Turf Talk Newsletter – 11 September, 2026

The NHA released an update today on the inquiry into charges against Summerveld-based trainer Dominic Zaki (Picture: Chase Liebenberg)

UPDATE – INQUIRY: TRAINER MR DOMINIC ZAKI

The Inquiry into Trainer Mr Dominic Zaki, which commenced before an Independent Inquiry Board on 14 July 2026, continued on 28 and 29 July 2026 and evidence was concluded on 17 and 18 August 2026.

The following charges were preferred against Mr Zaki:

Charge 1            

On or about 24 April 2026, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, the horse NOTABLE, of which the Trainer was the licensed trainer and which was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, was presented for an official veterinarian’s gallop, in terms of Rule 49.7, and a urine specimen was collected.

Analysis disclosed the presence of the prohibited substances:

• Caffeine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance; and
• Procaine, a Class 2 Prohibited Substance in the circumstances.

 

Mr Zaki pleaded not guilty to a contravention of Rule 73.2.6, insofar as the charge related to the presence of Procaine at a level constituting a Class 2 contravention.

 

Charge 2

On or about 13 May 2026, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, a urine and plasma specimen was collected from the horse NOTABLE, of which the Trainer was the licensed trainer.

Analysis disclosed the presence of the prohibited substance Caffeine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance.

By reason of the presence of Caffeine in the specimens collected from NOTABLE whilst the horse was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, the Trainer contravened Rule 73.2.3.

Mr Zaki pleaded guilty, on a strict liability basis, to a contravention of Rule 73.2.3.

Charge 3

On or about 3 June 2026, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, the horse QUICKSMART, of which the Trainer was the licensed trainer and which was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control (prior to it being euthanised) ran in Race 3 and a plasma specimen was collected following the horse breaking down.

Analysis disclosed the presence of the prohibited substances:

• Acepromazine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
• Caffeine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance; and
• Lidocaine, a Class 2 Prohibited Substance.

Mr Zaki pleaded guilty, on a strict liability basis, to a contravention of Rule 73.2.4.

Charge 4

On or about 17 June 2026, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, a plasma specimen was collected from the horse CRAFT MARKET (GB), of which the Trainer was the licensed trainer.

Analysis of specimen B59492 disclosed the presence of the prohibited substance Caffeine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance.

By reason of the presence of that prohibited substance in the specimen collected from CRAFT MARKET (GB) whilst the horse was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, the Trainer contravened Rule 73.2.3.

Mr Zaki pleaded guilty, on a strict liability basis, to a contravention of Rule 73.2.3.

Charge 5

During the period preceding the collection of specimens from the horses NOTABLE, QUICKSMART, CRAFT MARKET (GB), the Trainer was the licensed trainer responsible for those horses.

The Trainer failed accurately and legibly to record, or cause to be accurately and legibly recorded, in the Veterinary Treatment Register:

• veterinary treatment administered to NOTABLE, QUICKSMART, CRAFT MARKET (GB); and/or
• preparations containing a prohibited substance administered to NOTABLE, QUICKSMART, CRAFT MARKET (GB), as required by Rule 10.5.14.

Charge 6

During the eight-day period immediately preceding the race on or about 3 June 2026, whilst QUICKSMART was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, the Trainer administered, alternatively caused or permitted to be administered, preparations containing prohibited substances including:

• Flunixin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on 26 May 2026;
• Ketoprofen, an NSAID, on 29 May 2026;
• Meloxicam, an NSAID, on 30 May 2026;
• Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, on 30 May 2026; and
• Flumethasone, a corticosteroid, on 31 May 2026.

In addition, on or about 3 June 2026, whilst QUICKSMART was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, the Trainer administered, alternatively caused or permitted to be administered, preparations containing Acepromazine, Caffeine and Lidocaine, alternatively failed to prevent such administration.

The administration of the substances referred to in paragraphs above, had the effect, alternatively was intended to have the effect, of masking pain, altering the horse’s behaviour or physiological responses, or permitting the horse to race notwithstanding an underlying clinical condition.

Mr Zaki denied the allegations in respect of Charges 5 and 6, and pleas of not guilty were entered on both counts.

The Inquiry Board subsequently issued its judgment and order on 22 August 2026, having considered the charges, pleas, evidence and submissions made by the parties.

The Inquiry Board found Mr Zaki guilty of the following:

Charge 1

A contravention of Rule 73.2.6, which revealed the presence of:

• Caffeine, a Class 3 prohibited substance; and
• Procaine, a Class 4 prohibited substance.

Charges 2, 3 and 4

Guilty on a strict liability basis, in accordance with the pleas entered.

Charge 5

Guilty of a contravention of Rule 10.5.14.

Charge 6

Guilty of abusing and ill-treating the horse QUICKSMART, in contravention of Rule 72.1.10.

The matter has been adjourned for argument on the appropriate penalty and will resume on 29 September 2026.

Mr Zaki and the NHA continue to be legally represented.

Mr Zaki’s interim suspension remains in place pending the finalisation of the inquiry.

Vee Moodley

Chief Executive

Eternal Spirit (Master Of My Fate) got an incredible day for Dean Smith and Craig Zackey off to a fine start (Picture: Pauline Herman)

Dean Smith scored an amazing six-timer on the Fairview turf today (Friday) and five of them were ridden by stable jockey Craig Zackey.

That means Smith has won ten races in the last two East Cape meetings, as he had a four-timer on Wednesday, and Zackey has had eight wins across those two meetings having had a treble on Wednesday.

Smith won the last five races at today’s meeting, meaning he saddled both the first and second Jackpots on the day.

Stallone Naidoo was aboard his winner of the fifth race, so Zackey did not ride either of the Jackpots.

Smith has now had 23 wins this season at a strike rate of 18.85% and he was four wins clear of Justin Snaith in the Lucky Fish Trainers Championship by the close of the Fairview meeting and five clear of traditional East Cape rival Alan Greeff.

Zackey’s five-timer took him to 19 wins for the season at 22.09%.

He was nine wins behind Lucky Fish Jockeys Championship leader Keagan de Melo by the end of the East cape meeting and was in joint-second place with Kabelo Matsunyane.

De Melo was set to have a few rides at the Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting on Friday night, so might have increased his lead by the close of play tonight.

Pumpkin Pie relished the step down to a sprint last time and can follow up (JC Photos)

There is some good racing at the Turffontein Inside track on Saturday as a lot of the eight races are higher class events.

The penultimate leg of the Pick 6 is always an important race as it also the last leg of the Jackpot and in this Middle Stakes event over 1200m Pumpkin Pie could go close. This five-year-old Buffalo Bill Cody gelding is officially 2kg under sufferance with the best weighted pair Precocious and Bright And Brazen, but relished the step down in trip to 1160m last time and won cosily despite experiencing some traffic problems. He was raised five points and does not have the advantage of Divesh Ramkhalawon’s claim this time. However, Muzi Yeni is aboard from a fair draw of four out of eight and Pumpkin Pie off a 97 is at the top of the 94-97 merit-rating band, so is the best weighted male runner. He should make a bold bid now that his best trip has likely been discovered.

The in-form Tony Peter yard not only have one of the two officially best weighted runners i.e. Precocious, but she is drawn in pole position too. Last time she found the 1400m too far and before that it looked like the handicapper had caught up with her as she was only able to stay on for second and third finishes respectively over 1000m and 1160m, following four successive wins. So the weight advantage she has here, which comes about because she is effectively at the top of her merit rated band and she gets a 2kg gender allowance, can help her get close to the winner’s enclosure again. The pole position draw will help too.

Trombolines looks to have plenty of ability and from a good draw under Gavin Lerena could be in the shake up, although strictly on formlines he looks well held by Pumpkin Pie on a line through Vibe SA on 1160m form.

Bright And Brazen led in the Non-Black Type Lady’s Stakes over course and distance last time and was only beaten a length. She has a similar draw, but this is her second run after a layoff.

Never Never Land won the last time he tried this trip, but he does have a wide draw here and is eight points higher in the merit ratings.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is a Novice Handicap over 1600m and Gallic Victor has a good chance as he is distance suited and well drawn and has been knocking on the door for the in-form Tony Peter yard. Sands Of Valhalla finished seventh in the Gr 2 Umkhomazi Stakes over 1200m, but was staying on in eyecatching fashion and should relish the step up in trip. He was raised eight points for that run so is now off 97, but he could be up to it. Kovil won well last time from a similarly wide draw and carrying just 52kg could make his presence felt as the form of that race has worked out well.

In the next race over 1450m, a Conditions Plate, King Harald has a fair draw and is ideally distance suited and should go close, being the second best in at the weights. Pressonregardless is offically 3,5kg under sufferance with King Harald, but has class and should make his presence felt. Kensal Green is in fine form and has pole position over a suitable trip, but she is officially 3kg under sufferance with King Harald. Captain West looks capable of earning here. The British-bred Calla Lagoon is officially 3kg better off than any other horse, but he did not impress on debut and might be vulnerable.

In the fifth race over 1200m, a MR 101 handicap over 1200m, WhatsdamatterwithU has caught the eye before and looks likely to rise above his current merit rating, so he could be the one to beat from pole position in this MR 101 Open Handicap. Rivera won well second time out and the form has worked out very well, so he must have a big chance under Keagan de Melo off the same mark of 89 as WhatsdamatterwithU, but on the downside he has a wide draw of seven out of seven. Gimme A Fireball impressed second time out and from a fair draw off a 90 merit rating he should be competitive. Bisou Bisou finished second in the Gr 2 Umkhomazi but giving 7,5kg to WhatsdamatterwithU and Rivera will be tough. Kudikaran ran a bit disappointingly last time, but has class and is a contender despite having to run off a 101 merit rating. Winter Voice sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight, so is not out of it.

In the sixth over 1200m, a Novice Handicap, Reckless Abandon was expected to make a lot of improvement from his win on debut because he went in without having been able to do a normal amount of work due to inclement weather. He has a tough draw of six out of seven to overcome, but has good gatespeed and early pace and could get to the front without using up too much energy. Little Boy Blue made a good Highveld debut and from a good draw has a fine chance. Drivelikeamaster is consistent and from a good draw should be right there.

In the last race over 1450m Hot Choice won well second time out over 1400m and the form has worked out well, so she can follow up from a good draw off an 85 merit rating with De Melo up. Jack’s Legacy has run three good races and he should be a contender if able to overcome a tricky draw of six out of ten. Quevano has an eyecatching booking of Craig Zackey and from a good draw over an ideal course and distanc he can do well despite returning from a short three month layoff.

In the second race over 2000m Guerilla Warfare has enjopyed the step up to middle distances and represents the in-form St. John Gray yard. He could be the one to beat, despite a tricky draw. Rosy Lemon will get a gender allowance in this Classified Stakes race and should make her presence felt from a fair draw.

In the first race over 1450m Steel Pier is knocking on the door over this distance category and has pole position with champion apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson up, so is the one to beat. Kwaito did well against a good sort last time and could be a threat.

Gallic Victor has been tipped to win the 3rd race (Picture: Race Coast)

Turffontein Inside Saturday 12 September – Comments by Brendan Gaillard

Race 1

STEEL PIER deserves to get his head in front after back-to-back recent seconds and won’t have to improve much to open his account. KWAITO has shown enough to pose a threat and remains open to improvement over this extended trip. ELISA MBALI has the form and experience to make her presence felt. Highveld newcomer CLOSE ENCOUNTER is another with scope for improvement so has to be respected. MISS DUTTON and MFULATHELA appeal most of the remainder.

Race 2

Distance-suited GUERILLA WARFARE has maintained his form and consistency at a higher level off this mark so gets the nod ahead of emphatic last-start winner ITSNOWORNEVER, with the latter upped in class under a 6-point penalty. Runner-up ARUMUGAM should get closer on these terms, while ROSY LEMON and UTSAAH are also weighted to be competitive against their male rivals.

Race 3

GALLIC VICTOR has been narrowly beaten in both Highveld appearances, the latest over this distance off his current mark, and a repeat of that effort could suffice. TOP FLOOR is held on that form but will strip fitter so should get closer. However, a bigger threat could come from SANDS OF VALHALLA who is open to any amount of improvement over this extended trip on his 3yo debut. KNOWMORE and stable companion PALACE ATTACK have the form and experience to also make their presence felt.

Race 4

Well-bred British import CALLA LAGOON is slung in under the conditions. He steps up in class under a light weight but may be more effective over further. PRESSONREGARDLESS is course-and-distance suited but concedes chunks of weight to all. Fillies KENSAL GREEN and PRETTY PERSUASIVE remain competitive against male opposition, despite carrying penalties for last-start victories. KING HARALD boasts solid form credentials at this level and is also weighted to have a say in the outcome.

Race 5

Competitive 3yo handicap. GIMME A FIREBALL confirmed the promise of his 1000m debut with a dominant KZN maiden victory as a 2yo over this trip and the form of that race has worked out well, so it could pay to follow his progress. KUDIKARAN was 3rd at Grade 1 level as a juvenile so is best kept safe after an excusable comeback outing. BISOU BISOU was 2nd in a 2yo Grade 2 when last seen but is 5kg worse off with RIVERA on the form of an earlier meeting. WHATSDAMATTERWITHU completes the shortlist.

Race 6

LITTLE BOY BLUE was backed to make a winning Highveld and stable debut over track and trip at this level last week, and he could make amends with any improvement off an unchanged mark. However, a chance is taken on STATUS SYMBOL bouncing back to his best. The latter made no impression from a wide draw in a 2yo Grade 2 at the end of last season but was not beaten far in his first outing after a gelding operation and remains open to

improvement from gate No 1. Debut winner RECKLESS ABANDON could be anything so has to be respected, along with the experienced DRIVELIKEAMASTER.

Race 7

Top-weight PRECOCIOUS has thrived on the Highveld and should be competitive on favourable terms, though she may be better over a shorter trip. Joint best-weighted BRIGHT AND BRAZEN is ideally course-and-distance suited so should have a role to play. THE LAST DUKE wasn’t at his best in a recent Listed event over track and trip but should fare better in this lineup off a 2-point lower mark. NEVER NEVER LAND and PUMPKIN PIE carry 5-point penalties for last-start victories but aren’t taken lightly on their reappearances. TROMBOLINES wears blinkers for the first time and could improve to have a say.

Race 8

HOT CHOICE confirmed the promise of her debut 2nd over 1160m by winning as she liked over 1400m when last seen, and the form of that victory has since been boosted by 2 subsequent winners from that race. She is open to further improvement and will probably prove better than than rated, so it should pay to follow her progress. Older filly JACK’S LEGACY fits a similar profile and should have a role to play, though a bigger threat to the selection may come from consistent hard-knocker UBERMENSCH who has dropped to a competitive mark. ZIP CODE, QUEVANO and FISH HAWK have earning potential too.

Enceladus looks the way to go in the St. Leger (Picture: Sky Sports Racing) 

AtTheRaces.com

1 2:10 PM SA Time – British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race) (Str)
Berkshire Regal and Al Jabbar both posted promising debut runner-up efforts and are open to any amount of improvement, with the former a touch more appealing judged on the form. Regardless, GAME CHARACTER caught the eye when posting an opening fifth in the Convivial at York, which reads well given the second subsequently went close in the Group 3 Solario at Sandown. Bombora is the pick of the newcomers and is worth a second look in the market.

Top Tip: Game Character (4)
Watch out for: Berkshire Regal (3)

2 2:45 PM SA TIME – Betfred Champagne Stakes (Group 2)
Having looked a smart prospect when making a winning debut at Newmarket, DESERT CASTLE is one to keep on the right side of. Although the Frankel colt hung left in the closing stages that day, he still put his rivals to the sword easily and bigger things may beckon. Gentle Hurricane arrives on the back of a decent second in the Acomb at York and he sets a good standard for the selection to aim at, while the hat-trick seeking Rosberg is also heading in the right direction.

Top Tip: Desert Castle (2)
Watch out for: Gentle Hurricane (3)

3 3:20 PM SA TIME – Betfred Portland (Heritage Handicap)
Twilight Calls continued his resurgence when completing a double in a 23-runner sprint at Goodwood, his third victory in his last four outings, and cannot be dismissed in his rich vein of form. That said, a further 4lb rise in the handicap does demand more of the veteran and GETREADYTORUMBLE earns the vote. The four-year-old could be classed as an unlucky loser when denied a clear run on his latest second at Ascot and compensation may await. Last year’s winner Eternal Sunshine and runner-up Apollo One are live alternatives.

Top Tip: Getreadytorumble (2)
Watch out for: Twilight Calls (13)

4 3:55 PM SA TIME – Betfred Park Stakes (Group 2)
More Thunder is likely to be a warm order because he sets the standard with an official rating of 119, but he hasn’t reproduced the level of form shown when second in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot in two starts subsequently. With that in mind, the five-year-old is worth taking on with QIRAT. Ralph Beckett’s charge finished a creditable second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood on his most recent start and will have no issues with this drop back a furlong in distance. Group 1 winner Never So Brave isn’t out of this either.

Top Tip: Qirat (4)
Watch out for: More Thunder (1)

5 4:35 PM SA TIME – Betfred St Leger Stakes (Group 1)
Aidan O’Brien has taken the last three renewals of this classic and saddles four this time around. The preference of those is for Derby winner Christmas Day, who finished a place behind stablemate Pierre Bonnard in the Great Voltiguer but is 5lb better off now and that form can be overturned. Even so, ENCELADUS looks the way to go. The son of Sea The Stars is unbeaten in three outings this year and took a big step forward when hitting the line well to take the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. This step up in trip promises to bring out more improvement and the booking of Billy Loughnane is a massive positive.

Top Tip: Enceladus (4)
Watch out for: Christmas Day (3)

6 5:15 PM SA TIME – Pertemps Network Handicap (Str)
Mezcala won the Spring Mile over track and trip in March and, barring his below-par effort at Ascot last time, he has had a really consistent season. The four-year-old is expected to go well, but the one who appeals most is SCOVILLE. William Haggas’ charge didn’t get a strong pace to aim at when third over 7f Newbury last month, but this test promises to suit him a lot better. The son of Too Darn Hot remains unexposed for his age and a mark of 95 possibly underestimates his level of ability. Britannia victor Moonfall is another to consider.

Top Tip: Scoville (10)
Watch out for: Mezcala (7)

7 5:48 PM SA TIME – PJ Towey Handicap (GBBPlus Race)
Tawajjah made his second start for the Oli Rix stable a winning one at Sandown in July and is well worth his place at this level. City Of Poets has won two of his last three appearances and warrants plenty of respect, but it may pay to side with THUNDER RUN. Karl Burke’s charge only found John Smith’s Cup winner Raammee too good at York on his most recent outing and he is the one to side with.

Top Tip: Thunder Run (1)
Watch out for: Tawajjah (13)

Caballo De Mar showed a fine turn of foot at the business end of the Gr 2 Doncaster Cup to easily convert favouritism (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

George Scott’s star stayer shows true colours in Town Moor feature.

At The Races

Caballo De Mar bounced back from disappointing efforts at Royal Ascot and York to win the Betfred Howards Wright Doncaster Cup.

Questions had been raised over whether the five-year-old still had the stomach for the fight after coming home last in the Gold Cup and stopping quickly before finishing fourth in the Lonsdale Cup at York.

But after taking up the running a furlong from home on Town Moor under Oisin Murphy, the George Scott-trained stayer proved his doubters wrong, pulling away from Beylerbeyi to land odds of 5-6 favourite by a length and a quarter.

Scott is now looking forward to seeing his charge defend his title in the Prix du Cadran on Arc weekend at ParisLongchamp.

He said: “We needed to see that from him today if we wanted to go back to Paris with him, as he’s two from two there – we just have to hope Scandinavia doesn’t turn up there. If he doesn’t then he’s going to be a player.

“He loves Longchamp, he loves the tempo of the races and two-mile-four is right up his street.

“I thought he was value for a bit more today, he had to commit earlier than he wanted.”

The Doncaster Cup was been robbed of its likely favourite after Queenstown was pulled out and there was also drama beforehand when the Emmet Mullins-trained Winday gave trouble at the start. Having worked himself up into a sweat, he failed to the fire in the race itself, finishing a tailed off last of seven.

But on this occasion Caballo De Mar was as good as gold, much to the delight of his trainer.

“His last two races have been in a Gold Cup against two of the best stayers we’ve seen, and he was third until the furlong pole, and last time at York they went a hell of a gallop and he was in the thick of it the whole way. York is a funny track too, they can misfire and he did,” Scott continued.

“Today was a much more of an even set up for him, so I think it’s more down to circumstance than anything.

“This horse has been amazing for us for two years – he’s had two bad runs, so what – some horses go off the boil for a year before coming back but we got him back within three weeks.

“I said to Sheikh Nasser (owner) this morning, he’s a world class athlete and you can train in the gym all you like but if you come out in the afternoon in the heat of battle, that is when you see true colours.

“In the paddock I knew he was on it and Oisin said straight away ‘he’s here’.

“Victorious Racing put an awful lot of trust in me so it is a relief he’s won today. I know that if it goes wrong they have got my back.”

Solid State impressed on debut at the end of last season (Picture: HKJC)

At The Races tipster Tim Carroll landed his 3pts NAP (Robot Lucky Star; 5-4) at Happy Valley on Wednesday and now has Sunday bets for Sha Tin.