Reigning Equus Horse of the Year Eight On Eighteen (pictured winning the WSB Met above – Wayne Marks) will not take his place in the Ridgemont Green Point Stakes on 13 December.
In a media release on Friday evening, trainer Justin Snaith confirmed the decision, citing fitness levels that are “not at an acceptable mark” for a first-up run at that level.
Oisin Murphy (far right) and Lizzy and Bjorn Nielsen, with Snaith Racing’s Tap Shoes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth (Pic – Wayne Marks)
Instead, the colt will head straight into the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate on 10 January 2026, with a public grass gallop scheduled beforehand as his final prep.
British Champion jockey Oisín Murphy, who has been booked to ride, commented: “Cape Town’s biggest stage, Horse of the Year, world-class trainer—sign me up!”
“His main mission will be the WSB Cape Town Met double, but I’d love him to deliver a huge effort in his first attempt at the L’Ormarins King’s Plate,” said an upbeat Justin Snaith.
