A Nother Fine Day For The Jells
Gimme A Nother powers home in the Gr 2 John C Mabee Stakes (Delmar Turf Club – @Benoit Photo)
Gimme A Nother, running in the familiar yellow and black colours of Steven and Jessica Jell’s Mauritzfontein Stud, is a Gr 2 winner in the USA, a valuable addition to her stud CV, after trainer Graham Motion and jockey Juan Hernandez pulled off a magnificent win in the John C. Mabee Stakes over one mile and one furlong at Del Mar. Gimme A Nother’s USA campaign is officially for Steven and Jessica’s USA stud operation, Newstead Stables, who use the same colours as Mauritzfontein.
The Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein-bred Gimme A Nother’s seven out of seven victories in South Africa were all on the Turffontein Standside straight and fans became used to her flat spot when asked to go before she produced her famous late burst.
However, this style did not bear fruit on the USA tracks with their shorter straights, despite the pace of their races generally being stronger.
Therefore Motion has converted her into a handy to front-running sort, although it has to be said the reluctance of many of her opponents to go forward in her last two starts has aided this cause.
This nearly landed her a Gr 2 at Woodbine in Canada last time out where she got an easy lead and failed by a head to hold on.
At Del Mar on Saturday she broke well and managed to get into second place from draw seven without much effort as the majority of the jockeys drawn inside of her were content to sit on their mounts.
Hopeful did not set exceptional fractions in front, but Hernandez chose to sit still on Gimme A Nother and allow the former to open a gap.
Gimme A Nother then had Kentucky Gal moving on to her outside on the back straight, but although she was caught in a pocket the pace was strong enough for her to stride out in a nice relaxed rhythm.
Hernandez celeverly dropped Gimme A Nother a length behind Kentucky Girl as they arrived at the turn, but he then drove for the gap in between the leader and the slowing Kentucky Girl halfway around the turn, which allowed him to burst through the gap with momentum.
The favourite Medora had come from five lengths back to join Gimme A Nother in the straight.
However, a kick at the top of the straight saw Gimme A Nother steal a length. In terms of substance she dwarfed Medora and, staying on resolutely with long strides, she arrived at the line 1,25 lengths clear, despite being the only horse in the field to carry a two pound Gr 1 penalty.
Gimme A Nother’s run importantly gave her experience of Del Mar, where she will likely be lining up in the Gr 1 Breeders Cup Filly And Mare turf over a mile and three furlongs in November.
It was a fine day for Jessica and Steven Jell of Mauritzfontein Stud and Mary Slack of Wilgerbosdrift Stud, because earlier in the day at Turffontein Inside Gimme A Nother’s Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained half-sister by Danon Platina, Special Star, who is owned by Wilgerbosdrift Stud, had won her maiden by 2,40 lengths when stepped up to a middle distance of 1800m for the first time.
Storm Watch, Swiatek And Sardinia Bay Impress
Stormwatch just holds on from a fast-finishing Wish List (Picture: Wayne Marks)
The Eric Sands-trained Wilgerbosdrift Stud-homebred three-year-old Vercingetorix filly Stormwatch was a notable winner at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday.
She was given a peach of a ride by Richard Fourie to narrowly deny the Justin Snaith-trained Legislate filly Wish List in the Lucky Fish New Fortune Class 4 event for fillies and mares over 1400m.
Fourie sat in the box seat from draw two, while Wish List was one out and two back.
Fourie didn’t waste time going for home coming off the false rail, knowing of Wish List’s closing speed.
Meanwhile, Wish List was forced to switch to the middle for a run, but was soon closing in rapidly under Gavin Lerena.
However, as usual Fourie was able to extract extra from his mount in the finish, with a deft change of whip hand helping his cause.
Stormwatch denied Wish List by a head with the rest of the field beaten six further length, so they could both be Gr 1 WSB Fillies Guineas candidates.
Progressive young horses can defy the form book, because they can show any amount of improvement, and the Justin Snaith-trained four-year-old Pomodoro filly Swiatek did just that on Sunday.
The Klawervlei Stud-bred filly had won her previous two starts but looked to be up against it in the Join The Race Coast Turf Club Middle Stakes over 1400m, because she was 1,5kg worse off with Kamchatka (Erupt) for a mere head beating over the same distance at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, although Kamchatka did now have the widest draw of all in a six horse field compared to pole position the previous time.
Swiatek had come from last in that previous start and was in fifth place on the rail on Saturday, tracking her stablemate Goodnessgraciousme, while Kamchatka raced on the quarters of the leader with no cover.
Swiatek turned it on in style halfway down the straight and raced away to an impressive 2,50 length victory, from Goodnessgraciousme who narrowly beat Kamchatka to give Snaith the exacta.
Snaith will now be looking for a feature race for Swiatek.
In the last race the Greg Ennion-trained three-year-old Pathfork gelding Sardinia Bay showed blistering speed with a seemingly effortless action and overcame draw six to get to the front comfortably.
Rattlesnake challenged down the inside approaching the 200m mark, but Fourie had left plenty in reserve and Sardinia Bay won easing up by 1,75 lengths.
He could be a decent sprinter in the making.
Fourie rode a treble on the day, while Craig Zackey and Vaughan Marshall had individual doubles.
Zackey leads the championship on 26 wins achieved at a strike rate of 15.66% and he is five clear of Serino Moodley on 21 (19.27%).
Fourie has climbed rapidly to sixth place with 15 wins at 23.08%.
Lerena Appeal Dismissed With Costs
Champion Jockey Gavin Lerena will be on suspension from September 12 to October 11 (JC Photos)
Gavin Lerena’s chances of defending his jockey championship title took a blow when his appeal against the punishment meted out for the whipping of Jason Gates incident was dismissed today with costs.
The relevant rules in the inquiry below read as follows:
62.2.2 ride his HORSE in a competent and professional manner;
62.2.3 ride his HORSE out to the end of a RACE, where circumstances permit, to the satisfaction of the STIPENDIARY STEWARDS;
[Amended 12.08.2024]
72.1.25 misbehave himself or conduct himself in an improper manner on any RACE COURSE PROPERTY, at any time;
72.1.26 behave or conduct himself in such a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horse racing or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY, a RACING OPERATOR, any training establishment, the ACADEMY, the STEWARDS or members of any committee of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or any INQUIRY BOARD, APPEAL BOARD, INQUIRY REVIEW BOARD, the LICENSING BOARD, any OBJECTION BOARD or any RACING OPERATOR or any official of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or RACING OPERATOR;
The findings of the appeal can be read below:
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on Monday, 18 August 2025.
Background:
At an Inquiry held in Johannesburg, which began on 21 February 2025 and culminated on 31 March 2025, Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with the following contraventions:
- Rule 62.2.2 read with Rules 62.2.3 and 72.1.25
In that he rode GIMME A STORM in an unprofessional manner by changing his riding style by stopping riding, standing up in the stirrup irons and striking Jockey Jason Gates across his back with his crop on at least two occasions in the running.
Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of guilty to contraventions of Rules 62.2.2 and 72.1.25 and not guilty to a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.
- Rule 72.1.26
In that, as the rider of GIMME A STORM, he behaved and conducted himself in a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horseracing, or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NHA or relevant Racing Operator.
Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of Rule 72.1.26.
The Inquiry Board found Jockey Gavin Lerena guilty of the charges incorporating the contraventions and imposed the following penalties:
- Jockey Gavin Lerena was suspended from riding in races for a period of ninety (90) days of which sixty (60) days is wholly suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of these Rules for a period of two years.
- Jockey Gavin Lerena was fined the amount of R200 000 of which R100 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.26 for a period of two years.
Jockey Lerena was given the right to appeal the finding and the penalty imposed, which he exercised.
Appeal Board Ruling:
The Appeal Board issued the following order:
- The appeal is dismissed and the decision of the Inquiry Board is upheld.
- The appellant (Jockey G Lerena) is ordered to pay the costs of the Appeal Board which convened on 18 August 2025.
- Jockey Lerena’s appeal fee is forfeited.
Jockey Lerena’s suspension will run from 12 September to 11 October 2025 (both days inclusive).
Major Master Is A Major Runner
By Mark van Deventer (Race Coast)
Disruptions to the Race Coast Western Cape programme during Winter has seen a backlog of Maidens “accumulate”, so Tuesday’s card provides opportunities for non-winning entries to shed their tag and move on to bigger and better things.
There are a couple of debutants in Race 2, but the winner will probably come from within a group of four filles who sprint 1250m around the Hollywoodbets Durbanville bend.
The four-runner shortlist comprises QUEEN REGENT (knocking loudly at the door), EISTEDDFORD (making encouraging progress) SOUTH OF FRANCE and KISSES.
The last mentioned is ridden by comeback kid Grant Behr (an underrated, strong rider) and is trained by Shane Humby. The 4YO who has been placed at three starts since a layoff flashes good pace – a positive attribute at this track.
A slight preference is for Bass Racing’s improving SOUTH OF FRANCE. Her form to follow-up winners, LOWVELD LILY and VIVA LA VIDA in a key Maiden is eye catching and this Querari filly is primed to run nicely. She will, however, need to progress to beat off QUEEN REGENT who finished ahead of her previously.
The withdrawal of Bugle Boy who earned a notable figure in a key Maiden behind Yamakazi ten days ago, has opened things up in Race 5 over 1400m for GOLD GIBOWSKI who has run four solid races despite blowing afterwards.
He has been backed at his last three starts and is overdue to crack it. He gets another chance in the 15h15 with Muzi Yeni taking over the controls.
UNITED FRONT made a good debut when pipped by Star Major, only to duff his follow up as odds on favourite when trailing in dead last way off Dricus. In mitigation he was reported as making a breathing noise – assuming that issue has been remedied, he can go close from the inside alley.
DIAMOND DAYS is back from a rest and gelding. His prior form was sufficiently competitive to put him in the mix, too.
Adam Marcus’ firster ZANFAN MORIS (by remarkable producer, Vercingetorix) is worth a market watch.
James Crawford’s GALLIC FORGE is racing well at present and could enjoy venturing to the quicker running country venue given his propensity to race handy. He will have to fend off several live challengers in Race 6, also over 1400m.
JOUER DE FLUTE nearly landed a market plunge last time – just thwarted by Future Free – after being punted from 10’s into half those odds, finishing marginally ahead of fellow 4 YO, Gallic Forge.
KLEIN KAROO has suffered some tough trips, but has performed decently. Fitness is a query though after three months off track.
ROCKANDROLLIN is respected on resumption for Andre Nel’s stable after two fair prior sprints.
BALZI ROSSI showed positive signs as a juvenile and can be excused a dull August return due to a hurt mouth.
Race 6 is one of the toughest to decipher pitting moderate older horses against hard-to-assess younger foes. Even SUNSHINE SUPERMAN can contend at his third start as he is getting closer with experience.
As always price should dictate the bet for fixed odds punters seeking generous value amongst closely matched contenders, whilst exotic players can cast a wide net to try coral the winner.
The only non-maiden event on the card is Race 7, a Class 4 over seven panels. MAJOR MASTER (both his class level and course form withstand scrutiny, but he resumes after 100 days off track and is set to lump 63.5kg’s) and INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH are the top two.
The latter is also a query returning after a break of 84 days. Based on a couple of bold tries to Boogiefied, Dean Kannemeyer’s inmate has the ability to win more races.
On collateral form and at the weight turnaround, DEVIL A SAINT also enters the equation. He seems to go best freewheeling on the lead and has pulled off an upset victory before at this circuit.
The erratic BEL CANTO DREAM is a more esoteric inclusion, but he might be a factor off his lowered mark. Dropping back to 1400m on firmer ground could see him to better effect.
Beach Bomb Game In Defeat Behind The Exciting Stellify
Brett Crawford Makes A Pleasing Hong Kong Debut
Ka Ying Rising was the main attraction at Sha Tin on Sunday and did not disappoint (HKJC)
Brett Crawford made an excellent debut in Hong Kong on Sunday, claiming a second place finish with his first runner.
In the first race of the new season, a Class 5 event over 1200m at Sha Tin, Crawford’s six-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding Speedy Smartie was handy from a wide draw and looked set to convert favouritism after hitting the front at the 150m mark under Crawford’s former SA stable jockey Karis Teetan.
However, the horse who was handicapped to beat Speedy Smartie on their last meeting, You’remyeverything, duly mowed him down late to win going away by half-a-length under Derek Leung.
Champion jockey Zac Purton dominated the meeting with five winners.
The three South African ex-pat jockeys Luke Ferraris, Lyle Hewitson and Keagan de Melo all returned blanks.
The world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising made his reappearance and in a preparation run before tackling the world’s most expensive turf race, the Aus $20 million Everest, he romped home in a time just outside of his 1200m course record.
Greeff Dominates The East Cape Racing Awards
Alan Greeff surrounded by his awards on Saturday night (Pauline Herman Photography)
Ten of the awards at the East Cape Racing awards on Saturday night went to the Alan Greeff yard or to people connected to the yard.
The Champion Two-year-old Filly was the Greeff-trained Golden Palm (Master Of My Fate), the Champion Two-year-old Male was the Greeff-trained King Prawn (Master Of My Fate), the Champion Three-year-old Filly was the Greeff-trained Splicethemainbrace (Master Of My Fate), the Champion Three-year-old Male was the Greeff-trained My Best Shot (Fire Away), the Champion Older Filly/Mare was the Greeff-trained Joy And Peace (Master Of My Fate), the Champion Stayer was the Greeff-trained Bournemouth (Canford Cliffs), the Horse Of The Year was My Best Shot, the Champion Groom was My Best Shot’s groom Thandile Gwadiso, the Champion Jockey was Greeff’s first call rider Richard Fourie and Greeff was Champion Trainer.
The Champion Sprinter was the Gavin Smith-trained Cruise Control (Querari) and the Champion Older Male was the Jacques Strydom-trained Firealley (Flower Alley).
Firealley was also the Champion Polytrack Male and the Champion Polytrack Filly/Mare was the Zietsman Oosthuizen-trained Kabon Kapi (Flower Alley).
Champion Local Jockey was Eldin Webber, the Outstanding Apprentice was Nirvan Nastili and the Champion Work Rider was Musa Ntunja.
The Champion Owners were Hollywood Racing.
Special Awards went to Alan Greeff for winning graded races across all centre’s with 3 different fillies and to Gavin Smith for surpassing 3000 career winners and being one of only three trainers to saddle over 100 winners for the 2024/25 season.
Today's Question
Which horse was being spoken about when Ian Balding said, “He became, as some stallions do, quite savage in later years and towards the end of his life only George (Roth, his groom) could handle him.
Above is a painting of the subject by Susan Crawford
FIELDS, Tuesday, 09, September
Hollywoodbets Durbanville
Today’s Question Answer
He was talking about the great racehorse Mill Reef, who became a successful stallion after recovering from a broken leg.
