Devan Gericke, son of Blue Sky Thoroughbreds’ part-owner Tinus Gericke, leads in 80/1 winner Tara Star together with trainer Darryl Moore. The filly was from the last crop of the stallion Just As Well, “who got a raw deal” in Tinus’ opinion. (Picture: Candiese Lenferna).

Tinus Gericke Of Blue Sky Thoroughbreds Speaks After Surprise Winner

Summerveld trainer Darryl Moore and connections were provided with a pleasant surprise when Tara Star won on debut at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday at odds of 80/1 and in the aftermath it has been fascinating to hear the views on South African breeding of Tinus Gericke, who owns Blue Sky Throughbreds in partnership with Tara Star’s official breeder Bruce le Roux.

The contest on Sunday was expected to lie between an expensive first-timer Gimmethegreenlight filly called Status Quo and One Smart Cookie, who had made a promising debut, but they had both had enough some way out in the soft conditions and finished unplaced as 80/1 shot Tara Star stayed on well to win by 1,60 lengths under Serino Moodley.

The first thing punters often do when an ignored horse wins is refer to their race cards to see what they had missed and they would have been surprised to see the filly was by the former Blue Sky Thoroughbreds-based stallion Just As Well.

Just As Well’s progeny are not often seen in the race card these days and quick research shows he just had a handful in his last crop, including Tara Star and another promising sort, the Gareth van Zyl-trained colt Vibe SA, who has had three starts and has been pipped in his last two.

Tara Star is in fact leased by Blue Sky Thoroughbreds to a syndicate of golfing friends put together by Tinus’s son Devan.

They include Gold Circle’s vice chairperson Gary Grant and director Lance Whiteford, who is the grandson of former top trainer Sonny Whiteford, together with I Hall, GE Larson and “The Gram”.

Darryl said Tara Star had not shown much in her sand work but had put in a good grass gallop.

In fact Tinus revealed she had worked well together with Common Grounds, who had finished second in the first race on the day.

So the signs were all there for a good peformance by Tara Star, but Tinus unfortunately constructed his bets for her to finish second to the favourite in the race, a R1.2 million filly by Gimmethegreenlight.

Just As Well was retired by Blue Sky Thoroughbreds due to lack of support and was used as a polo pony stallion, but he unfortunately passed away after being kicked.

Tinus said Just As Well had always had a “raw deal”.

He explained, “His pedigree is very similar to Judpot’s and his stats of winners to runners has always been top. But he had no support. Sadly kzn stallions will always have it tough due to the dwindling mare population.We’ve got less than 370 mares in KZN and only about 1900 in the country. we’re standing Chimichuri Run, a son of trippi, and he’s throwing some lovely foals. KZN Breeders have just acquired Eden Roc, a son of Var as a freshman sire who will be standing at Clifton stud. we are trying our best but it is going to be tough.”

Tinus went on to reveal his opinion on stallion sentiment, which he said was often largely about “hype”.

He said, “l can give you numerous examples and when the hype is there it can’t be stopped, it’s like a wave and all logic goes out the window and everybody’s behind that stallion. So that is what I do when I breed as well, we look at the pedigrees, we do our matings and we do everything, but in a lot of cases we just follow the money. You’ve got to.”

He pointed out the financial clout numerous Cape breeders had which allowed them to import top class stallions and they then supported each other, which meant the stallions had a solid amount of mares for their crucial first three seasons.

He said, “If you haven’t got the mare population or the breeders supporting it, you are dead.”

He gave an example of hype, saying, “Gimmethegreenlight was struggling in the beginning, but after a purple patch one KZN Champions Season everybody got behind him and he just took off. That is just my overall assumption of it. So I try and buy shares in stallions in the Cape when they release them and John Freeman has been good to involve me in the process. I have just bought a share in Danon Platina, because I think he is going to be champion sire. One tries to predict the future of freshman sires. Danon had a flying start with his juveniles and they will go over ground as three year olds. So that one I will suport because he could be the next champion. Vercingetorix is currently a sales hype, but it is very difficult and expensive to get access to him. He will battle to be Champion Sire … that’s my prediction. We’ll see how accurate I am! He seems to generally throw sprinter-milers, whereas Gimmethegreenlight can throw you a sprinter, with the mare population in SA being sprinter-miler biased, but he can also throw you the classic winners time after time. They made Vercingetorix heir to the throne a couple of years ago when his sire Silvano pipped him on the post, but last year he only finished third behind Gimme and What A Winter. Gimme’s book is being restricted, so I think the next oke is Danon.”

He concluded, “So in KZN it is going to be very tough to have a champion sire considering the mare population. But we will keep trying!”

Tinus is a mining engineer by trade and his late father loved horses, while his Uncle always had racehorses trained by small trainers including the late Oom Nic Claasen and veterinarian Dr Koos Neuland, who started his training career with my Uncle.

He added, “My Uncle had a training track on his smallholding in the Kameeldrift area in Pretoria East, so I used to ride horses every day of my life.”

He grew up loving horses and would fit in a racemeeting between his rugby-playing schedule whenever possible.

He owned a few racehorses when nearing retirement and later became interested in breeding and started with one or two mares.

After meeting Bruce le Roux they started Blue Sky Thoroughbreds together. They now own two farms, Bruce’s original Spring Valley Stud and the stud farm which was originally Golden Acres Stud and was later Yellow Star Stud.

Tinus now lives in Durban, a shortish drive away from his stud farms and he said, “Breeding is my hobby and I don’t plan to make money from it, but I don’t want to lose money either, and we just want to go to the farm to enjoy being with the horses. I love those animals and Mooi River is beautiful, such nice countryside.”

A big crowd attended the Settler’s Trophy meeting at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last year as it coincides with Heritage day and a lot of activities were put on by Cape Racing (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Spring has Sprung – And Hollywoodbets Durbanville Is Blossoming!

Sporting Post

The Cape has come alive with the much-anticipated arrival of spring, as dazzling carpets of wildflowers flood the landscape as far as the eye can see in a glorious celebration of colour.

The season’s turning signifies new beginnings and the launch of the second Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series, which will be held over nine exciting race meetings commencing at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on 13 September 2023.

Often described as South Africa’s most scenic and intimate horseracing venue, Hollywoodbets Durbanville is a much-loved destination for racing fans and casual visitors.

Whether you are inclined to racing, music, food, wine, or even a combination, if your choice is a relaxing and great day out in the glorious Cape spring weather, then the rustic environs of Hollywoodbets Durbanville are the place to be.

The action-packed Hollywoodbets Spring Country Series programme will run until the final meeting on 14 October and is highlighted by the running of the traditional Cape Summer season launch platforms of the Hollywoodbets Gr3 Matchem Stakes and Gr3 Diana Stakes on Saturday, 30 September.

Champions have won these historic 1400m features over the years, and the 2023 renewals will be jam-packed with class as South Africa’s premier horseracing region gears up for a sensational summer season.

The listed Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy, a race won by a host of top-class horses in recent years, including the likes of subsequent July hero Belgarion, will headline the Hollywoodbets Durbanville race meeting on Saturday, 23 September.

As it falls on the Heritage Day weekend, various fun events are planned to coincide with South Africa’s celebration of our culture and the rainbow diversity of our beliefs and traditions.

The day will have a “Braai ‘n Gallop” theme and will be a gathering of horseracing enthusiasts, food lovers and local communities revelling in the spirit of our heritage.

This vibrant event will showcase the best South African traditions, featuring horseracing excitement, a potjiekos competition, live entertainment, delectable local cuisines, and engaging activities for kids.

The Springbok vs Ireland World Cup pool game will be shown live on big screens.

The Cape Town Festival of Beer, which will be held on 14 October, celebrates the heritage and craftsmanship of local and international brewers.

Showcasing an impressive collection of over 200 beers, this event is the foremost celebration of all things related to beer. It is set to be the most significant one yet, making it one of the biggest highlights on Cape Town’s social calendar.

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth is undergoing renovations and some exciting upgrades are in store for racegoers (Picture: Candiese Lenferna).

Renovations Put Kenilworth Out Of Commission – November 11 Return

Racing expected to return to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on November 11

Charl Pretorius (Business Day)

Cape Racing has notified patrons that racing will return to Kenilworth on November 11, later than originally scheduled. This is due to essential, ongoing renovations on the racecourse.

The due renovations and changes are a part of Cape Racing’s commitment to a modern and world-class race-day experience and chair Greg Bortz noted that the appointed teams of renovators are working overtime to complete their assignments.

Racing will continue at Durbanville during September, October and the first part of November, one of the highlights being the return to the track of multiple Equus champion, Charles Dickens. He will contest the grade 3 Matchem Stakes over 1,400m at the popular country track on September 30. A bumper crowd is expected.

The delayed return to Kenilworth means the dates of a number of feature events have been changed. The Cape’s seven-meeting Festival of Racing will commence on November 26 and end with the grade 1 WSB Cape Derby on February 24.

The racing and social highlight of the festival will be the grade 1 WSB Cape Town Met scheduled for day six, January 27, alongside the grade 1 Cape Flying Championship, the grade 1 Majorca Stakes, the grade 3 Western Cape Stayers, the Listed Summer Juvenile Stakes and the Listed Olympic Duel Stakes.

Foreshore is tipped to land a hattrick by the At The Races tipster (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

Hollywoodbets Greyville Formguides And Selections

1 12:30 PM – Download The Race Card Online www.goldcircle.co.za Maiden Plate (F & M)

ARVERNI PRINCESS only fluffed her lines over a bit further in her penultimate. She has good form otherwise and could open her account on poly debut. However she is dropping in distance. JANE’S VISION will be looking to go one better after finishing runner-up in her last two. She was beaten in a close finish last time with KIAN’S PRIDE not far behind and it could get close again. The latter was gaining at the finish when second in her one start on the poly. VISION TO ACHIEVE disappointed a bit last time. She wasn’t far off in a feature prior but has blinkers fitted and could enjoy the surface.

Top Tip: ARVERNI PRINCESS (1)

Watch out for: JANE’S VISION (5)

2 1:05 PM – Off The Rails Fm 69 Handicap (F & M)

VISION OF WILL should have every chance of scoring after running a good second last time out. However, at times she has coughed. In her favour is the fact that she has secured a decent draw again. FLYING THE STAR has run two good races in a row and jumps from gate two so should have every chance. HEREINAFTER did finish ahead of FLYING THE STAR last time and is also knocking at the door, but she has drawn a bit wide and will have her work cut out. POPPY OF BAYEUX has been a bit erratic but blinkers could do the trick. WAR EMPRESS needed her local debut and could relish the track.

Top Tip: FLYING THE STAR (2)

Watch out for: WILL O ME (3)

3 1:40 PM – Follow In The Box Seat Podcast Mr 86 Handicap

DONQUERARI had excuses the second time he ran on the poly. He won his poly debut and now back in winning form could add to the tally. MUSIC IS LIFE finished ahead of DONQUERARI when almost winning a feature the last time he raced here. He was also not disgraced in another strong race last time at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and should be at a peak in his third start after a rest. But the one to beat must be IRON BARK who has won from wide draws and has now drawn well. He can make it four wins on the trot. If CHARA SANDS overcomes his draw he could threaten IRON BARK at the weights.

Top Tip: DONQUERARI (1)

Watch out for: IRON BARK (3)

4 2:15 PM – www.tabgold.co.za Mr 77 Handicap

RICCARDO finally won on the poly and it was quite a convincing victory. Now that he knows how it is done he can follow up. But Muzi Yeni now rides EVENTIDOR who was unlucky to lose his last on the poly before a no-show from a wide draw on the turf. He has drawn badly again and will need luck. RADICCHIO has drawn well after a rest and the lightly raced sort could have something to come. He impressed in his penultimate start. AFROPOLITAN is capable of going start to finish again. STRAIGHT UP needed his last start and has run with better. A 4kg apprentice claim boosts his chances.

Top Tip: WARRIOR BLING (2)

Watch out for: RADICCHIO (3)

5 2:50 PM – www.goldcircle.co.za Mr 77 Handicap

SHOEFELLA couldn’t go with his field in a higher grade on the turf last time. This race should be more to his liking and he can bounce back and get into the fight. MEDAL OF FREEDOM also didn’t run to form on the turf. He had improved with each start before an impressive maiden win and rates the value proposition back on the poly. BANHA BRIDGE has done well on turf and poly for his connections. He is bit better than his recent form and from gate one could get his confidence boosted. CAESURA is also versatile. He loved going the marathon and if not minding the drop in trip could threaten.

Top Tip: BANHA BRIDGE (1)

Watch out for: IZAPHA (3)

6 3:25 PM – Track & Ball Gaming Fm 76 Handicap (F & M)

Progressive three-year-old FORESHORE has not put a hoof wrong since trying distance. She can make it three from three even if trying the poly as she has secured gate one. Richard Fourie has won on her as well as RAIN WEAR who won in good style last time. She is meeting better and has drawn a bit wide but loves the track and trip and could just follow up. BOSNAY rates the dark horse. She went from listed company to a Grade 2 and last time took on the best around in a Grade 1. She has gone start to finish before and may show up well on the poly. OH SO SQUISHY needs to find best form.

Top Tip: FORESHORE (1)

Watch out for: THEAPPLEOFMYEYE (3)

7 4:00 PM – Gold Circle Racing YouTube Channel Mr 91 Handicap

It could be the right race for PRINCE OF TARANTO. He appeared unlucky not to win either of his last two races on the poly and also ran a cracker back on the turf last time. The form of that race has been well franked. FATEFUL DAY has dropped another two points in merit ratings and could be dangerous, but is yet to win over this longer distance. There are two Highveld-based runners in the hunt. PRAGMATIST has the better of the draws and has shown a bit of ability in the past. He could enjoy it. CAPTAIN OF GRIT races handily and is holding form. VOLDEMORT should be right there.

Top Tip: WILLIAM RUFUS (1)

Watch out for: PRAGMATIST (2)

8 4:35 PM – Hollywoodbets Bright Future Mr 66 Handicap

PORFIRIO is enjoying his racing and goes for a hat-trick. He won’t be as rushed as in his last start as the pace over this slightly longer journey should be less frantic. Hopefully VENGEANCE FOREVER is ready to challenge for the win. He has been giving signs that he can do the business and should have every chance from draw one. MAJESTIC WARRIOR disappointed a little recently. He could be looking for the poly now fully matured. BRAVE VOYAGER finally got it right last time and with his confidence up, could follow up. Consistent JUSTFORTHEEPENNY should be right there too.

Top Tip: VENGEANCE FOREVER (1)

Watch out for: BRAVE VOYAGER (8)

Double Superlative, pictured winning the 2021 Cape Guineas, makes his long awaited return at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Wednesday (Image: Wayne Marks).

Hollywoodbets Durbanville Preview And Selections

Charl Pretorius (Business Day).

Wednesday’s race meeting at Durbanville, postponed from Tuesday, will feature 10 races with an 12:10 start.

There are two former Cape Guineas winners in a Progress Plate over 1,250m (race 8) which carries a stake of R135,000, highest on the day. This sprint has attracted a field of mostly milers and stayers, prepping for targets in summer, and the 125-rated class act Double Superlative could run his rivals out of it, late in the race. He has only won over 1,400m and a mile, but trainer Justin Snaith is on record saying that his four-year-old is doing very well after a rest and “could surprise”.

Snaith and stable jockey Grant van Niekerk look set for a big day. Aside from more than an average shout with Double Superlative, they hold winning chances in all the legs of the Pick Six, which starts in race 4 over 1,600m and where Greenland has the advantage of an inside draw.

Tothemoonandback (race 6) is being fitted with blinkers for the first time in his career, a move designed for more focus as he tends to dwell a bit. Yamadoro (race 10) is an up-and-coming three-year-old also fancied to run a cracker from pole position.

DURBANVILLE SELECTIONS

1st Race: (7) Guarding The Wall (2) The Grey King (13) Maneki Neko (1) Colonel Green

2nd Race: (2) Nordic Chief (1) Tenango (9) Lindbergh (12) Willie John

3rd Race: (8) Ice Rain (1) Glee Club (4) Pinstripe (6) Redroseoflancaster

4th Race: (2) Greenland (5) Apache Chief (4) Naushon (1) Diamond Rock

5th Race: (2) Green Isle (1) Lickety Split (9) Coulditbe (7) Two A Penny

6th Race: (7) Tothemoonandback (1) Bardolino (12) Max The Otter (3) Lunch Money

7th Race: (11) Tough Terrain (12) Teflon Man (4) Elusive Trader (3) Bluff On Bluff

8th Race: (5) Double Superlative (6) Happy Chance (4) King Regent (1) Russian Rock

9th Race: (1) Yamadori (3) Masked Vigilante (11) Easy Money (10) Georgie Georgie

10th Race: (2) Mia’s Harper (3) Treasure Hunt (6) Where’s The Party (9) Busy Lizzie

One For All wins under Lyle Hewitson at Happy Valley (HKJC).

Hewitson Mount, One For All, Returns To Take Up HK Challenge

HKJC

Aiming to build on his first 50-win season in Hong Kong, jockey Lyle Hewitson heads into Wednesday’s eight-race card at Happy Valley primed to reunite with One For All in a cracking Class 3 Mui Wo Handicap (1200m).

Happy Valley’s first fixture of the season marks the start of the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, which runs until 21 February, 2024. The competition is for horses racing in Class 3 and above, with points awarded for first, second, third and fourth place finishes.

A first-up win for One For All would secure 15 points in the HK$1.5 million competition.

“Hopefully we can get a bit of beginner’s luck and get Mark (Newnham) off to a great start. He’s a lovely horse and he has stepped up in grade now, but with the weight relief that should be in his favour,” Hewitson said.

One For All is trainer Mark Newnham’s first runner in Hong Kong. The on-pacer nailed a hat-trick of wins last term, but faces a stiff test tomorrow night against Reward Smile, Superb Capitalist, Allgreektome, Packing Bole and more.

“That’s the unfortunate thing (possible fast pace), to start off in this sort of field makes it a bit more difficult. He’s a horse that’s shown good gate speed and a lot of speed, so the plan will still be to pop out and press on for the first half furlong.

“I think we’re going to have to be wise about the situation, there’s three or four other noted frontrunners, so it does make it a bit more difficult but he is a horse that’s doing well, so hopefully he has a few more tricks up his sleeve,” Hewitson said.

Hewitson has seven mounts, also partnering Goodmanship, Durham Star, Snowalot, High Percentage, Eighteen Palms and G One Excellent at the city circuit. “Eighteen Palms is also in good form and he will have come on with the season under his belt. That actually looks like a very competitive race with three or four others that are in good form at the moment but he’d be a livewire. I think Snowalot just continues a good vein of form,” Hewitson said.

Hip 92, 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale

$2.3 Million Into Mischief Filly Tops Opening Session Of Keeneland September Sale

Keeneland’s 80th September Yearling Sale began Monday with robust trade that produced healthy results and the sale of eight horses for $1 million or more headlined by an Into Mischief filly sold for $2.3 million to Shadwell Racing and an Uncle Mo colt for $2 million, purchased by Donato Lanni, agent for Zedan Racing.

Total sales for 110 horses reached $55,330,000, down slightly from last year’s first session gross of $57,095,000 when 114 horses, including nine seven-figure horses, sold. The average of $503,000 was up from last year’s $500,833, while the median dipped 11.11% from $450,000 to $400,000.

“There was a lot of energy in the sales pavilion today; it was so fun to see so many people here,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Many of them were buyers and were participating, and you also had a lot of people that were just interested in seeing the sales process. We work really hard to make sure the community understands the importance of the sales and the Thoroughbred industry.”

“The results today were very comparable to last year’s first session, and last year was a sensational sale,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “Over the last couple of days people have been energized by the quality of horses cataloged. They said it’s the best group of horses they’ve seen in the first two sessions probably in 10-15 years, which is really encouraging. I think it’s a testament to the breeders and the quality of horses they are breeding.”

The diversity of buyers participating in today’s session was borne out by the fact that the top 10 highest-priced horses were purchased by 10 different interests.

“It’s really encouraging when you have a stat like that,” Lacy said. “It’s unhealthy when you get one or two entities controlling the market. It’s important when people come here that they feel like they have a chance of buying something. They are spending quite a bit of real money in order to get some of the best bloodstock in the world.”

The session-topping filly, who was consigned by Gainesway, agent, is out of Grade 3 winner Delightful Joy, by Tapit, and is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Window Shopping. She is from the family of Grade 3 winners Graeme Six and Cali Star.

“I honestly thought she would bring every bit of $1.5 (million),” Gainesway General Manager Brian Graves said. “She’s a top physical, out of a Grade 3-winning Tapit mare who’s already produced a Grade 2 winner, who is still performing on the track. She was one of the best-looking yearlings I saw this year. We thought that (high price) could happen. From the first time you looked at that filly, you thought that could happen. It’s a pleasant surprise but not shocking.”

A colt by Uncle Mo who is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner and sire Collected sold to Zedan Racing, for $2 million. Runnymede Farm, agent, consigned the colt, who is out of the winning Johannesburg mare Helena Bay (GB) and from the family of Group 2 winner Royal Kingdom (IRE) and stakes winners Koala Princess, Artilena and Woodwin W.

“Imagine selling your horse for two million dollars – there’s no words for that,” Runnymede’s Romain Malhouitre said. “The horse has been awesome since he arrived on Thursday. Showed very well. We knew we had plenty of interest, but you never know. So we are delighted that everybody believed in the horse and the breeders and the land.”

Jersey City Destroyers Stable paid $1.7 million for a colt by Into Mischief who is a half-brother to 2023 Suburban (G2) winner Charge It. Consigned by Gainesway, agent, he is out of the Indian Charlie mare I’ll Take Charge, a daughter of Kentucky Broodmare of the Year Take Charge Lady, and from the family of champions Will Take Charge and Take Charge Brandi and Grade 1 winner and sire Omaha Beach.

The colt was bred by Mandy Pope, who sold horses for the first time with Gainesway. The group included another seven-figure horse, a colt by Into Mischief purchased by Grandview Equine for $1.1 million.

“It’s been a wonderful day,” Pope said. “We’ve been selling, and we have not been able to buy anything. We’ve been selling well, and we’re ecstatic about that. It takes a long time to get (a first-class broodmare band) off the ground and going. Fingers crossed, we will continue with a lot of racing success in the future, and breeding and selling success. We had high expectations coming in, and you always panic at the last minute. Gainesway has done a wonderful job selling yearlings for me.”

Gainesway led all consignors Monday by selling 12 yearlings for $9,610,000.

Winchell Thoroughbreds went to $1.4 million for a colt by Into Mischief who is the first foal out of multiple Grade 1 winner Guarana, by Ghostzapper. Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, agent, he is from the family of Grade 1 winner Pleasant Home and stakes winners Beatbox and Magic Dance.

“Obviously the first foal out of an amazing racemare,” Ron Winchell said. “We’re the lucky or unlucky ones to be the last ones with our hand up. Dr. (David) Lambert with Equine Analysis (Systems) loved him, and that’s all I needed to hear. Do I need to say anything about Into Mischief?”

“It’s a great result for a great mare,” said John G. Sikura of Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa. “Into Mischiefs are obviously magical horses. No matter the sire, you have to meet the scrutiny of the buyers at the upper end. The horse moved very well. Has a lot of bone, looks sound. One of the astute guys in the business who has had great success bought him. I hope this is his next big horse. We’re excited and happy.”

Two colts by Uncle Mo sold for $1.35 million apiece.

The partnership of Sonson, Woodford, West Point, LEB, agent, acquired the first, a half-brother to champion Midnight Bisou, 2023 Indiana Derby (G3) winner Verifying and stakes winner Stage Left. He was consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent.

“I think this colt is going to be a big winner,” said Chuck Sonson, who owns an aviation company and is becoming involved in racing. “We are very excited. We researched him a lot. We are happy to be close to the sale topper. We will get more. This is just the beginning, we hope. I love Lexington. This is my first time in Lexington.”

“We knew he was a lovely horse,” Fergus Galvin of Hunter Valley said. “He had the right pedigree. Deep down we were hoping he would get into the seven-figure range. We’re thrilled. We bought the mare, Diva Delite, several years ago carrying Verifying. We gave a good number for her, but she’s paid us back.”

Also selling for $1.35 million was a son of Uncle Mo purchased by M.V. Magnier. Consigned by Penn Sales, agent for Bar C Racing Stables, the colt is out of the War Front mare Forever for Now and from the family of leading sire Galileo (IRE) and other European standouts such as Black Sam Bellamy and Sea the Stars along with Grade 1 winner My Typhoon (IRE).

“He is a very nice horse,” Magnier said. “(Longtime Coolmore adviser) Paul Shanahan really liked him when he saw him the other day. He is a nice athletic horse. He will stay here for the time being.”

“Wow,” John Penn said in celebrating the first seven-figure horse sold by Penn Sales. “He is a very pretty, nice-moving horse. If he can run, he’ll make a stallion. (Breeders Pam and Neal Christopherson) had sold an Uncle Mo previously for a lot of money and needed to buy a mare, and they bought this mare (Forever for Now) in foal to him (at Keeneland’s 2021 November Breeding Stock Sale). Obviously they hit a home run.”

Purchased by Grandview Equine was a colt by Into Mischief out of multiple Grade 1 winner American Gal, by Concord Point, and from the family of Grade/Group 1 winners Seventh Street and Reynaldothewizard. He was the first seller of the day for breeder Mandy Pope.

“Really nice colt out of a great mare, great family,” Robert N. Clay of Grandview Equine said. “He went for plenty of money, but he really checks all the boxes for us.”

“The horse was drop-dead gorgeous and by the right sire and out of a Grade 1 winner, a young mare who was precocious,” Gainesway’s Brian Graves said. “There were a lot of top people on the horse, and we thought something like that might happen. It’s good to see Mandy Pope selling million-dollar horses. When your first horse in the ring brings a million dollars, I hope it bodes well.”

Selling for $1 million to John Stewart was a colt by Into Mischief who is a full brother to multiple Grade 1 winner and sire Practical Joke. Consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, he is out of Halo Humor, by Distorted Humor.

The session’s leading buyer was West Bloodstock, agent for Repole Stable, who spent $3,345,000 for 10 horses.

The second session of Book 1 of the September Sale starts Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET. The entire sale is streamed live at Keeneland.com.

Splendid Living is the one to beat in Race 5 at Happy Valley (Wednesday) (HKJC)

Hong Kong Racing Returns To Happy Valley

By Luke Middlebrook (Chief Racing Editor at iRace Media Pte Ltd)

Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday night (13 September) for an 8-race fixture under the lights.

Progressive four-year-old DENFIELD is on track to win his way into Class 3 when he resumes in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

The Danny Shum-trained sprinter raced seven times last season and it wasn’t until his final race of the season that he managed to break his duck and post a first career win. However, on four occasions, he drew no lower than gate 10, which didn’t help his chances around the tight city circuit.
Nonetheless, he was showing ability, and when things fell into place and he shed his maiden tag, it was a stylish win as he drew clear by 2.75 lengths.

DENFIELD looked well in his trial ahead of his return, doing his best work past the post as he was full of running. Striking what looks like another winnable Class 4 contest, he should be proving hard to hold out and continue Shum’s usual fast-start after he secured a three-timer on Sunday at Sha Tin.

Typical for Happy Valley, it’s an extremely competitive race-card, but trainer Ricky Yiu will be hoping in-form six-year-old SPLENDID LIVING can continue his winning streak from last season and aim for a hat-trick of victories when he returns to racing in the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m.

SPLENDID LIVING took some time to adjust to Hong Kong racing after arriving as a two-time winner out of four races in the UK. However, he thrived during his last season, securing three wins and four placings out of 12 starts. The gelding went back-to-back in his final two runs of the term, and he
triumphed convincingly on both occasions, with a combined winning margin of 3.75 lengths.

SPLENDID LIVING might still have some points in hand and has found the perfect race on Wednesday where he stands out as the one to beat, with champion jockey Zac Purton in the saddle.

Race 4 – 2 LUCKY GOR
Since securing his first win four starts ago, he has encountered hard luck in his last three races. In his second and third starts following victory, he raced wide, yet still finished close up in the finish. However, in his most recent race, he failed as a well-supported $3.3 favourite due to blood in the trachea. He is a better horse than that, so consider giving him a chance to bounce back here.

Race 8 – 11 PACKING BOLE
He produced an impressive debut win in Class 4 in mid-June, which resulted in a significant 9-point ratings increase. In his second race, he was up into Class 3 and started as the $1.9 favourite. However, due to barrier 14, the jockey had to use him up early and he went too fast in the heavy rain. As a result, he weakened in the straight and finished well behind. With a better-timed ride, he should show improvement, and there’s potential for him to progress to a higher level this season.

Race 3 – 3 LUCKY ARCHANGEL
He’s worth watching closely in his second race back in Class 4, especially after his eye-catching fifth-place finish in his last start. Despite starting from barrier 10 and easing back, he finished the race off strongly. Based on his winning form, he could either lead or position himself closer to the front, which would be ideal.

Race 6 – 2 GORGEOUS VITALITY
He has finally returned to Class 4 after failing to win in Class 3 throughout last season. Although he did run some good races at times, if he can deliver his trademark turn-of-foot, he could be one to watch in the concluding stages in a race such as this.

Luke Middlebrook’s Selections
R1. 2-3-5-8
R2. 2-8-3-5
R3. 1-4-3-2
R4. 3-2-4-1
R5. 4-2-9-1
R6. 2-5-4-6
R7. 5-6-2-4
R8. 1-11-7-4

Betting Strategy:
R3 #1 Win
R4 #2 Each-Way
R6 #2 Each-Way
R8 #1 Each-Way

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Multimore drops down in grade and start following. From barrier 1 under Purton, he hard to look past. Theta Hedge looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form after three placings. Trialled well for his return and gets his chance. Vamos will win in this grade very soon after
going close since the class drop. Valhalla on the quick back up, drawn well and should gain a nice run in transit. Goodmanship has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Should map a chance from barrier 2.

Race 2: D Star well supported last start and won accordingly. Bowman remains in the saddle and the four-year-old still could have some upside and win his way into Class 3. Nice Birdie recent runs have been encouraging and can run well as Purton regains the ride. Durham Star looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He gets back and will be running on. Sturdy Ruby good performance when storming home for third place last start. He is nearing a win. Fortune President
go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay.

Race 3: Denfield more than capable of winning again in this race after breaking through stylishly on his final start last season. Drawn well low in barrier 3, he should get the gun run just off the pace and be too strong late. Golden Luck go on the win two starts ago and give a chance to bounce back here.
Lucky Archangel has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade (read “Track Spy” for more information). Snowalot nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance in a race like this. Mega Bonus should lead and give a good sight from barrier 1 under Atzeni.

Race 4: Open race here. Happy Soul form is good and must be rated a solid chance given Shum’s horses go well early in the season. Lucky Gor has had no luck recently and give another chance here (read “Track Spy” for more information). Joy Coming well supported last start and won accordingly and has trialled well for his return. Should get the perfect run from barrier 3. Sight Hero looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Mixes his form being a “roarer”. Wind Speeder turned in a nice effort last run and barrier 2 should provide a perfect run.

Race 5: Splendid Living good effort last start leading all the way to win by a big margin, which was his second win in a row. The penny has dropped with him and he could still have more to offer. Hameron more than capable of winning again in this race and he appears to have more upside. Eighteen Palms has improved since the blinkers were added and he could be one to follow this season. California Voce resuming from a break and the betting market best will be the best guide.
Loyal Baby has early speed and can always surprise with the right run.

Race 6: Wide-open contest here. Gorgeous Vitality drops down in grade and start following. On trueform, he should be hard to hold out here (read “Track Spy” for more information). Sergeant Pepper well supported last start and won accordingly and should map ideally from gate 4. G One Excellent
generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. He can map a chance from his low draw. Pachisi had genuine excuses last start and consider again. However, barrier 11 is awkward. Ace Talent recent runs have been encouraging and can run well.

Race 7: Magniac disappointing last start but worth giving another chance here as he trialled nicely for his return and gets barrier 3, from where he should map a winning chance. Heroic Master always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. Purton takes the ride from barrier 1, so
plenty of boxes are ticked. California Deeply resuming from a break and won a recent trial. He gets back but will be running on. Harmony N Blessed a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Explosive Witness is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time.

Race 8: Plenty of speed engaged here, so the tempo of the race will prove vital to the outcome. Reward Smile nice three-year-old who showed a stack of ability last term and looks headed higher. Packing Bole disappointing last start but worth giving another chance here (read “Track Spy” for more information). Allgreektome has shown ability and gets his chance with Purton booked to ride. Excellent Peers recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. He should relish coming into barrier 2. One For All changed trainer and trialled very well recently, expect a good run.

Hollywoodbets Durbanville Wednesday

Hollywoodbets Greyville Wenesday

The horse in question is pictured above (TBHeritage.com)

Today’s Question

Which highly strung English Triple Crown winner, who stood at stud in Argentina, once escaped from his stud farm and ran through the town of Morón before being recaptured? A fun fact about this horse for South African racing fans is that in his final start he finished third in the Jockey Club Stakes and the race was won by a horse called Pietermaritzburg.

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION

Although he was a younger full brother to one of St. Simon’s finest sons, Persimmo n, Diamond Jubilee was so highly-strung and aggressive as a 2-year-old that he was slated for castration. When the veterinarian came to carry out the task, however, he found that the colt had an undescended testicle. As the veterinary surgery of the time was not up to removing a testicle still within the abdominal cavity without subjecting the horse to severe risk, there was nothing for it but to leave Diamond Jubilee ungelded. The forced change of plan proved most fortunate, as Diamond Jubilee not only swept the English Triple Crown (for which he would not have been eligible as a gelding) but became a four-time champion sire in Argentina.

Race record

16 starts, 6 wins, 5 seconds, 1 third, £28,185

1899:

Won Boscawen Stakes (ENG, Newmarket)
2nd Prince of Wales’s Stakes (ENG, Goodwood)
2nd Middle Park Plate (ENG, 6FT, Newmarket)
2nd Dewhurst Plate (ENG, 7FT, Newmarket)

1900:

Won Two Thousand Guineas (ENG, 8FT, Newmarket)
Won Newmarket Stakes (ENG, 10FT, Newmarket)
Won Derby Stakes (ENG, 12FD, Epsom)
Won Eclipse Stakes (ENG, 10FD, Sandown; new course record 2:07-2/5)
Won St. Leger Stakes (ENG, about 14.5FD, Doncaster)
2nd Princess of Wales’s Stakes (ENG, 12FT, Newmarket)

1901:

2nd Princess of Wales’s Stakes (ENG, 12FT, Newmarket)
3rd Jockey Club Stakes (ENG, 14FT, Newmarket)

Honors

English champion 3-year-old male (1900)

As an individual

A bay horse standing a shade under 16 hands, Diamond Jubilee was considered exceptionally handsome. His best point was perhaps his powerful hindquarters. He was a ridgling as a colt, but the retained testicle reportedly descended into his scrotum by the time he reached full maturity. He was aggressive, high-strung, intelligent and highly dominant, and bore close watching at all times even in his old age.

As a stallion

Diamond Jubilee reached seventh on the English sire list in 1907 but did far better in Argentina, where he was champion sire four times (1914, 1915, 1916 and 1921) and was among the top 10 sires of winners on another eight occasions. His stud career in England was doubtless hampered by the fact that he stood alongside his elder brothers Persimmon and Florizel II, both already established successes. Diamond Jubilee was also an important broodmare sire in his adopted country, ranking among the top 10 broodmare sires for 10 consecutive years (1922-1931). Thee of his sons became champion sires in Chile.

Notable progeny

As de Espadas (ARG), Campanazo (ARG), Dalmacia (ARG), Last Reason (ARG), Mehemet Ali (ARG), Moloch (ARG), Mustafá (ARG), Ricuarte (ARG), Saca Chispas (ARG), Smasher (ARG), Taormina (GER)

Connections

Diamond Jubilee was bred and owned by His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. He was trained by Richard Marsh. While he carried the Prince’s colors at 2 and 3, he was leased to the Duke of Devonshire as a 4-year-old as the Prince, now King Edward VII, observed the customary year of mourning for his mother, Queen Victoria. Diamond Jubilee entered stud in 1902 at the royal stud at Sandringham and stood there until 1906, when he was sold to Don Ignacio Correas for export to Argentina at a price of 30,000 guineas. Diamond Jubilee spent the remainder of his life at Correas’ Haras Las Ortegas.

Pedigree notes

Diamond Jubilee is inbred 4×5 to Voltigeur, winner of the 1850 Derby Stakes and St. Leger Stakes. He is a full brother to Persimmon, winner of the 1896 Derby Stakes and St. Leger Stakes and a four-time champion in England as both a sire of winners and a broodmare sire. Diamond Jubilee is also a full brother to 1895 Jockey Club Cup winner and successful sire Florizel II and to Sandringham, who sired some stakes winners in the United States but had little lasting influence. In addition, Diamond Jubilee is a half brother to Barracouta (by Barcaldine), dam of 1899 Austrian Derby winner Llubar (by Friar Lubin).

Perdita II, the dam of Diamond Jubilee, was unattractive and temperamental, but she had enough talent to win the Ayr Gold Cup and dead-heat for the Liverpool Summer Cup. She is a half sister to Dorothy Draggletail (by Springfield), whose granddaughter Andromeda produced three Italian Classic winners in Arianna, Androclea and Ardea; another granddaughter, Willana, is the dam of 1929 Henckel-Rennen (German Two Thousand Guineas) winner Wilfried. Perdita II’s dam, the Young Melbourne mare Hermione, was produced from La Belle Helene, by 1860 St. Leger Stakes winner St. Albans.

Fun facts

Diamond Jubilee was named in honor of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, which took place in the year of his birth. The Diamond Jubilee was a celebration marking Victoria’s completion of 60 years as Queen of England.
Diamond Jubilee thoroughly loathed the royal jockeys, Jack Watts and Mornington Cannon, and on one occasion tried to kill the latter by rolling on him after he had thrown him. The one rider he would tolerate willingly was his stable lad, Herbert Jones, who rode the cantankerous colt throughout his 3-year-old season.
As Diamond Jubilee was shipped to Argentina in July 1906, he served both a full Northern Hemisphere season and a full Southern Hemisphere season that year, a rarity at that time.

Turf Talk Newsletter – 12 September, 2023