Gladatorian Could Score Another Big Win For The Raiders
A Raider Could Also Take The HWB Cape Guineas
Festive Fair To Add Vibe To HWB Cape Guineas Meeting
Festive Fair Feat. Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas
DATE: 13 DECEMBER 2025 | TIME: GATES OPEN AT 11 | ENTRY: FREE
Celebrate summer, family, and world-class racing at the Festive Fair feat. the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas — a full-day holiday experience that brings together the thrill of Grade 1 racing, festive shopping, delicious food, and vibrant entertainment.
On Saturday, 13 December 2025, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth opens its gates at 11:00 for a joyous event designed for all ages. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the holiday spirit in the air – kids laughing in the dedicated play zones, shoppers browsing the festive market, and friends gathering on the lawns for a relaxed day under the Cape Town sun.
The Festive Fair offers something for everyone. Wander through the bustling market for last-minute festive gifts, enjoy a selection of food trucks and café favourites, or settle in at one of the bars throughout the venue for refreshing summer drinks. Families can enjoy a safe and engaging Kids’ Zone (ages 2–12) open from 11:00 to 17:30, complete with activities and a treats station.
Of course, the heart of the day is the racing: feel the excitement build as the premier runners contest the prestigious Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas Gr 1 – one of the biggest races of the summer season.
Then, from 17:30, the atmosphere transforms as spectators arrive for the iconic KKKA Voorsmakie, featuring 13 Klopse and three Atcha troupes with over 8,000 performers, bringing colour, music, and heritage to the track ahead of the Hollywoodbets Cape Town Street Parade. The parade begins at 18:15, filling the venue with pageantry, rhythm, and Cape Town’s festive heartbeat.
Bring your friends, your family, and your festive cheer for a day and night of racing, culture, food, music, and celebration.
TICKETS FOR BOTH FESTIVE FAIR & KKKA VOORSMAKIE ARE SOLD OUT.
VIEW OUR PROHIBITED ITEMS
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Kids’ Zone: Welcoming little ones aged 2 – 12, with treats, soft play, jumping castles, face painting, races and so much more. Kids’ Zone closes at 17h30.
Family Market: Shop and browse goods and gifts from local vendors. Most vendors take cards, but do bring cash just in case.
Live entertainment: The Trackside Deck and Racing Pavilion will come alive with the sounds of our live entertainment, DJ Vinny, DJ Sophia, Jarrad Ricketts & Gia McKay.
Heart-Stopping Racing: Witness the thundering hooves of equine athletes racing for the top spot in the afternoon’s races, including the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas (Gr 1)
Mouthwatering Food: Power up at one of our Food Trucks where there will be something on offer for every palate.
KKKA Voorsmakie: Witness the celebration of colour, culture and music with the KKKA Voorsmakie. Spectators may arrive from 5.30pm. Max 10 tickets per person.
PROGRAMME
| 11am | Gates Open |
| 11am – 5.30pm | Kids’ Zone Operational |
| 11am – 5.30pm | Festive Market |
| 11am | Bar Open – Alcohol sales end at 4.30pm, and soft drinks and water will be sold thereafter |
| 11am – 2pm | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: TRACKSIDE DECK – DJ Vinny |
| 12pm – 3pm | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: RACING PAVILION – Gia Mckay |
| 2.15pm – 3.15pm | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: TRACKSIDE DECK – Jarrad Ricketts |
| 4pm – 5pm | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: TRACKSIDE DECK – DJ Sophia |
| Afternoon | Racing (Check Race Card for exact timings on the day) |
| Afternoon | Kids’ Races (Listen out for the announcements) |
| 5.30pm | Gates Open for KKKA Voorsmakie Spectators |
| 6.15pm – midnight | KKKA Voorsmakie Parade |
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Vroom Vroom, Half-sister To Double Superlative, Impresses
Vroom Vroom (pictured, Wayne Marks) was an impressive winner of the first race over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday and it is appropriate this happened on Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas week, because this Gimmethegreenlight filly is a half-sister to Cape Guineas winner and now sire, Double Superlative.
Richard Fourie took an immediate hold on the Justin Snaith-trained three-year-old bay Vroom Vroom in the first and was content to sit off the pace until the 400m mark.
The filly has plenty of substance, like Double Superlative himself had, and it became clear she had just been free-wheeling when Fourie gave her a squeeze.
The response was instantaneous and she quickened into the lead in a matter of strides.
She was still well within herself as she glided to the line an easy 3,75 length victor.
It was not a strong maiden field, but the Patricia Devine Investments-bred Gimmethegreenlight filly is bred to go further and she could not have been much more eyecatching.
She looks to be one to follow.
Andrew Fortune's Riding Lessons Only On Wednesdays
Andrew Fortunes completes a four-timer on Demanding Dave, a horse who could be going places (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Andrew Fortune quipped after riding a fourth win in succession at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday, “I walked in after the last one and said to the boys, I can only give riding lessons on Wednsdays, I’m just too busy.”
He was at his sublime best and his sequence of winners provided plenty of entertainment for interview watchers.
The Fortune show started in race 4 on the Ricky Maingard-trained One World filly Her World, who started at odds of 6/1. He got her into the box seat from pole position and in the straight kept her in the hands until the 250m mark and then under a strong drive she managed to overtake the pacemaker Rare Earth late to win by 0,30 lengths.
In race 5 he took the Glen Kotzen-trained Futura gelding Fast And Free into a handy position from draw six in a 2000m Open Maiden in which he was carry 60,5kg. The 5/1 shot traveled supremely throughout under Fortune’s sublime hands and in the straight he crept up ominously under the hands until being let go at the 200m mark, at which point he ricocheted away and looked to have it in the bag. However, Eric Liddel produced a storming finish to get within 0,40 lengths. The latter is also by Futura and looks like one to follow.
In race 6 over 1000m Fortune was on the Andre Nel-trained Canford Cliffs mare Pushing Limits who started at 6/1. From draw 7 h had the long-striding mare relaxed in behind the leading vanguard and she produced a strong finish under the hands to win by 0,40 lengths.
In race 7 he was aboard the Mike Stewart-trained Horizon gelding Demanding Dave, who was backed from 8/1 to 33/10. He was quite far back in the 1000m contest but produced a good burst under the hands and Fortune then got the necessary extra out of him in a tight three way finish to win by 0,30 lengths.
He went on to say that he believes Demanding Dave, who was a November 20 foal and who has now won three of his last four starts will go to the top.
Unfortunately, Fortune did not have a ride in the eighth race so could not make a bid to become the second jockey within week to ride the jackpot, Muzi Yeni having pulled off that feat on the Fairview poly last Friday.
There were doubles at the meeting for all of Richard Fourie, Justin Snaith, Glen Kotzen and Andre Nel.
Buffalo Storm Cody To Add Another Win
Buffalo Storm Cody should be too good in a Pinnacle Stakes event (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Vaal Classic Track Thursday Formguides And Selections
RACE 1
2 KORCULA 3 MATTER OF TRUST 4 CHICKASAW 11 LIEFLING
Preview: 2 KORCULA is improving and with inform Lerena up should be right there. 3 MATTER OF TRUST disappointed last time when well beaten by Korcula but on earlier form could earn. 4 CHICKASAW ran well last time over 1800m and had some fair Cape Town form so should be in the shake up. 11 LIEFLING improved when stepped up in trip second time out and should relish this further step up in trip. (2-3-4-11)
RACE 2
7 AGOGE 1 MILAN’S WORLD 4 DISTRICT ATTORNEY 10 LANCE ALOT
Preview: 7 AGOGE made a fine debut and is the one to beat with expected improvement. 1 MILAN’S WORLD has been knocking on the door and from pole position over a trip which should suit he has a chance. 4 DISTRICT ATTORNEY comes from some fair formlines and could earn. 10 LANCE ALOT is capable of improving over this trip. (7-1-4-10)
RACE 3
1 SKY PILLAR ROCK 2 HOPSCOTCH 5 COMMANDER OF ALL 6 BOB LEE SWAGGER
Preview: 1 SKY PILLAR ROCK is consistent and will relish this step back up in trip. 2 HOPSCOTCH bounced back last time and is a contender with a repeat. 5 COMMANDER OF ALL won well last time and his four point raise is alleviated by a 2,5kg claimer now being up. 6 BOB LEE SWAGGER is capable of better than his latest and from a good draw he can’t be ignored. (1-2-5-6)
RACE 4
4 BEYNAC 3 CHESTNUT BOMBER 7 JORDAN 9 FLASHY APACHE
Preview: 4 BEYNAC beat Chestnut Bomber last time and is now better off with him at the weights. 3 CHESTNUT BOMBER is capable of staying on well and is coming into his own again. 7 JORDAN will enjoy this trip and can be involved if at his best. 9 FLASHY APACHE can earn if repeating his last start. (4-3-7-9)
RACE 5
1 BUFFALO STORM CODY 2 WILLIAM ROBERTSON 4 TAXI TO THE MOON 7 KARATE KID
Preview: 1 BUFFALO STORM CODY is a top class sprinter who is getting better and better and will take a power of beating. 2 WILLIAM ROBERTSON has the class to be a runner here and should be cherry ripe in his third run after a layoff. 4 TAXI TO THE MOON ran a cracker last time in a Listed race and can earn with a repeat. 7 KARATE KID has plenty of ability and can run on into the places. (1-2-4-7)
RACE 6
3 ARGO ALLEY 1 TEXAS RED 2 MUSICAL SCORE 7 THAT’S MY BABY
Preview: 3 ARGO ALLEY is distance suited and well drawn and can do well with a nice galloping weight. 1 TEXAS RED is distance suited too and will go close if repeating his last start. 2 MUSICAL SCORE has talent and should progress this season. 7 THAT’S MY BABY seems to reserve her best for Hollywoodbets Greyville but was not disgraced last time and can earn with a repeat. (3-1-2-7)
RACE 7
4 MASTERSHIP 9 DYLAN’S CHAMP 6 PALACE PRINCE 7 CARE FORGOT
Preview: 4 MASTERSHIP is talented and from pole position will be a big runner. 9 DYLAN’S CHAMP won well last time and has a chance with a repeat. 6 PALACE PRINCE ran a cracker last time and 7 CARE FORGOT has the class to be a contender if bouncing back. (4-9-6-7)
RACE 8
6 STREISAND 4 GERBERA 2 BAKWENA 1 DOITWITHDIAMONDS
Preview: 6 STREISAND is progressive and should make a bold bid from a fair draw. 4 GERBERA can go close if producing her best. 2 BAKWENA ran a cracker last time the form was franked in no uncertain terms by Mocha Blend winning the Summer Cup. 1 DOITWITHDIAMONDS has a chance of earning here if producing her best. (6-4-2-1)
RACE 9
3 RINGA RINGA ROSES 6 GRACE’S KISS 7 OPERA FAN 8 THE MIGHTIEST
Preview: 3 RINGA RINGA ROSES is in fine form and can progress again over a step up in trip that will suit. 6 GRACE’S KISS can get closer to Ringa Ringa Roses and should also handle the step up in trip. 7 OPERA FAN split the former pair last time and should be involved again. 8 THE MIGHTIEST is capable of earning here from a plum draw. (3-6-7-8)
RACE 10
10 VAVA VEGAS 5 SHEETS AND GOGGLES 3 MICHAEL FARADAY 1 GUERILLA WARFARE
Preview: 10 VAVA VEGAS is knocking on the door and has a good opportunity here although the draw makes it tough. 5 SHEETS AND GOGGLES has a good draw and is capable of a lot better than her last three runs. 3 MICHAEL FARADAY has the ability to win this from a good draw with Lerena up, although he is none too reliable. 1 GUERILLA WARFARE can earn if producing his best. (10-5-3-1)
Ryan Moore Wins A Third IJC
Ryan Moore seals a third LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship with victory on Triumphant More. (Picture: HKJC)
Ryan Moore crowns comeback from injury to win third LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship
By Tom Peacock
Ryan Moore delivered a timely reminder of his world-leading status with a supreme performance to land a third LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) in a thrilling contest which remained wide open right up to its conclusion at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (10 December).
With four riders tied in the lead heading into the last of the four rounds with 12 points under a scoring format of 12 points for a win, six points for second and four points for third, it was just the kind of competitive event the evening was designed for.
Hugh Bowman, Moore and William Buick already had a winner apiece while Zac Purton’s two second places kept him in the hunt. Others lurked with the potential to take the overall prize with victory in the final leg over 1200 metres.
Moore saved the best until last on the appropriately-named Triumphant More (130lb) in the 4th Leg, who was closer to last than first turning for home but threaded his way through the field to score by three-quarters of a length from Umberto Rispoli and Tourbillon Golfer (121lb).
Moore, previously a LONGINES IJC winner in 2009 and 2010 and a four-time recipient of the LONGINES World’s Best Jockey award, had been sidelined due to a stress fracture in his femur since late August and returned to race riding only last week.
“I’m very fortunate to have been coming back here for so many years and it’s a long time since I last won it,” said Moore, who won the 2nd Leg on front-runner Corleone (134lb) over 1650m for Caspar Fownes.
“It’s fortunate I had two very good rides today and it worked out nicely for me. I’m just thankful to be coming back here and I had the luck tonight.”
Buick, who finished joint runner-up with Bowman with both jockeys earning HK$200,000, had been delighted to reach a milestone in the 1st Leg over 1000m.
His mount Bunta Baby (123lb) was without a victory in 11 previous starts in Hong Kong, for all that he had shown the potential to get off the mark particularly with a fast-finishing second over course and distance last time.
Manfred Man’s charge came with a late challenge and passed Purton and Beauty Thunder (126lb) shortly before the line.
“It’s my first winner at Happy Valley, so I’m very happy to have achieved it,” Buick said.
“He was coming off the back of a good run last time and was one of my better chances on the night so it’s great to get it done.”
Bowman had not featured heavily with his first two rides but seized the moment in the 3rd Leg over 1650 metres. His mount, David Eustace-trained Silvery Breeze (131lb), needed to wait for an opening in the straight but picked up stylishly to power past Purton and Flying Fortress (134lb).
“It was very important actually for the way things were going,” Bowman said. “He was knocking on the door, his recent form has been very consistent and he got the set-up to suit him this evening.”
Fownes won the LONGINES IJC trainers’ bonus with 16 points on countback from Cody Mo. Fownes earned HK$300,000 for the win, while Mo received HK$125,000 while third place prize of HK$75,000 was shared by Eustace, Lor and Man, who all scored 12 points.
Four-time Hong Kong champion jockey Joao Moreira knows the Happy Valley bends as well as any and was touched by the reception from the crowd as he claimed the first two races on the undercard for Fownes-trained Family Fortune (123lb) in the Class 5 Ventris Handicap (1650m) and Lucky Generations (118lb) in the Class 5 Morrison Hill Handicap (1200m).
“Even before the race before I got on the horse’s back, people started cheering and all the hard work I’ve done here in Hong Kong, it’s still being appreciated by a lot of people and that means a lot to me,” he said. “Everything that I’ve put in, it was worth it.”
Trainers Francis Lui, Danny Shum and Michael Chang all posted winners on the undercard, along with jockeys Luke Ferraris, Keith Yeung and Bowman.
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (14 December) with the HK$130 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.
Today's Question
FIELDS, Thursday, 11 December
Today’s Question Answer
