De Melo Could Be A Champ In Waiting
Keagan de Melo clinched his treble in just four rides at Hollywoodbets Durbanville today (Wednesday) when just getting up on the Andre Nel-trained Boogiefied (Justify)
Keagan de Melo has got no chance of winning the championship this season, but the statistics show him to likely be a strong contender for a second title next season to go with his 2022/2023 season title.
Winning became an increasingly scarce experience during his stint in Hong Kong in which he had 21 wins in his first full season, 12 in his second and he did not have a single winner in his last few months there.
Jockeyship like just about every sport is a confidence game, the more confident you are the better you are going to do.
He was thus entitled to take some time to get back into the swing of winning.
His first ride back was on December 5.
If the season started from that date Craig Zackey would be on 76 wins at a strike rate of 16.45%, to De Melo’s 62 wins at 18.62% and Richard Fourie’s 53 at 16.77%.
If the season had begun from January 1 then it is Zackey on 60 wins at 16.09%, De Melo on 54 at 21.43% and Fourie on 37 at 17.45%.
A starting point of February 1 would have Zackey on 30 wins at 14.08%, De Melo on 29 at 20.57% and Fourie on 21 at 16.15%.
A starting point of March 1 would have De Melo on 13 wins at 20.97%, Zackey on 10 at 13.89% and Fourie on 7 at 15.22%.
The trends shows De Melo to be challenging for the status of the country’s leading rider the longer he has been back for and if the curve continues on the same path he will be favourite for the title next season.
However, there will be nobody more deserving of the title than Zackey this season as he has blossomed into a rider of rare quality, who displays a particularly good sense of pace and timing.
De Melo was in form again at Holywodbets Durbanville today, riding a treble despite only having had four rides at the eight race meeting.
He is now on 62 wins for the season at 18.62% compared to Craig Zackey’s 170 wins at 16.60% and Richard Fourie’s 135 wins at 21.29%.
Frankel's Brother Kikkuli Will Make An Impact At Paardeberg
Kikkuli: Frankel’s half-brother will stand at Paardeberg Stud
Credit: Paardeberg Stud
Frankel’s half-brother Kikkuli begins new chapter in South Africa
Kitty Trice (Racing Post) speaks to Paardeberg Stud’s Sally Bruss about standing the son of Kingman
The old proverb ‘blood will out’ would certainly apply to Kikkuli if the son of Kingman follows in the giant footsteps of his half-brother at stud.
Bred by Juddmonte, the five-year-old is the last foal out of Kind, meaning he is a half-sibling to the great Frankel, a dual British and Irish champion sire and unbeaten champion racehorse.
Kikkuli was no slouch on the track himself, winning on his second start when reappearing at Newmarket on his three-year-old bow. Appropriately trained by the Charltons – Roger Charlton trained the late Kind to a brace of Listed wins – he gained black type when second in the Listed Heron Stakes on his third start and was then a neck second to Haatem in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
That rival had finished a head second to Rosallion in the Irish 2,000 Guineas on his previous outing, having also landed Group 2 laurels as a juvenile.
Kikkuli ran five more times at a high level without success, although he was beaten only half a length in fourth in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. Regardless, his pedigree alone was enough to rate him an exciting stallion prospect.
Low Profile, High Strike Rate, The Kuhns’ Racing Journey
Above: Grand Empire (far side) beats Trust in the Grade 1 SA Classic (Image: JC Photos)
The black silks with a white cross and red cap carried by the runners of Heinrich and Hester Kuhn are quietly becoming a familiar sight in South African racing. The relatively young owners describe themselves as ‘average Joes’ who prefer to stay out of the limelight, but their growing involvement in the sport reflects a thoughtful approach shaped by the same principles that guide their business interests.
Their latest success story is Grand Empire, a colt by Vercingetorix out of an unproven Potala Palace mare, bought for R400,000 – the second-lowest price paid for any of the 35 yearlings by the champion sire at the 2024 Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.
Heinrich commented: “Jan Mantel raised Grand Empire at Millstream Farm. Whenever we see Jan, he quips, ‘You stole that one!’ but of course it was a fair deal. Our good friend and trainer Eric Sands liked Grand Empire as a young horse when he visited the farm and told us that he was a lovely specimen – on the small side but with lots of scope.
“When Grand Empire got to the sales ring, Eric already had his eye on him and, due to his size, we secured him without much competition from other buyers. Eric did the groundwork, told us that Grand Empire would take time to mature. When he was almost ready to race, we moved him to Sean Tarry so we could have easier access to the Gauteng features and KZN season coming up this year.”
Tarry believes the Kuhns are ‘lucky’ owners, with a knack for acquiring quality horses. Aside from Grand Empire, they currently also race the Grade 1 winner Cosmic Speed (Querari), the ultra-promising Speedman (Vercingetorix) and the Graded-placed Hierarchy (Erupt), stabled along with a couple of promising, unraced two-year-olds in training at his Randjesfontein yard.
Takeover Target - 20 Years On From One Of Racing's Greatest Fairytales
Takeover Target, with trainer Joe Janiak and jockey Jay Ford, became a global legend due to his globetrotting success and the incredible fairytale story behind him (Picture: heraldsun.co.au)
This year’s Royal Ascot meeting will mark the 20th anniversary of one of racing history’s greatest rags to riches stories, that of the unwanted injury-prone Takeover Target and his trainer Joe Janiak, who lived for a long time in a ramshackle caravan, coming to the world’s premier race meeting as a six-year-old and winning a Gr 2 (today the same race is a Gr 1) with young jockey Jay Ford aboard.
TDN
Royal Ascot Memories: Takeover Target
Takeover Target | Racing Post
By Trent Masenhelder
It’s at this time of year that Australian jockey Jay Ford takes a moment to remember his old mate, Takeover Target (Aus) (Celtic Swing {GB}), and more specifically their victory in the 2006 G2 King’s Stand S. at Royal Ascot.
Takeover Target wasn’t the first Aussie to upstage the locals at the famous Royal meeting–Choisir (Aus) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) (2001) holds that honour and three others have done it since: Miss Andretti (Aus) (Ihtiram {Ire}) (2007), Scenic Blast (Aus) (Scenic {Ire}) (2009) and Black Caviar (Aus) (Bel Esprit {Aus}) (2012)–but in the eyes of many, his triumph sits behind only Peter Moody’s unbeaten wonder mare Black Caviar in terms of capturing the imagination of racing fans around the globe.
Takeover Target was an injury plagued gelding that nobody wanted. He was humbly bred, a son of Celtic Swing–champion 2-year-old in Europe and a French Classic winner–out of the unraced Archregent mare Shady Stream (Aus).
Enter Joe Janiak, a taxi driver and part-time trainer, who spent more than 10 years living in a caravan. Janiak was born to Polish parents on a boat en-route to Australia. He wasn’t afforded any luxuries as a child, paying for his own education after earning money by shoveling manure at local stables.
Janiak took a punt on the then 4-year-old with bad knees at a tried-horse sale in Sydney in 2003, paying A$1,375 for him.
Still to this day, it’s the best money he’s ever spent.
Takeover Target became a star, and the public adored him. It was a script befitting a Hollywood movie.
Fondly referred to as ‘Archie,’ Takeover Target arrived in the UK following his third Group 1 victory in the Newmarket H. at Flemington in March of 2006. Parading with a thick winter coat and sweating up noticeably, the Australian raider eased in betting (5-1 out to 7-1).
Takeover Target raced at the front of the division that travelled down the grandstand rail. He kicked clear with 200 metres to run, but Ford (23 at the time) had to get busy, as 16-1 shot Benbaun (Ire) (Stravinsky) burst out of the pack under Jamie Spencer to lay down a serious challenge. The Aussies weren’t to be denied. Takeover Target dug deep, displaying the trademark fighting qualities that had earned him cult hero status to see it through, the winning margin a short head.
“It was incredible. When I first decided I wanted to be a jockey I didn’t even know what or where Royal Ascot was,” Ford said. “It’s a very prestigious carnival and renowned throughout the world, so to go and be a part of it was pretty special. I was confident he would perform well, but there was a bit of unknown as to how he would measure up against their horses.”
Following his King’s Stand heroics, Takeover Target was declared the best sprinter in the world on turf by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities with a rating of 118. He ran a brave third in the G1 Golden Jubilee S. on the final day of the carnival before finishing unplaced in the G1 July Cup at Newmarket.
He returned to England in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and although he never added to his King’s Stand success, he was the runner-up in the 2007 Golden Jubilee and the 2008 King’s Stand.
Remarkably, in his six starts down the Ascot straight course the bay gelding with the eye-catching white blaze never finished further back than fourth. Takeover Target retired in 2009, boasting 21 wins from 41 starts. He won eight Group 1s; six in Australia, one in Japan and one in Singapore, amassing more than A$6 million in earnings. Ford formed a special bond with Takeover Target, partnering him to 20 wins and 10 minor placings from 39 starts. The sold-for-a-song castoff with bad knees came along just at the right time for the self-effacing jockey, opening doors for him that otherwise may have been locked shut.
“Winning the King’s Stand was just one of the highlights; with him, there were so many highlights,” said Ford. “He was a champion racehorse that won all over Australia and all over the world. He had a tremendous will to win. I haven’t ridden a horse before or after him that’s had the tenacity he had. He wouldn’t always win by a big margin but he knew where the winning post was and it was very hard for a horse to get past him.”
“And his longevity, too–that was amazing,” Ford added. “He traveled and raced at the top level for five years. There are very few horses that can do what he did throughout his career.”
Takeover Target was euthanized in 2015, aged 15, after injuring a leg in his paddock. He is remembered as one of Australia’s greats of the turf, despite being the unlikeliest of them.
Bjorn Ironside Is Weighted To Win
Bjorn Ironside should get an overdue third career win (JC Photos)
The Turffontein Inside meeting has nine races on Thursday and Bjorn Ironside will be hard to beat in the headliner, a Graduation Plate over 1450m in which the field has cut down to just five runners.
The Gimmethegreenlight gelding has always been highly regarded and finished third in the Gr 2 Umkhomazi Stakes over 1200m as a juvenile. He was even tried in the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas. In today’s race the distance looks manageable even though his two wins have been over 1160m and 1200m respectively. He has only been tried beyond sprints twice. One of them was when last in the Cape Guineas, but it was a top class field headed by One Stripe and Eight On Eighteen. The other one was over 1400m and he was not at all disgraced when finishing 7,90 lengths behind Snow Pilot. He was receiving 8kg from the winner, a former Cape Guineas winner who won this race by six lengths and had beaten One Stripe over that distance in his previous start. Bjorn Iron side is officially 9kg better off than any other runner today, so Keagan de Melo should be able to slot him in behind runners from a tricky draw and pick them off at the business end. Drivelikeamaster, who is the second best weighted, is drawn in pole over an ideal trip and he could pick up the pieces if Bjorn Ironside fails to see it out. The risk averse can include him in their exotics.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1200m Miss River Dancer ran well on debut and is the one to beat over a suitable step up in trip under Gavin Lerena, although she does have to overcome a wide draw. Takeachanceonme made a fair debut and has a chance in this line up over a step up in trip that should suit and jumping from a middle draw under Ryan Munger. Money Galore has shown some form in the East Cape and can earn here on her Highveld debut, although her draw of eight is not easy and she returns from a layoff of close to five months. Trip Of Faith was only 1,70 lengths behind Major Arcana on debut over 1450m, so watch how the latter goes in the previous race. Asminderod look capable of earning in this line up.
In the sixth race over 1450m Warning Light won well on debut and can follow up off a fair MR, although he has a tricky draw. Fostinovo is in good form and is well drawn over an ideal course and distance. Chieftain’s Shield is capable of finishing strongly but needs to overcome a wide draw. Clarkson is capable and always dangerous if things go his way and he goes well for Muzi Yeni, so he could feature from a middle draw of five out of eight. Paul Revere is well drawn over an ideal trip and he should be in the shake up.
In the seventh over 1450m Single Combat looks to have promise but has a tough draw after a short layoff. Michael Faraday has a wide draw but he can be good if things go his way, so he can’t be ignored. Former battling Cape Town maiden Southampton won well on her Highveld debut and has a fair merit rating to start off her handicapping career on. Bloomington is always capable of popping up and has a fair draw. Mattiazo disappointed last time but the winner of that race, Diogenes, won a Listed event next time out and Matiazo could bounce back here.
In the eighth over 1450m Winds Of Grace is on the up, but just found one better last time and from pole position could prove herself better than this 70 merit rating. Can’t Catch Me has the form to be a contender although she has a tricky draw. Unsolved Riddle will go close if repeating his last start, but he has a tricky draw. Elusive Red can earn if producing his best and he has a good draw. Lady Elliot has a fair draw over a suitable trip and is capable of winning this.
In the ninth over 1800m Repetition disappointed last time but can bounce back from a middle draw . Carnelo is knocking on the door and should go close if the very much in-form 4kg claimer Blaine Marx-Jacobson can overcome a wide draw. Status beat Top Floor when winning his maiden and the latter went on to wn his maiden by five lengths, so he can go close off a 75 merit rating if able to overcome a tricky draw.
In the first leg of the Bipot over 1800m Samuel Sharpe is on the up and has a good draw over a suitable step up in trip. Royale Jacket was narrowly ahead of Samuel Sharpe last time. Terrence has the form to be a threat.
In the first leg of the PA over 1200m Major Arcana will enjoy the step down in trip and will go close from pole position. Brigitte Anne’s last start has been franked and she should go close although the step down in trip might not be advantageous. Tiger’s Captain did well last time after not being disgraced behind good sorts before that, but he has a tough draw.
Vixeninthevineyard looks hard to beat under Chamu Mabaya in the first race over 1800m.
Eustace And Ferraris Warm Up For Derby With Happy Valley Winner
David Eustace saddles his first BMW Hong Kong Derby runners as Dazzling Fit, who will be ridden by Luke Ferraris, and Seraph Gabriel bid to make their mark at Sha Tin (Picture: HKJC)
Luke Ferraris rides for David Eustace in Sunday’s Hong Kong Derby and the partnership warmed up by winning the first race at Happy Valley today (Wednesday), albeit in a dead-heat with another runner.
Ferraris was on the Eustace-trained Glorious Ryder in the first race, a Class 5 event over 1650m.
The NZ-bred gelding started as an unheralded 35/1 shot, not surprisingly considering his first eight starts on the island had yielded one third, two eighth place finishes and five twelfth place finishes.
This was the first time Ferraris was up and from draw six he positioned him one wide with cover in midfield.
Glorious Ryder stayed on well in the straight and then made a telling late surge to get up for the dead-heat with the Mark Newnham-trained second favourite Soaring Bronco.
However, Ferraris picked up a one meeting suspension for the ride as explained in this stipendiary steward report:
L Ferraris (GLORIOUS RYDER) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of DRAGON SUNRISE, resulting in DRAGON SUNRISE being taken in onto PERFECTO MOMENTS, resulting in DRAGON SUNRISE and PERFECTO MOMENTS being crowded for room and also resulting in PERFECTO MOMENTS being taken in across the running of TELECOM POWER which was checked. L Ferraris was suspended from riding in races for one Hong Kong raceday to be conducted on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 at Happy Valley. In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his excellent race riding record. Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.
Click here for a replay of the race
Click here for a report on the whole meeting
David Eustace has two runners in the Hong Kong Derby on Sunday, including Ferraris’ mount Dazzling Fit.
Il Etait Temps And Stablemates Receive Rousing Reception In Leighlinbridge
Hollywood Racing’s Champion Chase winner Il Etait Temps (middle) is flanked by Champion Hurdle-winning horse Lossiemouth (left) and Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner Gaelic Warrior with grooms and trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend as they receive a hero’s welcome in their home village following their Cheltenham Festival victories last week. Photo: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior, Champion Hurdle winner Lossiemouth and Champion Chase winner Il Etait Temps were paraded through the streets of Leighlinbridge this evening (Wednesday)
Carlow Nationalist
It’s become a very familiar sight, but one that will never grow old, for the people of Leighlinbridge as the streets were thronged to welcome home the latest Cheltenham Festival heroes from Willie Mullins’ Closutton yard.
Dominant Gold winner Gaelic Warrior was the star attraction but Champion Hurdle winner Lossiemouth and Champion Chase winner Il Est Temps were also on display.
The people of Carlow, and particularly Leighlinbridge, once again came out in their droves to show their support for the all-conquering Willie Mullins.
Last year’s Cheltenham welcome home was followed up a few weeks later by the return of the Grand National winner.
With the Aintree showpiece race due to take place on 11 April, it would be no surprise to see more of these fantastic scenes in the very near future.
Click here to read the original article which has more photographs
Today's Question
The Allan Robertson Championship is named after a breeder who operated out of a stud in Colesberg called Stormfontein.
What traumatic incident happened to a young Allan on the stud farm in the December of 1899?
The picture is of Allan Robertson (left) when he was TBA Chairman
FIELDS, Thursday, 19 March
Turffontein Inside
Today’s Question Answer
In December 1899 Allan Robertson’s father Alex was arrested by the Boers at Stormfontein and imprisoned at Colesberg, leaving ten-year-old Allan and his mother to run the farm along with the workers.
One afternoon Commandant de Meillon arrived and informed mother and son that the farm was being confiscated and they had 24 hours to clear out. The Commandant and troops then proceeded to take everything they could lay their hands on including, broodmares, cows, calves, sheep, mules etc, although they decided to leave the stallions behind. About ten of the broodmares belonged to the big owner-breeder, the diamonds and gold tycoon Abe Bailey, who had sent them down from the Transvaal for safety before the war.
The next morning there was a knock on the door and a distraught Mrs Robertson opened it to find Boer General Celliers standing there and he asked her what the commotion was all about.
General Celliers was outraged when he found out what had happened and promised Mrs Robertson everything would be returned within six hours.
He was true to his word.
