HIGH-QUALITY ENTRY FOR 30 JULY

With Equus championship hopes at stake at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday 30 July, the first HKJC World Pool-sponsored race day worldwide promises a top-class climax to the 2022/23 season after a bumper entry was received on Monday.

The Gold Cup race meeting is one of the highest-quality race days on the local calendar and the ten-feature card includes South Africa’s premier race for stayers as the title event along with four Grade 1 races, three Grade 2 races, and two listed races.

The stakes on HKJC World Pool Gold Cup Day have been increased by more than 25% and features the R1m World Pool Gold Cup and the R1,25m HKJC Champions Cup.

Former South African Jockey, Douglas Whyte, who went on to secure 13 consecutive Hong Kong Jockey Titles and is now a successful trainer, will be recognised by having the Gr1 Douglas Whyte Stakes (formerly the Thekwini Stakes) named in his honour.

Twenty six entries were received for the 1600m juvenile feature.

With R6 million in stakes on offer it is often a significant opportunity for to secure their final plunges as Equus Champions of the year.

The R1 million World Pool Gold Cup is South Africa’s richest Grade 3 contest and the 22 entries includes past winner Nebraas, who as reported, will be ridden by Lyle Hewitson. The R700 000 Gr1 World Pool Moment of the Day Champion Stakes could see the much anticipated showdown between undefeated 2yo’s Lucky Lad (Sean Tarry) and Main Defender (Tony Peter).

Both will be stepping up to a mile for the first time, but the Peter star’s 7 gate looks a lot happier than Tarry’s 17.

Chief speed protagonists Gimme A Prince and Isivunguvungu drew 16 and 12 respectively for the Gr1 Mercury Sprint, but both are very likely to line up in the 1200m feature. Supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Tuesday 18 July.

Declarations are due by 11h00 on Thursday 20 July.