SP SPRINT - Wednesday 21 February 2024 by Sporting Post

Wednesday 21 February 2024

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THUNDER & MUD!

If you pray for rain, be prepared to deal with some mud! Imilenzeyokududuma won Sunday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville feature, the non black-type Fever Tree Stakes, under a muddied Craig Zackey. On Saturday, the Gauteng-based rider partners favourite Green With Envy in the SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Mud is very unlikely to be a factor in sunny Cape Town! Candiese Lenferna took the pic.

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CONTENTS

Issue: 08/2024

On the cover

Aron Xabendlini, aka ‘Bonji’, celebrates with the Gareth van Zyl team after winning the Hollywoodbets Work Riders Series final leg on Saturday. Image courtesy of Chase Liebenberg

IT’S SPLASHOUT DERBY DAY!

Kannemeyer Holds The Ace Green With Envy is hard to beat

Living It Up Down Under Katak’s royal retirement

Classic Day – 2 March Looms! Bumper entry received

The Sunday Sale Are you buying?

Rachel Heads For Saudi Friday on her mind!

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KANNEMEYER’S DERBY GREEN LIGHT 6 | 21 FEBRUARY 2024

Green With Envy – class colt and deserved favourite| Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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Lady Christine Laidlaw – looking for a second victory in the classic | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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In a 2014 interview with the Sporting Post, trainer Dean Kannemeyer said “winning Gr1’s are like winning the Majors in golf.” The 63 year-old will bid to add to his tally when he saddles the favourite Green With Envy in Saturday’s R1,5 million SplashOut Cape Derby at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. David Mollett writes that when one thinks about majors, thoughts immediately spring to golf legend, Gary Player, who dominated the sport for decades ending with nine majors. Kannemeyer can boast that his policy of ‘feed them well, sleep them well and exercise them well’ has paid off over the years with a number of champions through his hands including Dynasty, Free My Heart, Rabiya, Noordhoek Flyer and Capetown Noir.

Booked to partner Hluhluwe for Justin Snaith, it remains to be seen whether Peter Muscutt’s son can take another Gr1, but it’s in his favour that he’s riding a 5-1 chance compared to Double Superlative who started at 33-1 in the Met. Hluhluwe won the Cape Punters Cup over 1600m so is trying this longer distance for the first time. A number of pundits have pointed out that the male crop of Cape three year-olds this year is ‘below par’ and the formbook backs up that opinion.

“Feed them well, sleep them well and exercise them well”

Green With Envy has some way to go to be mentioned in the same breath as this quintet, but the step up to 2000m is definitely a plus factor as he’s out of a Galileo mare who won in Ireland. He put his name in the hat for the Derby with his win in the 1800m Schweppes Politician Stakes. With the defeat of See It Again in the WSB Cape Town Met still fresh in their minds, punters will approach backing another Cape big race favourite with some trepidation. So it will be a surprise if Green With Envy shortens markedly from his current price of 18-10. To say the final field of nine runners doesn’t get the blood racing is an understatement, but Cape Racing will have something to crow about in the second appearance this year of top UK jockey, Danny Muscutt.

The Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas winner and thirdplaced Hluhluwe both finished six lengths behind Charles Dickens in the L’Ormarins King’s Plate.

This could be one of the factors that influenced Candice Bass-Robinson to accept with her star filly, Beach Bomb. Since 1950, only three females have won this race – Green Lass (1951), Taima Bluff (1980) and Dog Wood (1999). Beach Bomb, who is going for a third Gr1 success, failed to shape behind Princess Calla in the Majorca Stakes, but her trainer puts that down to a ‘bit of a virus” which was detected after that race. This has to be a worry for the filly’s many supporters. With a first prize of R890 625, it’s a shock that the race has been shunned by out-of-province trainers and the runners in the Derby all hail from Cape stables. It’s the Derby’s centenary in 2025 and Greg Bortz and his Cape Racing team will no doubt be applying their minds to come up with ideas on how to attract a more vintage field to that renewal.

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DANNY BACK FOR A DOUBLE WSB Cape Town Met-winning jockey Danny Muscutt will ride the highly regarded Justin Snaith-trained Jonsson-owned Trippi colt Hluhluwe, who won the Gr 2 Cape Punters Cup over 1600m and was third in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, on Saturday. The 28-year-old Hollywoodbets sponsored Muscutt rode 33-1 longshot Double Superlative to victory for Snaith and Jonsson in Cape Town’s premier race last month. The son of Summerveld-based trainer Peter Muscutt is the UK’s reigning All-Weather Champion Jockey. Owner Nic Jonsson told Turf Talk after the Met, “Towards the end of 2022, I had a conversation with William Haggas and told him we needed to bring another England-based rider out for the summer because we sometimes have more horses in big races than we have top

class jockeys for and I said, ‘Who’s an up and coming young guy who can benefit?’, because the top riders all go and ride overseas during their winter. He said, ‘That is easy … Dan Muscutt is the guy.’” Daniel came out to visit family last month, picked up a few holiday rides and ended up becoming the first overseas-based jockey in history to win the Met. His professionalism and skills throughout his short stay impressed the Snaiths and Jonsson enormously and appears to have earned him a recall. Muscutt has also been declared to ride former Equus Champion Sprinter Rio Querari for Snaith in the Gr2 Diadem Stakes. The first race is off at 12h05 on Saturday.

Daniel Muscutt travels from Britain to bid to win another Gr1 on Saturday | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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SATURDAY – ALL ROADS LEAD TO

HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH The much-anticipated annual SplashOut Seafood & Jazz Racing Festival returns to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, 24 February - promising a jam-packed afternoon of great food and entertainment against the backdrop of thrilling horseracing that will feature some of the country’s finest equine athletes. The Festival concludes the Cape Racing Summer Season and signifies the successful completion of the first phase of a year-long rejuvenation project. The refurbishments aim to transform the iconic racecourse into a world-class racing and lifestyle venue. Horseracing fans can look forward to electrifying action at one of SA’s most celebrated racecourses. Some of the thrilling racing on the card includes the SplashOut Cape Derby (Gr1), the Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes (Gr2), the City of Cape Town Cape of Good Hope Nursery (Gr3) and the SplashOut Prix Du Cap (Gr3). Added to the festivities is the Khaya Stables Work Riders and Jockeys Championship Maiden Plate, which will see top ranked work riders pitting their racing skills against jockeys. The event is sponsored by SplashOut for the second year running. SplashOut specialises in crafting high-quality print and fabricated products tailored to meet the unique signage and printing requirements of its clients. They have played an integral role in the exciting renovations at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, which began last year. Some of these additions include LED screens and venue signage across the racecourse. In addition to racing, families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of mouth-watering seafood, live jazz and some of the Mother City’s top street performers, complete with a dedicated kids’ play area.

Guests can look forward to the seafood village which offers food trucks serving up a feast of prawns, sushi, grilled snoek, creamy mussel pots, calamari, delectable desserts and sweet treats, as well as traditional Cape Malay dishes, pizzas and more. The sound of live jazz will add to the Cape Town vibe throughout the afternoon and into the early evening. Cape Racing’s COO, Donovan Everitt says, “I am proud of the progress we have made up to this point, and we have been bowled over by the positive response from the local and international racing community, as well as our long-standing and new patrons.” “It has been our vision from the start to create a world-class racing and lifestyle venue that welcomes the whole family, and we are well on our way to realise this dream. The next phase of our plans will be unveiled in the coming months.” Eugene Naidu, SplashOut General Manager says, “SplashOut is delighted to again participate in this prestigious horseracing event and social occasion. A stroll through the venue will showcase SplashOut’s significant contribution to transforming this magnificent racecourse into one of the premier multipurpose venues in the nation. “We look forward to hosting the crowds for a day full of exhilarating horseracing, great food, wonderful music and a family-friendly atmosphere.” Gates open at 11am. Admission is free with access passes for adults and kids available at Webtickets. Space is limited.

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99 YEARS ON A GREAT CLASSIC Cape Racing and SplashOut will host the Gr1 Cape Derby on Saturday and 99 years after the filly Desert Born won the first running, it’s a race that will again capture the public imagination. There was a spell when it was run at Milnerton as the Cape of Good Hope Derby before moving back permanently to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in 1949. Apart from a few missing years due to Equine Flu, it’s been a perennial fixture on Cape Racing’s Grade 1 Summer roster. And in the

mid-70s, the distance was reduced from 12 furlongs (2,414m) to ten (2,000m). The SplashOut Cape Derby for three-year-olds is a major pointer to other prestigious races on the SA calendar, including the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met and Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Lady Christine Laidlaw won the Derby with Capetown Noir in 2013 – Green With Envy looks a serious contender on Saturday | Credit: Supplied

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Mike de Kock’s Ertijaal wins the Cape Derby in 2015 under Gavin Lerena | Credit: Supplied

It’s My Turn (Piere Strydom) then trained by Justin Snaith, is led in by owner Fred Crabbia after winning the 2016 renewal | Credit: Hamish Niven Photography

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Close to twenty Cape Derby winners have gone on to win either or both iconic contests. Many a Derby winner has subsequently attained Equus Horse of the Year status, and some go even beyond that by becoming big success stories at Stud. It’s a hard race to win; many champions have been toppled, with luminaries such as London News, Prince Florimun, Illustrador, Over The Air and Yataghan unexpectedly biting the dust. Old time racegoers will recall the exploits of the great Colorado King, who triumphed in the Cape Derby in 1963 when beating the filly Majorca, before being exported to race with distinction in America. Politician, Jamaican Music, Mazarin and Sword Dancer are other ‘blasts from the past’ that

feature on the Cape Derby roll of honour. More recently, Dynasty and Jay Peg are legends of the turf who showed their early worth by winning this important middle distance test for emerging youngsters. Dual Gr1 heroine Beach Bomb ss going to be a tough adversary on Saturday if she puts her Majorca Stakes run behind her and again unleashes her zippy turn of foot. But it is not a race that fillies win often. Fairer sex gallopers to have won the Cape Derby include Green Lass, Taima Bluff and Dog Wood, with the latter the most recent member of the fairer sex to win the Cape classic 25 years ago. In 1930, the race was won by the filly Windlass, who won six times at three.

Potomac wins the 1986 Cape Of Good Hope Derby | Credit: Supplied

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GREEN LIGHT FOR GALILEO DERBY SUCCESS The iconic Galileo – one of the greatest of all time | Credit: Supplied

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Green With Envy, the favourite for Saturday’s SplashOut Gr1 Cape Derby, is a son of Gimmethegreenlight and the Galileo mare Miss Coco.

ne of the greatest stallions in history, and a proven sire of sires, Galileo has, almost inevitably, become an outstandingbroodmare sire.

At the time of writing, Galileo’s broodmare daughters have produced well over 300 stakes winners, with Galileo mares having produced the earners of more than $379 million in prize money. Galileo ranks as the broodmare sire of English classic winners of the ilk of Auguste Rodin (Deep Impact), Galileo Gold (Paco Boy), Snowfall (Deep Impact), Saxon Warrior (Deep Impact), Qualify (Fastnet Rock) and Magna Grecia (Invincible Spirit), and his daughters have also produced a growing number of promising and successful sires.

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Former 2000 Guineas/Lockinge Stakes winner Night Of Thunder, who is out of the Galileo mare Forest Storm, is well established as one of Dubawi’s best sire sons. To date, Night Of Thunder has been responsible for more than 40 stakes winners, headed by four time Gr1 winner Highfield Princess. Night Of Thunder’s paternal half-brother Ghaiyyath, who is out of the Galileo sired Irish 1000 Guineas winner Nightime, made an eyecatching start with his first yearlings making up to 1 050 000 guineas in 2023. Galileo is also broodmare sire of Saxon Warrior, whose first Northern Hemisphere crop produced four group/graded stakes winners, including 2022 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Victoria Road.

Broodmare daughters of Galileo have also more than made their mark in South Africa. At the time of writing, the late Galileo ranked 11th on the Leading Broodmare Sires premiership in South Africa for 2023-2024, despite his daughters having been represented by far fewer runners than the sires above him on the table. At the time of writing, Galileo mares had been responsible for producing four black-type winners of six stakes races in South Africa this season. His daughter Miss Galidora has provided two black type winners this season thus far, with her 2022 G1 World Sports Betting SA Derby winning son Aragosta (Rafeef) capturing this season’s Listed Spinawina Slots Cape Summer Stayers Handicap and Aragosta’s full-sister Mrs Browning landing the G3 Joburg Tourism Carry On Alice Stakes in November. Galileo is also broodmare sire of star sprinter Dyce (William Longsword), winner of all of the Gr1 World Pool Moment Cape Flying Championship, Gr3 New Turf Carriers

Merchants and Listed Golden Loom Handicap this season. Dyce is out of the Galileo mare Beshaayir -whose third dam is Gr1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Dead Certain (Absalom). Galileo broodmares have enjoyed plenty of success in South Africa prior to this season. His daughter Grail Maiden produced Gr1 SA Derby winner Hero’s Honour (Await The Dawn) as well as Gr1 Thekwini Stakes runner up Railtrip (Trippi), with another daughter Arcetri having produced millionaire and triple South African graded stakes winner, Arcetri Pink (Rock Of Gibraltar). The 2023 Gr1 World Sports Betting SA Classic winner Anfields Rocket (Coup De Grace) was one of two stakes winners produced by the Galileo mare Milla’s Rocket, while Serruria and Dance To The Stars are two other Galileo mares to produce stakes winners in South Africa. Should Green With Envy land Saturday’s big race, he will further underline his damsire’s outstanding success as a broodmare sire!

Deep Impact’s English classic winning son Auguste Rodin – dam is a daughter of Galileo | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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MARSH, MARGOT…MAGIC! That popular Cape Town owner Marsh Shirtliff has experienced the highs and lows of racing would be an understatement.

Margot Sims and her favourite, Katak | Credit: Supplied

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Best known for racing the mighty Pocket Power, Marsh has also tasted the disappointments and frustrations that are part and parcel of this wonderful sport, none more so than with Katak, who came along almost a decade after the unforgettable and heady journey with Pocket Power. Raced in partnership with trainer Piet Steyn, this Ridgemont-bred son of Potala Palace looked a star in the making after stretching his perfect record to five wins from as many starts whilst wrapping up the Cape Winter Series, which incidentally, Pocket Power had used as a launching pad to a brilliant, 20-win career and three Horse of the Year titles. Unbeaten and successful from 1200 to 2400m, the sky looked the limit for the then three-year-old, but news soon came that he had run his last local race and would continue his career in Singapore with ex-pat Ricardo le Grange, for the Vasco Stable of Marsh and long-time partner Bryn Ressell. What followed was an arduous trek which first took him to the island of Mauritius, then on to France, and finally Singapore, a journey which robbed the colt of his entire four-year-old season. In fact, by the time he stepped onto the racetrack almost

15 months after his final South African start, he was a newly-turned five-year-old. Understandably ring-rusty, it took Katak two starts to blow away the cobwebs but he showed a glimpse of his true form in his official third start, the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Kranji, where he was collared late to finish second, a half length behind the winner. Following a creditable fourth in the Gr1 Singapore Gold Cup, Katak regained the winning thread over 1400m and promptly made it a double over a mile. Then misfortune struck. Following a third win over 2000m, Katak was sent to the sidelines after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips. He only resurfaced seven months later. Runner-up over 1400m on his return, he next lined up for the Gr1 Raffles Cup over a mile and was not disgraced when a close-up second. Subsequently fourth in the Gr1 Kranji Mile, a sixth place in last year’s renewal of the Gr1 Raffles Cup four months later in September would prove to be Katak’s final start.

Katak in his racing days in the Cape | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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A damaged suspensory ligament brought his chequered Singapore innings to an end.

ligament injury was associated with a splint fracture, which required routine surgery.

By now, Katak was a seven-year-old gelding and with the impending closure of Singapore racing a fait accompli, his future looked uncertain.

Margot added: “Katak’s prognosis for recovery is very good, his rehab programme is under way, and he is doing really well. He’s moving to a bigger paddock soon which I’m sure he will be very happy about, as he is bursting out of his skin!”

That’s where fate again stepped in, this time in the shape of Piet Steyn’s daughter Margot. Married to Australian vet Daniel Sims and based in Adelaide, she jumped at the chance of taking Katak and so the gelding arrived at his new home in December. An accomplished horsewoman, Margot told Sporting Post: “I rode Katak as a two-year-old before I moved to Australia and was a bit obsessed with him. I always fantasised that we could be reunited, but it was such a long shot. I don’t know how the stars aligned, but thanks to his owners’ amazing efforts, he was delivered to my door.” Incidentally, further investigation revealed that the

Margot loves the champ!| Credit: Supplied

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As for Katak’s future, she said: “I have high hopes of swinging my leg over him for the first time in five years. He is a gorgeous type and we will have a crack at showing.” Remarked Marsh: “Margot is a godsend, it was all so opportune. Katak is happy, she loves him to bits and he’s living the life of Riley. We are hugely grateful and indebted to her and her husband for what they have done for him.” Seems all’s well that ends well.

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Sandringham Summit is entered in two Gr1’s on the big day | Credit: JC Photos

CLASSIC DAY ’24 TAKES SHAPE

A bumper feature entry was received on Monday for the 2024 Classic Day, the second raceday of 4Racing’s The Championships Season, a four-legged horseracing festival held at Turffontein from 3 February and reaching a climax on Saturday 27 April. One of the greatest stallions in history, and a proven sire of sires, Galileo has, almost inevitably, become an outstanding broodmare sire.

Impact), Qualify (Fastnet Rock) and Magna Grecia (Invincible Spirit), and his daughters have also produced a growing number of promising and successful sires.

At the time of writing, Galileo’s broodmare daughters have produced well over 300 stakes winners, with Galileo mares having produced the earners of more than $379 million in prize money.

Galileo ranks as the broodmare sire of English classic winners of the ilk of Auguste Rodin (Deep Impact), Galileo Gold (Paco Boy), Snowfall (Deep Impact), Saxon Warrior (Deep

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Irish 1000 Guineas winner Nightime, made an eyecatching start with his first yearlings making up to 1 050 000 guineas in 2023. Galileo is also broodmare sire of Saxon Warrior, whose first Northern Hemisphere crop produced four group/graded stakes winners, including 2022 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Victoria Road. Broodmare daughters of Galileo have also more than made their mark in South Africa. At the time of writing, the late Galileo ranked 11th on the Leading Broodmare Sires premiership in South Africa for 2023-2024, despite his daughters having been represented by far fewer runners than the sires above him on the table. At the time of writing, Galileo mares had been responsible for producing four black-type winners of six stakes races in South Africa this season. His daughter Miss Galidora has provided two black type winners this season thus far, with her 2022 G1 World Sports Betting SA Derby winning son Aragosta (Rafeef) capturing this season’s Listed Spinawina Slots Cape Summer Stayers Handicap and Aragosta’s full-sister Mrs Browning landing the G3 Joburg Tourism Carry On Alice Stakes in November.

Galileo is also broodmare sire of star sprinter Dyce (William Longsword), winner of all of the Gr1 World Pool Moment Cape Flying Championship, Gr3 New Turf Carriers Merchants and Listed Golden Loom Handicap this season. Dyce is out of the Galileo mare Beshaayir -whose third dam is Gr1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Dead Certain (Absalom). Galileo broodmares have enjoyed plenty of success in South Africa prior to this season. His daughter Grail Maiden produced Gr1 SA Derby winner Hero’s Honour (Await The Dawn) as well as Gr1 Thekwini Stakes runner up Railtrip (Trippi), with another daughter Arcetri having produced millionaire and triple South African graded stakes winner, Arcetri Pink (Rock Of Gibraltar). The 2023 Gr1 World Sports Betting SA Classic winner Anfields Rocket (Coup De Grace) was one of two stakes winners produced by the Galileo mare Milla’s Rocket, while Serruria and Dance To The Stars are two other Galileo mares to produce stakes winners in South Africa. Should Green With Envy land Saturday’s big race, he will further underline his damsire’s outstanding success as a broodmare sire!

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Gavin Lerena guides Litigation to his second feature success on the trot | Credit: JC Photos

AVONTUUR-BRED LITIGATION MAKES HIS CASE! Sean Tarry’s 5yo Litigation grows wings over the Turffontein 1800m and the son of Greys Inn went all the way for one of his most impressive victories to date when holding all at bay to win the R400 000 Betway Gr3 London News Stakes on Saturday. Ridden again by Gavin Lerena, who is in the form of his life with 10 winners in the bag this month, Litigation (25-2) did the donkey work and found a second breath and surge of energy at the 200m

over his preferred course and distance, to win going away by 2,25 lengths in a time of 110,77 secs. The 7-1 Street Art stayed on well in a blanket finish for second, with the 8-1 Meridius in third and Pure Predator (33-1) rounding off the quartet. The winner’s stablemate and favourite Bless My Stars (2-1), who returned from a break and was racing for the first time in the Team Valor strip, 21 FEBRUARY 2024 | 49

clearly needed it and could do no better than a 3,25 length fifth. Bred by Avontuur, Litigation is a son of Durban July winner Greys Inn (Zabeel) out of the thrice winning Jet Master mare, Jeter. Raced by Laurence and Jaryd Wernars, Harry Wilson and Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh, Litigation was sold privately during the covid-19 reshuffle of the 2020 National Yearling Sale in a transaction brokered by Justin Vermaak.

Avontuur’s Pippa Mickleburgh told the Sporting Post that she had simply loved Litigation as a foal and is very happy that she is part of the partnership that races the gutsy gelding! Litigation, who was victorious at his last start in the Listed Richard Maponya Handicap, has now won 8 races with 8 places from 30 starts for earnings of R1 231 875.and looks set for a good season.

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Litigation in the Avontuur paddocks as a baby Credit: Supplied v

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SELLING

TOMORROW’S

STARS Set for Sunday! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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Long regarded as one of the best valuefor-money thoroughbred auctions in South Africa, the BSA Cape Yearling Sale has been the launch pad for many outstanding thoroughbreds, with the lengthy list of stars sold in past years including the likes of Pocket Power, Mother Russia, Sparkling Gem, Zarina, and Astrix. The latter, winner of the 2022 Gr1 TAB The Premier’s Champions Challenge, was a R60 000 buy from the 2018 Cape Sale, while Sprinkles, who earned more than R750 000 in stakes, cost just R50 000 when sold off the 2020 Cape Yearling Sale. The 2022 Gr2 East Coast Radio Tibouchina Stakes winner, Homely Girl, is another wonderful example of the value to be found at this auction, with the Querari daughter knocked down for just R40 000 in 2020. Successful young sire Gold Standard was a R725 000 purchase from the 2015 Cape Sale, while subsequent Australian Gr1 winner and sire Surcharge was offered for sale at the 2016 auction. Last year’s sale saw Palancar, a Wilgerbosdrift consigned colt by The United States, make

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R850 000 to top the sale, with six lots making R500 000 or more. Palancar has a Buffalo Bill Cody half-brother on offer at this year’s sale in the form of Cavalry Scout. Many of the top farms in the Cape are offering yearlings at this Sunday’s one day sale, with such high-class sires as Flower Alley, Futura, Ideal World, Legislate, Master Of My Fate, Pathfork, Querari, Rafeef, The United States, Vercingetorix and What A Winter all represented here. Stallions with their first yearlings on offer here include Declarationofpeace, Erik The Red, and Hawwaam, while One World and Talk Of The Town, who have both made such promising starts to their stud careers, are also well represented at the 2024 Cape Yearling Sale. The 2024 BSA Cape Yearling Sale has been scheduled for Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday 25 February with the sale set to get underway at 12h30 sharp.

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WILLIAM BAMBISO

WINS HOLLYWOODBETS WORK RIDERS SERIES 64 | 21 FEBRUARY 2024

Riding Master Craig du Plooy, fifth placed Godfrey Sigenu, Champion William Bambiso, third placed Mzolisi Njengele, Hollywoodbets’ Ryan van Wyk and second-placed Louis Burke, enjoy the champagne moment | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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The senior statesman of the Cape Work Rider ranks, 54-year-old William Bambiso was crowned champion on completion of the second Hollywoodbets Work Riders Series at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The Transkei-born horseman is one of South Africa’s finest Work Riders and started out at Milnerton some 37 years ago as a teenager working for the late James Lightheart. He then moved on to Basil Marcus before joining the Dean Kannemeyer yard following Marcus’ departure for Singapore. While William could only manage third on the Kannemeyer trained Explosive Speed in Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Work Riders Series final leg, it was sufficient to give him the points power to top the final log and walk away with the lion’s share of the prize money. His charismatic Kannemeyer Racing colleague Aron ‘Bongi’ Xabendlini won the race with a well-judged ride on Prankster (15-4) for Gareth van Zyl, who beat the 3-1 Maneko Neko by half a length in a time of 60,62 secs. While having to survive an interference related

objection by Candice Bass-Robinson on behalf of the runner-up, the cucumber cool Xabendlini, who famously once offered his services to Mike de Kock to ride Hawwaam in the Durban July, seemed unfazed and showed just a flash of emotion before accepting his trophy and thanking Hollywoodbets, Gareth van Zyl and Riding Master, Craig du Plooy. The Ridgemont Highlands bred Prankster is a daughter of Canford Cliffs (Tagula) out of the twice winning Querari daughter, Joking. A R100 000 National 2yo Sale buy, Prankster took 6 runs to shed her maiden and with her 2 places cheques included, took her stakes earnings to a book balancing R101 238. The grand prize of R25 000 in the Hollywoodbets Workriders’ Series was shared amongst the top five riders on the final log after today’s race. On top of this, they also earn the standard riding commissions.

Aron Xabendlini has a chance to pose for the camera as Prankster charges home | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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• Winner William Bambiso earned R12 000 • Runner-up Louis Burke earned R6 000 • Third place Mzolisi Njengele earned R4 000 • Fourth place Sipho Fenie earned R2 000 • Fifth place Godfrey Sigenu earned R1 000 The Hollywoodbets Work Riders Series has once again provided important race-riding experience and plenty of fun for Work Riders who are a key link in the horseracing supply chain.

“Thanks so very much to Hollywoodbets and Cape Racing for providing the platform for these hardworking gentlemen to showcase their talents and upskill themselves. The buzz at the training centres in the build-up to these big days is tangible. It means a lot to all of us and we cannot wait for the next series!” added Craig du Plooy, who heads up the Hollywoodbets Cape Racing Grooms School.

A delighted William Bambiso shows off his hamper after winning the series | Credit: Craig du Plooy

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Cape Racing’s Teresa Esplin enjoys a laugh while William Bambiso and Kabelo Nkoane assist with the Khaya Stables Work Rider and Jockeys Championship draw on Monday | Credit: Troy Finch

JOCKS TAKE ON WORK RIDERS ON SATURDAY The unique R200 000 Khaya Stables Work Rider and Jockeys Championship will bring the curtain down on SplashOut Cape Derby day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, with the ten horse field hosting five jockeys and five work riders. Selection to qualify to ride in this exciting race is made from the top-ranked riders of both sectors on the National Horseracing Authority logs. The ride allocation draws were done on Monday at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, the NHA supervising the allotment as Cape Racing’s Teresa Esplin drew the horses, with her colleague Kabelo Nkoane drawing the jockeys and William Bambiso pulling the work rider names out of the hat. Our recent Hollywoodbets Work Riders Series champion and veteran horseman Bambiso will pilot The US Of A for Paddy Kruyer. It is a great pity that defending Khaya Stables champion Siphiwo Feni will sit out Saturday’s race. He was suspended recently for weighing in underweight on the Snaith-trained Three Coins. It is a nice twist that Khaya Stables’ retained rider Craig Zackey drew leading contender Speed Racer, who races in the black and yellow 72 | 21 FEBRUARY 2024

strip of the race sponsors. There are five teams, made up of a jockey and work rider apiece. In the 1200m contest, the jockeys rides carry 62,5kgs, while the work riders have 60kg. All participants are permitted to carry the crop in the backhand position with their hands not being permitted to leave the reins when utilizing it on the neck or shoulder. So no smacks and no shows! Lady Christine Laidlaw, who has supported the unique event for some years now, has generously upped the cash rewards, so there is both pride and prize to play for! The race is off at 17h30.

THE SPRINT IS INTERACTIVE PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FINAL FIELD.

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THUNDER IN THE RAIN

With rain falling over Hollywoodbets Scottsville, the lightly raced Imilenzeyokududuma found the winner’s enclosure after a lengthy absence as he produced a sustained finish to bounce back to best and win the R90 000 non black-type Fever Tree Stakes under a delighted Craig Zackey. Imilenzeyokududuma cruises home under Craig Zackey to win the Sunday feature | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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Gareth van Zyl saddled the winner | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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A horse that promised plenty early on, and another fairytale outcome for Hollywood’s ‘Life After Racing’ initiative run by Nicole Wille, the 5yo gelding was having his fourth start for trainer Gareth van Zyl after transferring from Peter Muscutt last year. Stripping a fit and happy horse, Imilenzeyokududuma (2-1) registered his first win in 448 days for the high-riding Hollywood Syndicate when he exploded on to the scene at the 250m marker and stayed on best to beat Narina Trogon (33-1) by 1,40 lengths in a time of 88,88 secs for the Capital City 1500m. The Gr1 Betway Summer Cup hero Royal Victory (9-2) had no luck in running, but ran a credible race to finish third a half length back. Formagear (7-2) looked dangerous late, and completed the quartet. Craig Zackey said that the winner had given him a good feel on the way to post and that the class was clearly there. “He won well, despite hanging late. He’s a

lovely horse,” he added. When asked about the conditions, he said the visibility was fine but that the kickback of mud was not ideal. “It’s a pity that this track hardly takes any rain,” he observed. Imilenzeyokududuma was bred by Ridgemont and is a son of late champion Dynasty (Fort Wood) out of the three-time winning High Chaparral mare Chevauchee. A R400 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, he has won 5 races with 7 places from 16 starts and stakes of R493 100. Imilenzeyokududuma is named after Hollywoodbets brand ambassador Jerry Sikhosana, an Orlando Pirates legend who scored the winning goal in the 1995 African Cup of Champions Clubs Final. Sikhosana’s nickname during his playing career was ‘Legs Of Thunder’, hence the Xhosa translation Imilenzeyokududuma.

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BAREND BREAKS ICE IN KZN v

Winning combination – Richard Fourie and Barend Botes Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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Leon Lotz and his Heuningsfontein team out at Middelburg in the Karoo were just a section of the multitude of happy supporters of the Lance filly Quid Pro Quo who cracked her maiden at short odds to open the Hollywoodbets Scottsville racemeeting on Sunday.

“Her breeding doesn’t suggest so, but I think she will go 1400m to a mile. So that’s exciting and I am happy to hear what Richard had to say. For now, we will banker her and the BSA R100 000 incentive cheque and give her time,” smiled the charismatic conditioner, who said he was now a Durbanite, but not quite a Shark supporter, yet!

Leon stands the winning sire, a son of Jet Master, at Heuningsfontein where he runs a cattle farm and breeds horses in the mountains. Quid Pro Quo was every man and his dog’s banker and best bet of the day and won easily, “We do not have stables there and the foals beating the improved again Million Voices are born outside and stay outside up to (16-1) by 2,80 lengths in a time of 70,29 secs three months before the sale.We are also for the 1200m straight. A daughter of the horsesickness free because of high altitude, Heuningsfontein-based Jet Master stallion 1700m to 2300m above sea-level with lots Lance, Quid Pro Quo is raced and was bred of snow. We are thrilled to congratulate the by Gerald Kalil out of the five-time winning breeder and trainer of the smart winner, Quid daughter of The Sheik, Pro Quo,” added Leon, who brings a draft Delightful Diva. of four to the BSA Cape Yearling Sale at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday She was offered at the 2023 KZN Yearling Sale 25 February. by Summerhill Equestrian and bought back for just R60 000 by her breeder. A good move He reminds us to have a look at lot 76, a in hindsight! daughter of Lance and ‘typical of her sire’. Now a winner of her first race with 2 places It was a big race for World Sports Bettingfrom 3 starts, Quid Pro Quo took her earnings sponsored winning trainer Barend Botes, who to R119 000. was breaking the ice after his relocation from the Vaal to Summerveld recently. After the bang in-form Richard Fourie had labelled Quid Pro Quo ‘very impressive and a filly with everything in the right place and a good heart’, Barend confirmed that she was ‘still soft’ and that’s the way he wants to keep her for now.

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THE SPRINT IS INTERACTIVE IN CASE YOU MISSED THE IN THE BOX SEAT INTERVIEW PLEASE CLICK HERE

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True blue! Frikkie Greyling, second from right with Kobeli Lihaba, Tinus Gericke, Liz Gericke and Sean Veale, at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on what was an emotional return | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

FRIKKIE – BACK IN SEARCH OF BLUE SKIES! A man who babysat and travelled across the world with the great Horse Chestnut, Frikkie Greyling had his first runner in his comeback as a licenced trainer at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday. The vastly experienced Greyling, a former jockey who has gone on to work with some of our best conditioners, is now in charge of the Blue Sky Thoroughbreds’ string and trains out of the old Yellow Star Stud. Frikkie came out of his time as an apprentice in 1992 and rode until 1998 when weight problems forced a rethink. He joined Mike de Kock and shortly after Horse Chestnut arrived. Frikkie became the 86 | 21 FEBRUARY 2024

champion’s chief workrider as well as his babysitter. Frikkie was to travel to Chicago with Horse Chestnut and also traveled to Dubai with Victory Moon and Ipi Tombe. He later had a stint as a trainer in Dubai in partnership with Dean Maroun before joining Glen Kotzen at Summerveld, where he ran the satellite yard in.

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BRING THE CUP BACK, RACHEL! Rachel and Mom Marian get ready to board their Doha-bound flight | Credit: Supplied

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ormer dual South African champion apprentice Rachel Venniker flew out on a Qatar Airways flight on Monday evening accompanied by her Mom Marian on the first international adventure of her short but scintillating career. Excited at the prospect of competing against some top international opposition, Rachel is bound for Saudia Arabia where she will participate in the Invest Saudi International Jockey Challenge trophy to be run over four races at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Friday evening. An excited Rachel and Mom Marian Venniker just before they boarded their Qatar Airways flight on Monday evening (Pic – Supplied) The IJC forms part of the meeting of the Saudi Cup, now the world’s richest horse race with a purse of $20 million (R380 million). The visiting jockeys will be chasing prize money of $100,000 (R1.9 million), with the champion on the day banking a cheque of $30,000 (nearly R570,000). The Jonsson Workwear sponsored Rachel, on her first trip outside the borders of South Africa, told the Sporting Post that she had been given plenty of encouragement and a briefing from her long-time mentor and boss, Michael Roberts, and was ‘excited more than nervous’.

“It’s an honour to get the invitation and win, lose or draw, I plan to make the most of this great opportunity to meet new people and experience different track conditions,” she told the Sporting Post just prior to flying to Doha, where they will have a short layover, before travelling to Saudi Arabia. When asked why she had opted to take Mom Marian, a smiling Rachel said that her parents had walked the long road and made the sacrifices for her, and she was happy to take her Mom with as a manager and supporter. “I haven’t travelled overseas, so am thankful to have Mom with me as a travelling companion. I hope to get some track work in this week and our rides are all between 57kgs and 60kgs, so I could even enjoy the liberty of sampling the local cuisine,” added SA’s only female jockey, who goes to scale at 52kgs. Rachel will be coming up against six fellow lady riders, including last weekend’s international record-breaker Saffie Osborne, France’s Maryline Eon, the US’s Katie Davis, Australia’s Alysha Collet, Victoria Mota, the 24-year-old daughter of top Brazilian jockey Alex Mota, and New Zealand’s Lisa Allpress, who starred in 2020, when she became the first female to win a flat race in Saudi Arabia. The male riders are headed by defending champion Luis Saez, and include Ryan Moore, Damien Oliver, Maxime Guyon, Ryusei Saka, Camilo Ospina, and Adel Alfouraidi.

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Shergar Cup Stars! Saffie (centre) with Hayley Turner and Hollie Doyle | Credit: Supplied

SUPER SAFFIE SET FOR FRIDAY While our own champion Rachel Venniker flew out to Saudi Arabia on Monday with a confidence-boosting victory under the belt at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, there won’t be a jockey brimming with more adrenaline than Britain’s high-riding 21-year-old Saffie Osborne, who enjoyed a career defining international 24 hours last Friday into Saturday.

While our own champion Rachel Venniker flew out to Saudi Arabia on Monday with a confidence-boosting victory under the belt at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, there won’t be a jockey brimming with more adrenaline than Britain’s high-riding 21-year-old Saffie Osborne, who enjoyed a career defining international 24 hours last Friday into Saturday. A stellar evening of eight top-class races on the 96 | 21 FEBRUARY 2024

opening night of Saudi Cup weekend at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Friday is headlined by the world’s top jockeys – seven men and seven women - competing for the Invest Saudi International Jockey Challenge trophy over four races. The IJC forms part of the meeting of the Saudi Cup, now the world’s richest horse race with a purse of $20 million (R380 million). The

visiting jockeys will be chasing prize money of $100,000 (R1.9 million), with the champion on the day banking a cheque of $30,000 (nearly R570,000).

Damien Oliver, Maxime Guyon, Ryusei Saka, Camilo Ospina, and Adel Alfouraidi.

Rachel and Saffie will be facing fellow roses France’s Maryline Eon, the US’s Katie Davis, Australia’s Alysha Collet, Victoria Mota, the 24-year-old daughter of top Brazilian jockey Alex Mota, and New Zealand’s Lisa Allpress, who starred in 2020, when she became the first female to win a flat race in Saudi Arabia. The male riders are headed by defending champion Luis Saez, and include Ryan Moore,

A daughter of former national hunt jockey and now trainer Jamie Osborne, Saffie added victory in Qatar with Emaraaty Ana in the Dukhan Sprint on Saturday to her feat of becoming the first female jockey to ride a winner in Meydan on Friday. Her Saturday victory followed a history-making success at Meydan on Friday when she produced a spectacular ride on the inside rail on Ouzo, also trained by her father, in the Lord Glitters Handicap.

Love me, love my dog. Saffie relaxing at home | Credit: Supplied

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After a recent return to race-riding following a fall in October, she said that she had only been back riding three weeks and pointed out that it’s difficult when a rider has been out all winter because others have slotted into positions on the all-weather that she would’ve probably been in. “But I would’ve taken all the injuries for what’s happened in the past 24 hours because it’s been pretty magical, and I’m on cloud nine,” she said after a memorable weekend. Saffron Rose ‘Saffie’ Osborne was born in April 2002 to equine artist Katie O’Sullivan and trainer and former National Hunt jockey, Jamie Osborne. Much like our own Rachel Venniker, Saffie grew up around horses and competed in eventing and won six medals at pony, junior and youth European championships. A highlight of her eventing career was winning individual and team gold in the 2018 FEI European Pony Championships at Bishop Burton with Little Indian Feather, a former rescue pony from Ireland.

Harry Fry, and later that month rode out her claim with her 95th winner. During her first season as a professional jockey in 2023, the 21-year-old won the Chester Cup on Metier, while Random Harvest provided her with her first British Group race success in the Gr2 Valiant Stakes. Saffie, who is a Grade 5 pianist, is very proud of the fact that she was a member of the winning ‘Girls’ team in the 2023 Shergar Cup, the first time she had participated in the event. A no-nonsense young lady, thanks to growing up with three brothers, Saffie labels herself a shopping addict in her life away from the saddle. She is on record saying that the best compliment she has ever received is being told that she rides ‘like a boy’.

After leaving school in April 2019, Saffie worked at the yard of Aidan O’Brien for four months and then over the winter gained experience with Gai Waterhouse in Australia. She started as an apprentice jockey in 2020, riding her first winner, a horse called Hot Scoop, trained by her Dad, at Windsor on 27 July 2020.In 2021 she was runner-up behind Marco Ghiani in the apprentice championship, in spite of having to take two weeks off in July after she sustained a leg injury in the starting stalls at Newmarket. In 2022 Saffie was crowned Racing League leading jockey. She achieved her first Group race win in October 2022 while still an apprentice, riding Random Harvest for Ed Walker in the Gr3 Premio Elena e Sergio Cumani in Italy. In November 2022 she won the November Handicap at Doncaster on Metier, trained by 98 | 21 FEBRUARY 2024

Saffie takes on Rachel on Friday | Credit: Supplied

“I have been told that by a few people. I don’t want it taken the wrong way,” she adds.

Lambourn Show lead rein class when she was four or five.

She is a dog lover and her Jack Russell, Biscuit goes everywhere with her.

“I remember it was a cool week because my Dad had two Ascot winners. I still have the trophy. It’s in my dad’s office with some other trophies.”

Her favourite karaoke song is Rapper’s Delight -us veterans remember The Sugarhill Gang classic from the 1970’s. “For some reason I can rap the whole seven minutes of it. One of my brothers can do it as well,” she laughs. Her favourite childhood memory is winning the

She says that the best advice she has ever received is work hard and don’t believe your own publicity.“That’s from my Dad. My Mum says ‘don’t let failure derail you’.” If Rachel doesn’t win the IJC on Friday, we’d love to see the likeable Saffie lift the cup!

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HAMBA KAHLE, HODGSY

escribed as a top-class horseman, a great human being, and a man who would give his last cent to help others, tributes have continued to pour in for multiple Grade 1 winning trainer Darryl Hodgson who passed away at the age of 74 on Wednesday 14 February.

While 2011 Met winner Past Master was regarded as the best he trained, he also won the Queen’s Plate in 1991 with I’m Taking It and the great Reinels Hass-owned filly Vesta, who won three Gr1’s, including the Cape Fillies Guineas, the SA Fillies Guineas and the Champion Stakes, was always very close to his heart.

A low-key gentleman and a personality who shunned the camera and the spotlight, Darryl Hodgson’s passing came as a shock to many of us.

Born and schooled in the Turffontein area, where he spent more time studying the gee-gees than geometry or geography, Darryl was fascinated by horses and started training in the Eastern Cape, after his banking career lasted exactly a month.

He had faded from the racing scene about five years ago and had spent the last stages of his life with his good friend Savas Pastellides in Betty’s Bay.

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“Counting paper clips just wasn’t for me,” he once reflected of his short-lived time as a clerk at Standard Bank.

Masters of their art! Darryl with Gerrit Schlechter and Dr Adams | Credit: Supplied

Leading breeder and a champion owner, Dr Hassen Adams spoke fondly about a trainer who gave him 35 wonderful years of ‘victorious moments’ in the racing industry. Dr Adams owned top horses like Gimmethegreenlight and Past Master,

who won the Met in 2011. He told the Sporting Post that even in his days of health challenges and semi-retirement from active business, he treasured and reminisced about those golden racing moments all the time.

Darryl, with Dr Hassen Adams and Dan Katz | Credit: Supplied

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“Darryl was just a wonderfully patient and tolerant person who, as a trainer, always put the horse first. His knowledge of the thoroughbred was impeccable, especially when it came to judging conformation. Darryl was truly a great personal trainer, and even a legend like Terence Millard praised him as a formidable conditioner. When I fell ill with cancer in 2018, I never saw Darryl again. Then about two weeks ago Chris Snaith phoned to inform me that Darryl wanted to come and see me. I welcomed the idea. Chris, Darryl

and myself had a magical relationship, winning the J&B Met, Queens Plate and many Group races,” he recalled. Sadly, Darryl passed away days before the reunion could happen. “I want to respectfully pass my condolences and sympathies to his family. Hamba Kahle my dear Hodgsy, may you find peace in the heavens that await you.”

Past Masters! Gerrit Schlechter and Darryl celebrate a plan come together in the 2011 Met | Credit: Supplied

Former leading owner Bernie Langton, who is now based in Michigan in the USA, recalled that her most precious memories were of Darryl Hodgson and his much-loved horses, and of him pacing up and down before a race.

she added as she reflected how they were enjoying a successful run in the Cape with the Trudi Houareau/Garth Puller team when tragic circumstances prompted the relocation of their horses.

“Shouting our horses home, the suspense of objections, the wins, the losses and postmortems. What memories we have to cherish! The most precious are of Darryl and his horses,”

“After many discussions with Garth and our partners, including Nando Braz, Gerald Kalil, Mike Mort, John Meyer and others, we decided to support the Darryl Hodgson/ Andrew Fortune

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team with their move to KZN. Through all the years of highs, lows and the in-betweens of racing, I got to know Darryl and we grew very close. When we were not together for gallops,

visits or racing, we spoke on the phone regularly. Although he did not relish the paperwork side of training, Darryl loved the horses in his care and treated them like his babies.”

The old firm! Owner Bernie Langton leads in a winner with Andrew Fortune up at Clairwood – Darryl is in the background Credit: Supplied

Bernie remembered Abbeys Lad, Monastery, Wise King, Flaming Thunder, Troubled Nation, Western Night, Delaware Park, Mission Control, National Native, Quarry, Gentle Princess and Madison Square, and many others.

Ivan Pickering, Les Hodnett, Poof Yengwa, Eric Frisch – what days! And how after some of the losses, Manny would say to Darryl: ‘I’m just going home to have a good cry’. What a special time of our lives!”

“Darryl always tried to do the best for them and was an exceptionally talented trainer. I will always remember how we both bawled our eyes out when we lost Abbey’s Lad at just 3 years old. And Darryl pulling off the rare feat of winning three Michael Roberts features in three years with Flaming Thunder. Then early morning gallops and breakfast at Summerveld, stable visits, Darryl and Andy preparing for the races, get togethers after good wins with our friends and connections. Nando Braz, Garth Puller, Andrew Fortune, Trudi Low-Shang and Andre Nel, John Meyer, Malcolm Vercuiel, Hassen Adams, the late

Former SA Champion jockey Andrew Fortune rode his first Gr1 winner for Darryl Hodgson at the age of 20. “We won a good few more. Darryl was always the same and would give his last dime to help somebody else, that’s why he was always broke, when I think about him. I’m sad but can laugh. They were good days. He was a hard person to be upset with because he was really a special person. I’m really going to miss you Hodge. I’m sure we will meet again brother,” added the Candyman. 21 FEBRUARY 2024 | 105

Darryl leads in Flaming Thunder and Andrew Fortune | Credit: Supplied

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Familiar faces from the golden days of Cape racing | Credit: Supplied

Gerald and Karen Kalil, who are still involved as owners and breeders and had a winner for Barend Botes at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, labelled Darryl a good friend and a humble , reserved and generous man. And, to top it all,an outstanding trainer. “He gave us so much joy as owners and friends. The thing we remember most is how,when he went to the stables, every horse would ‘call’ and stick their heads out for a wrestle, hug or a kiss. He would do favours for people without thinking twice. When we were in Cape Town he took time out of his busy schedule to drive us around sightseeing. We are sure he’s very happy in heaven ,where his old friends come galloping, happy to see him,and he is smoking 200 fags a day! Darryl, till we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hands.” Garth Puller told the Sporting Post that Darryl was a fine horseman and a top judge of a thoroughbred.

‘I think one can see the man’s standing in the manner that all of us who knew, and respected Darryl stepped up to assist readily when Trudilee Low-Shan was arranging a dignified funeral. It’s very sad to see that he passed in these circumstances, but he lived his dream, won his Grade 1 races, and he left knowing that many held a special place in their hearts for him,” added Garth. Longstanding owners Andre Nel and Trudi-lee Low-Shan, who run a school near Hollywoodbets Greyville, recalled that it had been a long journey with Darryl, ‘some good some bad’, but that the memories would forever be etched in their hearts. “The horses, the stables, the long talks, the music, the wine, the tears. The list is endless. We will smile with hope and gratitude when one day we meet again,” added the long-time friends.

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Trudi-Lee and Darryl | Credit: Supplied

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Darryl with a very young David | Credit: Supplied

Darryl’s son David Hodgson had the last word and thanked the racing community for their generosity and the spirit of camaraderie. “It means so much to me to see how loved and appreciated Dad was. I’m obviously feeling devastated by the loss but seeing his community around him all pull together has really warmed my heart and made the sadness so much easier. I’m so sad that I can’t come over to pay my last respects in person. I am currently studying in the UK, living off rands and spending pounds, so I haven’t been able to contribute much either. I’m grateful for all the caring angels in his life helping to give him a heartfelt sendoff that I haven’t been able to provide myself at this time. So, I just want you all to know it really means the world to me!” he added.

“There is so much I didnt know about him as he tended to keep me at a distance. I’m still processing everything. But hearing some of the wonderful stories and information about him over the past few days has made me feel a lot closer to him.” While a number of horseracing folk and friends stepped forward with financial aid, benefactor Sita Govender kindly covered the costs of the funeral. Editor - we thank Dr Hassen Adams and Trudi-lee Low-Shan for supplying the photographs. We regret that the quality in some cases is not 100%, but the memories certainly make up for that.

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One of world cricket’s greatest all-rounders of the 20th century, Mike Procter passed away in Durban on Saturday afternoon after complications following heart surgery. He was 77. A formidable all-rounder in his prime, he made seven Test appearances for South Africa between 1967 and 1970; picking up 41 wickets and making 226 runs in the process.

career for the Springboks (as the national cricket side was then known), partaking in the successful home series of 1966-67 and 1969-70 before the advent of the isolation era in 1970.

Mike Procter was named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year in 1970, after a 103-wicket season for Gloucestershire in 1969, and at Taunton in August 1979, he secured another niche entry in the record books by slamming Somerset’s Dennis Breakwell for six consecutive sixes, albeit not in the same over.

If not for their exclusion from international cricket, it’s likely South Africa would have gone on to dominate the Test landscape for many years given the astonishing talent at their disposal during that period. Unfortunately for Procter and his generation, South Africa’s apartheid policies left the ICC with no choice but to impose their ban.

Fierce and fast with the ball and hard-hitting with the bat, Mike was a vital cog in one of the finest lineups South Africa has ever produced, which boasted the likes of Graeme Pollock, Barry Richards and Eddie Barlow in their ranks. Australia was the only opponent the Hilton graduate faced during his brief international

Aside from his beloved Natal, Procter went on to represent Gloucestershire, Western Province and Rhodesia. Among his many other achievements, he memorably took two hat-tricks in as many games

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for the English county side in 1979 and scored six centuries in consecutive first-class innings for Rhodesia in the early 1970s. He also enjoyed the unique distinction of having coached the Proteas upon their readmission to international cricket in the early 1990’s. Journalist Pat Murphy who worked alongside Procter hailed “the superb all-rounder”. “Wrote 2 books with him, the 1st an hilarious challenge, as he could hardly remember any of his prodigious feats. ‘Look it up in Wisden, mate’ he’d say. Couldn’t ever be annoyed with a great guy,” Murphy wrote on X. David Graveney, a former Gloucestershire teammate of Procter, said the South African “was a fantastic player and quite rightly regarded as one of the best all-rounders that has ever represented Gloucestershire”. He added: “I don’t think people realise that when Mike played, he was playing through great pain in his knee, but that didn’t stop him from performing at the level he did. He was just one of the best I ever played with. The phrase ‘Proctershire’ was very apt for Mike. He put in the biggest performances in the biggest games.” The cricketing legend joined the Hollywoodbets team as a Brand Ambassador in March 2020,

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where his passion for developing the future of South African sport was shared. He was known as a man whose heart was for the disadvantaged youth, giving of his time by coaching and educating them on basic sports skills, physical education and the fun of being active. Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager Devin Heffer told the Sporting Post that Mike Procter was considered one of the greatest cricketers, not just to play for KZN and South Africa, but in the history of global cricket. His ferociousness with the ball, and his attacking class with the bat, ranked him as one of the best to grace a cricket field. “Proccie was a legend and he will be fondly remembered as a kind-hearted human-being, who was always giving back to make this world a better place. He was a perfect fit with the Hollywoodbets value of Ubuntu, and we, along with all the communities he served, will miss him greatly. We are truly proud to remember him as a member of our team. Our condolences and strength go out to Maryna, Gregg, Tammy, Jessica and all his family, friends and his multitude of fans across the international cricketing world,” added Devin Heffer.

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LITIGATION MAKES LIGHT OF IT – UP TO 115! Litigation has had his rating increased to 115 from 111 after leading from start to finish to win the Gr3 Betway London News Stakes over 1800m at the Turffontein Standside Track on Saturday.

The specific conditions of this race do not allow for a more than 4 pounds ratings increase for placed runners, and as such, 4th placed Pure Predator goes up from 100 to 104 despite achieving a higher performance figure.

The Handicappers were of the opinion that the 3rd placed Meridius made for the most suitable line horse here and his rating remain unchanged on 110.

The only runners to receive a ratings drop were Bingwa and Safe Passage, who both received a pound drop, from 118 to 117 and from 117 to 116 respectively.

The runner up Street Art, who finished 0.10 lengths ahead of the 110 rated Meridius at level weights, had his rating adjusted to 110 from 107.

Media release by NHA on Tuesday 20 February 2024

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APPIE LEG UP FOUNDATION - EMPOWERING STUDENTS Apprentices visiting Hollywoodbets Greyville | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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The South African Jockey Academy is thrilled to announce the launch of the Appie Leg Up Foundation, a ground-breaking initiative that aims to provide educational bursaries to deserving students pursuing their racing careers. With the establishment of this transformative initiative, the foundation will offer crucial bursaries to deserving students, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel in their chosen field. Recognizing that many aspiring jockeys face financial hurdles, the Appie Leg Up Foundation is dedicated to breaking down barriers by addressing registration and training fees. These inclusive bursaries aim to provide every deserving student with an equal opportunity to enter the apprentice program at the South African Jockey Academy. Driving the strategic development of the Appie Leg Up Foundation are Adam Kethro, an

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experienced foundation management expert, and Tarryn Mason, the Academy’s Marketing and Athlete Development Manager. Together, they share an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for students who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication. To actively engage potential sponsors, Adam Kethro, has graciously funded Tarryn Mason and two apprentices to attend the prestigious Cape Yearling Sale in February. This invaluable opportunity will enable them to approach owners directly, seeking sponsorships to further bolster the foundation’s mission.

Accompanying Tarryn to the Cape Yearling Sale will be 2nd year apprentices Sfisokuhle Bungane and Jacey Botes. Together, they will fervently advocate for owners to support the foundation and make a lasting impact on the lives of aspiring jockeys. The SA Jockey Academy extends heartfelt appreciation to Bloodstock South Africa for granting the opportunity to launch the Appie Leg Up Foundation during the Cape Yearling Sale event, scheduled for the 25th of February at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Christine Terblanche from Equine Insurance Brokers for her invaluable assistance to Tarryn at the sales and for providing mentorship. Her support is instrumental in advancing the mission of the Appie Leg Up Foundation. The collaborative efforts of Adam Kethro, Bloodstock South Africa and Christine Terblanche exemplify the racing community’s commitment to fostering opportunities for aspiring jockeys, and the SA Jockey Academy looks forward to a successful launch at the upcoming Cape Sale event.

“I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Appie Leg Up Foundation. The South African Jockey Academy is committed to the foundation’s mission of securing funding for apprentice jockeys facing financial barriers for registration and training fees. Over the past decades, we have dedicated significant efforts to identifying candidates from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the opportunity to pursue careers as professional jockeys. Our commitment is rooted in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that talent transcends all backgrounds within the racing community. We appeal to the racing community for their generous contributions to support this noble cause.” Mr. Marius Nel, Acting Headmaster, SA Jockey Academy. For further information regarding the Appie Leg Up Foundation and how to become involved, please contact: Tarryn Mason Marketing & Athlete Development Manager South African Jockey Academy tarrynm@theacademy.co.za • Media release by SAJA on Tuesday 20 February 2024

SAJA launches the Appie Leg Up Foundation | Credit: SAJA

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Lord North’s historic hat-trick at the Gr1 Dubai Turf in 2023 | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

GUTSY LORD NORTH TOPS THE MARKET The Cheltenham Festival is now only three weeks away, but on Saturday evening Southwell racecourse hosts its Premier Raceday sponsored by BetUK. The highlight on the card is the BetUK Winter Derby (17h20), run over 1-mile, 3-furlongs on the tapeta surface.

Multiple Group 1 winner Lord North tops the market and is one of three runners from the Gosden yard. Stable jockey Rab Havlin rides the eight-year-old who outclassed his opposition 12 months ago, when it was run over a mile and quarter at Lingfield Park.

The progressive Lion’s Pride rounded off his 2023 campaign an impressive winner of the Listed Floodlit Stakes at Kempton Park, form that received a notable boost with the runnerup Measured Time going on to Gr1 glory in Dubai last month.

He followed up with his third successive victory in the Gr1 Dubai Turf and could be on the plane to Meydan if successful over the weekend.The Clarehaven team also saddle the Lion’s Pride, the ante-post second favourite, and 2021 victor Forest Of Dean.

Opposition includes Tyrrhenian Sea who also captured a significant all-weather prize at the backend of last year, with Roger Varian’s runner victorious in the Listed BetUK Quebec Stakes at Lingfield Park.

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The lightly raced Eydon returns from a near two-year layoff making his first appearance for Andrew Balding, after a promising fourth in the Gr1 2,000 Guineas on his final start for the Varian stable. Balding is also responsible for Teumessias Fox, who looks worthy of a step up in class after an impressive handicap victory at Kempton Park last month.

Charlie Appleby is in fine form at present and his four-year-old Military Order was narrowly denied over course and distance last month by the smart sort, Enemy. That was his seasonal return, where he finished ahead of the re-opposing Sir Busker and Claymore, and he looks the biggest threat to the Gosden’s winning a fifth BetUK Winter Derby.

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HALL’S CHARGE BEATS THE BAD LUCK Thwarted by bad luck this season, Atullibigeal deservedly clinched the HK$2.84 million Class 2 TVB Cup Handicap at Sha Tin on Sunday for trainer David Hall as Brenton Avdulla extended a powerful mid-season surge.

Beaten a short head when second in the Class 1 Chevalier Cup Handicap and a close fourth in the Class 1 Panasonic Handicap, Atullibigeal bravely threaded narrow gaps in the straight today to fend off Superb Boy and Drombeg Banner after 2.2 favourite Global Harmony refused to leave the barriers under Zac Purton. “A little bit disappointing he wasn’t able to

win the Chevalier Cup or the Panasonic Cup – he was unlucky in both those races, so it’s rewarding to get this race today and hopefully he’s not finished with yet,” Hall said. “We had the barrier (3) and it looked like he was going to get a good run, but obviously he was in a bit of a pocket there and had to find

Atullibigeal wins the Class 2 TVB Cup | Credit: HKJC

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room. But he got clear and he’s shown before he can be brave in between horses and he certainly was again today.”

riding after missing Thursday’s (15 February) Happy Valley meeting because of illness by notching a double in tandem with Benno Yung.

Celebrating successive Sha Tin doubles with Fast Buck’s win for John Size in the Class 4 TVB Tung Wah Charity Show Handicap, Avdulla said: “Atullibigeal was good. Good result – I thought I had one of those books where things would need to go right for me to ride a winner, but everything has worked out well. Can’t complain.”

The pair struck first with Only U in the Class 4 TVB Yan Oi Tong Charity Show Handicap before James Tak landed the Class 4 TVB Yan Chai Charity Show Handicap.

Caspar Fownes-trained Packing Hurricane foiled the hopes of several BMW Hong Kong Derby aspirants with success in the Class 3 TVB Miss Hong Kong Pageant Handicap under Harry Bentley after David Hayes successfully debuted Chateauneuf, a Fastnet Rock threeyear-old, in the Class 4 TVB Tung Wah Celebrity Show Handicap. Given trouble-free passage by Purton, the three-year-old’s performance impressed Hayes. “He did a good job from the wide gate (10). He got a bit tired late, but he’ll improve a lot. He’s a very big horse and all his trials have been very easy,” Hayes said. Jerry Chau made a triumphant return to race

“It’s been a tough week for me,” Chau said. “I had a cold and a high temperature, but the Club provide good treatment and good medicine and I was able to come back and perform,” Chau said. “I feel well now.” Frankie Lor-trained Victory Moments claimed a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million for his strong win in the Class 3 TVB Pok Oi Charity Show Handicap for Matthew Chadwick after Pierre Ng-trained Starship Eighty continued a productive campaign with his third victory of the season with success under a superb Teetan ride in the Class 5 TVB Charity Fund Handicap. Adefill confirmed his affinity with Sha Tin’s alternate surface by winning the Class 3 TVB Midlife, Sing & Shine Handicap for Ricky Yiu and Antoine Hamelin. By Deep Field, Adefill improved his record on the dirt circuit to five wins and five placings from 12 starts.

Chateauneuf makes a winning debut | Credit: HKJC

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STARS COLLIDE MEYDAN HOSTS WORLD CUP PREPS v

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The Gr2 Singspiel Stakes is the highlight of five Pattern races at Meydan Racecourse as the Dubai Racing Carnival hosts a fabulous Friday card. It should be a fab Friday! | Credit: DRC

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The 1800m event, a prep for the Gr1 Dubai Turf over the same course and distance, was won last year by Valiant Prince and his trainer Charlie Appleby runs three, with stable jockey William Buick opting to partner Ottoman Fleet, second to stablemate Measured Time in the Gr1 Jebel Hatta last time out. Front runner Highland Avenue is the mount of Richie Mullen, with Mickael Barzalona on 2023 Jumeirah Classic winner Naval Power. “Ottoman Fleet probably brings the most consistent form over the course and distance into what looks a competitive race,” said Appleby. “It was always the plan to come here following a strong run in the Jebel Hatta.” “Naval Power had a few minor setbacks last year but has been training well. This looks a nice starting point to see where we are before taking him back to Europe. “Highland Avenue has a bit to find with Ottoman Fleet from the Jebel Hatta and Al Rashidiya but he is an honest performer and I

am sure he will run his usual race.” British trainer Jamie Osborne is already having a Carnival to remember thanks to Ouzo’s two wins and he runs Sean, a close second to Warren Point in the Gr3 Dubai Millennium Stakes three weeks’ ago. “Sean has thrived during his stay in Dubai,” said Osborne. “I’m full of hope that we haven’t yet seen the best of him. It’s a very tough race and it will require a lifetime best, but I don’t think it’s impossible we will see one on Friday.” Another British-based trainer who has been in the winner’s enclosure recently is Lucia Botti and she pitches in Royal Dubai, successful in a handicap two weeks’ ago. “He seems to love to train on the dirt and he is improving with each race here in Dubai,” she said. “We are aware that this race is the most competitive of the Carnival, being the last over this similar distance, but Saeed Al Rahoomi [owner] wanted to take this step up in class after his game win last time.”

BRITS TAKE ON THE BALANCHINE The Gr2 Balanchine, over the same 1800m but for fillies and mares, has been won for the past six seasons by Godolphin. Appleby runs three, with Yarmouth Listed winner Sapphire Seas the pick of Buick. Barzalona rides Cape Verdi runner-up English Rose, with Mullen on Shining Jewel. Appleby, who has won this race five times, made it clear who the first string is, telling Godolphin.com “Sapphire Seas looks the filly they all have to beat. She was a good winner of a Listed race on her latest start. It’s her first appearance of the year but this will hopefully be a springboard to a nice European campaign. “English Rose has definitely come forward since the Cape Verdi and I feel that she will appreciate racing over nine furlongs. Stepping back up in trip should suit Shining Jewel as well and we are applying a tongue-tie to her.” Among those trying to break the Godolphin

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stranglehold is British trainer Hugo Palmer. He runs Stenton Glider, a good third in the Cape Verdi. “We were very pleased with the run of Stenton Glider in the Cape Verdi,” said the Classicwinning trainer. “It was her first run since August, after the first real break she had in her life. “The Cape Verdi and the Balanchine were always the plan when we came to Dubai. She is a maiden winner who has been placed in four Stakes races so she has the quality. She needs to keep plying her trade in Stakes company to become a Stakes winner, so the Balanchine was always going to be her second target. “She does have a tentative entry in the [Gr1] Dubai Turf on World Cup night but she will have to win the Balanchine and win it well to go there.”

GOLD GOES FOR OAKS GLORY The last two winners of the Gr3 UAE Oaks have gone on to run in the Gr1 Kentucky Oaks, so eyes will be trained on Manama Gold to see if she follows the same path. Fawzi Nass’s unbeaten filly, successful in the Cocoa Beach Stakes last time, faces five rivals in the 1900metre dirt contest and will be ridden by Adrie De Vries. “She’s very exciting,” said the jockey. “She’s still improving and developing and came out of her last race really good. She was a bit long in her coat when she started here but she looks fantastic now. “I think the further the better for her. She’s got a long stride and she’s very relaxed, so I’m not concerned about [the distance] at all.” Among Manama Gold’s rivals are Doug Watson’s Mizzyaan, a good fourth on debut last time out despite missing the break. Mizzyaan’s owner Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum also runs Auto Bahn in the Listed Al Bastakiya, race four, which is the second leg of the UAE Triple Crown and a prep

for the Gr2 UAE Derby. The Asiatic Boy colt was second to the reopposing Falcon Of Arabia two weeks ago and is one of two in the race trained by Julio Olascoaga, who also sends out UAE 2000 Guineas third Quartier. “Both horses have shown in their previous starts enough quality to compete at the level of a Triple Crown in the UAE,” said the trainer. “We are happy and confident they’ll run a big race. They both arrive sound and in good condition, which we believe is key at this stage.” Of Falcon Of Arabia, Managing Owner Paul Ebbs said: “He’s drawn in stall six and is a speedy type so he will find a prominent position. They key will be to campaign for the 1900 [metres] trip as it is unknown territory. His last run was over seven [furlongs, 1400metres] and the time was just short of the track record so he’s very versatile. “The distance is a concern but as long as he stays he should be in the shake up.”

SISKANY’S BID FOR HISTORY Appleby has won the 2810m Gr3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy, race seven, five times. However, his Siskany could make history if following up his 2023 win as no horse has won it twice. “Siskany came out of the Al Khail Trophy well and his record around Meydan speaks for itself,” said Appleby of last year’s Dubai Gold Cup second. “We are hoping that he can produce another strong performance and book his ticket for the Dubai Gold Cup.” Appleby also runs New London, whose career highlight to date is a second in the 2022 St

Leger at Doncaster. “New London has proved slightly disappointing lately,” he added. “We are applying cheekpieces this time to hopefully produce a bit more encouragement.” The all-Thoroughbred nine-race card begins at 15h30 with a 1000m turf handicap in which Simon and Ed Crisford’s Vespasian, winner over course and distance last month, looks a leading contender.

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results up to: 2024-02-21

TRAINERS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places

Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

Mr S J Snaith

629

11.0

109

254

40.4

8,443,944

12,818,675

Mrs C L Bass-Robinson

403

13.6

180

44.7

6,613,438

9,299,600

Mr S G Tarry

356

12.6

176

49.4

4,139,063

7,757,888

Mr B J Crawford

505

12.5

193

38.2

4,605,069

7,311,869

Mr M F de Kock

326

13.2

144

44.2

3,752,500

7,251,563

Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Other Places

Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

Mr R D Fourie

852

178

20.9

145

182

416

48.8

11,544,563

18,226,100

Mr M A Yeni

850

114

13.4

119

198

415

48.8

9,890,313

14,126,300

Mr G J Lerena

485

17.9

254

52.4

7,148,625

10,418,088

Mr C J Habib

701

12.4

141

284

40.5

5,984,063

8,854,800

Mr S Khumalo

451

16.4

203

45.0

4,587,813

6,985,138

JOCKEYS

BREEDERS Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)

Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)

167

660

103,130

100

39.5

292

17,222,644

Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

279 1212

56,695

111

149

39.8

509

15,817,925

Varsfontein Stud

141

624

67,153

31.9

265

9,468,506

Klawervlei Stud

223

962

41,575

32.7

381

9,271,325

Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd

135

532

52,019

37.0

195

7,022,538

Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)

Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)

200

790

63,499

31.5

342

12,699,725

Vercingetorix

174

692

62,952

42.0

287

10,953,575

Querari (GER)

166

709

55,224

39.8

310

9,167,200

Master Of My Fate

171

724

47,943

33.3

307

8,198,313

William Longsword

139

603

53,893

35.3

241

7,491,175

SIRES

See all the detailed standings - Click here 132 | 21 FEBRUARY 2024

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