“The Tricolores”, Pamela Isdell, Gaynor Rupert and Ravi Naidoo (middle trio from left to right), celebrate Future Swing’s victory in the Gr 3 Glorious Goodwood Chairmans Cup, which fittingly happened on L’Ormarins King’s Plate day, the day Gaynor has made famous. (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Passionate Durban-born racing owner Ravi Naidoo was attracted to the sport of horseracing as an eight-year-old by the country’s most iconic race, the Durban July, and this year he makes his debut as an owner in the Hollywoodbets sponsored event and for good measure has two runners.

He is the part-owner of the fancied Justin Snaith-trained Future Swing and the outright owner of the Sean Tarry-trained Cousin Casey.

He said, “I feel only gratitude, and no pressure nor anxiety about our horses in the July. I’ve been aware of the July since age 8… I used to pore over the ubiquitous Rothmans July posters in the 70’s , mesmerised by these inscrutable animals. It’s amazing to own/share in two contenders (by the way, if posters are still produced I want a few for keepsakes!), and to be fair, while we’ve just had a winter solstice, I bet scientists could prove that this is the longest week in the Southern Hemisphere! I have been counting down for days… I even created an alternate HDJ advent calendar for my partners! Perhaps the biggest gift is the friendship we share .. and our partners are convening from across three continents this weekend. I can’t wait … bring it on!”

It is not the first time Ravi has been counting down.

He said, “We had the misfortune of a scratching a day before the July two years ago, when Zapatillas was injured.”

Ravi’s involvement in racing has been interesting and his history in the sport is mentioned further down in this article.

But one of his involvements was as a UCT student when researching the effect of EPO on athletic performance.

With encouragement from Professor Tim Noakes, he decided to do a post grad study on EPO, a naturally occurring cytokine which was a controversial topic in athletics at the time as there were practices being used to manipulate its abundance in the bloodstreams of unscrupulous athletes.

He thus regularly accompanied veterinarian Bob McDaniel on his rounds at the Cape Town training tracks, which always ended with him taking some vials of blood back to UCT for study purposes having been drawn from racehorse’s neck veins.

Therefore, he could thus be well qualified to comment on the current controversy surrounding the testing on race day of TCO2 levels in pending runners.

Ravi said, “I am a lapsed scientist .. I haven’t been anywhere near a lab since my twenties.. but here’s my take though. Firstly, I have empathy for the NHA… it’s a tough, thankless job being a regulatory authority – and keeping order and probity across the motley assortment of competing interests in the sport. I trust that the process will be refined, through practice … it’s early days, and while its been successful in exposing the most egregious outliers, which is laudable and necessary, there has been some collateral damage, especially for those at the margin. The industry must persevere in improving it, iteratively (doing something again and again). We must compete fairly in a clean sport, in this beautiful collaboration between man and animal, where the contestation is about strategy, smarts, strength and striving… sans shenanigans.”

Ravi was born and grew up in Durban.

He recounted his history in racing before last season’s Hollywoodbets Cape Guines, in which the long awaited clash between his champion Cousin Casey and the new kid on the block Charles Dickens finally happened.

He said, “I am definitely not a Johnny-come-lately. I have had a long love affair with racing ever since In Full Flight won the July in 1972. I was only eight years old, but can remember my father backing the winner. After that I used to read the form and was fascinated by the pictures showing the 800m, 400m and finishing positions. I used to know all the course records etc too.”

He continued, “Then in the early 1980s members of my family became an advance guard during the apartheid years by being granted their colours, so they were pioneers and owned a good horse called Casal Garcia.”

This Harry Hotspur filly won seven races and was multiple stakes-placed, including a narrow second in the Tibouchina.

Ravi also recalled her breaking a course record once.

Later, Ravi went down to UCT.

At the time of his EPO research he contacted Alec Hogg, who was at the time publishing the Racing Digest, to tell him he was in a good position to talk to trainers.

“So I wrote for the Racing Digest for a while,” he said.

Later, with his second pay cheque working for an advertising company, he bought a 10% share in a Dancing Champ filly who was a three-parts sister to Olympic Duel.

He began expanding his interest, but it all ground to a halt when a consortium he had joined bought into an expensive import called Habaayib.

This horse injured a canon bone in his third SA start and Ravi decided to take a complete sabbatical from ownership. He did not even excercise his stallion rights.

It was at a L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate after-party a few years ago where he was encouraged by Gaynor Rupert to own again.

She invited him to join the L’Ormarins Syndicate and he accepted.

Later, Gaynor, Pamela Isdell and Ravi started a fun group in which they buy three horses at the National Yearling Sales per year and race them together.

They call themselves “The Tricolores” and draw to see whose colours the horses will run in. The person who draws the colours is also allowed to choose the trainer.

One of their first runners together was Zapatillas, who won the Grade 2 WSB Guineas.

Future Swing is also owned by “The Tricolores” and Ravi won the draw so this Drakenstein Stud-bred Futura gelding races in his eyecatching French grey with violet cap colours.

As the bug had bitten again, Ravi began buying for himself and hence the purchase of Cousin Casey.

Future Swing will be ridden from draw four by the peerless Richard Fourie and is currently a 6/1 shot with the sponsor, while Cousin Casey has a tough draw of 15 and will be ridden by S’Manga Khumalo.

Justin Snaith has won the July five times and Richard Fourie has won it three times, while Sean Tarry and S’Manga Khumalo have both won it twice, so Ravi has fine teams representing him in the big race.

Lady Heist is Molly’s best bet on Hollywoodbets Durban July day (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

David Mollett

Royal Ascot is a hard act to follow but the famous UK meeting could provide some aid in making the Hollywoodbets Durban July a bigger success than has been the case in previous years.

With Hollywood colours tasting success overseas this year, it’s a fair guess that Hollywood’s livewire Communications and Brand manager, Devin Heffer, will have closely followed the action from the Berkshire track. He may well have asked his team if they can spot any of the actions by the Ascot management that can be used here.

At Ascot, we didn’t get horses bolting or failing pre-race tests which go a long way to infuriating racing fans here. In fact, June and July provide the best two months for racing to showcase itself as a major sport. We have the Betfred Derby at the beginning of June followed by Royal Ascot three weeks later and the Hollywoodbets Durban July in the first week of July.

So – studying the Ascot action over five days – what can be introduced to both boost – and better – our coverage of this popular event.

1. We need more time examining the horses in the parade ring and less with longwinded interviews with sponsors. Ascot had a parade ring female presenter commenting on every horse in every race.

Unlike South Africa, UK TV viewers didn’t have to listen to the ramblings of the boss of a race sponsor. If they did grab someone, it was no more than a two-three minute chat whereas – during Champions Season – interviews have often dragged on for eight or nine minutes. No one is particularly interested in learning what the selection is of a managing director of his or her race. Yes, we need to acknowledge sponsors but it can be kept short.

2. Betting updates – punters want to know the latest odds in placing their bets and Ascot had a man in the betting ring whom they crossed to frequently. On one occasion, this gentleman revealed a bet of 200k-100k (pounds) on one of Ryan Moore’s mounts and, yes, the horse won.

Cape Racing have been using Brandon Bailey for betting updates which is a good move, Hollywood’s business is betting so there should be a similar person involved at Hollywoodbets Greyville to keep punters up to date.

3. There are no post-race interviews with owners at Ascot (or elsewhere). A presenter might try and grab a word with an owner en route to the winners enclosure and then the camera shows the trophy presentation. My personal view is that owners deserve their moment in the spotlight, but the interviews need to be short and snappy. Recently, we had five members of a partnership all interviewed after a race.

Basically, it’s up to the presenter to judge the situation. And interviews with kids – spare us that.

* Turf Talk ed – the post race interviews seldon eat into live racing action and are there mainly to be viewed later online, for those who are interested, and they are a useful reference for punters and journalists among others

4. Food. On a day out like the Durban July, people making the trip to the track – some for the first time – need feeding. I know at York there are many food outlets – hamburgers, fish and chips, KFC and MacDonalds – the choice is wide spread.
Ascot has numerous bars and restaurants but – on my visit to Greyville a year ago – food outlets were scarce and it therefore makes sense to make a restaurant booking.

* Turf talk Ed – take a look at the price of food and drinks at Royal Ascot! (e.g £12 (R279 for a hotdog!)) CLICK HERE TO SEE PRICES AT ROYAL ASCOT

5. The entrance fee – I think in the region of R230 – is great value at the July for a major sporting event. On my last visit to Ascot it cost 40 pounds (R920) to park my car.

6. Security has to be on top of its game and presumably that will be the case following the abandonment of a meeting a few weeks back. In the UK, they stopped known troublemakers from leaving the country to go to the Euro 2024 championship. Interesting to know if Gold Circle has a list of those who have proved troublesome in the past.

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So – onto the big race itself – and we have all the ingredients for a “Would You Believe it” result which could be a blessing for the sponsors and other layers but leave racegoers with empty pockets.

Like many punters, I love a stab at the antepost market and – back in April – took 6-1 a place about Rachel Venniker’s mount, Without Question. Anthony Delpech might be right (“Not a horse for me”) he said at the final gallops and the suspicion is that my stake money will be in the pocket of my bookie friend, Lance Michael, come Monday morning.

Yet, I keep going back to Without Questions’ Daily News run (third beaten two lengths by See It Again) and if the gelding can reproduce that effort, he could still reach a place.

Ever since his Betway Summer Cup win, Royal Victory has been on my July shortlist and 2-1 a place looks a safe bet. It goes without saying that Muzi Yeni would like nothing more than to win this race after spending the season in the shadow of Richard Fourie.

Then – having witnessed two July triumphs for much-missed owner Chris Van Niekerk for the Sean Tarry stable – it looks as if his stayer, Future Pearl, has come good at just the right time. Possibly Messrs Anthony Delpech and Kevin Shea are correct in saying at the final gallops that the Gold Cup is more his race, but what if Grant Van Niekerk – knowing he’s on a horse with stamina – tries to steal it from the front.

The quartet is the pick of the July menu of bets – a handsome dividend is always assured. If a punter double floats two horses with the field the cost will be R288 for 10%.

So here’s my stab at this exotic bet with my hopes principally resting on Royal Victory.

1. Double float 3 (Royal Victory) and 18 (Future Pearl) with the field. R288 for 10%.

2. Double float 3 (Royal Victory) and 10 (Without Question) with the field. R288 for 10%.

Now there is a strong supporting cast on July 6 and here are my three top choices.

Best Bet: Race 10 No 2 LADY HEIST. I cannot believe that Glen Kotzen’s talented filly is 9-1 in the antepost market. Get on now.

2nd Best: Race 4 No 15 BREEZE OVER. Muzi knows the Azzie inmate well – has won on him twice – and is worth a strike at 5-1.

3rd Best: Race 3 No 9 ATTICUS FINCH. Alec Lard’s charge returned to form in the Jubilee last time and looks good each-way value at 17-2.

Bon Chance!!

Above: Koos Nkale and Jessica Motaung in the winner’s enclosure with MK’s Pride

Pioneering Change

MK’s Pride Leads the Way for Black-Owned Stallions

Charl Pretorius (Off The Record Column)

The popular chestnut will turn seven years old when the 2024 breeding season starts in August, and exits the racetrack with an accomplished record of 10 wins and 9 places from 35 runs, and R2,7-million banked for his original owner, Koos Nkale.

MK’s Pride will stand for Nkale and his new partner, Stinky Pooe, another black owner who has had remarkable success in recent years. Both are committed to transformation, future investments in the sport of horseracing and promoting racing widely for more diverse participation.

There’s a compelling story behind all thoroughbred champions. Nkale, who had no previous experience at ownership level, acquired MK’s Pride in a private deal from Summerhill Stud. He recalled, “I’ve been a punter for over 30 years. In February 2020, I decided to buy my first racehorse. At the time, Michael Mahlakola was South Africa’s only black trainer, and I approached him for advice. During a visit to Summerhill farm, Michael spotted a beautiful, strong young chestnut. He couldn’t take his eyes off the colt and told me this was the one worth buying as my first investment.

“I phoned Summerhill Stud and made an offer but it was rejected, so we were disappointed. They wanted to take the unnamed colt to an auction sale and felt that he could fetch a higher price. But he passed unsold and a month later they accepted my offer for R100,000.”

Nkale quipped: “I named him MK’s Pride, which will sound quite strange today considering what is going on in our political arena. But he was named after me. My names are Madimetja and Koos. People prefer Koos because it’s easier to pronounce. So, the horse became MK’s Pride. Michael never trained him, but he deserves credit for spotting him among many others in the Summerhill Paddocks.”

Nkale, a geography teacher before his retirement, said he was excited about his venture into breeding. “I feel we have gone to the right farm, I like Mr Riley. And I am happy to be involved with Mr Pooe. We share the same ideals. I believe in the future of South Africa, now more than ever. As a nation I truly believe we are able to set differences aside and carry on with the task of building a strong country. This is good for racing too.”

Reflecting on his teaching days, Nkale said, “If you found geography or mathematics difficult at school, you probably had the wrong teachers. It’s the same with newcomers to racing. With the right advice and leadership, they will love it.”

Nkale acknowledged the synergy between himself and other prominent black individuals in racing. “My favourite soccer team is Kaizer Chiefs, hence my silks are black and gold. Through racing, I met Kaizer Motaung’s daughter Jessica Motaung, who is the marketing director for Chiefs. She has also learned to love racing, so we have much in common. Racing opens doors that would otherwise remain closed.”

Above:  Stinky Pooe with Purple Pitcher

Pooe, who owns the SA Derby winner and 2024 Durban July hopeful Purple Pitcher, says his new association with MK’s Pride marks his own first venture into breeding. His future plans include standing Purple Pitcher at stud due to his impressive track performances and his status as perhaps the best son
of the ill-fated New Predator.

“MK’s Pride gives me a chance to start the breeding adventure. I will be supporting him with my mares coming off the racetrack,” said Pooe. His best mare so far has been Miss Daisy (Crusade), winner of the 2022 Grade 3 Starling Stakes.

Pooe and Jessica Motaung are discussing forming syndicates to attract young, black owners to racing.  Pooe hopes that new political developments will lead to a more equitable distribution of wealth, allowing more people from black communities to participate in racing.

Nkale and Pooe realise that breeding is not for the faint-hearted and that all stallions start off with only a small chance of making it. But in MK’s Pride they have a Grade 1 winning grandson of Dubawi, the most successful British-based stallion in history and the fastest ever British-based sire to produce 100 individual Group winners. Aside from Willow Magic, Dubawi has only one other son, Erupt, standing in South Africa.

Former champion trainer Paul Peter, who saddled MK’s Pride to nine of his 10 career wins, believes the horse has the right physical and mental attributes to make the grade as a stallion. He said: “MK’s biggest asset was his temperament. He loved to race, enjoyed his work with his head in his chest and always tried his best. He is a strong, sound horse who always ate up and kept his condition. We will be sending him some of our race mares coming off the track.”

Nigel Riley commented: “Heversham has always been on the forefront of transformational development and we are very proud and privileged to have been selected by his owners to stand MK’s Pride. He is a speedy grandson of the mighty Dubawi, and he relished our local racing conditions. MK is a well-balanced, tough individual with great legs. Unlike many stallions, he raced over 30 times and his wins included the Grade 1 Horse Chestnut stakes and the Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes as a three-year-old.

“According to the pedigree experts, Mk is a great, versatile cross, particularly for Mr Prospector, Danzig, Blushing Groom and Storm Cat line mares. Most importantly, he represents a significant step in South African racing and breeding history in that he is the first entirely black owned stallion to stand at stud in this country. It is a well-established fact that SA racing needs to diversify, and MK presents a wonderful opportunity for breeders to take active action and not just pay lip service to achieving diversity.”

Mk’s Pride will stand at a fee of R5000 consisting of a R2000 nomination fee and R3000 payable upon sale of the yearling, alternatively on 1 May two years after the foal is born. In other words, breeders will only pay the balance of his stud fee for foals born in 2025 on 1 May 2027. Contact Kat Riley on 071 133 8133.

Above: Heversham Park Farm

Hewitson clinches his treble on Frosted gelding Ching (left) (Kenneth Chan)

South African strikes with first three-timer since December while the Australian superstar retains crown with four meetings remaining

Alistair Cohen anchored a Hollywoodbets Durban July panel discussion featuring Brandon Bailey, Jonathan Snaith and Justin Vermaak and all three gave well informed and researched opinion that is well worth listening to.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO CAPE RACING’S JULY PANEL DISCUSSION

Jade’s Caberneigh secures a double for both Gavin Smith and Craig Zackey (Pauline Herman Photography)

Craig Zackey, Luyolo Mxothwa and Gavin Smith all had doubles at the Fairview poly meeting today.

Gavin Smith’s double put him just one win behind Alan Greeff in his bid to land a third successive East Cape Championship.

Smith is on 124 wins and has achieved it at a strike rate of 11.72%.

Smith drew level with Greeff upon his second win of the day but Greeff won the last race of the day to go one ahead.

Greef’s 125 wins have come at a strike rate of 15.38%.

Zackey has now had 152 wins at a strike rate of 11.42%.

The double put him level with Gavin Lerena in joint third place on the national log.

Mxothwa has had 82 wins at 10.26%.