Kabelo Matsunyane’s smile says it all (Picture: Chase Liebenberg).

Kabelo Praises Horse And Mentor

Mainstream sports journalist Mark Etheridge interviewed Hollywoodbets Durban July-winning jockey Kabelo Matsunyane and wrote the interesting article below:

Mark Etheridge (Business Day)

Betting on a horse is always about taking a chance and it was a chance school trip that came good as Kabelo Matsunyane rode the race of his life to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July last weekend.

Graduating out of the SA Jockey Academy ranks only two years ago, 24-year-old Matsunyane was nothing less than masterful in the saddle of Winchester Mansion.

But it could all have been so different. “The young Kabelo saw himself as a mechanical engineer when he was growing up in Sebokeng, Vaal,” he recalled this week.

“But then I went with my school to a careers expo in Sandton and Leonard Strong from the Jockey Academy immediately approached me with the idea of becoming a jockey. I found it so fascinating and my mom [Naomi] and dad [Thabo] were incredibly supportive.”

In no time at all a “super nervous” Matsunyane was part of the academy in Durban. “Being in the presence of these huge and majestic animals made me super-nervous, but in no time at all I was saddling and mounting horses myself.”

Like most jockeys, Matsunyane is no giant, especially compared to a racehorse which would weigh upwards of 400kg. “I’m quite tall for a jockey at 1.64m, but my comfortable weight is only 52kg so I have a very light body mass.”

Well prepped by mentor and former SA champion jockey Anton Marcus, he said awareness was key to Winchester Mansion’s win.

“Most important was getting out of the gates cleanly and then putting him in the best position and not following the ‘wrong’ horses.

“I started making my run from home around the 650m mark, but I knew the favourite See it Again would be coming from behind so I had to be super alert. I had to get the run on them but at the same time also have a bit in reserve for 150m to go.”

A thorough gentleman, Matsunyane was full of credit for both ride and mentor: “I thought I could still lose it but my horse was hearty and gutsy and fought for me and truly gave me his best.”

It was his first grade 1 victory and he says he couldn’t have asked for much better. “In big races like this nerves often get the better of you but Anton really helped prep me in the lead-up, urging me to be calm and to be at one with your horse.”

Right now he’s on a high but the lowdown on training reveals a demanding lifestyle. “I work at Randjesfontein five times a week, starting my string of horses at 6am and then make my rounds to other trainers to prep horses I’ll be riding in future. If I’m racing, I’ll skip training. It’s hard work and there’s not much time for a social life, but I know that the efforts I’m putting in now will help me go from strength to strength.”

He has no need for horseshoes to bring him any more good luck, but he does admit to a penchant for shoes. “I suppose you could call me a sneaker addict,” he grins. “Right now I’ve got 11 pairs and my favourite brand is definitely Nike … all my sneakers are either Nike or Jordan.”

And there’s nothing sneaky about learning your trade as a top jockey … it’s all about getting a good grounding.

“The most important part of building relationships with each horse early on comes from trackwork, understanding their temperament, their running style, their overall behaviour.

“But sometimes you race a horse you’ve never even mounted and in that case you have to use your instincts, skills and ability to build up trust in that short time between parade ring and starting gate.”

And trust is a thing that has always been key to Matsunyane throughout his young life, such as his relationship with man’s best friend — the dog.

“I love animals but especially horses and dogs. I don’t have a dog right now but growing up we had Rottweilers and German Shepherds. If I had to make a choice now I think I’d go for the latter, just because how intelligent and protective they are.”

And when it comes to something that perhaps people not privy to his inner circle of friends wouldn’t know — is that if you go to the Matsunyane household, don’t expect to get a dog’s breakfast!

“I absolutely love the kitchen and my favourite meal that I could never get tired of preparing is creamy prawn pasta.”

The king of pasta, first past the post in the country’s biggest race — sounds like a winning jackpot combination.

And when it comes to winning at the highest level it’s a combination between, not only horse and jockey but also jockey and trainer.

Explains Brett Crawford who runs his own yard in Futura Park, Western Cape and, since two years ago, oversees son James’ operation in the Johannesburg yard: “I very much get involved in a relationship with the jockey and watch the effort they put into the stable and if it’s up to scratch we reward that jockey with the choice of rides.

“In the July, Winchester Mansion had a light weight of 53kg which automatically took a lot of jockeys out of the picture but with Kabelo being a natural lightweight it worked in his favour. Also, he’s there every morning working the horse so it was a natural choice to let him ride.”

Crawford insists credit must go to Matsunyane for his winning ride. “Trainer and jockey can strategise as much as they want before the race but once the pens open it could be Plan A, B or even C — a lot of the success comes from the jockey using his own initiative.”

And credit goes to Crawford junior as well. “James came to me and said he had a young jockey who had a great future and has had Kabelo’s back ever since.

“Kabelo’s work ethic is top drawer — he’s always listening and learning. As I said, being a natural lightweight is a massive asset. If he works as hard as he’s currently doing he can certainly become one of SA’s greatest jockeys.”

Silver Sanctuary wins on debut at the Vaal yesterday (JC Photos)

Safe Passage’s Full Sister Wins Well On Debut

The mare My Sanctuary has carved two places in history for herself and could soon be in the news again as her latest runner, the Mike de Kock-trained Silver Sanctuary, looked good in the preliminaries at the Vaal yesterday and duly won a good race.

The Drakenstein homebred Silvano filly is a full-sister to Gr 1 Daily News 2000-winning stablemate Safe Passage and ran on fluently under JP van der Merwe in the 1400m event down the straight to win by a cosy 1,75 lengths.

Safe Passage is finding even a mile too short these days, so Silver Sanctuary will improve over further and being by Silvano should progress continually.

She already has value as a broodmare and will one day be another fine addition to the leading stakes race-producing farm in the country.

Safe Passage was fancied for the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday, but it did not pan out well for him under Christophe Soumillon. He was far back in the running and then when trying to go for his run was carried all the way to the outside rail and actually squeezed up against it.

Soumillon rides in the ultra strictly policed jurisdiction of France.

He would have been unimpressed that in South Africa jockeys appear to have plenty of leeway on the lines they take coming off the false rail, even if the horses behind them are in close proximity.

Safe Passage finished well but had no chance after the aforementioned incident.

My Sanctuary’s first entry into SA racing history books was as the cause of a protest at the old Clairwood racecourse that caused the meeting to be abandoned. In a small field race she was the hot favourite and her gate did not open. However, My Sanctuary, who was said to be temperamental, burst through the gates, using her strength. She had lost a good five to ten lengths, but her class saw her running on strongly to finish third. Under the rules a horse who finishes in the first four cannot be declared a non-runner. The angry crowd demanded she be declared a non-runner and prevented the jockeys from going out for the next race. However, the stipendiary stewards hands were tied by the rules and the meeting had to be abandoned.

My Sanctuary’s second claim to fame was as a Gr 1-producing mare.

Silver Sanctuary will hopefully add to her story.

Three Anchor Bay pictured before last year’s BSA August Two-year-old Sale (BSA).

Winchester Mansion’s Twice Over Half-brother A Cheap Buy?

It is interesting to note that the half-brother to Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Winchester Mansion went for just R75,000 at the last BSA August Two-year-old sale, despite being by July-producing sire Twice Over.

It is little surprise to learn that this colt, who was knocked down to John Freeman, is trained by Justin Snaith and owned by Nick Jonsson.

Jonsson has had incredible success with Twice Over.

The British-bred sire by Observatory has brought him three Gr 1 winners, the Snaith-trained legend Do It Again, the Snaith-trained Cape Guineas winner Double Superlative and the Michael Roberts-trained dual Gr 1 winner See It Again.

Jonsson and partners Bernard Kantor and the late Jack Mitchell had to splash out R1.1 million to secure Do It Again.

Therefore, Three Anchor Bay has the potential to be a bargain buy.

However, Jonsson is steeped in racing and commenting on the purchase price said, “Well let’s hope he can run! If not then it’s expensive!!”

Jonathan Snaith said about Three Anchor Bay, who has already been gelded, “He is quite backward and is taking time. He is a big colt and just needs a lot of patience.”

Strangely enough, considering Twice Over is viewed as a stamina influential sire, Three Anchor Bay is a full-brother to the Gr 1-winning sprinter Sand And Sea, who won the Gold Medallion.

Justin Snaith’s second of five July winners, Legislate, was probably the bargain of the century and John Freeman was also involved in that purchase.

Justin recalled recently, “We and John Freeman liked Legislate at the National Yearling Sales but thought he would go for too much. John and I were sitting around when he was in the ring and nobody was interested. So we put up our hand at R90,000 and got him.”

The official purchase price of R100,000 was just to make up the reserve.

Snaith continued, “We went straight to Vaughan Koster after the bidding and asked him if there was something wrong with him that we had missed. He replied ‘no he is a cracker’. He could not believe the price either.”

The Dynasty colt reeled off victories in 2014 in the Gr 1 Cape Derby, the Gr 2 KRA Guineas, the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and the Gr 1 Durban July which saw him being named Equus Horse Of The Year.

He has unfortunately had fertility issues considering from 37 foal and 33 runners he has produced no fewer than 8 stakes winners, which is a phenomenal 24% stakes winners to runners.

The rider of the circled horse Hillsin appeared to make no effort to improve his position after jumping the last hurdle. (Credit: Sky Sports Racing).

BHA Suspend Horse After Controversial Ride

by Paulick Report Staff

The British Horseracing Authority has suspended the horse Hillsin from running in any race for 40 days after it received a controversial ride from jockey Dylan Kitts on Wednesday at Worcester. The matter was referred to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority for further review.

According to a stewards’ report of the incident, “the gelding traveled strongly down the home straight, without appearing to ever be asked for its finishing effort and finished third of eleven runners, beaten 1¼ lengths.”

A veterinary official reported that two post-race examinations of Hillsin failed to reveal any abnormalities.

Interviews were conducted with jockey Kitts and Hillsin’s trainer, Chris Honour.

“The rider stated his instructions were to drop Hillsin out early, keep a good hold of the horse’s head and take his time, before mounting a late challenge,” the stewards’ report explains. “Kitts explained that the gelding settled well and found a nice jumping rhythm, and he had been able to make ground easily mid-race when the pace steadied up, however Hillsin made a respiratory noise towards the end of the back straight, which continued on several more occasions throughout the race, and the gelding had also hung badly right-handed, both facts he had reported at scales and which restricted his ability to be more vigorous in the home straight.”

The report continues: “The trainer confirmed the instructions and that Hillsin had been ridden in accordance with them, however whilst acknowledging the gelding had hung-right handed, he did express concerns over the manner in which Hillsin was ridden specifically from jumping the last hurdle. Honour also reiterated that he had emphasized to the rider that Hillsin needed to be held together for as long as possible based on his analysis of the gelding’s run at Exeter two starts back, where he didn’t get home for a different yard.”

In a subsequent interview on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Honour shared his frustrations with the incident.

“I would never tell someone not to win, it’s not fair to ask someone not to win – at the end of the day, lads go out there with their neck on the line,” Honour said. “I don’t want people to think bad or ill of us because it’s not us and it’s not what we do. But I cannot dispute it looks awful.

“I don’t want to be dropping the jockey in trouble … but I told him not to let go of his head and he’s gone to an extreme,” Honour added. “In my mind, if he was to look back this morning I’m sure he would be disappointed with the ride he has given it.”

The situation has escalated according to a report in the Racing Post which said:

The trainer has described the fallout from the event as “horrible”, with the criticism aimed in his direction going as far as death threats. As a consequence, he requested owner Alan Clegg remove both Hillsin and stablemate Colonel Lesley from his yard. Both horses were transferred to Brian Barr’s stable in Dorset on Thursday.

“We wanted them off the yard,” said Honour. “I don’t want to go racing with them because it’s going to keep bringing back bad publicity. I’d rather be away from it and don’t want to be part of it. I’ve never spoken to so many reporters as today and I don’t want the media circus around this.

“I’m not part of this, I’ve done my job and that horse was fit and ready to roll. End of. It’s better to just walk from it and they’ve gone to Brian Barr’s.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RACE HERE

Michael Harris Captures Another Extraordinary Photograph

A photographer being in the right place at the right time might be viewed as luck by some, but British photographer Michael Harris has a knack of doing it often.

He took the above picture of two legendary Nicky Henderson-trained jumps racehorses Sprinter Sacre and Altior.

They used to be stablemates and although Sprinter Sacre is four years older than Altior they both won Group 1s at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival, although for both that was just one of many Group 1 victories.

They clearly recognised each other when being reunited at the Lambourn Open Day on April 7 this year and were happy to see each other again.

The below picture is of them meeting up again before spending some close moments together as depicted in the top picture.

Munchkin is considered “one to watch out for” by the At The races Tipster (JC Photos).

Turffontein Standside Saturday Formguides And Selections

www.attheraces.com

1 12:00 PM – 4Racing Welcomes You Maiden Plate

EMPRESS GAME was backed when narrowly beaten in both her starts and if none of the 3 first-timers attracts money then she should be right there. Year younger TYSON THE BRAVE is improving and could give her a run for money. BREATH OF MAGIC could make the Trifecta. Watch newcomer WINGS WITHIN ME.

Top Tip: EMPRESS GAME (2)

Watch out for: TYSON THE BRAVE (6)

2 12:35 PM – 4Racing Thanks And Appreciates Shaylen Naidoo Racing Mr 89 Handicap

SMITH AND WESSON is as honest as they come and should be involved in the finish again. RAINBOW REWARD is improving fast and with 4.5kg less to shoulder should make a race of it. Stable companion COSMIC STAR is more than capable and shouldn’t be far off. Respect two-year-old PRINCEOFGREEN – blinkers improved and carries a postage stamp. WINGS OF NIKE could get into the mix.

Top Tip: SMITH AND WESSON (1)

Watch out for: COSMIC STAR (2)

3 1:10 PM – Tab Telebet 0861 000 822 Maiden Plate (F & M)

WAITFORGREENLIGHT was runner-up in her last two and could make it 3rd time lucky. The one to beat. MICKE’S BOMB found problems over 1600m last time and reverts to a sprint. COCKTAIL GIRL can improve more. WILKIES is not going to the top but could get into the Quartet. LOOK TO THE STARS showed some improvement last time but needs to do better. Watch the 3 first-timers

Top Tip: JUMPING ANALIA (5)

Watch out for: WAITFORGREENLIGHT (9)

4 1:50 PM – www.soccer6.co.za Fm 74 Handicap (F & M)

Wide open. Honest trier SAMOA as well as INSATIABLE (coupled with yard newcomer GOLDEN SICKLE and MIA REGINA – watch) should get close together again. Improvers in the race FENNEC FOX and RED CARPET GIRL warrant inclusion. Two-year-old DAMOSTAR comes off a debut win in new surroundings and is sure to come on heaps. FEATHER THE NEST could pop up.

Top Tip: GOLDEN SICKLE (1)

Watch out for: SAMOA (4)

5 2:25 PM – 4racing.tv Mr 81 Handicap

Another tricky race. MUNCHKIN has ability but could need it. COVERT OPERATOR is running well and could add another notch to his belt. On collateral form TRE AMICI should be involved in the result. Despite winning, IRON SKY as well as PENDRAGON and AXEL COLLINS, have issues. BRONCO BLITZ could go all the way. BLACK EGRET could follow up. KING RAHUL has scope for improvement.

Top Tip: BLACK EGRET (1)

Watch out for: MUNCHKIN (2)

6 3:00 PM – Book A Table 0116811796 Mr 91 Handicap

Competitive. BRAVE VIKING beat PRAGMATIST by 0.50 lengths, and it could get closer on 1kg difference. TIZONA gets going late and this track should suit ideally. TRIDENT KING could make a winning debut for his new yard. ATTICUS FINCH and AMERICAN STAR could just need this while SUPREME DANCE, BLOOMINGTON and DESTINY OF SOULS cannot be ignored.

Top Tip: TRIDENT KING (3)

Watch out for: TIZONA (4)

7 3:35 PM – Play Soccer 6, 10 And 13 Mr 82 Handicap

CALIBRE CREST was comfortably beaten when favourite last time but has blinkers on. He could get his act together and make amends. ANGEL OF WAR is holding form and could challenge. SCALLYWAG has reeled off two in a row in his new yard and could complete a hat-trick. CAPTAIN OF GRIT won well after a rest and could follow up. TAMARISK TREE could upset calculations.

Top Tip: CAPTAIN OF GRIT (1)

Watch out for: TAMARISK TREE (3)

8 4:10 PM – Racehorse Owners Association Fm 92 Handicap (F & M)

CELTIC RUMOURS should hold too many guns for this field. She could double up this course and distance. WOKANDA was not striding out last time and should get back on track. QUEEN OF SHADOWS starts badly but can get into the money. STRANGE MAGIC was obviously not ready after a rest last time – look for a better showing. PRINCESS PHILIPPA takes her blinkers off and cannot be ignored for money. KAYLA’S CHAMP could get into the Quartet.

Top Tip: QUEEN OF SHADOWS (1)

Watch out for: CELTIC RUMOURS (2)

9 4:45 PM – 4Racing Appreciates And Thanks Grant Maroun Racing Fm 76 Handicap (F & M)

A difficult race to end. CALLMEWHENYOUNEEDME has been costly to punters but should be given another chance. If she fluffs her lines then many are looking to take advantage. SAVE THE QUEEN and SEA ANEMONE both needed their last runs and could challenge. TRUMP MY QUEEN is better when covered early and will run on. I AM REGAL, DANCING ARABIAN and ISLAND BEAUTY are more of many to consider.

Top Tip: SAVE THE QUEEN (2)

Watch out for: TRUMP MY QUEEN (3)

Emily Upjohn has been tipped by the Racing Post to win the Eclipse Stakes tomorrow (Saturday) at Sandown (Picture: Bloodhorse).

Coral Eclipse Preview

2023 Coral-Eclipse: assessing the top contenders for the big Group 1 at Sandown on Saturday

Racing Post

The Coral-Eclipse at Sandown (3.40) has a rich history and Saturday’s running is set to see top three-year-old Paddington take on his elders for the first time. Here we assess the main contenders for the £750,000 race . . .

Paddington

Strengths: Top-rated European three-year-old colt on Racing Post Ratings on the back of Group 1 wins in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace. Recorded highest RPR in the Ascot Group 1 since 2014 winner Kingman. Won on ground ranging from good to heavy. Benefits from 10lb weight-for-age allowance.

Weaknesses: It is hard to weigh up the Irish 2,000 Guineas form with the second and third yet to run since. Paddington, as expected, confirmed his superiority over fourth Charyn at Ascot, while the last two home – Age Of Kings and Bold Discovery – have won since but were dropped notably in grade. Paddington has to prove he stays 1m2f but there are encouraging signs on the dam’s side of the pedigree.

Odds: 11-8f

Paddington

Jky: Ryan Moore

Tnr: A P O’Brien

Emily Upjohn

Strengths: Last season’s Oaks second has won in Group 1 company the last twice, most recently landing the Coronation Cup at Epsom on her return. Has more top-level experience than main rivals Paddington and Anmaat. Potential to rate higher after just five runs outside of novice company.

Weaknesses: Has to prove her capabilities at the top level over 1m2f, having raced solely over 1m4f in Group 1s. A career-best will likely be required to beat Paddington, who is officially rated 3lb higher and in receipt of 7lb. Only one mare – Enable – has been successful in the Eclipse since 2000.

Odds: 13-8

Jky: William Buick

Tnr: John & Thady Gosden

Dubai Honour

Strengths: Two-time top-level winner in Australia and finished second in the Champion Stakes in 2021. Has gone well fresh previously and races regularly at this trip.

Weaknesses: Beaten on all three starts in British Group 1s. Seen to best effect on easier ground. A career-best performance will be required to trouble the leading fancies.

Odds: 14-1

Jky: Tom Marquand

Tnr: William Haggas

The remaining contenders

The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained West Wind Blows is the 33-1 outsider in the ante-post market but could run better than those odds suggest. He was beaten a length and a quarter when second to Pyledriver in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot last month, equalling his best RPR of 116. He appears to still be improving and cannot be totally discounted.

Verdict

By Harry Wilson

1 Emily Upjohn

2 Paddington

Emily Upjohn announced herself as a high-class filly with a nine-and-a-half length victory over this course and distance last year and, other than an uncharacteristic flop in last season’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, has done nothing but improve since.

An unlucky runner-up to Tuesday in the Oaks at Epsom in 2022, she scored at the top level for the first time when a comfortable winner of the Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot and reappeared with a decisive success in the Coronation Cup at Epsom last month.

The drop in trip shouldn’t be an issue, given the stiff nature of the track and the way she can quicken during her races, and she is still open to plenty of improvement after just five starts outside of novice company.

Paddington receives 10lb in for weight-for-age allowances (7lb from Emily Upjohn) and will be a big player if he stays, which his pedigree suggests he might.