Markus Jooste received the Equus Horse Of The Year award for Legal Eagle just months before the shocking news broke that the man with the seemingly midas touch in business was not quite what he had appeared to be.   

The Markus Jooste story had a tragic ending this week on Thursday afternoon as it has been reported he took his own life the day after being handed a R475 million fine for having made or published false, misleading or deceptive statements about Steinhoff International Holdings Limited and Steinhoff International Holdings NV.

His involvement in racing apparantly began with visits as a youngster to the Bosman Street tattersalls in Pretoria.

He later spent R100,000 to buy a horse called National Emblem, who became a sensational champion, although he was once quoted as saying he was the most expensive horse he ever bought because he was responsible for him pouring millions into horseracing.

His spending reached its height in Australia.

At his maiden Australian buying trip in 2005 he purchased a dozen youngsters for Aus$2.765 million at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast.

Among them was Giant’s Causeway colt Our Giant, who won the Gr 2 Hawaii Stakes and waltzed in by 4,25 lengths in the Gr 1 Mercury Sprint, before going on to win one minor race in Dubai.

In 2006 at that same sale he spent Aus$5,25 million.

The sales topper was Uber Rock, an $825,000 buy, who ultimately won a Listed race, finished second in a Gr 3 and third in the Gr 2 SA Fillies Nursery.

She went on to produce two Listed winners at stud, bred by the farm Jooste bought a share in, Klawervlei Stud.

In 2006 he spent Aus $3 million on one horse at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Nodoubt Deja. Tbe Redoute’s Choice colt was the second most expensive yearling ever bought in Australia at the time and today is fourth on that list. He was destined to win his maiden third time out and was retired after just five starts.

At the 2007 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast Jooste spent Aus$6.485 million on 18 yearlings.

Among them was the Rock Of Gibraltar colt Seventh Rock, who was out of a New Zealand-bred mare called Ruby Clipper, who had won the Gr 1 Allan Robertson in South Africa.

Seventh Rock went on to emulate his mother by winning the colts and geldings’ version of the Allan Robertson, the Gr 1 Gold Medallion.

Seventh Rock later sired two successive winners of the Gold Medallion, Guiness and Seventh Plain.

Jooste had phenomenal success at the Scottsville Festival Of Speed meeting, with Seventh Rock being the first of his many Gr 1 winners there.

He won Scottsville’s Gr 1 handicap race, which is currently called the Golden Horse Casino Sprint, four times in succession from 2012 to 2015 with Delago Deluxe, Contador, Normanz and Captain Of All.

Captain Of All has become a Gr 1-producing sire at Klawervlei.

Both Delago Deluxe and Captain Of All had previously joined Seventh Rock and others to have won the Gold Medallion for Jooste.

His other Gold Medallion winner were Warm White Night, Guiness, Seventh Plain, Always In Charge and Sand And Sea, although one or two of these were part-owned.

In his eights wins of the Gold Medallion, Jooste won it five time in succession from 2013 to 2017.

He also won the Allan Robertson with the part-owned All Is Secret.

His most expensive horse at the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling Sale was Merlene de Lago, bought for Aus$775,000. This talented filly won a Listed race, a Gr 3 and the Gr 2 SA Fillies Nursery in her first three starts and later finished second in the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint, but she was unfortunately temperamental and had serious starting stall issues.

The Australian forays mentioned above are just some examples of Jooste’s big spending around the world, which also included sales in Europe.

A significant sale in SA history from a retrospectively dark point of view was the 2013 Ready To Run Sale in Cape Town.

Jooste had bought a horse at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale called Brutal Force for R1.5 million.

He entered this colt by Western Winter in the Ready To Run Sale later that year with the aim of qualifying him for the Ready To Run Sales race and in a bidding war between himself and one Adrian van Vuuren had to go to a new South African record price for a public auction of R4.5 million to secure him.

Van Vuuren was also a big spender and chief challenger to Jooste’s champion owner crown, but his family had to endure the same tragedy Jooste’s family are enduring at present, because he  took his life in March 2017 after being exposed as a fraudster.

Jooste later broke the record for the highest priced yearling at a South African sale when partnering with Coolmore to secure a Silvano colt for R6 million at the 2016 Cape Premier Yearling Sale.

This colt called Silver Coin won on debut but only managed one more win in SA before being moved to Zimbabwe where he had three wins and a Gr 3 place.

Jooste did own some wonderful horses though.

The best was likely the Beaumont Stud-bred Var colt Variety Club, bought for R425,000, who is one of the greatest milers ever produced in South Africa. Of all the great horses in SA history he would likely be the number one for the asset of gatespeed.  His phenomenal gatespeed allowed him to dictate before using his terrific turn of foot in the straight. Variety Club won five Gr 1 weight for age miles in his career, including the Hong Kong Mile by an incredible four lengths, beating Hong Kong Horse Of The Year Able Friend. Variety Club was a twice Equus Horse Of The Year. At stud he was unfortunately soon proven to be infertile.

Jooste also owned the Avontuur Stud-bred Greys Inn gelding Legal Eagle, who was out of a National Emblem mare. He won the Gr 1 SA Derby, the Gr 1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate three times, the Gr 1 Horse Chesnut Stakes three times and the Gr 1 Champions Challenge once. Some of those wins were for new owners after the Steinhoff shock had been exposed, which forced Jooste to disperse all of his horses. Legal Eagle was a twice Equus Horse Of The Year.

Jooste had a single win of his hometown’s biggest race the Met with the Captain Al gelding Hill Fifty Four, who was bred by Klawervlei Stud.

He also won the Durban July once with Australian-bred The Conglomerate.

He won Johannesburg’s traditional biggest race, the Summer Cup, once also with the Tiger Ridge gelding Wagner.

Jooste also had a share in the three-times Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate in one of his few forays into jumps racing.

Jooste was a multiple champion owner in South Africa.

However, for all his big spending, he is said to have caused damage to the industry by attempting to control it, apparently using the vehicle of Phumelela, of which he was a major shareholder, to do so.

However, just how much damage he caused would be best told by those who understand both the politics and the ins and outs of the financing of horseracing.

Time For Love wins first time out the maidens over 1800m in December off a 76 merit rating (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

The lightly raced Time For Love takes on a highly competitive field of seasoned colts and geldings in the sixth event, a Cape B Stakes over 1800m, at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth tomorrow, but the 4yo daughter of Time Thief is well treated by the conditions of the race, and she could register her third career victory in only her seventh racecourse appearance.

Time for Love returned three weeks ago from a short spell on the sidelines and only just failed to match Katsu over this track and trip. She is now 2kgs better off with Lucinda Woodruff’s charge and with the benefit of that run under the belt, it is reasonable to suggest that Time For Love can turn the tables on Katsu this time around. But victory for Time For Love is no foregone conclusion as there are many in-form and hard knocking handicappers in the 13-strong field.

Gimme More Time was a recent winner over 2200m but is equally adept at this distance and must be respected. Gainsford can be a little inconsistent but rates a threat if reproducing his best form. He does have to concede a whopping 9kgs to Time For Love which may be a little tough for him. Gentlemen Joe finished fourth behind Katsu and Time For Love last time and is slightly better off at the weights. He seldom runs a bad race and can never be written off.

Allez Moris has bounced back to form in his last two starts and once again gets the services of Richard Fourie. He steps up in trip here but there is no reason why 1800m should not be within his compass. Coronation Time is as game as they come and won his most recent outing when edging home ahead of Royal Watch. The latter is now 1,5kgs better off which should be more than enough to turn the tables. Kitchakal is holding form well and should relish going this distance for the first time since August last year – a definite chance despite the steadier of 60kgs.

African Torrent can improve in only his second start for new trainer Adam Marcus while Pas De Nom is dropping down the ratings and could show a sudden return to form. The only other filly in the race, Broadway Girl, is also well in at the weights here, brings good consistent form into the race, and would not be winning out of turn. It’s a very interesting and challenging contest but Time For Love could still be improving and makes plenty of each-way appeal.

The second race on the programme, and first leg of the Bipot, sees The Abdicator go on trial against six rivals in the Cape B Stakes over 1000m. The Abdicator is being considered for a tilt at the Computaform Sprint on the Highveld in April but one would imagine that he would need to win in good style tomorrow for those plans to become a reality. Fourie steered the imported son of No Nay Never to a narrow victory over Future Variety in his penultimate start and then more recently The Abdicator was touched off by Tough Terrain when uncharacteristically held up in the early stages. The Abdicator usually goes forward from the jump, and I expect the connections will revert to giving him his head from the start tomorrow. He should prove too quick for Bluff On Bluff and Piroshka.

Looking through the card there are several brainteasers for punters, most notably the sixth, seventh and eighth races, but Ellorix (3rd Race), Plum Pudding (4th Race) and Daimyo (5th Race) appear worth following and are key runners in the exotics.

The first of nine events, a Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) over 1200m is due off at 12:20. Tuscan Romance caught the eye when second to Dark Winter on debut and Miss Argonaut has since come out to frank the form. Miss World comes out of the same form line as Tuscan Romance and can improve while In The Green Zone has been knocking at the door with three placings from as many starts, all within a length of the winner. Babelicious seems better than her below-par effort last time while My Only Weakness, Hush Money and Back At The George are interesting newcomers and any market support must be respected.

Picture: Time Fo Orchids completed a hattrick in February and will attempt to add to that at Turffontein Standside on Saturday (JC Photos)

There is some good racing at Turffontein Standside on Saturday with a MR 97 and a MR 96 for fillies and mares being he highest rated races.

In the MR97 over 2000m the progressive three-year-old Oratorio colt Viva Brazil gets the blinkers on, replacing the cheekpieces, and should make a bold bid from draw six out of ten. He has been consistent and has placed second in two starrts off his current 92 merit rating, although he did have good draws both times. Raffles is talented and should have come on from his last start, so can go close from pole position over a trip he has won over before. Trois Trois Quatre is a four-year-old who might not yet have shown his best as he always seemed to have potential to develop into a useful middle distance horse. He does have a tough draw here over this suitable trip. Poorlittlerichgirl is 1kg worse off with Trois Trois Quatre after beating him by 0,25 lengths.Home Of The Brave has a tricky draw of eight, but will relish the step up in trip and has an easier task than he had in his last two runs. Kwazzi’s Lady has dropped to a dangerous mark, just one point higher than her last winning mark, and this is an ideal course and distance. However, she is the only female in the field, although she does have a fair draw of four. Total Surrender has his third run after a layoff and could do better than his last two below par efforts as he has a plum draw here. Battleground has only run in staying races this season, but did win his maiden over 1800m in January last year. Willow’s Wish is usually thereabouts and can’t be ignored.

In the MR 96 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1000m Time Fo Orchids has a plum standside draw of ten out of ten and as one who is progressing rapidly as a sprinter is going to be hard to beat off a 100 rating that she can leave behind in time. Woman Of Power is also a talented individual, who on occasion has looked better than her current merit rating of 88. She is drawn nine and the risk averse should consider including her in the Pick 6. Virgin River is ultra quick and will be dangerous with a 4kg claimer up meaning she will be carrying just 48kg, 16kg less than Time For Orchids, so also has to be considered. Wings Within Me ran close to Golden Sickle over this distance on the Inside track back in September and the latter has won another three races since then. However, Wings Within Me was beaten four lengths by Woman Of Power over this course and distance in November and she is only 1kg better off. Ice Star has the ability to be a factor, especially with a talanted 4kg claimer up (who does ride 0,5kg overweight), but hhe number one draw is against her by trends. The enigmatic Rockets Red Glare might have benefitted from a long layoff and can be watched with interest.

The sixth race over 2000m is intriguing as it sees the progressive Marauding Horde appearing just two weeks ahead of his date in the Gr 1 SA Derby. To The Rescue is also progressive and having been green in a number of his earlier starts before getting off the mark last time he might be supplemented for the Derby if winning this one well as he has always struck as one with plenty of ability. Jordan can be included in the Pick 6 alongside those two as one who finished close to Purple Pitcher in November in an 1800m event. He was receiving 7,5kg from the latter, but that was his first try at 1800m.

The first leg of the Pick 6 sees former Cape horse Max The Otter running off a competitive mark and San Simon and Turbo Power can also be included. For wider Dreamland and What A Tiger can be considered.

In the eighth race over 1600m Mighty Goddess has talent and Muzi Yeni is an expert in overcoming wide draws. Courageous and Sound Machine make most apepal of tihe rest but Kissing Machine could also be dangerous and October Fair and Light Of Day are the hardest of the others to ignore.

In the last leg Mizzen Sail has come into her own and the form of her last two wins has worked out exceptionally well. However, the progressive Donna Mo and the distance suited Mary’s Greenlight have to be considered too.

In the first leg of the Bipot Zenobia’s Gold is the one to beat.

In the first leg of the PA Mocha Frappe caught the eye last tiime out, but has not been raced since that run in May last year. Salute the Flag, who was not disgraced in Cape Town after a good Highveld debut, can also be included.

The Abdicator is tipped to win race 2 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Gold Circle

Race 1     Competitive fillies juvenile maiden plate to open the meeting. 5 TUSCAN ROMANCE has only had the one start under the belt but she managed to finish 2nd in a competitive field which has already produced a winner when Miss Argonaut franked the formline last week. 7 MISS WORLD wasn’t too far behind her on that run and should have finished closer with better luck in running. 3 BABELICIOUS has ability and her last run is best ignored. She is more than capable to bounce back here. 10 IN THE GREEN ZONE has been consistent since her introduction to racing and should be in the shake-up. Respect betting support for any of the first timers (Devon Pretorius: 5-7-3-10)

Race 2     2 THE ABDICATOR stands out as a solid first selection over the 1000m trip. He’s been in top form of late and is one of the standout selections on the day. 4 PIROSHKA is the biggest danger despite being a while since his last win. However, he is never far off the action and can’t be ruled out. 5 DUMBLEDORE drops back to 1000m and the blinkers have come off. If he can repeat his penultimate start he can upset in this small field. 6 BLUFF ON BLUFF took off late in his last start and with a light weight again, he should be doing his best work late. (Devon Pretorius: 2-4-5-6)

Race 3     7 HANGING ROCK returns after a brief break but her last formline stands out with Lady Loxton; Love Shack and Figure Eight having franked that formline. However, using Lady Loxton as a line horse then 9 ELLORIX should have the beating of Hanging Rock as Ellorix finished second behind Lady Loxton by a nose but was conceding 4,5kgs to her in an open maiden. With racing fitness on her side, a chance is taken on Ellorix to beat Hanging Rock. Respect for 3 LISTENTOTHEOCEAN who was fancied to win last time out. 2 LUCY ROCKET can also feature in the finish having dropped slightly in trip (Devon Pretorius: 9-7-3-2)

Race 4     8 PLUM PUDDING has finished 2nd in her last two starts and looks like the one they all have to beat. She holds 2 SAINT BRIGID from that run and there should be no reason to reverse that form. 3 TICKING BOMB drops slightly in trip to 1600m after a good effort when finishing fourth over 1800m. 11 NATIONAL DISGRACE returns after a break and has a wide draw to overcome but she should be able to finish in the quartet (Devon Pretorius: 8-2-3-11)

Race 5     9 MR BELVEDERE was disappointing in his last start but with too much ground to make up and on the wrong side of the track, his last start can be ignored. He should bounce back to his best form here with the drop back to the mile. 1 APACHE CHIEF moved up well but struggled to go past when he joined alongside the leaders. He’s in good form and must be respected. 6 NOCTURNAL FLIGHT last ran in the Gold Rush as a maiden and meets a much weaker field here. He could be at a good each way price. 3 DAIMYO showed big improvement over this trip for the first time and should improve from that run (Devon Pretorius: 9-1-6-3)

Race 6     4 TIME FOR LOVE is a filly on the up having just missed out in her last start when Katsu caught her on the line. She is 2kgs better off than the latter and with further improvement to come she looks like the one they have to beat as one of the best weighted horses in the race. 7 CORONATION TIME won with front running tactics in his last start although he won’t have it as easy as he did last time, he only received a two point penalty for that win and is more than capable of following up. 11 KITCHAKAL has improved with every run in the Cape and finished second in his last start over track and trip. Respect for 1 GIMME MORE TIME and 12 KATSU who both won in their last respective starts as well and a runner like 8 ROYAL WATCH who is more than capable on his day (Devon Pretorius: 4-7-11-1)

Race 7     Competitive race with a few runners in good form and seem to be improving with every start. 9 ASPECT is the perfect example having won two in a row in comfortable fashion but has received a total of 12 points in two starts. This is his toughest task to date but he should be in the shake up. 4 OLIVER was an unlucky loser in his last start and with luck in running, he is the one to beat after Tyrion Lannister came out from that form to win the Newlands Stakes. 2 SOOTY is having his first run out the maidens but he does have ability and must be respected in his first start over 1400m. 11 MICHAEL FARADAY just managed to hold on to victory in his last start and if he can overcome the draw he should be involved. 13 DANCINGTOTHELIGHT must be respected around the turn for the first time at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth (Devon Pretorius: 4-9-2-11)

Race 8     10 SAN PEDRO ran well above his rating in his last start and wasn’t penalised for finishing second. That form has been franked twice by Wecangoallnight as well as the Newlands Stakes winner, Tyrion Lannister. 11 GREETING MY MASTER returns after a break and has always been held in high regard. With just 55kgs to shoulder and Richard Fourie in the saddle, he is a runner that must be respected if he is not in need of the run. The same can be said about 5 SCALINI who last ran in a G3 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. His form prior to that in this sort of company is can’t be ignored and can be some good value on the day. 7 FUN ZONE is taking on the boys in a handicap and does not claim the sex allowance but she is in consistent form and can feature. Watch for improvement from 8 NEVADA KING who drops in trip (Devon Pretorius: 10-11-5-7)

Race 9     6 PINEAPPLEMINTGREEN has been improving with every run of late and it seems like the penny has dropped after an impressive win when she quickened up with ease in her last start. She has only received a 3 point penalty for her win and it seems like she is more than capable of winning again off this mark. 3 NORDIC QUEST is better off at the weights and can reverse the form. 9 MIA’S HARPER ran an improved race last time out and has dropped 2 points in the ratings. She is well weighted on a few collateral formlines and it wouldn’t be surprising to see her upset the applecart. 1 GIRL LIKE US was a little disappointing last time and another chance is taken on her to bounce back. Watch for an improved run from 5 FIGURE EIGHT who drops back in trip after a few efforts around the turn (Devon Pretorius: 6-3-9-1)

The promising Marauding Horde goes for a hattrick (JC Photos)

Race 1     2 WAITFORGREENLIGHT from a middle draw and a 4kg claimer back up can confirm form with Enchanting Lady. 1 ENCHANTING LADY is knocking on the door but does have a tough low draw. 5 SMASHING is usually thereabouts but does have the tough number one draw. 3 FEATHER DANCER has improved with blinkers and can earn. (2-1-5-3)

Race 2     1 ZENOBIA’S GOLD has a good form chance here over a suitabletrip and a fair draw. 4 LIKE A BUTTERFLY improved with headgear on and can be right there from pole position. 7 ILHA DA ORANGE has a chance here based on her fair debut. 8 THE CROWN is by Rafeef out of a Horse Chestnut mare who has produced a couple of winners. (1-4-7-8)

Race 3     9 MOCHA FRAPPE has caught the eye and could win this despite returning from a ten month layoff. 4 SALUTE THE FLAG was not disgraced in Cape Town after a good Highveld debut. 1 MASTERSHIP has been close up to some fair good sorts and should be involved. 2 POLICY OF TRUTH is knocking on the door and should be in the shake up. (9-4-1-2)

Race 4     9 MAX THE OTTER is off a competitive mark and should make a bold bid. 2 SAN SIMON has run two good races over course and distance and should be right there. 4 TURBO POWER beat Max The Otter by 2,10 lengths last time and is only 1,5kg worse off. 1 DREAMLAND is talented and has a fine chance if repeating his last start. (9-2-4-1)

Race 5     Preview: 1 TIME FO ORCHIDS has developed into an exciting sprinting prospect and can make it four in a row. 6 WINGS WITHIN ME is in good form and if repeating her last run over this course and distance last September when close to Golden Sickle she will go close. 8 WOMAN OF POWER has talent and might still be able to progress. 10 VIRGIN RIVER is very quick and sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and with a 4kg claimer up. (1-6-8-10)

Race 6     3 MARAUDING HORDE is a progressive sort who can make it three on the trot over a suitable course and distance. 7 TO THE RESCUE is on the up and starts handicapping off a reasonable mark. 1 JORDAN has an easier task than last time and on pedigree will enjoy the step up in trip. 2 THE BRIEF won well last time and can’t be ignored. (3-7-1-2)

Race 7     9 VIVA BRAZIL is a progressive sort and distance suited but does have a tricky draw. 2 RAFFLES is talented and should have come on fromhis last start so can go close from pole position. 5 TROIS TROIS QUATRE could still improve but does have a tough draw over this suitable trip. 8 POORLITTLERICHGIRL is 1kg worse off with Trois Trois Quatre after beating him by 0,25 lengths. (9-2-5-8)

Race 8     6 MIGHTY GODDESS is a decent sort and will enjoy the step back to the mile but she does have a tough draw. 7 COURAGEOUS is 2,5kg better off with Might Goddess for a 4,75 lengths beating and would have improved a bit being a three-year-old. 4 SOUND MACHINE won easily last time go get out the maidens and could continue to progress. 5 KISSING MACHINE won well in the maidens and also has scope for impovement. (6-7-4-5)

Race 9     9 MIZZEN SAIL’s recent form has worked out well and he can go in again from a good draw. 8 DONNA MO is progressive but the step down in trip might not suit. 1 MARY’S GREENLIGHT should enjoy this trip and has an easier task than her last two. 7 ELEMBEE will enjoy the trip but does have a tough draw. (9-8-1-7)

Celestial City is pictured winning in his only previous raid of KZN, in a 1400m event at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, and the well related Silvano colt will attempt to land black type in the Listed Kings Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The Highveld autumn season finishes up with their big meeting at Turffontein on Saturday, April 6 and with Champions Season on the horizon and many of the Western Cape raiders already in their stables at Summerveld racing locally will start to hot up.

The Kings Cup, a Listed event over a mile on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday, sees Sean Tarry looking for some black type to boost the stallion prospects of Celestial City who comes from a blue-blooded pedigree including being a full brother to champions Rainbow Bridge and Hawwaam. He has not reached the heady heights of his siblings but he only has 53.5kg to shoulder from a plum draw and looks primed for his sixth victory.

Winter Games is likely to start at lengthy odds for Mike Miller but had some promising form in smart company before a lay-off. This is his third run back where he has shown signs of coming to hand and could be the surprise package. Narina Trogon was comfortably beaten by Imilenzeyokududuma when last they met but the former is now 4kg better off in the weights which should be enough to turn the tables. Trainer Lucky Houdalakis makes the trip from the Vaal with Laguna Verde who boast some fair Highveld form when blinkered. Watch the market here.

In the first, Paul Lafferty was confident that the striking grey The Ghost would run a good race on debut and but for racing green she could have pulled it off. She gets another chance here and can go one better. The Mike Miller-trained Magical View has had the benefit of experience with two starts under her girth. She was staying on nicely last run behind a Highveld raider and looks a threat.

There is not too much exposed form to go on in the opening leg of the Bi-Pot but Mike Miller could hold the key as he saddles half of the ten-runner field. Ethereal View is the choice of stable rider Tristan Godden and goes the turn for the first time but has consistent form down the straight. She could face stiff opposition from Grand Occasion who started at long odds for Michael Roberts on debut. She is sure to have come on from that run.

On paper Louise Goosen’s filly Emerald Green looks held by both Sweet Julia and Head Girl, both finishing in front of her last time out. However, Emerald Green, blinkered for the first time, only arrived on the scene late and with Richard Fourie staying aboard the tables may be turned. Sweet Julia was also running on nicely so must be a big runner but favourite Head Girl was running on empty late. However, that race was on the poly and the switch to turf could suit her better.

A tricky maiden opens the Pick 6. Run To Rio has drawn a little wide but has improved in two starts with blinkers and was close-up on both occasions. The extra furlong should suit. Captain Marsala has not been out of the money since racing in blinkers but has drawn widest of all. He does look held by Run To Rio on their previous meeting but should still be competitive. However, they may both have to beat Gorgeous Guy wo was a late starter but improved nicely on his debut effort over course and distance and with a better draw than the other more experienced runners he could pull this one off helped by Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance. Spelling Bee makes his local debut for Dean Kannemeyer coming off some fair Cape Town form. He is one to watch in the market.

The fifth is a tricky handicap but Andre Nel’s filly Rafeef’s Choice shoulders top weight but has been in good form since returning from a break and she has her third run after a rest. Fort J’Adore has been consistent and goes well this trip. She should be right there for Wendy Whitehead who’s stable is in good form. Miss Gibson has the worst of the draw but goes very well for Nicholas Patel and she can finish in the money again.

Gladatorian looks well weighed in this Pinnacle Stakes event that makes up the sixth and Stuart Ferrie’s smart gelding looks the part from his pole position draw. Tarry sends out Swing Upon A Star who will have his supporters after his last win and smart apprentice James Lihaba claiming his 1.5kg. Tony Rivalland has always rated Coin Spinner as a useful sprinter and has engaged Richard Fourie for the ride. The gelding’s last win was on this course with Fourie up beating Pray For Rain who has the worst of the draw but Carl Hewitson has entered him for the Gr1 Computaform Sprint on April 6 and this looks like a warm-up run.

The eight is a difficult handicap to call with any confidence but Garth Puller’s runner Pascali was making good headway from some way off the pace when third last time out. Teichman finished ahead of him that day but was one-paced over the last furlong as the winner stretched away. Back on turf with Fourie staying with the ride the tables could be turned. Iron Will tries for a hat-trick of wins after leading all the way last time out. He has a furlong extra to travel but cannot be written off lightly. Manic Monday takes on males but does have the best of the draw and looks the pick of Paul Lafferty’s two runners as she steps back to a mile with looks to be more within her compass.

In the last, Galaxy Explorer has not been far back when taking on stronger at recent starts and Rivalland has declared blinkers and appears to have picked the right race. Khanyisa Indlela is seldom far back and goes well over course and distance. He did well from a tough draw last time out on the poly. Tobacconist does not appear to like the poly so his last run is possibly best ignored. He had good form prior to that on the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf and must come into the picture.

Hong Kong’s traditionally most prestigious local race, the Gr 1 Hong Kong Derby, takes place on Sunday and Massive Sovereign looks the one to beat (Picture: HKJC) 

Race 1: #7 Divano, #5 Geneva, #3 Must Go, #2 Fun N Glory
Race 2: #4 Good Good, #1 Sky Heart, #2 Second To None, #8 Chater Gold
Race 3: #8 Silver Spur, #2 Always Fluke, #4 Fast As Rocket, #10 Less Is More
Race 4: #2 Mister Dapper, #4 Beer Palace, #10 Joyful Prosperity, #5 Volcanic Spark
Race 5: #8 My Flying Angel, #2 Ka Ying Rising, #5 Prawns Eleven, #1 Goko Win
Race 6: #1 Loyal Bo Bo, #10 Sky Trust, #12 Spicy Gold, #11 Smiling Collector
Race 7: #7 Massive Sovereign, #2 Helios Express, #4 Chill Chibi, #5 Ensued
Race 8: #2 Howdeepisyourlove, #8 Invincible Sage, #6 Nervous Witness, #9 Flying Ace
Race 9: #4 Sweet Encounter, #2 C P Brave, #5 Packing Hurricane, #6 Columbus County
Race 10: #14 Aeroinvincible, #2 Green N White, #3 Fun Together, #8 Patch Of Theta

Race 1: Furore Handicap (1st Section)

#7 Divano is first-up in Hong Kong. He’s trialled well and looks set to make an impact on debut, that is, as long as he can off the wide gate. Take a chance on him. #5 Geneva has finished second twice across two starts in Hong Kong. He’s clearly got ability and has shown that he’s a winner in waiting. #3 Must Go is suited in this grade and he can make his presence felt. The inside draw suits with six-time champion jockey Zac Purton up. #2 Fun N Glory is next in line.

Race 2: Fay Fay Handicap (1st Section)

#4 Good Good makes his debut. He comes from the right stable and gets the services of Ryan Moore this weekend. Slight concern from the wide draw, however, his latest trial was sound. #1 Sky Heart is chasing back-to-back wins. He was impressive last start and gets another chance in the grade this weekend. #2 Second To None has some talent and he’s heading in the right direction as a one-time winner from four starts in Hong Kong. #8 Chater Gold mixes his form but the ability is definitely there. Next best.

Race 3: Ping Hai Star Handicap (2nd Section)

#8 Silver Spurs makes his debut. He appears to have some ability and his latest trial effort at Conghua was solid after a slow beginning. He could be value in this contest. #2 Always Fluke has an ideal draw and the talent to win this weekend. William Buick hops up and he can easily bounce this guy back to his best form. #4 Fast As Rocket is better than his record suggests. He was training well until that lacklustre debut effort. #10 Less Is More is lightly raced but continues to show improvement. Keep safe.

Race 4: Luger Handicap

#2 Mister Dapper caught the eye last start. He closed off nicely that day and has the capabilities to improve again. He’s a winner already over this course and distance, too. #4 Beer Palace has continued to develop with each and every start he’s made. He’s progressing the right way and has the ideal draw this weekend. #10 Joyful Prosperity is yet to win but clearly has the capacity to do so. Zac Purton hops up and he gets one of his better chances here. #5 Volcanic Spark is next in line.

Race 5: Werther Handicap

#8 My Flying Angel was crowded on debut and he can improve following that effort. He showed a bit of ability that day and should get an opportunity again here. #2 Ka Ying Rising continues to take forward steps as a two-time winner from four starts. He has the form behind him to win here, although, he’ll be a short-priced favourite to do so, suggesting the value lies elsewhere. #5 Prawns Eleven surprised with victory last start. He has the right draw to make another impact. #1 Goko Win has the class-edge.

Race 6: Sky Darci Handicap (2nd Section)

#1 Loyal Bo Bo is chasing back-to-back wins. He was an enormous victor last start and he remains in the same grade following that effort. Hugh Bowman rides this weekend and he is the clear top pick. #10 Sky Trust is lightly raced but capable. He’s been showing significant improvement each and every start. #12 Spicy Gold is another who has been racing well without winning. He must overcome the draw, however. #11 Smiling Collector is next in line.

Race 7: BMW Hong Kong Derby

#7 Massive Sovereign burst onto the scene with a dazzling debut victory. He’s classy and will prove hard to beat if he can follow that effort up with another here. #2 Helios Express has been the benchmark across the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series. Slight concern from the gate, especially as he tends to overdo it mid-race. #4 Chill Chibi is the value runner. He has some serious untapped ability and can improve stepping up in trip. #5 Ensued likes the track and trip. He can make his presence felt in a big, big way.

Race 8: Rapper Dragon Handicap

#2 Howdeepisyourlove is a classy sprinter and he won well last start. He only needs to repeat that effort here to suggest he’ll be hard to beat, especially if he gets a hot tempo, which will suit. #8 Invincible Sage falls into a similar category. He ran well last start and can build on that effort this weekend. #6 Nervous Witness is going for back-to-back wins. He’s returned in stellar form, however, he’ll have competition as he vies for the lead. #9 Flying Ace can make his presence felt. He’s honest and usually competitive.

Race 9: Designs On Rome Handicap

#4 Sweet Encounter steps back in grade. He’s raced well in Class 2 and should appreciate the dip in class this weekend. Zac Purton goes aboard and he’s the one they all must beat. #2 C P Brave has found form once again as a two-time winner from his past four starts. James McDonald knows the horse and he’s a threat in this grade. #5 Packing Hurricane and Harry Bentley have a super record together. He was a strong winner by two lengths last start. #6 Columbus County is next in line.

Race 10: Ambitious Dragon Handicap

#14 Aeroinvincible is seeking consecutive wins. He’s hit the ground running across two starts in Hong Kong and his best can overcome this group. He has several rating points still in hand. #2 Green N White has two wins already this season. He goes about his racing the right way and gets another super chance to win again here. #3 Fun Together has a tidy record and boasts a trio of wins this term. #8 Patch Of Theta broke through in fine style last start. He can continue to advance.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Glen Kotzen-trained Varsfontein Stud-bred Gimmethegreenlight gelding Countdown retained his Listed East Cape  Cup Sprint crown at Fairview today under Denis Schwarz for owners P Bamford, W N Frost & W Luthi (Pauline Herman Photography)

Richard Fourie rode a treble for Alan Greeff on the Fairview turf today, including winning the Listed East Cape Guineas.

Luyolo Mxothwa rode a double for Sharon Kotzen.

Fourie is now on 225 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 21.99%.

His projected number of wins for the season is now 248.

Mxothwa is on 57 wins at 10.11%.

Greeff is now on 84 wins at 15.19%.

He is now only three behind East Cape championship leader Gavin Smith.

Sharon Kotzen is on 23 wins at 8.13%.

The subject is pictured above (Sportpix.com.au)  

Who was the most expensive yearling ever bought in Australia?

$5million – Redoute’s Choice colt from Helsinge.

The half-brother to Black Caviar and All Too Hard was a show stopper at the 2013 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale when purchased by BC3 Thoroughbreds. Sadly, the colt did not live long enough to be named, having been put down as the result of a mystery infection later that year.