Turf Talk Newsletter – 16 September, 2025

Gladatorian storms home to win the Gr 1 HKJC Champions Cup (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Gladatorian had a nice rest after his magnificent win in the Gr 1 HKJC Champions Cup. He rested on the Summerveld smallholding of Manfred Rohwer. The property was formerly owned by Stuart’s guvnor Dennis Drier, who now lives in Cape Town.

Drier might soon have reason to get out of bed early in Cape Town, because Gladatorian, whom he originally trained, is to be sent there for a Cape Summer campaign.

The six-year-old Vercingetorix gelding will be staying at Lucinda Woodruff’s Milnerton yard and perhaps the latter’s five-times SA champion trainer father, Geoff Woodruff, will also take an interest in him.

Gladatorian will be going the traditional route for the best older horses. i.e. the Gr 2 weight for age with penalties Green Point Stakes over 1600m, the Gr 1 weight for age (wfa) L’Ormarins King’s Plate over 1600m and maybe the Gr 1 wfa WSB Met over 2000m too.

All three of races are on the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Summer course.

The Green Point Stakes is to be run on December 13.

Stuart has earmarked a race in KZN for Gladatorian at the beginning of November which will either be over 1200m or 1400m, depending on whether they stand up.

Stuart does not believe he himself will have to go down to Cape Town often as he is not envisaging Gladatorian having to have a gallop.

He said, “The Green Point will be his gallop, so I might just go down between races.”

Stuart is having a good season so far and that included a four-timer on the first day of the season and he has had three more winners since.

He said, “The horses have been running well, I can’t complain.”

He is looking forward to the promising William Longsword gelding Town Crier’s run over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, which will be his first run as a gelding. He is a half-brother to former stakes-winning inmate Pray For Rain (Soft Falling Rain) and the form of his win second time out over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville has been franked.

Stuart is also looking forward to the debut of the Hollywood Racing-owned Rafeef colt Cognac, who runs in a 1200m Maiden on Sunday, as he rates him “a nice” horse.

Lot 82 is by Querari and is a half-bother to the dual Gr 2-winning stalwart Rascallion (Vercingetorix), who is pictured above (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

by Sarah Whitelaw

With South African thoroughbreds continuing to enjoy success on the track and at stud overseas, and the buying market remaining hugely competitive, prices are likely to remain strong at the 2025 Two Year Old Sale.

All of the country’s top stallions are represented at this sale, and there should be plenty of interest for the auction which takes place at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on October 25^th.

The following ten lots are bound to attract attention -on pedigree terms alone:

Lot 9: f Gimmethegreenlight -Hollywoodboulevard
By a multiple champion sire, whose daughters include such G1 winners as Bless My Stars, She’s A Keeper, Gimme A Nother and VJ’s Angel, this filly is a half-sister to five winners including Listed In Full Flight Handicap winner On That Boulevard. Her dam not only won the G3 Three Troikas Stakes and G3 Fillies Mile, but also beat July winning champion Igugu when victorious in the Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup.

Lot 13: f Vercingetorix -Intergalactic
A daughter of South Africa’s reigning champion sire, this filly is bred on the same Vercingetorix/Kahal cross as champion filly Mrs Geriatrix. She is out of G2 Ipi Tombe Challenge winner Intergalactic, whose dam Nojoom was sired by the mighty Galileo. Intergalactic herself descends directly in female line from none other than La Troienne.

Lot 20: c Rafeef -Jin-Go-La-Ba
By the same sire as champion Thunderstruck and fellow G1 winners Aragosta, Master Archie and William Robertson, this colt, a full-brother to 2 winners, is a half-brother to G3 Three Troikas Stakes winner and G1 SA Fillies Classic runner up Sprinkles. He is out of a mare by Tiger Ridge, who also ranks as the broodmare sire of such champions as Isivunguvungu and Gimme A Nother.

Lot 35: c Master Of My Fate -Maleficent
This colt shares his inform sire with recent Equus Champions Golden Palm and Jan Van Goyen, as well as four other G1 winners. A half-brother to the smart Handsome Prince and two other winners, this colt is out of a Listed Devon Air Stakes winning full-sister to G1 SA Derby runner up Rocketball and half-sister to Listed Michaelmas Handicap winner Blackball.

Lot 70: c Gimmethegreenlight -Sentbydestiny
By the sire of champions Got The Greenlight, Green With Envy, Gimme A Nother and Sandringham Summit, to name a few, this colt is out of the Master Of My Fate sired G1 Premiers Champion Stakes winner Sentbydestiny. A full-sister to Listed World Sports Betting East Cape Derby winner American Princess, Sentbydestiny is a half-sister to two graded stakes winners, including the dam of champion Double Grand Slam.

Lot 79: c Futura -Silver Stripe
Former Horse Of The Year Futura, whose progeny include champion Future Pearl as well as the likes of Future Swing and Pink Tourmaline, looks to have come up with another smart sort in the form of Future Free. The colt on offer is a half-brother to both the US based champion One Stripe and last season’s G3 Langerman third Vapour Trail, and his dam is a Listed Spook Express Handicap winning own sister to G3 winner Gifted For Glory.

Lot 82: c Querari -Sofala
Querari continues to make his presence felt, with his flagbearers last season including such high-class performers as Cosmic Speed, Rainbow Lorikeet and I Am Giant. This colt is a half-brother to four time graded stakes winner, and 2024 G1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met runner up, Rascallion as well as to Kuda Sprint winner Agent Of Fortune.

Lot 91: f Vercingetorix -Thunder Dance
A full-sister to 2025 Listed Irridescence Stakes winner Ukuduma, this filly is bred on the same Vercingetorix/Jet Master cross as the likes of Greaterix, Quickstepgal, Rascallion and African Warrior.
Her dam is a dual G1 winning daughter of Jet Master, while Thunder Dance herself is out of dual G1 winner Shadow Dancing, a Fort Wood half-sister to champion sire Captain Al. This filly is also very closely related to the Vercingetorix sired G1 TAB The Premier’s Champions Challenge winner Astrix -with the latter produced by a daughter of Shadow Dancing.

Lot 132: f Vercingetorix -Champery
A filly with tons of paddock value, she is a full-sister to G1 World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas winner Chansonette and the useful Champagne Kisses. Out of a speedy, stakes placed daughter of Querari, this filly’s granddam is a Mr. Greeley half-sister to G1 Las Virgenes Stakes winner Eden’s Moon. This is a superb family, whose numerous high-class members include champions Theatrical and Paradise Creek and champion sire Wild Event.

Lot 147: f Vercingetorix -Flight Zone
Bred on the same Vercingetorix/Jet Master cross as such graded stakes winners as Greaterix, Quickstepgal, Rascallion and African Warrior, this half-sister to the useful Meetatthewindsor is out of a six time winning half-sister to globetrotting Equus Champion, and G1 Vodacom Durban July winner, Bold Silvano. The latter, like Vercingetorix, was sired by Silvano, which makes this filly very closely related to that star as well as to the Silvano sired millionaire Silvan Star.

Jack Milner (Tab4Racing)

It looks to be a day for fancied horses at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday although those kinds of predictions often prove to be the kiss of death.

However, punters should get off to a winning start courtesy of trainer Dean Kannemeyer and jockey Craig Zackey as they team up with Light Of Gabriel in Race 1, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200m on the turf.

The three-year-old daughter of Gimmethegreenlight has only raced three times, all of them over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Her first two starts were unimpressive although she did have excuses, most of them brought on by her own inexperience although she did spread a show on debut.

In her second outing she raced greenly and then started to hang out in the final stages. Nevertheless, she was still able to produce fastest final 400m.

But her best effort came last time when she again ran on well to finish second, beaten 0.25 lengths by Thingamabob. It is also worth noting that this was the first time Zackey rode her in a race.

Now she moves on to Greyville and while Light Of Gabriel has yet to race around the turn, she gives the impression it will suit her, as will the extra 100m.

She is well enough drawn in gate No 4 and there is little doubt the key to her success will depend on getting out the starting stalls with a level of alacrity.

There are some other runners with form, but her main danger appears to be Michael Miller-trained Treasure Island, who finished 1.45 lengths behind Light Of Gabriel last time.

However, this daughter of Master Of My Fate has raced five times for five places and has run at Greyville over 1000m in her penultimate start when finishing third behind Crafty Crofty.

Tristan Godden rides from No 2 draw.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 4 Light Of Gabriel, 2 Treasure Island, 1 Queen Fenn, 12 Ms Galore

Race 2: 8 Annie’s Song, 6 Celestial Diamond, 3 Spinmyangelsspin, 1 Takatalvi

Race 3: 5 Cheerscheerscheers, 4 Twocantango, 1 Call Me Wild, 9 King Celtillus

Race 4: 7 Plum Pudding, 4 Bristol Hercules, 2 Go Grayson Go, 8 Trois Trois Quatre

Race 5: 8 Ubukhwebezana, 1 Prom Queen, 5 Alannah, 2 Happy Fortune

Race 6: 10 Saint Brigid, 3 Getoffofmycloud, 5 Copacabana, 1 Amafort

Race 7: 1 Rollo The Viking, 3 Regeneration, 7 Jeanne Darc, 2 City Of Love

Race 8: 3 Military Command, 7 Soho Star, 2 Icy Blast, 1 Gorgeous Guy

BEST BET

Race 1: 4 Light Of Gabriel

VALUE BET

Race 2: 8 Annie’s Song

BEST SWINGER

Race 8 3×7

BIPOT

R216

Leg 1: 4

Leg 2: 3, 6, 8

Leg 3: 1, 4, 5

Leg 4: 2, 4, 7

Leg 5: 1, 8

Leg 6: 1, 3, 5, 10

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R216

Leg 1: 6, 8

Leg 2: 1, 4, 5

Leg 3: 4, 7

Leg 4: 1, 8

Leg 5: 3, 5, 10

Leg 6: 1, 3, 7

Leg 7: 3

PICK 6

R1875

Leg 1: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9

Leg 2: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8

Leg 3: 1, 5, 8

Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 6, 10

Leg 5: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7

Leg 6: 3

JACKPOT 1

R375

Leg 1: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8

Leg 2: 1, 5, 8

Leg 3: 1, 3, 5, 6, 10

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7

JACKPOT 2

R75

Leg 1: 1, 5, 8

Leg 2: 1, 3, 5, 6, 10

Leg 3: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7

Leg 4: 3

Picture: The 2008/2009 season included one of the clashes of the century, the rematch between Durban July dead-heaters Pocket Power and Dancer’s Daughter in the Met and it was the Mike Bass-trained Pocket Power who prevailed by a quarter of a length. 

The 2008/2009 horseracing season in South Africa will go down as one of the most intriguing of all time as it had it all from drama to dreams-come-true on the racetrack,  instant success stories to record-breaking achievements in the breeding sheds as well as some upheavals and advancements in the administrative ranks.

The dreams-come-true were plentiful, as usual, but none more so than the incredible comeback of Andrew Fortune, who came from gone-and-forgotten less than two years ago to be crowned National Champion Jockey at the end of the 2008/2009 season.

Fortune’s gripping tale of how he rebuilt his life and then targeted the Championships to complete the resurrection has been told many times.

He did it not only for himself, but to set an example to others who had found themselves  in the position he was once in, and also to make his beloved mother, Florence, who had stood by him in the hard times, proud.

His dedication to his cause is illustrated in that he is almost certainly the heaviest jockey to ever win the title.

He achieved it through hard work on the training tracks, a taxing travel schedule and, most of all, through a sublime talent.

The drama in the jockey ranks was provided by apprentices Derrick David and Karis Teetan.

It only came to light late in the season that the Zimbabwean winners, which count towards all National Jockeys titles, weren’t reflected in the published National Logs and suddenly David, who had ridden a few winners north of the Limpopo, had a chance of catching the seemingly runaway winner, Teetan.

In the last week of the season David rode seven winners, including two in the penultimate racemeeting at the Vaal.

He caught and overtook Teetan to claim the title by a single winner.

David’s taxing travel schedule, that secured him some 300 more rides than Teetan, had earned him his pre-season goal and this prestigious achievement would have thrilled his biggest fan, his father Eblan.

The fairytale story of the season was Big City Life, who repeated the feat of the great Dynasty by winning the Grade 1 Cape Derby, the Grade 2 KRA Guineas, the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 and finally, the big one, the Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July.

The three-year-old Casey Tibbs colt with a modest pedigree and price tag was bred by trainer Glen Kotzen’s mother-in-law, Judy Wintle, and was born and brought up on the Kotzen family’s Woodhill Racing Estate in the beautiful Paardeberg region just outside Cape Town.

Purchased by Bloodstock Agent Tony Warren, who formed the syndicate of Raymond Deacon, Glen Mitchell, Andre Hauptfleisch and Glen Kotzen himself, the horse found himself back at Woodhill.

Deacon and Mitchell are cousins whose fanaticism for racing began as youngsters, when they used to ride famous horses of the time in mock races on the family couch.

Although they and Hauptfleisch all had fathers who were significant racehorse owners of the past, the trio are by no means among the country’s biggest owners.

The July was consequently a victory for the “small guy” and the elation of the win was summed up by Deacon’s spontaneous Zulu-like war dance after he had been adorned with the victory sash.

Before the July, Hennie Basson, a friend and business partner of Hauptfleisch’s also became an owner of Big City Life.

In the July Big City Life was ridden by Greg Cheyne, whose fantastic season began with a win in the Grade 1 Canon Gold Cup aboard the Basil Marcus-trained Desert Links and included five Grade 1 wins in all.

Cheyne might have created something of a record on J&B Met day when winning the Grade 1 Majorca Stakes on the Geoff Woodruff-trained Emblem Of Liberty as the horse is part-owned by his wife, Claire.

On July night he rode another Glen Kotzen-trained horse, Lady Windermere, to win the Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes over 1600m.

Lady Windermere had won the Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint five weeks earlier.

The great day for the Kotzen family on July day was capped in that Big City beat home Zirconeum and Forest Path, two horses trained by Mike de Kock, whose Summerveld assistant is Glen’s brother, Nathan.

The headline story of the year was the great Pocket Power’s completion of both a Queen’s Plate and J&B Met treble, the first horse in history to achieve this feat.

The Mike Bass-trained superhorse also won the Grade 1 Gold Challenge.

The July and Champions Cup races didn’t pan out in his favour.

It was thought he would go for an overseas campaign after this season, but it never happened instead he added a fourth Queen’s Plate to his record.

In the training ranks Charles Laird sent out winner after winner and claimed the National title, that had narrowly eluded him in the last two seasons, in resounding fashion.

For one man this season was his heyday before a fall from grace many years later and no prizes for guessing who it was … Markus and Ingrid Jooste were champion owners with over 100 winners.

Jet Master became Champion Sire for the third time and he went on to claim seven titles in all.

However, he was perhaps overshadowed by Captain Al, who smashed his own record by sending out 30 individual two-year-old winners, including his first Grade 1 winner in this age group, Exhilaration.

The champion first season sire, the former European Sprint Champion, Var, made a huge impact as his first crop scorched the racetracks around the country.

His winners included the Vaughan Marshall-trained Villandry, who scored a facile win in the Gr 1 Gold Reefs Resorts Medallion under Felix Coetzee at Scottsville.

Summerhill Stud not only claimed their fifth National Breeders title but had a memorable year in the Sales ring.

The Kahal yearling colt, Uncle Tommy, became their first ever million rand sale and went on to become the most expensive horse of this year’s National Yearling Sale at R2,4million.

Their new sire, Solksjaer, was in the top 10 by average with his first crop at the Sales, which included the R1,5million filly Matara Garden.

The years of hard work and dedication Mick and Cheryl Goss have spent in creating a world class stud farm had finally paid dividends as Summerhill found themselves in the black for the first time ever after the National Yearling Sales.

Lo Rider (left, blue colours) runs fourth to Cap Ferrat in the Derby (HKJC)

Race Coast

Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday, 17 September, for an exciting 8-race fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the evening.

Five-year-old sprinter VULCANUS looks set to secure back-to-back wins in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley this Wednesday.

Once regarded by many fans as primarily a dirt horse, VULCANUS has changed that perception with a string of encouraging efforts on the city circuit toward the end of last season. After a luckless fifth two runs back—when he was held up inside the final 50m—the Me Tsui-trained gelding bounced back last time, showcasing his sharp turn of foot to claim a convincing 2.25-length victory over this track and distance.

Despite an 8-point penalty for that win, VULCANUS appears well placed to continue his strong form in Class 4. Following his dominant performance last start, he clearly stands out as the one to beat.

With a drop in class, five-year-old SILVER SPURS looks well placed to break through in the Class 5 Handicap over 1000m at Happy Valley this Wednesday.

Trained by Caspar Fownes, SILVER SPURS has placed twice from 10 starts and was last seen finishing fifth in a Class 4 1200m race on the All-Weather track in March. Travelling three-wide on the speed, the son of Charm Spirit battled bravely in the straight, missing by just one length—a performance that carried hidden merit.

Resuming after a six-month break, SILVER SPURS impressed with an easy trial win leading into this week’s race. With a field that lacks depth, he appears ideally placed to shed his maiden tag on his Class 5 debut.

Track Spy
Video Stars

Race 2 – 9 GOLDEN LUCK
Despite meeting strong opposition in recent Sha Tin runs, he was far from disgraced, finishing a solid third two starts ago before a luckless sixth over 1400m last time, when held up inside the final 50m.
The drop back in trip and a return to Happy Valley—where all three of his career wins have come—are both positives, making him a runner worth serious consideration.

Race 5 – 1 MASTER CHAMPION
Backed into favouritism just before last week’s race began, he travelled well early on, but things went sour in the straight. From the 300m to the 150m, he struggled for clear running, and once he found daylight late, he finished strongly to claim second over this distance.
With a smoother trip, he should be well placed to make amends at his second start in Class 4.

Sectional Stars

Race 1 – 8 MODEST GENTLEMAN
Having placed in three of his last five starts, he was forced to settle off the pace last time before running on well for third over this track and distance. A proven performer in this grade, he looks capable of bouncing back if things fall his way.

Race 8 – 10 LO RIDER
After finishing fourth in the Hong Kong Derby in March, he resumed toward the end of last season with a fast-finishing sixth over 1400m at Sha Tin. Making his Happy Valley debut this week, he should find the field more manageable and will make his presence felt if the race is run at a genuine tempo.

He Jiong’s Selections:

R1: 2-7-1-8
R2: 12-6-9-4
R3: 9-2-3-1
R4: 5-2-4-7
R5: 4-1-3-10
R6: 6-2-11-10
R7: 4-8-6-11
R8: 10-11-7-6

Betting Strategy:
R1 #2 Win
R4 #5 Each-Way
R5 #4 Win
R8 #10 Each-Way

Race 1: Silver Spurs down in grade and turned in an impressive trial win, suggesting a winning return is imminent, especially with the apprentice claim. Triumphant Warrior remains a maiden after 21 starts, but gets his chance to win in a race like this. Golden Friendship has tactical speed and could show improvement with Purton aboard on his Class 5 debut. Modest Gentleman finished strongly into third from a wide draw last time out, but faces an awkward gate again. Noble Deluxe has dropped in the rating and could surprise at odds.

Race 2: Always My Folks haunted by wide draws in recent starts, he should enjoy a smooth run from an inside gate and could finally break through. California Blitz has mixed his form but must be considered a strong contender in this weak field. Golden Luck will relish the drop back in distance and an improved effort wouldn’t surprise here. Know At Heart with a strong turn of foot, he can make his presence if the pace suits. Mighty Commander should sprint well fresh first-up, though the 1200m trip is a touch short of his best.

Race 3: Firefoot may have needed his first-up run, and with added fitness, he could secure a Top 3 finish with Purton taking the reins. Supreme Agility appears well rated in Class 4 now and must be respected after a fast-finishing third last start. Can’t Go Wong his last run was better than it reads, and he could cause an upset with a favourable draw. Samarkand a three-time winner in this class, he looks one to watch dropping to Class 4. Perfect Pairing the switch back to Happy Valley is a big plus, making him a value choice in this open field.

Race 4: Rocket Spade in a race lacking early speed, he could capitalise on his sit-and-sprint style to overhaul rivals. Romantic Laos from a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and prove a big winning chance. Excellence Value caught the eye running home strongly last time out, despite a slow start. Harmony Galaxy has posted two wins from his last five starts and must be rated among the better chances. Victor The Rapid based on his racing style, the step up to 1650m for the first time should suit him even better.

Race 5: Honest Witness his recent efforts suggest a maiden win is just around the corner, and he looks ready to deliver a strong first-up performance, following an eye-catching trial. Master Champion was narrowly beaten last week, when being held up at a crucial stage, and now aims for quick atonement. New Power raced well towards the end of last season, so he looks one to follow on his return. Exceed The Wish with a more conservative racing style, he needs a genuine tempo to unleash a strong finish. Patch Of Watch produced a fair effort last start and could give them something to chase if allowed a soft lead.

Race 6: Vulcanus scored an impressive win last start, and a double looks well within his reach remaining in Class 4. King Lotus ran on well late without being asked in a recent trial, suggesting he is raring to go first-up. Sky Song stuck on well for fourth in a fast run race last time out, and is well weighted to deliver another commendable performance. Nebraskan a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if given an uncontested lead. The Perfect Match resuming from a long break, the betting market should reveal the story.

Race 7: La Forza finds a more manageable field on his Happy Valley debut, and with Purton staying aboard, he could bounce back. Candlelight Dinner raced on the speed and finished a close second in this class last time out. He must be considered a strong contender. Romantic Son his recent trial suggests a commendable first-up run is imminent. Justifying previously a hyped horse, the bubble has burst; he may be a value choice in this field. Healthy Healthy held up in the concluding stages last start, and with a clearer passage, he could make amends.

Race 8: Lo Rider finished fourth in this year’s Derby and looks well placed to secure his first local win with the step up in distance. Bravehearts gets in well at the weights and will make a strong late surge under the right race shape. Steps Ahead has been consistent since day one and must be included in exotic bets. Soleil Fighter placed four times from five starts in this class, he commands respect despite the awkward draw. Woodfire Bro just missed last start but the wide draw remains a challenge this time.

Croix du Nord after winning in France over the weekend (Picture: Racing Post/Burton)

Should Croix Du Nord become Japan’s first winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, trainer Takashi Saito’s decision to skip the traditional trials card and wait for the Prix du Prince d’Orange a week later might prove to have been a crucial factor.

A week after Byzantine Dream had landed the Prix Foy on quick ground, Northern Farm’s second challenger encountered very different conditions, with 13.5mm of rain in the intervening seven days turning the Longchamp going soft, though no worse than that in GoingStick terms.

In a year when so much of the best European racing has taken place on a sound surface, the fact Croix Du Nord was able to experience a mile and a quarter of the Grande Piste with plenty of rain having got into the turf may be significant.

The son of Kitasan Black will not have pleased everyone with his slightly errant course up the straight, but he did enough to hold off Daryz by a short head, with the previously unbeaten Nahraan back in third.

Croix Du Nord was trimmed to as short as 8-1 for the Arc, and the Japanese Derby winner is generally third best in the market behind Aventure and Minnie Hauk.

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