Turf Talk Newsletter – 29 August, 2025

Gladatorian KZN Horse Of The Year

Gladatorian secured the KZN Horse Of The Year award when winning the Gr 1 wfa HKJC Champions Cup (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

In a welcome change only KZN horses were considered for the KZN Racing awards, so there was no confusion, unlike some years in the recent past, and the best horses in the province were able to be honoured.

The Stuart Ferrie-trained Gladatorian (Vercingetorix) was the star of the show after a marvellous season in which he won the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes, was a narrow third in the Gr 1 wfa Gold Challenge over 1600m and he won the Gr 1 HKJC Champions Cup over 1800m.

Those performances were in the gelding’s five-year-old year and he was named KZN Horse Of The Year, KZN Middle Distance Champion and KZN Champion Older Male.

Ferrie is now planning to send Gladatorian to the Cape, with the 2026 1600m L’Ormarins King’s Plate (Gr1) and the 2000m World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Gr1) the obvious targets.

For Gladatorian’s regular pilot, Sean Veale, the 2024/2025 season proved a break-through year with Veale riding more than 100 winners for the first time in his career.

Of these, 70 were recorded in his home province – enough to secure the popular Hollywood Racing-retained and Sporting Post-sponsored rider the honour of being crowned the Province’s Champion Jockey.

Gareth Van Zyl retained his Champion KZN Trainer title with 49 winners, comfortably clear of Dean Kannemeyer and Garth Puller who saddled 43 winners each in KZN.

Gareth delivered a touching speech in which he thanked his father Gavin for keeping a KZN yard going which enabled him to have something to fall back on when things began “crumbling” in the Cape.

The Van Zyl yard also played a major role in Hollywood Racing’s Asiye Phambili being voted Champion Sprinter & Champion Older Mare.

In his care, the daughter of What A Winter won the Grade 2 Sceptre Stakes and Grade 3 Southern Cross during the Cape Summer, before being transferred back to Duncan Howells for Champions Season.

In search of an elusive Grade 1 victory, Asiye Phambili was denied by the narrowest of margins in the SA Fillies Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville before finishing a highly creditable third against the boys in the Mercury Sprint on the final day of Champions Season.

Dual Feature race winners, Quickstepgal and I Salute You, emerged as the respective Champions in the Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old categories.

Another chaneg this year is he age groups only had one champion and not a female and male champion.

Quickstepgal is trained by Tienie Prinsloo and raced in the colours of Rakesh Singh but has now subsequently been sold to the Wernars family, while I Salute You hails from the Peter Muscutt stable.

King Pelles, trained by Gareth Van Zyl, was a dominant winner of the Champion Stayers Award, having closed out his season with victories in the Tote Derby, the Durban Gold Vase and the World Pool Gold Cup, having previously won a Gr 3 staying race in Cape Town too.

The Champion Apprentice Award was shared by Brevan Plaatjies and Mxolisi Mbuto who each rode 14 winners in KZN, although Plaatjies’ additional winners around the country were enough to secure him the Equus Award as National Champion Apprentice.

Hollywood Racing were crowned Champion Owners of KwaZulu-Natal while Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein emerged as leading breeders in the province for the second consecutive year.

In the special awards’ category, Tawanda Taruvinga was voted KZN’s Racing Personality of the Year. Tawanda’s infectious smile, fiery passion, creative talent, and effervescent personality have made him a popular figure amongst the local racing fraternity and a valuable asset to Race Coast KZN’s social media and broadcast teams.

Anita Akal presented her annual award to Race Coast KZN’s Marketing Executive Stephen Marshall, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sport of horseracing in general,and the success of Champions Season 2025 in particular.

Happy Verse Could Be Too Good

Happy Verse has been tipped to win the Winter Country Championship 1500 Final (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday Formguides And Selections

Race 1

5 MAGICAL PLACE has run two great races in succession, this will be his first run around the turn at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, if he handles the track, he will be very hard to beat in this race. 2 DIGBY has been rested and gelded, he stayed on really well last time behind Rhydian on the 13th of May up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, if he doesn’t need the run badly on Saturday, he should be right there in the finish from a good draw. Majority of this field are first timers, watch the market closely, watch them in the parade ring, and watch them move down to the start. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 1 – 12)

Race 2

4 HAZEL GREEN showed good improvement to run a cracking second behind Wander Dune on the 26th of July, she is certainly improving with more racing, from a good draw on Saturday, she will go very close to winning. 9 ONE DANCE moved up like she was going to win in her last start behind Gimme What I Want, she finished her race nicely for second, unfortunately the wide draw in this race won’t make life easy for her, if she gets some luck in running, she will be very dangerous in the finish. 1 NEBULOUS ran a fair race behind Wander Dune on the 26th of July, she was beaten eight lengths by the winner, from a good draw, she could finish amongst the places. 2 MISS WILLIAM has been rested for 79 days, she is much better than her last performance, if she bounces back to form on Saturday, she could trouble them all. Again, watch the first timers closely, they are very well bred. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 9 – 1 – 2)

Race 3

7 NIGHTRAIN has run two lovely races in succession, he is a beautiful colt with lots of ability, if the race works out for him from a tricky draw, he will take lots of beating. 9 DELTA PRIDE absolutely took off to run a super race on debut, he finished like a train for second behind Sardinia Bay, if he can beat the tricky draw on Saturday, he will go very close to winning. 6 USA DANCER stayed on nicely for fourth on debut behind his stable companion, he will improve tremendously from his first run into his second run, watch him closely. 10 OCEAN SKY has been rested for 116 days, he has some fair form, the bad draw and the long rest will make it tough for him, but he could sneak into the Quartet with some luck in running. (Brandon Bailey: 7 – 9 – 6 – 10)

Race 4

1 WANDER DUNE quickened up like a smart filly on debut, she was just off the speed early, and then powered home late to win a great race, from a good draw on Saturday, she will take lots of beating again. 6 WILD APPLAUSE won in terrific fashion last time, she settled beautifully in running, and then kicked on well to win by just under two lengths, if she can bring her recent form to Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the weekend, she will be right there in the finish. 8 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT stayed on really well late for third behind Wild Applause on the 26th of July, she is a beautiful filly with a great action, if she can get some luck in running from a wide draw in this race, she could easily finish amongst the places. 2 LHASA never really runs a bad race, she is honest and she tries hard, from a neat draw, she could earn some money for the connections. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 6 – 8 – 2)

Race 5

5 AZZURRI ran a good race behind What A Fortune over 1400m on the 15th of July, he finished fourth and was only beaten two lengths by the winner, he now drops back in trip to 1250m on Saturday, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be rattling home late, include him into all bets, he can certainly win a race like this. 1 SUN DAZED has been rested for 79 days, his last three runs have been excellent, from a good draw, he should be competitive. 4 COMMANDING could be the value play in this tricky race, he has dropped in the ratings nicely, he ran a super race last time behind Late December, even though he was beaten just over five lengths by the winner, he really caught the eye late, if he can bring that last run to the track on Saturday, he could trouble them all in the finish. 2 FORT RED could be the Quartet horse at a nice price, he ran a fair race on the 22nd of July behind Late December, he has dropped significantly in the ratings, he has a good draw, and he has no weight on his back. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 1 – 4 – 2)

Race 6

2 SHE’S MY WORLD looks to be a decent filly in the making, she ran a nice race behind her stable companion on the 26th of July, she finished second and was only beaten just under two lengths at the wire, the yard thinks highly of her, from a good draw, she must have a serious winning chance in this field. 7 PEACE OF MIND is much better than her recent run, she is very speedy, if she gets to the front with no challenges, she could be hard to peg back. 8 EASY MONEY looks to be in a great space at the moment, she has run some fair races in her last three starts, even though she tackles stronger here, and she has a wide draw to beat, with some luck in running, she could finish amongst the places with no weight on her back. 1 WORLDLY could be a nice Quartet horse from a neat draw, he ran a better race last time behind Mont Loisir on the 22nd of July, he has dropped even further in the ratings, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 7 – 8 – 1)

Race 7

9 ELEGANT NOBLE stayed on well to win a great race on the 15th of July at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he was given three points for that impressive victory, champion apprentice Brevan Plaatjies knows this individual well, if he can beat the tricky draw on Saturday, he should run a massive race, include him into all bets. 1 ARIOVISTUS won in tremendous fashion on the 21st of June, he was well supported in the market, and he quickened up smartly to win by just under one length, even though he has gone up in the ratings, from a good draw, he must be respected. 4 BATON ROUGE fought hard to win well on the 22nd of July, he was given five points for that gutsy win, even though he will need a career best effort to win again on Saturday, he is in great form at the moment, and he should run a big race. 11 KWITE A KING has been rested for 70 days, he never runs a bad race, and he tries exceptionally hard, he will be switched off early from a bad draw, and he will be doing some good work late. (Brandon Bailey: 9 – 1 – 4 – 11)

Race 8

3 HAPPY VERSE finished his race off beautifully last time in the Grade 3 Langerman behind Absolutely Yes, he ran fifth and was only beaten just under three lengths in a competitive field, he is a lovely looking colt with plenty ability, from a neat draw, he will be very hard to beat in this field. 2 LADY LOOK ALIKE is as honest as they come, she is consistent, her form is rock solid, and she gets the services of Richard Fourie in the saddle, she must have a good each way chance from a good draw. 5 ARBITRATION was a touch unlucky not to finish closer to the winner last time, he will be just off the speed early, and he will be doing some good work late, include him into the play at a fair price. 6 CARRIACOU needed his last run badly, he finished midfield and was beaten just under thirteen lengths by Late December, there is no doubt that he will improve tremendously on Saturday, watch him closely as he steps up in trip to 1500m. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 5 – 6)

Race 9

5 WORLD WARRIOR finished powerfully for second behind Note To Self on the 22nd of July, he will love the step up in trip, and he gets a decent draw, if he handles the track, he will go very close to winning the lucky last. 2 YAMAZAKI has run two excellent races in succession, he moved down to the gates beautifully last time, his form is very good, and he is still improving with every run, there is no doubt he has a big winning chance from a good draw. 3 GETUPANDGO ran a much better race on the 29th of July behind Sierra Sagrada, if he can build on that performance, he should be amongst the places. 4 BUGLE BOY never runs a bad race, he should enjoy the 1500m trip at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, include him into all bets, he will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 3 – 4)

Slinky Mapimpi Can Overcome A Wide Draw

Slinky Mapimpi will have to overcome a wide draw to win the Spring Spree Sakes but he has he class to still be a contender (JC Photos)

The Listed Spring Spree Stakes over 1450m is the opening event of the Highveld Spring feature season and in Saturday’s running over the Turffontein Inside course 1200m Slinky Mapimpi is the tentative choice.

The six-year-old Coup De Grace gelding has unfortunately drawn wide. Last time out he looked well handicapped off a 97 over a 1000m and despite returning from a five month layoff he won cosily. This time he will need to use his early pace to get to the front and if he does get there without using up too much petrol he will be hard to catch. However, it will be a hard task and a more reliable choice for the PA would be the ultra consistent Quantum Theory, who is drawn two over a suitable course and distance. Quantum Theory was raised the same number of points as Slinky Mapimpi for his last win i.e, three points, but the form of that win has been franked by runner up Sheldon, who won next time out. Chyavana is drawn well and is capable of a strong finish, so he could be a big runner here for the in-form Johan Janse van Vuuren yard. Night Bomber has a tricky draw of six, but is a consistent sort and he 1,5kg better off with Chyavana for a one length beating, so there shouldn’t be anything in it. Espinoza is 1kg under sufferance, but is drawn in pole and looks to be on the up, so he could be a contender.

In the first leg of the P6 over 1450m Matroosberg has caught the eye before and the penny looks to be dropping. He should be finishing strongly in this 1450m event after being dropped out from a wide draw and he doesn’t have a lot to beat. Onceinabluemoon could be the main danger as she showed some ability in both of her starts and on pedigree should relish the step up in trip and she is drawn in pole.

In the second leg of the P6 over 1200m Winston’s Wonder has drawn in pole position and being from the Stuart Pettigrew yard he should improve from his decent debut when running 2,20 lengths back over 1160m at odds of 100/1. He should relish the step up in trip being by Danon Platina out of a Galileo mare. Ringho has some decent form in the maidens and although he is still winless after 28 runs he could earn here again if repeating his best recent form. Silver Longsword has shown ability and from a plum draw should relish this step up in trip and is also a big runner. Wall Street was not disgraced against the classy One Fine Winter on debut, but has not raced for more than five months. First-timer One Eye On Vegas is drawn well and being by Buffalo Bill Cody out of a Fastnet Rock mare he should have plenty of speed and could be a threat on debut.

In the fourth race over 1200m Inspiration faced top horses in Cape Town and was not disgraced. He does have a tough draw of eight out of eight, but he might have the class to prevail. However, Raceway is a must include as he has shown signs of good ability and the cheekpieces could help. Power Of Pearls has run two good races, but does have a tricky draw of six. Rendevous In Rio is drawn in pole and has the form to be a runner here. Chilli marmalade has shown glimpses of ability and could also earn.

In the fifth over 1450m Palace Revolt has been in fine form and although he is out of a Dominion Royale sprinter, whose two wins were both over 1000m, his sire Potala Palace could give him the necessary stamina to go close from draw two. Sea Shanty is way better than his last start at Hollywoodbets Greyville and from a good draw of three he should be able to relax with cover and then produce the strong finish he possesses. Vibe SA was a frustrating maiden ast one stage as he didn’t seem to want to win, but since the penny has dropped he has progressed well and he has to be considered. He is set to carrry 62,5kg but that will be alleviated by 4kg claimer aboard apprentice Samo-Burthia will be on a hight having ridden a treble on Thursday at the Vaal.

In the sixth race over 1200m That’s My Baby proved her class with two wins at Hollywoodbets Greyville over this trip in her last two starts. She has never placed before on the Highveld, but that was largely over trips that were further than 1200m and might have been too far for her. She is the one to beat from a good draw over this suitable trip. Poblano has shown class before and now that is it has been accepted that sprinting is her game she should be right there. Frozen Fantasy is Gr 1 placed over 1600m and is effective over this trip, so she also has to be considered here from pole position. Famous Lady won well last time out and the form has been franked, so she is also a contender. Blizzard Snow is in fine form and and this ultra consistent sort could also be a runner.

In the eighth race over 1450m Clever Trevor won well second time out and could follow up despite being given a 90 merit rating, because he should relish the step up in trip on pedigree. Chieftain’s Shield is a much improved horse who is capable of staying on well from pole position and he will be a big runner here. Dylan’s champ is also capable of a good performance and from a fair draw over a suitable trip he also has to be respected. Mighty Eagle won well last time over 1600m despite fighting for his head most of the way, so he should relish the step down and trip, but he does have a wide draw to overcome. Nazare is drawn well and and on pedigree should enjoy the step up in trip.

In the first race over 1450m Zara Dominia is the form choice and does not have a lot to beat. Comic Artist ran a fair race on debut and from pole position has a chance too. Artifact is by Horizon and is a half sister to Elizabedi Gold who won on debut.

How They Stand Ahead Of The Winter Country Championship Finals

Picture: Hollywoodbets Durbanville

The finals of the Winter Country Championship happens at Hollywoodbets Duranville on Saturday. There is a final over 1000m, 1250m, 1500m and 2000m, each carrying a stake of R200,000.

The way the country championship works can be read below:

Click here to read the rules for the country championship

The points standings at present are shown below:

Seq.	Horse	Age	Sex	MR	Trainer	Owner	Points	Runs
1	ELECTRIC FEELS	5	M	57	HWJ Crawford/M Rix	Mesdames K Hadden & M Rix	151	13
2	CAPTAIN’S DESTINY	4	F	74	Vaughan Marshall	Messrs J P Koster & B L Norval	136	13
3	BLACK PATH	6	M	51	Peter D Wrensch	Mr P D Wrensch	133	19
4	LOVERS LANE	5	G	56	Paul Revves	The Social Squad	133	15
5	BLUFF ON BLUFF	6	G	81	Piet Styen	Messrs R C M Caris & E L P	128	10
6	NILE THE BOSS	4	F	53	Piet Botha	Mr Yoogaysun Seebundhun	128	14
7	MELA STRENGTH	4	G	62	Peter D Wrensch	Mr V & Mrs S L Subramoney, Messrs M A Suleman & P D Wrensch	127	16
8	TRES CHIC	4	F	60	Piet Botha	Dare 2 Dream Racing Syndicate (Nom: Piet Botha)	116	14
9	BATON ROUGE	4	G	72	Piet Botha	Dare 2 Dream Racing Syndicate (Nom: Piet Botha)	115	12
10	TOTHEMOONANDBACK	5	G	65	Des A McLachan	Denis Le Breton	115	13
11	GRAVITY	4	G	60	Piet Botha	The Social Squad	110	14
12	HANG OUT THE STARS	5	M	59	Mike Stewart	Mr D G Curran	110	13
13	TRIPPI’S SILK	4	G	74	Candice Bass-Robinson	Messrs P Bamford, A J Brand & Dev Naidoo, Nick & Val McFall & Dr J Steytler	110	12
14	EASY MONEY	4	F	70	Piet Botha	Mr Jace Chetty & Dare 2 Dream Racing Syandicate (Nom:Piet Botha)	109	12
15	IM THE BUZZ	5	M	69	Paul Reeves	Mr P D Reeves	109	11
16	ISCHYRO	4	G	59	Lucinda Woodruff	Woodruff Racing Syndicate (Pty) Ltd T/A Woodruff Racing	106	10
17	OZARK	4	G	64	Paul Reeves	Mr S S Govender & Mrs C Reeves	106	13
18	PRINCE OF TIBET	4	G	61	Piet Steyn	The Social Squad	101	12
19	TAMBOURINE MAN	5	G	64	Adam Marcus	Messrs A Gujadhur & A N Marcus & Mrs W JProbert	99	10
20	FIRINGONALLENGINES	4	G	72	HWJ Crawford/M Rix	Messrs Colin Aitken, Marius Mostert & W Volschenk & Gill Mostert	97	10

There is all to play for and the fields for the four finals are shown below and can be compared to the table to see who stands a chance of winning the first prize of R100,000 or get a handsome payout for being in the top 20.

Race-4 (Turf / Winter) R200 000 1950m 14:45 Ref-13
1st R118750, 2nd R38000, 3rd R19000, 4th R9500, 5th R4750, RCIS R10000
WINTER COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP 2000 FINAL
For horses with nett rating of 82 and below. Non-Black Type

No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

1	1	Pentolina	56	79	BA	Craig Zackey	Vaughan Marshall
2	2	Heal And Soul	57.5	77	A	Luyolo Mxothwa	James Crawford
3	3	Gentleman Joe	61.5	81	A	Corne Orffer	Andre Nel
4	4	Baton Rouge	55.5	72	A	Richard Fourie	Piet Botha
5	5	Professor Snape	59.5	76	A	Chad Little	Vaughan Marshall
6	6	Master Of Paris	57.5	76	BA	Muzi Yeni	Justin Snaith
7	7	Elegant Noble	56.5	72	A	*Brevan Plaatjies	James Crawford
8	8	Western World	53.5	69	BA	Oswald Noach	Vaughan Marshall
9	9	Ariovistus	59.5	77	BA	Raymond Danielson	Piet Botha
10	10	Express Yourself	59.5	79	A	Aldo Domeyer	Justin Snaith
11	11	Kwite A King	60.5	81	BA	Juan Paul v’d Merwe	Justin Snaith
Same Trainer
(1,5,8) (2,7) (4,9) (6,10,11)

Race-5 (Turf / Winter) R200 000 1400m 15:20 Ref-14
1st R118750, 2nd R38000, 3rd R19000, 4th R9500, 5th R4750, RCIS R10000
WINTER COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP 1400 FINAL
For horses with nett rating of 82 and below. Non-Black Type

No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

1	1	Nile The Boss	50	53	A	*Brevan Plaatjies +1.0	Piet Botha
2	2	Golden Angel	51	68	A	Cole Dicken	Glen Kotzen
3	3	Sir Korski	61.5	81	A	Corne Orffer	Greg Ennion
4	4	Mente Et Manu	58.5	77	A	Muzi Yeni	Justin Snaith
5	5	Boundless Love	58.5	75	A	Juan Paul v’d Merwe	Justin Snaith
6	6	Take It As Red	52	83	BA	Keanen Steyn	Piet Steyn
7	7	Show Off	59.5	79	A	Luyolo Mxothwa	James Crawford
8	8	Dive Bomber	60.5	79	A	Oswald Noach	Lucinda Woodruff
9	9	Happy Verse	62.5	98	A	Aldo Domeyer	Justin Snaith
Same Trainer
(4,5,9)

Race-6 (Turf) R200 000 1000m 15:55 Ref-15
1st R118750, 2nd R38000, 3rd R19000, 4th R9500, 5th R4750, RCIS R10000
WINTER COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP 1000 FINAL
For horses with nett rating of 82 and below. Non-Black Type

No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

1	1	October Storm	58.5	88	A	Luyolo Mxothwa	Vaughan Marshall
2	2	Lucy Rocket	54	71	A	Devin Ashby	Andries Steyn
3	3	Trippi’s Silk	56.5	74	A	Raymond Danielson	Candice Bass-Robinson
4	4	All About Al	57.5	76	BA	Craig Zackey	Adam Marcus
5	5	Golden Ideal	50	56	Ba	Cole Dicken	Mike Stewart
6	6	Easy Money	52	70	A	*Brevan Plaatjies	Piet Botha
7	7	Bluff On Bluff	60.5	81	A	Richard Fourie	Piet Steyn
8	8	She’s My World	57	90	A	Muzi Yeni	Justin Snaith
9	9	Night Tiger	55.5	71	Ba	Gareth Wright	Candice Bass-Robinson
Same Trainer
(3,9)

Race-7 (Turf) R200 000 1200m 16:30 Ref-16
1st R118750, 2nd R38000, 3rd R19000, 4th R9500, 5th R4750, RCIS R10000
WINTER COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP 1200 FINAL
For horses with nett rating of 82 and below. Non-Black Type

No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance

1	1	Worldly		55.5	72	A	Cole Dicken	Glen Kotzen
2	2	Sun Dazed		55.5	71	A	Raymond Danielson	Candice Bass-Robinson
3	3	Lady Look Alike	Scratched	54	74	CA	*Brevan Plaatjies	James Crawford
4	4	Mont Loisir		55.5	72	CA	Richard Fourie	Piet Botha
5	5	Kelp Forest		60.5	81	BA	Aldo Domeyer	Adam Marcus
6	6	Paratrooper		56.5	73	BA	Luyolo Mxothwa	Vaughan Marshall
7	7	Counter Attack		56.5	73	T A	Oswald Noach	Candice Bass-Robinson
8	8	Fort Red		51.5	63	BA	Keanen Steyn	Mike Stewart
9	9	African Prince		60.5	80	A	Juan Paul v’d Merwe	Justin Snaith
10	10	Azzurri		59.5	79	A	Chad Little	Lucinda Woodruff
11	11	Shifting Path		55.5	72	BA	Craig Zackey	Piet Botha
Same Trainer
(2,7) (4,11)

Race Coast Turf Club Launched

Picture: Cape Turf Club now becomes the Race Coast Turf Club

The formation on Friday 29 August 2025 of the Race Coast Turf Club – an exciting unification of the Cape Turf Club and the Gold Circle Members Club – marks more than just a name change.

It symbolises the next chapter in South African racing: one club, one membership, and shared benefits for owners, members, and fans across both KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

As announced recently, Cape Racing and Gold Circle have officially joined forces under one banner: Race Coast.

“A new season brings new momentum – and few moments in our industry’s recent history have carried more promise and purpose than this one.As we usher in the 2025/26 racing season, we do so with renewed confidence, unity, and vision,” writes Race Coast Chairman Greg Bortz in a letter published today.

Members in the Cape have already experienced the new ownership structure and expanded benefits. And now, those same advantages extend up the coast to the KZN racing community.

Whether you’re at a Race Coast racecourse in the Western Cape or KZN, your Race Coast Turf Club (RCTC) membership gives you full access. One badge, accepted at all venues. While new badges will only be ready for issue within 4–8 weeks, your current badge remains valid in the interim.

“We are building something remarkable. Our goal is clear: to redefine racehorse ownership, deliver premium racing experiences, and grow an inclusive, vibrant community that welcomes a new generation of racing enthusiasts. What we’ve achieved so far is only the beginning. We’re entering a season of innovation, elevated ownership experiences, and greater public engagement than ever before,” added Bortz.

Race Coast is a bold new brand that honours the traditions of the sport, while embracing a future filled with fresh ideas. From high-stakes events and family festivals to grassroots development and digital innovation, they are reimagining racing to truly live up to its name: the sport of kings.

Please do not hesitate to engage with the team if you have any questions:

Tammy Gilmour: tammy@racecoast.co.za
Melinne Nathram: melinnen@goldcircle.co.za

Hollie Doyle Provides Insight Into Her Weekend Rides

The Sky Sports Racing ambassador heads to Chelmsford for six chances on the All-Weather this Saturday and reflects on the fate of her key rides at York last week.

Click here to read Hollie’s At The Races column

Exocet Can Follow Up Off An 88

Exocet won impressively on debut (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections

R1 Summary: Many first timers but some solid form behind some that have exposed form. THINGAMABOB (3) is back from a break but comes with solid Cape Town form. If not short of a gallop she could prove difficult to beat. BELLIGERENT (1) has improved with every outing and found strong market support last time out. Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance should add to her chances. LIGHT OF GABRIEL (8) was supported at long odds at her second start and di improve nicely. She does look held by Belligerent on that showing but does appear to have more to come. CARTEL QUEEN (5) has shown some improvement at recent outings and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 3-1-8-5).

R2 Summary: THAT’LL BE THE DAY (6) ran out of steam late when trying further last time out. This shorter trip could suit. HOLY STAR (7) has not been out of the money in his five starts and two of his best efforts have been over course and distance. He will be a big runner. RIPSNORTER (9) raced green on debut and drifted alarmingly in the market when making his debut. He is likely to make big improvement. GRAND FORCE (5) showed some improvement last run and could be coming to hand. (Andrew Harrison: 6-7-9-5).

R3 Summary: MIKE’S MAZARIN (5) has his third run after a break and is back over what looks to be his optimum trip. He is lightly raced and can still improve but does have a big weight. CONTINENTALEXPRESS (4) also has his third run after a break. The step up in trip will suit so keep an eye on the betting. ESCAPOLOGIST (3) loves this course and distance. He is in good form and should run well again. DANCING ON A CLOUD (6) goes this trip for the first time. He is lightly raced and can improve over the distance. (Andrew Harrison: 5-4-3-6).

R4 Summary: Competitive handicap. PROM QUEEN (11) has the widest draw to contend with but is holding form well and should be involved in the finish. SIGN OF FATE (10) is drawn one gate inside of Prom Queen but has been close-up in her last three and is a strong contender. GREENHOUSE (8) took on males last run and was much improved in blinkers. A repeat showing puts her in with a strong shout. LA MADDALENA (6) was a beaten favourite last Sunday but was running on well and can finish in the money again. (Andrew Harrison: 11-10-8-6).

R5 Summary: Difficult handicap. SCHIPOLE (7) shed her maiden at long odds but was a little disappointing next time out. She makes her seasonal debut and can make the required improvement. COPACABANA (2) won well enough last time out with the blinkers off after showing steady form prior to that. She has a good draw and can follow up. FLYING REIGN STORM (6) is 2.5kg better off with Copacabana on their last meeting beaten just under four lengths. She started at any rice that day. AMAFORT (1) is similarly 2.5kg better off with Copacabana on this latest meeting. She was beaten nearly five lengths but does run well on this course. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-6-1).

R6 Summary: Wide open. INAFIX (11) only got a two-point raise in the handicap for his latest Turffontein win. He has a fair weight here but can follow up in a competitive race. GALLA VANTING (7) was much improved with first time blinkers. He has a light weight and a repeat showing can see him into the money. WHEREVERILAYMYHAT (6) has been consistent of late and goes well this trip. Stable companion FATE OF FORTUNE (12) seldom runs a bad race and has been in good form of late. He may prefer it a furlong further but does have a stronger rider aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 11-7-6-12).

R7 Summary: Competitive handicap. There was a short head between KING OF SPIN (2) and BOURBON WARRIOR (1) when last they met. King Of Spin is now 2.5kg better off at the weights which should see him finish ahead once again. However, recent form has been on the poly. LICENCE TO THRILL (6) has been in good form over course and distance and should be in the mix once again along with RIVERSTONE (4) who was only a neck back in their last meeting. (Andrew Harrison: 2-1-6-4).

R8 Summary: EXOCET (9) won well on debut in good time over course and distance. He does look to have plenty of scope and can follow up. CHAPBOOK (8) finished runner-up to recent Gr1 winner Jan Van Goyen at just his second outing and followed up with a comfortable victory. These two colts look progressive. TRIPPING THUNDER (6) was rested after his maiden win but it was his first local appearance after showing solid Cape form. NOW I GOT YOU (7) has plenty of miles on the clock but has been in good form of late and has a money chance with his handy galloping weight. (Andrew Harrison: 9-8-6-7).