Snaith Barometer: 185
Target: 222
Bortz's R9 Million Bid Lands Drakenstein Colt
Picture: This Drakenstein Stud-bred Vercingetorix colt called Wreath Of Snow has equalled the South African record for a thoroughbred racehorse sold at auction – R9 million.
The South African record price for a thoroughbred racehorse at auction was equaled at the Cape Racing Sales Premier Yearling Sale day 1 when Greg Bortz went to R9 million to secure the Drakenstein-bred Vercingetorix half-brother to Gr 1 winner Snow Pilot.
Mike de Kock successfully bid a recording-breaking R9 million on behalf of Shadwell South Africa for a Silvano colt on Day 1 of the National Yearling Sale in 2019 and that stood as the record until equalled tonight for a colt by Silvano’s son Vercingetorix.
Greg Bortz hugs Drakenstein owner Gaynor Rupert after equalling the South African record for a thoroughbred bought at auction.
Bortz’s latest Vercingetorix colt is out of the dual Gr 1-winning Captain Al mare Snowdance and was lot 85.
12 lots later a Vercingetorix filly from the same family went for R4.1 million sold to Darryl Yutar.
Klawervlei Stud as agent vendored this filly, who is out of Captain Al mare The Secret Is Out, who is a three parts sister to Snowdance.
The sensational Sale looks likely to smash South African records all around.
There were 29 seven figure lots on day 1 of the Sale.
All of the top five were by Vercingetorix and the superstar stallion had no fewer than 12 seven figure lots in all.
Reigning champion sire Gimmethegreenlight had nine seven figure lots.
Other sires to have seven figure lots were Querari x 3, Elusive Fort, Trippi, One World, Rafeef and Hawwaam.
Vercingetorix was duly leading stallion and his 21 lots sold for an aggregate of R35,850,000 with an average of R1,707,143.
The overall figures so far for the Sale are:
| CATALOGUED | 260 |
| OFFERED | 236 |
| SOLD | 133 |
| AGGREGATE | 101,850,000 |
| AVERAGE | 765,789 |
| MEDIAN | 500,000 |
The leading vendor is Klawervlei Stud as agent, whose 25 lots went for R23,450,000 for an average of R938,000.
Drakenstein had the highest average, R1,768,182 for 11 lots, and Drakenstein as agent averaged R1,408,333 for three lots.
The table below shows the leading vendors by average:
The leading buyer was Jonathan Snaith with an aggregate of R21.3 million for an average of R968,182.
Greg Bortz was second despite only buying two lots. His other purchase, a Klawervlei as agent Vercingetorix filly out of Gr 2-winning Kahal mare Intergalactic, cost R300,000.
Jonathan said, “Cape Racing Sales delivered a flawless auction, and the record-breaking results of this inaugural sale are not surprising.
We must all congratulate the breeders—the sales draft they presented was incredibly strong, and the consignors were rightfully rewarded. The quality of the breed and the way they were showcased to buyers is something they can be extremely proud of.
Cape Racing and Cape Racing Sales are producing an enjoyable racing product for owners and punters, which is a key ingredient in growing and promoting our wonderful sport. I hope these increased prices will enable breeders to reinvest and expand our horse population. Just a few years ago, the outlook for our sport was bleak. The results of this sale is the direct result of the vastly improved racing offering.
We should acknowledge Greg Bortz, Mary Slack, and Hollywoodbets, who help make the magic happen. Without their contributions to the sport, the landscape would be entirely different.
The owners are the lifeblood of the industry and they showed tremendous support for the breeders tonight.
Day 2 is sure to provide great value. There are also some intriguing syndicates available, which is an excellent way to participate in ownership at an affordable price.”
Fundi Sithebe Steps Down As 4Racing CEO
4Racing Press Release
To all members of the racing community, sponsors, media and all other stakeholders,
4Racing confirms that Fundi Sithebe has decided to step down as CEO. After dedicating herself fully to the role for four challenging years, the increasing demands on her time and personal life have led her to reassess her career direction. In recognition of her outstanding contributions and commitment to our transformation, Fundi will remain in her role until the end of May 2025, ensuring a stable and well-managed transition as she sees out the Champions season.
The Board remains committed to the ongoing success, transformation, and stability of 4Racing and will work closely with Fundi during her remaining tenure to ensure a seamless handover and to identify future leadership that can build on the remarkable progress achieved thus far. Further details regarding changes in our executive oversight will be communicated in due course.
We thank our partners, regulators, and the broader horse racing community for their continued support during this transition.
Published on behalf of the 4Racing Board
For all Media Enquiries please contact
Gareth Flusk
Dettori Filing for Bankruptcy Amid U.K. Tax Dispute
Yeni's Ton Up With A Treble
Muzi Yeni clinched a treble and his 100th win of the season on the St. John Gray-trained seven-year-old Bezrin gelding After Hours, who scored his tenth career victory. (JC Photos).
Muzi Yeni scored a treble at the Vaal today and it took him to 100 wins for the season.
The treble was registered when he got up in a blanket finish in the last race on the St. John Gray-trained homebred Bezrin gelding After Hours.
It was the seven-year-old’s tenth victory, despite him today running off just a 67 merit rating, although it was his 93rd start.
Yeni’s first win was in the second race for Weiho Marwing on the Captan Of All two-year-old filly Sister Golden Hair.
His second win was in the fifth race over 1800m on the Mike And Adam Azzie-trained three-year-old Gimmethegreenlight gelding Huehuetenango.
His 100 wins have come at a strike rate of 13.93%.
The national log leader Craig Zackey is suspended from the 9th of March until the 26th, but Gavin Lerena was unable to take advantage and only had one win.
Zackey is on 167 wins, Richard Fourie is on 159 and Lerena is on 156.
Sean Veale is edging closer to scoring 100 for the season and his one winner today took him to 79 wins at a strike rate of 13.74% for 5th place on the log.
HOPES AND DREAMS' PREMIER SALE DAY 2 QUARTET
Hopes And Dreams Stud had a successful first day at the CRS Premier Yearling Sale and the super quartet below will be auctioned on Day 2
For more information on Hopes And Dreams Stud and their Premier Sale draft, interested parties can contact Suzette Viljoen on 082 773 3811.
The Changing Face of South African Racehorse Ownership
Dayalan Chinsammy enjoyed a halcyon day at Turffontein’s Classic Day. (Picture: JC Photos).
Charl Pretorius writes in his latest Off The Record column, The late entrepreneur and racehorse owner Hassen Adams dedicated his 2011 J&B Met victory with Past Master to the Indian community, declaring, “For the first time, we were able to win a race like this. It’s been 150 years since the arrival of Indians in South Africa – we must make a statement. Indians own many horses and are major punters. Without us, there would be no horse racing.”
A lifelong advocate for transforming the racing industry, Hassen Adams would have been proud of the statement made by Indian owners at Turffontein on Classic Day last Saturday. Seven of the ten races on the card – including all three Grade 1 events – were won by horses owned, either fully or in partnership, by Indian individuals.
Galopin Des Champs Gets Confident Vote Again
History beckons for Galopin Des Champs, who looks absolutely bombproof in his quest to become a three-time winner of the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.
Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old would be unbeaten in four outings at the Festival but for inexplicably stumbling after the last when in the process of easily beating Bob Olinger as a novice chaser.
Since then, he has won the previous two renewals of the Gold Cup in excellent style, powering away from Bravemansgame, who has never been the same horse since, in 2023 while last year he held Gerri Colombe at bay, who has only had the one outing this season and was bitterly disappointing.
That suggests those trying to beat him over the extended 5200m trip need to be made of stern stuff and in truth, this year the credible opposition looks thin on the ground.
He has beaten most of his rivals at one stage or another and the one horse who has managed to beat him a couple of times, Fastorslow, is absent through injury, so it all points to a third win and a place alongside Arkle and Best Mate as a three-time Gold Cup winner.
The JCB Triumph Hurdle surprisingly looks set to be fought out between two UK-trained runners, given the Irish have dominated since 2020.
Nicky Henderson, the last UK winner with Pentland Hills in 2019, runs Lulamba, who certainly looks in the Sir Gino mould, but it has been hard not to be impressed by James Owen’s East India Dock.
A decent performer from the Flat, he has been likened to Katchit, who won the Triumph on his seventh outing over hurdles and won the Champion the following year as a five-year-old.
East India Dock may not have as much experience, but he was a much better Flat horse and his jumping has been exemplary.
There is every chance Lulamba may be a freak but off the back of just one run in the UK in a race which has not really worked out, he can be taken on with a more professional model who jumps like a cat.
Jet Blue is a sporting suggestion in the 4800m Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
Trained in France by David Cottin, he gained valuable experience at the track when winning in fine style at the December meeting.
The general consensus is that you need plenty of experience to win this race, given its gruelling nature, and Jet Blue ran in 10 bumpers and has had five runs over hurdles.
Having the excellent James Reveley on board is a huge plus and he is an each-way price.
The Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase can go the way of last year’s second Dinoblue.
As she was ridden to get the trip 12 months ago, she was not best positioned when a mistake at the last left her with too much ground to make up on Limerick Lace.
She faces the same rival again but Gavin Cromwell’s mare is not in anything like the same form this year and Dinoblue can get the better of stablemate Allegorie De Vassy.
Valgrand looks to have been campaigned with the William Hill County Handicap Hurdle in mind since winning a Grade Two at the track in October.
Having had his limitations exposed by Potters Charm afterwards, he has finished down the field in two handicaps, but it means he sneaks in towards the bottom of the weights.
Trainer Dan Skelton has won this race four times in recent years, so he certainly knows what is required.
Wodhooh is unbeaten in six runs over timber and could still be well treated in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, while Angels Dawn will take plenty of beating in the St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase. – Press Association
TAB is betting on 5 UK meetings on Friday. Here are the tips (Times are SA Times).
CHELTENHAM: Race 1: 15.20 East India Dock, Race 2: 16.00 Valgrand, Race 3: 16.40 Dinoblue, Race 4: 17.20 Jet Blue, Race 5: 18.00 Galopin Des Champs, Race 6: 18.40 Angels Dawn, Race 7: 19.20 WODHOOH (NAP).
FAKENHAM: Race 1: 15.35 Mount Olympus, Race 2: 16.14 It’s Easy, Race 3: 16.54 Getoverthathill, Race 4: 17.34 Remarkable Flight, Race 5: 18.15 For Pleasure, Race 6: 18.55 Go Go Geronimo.
DONCASTER: Race 1: 15.42 Our Lil, Race 2: 16.22 Last Rodeo, Race 3: 17.02 Burrows Hall, Race 4: 17.40 Camarrate, Race 5: 18.25 Intersky Sunset, Race 6: 19.00 Dartmouth Castle.
SOUTHWELL: Race 1: 18.20 Captain Parma, Race 2: 18.50 I’ll Give It A Go, Race 3: 19.30 Romantic Opera, Race 4: 20.00 Blufferonthebus, Race 5: 20.30 Legal Reform, Race 6: 21.00 Diamondonthehill, Race 7: 21.30 Shartash, Race 8: 22.00 Not Me, Race 9: 22.30 Yeoman.
WOLVERHAMPTON: Race 1: 19.10 Dream Out Loud, Race 3: 19.45 Padre Bay, Race 3: 20.20 Bravo Zulu, Race 4: 20.50 War Zone, Race 5: 21.20 Tradesman, Race 6: 21.50 Mr Trick, Race 7: 22.20 Enrolled.
ALL TO COME: East India Dock and Wodhooh (Cheltenham, Races 1 and 7).
Without Question Looks To Be The Answer
Fact To File Cruises To Easy Ryanair Chase Victory
Fact To File won the Ryanair by a street (Sky Sports Racing).
Willie Mullins and Mark Walsh team up with impressive winner.
At The Races
Fact To File proved a different class to his rivals when running out a comfortable winner of the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
Willie Mullins’ eight-year-old opted for the intermediate contest instead of the Gold Cup and his charge was ridden by Mark Walsh in a field of nine.
The JP McManus-owned gelding jumped and travelled neatly throughout and looked perfectly poised to put the race to bed at the foot of the hill, something he did with ease when cantering across the line nine lengths ahead of Heart Wood.
Mullins said of the 6-4 favourite: “It was a hell of a field and he won very easily, he’s a proper horse.
“They went a good gallop and he just stayed with them and got his jumping right and coming off the bend I don’t think Mark was worried, he just needed to get over the last two fences and he did that well.
“It’s a surprise the manner he has won it and I was hoping coming here he was good enough to win it and he would win it, but when you’ve got Il Est Francais and Protektorat in the field, they are good horses and horses of a lifetime for some people. He was able to beat them like that, which is huge.
“Every day of the week, I think he would be the one to give Galopin Des Champs the biggest problems, I do, and he was in the Gold Cup but we felt it was better to bide our options and let him come to this race.
“He could be a Gold Cup horse next year and he will be a year older, we just felt at this stage of his career, a hard race in the Gold Cup if it turned up soft is not what he wants. That was the way our thinking was all season and JP was very pro that, we just didn’t want him to have a hard race in a Gold Cup, as sometimes that can ruin a horse’s career.
“I’m not going to talk about two-year plans after Lossiemouth, but I imagine that’s where he will be going next year.”
Fact To File was beaten just under five lengths by Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown last time and Mullins added: “Probably some people felt after the Irish Gold Cup that he didn’t really see it out and that maybe the Gold Cup was a year too soon.
“I heard someone say Mark had a job pulling him up and that is extraordinary.
“He was a lot more mature there.”
The manner of the victory was not unexpected for McManus, who said: “I had a little on today, I couldn’t let him run loose! He’s a nice horse.
“I wasn’t surprised how he did it to be honest, it was very straightforward.”
Bob Olinger outbattles Teahupoo for Stayers’ success
One-two for owner Robcour in the Cheltenham Festival showpiece.
Henry de Bromhead’s 10-year-old was seemingly the second string for owners Robcour, with their reigning champion Teahupoo the 7-4 favourite for Gordon Elliott.
It was those two horses involved in the finish as Jack Kennedy rode the latter, but after they locked horns jumping the last, it was Bob Olinger who came out on top by a length and threequarters to triumph at 8-1.
Bob Olinger won the 2021 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle and capitalised on the fall of Galopin Des Champs in the following year’s Turners Novices’ Chase.
De Bromhead said: “It’s unbelievable, a super ride from Rachael and great work from all the team at home. To get him back like that is incredible and I’m delighted for everyone.
“Davy Roche, my assistant, he’d take a bullet for him – he adores him. He said he worked well the other day and he’ll be ecstatic.
“He’s just a class horse and he was unbeaten here. I was at a preview event a few weeks ago and I wasn’t looking at the betting, but he was 66-1 and I was thinking ‘oh my God’, I couldn’t believe it.
“He’s a bit of a poser and a dude who loves the attention and deserves every bit he gets. He comes alive here and obviously loves it here.
“We had a couple of funny years with him, but he’s back now. You always hope they’ll come back and win another big one, but I never foresee anything winning anything!
“You live the dream and you hope and try to maintain them as well as you can. It’s so hard to get a good horse, so when you get a good one, you want to try and maintain them for as long as you can and I really feel we try to do that.
“It’s brilliant for Rachael. She’s just so good and is such a professional who works so hard. When she came back from injury our horses hit a bad patch of form, but she just does what she does – she’s class.”
Owner Brian Acheson added: “To see Bob coming up the hill like that when I didn’t think he would stay well, it was a dream.
“We ran him at Navan and then decided to wait for Rachael, who gets on so well with him.
“He came out of the clouds today and I said here comes the dude, because that’s what he is – a dude.”
Blackmore said: “We were very hopeful coming here, but for him to do it is fantastic.
“He’s a phenomenal horse and he’s unbeaten here. I know one day it was a fortuitous win after Galopin Des Champs fell at the last, but you need that bit of luck and today is a great day.
“He was a great ride everywhere today. He’s got speed and was able to use it at the end.
“When you’re riding for Henry, it’s a great help.
“It’s an incredible place, it’s where every jockey wants to be and I’ve been very lucky here. Any time you go up onto that podium, it’s very special.”
Today's Question
Why was the Cheltenham Gold Cup trophy presented in 2019 special?
Picture: The Chaltenham Gold Cup presented in 2019.
FIELDS, Friday, 14 March
Fairview Turf
Today’s Question Answer
After being missing for more than 40 years, the original Cheltenham Gold Cup trophy was tracked down in 2018 and returned to its rightful home at Cheltenham Racecourse. It was presented to the winner the following year.
