Turf Talk Newsletter – 06 August, 2026

John Koster makes an acceptance speech for one of Klawervlei Stud’s six Breeders Championships (Equus Awards)

John Koster can look back on many significant achievements as owner of Klawervlei Stud, most of them equine but also the community the farm has built.

The farm has been sold to Laurence Wernars and the dispersal Sale of all the equine stock is on Monday August 10, but the good news is that John will not be lost to the industry.

He said, “I am going to stay on with Laurence and help set it all up for him.”

He said the length of his stay had not been decided, but he envisaged it being for at least three years and maybe longer.

Asked if he would then go and enjoy some retirement years, he replied, “I don’t think I will ever be able to retire. When this game is in your blood it is deep in your blood.”

He explained that the sale of the farm had always been inevitable after the tragic passing of his son Nick, who was going to become the fourth generation owner.

The stud operation was started by John’s grandfather Ralph Koster.

Ralph was born in Germany in 1900 and went to the frontlines as a 16-year-old.

When the war was over he got on a ship and came to South Africa.

Ralph actually bred mules in the beginning.

John revealed, “He was importing throughbred stallions to cover donkey mares and the result would be these hardy, tough mules that could work like hell because they had the will of the thoroughbred. And then one day Alex Robertson said to him, ‘You can’t use these beautiful thoroughbred stallions on donkey mares!” and so he bought four thoroughbred mares and that is how he started.'”

Klavervlei Stud was founded in 1953 by Ralph in Beaufort West. Ralph imported broodmares from the best Irish and English families to his Karoo farm (these mares provided Klawervlei’s current genetic pillars).

Ralph’s sons Werner and Wilfred and his grandson John became the Koster Bros breeding operation.

Wilfred later departed to start Cheveley Stud in the Ceres Valley, which is today owned by his son Vaughan Koster.

John, who is the son of Peter Koster, later founded the Klawervlei Stud operation at the farm Wagenboomheuwel in Bonnievale in the Breede Valley in the 1980s.

The official best achievements of Klawervlei Stud are well documented, but John mentioned some of his best memories, “I am a man of the soil and one of the best memories is just the whole privilege of being able to farm this beautiful land and building up an amazing community. Everything about us is community. And obviously having the privilege of raising my family here and breeding some really decent horses.”

“Thoroughbred breeding is steeped in our family for three generations, it’s in our blood and we’ve had a really good run. Koster Bros were Champion Breeders four times and Klawervlei were six times Champion Breeders.”

“Klawervlei have bred some great stallions. We bred Vercingetorix, we bred Captain Al, we bred Rafeef together with Arrowfield, we bred One World, we bred William Longsword and we bred Kommetdieding.”

“In my first season at stud I bred Roland’s Song. She was a Champion Two-Year-Old, Champion Three-Year-Old, Champion Older Filly and Horse of the Year. She was a great filly.”

“Captain Al was really the one who made the farm though – he put my kids through school and I’ve still got sons and daughters of Captain Al. He is probably the horse I am closest to I guess. I am close to all of them actually, but of all the horses I have bred he has been the most significant in the stud book. He was Champion Sire and he was Champion Broodmare Sire three years in a row. But then again Vercingetorix has made a massive difference to the South African stud book too and Rafeef and One World are also doing exceptionally well.”

“We’ve had overseas winners Vercingetorix and Shea Shea.”

“We’ve bred some great fillies as well like Carry On Alice and Real Princess. Real Princess has become an incredible broodmare herself for Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables.”

“In the 2016/2017 season we had six individual Gr 1 winners of eight Gr 1s (Carry On Alice X 2, Edict Of Nantes X 2, Just Sensual, William Longsword, Mustaaqeem and Rafeef.”

Vercingetorix has become a record-breaking phenomenon and John was asked whether he had foreseen such success.

He replied, “I think he is the best racehorse I have ever bred, so he was always going to have a good chance.”

Among the avhievements of the Koster family is they have bred a July winner in every generation.

Ralph Koster bred the 1971 winner, the Syd Laird-trained Mazarin, the second generation Wilfred Koster of Cheveley Stud bred the 1996 winner, the Alec Laird-trained London News, and in the third generation Vaughan Koster of Cheveley Stud bred the 2014 winner, the Justin Snaith-trained Legislate and John’s Klawervlei Stud bred the 2021 winner, the Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix-trained Kommetdieding.

Only seven horses in history have won both the July and the Met and the Koster family have bred two of them, London News and Kommetdieding.

It is interesting to note that two other breeders to have achieved this feat i.e. Alex Robertson (Yataghan) and Zandvliet Stud (Pocket Power) played mentorship roles to the Koster family at certain stages, with Alex having given Ralph the aforementioned advice about his thoroughbred stallions, and probably further mentorship too, while John spent a season with Paul De Wet and his son Dan in his informative years.

Meanwhile, John said buyers had been flocking to Klawervlei over the last few weeks to look at the stock on Sale.

He said, “There has been a lot of interest, which is great.”

He added, “There are a lot of very nice mares. I think the yearlings will go well and I think the stallion shares will go well. There’s a lot for everyone.”

Sarah Whitelaw takes an in-depth look into the dispersal sale in the next article of the newsletter,

Klawervlei’s great name will live on after the Sale and is sure to be the breeding ground for more heroes and heroines of the racetrack.

Sarah Whitelaw

An end of a remarkable era will take place when Klawervlei Stud holds its Dispersal Sale on August 10th.

As one of the most prolific sources of stakes winners in South Africa in the modern era, Klawervlei have bred a lengthy list of G1 winners and champions, with this tally including a number of horses who made their presence felt on the international stage.

No doubt buyers will flock in droves to their dispersal sale, with one of the sale’s highlights being the quality of stallion shares on offer.

Not only do the stallion shares on offer include shares to the Klawervlei bred champions and star sires Vercingetorix and One World, but the sale will also offer buyers a chance to acquire shares in such proven G1 sires as Captain Of All, Erik The Red, Gimmethegreenlight, Rafeef and What A Winter.

Buyers also have the chance to buy a share in exciting young stallions Charles Dickens, Green With Envy, Kommetdieding, Oriental Charm, Point Lonsdale and Snow Pilot at the Klawervlei Dispersal Sale.

There will also be plenty of interest in the yearlings on offer, and below is a brief description of the yearlings to be found at Klawervlei:

Lot 124: f Gimmethegreenlight -Affirmation
From a wonderful filly family, this filly is out of a winning half-sister to champion filly Just Sensual, with her granddam, Consensual, having been crowned Equus Champion 2YO Filly of 2008. This is also the family of such high-class fillies as Give Me Five, Tatler and In Camera.

Lot 125: f Vercingetorix -Champenois
A half-sister to a winner, this filly is out of a three time winning half-sister to three stakes winners notably G1 SA Classic winner Pierre Jourdan. This filly is directly descended in female line from legendary racemare Sceptre.

Lot 126: f Vercingetorix -Almost Captured
Bred on the same cross as champion Double Grand Slam and fellow G1 winners Mia Moo and Vernichey, this filly is out of a twice winning Captain Al full-sister to G3 Umkhomazi Stakes winner Captain In Command and Listed Ladies Mile winner Canadian Sunset.

Lot 127: f Gimmethegreenlight -Primrose Hill
This filly is a half-sister to G3 Prix Penelope runner up Hug and a Kiss, and her dam is a daughter of Giant’s Causeway and the Unbridled’s Song sired G1 winner Marylebone.

Lot 128: f Vercingetorix -Al Zahra
Bred on the same cross as G2 winner Ikigai, and from the family of the Silvano sired top producer Cosmic Dream, this filly is a half-sister to G2 Golden Slipper winner Desert Rhythm as well as the inform Lyrical Gangster.

Lot 129: f Vercingetorix -The Secret Is Out
From one of the best families in the South African stud book, and bred on similar lines to the likes of Aquae Calidae, Roland Garros and Roman Agent, this filly is out of a G1 winning full-sister to Equus Champion and triple G1 winner All Is Secret.

Lot 130: f One World -Cullinan Blue
From the immediate family of recent G1 Prix Jean Prat winner Thesecretadversary, and bred on the same cross as the classy World Attraction, this filly is out of a stakes placed full-sister to G3 Byerley Turk runner up I’m A Fireball.

Lot 131: f Kommetdieding -Della’s Sword
Closely inbred to both Captain Al and Fort Wood, this filly’s dam is a dual winning ¾ sister to G1 SA Classic third Like A Panther from one of the best families in the Southern Hemisphere.

Lot 132: f Vercingetorix -Intergalactic
Bred on the same cross as champion Mrs Geriatrix, this filly is out of a mare who won the G2 Ipi Tombe Challenge and she is descended in female line from La Troienne.

Lot 133: f Hawwaam -Moon In June
From an outstanding international family, this filly’s dam won 4 including the G2 Track And Ball Oaks.

Lot 135: f Hawwaam -Share The Secret
This filly’s granddam, by Captain Al, is a G1 winning full-sister to champion All Is Secret and this is the family of Captain Al’s dual G1 winning daughter Snowdance, the dam of G1 winning new sire Snow Pilot.

Lot 136: f Charles Dickens -Sitia
A half-sister to two winners, this filly is out of a three time winning daughter of Captain Al closely related to classy filly Not Sulking -sired, like Charles Dickens, by Trippi.

Lot 137: f One World -Trophy Wife
Closely inbred to Storm Cat, this filly, a half-sister to the promising Status Symbol, is out of G2 Gerald Rosenberg Stakes winner Trophy Wife.

Lot 138: f Jet Dark -Captain Wheelson
Out of a full-sister to G1 Cape Guineas/G1 SA Classic third Like A Panther, this filly hails from the same family as such G1 winning fillies as Lone Rock, Personal and champion Laisserfaire.

Lot 139: f Kommetdieding -Desert Rhythm
Inbred to Al Mufti, this filly’s dam won 5 including the G2 Golden Slipper.

Lot 140: f Fire Away -Estimated
From the immediate family of such Epsom classic winning fillies as Ezeliya and Taghrooda, this filly’s granddam is the Distorted Humor sired G3 Track And Ball Oaks third Estimation.

Lot 141: f Vercingetorix -London Secret
Out of a stakes placed daughter of Gimmethegreenlight, from the family of the Gimmethegreenlight sired graded stakes winners Cala Muretta and Hack Green, this filly hails from one of the best families in the South African stud book.

Lot 142: f Gimmethegreenlight -Return Flight
A full-sister to the useful Glenalmond, this filly is out of Equus Champion Return Flight, a G1 winner at two and three. The family of star two-year-old Ribofilio and SA champion Up The Creek.

Lot 143: f Charles Dickens -Rubybay
A half-sister to two winners, this filly is out of a winning Medaglia D’Oro half-sister to G1 Gold Reef Resorts Gold Medallion winning sire Seventh Rock. Her broodmare sire Medaglia D’Oro is damsire of more than 150 stakes winners led by such G1 winners as National Treasure, Olympiad, and Prince Of Monaco.

Lot 144: f Charles Dickens -Safe Harbour
Directly descended in female line from Sister Sublime, this filly’s dam finished second in all of the G1 Cape Fillies Guineas, G1 Paddock Stakes and G1 SA Fillies Classic while earning more than R2.72 million in prize money.

Lot 145: f Gimmethegreenlight -Sting Operation
Bred on the same cross as champions Sandringham Summit and Proceed, and closely related to G3 Byerley Turk hero Malmesbury Missile, this filly is a half-sister to three winners led by G2 Drill Hall Stakes winner Silver Operator. She is also a half-sister to the dam of last season’s G1 winning three-year-old Tin Pan Alley.

Lot 146: f Querari -Als Bonanza
Bred on the same cross as the lines of Questioning and Turn It Up, this filly is a half-sister to 5 winners including Listed Summer Juvenile Stakes runner up Barzalona.

Lot 147: f Hawwaam -Daughter of Zeus
From the family of current star Gimme A Nother, this filly is out of a four time winning daughter of Captain Al.

Lot 148: f Rafeef -Fortissimus
A half-sister to 3 winners, including G3 Pretty Polly Stakes runner up Blindedbythelights, this filly’s dam won three including the Listed East Cape Oaks.

Lot 149: f Vercingetorix -Quite Frankly,
This filly is out of a Frankel half-sister to high-class sprinter Teflon Man.

Lot 150: c Charles Dickens -Betty Boop
This colt is out of a twice winning half-sister to champion Just Sensual -whose sire Dynasty is broodmare sire of Charles Dickens.

Lot 151: c Kommetdieding -Calandiva
Closely inbred to both Captain Al and Fort Wood, this colt is out of a mare by William Longsword from the family of William Longsword.

Lot 152: c Futura -Call To Account
Out of a twice stakes winning daughter of Captain Al, this colt is from the family of such international G1 winners as Albahr, Cascadian, and Master Of The Seas.

Lot 153: c Rafeef -Captain’s Reward
From the family of outstanding sires and half-brothers Invincible Spirit and Kodiac, this colt is out of a winning full-sister to Listed In Full Flight Handicap second Captain’s Causeway.

Lot 154: c One World -Cashel Palace
This colt is out of a G3 placed half-sister to dual Equus Champion Celtic Sea, sired, like One World, by Captain Al.

Lot 155: c Kommetdieding -Chariot Of Gold
This colt is out of a stakes winning daughter of Silvano and his granddam is a stakes winning half-sister to July winner and successful sire Pomodoro. His first five dams are all black type performers!

Lot 156: c Kommetdieding -Double Dream
Closely inbred to Captain Al and Fort Wood, this colt is out of a 3 time winning half-sister to Listed Devon Air Stakes winner Beloved Country.

Lot 157: c Querari -Estimation
Out of G3 Track And Ball Oaks third Estimation, this classically bred colt’s granddam is a Sadler’s Wells full-sister to dual G1 winner Ebadiyla

Lot 158: c Malmoos -Fortissima
A half-brother to 2 winners, and inbred to Fort Wood and Al Mufti, this colt’s G3 winning dam is a three-parts sister to Dynasty.

Lot 159: c Vercingetorix -Gibraltar Blue
A colt with a stallion’s pedigree, he is a full-brother to the high-class performers Cullinan Blue and I’m A Fireball and half-brother to two other stakes horses. Out of Rock Of Gibraltar’s four time graded stakes winning daughter Gibraltar Blue, his relatives also include 2026 G1 Prix Jean Prat winner Thesecretadversary.

Lot 160: c One World -Green Plains
Out of a triple graded stakes winning daughter of Gimmethegreenlight, this colt hails from the family of current high-class galloper Cosmic Speed.

Lot 161: c One World -Heaps Of Fun
Directly descended in female line from Party Time, this colt’s dam won five including the G2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas.

Lot 162: c What A Winter – Look Homeward
Out of a Silvano half-sister to G3 Campanajo 2200 winner One Way Traffic, this colt’s dam is a three-parts sister to the Silvano sired G1 winner Silver Mountain.

Lot 163: c Vercingetorix -Off The Mark
A half-brother to two smart, multiple winners, this colt is out of a G3 Acacia Handicap winning own sister to G1 Gold Reef Resorts Gold Medallion runner up Sports Coach.

Lot 164: c Kommetdieding -Pepperdine
Out of a half-sister to two stakes winners sired by Kommetdieding’s broodmare sire Captain Al, this colt is a half-brother to 3 winners including the useful performer The Shepherd as well as the Captain Al sired dam of G3 performer Captains Envy.

Lot 165: c Malmoos -Rocket Girl
This colt is out of a four time winning half-sister to Listed Secretariat Stakes winner Sabre Strike -whose sire, like Malmoos, is a son of Captain Al.
Lot 166: c Kommetdieding -Royal Utopia
Out of G2 SA Oaks third place getter Royal Utopia, and closely inbred to Fort Wood, this colt, whose first three dams are all black type performers hails from the same female line as legendary sires Danehill and Northern Dancer.

Lot 167: c Gimmethegreenlight -Sea Glitter
Out of a three-parts sister to G1 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, this colt is a full-brother to the useful Professor Lupin and half-brother to the stakes winning Mirage -dam of Gimmethegreenlight’s promising son Trompe L’oeil.

Lot 168: c Kommetdieding -Seattle Surprise
From one of the best families around, this colt’s granddam is a daughter of A.P. Indy from the immediate family of A.P. Indy.

Lot 169: c Rafeef -Secretariat’s Girl
From the family of the Klawervlei bred world class sprinter Shea Shea, this colt is a full-brother to Listed Ruffian Stakes winner Secretary Bird and the smart Tintin.

Lot 170: c Vercingetorix -Shield Of Light
This colt is a three-parts brother to Vercingetorix’s four time graded stakes winning son Seeking The Stars from the family of Native Ruler, another graded stakes winning son of Vercingetorix.

Lot 171: c Vercingetorix -Showdown Kid
Closely related to Vercingetorix sired G1 winner Astrix and Listed Irridescence Stakes winner Ukuduma, this colt’s granddam is a dual G1 winning half-sister to Captain Al.

Lot 172: c What A Winter -Spring Of Elixir
From an exceptional international family, this colt’s dam, a ¾ sister to G2 winner Moon In June, is a half-sister to two stakes winners.

Lot 173: c Hawwaam -Tambalang
This colt is out of a Listed Aquanaut Handicap winner, and his third dam is G1 winner Divided Loyalty.

Lot 175: c Gimmethegreenlight -Trinity House
Bred on the same cross as Equus Champions Proceed and Sandringham Summit, this half or full brother to six winners is out of a dual G3 winning half-sister to Vercingetorix.

Lot 176: c A Case Of You -Trip To Ireland
Out of a winning daughter of Trippi, this colt’s granddam is a dual stakes winning full-sister to Horse Of The Year Irish Flame. This colt’s dam is bred on the same cross as Charles Dickens.

Lot 177: c Master Of My Fate -Turn The Page
This colt is out of a winning Trippi half-sister to the stakes placed dam of G2 winner Red Palace. His third dam is a full-sister to two G1 winners in Australia.

Lot 178: c Gimmethegreenlight -Varsity Girl
A half or full brother to 3 winners, this colt is out of a twice winning half-sister to G3 Sycamore Sprint winner Myfunnyvalentine, and his granddam won the G1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship.

Lot 179: c Charles Dickens -Veritas
Out of a winning daughter of Captain Al, this colt hails from the family of Epsom classic winners Ezeliya and Taghrooda and is directly descended in female line from Frizette.

Lot 180: c Erik The Red -Visuality
A half-brother to two winners, this colt is out of G3 Three Troikas Stakes runner up Visuality, a close relative of G2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas winner Heaps Of Fun.

Cool Gambler wins with authority under Callan Murray (Picture Supplied)

Hollywood Racing had to go to R5 million at the 2024 BSA National Yearling Sale to buy Cool Gambler, who is a Wilgerbosdrift Stud-bred horse by Hawwaam out of the Dansili mare Espumanti, which makes him a three-parts brother to the Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Sparkling Water (Silvano) and a half-brother to Gr 2 Gauteng Guineas winner Spumante Dolce (Vercingetorix).

The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained Cool Gambler is not an easy customer and that was evident on his debut in March when he started 2/1 favourite over 1160m at Turffontein and he was beaten 8,35 lengths into fifth.

He has since been gelded and today he was more well behaved, although Mathew de Kock and his team had to put plenty of work into him.

He drifted from 2/1 out to 3/1 today after his five month layoff and after jumping well was up with the pace throughout.

He relaxed well despite having no cover.

He showed a good action and quickened well at the 300m mark to put the race top bed.

Murray said he   had impressed him more at the races than he had back at home.

Mathew said he had no doubt this was his minimum trip.

The Hawwaams seem to take after the Silvanos in that they blossom as they get older, so there is still hope that Cool Gambler can go places.

The Mauritzfontein Stud homebred Gimmethegreenlight mare Gimme A Nother is Breeders Cup bound (Herringswell Stables)

Patrick Moquin | drf.com

Trainer Graham Motion is looking to get Beverly D. winner Gimme a Nother to the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland.

Graham Motion had the only two stakes winners based in the Mid-Atlantic on Arlington Million Day at Colonial Downs, winning the Grade 2 Beverly D. with Gimme a Nother and the $150,000 Andy Guest with Roja. Both female turf stars remain unbeaten in 2026, and with a little luck, both could be working their way to the Breeders’ Cup.

“I want to get [Gimme a Nother] to the Breeders’ Cup, so the question is what’s the best way to get her there,” Motion said. “We can run her one more time or just freshen her up, but that’s been my goal since we didn’t get there last year.”

After earning three runner-up finishes in her first four North American starts, Gimme a Nother has won three straight graded stakes since September 2025. She returned from a splint bone injury in June and won the Grade 3 Eatontown at Monmouth Park by 3 1/2 lengths before rallying late to win the Beverly D. Motion plans to target the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf on Oct. 31.

Motion said much the same of Roja, confirming that a potential path to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint will either involve training her up to the race or shipping her for one more start before. Unlike Gimme a Nother, Roja has been a recent addition to the Breeders’ Cup picture, leaping onto the scene with a 101 Beyer Speed Figure when she won the Grade 2 Intercontinental at Saratoga in June.

After winning the Intercontinental, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. told Motion that he should consider the filly for the Breeders’ Cup, a move the trainer considered ambitious at the time. She passed another test at Colonial, however, winning in a softer spot by a half-length with an 89 Beyer.

Hollywoodbets Greyville turf Friday formguides and selections 

RACE 1

4 YEAH BABY 7 CUBA LIBRE 14 BIG DIPPER 5 SKIPPER ZIP

Preview: Tricky maiden. Glen Kotzen holds a strong hand with three runners. YEAH BABY (4) is a filly taking on males but has run two promising races on the poly. She has drawn well and the step up in trip should suit. CUBA LIBRE (7) makes his first start as a four-year-old after a fair debut in the soft. He is likely to improve. BIG DIPPER (14) makes his debut from a wide draw but is one to watch in the betting. SKIPPER ZIP (5) is lightly raced and has been much improved in blinkers. (Andrew Harrison: 4-7-14-5).

RACE 2

3 HAZEL GREEN 7 EASTERN GLOW 1 TEARS OF THE SUN 8 QUEEN OF DENMARK

Preview: HAZEL GREEN (3) has been costly to follow but she made promising improvement second run in KZN and could be the right one in this line-up. EASTERN GLOW (7) steps up to what may be a more suitable trip and caught the eye in her latest poly sprint. TEARS OF THE SUN (1) has the best of the draw and has shown steady and consistent form. She looks to be the pick of the Mike Miller pair. QUEEN OF DENMARK (8) made good improvement second time out. That was on the poly but she looks to have come to hand. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-1-8).

RACE 3

6 NOCTAMBULIST 3 CRIMSON TYPHOON 7 FIRE FORCE 2 AUGRABIES

Preview: NOCTAMBULIST (6) started at long odds when runner-up in an Open Maiden last time out. He enjoyed the extended trip and should run well in a modest maiden field. CRIMSON TYPHOON (3) takes on males but has been much improved at her last two on the poly. She should be a big runner in this line-up. FIRE FORCE (7) is a long-time battling maiden but has shown up well in his last two and can feature again. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-7-2).

RACE 4

13 TUNGUSKA 12 ZENA ROSE 8 SHINY BOB 11 DAY TWO

Preview: Tough handicap. TUNGUSKA (13) had consistent Cape form and may just have needed his last start. ZENA ROSE (12) has drawn wide but has been in good form under Keagan de Melo and is capable. SHINY BOB (8) has come good of late and goes well this trip. He is up in class but only has 50kg to shoulder but also an inexperienced apprentice. DAY TWO (11) is a late starter and is 5,5kg worse off with Shiny Bob. However, his current form is hard to fault and he can deny the handicapper. (Andrew Harrison: 13-12-8-11).

RACE 5

8 TEFLON MAN 9 FUTURE VARIETY 2 POSITION OF POWER 3 THISISWHATITMEANS

Preview: FUTURE VARIETY (9) has been up against much stronger at recent outings but does have a big weight and a wide draw to contend with. POSITION OF POWER (2) is in smart form and De Melo has been aboard at his last three wins and the form of his last run has been franked. He has a favourable gate and will be a big threat. TEFLON MAN (8) had it tough from a wide draw last time out. He is seldom far back and at best will feature. THISISWHATITMEANS (3) seems best on the poly but does have a chance on his best form. (Andrew Harrison: 8-9-2-3).

RACE 6

2 DRUMNADROCHIT 8 THAT’S MY BABY 1 MISS TWINKLE 11 SWIATEK

Preview: DRUMNADROCHIT (2) got a hefty shunt up the ratings after finishing in unplaced seventh in the Gr 2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas. She was a distant third in the SA Oaks and is back down to what looks to be a more suitable trip. THAT’S MY BABY (8) has run two smart recent races on this course in useful company. And has a strong winning chance. MISS TWINKLE (1) is lightly raced but never far back. She has had three runs since a break and showed up well in good company last time put. Front the best of the draw she should be a contender. SWIATEK (11) has the widest draw and makes her local debut for Justin Snaith. She has steady Cape form over the distance and any market support must be taken seriously. (Andrew Harrison: 2-8-1-11).

RACE 7

7 WHAT A FORTUNE 2 MAPHAKA 10 FUTURE FLOW 9 CITY OF LOVE

Preview: Wide open. WHAT A FORTUNE (7) was a beaten favourite at his last two but not far back. He is down in class but will go close on his best form. MAPHAKA (2) is in good form and arguably over his best trip. He has a good draw and should put in another forward showing. FUTURE FLOW (10) is seldom out of the money and although he has the widest gate to contend with he does get 1.5kg relief from the saddle and he should be a strong contender. CITY OF LOVE (9) has been a tough disappointing but is back over his best trip and at best will make them all gallop. (Andrew Harrison: 7-2-10-9).

RACE 8

2 STEAMY WINDOWS 4 NEXT OF KIN 6 BLUE STEEL 1 TAM’S KNIGHT

Preview: STEAMY WINDOWS (2) was a beaten favourite over shorter last time put but has smart form in strong company over this trip prior to that. He gets first time blinkers from a handy draw and could prove hard to beat. NEXT OF KIN (4) is never far behind and goes well this trip. BLUE STEEL (6) is not the easiest ride and his best recent form has been on the poly. He has a big weight but on his best form he should be a contender while TAM’S KNIGHT (1) is better off at the weights with Blue Steel, the latter does appear to have more to offer. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-6-1).

Fairview Turf Friday formguides and selections

RACE 1

An interesting opening event. GOLDEN FIFTIES is a five-year-old but he has only had the two starts. He did show enough in those two starts to suggest he is good enough to win on local debut. STONE OF SCONE is not reliable but is capable of contesting the finish when in the right mood. J LORDI is improving and clearly not out of it. CRIMSON CLOVER can be a threat on local debut. GREEN POINT and BLUE DAME must both be considered possible winners returning to the grass.

RACE 2

JEWEL MULE looked primed to score last week but was withdrawn after failing her second CO test. She can win on local debut. REDLIGHT LANE is threatening to win a race and should pick up the pieces if that rival does not run as well as expected. HARPA makes a local debut and could be a threat. KIM KAY is clearly better than what she showed last time out and has a place chance. FONTE has improved of late and can be competitive yet again. CAUGHTUBYSURPRISE showed improvement and has a place chance.

RACE 3

FREQUENT TRAVELLER was often competitive in the Western Cape without scoring. She may, well score on local debut. BURNING DESIRE was only modest on local debut but is likely to improve. SECRET ERUPTION has improved of late and can contest the finish once again. LADY LIMONCELLO remains in good shape and can get involved with the finish once again. LADY OF FATE and ISLAND JEWEL are also capable of playing minor roles.

RACE 4

A competitive looking race. ANATOLIAN SILVER has held form nicely all year and deserves a winning turn. GLOBAL ALLY remains in good shape and can earn some money. MAKHACHEV is a game front-runner but will have to fight off many challengers to win this one. HOME REEF is talented when at his best and has a chance. WILD FIG has improved of late and has every chance of completing a hat-trick. JOHNNY DRAMA and HOLLANDIA BAKKERIJ are in good form and would not be surprise winners.

RACE 5

GREEN PLANET returned to form with a game win last time out and can follow up. KING VISERYS is often slow away but is a threat and should like this course and distance. GIVETHATMANABELLS makes his local debut and is quite capable of scoring. CHEERFUL CHARLIE B was a victor the last time he was seen on the grass and must be included returning to the turf. NAUTICAL LANDING is clearly not reliable but has a place chance.

RACE 6

It would probably be best to go very wide in all exotics in this leg. QUEEN OF JAZZ did not shape in a stronger field than this last time and could bounce back to beat these rivals. ICY LANCASTER was not beaten far in her last start and that hinted a winning turn may not be far away. DAFFODIL DELIGHT returns to the turf and has a winning chance. PRINCESS OF AJIAAL and GUTSY BABY are recent maiden winners and could be better than rated. JAPANESE GARDEN is better than the last run would suggest and should be included in all permutations.

RACE 7

ASTRONOMICAL BOY is not reliable but is capable of scoring on local debut. AQUARIUS makes his local debut after a change of trainer. He is consistent and should be right there at the finish. FOREST SPY is not reliable but is also capable of getting involved with the finish when in the right frame of mind. STARS IN HEAVEN and stable companion CHAMPONELLE are not reliable but both are capable of being lively dangers when at their best. STOKESY bounced back with a solid win last time out and could have more to offer. COASTAL PATH likes this track and trip and has to be considered a possible winner.

RACE 8

BUMPS LAST GRIND was not disgraced in her latest start and returns to the course that provided her owners with her only victory. It is an open looking race and we may need to go wide in the Pick 6. TRULY MAGICAL has shown improvement of late and is not out of it. WORSWORTH remains in good form and can contest the finish once again. CAPTAIN CLEVER, CAPE CAPRI, FREE WORLD and CHIEF RUNNER have all done enough of late to make the frame. IN THE BAG makes a local debut and should be included in all bets.

Racing Post

The Dubai Shergar Cup is a unique raceday held annually at Ascot, with top jockeys from around the world competing in teams bidding to win the competition. The cup is named after Shergar, the legendary middle-distance horse who won the Derby by a record ten lengths but was kidnapped after retiring to stud in 1983 and never found.

In a move introduced last year, there will again be no ladies’ team while this year the competition joins the World Pool for the first time.

Ascot usually enjoys crowds in excess of 20,000 for the event, with the racing beginning at 1.35 and ending at 4.30 with entertainment afterwards.

This year boyband Blue and JLS star and DJ Marvin Humes are among the acts performing. On the track, a cast of star jockeys from around the world will battle it out, including Ryan Moore, who will make his first Shergar Cup appearance since 2006.

How does the racing work?
Four teams of three jockeys will compete across six races. Each race is capped at ten runners, with the first five horses home awarded points (15, 10, 7, 5, 3).

In the event of a non-runner who cannot be replaced, four points are awarded to the team and the jockey who was meant to ride. If there is a dead-heat, the winner and runner-up points are added up, divided by two and shared between the two teams and jockeys.

The team with the highest total after the last race lifts the cup and the jockey with the most individual points wins £3,000 and the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle trophy.

If there is a tie in either of those two competitions, there will be a countback on the number of winners each team/jockey had and the one with the most will be adjudged the winner.

Should they still be level the second places will be counted, if necessary the third, and if required even the fourth places. If, in the extraordinarily unlikely scenario they remain level, they will be deemed joint-winners.

The teams

Hong Kong
Competing for the first time in the competition this year and have Vincent Ho, who won the 2019 Shergar Cup as part of the Rest of the World team, as their captain.

Vincent Ho

Rode his first Ascot winner aboard Power Of Darkness in the 2019 Shergar Cup Mile. In March 2023, he became the second homegrown jockey to ride more than 500 winners in Hong Kong. He is best known for his association with the legendary Golden Sixty, a 26-time winner from 31 starts.

Jerry Chau

Makes his British racing debut. The 26-year-old posted 58 wins in his first full Hong Kong season, setting a record for the most apprentice wins in a campaign.

Luke Ferraris

The South African-born jockey has enjoyed six Group 1 victories. In 2021 he was the second-youngest expat jockey to be given a contract to ride in Hong Kong at the age of 19.

Rest of the World
The most successful team in the competition with seven wins. Their last victory was in 2019.

Jamie Melham

The 31-year-old Australian rider became the first woman to win the Caulfield Cup and the second to win the Melbourne Cup. In October 2020 she was ranked the leading female jockey in the world.

Suraj Narredu

Won the Shergar Cup with Team Asia last year and became the first Indian jockey to ride a winner at the event. He is one of the country’s most decorated riders and became the quickest to partner 1,000 winners in India. His tally has now surpassed 2,500.

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Yutaka Take

The world-renowned Japanese jockey, aged 57, is making his ninth Shergar Cup appearance and has the most points accrued across this year’s riders.

Europe
The European team has not been successful since claiming back-to-back wins in 2013 and 2014.

Christophe Lemaire

French-born jockey who is an eight-time champion in Japan and has won both the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas in Britain. Two Royal Ascot winners and a Melbourne Cup success also feature on his CV.

Marie Velon

Contributed 22 points on her debut at the competition in 2024 for the winning Ladies team. The 27-year-old was the first woman to win a Group 1 race in France in the 2022 Prix Royal-Oak.

Frida Valle Skar

The Norwegian rider makes her Shergar Cup debut. She gained her first Group success aboard Matilda in the German 2,000 Guineas last year.

Great Britain & Ireland
The home team have won four times, most recently in 2022 when they landed five of the eight races.

Saffie Osborne

One of Britain’s leading female jockeys who rode two winners when the ladies team scored in 2023. The Lambourn-based rider arrives on the back of two handicap victories at Glorious Goodwood last week.

Dylan Browne McMonagle

Makes his Shergar Cup debut. Ireland’s current champion jockey is a Breeders’ Cup-winning rider and has the Oaks and Irish Oaks among his big-race victories this season.

Ryan Moore

Returns to the competition 20 years on from being part of the winning Great Britain & Ireland team and claiming the top rider title. Moore, one of the best jockeys in the world, has ridden 99 winners at Royal Ascot, including a memorable Gold Cup success for the Queen on Estimate in 2013.