Turf Talk Newsletter – 3 July, 2025

Rikesh Sewgoolam's Three Chances Of July Glory

On My Honour is one of three Hollywoodbets Durban July runners part-owned by Rikesh Sewgoolam. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).

An Indian owner has never won the Hollywoodbets Durban July before, but there are a number who have chances this year and Rikesh Sewgoolam has no fewer than three runners.

The ever humble Rikesh, who has had a great season with One Stripe leading the way, revealed how he did not have shares in any of Oriental Charm, Native Ruler and On My Honour at the beginning of this calendar year and his part-ownership of them had happened through fortuitous circumstances.

He said, “They are such talented horses. Mukund Gujadhur and my shares in Native Ruler came about due to the graciouness of Greg Bortz and Gina Goldsmith. There was a partner exiting and Greg and Gina offered myself and Mukund a share each. Then obviously with Oriental Charm, he’s soon to retire as a stallion, so I was fortunate enough to secure my share in him earlier this year. Again, thanks to Greg and Gina for offering a share in him to me. And then my dear friends Laurence (Wernars) and Mukund (Gujadhur), allowed me a share in On My Honour. I can’t thank them enough for being so gracious to me. I must also thank Justin Vermaak. He’s the one with the great eye for talent and we’re always guided by him. So when he makes a suggestion to us, we don’t hesitate, we get involved.”

Rikesh’s idea of his best runner has changed as the race has drawn nearer.

He said, “My initial fancy, given Oriental Charm’s 60kg, was for Native Ruler. However, the draw of 18 has made it so difficult for him, but as always, we remain hopeful. So I’m leaning towards On My Honour. He’s doing extremely well. He’s fortunately blessed with a kind draw and bottom weight. So we have our fingers crossed for all three of them, but a slight fancy for On My Honour at this stage. His last run leading into the July was just phenomenal. The race didn’t really work out for him. He was further back than one would have liked, but his 200m to finish was unbelievable. So lots of positives for him and put differently, had he won his last start, he probably would have been carrying an extra kilogram. So it actually worked out better. Glen says he’s doing so well and S’Manga is extremely confident and happy with him, so all we need is for the stars to align on Saturday for him.”

Asked what it would mean to win the Hollywoodbets Durban July, especially having grown up in Durban, Rikesh said, “When you’re growing up as a youngster, the one race that just comes before you is the Durban July. There are esteemed Group 1s throughout the country throughout the year, but the Durban July is synonymous with KZN and with racing, so it’s the one race that you dream about to have a runner, let alone have a winner. So it’s very special and it’s an absolute privilege to have three interests in the race, but more importantly, it’s a privilege to race with those owners as well. Laurence has become so close to me and I also have a good relationship with Greg and Gina, so it’s very exciting and I’m actually looking forward to Saturday.”

He continued, “It’s so difficult to even win a maiden plate. Basically, we love racing, so it will just be the cherry on top. It’s been such a wonderful year. And there are so many people to thank for the year thus far. Last year at this time, I had never dreamt of having won a Gr 1, let alone winning two. So this would just be an unreal completion to the season.”

He added, “There are so many great July winners that stand out, but funnily enough, leading up to this year’s July and prior to even securing a share in On My Honour, I kept thinking about Big City Life, because I was at Greyville on the day he won. And so funnily enough I now have a share in On My Honor, which is trained by the same trainer, Glen Kotzen. So whether that’s a sign or not, I don’t know. but we’ll grab onto anything at the moment!”

Meanwhile, One Stripe, winner of both the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and Gr 1 L’Ormarins King’s PLate, and who is now part-owned by Hollywood Racing, is doing well overseas and is shortly set to depart for the USA.

Rikesh revealed, “He’s in France as part of his quarantine. He’s set to depart France on the 9th of July for the USA. It’s getting to crunch time now as it is only four months to go to the Breeders’ Cup, so we’re crossing our fingers that he travels safely from France to the US and all goes well for him.”

Rikesh will not be at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday as he is going away, but he said he would be there in spirit.

Other Indian owners involved in the big race are Sid Moodley (Madison Valley’s owner) and Dayalan Chinsammy, Trevelen Pillay, E Naicker and Kovilan Padayachee, who are all part-owners in Confederate.

It goes without saying that a win for any of them would be celebrated by the racing industry as the Indian community have always been passionate supporters of the sport.

Atticus Finch Has No Excuses

Atticus Finch pictured wining the Gr 1 Betway Summer Cup (JC Photos).

Alec Laird will be out to win a second Durban July on Saturday and if he does win the Hollywoodbets-sponsored event then the 29 years between his first and second July victories will be a record gap.

He won it with London News in the big race’s centenary renewal and is represented by another horse with a reading theme this year as his runner Atticus Finch is named after a lead character in the celebrated novel, To Kill A Mockingbird.

Alec said, “Atticus Finch has picked up at the right time. His programme has gone according to plan. I think he is in better shape than he was for the Met and he is certainly in better shape than he was when he was 4th in the Champions Challenge up in Jo’Burg. He’s in a better place than he was for both of those races, so I am hoping for improvement on those two runs.”

Atticus Finch arrived at Summerveld on Sunday.

Alec explained, “He’s not a great traveller. When he went to Cape Town, he lost 20kg and he battled to get back to his racing weight. He wasn’t at his best.”

Alec was asked how the five-year-old Master Of My Fate gelding had traveled on this occasion and he replied, “He travelled ok. He’s bright. I mean last year when he came down for the WSB 1900 he walked off the float on the Friday and he looked dull, he was hanging his head and he ran accordingly. His next run last year he ran second in the consolation, but he came down about a week earlier and he ran a good race. So we did the same this year. He lost a little bit of weight, but he’s put it back on and he’s bright.”

Alec added, “We’ve got no excuses this time, if he’s not good enough, he’s not good enough. No excuses, as I say, we’re not saying, ‘Oh, I wish the race was another week or two later and we need to do something’, it is all in place for it to happen. I don’t know if four is a good draw, if horses come around you and shuffle you back then it’s not great, but hopefully that doesn’t happen.”

Atticus Finch likes to be handy.

Alec revealed, “When he won the Summer Cup, Calvin said, ‘I’m going to try and lead’, and he got smacked out of the race and he still won. He got bumped twice and he had to take a position there.”

Alec continued, “All we want is a reasonable pace. Every year people say, ‘Oh there’s going to be a pace in the July’, but there’s never any pace, because everybody’s trying to win, even thepacemakers are trying to win, and nobody’s prepared to sacrifice their horse in the July. If you think back to Bartie Leisher on Occult (1986) he was told to go, and he said, ‘I will go at my speed!’ But we’ll see.”

Alec concluded, “As long as there is luck in running he is a reasonable bet for the first four.”

Alec has Tenjiku running in the Gr 2 Omoda Golden Horseshoe over 1400m and this Erik The Red gelding comes off a 1,45 length fourt to Malmesbury Missile in the Listed Hollywoodbets Sharks Gatecrasher Stakes over 1400m.

He is drawn seven and Alec said, “He ran a good race last time, but he missed the jump and he was very green, so if he can improve on that, he’ll be in the money. It’s very hard to assess the strength of the race because they’re two-year-olds, there’s a lot of problems in two-year-olds and they change, but I think he’s a worthy runner, it’s worth taking a chance.”

Alec also runs the three-year-old Rafeef gelding Sunset Riot in the Listed Premier Gateway International Handicap over 1600m and he said, “He comes from a long layoff (ten-and-a-half months), but he’s a nice little horse. I think he may be just short of one gallop, but he’s not a heavy horse and he could be thereabouts, but that’s a very competitive race.”

Fire Attack Returns On Sunday

Highveld Horse Of The Season Fire Attack might be Gr 1 Champions Cup bound if all goes well for him in the Sea Cottage Stakes at Turffontein on Sunday. (JCPhotos).

Highveld Horse Of The Season Fire Attack has not run since winning the Gr 1 HKJC World Pool Premier’s Champions Challenge on March 29, but he comes back on Sunday in the Gr 3 4Racing Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m, where he carris 60kg and gives 3kg to all of the othe runners.

Alec Laird said, “He’s just had silly little hiccups all along. He hasn’t run for a little while, but he’s put up a nice couple of gallops. He’s obviously not at his absolute peak, but he’s fit enough to run the 1800m and he’s well enough to run a big race.”

Alec reckoned Choisaanada was the stand out among the opposition. The Erico Verdonese-trained Choisaanada will in fact land a R500,000 bonus if he wins the race as he would then have won all three of the Highveld Winter Series races.

Alec continued, “The plan is to enter Fire Attack in the Champions Cup if he runs a good enough race on Sunday. There’s a three-week gap and I wonder if Eight On Eighteen will even go for the Champions Cup now that he’s running in the July? Dave The King might become the horse to beat.”

He added, “Fire Attack will be at a disadvantage if we do come, because he’s never seen Hollywoodbets Greyville. But at least, if we do come with him, he’ll have seen it for next year.”

Fire Attack’s merit rating is now 126, so Alec will taregt the big weight for age races with him next season.

He thought one goal worth chasing would be the three wfa Gr 1 miles in the country, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, the HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes and the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge.

It is unlikely all three races have been won in the same season by any horse in history.

Vercingetorix Gets Another Sales Topper

Top-selling lot 202, a filly by Vercingetorix ex Victoriana, goes through the ring (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)

Sporting Post

A Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud-bred full-sister to the exciting Quickstepgal was the topseller as the curtain came down on a well attended BSA KZN Yearling Sale held on Thursday at the Suncoast Casino complex on the eve of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Set to be crowned our Champion Sire for the current season, Vercingetorix has enjoyed another outstanding term with his numerous flagbearers including the likes of Double Grand Slam, Gladatorian, Mia Moo, Greaterix, Oriental Charm, Spumante Dolce, Garrix, Immediate Edge and Native Ruler etc .

It was not surprising to see the enthusiastic demand for the son of Silvano’s sole offspring in the 202 lot catalogue, with Jonathan Snaith sealing the winning bid, the hammer falling at R1,3 million.

Aptly named V Squared, lot 202 is out of Victoriana, a Gr3 placed half-sister to champion Hammie’s Hooker and 3/4 sister to dual Gr3 winner Gem King. Her full-sister Quickstepgal won the Gr3 Tote Strelitzia Stakes recently and is fancied to make it four on the trot in the SplashOut Gr2 Golden Slipper on Saturday.

“We believe she was the standout filly on the sale, both in terms of pedigree and conformation, and she was beautifully presented by Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud,” a delighted Jono Snaith told the Sporting Post, pointing out that he had loved her sister, Quickstepgal, who sold for R450 000 on the 2024 renewal of the July week sale.

“We are thrilled to have her sibling, who we hope will follow in her footsteps. Quickstepgal looks like the filly to beat in the Gr2 Splashout Golden Slipper on Saturday, which would significantly enhance her pedigree,” he added.

Showing no big race nerves ahead of Saturday’s date with destiny for their stable star Eight On Eighteen, Snaith pointed out that with their former Grade 1 champion Double Superlative standing in KZN, they would like to support local breeders more.

“They are incredibly important to our horse population and truly wonderful people. Bloodstock SA was, as always, accommodating and made the experience pleasant for all their customers,” he concluded.

Snaith was the top buyer on aggregate, his 6 lots costing R2 825 000 at an average of R470 833.

Overall the sale produced a pleasing record aggregate of R44 725 000 and a record median of R180 000, the 195 lots producing an average of R229 359.

On the sire’s table, Ridgemont’s Redoute’s Choice crackerjack Rafeef sold his 8 lots for a chart-topping aggregate of R4 385 000, at an average of R548 125.

Hermanus nursery Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud enjoyed one of their best sales in years, their 12 selling for an aggregate of R6 290 000, at an average of R524 167.

Please click here for the full price-list.

The Ball Is In Sharapova's Court

Fairview Poly Friday Formguides And Selections

Race Coast

R1 Open race. (2) GLOBAL SCENE is never far back and is very capable of winning this. (7) CHEAP THRILLS is unreliable but can pop up here on best form, she has the best draw so will have to be included. (3) BATTLE OF BRITAIN has the scope to improve and must be respected here. He represents highveld form and will make his presence felt. (9) CELTIQUE ran a much improved race in the last start at big odds and can build on that. (Devonne Govender 2-7-3-9)

R2 (1) AMERICAN MATADOR is knocking on the door and should take some beating here from a good draw. (7) ALEX MILLER represents Cape and Durban form which generally stands up strong should do well in the province. (2) GLOBAL DRUMBEAT is never far back and will be a lively challenger here, include in everything. (4) PRINCE ANTONIO could make improvement and run into the quartets. (Devonne Govender 1-7-2-4)

R3 (2) BEACH QUEEN is holding decent enough Cape form, she gets the claiming apprentice up and should be tough to beat. (4) RUBY CLAIRE has been racing consistently and will run another honest race. (5) DANCING IN WINTER is holding form and will be in the mix once again. (3) AMANATTO is capable of much better and should get closer. (Devonne Govender 2-4-5-3)

R4 (2) SWISS WALT gets a decent draw and will be very competitive despite the heavy weight of 62kg. (6) MUNCHKIN is holding consistent form and will be a strong contender here, include in all bets. (7) NOTORIX goes very well here, his recent form suggests another win is coming soon. (4) JAMBO SANA is very capable on her day, on best form she can win this. (Devonne Govender 2-6-7-4)

R5 (1) DUBAI HILLS is holding top form and will be a strong contender here, he can produce a big finish on his day and this race looks the right one. (9) BEECHAMWOOD BOY is knocking on the door and will be a huge runner here from a top draw and top rider up. (5) MASKED VIGILANTE is never far back, he goes well here and should be respected. (6) INDEBE MAYIBUYE is holding some decent form and cracks the best draw, big runner again. (Devonne Govender 1-9-5-6).

R6 (1) SILVA CITY has been running in strong company and should take make her presence felt in a big way hence she will be the firm first choice. (2) HER ROYALTY is capable of getting much closer and should be included in all bets. (3) POMODORO MAGIC is capable of getting much closer and should go into larger perms. (7) CAPE CAPRI is never far back and can get into the quartets. (Devonne Govender 1-2-3-7)

R7 (2) LOTUS ISLAND has run behind some smart horses, although he has a wide draw he goes well here. He will take some running down at the business end. (6) FIRST WISH gets an eye catching jockey booking, he is expected to be the main danger to the top selection which is his stable companion. (3) HONORABLE MEMBER ran a cracker in the last start and can get much closer, respect. (8) CALL TO GLORY was an impressive winner in the last start and can place here. (Devonne Govender 2-6-3-8).

R8 (3) SHARAPOVA is in excellent form and another huge run is expected. (5) ARABIAN RED is another who is always in the mix and will be right there. (11) NEMOROSA ran extremely well in the last start and has scope to get involved here. (6) VALERIAS DREAM won a gutsy race in the last start and won’t be far. (Devonne Govender 3-5-11-6)

Lerena And Zackey Score Doubles In Title Chase

Last Car To Pass (Heavenly Blue) gives both Craig Zackey and Fabian Habib individual doubles. (JC Photos).

Gavin Lerena and Craig Zackey each scored doubles at the Vaal on Thursday as the battle for supremacy in the national jockeys championship continued.

Lerena increased his lead on second-placed Richard Fourie to six and he is seven in front of third-placed Zackey.

Lerena is on 245 wins achieved at a strike rate of 25.31%, Fourie is on 239 wins at 25.16% and Zackey is on 238 wins at 17.55%.

Fabian Habib also scored a double on the day.

Habib is on 42 wins for the season at 13.33%.

Tony Peter has the most wins on the Highveld for the season on 87, with Sean Tarry next best on 71, Paul Matchett is in third with 52, Lucky Houdalakis is next best on 47 and Habib is in fifth place on 42.

Mike Moon Looks At The July's Hardest Puzzle

Hollywoodbets Greyville on Hollywoodbets Durban July day. Image: The South African website

July day eyes on Pick 6’s R15m prize

By Mike Moon (The Citizen)

The problem with the Pick 6 is the ridiculously competitive nature of races that make up the popular bet, especially on Durban July day.

The Pick 6 on Durban July day is always tough to crack.

The Pick 6 is a front-of-mind wager for most players on Durban July day at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday – thanks to an expected R15-million mega-pool.

The problem for anyone striving to win a slice of that treasure is the ridiculously competitive nature of races that make up the popular bet. Indeed, the July itself – Africa’s greatest horse race and the highest aspiration of every owner, trainer and jockey – might prove the easiest of the six legs to negotiate!

The key to a puzzle like this is finding a banker – a surefire winner on which to pin all hopes and allow one to select a wider spread of runners in other, more tricky legs. And the standout hot-pot favourite on Saturday is Eight On Eighteen in the Durban July – Race 7 on the card and Leg 4 of the Pick 6 – so he is likely to be a banker in a vast number of exotics bets.

Options for Pick 6

Eight On Eighteen’s odds on Wednesday morning were 16-10.

The remaining five legs include two juvenile races, which are always difficult as the form is somewhat unreliable due to young horses often making sudden improvements as they mature.

Also, there are two Grade 3 contests – the Gold Vase and the Post Merchants, longest and shortest features on the day – which are packed with top performers from around the country, all with connections desperate to lead in a winner on the big day.

Finally, there is the main supporting feature, the Grade 1 Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes, which is arguably the premier mile race for female horses in the country and carries valuable black type into the thoroughbred stud book and breeding arena.

Quite a few Garden Province hopefuls could easily have made it into the Durban July line-up, so the competition is red-hot. Some players will be tempted to include the entire field in their Pick 6 combinations, but 14 runners will send the cost of the bet soaring!

Another option is to trim the choice down to the best of the best. Rascova (10-1), Mon Petit Cherie (10-1), Double Grand Slam (11-2), Fatal Flaw (8-1) and Spumante Dolce (13-2) are the ones that have proven their worth in the highest company.

If one has the agonizing task of trimming that list down to fit a budget, perhaps the shortest-priced, Double Grand Slam, must go – if only because her regular rider, national champ Richard Fourie, has opted for Mon Petit Cherie over her (he is contracted to her owners Ridgemont).

A suggested Pick 6:
3,5,9,11,12,13 x 8,9,10 x 6,7,10,13 x 11 x 6,7,10,11 x 2,3,4,8,9,12 (R1,728)

Today's Question

Which July-winning trainer rode in the Grand National?

The picture is of the subject

FIELDS, Friday, 4 July

Fairview Poly Fields

Today’s Question Answer

Johnny Nicholson, trainer of the 1980 Durban July winner Beau Art, rode in the 1972 Grand National on Beau Parc who fell first time round at Bechers Brook.