SP SPRINT - 15 MARCH 2023

IT'S THAT TIME!

Now For The SA Derby!

A thrilled owner-breeder Steven Chetty after Son Of Raj won the Listed Derby Trial at Turffontein on Saturday. The image is courtesy of JC Photos.

THE CHELTENHAM CONSTITUTION

They love Cheltenham!

CHELTENHAM CONSTITUTION

The Gr1 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (17h30) is the highlight of Day 2 at the Cheltenham Festival today after a terrific opening day, where the amazing Constitution Hill was the standout Extraordinary is the word Nicky Henderson tends to use when describing Constitution Hill and he was at it again after his stable star soared to new heights in the Champion Hurdle – the day one feature the trainer has made his own.

He was capturing it for a record-extending ninth time, but few of his previous winners displayed the dominance of Constitution Hill, who was an extraordinary force in last year's Supreme and followed up in similar style here.

He was entitled to, given he had not come off the bridle in five starts, but he faced a quality rival in State Man, who was on top in the County Hurdle last year and has swept all before him at the highest level in Ireland this season.

Sent off the 4-11 favourite, Constitution Hill powered clear of State Man to win by nine lengths, but you suspect that margin could have been wider had Nico de Boinville desired.

He is not one for unnecessary fuss or showboating, but his hulking partner is more than capable of providing fireworks even if it looks like a full tank of rocket fuel is still under the bonnet.

"He's just an extraordinary horse," said Henderson, touched by the electric atmosphere that accompanied an electric performance.

"You can't believe at this stage of his life he's doing things like this. You always worry something can go wrong and there's pressure. It's fun, but underneath it's not quite as much fun as you think it is. When it's over, I promise you, it is though."

Henderson trains the son of Blue Bresil for longtime buddy Michael Buckley, who was persuaded to buy him by former Seven Barrows jockey Barry Geraghty.

Reigning champion Energumene tackles six rivals in Wednesday’s showpiece. Run over 2 miles on the Old Course, track conditions are likely to remain soft.

The nine-year-old gave Willie

Mullins his first success in this event last season, jumping superbly on his way to an eight and a half-length win over Funambule Sivola. He followed that up with impressive victories at the Punchestown Festival and on his seasonal reappearance in the Hilly Way at Cork. However, he was not himself when only third behind Editeur Du Gite on Festival Trials Day here in January.

He is the sole Closutton representative this year in what looks one of the most anticipated contests of the Festival.

Re-opposing the Mullins star is Edwardstone, winner of the Arkle Novices’ Chase at last year’s Festival as well as the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December, and Editeur Du Gite.

On Festival Trials Day, it was the reopposing Editeur Du Gite trained by Gary Moore

Constitution Hill – oh so impressive on Day 1

Cheltenham Racecourse

and Edwardstone that fought out a thrilling finish, but Energumene’s jockey Paul Townend is confident he can turn the tables.

“The Clarence House Chase was a big indicator for the Champion Chase,” Townend commented.

“I think we very much underperformed on the day, and I wasn’t happy from the time he turned at the top of the hill.”

“I don’t think Editeur Du Gite will get it his own way in front here and I can see him getting taken on more on the Old course at Cheltenham. I thought Edwardstone

probably came out of the Clarence House Chase with the most credit even though he didn’t win.”

“We learnt a lot from that race, and we know what Energumene is capable of.”

Alan King’s Edwardstone may have lost out by the narrowest of margins to Editeur Du Gite, but still did enough for the bookmakers to make him their race favourite.

The day’s action gets underway at 15h30 with a red-hot running of the Gr1 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, run over 2 miles 5 furlongs. Ten go to the start with Willie Mullins mob handed fielding four of

the runners including current favourite Impaire Et Passe, the mount of Paul Townend.

Unbeaten in his three starts, the 5-year-old was hugely impressive when taking the Gr2 Moscow Flyer at Punchestown in January, a race Mullins usually aims his better novices at.

Stable companion Gaelic Warrior, the mount of Patrick Mullins, is another with impressive credentials in this contest. He will attempt to go one better than his second in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at this meeting 12 months ago. This season the Rich Ricci owned 5-year-old has won his three starts by

Energumente - takes on 6 in Queen Mothers's Chase at 17h30 today

ROYALTY ON ST PATRICK’S DAY

Princess Anne will be making a royal visit to Cheltenham Racecourse later this week, it has been confirmed. The Princess Royal is due to visit the venue on Friday March 17 as the 2023 Festival marks St Patrick's Day.

Her visit - which has been confirmed on the Royal Family's website - comes

a cumulative total of over 100-lengths. Soft going would also be a positive for this 5-year-old.

The very progressive Hermes Allen, trained by Paul Nicholls, won the Gr1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury on New Year’s Eve and he will enjoy the likely strong pace in this contest. Paul Nicholls is on record as stating that Hermes Allen looks one of his best chances at the Festival.

Barry Connell’s Dublin Racing Festival scorer Good Land is another declared bringing top form to the table. A frontrunning winner of a Group 1 at Leopardstown in February on his last start, he cannot be discounted along with fellow front-runner, the Danny Mullins ridden Champ Kiely.

The third Group 1 contest on the card is the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (16h10) run over an extended 3-miles. 11 runners are declared, and the

two days after she attends the Gloucestershire and District Agricultural Valuers' Association's Centenary Annual General Meeting Dinner today (March 15), which is held at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester.

Princess Anne, the daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, has already

been spotted in the crowds at Cheltenham. She was seen in the crowds on day one along with her daughter Zara Tindall and son-in-law Mike.

She is known to be a regular attendee of Cheltenham festival, along with her daughter who is a keen equestrian, having won a silver medallist in 2012 Olympics.

Unbeaten in three steeplechase starts, Scilly Isles winner Gerri Colombe is a general 6/4 favourite for trainer Gordon Elliott with Jordan Gainford retaining the ride. He looks the one they all have to beat.

Mullins is responsible for five of the declared runners with his quintet including second favourite Sir Gerhard (Paul Townend aboard) and the supplemented Adamantly Chosen.

Fellow Irish trainer Patrick Neville has chosen to run dual course winner The Real Whacker in this, and this game front-runner is going to ensure a strong pace and could be hard to reel in up the straight.

Dreams of the SA connections of the Hollywood Syndicate and the Kieswetter family’s Barnane Stud to open the festival on a high with the

plucky grey Dublin Racing Festival hero Lil Etait Tempsll short when the smart galloper ran into fifth place behind d Marine Nationale who won the opening race of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival at 9-2 from Facile Vega in second, with Irish-trained horses dominating the finish to the race with the first eight home.

Owned and trained by Barry Connell, who had spoken so positively about him in the build-up to Cheltenham, Marine Nationale tagged on to the back of the well-backed favourite Facile Vega and travelled smoothly through the race.

Facile Vega surged through the field to take the lead at the penultimate hurdle and kicked clear between the final two hurdles. However, he was quickly chased down by Marine Nationale who went clear under jockey Michael O'Sullivan after a sketchy jump from Facile Vega over the last.

Irish dominate the market.

PRINCESS ALL SET FOR APRIL GR1

Princess Calla storms to victory under Richard Fourie

A dual Gr2 winner during the 2022/3 Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Summer Festival Of Racing, the Flower Alley mare Princess Calla ran a perfect prep in the buildup to her defence of her HSH Princess Charlene Gr1 Empress Club Stakes title next month, when she paralysed a quality mixedsex field to win the R400 000 Gr2 Senor Santa Stakes at Turffontein on Saturday.

The well-travelled galloper has had her fair share of trainers, but after cracking her first Gr1 last season in the care of

Ashley Fortune, she has clearly blossomed as a 5yo under the Sean Tarry flag, having won three Gr2 contests in just four starts for the former multiple SA Champion conditioner.

Relaxed early by Richard Fourie as the lightning fast Rollwiththepunches carved the fractions out front, Princess Calla cruised forward effortlessly and drew away at 17-10 to beat the flying pacesetter by 5,25 lengths in a time of 66, 36 secs for the 1160m.

Topweighted Supreme Warrior

(25-2) was a half length back in third, with the winner’s stablemate Thunderstruck (14-1) showing a nice hint of a form return when staying on for fourth cheque.

Bred by Maine Chance Farms, Princess Calla is by Flower Alley (Distorted Humor)out of the Captain Al mare Princess Royal.

A R600 000 purchase from the 2019 Cape Premier Yearling Sale, Princess Calla has now won 8 races with 9 places from 19 starts for stakes of R2 453 475.

Winning combo Richard Fourie and Sean Tarry

JC Photos

Son Of Raj finishes with a sustained effort under Keagan de Melo

WEIHO BLOWS OUT THE CANDLES

Birthday Boy Weiho

Marwing’s Son Of Raj put his 2023 SA Derby hand up when slamming his field to win the R175 000 Listed Derby Trial at Turffontein on Saturday.

Owner-breeder Steven Chetty has enjoyed plenty of staying race success with the 4yo Arumugam, and he looks to have a decent sort in the shape of the full-brother Son Of Raj, who finished with a flourish to register his first stakes success.

Like his older brother, the

former KZN resident has adjusted well to his home away from the coast and made it 3 wins from 6 starts as he took his stakes bank to R232 250.

Keagan de Melo had Son Of Raj relaxed some lengths off the gallop set by River Romeo.

Into the home run Son Of Raj (7-2) built up gradually and got stronger as the race progressed to win with ease by 3 lengths in a time of 125,32 secs.

Another eyecatching son of

emerging Dynasty stallion Futura, Sean Tarry’s unfancied Future Pearl finished with a flourish to come out of the pack for second.

The fancied Top Sail (11-2) was 0,40 lengths away in third.

The winner is a son of the deceased Cartier Champion and five time Gr1 winner, Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill) out of the three-time winning Black Minnaloushe mare, Freudinia.

His full-brother Arumugam contested the Listed Aquanaut Handicap on the same card.

Keagan de Melo and trainer Weiho Marwing pose with the winning connections

JC Photos

BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GET!

A smart bit of initiative to skip the Derby Trial and take the older horses on over 2400m in the Listed Aquanaut Handicap at Turffontein on Saturday has set Vaal trainer Ashley Fortune up for a serious SA Derby bid courtesy of the classy Oratorio gelding Good Council, a well-bred horse with an interesting back story when denied access to a catalogue berth on the

National Yearling Sale of

his year.

The only 3yo in a field of hardknocking longhaul handicappers, the Avontuurbred Good Council went from gun-to-tape under the redhot Bryanston Auctioneerssponsored Ryan Munger to register his maiden stakes success and flag his prospects as a serious SA Derby candidate.

In what was to be the second leg of a feature double on the day for the Fortune-Munger combination (Ryan landed up with a treble after Apache Fighter won the Sun Chariot), a clearly happy and fit Good Council (9-2) benefitted from a well-judged ride to beat the consistent 5yo Raiseahallelujah (11-2) by 2,25 lengths in a time of 154, 41 secs.

Ryan Munger has time to glance at the big screen as Good Council stays on strongly

The evergreen 7yo Marchingontogether, something of an ol’ man river type, is always a quartet rover, and while he doesn’t run too often, banked another cheque for his loyal connections in third.

The gutsy Good Council never looked like stopping though and he should be cherry ripe on 1 April for the R1,5 million classic where he will be asked to find 50m more.

While he is listed as a R150 000 CTS Ready To Run graduate, the Sporting Post recalls from the time that he was rejected by a selection panel for the National Sales Yearling Sale.

One accepts that the latter

sale is the blue riband platform, and limited space means that the panel have to sometimes make tough calls. While we couldn’t reach Avontuur’s GM Pippa Mickleburgh on Saturday, we know that she will be delighted with her boy’s progress and is on record some time back that this was ‘a Derby horse who will prove many people wrong.’ So he has – well done Pippa!

Bred by the famous home of fine wines and fast horses on the fabulous foothills of the majestic Helderberg, the winner is a son of the internationally proven Danehill stallion Oratorio out of past SA Horse Of The Year Legislate’s full sister Madame Justice

(Dynasty). Mum raced for Charles Laird, but only won once and had some issues. She was a smart acquisition for the Avontuur broodmare band.

The winner is raced by the River Palace Racing Syndicate, and Messrs D Chinsammy, C Narayanasami & Waste Glass Recovery (Pty) Ltd

(Nom: J H de Lange).

Now a winner of 4 races from 1700m to 2000m, with 3 places into the bargain for stakes of R328 000, this fellow can only improve as he matures.

Good Council’s name will be there when WSB Gr1 SA Derby first entries close at 11h00 on Monday 20 March.

Trainer Ashley Fortune and Head Groom, Alphat Fovhoro, welcome Good Council and Ryan Munger back to the winner’s box

JC Photos

The late Drakenstein kingpin Duke Of Marmalade

DANEHILL SONS SHINE AT TURFFONTEIN

Descendants of the late great Danehill enjoyed notable feature race success at Turffontein on Saturday.

Danehill's late son Duke Of Marmalade came up with his 51st stakes winner when his progressive son Son Of Raj captured Saturday's Listed 4Racing Derby Trial, while Danehill's triple Gr1 winning son Oratorio came up with a new stakes winner when his son Good Council landed Saturday's Listed 4Racing Aquanaut Handicap.

However, the Danehill influence really came to the fore in Saturday's Listed Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial. Danehill grandson Rafeef (who supplied two winners at Turffontein on Saturday) was responsible for the Oaks Trial winner Ipso Facto, while Danehill appears in the pedigree of Oaks Trial runner up Red Maple and joint thirdplaced Raratonga Rose.

Red Maple (Silvano) was produced by the Fastnet

Rock (Danehill) mare Cherry Tree Lane while Raratonga Rose is out of a mare sired by Danehill's son Exceed And Excel.

Danehill's son Fastnet Rock is also promising to make his presence felt as a broodmare sire in South Africa.

Fastnet Rock's daughter Head Over Heels ranks as the dam of the very promising young stallion New Predator. New Predator's first five runners yielded four winners and he is currently among the Leading First Season Sires for this season. New Predator was sired by Galileo's Derby winning son New Approach, with Galileo daughters having enjoyed tremendous success when mated to Fastnet Rock.

Fastnet Rock, without doubt one of Danehill's greatest sire sons, also ranks as the broodmare sire of Saturday's Gr2 Chandon Phar Lap Stakes winner, Zougotcha (whose previous wins included the G1 Darley Flight Stakes) and

Saturday's Gr2 MSS Security Sires' Produce Stakes winner, Veight.

The Danehill influence can also be seen in the catalogue for the upcoming National Yearling Sale. Danehill sons Duke Of Marmalade and Oratorio have three and four lots catalogued at the sale. Danehill grandsons Buffalo Bill Cody, Rafeef and Time Thief are also represented, while the aforementioned New Predator has ten lots on the sale.

Champion, Soqrat (whose sire, Epaulette is a grandson of Danehill) has five members of his first crop on sale and Heavenly Blue (whose champion sire Snitzel was sired by Danehill's great son Redoute's Choice) is another from this male line represented.

Danehill is also broodmare sire of consistently successful sire Ideal World, who has two lots on the National Sale this year.

ARLINGTON MILLION – TEN YEARS ON

One of South Africa’s greatest trainers, Ormond Ferraris, was honoured on Saturday when the Listed Ormond Ferraris Oaks was run over 2000m at Turffontein.

The race has been named after him in recognition of his incredible achievements as a trainer over so many decades. Ferraris took out his trainer’s

licence in 1952 and finally retired in May last year.

There is hardly a race in this country he has not won but he had particular success with the SA Oaks and SA Derby. He won the Oaks 10 times and the Derby eight times.

In 2016 Ferraris trained his 2500th winner when Romany Prince won the Listed Drum

Star Handicap.

His last SA Oaks winner was Cherry On The Top in 2013. Owned by Bridget Oppenheimer, this daughter of Tiger Ridge scooped the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara with that victory.

Charl Pretorius recent wrote Ferraris’ biography, ‘Thoroughly’.

A happy Oratorio in the Avontuur Paddocks

Liesl King

‘A SMALL COINCIDENCE’ CHARLES LAIRD

Touching base this weekend with multiple Gr1-winning trainer Charles Laird after Good Council had won the Listed Aquanaut Handicap at Turffontein and Gimme Gorgeous had cracked his maiden at Hollywoodbets Greyville, it was fascinating to hear about one of those small coincidences that make horseracing such an intriguing game.

What’s the chances of two well-bred fillies purchased at Nationals nine years ago, trained by Charles Laird, owned by Alesh Naidoo, and sold in a package to leading

Cape breeders Avontuur, having their progeny win impressively within 24 hours of each other on the same weekend?

The 65 year Charles Laird hails from one of South Africa’s great racing dynasties and took out his licence in September 1995, taking over from his father Russell.

He started on a high when National Emblem won the John Skeaping at his very first meeting, and Charles still rates the great racehorse and stallion as the best he has trained.

Prior to that, he had worked as a handicapper at Turffontein, for the TBA, and at a stud farm.

So what’s the connection between SA Derby candidate Good Council, who registered his career peak victory at Turffontein on Saturday, and Duncan Howells’ trained Gimme Gorgeous, who won down in KZN on Sunday?

Both winners’ dams were purchased by Patterson Racing on behalf of Alesh Naidoo’s Fire Racing Trust at the 2014 BSA National Yearling Sale, at R550 000 apiece.

Flashback : Charles Laird with his champion National Emblem

Smart Council’s dam Madame Justice (Dynasty) is a full sister to Horse Of The Year Legislate ,and she ran only twice, winning her second start by 9,25 lengths.

Charles Laird trained both fillies and tells the Sporting Post that Anton Marcus rode Madame Justice at both starts.

“She started in the red at both starts and her first over 1000m was too short. She finished under a length back in fourth. We couldn’t miss next time over a mile and she duly won unextended by almost ten lengths at 7-10. I then said to

Alesh that she would probably win four or five but her paddock value was huge. I could have been selfish but Avontuur were keen to buy them as a package and Alesh understood the value of turning your horses if the price was right,” adds Charles Laird.

Gimme Gorgeous’ dam Hannah Gorgeous (Fort Wood) is a half-sister to another SA Horse Of The Year in Futura. She never raced but ended up in the magnificent Avontuur paddocks alongside Madame Justice.

“I recall them arriving here. Hannah Gorgeous was a lovely filly. Madame Justice walked behind her and I thought, mmm! But look what she has done today and she has filled out and is a magnificent beautiful broodmare,” recalls a happy Pippa Mickleburgh, who has booked her ticket for WSB SA Derby day already!

Retired today in the sleepy Boland town of Paarl, Charles Laird says he misses the racing game and stays in touch.

RAFEEF ROLL CONTINUES

Team Fortune’s famous jump for joy

Ridgemont Highlands’ Redoute’s Choice stallion Rafeef continued his dream season on Saturday at Turffontein when his daughter Ipso Facto stayed on strongly to signal her SA Oaks aspirations when winning the R150 000 Ormond Ferraris Listed Oaks Trial in style for trainer Ashley Fortune.

Rafeef has been a revelation at stud and with first-crop Gr1 winners from 1000m to 2450m, he is proving a dream stallion and continues to churn out the winners.

Just hours prior to Ipso Facto’s

stakes victory, Rafeef’s son Positive Attitude cracked his maiden at his sixth start over 2000m.

Bryanston Auctioneerssponsored jockey Ryan Munger is riding with great confidence and he judged his ride to perfection, bringing Ipso Facto between runners at the 200m after a door looked to close on her.

But a cool Munger had the situation under control and the 7-2 Ipso Facto took the honours to beat a fast finishing Red Maple (11-2) by 1,35 lengths in a time of 127,53 secs.

Littlemarysunshine (8-1) and Raratonga Rose (5-2) dead heated for third.

Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, Ipso Facto is by Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice) out of the well-related unraced UK-bred Machiavellian mare Awaited. The half-sister to Esmatina hails from the famous ‘E’ family.

A R300 000 BSA National 2yo Sale purchase, Ipso Facto is a winner of 3 races with 2 places from 8 starts for stakes of R232 750.

Ipso Facto comes home powerfully under Ryan Munger

JC Photos

RICHIE’S RUSH

The high-riding Winning Form sponsored Richard Fourie and Hollywoodbets trainer Stuart Pettigrew got the Turffontein feature action off to a flying start when the 3yo Varsfonteinbred Mercantour finished powerfully to win the R175 000 Gold Rush Sprint.

Only seven runners lined up for the R175 000 non black-

type 1100m feature, which opened the Place Accumulator on the afternoon.

Given a chance by Fourie, Mercantour (5-1) burst clear to beat the favourite Wind Water (33-10) by 3 lengths in a time of 62,93 secs.

Former Cape resident Trompie (5-1) showed plenty of pace but faded late and

was beaten a further

A son of the deceased speed champion VAR (Forest Wildat), the Varsfontein-bred winner is out of the Western Winter mare, Winter Wood.

A R200 000 National Yearling Sale graduate, Mercantour is a winner of 4 races with 5 places from 13 starts, and has earned R354 250.

Mercantour comes home powerfully under Richard Fourie

Roy Magner and Ryan Munger enjoy the Sun Chariot post-race celebrations

JC Photos

FEATURE TREBLE FOR RAMPANT MUNGER

Ryan Munger enjoyed a red-letter day at Turffontein on Saturday, bagging three feature successes, and continues to provide his loyal sponsors Bryanston Auctioneers with plenty of well-deserved exposure.

The progressive jockey is being rewarded for hard work, with regular travels to the Eastern and Western Cape to supplement his Gauteng home base.

With a unique incentive-to-win from Bryanston Auctioneers, where the Highveld Horse Care Unit benefit directly, Munger is flying, holding sixth position on the national log with 80 winners in what is his best season to date.

On Saturday he capped top rides on Ipso Facto (SA Oaks) and Good Council (Aquanaut Handicap) , with a determined and well-judged ride to round the Pick 6 off on the 12-1 Apache Fighter to win the R150 000 Sun Chariot Handicap, a 2400m non blacktype contest for the fairer sex.

Off a sedentary pace, Munger produced the Roy Magnertrained 4yo Apache Fighter with a sustained finish to beat the fairly consistent Kind Judy (10-1) by 3,25 lengths in a time of 156,67 secs.

The year younger male Good Council carried 2kgs more to win the Aquanaut in a time that was 2,26 secs faster earlier in the day.

Bred by Stewart Robinson, who races the winner in partnership with his son Gavin, Apache Fighter is a rare representative for the nominally exposed and now defunct Mogok stallion The Apache, an international winner on three continents and Equus Champion of his year. She is out of the four-time winning Spaceship mare Class Of Her Own, who has produced a winner up to 2400m.

Now a winner of 3 races with 4 places from 11 starts, the lightly tried Apache Fighter took her stakes earnings to R250 375.

ARLINGTON MILLION – TEN YEARS ON

Sire of the Sun Chariot winner , The Apache famously lost the 2013 Gr1 Arlington Million at Arlington Park in Chicago on objection after beating Real Solution by a head.

Real Solution (Alan Garcia) was on the outside of The Apache (Christophe Soumillon) as they came down the stretch. The Apache was on the rail, but ended up about four lanes outside, bumping Real Solution in the process.

filed an objection, and after 6 minutes, the objection was upheld.

“At the top of the stretch I had plenty of horse to go by, and the other horse (The Apache) bumped us more than four times,” Garcia said. “Made me lose my momentum. If that didn’t happen we might have won by two or three lengths.”

Soumillon blamed the move to the right on the giant video screen closed to the finish line.

“We were the better horse,

but he got scared by the screen and shifted out,” Soumillon said. “My horse was on the lead and got a little unbalanced. The screen scared him, but we were the best horse.”

“On viewing the head-on of the Arlington Million I can safely say that the second horse did get hampered by The Apache and had we got beat like that I would have felt aggrieved. I still think had The Apache gone straight he would have won,” added Mike de Kock.

Garcia and trainer Chad Brown

RACING WELCOMES DERYL BACK TO THE FOLD

Working hard! Deryl riding work recently at Summerveld

For any of us that have ever been in a dark hole, the prospect of seeing the sunshine again may often have appeared bleak. But former SA Champion Apprentice Deryl Daniels is a man who has converted the ‘nevers’ into ‘maybes’. And he is out to start all over!

A recovering alcoholic with a cross-addiction to crack cocaine, Deryl, who has not ridden in races since December 2017, has turned his life around and makes an extraordinary comeback to the saddle in KZN in the next few weeks.

Chatting to the quietly spoken 45 year old is an inspiration and experience for anybody

who has ever encountered even a brief sense of hopelessness in their life. And who hasn’t?

In April 2018 Deryl, once half affectionately labelled ‘Jack Daniels’ for obvious reasons, was suspended for a year.

The National Horseracing Authority was castigated at the time for their lack of empathy and insensitivity in their handling of the matter by leading international trainer Mike de Kock, who suggested that the writer of the official media release at the time ‘had no integrity and no empathy for his fellow human beings, and should be ashamed.’

“I was in a very dark hole back

then. But ironically that was probably a turning point in my life too. I was amazed that, despite my behaviour and actions, there were folk who actually loved and cared. It just needed me, myself, I, Deryl, to make a decision to change my life. But I couldn’t do it on my own. I really couldn’t. Five years later I have so many people to thank, I really do,” he told the Sporting Post in a candid chat on Sunday.

Today Deryl tells how he had to change as a person.

“As I speak to you today, I feel great. This is the best version of Deryl Daniels ever! I weigh 55kgs. I ride around 15 horses in work at Summerveld in the mornings. My friend

Paddy Wynne and I run 10km a day. I am going to tackle the Comrades in 2024. I’m so excited to get back to race riding. And the best thing is, I honestly and truly don’t feel like a drink!”

Deryl joined the SA Jockey Academy in 1992, in the same class as Brandon Morgenrood, Donovan Yeo, Piet Botha and Barend Vorster. He loved the horses and the thrill of race riding, and found he was actually quite good at it. He

was crowned SA Champion apprentice of 1995/96. His international cv is impressive and includes Hong Kong, New Zealand, Macau, Dubai, Kuwait, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, to mention a few!

At the age of 18 the then young apprentice Daniels was an innocent bystander at the shooting attempt on trainer David Ferraris, a series of bullets missing Deryl by inches. He couldn’t sleep with

the lights off, for years after the shooting.

The young man with the strict upbringing didn’t touch alcohol and drugs either as a teenager. In fact he was nearing 21, and riding the crest of the proverbial pop-star wave, before he was even tempted.

“I don’t ever want to look for excuses. I don’t need to. This is all about taking responsibility. But as a young

jock I was doing better than I ever had. I had money, socalled ‘friends’, admirers. It was one big party. The adrenaline and shallow adulation is surreal. As I told you previously, it’s an intoxicating high and a loaded gun in naïve hands. I am not on social media at all today. And I still can’t stomach the smell of coca-cola. It’s a time travel trigger back to those crazy days,” he reflects as he wonders how different it may have been with a mentor in his life like the legend Andrew Fortune – a man who has provided an ongoing pillar of support for Deryl over the years.

When asked about other triggers, Deryl, who has never

married and has no children, openly explains that emotion was a major core platform for him.

“It may sound crazy to some people, but feeling hungry, angry, lonely or even hot, could trigger the need. I’m older and more mature, and thankfully I have the right people around me now. I really have the most wonderful support,” he adds.

The Deryl of early 2018 has come on in leaps and bounds.

“You cannot imagine how amazing it was for me to talk to the young apprentices at the SA Jockey Academy about a year ago. I shared my experiences and journey. It

was a no-holds barred account of what happens when you choose the wrong company, think you are invincible, and make dumb decisions,” he recalls proudly as he fast forwards to the present.

Deryl spent time with his parents and sisters in Vanderbijlpark after being suspended. He was also keeping fit on the hardly-used family treadmill, while riding work for Ash Fortune and Clint Binda.

“I love my family. But it wasn’t the right environment in view of the dynamics. And then came the call from Peter Muscutt. It was 2 days before Christmas of 2019. I was back at Summerveld and felt that I

really could dig myself out of the hole. I wanted to turn my life around. I really did.”

Deryl was introduced to Mike Shaw’s Project Exodus, which offers realistic and accessible strategies to address substance dependence.

“Project Exodus has been a lifechanger for me. I have always been a Christian and the philosophy revolves around honesty and accepting God. If ever I am feeling down

or feel the need, I can make the call. We are also online every evening between 19h00 and 20h00. Nobody is judging anybody. We all talk openly. I even lead discussions sometimes. They have literally changed my life,” he adds enthusiastically.

Deryl says there have been so many people along his long road back and is reluctant to mention names, but cites leading owner Mike de Haast and his wife Laura as other

leading lights in his recovery.

“I had a hip replacement over two years ago. I was in agony. Mike sponsored the operation as I didn’t have medical aid. What do I say? The kindness and generosity on my journey back has been mind boggling.”

Deryl lives on the De HaastViljoen farm 2km from Summerveld with Sigi Sauter and her Mom. He enjoys the short trip to work

and back on his motorbike.

As we reported previously, for a man who has touched both sides of life’s silver coin, Deryl is adamant that despite some mind-blowing blunders and gross errors of judgement in his 26 years in the saddle, he doesn’t have self pity – just serious regrets about the good people in the game that he has disappointed.

And he says he is now ready to return to the saddle and believes that it’s never too late.

“I have lost so much in my life.

The material things like homes, cars, boats are neither here nor there. But it’s the family and friends, and those that haven’t judged, but chosen to support me, that I want to show what I can do. And I owe this to myself, also!”

Deryl says he has worked hard to do as much work as possible in the mornings at as many yards as possible.

“The trainers have been supportive and encouraging. I have done my time off. I have fulfilled the requirements. I still provide the urine samples

to the NHA, for example. It’s part of my licence renewal. I need to show the folk that have supported and helped me through this that I wasn’t a waste of time and a failure. I must have seven years left at least, and am determined to make this work and cannot wait to get back racing.”

Project Exodus suggests that abstinence is not the goal, it’s the beginning. Please read more on www.projectexodus.net

Deryl Daniels – ready to make good and bounce back

Candiese Lenferna

PRINCESS GOES TO 127

The terrific 5yo mare Princess Calla has had her merit rating raised from 121 to 127 following her emphatic win in the Gr2 Senor Santa Stakes over the straight 1160m at Turffontein on Saturday 11 March.

The Handicappers were of the view that 3rd placed Supreme Warrior made for the best line horse here, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 119.

Aside from the winner, the only other ratings increase was for runner-up ROLLWITHTHEPUNCHES, who was raised from 110 to 112.

There were drops for four horses. FULL VELOCITY was trimmed from 113 to 112, MARDI GRAS drops from 101 to 100, PRINCE OF FIRE drops to 105 from 107, and lastly EDEN ROC goes from 106 to 101.

Listed 4Racing Derby Trial

SON OF RAJ has had his rating raised from 75 to 81 following his success in the Listed Derby Trial for threeyear-olds over 2000m on the Turffontein standside course on Saturday. Here it was 4th placed AFRICAN TORRENT who was used as the line horse, which leaves him unchanged on a rating of 85.

In assessing the race this way

SON OF RAJ actually runs to a mark of 86, but the specific

race conditions do not allow for a more than six-pound increase for the winner, and accordingly the Handicappers were obliged to cap him at 81. Similarly, the race conditions do not permit any ratings increase beyond the winner, and as such runner-up FUTURE PEARL remains on 81 despite actually achieving a mark of 83.

There were ratings drops for three horses. CLIMATE CONTROL drops to 84 from 86, RIVER ROMEO is down from 84 to 78, and lastly BILLY SPELLBOUND was dropped from 85 to 83.

Listed Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial

IPSO FACTO has had her rating increased from 84 to 89 after winning the Listed Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial for three-year-old fillies over 2000m at Turffontein on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the unanimous view that joint 3rd placed RARATONGA ROSE made for the best line horse here, which leaves her with an unaltered rating of 90.

Here too the specific race conditions do not allow for a rating increase beyond the winner, and so runner-up RED MAPLE remains on 80 despite actually achieving a mark of 85.

Three horses were given a rating’s drop. PRINCESS OZMA is down from 80 to 78, PACIFIC EXPRESS drops from 72 to 69, and lastly BACK TO THE FUTURE is down from 82 to 79.

Listed 4Racing Aquanaut Handicap

GOOD COUNCIL has had his rating raised from 101 to 105 after he won the Listed 4Racing Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m at Turffontein on Saturday. It was 3rd placed MARCHINGONTOGETHER who was deemed to make for the correct line horse here, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 102.

Aside from the winner the only other increase was for 2nd finisher RAISEAHALLELUJAH, who goes up from 99 to 100.

The sole drop was for CASTLETOWN, who is down slightly from 104 to 103.

Media release by National Horseracing Authority on Tuesday 14 March 2023.

Steel City wins the Gr3 Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday

SA INFLUENCE IN AUSTRALIA

That South Africa's most successful taproot mare Drohsky continues to exert her influence beyond our borders was underlined last weekend.

As far away as Australia, juvenile filly Steel City became the latest stakes winner to descend from the remarkable little mare when she morphed from a maiden to a Graded stakes winner with her facile victory in the Gr3 Magic

Night Stakes at Sydney's Rosehill racetrack.

Drohsky never raced, yet her record at stud is unsurpassed, her legacy massive. By Eclipse winner Polyphontes, she was bred by mining magnate S B 'Solly' Joel, and was one three fillies sent to race in South Africa in 1932. Considered the weakest of the trio, she never reached the track and instead, was sold to EV Birch, founder of the famed Birch Bros, a

shrewd purchase, considering she went on to establish her own dynasty at the Birch's Vogel Vlei Stud, one which endures to this day.

From her descend two Titans of the turf, the mighty Lenin, considered the best horse of the pre-war era, while close relative Sea Cottage, the first horse inducted into the South African Hall of Fame, is still regarded by many as one of the finest, if not the most

‘That South Africa's most successful taproot mare Drohsky continues to exert her influence beyond our borders was underlined last weekend’

famous horse to grace the post-war turf.

Lenin and Sea Cottage aside, Drohsky achieved immortality through the achievements of her daughters and her descendants include the winners of all of the country's elite races.

As Syd Birch, great-grandson of E V Birch once remarked: "She set up her own dynasty and I wonder if any other line has produced as many feature winners. It's no surprise that the homestead we live in is named after her!"

But back to Steel City. She traces to Drohsky's daughter

Commune, a four-time winner sired by Durban July winner Bird Of Prey. From her descend Gr1 Cape Guineas hero Ocean City (a son of Sea Cottage, thus inbred 4 x 4 to Drohsky), champion stayer Aquanaut, champion juvenile Bold Speed, Gr1 winners Agitator (SA Derby), Record Edge (Premier's Cup) and Golden Peak (Gold Bowl), as does champion juvenile filly Warning Zone, who just happens to be the grandam of Steel City.

Out of the Ginistrelli mare War Women, this daughter of Elliodor was bred by Ascot Stud, with breeder Rose Parker remembering her

Mike de Kock trained the aforementioned Gr1 winner Record Edge, hence it came as no surprise when Warning Zone also joined the maestro's stable. She added further lustre to the family, to the extent that she was named the country's champion juvenile filly of 2002/3 following her wins in the Gr2 Golden Slipper and Gr3 Debutante.

She became yet another shrewd purchase by Team Valor principal Barry Irwin, who sent her to the States, and she rewarded him with a further stakes success in the Listed Marie G Krantz

as a 'a tall, lightish filly."

Memorial at Fair Grounds. Australia eventually became her next home where in due course, she produced the filly Pittsburgh Flyer to Street Cry, the sire of wonder mare Winx and of course Drakensteinbred Horse of the Year Oh Susanna.

Although she was not in their exalted league, Pittsburgh Flyer nevertheless counted a Gr3 success amongst her three wins and as good as her race record was, she has already surpassed that as a broodmare.

Quick off the mark, she became not just a stakes, but also a Gr1 producer with her very first foal, the Exceed

And Excel filly September Run, winner of the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington. Steel City is her third foal and was followed by a yearling full brother to September Run. Pittsburgh Flyer visited powerhouse stallion I Am Invincible last spring.

Remarkably, Steel City entered the Magic Night as a maiden, on the back of an unplaced effort in the Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes, prior to which she had run second in the Gr3 Widden Stakes over 1100m. An A$700,000 yearling purchase, the filly provided a watershed moment in the fledgling career of freshman sire Merchant Navy. She has the honour of being the first stakes winner

Finally, it would be remiss to not mention that Drohsky's influence also stretches to Hong Kong. Silvano's son Chefano, winner of the Gr3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup at Sha Tin, descends from her daughter Lindro.

A mare's fortunes ebb and flow over the decades, some disappear altogether from prominence, yet Drohsky's name continues to run like a golden thread through the cream of South African bloodstock. Long may it continue.

for the Gr1 winning sprint son of Fastnet Rock.

Syd Birch seen with Plumb Bold - the brothers were early influencers

BLOW FOR VAN ZYL YARD

Evening Primrose beats Gold Poker Game to win the Tattersalls Listed Jamaica Handicap. The winner has been disqualified

Chase Liebenberg

One of three KZN-based feature winners during the recently completed Cape summer season, the Flower Alley daughter Evening Primrose has been disqualified as the winner of the R200 000 Tattersalls Listed Jamaica Handicap at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 14 January.

In the latest National Horseracing Authority calendar, trainer Gareth van Zyl was penalised under rule 73.2.4, in his capacity as the trainer responsible for Evening Primrose when a specimen which was collected from this horse after the running of the Jamaica , disclosed upon analysis the presence of Morphine (Class 2) which is a prohibited substance.

Van Zyl was fined R55 000 and in terms of Rule 72.3.2 Evening Primrose was disqualified from the race. The provisions of Rule 67.7.8 applies and stakes and the RaceCape incentive will be refunded.

The winning margin was 0,20 lengths.

The announcement will surely sour what was a terrific summer for a progressive team and a rising young talent on the SA racing scene.

The Van Zyl Cape string was managed by Spencer Cook and they enjoyed a great run with 6 Cape winners in their short stint in the Mother City.

While nobody wants to win or lose under these circumstances, the 3yo Drakenstein bred and owned runner-up Gold Poker Game, who is trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, is promoted and thus becomes her sire Gold Standard’s first stakes winner.

Ed – NHA rule 73.2.4 says: 73.2 OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITY OF OWNERS AND/ OR TRAINERS

The TRAINER and/or OWNER of a HORSE shall be guilty

of an offence if a SPECIMEN taken from that HORSE:

73.2.1 at any time within a period of 48 hours preceding the day of a RACE in which it is or was due to run contains a PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE unless the drug, which caused the finding of a PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE, was administered by a registered veterinary surgeon and the administration has been entered in the veterinary treatment register; or

73.2.2 at any time on the day of a RACE on which it is or was due to run, prior to the running of such RACE contains a PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE; or

73.2.3 when it is on a RACE COURSE for the purpose of participating in a RACE contains a PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE; or

73.2.4 when it is on a RACE COURSE after having participated in a RACE contains a PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE

MORPHINE - A GOOD QUESTION!

Assistant Trainer Gavin Van Zyl commented on www. sportingpost.co.za:

Evening Primrose had a mild colic nine days prior to this race, whereupon the vet was called in and advised emphatically that she was racing in nine days. The vet administered a drug called Dolorex with a prescribed

three day withdrawal period. There is a synthetic derivative of morphine in this drug and hence the morphine positive.

It certainly wasn’t performance enhancing at all, but is very concerning and perturbing, as well as causing embarrassment to the trainer and owners, for something clearly inexplicable and unfortunate, as well as

concerning. Surely going forward the vets, in light of this incident, must caution trainers that the so-called three day withdrawal is not to be trusted if using this drug in future?

So the question beckons, what is the right withdrawal for a drug with a derivative of morphine in it? Who knows ?

CHARLES RULED OUT OF BIG ONE

Charles Dickens - top 3yo won't go July route

Chase Liebenberg

There will be no weight anomalies in the Hollywoodbets Durban July as the highest rated threeyear-old in the country Charles Dickens will not be an entry.

Candice Bass-Robinson told Gold Circle’s David Thiselton late last week that the crack Trippi colt would be coming to KZN for the SA Champions Season, but added he would not be running in the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

She said about the yard’s reading of his Grade 1 SplashOut Cape Derby second place finish, “I don’t think it is that he doesn’t stay, he still ran a very good race, but he is probably not at his best over 2000m at this stage.”

She envisaged the Gr2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m, the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m and the Gr1 Champions Cup over 1800m as possible targets.

Another horse who will likely be running here in the SA Champions Season is Marina.

Candice was not sure she was good enough to make the July field.

She is also probably going to go up to the Highveld first to run in the Gr1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes at Turffontein Standside on April 15.

She said this Silvano filly’s chief KZN targets would likely

be the Grade 1 Brentford FC Garden Province Stakes and the Gr2 Gold Bracelet, which she won last year.

The Grade 1 Schweppes Majorca Stakes third-placed Golden Hostess is likely to be on the float.

The obvious first target for her is the WSB Fillies Guineas.

She will be an interesting contender in the Gr1 Woolavington 2000, considering she is by Trippi stallion Gold Standard and is a half-sister to the useful stayer

Silver Host, who has won three Grade 3s from 1800m up to 2500m and has also won a Listed race over 2400m.

Bass-Robinson said she would only bring feature horses and none for ordinary races, because Cape Racing’s new

look programme will cater well for the latter types this winter.

She was not sure whether the promising two-year-old Winter Cloud, who is a full-sister to the top class Clouds Unfold, would be on the float.

Meanwhile, Charles Dickens, whose only two defeats in eight starts have been narrow ones in the Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate and the Grade1 SplashOut Cape Derby respectively, has gone to the top of the points table on the Equus Horse Of The Year log.

His closest rival is Jet Dark, who has been retired, so Charles Dickens has a good chance of holding on to the lead.

SIYANDA LANDS SPONSORSHIP

Gauteng’s Heversham Park Stud have announced their sponsorship of 19-year-old apprentice Siyanda Sosibo, who joined the SA Jockey Academy in 2020, rode his first winner in 2021 and is presently on 24 career winners.

Quietly-spoken Siyanda, who completed his matric at the Academy in 2020, hails from a humble background. He grew up in poverty-stricken Umlazi, KZN, and described himself as “lucky to have a purpose and prospects with real hope”. He said: “I wake up every day and remember where I came from. It’s all the motivation anybody could ever hope for.”

Siyanda’s biggest supporter is his father, a career policeman based at the Marianhill SAPS. “My dad has been my mentor and inspiration. He is also my off-course riding master!” quipped the apprentice.

Now at the Gauteng Academy under the guidance of Robert Moore, Siyanda is improving his skills at every race meeting. “He started off slowly, but has developed into a nice and promising rider,” said Moore.

Siyanda rode seven winners in his first full season, 2021/22, but is already on 17 winners

for the 2022/3 season, with his strike rate up to 10%. He has ridden most of his winners for multiple champion trainer Sean Tarry, who said: “Siyanda has a good work ethic and he has ridden some excellent races for me, including two wins from two rides on Big Burn. He’s on the up, a promising rider.”

Heversham Park’s Kat Riley commented: “We are pleased to be helping Siyanda with a sponsorship, we have invested and continue to invest in the industry and this is a part of our commitment to developing individual potential.”

Siyanda said: “I am truly grateful for this opportunity and I am looking forward to pleasing Heversham Park and my trainers by riding winners.”

Siyanda Sosibo promising young talent

12 COUNTRIES IN DUBAI WORLD CUP FIELDS

Defending Champion Country Grammer and Equinox, 2022’s highest rated three-year-old in the world, are the headline acts for the $30.5 million Dubai World Cup card to be run on Saturday 25 March.

The likely fields have been released.

Country Grammer heads a projected field of 14 for the $12million Gr1 Dubai World

Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline. Bob Baffert’s charge aims to become just the second dual winner of the race but faces tough opposition from an eight-strong Japanese challenge which includes Japan Cup winner Vela Azul and Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa.

The sole European raider is the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Algiers, impressive winner of Gr2 Maktoum Challenge

Round 1 and 2, while Fawzi Nass’ Salute The Soldier heads the local challenge.

The $6million Gr1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic has also attracted a strong international line-up, with Arima Kinen winner Equinox facing seven other Group 1 winners, including defending champion Shahryar and two from Hong Kong, Senor Toba and Russian Emperor. A three-pronged UK attack is made up of the John

Country Grammar – can he become second horse to win it twice?

and Thady Gosden-trained Emily Upjohn and Neom Turf Cup winner Mostahdaf, while Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner Westover represents trainer Ralph Beckett.

The $5million Gr1 Dubai Turf (sponsored by DP World) could see history if Lord North, who won the race outright in 2021 and dead heated with Panthalassa last year, can win it for a third time. His formidable bunch of rivals include four from Japan, including Vin De Garde, twice placed in this race, and Japanese Derby winner Do Deuce.

The $2million Gr1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (sponsored by Nakheel) also features a defending champion in the Bhupat Seemar-trained Switzerland, who will attempt to become the third dual winner of the 1200 metre dirt contest. He is up against a strong team from the US, including Peter Miller’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint second CZ Rocket and Gr2 Amsterdam Stakes winner Gunite, for Steve Asmussen.

An international field heads to the turf for the $1.5million Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint (sponsored by Azizi Developments) including Australian Gr3 winner The

Astrologist, for Troy and Leon Corstens, and the Hong Kongtrained pair of Sight Success and Duke Wai.

There are 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points up for grabs in the Gr2 UAE Derby, which Aidan O’Brien will seek to win for a fourth time with Cairo. Up against him are five for Japan, including Yoshito Yahagi’s Continuar, while Baffert sends Worcester to represent the US, along with Doug O’Neill’s Tall Boy and Ah Jeez.

The Gr2 Godolphin sees Yahagi’s Bathrat Leon try to follow up his devastating 2022 win, against two compatriots, Lauda Sion, trained by Takashi Saito, and Yuichi Shikato’s Win Carnelian. A strong local challenge is headed by last year’s runner-up, Desert Wisdom, and Discovery Island, winner of the G3 Burj Nahaar last time out.

The longest race of the day is the Gr2 Dubai Gold Cup (sponsored by Al Tayer Motors), over 3200 metres on turf. It welcomes back 2021 winner Subjectivist as part of a strong UK team which also includes Ebor Handicap winner Trawlerman, while O’Brien sends Gr1 winner Broome from Ireland and Sisfahan

travels over for German trainer Henk Grewe.

The day’s traditional curtain raiser is the Purebred Arabians’ $1million Gr1 Dubai Kahayla Classic (sponsored by Emaar) which will see a clash of the last two winners in First Classs and Deryan.

“We are very excited about the strength of the fields for the 2023 Dubai World Cup meeting,” commented Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, General Manager of Dubai Racing Club. “We have horses arriving from 12 different countries and it is especially fantastic to welcome back runners from Hong Kong and Australia after a break of a few years.

“It is also superb to see so many defending champions here to try and make history, with Country Grammer aiming to become just the second dual Dubai World Cup winner. As ever, we thank trainers and owners for their support of the meeting and wish everyone the best of luck on March 25th.”

The 2023 Dubai World Cup meeting is the first in history to be run during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

‘MASSIVE MOMENT IN SA RACING HISTORY’ – FUNDI SITHEBE

Landmark 4Racing Transformation Initiative sees 26% of the company transferred to a Grooms and Employees’ Trust, along with a wide range of historic Grooms’ benefits.

Horseracing operator 4Racing has started the historic rollout of a major Transformation Initiative to improve the working conditions and welfare of Grooms, including

the upgrading of Grooms accommodation, provision of funeral cover and medical benefits, and a groundbreaking Grooms Trust that will give Grooms and Stable Hands a considerable stake in the 4Racing business.

When the Competition Commission approved the transaction between Phumelela and 4Racing on 31 March 2021, 4Racing made a

commitment to contribute to the transformation of not only the organisation, but the horse racing industry as a whole.

In December 2022, the Competition Commission approved the implementation of the 4Racing Transformation Initiative, which will see a 26% shareholding of the company apportioned between a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Trust (BBOS),

the beneficiaries of which will be Grooms and Stable Hands, and an Employee Share Ownership Programme (ESOP) being established for 4Racing employees.

4Racing has appointed an independent Trust Administrator to handle the establishment and administration of the Grooms and Employees’ Trust. A total of 16% of the company’s shares will be issued to the Grooms and Stable Hands’ Trust (BBOS) and 10% to 4Racing Employees (ESOP).

“Grooms are one of the most crucial parts of the horse racing industry. They are also traditionally, the most marginalised stakeholders. This landmark approval by the 4Racing Board of the funding for the Grooms Trust initiative is a massive moment in the history of South African horseracing The Grooms Trust will genuinely empower Grooms and Stable Hands and we are extremely proud of the progressive steps being made to improve the holistic living standards of these very important stakeholders, as

well as by the formation of the Employees’ Trust,” said 4Racing Chief Executive Officer, Fundi Sithebe.

Medical and Funeral benefits

An experienced medical services and insurance provider has been selected to provide cost-effective and accessible funeral cover and medical insurance that meets the needs of Grooms and has already started conducting a benefits registration campaign for Grooms and Stable Hands, starting at Fairview

Racecourse. This will be followed by similar registration drives this month at the Vaal, Randjesfontein and Turffontein Racecourses.

The Grooms and Stable Hands’ benefits have been driven by a collaboration between 4Racing, trainers and owners, and the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), which has committed considerable funding in support of the Grooms initiatives.

ROA Chief Executive Officer, Natalie Turner, said partnering with 4Racing on the Grooms’ welfare initiatives was absolutely critical.

“We are mindful that we need to strike a balance between stakes maximisation for owners

and playing a meaningful role in bringing about change and transformation in the industry. In this particular case, improving the welfare of Grooms and Stable Hands is a key and critical element. This partnership is a powerful message of change and collaboration within the horseracing industry. We look forward to participating in this initiative, jointly supporting Grooms and transforming lives,” said Turner.

Upgrading of Grooms Accommodation

The 4Racing Board commissioned a property solution company to conduct a thorough assessment and investigation into the state of the Grooms accommodation at all 4Racing’s racing and training facilities. The findings were that the Turffontein Grooms’ lodging was in need of renovations and that the accommodations at Randjesfontein and Vaal were wellmaintained and that no immediate action was required there.

The company will renovate the existing Grooms’ accommodation at Turffontein and work on the eight-month project has already begun, with a number of Grooms currently moved to temporary accommodation while their living quarters are being renovated.

• Media release by 4Racing on Tuesday 14 March 2023.

PURE RACING PLEASURE!

Super Sunny Sing wins the Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1800m

It’s Hong Kong’s Big One On Sunday

Super Sunny Sing will chase a fifth consecutive win when he lines up for trainer Chris So in Sunday’s Gr1 HK$24 million Gr1 BMW Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin.

The BMW Hong Kong Derby is Hong Kong’s most soughtafter crown. It is the third and final leg of the HK$48 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series and this weekend the storied contest will be run for the 146th time in the horse racing infatuated city.

Super Sunny Sing goes into the final leg following a smashing win in the HK$12 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) – the middle leg of the age-restricted series –giving every impression that the rise to 10 furlongs this weekend is of no concern.

“I thought his last run was very important because at least he has proven that he can handle 1800 metres by winning that race. This is the main target on the 19th (of March), Derby Day, I really hope we can get a good draw and try our best,” So said.

By two-time Group 1-winning sprinter Nicconi, Super Sunny Sing has continued to defy stamina queries across his career with victories ranging from 1200m to 1800m.

“Before the race we thought Super Sunny Sing could handle 1800 (metres) but

honestly before the race nobody knew that (for sure). Our team is really happy – Vincent (Ho), the owner Janice (Wong) and we are quite sure that he’ll handle 2000 metres,” So said.

Super Sunny Sing will be So’s fourth BMW Hong Kong Derby starter following Redkirk Warrior who finished 11th in 2015, Hero Look who placed 13th in 2016 before Tianchi Monster’s sixth-placed effort in 2019.

“I’m very happy to get a good horse like Super Sunny Sing. It is once in their whole life, for the horses, I really want to enjoy the races and of course, everyone wants to win this race but I will really enjoy it,” So said.

Super Sunny Sing has banked HK$11.90 million with five wins from nine starts. This Sunday he’ll take home a HK$13.68 million prize money boost if he is able to finish first in the BMW Hong Kong Derby.

“Even when he won a couple of races, he was quite strong with his turn of foot and every race he has done a really good job. I would say, he always tries his best – 100 percent, so I really hope on Derby Day he can do the same,” So said.

Super Sunny Sing will face the likes of Beauty Eternal, Sword Point, Galaxy Witness, Voyage Bubble, Beautyverse, Tuchel, Straight Arron and more this weekend.

“The Derby – a lot of owners and trainers want to join this race. I really hope though, with a good horse that we can get a good result,” So said.

WORLD CUP SLAP IN FACE FOR COHEN

In a shock announcement late last week, leading South African racecaller Alistair Cohen has cut short his Emirates Racing Authority contract ahead of the Dubai World Cup and is back on African soil.

Appointed their English language racecaller for the 2020/21 season, Cohen commentated at all five ERA racetracks – Meydan, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and Al Ain Golf, Equestrian and Shooting Club – and proved his talent with an extraordinary ability to learn a whole new world of silks and master difficult foreign names.

Here is Cohen’s twitter message, which outlines the background.

TRAINERS

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