Another race for the handicappers to assess and no doubt a number of restrictions to consider when doing so. (Picture credit: Michael Bega (The Citizen)).

Handicapper Bashers Should Rein Themselves In

The merit rating system was introduced in SA more than twenty years ago and, based on the amazing work of Dick Whitford during World War II, is aimed at rating an entire population in relation to each other according to racing merit.

Whitford, regarded as the father of modern handicapping, was the chief officer of a British patrol ship during the war and whiled away the long hours of inactivity by creating a single composite handicap of all the British runners of 1941.

He completed this laborious task only because of the fascination of continually discovering “groups of horses that meshed with each other with astonishing precision.”

His ratings were put to the test and worked out “exceptionally well”.

The crucial point though is that Whitford was able to rate each horse without any restriction.

The UK is admittedly the best place in the world to apply the merit rating system because low class and high class horses can be kept apart from the beginning of their careers.

In SA, handicappers initially had free rein to apply the merit rating system.

However, it was then pointed out it was unfair to punish placed horses in conditions races. A lower rated horse might have run close to a good horse only because the latter was having a preparation run. There is also a tendency for these races to turn into a sprint for home.

The handicappers thus made the concession of a limited raise for the winner of a conditions race i.e. six points maximum, and no raise for any placed horse.

However, more concessions followed and they continue to pile up.

A recent example shows just how skewed the overall rating of the population has become as a result of all these restrictions and concessions.

The horse Unzen, in his second career start, comes out and wins the BSA Sales Cup over 1450m at Turffontein Inside beating an unraced maiden called Tyrconnell by half-a-length.

You obviously can’t rate a horse against an unraced maiden, so you have to look further down.

In third place beaten 4,25 lengths is 91 rated Raffles, in fourth place beaten 4,85 lengths is 105-rated Grade 1 Gold Medallion runner up Now I Got You and in fifth place beaten 7,10 lengths is 95-rated Mover And Shaker.

Interestingly, the 3-4-5 in this race finished 1-2-3 in the BSA Sales Cup in Durban over 1300m, except they were in the opposite order.

The form of the Durban race has thus stood up quite well.

The handicappers in choosing one of those three as a line horse would have arrived at a roundabout 115 rating for Unzen if using Now I Got You, roundabout 109 if using Mover And Shaker, and roundabout 99 if using Raffles.

They opted to rate Unzen 108.

Unzen subsequently runs unplaced in the Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes, beaten 4,75 lengths.

But … oh no … there is a condition in this race that says the winner cannot be raised more than six points and the placed horses cannot be raised at all!

Winner Anfields Rocket went into the race having won a maiden and two handicaps. It should be born in mind that one of the “handicapping guidelines”, is that winners of handicaps can not be raised more than 8 points.

For his second handicap win Anfields Rocket was raised a maximum eight points to go to 96.

So the maximum Anfields Rocket can be given for winning the Grade 3 Graham Beck is 102, despite having beaten the ultra consistent 109 rated Royal Victory by 1,75 lengths.

The latter earned his 109 by being runner up to Cousin Casey in both a Grade 2 and a Grade 1 race.

The previously unbeaten Shoemaker, who had won two Juvenile Plate races, also went into the Graham Beck rated 96.

However, because of the race conditions, he couldn’t be raised at all for his narrow second place finish.

So Unzen is now 108 whilst two horses who beat him fair and square, Anfields Rocket and Shoemaker, are on 102 and 96 respectively.

Little wonder the handicappers sent out a press release recently to firstly inform the public that they are subject to many restrictions when trying to achieve their goal of creating a single composite handicap of all of the South African runners and, secondly, to point out that as a result the “best weighted” column in the Computaform was often not a true reflection.

It should be remembered that Whitford based his ratings on the three or four best runs out of seven, so a decent handicapper is unlikely to drop a horse after just one run.

Unzen, the winner of a R400,000 event, beat Raffles again in the Graham Beck and had four horses rated more than 100 behind him, including Grade 1 winner Thunderstruck.

If Anfields Rocket had been given his correct rating, which would be around 113, then Unzen would have run to roundabout 103, which is just five points lower than his best effort to date.

Nevertheless, the owner of Unzen has a right to feel aggrieved at being rated much higher than horses who beat him fair and square.

However, the question is where does the blame lie.

Rather than bash the handicappers, surely a campaign should be started to free them from all of these restrictions.

They are also obliged to use a line horse, which is apparently an obligation foreign to all other racing jurisdictions around the world.

Usually, handicappers are allowed to apply their own logical and experienced assessment of the race overall, as opposed to an assessment based on the previous form of one or two horses within that race.

So the line horse obligation is a restriction in itself.

Furthermore, choosing one line horse over another can bring about a significantly different merit rated raise for relevant horses … that should be enough to show it up as a ridiculous system.

In addition, why in SA are handicappers blamed almost universally for ruining the longevity of horses’ careers?

Sometimes owners and trainers will disagree with the handicappers’ assessment, but there is never a complaint when they run against a horse who has been overrated.

The point here is that it is impossible for the entire population to be disadvantaged by handicapping that is perceived to be wrong. It stands to reason that if the handicapper rated one horse too highly, another horse is going to benefit from it.

This is a normal anomaly of handicapping.

British analysts talk about those horses who are still “ahead of the handicapper” and those whom “the handicapper has not yet caught up with”.

These anomalies allow astute punters to gain a possible edge when doing their own assessments.

Furthermore, surely it is the race programmers i.e. those who put on the show and decide which races are going to be run on which days, who are the ones responsible for keeping the punters and the players happy.

The handicappers job is only to assess the merit of horses.

To use an analogy, it is the task of a boxing promoter to organise events that will attract crowds and which can benefit the careers of boxers.

It is not the task of the Rankings committee to ensure that the promoter puts on matches that will be of benefit to both boxers and which will attract the necessary interest.

Picture: Anfields Rocket wins the Allied Steelrode Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes (Pic – JC Photos)

Anfields Rocket Bought By The Hollywood Syndicate But Staying With Grant Maroun

www.sportingpost.co.za

Impressive recent Allied Steelrode Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes winner Anfields Rocket has changed ownership for an undisclosed sum and could line up in the R2 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 17 December.

Speaking on behalf of the gelding’s proud new owners the Hollywood Syndicate, Racing Manager Anthony Delpech confirmed that the KZN-based champion owners had their eye on the Klawervlei-bred son of Coup de Grace prior to his eyecatching recent Gr3 victory.

“Clinton Binda had earmarked Anfields Rocket from early on as a decent sort and the progressive gelding confirmed his classic potential with that really smart win just weeks ago. We believe that he has outstanding potential and are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Marouns. It made sense to leave him in Grant Maroun’s care as he knows the horse and has done so well with him,” confirmed Delpech, who said that they would meet to discuss his racing programme.

“It would be fantastic to have him line up in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas in December, but we need to consider what is best for the horse,” he added.

It is well known that Randjesfontein-based trainer Grant Maroun does not have experience of travelling horses to the Cape and he is on earlier record as saying that he may run in the Dingaans on Betway Summer Cup day or travel for the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas.

“I wish the new owners well and am honoured that they have left him with me. I hope Anfields Rocket makes them proud. As regards a decision where to run him, I will be meeting with Anthony Delpech and his team to plot the best way forward,” added Maroun.

Now a winner of 4 races with 1 place from 5 starts for stakes of R310 000, Anfields Rocket was bred by Klawervlei from their retired stallion Coup De Grace (Tapit) out of the Galileo mare Milla’s Rocket, who won twice up to 1800m in the UK.

Picture: Bonete (JC Photos)

None Other Rates The Danger To De Kock’s Well-bred Filly

Ladies Man has no shortage of rivals this time

David Mollett (Business Day)

No question Mike de Kock is a “Ladies Man” — the successes of Ipi Tombe, Igugu and Sparkling Water are proof of that. Another female who performed well in the care of the former champion trainer is Ilha Bela who retired to stud a seven-time winner.

One of Ilha Bela’s daughters, Bonete, has been priced up favourite for the grade 3 Fillies Mile at Turffontein on Saturday, but might not find it easy beating another Wilgerbosdrift-owned and bred runner, None Other.

Bonete must have been moving well in home gallops as the grey started a hot favourite on her debut in October. She trotted up by nearly five lengths in the hands of Randall Simons.

There were probably a few raised eyebrows when this column selected None Other to win the Starling Stakes, but the daughter of Flower Alley has always looked an above-average sort and turned in a fair effort finishing fifth behind Miss Daisy.

The big plus factor — apart from the advantage of pole position — is that S’manga Khumalo retains the ride on Lucky Houdalakis’ filly.

Sean Tarry is represented by two talented fillies in Bless My Stars and Rock The Fox — Calvin Habib has chosen to partner the latter.

Rock The Fox — two lengths behind None Other in the Starling Stakes — gave Habib the most forgettable moment of his career at HollywoodbetsGreyville last July. In front of the packed stands, the young jockey raised his arms in triumph — like a footballer celebrating a goal in the English Premier League — believing he had won the Thekwini Stakes on Rock The Fox. However, the judge ruled in favour of Canadian Summer.

This will be Rock The Fox’s third run after a rest so perhaps she will confirm the form with stablemate, Bless My Stars, who finished a close-up third in the Thekwini.

Muzi Yeni’s mount, Orarari Gold, comes into the picture but Corrie Lensley’s runner has the worst of the draw as was the case in the Starling Stakes.

Whatever the fate of None Other, the Houdalakis stable should be on the mark with Munchkin in the second race. Owner David Shawe looks to have a decent sort on his hands and the Rafeef colt can recoup recent losses behind surprise winner Clan The Conqueror.

With Kabelo Matsunyane not riding at the meeting, Bonete’s rider, Simons, has been engaged for the Crawford stable’s runner, Gallic Tribe, in the final leg of the Pick 6. The admirably consistent five-year-old beat Duke Of Sussex in October and the runner-up has franked the form with a recent win. Mardi Gras only got a four-point penalty for his recent win and — with Unzen — may pose the main threat.

Another Crawford runner — also to be ridden by Simons — is Reny, who is chasing a hat-trick when she takes on nine rivals in the sixth race. The filly should have no problem stepping up to 1,600m and looks like a banker in the exotics.

Alec Laird saddles four runners in the opening event and the most interesting is Call To Glory who is a Kingman filly out of Met winner Smart Call. At the time of writing Call To Glory is a 20-1 chance in early betting which suggests she isn’t expected to make a winning debut. Nevertheless, Kingman’s stud fee in 2020 was £150,000 so given her pedigree her performance will be closely monitored.

SELECTIONS

1st Race: No Selection

2nd Race: (11) Munchkin (4) Stroke Of Mercy (15) We’ve Got Tonight (3) Walker Bay

3rd Race: (12) Texas Red (8) Mini Coop (6) Jimmy Don (3) Samuel Salt

4th Race: (1) Esqueville (13) Power Ranger (8) Ramchandani Road (3) Integrate

5th Race: (12) Flying First Class (7) Ballroom Bliss (4) Diesel And Dust (3) Flashy Apache

6th Race: (1) Reny (3) Asiye Phambili (4) Barmaid (5) Namaqua Blossom

7th Race: (5) None Other (9) Bonete (3) Rock The Fox (2) Bless My Stars

8th Race: (1) Crimson Princess (3) Wokonda (5) Magical Flight (4) Bureau Des Legende

9th Race: (8) Gallic Tribe (2) Mardi Gras (5) Unzen (9) Savannah Storm

10th Race: (2) Expeditioner (5) Electric Gold (4) Arividicio (1) JP Two Thousand

Picture: Champion Warrior runs in the last race (Wayne Marks).

Formguides And Selections For Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Meeting

www.attheraces.com

1 12H55 – Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Maiden Plate (F & M)

There was little separating ELECTRIC FEELS and HEAD GIRL in a recent meeting over this trip and they ought to fight out the finish on that form. WHY NOT JACKIE has a bit to find but could get closer with further improvement. HIERKOMMIEBOKKIE and EVERLASTING have scope to improve so could play minor roles. Newcomers GREAT CAT and SAHARA GOLD must be monitored in the betting exchanges and respected if attracting market support.

Top Tip: ELECTRIC FEELS (10)

Watch out for: HEAD GIRL (11)

2 13H30 – Follow Cape Racing On Social Media Maiden Plate

Stable companions CHARLIE MALONE and NIGHT TIGER in first-time blinkers have shown enough to be competitive in this line-up. NOT IN DOUBT should also fare better reverting to a maiden, having run in a handicap last time, and is open improvement after gelding so must be respected. TRIPPI T is likely to improve after a fair introduction and appears the pick of the Nel runners on riding arrangements, though well-bred stablemate ON BOARD could be worth a market check. It could, however, be worth taking a chance on newcomer SERVILIUS after encouraging comments from the yard. Watch the betting!

Top Tip: CHARLIE MALONE (2)

Watch out for: NIGHT TIGER (5)

3 14H05 – Bet With Tab Maiden Special Weights

Competitive maiden. STRATOSPHERIC was 2nd in 3 of his previous 4 starts before a disappointing latest effort when he did have excuses for not finishing closer. He concedes weight to all but will be at peak fitness and wouldn’t be winning out of turn, so deserves another chance. Stablemate HOLY ORDERS improved when ridden from the front last time and, in receipt of 4kg from the selection, could pose a threat with similar tactics. PROMETTERE showed signs of promise in KZN and ought to make his presence felt with natural improvement. CARRIACOU and gelded HAWK CIRCLE can also get into the picture.

Top Tip: STRATOSPHERIC (8)

Watch out for: HOLY ORDERS (9)

4 14H40 – Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge Maiden Special Weights

CHARLIE CROKER is overdue a maiden success and wouldn’t be winning out of turn after another near miss last time, which was his third 2nd-place finish from his last 4 starts. He may, however, have to play 2nd fiddle once more with well-related KINGDOM OF HEAVEN expected to come on appreciably going this trip after an encouraging debut over shorter. LAUGHING WILLIAM and AUTUMN MOON, who are closely matched on these terms and on the form of a recent meeting, should give the principals most to fear.

Top Tip: KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (9)

Watch out for: CHARLIE CROKER (7)

5 15H15 – www.hollywoodbets.net Maiden Plate (F & M)

Good race. SAARTJIE made an encouraging start to her career when staying on to finish 2nd behind an experienced warm-order favourite. With that run under her belt and natural improvement to come, she could be worth following going this distance. ANNA KARENINA has a bit to find on that form but is bred to improve stepping up in trip, so could get closer. LOVE RULES has both the form and experience to make her presence felt and should be competitive too. ELLA’S DELIGHT and TEARDROP have money chances too.

Top Tip: SAARTJIE (6)

Watch out for: ANNA KARENINA (7)

6 15H50 – RaceCape Powered By Hollywoodbets Classified Stakes (3yo+)

Lightly raced VARISTOCRACY has had his issues but was far from disgraced returning from a lengthy absence, during which he was gelded, when beaten just over 4 lengths in a stronger race last time. He ought to have come on since and will be suited by the drop back to this trip, so could represent the value in the race. JURY DUTY and SWIFT ACTION have been holding their form and should keep the selection honest. SEEKING PEACE, LANG’S POWER, SILVER SCREEN and SUPERIOR LEADER are all capable of getting in on the action too. WORDSWORTH could surprise at bigger odds.

Top Tip: JURY DUTY (8)

Watch out for: SWIFT ACTION (10)

7 16H25 – Bantry Bay Stakes (3-Year-Old Horses & Older)

Smashing Non-Black Type sprint worthy of Graded status, featuring several class acts who have bigger targets on their summer agendas. UNIVERSAL, KOMMETDIEDING and POMP AND POWER are all at their best over further but have the ability to run well fresh over this trip. SURJAY gets weights from them all and has the benefit of race fitness on his side, so could run well at a price. TRIP OF FORTUNE has raised his game after gelding and could complete the hat-trick. MR MASTER STARTER and IRISH MORNING can make their presence felt. Grade 1 winners RIO QUERARI and TEMPTING FATE aren’t discounted.

Top Tip: TRIP OF FORTUNE (11)

Watch out for: RIO QUERARI (8)

8 17H00 – Western Cape Fillies Championship (Gr 2) (3 Year-Old Fillies)

Cracking Grade 2 contest and Fillies Guineas warm-up. CIAO BELLA is bred for success and there’s every chance she’ll have even more to offer over this trip as a 3yo after an impressive comeback win over shorter. GOLDEN HOSTESS accounted for a handful of re-opposing rivals over this course and distance on her return, so warrants the utmost respect. However, she faces a tough task confirming that form from the widest draw. HOLD MY HAND and WHO DO YOU LOVE are drawn on her inside and should make their presence felt. Hat-trick seeking GIMME’S LASSIE enjoyed this trip last time and promises more.

Top Tip: HOLD MY HAND (5)

Watch out for: GOLDEN HOSTESS (13)

9 17H35 – Hollywoodbets Bright Future Middle Stakes (Horses 3-Yrs And Older)

Good race. Unbeaten CHAMPION WARRIOR is an exciting prospect with a bright future. He could have the Guineas on his agenda later this term so will need to be winning this to realise those ambitions. Consistent TOUT A FAIT sets a solid standard. He ought to be competitive once more and should keep the selection honest. WYAG has maintained a good level of form after winning his maiden and could have more to offer going this trip. Last-start winner WILLIAM RUFUS is improving and capable of having a say, so too VOLDEMORT who has been running well of late. RUNAWAY SONG has all to do from a wide draw.

Top Tip: CHAMPION WARRIOR (7)

Watch out for: TOUT A FAIT (8)

Picture: Betway are the new Summer Cup sponsors and the stake has been increased to R2.5 million.

Betway Summer Cup Is Launched

4Racing

All that glitters will be gold when South Africa’s horseracing fraternity heads to Turffontein on Saturday 26 November for the Betway Summer Cup, with top guests and panellists today setting the scene for what is gearing up to be a sizzling race day.

4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe, Betway SA Country Manager Phillip Superamonien, 9-time Summer Cup winning trainer Mike de Kock, world-class jockey S’manga Khumalo, Southern African Association for the Conference Industry CEO Glenton De Kock, Destination Marketing and Communication Manager at Gauteng Tourism Authority Anele Mdzikwa and fashion label Excelsior Lusso Managing Director Sarah Maeli participated in the media launch outlining the event’s special attributes as a world-class horseracing, entertainment and lifestyle spectacle.

Hosted by media personality and commentator Neil Andrews, the panel gave insights on the broader impact of horseracing events like the 2022 Betway Summer Cup.

The race day theme this year is ‘The Golden Summer’ — an ode to the City of Gold, with Betway’s headline sponsorship of this prestigious 4Racing Grade 1 race seeing stakes increased to R2.5 million.

“We are excited for the return of the highly anticipated Betway Summer Cup, the People’s Race and one of the most exciting days on the South African horseracing calendar. With a group of dynamic sponsors and partners on board, 4Racing aims to create an unforgettable horse racing experience filled with electric racing, fantastic entertainment, and an overall amazing day on the track for all punters. We look forward to welcoming racegoers and event attendees for what is sure to be a memorable day on the track”, said Sithebe.

Gauteng’s most prestigious horse racing event at the historic Turffontein racecourse promises to be a sparkling affair, bringing together an exhilarating horse racing experience with some of the country’s elite thoroughbred champions, fantastic entertainment and an awesome day out for the family.

“Betway is extremely honoured to become the headline sponsor of the Summer Cup. This opportunity allows us to innovatively demonstrate our fully fledged offering to our ever-growing and diverse customer base. We’re sincerely committed to playing our part to reenergize the horse racing industry and will continue to do so. This year’s edition will surely be one to remember, with exhilarating races, thrilling entertainment, premium hospitality, and so much more in store”, said Superamonien.

De Kock has seen it all in global racing and won the Betway Summer Cup nine times, but the champion trainer admits the nerves will still be jangling as he and his stable build up to Summer Cup Day.

“You wouldn’t be human if it didn’t get to you. Anyone that is competitive in any sporting event plays it over and over in your mind a thousand times. What you see on race day is over in two minutes, but there’s many months of planning, massive staff, logistics, the caring of the horses, the grooms who take care of them, the transport, feeding, a lot of it people are totally oblivious to.

“And then they’re in the gates and it’s in the jockey’s hands. Things go right, things go wrong, there’s a helluva lot that goes into getting into the number one box I wish the public knew more about. It’s almost like an act of God to get into that number one box, for everyone to return safely. There’s 20 horses in a race, there’s 19 hard luck stories and only one winner. People should appreciate there’s 20 or 30 people that have touched the winning performance along the way,” said de Kock.

S’manga Khumalo says the butterflies still flutter on the big Grade 1 race days and he is really looking forward to the Betway Summer Cup.

“You are on one of the best horses in South Africa, with the best trainers and owners, so you do get butterflies in your stomach.

“When the gates open, your trainer’s instructions and the game plan all has to come together. You are doing what is best for the horse and you are doing what is best for you. You don’t want to come back and scratch your head and say I should have done this differently.

“When I rode Wagner to a Summer Cup win everything just fell into place on the day. Now I will be on Sparkling Water, who is in a great space at the moment. We all look forward to this event, it’s very nice to have Betway on board and us as riders we see the changes 4Racing have implemented in bringing crowds back to the course, which gives us all a real boost to push forward. We are very thankful for what they have done and I think there is more to come,” said Khumalo.

Gauteng Tourism Authority and Johannesburg Tourism have added their support to the event and this year’s event will be covered live on both DStv and SABC on the day.

The sizzling entertainment line-up will take the event to a whole new level. The famous half-time show will see a breath-taking performance from headline performer South African songbird Lady Zamar, which will make the golden occasion a day to remember.

The Betway Summer Cup is the only race day to feature a half-time show, bringing together a colourful blend of performers to set the tone just before the main race.

The media launch event’s furniture was sponsored by event concept brand Rebel Events.

Betway Summer Cup activities will be geared at festive fun, with a variety of food stalls, bars and a number of hospitality areas available on the day.

Tickets for general access start at just R75, with tickets also still available for the fan favourite Summer Garden and hospitality package options for an extra luxurious experience are available at

https://www.gautengsummercup.co.za/tickets/.

Picture: Candiese Lenferna retained her Equus Still Photography award last season with the above photograph of the Justin Snaith string.

Change In Criteria For Equus Media Award: Still Photography

Natalie Turner, Chair of the Equus Committee

The 2023 Equus Awards Ceremony is to be held next year after the end of the current season. I am pleased to announce a change to the criteria for the Equus Media Award: Still Photography. After careful consideration by the Equus Steering Committee, it was decided to introduce a theme around the still photography category.

The theme for the 2022/2023 season is “The Need for Speed”.

The committee wanted to ensure that all participants were notified early in the season and we encourage all photographers to submit their choices according to this theme. We look forward to receiving your entries and are confident that once again, the work entered will be of the highest standard.

More details on the 2023 Equus Awards will follow in due course, do keep an eye on our social media handles @Equus Rankings or go to www.equusawards.co.za for the most up to date information.

Picture: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images) took this once-in-a-blue-moon picture with the moment perfectly captured and it on the 2022 HWPA Awards shortlist for Picture Of The Year.

HWPA Photographer Of The Year Award Is Based On A Portfolio

The Britain-based HWPA (Horserace Writers And Photographers) appears to base the photographer of the year award on the best portfolio submitted.

However, there is also an award for the picture of the year.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE FORTCOMING 2022 HWPA AWARDS

There are four nominees for the 2022 HWPA Picture Of The Year and they are displayed below (and one of them is above the headline to this article.)

Picture: David Davies (Press Association)took this picture which the HWPA has shortlisted for 2022 Picture Of The Year and described it thus: “The light is superb; such a good photo, you could make an oil painting out of it.”

Picture: George Selwyn (freelance) took this one of the Arc winner and the HWPA have shortlisted it for Picture Of The Year, saying, “Excellently cropped; a fine image of a big moment, made special by the expressions of the two boys.”

Picture: Edward Whitaker (Racing Post) took this shortlisted one for Picture Of The Year. The HWPA said, “Captures the essence of a horse race in the mud, a technically excellent photograph.”

Picture: The world five furlong record was set in the Epsom Dash at Epsom Downs, whose five furlong course as can be seen in this picture is downhill until the last 100 yards.

Today’s Question

Which horse holds the world record for five furlongs?

Answer at bottom of newsletter.

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday Fields

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH FIELDS

NB Please wait a few seconds for fields to appear.

Turffontein Standside Saturday Fields

CLICK HERE TO SEE TURFFONTEIN STANDSIDE FIELDS

Hollywoodbets Greyville Turf Sunday Fields

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOLLYWOODBETS GREYVILLE TURF FIELDS

NB: This meeting has been moved from Hollywoodbets Scottsville to Hollywoodbets Greyville – Race 3 distance is now 2000m and the first race is off at 12H30.

Picture: The John Best-trained and Luke Morris-ridden Stone Of Folca (Kodiac) setting the world record for five furlongs at Epsom in 2012. (PA).

Today’s Question Answer

The Epsom five course, which is downhill until the last 100 yards, is reputed to be the fastest of its kind in the world.

The current world record for five furlongs, 53.69 seconds, was set by Stone of Folca over this course and distance in 2012.

At the time he was said to be nine-hundredths of a second slower than the 52-year-old stopwatch record of Indigenous, but The Guinness Book Of Records later accepted Stone Of Folca’s run as the record as he has been the fastest in the era of electronic timing.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT STONE OF FOLCA

Turf Talk Newsletter – 11 November 2022