Racegoers are always in a state of excited anticpation at this time of the season because the Champions Season is just around the corner and will bring top class racing culminating in the Hollywoodbets Durban July (Picture: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media)

The countdown to the South African Champions Season has begun and Hollywoodbets has this week confirmed a stakes injection of an incredible R10,6 million over the duration of Champions Season.

One of the world’s premier horseracing festivals, showcasing an impressive array of 38 graded stakes races, 13 of which are at the elite Grade 1 level, the three-month extravaganza kicks off on Saturday, 4 May at the Theatre of Champions, Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban.

The annual spectacle of horseracing excellence is steeped in tradition, and reaches a heady climax with the running of Africa’s greatest horseracing event, the R5-million Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July, on Saturday 6 July. The action-packed season will once again grab the attention of racing fans from around the world, as the very best of South Africa’s thoroughbreds go head to head for championship honours.

Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager Devin Heffer said that the raising of the ‘stakes’ would herald a fitting finale to a South African racing season that has already been characterised by some scintillating performances in the Cape and on the Highveld.

“We are proud to play a role in once again encouraging the participation of raiders from around the country to set up their stables on the East Coast for the big season. Minor races have also received a boost, making KZN the place to race. We look forward to enjoying the best of the best battle it out over the next 4 months, and given the timing, the SA Champions Season is effectively the gamechanger as we look forward to the stars being honoured at the Equus Awards at the start of the new term,” added Heffer.

Gold Circle Marketing Executive Stephen Marshall echoed the Hollywoodbets viewpoint, and notably added that the stakes injection marks KZN racing’s highest ever feature race stakes for Champions Season, a benchmark that was previously set in 2019, in the pre-Covid days.

“We thank Hollywoodbets for their unwavering support of the sport of horseracing in South Africa, and particularly here in KwaZulu-Natal, where they have once again assisted us to maintain the prestige associated with the pinnacle season of South African horseracing,” said Marshall.

The SA Champions Season action kicks off with the running of the Grade 2 WSB Guineas and Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas, preceded by the traditional season opener, the Grade 2 Independent on Saturday Drill Hall Stakes, which is sponsored by Independent Newspapers.

With a feature race total stake of nearly R35-million, South Africa’s Champions Season is set to attract the crème de la crème, all vying for prestigious titles and prizes, including the coveted R5-million Hollywoodbets Durban July. Renowned for a diverse programme catering to all age groups and thoroughbred categories, Champions Season offers the ultimate test for juveniles, 3 year-olds and older horses, across a variety of bumper race days.

The Golden Horse Sprint meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 1 June stands out with its four R1-million Grade 1 sprint events, showcasing thrilling contests over 1 200m.

While top-class events unfold each weekend, Champions Season reserves five major race dates for the most exhilarating showdowns in the country. They range from the lightning-fast sprints, to the premier middle-distance clashes, such as the R2-million Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge over 1600m, and the sophomore showdown of the R2-million Grade 1 Daily News 2000 and the R1,5-million Grade 1 Tabgold Woolavington 2000. These races have consistently produced champions, and each year feature as stepping stones for some of the major Hollywoodbets Durban July contenders.

The season reaches a pinnacle on 6 July with the world-renowned Hollywoodbets Durban July Day, drawing massive crowds for a spectacular showcase of horseracing excellence, against the background of the 2024 fashion theme, ‘Ride The Wave’. Alongside the main event, the R1,5-million Grade 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes and other thrilling races highlight the day’s festivities.

Following the climax of Hollywoodbets Durban July day, racegoers have three weeks to catch their breath before the season’s grand finale at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday 28 July. Super Sunday hosts South Africa’s premier marathon event, the R1-million World Pool Gold Cup, alongside the R1,5-million HKJC Champions Cup and three other potential championship game changing Grade 1 races, and captivating juvenile contests.

Champions Season 2024 promises an unforgettable experience for racing enthusiasts, blending tradition, excitement, and top-tier competition that will once again reaffirm KwaZulu-Natal’s status as the unrivalled racing capital of South Africa.

National Horseracing Authority Press Release

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 “𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗖𝗢𝟮 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀” 𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟲 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 (𝗧 𝗭𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆) 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝟭𝟬.

A total of 55 horses were tested before they raced on Saturday at Turffontein and all, bar Prime Example in Race 10, were found to have blood TCO2 levels below the accepted published threshold of 36.0 mmol/L.

While the NHA has been testing pre-race TCO2 levels in randomly selected runners on racedays for some time now, a new testing procedure was recently implemented by the NHA. All stakeholders in the South African Raing Industry were notified of the new procedure and reminded of the accepted thresholds of TCO2 levels via a General Notice, on 15 March 2024, which can be viewed on our website. The new procedure allows for the immediate analysis of any pre-race blood samples, before any of the horses from which the specimens are collected, participate in the races they have been carded to run in.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹?
Trainers will be officially notified, on racedays, as to which of their runners need to be presented for the collection pre-race blood specimens. Should a Trainer refuse to allow a blood specimen to be taken, the horse in question will be scratched, as per Rule 75.3.2. The blood specimen will be collected 50 minutes prior to the start of the race the horse is carded to run in, and it will be analysed immediately. Should the analysis of the specimen show that the horse has a TCO2 concentration of more than 35.0 mmol/L, a second blood specimen will be collected, between 10 and 15 minutes later. If the TCO2 concentration of the second blood specimen is 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟯𝟲.𝟬 𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗹/𝗟, the Stewards will scratch the horse from the race it is carded to run in and detain that horse for additional specimen collection. Under these circumstances, a third blood specimen will be collected 30 minutes later. If the TCO2 concentration of that third specimen is less than, or equal to, the international threshold of 36.0 mmol/L, no penalty shall be imposed on the Trainer. The horse in question may also have further specimens taken for the full analytical testing of all Prohibited Substances.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗛𝗔 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗖𝗢𝟮 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀?
The pre-race administration of alkalinising agents before a race is of concern to racing authorities across the world, because the resulting alkalosis of the horse’s system may enhance performance and could interfere with the detection of any Prohibited Substances in post-race urine samples. The pre-race administration of sodium bicarbonate to a horse running in a race is a practice widely known as “milkshaking”. It is thought by some that giving this treatment, either by oral route or via a naso-gastric tube between 3 to 5 hours prior to a horse running in a race, that the horse’s perfomance may be enhanced, due to increasing the blood buffering capacity and enhancing the clearance of lactate from the muscles, delaying the onset of fatigue in a horse during strenuous activity. The ingestion of sodium bicarbonate in the hours immediately prior to strenuous activity or vigourous exercise maintains blood pH, by acting as a buffer, thus preventing metabolic acidosis. For this reason, the administration of sodium bicarbonate in the hours prior to racing, is generally viewed as performance enhancing. The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) has determined that the threshold limit for pre-race blood TCO2 levels is 36.0 mmol/L and anything above that, regardless of cause, will be a violation of both IFHA and NHA Rules.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲:
𝟲 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 : 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻 : 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝟭𝟬 :
𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗:
a) PRIME EXAMPLE was selected for the taking of specimens (TCO2) testing.
The initial specimen, which was tested at 16H19, revealed a reading above 35 TCO2
mmol/L. Trainer Zackey was interviewed and advised that, in terms of the Procedure for Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) analysis on Raceday, a second blood specimen would be taken and if this specimen confirmed a level of more than 36.0 mmol/L, PRIME EXAMPLE would be withdrawn from its race. During the interval between Races 9 and 10, Trainer T Zackey was interviewed again and was informed that the second blood specimen had confirmed a level of above the international threshold of 36 mmol/L and that consequently PRIME EXAMPLE would be scratched from this race in terms of the provisions of Rules 72.1.23; 4.2.14 and 4.2.18.

Carry On Alice during her racing days in SA, where she won five Gr 1s (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

It has been a fine few days for South African-breds in Australia.

On Saturday a horse called Celestial Legend by the top stallion Dundeel won his second successive Gr 1 and is now the highest rated three-year-old in the country. He is the grandson of the South African-bred superstar sprinter National Colour, who won three Gr 1s in succession in South Africa, before going overseas and finishing a close second in the iconic sprint race, the Gr 1 Nunthorpe. National Colour is also the dam of Rafeef, who showed what an amazingly versatile stallion he is on Saturday with his son Thunderstruck winning the Gr 1 Jonsson Workwear Computaform Sprint and his daughter Frances Ethel winning the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks. Furthemore, his former Gr 1 SA Derby-winning son Aragosta finished third in the Gr 1 World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge. Over in Australia, the Les Bridges-trained Celestial Legend, who is out of National Colour’s Snitzel daughter Sarraqa, won the Gr 1 Randwick Guineas on March 9, and on Saturday he won the Gr 1 Aus$4million The Star Doncaster Mile, a Randwick handicap race which had its inaugural running over 150 years ago in 1866. National Colour is by National Assembly and was bred by advocate Altus Joubert.

Also over the weekend at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, the former Equus Champion Sprinter and Champion Older Female Carry On Alice had a Snitzel filly going for Aus$ 775,000. Carry on Alice was by the late champion stallion Captain Al and was bred by the multiple champion breeders, Klawervlei Stud, whose success was built around  Captain Al. One of the world’s leading breedsrs Arrowfield Stud consigned Carry On Alcie’s filly as agent and then bought her.

Carry On Alice had a colt by Snitzel at this sale last year that went for Aus$ 1.1 million.

The previous year she had a colt by Snitzel going for Aus$ 400,000.

In 2021 she had a colt by Snitzel going for Aus$ 700,000.

Royal Victory and Winchester Mansion fight it out on Saturday (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Royal Victory and Winchester Mansion have been raised to merit ratings of 125 and 124 respectively following their first and second place finishes in the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge on Saturday.

Winchester Mansion carried the minimum for a male when winning last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July of 53kg and this year will have to carry 56kg as things stand with See It Again on a merit rating of 132.

Royal Victory has to carry 56,5kg as things stand.

However, there task will be slightly easier than previous older horses who had to carry that weight.

A new July condition sees the minimum weight for a male older horse being raised from 53kg to 54kg and from 52kg to 53kg for older females.

The minimum weight for three-year-0lds remains the same, 53kg for males and 52kg for females.

Handicapping Ratings Update 

World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge (Grade 1)

ROYAL VICTORY has had his rating increased from 119 to 125 after coming from off the pace to win the World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge (Grade 1) over 2000m at the Turffontein Standside Track on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the view that 3rd placed ARAGOSTA made for the most suitable line horse and as such his rating remains unchanged on 118.

2nd WINCHESTER MANSION sees his rating raised from 121 to 124 after finishing half a length behind the now 125 rated winner ROYAL VICTORY.

There were no other upward adjustments in this race, however, SAFE PASSAGE was the only runner to receive a drop in ratings. His rating goes down slightly to 115 from 116.

Tab SA Derby (Grade 1)

PURPLE PITCHER remains unchanged on a rating of 120 after capturing the Grade 1 Tab SA Derby over 2450m at Turffontein on Saturday. Here it was the runner-up PURE PREDATOR who was deemed to be the most suitable line horse, leaving him unchanged on 116. In rating the race this way, PURPLE PITCHER only runs to a mark of 116, hence his unaltered rating.

3rd placed MONDIAL, was adjusted to 115 from 105 having finished 0.15 of a length behind PURE PREDATOR.

Notwithstanding the fact that the top 4 highest rated horses contested the finish in the race, the Handicappers took a conservative view of the rest of the horses here, as it was felt that this race was run at a sub optimal pace, with the time of the race being 160.38 seconds over the 2450m trip. Consequently, the race produced a compact finish and the Handicappers felt that this may flatter some of the performances of the other runners. Accordingly, TAXHAVEN was only adjusted to 96 despite running to considerably higher, having finished only 2.75 behind the 116 rated line horse at level weights.

HOTARUBI was the only runner in this race to receive a drop in ratings and goes down to 114 from 116 after twice failing to confirm his performance figure of 116 he achieved in the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas.

Jonsson Workweak Computaform Sprint (Grade 1)

THUNDERSTRUCK remains unchanged on 124 after winning the Jonsson Workwear Computaform Sprint (Grade 1) over 1000m at Turffontein on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the opinion that THUNDERSTRUCK himself made for the most suitable line horse, hence his unchanged rating.

There were upward adjustments for four runners in this race. 3rd placed RULERSHIP was adjusted to 119 from 115, while 4th placed KISS ME CAPTAIN was increased to 112 from 110. IPHIKO goes up to 111 from 108 and lastly, ZIYASHA was adjusted to 116 from 114.

No runner received a rating’s drop in this race.

Tab Empress Club Stakes (Grade 1)

GIMME A NOTHER remains unchanged on a rating of 125 after winning the Tab Empress Club Stakes (Grade 1) over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday. The Handicappers were unanimous in their view that long-time leader HUMDINGER made for the most suitable line horse to rate this race. Accordingly, her rating remains unchanged on 116. In rating the race this way, 5th place finisher PERFECT WITNESS also runs to her mark of 105, effectively making her a line horse as well.

There were no increases in ratings of any runner in this race. 4th place finisher GILDED BUTTERFLY was the sole runner to receive a rating’s drop and goes down slightly to 108 from 109.

Wilgersbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks (Grade 2)

The hugely progressive FRANCES ETHEL has had her rating increased from a mark of 94 to 118 after winning the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks over 2450m at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the opinion that the runner up MY SOUL MATE made for the most suitable line horse, and she remains on a mark of 115.

Three other runners received increases in their ratings. 4th placed BEATING WINGS, went from 108 to 112 after finishing 2.00 lengths behind the 115 rated line horse here. The Handicappers also noted that BEATING WINGS ran to a 112 in the Grade 1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic when it ran 5th behind GIMME A NOTHER. She was only adjusted to a rating of 108 on that occasion as it was taken into consideration that she only finished 5th in a field of 9 runners, and the Handicappers opted not to take that performance literally. However, the Handicappers were comfortable to adjust her to 112, having now confirmed that level in the Grade 2 Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks.

EXPLOSIVE BOND received a partial increase from 90 to 96. The only other runner to be adjusted was BE REAL, who was rated to run last of 10 but finished in 7th position, goes up to 83 from 76 despite running to considerably higher. This adjustment ensures that she will meet the 82 rated MOUNT ETNA on correct terms should they meet in a handicap, having beaten that rival here at level weights.

There were no rating’s drop for any runner in the race.

TAB Hawaii Stakes (Grade 2)

SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT remained on a mark of 123 after winning the Grade 2 TAB Hawaii Stakes over 1400m at Turffontein on Saturday. Here it was 4th placed CELTIC RUMOURS, who was used to rate the race and she remained on a rating of 106.

In rating the race this way, the winner only achieves a rating of 121. The only runner to receive a ratings increase was the runner up LUCKY LAD, who went from 117 to 119.

AT MY COMMAND is down from 124 to 119 after failing to confirm the 124 rating he achieved in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes in four subsequent starts. The only other runner to receive a drop was ANFIELDS ROCKET, who is down 2 from 115 to 113.

4Racing Caradoc Gold Cup (Listed)

RULE BOOK had his rating only increased to 96 from 90 even though running to a higher mark here after winning the Listed 4 Racing Caradoc Gold Cup over 2850m on Saturday. It should be noted that due to the specific conditions of the race, the winner can only receive a maximum of 6 points and placed runners a maximum of 3 points. The Handicappers were of the view that 4th placed BREEZE OVER made for the most suitable line horse and remained unchanged on 93.

The only other runner to receive a ratings increase was POSITIVE ATTITUDE, who finished 4.80 lengths ahead of the line horse and goes up to 89 from 86 even though he ran to a much higher mark here.

NEBRAAS was the only runner to receive a drop in ratings and is down to 111 from 112.

Variety Club Mile (Grade 3)

RASCALLION remained on a mark of 122 after winning the Grade 3 Variety Club Mile over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. Here it was 5th placed WECANGOALLNIGHT who was used to rate this race and remained on a mark of 109. In rating the race this way, the winner only run to a mark of 120.

No less than three horses received increases in ratings. The runner up PORT LOUIS, who was unlucky in running went up to 111 from 109. Both 4th placed FUTURE PRINCE and 6th placed GREETING MY MASTER received partial rating increases from 95 to 101 and 88 to 95 respectively.

Two runners received rating drops, MONTIEN is down to 116 from 119 and SOMERSET MAUGHAM drops to 100 from 102.

Sweet Chestnut Stakes (Listed)

PRINCESS IZZY has had her rating increased from 91 to 99 after winning the Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday. The Handicappers were of the view that 4th placed KYALAMI GIRL made for the most suitable line horse here and she remained on a mark of 91.

The only other runner to receive a rating increase was MY FLOWER FATE, who went to 87 from 85 after running on well from the back of the field.

Four runners received a drop in ratings, SIDDELEY is down to 92 from 95, LADY MISTICO goes to 85 from 87, FUN ZONE drops to 90 from 92 and lastly TRIP TO MAPUTO drops from 89 to 87.

An emotional Debbie Kepitis signs for the official sale of Winx’s first live foal at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sales. (Picture: The Age.com.au)

Debbie Kepitis is the popular part-owner of Winx and is now the sole owner of the legendary mare’s only living daughter to date.

Winx’s daughter fetched a record Aus$10 million at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale  on Monday.

The previous world record for a yearling filly was 5 million guineas (Aus$9 million) in Europe in 2013.

The previous highest priced yearling sold in Australia was A$5 million for a half-brother to Black Caviar in 2013.

The previous sale record for a yearling filly in Australia was $2.6 million in 2012, which was a half-sister to Black Caviar, by Redoute’s Choice.

The buyer of the Aus$10 million Pierro yearling filly, Debbie Kepitis, was a member of the partnership who had put her up for auction.

Debbie Kepitis raced the wonderhorse Winx with two other partners and still owns a third of her.

One of the other two has since passed away and his family inherited the shareholding.

Therefore, in order to break the partnership in the yearling filly she needed to be sold at the auction.

Debbie was initially going to sell her share too, but had a change of heart and revealed to racing.com, “I didn’t come here to buy this horse originally. We put her up for auction and then in the last few weeks, the family started to miss our ‘granddaughter’, so we decided that, as best we could, if we could get her, we would.”

“I’m privileged to be able to secure this filly on behalf on my family. She’s Australian forever and she’s going to be just fabulous. Hopefully she’ll do a Winx, but it doesn’t matter if she doesn’t.”

As she owned a third of the filly before the auction she would have had to fork out Aus$6.6 million to secure her.

That would still constitute an Australian record for a yearling anyway.

However, Debbie can afford it.

She is the daughter of the late Jack Ingham.

The Ingham empire started in 1918 when Jack’s father started in poultry with a cockerel and four hens. Folklore has it that the cockerel was called Big Jack.

His sons Bob and Jack Ingham built the company into the largest producer of chickens and turkeys in Australia.

Ingham Enterprises Pty Limited was sold in 2014 for A$880 million.

Walter Ingham had had an interest in breeding horses and, in addition to the poultry business, the brothers also inherited a broodmare named Valiant Rose. The mare was a descendant of the great British racehorse Bend Or, an Epsom Derby winner and Champion broodmare sire. The Ingham brothers used Valiant Rose to begin building what became a A$250 million breeding and racing operation, the largest in Australia. Their equine empire included Woodlands Stud at Denman in the Hunter Valley, Crown Lodge racing stables at Warwick Farm Racecourse, Sydney and Carbine Lodge racing stables at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, plus racing stables in Adelaide and Brisbane. The most famous of the Inghams’ successful horses was Octagonal, the 1996 Australian Horse of the Year and a winner of multiple Group One races including the Cox Plate and the Australian Derby.

The Woodland Stud operation was sold to Dubai’s ruler, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, for $500 million (according to wikipedia) in 2008.

Debbie Kepitis could therefore afford to say about Winx’s daughter, “Hopefully she can get to the racetrack, and if she can’t, she will be an amazing mum.”

However, more importantly, the Australian racing public are thrilled that Winx’s only living daughter to date will stay in Australia and be owned by a truly great horseracing family who always put the horse first.

Knight Warrior has been tipped to win the 7th (Candiese Lenferna Photography). 

Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)

The Hollywoodbets Greyville poly track is back in business today and Highveld raiders could muddy the picture. However, barring boil-overs, it could be a punter-friendly meeting.

The first is a weak handicap maiden but Doin’ Time can overcome a wide draw as he comes from a much in form stable and has made steady recent improvement. First time blinkers can see him home. Visiting Feather Dancer takes on males but her last run is best ignored as she was making steady progress before that. The switch to poly could be the answer. Noble Warrior has shown signs of coming to hand and should be competitive in this line-up while stable companion Castle Mey switches to the poly and with a light weight can go close.

Candice Dawson makes the trip from Gauteng with Karoo Gold and it could pay dividends to follow in the first leg of the Place Accumulator. The colt has been knocking at the door at his last two in blinkers and the switch to poly should suit. Of the balance, Fire Force has been improving all the time and enjoyed the step up in trip last time out and Garth Puller’s yard is in good form. Rock Of Bismantova was much improved last time out and horses from this yard always need to be respected.

The opening leg of the Pick 6 could prove tricky. Flag Man has had a short break but beat a fair field first up out of the maiden. He only took a three-pound rise in the handicap and can follow up in this company of set weights although he does switch to the poly for the first time. Ancient World has been consistent in fair company and stays the trip well.  His last two were on the poly and from a good draw he must be a big runner for Mike Miller. Royal Swan Master comes off some useful Cape form and his maiden win came on the poly.

Purple Powahouse looks the obvious choice in the fourth. He is from a very much in form stable and has been in good form over course and distance. He meets a modest field and could be difficult to beat. However, Sakhala Is’Cathulo may have a big weight but has not been far back in his two post maiden efforts. He takes a big drop in class and if he takes to the poly he will be a serious contender.

Dean Kannemeyer sends out Lou Lou The Legend in the fifth who has his third run after a lengthy break and should strip at his peak. He does well on the poly. Zoombomber and Eventador meet again in just over a week. The two fought out a close finish with Eventidor coming out on top. However, he is anow 1,5kg worse off at the weights so Corne Spies’ runner can turn the tables. Action Stations needed his last run and is back on his favourite surface. If anywhere near his best he will be a runner for Paul Lafferty while veteran Forest Jump takes a drop in class and with Rachel Venniker claiming her 1.5kg allowance he should be competitive.

Brave Voyager has not been far back in second at his last two and meets a modest field in the sixth. He looks the part for Dennis Bosch. Preemptive Strike has been up against much stronger at recent outings and could be a threat. He has a big weight but the drop in class can see him go close in this line-up. Quick Star has come down in the ratings and although his current form is nothing to write home about, he has a good draw and a useful 4kg claimer aboard. He is one to watch.

Knight Warrior can give Dennis Bosch back-to-back winners. The gelding goes well on the poly and has been in good form of late. He meets a modest field and should go close. Laughing William ran way below form last start after showing fair Highveld form prior to that. He takes to the poly for the first time and at best could foil the chances of a Bosch double. Mariachi Madness visits from the Highveld with no current form to speak of. But he has the best of the draw and Clinton Binda has engaged Muzi Yeni. He could be the spook in the field.

Just Be Nice could be nice to punters as she has been up against much stronger on the Highveld. Narrowly beaten last start, if she takes to the poly Candice Dawson’s mare could prove difficult to beat. Contra Fiscum has a wide draw to contend with but has her first run for a new stable. Craig Zackey rides and the extra furlong should suit.  Poursomesugaronme and Dollar A Dime meet again with the latter 1kg better off. There should not be much between them again.

Simply Maverick has three wins, a second and a third in his last five starts (Picture: HKJC) 

Luke Middlebrook (HKJC)

Progressive four-year-old Simply Maverick, with Zac Purton in the irons, will relish a return to his happy hunting ground in Wednesday’s Class 3 event over 1650m at Happy Valley.

Having failed to feature in the finish in his first four race starts, Simply Maverick cruised to a 4.75-length victory at this track and distance in December. He then encountered some setbacks when he finished third later that month but rallied with consecutive victories in January, stamping his affinity with the city circuit’s mile course, now boasting three wins from five attempts.

Simply Maverick’s last two starts have been over 1800m at Sha Tin, including a last-start 12th-place finish in the Classic Cup, which spelled the end of his bid for a Derby start. Freshened since then and allowed to get over that run, he has trialled well in between runs.

Elsewhere, In-form four-year-old Copartner Prance can be followed up on his latest win as he appears poised to win his way out of Class 4 in the 1200m race.

Lightly raced Copartner Prance will step out for his sixth career start this week and is close to a month in between runs, where he smashed his maiden in fine style after a series of promising runs from wide draws.

On that occasion, he justified solid market support with a facile 1.25-length victory over Valhalla, who has since gone on to run well. Meeting no tougher task this week, Copartner Prance will take some beating.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Wide open race. Golden Fairy looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. Has won at the trip and gets his chance on the light weight. Colourful Baron always worth considering in a race like this and include in your chances. Superb Daddy caught the eye last start when running home well. The distance is the query but he should be strong late. Loyal Ambition well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Green Laser was eased early before catching the eye late last start. Each-way claims at a price here.

Race 2: Easy Snip turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into second behind Sports Legend. Drawn well low in barrier 2 from where he should get one of the runs of the race. Street Conqueror has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. Barrier 11 won’t be easy, but a good steer should see him in the finish late. Happy Golf consistent performer of late and worth considering. Super Eagle another who has consistent form lately and can score here. Double Bingo having first start and watch the betting odds. Trialled well but quietly and could surprise.

Race 3: Mr Ascendency winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to keep the ball rolling. Drawn well in four from where he should map close to speed and will be able pounce late. Telecom Fighters should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way from barrier 1. He could easily pinch this from the front under Hewitson. Moments In Time well supported last start and won accordingly. Galaxy Witness never far away from the winner and could sneak a place. Rising From Ashes has a better chance on this track and should run well with a jockey upgrade, with Teetan taking over from Dylan Mo.

Race 4: Copartner Prance more than capable of winning again in this race after breaking through in fine style last start. He meets no tougher task and should have better than Class 4 ability. Hard to beat. Sky Song turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. Joyful Life faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Drawn wide and will need luck but each-way claims at a price here. Speedy Smartie recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Tattenham never far away from the winner and could sneak a place.

Race 5: Devas Twelve consistent performer of late. His last-start third was better than it reads as he copped a check. His win prior was full of promise. Atomic Beauty caught wide last start and still ran well. He comes into barrier 2, so should map softly, and the Avdulla/Cruz combination is on fire. Keen Unity good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Sturdy Ruby has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise, but he is becoming costly. However, his SP will be much greater here. Sure Joyful well-placed and looks a chance in race like this.

Race 6: Winning Heart well supported last start and won accordingly. Drawn well low in barrier 4, he appears to get enough favours to win again. Mr Valiant changed stables recently and has improved after his easy last-start win. Bled in a trial since, however, hence why he is first-up here. Savvy Chic can bounce back a winner anytime in this class and he showed improvement in a recent trial. Golden Link looks a solid good chance based on last start when returning to form. Great Achiever recent runs have been encouraging and can run well coming into a low gate.

Race 7: Joyful Prosperity looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form after he stormed home late into third behind Californiatotality last start, which is strong form. Gallant Valour every chance last start but still ran a good race. Drawn well low in barrier 1 and perhaps the gear change can spark improvement. D Star good performance when storming home for third place last start and he should relish a lower draw here. Capital Legend narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. Master Tornado could sneak a place in a race like this at an each-way price.

Race 8: Simply Maverick will find this easier than last start when he failed to show up in the Classic Cup for 4YOs and can run well returning to his happy hunting ground. Noble Pursuit had plenty of excuses last start and forget the run. He will be better back at this track and distance and expect a big run. Winning Dragon last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and he will give this a shake. Lovero ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish with luck in the run from stall 11. Show Respect winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to go on with it.

Race 9: Healthy Healthy good performance when storming home for third place last start. Barrier 4 should ensure he gains the right run in transit. Sweet Briar looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He will secure the right run from barrier 1 and get his chance if strong enough late. Sports Legend was an easy last start winner when blinkers went on as he dropped into Class 4 and must be respected. Colourful Emperor winner of last two starts and looks a top chance. Astrologer has a great record in this class and must be respected.

Gavin Lerena clinched his treble on the smart Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Gimmethegreenlight gelding Barbaresco (JC Photos))

Gavi Lerena rode a treble at the Vaal Classic meeting today, two of them for Johan Janse van Vuuren.

Lucky Houdalakis and Fanie Bronkhorst sent out individual doubles.

Lerena is now on 116 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 19.53%.

Van Vuuren has had 45 wins at 15.20%.

Houdalakis has had 36 wins at 14.17%.

Bronkhorst has had 26 wins at 5.47%.

The subject of the question is pictured (Picture: Eurosport)

Which former world champion snooker player has a great passion for horseracing and launched Designer Pedigrees, a professional thoroughbred pedigree consultant service.