The Alyson Wright-trained Hollywoodbets-owned Var gelding Shampompo Shampizi fittingly won the Non-Black Type WSB Club Prive Fever Tree Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville yesterday as this was the first feature in the province since Hollywoodbets were announced as new Durban July sponsors last week.

He started at odds of 5/1 and considering he was officially 5.5kg under sufferance with the runner up he should be a warm order if lining up in a handicap next time out.

The now four-year-old Carl and Amanda Vos-bred bay looked full of promise when winning on debut in March last year.

However, he became a touch disappointing until being stepped up to 1600m last time out, his ninth career start, and winning at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

He remained unbeaten over 1600m yesterday when being given a fine ride by Warren Kennedy, who had him covered up one wide in midfield from a good draw of three.

He was carrying just 52.5kg and stormed home to win by a cosy quarter-of-a-length from the favourite Socrates.

The strapping gelding was named after late rugby commentator Kaunda Ntunja who famously shouted “Shampompo Shampizi!” when Makazola Mapimpi became the first South African to score a try in a rugby world cup final.

The name translates to English as, ““The cork is popping! Bubbly, champagne, sparkling wine! All things that sparkle!” 

Hollywoodbets name many of their horses in a way that resonates with their business partners and sponsored entities. However, it does not end there as the relevant business partners are then exposed to every aspect of the sport and taken to the training centres and races. It is in line with Hollywoodbets’ goal of uniting mainstream sports like football, rugby, cricket, netball and horseracing in order to increase the support they each currently have. 

Picture: Shampompo Shampizi winning the Fever Tree Stakes yesterday (Candiese Lenferna Photography).