SP SPRINT - 24 MAY 2023

IN THE NEWS

FRANKIE DOMEYER!

Chase Liebenberg caught Aldo Domeyer doing a Dettori dismount after Going Up won the WSB Listed Ladies Mile Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth last Saturday

Flashback to February – See It Again is led in with Piere Strydom up after his SpashOut Gr1 Cape Derby win | Chase Liebenberg

AGAIN?

The Gr1 Daily News 2000 to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday is a key race going forward into the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

After his late effort in the Gr2 WSB Guineas, See It Again saw his odds slashed for the big race as Michael Roberts attempts to emulate David Payne by riding and training a winner of the July.

Piere Strydom, triumphant aboard the gelding in the SplashOut Cape Derby keeps the ride. The three horses home behind Guineas winner Charles Dickens, including runner-up See It Again, are all in the final Daily News line-up.

Last season’s Equus Champion Two-Year-Old Cousin Casey, fourth in the Guineas, stands his ground for Glen Kotzen who has called on the services of Grant van Niekerk.

Mike de Kock has three entries in Dave The King, third in the Guineas, the recently gelded winner Shoemaker and East Coast, who finished sixth in the Guineas.

Also in the field are Gr1 WSB SA Derby winner Son Of Raj and the Justin Snaith-trained

Without Question who recently showed his mettle against a smart field of older horses at Kenilworth. Snaith stable jockey Richard Fourie will be testing the waters on all the likely stable runners before making his choice for the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The Grant Maroun-trained Anfield’s Rocket gets a set of blinkers and a new jockey with the inform Lous Mxothwa taking over from Raymond Danielson. The son of Coup de Grace has battled to get into his races early enough –Saturday will be interesting!

For the first time the Gr1 Woolavington 2000, restricted in the past to three-year-old fillies, has been opened up to all comers and has attracted a top field headed by Rain In Holland and Silver Darling, both rated 120 but drawn on opposite sides of the barrier. Heading the sophomore contingent are None Other and Gr2 WSB Fillies Guineas winner

Peach Dauquiri, Saartjie, Hold My Hand and the promising Lady Of Power, while last year’s runner-up Light Of The Moon with Piere Strydom aboard will be trying for one better for Barend Botes and Yolanda Vosloo in what should stack up into a tremendous contest. The first race on the nine-race card is off at 11h40.

NEWS YOU CAN USE!

A high-quality field of ten will line up in Saturday’s R1,5 million Gr1 Daily News 2000 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

The race is a Hollywoodbets Durban July golden ticket event and is run alongside the Gr1 Woolavington 2000.

There are four Gr1 winners in the line-up. The Gr1 Daily News 2000 has proved an excellent barometer of equine excellence. Among its recent winners were the likes of Safe Passage,

Got The Greenlight, Hawwaam and Edict Of Nantes – all of whom went on to be named Equus Champions.

Surcharge (Gimmethegreenlight), winner of the 2018 Daily News 2000, reached arguably even greater heights as he went on to capture, under the name of Yulong Prince, the 2020 Gr1

Cousin Casey - looking for his second Gr1 success at the Durban City track | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Kennedy Cantala in Australia. However, the Daily News’ real lasting legacy is perhaps the quality of stallion the race has thrown up.

Elevation, who won when it was named the Dick King Stakes, went on to become Champion Sire in South Africa, while champion Bush Telegraph, victorious in 1987, left behind a host of stakes winners led by Horse Of The Year, and fellow Daily News 2000 winner, London News.

The latter’s multiple stakes winning own-sister Secret Pact (Bush Telegraph) has become a very influential broodmare, with Secret Pact dam or ancestress of a host of top-class horses including Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winning sire Pluck (More Than Ready) and Triple Crown winning sire Malmoos to name but two.

Secret Pact is also granddam of Gr2 Premier Trophy/Gr2 Peninsula Handicap winner Master Of My Fate (Jet Master), one of South Africa’s

most successful stallions currently active at stud. Arguably the best two stallions to have emerged from the Daily News 2000 are the 2003 winner Dynasty (Fort Wood) and 2013 victor Vercingetorix (Silvano).

Former Horse Of The Year Dynasty, whose flagbearers this season include dual Gr1 winners Desert Miracle and Make It Snappy, made a big impression on the Daily News 2000 itself. Not only did the champion win the Daily News 2000, but Dynasty sired a trio of Daily News 2000 winners in the form of Jackson, Legislate and Irish Flame.

All three went on to stand at stud, with Legislate and Irish Flame named Horse Of The Year in 2013-2014 and 2009-2010 respectively. Jackson and Legislate have both gone on to sire numerous stakes winners, with Legislate doing particularly well from small numbers of foals on the ground.

Dynasty is also the sire of champion Futura,

South Africa’s Horse Of The Year in 20142015, and an increasingly successful sire whose stakes winners this season include Gr3 Politician Stakes winner Rockpool (who caught the eye with a fast finishing third place effort in Saturday’s Gr3 WSB Legal Eagle Stakes), impressive Gr3 WSB Gold Bowl victor Future Pearl, as well as the likes of Dawnofanewday, Ekoria, and Thefutureisbright.

Another son of Dynasty, Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Act Of War, is the sire of Friday’s Listed WSB East Cape Derby hero Machete Man, as well as champion War Of Athena and 2021 Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint winner Battle Force.

Champion Vercingetorix has proven an excellent sire since retiring to stud in 2015. The son of five times champion South African sire Silvano has already come up with seven Gr1 winners, with Vercingetorix’s progeny

ranging from Gr1 winning sprinter Alesian Chief to champion stayer Nebraas.

His champion son Cousin Casey represents Vercingetorix in Saturday’s big race.

Elusive Fort is another Daily News 2000 winning champion who has gone on to have a successful career at stud.

The triple Gr1 winner has left behind a plethora of high-class performers notably Gr1 winners Siren’s Call, Out Of Your League, and Kommetdieding.

The latter, winner of the 2021 Gr1 Vodacom Durban July and 2022 Gr1 WSB Cape Town Met, will look to further his sire’s legacy with Kommetdieding standing his first season at Klawervlei Stud this year.

Despatch pips Rusty Pelican

R6 MILLION PICK 6!

Saturday’s nine race card at Hollywoodbets Greyville starts at 11h40. The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge entries must be in five minutes before the off of the first.

There is a Pick 6 carryover of R1 million with a projected pool of R6 million anticipated. The first leg of the Pick 6 is race 4, off at 13h25.

WILLIAM LONGSWORD SON GOES ALL THE WAY

The Drakenstein homebred hurricane continues to sweep across the feature-race landscape this season and on Saturday it was SA Triple Tiara princess Rain In Holland’s half-brother Itsrainingwilliam who went from start to finish to win the R300 000 WSB Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

The second leg of the now open WSB Cape Winter Series produced a thrilling finish to cap an entertaining winter afternoon of racing.

With four runners, including three Hollywoodbets Durban July entries in the ten horse field, Justin Snaith ‘sacrificed’ the nearing peak fitness Itsrainingwilliam as the hare and JP van der Merwe put the cherry

on top, riding a well-judged race from the front.

With challengers coming from all round inside the final 300m, JP kept his head down, despite his mount shifting slightly, and the son of William Longsword held off a late thrust by the luckless Master Redoute (14-1) by a half length in a time of 111,16 secs.

JP van der Merwe drives Itsrainingwilliam out front as Corne Orffer produces Master Redoute late

Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Jockey Corne Orffer, who rode the runner-up, chirped that his colleague ‘JP Van Damme’ appeared to lose his compass late and then shifted out. It was clear that Master Redoute may have gone much closer to winning.

The 15-10 favourite Rockpool came from last to run into third a further 0,30 lengths away. Justin Snaith appeared pleased with the effort after a twelve week break.

The other Hollywoodbets Durban July entries produced varying efforts:King Regent had every chance but was beaten 1,10 lengths into fourth.

Pomp And Power was produced down the centre, but simply didn’t go on with his run and ran into sixth and 2,25 lengths away. Justin said that he would get him right for the big day.

Hoedspruit was having his peak run but ran last and 13,65 lengths off. A R225 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, Itsrainingwilliam was registering his maiden stakes success and took his stakes earnings to R804 125 with his second win with 7 places from 11 starts. His stakes tally was boosted with his third placed effort behind Royal Aussie in the Gold Rush feature on Met day.

Bred and raced by Drakenstein Stud, Itsrainingwilliam is a son of Klawervlei’s homebred Cape Guineas-winning son of Captain Al, out of the Aqlaam mare Imvula, who won once from two starts in the UK.

The third leg of the WSB Winter Series is the Gr3 Pocket Power Stakes which will be run over 2000m on Saturday 24 June at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

DRAKENSTEIN’S TRUE BLUE

WHO’LL STOP THE RAIN?

JP van der Merwe returns on Itsrainingwilliam after his victory in the WSB Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes | Chase Liebenberg

‘If we can surpass our 18 stakes winners, we will be cracking open the champagne for sure!’ – Gaynor Rupert

Records are there to be broken and one which looks in danger of being consigned to the ash heap is Drakenstein Stud’s tally of 18 individual stakes winners, set as recently as last season.

That much is evident, considering Itsrainingwilliam became the 17th individual stakes winner of the current season bred by the stud when he captured the WSB Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

Drakenstein’s run of success is sure to continue and with two full months still to go, what odds there will be a new record come 31 July?

A three-year-old son of William Longword, Itsrainingwilliam also enhanced the growing stature of his dam Imvula, for he joins the fine fillies Rain In Newmarket and Rain In Holland as

her third stakes performer and second stakes winner.

A British-bred daughter of Aqlaam, Imvula’s appeal was quite obvious, for she is a half-sister to that grand racemare Dancer’s Daughter, who racked up no less than five Gr1’s in the famous Beck silks, one of which her memorable deadheat with the mighty Pocket Power in the 2008 Vodacom Durban July.

Owner Gaynor Rupert recalled how Imvula landed in the Drakenstein fold : “She was bought for me by Tom Goff who had previously bought Dancer’s Daughter for Graham Beck.

Kevin Sommerville, JP van der Merwe, WSB’s Kim and Jono Snaith pose on the podium

| Credit: Chase Liebenberg

He therefore knew the family and brought her to my attention.”

A grey, just like her illustrious sibling, Imvula went into training with Ed Dunlop, but a suspensory issue limited her racing career to a win from just two starts.

Prior to leaving for South Africa, Imvula was covered by Galileo’s accomplished son Nathaniel, and in late September of 2016, she delivered a grey colt at Drakenstein. Named Rain In England, he proved of little account on the racetrack.

Imvula had better luck with her next consort, the short-lived Kingsbarns, also a son of Galileo. The resultant foal, the filly Rain In Newmarket lacked nothing in talent, and although stakes success eluded her, she nevertheless racked up a slew of black-type places, prime amongst which Gr3 seconds in the Final Fling Stakes, Victress Stakes and Prix du Cap.

Imvula hit the jackpot in a big way with her next foal, the Duke Of Marmalade filly Rain In Holland. She was sent to Sean Tarry and showed she was special by winning five straight races at two, highlighted by a thrilling

last gasp victory in the Gr1 Thekwini Stakes. Named the season’s Champion Juvenile Filly, she built on that with a superb three-year-old campaign which brought with it the SA Triple Tiara and another championship as the leading sophomore filly.

Surgery to correct an entrapped epiglottis saw her side-lined for the first six months of her four-year-old season and she only regained the winning thread in late March with a fluent victory over her champion stayer stablemate Nebraas in the Gr2 Colorado King Stakes.

That was followed by a smart third in the Gr1 Premiers Champions Challenge, where she was beaten less than a length. Imvula’s liaison with William Longsword yielded Itsrainingwilliam, whereafter Imvula visited

Trippi and foaled a coveted filly, which is now a juvenile. “Rain in Tripoli is also with Sean Tarry. I can’t wait to see her run,” remarked Gaynor Rupert. For those who have wondered about the naming of her offspring, Imvula is the Zulu word for rain, fitting for a mare who is producing a steady stream of black-type performers and looks set to become an influential matriarch.

Needless to say, Gaynor is thrilled with the mare’s fine record. “She seems to upgrade everything she has.”

It is safe to say that at this stage of their broodmare careers, Imvula has outperformed her more accomplished halfsister, for to date, Dancer’s Daughter has produced four winners from six runners, with the Listed Kings Cup winner Born To Perform and East Cape Paddock Stakes third Step Lively the only ones to gain black type.

Gaynor Rupert – enjoying another terrific season | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Imvula and Dancer’s Daughter are out of the Damister mare Reason To Dance, who placed in both the Gr3 Falmouth and Rockfel Stakes.

While Dancer’s Daughter was by far her best foal, she also produced the English Gr3 winner Diktatorial. It’s quite remarkable though, that her legacy will be through a trio of daughters, all of which found their way to South Africa.

In addition to Imvula and Dancer’s Daughter, Reason To Dance is also dam of Princess Magdalena, a modest one-time winner by 2000 Guineas winner Pennekamp. She was imported by Ascot Stud and has produced the talented sprinter Search Party, who captured the Gr2 Post Merchants and Gr2 Cape Merchants, whilst running second in the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint and Gr1 Mercury Sprint and third in the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship.

Interestingly, all the Gr1 success enjoyed by this female line has been in South Africa and stretches as far back as 1991, when the Gr1 Gold Cup was won by the David Paynetrained import Icona, under whose tutelage he blossomed into a champion stayer.

By Nijinsky’s classic winning son Green

Dancer, he is a half-brother to La Nureyeva, who just happens to be the dam of Reason To Dance.

But back to Imvula. After being barren two years running, she is now in foal to resident stallion Futura and has been joined in the paddocks by Rain In Newmarket, who visited One World last spring. Rain In Holland will no doubt return to Drakenstein in due course, as will any future daughters of Imvula. As for that record, Gaynor added.

MORE TRUE BLUE AT MORPHETTVILLE

Just hours before Itsrainingwilliam put his best foot forward in the WSB Gr3 Listed Legal Eagle Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, Gaynor Rupert’s silks were carried by an Australian Gr3 winner.

Robbie Griffiths and Matt De Kock’s decision to concentrate on the Gr3 K and H Smith SA Fillies Classic with Let’sbefrankbaby paid dividends when the daughter of Frankel outstayed her rivals to win the 2500-metre event at Morphettville.

She is owned by international partners Gaynor Rupert of Drakenstein Stud, fellow South African Larry Nestadt and US-based Gary Barber.

De Kock explained that rather than target the Australasian Oaks over 2000m, they decided to focus on the longer Adelaide feature event for three-year-old fillies.

After Iphimedia was a runner up in the Group

3 by a head in the race prior, Franky went one better to cap a great carnival for the team.

“We earmarked this race after the Oaks in Melbourne (where she finished sixth),” De Kock said. “We gave the other race a miss in a bid to save her energy as at that level they could be a bit sharp for her. She’s an out-andout stayer. This was the best race for her and we geared her preparation towards it.”

The win also continued the success the stable has had with their three-year-old stayers which included last week’s South Australian Derby placegetter Aberfeldie Boy.

Two years ago, they decided to go down the path of developing stayers and purchased yearlings with staying pedigrees.

De Kock thanked Jamie Mott for getting the best out of Let’sbefrankbaby after she was headed by the Julius Sandhu-trained filly Moya Lass, who was ridden by Damien Oliver.

BABY ON BOARD

JP’S READY TO ROCK

JP is led in on Itsrainingwilliam by Kevin Sommerville and the Snaith team after Saturday’s WSB Gr3 Legal Eagle Stakes win | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Excited at the prospect of becoming a Dad for the first time, Saturday’s WSB Legal Eagle Stakes winning rider JP van der Merwe is riding at the top of his game and looking to build further on his national top 10 position.

Speaking to the Sporting Post on Monday, JP, or ‘Juan Paul van Damme’ as his colleague Corne Orffer labelled him after Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth feature win, says that things are looking up domestically and professionally and that there is plenty happening.

And top of the agenda is that his wife Abbi, daughter of East Cape Champion trainer Gavin Smith, is expecting their first daughter at the end of August.

They celebrated the traditional ‘baby shower’ on Sunday with family and friends, and the soon-to-be brand new Miss van der Merwe’s Godparents, Randall and Vash Simons.

“We are very excited about starting a family.

I’m 32 and Abbi is 24, we have travelled a bit and now it feels like the right time to adjust our course,” adds the man who has come a long way since the then shy apprentice stood on the Clairwood winner’s podium in October 2008 after riding his first career winner, Regent’s Honour, for trainer Bennet Bulana.

It was to be just under eight years later that JP reached a pinnacle in his career when he received a last-minute call-up at 09h00 on the morning of the 2016 J&B Met to partner the mare Smart Call.

He achieved consistent success in the years thereafter, and even puts

JP – full of positivity and looking for a major end to the season | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

the Singapore experience down to life’s ‘school fees’. JP was suspended for a year in 2021 in his third year in the island country and on appeal had his time off reduced to six months.

isn’t racing like we have every day. So when you have a quiet raceday here, you get up and keep moving forward the next day. That clears the mind and the momentum helps. It’s very different there. But, as I said, Abbi and I took the experience and have used it positively.”

On the movement, or ‘brain drain’ as we labelled it, of SA racing folk to overseas destinations, JP says that despite the problems facing South Africa, lifting one’s roots and moving to a new world was a challenge. “That’s why I take my hat off to guys that do it and take the chance. Our jockeys are worldclass and we don’t have to stand back for anybody.”

Following Ryan Munger’s departure for Canada, where he has made an explosive start, JP is the new Bryanston Auctioneerssponsored rider.

“I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to continue where Ryan left off and did such a great job!”

On his terrific progress this season – JP is now on 84 winners – he says the key is travelling. “There are factors to consider. Air tickets are expensive and if one travels, the opportunities to ride work in my home province are not there.

So it’s a give and take and finding a balance. I’m very fortunate to get good Highveld support from Mr Alec Laird and the Azzie racing team, then the powerful Snaith operation in the Western Cape and my father-in-law in Gqeberha. It’s a great mix and I’m very fortunate.”

JP’s win strike-rate of 15% and place strikerate of 29% for Justin Snaith is excellent, considering too that he is not always on the stable elect. His beautifully-judged ride to get Itsrainingwilliam home in the WSB Legal Eagle Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday was an example.

“The Snaith stable has enormous depth and even riding the third string doesn’t mean you are on a no-hoper. It’s a pleasure and privilege

to ride for such a professional team and I hope I can continue to deliver the goods for them.”

While he rides for the powerful East Cape stable of soon-to-be-Oupa Gavin Smith, JP can take other rides and he partners Hunting Tower and Silver Falcon for the Snaiths in the Listed Milkwood Stakes and Fairview 1400 on Friday at Fairview.

“I have won two from two on Hunting Trip. She’s a really smart sort and must have a chance. I haven’t ridden Silver Falcon, but his form looks decent!”

On Saturday JP partners Raiseahallelujah off a handy galloping weight of 53kgs for Candice Dawson in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

“It’s a decent quality field. But he stays well and will strip fit. I’m looking forward to being there on the big day.”

JP has had just one previous Hollywoodbets Durban July ride – that was on Astrix in 2022. We asked about his prospects for this year’s big one.

“It’s an iconic race and every jockey wants it on the cv. The atmosphere and vibe was wonderful on the day last year and I’m hopeful of getting a ride for Justin Snaith, as he is likely to hold a powerful hand again.”

“I take my hat off to guys that do it and take the chance. Our jockeys are world-class and we don’t have to stand back for anybody.”

ROCKPOOL LURKS IN JULY SHALLOWS

Justin Snaith’s Gr3 Politician Stakes winner Rockpool will travel to KwaZulu-Natal and will line up in the Gr3 Cup Trial at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 10 June.

Snaith Racing confirmed on Monday afternoon that the son of Futura, who ran a fast-finishing third after a twelve week break in Saturday’s Gr3 WSB Legal Eagle Stakes behind stablemate Itsrainingwilliam, will be ridden by Richard Fourie in the Cup Trial and ‘hopefully earn himself a place in the 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July’.

While the 3yo started a 15-10 favourite at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, he was last turning into the shorter winter home straight

and took off to run on and be beaten under a length.

The Cup Trial, a handicap run over 1800m, is an undercard support feature to the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and offers a preferential consideration ticket into the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The Cup Trial winner is also guaranteed a run in the Champions Cup on Sunday, 30 July at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

• Entries for the Cup Trial close at 11h00 on Monday 29 May.

• Supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Friday 2 June.

• Declarations are due by 11h00 on Tuesday 6 June.

Rockpool heads to KZN for the Cup Trialthen a possible tilt at Hollywoodbets Durban July glory | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

SHE’S ON THE UP!

Aldo Domeyer has things under control as Going Up charges

home | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Trying the mile for only the second time in her career, the Ridgemont-bred Gimmethegreenlight filly Going Up powered home down the inside to win the R200 000 WSB Listed Ladies Mile at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

With the bulk of the ten-horse field going down the middle outside, it was the Bass-Robinson trio who took the shortest route home and dominated the trifecta.

Relaxed some way back early, Going Up, who ran only once previously over a mile when beaten narrowly by Young Love in the 2022 WSB Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes, stormed through under Aldo Domeyer to earn a possible berth in the Ridgemont Gr1 Garden Province Stakes on Hollywoodbets Durban July day.

Going off at an easy-to-back 11 to 2, the joint top weight beat her year younger longshot stablemate Who Do You Love (33-1) and the decent Gold Poker Game (10-1), who looked to be hampered late, rather easily. Racing in the high-riding Hollywood Syndicate silks, Going Up clocked 99,1 secs for the winter course 1600m.

The favourite Happy Chance was given every opportunity, but got caught up in the outside traffic and was beaten into fifth.

Fun in the post-race moment as Ridgemont’s Craig Kieswetter and Mark Bass joke with Hollywood’s Nicole Bartsman and Aldo Domeyer | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Going Up has won 4 races with 4 places from 15 starts for stakes of R418 076.

Bred by Ridgemont, the winner was another feature strike for Varsfontein sire Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) and is out of the eight time winning Goldkeeper mare, Raise The Bar.

She is one 54 stakes winners for her champion sire, with the son of More Than Ready currently heading the South African General Sires List for 2022-2023.

Also responsible for this season’s Gr1 winners Bless My Stars (Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic) and Gimme A Prince (Cape Flying Championship), Gimmethegreenlight has two yearlings catalogued on the Cape Racing Winter Mixed Sale, and a further seven lots on sale at the 2023 KZN Yearling Sale.

The third leg of the WSB Winter Series (fillies and mares) is the Listed Stormsvlei Stakes which will be run over 1800m on Saturday 24 June at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

SHARP SNAITH AGAIN

Owner Kessie Naidoo must think racing horses is an easy game. His first ever visit to the wishing well is the Keivan Stud-bred Machete Man, a son of Act Of War who went all the way to win the weather delayed R350 000 WSB Listed East Cape Derby at Fairview on Friday.

Machete Man (Louis Mxothwa) holds on well – third placed Heathcliff (Richard Fourie) flies up on the outside

Credit: Pauline Herman

The son of Dynasty stallion Act Of War was registering his third straight win here and looks to be an improver after shedding his maiden in low-key fashion in the miserable Cape winter as a newly-turned 3yo.

While he has enjoyed plenty of success in the race, it was Justin Snaith’s first win in the East Cape Derby since champion Malmoos’ smart brother Captain Splendid won under Lyle Hewitson in 2016.

And after the curved ball of a switch from the turf to the polytrack after plenty of rain in the region, a minor upset was always on the cards. Enjoying his best season ever, and just six days after guiding Times Flies to victory in the KRA Listed East Coast Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville, Louis Mxothwa registered his 101st winner of the term as he rode a peach of a race from the front.

Machete Man (6-1) stayed on doggedly and kept finding all the way to the line to beat 4Racing on-course tipster Neil Pretorius’ value bet Quasimodo (16-1) by a quarter length in a time of 135,36 secs.

Heathcliff (11-2) was right in the mix and stayed on in third.

Stablemate to the winner and race favourite, Cosmic Event (9-4) was never in it but was not disgraced, finishing out of the payout queue and 3,75 lengths back.

Bred by Keivan Stud, the winner is out of the two-time winning Var mare Amazing Var. Now a winner of 4 races with 4 places from 14 starts, Machete Man took his stakes bank to R415 500. That’s a decent return on the R200 000 that he cost at the National 2yo Sale.

SHE’S ON FIRE

Wilgerbosdrift’s promising young sire Fire Away had another good result on Friday when his exciting first-crop daughter Luna Halo stormed home to win the R175 000 Listed Dahlia Plate run on the polytrack 1200m at Fairview. The Dahlia Plate was delayed a week as a result of inclement weather and was switched from the turf to polytrack 24 hours earlier, as a result of the bad weather continuing.

A winner of two of her three previous races, including the Listed East Cape Fillies Nursery, coming into Friday’s feature, the Alan Greefftrained Luna Halo made it three wins from just four starts with an eye-catching performance. Under Richard Fourie, Luna Halo (18-10) came with a powerful late run which saw her get up to beat Cape raider Golden Sickle (15-4) by a head going away in a time of 70,54 secs, Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, Luna Halo was a R160 000 purchase from the 2022 National Yearling Sale. She is now a winner of 3 races and a place from 4 starts for stakes of R263 750.

She is out of the Captain Al mare Sun Sentinel -whose Flower Alley sired daughter A Place In The Sun had won at Turffontein last Thursday.

Winner of the Gr3 Dixie Stakes and more than $600 000 in prize money, Fire Away has made an excellent start to his stud career. Luna Halo is one of six early winners for her exciting young sire, with other notable winners including Listed Storm Bird Stakes runner-up Fire ‘N Flames, and exciting fillies Egyptian Mau and Rani Of Kittur.

Fire Away, whose promising son And Action caught the eye when finishing third on debut at Turffontein recently, has four yearlings on offer at the upcoming Cape Racing Winter Mixed Sale, and a single filly on sale at the 2023 KZN Yearling Sale.

LAST OF ‘SABINA’ AT CAPE WINTER SALE

The last two foals of quality broodmare Sabina Park (Sportsworld) will come under the hammer at the 2023 Cape Racing Winter Mixed Sale to be staged at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Friday, 16 June.

Varsfontein Stud, as agent on behalf of Michael De Broglio, will present Sabina Park’s yearling colt by the Jet Master stallion Master Of My Fate (Lot 49) during the first section of the sale and her weanling colt by Gimethegreenlight (Lot 168), near the end.

It is interesting to note that Sabina Park’s first covering way back in 2008 produced G1 Summer Cup winner Master Sabina, sired by Jet Master himself and a pointer to this cross. Carl de Vos of Varsfontein commented:

“Sabina Park has been retired, she was a wonderful broodmare and these are her last progeny. The Master Of My Fate yearling is a classic looker, a beautiful horse who will take some time but will reward his owners. The ‘Gimme’ weanling, on the other hand, looks like a speedball and he is likely to be precocious.”

The sale will start at 11h00 and is comprised of 175 lots to be sold in the following order: yearlings, mares, and then weanlings.

Go to www.caperacingsales.co.za/ sale/2023-mws/ to view the catalogue.

For sale related queries, please contact:

• Justin Vermaak (justin@caperacing.com)

• or Robyn Collyer (robyn@caperacing.com)

Luna Halo (Richard Fourie) gets up to beat Golden Sickle and Joy And Peace (Grant van Niekerk) in the 2yo feature | Credit: Pauline Herman

500 UP FOR TEAM TARA!

One of South Africa’s most experienced and resilient lady trainers, the feisty Tara Laing celebrated a magic 500 winner milestone at Fairview on Friday.

A proud Tara with her 500th winner - Mathew Thackeray smiles in the background |

Credit: Pauline Herman

The What A Winter filly I Like It Hot won the final event of the day under Mathew Thackeray for owners Derek Brugman, John Kelly & Rod Mattheyse to bring up the champagne moment.

In an ironic circle of life that only racing delivers, Tara’s first winner as a private trainer for Mayfair Speculators saw Derek Brugman at the helm as Racing Manager. Brugman is a part owner in the 500th milestone winner, I Like It Hot.

“This was a very special win for me! It was really nice to have Tara Harding out from Australia to help out in the winning lead in. And here’s to everybody that has contributed to this milestone,” Tara added with misty eyes in what was clearly an emotional moment.

A courageous straightshooter, Tara has not had it plain sailing for the past five years. She basically had to reinvent herself after the Mayfair Speculators bomb in 2018. And then covid came along to rub salt into the wound. But with the support of her partner Gavin Venter and son Ewan, she transitioned from being a private trainer to opening up the yard to new clients.

And she has a cv to be proud of!

Tara started her professional equestrian life as a show-jumper. “We were originally living in the Transvaal and then my parents moved to Natal and that’s when I got involved in racing. A couple of jockeys asked me to come and ride work at Summerveld one morning and that was it – I was hooked.”

She joined Tessa and Johnny Dawson at Summerveld, alongside Julie Dittman, stable jockey Nick Shearer and apprentice Justin Henson and never looked back. “I started off as a groom and over the years I worked my way up the ladder.”

When her parents moved back to Joburg, she went along – with her jockey fiancé at the time.

“I’ve had a wonderful story-telling life,” she smiles.

“I worked at Randjesfontein for many years and then left racing and went back to show-jumping to work for Errol Wucherpfennig. Then I met my ex-husband and we got married and he said let’s move to PE as it would be a better environment to start a family.

Ewan was born, I divorced and shortly afterwards Justin Snaith phoned and said I want you to run my yard and I said that’s fine,” she recounts matter-of-factly.

Tara spent 10 years running the Snaith’s satellite operation in Gqeberha before deciding she needed a change.

“I’ve always wanted to work for as many people as I could. Everyone trains differently, everyone has different methods and everyone has their two cents’ worth. In a racing yard, you learn something new every day.”

She saw an ad for an assistant to run a satellite operation for the late Sean Miller. “Peter had all the Mayfair horses in Gqeberha at Fairview. When Peter passed away, his son took over in Kimberley, so I was employed to train the Mayfair horses at Fairview.

The next phone call I got was ‘you’d better take out your licence, you’re now a trainer!” That was back in 2012 and she’s been holding her own ever since, despite the bumps in the road of life.

Has she enjoyed it? “I love it,” she enthuses in her Scottish brogue.

“You meet so many people in different walks of life. It’s like a box of smarties – each to their own.”

#teamtara is proudly sponsored by www.topbet.co.za

“You meet so many people in different walks of life. It’s like a box of smarties –each to their own.”

WILLIAM STAYS ON A 109

The Justin Snaith-trained Itsrainingwilliam remains unchanged on a mark of 109 after he captured the Gr3 WSB Legal Eagle Stakes over 1800m on the winter course at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 20 May.

It was in fact the winner himself who was deemed to make for the best line horse, hence his unchanged rating.

In assessing the race this way third finisher Rockpool also runs to his rating, leaving him unchanged on a mark of 109 and effectively making him a line horse as well.

The only ratings increase was for runner-up Master Redoute, who goes up from 99 to 105.

However, the specific conditions of the race do not allow for a greater increase than six pounds for the first three finishers and as such Master Redoute had to be capped at 105 even though he actually achieved a mark of 107.

Similarly, the race conditions allow for no ratings increase at all beyond the first three finishers and so 4th placed King Regent remains unchanged on a mark of 103 although actually running to a rating of 108.

The only drop was for Pomp And Power, who is down slightly from 124 to 123.

WSB LISTED LADIES MILE

Going Up has had her rating raised from 105 to 107 after winning the Listed Ladies Mile for fillies and mares over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.

The Handicappers were of the view that 2nd placed Who Do You Love would not have run worse here than when she achieved a mark of 100 in finishing third behind Going Up in a handicap in late January and used

that performance to rate the Ladies Mile. Accordingly, Who Do You Love goes up from 98 to 100.

There were no other ratings’ increases, but four horses received a drop. Do Angels Cry is down from 96 to 93, Broadway Girl goes to 96 from 101, Young Love is down from 95 to 92, and lastly Echo Of Life is down slightly from 100 to 99.

WSB LISTED EAST CAPE DERBY

Machete Man has had his rating raised from 86 to 95 after he landed the Listed WSB East Cape Derby over 2200m on the Polytrack at Fairview on Friday.

The race had been intended for 2400m on the grass course the previous Friday, but most of that meeting was abandoned owing to inclement weather.

The Handicappers were of the view that 6th placed Zatara Magic made for the most suitable line horse, which leaves him unchanged on a mark of 91.

Runner-up Quasimodo has had his rating elevated from 80 to 94. Quasimodo had in

fact achieved a rating of 92 when finishing fourth in his previous start, but no ratings increase for placed horses was allowed in that race and so Quasimodo remained on a mark of 80 for the Derby, where he confirmed that performance and where his rating can now be raised to what he actually achieved.

There were increases also for 3rd placed Heathcliff, who is up from 92 to 94, while 4th finisher Cherry Ano is up from 88 to 93. No horses were given a rating’s drop from this race.

Media release by NHA on Tuesday 23 May 2023.

ALL THE HIGHVELD STARS

The event was hosted by the Racehorse Owners Association to honour and celebrate the achievements of our champions during the Highveld Feature racing season.

The Argentinian-bred dual Gr1 winner Puerto Manzano, a Hollywoodbets Durban July entry, won multiple awards and was crowned Horse Of The Season at the 2023 Highveld Feature Season Awards held at The Venue, Melrose Arch on Saturday 20 May.

Laurence Wernars proudly holds Puerto Manzano’s Horse Of The Season trophy flanked by Natalie Turner, Jarryd Wernars, Johan Janse van Vuuren and Tenille Wernars | Credit: JC Photos

Lynn and Garth Towell, Natalie Turner, Kate and Grant Pattison

| Credit: JC Photos

A sumptious dinner and great evening was enjoyed by all | Credit: JC Photos

ALL THE WINNERS

Champion 2 year old filly: Mrs Geriatrix

Owner: Magical Lady

Syndicate (Nom: Natalie Turner)

Trainer: Sean Tarry

Breeder: Clifton Stud

Champion 2 year old colt/ gelding:

Lucky Lad

Owner: Mr AR & Mrs ABL Beck

Trainer: Sean Tarry

Breeder: Varsfontein Stud

Champion 3 year old filly: Bless My Stars

Owner: Kestorm Investments

(Nom: Kenneth Pillay)

Trainer: Sean Tarry

Breeder: Varsfontein Stud

Champion 3 year old colt/ gelding:

Anfields Rocket

Owner: Hollywood Syndicate

(Nom: Mr A Delpech)

Trainer: Grant Maroun

Breeder: Klawervlei Stud

Champion Older Horse: Puerto Manzano (ARG)

Owner: Messrs JF & LMF

Wernars & Mrs TJ Wernars

Trainer: Johan Janse van

Vuuren

Breeder: Haras Carampangue

Champion Older Filly/Mare: Desert Miracle

Owners: Wilgerbosdrift (Pty)

Ltd (Nom: Mrs M Slack)

Trainer: Mike de Kock

Breeder: Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

Champion Sprinter: Isivunguvungu

Owner: Hollywood Syndicate

(Nom: Mr A Delpech)

Trainer: Peter Muscutt

Breeder: Narrow Creek Stud

Champion Middle Distance

Horse:

Puerto Manzano (ARG)

Owner: Messrs JF & LMF

Wernars & Mrs TJ Wernars

Trainer: Johan Janse van

Vuuren

Breeder: Haras Carampangue

Champion Stayer:

Son Of Raj

Owner: Mr Steven Chetty

Trainer: Weiho Marwing

Breeder: Mr Steven Chetty

Work Rider of the Season: Sam Mosia

Champion Apprentice

Jockey: Philasande Mxoli

Champion Breeder: Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein

Champion Jockey: Richard Fourie

Champion Trainer: Sean Tarry

Champion Owner: Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs GA Rupert)

Horse of the Season: Puerto Manzano (ARG)

Kenneth Pillay – owner of Bless My Stars | Credit: JC Photos

Joanne and Bruce Gardner | Credit: JC Photos

MALMOOS FIRST FOALS AWAITED WITH EXCITEMENT

South Africa’s most recent Triple Crown winner and the last Grade 1-winning son of multiple champion sensation Captain Al, Malmoos, lauded as the ‘real deal’ and an athlete with the x-factor by trainer Mike de Kock, has the Ridgemont team abuzz with his first foals expected in a matter of months.

One of the most exciting locally-bred racehorses to go stud here in many a year, Malmoos covered more than 140 high-quality mares in his first season at Stud, and already has 100 mares booked for the new term.

“If ever a champion racehorse ticked every box to make it as a sire – then Malmoos is your man. His relaxed demeanour, coupled with a definitive presence and professionalism, makes him a pleasure to work with.

What makes him even more exciting is the fact that he tested up a CC – so his progeny will most certainly show early speed,” said Craig Carey, who confirmed that the first offspring of the champion were awaited with great excitement.

A full brother to the dual Group-winning stayer Captain Splendid, Malmoos is out of the Spook Express Handicap winner Justthewayyouare, a half-sister to Varsfontein’s sire Master Of My Fate.

A versatile seven-time winner from 1200m to 2450m, Malmoos was rated 125 at peak and raced in the internationally recognisable silks of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum.

He goes down in history as only the fourth horse to win the South African Triple Crown Purchased for over R4 million as a yearling by some of the best judges in the game, Malmoos displayed the stamp of a top-class racehorse with a perfect mix of speed and stamina.

Some of those that witnessed him wrapping up the Triple Crown in 2021 in sensational style saw shades of the great Horse Chestnut.

While sentiment and emotion is something that money can’t buy, the decision to base Malmoos in the stable left by the iconic Dynasty, could yet become a chapter of another champion fairytale in the writing!

Don’t miss the Malmoos machine!! #traditionofchampions.

THE BLUE-BLOODED SPEED MACHINE

Like his sensational barn-mate Rafeef, the blue-blooded Real Gone Kid hails from the Redoute’s Choice male line, the four-time Australian Champion Sire and international sire of sires.

Now headed into his second season at stud after covering 80 quality mares last term, the flashily athletic Real Gone Kid boasts a champion pedigree and will be fondly remembered by local racing enthusiasts for capturing the imagination when reeling off his six wins from 1000m to 1250.

His multiple Gr1-winning trainer Brett Crawford described Real Gone Kid as one of the fastest horses he has trained.

“What a class specimen! And he could match strides with anything over the sprints.

He was also sound and has a wonderful temperament – not something that is always a given in speed horses. I will be following his offspring in the sales rings and look forward to seeing his first foals in a few months’ time,” added the man who has trained close on 30 Gr1 winners, including Gr1 speed champions of the ilk of Laisserfaire, Gulf Storm, Bold Respect, Pacific Trader, and of course Champion Run Fox Run.

The exciting combination of a champion sire and hailing from a world-class female line, means that Real Gone Kid is no onedimensional speed hero. He is a son of Equus Champion and multiple Gr1 classic winner In The Fast Lane, who won at the elite level up to 2000m, and is a daughter of seven -times South African champion sire Jet Master, a leading broodmare sire.

Ridgemont’s Craig Carey is on record that Real Gone Kid has an international standard pedigree that wouldn’t be out of place in any stallion barn around the world.

“Access to a bloodline of this strength and quality is very exciting and we are very committed to supporting Real Gone Kid.

There is no question that with his pedigree and proven speed he will upgrade mares – this country is crying out for an out and out speed sire, and Real Gone Kid has every chance to provide those early speedy types!” enthused Carey.

#traditionofchampions!

“Access to a bloodline of this strength and quality is very exciting and we are very committed to supporting Real Gone Kid.”

ANOTHER SA JOCK

It’s been a bad few years for SA jockeys in Mauritius! But a relatively new National Horseracing Authority rule could save the bacon of top South African heavyweight and 2023 Gr1 L’Ormarins King’s Plate-winning rider Bernard Fayd’herbe.

Bernard Fayd’herbe - Gr1 joy in January to unwanted in May |

Credit: Jock

The SA Jockey Academy graduate was handed a twelve month suspension and a fine after he was deemed to have not given his mount every chance in the third race at the Champ de Mars on Saturday 13 May.

Fayd’herbe rode the Dominic Zaki-trained Castle Of Glass, who was beaten into second by the reportedly well-backed Arlingtons Revenge (Rye Joorawon). In a dramatic race, the Stipes also overruled seperate objections.

But after an inquiry the following week, Fayd’Herbe was suspended for a year and fined Rs100 000 (about R43 000) after being adjudged to have cost Castle Of Glass victory

THE SPRINT IS INTERACTIVE

by not riding him vigorously enough. On social media, the comments varied. Experienced racing man Dave Goss labelled it a ‘soft ride’, while former SA Champion Jockey Andrew Fortune conceded that he was no fan of Fayd’herbe, but couldn’t see the year suspension in the ride.

Fayd’herbe has the right of appeal and he will have to exercise this if he wishes to take advantage of the NHA’s rule 91.1.3, which allows a rider suspended by specified horseracing authorities abroad, including Mauritius, to appeal against the suspension within 90 days of the finalisation of that appeal hearing.

- WATCH THE RACE HERE AND YOU BE THE JUDGE – FAYD’HERBE IS IN YELLOW WITH BLACK CAP.

HERE IS THE RULE, AMENDED ON 1 AUGUST 2022:

91. SUSPENSION OF PERSONS

91.1 Any PERSON who:

91.1.1 has been suspended in terms of the RULES shall be prohibited from participating in horse racing to the extent determined by the INQUIRY BOARD imposing the suspension and for such period as may be

prescribed in the suspension order; or 91.1.2 has been suspended by any SPECIFIED RACING AUTHORITY, shall be prohibited from participating in horse racing in SOUTHERN AFRICA to the extent determined by the racing authority imposing the suspension and for such period as may be prescribed in the suspension order.

91.1.3 The provisions of RULE 91.1.2 shall not be enforced if, on formal application by

the person suspended or disqualified, which application must be made within 90 days of the finalisation of the appeal hearing and must particularise reasons why the penalty imposed does not comply with the laws of natural justice and/or such other applicable grounds and should set out the terms of the declaration sought, a committee consisting of a member of the

LICENSING BOARD and two senior STIPENDIARY STEWARDS, has on consideration of all the facts and circumstances including all the evidence heard and procedure adopted by the SPECIFIC RACING AUTHORITY, is of the view that the procedure adopted and/ or the evidence heard and/or prevailing circumstances, do not warrant the finding and/or the sanction imposed.

The appointed committee may amend and/or vary and/or reduce the penalty accordingly as they deem fit in their sole discretion.

That means there is no automatic reciprocation of the penalty and an NHA panel may vary the finding.

The Sporting Post spoke to NHA CEO Vee Moodley on Friday afternoon. Mr Moodley understandably did not wish to comment in view of the possibility of the matter following its course here.

It has been reported that Snaith Racing have announced that they want Fayd’herbe to ride Pomp And Power in the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

This seems quite optimistic with just over 40 days to the big race and given the fact that the wheels of justice grind slowly.

It’s certainly been a rollercoaster stint on the island for Fayd’Herbe who has been in good form. In three meetings prior to 13 May he enjoyed eight wins in eleven rides,

including four terrific winners on 29 April. On 29 March Fayd’herbe was also charged with a contravention of Rule 71.2.1 read with 71.4.1 for having failed a breathalyzer test on 25 March 2023, prior to a racemeeting at the Champ de Mars.

The sample of his breath disclosed upon analysis a reading in excess of 10 micrograms of ethanol per 100 ml of breath.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and after hearing evidence in the matter on 29 March 2023 and subsequently on 30 March 2023 and 6 April 2023, the Inquiry Board was of the opinion that it could not be established that the device used for sampling was calibrated as, a certificate for the device could not be produced by the horseracing organizer, PTP PLC.

Therefore, it could not be established at the inquiry that the analysis which was provided from the breathalyzer device in question was accurate.

Following this conclusion, there was no remaining evidence in the matter for it to be proceeded with and Fayd’herbe was found not guilty of the charge on the technicality.

This was a sequel to the embarrassing situation that the People’s Turf PLC were charged with a contravention of Rule 11.18 in that on 25 March 2023, with the operator having failed to have and maintained a calibrated breathalyzer in order to facilitate the sampling of Jockeys.

This resulted in all data collected from the samples analysed on the day by the breathalyzer provided being declared invalid. The red-faced operator pleaded guilty to the charge and was duly found guilty.

After considering the evidence in mitigation and aggravation, the PTP PLC was fined the sum of Rs 100 000. They have the right of appeal against the severity of the penalty imposed.

Never a dull moment down Mauritius way!

FORTUNES SET FOR AUSTRALIA

Ashley and Andrew with Sean, Andrew’s son Aldo (second from left) and Ryan Munger, who left for Canada last month | Credit: JC Photos

The South African horseracing industry brain drain continues with the news that Gr1 winning Vaal trainer Ashley Fortune will be calling it a day and relocating to Australia with her former SA Champion jockey husband, Andrew, and their two children

The Fortunes will be based just outside Sydney, working and living on the NSW Southern Highlands equine property Bong Bong Farm.

The beautifully manicured state-of-the-art 97,5-hectare property, which was purchased by the state’s racing regulator for A$22,5 million in July 2021, includes four architecturally designed barns with 61 boxes, 1 250 metre turf and sand training tracks, hyperbaric chamber, equine spa, treadmills and horse walkers.

The recent leasing of Bong Bong Farm by Ciaron Maher Racing, which also runs a vast operation in Victoria, will compliment its

Sydney stable at Warwick Farm. Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace intend to have up to 100 horses spelling at the farm while they will also have horses in pre-training and full-training at the farm, which is 90 minutes’ drive from the Sydney CBD.

Ashley and Andrew will be working at the spelling facility.

Talking to the Sporting Post last Thursday, Ashley said that the decision to pack up and move her life is something that she had done previously, but it remained an extremely emotional and tough call.

THE SPRINT IS INTERACTIVE

MILITARY ORDER CAN WIN THE WAR

Military Order has won both his starts this season, a novice race at Newbury last month followed by Lingfield’s Derby Trial – a ‘faultless’ prep for Epsom according to his trainer Charlie Appleby.

He believes the Betfred Derby favourite Military Order is ‘marginally in front’ of his full brother, 2021 Epsom hero Adayar, at this comparative stage of their respective careers, and is confident the Frankel colt can find even more improvement.

The Godolphin trainer confirmed: “I’ve only left Military Order in the race on the back of his win in the Lingfield Derby Trial which I was very pleased with. He has come out of that race well and it is all systems go.”

On his trial win Appleby said: “What I loved about it was when William made that manoeuvre into the straight. For a mile and a half horse he did it effortlessly.”

The Godolphin trainer opted not to gallop his charge at Epsom at the Derby Festival Gallops Morning stating he feels Military Order will handle it fine without having a pre-race sighter. He added: “He has proven himself around Lingfield so there was no need we felt to go to Epsom for the gallop morning.”

Ante-post second favourite (9/2) is the Ballydoyle trained Auguste Rodin, despite his lacklustre 2000 Guineas display.

Aidan O’Brien retains full faith in his Derby contender, the impressive winner of the Gr1 Futurity Trophy at Doncaster on heavy ground last season.

However, Auguste Rodin was most

Top trainer Charlie Appleby says Military Order has enjoyed a faultless prep for Epsom | Credit: Godolphin

disappointing in the first Classic of the season at Newmarket in early May, coming home 12th behind Chaldean, over the Rowley Mile. O’Brien subsequently described the race as a “non-event” for the 13-8 favourite after he suffered interference in the initial stages, with Ryan Moore not too hard on his mount when his chance had clearly gone.

O’Brien reiterated: “The Derby is always about the one horse, really – and always has been. Everything he has always done has been exceptional. I think we just have to put a line through the Guineas. He got banged into and wiped out another. Because that happened, Ryan got caught in a pocket and it just didn’t happen. Ryan did the right thing.”

The Foxes was cut to a general 8/1 for Epsom glory after gaining a narrow victory in the Gr2 Dante Stakes at York, the last recognised trial for the Derby.

Andrew Balding’s runner was always wellpositioned under Oisin Murphy, and the son of Churchill travelled into the race sweetly on the far side, hitting the front over a furlong out and holding on to win by a neck.

Balding said: “He did a bit of meandering across the track. He’s a very good horse, it looked a deep Dante today.”

“He’s very professional, you’d have to think Epsom is the next step, I think we’d have to give it a go.”

“I think he’ll stay as his dam got a mile and a half well.”

Finally, feedback from Epsom on Monday morning with the Gosden yard familiarizing their Epsom hope Arrest with the unique undulations of the famous track.

Frankie Dettori was aboard the Chester Vase winner twelve days before his final Betfred Derby, and all went well enough for the retiring superstar to confirm he would partner the Frankel colt in next month’s Classic. Dettori, believes he has a ‘live chance’ on the 13-2 third choice in the market.

Reflecting on the morning’s work he said: “It’s all about him getting used to the most crucial part, Tattenham Corner, that’s where you can win and lose your race. He did it fine, no problem. He’s growing up, he’s getting stronger, and Chester’s done him the world of good.”

The Arrest camp have been clear they feel their charge prefers a bit of cut in the surface and when asked about drying ground, Dettori said: “It is an issue, so fingers crossed, may the rain continue.”

Military Order wins Derby Trial at Lingfield | Credit: Lingfield Racecourse

HAVE YOUR SAY!

on 5 June 2023. As a reminder, to access the proposed amendments to the Rules and to comment thereon, kindly go on to the NHA website (www.nhra.co.za) landing page, under RULES & CONSTITUTION or under RACING

INFORMATION tabs for “Rules & Penalty Guidelines Comments”.

Step 1: Register

Step 2: Confirm email (click link sent on email)

Step 3: Log On

The National Horseracing Authority invites all stake holders and members of the public for comments on proposed amendments to the Rules.

The associated proposed amendments to the Rules have been published on the NHA website and open for comment from 22 May 2023 until midnight South African Standard Time (SAST)

Step 4: Complete Comments (to submit comments click SAVE NOW) - You may edit your submission at any time before 5 June 2023.

· No comments can be made after 5 June 2023.

· All comments entered on the site will be considered as final on submission date.

· The NHA may not necessarily respond to any submission directly, but all comments will be considered by the NHA National Board before finalisation of any amendments.

ROUVAUN – THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS

Veteran Cape racecaller Rouvaun Smit left the Vincent Pallotti Rehabilitation Centre today to continue the next chapter of his recovery at home following major spinal surgery on 9 March.

Still confined to a wheelchair, Rouvaun returns home ten weeks after surgery following an accident at home.

Full of smiles, Rouvaun told the Sporting Post that he could not wait to get back to his family and the relative normalities of home life.

“This experience has been an eye-opener in so many respects. We don’t always realise how fragile we are and how life can change in the blink of an eye.

Please allow me to thank the Doctors and Staff of both the Kingsbury Hospital and the Vincent Pallotti, as well as the many racing folk from here and internationally who contacted me to send good wishes. My heart has been touched and it’s great to know that so many

stakeholders and members of the public care as they do.”

With dwindling medical aid resources and bills piling up, an appeal was made by the family via Back A Buddy and the response thereto has been ‘nothing short of amazing’ in the words of Rouvaun’s wife, Rachelle.

“It is not an easy matter to put one’s pride in the pocket, but this has knocked us badly and I’d like to thank every single donor who has given so generously via the Back-A-Buddy from the bottom of my heart. It is deeply appreciated – more than anybody could understand. It’s a long road yet with the employment of a carer and the related costs. Again, thank you so much,” added the popular racing man who enjoys a major following on the Cape Flats.

IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO HELP, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE.

|

Rouvaun bids his physio Kaylyn and facilities coordinator Jackie goodbye as he left the medical facility earlier today

Credit: Supplied

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