Strydom and Habib Out Of The King's Plate After Nasty Falls
Twenty One May To Light Up New Year's Day
Twenty One May has been tipped to win Race 7 (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)
The stakes increase and incentives announced recently by Hollywoodbets in conjunction with Gold Circle will no doubt have a positive influence on racing in this province as a prompt to owners who were on the sidelines.
The Follow Gold Circle Facebook Class 4, seventh race on the New Year’s day card on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville, has a stake of R120k and has attracted a more than useful field.
The race could develop into a rematch of Future Flo and Twenty One May but in truth the form goes a little deeper.
Twenty One May shows some promise and was narrowly beaten last time, just behind Future Flow, but does have to shoulder top weight for Duncan Howells. Kabelo Matsunyane stays aboard which is a positive indication. Future Flo has been a revelation since Michael Roberts put him back over sprints but he is now 1.5kg worse off with Twenty One May on their last meeting which should be enough to reverse the positions. Fine One caught the eye in that same race when racing in first time blinkers and could be a threat while Hurricane Cat takes on males but is super quick and with a 4kg claimer up can go one better in a tricky race.
In the card opener, Abaddon is returning from a long injury break but the Mike Millar stable reports that he is in good order. He does show ability and meets a modest line-up. World Of Hope raced green when not too far back on debut and is sure to improve from a pole position draw while Catavar has shown flashes of ability and the apprentice is replaced by Mathew Thackery which could make the difference. Unraced stable companion to World Of Hope, Gorgeous Bomber has Gavin Lerena aboard and one to watch in the betting.
The lightly raced Prince Florian is lightly raced but has been showing signs of improvement and could be one of the better bets on the card. He meets a modest field and Serino Moodley has jumped ship on Flying Hafla to partner Dean Kannemeyer’s gelding. Mike de Kock has pitted Flying Hafla against males but she has been in good form against her own sex and does not meet a strong field. She should be in the money. Lava Burst has shown recent improvement in blinkers for Garth Puller and can feature on his best effort.
The first leg of the Pick 6 is a tricky handicap but Woza Nawe is a recent maiden winner where she started at 1-3 odds for Peter Muscutt and won convincingly with first time blinkers. She was not disgraced in top company early in her career and although she has drawn wide she does look progressive. Radu is drawn deepest of all but Wendy Whitehead’s filly was close-up behind the promising Ladyofdistinction last time out and if Rachel Venniker can overcome the draw she will be a big runner. Ethereal View has come good at recent starts albeit on the poly. She does have a handy draw which will help her cause. She’s A Machine started favourite over course and distance last time out but that run is best ignored and she will have a good chance on her previous showings.
In the fourth, Bob has improved on his Highveld form since joining Gareth van Zyl’s yard and was finishing off nicely over 1400m last run. This trip should suit in spite of top weight. King Bavarian was a beaten favourite last run but has been super consistent of late. He goes well over course and distance and with a light weight he could finally reap his just rewards. Connoisseur has been coming
to hand again and looks primed for this race while Galaxy Explorer is struggling for his next win but has not been far back at recent outings and took on stronger last run. Gavin Lerena rides for Tony Rivalland.
Roaming Spirit has been in the money in all four starts for Mike de Kock and a beaten favourite at her last two. She should enjoy the step up in trip and has a strong chance in what is a competitive maiden in the fifth. White Waters has her first outing for Mike Miller after showing some consistent Cape form which could prove a little bit stronger than the local equivalent. La Vida Loca found her last start beyond her compass and Glen Kotzen has brought her back to what looks to be a more suitable trip.
The last two handicaps on the card could prove to be a punter’s nightmare. In the sixth, Iron Will has shown signs of coming to hand and the extra furlong will suit Alyson Wright’s gelding who does have good form on the turf. Kom Naidoo saddles Porfirio who has been knocking on the door for some time now. Most of his recent form has been on the poly but the switch in surface could bring out the best. Mac Hardy is another poly specialist given his recent form but he too could come well on the turf. He was narrowly beaten last start when doing his best work late and the extra furlong should suit. Gary Rich sends out Phaka Imali whose last run is best ignored given his previous form however, he too is something of a poly specialist.
The last is wide open but Swiss Paradise has smart form on the poly and if she can carry that through onto the turf she will have a strong chance in this line-up. Dawn Surprise has been consistent of late and has been dropping slowly in the ratings. She does go well on the turf. Darryl Moore sends out Quentasia who has been improving with every outing of late and looks primed for this. All three have deep draws to contend with. Copacabana has a more favourable draw and showed some improvement with a tongue-tie and blinkers and the extra furlong could suit but this race is
Iron Will Can Keep His New Year's Resolution
2024 USA Racing In Review: 10 feel-good stories To Remember
Riley Ward (right) celebrates Seize the Grey’s Preakness win with other members of the ownership group put together by MyRacehorse. He and about 500 other shareholders enjoyed the victory in person. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
By Tom Pedulla / Special for Horse Racing Nation December 19, 2024
2024 in review: 10 feel-good stories to remember this yearPhoto: Eclipse Sportswire & Ron Flatter
There are times when it may seem all gloom and doom out there, but it is not. Here is a look at 10 feel-good racing stories from 2024:
Great good. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance continues to do awesome work on behalf of horses who no longer are able to race. In November it announced a new round of grants totaling $4.14 million to 83 accredited organizations. Since its inception in 2012, TAA has made more than $36 million in grants devoted exclusively to equine care to assist approximately 18,500 Thoroughbreds at 175 facilities.
Popular triumph. The sport of kings does not necessarily have to belong to royalty. Thanks to entities such as MyRacehorse, which sells micro-shares in racing prospects, the sport is accessible to most everyone when expenses are shared. The beauty of the concept was on full display as some of the 2,570 investors in MyRacehorse’s Seize the Grey, trained by 88-year-old D. Wayne Lukas, overflowed the winner’s circle after the $300,000 yearling captured the Preakness. MyRacehorse struck again to the delight of average fans when Seize the Grey took the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby and Straight No Chaser scored in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Cherishing life. Sean Flanagan listened to words no one wants to hear when he was given two years to live in the summer of 2019 because of a malignant tumor in his abdomen. His desperate search for help led him to Dr. Michael Blute, chief of urology at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. A mass the size of a grapefruit was removed, eliminating the threat and giving Flanagan a new lease on life. That led him to spend $725,000 on Chancer McPatrick, a Kentucky Derby prospect after Grade 1 victories in the Hopeful and Champagne.
Remembering Cody. Few people make an impact on the world. The late Cody Dorman, born with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, did. Although he needed a tablet to communicate and was unable to walk, Dorman’s almost mystical connection with Godolphin homebred Cody’s Wish that began with a meeting arranged by the Make-A-Wish Foundation inspired fans everywhere. And now countless other wishes will be granted after the establishment of the Cody Dorman Legacy Fund, which raised $65,000 as soon as it was announced at Keeneland in October.
Horse of a lifetime. Most breeders toil in anonymity without ever coming upon a big horse. Judy Hicks, who owns Brookstown Farm near Versailles, Ky., with her husband R.W., was beginning to think it would never happen for her. “I was going to quit. My glass was no longer full. It was almost empty,” she said. Then she bred Thorpedo Anna, a daughter of Fast Anna, and reluctantly put her up for sale. When Kenny McPeek bought her for $40,000 as a yearling in 2022, Hicks was so sure Thorpedo Anna was special she asked to stay in as a partner in what became the horse of a lifetime.
Medical care. When Robert and Beverly Skinner read about the great work done by Old Friends with retired Thoroughbreds in Georgetown, Ky., they visited the farm to explore what role they might play. After being told emergency medical care alone cost well in excess of $100,000 to tend to more than 260 four-legged retirees, they stepped up by creating the Robert and Beverly Skinner Medical Fund. Robert also has done his part for his country, commanding nuclear submarines as part of a distinguished U.S. Navy career before his retirement.
What a ride. Karl and Cathi Glassman were eager to salute Karl’s father Arthur by naming a horse after him. Before he died in June 2022 at 91, Arthur often commented on what a great ride he had enjoyed while raising a family and becoming a successful businessman upon his graduation from high school. They found the right horse in a Florida-bred son of Tapit, a $250,000 purchase at Keeneland’s September yearling sale. Arthur’s Ride presented the Glassmans with their first Grade 1 triumph with a front-running victory in the Whitney at Saratoga.
More than a name. With jockey Tyler Gaffalione riding for his father-in-law Bob Edwards of e5 Racing Thoroughbreds, Carl Spackler scripted one of the season’s sweetest comeback stories. Although his career was once in doubt following intestinal surgery necessitated by a severe case of colic, the Edwards homebred swept 4 of 6 starts this year with more than $1.1 million in earnings. Whimsically named for the assistant groundskeeper played by Bill Murray in the 1980 comedy “Caddyshack,” Carl Spackler’s successes included consecutive Grade 1 triumphs in the Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga and the Turf Mile at Keeneland.
Aging gracefully. Exercise rider Danny Ramsey played an integral role when Ken McPeek became the first trainer since Plain Ben Jones in 1952 to sweep the Kentucky Oaks (G1), with Thorpedo Anna, and the Kentucky Derby, with Mystik Dan, in the same season. Ramsey drew on his vast experience in helping McPeek develop both runners. How vast? The native of the Bahamas is 74. He attributes his longevity to an excellent diet and exercise regimen. He avoids red meat and has not consumed a soda since 1987.
Drawn together. Barb and Bill Jackson were drawn to Old Friends by their desire to do their part to help retirees by conducting tours of the Kentucky farm. Along the way they fell in love with former star sprinter Green Mask. And with each other. Bill proposed to Barb in front of Green Mask’s stall. They were married on the beautiful grounds of Old Friends in June.
Querari's astonishing Start To The 2YO Season
Querari has had five individual two-year-old winners this season from just seven runners and no other sire has had more than one winner. His daughter Comic Relief won easily on Sunday. (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Cape Breeders
Maine Chance Farms’ highly successful sire Querari came up with yet another good looking two-year-old winner on Sunday.
Querari filly Comic Relief made a big impression when she made a winning debut at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
In the process, Comic Relief became Querari’s fifth two-year-old winner, from just seven runners, this season.
Trained by Michael Miller, the filly turned Sunday’s Download The Race Card Online www.goldcircle.co.za Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies) (1000m) into a one horse race.
Under Tristan Godden, Comic Relief stormed away from her rivals to win convincingly by two and a quarter lengths.
Comic Relief, who was bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, is out of the Ideal World mare What Fun.
That makes her a half-sister to stablemate Winter Games (What A Winter), who was runner up in the Listed The Sharks Gatecrasher Stakes over 1400m as a two-year-old.
She was a R225 000 buy from the 2024 National Yearling Sale.
Comic Relief joins the likes of Black Cheetah, Parental Guidance, Caroline Island, and Siesta Sunset as early two-year-old winners for Querari this season.
South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2YOs in 2018-2019, Querari could be set for some big results this weekend.
Querari is set to be represented by At My Command in Saturday’s G1 L’Ormarins Kings Plate and by his daughter Rainbow Lorikeet in the same day’s G1 Cartier Paddock Stakes. The Maine Chance resident also has three runners in Saturday’s G2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes in the form of Bavarian Beauty, Nordic Quest and Kyalami Girl.
Querari’s top-class son Cosmic Speed is a runner in Sunday’s G3 Betway Got The Greenlight Stakes as is Querari’s very promising son Choisaanada.
UK Quotes Of The Year In 2024
Harry Redknapp celebrates victory for his horse Shakem Up’Arry winning The TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival (Image: Alan Crowhurst/Racing Post)
Racing Post (Quotes Of The Week Column)
‘That was Liz Truss, wasn’t it? This market could crash any minute’ – the most memorable racing quotes of 2024
Reflecting on the past year, in the words of racing’s great and good
It has been a fascinating, thrilling and at times fraught 12 months for racing on and off the track. Here, we recall some of the biggest moments of 2024 in the words of the sport’s great and good, before we usher in the new year . . .
January
I hope all owners, trainers and racecourses will encourage their MPs to attend this debate to highlight how damaging the proposed affordability checks will be to the racing industry and to those who enjoy a bet safely unless there is a rethink. This could be one of the last opportunities to influence the government’s thinking on this issue and we must make the most of it.
Philip Davies was vocal about the need for racing’s participants to urge their own MPs to attend February’s affordability debate
Crucial affordability checks debate to take place on February 26
I think Faugheen won by 22 lengths and I got a bollocking for winning too far. At least she only won by 11 lengths, so I’m learning!
Patrick Mullins in good form after partnering Faugheen’s relative Maughreen to a winning debut at Punchestown
‘The owners are entitled to get a bit excited’ – Maughreen slashed to 8-1 from 20 for Champion Bumper after impressive debut
February
He was a lovely jockey, kind to the horses, and rode them very well. He was very understanding and helpful. He was one of life’s good guys. He was a wonderful person inside and out.
Trainer Rob Varnham pays tribute to Keagan Kirkby after the point-to-point rider’s death
‘He had time for everybody’ – tributes paid to Keagan Kirkby after death of Paul Nicholls work-rider
She continued her massive interest in racing right up to the very last day. Would you believe, she had €20 win on Charlie in the bumper yesterday – that was her last bet.
Tony Mullins after the death of Mullins family matriarch Maureen aged 94
‘A wonderful woman who lived a wonderful life’ – Irish racing’s great matriarch Maureen Mullins dies aged 94
It has become increasingly clear that the government ministers and the Gambling Commission are determined to pursue their blunt and crude policies and are in complete denial of the appalling negative and destructive consequences of these catastrophic policies.
Champion Flat trainer John Gosden speaks ahead of the affordability checks debate
‘The government is in complete denial of the appalling consequences of these catastrophic policies’
March
I’m disappointed for all the people who seem to love the horse. He’s a popular character in the world of National Hunt racing and people seem to love him and love to watch him race. I’m sorry for all of us that it won’t happen.
Michael Buckley on the news Constitution Hill would miss the Champion Hurdle. It was a rollercoaster year for the star hurdler
Owner Michael Buckley ‘deeply disappointed’ as superstar Constitution Hill misses Champion Hurdle
It’s a huge relief; we were getting a bit desperate on Thursday. I had a bad day, my wife was presenting the Ryanair trophy to an ex-Man Utd manager and I’m a lifelong Manchester City supporter. I feel happy that’s the only trophy Man Utd are going to win this year.
Gigginstown’s Michael O’Leary jokes about Sir Alex Ferguson’s Cheltenham win after Stellar Story lands the Albert Bartlett. United would go on to win the FA Cup
‘We were getting a bit desperate’ – Michael O’Leary relieved after Stellar Story denies The Jukebox Man in thriller
I’ve grown up with racing being a big part of my life. My old nan was the bookie’s runner down our street in the East End and she used to get locked up every day for taking bets.
Harry Redknapp recounts his early introduction to racing following Shakem Up’Arry’s victory in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival
‘A dream come true’ – joy for Harry Redknapp as Shakem Up’Arry lands Plate to hand Ben Jones first Cheltenham Festival winner
She was more than just for us, and lots of people rolled along with her story and were captured by it. She’s irreplaceable; it’s just gut-wrenching.
An emotional Jason Hart hails Highfield Princess following the star mare’s death
‘It’s just gut-wrenching’ – Jason Hart leads tributes to ‘irreplaceable’ Highfield Princess following mare’s tragic death
April
Dad is just Dad to me. I never really clicked how incredible he was. I’ve always thought the world of him but another jockey said to me, ‘He’s like god, he’s who everyone wants to be like’.
Amy Lee speaks on the racing club launched to raise funds for her father Graham following his life-changing fall
‘Dad is just Dad to me – I never really clicked how incredible he was’ – Amy Lee on racing’s support for her father
The good thing about bad days is you always hope there will be some light at the end of the tunnel. In all those years there have been plenty of downs before the ups.
Nicky Henderson on the torrid time his yard went through before Sir Gino gave him a welcome Grade 1 success at Aintree
‘They might get to know each other’ – impressive Sir Gino could be on collision course with stablemate Constitution Hill next season
It’s a different feeling passing the line in front in the National; it’s unique. It all feels a bit surreal.
Paul Townend after I Am Maximus’s Grand National success
‘It’s a different feeling, it’s unique, it’s the Grand National’ – Aintree hero I Am Maximus gets a huge homecoming welcome
May
He was a really nice horse but a real character too, he wasn’t straightforward but all in the nicest possible way. He had his quirks which kept us on our feet and entertained us, but by and large his heart was in the right place and he loved doing it.
Nicky Henderson pays tribute to Shishkin after the popular chaser’s death
‘The reaction has been mind-boggling’ – Nicky Henderson amazed by public outpouring following death of star Shishkin
I probably treated him like too much of a god through the winter and because of that he was too fresh. Nothing about the run made any sense.
Aidan O’Brien tries to work out why City Of Troy flopped in the 2,000 Guineas. The Ballydoyle star would soon bounce back
‘I probably treated him like too much of a god through the winter’ – Aidan O’Brien reflects on City Of Troy Guineas blowout
June
People often come up to me and mention that clip. It really did snowball out of all proportions. It was my immaculate timing that made it, I think. There was actually a satellite delay from when Tommo said what he said, which made it sound even better.
Robert Cooper on that infamous viral clip as he prepared to hang up his mic for Sky Sports Racing
‘It’s a man actually, Derek’ – Robert Cooper reflects on infamous Tommo moment and the overwhelming reaction to retirement decision
I’d say it’s millions to one and really impossible for him to come back from what he came back from. At one stage we weren’t sure he’d live. No horse has ever been x-rayed or scanned more in their life than him.
Aidan O’Brien after Kyprios’s Gold Cup victory
‘Ryan was masterful’ – Kyprios is king of the stayers again as he regains his Gold Cup crown in an epic
July
I didn’t distance myself from the celebrations, which I should have done. I regret my actions and apologise for them. It was not my intention to flout my suspension.
Tony Martin offers his apologies after his controversial appearance on Northumberland Plate day at Newcastle
‘I greatly regret how the whole situation unfolded’ – suspended Tony Martin apologises for Newcastle celebrations
You would still hear people talking about him. He was kind of an almost mystical character really and it was a once-in-a-lifetime thing to get a horse like him.
Aidan O’Brien hails the legacy of Istabraq following his death aged 32
‘He was a mystical character’ – Aidan O’Brien’s glowing tribute after death of legendary Champion Hurdle hero Istabraq
August
That was Liz Truss, wasn’t it? It was. My eyes are not deceiving me. This market could crash any minute, couldn’t it?
ITV’s Richard Hoiles reacts with aplomb as the former prime minister is blanked by Matt Chapman at Glorious Goodwood
‘That was Liz Truss, wasn’t it? This market could crash any minute’ – the moment ITV and Richard Hoiles went viral with Goodwood quip
We always did think it. Everything he’s done from the day we trained him suggested that. He was the most special horse we ever had.
Aidan O’Brien lauds City Of Troy following his Juddmonte International triumph, the next step in a stunning campaign
City Of Troy ‘is the best horse I’ve trained’ says Aidan O’Brien after star colt makes all in Juddmonte International
I gave the horse absolutely every chance to win the race outright and I don’t think there was anything in my riding that detracted from that. I don’t understand how they can say I should have won outright.
Callum Shepherd after being hit with an 18-day ban for failing to ride out to the finish at Kempton
‘I simply did not stop riding’ – Callum Shepherd ‘absolutely stunned’ at 18-day ban and questions photo-finish
September
I am surprised and very disappointed. It was one of those things and it’s not like I intentionally set out to do what happened. I feel like I didn’t do anything wrong.
Shark Hanlon confirms he is going to appeal against his ten-month training suspension – his ban was eventually reduced to six months
Shark Hanlon ‘surprised and disappointed’ at ten-month suspension over transport of dead horse in open trailer
I’m glad he’s been strong enough to say ‘listen, I’ve had a great time, I’ve had fantastic success and I can now walk away feeling I’ve done all I can do’. It’s great to see him going out that way.
Sir Michael Stoute’s friend, the legendary West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding, on the news the trainer would be retiring in 2024
Michael Holding: ‘I’m glad Michael’s been strong enough to say listen, I’ve had a great time, and I can now walk away’
I have a massive issue with the Cross Country being turned into a handicap. It used to be a handicap and it was dying on its feet – it was a diabolical race. It wasn’t even worth watching before they turned it into a conditions race but it’s become a fantastic race since.
Gigginstown House Stud chief Eddie O’Leary after a number of changes to the Cheltenham Festival were revealed
Eddie O’Leary: Tiger Roll would never have won a Grand National if the Cross Country was a handicap
October
A horse can really change your life and she has mine. It’s all down to her trainer and the team at home. They’ve made my dreams come true. To do it on a global stage is what it’s all about.
Rossa Ryan hails Bluestocking after the Juddmonte mare’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe win
‘She’s changed my life’ – brilliant Bluestocking propels Ryan, Beckett and Juddmonte to Arc history
He’s a very special horse and something we’ve never seen before. He’s relentless and has an unbelievable amount of quality. It doesn’t matter whether you go slow or fast, he just goes there and switches off.
Aidan O’Brien on Kyprios after he enhanced his legacy as the greatest stayer of his generation on Champions Day at Ascot
‘He’s just an unbelievably classy horse’ – Kyprios makes it seven from seven this season with comfortable Long Distance Cup win
Some people get addicted to things. You can get addicted to smoking or to this or to that, but if people get addicted to something it’s a case of helping them out and getting them through it. What about the other 99 or 95 per cent of people? Don’t take it away from them.
Aidan O’Brien speaks out in defence of punters in light of Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill
‘It’s getting people through life, and it’s positive’ – Aidan O’Brien defends racing’s relationship with betting
November
A couple of boiled eggs in the morning compared to nothing. I used to eat absolutely zero from when I woke up in the morning until I finished riding. I’d very little energy in my system; I was getting cranky and fighting with different people. That was just bad management.
Davy Russell reveals how making changes to how he managed his weight transformed his career
‘I used to eat absolutely zero’ – Davy Russell reveals how boiled eggs propelled him to two Grand Nationals
This is the biggest race in the world and I cannot even put into words how much it means to win it. It’s got me in tears, but I think I’ll be singing for the rest of my life after that!
Irish-born jockey and handy musician Robbie Dolan after his shock Melbourne Cup success on 90-1 shot Knight’s Choice
‘Pinch me – I think I’m dreaming’ – major Melbourne Cup shock as 90-1 Knight’s Choice triumphs in photo-finish
I just didn’t have him prepared to come out of the stalls quickly enough. We thought he was quick but he got left three or four lengths and it gave Ryan and the horse no chance.
Aidan O’Brien reflects on City Of Troy’s Breeders’ Cup Classic disappointment
‘Ryan had no chance’ – City Of Troy fails to fire but owners Coolmore still come up trumps as Sierra Leone wins the Breeders’ Cup Classic
December
The Gambling Commission increasingly appears to be unaccountable and out of control. Moreover, they continue to be unable to demonstrate any evidence as to the impact that the current affordability measures are having on problem gambling rates.
Arena Racing Company chief executive Martin Cruddace outlines his serious concerns about the Gambling Commission
British racing lays blame for £3bn black hole at door of ‘out of control and unaccountable’ Gambling Commission
You couldn’t have hoped for better – that would’ve been impossible. It was nice to see that it all still works. Someone told me ‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’.
Nicky Henderson after Constitution Hill’s comeback win in the Christmas Hurdle
‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’ – Nicky Henderson reflects on Constitution Hill’s comeback Kempton victory
To me it was one of his best performances, if not the best performance of his career. I thought it was as good a performance as I’ve ever seen in a Savills.
Willie Mullins after Galopin Des Champs roared back to win the Savills Chase at Leopardstown
‘He’s going to take a lot of beating anywhere’ – Paul Townend jubilant as Galopin Des Champs reverses form with Fact To File in style
Happy new year. Roll on 2025.
Magic Control Primed For Big New Year’s Day Fixture At Sha Tin
Magic Control has won twice in Hong Kong already (HKJC).
By Declan Schuster (HKJC)
Magic Control (125lb) has established himself as a sprinter on the rise and jockey Matthew Chadwick is eyeing a first Group race success in Hong Kong with the Cody Mo-trained up-and-comer in the HK$4.2 million G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m).
Twice a winner from three starts for Mo, including once over Wunderbar, Magic Control was second behind Beauty Waves (131lb) by half a length in October’s HK$4.2 million G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) – a budding rivalry which renews at Sha Tin on Wednesday afternoon (1 January, 2025) between the improving chestnut speed balls.
“Cody’s got him going really well. He seems to have improved every run,” Chadwick said. “He’s been putting his best foot forward in every single run, beating Wunderbar was probably because it was over our better distance (1000m), but as long as he comes off his last trial similarly, then he should be running a good race again.”
Magic Control was an explosive trial winner on 17 December over 1000m at Sha Tin by nine lengths, clocking 56.78s. The 97-rater won the 2023 G3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in Melbourne, Australia pre-import.
“He’s been improving physically and mentally really well. His last trial was his best so far, so if he can improve off that then who knows, let’s see what happens,” Chadwick said.
Hugh Bowman rides Beauty Waves for the first time in a race. He said: “He trialled unreal here the other day on dirt – the first time I’ve been acquainted with him. He won well up the straight here earlier in the season and back to the 1000 metres – he’s got a bit in his favour.”
Tomorrow’s 11-race card also features the HK$4.2 million G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m). Bowman rides Beauty Joy (129lb) for trainer Tony Cruz.
“I haven’t won a race on him (Beauty Joy) but I thoroughly enjoy riding him. He’s matured a lot in the last two years that I have been here, but he’s ultra-consistent, he always runs well and he’s got a bit of a weight relief with the stablemate (California Spangle, 135lb) in it, so that helps, too,” Bowman said.
The Class 3 Chuk Yuen Handicap (1600m) sees 14 runners go to post, including five HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series aspirants: Mickley (133lb), My Wish (129lb), Prestige Always (123lb), Steps Ahead (122lb) and Prestige Good (115lb).
My Wish represents Mark Newnham, who has 24 wins this season. A rapidly rising My Wish seeks a third straight triumph when he tackles a mile for the first time.
Raced by the Siu family, Mickley goes for consecutive victories after his breakthrough Hong Kong success last start over this distance. The Soldier’s Call gelding won the 2024 Britannia Stakes Handicap (1600m) at Royal Ascot before import.
Bowman rides Mickley for trainer John Size, and said: “He’s a young horse that’s come here from a successful campaign in Britain. I’ve been impressed by his first two runs and I think it’s realistic to expect an improved performance this time. The pattern of the race will determine where he is in the run and how things go but he’s certainly a nice horse.
“He’s very sensible, he has a good brain, relaxes well, has an excellent turn of foot and he wants to compete – which is a main ingredient.”
Tuesday morning (31 December) at Sha Tin saw Beauty Eternal, Helios Express and Ensued trial in batch one over 1200m on dirt, finishing third, fourth and eighth, respectively, behind Call Me Gorgeous, who clocked 1m 10.58s in first position.
David Hayes is looking to the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on 19 January with star sprinter Ka Ying Rising, also indicating February’s HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) is a preferred option over 31 January’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m).
“He’s trialling on the sixth (of January) over 1000 (metres) at Conghua. We’re really happy with him, he hasn’t left an oat since the race (G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, 1200m, 8 December). We were a bit concerned as it was a very hard run but he didn’t think so,” Hayes said.
“We’re thinking probably not the four-year-old mile, there’s a Group 1 over 1400 (metres) with a bit better spacing, and I think it’ll be a small field compared to a full field in the Classic Mile – we’ll just keep him sprinting.”
Chateauneuf was an unlucky seventh for Hayes last start. He features in the Class 3 Cha Kwo Ling Handicap (1200m) with Karis Teetan up on Wednesday.
“He didn’t get a crack at them at the Valley. He just had no luck, he was desperate to win and desperately unlucky,” Hayes said.
Returning from injury, Vincent Ho rides The Boom Box in the Class 4 Lai Chi Chong Handicap (1200m) for Chris So. The trainer said: “When he first began training, the horse showed his ability, and he’s a big horse with a long stride. We expected in his first start that he should run well – luckily he got the win.”
Wednesday’s (1 January, 2025) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 12.30pm for the “Lucky Start 2025 Raceday”, where the Triple Trio jackpot is topped up to HK$10 million, while the Six Win Bonus jackpot is topped to HK$3.8 million.
Zen And The Art Of Desperate Dobbelary
Horse racing enthusiasts waiting to place their bets. Picture: Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP
Mike Moon (The Citizen)
Sense of humour helps when playing horses in the silly season.
The 13th cheque is all spent; the pension pot is emptier; the wallet slimmer. It’s that eerie time between Christmas and New Year when people sober up, feel rather less merry and, possibly, start contemplating a financially challenging future.
For racing fans, the lure of the Get Out Stakes is strong. Luckily there’s plenty of racing on the go, providing abundant opportunities to restore respectability to the bank balance.
Of course, seasoned punters will know that there’s never an easy racecard and the usual red flags and warning claxons about chasing losses always apply – even in the silly season.
Here are some pithy observations on the subject:
Backing horses is a very hard way to make easy money – pro punter David Nevison
It is not winning that beguiles the gambler, but the thrill of waiting for a result – writer Milton Shulman
A foolproof betting system is the stuff of dreams and dodgy small ads – journo Greg Woods
Never be afraid to win too much – Victor Chandler, er, a bookie
[Bookmakers] are pickpockets who allow you to use your own hands – curmudgeonly humourist W C Fields
Anyone who can’t take tough luck doesn’t, or shouldn’t, bet – famous racing journalist Tony Morris
Take it from me, most tips are trash and racecourse rumours are usually rubbish. Have faith in your own instincts and your own observations and you will back more winners – and enjoy them more – racing commentator Simon Holt
[Pro gamblers are] obsessive workaholics with nerves of steel who can walk away after a major loss – British racing editor Tony Lewis
One minute it’s titles and royalty, the next minute it’s Bob the Builder. Toffs and spivs, all rolling up their sleeves together, trying to take down the bookie’s trousers – description of a crowd of punters on race day
To all those gallopers, fast and slow … I am grateful. Without their help, I might never have learned that getting poorer by the minute can be marvellous fun – journo Hugh McIlvanney
Anyway, break a leg.
Today's Question
The picture is of the subject (Thoroughbtred Heritage)
Which Welsh National winner was the ultimate outcome of an overheard conversation in a pub.
FIELDS, Wednesday, 1 January
Hollywoodbets Greyville
Today’s Question Answer
Dream Alliance (23 March 2001 – 21 April 2023) was a British thoroughbred racehorse, owned by the Alliance Partnership and trained by Philip Hobbs.[1]
