was fairly confident. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long while, it’s a mixture of relief and elation. It will probably sink in in a bit, it’s a big deal.”

www.racingtv.com

Frankie returns victorious on Chaldean

BUICK VS MURPHY – OR MORE COMPLICATED?

The British flat season officially started at Newmarket on Saturday with the irrepressible Frankie Dettori triumphant aboard the Frankel colt Chaldean in the Group 1 Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

Wearing the famous Juddmonte silks, the 52-yearold Italian who retires from the saddle at the end of the year, knew he had one more shot at glory in the historic race. He was determined to add to his three previous victories in the mile classic.

Never far from the pace, the well backed Chaldean (7-2) took the lead off the

prominently ridden Hi Royal who was still in front inside the final furlong. Hi Royal then hung out across the track, which enabled Dettori to forge into a clear lead.

The Andrew Balding-trained winner kept on well to the line finishing a length-and-threequarter winner from 125-1 shot Hi Royal, ridden by Oisin Murphy. Royal Scotsman (11-1) stayed on well for third.

The great Dettori is sure to give his fans much more enjoyment throughout the season, but with a reduced riding schedule the spotlight falls on his younger contemporaries to fight out

what looks an intriguing 2023 Flat Jockeys Championship.

The jockey’s title is decided on winners of both Flat and All-Weather races taking place from the Saturday of the 2000 Guineas to British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 21st October.

What makes this season even more special from a purist’s point of view is the quality of jockey’s riding at present.

Former champion Ryan Moore at the top of his game as the retained rider for Ballydoyle, whilst the likes of Jim Crowley, James Doyle, and Tom Marquand amongst others in

Shane Kelly, snapped at Newmarket over the weekend, looks surprised

the weighing room ensure that racing around the country is always competitive and entertaining.

Add to that list the emergence of Hollie Doyle over the last couple of seasons and talented newcomers Benoit De La Sayette and Harry Davies and the future looks bright indeed.

However, the bookmakers have priced up the Jockeys Championship as a duel

between defending champion William Buick (8/11) and three-time winner Oisin Murphy (5/4). Murphy missed the whole of 2022 due to suspension and has returned with the intention of winning back the title.

Oisin Murphy might have stolen the headlines with his great winning ride aboard Mawj in the 1,000 Guineas, but Buick, with four, has ridden one more winner than his rival over the first two days

of the championship.

Word from within both camps is that both men are prioritising the title. In fact, they are both keener than ever to win, which only heightens the anticipation for the season ahead.

Nemarket Racecourse

Oisin Murphy is a serious title contender

TRAINERS

JOCKEYS

BREEDERS

SIRES