SP SPRINT - Wednesday 4 October 2023

Wednesday 04 October 2023

This magnificent headshot of champion Charles Dickens was taken by 2023 Equus winner, Chase Liebenberg.

DEAN’S LOOKING FOR SOME DRY HUMOUR

Keagan de Melo after the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint victory by Gimme A Prince – Craig Zackey takes the controls on Saturday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

These days Cape racing fans have to take into account the ability of the weatherman, as much as they measure the jockey, trainer and horse they are backing.

With rain forecast for Thursday, we are all hoping that the delayed Hollywoodbets Gr3 Matchem Stakes and Gr3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes will finally go ahead as planned.

Good always comes from bad – it’s a bumper ten race card with 133 runners carded for the second Saturday of October!

Dean Kannemeyer has big plans for his champion Gimme A Prince and the Milnertonbased classic trainer will be hoping that Mother Nature stays out of the picture and he can get his quartet started on their different programmes for the season.

Charles Dickens takes on Gimme a Prince – an outstanding miler versus a brilliant sprinter in the 1400m headliner.

Charles Dickens has an official merit rating of 132, two points ahead of Gimme a Prince in this Weight- For- Age showdown.

Both are having their seasonal openers.

Gimme a Prince is coming off a stiff fourth, two months ago in the Merchants at Hollywood Greyville after a torrid trip. Prior to that he won the Gr1 Golden Horseshoe under topweight and ran a tremendous race in defeat in the Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m when just failing to catch Trip of Fortune after jumping from a bad gate.

Charles Dickens has been sensational from the beginning of his career. His record stands at eight wins from ten starts, only twice has he been defeated; by older rival, Al Muthana in the Gr1 Kings Plate and then by middle distance star, See It Again in the Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby over 2000m.

Around 1400/1600m he has no peers in SA. His ability to stride along comfortably, then turn on the afterburners when needed makes him formidable in this distance range.

He last ran 112 days ago, when beating his nemesis, Al Muthana in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

This promises to be a great race, even if both are targeting bigger fish during Summer.

Whatever happens Saturday, a revenge clash in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate looms as an exciting possibility, as Dean Kannemeyer is keeping his options open with Gimme a Prince.

Next best could be Royal Aussie who can use pace pressing tactics to good effect in a small field, (by tracking likely leader After the Rain) and is three wins from five over the trip.

He is about five lengths inferior to Charles Dickens on known form however, which puts his chances in perspective.

The rest of the field comprises Runaway Song, a prepping stayer: Bright Green, who has scope as a lightly raced talent but is outgunned here; and Cosmic Highway, beaten two lengths in this race in 2022 by Trip of Fortune but not near that level since.

Aldo Domeyer and Charles Dickens and team – looking for a winning start to the season |

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Piere Strydom’s perfect judgement got Inventrix home in the last to make two Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge players very happy! | Credit: JC Photos

TWO BIG WINNERS AT VAAL

Two happy winners shared the R680 000 Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge all-or-nothing jackpot prize at the Vaal on Tuesday, when selecting eight winners on the card.

After three players had gone into the final race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday with 7 from 7, it was expected that a winner was overdue.

And it happened at the Vaal, as players Thukzaf and FireBlaster could not be separated in a thriller after the evergreen Piere Strydom got the 8-1 Inventrix home for Fanie Bronkhorst in the final race on the Tuesday card.

Sharing the honours on 99,16 points apiece, the two winners shared the jackpot calculated by multiplying R10 000 times the number of starters (68) on the card.

So R680 000 was up for grabs, but the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge payouts are doubled when the player wagers a minimum of R50 on the programmatically generated betslip card.

Both winners are coincidentally unemployed, and chose to retain their anonymity through the use of their aliases.

Mpumalanga-based Thukzaf had no idea he had won anything when contacted by the Sporting Post.

“You aren’t serious! This is amazing. What do I say? I haven’t seen a single result. I’m so busy trying to find a job,” said the single 32 year old who resides with his parents.

Thukzaf is a regular player, and said that he could not believe his luck and enjoyed studying form and making his selections.

“Have you got any idea how this win changes my life? My girlfriend is going to be shocked. I’m not sure how I’m going to break the news to her or my parents,” he added.

Durban resident FireBlaster is a 50 year old Dad of three who has been a racing fan since his teens.

“My wife is the sole bread-winner in our home. I watched the racing and was thrilled and excited as I got closer. This is my biggest win ever. You have no idea how much I need the cash. It will fill so many holes. Thanks to Hollywoodbets. What a great competition – I have supported it since as far back as I can remember!” he added emotionally.

The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge is available on all South African racemeetings, as well as on Hong Kong and Singapore fixtures.

SMITH DELIVERS A SILVER LINING

Gary Lemke writes that the last time he saw CEO Wĕhann Smith at his Kuda offices in Big Bay, Cape Town, was during Covid-19. Through difficult times it is said that every cloud has a silver lining.

While it might not seem to be the case for a large number of people right now, given the extent of damage suffered personally and to property and possessions in the recent Cape flooding, the expression rings true, figuratively and literally.

The Nadeson Park Stud, the pride and joy of leading businessman, owner and breeder Hassen Adams, was one of the worst affected as torrential rain and wind swept through Hermanus and the breath-taking Hemel ’n Aarde valley on Heritage Day weekend.

The 71-year-old Adams, who became the first owner of colour to win the Grade One Cape Met, with Past Master in 2011, told Sporting Post in an emotional interview that all might be lost, and it might be time for him to move on.

He reassured that loss of life was avoided, and also that his 150 horses on the farm had been spared.

In assessing the damages from the storms, the CEO of leading insurers Kuda, Wĕhann Smith, offered his sympathies to all affected. “We have heard and seen so many harrowing stories of how people have been affected by the floods. While most people were merely inconvenienced, our hearts really go out to those that have suffered losses, in some cases devastating in nature,” he said.

“Many of those worst affected have nothing to fall back on and rely on their communities and government to help in their time of need. It has been heart-warming to see how communities and local government have come to the aid of so many.”

Smith said that early estimates put the cost of the damage as a result of the storm at about R1.4-billion. “That is according to the provincial Department of Agriculture. We think that the number will end up being well north of that, and this seems to be likely to end up as our biggest

Washed away by heavy rains | Credit: Supplied

combined insurance event since starting our business in 2009.”

The importance of insurance was laid bare by the countless tales of those who suffered in the storms. The devastating floods are a reminder that when it comes to equine and racing insurance, there are many strands, and it’s not only about the horse.

“At Kuda we have been directly involved as we have a large number of personal and commercial insurance clients who suffered losses in the storms,” Smith said.

“Thankfully, we have had no reports of any horse losses or even injuries, but a number of stud farms have suffered significant losses to infrastructure, most notably probably Hassen Adams’ Nadeson Stud which was worst affected. It is at times like these that you appreciate an insurance broker’s ability to understand your business, and our domain knowledge when it comes to stud farms sets us apart, I believe.”

Smith also put to bed the notion that there would be those who suffered significant losses despite being properly insured, would be affected owing to it being an “Act of God”.

“So many people have asked me if floods like these are covered by insurance policies, or whether this would be excluded as an “Act of God”. It is a common misnomer that events like these aren’t covered. I can’t tell you where this originates from, but glad to confirm that it

is in fact exactly at times like this that insurance is so important in protecting your assets and allowing you to recover from such unfortunate and unanticipated events,” Smith said.

Smith admitted that insurance was getting more expensive, but stressed that the storms and flooding, and resultant damage and loss, was why coverage is so necessary.

“Unfortunately, times like these remind us of the importance of insurance in protecting our assets and investments, whether personal or business. We are an optimistic species by nature, and don’t ever think it will happen to us. Working in the insurance industry certainly shows you that bad things can happen, and often do.”

A sad sight post heavy rainfall | Credit: Supplied

A force of nature | Credit: Supplied

CRACKSMAN’S FIRST GR1 WINNER –

AND HOW HE STAYED!

Champion Charles Dickens, who will kick off his four-year-old campaign in the Gr3 Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes postponed to Saturday, has been installed as the early favourite for the 2024 Gr1 Cape Met.

Given that Drakenstein Stud’s brilliant colt was beaten in the Gr1 Cape Derby which is likewise run over 2000m, there are still many who question his ability to see out the extended trip, just as those who doubted the stamina of last weekend’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact.

He had won the Gr1 French Derby at Chantilly in a new race record time for the 2100m classic and was trying his hand at 2400m for the first time in Europe’s middle-distance championship. As history shows, the colt silenced the doubting Thomases when he produced a powerful late surge from the back of the field to score by the best part of two lengths.

Yet to taste defeat, Ace Impact is the first Gr1 winner sired by Cracksman, the European Champion three-year-old of 2017. Third in the English Derby and beaten just a neck in the Irish equivalent, Cracksman scored his breakthrough Gr1 victory with a seven-length romp in the Gr1 Champion Stakes.

He returned at four to claim the Gr1 Prix Ganay on debut before following up in the Gr1 Coronation Cup and finishing second in the Gr1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Cracksman signed off his illustrious career with a repeat victory in the Gr1 Champion Stakes, triumphing by six lengths. His achievements were rewarded when he was rated the best colt in the world in 2018.

Ace Impact heads the initial crop of his young sire, who himself was the star act in the first crop of the great Frankel.

To say that Juddmonte’s champion dominated this year’s Arc result would be an understatement, for not only is he the grandsire of Ace Impact, he also sired both runner-up Westover and third placed Onesto. To add to a red-letter day, three-year-old daughter Kelina became his latest Gr1 winner with a cosy victory in the Prix de la Foret later on the programme.

By his own lofty standards, Frankel has enjoyed another stellar year, siring 38 individual stakes winners, of which no less than 10 have triumphed at Gr1 level, more than any other Northern Hemisphere-based stallion. In addition to Ace Impact, these include fellow

classic winners Chaldean (Gr1 2000 Guineas) and Soul Sister (Gr1 Epsom Oaks), as well as Westover (Gr1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud), Nashwa (Gr1 Falmouth Stakes) and Jannah Rose (Gr1 Prix Saint-Alary).

Frankel broke through with his first General Sires title in 2021, the first time a British-based sire took the crown since Mill Reef all of 34 years ago. He currently enjoys a commanding lead at the top of the European sires list and looks virtually assured of reclaiming the title he relinquished to Dubawi in 2022.

It would be fair to say that he is the undisputed heir to his own sire, the mighty Galileo. Eerily, on Sunday Frankel came close to emulating his illustrious sire’s memorable trifecta in the 2016 Arc, when Found held off the strong finishes of Highland Reel and Order Of St George.

Cracksman’s son Ace Impact charges home to win the Arc | Credit: Racing TV

ACE IMPACT’S PERFECT 6 FROM 6

Favourite Ace Impact gave trainer Jean-Claude Rouget and jockey Cristian Demuro their second win in four years in Europe’s most prestigious race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday.

Demuro had trouble getting aboard the horse before the race but had no problems during it as he came home clear, the Italian rising out of the saddle to salute the crowd.

The packed stands were a stark contrast to Demuro and Rouget’s victory with Sottsass in 2020 watched by just 1000 spectators due to Covid restrictions.

Once 31-year-old Demuro brought Ace Impact sweeping down the outside there was no

argument over who the winner would be as he made it six wins from six runs.

“It is unbelievable, I am almost speechless,” said Demuro.

“It is hard to put into words what this win is like compared to 2020 to win in front of so many people.

“He sprinted down the final straight like he wanted to go home! It is extraordinary to ride

Ace Impact powers home under Cristian Demuro | Credit: Racing TV

crack horses like this, it is just amazing.”

For Rouget, who watched the race unfold from the parade ring in the shade as a rare occasion for an Arc the sun beat down, it was “a dream come true.”

“It is huge this win,” he said after escaping the hugs of the owners.

“To win like that you have to have everything right the horse was in magnificent form up to the race.”

English challenger Westover improved on his sixth from last year to finish second with wide outsider Onesto taking third.

There was a great run from the sole Japanese runner Through Seven Seas, who plugged on to take fourth.

For Frankie Dettori there was to be no recordextending seventh Arc win as his final ride in

the race Free Wind was never in the hunt.

Still the irrepressible Italian looked on the bright side having won the race on some legendary horses such as Golden Horn and two-time champion Enable.

“I really enjoyed it,” said the 52-year-old.

“The Arc has been a great race for me and I am bowing out with a smile on my face.

“This morning I was sad, now after three rides I feel the adrenaline kicking in, we’ll miss it.

“I really enjoyed it. Six Arc wins, what can you say, some great champions, and riding in 34 Arcs is a record in itself.”

Of the other fancied horses the racing world must wait for another time to see if a St Leger winner can add the Arc in the same season.

Aidan O’Brien’s St Leger winner Continuous finished fifth.

CAPE SIRE MOVES TO VOGEL VLEI

Drakenstein Stud and the shareholders in Gold Standard have decided to give the son of Champion Sire Trippi a new opportunity at the historic Vogel Vlei Stud.

Kevin Sommerville of Drakenstein commented: “After four seasons at Stud here in the highly competitive Western Cape stallion ranks, shareholders felt that Gold Standard would receive the support he deserves while also boosting the bloodlines for Karoo Breeders.”

Gold Standard produced three exceptional stakes horses from limited opportunities from his first crop, which included the second highest rated 3YO filly in Golden Hostess. He also sired stakes-winner Gold Poker Game and the Grade 1 performed Hold My Hand. His second crop has already produced the stakes-performed colt, Royals.

Gold Standard hails from the family of Olympic Duel, one of the country’s most established families in the South African Stud Book. An outstanding performer on the racetrack for trainer Glen Kotzen, he is a magnificent individual with a wonderful temperament. He has the credentials to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Gaynor Rupert was quoted as saying “It was a sad day to see Gold Standard leave Drakenstein Stud, however the Western Cape’s loss will undoubtedly be the Karoo Breeders’ gain. Drakenstein Stud will continue to support Gold Standard at his new home and we wish Colin the best of luck in this exciting new chapter.”

For enquiries, please contact Colin Birch at Vogel Vlei Stud.

DESERT BLOOMS ON ARC WEEKEND

Havana Grey’s unbeaten son Vandeek ran out an impressive winner of the Gr1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes | Credit: Racing TV

The hugely influential Gr1 July Cup winning Green Desert really made his mark in major races across the world on Arc weekend.

Green Desert is found in the pedigrees of Sunday’s Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact (Cracksman) and third place finisher Onesto (Frankel), and is also found in the pedigrees of big race winners in all of Australia, Britain and France last weekend.

Unbeaten three-year-old Ace Impact, hails from the first crop of Frankel’s four time Gr1 winning son Cracksman, whose dam Rhadegunda

(Pivotal) was produced by the Green Desert daughter St Radegund.

Cracksman himself hails from the same female line as last year’s Arc winner Alpinista, with both horses sired by Frankel.

Green Desert is also the sire of star miler Desert Prince, whose daughter Quiet Storm ranks as the granddam of Gr1 Qipco 2000 Guineas winner Night Of Thunder (Dubawi), sire of Sunday’s Gr1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines.

Green Desert – global impact | Credit: Shadwell

Green Desert’s outstanding grandson Sea

The Stars, broodmare sire of Arc third Onesto, came up with his 20th Gr1 winner on Saturday when Sea The Stars gelding Just Fine captured the James Squire Metropolitan at Randwick.

On the same day, Sea The Stars made it Gr1 winner number 21 when his daughter Sea Silk Road won the Qatar Prix de Royallieu at ParisLongchamp. Four-year-old Sea Silk Road was emulating her paternal half-sister Sea La Rosa who had won the same race in 2022.

It has been another fine year for Sea The Stars, whose son Sea The Moon was responsible for a pair of German classic winners in 2023, sire of 2023 Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes hero Hukum, as well as this year’s Gr1 Dahlbury Coronation Cup heroine Emily Upjohn.

Sea The Moon’s Gr1 Preis der Diana winning

daughter Muskoka was knocked down for 1.3 million euros at Arqana’s Arc Sale. (Sea The Stars’ sire Cape Cross has made his presence felt this year as the broodmare sire of outstanding filly Tahiyra (Siyouni) among others).

Another Green Desert line horse to make his presence felt over the weekend was Green Desert horse Invincible Spirit.Not only was Invincible Spirit responsible for Saturday’s Gr2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes winner Ghostwriter, Invincible Spirit sons I Am Invincible and Kingman also enjoyed notable big-race success over the past weekend.

Not only did I Am Invincible’s daughter Imperatriz claim her sixth Gr1 win when victorious in Friday’s Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes, I Am Invincible’s paternal half-brother Kingman is the sire of Saturday’s bet365 Cambridgeshire winner Astro King.

Oasis Dream, another by Green Desert, is broodmare sire of Sunday’s Gr1 Qatar Prix de la Foret winner Kelina (Frankel). Remarkably, the first four home in the Prix de la Foret all have Green Desert in their pedigrees.

Green Desert also appears twice in the pedigree of emerging sire sensation Havana Grey (Havana Gold), whose unbeaten son Vandeek ran out an impressive winner of the Gr1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes on Saturday.

A winner of all four of his races to date, Vandeek had captured the G2 Markel Richmond Stakes and G1 Sumbe Prix Morny prior to winning Saturday’s Middle Park Stakes by two and a quarter lengths. Vandeek’s sire

Havana Grey’s granddam Nullabor was sired by Green Desert, while Havana Grey’s sire Havana Gold is out of Gr3 Ballyogan Stakes winner Jessicas Dream, whose sire Desert Style was also sired by Green Desert.

Green Desert’s influence also looks set to grow in South Africa.

His grandson Querari, whose progeny includes recent Listed Betway Spring Spree Stakes winner Quantum Theory and a further 35 black type winners, has been joined by fellow Green Desert grandson and Gr1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic winner Digital Age, with that son of Invincible Spirit having begun his stud career earlier this season.

2024 WSB CAPE TOWN MET THEME ANNOUNCED

The countdown to the 162nd edition of one of South Africa’s greatest races commenced in earnest on Friday, 29 September, with the unveiling of the event theme that will get racing fans, fashionistas and the social set buzzing as the excitement builds towards a thrilling climax of glamour, grace, and glory on Saturday 27 January 2024.

The magic carpet ride to the 2024 R2-million World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Town Met is on, and the world-renowned sporting and social event promises the infusion of Cape Splendour into the vibrant world of thoroughbred horseracing.

Cape Splendour embraces a glorious return to form, celebrating the evolution of horseracing at one of Cape Town’s most iconic sporting landmarks, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Inspired by the resplendence of the fairest Cape worldwide, Cape Splendour is a fusion of glamour, grace, and glory – from world-class hospitality to extraordinary haute couture.

Early ante-post betting favourite with the big race sponsors, the champion chestnut Charles Dickens could become the second consecutive winner of the Cape flagship for champion sire Trippi if his connections decide to run.

Success for the handsome 4yo would mean a maiden Met trophy for leading trainer Candice Bass-Robinson. It’s a date with destiny with all the makings of a sentimental fairy-tale moment in a race won four times by her legendary dad, Mike Bass!

Charles Dickens’ champion owner-breeders Drakenstein Stud previously enjoyed success

in the great race with Oh Susanna in 2017, and beyond Charles Dickens has another Trippi arrow in their bow in the highly accomplished Trip of Fortune, a 5yo who could well be the proverbial dark horse further down the early betting boards.

It’s a defining race that every owner, trainer, jockey, breeder and groom wants to win, and the Drakenstein stars won’t have things all their way.

What a mouthwatering rematch could be on the cards were arch-rival See It Again, winner of the 2023 Gr1 SplashOut Cape Derby over the Met

vibrant display of dynamic personalities

A

Credit: Cape Racing

course-and-distance, travel from his KwaZulu-Natal home base!

The son of Twice Over would be out to reinforce his dominance after being humbled by the local champion twice. His trainer, Michael Roberts, a multiple SA and British champion jockey, won the Met in 1974 on Sledgehammer and will go all out to join an elite club to have both ridden and trained a Met winner.

The third choice in the World Sports Betting ante-post market is the Sean Tarry-trained SA Horse Of The Year, Princess Calla, who could become the fourth fairer sex victress of the 2000m contest this century.

The Maine Chance-bred daughter of Flower Alley has been a superstar for owner Mario Ferreira and would aim to win beyond 1800m for the first time in her illustrious career.

Donovan Everitt, Cape Racing’s Chief Operating Officer, said that the 2024 WSB Gr1 Cape Town Met is set to be a game-changer on all fronts.

“Cape Racing is proud and excited to unveil a new, upgraded Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racecourse. This revitalised venue will elevate the iconic race to new heights and create a fresh experience.

We’re excited to blend fashion, food, and world-class entertainment in a unique space, ensuring that the 2024 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met will be bigger and better than anything that has gone before in what is a long and truly proud history.

”World Sports Betting CEO Warren Tannous said the leading betting brand was proud to be associated with one of the world’s significant horseracing events.

“The World Sports Betting Cape Town Met is undoubtedly more than a horse race. It’s an iconic event that brings the Rainbow Nation together as we enjoy the thrill of the sport of kings and the majesty of the thoroughbred in a historic venue and social setting, where we celebrate life, champions, and the joys and rare privilege of being a part of history,” he added.

Jet Dark beats Kommetdieding in the 2023 WSB Cape Town Met | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The World Sports Betting Cape Town Met is all set to be a vibrant display of dynamic personalities and racing showmanship at the official home of winning moments.

Part of The World Sports Betting Cape Town Met tradition is the social event’s

best-dressed man and woman competition, with cash prizes for grabs for the most spectacular ensemble.

Click here for more details on Key significant race dates: https://caperacing.co.za/your-firstbig-win-of-2024/

STAKES INCREASES AS 4RACING REVAMP HIGHVELD PROGRAMME

4Racing has announced the publication of the Highveld programme, which includes a number of updates to refresh and add interest to the forthcoming season.

These include changes to the feature race placement and flow, as well as a number of feature race name changes to pay homage to our racing greats. Most importantly, these are accompanied by significant increases to both major and minor feature race stakes.

FIXTURES

The 2024 Highveld Championships Series will be held over 4 race days comprising a number of significant changes as follows:-

3 February 2024

2 March 2024

6 April 2024

27 April 2024

– Guineas Day

– Classic Day (now including the Horse Chestnut Stakes & Tommy Hotspur Stakes renamed JJ The Jet Plane Stakes)

– Champions Day (now including Premier’s Champions Challenge & Empress Club Stakes)

– Championships Finale

The first important change to note is the movement of the Horse Chestnut Stakes and Tommy Hotspur Stakes (renamed JJ The Jet Plane Stakes) to Classic Day on 2 March 2024.

4Racing has announced the publication of the Highveld programme, which includes a number of updates to refresh and add interest to the forthcoming season.

These include changes to the feature race placement and flow, as well as a number of feature race name changes to pay homage to our racing greats. Most importantly, these are accompanied by significant increases to both major and minor feature race stakes.

Champions Day moves to 6 April 2024 and now boasts 4 Grade 1’s on the day with the line-up including the SA Derby, the Premier’s Champions Challenge, Computaform Sprint and Empress Club Stakes as well as the SA Oaks, Caradoc Gold Cup, Hawaii Stakes, SA

Nursery and SA Fillies Nursery. The Championships Finale will be held on 27 April and offer 7 feature races namely the Grade 2 Senor Santa, Colorado King, Gerald Rosenberg Stakes and the Camelia Stakes as well as the Gr3 Protea Stakes and Pretty Polly Stakes and the Listed Gold Bowl.

4Racing’s Head of Operations Gabriel Soma explained, “The changes in our feature race program were made for a number of key reasons but providing a better flow of the program was essential. A number of feature races around the country are struggling to maintain their Graded Status as per the APC Guidelines and we are confident these changes will allow our features to meet the requirements needed to maintain their status.”

“In addition to adding gloss to our marquee race day, scheduling Champions Day a month earlier than normal allows for a better

racing surface as well as making a clearer transition from the Highveld to the KZN season. It also allows us to maximise sponsorship opportunities, which is critical in continuing to grow our stakes on an annual basis. Most importantly, the change avoids clashes with other major international fixtures, priming

NAME CHANGES

us for consideration for a World Pool event.”

“Lastly, these changes will allow us to create a mini winter season (programme to be announced in due course) with a three-year-old series comprising The Secretariat Stakes, Egoli Mile and Sea Cottage Stakes,” he concluded.

A number of races are receiving makeovers in the form of name changes to honour significant racing figures including the Mike De Kock Ipi Tombe Challenge, The Mary Slack SA Fillies Classic and the Dr Richard Maponya Handicap as well as a number of recent stand out track stars.

The full list is set out below:-

• The Gardenia Stakes becomes the National Colour Stakes

• The Syringa Handicap becomes the Summer Pudding Handicap

• The Magnolia Handicap becomes the Carry On Alice Stakes

• The Ipi Tombe Challenge becomes the Mike de Kock Ipi Tombe Challenge

• The Jacaranda Handicap becomes the War Of Athena Handicap

• The Tony Ruffel Stakes becomes the Got The Greenlight Stakes

• The Three Troikas Stakes becomes the Mother Russia Stakes

• The Drum Star Handicap becomes the Dr Richard Maponya Handicap

• The Man O’War Sprint becomes the National Currency Sprint

• The SA Fillies Classic becomes the Mary Slack SA Fillies Classic

• The Tommy Hotspur Stakes becomes the JJ The Jet Plane Stakes

• The Derby Trial becomes the Hawwaam Stakes

• The Gold Rush Sprint becomes the Mythical Flight Sprint

• The Gerald Rosenberg Stakes becomes the Igugu Stakes

Gabriel continued, “The horses that had races named after them were carefully selected for their racetrack brilliance – and achievements on the Highveld in particular – and we felt were deserving of the accolade.”

“Mike De Kock’s efforts to put South African horses and racing on the world map have been phenomenal and he is thoroughly deserving of having a race named after him.”

“Without the passion and generosity of Mary Slack, the survival of our industry would simply not be possible. It would be impossible to ever repay her kindness, but honoring her in this way was the very least we could do.”

FIXTURES

“Last but not least, thanks to a huge team effort and generously increased sponsorship support, 4Racing is proud to be offer significant increases to both minor and feature race stakes for the forthcoming Highveld season,” added Gabriel.

“4Racing is making every effort to serve all the stakeholders in our value chain. While we will always push ourselves to keep improving, we are confident that we are making steady progress in achieving our goals.”

BETWAY SUMMER CUP LOG

The first official 4Racing operator’s log for the 2023 R5 million Gr1 Betway Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 25 November was published on Friday.

Puerto Manzano – can he defend his title? | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The Wernars’ defending champion PUERTO MANZANO (ARG) from the Johan Janse van Vuuren yard heads the log.

Van Vuuren has also entered dual Charity Mile winner, BINGWA.

In second position is 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner WINCHESTER MANSION, owned by Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert) and trained by Brett Crawford.

WINCHESTER MANSION tops the Betway antepost betting boards (4/1) and makes up a quartet of entries for Brett Crawford, who has also entered BILLY BOWLEGS (33/1), CRIMSON KING (33/1) and SOLAR POWER (200/1).

In 3rd position is Mike de Kock charge, DAVE THE KING, owned in partnership by Messrs L M Nestadt & G J Player & Ralphs Racing (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Miss K Ralphs).

De Kock fields a total of 7 entries with SAFE PASSAGE (6/1), UNION SQUARE (16/1), EAST COAST (25/1), ARAGOSTA (33/1), SHOEMAKER (33/1) and TROIS TROIS QUATRE (33/1) making up the balance.

Sean Tarry occupies 4th place with Kestorm Investments (Nom: Mr Kenneth Pillay)’s Equus

Champion 3yo Female BLESS MY STARS.

Tarry currently holds 5 entries including COUSIN CASEY, 2023 Equus Champion Stayer FUTURE PEARL, LITIGATION and NEBRAAS.

Also making the top 20 are Grant Maroun’s 2023 WSB SA Classic winner ANFIELDS ROCKET, Robyn Klaasen’s narrow WSB Premier’s Champions Challenge runner up SECOND BASE, Paul Matchett’s WSB Gauteng Guineas winner EYE OF THE PROPHET and Dean Kannemeyer’s Cape raider RUNAWAY SONG, as well as Weiho Marwing’s SA Derby winner SON OF RAJ, NONE OTHER from the Lucky Houdalakis yard and MERIDIUS from the Tony Peter string.

Second entries close at 11am on Tuesday, 31 October 2023 and final entries at 9am on Monday, 13 November 2023, after which weights will be announced.

Declarations must be in by 11am on Wednesday, 15 November 2023 and barrier draws will be conducted at a Betway event on 15 November 2023.

TEAM TURNER’S FAIRVIEW KNOCKOUT

Close! SP Gqeberha photographer Pauline Herman had her hands full with the Fairview feature winning image – the winner Narcos (Denis Schwarz) is in the middle in green and white |

Credit: Pauline Herman

Prompted by her Dad Michael, Fairview trainer Montana Turner threw the form book out of the window and decided to run her flagship galloper Narcos in Friday’s R175 000 Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Poly Challenge 1400 Powered By Betway.

Long story short, Narcos duly delivered the performance of his life to win the second leg of the Eastern Cape’s polytrack triple crown at odds of 80-1. It was the knockout blow of the afternoon!

In a classic, ‘if you don’t have a ticket, you don’t have a chance’ scenario, Narcos overcame a tough gate and controlled matters up-front under a masterclass ride by Denis Schwarz.

After being briefly overwhelmed in the final stages, the 5yo gelding rallied right back to gain a head verdict in a time of 82,61 secs over first leg winner Prince Of Fire (9-2), who is holding his form

well since arriving from Gauteng.

The Sharon Kotzen mare And We Danced (14-1) maintained her gallant consistency with a good effort from a wide gate for third.

Bred by Millstream Farm, the winner has been a beacon of light for the Turner Team and was registering his second win on the trot.

He is a son of retired Tapit stallion Coup de Grace out of the Lizard Island one-time winner, Lady’s Desire.

Now a winner of 6 races with 13 places from 30 starts, Narcos took his stakes tally to R437 743.

1000M TO 2600M – FOUR WINNERS FOR ASCOT STALLION!

Ascot Stud’s well performed resident stallion Global View enjoyed a purple patch this past week with four winners in four days.

Ascot Stud’s well performed resident stallion Global View enjoyed a purple patch this past week with four winners in four days.

Remarkably, Global View’s four winners won from distances of 1000 metres to 2600 metres, with the beautifully-bred stallion producing winners on both turf and polytrack, and at all of Turffontein, Hollywoodbets Greyville and Fairview in this spell.

First of the four Global View runners to score was the Alec Laird trained Rule Book, who landed Tuesday’s Next Turffontein

Racemeeting, Saturday 7 October Middle Stakes (2600m) in convincing fashion. Under Philasande Mxoli, Rule Book turned for home midfield before staying on gamely to score by a length and three-quarters.

Bred by Ascot Stud, Rule Book, who is out of the Medicean mare Reputable, has now four wins to his credit and bigger and better things could be on the cards for this gelding. Global View struck again the very next day when his Ascot Stud bred daughter Global Secret scored on Hollywoodbets Greyville’s Polytrack surface.

Global Force (Louis Mxothwa) beats Summer Odyssey (Richard Fourie) at Faiview on Friday | Credit: Pauline Herman

Under a front running ride from Nirvan Nastili, the Paul Lafferty trained mare dug down deep to hold on and score by a neck.

Out of the Tiger Ridge mare Kwacha, Global Secret was making it back to back wins with the five-year-old having won at the same track back in May.

It was more of the same at the Vaal on Thursday, where Global View’s three-year-old daughter Global Thunder romped home, under Muzi Yeni, to land the Betway Tote Rewards Club Graduation Plate, over 1200 metres, by two and three-quarter lengths.

Benefitting from the removal of blinkers, Global Thunder claimed her second win with her score on Thursday, with the smart filly having contested both the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship and

Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes last season.

The Corrie Lensley trained Global Thunder, who was bred by Beaumont Stud, is out of the Kahal mare Reine Tonnerre.

Her sire’s success continued at Fairview on Friday when Global View gelding Global Force captured the Back The Boks Novice Plate, over 1000 metres, for Gavin Smith and Louis Mxothwa.

Bred by the Missing U Syndicate, three-year-old Global Force is out of the Silvano mare Kumiko and is closely related to the Global View sired Listed East Cape Fillies Nursery winner Sound Check.

This is not the first time that Global View has shown his versatility.

The top-class Global View | Credit: Supplied

His progeny also include East Cape champion Global Drummer, winner of the 2020 Listed East Cape Nursery over 1200 metres, and Decorated. The latter won the Gr3 Track And Ball Derby over 2400m in 2022 .

Another son of Global View, last season’s Gr1 Daily News 2000 runner up Dave The King, currently ranks among the leading early fancies for the upcoming Gr1 Betway Summer Cup, while Global View is also the sire of Ideal View, the winner of the 2023 Castle Tankard.

South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2019-2020, Global View is a son of the legendary late sire Galileo, whose other

successful sire sons include New Approach, Teofilo, Australia, Nathaniel, Churchill and Frankel. The latter has been responsible for a remarkable nine Gr1 winners this year thus far, with Frankel’s top-flight winners in 2023 including the British classic winners Chaldean and Soul Sister.

Out of the Storm Cat mare Egyptian Queen, Global View is bred on the hugely successful Galileo/Storm Cat cross responsible for fellow successful sires Churchill and Gleneagles among others.

Global View stands this season for a live foal fee of R8000.

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

WE ARE FAMILY!

Friday 29 September 2023 went down as an emotional red-letter day for the Strydom family at Fairview. Piere Strydom booted home the 8yo Euphoric for his brother Jacques and the Money Talks Syndicate , of which his Mom Tilly is a member. Dad Hekkie, a legend of the turf in the Eastern Cape, was also on hand to share in the moment. A wonderful family moment and a superb advertisement for this wonderful game!

Legends all! Hekkie, Piere and Jacques enjoy the podium |

Credit: Pauline Herman

EAST CAPE JOCKEY CALLS IT A DAY

While he has fallen marginally short of the legendary Stanley Amos’ magical retirement mark of 65, Gqeberhabased jockey Shannon Devoy has decided to call it a day after a lifetime in the saddle.

“We should never overstay our welcome! I have enjoyed a great innings. But at 64, I’m feeling the years and definitely not getting any younger. It’s time to go, although I would probably have stuck it out another season if I had access to some better-quality rides,” Shannon told the Sporting Post in a brief chat on the eve of the Springboks-Tonga game on Sunday evening.

Born in Durban, ironically in a house overlooking Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, Shannon tells us that he did not qualify through the SA Jockey Academy.

“They rejected my application as they felt I would likely get too big. I was determined to become a jockey though, so I packed my bags and travelled to the East Coast of America and did my time in Maryland. Dave Byrnes, who recently passed away, and I became firm friends in that time,” he recalls.

On his return to South Africa from the land that forged the legends of the likes of Secretariat, Seabiscuit and War Admiral, Shannon rode on the Highveld and in KZN, and fondly remembers the late ‘Uncle George’ Scott.

“He helped me a lot. Uncle George had my back. It probably wasn’t the best career move I ever made as I wasn’t used to the practice of

phoning trainers for rides, you know. I found it demeaning, in a way. Where I learnt my trade, you rode the work and the trainers put you on.”

Shannon has ridden his fair share of smart horses over the years. When asked to nominate the highlight of his career he says the 1997 East Cape Horse Of The Year Fighting Beat is the best East Cape horse he has ridden.

“I was Hekkie Strydom’s stable jockey in those years and rode many winners for him. The highlight was winning three in a row with Fighting Beat,” he recalls.

He also won the PE Gold Cup in 2012 on the Corne Spies trained Campo De Santana.

“Can I just mention that I am disappointed that the distance of the Gold Cup was reduced from

At age 64, Shannon Devoy is calling time on his lifelong career | Credit: Pauline Herman

3600m to 3200m. It is a tradition that this was the longest race in the country. And then it was just changed.”

He has enjoyed some great support from his brother David and sister-in-law Margaret Devoy, who reside in Australia, and have invested considerably in local racing over the years, particularly with the Jacques Strydom yard. A father of three sons, who themselves have not gotten involved in the game, Shannon has lasted this late in racing life as he has not been too hard hit by injuries. Other than KZN soldier Deryl Daniels, Shannon is one of the few riders around with hip replacements on the cv.

“I underwent three hip revisions as race-riding is obviously a lot more stressful and taxing than walking around. And I have always had trouble with my lower back. I also had a successful shoulder operation. But yes, I am blessed with not having suffered too many injuries.”

Has racing changed over the years?

thinking. He cited an example where he made a proposal to the local racing authority a few years ago, that he felt would be beneficial.

“In the Eastern Cape we have a number of horses with back issues. So, I suggested we construct a mile straight track at Fairview. Consider the spectacle of the straight 1600m, coupled with the panoramic views from the grandstand. The cost would have been nominal. We had the rails at Arlington, and it would have just been a case of laying it out and putting down the turf. But nothing came of it, sadly.”

So where to now for the man who lives with his wife Debbie in Fern Glen?

“I want to get more involved with my church. I find that extremely fulfilling. And then I need to do some road-running. After riding forever, one gets used to watching the diet and staying fit. I feel like I have already put on a bit of pudding!” he laughs.

And now that he is a pensioner, will he be a regular at Fairview?

“I had a bad car accident in 1999. I was out of the saddle for six years. I never saw a race in that time. I will undoubtedly miss the good people, but don’t see myself here every Friday. Please allow me to thank all the folk that have been there for me over the years. I hope South African horseracing prospers. I really do.”

On ideas for racing, Shannon suggests there could be more proactivity and out-of-the-box

“I would say definitely so. It’s become more of a dog-eat-dog game. Wasn’t this known as the ‘Friendly City’ once upon a time? But that’s 21st century life too, I suppose.”

REMEMBERING A LEGEND ON HIS BIRTHDAY

Many of us who have been around for longer than five minutes in racing will remember Stanley Amos.

The man who rode competitively until the age of 65, was born today, 1 October, in 1918. He died in January 2006, aged 87.

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

Credit: Form Organisation

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 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.

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

Stanley Amos rode for Syd Garrett | Credit: Form Organisation

With the new season afoot, Talk Of The Town’s first few third season foals are all the talk

After the successful sale of his first yearlings at the Yearling Sales in 2023 setting the tone for a promising stud career, the only son of Var standing at stud in the Western Cape has buyers looking forward to meeting these youngsters on the tracks in the coming Cape Racing Season

Looking ahead to this season's foals arriving, Glen Kotzen noted of his last crop that “They’re well grown individuals, with good attitudes and fantastic actions ”

Thus far, we have welcomed a few superb quality foals out of Sea Of Calm, Pan Am, Viva and Madam Justice With plenty of season still ahead of us, we look forward to seeing what else arrives and gets tongues wagging!

Talk Of The Town out of Viva

Talk Of The Town out of Madam Justice

Talk Of The Town out of Sea Of Calm

Talk Of The Town out of Pan Am

Richard Fourie gives a high-five after his super Sunday | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

FIVE FOR FOURIE –LEION LEFT LAMENTING

A Pretoria Mom came within under a length of scooping the R1,56 million Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge all-or-nothing jackpot at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday!

At a meeting dominated by the top-class Richard Fourie, who helped himself to five of the eight winners on the competitive card, there were three potential big winners going into the ‘lucky last’.

The Winning Form-sponsored rider was at his brilliant best on the Hollywood Foundation raceday, his performance on the Garth Puller late finisher Twice Golden probably best outlining his tactical superiority. The perennial late finisher often gets there when it’s all over.

But Fourie called the bluff of a slow pace, punching the stayer into a rare top of the home straight lead to pick up an overdue first win at the city circuit for the consistent and gutsy gelding who doesn’t know he is 7 years old.

Fourie returned from a ten-day suspension at Fairview on Friday, where he drew a blank with a handful of places.

But it certainly appears to have dawned on him that between his short holiday at the start of the term, and the recent time out, he needs to get serious and the chase remains on for the R1 million cash in the Hollywoodbets 334 Anthony Delpech Challenge!

He is now on 37 winners for the season, chasing the industrious Muzi Yeni on 53 winners.

Fourie booted home five winners, including two seconds. His first cheques included Johnny The Thief (MJ Odendaal), Galaxy Explorer and Coin Spinner (Tony Rivalland), and Nelson Bay (Peter Muscutt) in the final event.

There were three Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge players on 7 from 7 going into the final race, with Pretoria player Leion the only one of the trio to have wagered a minimum of R50 on the programmatically generated betslip, thus doubling her potential payout.

That set her up for a R1 560 000 payout if Senior Garcia were to win.

Ironically, it was Richard Fourie who dashed Leion’s hopes and dreams, as he kept Nelson Bay (10-1) going to thwart a late challenge by Senor Garcia by a dwindling 0,90 lengths.

Player EvansB had his hopes of a R780 000 payout riding on the third-placed finisher, Winter Waves.

Leion, a working Mom from Pretoria, regularly works out the free-to-enter competition with her husband, and told the Sporting Post that she had really felt that this was her day.

“I’m very disappointed. What can I say? This would have been a lifechanger in many respects,” she added quietly after learning that she had banked R1 000 for finishing third.

Racing journalist David Thiselton selected five winners and finished first of over 10 000 Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge players on the points log on Sunday. The media veteran pocketed R4000, as he also wagered a minimum of R50 on the betslip.

“I’m on leave so had a bit of spare time on Sunday morning to work out my play. Thanks to Hollywoodbets for a great competition, and my commiserations to the three players who came within a heartbeat of eight out of eight,” he told the Sporting Post.

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

BIG SYDNEY WIN FOR PRIZED ICON FILLY

Rising star Tropical Squall confirmed her status as one of the most promising fillies in Sydney when she scored a dominant all the way win in Saturday’s Gr1 Flight Stakes run over a mile at Randwick.

Sent to the front from the start by rider Adam Hyeronimus, Tropical Squall had a great kick in the straight and she was able to set up a winning break with about 300 metres to run.

An A$9 pop with bookmakers, Tropical Squall dashed clear of her rivals, headed by a determined Kimochi, but at the post there was still an almost length margin between the pair.

The win continued the great run of success for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Today’s win was the 11th

Flight for Waterhouse and the third with co-trainer Bott.

“She’d been crying out for the mile,” a delighted Bott said. “I was really confident coming here today if we could make it a nice test for them and try and draw a bit of the speed and brilliance out of those others. We know she was prepped for this and ready – just delighted that it’s come off.”

Tropical Squall was a A$16,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale buy for

Adam Hyeronimus steers Tropical Squall to victory | Credit: Supplied

Gooree Park Stud from the draft of Bhima Thoroughbreds.

“Obviously the famous silks of Gooree,” Bott said. “Gai and Gooree have had so much success on this day over the years. Those colours out bowling along out front and delighted for Adam (Hyeronimus). Very pleased on a lot of fronts.”

Bott gained great satisfaction with Adam Hyeronimus riding the winner – his second Gr1, but his first after a long stint on the sidelines following betting charges.

“It’s good to come back, I’d probably work with Gai and Adrian for the rest of my life to be honest. It was a natural progression to come back and work for them. I’ve spent a bit more time with the horses hands-on and it’s given me a bit of a spark.”

Tropical Squall is a filly that has always been in high regard by her rider.

“She’s a very classy filly and from the first time I sat on her she’s shown that and it’s good to see her do what she’s done today. We were very confident a long way out during her preparation and it’s pleasing to come and deliver.”

“Obviously I rode my first one for them (Group One win with Shout The Bar) at the start of the pandemic. No one was there and celebrations were quite quiet but to ride another Gr1 winner for them is very special.”

“He’s had plenty of good opportunities all the way through and he said there’s a lot of things he would give up to stick with the filly. He’s been spot on the money there and I’m delighted for him to get another big one.”

The victory was a sweet one for Hyeronimus who had ridden Tropical Squall twice for a win and last start third in the Tea Rose Stakes.

“I didn’t think I’d ever ride again to be honest, I had no intentions,” the comeback rider said.

Winner: Tropical Squall

Tropical Squall was bred by Kooringal Stud, the home of her sire Prized Icon – the Champagne Stakes winning two-year-old and Victoria Derby winning three-year-old.

She is from 1200 metre winning Fusaichi Pegasus mare Squalls – a daughter of Blue Storm and half-sister to Steflara (grandam of Flit).

Breeding: Prized Icon-Squalls (Fusaichi Pegasus)

Breeder: Kooringal Stud

Race: ATC Flight Stakes Gr1 (1600m)

Sold for: A$16,000

Sale: 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale

Vendor: Bhima Thoroughbreds (As Agent)

Buyer: Gooree Park Stud

Earnings: A$538,550

Owners: Gooree Stud (Mgr: EM Cojuangco & Mrs J Tioseco)

Trainer(s): Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott (Randwick)

“He’s obviously a great frontrunning rider,” Bott said. “He’s been keen on this filly for a long time, he’s spoken so highly.”

LUI’S FLYING START CONTINUES AT SHA TIN!

Francis Lui accelerated a blistering start to the season with a Sha Tin treble crowned by Stoltz’s courageous victory in the HK$4.2 million Gr3 National Day Cup Handicap to extend his lead at the top of the Hong Kong trainers’ championship on Sunday.

Stoltz was the third leg of Lui’s three-timer after earlier victories by Moduleconstruction and Chancheng Glory to leave the veteran handler with 11 wins for the campaign, three clear of nearest pursuer Caspar Fownes and Pierre Ng.

Providing six-time Hong Kong champion Purton with successive wins in the National Day Cup after last season’s success aboard David Hayes-trained Super Wealthy, Stoltz improved his record to six wins – all over 1000m – from 14 Hong Kong starts.

The chestnut was previously trained by

Annabel Neasham in Australia, where he won three races at Wyong Racecourse before transferring to Lui’s stable.

Lui praised Purton’s composed ride and was typically self-effacing over his start to a season he hopes will again be highlighted by the heroics of champion Golden Sixty, who is slated to resume in the Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on 10 December.

“Purton is a champion and he knows this horse very well. He did a good job. His form is very good,” Lui said. “Stoltz had two trials at

Stoltz claims his most important Hong Kong victory | Credit: HKJC

Conghua and his trackwork has been good.”

Stoltz was the second pillar of Purton’s brace and gave the Australian a seamless ride after settling in third place before clocking 55.91s to defy Adios by a neck with Kurpany a length further back.

“It was pretty straight-forward. It’s a small field, a straight race – he’s got speed. He’s always put himself in the right spot. It was just a matter of him putting himself where he was comfortable,” Purton said. “Kurpany wanted to wander in and hamper me a bit in the last 300m, but my bloke has got a really good will to win and that spurred him on even more to make sure he got the job done. When he heard Adios coming late, he found a bit more.”

“That’s been typical of him, he’s a very honest horse – when the going gets tough, he gives

everything he’s got. Francis has done a great job with him. He’s turned out to be a very good horse.”

Chris So could target the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap on 5 November with Super Sunny Sing after the 2023 Hong Kong Classic Cup winner clinched the Class 2 Beijing Handicap as Vincent Ho notched a treble.

“It’s good, he ran well. He carried 132lb –lucky, three-wide with cover,” So said of his stable flagbearer. “I don’t think I will rush him in the middle of October. Maybe we aim for the 1800m, the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse on 5 November, so he can have a two or three-week break and come back.”

“I saw in the last 200m, he was just a little bit tired, but still good. Vincent did a good job, he

Zac Purton trails Hugh Bowman by one win in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship | Credit: HKJC

knows the horse well, but lucky we got threewide with cover. Maybe in future, after this run, he’ll be rated 99 or 100, I don’t know. We aim for the Group race and let’s see.”

Ng’s long-range planning paid off with a double with debutants Galaxy Patch and Ka Ying Cheer to leave the second-season trainer third in the trainers’ standings.

“It’s definitely exciting. We planned it from last season,” Ng said. “We have much better new horses that we got towards the end of the 2022/23 season and they’re doing very well. They’re trialling very well and we’re getting the results now.”

Galaxy Patch earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million after surging late to claim the first section of the Class 3 Shanghai Handicap 1200m under Karis Teetan. By Wandjina and formerly known as Gulinga Spirit when trained by Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea in South Australia, where he was unbeaten in one start before export to Hong Kong, Galaxy Patch

justified Ng’s pre-race expectations with a powerful finish.

“I expected that first-up. I was hoping he didn’t do anything wrong, but he did – he missed the start, didn’t jump very cleanly. He showed us he could really finish off in his trials, so he did what he did in the trials,” Ng said. “This one is a nice type and quite a promising one.”

“We’ll keep rolling along and hopefully he’ll get more and more mature and we’ll see if he can go any further, but he might just be a sprinter. He did brilliantly.”

Ng hopes the Reward For Effort gelding can strike again in Class 4 before advancing to higher levels after winning for Keith Yeung.

“We didn’t expect it to be so close and Keith said he was still a little bit fat. I hope this run will bring on his fitness. He should just get five points and we’ll progress from here. I’ll look for a race in two or three weeks and keep him going.

Vincent Ho drives Super Sunny Sing to victory | Credit: HKJC

He’s a hard worker, so we’ll just work him hard,” Ng said.

Francis Lui and Ho combined in familiar fashion with Moduleconstruction before Harry Bentley successfully teamed with Lui aboard Chancheng Glory. Bentley closed the meeting with a double after Douglas Whyte’s Blue

Marlin prevailed. Splendid Star cruised to a three-and-a-quarter length win under Purton for Whyte in his second win over the 1800m course before Lyle Hewitson drove Sparkling Dolphin to the gelding’s his fifth Sha Tin 1000m triumph, providing Me Tsui with his first win off the season.

THE FIRST FRENCHBASED COLT TO CLAIM THE ARC SINCE 2006

Ace Impact earned a Timeform rating of 133p after his hugely impressive victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday, which places him at the top of Timeform’s European standings and second behind only Equinox (135) among the world’s best.

Westover had previously been Timeform’s highest-rated horse in Europe but, while he ran well in second, he had no answer to the brilliant turn of foot by the French trained three-year-old colt.

Jean-Claude Rouget’s unbeaten son of Cracksman was a strong favourite on the back

of a perfect five from five record that included the French Derby, had only three rivals behind him as the field turned into the straight.

However, once switched for his run, he picked up powerfully down the outside of the field, going on to win comfortably.

The official margin was a length and threequarters, but it could have been further as jockey Cristian Demuro saluted the crowd before the winning post.

His performance is rated as the best since Enable was so impressive when landing her first Arc in 2017. Ace Impact became the first

Ace Impact (C Demuro) after winning the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club | Credit: Dyga / focusonracing.com

French-based three-year-old colt to claim the Arc since 2006, and it was his first start over a mile and a half.

The big question is whether we will ever see this champion on a racetrack again as he has won a Classic Gr1, French Derby, over tenfurlongs, and now has Europe’s highest rated Gr1 event for 3-year-olds and older, the Arc over a mile and a half on his CV.

For racing fans the world over, it would be fantastic to see him compete against the Japanese superstar Equinox before they both retire.

Following another brave runner-up placing by Westover, his trainer Ralph Beckett is eyeing a run at the Breeders’ Cup next month.

The son of Frankel, who was an Irish Derby winner, won the Gr1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in July, but has shown remarkable consistency this season finishing second in his other four starts. Runner-up behind Equinox at Meydan in March, he then had the ground go against him at Epsom when a length and three-quarters behind Emily Upjohn at Epsom before being

headed at the finish in the King George by Hukum at Ascot.

Beckett could not hide his pride in his charge who has now earnt a trip to Santa Anita.

“What a run, I’m delighted.” said Beckett. “He seemed a bit lazy out of the gate and then has got his place. At the top of the straight I thought we were in business, but there was just one better.”

He went on: “I always fancied the Breeders’ Cup Turf for him because he’s a horse who enjoys his time away, as we saw in Dubai. So I’ve always kind of fancied that for him.”

Westover hung onto second, a short-head in front of a fast-finishing Onesto. The French trained four-year-old, a 50/1 longshot, was narrowly denied by Luxembourg in last year’s Irish Champion Stakes but had lost that level of form this year.

The Fabrice Chappet trained runner would have finished second in another stride on Sunday and looks set to re-oppose Westover at Santa Anita in the Breeders’ Cup Turf next month.

TURFFONTEIN PARADE RING - NOTICE

If you are utilizing Turffontein Racecourse on 7,14 or 21 October 2023, please note that they will be using the back parade ring for both parade and winner’s enclosure.

The reason for the temporary change is that the 4Racing team will be hard at work upgrading the front parade ring.

The 4Racing Operations Team has thanked all for the patience while they work to improve the racecourse experience.

They look forward to hosting everyone in the new and improved front parade ring from 28 October onwards.

TRAINERS

JOCKEYS

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