Turf Talk Newsletter – 29 November, 2024

Main Defender should stay the trip on pedigree and should be cherry ripe. (JC Photos)

The Betway Summer Cup is always an exciting betting event and the double figure odds of the classy Main Defender make appeal this year.

Main Defender is those odds due to a perceived stamina doubt, but on pedigree he is by Pathfork, whose son Royal Victory has won two Gr 1s over this course and distance, and he is out of a half-sister to Atticus Finch, who finished second in the Gr 3 Splashout 2200, while his dam’s sire is the stamina influence Judpot.

However, his detractors point to him passing Greeting My Master in the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m and then being passed by the latter close to home. However, Main Defender was giving 11kg to the latter and would not have been at his peak. He beat Atticus Finch by 2,50 lengths in the Victory Moon and will be on 3kg better terms in the Summer Cup, while he beat Purple Pitcher by 3,50 lengths and will be only 3,5kg worse off, so they should finish together.

Main Defender, most importantly had travelled like the old Main Defender in the Victory Moon. He was superbly relaxed in the running and turned it on effortlessly when asked the question. He has a plum draw of three and an astute jockey in Aldo Domeyer is aboard.

See It Again is the favourite and is a twice winner over this trip. Gelding might help him bounce back to his best. He carries topweight but on the bright side only seven of the runners are officially in the handicap and he has a good draw of six with the peerless Piere Strydom up.

Last year’s winner Royal Victory still looks well handicapped and will surely go close, although he has a slightly tougher draw of 15 this year. Gavin Lerena is in fine form and Royal Victory should be spot on after his fine recent gallop at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

Frances Ethel has been eyecatching in her build up runs and is said to have stengthened into twice the horse she was last season.

Madison Valley is a long-striding sort who will relish the course and distance and he can run on after being dropped out from a wide draw.

Rule By Force is close to Royal Victory on Gr 1 SA Classic form of last year, but the latter was said to be off form that day.

Barbaresco should enjoy the course and distance and has a chance.

Hotarubi should be running on if it pans out from a wide draw.

Future Pearl is capable of a powerful finish and with Richard Fourie up can’t be ignored.

Beating Wings is 2kg under sufferance but is in fine form and progressive, so can do well over a suitable course and distance.

Silver Sanctuary is a full-sister to twice Summer Cup runner up Safe Passage and as a Gr 1 winner carrying joint bottom weight she has a shout, although she is officially 2kg under sufferance.

Pure Predator is a long-striding ideally course and distance suited sort and has his third run after a layoff, so could bounce back.

Purple Pitcher will relish the course and distance and has a chance if producing his best.

Atticus Finch should give an honest account of himself, but has a tough task with Main Defender on Victory Moon Stakes form.

Cape Eagle is a fair sort on his day and one of the dark horses over a suitable course and distance.

Litigation has the same Tarry/Schwarz combination as previous upset winner Zillzaal and is drawn in pole over a suitable trip, but he needs to lift his game.

My Soul Mate is capable but is officially way under sufferance.

Puerto Manzano is a previous winner but appears to be past his best.

Zeus finished fourth last year, but is not in as good form this season.

Winchester Mansion won a messy Gr 2 Allied Steelrode Onamission Mile, but his overall form since his Hollywoodbets Durban July win suggests he has some issues as he is sparesly raced and a tad in and out.

They are selected in the order mentioned.

In the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans the exciting prospect Greaterix should go close, but giving weight to the amazing champion filly Quid pro Quo won’t be easy and the latter is taken to win.

Chasing Happiness could be one of the best bets at the meeting in the Gr 3 Betway Carry On Alice Stakes as she is progressive and looked to have a bit in hand last time. However, last year’s winner Mrs Browning must be included as she is well in at the weights.

Cats Pajamas is classy and the form of his last win has worked out exceptionally well, so he could win the Gr 3 New Turf Carrier Merchants despite being 1kg under sufferance.

In the Gr 3 Betway Fillies Mile VJ’s Angel, Fatal Flaw and Fiery Pegasus could fight it out.

The Betway Summer Cup consolation could be won by the course and distance suited and progressive Atarime.

The first leg of the PA could be fought out by Unzen, Dave The King and The Specialist, although Mexican Pete and Tail Of The Comet can’t be ignored.

In the first leg of the Bipot Green Sapphire makes most appeal.

Jack Milner (Tab4Racing)

To win a Grade 1 race on every continent is high up on the list of jockey Oisin Murphy’s goals.

The UK champion jockey touched down at OR Tambo International on Friday morning ahead of his ride on Frances Ethel in Saturday’s R6-million Betway Summer Cup over 2000m at Turffontein.

“Absolutely!” said Murphy. “To have a Grade 1 victory on every continent would be amazing, and if I can’t do it at Turffontein then I would love to try it in another race in South Africa, like the Cape Town Met.”

While Murphy has spent time in South Africa he has yet to ride in the country and that has all changed courtesy of Brett Crawford-trained Frances Ethel.

“I know very little about the filly, but I know the connections seem very happy with her condition.

“She’s well weighted with 54kg and she’s drawn well at No 7. I know the top weight (See It Again) is decent and he carries 60kg.

“I also know this race has been getting nice publicity. There was even an article in the Racing Post in the UK.

“It was very good of Team Valor and Ash Maharaj to give me this opportunity.”

Murphy was crowned UK champion for the fourth time last month with a winning strike rate of 22%. “I rode 230 winner this year but only had three Group 1 winners as opposed to five last year.

“It would be nice to another Group 1 winner on Saturday.”

Murphy spent some time in South Africa a couple of years back. “I have been to Joburg before as well as Cape Town and went of a few safaris. I also spent time at Mauritzfontein stud in Kimberley.”

After a flight which began in Paris on Thursday, then to London Heathrow before going on to Frankfurt to board the flight to Joburg, Murphy will first clean up at his hotel before travelling on to Turffontein.

“I always like to walk the course, and I’ll do that this afternoon.”

Quid Pro Quo has been tipped to win the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Turffontein Standside Saturday Formguides And Selections

R1     3 SCORPIO is by Gimmethegreenlight and is a half-brother to the useful 106-rated Mount Pinatubo. 4 TENJIKU is by Erik The Red out of a twice-winning Master Of My Fate mare over 1400m. 8 CAROLINE ISLAND is by Querari and out of a three-time winning Dawn Approach mare from 1200m to 1300m. 7 ARASHI is by Legislate and is a half-sister to the unbeaten in three starts over 1000m War Room, whose wins included a Listed win. (3-4-8-7)

R2     12 GREEN SAPPHIRE had promising form as a two-year-old and Richard Fourie rides from a plum draw in her return from a six month layoff. 7 SEVENTH FLEET made a good debut and looks capable of improvement from a high draw. 13 GREEN STREET made a good debut and has Oisin Murphy up from a high draw. 5 ALESIAN BEAU has looked to have promise and has drawn towards the right side. (12-7-13-5)

R3     2 UNZEN is ideally course and distance suited and should make a bold bid. 1 DAVE THE KING is top class on his day and can bounce back from a disappointing reappearance in which he faded tamely. 6 THE SPECIALIST has plenty of class and will be finishing strongly after likely being dropped out from a wide draw, although he does carry 1kg overweight. 7 MEXICAN PETE bounced back to form in his reappearance after a layoff and has pole position, although he carries 2kg overweight. (2-1-6-7)

R4     15 POBLANO has shown promise and could enjoy the step down in trip from a plum high draw. 8 CHASING HAPPINESS is in fine form and goes for a hattrick from a draw toards the right side. 4 TROPPO VELOCE is drawn on the right side and comes off two good runs. 3 WINTER GREETING has the pace and kick to be a factor here but does have a tricky low draw. (15-8-4-3)

R5     11 CATS PAJAMAS has fine feature form and is well drawn but he he does have a tough task at the eights. 10 PISTOL PETE has plenty of pace and is drawn towards the outside. 2 RULERSHIP is a classy sprinter and from a fairly good draw should make his presence felt. 1 LUCKY LAD has a tough number 3 draw but after his reappearance recently he should have come on from the ru andn will make his presence felt (11-10-2-1).

R6     1 VJ’S ANGEL is full of class and is a Gr 1 winner over this trip, athough she will have to overcome a fairly wide draw. 2 FATAL FLAW has fine fom at present and is distance suited but she does have a tough draw. 4 FIERY PEGASUS is on the up and can be involved if able to overcome a wide draw. 3 OLIVIA’S WAY is progressing the right way and could do well from a fair draw under Richard Fourie. (1-2-4-3)

R7     13 QUID PRO QUO has a chance if close to her best as she has landed a plum draw. 3 GREATERIX is well regarded and has a plum draw over a suitable trip. 1 FIRE ATTACK is the Gr 2 SA Nursery winner and has a fine draw. 5 MOONLIGHT TRADER won the Gr 3 Graham Beck over 1400m last time out and is going the right way. (13-3-1-5)

R8     2 MAIN DEFENDER has landed a plum draw and looks to be coming back to his best and gave the impression last time he could see out the trip seeing it his third run after a layoff. 1 SEE IT AGAIN has also drawn well and should be staying on strongly despite having to lug topweight. 4 ROYAL VICTORY can defend his crown as he still looks reasonably weighted although he does have a wide draw. 9 FRANCES ETHEL has strengthened impressively and has a fine chance with Oisin Murphy up from a nice draw. 6 BARBARESCO is course and distance suited and should make his presence felt. 5 PURPLE PITCHER looks reasonably weighted and is course and distance suited well drawn. (2-1-4-9-6-5)

R9     12 ATARIME has been in fine form and has drawn well over this suitable course and distance and has a useful 1,5kg claim with Rachel Venniker being aboard. 10 MARAUDING HORDE will enjoy the step down in trip and from pole position is only 1kg worse off with Atarime for a 4,25 length beating although that is excluding the claim of Venniker. 8 THUNEE PLAYA ran well last time out in the Gr 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes but the connections opted for a ten point raise in an attempt to qualify for that big race so it won’t be easy. 7 INDIAN OCEAN is a long-striding sort who should relish the course and distance but Piere Strydom is booked to ride Shoemaker. (12-10-8-7)

R10    2 POETS WARRIOR is a progressive stayer who has been impressive and he could go in again. 8 BATTLEGROUND is a copey sort who could still find mlre improvement. 3 RAISEAHALLELUJAH is a solid stayer who should be thereabouts. 10 TWENTY DRACHMA’S is a promising stayer and the best might not have been seen of him yet. (2-8-3-10)

R11    8 MOOLA MAN is ideally course and distance suited and well drawn. 2 CHAMPION WARRIOR has come ingto his own so should go close despite having to overcome an eight point raise and a wide draw. 4 MASTERSHIP has scope for further improvement but does have a tricky draw. 7 DECEPTION PASS has shown a lot of ability and can be thereabouts from a plum draw with Fourie up. (8-2-4-7)

See It Again and Piere Strydom face another big Gr 1 handicap test carrying topweight in the Betway Summer Cup. (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Jack Milner (Tab4Racing)

Over the past 135 years, the Summer Cup has been won by some of the best horses to race in the country and this year we have one of the strongest fields assembled for some time.

As trainer Mike de Kock said at the launch for this year’s race, there are six million reasons why you want your horse to get a shot at the 2024 event. That comment comes courtesy of Betway, who announced the stake money for this year’s event would be upped to R6 million, making it not only the richest race in South Africa but also on the entire African continent.

So, 20 horses will be lining up for this year’s Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup which will be run at 4pm on Saturday over 2000m on the Standside track at Turffontein.

The thrill of the race is not the only item that will grip the attention of racegoers as the 11-race card contains six other feature races as well as numerous betting opportunities.

Firstly, there is a R2 million Pick 6 carryover with a likely pool of R7 million as well as R1 million kicking off the Summer Cup Quartet which should reach some R3 million. In addition, there will be two BiPots and three Jackpots.

The field has also attracted out-of-province support with two of the highest rated horses on their way up to the Highveld from KwaZulu-Natal. One of them is last year’s winner, Royal Victory, and the other is two-time Grade 1 winner See It Again.

Undoubtedly one of the best in the land, Michael Roberts-trained See it Again will be making his debut at Turffontein, while Royal Victory is an old hand at the course with an excellent record of three wins and three places in seven starts. More importantly, he is unbeaten in both starts over 2000m, the other coming in the Grade 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge in April.

He also gets 3kg from See It Again and on form, they are very close together. The weight difference in the HWB Durban July was the same, and See It Again finished 0.40 lengths behind the Nathan Kotzen-trained runner.

They both had their prep runs for this race in the same event, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1600m at HWB Greyville, where, courtesy of Rachel Venniker’s allowance, Royal Victory had to concede 1.5kg to his rival.

See It Again came out on top, beating Royal Victory by 1.20 lengths, which means the latter will now be 4.5kg better off.

On the basis of that run alone, it should be one-way traffic for Royal Victory.

But that does not tell the whole story because we are likely to see a new and improved See It Again this time. One of the reasons he was not performing well was that he was haemoconcentrating and needed gelding. That operation was performed in August and that could result in major improvement.

“People are trying to base everything on a prep run,” said Roberts on Thursday. “My horse is doing very well, and I still believe they have to beat us.”

Talking about that prep run, he added: “See It Again is the kind of horse that will chase anything that is in front of him but when he hits the front, he idles. That’s what happened at Greyville.

“Before gelding he always used to lug in. This time he ran as straight as an arrow.

“I also believe he will like the longer run-in and the tougher Turffontein course.

“He’s not a horse who shows a lot at home so to calculate exactly how much he has improved is not easy, but if he improves two lengths that will be awesome.”

When people question See It Again’s single warm-up run Roberts responds: “Tell me how many warm-up runs Royal Victory has got?”

The answer is, exactly the same.

“Of course, I respect Royal Victory. He’s a nice horse and he does seem to prefer Turffontein.

“But if See It Again travels well, I think he is the horse to beat.”

Both horses will have ample assistance from the saddle as Piere Strydom is back aboard See It Again while Gavin Lerena rides Royal Victory.

However, this is not just a two-horse race and there are a number of others to consider. Top of that list has to be Main Defender. Tony Peter’s charge undoubtedly has the class to win this race but will he see out 2000m?

He fell slightly short in the Betway Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m but he still may have been in need of a run and he did give 11kg to the winner.

“He’s doing well,” said Peter. “He came through Victory Moon run exceptionally well and he’s got a lovely draw.”

Commenting on the distance, Peter added: “His mother went 2000m and with a patient ride I think he will see out the distance. The idea is to probably stalk the speed and wait as long as possible.”

Another runner who will relish the track and trip is Purple Victory, winner of two Grade 1 races at Turffontein. Robyn Klaasen’s charge has had two very decent warm-up runs and will be tough to catch if he can get to the lead in the straight.

Fillies Frances Ethel and Silver Sanctuary must also come into the reckoning and a lot of attention will be on the former as UK champion jockey Oisin Murphy takes the ride on the James Crawford-trained runner.

De Kock-trained Greaterix is looking to be the best banker on the card in the Grade 2 Betway Dingaans over 1600m. He is highly regarded by the stable and the manner of his last win over the course and distance was very impressive.

However, there will be a lot of interest in last season’s Champion Two-Year-Old Filly Quid Pro Quo. Trainer Barend Botes was not able to find the perfect warm-up race for her but she has done a lot of work since arriving in Joburg, much of it being performed by former champion jockey Andrew Fortune

“Andrew has given her three gallops,” said Botes on Wednesday. “He worked her this morning and he was very happy. He gave me the confidence that she would run a good race.”

Talking of his charge Botes added: “She’s certainly the best I’ve ever had. She has grown a bit and is a better horse.”

It should be pointed out that she is the best-weighted runner, courtesy of her sex allowance, and has Strydom, who will put up 0.5kg overweight, in the irons.

Gladatorian has an easy task at the weights on Sunday (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections

R1     Summary: The first juvenile race of the season in KZN and as per usual Mike Miller is well represented with three runners of which HOLD THE KEY (2) could be the pick judged on jockey engagements. Kom Naidoo also likes to get them out early so watch the market on WAROFDYNAMITE (5) the first runner in KZN of new stallion Declarationofpeace. Andrew Harrison: 2-5-4-1).

R2     Summary: MAGMA MAGIC (8) is a lightly raced four-year-old by Tony Rivalland’s charge was a beaten even money favourite when trying the poly last start. He has some fair form in competitive maidens. Biggest opposition could come from Gareth van Zyl’s EL CAPITAN (9) who made a promising KZN debut over a mile after showing some ability over sprints in the Cape. He could prove more effective over this shorter trip. CAPTAINSHIP (2) has improved in blinkers and was a beaten favourite last run. The step up in trip should suit and he has a favourable draw. SAMUEL LONGSWORD (10) has drawn wide but has his third run after a break and the extra furlong will suit. (Andrew Harrison: 8-9-2-10).

R3     Summary: ART NOUVEAU (2) was touched off in a tight finish last time out and looks capable of going one better in a field with shallow form. YELLOW JACKET (7) finished ahead of Art Nouveau when last they met but has since put in two modest efforts. She is not always reliable on if putting in her best she will be competitive. FATE DECREED (10) has a tricky draw to overcome but has shown up well in her last two over this distance and must have a strong chance in this line-up. OUR LADY FATE (1) can improve from the best of the draw and down in trip. She is lightly raced and still has improvement to come. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-10-1).

R4     Summary: GLADATORIAN (1) looks very well in at the weights in spite of his impost of 62kg. He boast cracking form in top Highveld company and Stuart Ferrie’s charge is likely to start a short priced favourite. His biggest danger could come in the form of Gareth Van Zyl’s gelding NATYAM (8). He put Betway Summer Cup hopeful Cape Eagle to the sword last time out where the latter was well in at the weights. Natyam is smart on his day and could make things difficult for Gladatorian. CELTIC BEAUTY (7) is a useful filly who has her third run after a break. She has been up against males in two Pinnacle Stakes since her come back and was far from disgraced behind See It Again, staying on gamely over a mile. NAVAJO NATION (3) was not far back in a recent sprint having drawn 14. He has had two sprints in the lead-up to this race and the step up in distance will suit. (Andrew Harrison: 1-8-7-1).

R5     Summary: Tricky handicap. VISION TO ACHIEVE (1) has been runner-up at her last two and Paul Gadsby’s filly has improved in blinkers. However, she does take a jump in class but a corresponding drop in weight and Sean Veale staying with the ride is an indication of her chances. RUSSIAN DOLL (3) got home narrowly when tried over a furlong further last time out. She is back over what looks to be her optimum trip and Michael Roberts has booked a 4kg claimer for the ride. PATANTS HEIR (8) is lightly raced and was in need of her last run when drawn wide after a three-month break. She is one to watch in the market. WAR EMPRESS (5) seldom gives less than her best and was a comfortable winner last time out. She got a five-point raise in the handicap but still comes into this race with a handy galloping weight over her favourite trip. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-8-5).

R6     Summary: Competitive Pinnacle event. WILLIAM ROBERTSON (15) will have plenty of supporters here after beating Lucky Lad two runs back and finishing second to the smart Dyce last time out. Apprentice Trent Mayhew stays with the ride but Corne Spies’ gelding has drawn on the outside of the track and if last Wednesday’s races are anything to go by, it was another dash for the inside rail. With the Christmas Handicap on the horizon, there are a few warming up including NARINA TROGON (1) and the Peter Muscutt pairing of QUASIFORSURE (9) and FORMAGEAR (10). Quasiforsure has been tried over further but does appear to be a better sprinter while Formagear’s last win was over this distance. SUN BLUSHED (11) has not been out since he Mercury Sprint back in July so could need this while IMILENZEYOKDUDUMA (16) is also back from a break and may also need it. (Andrew Harrison: 15-9-10-1).

R7     Summary: WARRIOR ROYALE (2) followed up her maiden win with a comfortable handicap victory. Mike Miller’s charge only has 53kg to shoulder and could be good enough to take the steep rise in class. BEVIES DELIGHT (1) has finished runner-up in her last two after a break of almost a year. She has the best of the draw and she is at home over the trip. MASCHERINA (4) was outclassed by See It Again in a Pinnacle last time out. She has cracking form on this course and at best will go close. Miller has a second string to his bow in QUERARI ROSE (6) who has won two of her three starts. She also comes into the race with a light weight and Mathew Thackeray keeps the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-4-6).

R8     Summary: POURSOMESUGARONME (2) has been knocking on the door for some time now. Most of her recent form has been on the poly and a switch to turf could bring out best in her. MISSISSIPPI SPCE (3) after showing very little in two starts, she returned from a break much improved and she her maiden in good fashion. It was not the strongest field but she won with authority and does look progressive. TOMYRIS (7) ran well below best last time out after showing consistent previous form. She should improve and can feature. BEAUTIFUL RANIA (4) has shown her best recent form on the poly although he most recent turf effort was in the Gr2 Golden Slipper behind Quid Pro Quo. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-4-7).

First Wish makes it five from five for Fourie and clinches a four-timer for Alan Greeff (Pauline Herman Photography).

Richard Fourie won the first five races at the Fairview poly meeting today and finished third when going for a possible SA record i.e. the winner of six successive carded races. Piere Strydom rode the Pick 6 once, but lost a match race that was carded in between the P6 races and which did not count for the P6. There have almost certainly been six successive rides and maybe more to have been won before, but pundits will need to search the results archives to see whether six successive carded races at a meeting have all been won by the same jockey before.

In the first race Fourie was aboard the original favourite, the Alan Greef-trained Gimmethegreenlight first-timer filly WalkOnTheWildSide, and in this 1200m event she flew up from nowhere with impressive long strides to pass the favourite Her Royalty late and win going away by 0,75 lengths at odds of 9/4.

In the next race over 1600m he took the race by the scruff of the neck on the Justin Snaith-trained 56/100 favourite Noodsberg (Vercingetorix) and she went further and further clear to win by 5,50 lengths from the battling maiden Accumulate.

In the third race, the Guineas Plate over 1600m, Fourie’s Greef-trained Fire Away colt My Best Shot has shown a lot of ability and had won four from nine, but was up against it on the form of his last start as he was 6kg worse off with Sakurajima despite having been beaten by 1,50 lengths by the latter over this course and distance. However, My Best Shot bounced back to his best and won by 3,25 lengths at odds of 18/10 from Play Act with Sakurajima only managing third.

In the fourth race over 1600m he took the Alan Greef-trained topweight Arabian Red (Heavenly Blue) to the front and kept her going to win by an easy 2,75 lengths at odds of 3/1.

In the fifth over 2000m the Greeff-trained First Wish (Master Of My Fate) had caught the eye when most unlucky two runs ago in a handicap over 1600m and had then finished a good fourth at 50/1 odds in the Fillies Guineas Plate. Fourie had her well back from a wide draw in the early stages but moved up appraoaching the final turn and she ran on well to win by a cosy half-a-length at 28/10 odds.

Fourie was then out to make it six carded races in succession, a feat which might not have been achieved in SA before, although this is just a guess.

Alas, the Alan Greeff-trained Heart Stealer (Time Thief) stayed on well at odds of 15/10 in the 2000m event but could not reach the easy winner, the Cliffie Miller-trained Roll Of The Dice, and was outstayed too by Harold The Duke.

The Zietsman Oosthuizen-trained eight-year-old Elusive Fort gelding El Romiachi probably set something of a world record today on the Fairview poly.

It is unusual but not rare for a horse to have had 100 races.

However, in the space of 28 days, El Romiachi won his 100th start, won his 101st start and today won his 102nd start – and that must be a unique hattrick.

It is actually the second hattrick of El Romiachi’s career.

When first moving from the Highveld to the East Cape he was trained by Alan Greeff and won his second, third and fourth starts for Greeff and the middle leg of that hattrick was also on November 29 (2021), so he enjoys this time of the year.

El Romiachi made it ten career wins today.

Zietsman owns the Riethuiskraal Stud-bred gelding in partnership with George Chrisochos.

The Sporting Post published a tribute to Jane Thomas, a much loved personality in the South African thoroughbred industry:

A doting mother, former racehorse trainer, yearling inspector and proud proprietor of her much-loved Far End Farm in Mooi River, well-known SA racing personality Jane Thomas has passed away at the age of 61 after a bravely fought battle with cancer.

A simple philosophy of hard work and rolling up her sleeves – and importantly loving her horses, her staff and her clients – saw Jane Thomas evolve from humble beginnings thirty five years ago to a respected and leading player in a tough and competitive market.

Jane took out an open trainer’s license, training off her Far End Farm in Mooi River from 1990 – 2000, before shifting her focus back to pre-training. Thus the Far End we know today  was born 24 years ago.

She used 400 acres of her 1100 acre sprawl of paradise for the 120 odd horses that she prepared The balance of the farm was leased to a local dairy farmer.

“It’s a very seasonal business operation. After the sales the horses come to us and are schooled and conditioned both mentally and physically for the rigors of full training. The prep includes starting stalls conditioning.”

She also did the groundwork for the Ready To Run sales.

“One has to be careful that they’re not ‘Ready To Retire’ sales. When you’re working with young horses, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re not just keeping them sound for the sale. The most important thing is to produce a sound, confident horse at the sales for the buyer to see,” she once mused in a chat with the Sporting Post.

Far End is in a beautiful horsey heaven setting. With the backdrop of the snow-capped Drakensberg Mountain range, the nearby Mooi River winds through the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of the Natal Midlands with its rolling hills and lush green vegetation.

Jane was at one with the Voortrekkers who settled there in 1830 and were so taken by the river and its surrounding scenery that they named it, rather unimaginatively one could argue, Mooi River.

“We are a working farm. There is mud to play in. There are dogs all over the place. Nothing fancy here – just good old fashioned love, care and attention. It’s school and therapy for racehorses. And we love them all,” she told us enthusiastically.

Born in England and after realising that the miserable weather wasn’t for her, Jane packed her bags at the age of 23 and set off on an adventure that would see her lay her roots in Africa.

After spending time in the USA, she arrived in South Africa, met a husband and, by her own admission, sort of fell in love with Mooi River. She passed peacefully there earlier today.

No longer married, but a proud mother of two adult sons – South Dakota based Luke and the adopted Durbanite Mzo – Jane immersed herself in her horses and her business.

She once told the Sporting Post that good horses and good people were the cornerstone of her success.

Jane cited 2017/18 Equus Champion Stayer and 2016 Gr1 Investec Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn as one of the most rewarding cases she has dealt with in recent years.

“Trainer Dean Kannemeyer started with a broken horse. Owner Fred Crabbia had the patience to let him take as long as he needed. In five weeks It’s My Turn won the Derby, the Gold Vase and the Gold Cup. That takes some doing! After the Gold Cup he was sent back to us – he certainly had earned the holiday and enjoyed a month of playing in the mud and having great fun. He went back to Dean at Summerveld last week. He is a lovely horse and he could still make some waves this season!”

She laughed when telling us about her other much loved resident, Singapore champion Rocket Man.

Probably the most famous name to come out of Singapore racing, Fred Crabbia’s son of Viscount won 17 races at Kranji, with his standout performances being his record of four Lion City Cups from 2009 to 2012.

“There are no retirement facilities in Singapore so Fred flew his champ back to South Africa. He has settled down well here and enjoys a great life. It’s My Turn stole his thunder a bit in his stays with us. I think Rocket Man was happy to see the back of him!”

Jane loved her staff, the core of which have been with her for close on 35 years.

“We have had no labour issues. We look after our staff and pay them well. We are a close-knit team.”

Jane once summed up the need to be tough and professional in this game.

“Horse people are a bit weird. But we’re all exactly the same – we’ve all got the same glitch in our personality that made us go near a horse in the first place!”

Our sincere sympathies and condolences to her family and friends.

You will be sadly missed, Jane. Rest in peace.

The picture is of the subject

What is a horce called Oju Chosan’s claim to fame?