Lucky Lad’s win in the Gr 1 Gold Medallion was particularly impressive (Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Cape Breeders
Dual Grade 1 winner Lucky Lad will retire to stud at Suzette and Basie Viljoen’s Hopes and Dreams Stud in Wellington in the Western Cape, where he will commence stallion duties at the start of the 2026 breeding season in September.
Lucky Lad started his career with four successive wins as a two-year-old, including the 2023 World Sports Betting Grade 2 SA Nursery over 1160m and the Grade 1 Gold Medallion at Hollywoodbets Scottsville by 5.30-lengths.
He raced only five times as a three-year-old for three victories, including the 2024 Grade 2 Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m at Turffontein and a sensational triumph in the Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. On that occasion, Lucky Lad defeated established older stars such as Dyce, At My Command, I Am Giant and Cruise Control with a barnstorming late run from a seemingly impossible position.
In the same season, he finished second with a strong performance in the Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes over 1400m, proving his versatility against Sandringham Summit, the champion three-year-old.
Lucky Lad was twice Grade 1-placed at four, including a third to star sprinter Gimme a Prince in the Grade 1 HKJC World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. While not at the peak of his ability, he again finished ahead of top sprinters including Dyce, Questioning, Asiye Phambile and Café Culture, reminding everyone of the depth of his ability.
