SP Sprint - 8 August 2023

Tuesday 08 August 2023

IRISH NATIONAL STUD THOROUGHBRED BREEDING MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

The world-renowned Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course is a six-month residential programme which is designed to provide learners with a hands-on approach to every feature of Thoroughbred Breeding. The programme which commences in January each year runs for the duration of the breeding season and equips learners with the knowledge, skills and competence required to perform effectively in responsible positions in the thoroughbred industry.

Application Requirements

·Scholarship is open to any person between 20 and 30 years of age

·Have obtained the National Senior Certificate

·Be a citizen of South Africa

·Be currently working in the thoroughbred industry

Scholarship provides the successful candidate with:

·Return economy airfare

·Course fees (€6,000)

·Accommodation & meals

·Uniform

·Travel insurance

·Training allowance

Applicants must apply to the Irish National Stud before October 1st, 2023

https://irishnationalstud.ie/thoroughbred-breeding-course-application-form/ For further information: https://irishnationalstud.ie/thoroughbred-breeding-management/

THE NEW SEASON IS UPON US!

Newly crowned SA champion sire

Image is by Jeremy Nelson

The magnificent champion sire Gimmethegreenlight | Credit: Jeremy Nelson

CHAMPION GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT - WHAT A SEASON!!

The 2022-2023 South African racing season was dominated by Varsfontein Stud’s outstanding stallion Gimmethegreenlight.

He was crowned South Africa’s Champion Sire for 2022-2023 and the son of More Than Ready was also the country’s Leading Sire of 2YOs for the past season and Leading Sire of 3YOs for 2022-2023.

He topped the General Sires List with his runners earning R23 030 650. He was responsible for 14 stakes winners who won 21 black type races.

In total, Gimmethegreenlight supplied 109 winners of 160 races during the past season, with his runners sporting the impressive Average Earnings Per Runner of R101 906. His 14 stakes winners included Gr1 winners Bless My Stars (Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic), Gimme A Prince (Pongracz Cape Flying Championship, Golden Horse Sprint), Lucky Lad (Gold Medallion) and Sandringham Summit (World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes) as well as notable graded stakes winners of the ilk of Ciao Bella (Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship), Eye Of The Prophet (Gr2 World Sports Betting Gauteng Guineas), and Gimme A Shot (Gr2 Betway Ipi Tombe Challenge).

The former Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate winner also pulled off a notable feat when his progeny Lucky Lad, Amber Rock and Gimmeanother chance ran 1-2-3 in the Gr3 Protea Stakes, with Gimmeanotherchance, an impressive winner of the Listed The Sharks Gatecrasher Stakes, going on to finish second to Gimmethegreenlight’s star son Sandringham Summit in the Gr2 Durban Golden Horseshoe.

Gimmethegreenlight ended the season on a high note, with the Varsfontein resident supplying a trio of graded stakes winners at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the final racing day of the season.

His son Sandringham Summit romped to a brilliant win in the Gr1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes, and daughters Bless My Stars and Cala Muretta were victorious in the Gr2 Riding High Together Gold Bracelet and Gr2 World Pool With Gold Circle Debutante respectively on the same day.

Gimmethegreenlight was claiming his second South African Champion Sires title in 2022-2023, having also been the country’s Champion Sire in 2020-2021.

GREEN FOR GO AT THE BSA 2YO SALE

Varsfontein will be offering five lots by Gimmethegreenlight at the 2023 August Two Year Old Sale on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August.

Desert Cloud (Lot 109), a filly closely related to the Gimmethegreenlight sired Gr2 winner Ciao Bella, is out of the stakes winning Captain Al mare Amy Johnson, with the latter’s granddam none other than the wonderful producer Mystic Spring.

Huehuetenango (Lot 207) is a colt bred on similar lines to the likes of the Gimmethegreenlight sired stakes winners Hack Green and Favorita, while In The Green Zone (Lot 215) is a filly from the immediate family of last season’s Gr1 winning two-year-olds Lucky Lad (by Gimmethegreenlight) and Bavarian Beauty to name but two.

Gimmethegreenlight is also represented here by On My Honour (Lot 272), a colt whose dam is a three-parts sister to French Gr1 winner Fidelite, and Partygate (Lot 277), with that filly a full-sister to Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship winner Third Runway.

Other eye catching two-year-olds on offer include Kamensky (Lot 37), the What A Winter half-brother to Gr2 Umkhomazi Stakes winner Hack Green, Summer Snow (Lot 299), the What A Winter colt out of Gr1 winner Juxtapose, and the unnamed colt (Lot 252) by Vercingetorix whose dam Makiwara is a half-sister to dual Gr1 winner and exciting young Cape sire Erupt.

The Varsfontein draft can be found in Blocks B and C at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

PLATTNER POWER JUSTIFYING THE BLOOD

Boogified (Corne Orffer) charges home at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last Thursday to shed his maiden | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Kudos to Mrs Plattner for having the courage and conviction to send two valuable mares halfway across the globe and at great expense

If ever a horse was said to have a stallion’s pedigree, then recent maiden winner Boogified certainly qualifies.

As we reported earlier, he is the first local winner sired by American Triple Crown winner Justify, whose racing career consisted of just six perfect starts at three.

A son of much-missed Scat Daddy, he embarked on a stallion career shuttling between the States and Australia, and whilst he never raced at two, his progeny came out running early, to the extent that he had the Australian First-Season Sire title sewn up a long time ago.

As for Boogified’s dam Love To Boogie, La Plaissance Stud owner Sabine Plattner

purchased the daughter of Trippi for R550 000 at the 2015 National Yearling Sale, a fair amount justified by a power-packed pedigree.

With her first four dams all being stakes winners, she is out of the accomplished sprinter Jalberry, whose pedigree reveals no less than three lines of the legendary Australian sire Star Kingdom. Trained by Geoff Woodruff, she claimed both the Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes and Goldfields Sprint, before earning valuable Gr1 black type when third in the SA Fillies Sprint.

When Love To Boogie entered the sales ring, this daughter of Jallad had already proven her paddock prowess as the dam of the filly’s stakes-winning full brother On This Rock and of Count Express, who placed at Gr2 and Gr3 level. In addition to which, her own sister Strawberry Lane had produced a Gr1 winner in Cape Guineas winner Solo Traveller.

Boogified’s dam Love To Boogie wins the 2018 Gr3 Diana Stakes at Hollywoodbets Durbanville Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Remarkably, whereas Jalberry was a sprinter pure and simple, her Australian-bred dam Taineberry won the Gr2 Oaks at Hollywoodbets Scottsville under Kevin Shea.

Put into training, Love To Boogie went on to carry the Plattner silks with distinction. After winning her first two starts, she earned small black type third time out when beaten a neck in the Listed Olympic Duel Stakes and later came into her own to claim the Listed Off To Stud Stakes, followed immediately by the Gr3 Diana Stakes.

By the time her racing career came to an end, the family fortunes had been substantially embellished. Her year-younger half-brother Purple Diamond won the Gr2 Durban Golden Horseshoe, her exported half-brother Mr Fantastic had earned Gr3 black type in Singapore, whilst Strawberry Lane garnered Equus Broodmare of the Year honours as the

dam of two Gr1 winners, following Redberry Lane’s victory in the Gr1 Garden Province Stakes.

Instead of retiring Love To Boogie to La Plaissance, Mrs Plattner made the bold decision to send Love To Boogie to Australia and chose newcomer Justify as her first mate. Mrs Plattner’s private trainer André Nel trained Love To Boogie and saddled Boogified to his first win. Granted, it was only a maiden and the colt has big shoes to fill, nevertheless he is thrilled that Love To Boogie has broken her duck as a broodmare with her very first foal and remarked: “She’s a good banker to have as a broodmare. She was very sound and let’s be honest, her pedigree page speaks for itself.”

Love To Boogie currently resides at Kia Ora Stud, as does her most recent foal, a yearling colt by young resident stallion Prague, a Gr1placed sprint son of Redoute’s Choice. The colt

Igugu’s Fastnet Rock half-sister Ngaga winning the 2018 Listed East Coast Cup | Credit: Gold Circle

was a bit of a last hurrah, as he was foaled very late, hence the mare was rested. This spring, she has been penciled in to visit yet another son of Redoute’s Choice, champion The Autumn Sun.

Love To Boogie’s second foal, a coveted filly by Galileo’s champion son Churchill, has been sent to South Africa and is currently at La Plaissance. Stud manager Morné de Villiers describes her as “a very nice filly” and confirmed that both Love To Boogie and her Prague colt will return to South Africa next year.

“Hopefully the mare will be well in foal by then,” he remarked.

By the way, when Love To Boogie was sent to Australia, she was accompanied by Ngaga, who was returning to her birth country as a Gr3-placed stakes winner of the Listed East Coast Cup.

Alas, this Fastnet Rock half-sister to the mighty Igugu won’t be returning to South Africa for tragically, she had to be euthanized last year after breaking a leg while in foal to Churchill. She leaves just one foal, a 2021 colt by American Pharoah, also an American Triple Crown winner.

He has arrived at La Plaissance but as Morné explained, “the long journey from Australia via Europe took a lot out of him, but thankfully he appears to have turned the corner and is improving with leaps and bounds.”

Kudos to Mrs Plattner for having the courage and conviction to send two valuable mares halfway across the globe and at great expense.

Let’s hope Boogified’s sparkling maiden victory will be the first of many and that one day, he may grace the stallion barn at La Plaissance.

AN EXCITING PROSPECT

Sandringham Summit’s sensational victory in the R700 000 World Pool Moment Of The Day Gr1 Champion Stakes on World Pool Gold Cup day again boosted the exciting pospects of his Var half-brother Eden Roc, who is the KZN Breeders Club’s newest stallion recruit. The athletic specimen stands at Peter and Jenny Blyth’s Clifton Stud near Rosetta in the KZN Midlands.

KZN Breeders Club chairperson Cathy Martin was upbeat at the prospects of the beautifully-bred Gr1 winner and told the Sporting Post that the purchase of Eden Roc is the first of its kind in South Africa.

“The KZN Breeders Club made use of funds available through our Breeders Premium Scheme. This has meant that a horse otherwise ordinarily unaffordable to our members is now secured and options are there for members to invest in him at ‘subsidised’ terms. So he is marketed and available without bias, but rather for the benefit of the region and its club members. At the same time a fund will continue to be generated to allow for further investment going forward, rather than a once-off scheme,” she explained

The majestic Eden Roc at his show day a few weeks ago | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Cathy confirmed that Eden Roc is available to anyone who wishes to take up the opportunity to invest in him. His service fee is R10 000. The share price is R30 000.

Eden Roc is sure to provide broodmare owners with the opportunity to tap into a horse who ticks all the boxes. He is a Gr1-winning two-year-old, and a multiple graded stakes winner, who trained on sound to 6, and was Gr1 placed as an older horse.

He is bred on the potent Var - Captain Al cross and his pedigree matches his track

accomplishments. He also has the athletic physique to match his pedigree and performance. The complete package! A proud Peter Blyth confirmed that Eden Roc stands 16hh.

“He’s physically correct and remarkably sound for a horse who raced from two to six. Overall, he’s a grand specimen, well balanced and athletic.”

Interested parties can contact Peter Blyth for more information.

Mobile:+27 (0) 82 456 3489 Email: blyth@ cliftonstud.co.za

Nelson’s Column brought to

Stud

you by Varsfontein

Erik The Red was an exceptional foal born on 15th September 2017 at Varsfontein Stud and captivated the attention of all who saw him. Recognising his potential, Carl de Vos contemplated keeping Erik The Red for racing and potentially a future stallion for Varsfontein. ‘Erik’ had a few problems growing up - a colic operation as a foal and some leg treatment - Susan kept thinking that the yearling did not want to be sold.

In preparation for the 2019 National Yearling Sale, two magnificent sons of Captain Al were groomed - Erik The Red and Malmoos, the first being a son and the second a grandson of the Grade 1 winning siblings Covenant and Promisefrommyheart respectively. These yearlings left an indelible impression on Susan and Carl, and after ‘Erik’s’ scope was questionable, a decision was reached - Erik The Red would be retained for racing,

while Malmoos went to the sale and was sold for an impressive R4.4 million to Form Bloodstock, representing the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum. Malmoos went on to achieve great success, ultimately winning the Triple Crown and becoming a sire - starting his stud career a year after Erik The Red.

RACE RECORD

Erik The Red, sired by the illustrious G1 winning miler Captain Al, out of the equally impressive G1

RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

winning sprinter/miler Covenant, hails from the distinguished family of Secret Pact. Under the tutelage of Champion trainer Justin Snaith, Erik The Red embarked on his training journey.

‘Erik’ secured victories in 6 out of 9 starts, with 2 additional placings. His initial outing, where he finished 5th, marked his sole unplaced performance. ‘Erik’ was quick to put the record straight, showcasing his potential with a string of four consecutive victories at 2 years:

Won JUVENILE PLATE 1000m by 4,75 lengths.

Won Listed SUMMER JUVENILE STAKES

1000m at Kenilworth by 1,25 lengths - powering to victory and described as a ‘quality horse’ by Richard Fourie.

Won G3 CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NURSERY

1200m at Kenilworth - Richard Fourie summed it up perfectly in a few words – “lovely horse, bright future”.

Won Listed SOMERSET 1200 at Kenilworth by 4,25 lengths - he had a devastating turn of foot and was giving away more weight than a sumo wrestler, yet started almost unbackable at 3-7, and when Richard Fourie pressed the button, he accelerated

Photo: Wayne Marks

Photo: Wayne Marks

Photo: Wayne Marks

like a ‘Ferrari’ to storm home 4,25 lengths clear. Fourie said “he’s a racehorse and I wake up in the morning to ride horses like him. He is definitely capable of winning a G1”.

After this win it was decided to send Erik The Red to KZN for the Champions Season.

4th G1 GOLDEN HORSE MEDALLION 1200m at Scottsville, beaten by Equus Champion 2yo Tempting Fate.

3rd G2 GOLDEN HORSESHOE 1400m at Greyville, beaten 1,3 lengths by Nourbese.

Won G2 UMKHOMAZI STAKES 1200m at Greyville by 0,5 lengths - despite not having the easiest of passages and having to be re-shod at the start, ‘Erik’ showed his class when running out a courageous winner. He looked beaten, as the front runner kept finding more, but he rallied under a typically well-judged ride from Richard Fourie and won going away.

Erik the Red was voted Cape Champion 2yo Colt in 2020, and following a well-deserved rest at the farm, a decision was made to set his sights on the prestigious G2 Cape Merchants as a 3yo.

Won G2 CAPE MERCHANTS 1200m at Kenilworth by 0,75 lengths from the older Equus Champion Sprinter, Rio Querari - Erik The Red became the first 3yo to win the Merchants in 22 years. Starting 2-1 favourite, and under a half-kilo sufferance, ‘Erik’ came from off the pace under an ‘oozing with confidence’ Richard Fourie, with a dashing 3/4 length victory in a time of 71,35. This was a win full of merit and character after his 12 week break.

Subsequent to his Merchants win, Erik was syndicated as a stallion to start his career in the 2021 breeding season.

AT STUD

Trainer Justin Snaith - “Erik the Red is an absolute gentleman to work with. He is one of the toughest and soundest horses I’ve had the pleasure to train. He has tremendous heart and I cannot wait to see his produce at the sales and on the track - if they’re anything like their dad we have plenty to look forward to”.

Erik The Red commencing his new role as a stallion in the spring. During this period, he had the privilege of covering an impressive total of 102 mares. Varsfontein entrusted some of their finest mares to be mated with him including (G1 winners /producers in bold): Alexia, Alice Springs (AUS), All Mine, American Princess, Arc Lamp, Aunt Polly, Bela-Bela, Black Flame, Bushiri, Castle Pine, Circle

ERIK

RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Candiese Lenferna

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

GALLERY - ERIK THE RED’S FIRST CROP

YEARLINGS FOR 2024 (photos: Carolyn Erasmus)

In The Sand, Coyote Girl, Different Light, Falconize (IRE), Gypsy Madonna, Imperial State, Imperious Girl, In The Stars, Kawakami, Kiss And Fly, Kissaway, Kite Runner, Maximum Jet, Miss Texas, Monroe Spring, Preluna (FR), Princess Thiana, Queen Of All, Rocamadour, San Trip, Secret Of Victoria, Secret Risk, Star Express, Summer Cruise, Taffety Tart, Tally-Ho, Timedtoperfection, Watercolormemories (IRE), etc.

In the spring of 2022, the much-anticipated first foals made their arrival, eliciting smiles all round. The foals were hailed by Carl de Vos as among the finest offspring ever witnessed from a stallion’s inaugural crop at Varsfontein. Fellow breeders, equally captivated by his foals, expressed their interest by seeking to acquire additional shares in Erik The Red.

In his second season in 2022, Erik The Red covered an impressive total of 114 mares. This served as a testament to the exceptional quality and promise demonstrated by his first crop. Among the mares from Varsfontein who were chosen for ‘Erik’ in 2022, were: Acey Deucey, Albizia, Bold Move, Circle In The Sand, Cloudsuponcamelot (GB), Congestion Charge (GB), Coyote Girl, Crackpot, Desert Pride, Dolomiti, Europeana, Flying High, Front Club (IRE), Guiding Light, Gypsy Madonna, High Dudgeon, In A Huff, Justthewayyouare, Just Fabulous, Kawakami, Kerdassa (IRE), Kiss And Fly, Kissimmee, Kumiko, Majestic Star, Maledimo, Miss Texas, Our Lady Peace, Peace Flower, Phil’s Dancer, Pollygoneshopping, Queen Of All, Rocamadour, Rotunda, San Trip, Secret Of Victoria, Secret Risk, Shine A Light, Silvery Dream, Siracusa (ITY), Social Spirit, Summer Cruise, Taffety Tart, Tenacity, Touch The Sky, Twice The Trip, Under My Hat, Vision On Ice, Whatsinadream, etc.

Anticipation runs high as we eagerly await the arrival of Erik The Red’s second crop over the forthcoming months.

SIRE - CAPTAIN AL

Captain Al holds a position of great significance

in SA’s breeding landscape and is often mentioned in the same breath as Jet Master as one of the most influential locally bred stallions to have stood at stud. The battle between Captain Al and Jet Master for the title of Champion First Season Sire in 2005 was truly remarkable. With both stallions producing an impressive tally of 21 2yo winners from their respective first crops, the competition

ERIK

RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

CAPTAIN AL - MALE LINE CROSSES

LIKE FATHER

was fierce and closely contested. In the end, Jet Master emerged victorious, claiming not only First Season honours but outright Champion 2yo Sire. Nevertheless, the epic duel between these two stallions serves as a testament to their exceptional progeny and enduring impact on the SA Racing and Breeding Industry.

Captain Al’s success as a sire is commendable. He achieved the prestigious title of Champion Sire of 2yo’s for an impressive 8 consecutive seasons, from 2009 to 2016. In addition, Captain Al was crowned Champion SA Sire in 2015. His contributions were further recognised through receipt of the Equus Award for Outstanding Sire in 2009 and 2011.

Captain Al’s statistics highlight his influence with 77% winners to runners and a 10.8% stakes winners to runners. Captain Al is the 2023 Leading Broodmare Sire in SA, R3 million ahead of his nearest rival, Jet Master.

Captain Al’s influence has reached beyond SA, with his runners making their mark in various international racing jurisdictions. His progeny have competed in Mauritius, Hong Kong, USA, United Arab Emirates, France, Great Britain, Singapore, Australia, and Zimbabwe. This global reach speaks to the versatility and adaptability of Captain Al’s offspring, as they showcased their talent and achieved success around the World.

Captain Al’s other sons at stud include Triple Crown winner Malmoos, G1 Cape Guineas winner William Longsword, Equus Champion Sprinter Captain Of All, and G1 Met winner One World (Equus Champion Older Male 2020).

Captain Al is free of Northern Dancer blood and his most prolific nick was with Northern Dancer line mares - producing 20 G1 performers of which 9 were G1 winners. Fort Wood mares produced 3 G1 winners, followed by Elliodor (1, by Lyphard), Joshua

RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

LIKE SON

Dancer (1, by Danzig), Caesour (1, by Nureyev), Polar Falcon (1, by Nureyev) Peintre Celebre (1, by Nureyev) and Giant’s Causeway (1, by Storm Cat).

Native Dancer line mares produced 8 G1 winners from his descendants Western Winter (2, by Gone West), Goldkeeper (2, by Mr Prospector), Centenary

(1, by Alydar), Hussonet (1, by Mr Prospector), Trippi (1, by End Sweep) and Fusaichi Pegasus (1, by Mr Prospector).

The Ribot male line produced 3 G1 winners through Badger Land (2, by Codex) and Sportsworld (1, by Alleged). Other G1 winners are from mares by Hard Up (1, by Hard Fighter), Red Ransom (1, by Roberto), London News (1, by Bush Telegraph), Mark Of Esteem (1, by Darshaan) and Fard (1, by Reprimand).

DAM - COVENANT

As a sibling to Champion Promisefrommyheart, Covenant was retained by Varsfontein. She was a beautiful, medium sized, high-quality filly and went into training with master-conditioner Mike Bass, who rated her very highly. She won 7 races from 1000 - 1600m and R979,085 and was placed 7 times from 16 runs.

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Carolyn Erasmus

Captain Al G1 WINNER CHAMPION SIRE

ERIK THE RED

Hail To Reason

Turn-To Royal Charger Source Sucree

Nothirdchance Blue Swords Galla Colors

Al Mufti (USA) CHAMPION SIRE

Roberto

Lassie Dear

Complete Warrior (USA)

Bramalea

Buckpasser

Gay Missile

Dewan

Nashua Nasrullah Segula

Rarelea Bull Lea

Bleebok

Tom Fool Menow Gaga

Busanda War Admiral Businesslike

Sir Gaylord Turn-To

Somethingroyal

Missy Baba My Babu Uvira

Bold Ruler Nasrullah

Miss Disco

Sunshine Nell Sun Again Nellie Flag

Splendid Spree

Covenant G1 WINNER

Off To War

Jamaico (FR)

Western Winter (USA)

CHAMPION SIRE

Infanta

Gone West

Chilly Hostess

Beylic

Mr Prospector

Secrettame

Vice Regent

Impressive Lady

Jungle Cove (USA)

Secret Pact

G1 PERFORMER

‘BLUE HEN’ MARE

Bush Telegraph

Maiden Over

Regent Street (ARG)

Soho Secret

Secret Landing (USA)

Damascus Sword Dancer Kerala Oak Cluster

Prince Taj

Nasrullah

Busanda

Prince Bio Malindi

Suze Wild Risk

Dodane

Field Master (GB) Fair Trial Huntress

Orientalist

Eastern Emperor (GB) Silverstream

Raise A Native Native Dancer Raise You

Gold Digger Nashua Sequence

Secretariat Bold Ruler

Somethingroyal

Tamerett Tim Tam

Mixed Marriage

Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Victoria Regina Menetrier Victoriana

Impressive Court Martial High Voltage

Chilly

Bold Ruler

Santorin

Persian Wonder (GB)

Nearctic Cut Flower

Nasrullah

Miss Disco

Greek Song

Secret Meeting

Persian Gulf Lilac Belle No Ball (GB) Hill Gail

No Appeal

Gulf Stream Hyperion Tide-Way

Fair Spoken Sayani

Tudor Fair

First Landing Turn-To Hildene

Smart Secret Dedicate Secret Recipe

ERIK

RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Covenant won the G1 Majorca Stakes, G2 Southern Cross Stakes, G2 Sceptre Stakes (twice), Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes, and was 3rd in the G1 SA Fillies Sprint, G2 Southern Cross Stakes, G2 Tibouchina Stakes, and 4th in the G1 Mercury Sprint.

Covenant had a stunning Cape 3yo season. After she won the G2 Southern Cross Stakes and the G2 Sceptre Stakes, Susan chatted with Mike Bass over the railing between their boxes at Kenilworth. Susan was sure Covenant would stay the mile and wanted her to run in the G1 Majorca Stakes rather than the G1 Cape Flying Championship. To her mind it was a better option to stay in female company, and this way she would be able to see how she stacked up against the older fillies. Mike thought it a good idea and added that he didn’t think she could beat What A Winter (also a 3yo by Western Winter) in the G1 Cape Flying Championship - who he was certain would win and become a top sprinter.

Karl Neisius rode Covenant in a mile gallop and

expressed confidence that she would get the distance under race conditions. Covenant was a well supported 4/1 third favourite, and went on to win the WFA event for fillies and mares on Met Day, beating top fillies Love Is In The Air, Gibraltar Blue and Emerald Cove.

Covenant was kept in training as a 4yo with the objective of giving Susan’s mother a stakes winner on her visit to the Cape in 2012, and the plan succeeded. She won the G2 Sceptre Stakes for the second time, and was led in by Mette Kalmanson and John Kalmanson.

Susan’s mother adored Covenant and hence, when this magnificent colt was born, Susan named him Erik The Red in tribute to her mother’s Danish nationality and Viking ancestry.

On retiring to stud, Covenant produced 6 foals, 5 runners - all winners. Her only progeny ever sold at auction was her 2nd foal - Varallo (Var) - a beautiful colt that was sold to Alesh Naidoo for R2 million at the 2016 National Yearling Sale. Varallo was a leading 2yo in SA, and was later exported to Hong Kong.

Covenant’s first foal was the stakes placed filly Scandola (Fort Wood) - the dam of Cala Muretta (Gimmethegreenlight) - won G2 Gold Circle Debutante on 30th July 2023; and Gimme’s Lassie (Gimmethegreenlight) - 3rd G2 Western Cape Fillies Championship, G3 Prix du Cap and Listed Olympic Duel Stakes (2022/23). Covenant’s 3rd foal Solemn Promise (Judpot) was stakes placed and is the dam of 2 magnificent fillies by Gimmethegreenlight - born

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

in 2021 and 2022 - who have yet to race. Covenant has produced:

Scandola ( f, 2013, by Fort Wood), dam of Gimme’s Lassie (by Gimmethegreenlight)

Cala Muretta (by Gimmethegreenlight)

Varallo (c, 2014, by Var)

Solemn Promise (f, 2015, by Judpot)

Erik The Red (c, 2017, by Captain Al)

La Folie Douce (f, 2018, by Silvano)

My Dear Friend (f, 2022, by Master Of My Fate)

Covenant’s foals were friendly and confident from a young age, always ready to greet one and be patted - compared to other foals that are normally shy. The sisters Covenant and Promisefrommyheart were very different with Covenant being the stronger of the two, producing foals with more substance, while Promisefrommyheart was a leggy classic looking filly, and her foals were of a similar type.

Covenant recently passed away after experiencing an unfortunate bout of colic.

BROODMARE SIRE: WESTERN WINTER

Western Winter retired to stud in 1997 and was a grand looking individual of good size (16.1) and scope, standing over a sizable amount of ground. He possessed very good bone and a strong frame with good girth and rein, short cannons and a good

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

hind leg. He had a tremendous action, a wonderful temperament and sired balanced individuals that were tough, sound and trained on.

Western Winter is one of the best performing stallions ever to stand at stud in SA - from 823 foals he had 757 runners, 621 (82%) winners and 92 stakes winners (12,15%) - of these 23 were G1 winners and 35 G1 placed. In fact he had 25%

stakes performers (190) to runners. These are superlative statistics and are not as yet matched by any other sire to stand in SA.

Western Winter was a G1 performer in the USA, being 2nd in the G1 Metropolitan Mile 1600m, beaten a neck by Langfuhr, and 3rd in the G1 Carter Handicap 1400m - again behind Langfuhr - while beating another Gone West colt, Elusive Quality.

Both Elusive Quality and Langfuhr, like Western Winter, had outstanding careers as stallions. Western Winter was 3 x Champion SA Sire, and runner-up twice. He was also 3 x Champion Sire of 2yo’s and Champion Broodmare Sire in 2018.

Western Winter was never syndicated and was solely owned by Lammerskraal Stud. It is a testament to Western Winter that he succeeded where so many non-syndicated stallions have failed.

His most successful male line cross was with Northern Dancer line mares - producing 19 G1 performers of which 9 were G1 winners. Dancing Champ (by Nijinsky II) mares produced 3 G1 winners, followed by Northfields (2, by Northern Dancer), Sadler’s Wells (1, by Northern Dancer), Fort Wood (1, by Sadler’s Wells), Caesour (1, by Nureyev) and Trigger Finger (1, by Lyphard).

The Hyperion line, through his speedy descendants Tudor Minstrel and Sing Sing, produced 4 G1 winners through Averof (1, by Sing Sing) and his sons, Foveros (2) and Priceless Asset (1).

The Nasrullah line produced 5 G1 winners through Jallad (2, by Blushing Groom), Melun (1, by Riverman), Bush Telegraph (1, by Jungle Cove) and Del Sarto (1, by Bold Ruler).

The other G1 winners came through mares by Pas de Quoi (2, by Roland Gardens), Royal Chalice (1, by Royal Prerogative), Badger Land (1, by Codex)) and Ahonoora (1, by Lorenzaccio).

CONCLUSION

Taking into account that Captain Al and Western Winter both had their most success with the Northern Dancer male line, it is advisable to send mares by the following sire lines to Erik The Red:

RED - by Jeremy Nelson

• Sadler’s Wells (Fort Wood, Dynasty, Elusive Fort, Futura, Legislate, Act Of War, Galileo, The United States, Admiral Kitten, Global View, New Predator, etc).

• Nijinsky II (Silvano, Vercingetorix, Hawwaam, Dancing Champ, Russian Fox, Peacetime, Summa Cum Laude, etc).

• Northfields (only available through sire’s dam lines - Declarationofpeace, Last Winter, Pathfork, Red Ray, etc).

• Lyphard (Elliodor, Model Man, Trigger Finger, Alzao, Bellypha, Dancing Brave, etc).

• Nureyev (Caesour, Polar Falcon, Peintre Celebre, Byword, Pivotal, etc).

• Danzig (National Assembly, Danehill, Redoute’s Choice, Rafeef, Snitzel, Heavenly Blue, Real Gone Kid, Commands, Epaulette, Soqrat, Green Desert, Oasis Dream, Querari, Invincible Spirit, Digital Age, War Front, Lancaster Bomber, Fire Away, Declarationofpeace,

Exchange Rate, etc).

• Rakeen (Jet Master, Master Of My Fate, Pomodoro, Skitt Skizzle, Lance, etc).

• Storm Cat (Black Minnaloushe, Var, Eden Roc, Talk Of The Town, Tiger Ridge, Mogok, Tale Of The Cat, Giant’s Causeway, Lion Hearted, etc). Other influences in Erik the Red’s pedigree must be considered, and these would lead to the following suggestions.

Erik The Red is line-bred to Bold Ruler (5x6x5) and has 6 lines of Nasrullah within 7 generations. Mares carrying the following lines would be beneficial:

• Prince Rose / Prince Bio / Prince Taj (out of a full sister to Nasrullah)

• Princequillo

• Round Table

Western Winter is the product of the Mr Prospector

x Northern Dancer male line cross and it may be prudent to send sex balanced mares carrying the inverted Northern Dancer x Mr Prospector cross -

examples would be the following:

• Galileo

• Elusive Fort

• Fire Away

• Global View

• Time Thief

• Admiral Kitten

Nasrullah lines have also been successful, specifically with mares by:

• Jallad

• Our Casey’s Boy

• Kabool

• Comic Blush

• Nashwan

• Bush Telegraph

• London News

• Del Sarto

• Kenmare

• Melun

• Mark Of Esteem

• Esplendor

Royal Charger (Captain Al’s male line) is 3 parts brother to Nasrullah, and has produced G1 performers to the following broodmare sires:

• Hard Up

• Best By Test

• Red Ransom

The Native Dancer line (same male line as Western Winter) has produced G1 performers via the following broodmare sires:

• Sharp Romance

• Argosy

• Dubai Destination

• Parade Leader

• Centenary

• Pennekamp

• Hussonet

• Trippi

• Fusaichi Pegasus

• Goldkeeper

Both Captain Al and Western Winter have produced G1 performers (3 each) to the Ribot line through:

• Badger Land

Captain Al has produced a 4th G1 performer to the Ribot line through:

• Sportsworld

Further recommendations are mares carrying Sing Sing (Tudor Minstrel - Owen Tudor) through:

• Averof

• Foveros

• Priceless Asset

• Reprimand

• Fard

‘Erik’ has an extremely high concentration of Lady Josephine in his pedigree, and I would recommend adding as many lines as possible, using stallions that carry large clusters.

Mares with Buckpasser, Busanda, Secret Prospector, Poker, Coastal, Bimelech, etc, would increase the concentration of the great matron La Troienne.

Additional lines of the great foundation mare Somethingroyal may be found in the following pedigrees:

• Sir Gaylord

• Secretariat

• Somethingfabulous

• Swansea

• Aviacion

• American Hero

• Syrian Sea

• Alada

ERIK

RED - by Jeremy Nelson

‘Retirement’ and ‘pension’ seem to be dirty words in Piere

Strydom’s vocabulary. The multiple record-setting champion jockey could yet be chasing the late Stanley Amos’ milestone of riding until the age of 65, at the rate he is going.

The records have come thick and fast for the Gqeberha-born 57 year old over an illustrious career spanning forty years.

He has threatened retirement multiple times over the past few years, and while his younger colleague Frankie Dettori is sticking to his guns and hangs up his saddle this year, Striker

‘Striker’

SOLID GOLD STRIKER –‘NOW FOR THE MET’

seemingly has an unlimited supply of Salusa 45 and an unquenchable thirst for another Gr1 or two.

And Hollywoodbets Kenilworth could be the place to be on Saturday 27 January 2024 when he goes to the start for the Cape Town Met on Michael Roberts’ star See It Again.

It’s the same venue where Striker rewrote the record books when he became the first South African jockey to ride 5000 winners. That was in the Selangor Cup on Act Of War on 22 November 2014. He has since lifted that number beyond the 5500 winner mark.

Piere Strydom and See It Again are poetry in motion, winning the Gr1 Daily News 2000 | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Striker failed by just over a length in the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July to equal Anton Marcus’ record as a five-time winner of Africa’s greatest race.

Leading jockeys Stanley Amos and Karl Neisius retired at the age of 65 and 58 respectively, and it now seems that Piere Strydom is set to join the seniors club with the news that trainer Michael Roberts has asked him to put his retirement plans on ice for a final tilt at the 2024 Met on See It Again.

Striker was widely expected to call it a day after the HKJC World Pool Gold Cup meeting on Sunday 30 July.

But Roberts feels See It Again and Striker need to be there on Met day. This is based on the reality that Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, where he won the 2023 Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby, suits See It Again due to his way of racing, which is to run at horses from off the pace. He would also be well weighted in the prestigious weight for age event as the highest rated middledistance horse in the country.

Roberts’ faith in Strydom speaks volumes, especially in the face of the criticism the latter received from some quarters for his ride in the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Strydom went for a gap at the top of the straight after being caught in some scrimmaging, so might have got to the front too soon.

However, the alternative of sitting behind Bless My Stars and waiting for a gap to open only looks good in retrospect, because, after all, she was a 33/1 shot and not expected to be involved in the finish.

Talking about the recent Gr1 HKJC World Pool Champions Cup, where See It Again ran on from a long way back for second, Strydom felt he could not have placed See It Again any better. He has always pointed out that See It Again does not jump well and he said an alternative tactic to dropping him out would probably have seem him trapped three wide.

He said.“In any case the filly won very well, I don’t want to take anything away from her.”

Strydom feels See It Again’s best trip is 2000m plus.

It will be a surprise if The Twice Over colt does not walk away with the Equus Champion Middle Distance horse award as the winner of both the Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby and Gr1 Daily News 2000 plus a narrow second in the Hollywoodbets Durban July over 2200m, giving 3,5kg to the winner, and another second in the wfa HKJC World Pool Champions Cup over 1800m.

Strydom said he would continue to keep up his current rate of midweek and weekend riding.

He said having to lose some weight for the July had been a help as he was now finding it easier to maintain his weight.

Evergreen! Piere Strydom is fitter than a lot of 57 year olds Credit:Candiese Lenferna

FOREVER YOUNG!

Stanley Amos devoted 75 years of his life to horseracing. One of South Africa’s all-time great jockeys, he died in January 2006, aged 87.

Stanley rode competitively until he was 65. He was born on 1 October 1918, the youngest of nine children. Three of his brothers were involved in horseracing, Archie being the first as a jockey, introducing the others to the sport, followed by ‘Cookie’, Stanley himself, and ‘Boet’.

Stanley rode in his first race at the age of 12, in 1930, and joined the stable of top trainer Syd Garrett in 1935, winning his first Metropolitan Stakes at the tender age of 18 on the back of Moonlit, a horse he always rated the best he had ridden.

In 1987, Amos was quoted in Thoroughbred News, saying: “I rode plenty of good horses in my career as a jockey. The English horse Ranjit who, as a two-year-old, tested Petition and won seven Top division races here before becoming

champion sire twice. The French horse Asbestos, who won the Met and was pipped on the post in the July before being champion sire five times. The English horse Fairthorn who annihilated a very strong Top division field at Greyville at his only South African start. He was champion sire five times. I rode Black Cap, Jerez, Renounce, Majorca, Sympathetic, King’s Pact, Feltos, Prince Florimund and many others.

“None of them or any other horse I’ve ever seen would have lived with Moonlit. He was the greatest of them all. He was a big, strong, majestic bay horse – extremely intelligent and full of character. He knew that he was the best. After winning a race he would come home to Roamer Lodge and as he entered the yard all the boys would shout ‘Nkosi!’ With that he would rear up and walk into the yard on his

Stanley Amos, Cookie Amos, Syd Garrett and Freddy Heyman | Credit: Form Organisation

hind legs as if to say ‘yes, I know I’m the King!”

After a highly successful career with Garrett, Amos joined his brother Cookie, who had weight problems and had hung up his riding boots prematurely to become a trainer. This partnership of brothers, similarly, resulted in great success, most notably via the exploits of star filly Renounce, whose victories included the Cape Fillies Guineas and the Paddock Stakes.

Over the years Stanley Amos won almost every big race in the country at least once, including the 1941 Durban July Handicap on Sadri II, six Mets, (including Moonlit, Feltos and Royal Chaplain twice), two Cape Guineas, two Gold

Cups, three Queen’s Plates and the Cape Derby six times.

Despite spending most of his career in Cape Town – with only seven races a day, once a week – Amos rode over 2500 winners, breaking the previous record of 2455 winners held at the time by the great `Tiger’ Wright.

NHA CEO Vee Moodley | Credit: Supplied

WORDS – BUT WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?

The National Horseracing Authority last week finally lifted the veil on weeks of speculation following Out of Competition Specimen Collection performed by its Officials at Randjesfontein Training Centre and Turffontein Racecourse on Monday, 24 July 2023.

As we reported earlier, he is the first local This was as a result of investigations conducted into the veterinary treatments of horses declared as upcoming runners.

In a rather muddling media release published on Friday by the racing regulator, we are advised that pending the results of the NHA Laboratory analysis, on-site observatory evidence along with evidence provided by the Officials and after careful consideration of the contents of the Veterinary Treatment Register (VTR), AXEL COLLINS, NAPOLEAN and YOURE MY SUNSHINE were withdrawn from race meeting on 27 July 2023 at 09h25, in terms of Rule 4.2.18.

The NHA Laboratory, having conducted the requisite screening, has confirmed that

specimens collected from AXEL COLLINS and YOURE MY SUNSHINE, revealed upon analysis the presence of four (4) prohibited substances, of which one (1) substance was not recorded in the Trainer’s VTR. An Inquiry will be opened into the one (1) substance that was NOT recorded for each of the respective two horses.

The investigation thus far has raised a host of serious concerns in relation to horse welfare, including the liberal and regimented use of medications and/or treatments administered to horses during the days preceding racing and the accuracy of the recordal of such treatment in the relevant VTR. It appears that this practice has become widespread and therefore not limited to an individual Veterinarian or Trainer.

The NHA advocates a fair and level playing field for all horses and, most importantly, for only fit and healthy horses to participate in races.

The initial findings of this investigation have raised a myriad of alarming concerns and the NHA is in the process of conducting further investigations into practices, methodologies, mitigatory procedures, as well as considering possible amendments to the Rules, in order to eliminate such practices that some stakeholders wrongly believe to be acceptable and humane!

TAXI STRIKE CAPE MEETING MOVES TO SATURDAY

On Monday Cape Racing announced the postponement of the race meeting at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, initially scheduled for today, to Saturday, 12 August.

This decision was made in response to the civil unrest and violence resulting from the ongoing taxi strike in the region.

Justin Vermaak: Cape Racing Executive Racing and Bloodstock, expressed his thoughts on the decision: “The safety and well-being of our racing community is our top priority.

Given the current circumstances surrounding the taxi strike, we believe it is in the best interest of everyone involved to postpone the race meeting until Saturday, 12 August. Cape Racing remains committed to ensuring a secure and enjoyable environment for all participants.”

The release concluded stating that they understand the disappointment this news may bring to fans and supporters.

Cape Racing remains steadfast in its commitment to providing thrilling racing experiences while prioritising the safety of all involved.

DECLARATIONOFPEACE (USA)

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

PATHFORK MARE LOOKS SET TO GO ANOTHER SEASON

To stud or to race on? That’s the question facing owners Andy Williams and David Hepburn-Brown after their enthusiastic Pathfork mare And We Danced stormed to victory in Friday’s R150 000 Listed East Cape Paddock Stakes.

And We Danced (Louis Mxothwa) beats Unconditional Love (Muzi Yeni) in the Listed East Cape Paddock Stakes | Credit: Pauline Herman

A maiden winner for Dennis Bosch at Hollywoodbets Greyville back in November 2021, And We Danced has been a revelation in the Eastern Cape where she has won 7 of her 12 starts for WSB-sponsored Sharon Kotzen, including 2 stakes successes.

As he was on Friday, jockey Louis Mxothwa has been aboard at all seven of And We Danced’s victories in the Windy City, and he rode a composed race on the 28-10 shot to reel in the gallant pacemaker Unconditional Love (14-1) late in the contest to win by half a length in a time of 95,20 secs.

Candice Bass-Robinson’s Cape raider Who Do You Love (5-1) was a further 1,50 lengths back in third.

Trainer Sharon Kotzen somehow has a special affinity with the progeny of Distorted Humor stallion Pathfork!

Bred by Andy Williams’ Worldwide Bloodstock, And We Danced is a daughter of former Irish champion, and Gr1 boylesports.com Vincent O’Brien National Stakes winner Pathfork out of the once-winning Commands mare, Dance City Queen.

A winner of 8 races with 10 places from 24 starts, And We Danced races in the Andy Williams silks in partnership with Cape breeder David Hepburn-Brown and has banked stakes of R562 088.

Sharon Kotzen and Louis Mxothwa were the only trainer-jockey combination to score a double on the day.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH FAIRVIEW?

Gqeberha-based Reinhardt van Rooyen has dropped our Mailbag a line to answer reader Wayne Fouche’s question as to why the Fairview turf meeting was moved to the polytrack, again.

Reinhardt writes that he feels that the attached pics will help explain how much water came down on the previous Sunday, and then followed by a few more mm’s on Monday, coupled with the track being soggy for the last month.

The one image shown is after the rain and is from Gqeberha Traffic Updates.

‘I haven’t had a chance to go past there myself, so I took a Google Maps screenshot for the second pic, of what it looks like normally,’ he adds, saying that sadly American Landing unfortunately broke down in the PE Gold Cup last Friday around the turn where it is notoriously uneven when wet.

‘I am not saying the incident was because of a wet track, but avoiding that kind of horrible

incident by moving the meeting is a good thing in my opinion, even though I am not a poly fan. In the past, meetings moved from Fairview to Arlington all the time because of the poor drainage of Fairview, but with Arlington no longer available, the poly is the easy and only option’, he concludes.

Ed – We can confirm that 4Racing did not provide the Sporting Post with an advance press release for publication to clarify the reasons behind the surface change. All images were supplied by the writer.

CELEBRATING OUR WONDERFUL WOMEN

The Women’s Day public holiday on Wednesday commemorates the national march of women on the day in 1956 to petition against legislation that required African persons to carry the pass. The Sporting Post salutes our women in horseracing. Images courtesy of Candiese Lenferna and Chase Liebenberg.

STALLIONS 2023

CANFORD CLIFFS R20,000 (LIVE FOAL)

MALMOOS R25,000 (LIVE FOAL)

NEW PREDATOR R12,500 (LIVE FOAL)

PATHFORK R5,000 (LIVE FOAL)

POTALA PALACE R5,000 (LIVE FOAL)

RAFEEF R70,000 (R20,000 UP FRONT + R50,000 LIVE FOAL)

REAL GONE KID

FEE ON APPLICATION

TRADITION OF CHAMPIONS

GRAZING ON THE POLY!

Aldo Domeyer rides a determined finish to get Grazinginthegrass home ahead of Louis Mxothwa and Bush Tracker

Credit: Pauline Herman

The Alan Greeff yard made it four straight victories in the R150 000 Listed Memorial Mile at Fairview on Friday when the Philanthropist gelding Grazinginthegrass finished best of all under a well-judged ride by Aldo Domeyer to score a courageous victory.

A year ago the Drakenstein product beat Snaith raider Nexus when the race was run on the turf. But with Friday’s meeting switched to the polytrack trainer Greeff felt his charge’s versatility would carry the day. And so it did.

After Safari Blue had led the charge, Aldo Domeyer angled Grazinginthegrass (15-10) to the centre of the track and he powered home to repel the strong challenge of the younger Bush Tracker (4-1) to win by a quarter length in a time of 94,03 secs.

Khaya’s Hope (17-2) showed his last run was all wrong and stayed on well for third, a further 1,75 lengths back.

A leaner looking Domeyer, who has started his season well, was complimentary about Grazinginthegrass’ performance and said he felt like a 2000m horse.

Grazinginthegrass is raced in a partnership of the ASSM Racing Syndicate (Nom: Mr Arun Chadha), Mike de Kock and Mrs Noelene Malherbe.

By

former

Drakenstein

Kris S sire

A R300 000 buy off the National Yearling Sale, the Alan Greeff-trained Grazinginthegrass has won 12 races with 12 places from 36 starts for stakes of R967 250.

Grazinginthegrass is raced in a partnership of the ASSM Racing Syndicate (Nom: Mr Arun Chadha), Mike de Kock and Mrs Noelene Malherbe.

By former Drakenstein Kris S sire Philanthropist, he is out of the five-time winning Singspiel mare, Candy Singer.

A R300 000 buy off the National Yearling Sale, the Alan Greeff-trained Grazinginthegrass has won 12 races with 12 places from 36 starts for stakes of R967 250.

Training honours on the day were shared with a double apiece for Alan Greeff, last season’s champion Gavin Smith and the Sharon Kotzen yard.

Philanthropist,

he is out of the five-time winning Singspiel mare, Candy Singer.

Sharon Kotzen and Louis Mxothwa were the only combination on the day to achieve a double.

The next Fairview racemeeting is on Friday 11 August.

ERUPT FILLY’S EXPLOSIVE PERFORMANCE

Restricted to eligible graduates of the 2022 CTS Farm Sale, the R400 000 Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday headliner proved something of a walk in the park for Glen Kotzen’s Erupt filly Golden Tatjana, who led from start to finish to win the 1200m contest unextended.

Ridden by Muzi Yeni, Golden Tatjana (5-10) cruised in to beat the always second Qhawe Lami (10-1) by 3,50 lengths in a time of 69,07 secs.

Gauteng raider Palace Revolt (201) was a further 4,20 lengths back in third.

Raced in partnership by Mrs D Jithoo, Messrs R P Macnab & S Poriazis, Mr F L & Mrs P Oostendorp & 3 A Racing Syndicate (Nom: Mr W A W Bowman), the winner was bred by Peter de Beyer and is by Erupt (Dubawi) out of the four-time winning Silvano mare Goldandsilver.

Golden Tatjana has won 2 with 5 places from 8 starts for stakes of R670 553.

Erupt, whose first crop included Gr3 Protea Stakes/Listed Storm Bird Stakes winner Karangetang, is also responsible for this season’s high-class two-year-olds Dolcezza (2nd Hollywoodbets Super League Devon Air Stakes), Hot Pearl

(2nd Gr3 Strelitzia Stakes) and Ripple Effect (2nd Ruffian Stakes).

Erupt, who shares his outstanding sire Dubawi with such star stallions as Night Of Thunder, New Bay, Zarak and the exciting Too Darn Hot, also hails from an outstanding family, with his numerous highclass relatives including champion sires Encosta De Lago, Flying Spur and Holy Roman Emperor.

Golden Tatjana (Muzi Yeni) cruises in to win easily | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

YOUNG TRENT BREAKS THE ICE

It was a Sunday to remember at Hollywoodbets Scottsville for 18 year old 4kg-claimer Trent Mayhew when he encountered some N3 level traffic in running, yet somehow conjured up a Houdini-like escape to secure a career first winner.

Riding the 10-1 Dandolo for Tony Rivalland in the fifth, a 1000m www.tabgold.co.za MR 84 Handicap, Trent went for gaps that weren’t really there on the 6yo, but kept his head to switch in late before riding a well-balanced finish to dead-heat in an either-way thriller with the Van Zyl 33-10 Quandary, who gave Sporting Post-sponsored Athandiwe Mgudlwa his season icebreaker.

It was a top ride by Mayhew who managed to share the spoils on a horse that was reluctant to go to the start and fly-jumped. To get up and collar one of our most improved riders in Athandiwe Mgudlwa was a decent effort.

Our often maligned handicappers would also have enjoyed the finish with just a half length seperating the quartet.

A son of trainer Craig Mayhew, and brother-inlaw to Ryan Munger, the Vereeniging-born Trent graduated through the Workrider ranks and was enjoying his 20th ride, and boasts a new season strike-rate of 50%!

Quoted at 25-2 with Hollywoodbets to win the SA Champion Jockey title, Muzi Yeni grabbed three on the day to lead the national title with 8 winners.

Odds-on favourite Richard Fourie is on holiday so the tearaway Yeni may be a man to watch this month.

Sporting Post rider Tristan Godden rode a double for the Mike Miller yard and will be pleased with his start to the new term.

SANDOWN INJURY FOR AUSSIE YOUNG GUN

Promising Australian apprentice jockey Luke Campbell’s racing journey has hit an obstacle as he grapples with a confirmed knee fracture, necessitating a hiatus from the tracks.

The 21-year-old’s setback transpired during a race at Sandown, leading to his current stay at Alfred Hospital.

Matt Hyland, the Victorian Jockeys’ Association CEO, verified the injury as a non-displaced knee fracture, hinting at the possibility of avoiding surgery; however, a final decision on surgical intervention is pending.

The incident unfolded during the inaugural event of Sunday’s racing program when Campbell was unhorsed due to his mount, Naval Academy, clipping heels around the 800m mark.

Despite maintaining consciousness and receiving a negative diagnosis for a shoulder fracture upon hospitalization, a stewards’ hearing concerning the mishap has been postponed until Campbell can provide his account of the incident.

With an impressive record, the Western Australian apprentice has showcased his talent since debuting in the Victorian racing scene in May, boasting 88 victories, including a commendable 14 wins following his transition to Victoria.

www.justhorseracing.com.au

ASCOT QUALITY AT 2YO SALE

Ascot Stud’s Dr Ashley Parker is very happy with the draft he is bringing up to the 2023 BSA August Two Year Old Sale. This draft includes two-year-olds by the likes of Fire Away, Global View, Heavenly Blue, and the increasingly successful The United States.

Dr Parker has picked out a few gems from his August Sale draft to keep an eye on:

Lot 149: Blue Crystal c Heavenly Blue –Crystal Glitter

A big strong good moving Heavenly Blue colt with lots of scope, he is from the famous Bound family.

Lot 169: Global State c Global View –Fairy Queen

A strong, racy full brother to Fairy Knight, runner up in the recent Champion Juvenile Cup, the dam was second in the Gr1 Allan Robertson.

Lot 202: Unnamed c Heavenly Blue –Happy Girl

He is a scopey, racy Heavenly Blue colt from the Soho Secret family.

Lot 237: Knight’s Fire c Fire Away –Lady Of Choice

He is a racy, good looking Fire Away colt out of a half sister to millionaire Silvan Star, and he is from the same family as the Ascot Stud bred July winning champion Bold Silvano. Ascot Stud will also be offering two lots as Agent at the August Sale including:

Lot 117: Imokelly c The United States –Ballymaloe

He is a powerful, strong half-brother to the five time winning Son Of Zeus, and is from the family of Noah From Goa.

The BSA August 2yo Sale will be held at the TBA Complex on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August.

Ascot’s string can be found in Block B at the TBA Complex in Germiston.

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

The Blue Blooded Son Of Dubawi

ERUPT (IRE)

by Dubawi - Mare Nostrum by Caerleon

2021-22 Season:

Champion First season Sire

2nd Leading Sire of 2yo’s by %SWins/R (27 or more runners)

3rd Leading Sire of 2yo’s by %SWnrs/R (27 or more runners)

2022-23 Season:

Champion 2nd Season Sire

3rd Leading Active Sire of 2yo’s by Stakes (51 or more runners)

3rd Leading Active Sire of 2yo’s by %W/R (51 or more runners)

3rd Leading Active Sire of 2yo’s by AEPR (51 or more runners)

Yearlings have sold for up to R650,000

Best Progeny:

KARANGETANG - 3 wins, R399,375 incl Protea S G3, Storm Bird S L

RIPPLE EFFECT - 3 wins at 2 in 2022-23, R248,125, 2nd Ruffian Stakes L, 3rd SA Nursery G2.

HOT PEARL - 2nd Strelitzia Stakes G3.

GOLDEN TATJANA - winner at 2 in 2022-23, R420,563, 2nd Godolphin Barb S G3, 3rd Cape of Good Hope Nursery G3, Summer Juvenile S L, 4th Allan Robertson

Championship G1.

FLOWERBOMB - 4 wins-1 at 2-at 1000m to 2022-23, R374,250, 3rd Gardenia S L.

DOLCEZZA - winner at 2 in 2022-23, 2nd Devon Air S L

ICY BLAST - winner at 2 in 2022-23, R209,375, 4th Umkhomazi S G2, Cape of Good Hope Nursery G3

ACKERMAN INVESTS IN FUTURE OF GAUTENG RACING

In what can be best described as a vote of confidence in the future of Gauteng racing, a partnership led by prominent owner and businessman, Willem Ackerman, has purchased the talented and impeccably bred English sprinter, Mujbar. He will be trained by Mike de Kock.

A winner of the Gr3 Horris Hill stakes and Gr2 placed as a juvenile, Mujbar is an athletic and good-looking son of Oasis Dream’s successful sire son, Muhaarar, out of Madany, a stakeswinning daughter of Acclamation.

Madany was runner-up in the GBP500 000 Newmarket Tattersalls Millions Sprint.

Mujbar’s pedigree is laden with class. He is a half-brother to the Gr1 Royal Ascot Sprint winner, Eqtidaar, and to Massaat, who was second in both the Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes and the Gr1 English 2000 Guineas.

Mujbar’s pedigree combines the two most prominent speed lines in Great Britain, and unlike many imports does not sacrifice either performance or pedigree due to exchange rate limitations.

Mujbar arrives in South Africa in mid-August and the immediate aim of the partnership is to prepare him for a tilt at the 2024 L’Ormarins King’s Plate.

No stud plans have yet been considered.

WINTERBACH’S 2YO SALE WINNERS

The Stellenbosch-based Winterbach Stud will be bringing a very well balanced draft of horses to the upcoming BSA August Two Year Old Sale, and, understandably, Hendrik Winterbach is very upbeat about his string.

While keen on his draft in its entirety, Hendrik has picked out a few lots which look sure to find favour at the sale.

Beira: (Lot 52) f Vercingetorix – Sofala

A full-sister to G2 winner Rascallion, she is a big, strong filly. She has lots of quality about her.

We Have Touchdown: (Lot 53) c Gimmethegreenlight – Soft Landing

He is a colt of good size and very correct . Looks a early sort.

World Of Wonder: (Lot 70) c One World –Sylvan On Fire

Out of Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap winner Sylvan On Fire, he covers ground and is a strong colt.

Ariovistus: (Lot 84) c Vercingetorix – Vanilla Silk

This is a very athletic horse, who really looks

the part. He has a great hind quarter.

World Soprano: (Lot 161) c One World –Dynamic Diana

This is a lovely colt, who looks to be early. Very correct and a good mover.

Sakurajima: (Lot 232) c Talk Of The Town –Kilauea

Out of a decent Trippi mare, this colt has lots of scope. He also has plenty of quality and a great walk.

The Winterbach draft can be found in Blocks D and G at the TBA complex in Germiston.

NEW ERA AS TOP TEAMS SCRUM DOWN

The Sharks have unveiled Hollywoodbets as their new title sponsor. This is the next exciting chapter in a formidable partnership that started in 2019, which sees the Purple Team now acquire title sponsorship, in addition to stadium naming rights of the iconic Hollywoodbets Kings Park.

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Commenting on this exciting announcement, The Sharks’ CEO, Dr Eduard Coetzee, said:

“We are delighted to announce Hollywoodbets as our new title sponsor. The unwavering support, commitment to excellence, and investment over the last few years has been immense and we look forward to taking our valued partnership to the next level.”

“This strong partnership will continue to be elevated in the years to come. With both

brands having an international footprint and global appeal, this evolution in our relationship is a momentous occasion for the global sporting and entertainment communities alike.”

“Hollywoodbets have taken the global sponsorship industry by storm, and they are a brand that supports and engages with their partners for mutual success and growth. Our focus is to continue to make magic together and to work closely to ensure that our collective objectives are met.”

Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager Devin Heffer | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

Coetzee added: “We would like to acknowledge our outgoing title sponsor, Cell C for their massive contribution to The Sharks for over a decade as title sponsor. Their support and invaluable investment through the highs and lows cannot be underestimated. Although they are stepping aside from the title sponsorship portfolio, we are thrilled that they will continue to be a large part of The Sharks family moving forward, as an Official Partner.”

The Sharks consistently seek to uphold a legacy of excellence and we are determined to achieve our objective of becoming an iconic symbol of rugby prowess. The dedication to teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship aligns seamlessly with Hollywoodbets’ core values, making this sponsorship a natural progression for both entities. This partnership exemplifies our collective vision for the future, and we look forward to an unforgettable adventure that will resonate globally.

clubs across South Africa via the Phaka Rugby Magazine Show, and the Hollywood Foundation iQhawe Week.”

“Further to this, we have worked closely with The Sharks in their Hands of Hope campaigns, and currently sponsor six bursaries for students at the Sharks Academy. Through our title sponsorship of the Hollywoodbets Sharks, we look forward to further developing the future of South African rugby talent and working together in empowering our South African communities.”

Through strategic collaborations and impactful sponsorships, Hollywoodbets have established itself as a major player in the world of sports sponsorship. By becoming the title sponsor of The Sharks, Hollywoodbets further cements its commitment to promoting and supporting sport in South Africa and around the world.

“The dedication to teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship aligns seamlessly with Hollywoodbets’ core values, making this sponsorship a natural progression for both entities.”

Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager for Hollywoodbets said, “Hollywoodbets is honoured to be the new title sponsor of The Sharks. Being a Durban born and based company, we are massive Sharks fans! We know how much this team means to the fans and how it is an institution of our province. Through the passion and energy, we put into every sponsorship, we look forward to enhancing The Sharks supporter experience, and further growing The Sharks position as one of the most recognisable rugby brands in the world.”

“We share many values with The Sharks family, including ubuntu, community support, and sports development. We are nothing without our communities, and we are incredibly proud of the work we have done through our Hollywood Foundation. This has been extended through the sport of rugby, where we have developed the game at grassroots levels through our sponsorship of community

As Hollywoodbets steps into its new role as title sponsor, fans can anticipate an array of thrilling activations and engagements. This partnership will undoubtedly invigorate the team and our loyal supporters, who quite simply form the heart and soul of The Sharks’ success.

From the 2023/2024 rugby season, the Hollywoodbets logo will feature prominently on the front and back of The Sharks playing jerseys across all competitions and these jerseys will be available for sale from early October.

“As this new era dawns for The Sharks, the entire organisation, our players, staff and fans stand united in welcoming Hollywoodbets as our title sponsor”, concluded Coetzee.

• Media release issued by The Sharks (Pty) Ltd and Hollywoodbets Sportsbook Holdings Proprietary Limited on Thursday 3 August 2023.

BECKETT AND MARQUAND DOMINATE GOODWOOD

Despite the abandonment of Day 5 of the Qatar Goodwood Festival with three races to run, there was plenty of action to enjoy as Ralph Beckett was crowned leading trainer for the first time, with Tom Marquand collecting a first leading jockey award at the meeting.

Beckett and John Quinn both ended the meeting on three winners, with the Kimpton Down handler taking the spoils by virtue of more seconds.

Kinross starred for Beckett as he won the Gr2 World Pool Lennox Stakes for a second time, while Royal runner Serried Ranks and Balance Play completed a quickfire double for the yard in the closing handicaps on Friday.

Beckett said: “I am amazed, what a lovely surprise! It has been a very satisfying week. I have really enjoyed it and am delighted with

how the horses have been running. There were too many seconds, but that is the nature of it!

“Kinross’s win in the Lennox Stakes is the obvious highlight, but also the double yesterday was pretty special.

“Classical Song’s second on debut in the fillies’ maiden was a pleasing run, and Balance Play’s win in the handicap yesterday was a long-held plan.

“I am so sorry the meeting has ended early, it is a great shame for everyone with runners,

Tom Marquand guides Sumo Sam home in the Lillie Langtry | Credit: Racing TV

but I have had a great week and I am looking forward to picking up the award.”

Marquand signed off with four winners, all in Group races, headlined by two excellent front-running rides on Quickthorn in the Gr1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup and Sumo Sam in the Gr2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes.

William Haggas’ first jockey also scored on Royal runner Desert Hero in the Gr3 John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes and Hamish in the Gr3 l’Ormarins King’s Plate Glorious Stakes.

Marquand said: “It has been a good week. Coming to big meetings, you walk away with one winner and when you start that’s obviously

Leading jockey Tom Marquand | Credit: Goodwood Racecourse

“It is always difficult if you are not in control of what’s going on. If it’s drying you can put water on – you have the ability to make that decision, whether they are right or wrong and you cannot please everybody.

a big deal. But the further you go through your career, you want to put your name on the placard.

“I grew up at Hannon’s as an apprentice and Goodwood was a big, big deal. You only have to look at the table on the wall to see how many times Richard Hannon senior won leading trainer, and obviously Richard junior after. It’s always been something you would have your eyes on from when you are an apprentice, so it’s great.”

Ed Arkell, Goodwood’s Director of Racing and Clerk of the Course, told Racing TV of the abandonment: “The jockeys expressed their concern after the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes that there were some areas on the bends that they weren’t happy about. They were happy to race on the straight course for the Coral Stewards’ Cup, so we ran that, then went and inspected the bends and there is an area of false ground on the bottom bend that unfortunately we were unable to get around. We were happy that the Coral Stewards’ Cup was fine to run because the issue was not on the straight course, it was on the round course. Unfortunately, all three of the final races come around that bend.

“None of us want to end the meeting like this –it’s been a very challenging week and I would just like to thank my grounds team; Andrew, Sam, George, Jake and Phil, who have worked unbelievably hard to put this meeting on. It has been really difficult for the past two weeks and they have worked late, early and any time just to get the meeting on. It’s really sad for them that we’ve had the weather we’ve had and it has ended like this.

“It was pouring with rain on Sunday and Monday. The track [grass] is long and we haven’t been able to cut it for three days. They started cutting it at half eight at night and didn’t finish until one in the morning to make sure we could get the track cut so it was safe on Tuesday.

“They put the graft in then and you can imagine what the track looked like on Wednesday

evening [after heavy daytime rain] and they got the track back in time for Thursday.

“Today the weather has been very different from the forecast we were given first thing this morning. We were given light drizzle and heavy drizzle at times, and it’s been noticeable this week that the forecast has been changing so much – what is being forecast isn’t necessarily happening. It has been challenging and something we might have to deal with a lot more in the future.

“It is always difficult if you are not in control of what’s going on. If it’s drying you can put water on – you have the ability to make that decision, whether they are right or wrong and you cannot please everybody. If you know what you are dealing with it would help. We haven’t put any water on for four weeks and because it has been naturally watered, that has helped the track to cope.

“We work very hard for 51 weeks of the year to ensure this particular meeting is where we want

Beautiful in blue and white on Friday Credit: Goodwood Racecourse

it. You want to run on decent ground that is fair to all, and not slogging through something that looks like a Jump meeting in January. It’s disappointing and upsetting but, that said, we have seen some great racing, and hopefully the horses that have run well will go on to do the same at other meetings.

“Highlights have included the victory of Paddington, who was hugely impressive in the Qatar Sussex Stakes. The Qatar Nassau

Stakes [won by Al Husn] is always fascinating and it was great to see Highfield Princess back to winning ways in the King George Qatar Stakes. Hopefully, she should go on and win at York. We have also seen some great two-yearold performances and it will be interesting to see how the winners of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Molecomb Stakes [Big Evs] and British EBF Alice Keppell Stakes [Flora Of Bermuda] go on. Hopefully, to bigger and better things.”

It was wet! | Credit: Goodwood Racecourse

FAIRVIEW FRIDAY RATINGS

Sharon Kotzen’s mare And We Danced remains unchanged on a merit rating of 103 after winning the Listed East Cape Paddock Stakes for fillies and mares over 1600m on the Fairview Polytrack on Friday 4 August. The race meeting was originally scheduled for the turf course but was moved to the Polytrack because of weather-related reasons.

The Handicappers believed that AND WE DANCE herself made for the best line horse when assessing this race, hence her unchanged rating.

The only ratings raise was for runner-up UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, who was picked up from 92 to 100, while the solitary drop was for 3rd finisher WHO DO YOU LOVE, who was trimmed from 100 to 99 to keep her lower than the runner-up.

Listed Memorial Mile

GRAZINGINTHEGRASS remains unaltered on a mark of 111 after he won the Listed Memorial Mile over 1600m on the Fairview Polytrack on Friday. The Handicappers were of the unanimous opinion that

GRAZINGINTHEGRASS himself made for the best line horse when assessing this race, which explains his unchanged rating. In assessing the race this way 3rd placed KHAYA’S HOPE also runs to his mark, effectively making him a line horse as well and leaving him unchanged on a rating of 107.

There were ratings increases for 2nd placed BUSH TRACKER, who is up from 104 to 108, and for 5th finisher BOLD RESOLVE, who goes up from 93 to 96.

Four horses received a rating’s drop. 4th placed CASTLETOWN is down from 103 to 100, SAFARI BLUE was trimmed from 101 to 100, TARANTINO is down to 98 from 99 and lastly PROPHET drops from 102 to 100.

FIRST 2YO GR1 OF YEAR ON SATURDAY

O’Brien’s City Of Troy – an entry in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes |

Credit: Racing TV

It’s mid-summer and Flat racing is in top gear. This weekend the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes takes centre stage at the Curragh, the first two-year-old Group 1 of the year.

The juvenile Group 1, run over 6-furlongs, was won in facile fashion last year by Little Big Bear providing Aidan O’Brien a record 17th victory in the race.

The Ballydoyle trainer is poised to have a strong hand again with Group 2 winners City Of Troy, River Tiber and Matrika all entered. Aidan’s son Donnacha O’Brien has entered his Royal Ascot winning filly Porta Fortuna and this daughter of Caravaggio looks the main danger to the Ballydoyle battalion.

There are no Group 1 races in England over the weekend, but racegoers will be on hand to see some of the world’s leading riders in action at Ascot on Saturday afternoon.

This year’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup will see four teams of three jockeys competing in six races for the coveted trophy, in addition to the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle for the leading individual rider.

Frankie Dettori is having his final rides at the team-event race day. He captains a strong European team which includes French ace Olivier Peslier and Kazakh-born Bauyrzhan Murzabayev, stable jockey to legendary French

trainer Andre Fabre.

They look to top the standings against Great Britain and Ireland, the Rest of the World, and the Ladies teams.

Dettori said: “The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is always a fun event, and I was keen to be involved in my final year riding.”

Great Britain & Ireland will be led by Luke Morris, who won last season’s G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Alpinista. Tom Marquand and former Irish champion Declan McDonogh are also part of last year’s winning team.

Hong Kong star Vincent Ho returns as captain of Rest of the World. He is joined by Brazilian sensation Joao Moreira and Kazuo Yokoyama, a multiple G1 winner in his native Japan.

Hayley Turner, the most successful rider in Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup history and twice a winner of the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle, heads up the Ladies team. Hollie Doyle is set to make her third appearance at the event, fresh from riding three winners at Royal Ascot, while Saffie Osborne makes her debut in the competition.

FAVOURITES NOSEDIVE IN ROCKET MAN SPRINT

Outsider Kharisma caused a major boilover with his first Group win in the SG$110 000 Gr3 Rocket Man Sprint at Kranji on Sunday.

A ten-time winner all over 1200m, Kharisma had five unsuccessful cracks at Group level, with a third in the Gr2 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) as a four-year-old in 2021 and more recently, a second in the Gr3 Kranji Sprint (1200m) on June 3 as his best results.

However, the planets looked to have aligned beautifully in the second Leg of the STC Super Sprint series for the now seven-year-old with a handicapped weight of only 51kgs from the good barrier three and over his winning trip, as well as some good form under his belt.

On paper, Kharisma looked a solid proposition but with his last win coming in a Kranji Stakes A race in January last year, cautious punters sent him out at a generous price of $113 while

Pacific Emperor was the SG$15 favourite in the feature race.

Upon jumping, Fame Star (Mohd Zaki) crossed from his wide gate 11 to lead as expected with Sky Eye (Vlad Duric) sliding up to his outside for company, and Major King (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) was also handy albeit three-wide with no cover.

Jockey Louis-Philippe Beuzelin had The August one-back on the rails on settling while jockey Sharizal Saleh had Kharisma perfectly positioned just better than midfield on the rails from his good gate. Gold Star (Krisna Thangamani), Rocket Star (Manoel Nunes) and Pacific Emperor (Wong Chin Chuen) were also

Kharisma (Shafrizal Saleh) fends off the fast-finishing Pacific Emperor (Wong Chin Chuen) to take out the Gr3 Rocket Man Sprint | Credit: STC

among those that settled in the first half of the field on the tight first bend.

Turning for home, Fame Star tried hard but was swamped by a wall of horses at the 300m, in which The August and Kharisma were the two that kicked clear of the pack at the 200m.

Under desperate riding by Shafrizal, Kharisma slowly got the better of that duel. Yet, Pacific Emperor came flying home late with only 50.5kgs on his back over the final 50m.

But Kharisma dug deep and had the favourite’s measure by a neck on the line, with The August another three-quarters-of-a-length away in third. Invincible Tycoon (Koh Teck Huat) sprouted wings late to finish another short head away, running an eye-catching fourth.

The winning time was 1 min 8.54 secs for the 1200m on the Long Course and Kharisma’s

11th win from 39 starts took his earnings to over SG$600,000.

Winning trainer Stephen Gray was emotional after the win and he put it down to the tenacity of a horse that had seen the stable through troubled times.

“Persistence, really,” explained the Kiwi conditioner to racing presenter Scott Bailey after the race.

“He (Kharisma) was our mainstay through Covid-19. He just got there (high ratings) a bit early and went quickly up in the weights and we had no races for him because these (handicap races) are the sorts of races he can win.

“We had a few feature races taken away back then and there was really only one sprint race which was a weight-for-age race (the Group 1 Lion City Cup).

“He wasn’t good enough for that. (Trainer) Daniel Meagher had the best horse (Lim’s Kosciuszko) then and he (Kharisma) wasn’t quite up to it.

“But he slowly got down to a (winnable) handicap. I noticed he nearly won two starts ago. I knew I had to get him fit, so I ran him two weeks ago in that 1400m (Class 2) race and he went good (fifth).

“With the light weight today and a good draw, he just had a bit of luck.

“He might not be the best horse out there but he was really fit and was given a beautiful ride by Shafrizal. He’s a happy horse.

“I’d like to thank all my staff. (Assistant-trainer) Saimee (Jumaat), (stable supervisor) Wikki (Vickneswaran A/L Marigapan) and his syce, Ragudevan (A/L Kalimuthu). It’s been tough time of late, so we’re pretty rapt.

“It’s my fourth win in this race. St Kentigern (2001) and Emperor Max (2016) won it when it was called the Kranji Sprint and Lim’s Cruiser won it when it changed (name) to the Rocket Man Sprint in 2017.

“At the end of the day, if you want the statistics, he’s (Kharisma) probably not the best horse

I’ve ever had, but this is probably one of the best feelings I’ve had for a long time.

“His previous owner – Untung Joesoef (of Dago Stable) wanted to downsize so I took over. I sold half the shares to other owners and it’s their first Group win.”

Shafrizal – who let out a loud scream after he crossed the line – was also over the moon with his second Group win.

“I’m very happy,” said the Malaysian hoop, who won his first Group race atop Starlight in the Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) two years ago.

“My horse travelled really well. He just waited for my instructions and when I got a clear run in the home straight, he just went ‘whoosh’.”

“Thanks to the trainer and all my supporters.”

HERE’S ONE FOR KRANJI ON SUNDAY

Trainer Richard Lim believes that General Command, who has won all four of his races on the Polytrack thus far, will be in the mix back on his favourite surface in the $85,000 Class 2 race over 1100m at Kranji on Sunday.

A one-timer winner on the grass at Caulfield in April 2021, the five-year-old son of Shalaa has run twice on the turf in seven starts in Singapore without success, but he lost no marks with a solid third behind Mr Malek in Class 1 company over 1200m on July 8.

NOVEL CONCEPT AT HEVERSHAM

Gauteng’s Heversham Park Farm, spanning over 350 acres of scenic land, is offering a tranquil and picturesque home for retired or retiring Grade 1 winning geldings from around South Africa.

Heversham is inviting owners to send their champions to the farm for the establishment of a ‘National Paddock Of Legends’ which will not only offer these horses a compassionate and dignified retirement, but will generate meaningful public interest, respect and preserve the beautiful and historic traditions of thoroughbred racing and potentially create job opportunities.

Kat Riley of Heversham said that their ‘The Paddock’ will be open to all Grade 1 winners and that applications will be considered by a panel.

She said: “Our concept is based on the highly successful ‘Living Legends’ Rest Home in Australia, where legendary Australian and international, retired stars of the track are based in exclusive enclosures including Pakistan

Credit: Supplied

“Living Legends provided the setting and atmosphere for people of all ages to meet the famous names of racing in a close and personal way, to touch them and interact with them. In the US, a similar project was launched by Old Friends Equine in Kentucky, although they have a wider scope for acceptance.”

Credit: Supplied

Star, Good Ba Ba, Apache Cat, Silent Witness, Prince Of Penzance and Almandin.

Riley added: “Like Living Legends, we believe that the connection between the community and our racehorse champions should be nurtured and promoted. It is essential that we keep the public in touch with retired track stars. They shouldn’t become obscure and forgotten, but remain easily accessible so that their legacies live on.

“We’ll be establishing tours and visits to Heversham to give the public photo opportunities and chances to get close up with thoroughbred stars. It will bring families in touch with horses, promote gratitude for these well-deserving animals. A culture of love and appreciation for horses will be fostered, which lies at the heart of the hugely successful industry in Australia and is something we in South Africa fall short of. A media and reception centre, where guided visits will commence, functions will be held and videos of the Paddock Legends will be shown, is under

construction on the farm.

“We’ve seen the owners of Pocket Power and Rainbow Bridge securing good retirement homes for their champions in recent years and on Gold Cup Day the already legendary Do It Again was paraded to the Hollywoodbets Greyville crowd upon his retirement. We need more names, more track heroes whose greatness should be celebrated and who should be looked after like royalty when their race days are over.”

Heversham will also be following the Living Legends model of serving charities via working with schools, hospitals and retirement homes, and making race day appearances with selected horses.

With the welfare of the horse being the number one priority, geriatric care becomes necessary with older horses and veterinary students will enjoy opportunities for hands-on learning.

Credit: Supplied

The possibility of a Memorial Burial Ground is also being considered. Owners are invited to email nigel@ hevershampark.co.za for further information.

THE SPRINT IS INTERACTIVE

*Heversham Park Farm is located in the scenic, unspoilt Daleside Valley, just south of Johannesburg, and is overlooked by the majestic Paardekop. The farm consists of numerous large post and rail paddocks, all of which have natural spring water piped in. The farm has large irrigated and naturally fertilized lucerne and eragrostis lands, enabling them to monitor the quality of the forage supplied to our horses. The water supply comes from a natural spring, which is high in calcium and other minerals, ensuring that all animals that

are raised and/or kept on the farm are healthy. Heversham stands Capetown Noir (SAF), Jackson (SAF) and Moofeed (AUS).

Credit: Supplied

BREEDERS

SIRES

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