SP SPRINT - 27 September 2023

Wednesday 27 September 2023

WET, WET, WET

THE DAY THE WATERS RAGED

The racing and breeding industry has come out in support of leading breeder Hassen Adams whose lifetime of excellence and passion, and decades of investment in a quest to deliver champions, was swept away in the raging torrent and floods that plundered a path of destruction through Hermanus and the magnificent Hemel ‘N Aarde valley on a black Monday that brought the curtain down on the Heritage Day long weekend.

“I have been overwhelmed by the offers of help and goodwill from so many people. From Klawervlei’s John Koster, who has offered 30 stables, to Julia Pilbeam at Soetendal, who will look after and prep my yearlings for January, the help and love has poured in from locally and abroad,” added the breeder.

He confirmed that Greg Bortz and Justin

Vermaak had stepped in and provided him with stabling at Philippi, to assist the devastated operation.

Mr Adams said he had made peace with the fact that this was the end of the road for him competing with ‘the big guns’ and that he would be selling ‘virtually everything’.

“I will keep a few mares and am looking at opening a racing stable, with a senior trainer mentoring a new man. I have lots of ideas –for now though it’s about catching our breath at Hermanus and making sure every living creature is safe and secure.”

At the age of 71, and battling multiple cancers, Hassen Adams told the Sporting Post in an exclusive interview on Monday that he was deeply thankful that his staff and some 150 horses had been spared, but that every man eventually reaches a crossroads in life where decisions had to made – and that Monday 25 September 2023 was probably his.

Hassen Adams – slowing up and scaling down |

Credit: Supplied

The leading businessman drew parallels with the floods in northeastern Libya last week that led to massive losses of life and widespread destruction.

“I am watching the news and praying that all of the people impacted by this disaster will be saved – even though many lives will be inexorably changed for a long time.”

Former chair of Grand Parade Investments, executive chair of Burger King SA, director of Gold Circle, a director of Cape Town Fish Market and of Afriserve, Hassen Adams has raised the bar at Nadeson Park Stud. The farm has evolved as a force on the racing and breeding scene, and is well advanced as an eco-village of international repute and quality.

The heavy downpours that swept Cape Town and the Overberg came after the SA Weather Service issued a Level 9 warning on Sunday –an indication that the impact of the inclement weather was expected to be severe.

And, as expected, the relentless and strong wind had no mercy.

“I thank the almighty that my staff and horses were spared. Bar my office, legacy library and feed store, the rest is gone. I have one of my best quality drafts ever for the October Sale and the early sales of 2024. They are still just

wooly teddy bears as Spring has never arrived. Now we have lost our facilities. I have plenty of land on my West Coast farm – but not the stabling and facilities. There is no way we will be able to prepare them in this environment for the sales. I have some serious decisions to make,” he lamented, as he gazed out of the window at the bleak skies.

The man who brought champion Gimmethegreenlight to South Africa, said that he was not bitter and remained philosophical in the belief that the ‘perfect storm’ was an act of a higher power.

“There is no loss of human or horse life on our farm. And one must think of the suffering of the poorest people in our communities that are homeless and without a hot meal tonight. Somethings money cannot buy. One can make all the paper money in the world, but, think about it – no amount of wealth can buy health or time,” he lamented.

So is this the end of the journey for Nadeson Park?

Hassen says that he has come to terms with, and respects the reality that his much loved children have other passions, like property –and horses were not part of their preferences or plans. So there is no succession plan in place.

“My journey in this sport has never been commercial – I have just loved the horses, the competition and the people. And when I look at what happened today, one realizes that nothing in life is permanent. We can make the mistake of thinking we are bigger than life. I had the good fortune to mingle with business and world leaders – with Kings, Queens, Sultans and Emperors. And then got the wake-up call.

I was travelling. I did eight countries and three continents in a week. Then I got sick. I started sorting my life out – and Nadeson Park and Karwyderskraal became my focus. Now I see that God has other plans.”

When taxed on where to now, Hassen said that his chief priority would be to ensure that his staff and horses were safe and fed.

“Nobody can get in and those on the farm cannot get out. My managers and staff have been fantastic. Being a long weekend, some of them were away, but I have put them up in accommodation. We will have to assess the situation. Who knows? My immediate thought was a dispersal. Sell up. Call it a day. Maybe keep a handful of horses. I can’t give racing up.

FLOODS -

RIVERTON TEAM OPEN THEIR DOORS

With the flood-hit Western Cape reeling from the impact of heavy rain and gale force winds, six children have been evacuated and three people are missing.

Large parts of the Western Cape suffered severe damage over the long weekend as widespread flooding, landslides and rockfalls forced the closure of all major roads leading into Cape Town.

Heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday caused several rivers to break their banks, destroying infrastructure, causing electricity outages and flooding homes and farmland in greater Cape Town and the Overberg, Overstrand and Winelands regions.

Over a 24-hour period between Sunday and Monday parts of the Overberg region received up to 170mm of rain, Stellenbosch in the Winelands district recorded 133mm, and 92mm of precipitation was recorded at the Royal Yacht Club in Cape Town.

The Sporting Post has made efforts to contact

some breeders in the province.

While all their horses are thankfully safe, Natasha Barry of Riverton Stud in Robertson told us that the Breede River is rising and that all roads to Cape Town are closed.

“Our accommodation facilities and home are full. Duncan (Barry) has taken spare mattresses to the church hall, which has opened to accommodate the long weekend overflow of stranded travellers. The Civic Centre and the Callie de Wet Sports Centre has also been opened to accommodate everyone,” she said.

Dating back to 1860, Riverton estate was purchased by the Barry’s in 1918, the same year that Nelson Mandela was born. The magnificent farm is located on the Golden River Route and is a two-hour drive from Cape Town.

Riverton Stud was blanketed by a moody sky on Monday | Credit: Supplied

CAPE OF STORMS LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

Severe weather conditions have continued to wreak havoc in the Cape with Hollywoodbets Durbanville receiving 100mm of rain in 12 hours – almost 20% of the average annual rainfall of the past 25 years!

The rain guage overflowed at Hollywoodbets Durbanville overnight after Mother Nature had handed out some respite and relief this past Saturday that allowed the Braai & Gallop raceday to be run.

“Cape Town is literally flooding everywhere right now. But we have every one of our mitigating controls in place and can only do what we can do. Our structures are still

standing, and we are trying to protect what we can,” Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz told the Sporting Post.

Last week Cape Racing announced the innovation of Bedouin tents and covers to protect the Hollywoodbets Durbanville track. The Milnerton Training Centre was also underwater on Monday morning, with what looked like extensive damage to the tracks.

While the forecast for the week ahead appears to suggest the prospects of improved weather, the preparation of a number of horses running in the Hollywoodbets Gr3 Matchem Stakes and Hollywoodbets Gr3 Diana Stakes on Saturday

30 September have been interrupted. The Bubbles & Blossoms raceday on Saturday heralds the big season debut of the likes of champion Charles Dickens.

Due to the recent weather conditions, the 2023 Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series has been disrupted. Declarations for Saturday’s double feature card close at 11h00 on Tuesday.

On Sunday afternoon, the SA Weather Services issued an orange level nine warning for the region, saying rainfall in excess of 100 mm

could be expected, and that full catchments might cause flooding downstream.

This was the highest weather warning level ever issued for the region. Western Cape MEC for local government Anton Bredell warned that the downpours could result in flash floods and mudslides.

“Our dams are full, and the soil is already saturated after good rains this winter. Please take these warnings seriously and make the necessary preparations,” he added.

Dean Kannemeyer – arrives in numbers to take on Charles Dickens! |

Credit: Candiese Lenferna

KANNEMEYER AIMS TO BURST A BUBBLE

Dean Kannemeyer fields four of the seven runners in Saturday’s renewal of the Hollywoodbets-sponsored 1400m Grade 3 contest, where he takes on the might of Charles Dickens, in another mouthwatering Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series feature showdown.

The Milnerton trainer is a fine strategist and never goes in boots ‘n all. It’s certainly unusual to see him dominate any feature field in numbers, and he laughs when we suggest it’s a case of ‘no Kannemeyer, no Matchem’.

“I just feel it’s a perfect starting point for my quartet and maybe the presence of Charles Dickens scared some of the opposition off.

He’s a top-class racehorse, but I have a plan for all of mine, and hopefully the weather stays good and it should be a great day of racing.” The engagement of Craig Zackey indicates that the dual Gr1 winner Gimme A Prince is the stable elect.

“His form speaks for itself. He ran from a wide draw when beaten by a multiple Gr1 winner in the Drill Hall Stakes and never runs a bad race. I would have preferred to have had just one grass gallop under the belt. But it’s been a tough time weather-wise down here.

I have, however, got as much sand work as has been possible into him. I know where I am going with him, and while he is far from ready, I will have plenty to work with.”

Unlike Gimme A Prince, Charles Dickens has had a grass gallop at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, and is clearly the horse to beat. On the matter of the outlook and prospects of racing on Saturday, Cape Racing’s Dean Diedericks was bullish.

“We still have water gushing out of the drains, but it’s sunny today (Tuesday) and no rain is forecast in the build-up. In fact, the weather appears to be warming up, so given those factors there is no reason why we won’t be racing at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday,” said the vastly experienced track manager.

The Bubbles And Blossoms raceday promises another festive cocktail of quality racing and family fun.

It’s a fabulous fusion of food, fashion and fun, with great racing, live music and a kids’ area that will keep the young set entertained. There will also be a wide range of champagne, wine, cocktails and local beer to elevate the festivities.

Entrance is R25 and tickets can be purchased at Webtickets.

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

4RACING: R2 MILLION CARRYOVER FEAST STARTS THURSDAY

TAB4Racing customers can get set for a R2 million carryover bonanza that kicks off at the Vaal race meeting this coming Thursday 28 September.

TAB Jackpot ONE pools at South African race meetings from Thursday to Sunday will each start with a R250,000 carryover that should generate a total pool of more than R1 million each day.

The biggest pools look likely to come at Fairview on Friday, when Leg 2 of the Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Poly Challenge heads the card, and at the “Bubbles and Blossoms” meeting at Hollywoodbets Durbanville

the next day, Saturday 30 September.

The Cape Town card is headed by two Grade 3 features in the R300,000 Matchem Stakes and R200,000 Diana Stakes, both over 1400m.

And then at Turffontein a week later, Saturday 7 October, the 4Racing Spring-Summer Season kicks into top gear with two Grade 2 features and a R1-million TAB Pick 6 carryover that should deliver a total pool of some R6 million!

It’s a grand raceday headed by the R550,000 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge and the R450,000 fillies and mares’ equivalent, both over 1450m.

MARSHALL CHARGE TO 111

The NHA have advised that Senso Unico has had his merit rating raised from 106 to 111 following his win in the Listed Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday 23 September 2023. Flower Of Saigon was considered to make for the most suitable line horse, leaving her unchanged on a

rating of 101.Triple Time, who could be considered unlucky after switching out for a clear run, was adjusted from 102 to 106 for beating the line horse by 2.5 lengths.

There were no other ratings’ increases, and only one horse received a drop. Master Redoute went from a 102 to 99.

MARSHALL LAW DECLARED!

Louis Mxothwa is hard at work on Senso Unico as Grant van Niekerk and Triple Time range up on the outside | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The first feature of the 2023 Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series produced a top-drawer finish at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday 23 September 2023, with eplacement jockey Louis Mxothwa getting the 12-1 Senso Unico home.

The 6yo gelding, who had run a commendable fourth behind Equus Champion Future Pearl in the Gold Vase last term, staved off a determined challenge from Triple Time, to give Klawervlei’s Twice Over the exacta honours in the R200 000 Hollywoodbets Listed Settlers Trophy.

On a festive Braai & Gallop raceday during the Heritage Day long weekend, local families, seemingly with the loadshedding and fuel price woes very much at back of mind, streamed in to the rustic venue to enjoy a wide variety of culinary and liquid attractions on offer.

And the racing provided the thrilling finishes, with the Vaughan Marshall-trained Senso Unico achieving an overdue feature success as he ground away to keep the lovely grey Triple Time, who received 3kgs, at bay.

At the line a nose separated the two, with the Marshall galloper resisting tote favourite Triple Time (5-2) in a time of 122,76 secs.

The trojan mare Flower Of Saigon (14-1) stayed on with courage to run third, a further 2,50 lengths back.

Last year’s winner Somerset Maugham produced no run and ran last.

The winner was bred Alec and the Hon Gillian Foster, who also raced the 2020 Durban July winner Belgarion, who carried their silks to victory in the 2019 renewal, before going on to his benchmark career success some nine months later.

The winner is by Observatory stallion

Twice Over out of the Captain Al mare, Wheredowego.

Senso Unico has won 3 of 20 starts for stakes of R438 075 and looks a decent prospect for the summer season staying contests.

The day was a great success after track issues during the week and included the introduction of an expanded new team of Track Angels.

Cape Racing’s Track Angels A-Team! | Credit: Supplied

CHESTNUTS OF GOLD

Gimmethatpearl charges home under Grant van Niekerk at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Broodmare daughters of the late South African legend Horse Chestnut have more than proven their worth at stud, and Horse Chestnut mares have again come to the fore of late.

Not only is Horse Chestnut’s daughter Banbury dam of Pink Moon (Sea The Moon), who caught the eye when finishing third on debut recently, another daughter, Chestnuts N Pearls, is the dam of Saturday’s very impressive debut winner Gimmethatpearl (Gimmethegreenlight).

Both Banbury and Chestnuts N Pearls were talented racemares, with Banbury downing champion Smart Call (another out of a Horse Chestnut mare) to win the 2014 Gr3 Fillies Mile, and Chestnuts N Pearls winning the 2015 Gr1 Golden Slipper.

Banbury’s daughter Pink Moon is the first South African runner for once beaten Gr1 Deutsches (German) Derby winner Sea The Moon, responsible for winners of both

the German Derby and German Oaks in 2023. A son of Sea The Stars, Sea The Moon accomplished a notable feat when his daughters Muskoka, Kassada and Sea The Lady ran 1-2-3 in this year’s Gr1 Preis Der Diana (German Oaks).

His sire Sea The Stars’ Gr1 Kerrygold Irish Oaks/Gr1 Prix Vermeille/Gr1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes winning daughter Star Catcher was produced by the Horse Chestnut mare Lynnwood Chase.

The latter was an exceptional broodmare with Lynnwood Chase’s seven winners also including Gr1 Canadian International winning sire Cannock Chase (Lemon Drop Kid) and G2 Prix Eugene Adam victor Pisco Sour (Lemon Drop Kid).

Gimmethatpearl, who made a good impression when winning at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, is the first winner for Chestnuts N Pearls, whose third dam is top South African racemare and producer Party Time (Filipepi).

Horse Chestnut in his days at Drakenstein Stud | Credit: Drakenstein Stud

Horse Chestnut daughters have, to date, produced Gr1 winners in all of Britain, Canada, Ireland, France, South Africa and the USA, with Horse Chestnut mares throwing top level winners to a range of different stallions including Blame, Byword, City Zip, English Channel, Ideal World and the aforementioned Sea The Stars, among others.

At the time of writing, mares by Horse Chestnut had produced the earners of more than $39 million in stakes.

He is not the only son of multiple Champion Broodmare Sire Fort Wood to make his mark as

a broodmare sire, with Fort Wood’s outstanding son Dynasty fast becoming a superb damsire in his own right.

Among the growing list of top-class horses produced by Dynasty mares are champion Charles Dickens, and fellow graded stakes winners Amanzimtoti, Cold Fact, Divine Odyssey, Gladatorian, and Wild Coast, to name but a few.

Dynasty is also broodmare sire of last season’s brilliant Listed World Sports Betting Irridescence Stakes winner Beach Bomb (Lancaster Bomber).

The winner is washed down by the Snaith team | Credit: 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

ARCHIE’S DOING HIS DADDY THING

Hendrik Winterbach Jnr reports that Gr1-winning sprinter Master Archie has proven to be fertile and it’s great news that two of the first mares he covered, a pair from Jikkie de Wet’s Prosper Stud, have both been tested in foal.

The Winterbach Stud-based son of Rafeef is enjoying his new job.

Hendrik Winterbach Jnr said, “He’s doing a proper, proper job. His libido is exceptional,

he’s covering very strongly, he is ready for action.”

Master Archie has plenty more mares still to cover.

Meanwhile, his Potala Palace half-brother Majestic Palace makes his debut over 1200m at the Vaal next Thursday.

He is trained by Mike and Adam Azzie and will be ridden by JP van der Merwe.

Rafeef’s Gr1 winning son Master Archie is relishing his Winterbach Stud home | Credit: Supplied

NO SLOWING THIS MUSTANG DOWN!

Sally Bowles, a daughter of London News, featured as the dam of Lady Radner, a facile winner of the Gr3 Dogwood Stakes at Churchill Downs this past weekend.

Sally Bowles seen winning the KZN Fillies Guineas | Credit: Gold Circle

Arguably no one has done more to introduce South African female lines to the world than Team Valor International principal, Barry Irwin.

Over the years, the shrewd American has reaped handsome reward with locally-bred fillies he purchased and subsequently exported, notable examples being Alexandra Rose (the dam of Gr1 winner Oleksandra) and Secret Heart (dam of Graded stakes winners Pluck and Three Hearts).

Add to that Sally Bowles, a daughter of London News, who this past weekend, featured as the dam of Lady Radner, a facile winner of the Gr3 Dogwood Stakes at Churchill Downs. It was the second stakes victory for the three-year-old, to go along with a win in the Listed Goldfinch Stakes at Prairie Meadows.

The news of the filly’s Gr3 success was met with delight by veteran Karoo breeder David Southey, for he raised Sally Bowles at his Southford Stud and has always kept a keen eye on the mare’s American broodmare innings.

As he recalls: “I bought her and her dam Eligible Dancer at auction. Sally Bowles was a very nice, neat filly, and for a London News had plenty of quality. I paid R5000 for her and sold her at the National Yearling Sale to Robin Bruss for R140 000.”

Purchased on behalf of Team Valor, Sally Bowles joined the stable of Robin’s late brother Neil and quickly gave notice of her talent when beaten a head in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship.

She blossomed into a smart three-year-old and went on to capture the Gr2 KZN Fillies Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville, in the process claiming the notable scalps of future Gr1 winners Royal Fantasy and River Jetez!

Exported to the States, Irwin put Sally Bowles in foal to Gone West’s son Proud Citizen before sending her to the Keeneland November Sales,

where she was purchased by Stonestreet Stud for $180,000.

Stakes-placed dual winner London Citizen was the result of that mating and was followed by a Curlin colt who won six races.

Sally Bowles’s next foal, the More Than Ready filly Consumer Credit, became her first black type winner. Twice successful at Listed stakes level, she scored a career high in the Gr3 Sweetest Chant Stakes at Gulfstream Park and also ran third in the Gr1 American Oaks at Santa Anita.

Like her dam, she was put up for auction at the end of her racing career and sold for a healthy $700,000. Lady Radner is the most recent of her eight offspring and second stakes winner.

From a pedigree perspective, Sally Bowles hails from one of the most successful and enduring female lines in the South African Stud Book.

Her dam Eligible Dancer is a Foveros grandaughter of the grand mare Party Time, who won all of the Cape Fillies Guineas,

Paddock and Majorca Stakes. Rightly revered as one of the great mares in the South African Stud Book, Party Time not only proved her superiority on the racetrack, she also established her own dynasty for the Cohen’s Odessa Stud and her descendants include the readily identifiable champions Trademark, Let’s Rock ‘N Roll, In The Fast Lane and the Gr1 winner Morisco, to name but a few.

Eligible Dancer produced just two fillies, Sally Bowles and her Dynasty half-sister Jenny Bowles, which David is fortunate to

Barry Irwin – master and knows how to pick them Credit: Supplied

David Southey raised Sally Bowles | Credit: Supplied

count amongst his broodmare band. She has done her bit to maintain family honour by producing Super Good, a classically performed son of Announce. A seven-time winner, he was runner-up in the Zimbabwe Guineas and also finished third in the Zimbabwe Derby.

The mare’s most recent foal, a ‘beautiful colt’ by Gr1 winner Admiral Kitten, was bought by Glen Kotzen at the KZN Yearling Sale earlier this year.

“Unfortunately, Jenny Bowles is not a good traveller,” David added. “I cannot send her far from home and will probably take her to Visionaire, who stands with Schalkie van der Walt.”

As for Sally Bowles, it’s hats off to David for raising her, and to Barry Irwin for introducing to the global gene pool a mare who has been a fine representative of both her female line and the South African thoroughbred.

WSB MET

COUNTDOWN BEGINS

Last season’s sophomore arch-rivals Charles Dickens and See It Again head the Hollywoodbets ante-post betting boards for the 162nd renewal of the WSB Cape Town Met which will be run at the new-look Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 27 January 2024.

Last season’s sophomore arch-rivals

Charles Dickens and See It Again head the Hollywoodbets ante-post betting boards for the 162nd renewal of the WSB Cape Town Met which will be run at the new-look Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 27 January 2024.

Both trainers Candice Bass-Robinson (Charles Dickens) and Michael Roberts (See It Again) are yet to saddle a Met winner, although Roberts was in the saddle when Fred Rickaby’s Sledgehammer won the Cape flagship in 1975.

Equus champion Charles Dickens makes his season debut on Saturday in the Gr3 Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes.

See It Again, who runs in the Jonsson silks of 2023 Met winner Jet Dark, beat the Drakenstein champion over the Met course and distance in the 2023 Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby to give his trainer a maiden Gr1 winner.

Charles Dickens avenged the defeat with a fluent victory in the WSB Gr2 KZN Guineas three months later.

See It Again’s regular pilot Piere Strydom has reportedly put his retirement plans on ice to ride the son of Twice Over in the 2024 Cape Town Met. Strydom previously partnered Angus to victory in the Cape flagship back in 2003.

Cape Racing announced last weekend that the countdown to the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met has officially begun and the Cape’s most captivating social event returns to top form, promising to be a fusion of grand tradition and the beauty of Cape contemporary.

The official theme will be announced on Friday, 29 September.

#SoExcited #CapeTownMet

#RacingRevolution #StayTuned

‘TOXICALLY OPTIMISTIC’ SMITH IS LOOKING AHEAD

The CEO is standing at reception when I arrive. I check my watch. “Sorry, I’m a bit late, traffic.” He welcomes me, shakes my hand and assures me it’s no problem.

Hollywoodbets Durban July fun – Chantel and Wehann Smith, with Marie and Mark Bass | Credit: Supplied

Gary Lemke writes that the last time he saw Wéhann Smith at his Kuda offices in Big Bay, Cape Town, was during Covid-19. Then, there had been masks and sanitisers all round and not even a fist bump. Now, there was even the hint of a hug. How times have changed!

Adding to the changes, Kuda, a specialist insurance and foreign exchanges services firm, with an industry-leading position in the horse insurance market, are evolving, and their revenues are nearly back to what they were pre- Covid. The pandemic had a devastating effect on racing, with Phumelela Gaming going into business rescue in March 2020 and the industry all but disappearing off the edge of a cliff.

We go into a small meeting room where I immediately notice two framed paintings on the wall, by Cape Town artist Victoria Verbaan. I don’t say anything, but for me it’s a subtle reinforcement of how important the equine industry is to Kuda. Although that might be stating the obvious given the company logo is of a horse’s neck and head.

“However, I do feel that my contribution helped shape where we are today and helped the industry in very difficult times. I don’t think many people realize how close we came to the precipice. All I could offer was my time, while the Oppenheimers did a lot more, investing large, large sums of money, which Greg and Hollywoodbets have now done too. Once the Hollywoodbets and Greg deal was done there was no need for me to be on the Kenilworth Board – and that was only just over a year ago.”

in a very healthy space.

“It’s incredible how much Greg and his team have achieved in such a short time. It’s beyond all wildest expectations. It was good and necessary for me to step away and focus on our business. It’s no secret that Kuda went through tough times too. The racing stock had a massive effect on the bloodstock insurance market and at the same time the game market was under huge pressure.

Smith himself is starting to emerge from deep waters, having given so much time – he puts it at “hundreds of hours” – with the Mary Oppenheimer and Daughters Restructuring Task Team of himself, Brian Riley, Charles Savage, Mike de Kock and David Abery.

He speaks fondly of the experience gained and friendships forged but admits the entire business rescue operation to have also been a draining process. Now, the ship is in calmer waters and thanks to the tireless efforts of so many people, and the energy and cash injections from the likes of Mary Oppenheimer and Daughters, and more recently Hollywoodbets and Greg Bortz, racing has avoided being marooned on the rocks.

But, our sport horse, personal, commercial and forex divisions kept the business afloat. Bloodstock traditionally was our biggest revenue driver, but still today it’s not back there. However, overall, in June 2023 Kuda was back up to pre-Covid levels in nominal terms.”

Ever the optimist – he says his wife calls him “toxically optimistic … I don’t know whether that’s a compliment or not!” – Smith is looking ahead, not behind.

“The next five years are going to see the South African racing industry in a very healthy space. “Stud farms are achieving better sales results, which means breeding numbers will improve. The next yearling Sales will be strong. At the last two-year-old sale it didn’t feel like a twoyear-old sale.

At the top end the right horse is getting the right money and that’s all breeders can ask for.

The next five years are going to see the South African racing industry

That stimulates the whole insurance cycle. I’m super excited where the bloodstock industry is going. There has been a degree of autocratic leadership to set it on the right path.”

Back at Kuda, the company has grown to the degree that Smith is no longer one and all. An eventful 14 years have elapsed since Kuda was formed in 2009 by Smith.

“Dawn (Newman) and Josi (Marais) were employees No2 and No3.” There are now some 40 staff employed by Kuda.

“I suppose it could be argued that five years ago I was seen, rightly or wrongly, as the face of the business. We have evolved, and Janine Köster is now running niche market insurance,

and she will be much more visible in industries in which she operates, which includes racing.

“A lot of the investment we made, which included a review of our insurance vehicle and an extensive systems and technology journey, is concluding. We are starting to reap the benefits, which allows me to get back to networking, participating and being active in racing again. The hard work of my colleagues will allow me to do more of what I really enjoy.”

To that effect one can expect to see Kuda get more involved in racing.

“We were always active in sponsorship in the racing industry. I suppose this reduced during Covid times, purely because of the financial

Ridgemont’s Craig Carey and Wehann Smith enjoying the racing | Credit: Supplied

downturn. But our intention is to continue actively participating in the racing industry, which includes sponsorship.

We have taken a private suite at Kenilworth again, and we can’t wait to see what Cape Racing unveils over the summer season. I have always participated behind the scenes and I love connecting our industries. I used to enjoy introducing people to the sport.”

Perhaps the most famous example was Smith’s introduction of game farmer Piet du Toit, who paid R5.2-million for Horizon, a son of Dynasty, in 2014. “He also bought and raced Live Life,” he enthusiastically adds.

Given the ups and downs and treading of water over recent years, it’s good to know that racing, and Kuda, is riding the crest of the wave again. His luck, as an owner, is also starting to change for the better.

“I have shares in Captain Arrow, which runs at Durbanville tomorrow,” he tells me. “The stable reckons nothing can work with it at home, but he doesn’t bring that work to the races.”

The next day Captain Arrow, a winner of only one of his previous eight starts, started at odds of 8/1 and came through to win well. A further example that whatever Smith is touching right now is turning to gold.

TARRY’S TAIL HEADS CAPE RACING READY TO RUN STAKES LOG

The Cape Racing Ready to Run Stakes log has been published, featuring the current Top 20 in order of merit rating.

The R600 000 race, restricted to eligible graduates of the 2022 Ready To Run Sale, is scheduled for Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, 21 October, and will be contested over 1400m.

Top of the table is Sean Tarry’s smart threeyear-old, Tail of The Comet. He is at MR 106 and scored eight points above the second highest-rated runner.

The Gimmethegreenlight colt is a winner of two of three career starts, the latest a fluent 1450m success in a quality Graduation Plate at Turffontein on 16 September.

Tarry paid R425 000 for Tail Of The Comet and said: “He was on a shortlist of five horses given

to me by owner George O’Brien last year. We narrowed it down to two and were fortunate to secure him. George and I partnered with Gary Harvett, and Arun Chadha’s ASSM Racing Syndicate joined after the Gold Cup meeting.”

Tarry said that he intends to send Tail Of The Comet to Cape Town on 10 October, with flexibility in mind considering travel restrictions, and that the colt and several others from his stable earmarked for Cape Summer raids will remain in the Cape for more than one run. “Travelling back will be too risky and won’t suit our plans.”

He is not fazed about the Ready To Run Stakes having been moved to Hollywoodbets Durbanville and said: “It would have been

Tarry’s Tail Of The Comet – up and coming sort leads the log

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

nice to give Tail Of The Comet a look-see at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth ahead of the Cape Guineas but racing him at Hollywoodbets Durbanville is no problem. He has enough pace for the course and distance.”

With the race to be staged at level weights (minus 2,5kg sex allowance), Tail Of The Comet looks like a blinder on paper at this early stage, and Tarry said: “He’s promising; indeed, he has done everything right so far and is a good prospect for us.”

Tarry’s present joint-third candidate, That’s My Baby, will not contest the race, and the trainer said: “Unfortunately, she won’t be ready.”

The grey Dumbledore (William Longsword), rated 98, is second on the log. Trainer Vaughan Marshall is chuffed with his progress and said: “He ran a nice race in a Progress Plate after a rest last week. He is doing well.”

Sharing third is Glen Kotzen’s Monumental, already a winner over 1400m and with scope for much improvement. Said Kotzen: “He will have a run-on 7 October; I have nominated him for two races. He is doing well, will go straight into the Ready To Run from there.”

Fifth on the log is Joe Soma-trained Miss Hannigan, a filly by Canford Cliffs, Listedplaced over 1000m. “She’s fast, an out-and-out sprinter, may get away with it from the front at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. We are considering the race; we’ll decide within the next week or two,” said Soma.

Spring Palace is an R2R hopeful coming along the right way in seventh.

Speaking on behalf of Justin Snaith, Jono Snaith commented: “He has been off for a break and will have his R2R prep run at Hollywoodbets Durbanville this weekend. He will be spot-on on the big day.”

Gqeberha-based Kelly Mitchley’s Erupt filly, Public Benefit, is one of just four two-time winners on the log, rated 89.

She’s progressive, placing over 1200m, 1300m and 1400m, with two successes over a mile. Mitchley said: “We’re trying her over 2000m next, and we’ll see how she goes. She stays well, and perhaps the 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville will be on the sharp side, but we’ll keep our options open.”

Several runners are further down the log due for runs shortly, and many unraced horses are outside of the Top 20, so movements and changes can be expected over the next few weeks.

THE SPRINT IS INTERACTIVE

Aldo Domeyer, standing in for the suspended Richard Fourie, rode three of the Greeff winners, including a smart effort by 2023 East Cape Champion Older Colt/Gelding Grazinginthegrass in the R200 000 Betway Insurebet Friendly City Stakes.

Registering his sixth win on the trot, and breaking through as South Africa’s newest equine millionaire, the 6yo Philanthropist gelding is in the form of his life.

Given a confident ride by Domeyer, Grazinginthegrass (9-4) powered clear to beat the talented Hoedspruit (8-1) by three quarters of a length in a time of 110,55 secs.

Quasimodo (7-1) was a length back in third.

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 13 races with 12 places from 37 starts for stakes of R1 092 250.

Domeyer’s good day at the office was dampened somewhat when he was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.25 in that he was deemed to have conducted himself in an improper manner on racecourse property for making improper comments during the post-race interview of the third.

He signed an admission of guilt and was fined R2000.

The next Fairview racemeeting is on Friday 29 September, when Leg 2 of the Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Poly Challenge heads the card

TAB Jackpot ONE pools at South African race meetings from Thursday to Sunday this week will each start with a R250 000 carryover that should generate a total pool of more than R1 million each day.

13 WINS AND A MILLION IN THE BANK!

The Alan Greeff yard bounced back to their best form at Fairview on Friday 22 September with four winners.

Aldo Domeyer, standing in for the suspended Richard Fourie, rode three of the Greeff winners, including a smart effort by 2023 East Cape Champion Older Colt/Gelding Grazinginthegrass in the R200 000 Betway Insurebet Friendly City Stakes.

Registering his sixth win on the trot, and breaking through as South Africa’s newest

equine millionaire, the 6yo Philanthropist gelding is in the form of his life.

Given a confident ride by Domeyer, Grazinginthegrass (9-4) powered clear to beat the talented Hoedspruit (8-1) by three quarters of a length in a time of 110,55 secs. Quasimodo (7-1) was a length back in third.

Aldo Domeyer has Grazinginthegrass in the clear as Hoedspruit peeps into the frame |

Credit: Pauline Herman

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 13 races with 12 places from 37 starts for stakes of R1 092 250.

Domeyer’s good day at the office was dampened somewhat when he was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.25 in that

he was deemed to have conducted himself in an improper manner on racecourse property for making improper comments during the post-race interview of the third. He signed an admission of guilt and was fined R2000.

The next Fairview racemeeting is on Friday 29 September, when Leg 2 of the Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Poly Challenge heads the card

TAB Jackpot ONE pools at South African race meetings from Thursday to Sunday this week will each start with a R250 000 carryover that should generate a total pool of more than R1 million each day.

MISHANDLED MOUNT – BLING FINED R10 000

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that the office of the Racing Control Executive received an official complaint from the connections of the horse Back In Business concerning an incident that occurred before Race 7 at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday, 16 September 2023.

The incident preceded the gelding being withdrawn by the Veterinary Surgeon for bolting the course.

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that Jockey Khumalo signed an Admission of Guilt on Thursday, 21 September 2023, and

was fined Ten Thousand Rand (R10 000) for a contravention of Rule 62.2.11.

The Stewards found that Back In Business arrived at the start of the aforementioned race and was safely in hand with a NHA Handler in attendance. Jockey Khumalo proceeded to

Smanga ‘Bling’ Khumalo | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

strike this gelding once with the crop which led to Back In Business taking charge of its Rider and bolting back to the parade ring.

The Stewards ruled that Jockey Khumalo had mishandled the gelding as in their view there was no acceptable reason to support the use of his crop in this instance.

The betting trends in relation to Back In Business on all legitimate channels were carefully analysed and there were no irregularities that were identified.

• Media release by NHA on Friday 22 September 2023.

RACING OPERATORS IN PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE AFTER ‘RUNNER NON-RUNNER’

In a media release published last Friday, we were advised that the National Horseracing Authority has sent correspondence to the three Racing Operators, 4Racing, Gold Circle and Cape Racing, concerning their decision to refund totalisator bets that were wagered on She’s A Klawer after the filly was declared a runner in Race 1 of the Vaal meeting of 21 September 2023.

In a media release published last Friday, we were advised that the National Horseracing Authority has sent correspondence to the three Racing Operators, 4Racing, Gold Circle and Cape Racing, concerning their decision to refund totalisator bets that were wagered on She’s A Klawer after the filly was declared a runner in Race 1 of the Vaal meeting of 21 September 2023.

The National Horseracing Authority confirmed in their letter that it requires clarity on the comment in the 4Racing release “but in light of the circumstances”.

They asked what “circumstances” were being alluded to and on what basis was the decision formed to refund all monies wagered on the runner?

Gold Circle’s press release used the term “nonrunner” when SHE’S A KLAWER was declared to be a runner by the Stewards acting in terms of the Rules.

Further to this, they were requested to elaborate from an operating systems perspective as to how these refunds were processed.

Did the refunds have an impact on the total pool or was this refunded amount a direct expense to the Operators?

The Operators were advised that they are obliged to comply with the Rules and Constitution of the NHA as per the provisions of Rule 44.

This public announcement can be perceived as undermining the Rules and associated powers of the authority of the NHA.

A unilateral decision of this nature has the potential to have serious national repercussions from the NHA and the Provincial Licensing Authorities’ (PLA’s) perspectives.

The National Horseracing Authority is also seriously concerned at the wide dangerous precedent that this decision would have set, including that it is accepted that South Africa is a part of the World Pool commingling operation under the auspices of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and other commingling partners.

In terms of Rule 44, after the Operators have responded, this matter shall be forwarded to the National Board of the NHA for further consideration.

SET FOR SUMMER!

The 2023 Betway Summer Cup is set to take place at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday, 25 November.

Other Gr1 winners in the entry line-up include Anfields Rocket (WSB SA Classic, 2023), Bless My Stars (Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic, 2023), Safe Passage (Daily News 2000, 2022), Aragosta (SA Derby, 2022), Son Of Raj (SA Derby 2023) and Cousin Casey (Premiers Champion Stakes, 2022).

A total of 40 entries, headed by defending champion Puerto Manzano (ARG) and Hollywoodbets Durban July champion Winchester Mansion, were received on Wednesday for the R5 million Gr1 Betway Summer Cup

Johan Janse van Vuuren’s Puerto Manzano

(ARG) heads the line-up and could face Brett Crawford’s Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Winchester Mansion.

Charles Savage – governance and integrity should not be competition areas | Credit: Supplied

4RACING – ‘PROFIT THROUGH PURPOSE’

Dave Mollett wrote in Business Day this week that Savage is the CEO of Purple Group, a fintech company and a pioneer in democratizing the stock market for all South Africans.

He was part of the team that broke more ground in contract for difference and spread trading in SA.

After Bortz’s speech at the Cape awards at the beginning of the month, several issues arose and — on September 6 — 4Racing issued a media statement which the Sporting Post website labelled as “puzzling”.

The statement said: “Executive management, senior leadership and stake holders have received numerous inquiries regarding the veracity of Mr. Bortz’s statements.”

Sporting Post added: “It seems that particular issue was taken in

the debate around Bortz’s authority in regard to the legislating of rules that would raise standards of fairness and enforce equal competition in the Cape.”

Perhaps Sporting Post had a point regarding the statement, so Business Day contacted Savage who lost no time clarifying the situation.

He said: “We wanted clarity for all stakeholders between what rules an operator can impose versus those that the NHA [National Horseracing Authority] are mandated to govern over and impose. In short we wanted to ensure that we don’t have a case of ‘differing regulatory standards’ in one region over another.

“In 4Racing’s view the governance, regulation, and with it the integrity of horse racing, is the mandate of the NHA supported and funded by the entire industry, but perhaps

The Western Cape may feel they have found a savior for racing in Greg Bortz, but the sport is in safe hands in Gauteng with businessman Charles Savage, the chair of 4Racing.

most notably especially the operators.

“It is also our view that this is an area that is not and should not be a point of contention or competition between operators and while we fully support innovation and improvement in these areas we are mindful that all stakeholder inputs need to be considered with the facts in hand before casting old rules aside or imposing new rules.”

Regarding the Equus awards, Savage said: “We support a rotational system giving all operators equal opportunity to host.”

Savage is an enthusiastic owner who has enjoyed considerable success with top trainer Mike De Kock. After one of his horses had carried his colours and a partner to victory in a race in KwaZulu-Natal, De Kock said:

promote the event. Perhaps there has never been a Gauteng CEO so available to the media.

“The Betway Summer Cup in many ways is the highlight of the highveld racing season. For punters, this is a huge day with big pools and top quality competitive horse racing throughout the day. So get your tickets early and join us for what is sure to be a sensational Betway Summer Cup,” Sithebe said.

The improvement of grooms’ accommodation is another area addressed by Sithebe and her team in recent weeks and she paid tribute to the 4Racing board who approved the accommodation renovations as part of a 4Racing transformation initiative which will see 26% of 4Racing transferred to a Grooms Employees Trust as part of a series of wideranging transformation initiatives.

That racing will reach a crescendo at Turffontein on November 25 with the running of the R5m Betway Summer Cup and 4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe is doing everything in her power to

The CEO said: “It is a very difficult economic and trading environment where we continue to fight for the survival and sustainability of the horse racing industry. The 4Racing board has been true to our company’s ethos of ‘profit through purpose’ and have prioritized basic human conditions and the dignity of grooms through the grooms accommodation renovation project.”

www.businesslive.co.za

TREBLE VISION!

Gelykfontein’s Gr1 winning stallion

Visionaire had a day to remember on Monday when the son of Grand Slam was responsible for three winners on Hollywoodbets Greyville’s eight race card. Visionaire went close to having a four-timer with the stallion’s son Dontshootthebarman finishing a close second in the sixth race.

Star of the show for Visionaire on Monday was his classy son Sovereign

State, who maintained his unbeaten record when victorious in the seventh event. Trained by Frank Robinson, three-year-old Sovereign State made it three wins from three starts when victorious in the Gold Circle Racing Youtube Channel MR 88 Handicap (1400m).

Under Sean Veale, the gelding kicked away in the closing stages to score a shade cosily by nearly a length.

“It’s about more than owning top horses for these guys. They love thoroughbreds and the excitement of the game.”

ARC – TWO SUPPLEMENTARIES

St Leger hero Continuous and German Derby winner Fantastic Moon have both been supplemented for Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.

Continuous, trained by Aidan O’Brien, landed the final British Classic of the season with a two-and-three-quarter-length victory in Doncaster’s St Leger, a performance that sparked conversations about his late inclusion in the Arc.

Those plans have come to fruition and he will fly the flag for Coolmore in the ParisLongchamp Group One, where he will be joined by a German contender in Sarah Steinberg’s Fantastic Moon.

The German Derby victor took a key Arc trial in the Prix Niel, a Group Two run over the Arc course and distance, but was ruled out of the big race on account of the likely occurrence of soft ground in Paris on Sunday.

Autumn in France has been warm and dry so far, however, causing connections to set aside Japan Cup and Breeders’ Cup aims and supplement their Sea The Moon colt for a shot at the Arc.

The field is currently headed by Jean-Claude Rouget’s Ace Impact, the unbeaten market leader, with Owen Burrows’ Hukum the second favourite.

Read more in the Shamrock report on page 84.

TOO TOUGH, TOO GOOD –ALLIGATOR BLOOD DOES IT AGAIN C

rowd favourite Alligator Blood showed he was on track for next month’s WS Cox Plate at Moonee Valley with a courageous back to back win in this past Saturday’s Gr1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield.

The evergreen top-class performer, now a seven-year-old, notched his sixth Gr1 success with an impressive length success over Tuvalu and co.

Backing up after a fighting second in last Saturday’s Makybe Diva Stakes, Alligator Blood lacked early speed, but delivered when called upon in the straight by rider Damien Oliver.

Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse was not surprisingly beaming in the winning enclosure and she was delighted to have teamed up with the soon to be retired champion jockey for another big win.

“He’s not going to go out without a bang, is he,” she said of Oliver. “He’ll be like Frankie Dettori. It was a fabulous win today. He got into a bit of a scrimmage in the first two furlongs, got shuffled back to fifth, had to come three wide and then he got into that lovely rhythm that he’s got, a great stride. He was fabulous.”

“I think going up in distance there was less pressure on, and he could get into that rhythm that he is very good at. It’s great that there are so many people here to see Alligator Blood and

Alligator Blood ridden by Damien Oliver winning the Gr1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse Credit: Darren Tindale – The Image is Everything

it’s great that he could deliver. It’s so exciting for everyone.”

Waterhouse has her mind now firmly set on the WS Cox Plate – the main decision is now which way they head next.

“I will speak to Adrian. We may go to the Turnbull, but we’ll wait and see. Today we backed him up as it gave us a few more options, but that is exactly where we want to be, Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day.”

Saturday’s win with Alligator Blood provided champion rider Damien Oliver with his 129th win at racing’s elite level as he prepares to retire at the end of 2023.

“You never know if that opportunity is going to come,” Oliver noted. “It was unfortunate Tim’s accident and the fall, but he is on the road to recovery now and I was able to pick up this

horse and I’m happy to just fill in for him while he’s making his way back.”

Plans for Alligator Blood to lead were out the window early when the evergreen performer lacked his usual early zip.

“She was adamant she wanted him to lead. I just felt, on his back today, he was a bit quieter on the seven-day back-up and he wasn’t as sharp from the gates today. There were a few others a bit quicker and they crossed him pretty sharply. I had to wait and hold my nerve a little bit until they settled and then I was able to go outside the lead.”

“It was a great effort from a horse that is tough and resilient over a long period of time. He’s had some injuries to overcome and he showed a lot of fight when the leader took a fair bit of sprint out of them. We had to take it up a fair way out and he held them off quite strongly.”

Oliver is confident Alligator Blood will run boldly when he gets to the Cox Plate later next month.

“He’s proven all along that he is right up there with them and you can never underestimate him. He’s such a tough, consistent horse and you know whatever he runs in, he’’ going to give you his best.”

One of four multiple Gr1 winners by All Too Hard that was sold as a yearling by Magic Millions, Alligator Blood has sent his earnings spiralling close to $7 million. The star galloper was an AUD 55,000 purchase from the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Bred, and now part owned, by Baramul Stud’s Gerry Harvey, Alligator Blood is one of two

Winner: Alligator Blood

winners produced by the Encosta de Lago mare Lake Superior. Unraced, Lake Superior is a daughter of VRC Oaks placegetter Kylikwong and is therefore a half-sister to stakes winner Cantonese and the stakes placed duo, Chateau Margaux and Monteux.

Alligator Blood’s third dam is former champion South African based racemare Tracy’s Element – the dam of Australian Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy.

The Underwood Stakes win of Alligator Blood capped a memorable day for Magic Millions sold runners following Militarize’s stunning Gr1 Golden Rose Stakes win and feature wins for the likes of Espiona Golden Pendant and the unbeaten Ozzmosis Heritage Stakes.

Breeding: All Too Hard-Lake Superior (Encosta de Lago)

Breeder: Mr G Harvey

Race: MRC Underwood Stakes Gr1 (1800m)

Sold for: AUD 55,000

Sale: 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

Vendor: Baramul Stud

Buyer: Ezybonds No 1 Syndicate

Earnings: AUD 6,875,925

Owners: G Harvey, Mrs R Simpson & JA Simpson

Trainers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott (Flemington)

GOFFS ORBY ACTION

“Go on, you only live once,” said auctioneer Henry Beeby as he looked in the direction of Amanda Skiffington. The agent stood on the top tier of the Goffs auditorium with owner Fiona Carmichael, with the sister to Saffron Beach commanding the ring below.

That gentle prompt elicited a bid of €1,650,000, and when Al Shira’aa Farms’ Kieran Lalor declined to return fire from his position to the left of the rostrum, the hammer

fell in favour of the Orby Sale’s leading ladies.

The final price was achieved only after a gruelling round of bidding. The Godolphin buying team were involved up to €900,000, but once the seven-figure barrier was breached matters became a straight duel between Skiffington and Lalor, with the rivals trading increases of €100,000.

Read more on www.sportingpost.co.za

HEWITSON’S SUNDAY DOUBLE

Healthy Happy claimed Hong Kong’s first black type victory of the 2023/24 season with success in the Gr3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday 24 September, when a belated reunion with Alexis Badel delivered drought-breaking triumph.

Healthy Happy claimed Hong Kong’s first black type victory of the 2023/24 season with success in the Gr3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday 24 September, when a belated reunion with Alexis Badel delivered drought-breaking triumph.

Badel has been aboard in three of Healthy Happy’s five Hong Kong wins – the 2021 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the 2022 Gr3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) and today’s HK$4.2 million feature – but the Frenchman has not always been available to partner the seven-year-old.

“Someone asked me ‘Why did you only this time ask Alexis to ride the horse?’ and I told them ‘I always ask him, but he’s busy’,” trainer Frankie Lor joked after Badel’s flawless pacesetting display allowed Healthy Happy to lead from start to finish, clocking 1m 21.93s, to defeat Circuit Stellar and The Golden Scenery.

“Badel controlled the pace very good. I’m very happy because this horse has gone a long time without winning. First-up is always best for him. Last season, he was beaten by a good horse, California Spangle, in this race first-up. This season, also first-up, he won. There are

Healthy Happy clinches the Gr3 Celebration Cup | Credit: HKJC

not many 1400m races for horses with high ratings, so maybe I’m looking at 1600m races. The Sha Tin Trophy on 15 October may be too close for him. The Jockey Club Mile on 19 November may be his next start. That would give him more time to rest and return to the races fresher.”

Winless in 15 starts since his 2022 Chinese Club Challenge Cup victory, Healthy Happy was able to saunter through first 600m today in a pedestrian 37.08s before Badel gradually upped the tempo.

“It was a lovely run, he’s a lovely horse. He likes to go forward and take the pace. He flew from the machines, so I was left alone very easily, and I then increased a little bit the pace and the horse is very good early season using these tactics,” Badel said.

“He gave me a nice kick entering the home straight and he showed good stamina to resist.

He’s been a lovely horse to me. I won a (Hong Kong) Classic Cup on him, so it’s one of my greatest memories in Hong Kong – it’s always difficult to win races, big races are even harder to win. He just keeps trying very hard. He’s an honest horse and he’s been great to me.”

Lor and Badel crowned a productive afternoon when Happy Together snared the Class 3 HKU Faculties Of Arts And Education Handicap (1600m).

“It’s still too early to say about possible championship success, but if I can, I like to try.”

In the throes of an excellent start to the season, Francis Lui moved to the top of the Hong Kong trainers’ championship with eight wins to lead Caspar Fownes (five) and Danny Shum (five) after registering a treble with Always Fluke, Yellowfin and Packing Treadmill.

“I’m not surprised but it’s still satisfying because they’re the favourites and they all did well in the morning trackwork,” Lui said. “It’s still too early to say about possible championship success, but if I can, I like to try.”

Still regaining full fitness following an offseason race fall, Vincent Ho slotted a double with wins aboard Super Legends for Shum and Always Fluke for Lui. Lui teamed with Lyle Hewitson and Yellowfin to snare in the Class 3 Hong Kong University Alumni Association Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) before the pair struck with Packing Treadmill in the Class 2 HKU Foundation Handicap (1200m).

Antoine Hamelin savoured his first win of the season when Sparkling Knight posted his fifth win over Sha Tin’s 1000m course to land the Class 3 HKU Business School And Faculty Of Engineering Handicap (1000m) for Dennis Yip.

“I’m very happy. Like everyone, it’s a little bit tough this season – more than we’re used to –because there are less horses, more jockeys but we keep going on and we keep doing the best and when you have this horse and the support, it’s fine,” the Frenchman said.

Zac Purton combined with Ricky Yiu and talented Green N White after Michael Chang celebrated his first victory of the season when Bear Slam charged home under Andrea Atzeni to post his fourth career – and the veteran’s first since February 2021. Earlier, Pierre Ng-trained M M Nebula survived a desperate challenge under Matthew Chadwick from Zac Purton on Son Of Makfi.

Lyle Hewitson celebrates a double as Francis Lui relishes a treble | Credit: HKJC

BRITS INVADE PARIS

British raiders have a realistic chance of success in Paris on Sunday with the running of the 102nd Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe.

Hukum and Westover remain in contention to take on the French trained favourite Ace Impact as the list of possible runners was whittled down to 16 runners at the first forfeit stage on Tuesday.

The high-class pair head the British challenge which was boosted at the weekend when the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Bay Bridge was added to the lineup. Successful in last season’s Champion Stakes on good to soft ground, the five-year-old was 2-lengths superior to champion Baaeed in the Ascot showpiece.

Frankie Dettori has his final ride in the great race and is booked to ride the George Strawbridge owned mare Free Wind for his

retained Gosden stable. The Clarehaven yard were happy with her gallop at Newmarket last week and she will love any ease in the ground on Sunday.

Coolmore have withdrawn Paddington and Auguste Rodin amongst others for the European showpiece and Aidan O’Brien has left in only two runners.

The four-year-old-filly Emily Dickinson is one, although her trainer suggested the Prix Cadran on Saturday is her more likely option. Continuous, the St Leger winner, would then be the sole raider from Ireland. He is expected to be supplemented, at a cost of €120,000, on Wednesday.

Hukum and connections – set for a super Sunday? | Credit: Racing TV

Danedream and Torquator Tasso provided Germany with Arc glory in 2011 and 2021 and Fantastic Moon, the German Derby winner, could add to that tally if supplemented on Wednesday.

An impressive winner of the Prix Niel at the expense of Feed The Flame over the Arc course and distance earlier this month, Fantastic Moon requires good ground or better to produce his best.

The home team are represented by the champion three-year-old Ace Impact who has been aimed at the €5 million contest since his brilliant victory in the Prix du Jockey Club.

He then prepped with victory in last month’s Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville. Unbeaten in five starts, always showing a great turn of foot, he looks a huge runner

in receipt of 6lbs from his main rivals.

According to the market, Hukum and Westover look the biggest threats to the Jean-Claude Rouget three-year-old and both return after twomonth breaks. Their most recent starts coming in a thrilling King George when just a head separated them at the line.

Hukum, a brother to last season’s European champion Baaeed, is set for just his third start of the season, having beaten last year’s Derby winner Desert Crown on his comeback in the Brigadier Gerard in May prior to his Ascot victory.

Westover was sixth in the Arc last year as a three-year-old and already has a victory in France to his name this season, a two-length success in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in July.

TRAINERS

JOCKEYS

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