Dylan Cunha aimed big from day one in the U.K and just two years later he is beginning to make regular appearances at the big tracks like Sandown (above) and at Goodwood today (picture: via meta) 

Dylan Cunha has made dramatic leaps in a short space of time in his career as a trainer in the U.K.,  as is well documented, and he was given unexpected support by two fellow South Africans at the Glorious Goodwood meeting this week, where he had a runner today (Friday).’

Founding Turf Talk editor Charl Pretorius (left) was there as the winner of the 2024 L’Ormarins King’s Plate Writers Award.

Ex-pat SA owner and breeder Brian Finch (right) is presently the Chairman of Epsom Racecourse, a Trustee of the National Horseracing Museum and is a Racecourse Committee Director at Sandown Park and was also there.

Dylan started out with three horses about two years ago and has now had 38 wins in all and has 50 horses, a meteoric rise in the toughest of environments.

He started this week in fine style with a winner at Windsor on Monday and then a double at Yarmouth on Tuesday.

So there were high hopes he could get a winner at one of England’s most celebrated meetings today.

His runner today was Prague, a Galileo colt formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien and owned by the illustrious Coolmore partnership of John Magnier , Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Waterberg.

The Barronstown Stud-bred colt did not race for O’Brien and was purchased by an owner of Cunha’s for a mere 10,000 Gns at a Tattersalls Autumn In Training Sale last year.

Cunha must have received further attention from racing pundits and owners and breeders, and perhaps from the great Aidan O’Brien himself, when he won first time out with this colt.

It was no ordinary race either, it was a Darley British EBF Maiden Stakes over one mile and two furlongs at the major racecourse Sandown on June 15 and the first prize was £20,616.

Prague won it by four lengths at odds of 40/1!

The win drew the attention of At The Races and Irishracing.com, who penned the following respective articles about the eyecatching victory:

AT THE RACES ARTICLE ABOUT CUNHA’S WIN WITH O’BRIEN OUTCAST 

IRISHRACING.COM ARTICLE ABOUT PRAGUE’S VICTORY

Prague is owned by Amedeo Dal Pos.

Second time out he ran fourth in a Listed race.

Today the colt, whose official rating is 103, ran in the class 2 Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Conditions Stakes over a mile and a furlong.

He jumped well and led under Jack Gilligan and quickened well two furlongs out to look a possible winner.

Howwever, he was swamped late and in the end only managed fifth place, beaten 2,25 lengths.

He could have a good future ahead of him in big handicaps.

Prime Venture has been tipped to win the Winter Country Championship 1800 Final (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

The improving 4yo Silvano gelding Prime Venture looks set to follow up on his recent 1600m victory at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth tomorrow when he lines up against nine rivals in the eighth race on the programme, the R200 000 Winter Country Championship over 1800m.

Prime Venture had his first run as a gelding back in April when finishing third behind stable companion Master Of Paris. He found plenty of market support on that occasion but may just have needed the outing. In his next start over 2000m he was a trifle disappointing when soundly beaten by Baton Rouge, who re-opposes here on the same terms, but Prime Venture then caught the eye when storming home from far back to beat Shavout going away over a mile. Grant Van Niekerk takes the ride for the first time and, while the weights clearly suggest that Baton Rouge is a major threat, Prime Venture leaves the impression that he is now on an upward curve and I expect him to record back-to-back victories.

King Pelles was fourth behind Prime Venture and should again be held, and it’s noteworthy that Van Niekerk, who rode King Pelles then, has now been paired with Prime Venture. Ice Rain seems well treated by the conditions of the race and the 4yo daughter of Vercingetorix is holding form well. There may be a question mark about her ability to see out the 1800m, but she is as game as they come and would not be a surprise winner.

Lightly weighted Ozark is 2kgs better off with Prime Venture for a length-and-a-half beating which should bring the pair closer together, but Ozark needs to show improved consistency. Naushon often flatters to deceive, but is also weighted with a big chance and could upset the apple-cart.

Typical of the progeny of Silvano, it has taken a while for the penny to drop for Prime Venture, but he is now heading in the right direction and I expect him to give us a very good run for our money.

The fifth race on the card, the R200 000 Winter Country Championship Final (Class 5) over 1400m could go the way of the Piet Steyn-trained Spirit’s Unite. Aldo Domeyer re-unites with the 4yo The United States gelding and the pair could be rewarded with a well-deserved victory following solid performances in his last three starts. Veronique will be a lively challenger from pole position and she could turn the tables on Cattaleya, who won her most recent outing at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in good style. Liketheclappers and Gold Index appear the pick of the balance and are worthy of consideration for all exotic permutations.

The sixth race, the R200 000 Winter Country Championship (Class 5) over 1200m, is quite possibly the toughest race on the day with more than half the 16-strong field enjoying winning claims. The blinkers have been re-fitted to On Board and she should go well here, but watch out for a better effort from Red Moon Rising at a big price. Royal Lytham and Tres Chic are obvious contenders in a wide-open event.

The seventh race, the R200 000 Winter Country Championship (Class 4) over 1200, is another trappy affair, but I will be pinning my hopes on Great Cat from the Brett Crawford stable. He also saddles Night Bomber, who has been runner-up in his last two course and distance starts. Night Tiger and Lunch Money, from the Candice Bass-Robinson yard, are very much “alive”, while both All About Al and Sooty have the ability to win a race of this nature.
The best race on the programme is no doubt the third race, the R165 000 One World Syndicate Cape A Stakes over 1100m. Future Variety makes his first appearance since finishing a close second behind Thunderstruck in the Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes on Derby Day at the end of February. He is all class but may just be short of a run and, with 61,5kgs to shoulder, could be vulnerable. The promising Riverstone has also been on the side-lines for a while, but Serino Moodley flies in from Durban to partner Gareth Van Zyl’s charge and he cannot be ruled out in receipt of 9,5kgs from Future Variety. Silver Falcon relishes soft underfoot conditions and may prove to be the surprise package in the race.

On The Horizon has been tipped to win the day’s headliner (JC Photos)

The 2024/2025 Highveld season’s weekend fixtures opens with a nine race meeting at Turffontein Standside on Saturday and it is headlined by a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1600m.

The Lucky Houdalakis-trained five-year-old Judpot mare On The Horizon is still lightly raced and should come into her own this season. She has landed a plum draw of two over a suitable trip and Raymond Danielson, who has been aboard for the last two of her five career wins, knows her well. Soldier’s Eye comes off a fair run in the KZN Breeders Mile, where she received 3kg from the champion filly Mrs Geriatrix and was beaten just 3,75 lengths. She has to overcome a wide draw, but could be in the shake up with some luck in running. Gimme A Shot easily won the Gr 2 Ipi Tombe Challenge over this course and distance as a young three-year-old, but has only won twice since. She has to carry topweight, but does have a fair opportunity here to gain a fifth career win. Miss Hannigan has been doing well lately over trips beyond sprints and might have more to come, but she does have a tricky draw. Bonete looked promising early in her career and could be a factor carrying the minimum weight from a good draw here.

The first leg of the Pick 6 over 1800m sees the hard-knocking Fifth Of July getting a good opportunity to land an elusive win. The eight-year-old gelding is well-named because on the fifth of July 2014 his sire Wylie Hall was controversially denied victory in the country’s biggest race, the Durban July, when an objection was upheld and at that same meeting his dam Virgo’s Babe won a Non-Black Type sprint. Fifth Of July has not won for just under three years, but has had eight second places since that last win including in two of his last three races. He is 3,5kg better off with four-year-old Diesel’s Shadown for a 1,90 length beating in June over this trip and has a better draw than the latter. However, Diesel’s Shadow was having his first run over this trip in that race, so could follow up off a five point higher mark with Gavin Lerena keeping the ride.

The sixth race over 1400m sees the Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained Erupt gelding Corrupt stepping out for the second time and as he won over the too sharp 1160m on debut he should have a fine chance of remaining unbeaten off an 84 merit rating from a fair draw over a step up in trip he will relish. He looks to be a banker. The chief danger could be stablemate Chestbut Bomber, who won well when stepped up to 1600m last time and should enjoy this trip too.

The seventh over 1160m is a tricky handicap and Golden Aspen is taken to land a tenth career victory from a fair draw of six out of nine. Oriental Bouquet looked to be potentially top class as a youngster and is interesting off an 81 merit rating having not been disgraced against fair opposition in the East Cape. Law Of Success is usually thereabouts, but has a tricky low draw. What A Lucy is on the up and can use her early pace to overcome the unfavourable number one draw. Wings Within Me has dropped to a competitive mark and can’t be ignored.

In the eighth over 1160m Shampimpi is drawn on the right side by trends and a five point drop should see her being competitive in a field that is not too inspiring. Waitforgreenlight is drawn on the right side with a 2,5kg claimer up, but has to prove she goes further than 1000m. Where’s The Party is in good form and is drawn on the right side.

In the last leg if the Pick 6 Golden Chandelier steps back to her favourite 1000m trip and could be right there after disappointing over further last time when making a breathing noise. In The Ether is cabable of a flying finish so has to be included. Coming In Hot has the form to be a contender here. Heirloom is not reliable, but could win it if producing her best. Secret Chord won well in the maidens after a layoff and is hard to ignore. Sakhala Is’Cathulo is drawn on the wrong side by trends, but has good 1000m form.

In the first leg of the Bipot over 1800m Key Worker is a full sister to the top class Surcharge (Yulong Prince) and from pole position should relish the step up in trip.

In the first leg of the PA Oranjemund, The Cane Train and Manz Knight should get punters through.

Free Wind has been tipped to win the Gr 2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes, a race she was odds-on for last year but finished a well beaten fourth in heavy ground. (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

At The Races Formguides And Selections Glorious Goodwood Saturday 

1 2:50 PM (SA Time) – Coral Glorious Stakes (Group 3)
Phantom Flight (first) got the better of AL AASY (second) when the pair met over 1m2f at Newbury last month but, over this extra yardage with that seasonal reappearance under his belt, William Haggas’ classy sort gets the vote to reverse that form en route to victory. Aimeric looks the pick of the remainder on the back of a narrow defeat in a Newmarket Listed race, for all that a smart effort will be required to take the gold medal upped further in grade.

Top Tip: Al Aasy (2)
Watch out for: Phantom Flight (4)

2 3:25 PM – Coral Summer Handicap
Fairbanks was sporting blinkers for the first time (retained) when running out a game winner over 1m6f at Newmarket last month and he must enter calculations, for all that a 6lb rise demands more. With that in mind, preference is for TRUE LEGEND. He caught the eye when finishing fifth despite enduring a troubled passage in the Northumberland Plate on his penultimate start, before producing arguably a career-best over 2m at Ascot most recently. Nudged up only 1lb, and having performed well over this C&D previously, a bold bid is expected. Ayyab is also one for the shortlist pitched back into a handicap.

Top Tip: True Legend (4)
Watch out for: Fairbanks (2)

3 4:00 PM – Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (Fillies’ And Mares’ Group 2)
Caius Chorister has developed into a very smart stayer this season and, with legitimate excuses for her below par Ascot Gold Cup performance most recently, she must enter calculations easing in grade and trip. That said, the classy FREE WIND edges preference. The daughter of Galileo was last seen finishing second behind Bluestocking over an inadequate extended 1m2f at York in May, but that form reads well in the context of this race and she gets the vote to return to winning ways back up in trip. Melo Melo also has the form to play a hand in a race like this and she can’t be ignored.

Top Tip: Free Wind (4)
Watch out for: Caius Chorister (1)

4 4:35 PM – Coral Stewards’ Cup (Heritage Handicap)
Up to 28 sprinters go to post for one of the most competitive races of the season and, with winners at 25/1 and 18/1 the last couple of years, anything seems possible. Qatar raider Dark Trooper holds obvious claims after his Wokingham Stakes second, but he races off a 3lb higher mark and may have to settle for a place. PUROSANGUE makes his handicap debut on his 11th start and, after a second in the Group 3 Coral Charge at Sandown where beaten less than a length, he looks the likeliest winner if he can repeat that form at this level. He is due to go up 4lb in the near future, suggesting he has every chance here, while Cover Up and Billyjoh head a long list of others to at least consider.

Top Tip: Purosangue (14)
Watch out for: Dark Trooper (2)

5 5:10 PM – Whispering Angel Handicap
JEHANGEER had four starts as a two-year-old, winning at Ayr on his second outing and finishing third in Listed class at York on his final start, before returning this season with a third at Newmarket in a 6f handicap. Gelded and given a wind operation subsequently, he was weak in the betting market at Thirsk but still got up to win by a length and a quarter. If he improves as expected, he could be the one off just 5lb higher. Mission To Moon has won two races, both over this C&D, but he may be better with more cut in the ground, while Tom Clover has his string in great form and Witness Stand could get involved if he takes to first-time cheekpieces.

Top Tip: Jehangeer (4)
Watch out for: Mission To Moon (6)

6 5:45 PM – British Stallion Studs Ebf Maiden Stakes
ANGELO BUONARROTI was set a stiff task in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Ascot on debut. Beaten three lengths on that occasion, he showed enough ability to suggest he can go close at this lower level, and is taken to make a winning start for his new trainer Ralph Beckett. Consolidation ran of steam when attempting to make all and finishing second at Doncaster, but that was a good effort nonetheless, while Sir Peter Fossick showed bags of early pace when going close over today’s trip at Epsom on his introduction. Spell Master and Hott Shott are others worth noting.

Top Tip: Angelo Buonarroti (1)
Watch out for: Consolidation (6)

7 6:20 PM – Coral We’re Here For It Handicap
A maiden winner at Nottingham, NATIVE WARRIOR finished a commendable third in the highly-competitive Britannia Stakes at Ascot on his handicap debut. A bold bid is expected from Karl Burke’s colt with plenty more to come. Magic Memories also faced a tougher assignment when fourth at Sandown and is another to consider racing off the same mark, while Paradias failed to figure in the John Smith’s Cup but can be given a chance on his earlier second at Epsom.

Top Tip: Native Warrior (9)
Watch out for: Magic Memories (11)

Cape Breeders

Dan De Wet, forever remembered in the South African racing industry for breeding the mighty Pocket Power, has passed away.

Dan matriculated at the Diocesan College and after Naval training, he studied animal husbandry and viticulture at Elsenburg. He spent six months learning the tricks of the stud trade with Christie Grassick at Coolmore Stud (getting to watch The Minstrel win the Epsom Derby), before joining his father Paulie De Wet at the family’s Zandvliet Stud 1977. During their time together, the father and son team produced the likes of Smackeroo, Moccasin, Harry Hill, Susan’s Dream, Amberlad, Coolstar, Bloodline Million winner Fast Gun and their second J&B Met winner, Wild West in 1986.

Since taking over Zandvliet, Dan produced his share of equine stars, headed by the unforgetable Pocket Power (Jet Master-Stormsvlei). Dan purchased Stormsvlei (Prince Florimund -Distant Echoes) for R20 000 at the 1998 Natal Broodmare Sale. In an interview with Sporting Post, Dan described Stormsvlei as “She was an average-looking mare, but what attracted me was the genetic make-up of her pedigree, because it was compatible with a whole lot of top stallions.” Stormsvlei would go on to be named Equus Champion Broodmare in both 2008 and 2010.

Not only did Stormsvlei produce the globetrotting Met winner River Jetez (a mating which Dan planned), but she also produced one of the finest South African racehorses seen in many a year in the form of Pocket Power. Sired by Jet Master, as was River Jetez, Pocket Power was South Africa’s Horse Of The Year in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and he captured eight Equus Awards in total.

The outstandingly tough and courageous Pocket Power won nine G1 races, and won the G1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate four years running and the G1 J&B Met three years in a row. The gelded champion also scored a memorable dead-heat win, with Dancer’s Daughter, in the 2008 G1 Vodacom Durban July.

Other top-class horses that Dan bred include Hammie’s Hooker and Trip Tease. The former, Equus Champion Older Filly/Mare of 2014-2015, won 10 races, five of which were graded stakes, while star sprinter Trip Tease won 15 races (he reeled off 8 wins in a nine race streak), including the 2015 G3 Lebelo Sprint.

After selling Zandvliet Stud, Dan continued to breed under the name of Heritage Stud, where, among others, he bred multiple graded stakes winner Shango.

Dan is survived by his wife Kosie and four children Jeanne, Sadie, Emma and Daniel.

Gimmethegreenlight filly Mascherina is a half-sister to Malmoos (Captain Al) and can follow up on her impressive last win. (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections

Gold Circle

R1     Summary: MY BOY LOLIPOP (4) was much improved in blinkers last run. Although a beaten favourite the winner does appear to be a little above average. MAPHAKA (8) made a smart debut over course and distance at lengthy odds. He is sure to come on with the experience. SOVEREIGN COMMAND (12) a tongue-tie saw him improve nicely second time out. That was on the poly but he made his debut on this course. CATAVAR (1) has shown some ability. His best efforts have been on the turf so his last two on the poly can possibly be ignored. (Andrew Harrison: 4-8-12-1).

R2     Summary: IZIBULO (9) has a wide draw to contend with but has run two smart races over ground and rates the one to beat. GRAND OCCASION (4) finished a length behind Izibulo when last they met but has the better draw. There should not be much between the these two. SAFARI LODGE (10) has drawn the widest gate and both of her runs to date have been in yielding going. She improved nicely second time out and if overcoming the draw she should at least be competitive. LONG STREET (5) has improved in blinkers and is seldom far back. Her last two were on the poly but she has shown up well on the turf. (Andrew Harrison: 9-4-10-5).

R3     Summary: SUN IN MY POCKET (9) has put in two promising efforts on the poly. She was a well beaten third last run when taking on males and that form has worked out nicely. HURRICANE CAT (4) was a beaten favourite last run but battled a little in the soft ground. She was a good second over course and distance at just her second outing and a repeat should see her in the firing line. It’s one each between Hurricane Cat and EDGE OF TOMORROW (6) but the going could be the deciding factor in the former’s favour. OH YOKO (1) has been disappointing since arriving in the province but does seem better than her form would suggest. (Andrew Harrison: 9-4-6-1).

R4     Summary: NIGHT ROCKER (3) was a beaten short-priced favourite at just his second start but was still green and only got going late. That experience and the extra furlong should be to his liking. GOOD LIVING (1) also goes this trip for the first time but has been improving with every outing. He jumps from pole and should have no trouble seeing out the extra furlong. TIBBOTT BOURKE (2) is a lightly raced four-year-old but has ability and is proven over the trip. From a good draw he must have a strong winning chance. TERIYAKI (10) has drawn wide but has been knocking on the door for some time now. A win would not come as a surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-2-10).

R5     Summary: MC DAZZLER (2) has let the side down when starting a short-priced favourite at his last two. He is a lightly raced four-year-old and first time blinkers could bring out the best. ALWAYS SHINING (4) was running on behind the promising Henry Harvey last time out in his first try on the turf. He has done well over the trip and should be a threat. SUPER CASANOVA (3) is showing signs of coming to hand after a much improved effort last time out. He has a good draw and should make a bold bid. GREENLIGHT EXPRESS (6) was much improved last run and the stable is currently in good form. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-3-6).

R6     Summary: MILLION VOICES (1) returns from a break where according to trainer Mike Miller she has been given time to mature. She shed her maiden at third time of asking, prior to that finishing runner up to Equus Champion Quid Pro Quo. If she is anywhere near best she should go close. Stable rider Tristan Godden has jumped ship on HEREINAFTER (10), the seven-year-old hunting her four straight win. Miller has another string to his bow in DISCERNING (5) who was staying on behind the promising Dark Winter last time out. MAMAS BABY (4) has shown recent improvement and was not far off over course and distance last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 1-5-4-10).

R7     Summary: Wide open. MASCHERINA (2) got an eight-point shunt up the handicap for her last win with second-placed CRAZY BLUES (8) staying on her mark and now 1.5kg better off in the handicap. However, Peter Muscutt’s filly is lightly raced and could still be under the handicapper’s radar and can follow up. LITTLEMARYSUNSHINE (12) has a wide draw to contend with but has some useful Highveld form in good company. She stays the trip well. CAPE LIGHTS (7) won a Pinnacle Stakes under bottom weight last time out but had steady form in strong Highveld company before that. She has a handy galloping weight and her trainer’s only runner. ELEMBEE (5) seldom runs a bad race and has run well on this course. She has a handy galloping weight can needs to be considered. (Andrew Harrison: 2-12-7-5).

R8     Summary: NOBLE STORM (3) his holding form well and likes this course. She steps up in trip but has a good draw and is down in class. GORGEOUS GIRL (1) has not been out of the first two since racing in cheek pieces. She was a narrow winner on this course last time out but has the best of the draw and only got a three-point penalty for that win. PILOT FLAME (4) didn’t have any luck from a wide draw last run on the poly. She made a smart handicap debut and looks to have a bright chance. DAWN SURPRISE (10) has a wide draw to contend with but the extra furlong should suit and she was staying on well last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-4-10).

Lillie Langtry was a socilaite and actress and a prolific racehorse owner.

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