Swiss Patrons Behind Massive Stakes Boost For Cape Derby Day
Lucky Fish Gr1 Cape Derby 2026 – a sizzling finish as Wish List charges clear (Picture: Supplied)
Race Coast have reported that Saturday, 27 February 2027 will mark a historic moment for horse racing in South Africa with the inaugural Swiss Derby Day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in Cape Town.
The landmark race day will offer total prize money of R10 million, making it one of the richest race meetings ever staged in Cape Town.
The programme will feature seven races, headlined by the prestigious Swiss Derby (Grade 1) for three-year-old horses over 2000 metres, with prize money of R3 million.
To encourage large and competitive fields, prize money will be paid to the first eight finishers in every race.
Adding further excitement to the meeting is a unique R1 million jackpot, which will be shared among all trainers, jockeys, owners and breeders who win at least three races on Swiss Derby Day.
Swiss Derby Day Race Programme
RACE PRIZE MONEY DISTANCE
Race 1 R750 000 1800m
Race 2 R750 000 2400m
Race 3 R1 000 000 1600m
Race 4 R1 000 000 1400m
Race 5 R1 000 000 1200m
Race 6 R1 500 000 1200m
Race 7 R3 000 000 Derby Gr 1 2000m
The Swiss Derby Day has been initiated by Swiss entrepreneur Rolf Theiler and his Cape Town born wife Gloria Arendz Theiler. Rolf Theiler has longstanding ties to South Africa and the Cape Town region spanning more than 35 years.
Horses have played a central role in Theiler’s life.
A former successful show jumper, he founded the CSI (Concours de Saut International) Zurich in 1988, which went on to become the world’s most successful indoor show jumping tournament, an event he chaired for 30 years.
In recent years, Theiler has also become actively involved in South African horse racing, owning several racehorses in the country. Through his engagement with the local racing industry and many discussions with stakeholders, the concept for Swiss Derby Day emerged.
Theiler is convinced that the race day will attract Swiss companies and individuals as partners and sponsors, bringing a distinct Swiss flavour to the event. The national colours red and white will feature prominently, while racegoers will be able to enjoy Swiss culinary specialities and traditional Swiss folk music as part of the festivities.
“We are highly motivated to further develop horse racing in the Cape region with new ideas, inspire new partners for the sport and present the perfect conclusion to the Cape Summer Festival of Racing with Swiss Derby Day,” said Rolf Theiler.
“The Swiss Derby Day is a fantastic example of how international collaboration can help strengthen the future of racing in South Africa,” said Race Coast Chairman, Greg Bortz. “The scale of the prize money and the international flavour of the event will add a new dimension to the Cape Summer Festival of Racing and help showcase the quality of South African racing to a global audience.”
The Swiss Derby Day is expected to become a major new highlight on the Cape racing calendar, combining world-class racing with international flair.
Rafeef Colt Out Of Singforafa Is Top Lot
Picture: Lot 94, a Narrow Creek Stud-bred Rafeef colt out of the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint winner Singforafa (Potala Palace)
After the first day of the Race Coast Premier Yearling Sale the top lot was a Narrow Creek Stud-bred Rafeef colt, who is the first foal of the smart Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint-winning Potala Palace mare Singforafa, and he was purchased by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for R4 million.
There were 19 seven figure yearlings on day one (lot 1 to Lot 143) and a notable statistic is that three of them were by the new Drakenstein Stud-based sire Jet Dark, whose 11 lots averaged R 775,000.
Vercingetorix had five seven figure lots and was the top sire by average at R1,297,222, although the single lot of British sire Cracksman went for R1,5 million.
Rafeef was the top sire by aggregate with his 15 lots fetching a total of R 17,650,000 for an average of R 1,176,667.
Kommetdieding’s first Sales day saw him average R 355,000 for five lots with a high of R900,000 for a half-sister to the speedsters Celtic Rumours, Almond Sea and Sarah.
A notable improver was The United States, whose five lots averaged R535,000 with a high of R1.6 million for a filly out of an Oratorio half-sister to Via Africa.
Texas Missile Can Take The Hawwaam Stakes
The Alec Laird-trained Texas Missile has been tipped to win the Derby Trial event, the Listed WSB Hawwaam Stakes over 2000m (JC Photos)
The Listed WSB Hawwaam Stakes over 2000m is the headliner of the Turffontein Standside ten race meeting on Saturday and it could be won by Texas Missile.
The One World colt has been in fine form over this trip and last time out he was at the bottom of his merit rating band in a Middle Stakes event and yet only failed by 0,70 lengths to win it. He is now officially only 1kg under sufferance with the best weighted runner, Copper Eagle, so he should be in the shake up if able to overcome a tricky draw of ten. Culturati has the form to be in the shake up here from pole position and he is still unexposed so can improve. Titans Of War is another with scope for improvement and should be a threat. Bellerophon stays well and it is not wise to leave out a son of Vercingetorx in a feature these days. Copper Eagle likely found the Guineas too sharp last time and con bounce back over this more suitable trip.
The Listed Aquanaut Handicap over 2400m is the other stakes race at the meeting and the progressive Aladdin’s Lamp could be the one to side with. The Master Of My Fate gelding arrived on the Highveld just under a year ago with a merit rating of 75 and, as has often been shown, his Cape Town merit rating proved to be suppressed due to the general strength of the racing down there. The only time he has not placed in the first two since arriving was when running over a too sharp 1450m and he he is now rated 103. However, the reason he could still have more to come is that only one of those runs has been as far as 2400m and he won it. He might have been rated only 87 when he won that race, but he proved he stayed the trip and can be ridden confidently with that in mind this time. Navajo Nation has some class and proved last time out he stays by finishing second in the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers over 2800m. Breeze Over starts slowly but if able to get to the front relatively easily can still be a threat. He is in fact well weighted with Aladdin’s Lamp on their last clash over this trip, being 7kg better off for a mere 0,40 length defeat. Royal Invitation has the form to earn in this race and is going for a distance hattrick. Her last race was in a Listed event and was a comfortable victory so she could have a shout again. Enflame is also going for a distance hattrick and looks to be coming into his own. Battlegound is a decent stayer and Richard Fourie is up which will help his cause.
In the Non-Black Type Ormond Ferraris Oaks Trial Curious Girl is progressive and can go in again over a suitable trip. Reece’s Wish is promising and is reliable so should be right there. Into Dancing has the form to be a contender here. Special Star can earn if finding her best form. Babette’s Feast has ability, but has to overcome a wide draw.
In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1000m Sosoru made a fair debut behind a good sort and can win this with improvement. Slender Silhouette has always been thereabouts and should be a threat in this line up. Scorpio will be right there if reproducing his penultimate start.
In the eighth race over 1800m Olivia’s Way has plenty of class and will enjoy this trip at this tough course, so should go close especially considering she is officially the joint best-weighted along with Indian Ocean. Choisaanada has a lot of ability but still has to prove he stays this trip, although pole position and the 1,5kg gender allowance of Rachel Venniker will help. The Ultimate King is still coming into his own and he will be a threat. Legend Of Arthur needs to bounce back and could do so back in Jo’Burg after a disappointing Cape Town campaign, although he is likely not at his peak yet. Indian Ocean is a capable sort who didn’t enjoy much luck in her last few starts, so she could have benefited from a layoff.
In the ninth over 1400m Busstopinhounslow packs a strong finish and is versatile so will enjoy this trip. Almond Sea has speed and proved last time she stays this trip. Just Be Lekker has plenty of class and will relish this trip from a good draw. Miami Mountain was outpaced last time over 1100m in a Gr 3 and still won, so should enjoy this step up in trip. Greaterix has been a disappointment, but if bouncing back to his best he will be dangerous over an ideal course and distance.
In the first leg of the Bipot over 1000m Love Not War looks hard to beat.
In the first leg of the PA Wings Of Kildra should get punters through.
JP's Palace Can Upset The Applecart In King's Cup
JP’s Palace is officially 6kg under sufferance with the best-weighted King Pelles in the King’s Cup, but he represents a yard with a high strike rate and he won’t be “prepping”, unlike a number of others (Picture: Race Coast)
Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections
R1 Summary: A number of first timers but many with experience. Of those that have run, CHERRYBLOSSOMPINK (2) found some market support on debut and was staying on behind Japura beaten a neck. The extra furlong and the benefit of experience could see her go one better. ANUSHKA (4) was a length behind on that occasion and has finished third in both starts. She can make further improvement with Gavin Lerena aboard. QUERARISTINYFERARI (13) was well fancied las time out and improved nicely. Craig Zackey replaced Keagan de Melo who has opted for Cherryblossompink. ROYAL CREST (7) made good improvement second time out behind stable companion and short-priced favourite Global Trend. (Andrew Harrison: 2-4-13-7).
R2 Summary: PEACH MELBA (3) comes from a very much in form stable. She has improved with each outing and looks primed for this race. SIYABAMELELA (4) was nearly two lengths behind Peach Melba when last they met but is a lightly raced four-year-old who is slowly coming to hand. WARRIOR ROSE (5) is another lightly raced four-year-old who obviously has issues as she has only had two starts months apart. She returns from another break so one can assume that she is close to her best. LUTHANDO (8) has put in two promising efforts to date and can show further improvement. TIPPERARY (9) is a long-time battler but has improved in this stable and has Fourie up. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-8-9).
R3 Summary: FLEUR DE LING (9) made a pleasing course and distance debut and regular rider Rachel Venniker is in mustard form of late and they look the part. HIGHVELD STORM (1) showed up well first time back from a lengthy break and first time blinkers. He gets a claiming apprentice aboard and should feature. SNOW QUEEN (3) didn’t feature first run on the poly. She is back on turf in her peak run. BRIGHTSUNNYDAY (4) made sudden improvement at long odds last time out. A repeat effort could see her into the money again. (Andrew Harrison: 9-1-3-4).
R4 Summary: Tough start to the Pick 6 with many in with chances. QUERARI ROSE (5) is lightly raced and needed her last run. She drops in class with a big weight but has a 4kg claimer aboard. At best she should at least go close. PAST IS PROLOGUE (11) was a recent maiden winner at only her third start and her second after a long break. She does appear to be capable of further improvement. BLUE HORIZON (2) has been dropping in the handicap and may now be off a more competitive mark. SNEEUWITJIE (3) is always difficult to catch ‘right’ but did show improvement last run with the blinkers removed. GORGEOUS GIRL (9) surprised at long odds last start but has shown recent improvement. Richard Fourie takes the ride. (Andrew Harrison: 5-11-2-3-9).
R5 Summary: Wide open handicap. GO GRAYSON GO (11) tried to make all over course and distance last time out and made the smart King Pelles work for victory. He shoulders top weight but a repeat effort can see him go one better. PLUM PUDDING (8) is hardly ever out of the money she was a winner last time out and has won on this course. ACTOR (7) and FRENCH TRIP (2) meet at level weights again. Garth Puller’s runner gets Richard Fourie up who could turn the tables on his apprentice rival. Actor is long overdue. BRUH (9) has always been well thought of by the stable and showed up well first run back from a recent break. (Andrew Harrison: 11-8-7-9-2).
R6 Summary: Tough handicap. Mark Dixon has two lively runners in MASTER DU ROUVRAY (9) and JAZZ FESTIVAL (3). Both have chances but the former looks the more likely. He has done little wrong since his maiden win and is back over what looks to be his optimum trip. NEXT OF KIN (2) would appear to be the pick of Mike and Mathew de Kock’s two runners judged on jockey bookings. The gelding has been a little disappointing since his maiden win where he should plenty of promise. MISTER NIBBLES (7) has been knocking at the door and Richard Fourie replaces the apprentice in the saddle. (Andrew Harrison: 9-2-7-3).
R7 Summary: Weight could be the most telling factor in a high class contest. There are a number of big guns warming up for Champions Season and could consequently leave the way clear for current lessor lights like JP’S PALACE (4) Darryl Moore’s gelding is hardly ever out of the money but faces an acid test. His current form is hard to fault but he does rise in class. However, he takes a corresponding drop in the weights and with joint bottom weight over a suitable trip he will be a factor. KING PELLES (6) was hard-pressed to win over a more suitable trip last time out but Gareth van Zyl was wary of pressing his champion stayer too hard before the season and stable companion IMPOSING (5) could be the better option although he is 3kg worse of with JP’S Palace on their last meeting. Nathan Kotzen saddles three top class runners, best of which could be FIELD MARSHAL (8) who appears to be most at home over this trip. (Andrew Harrison: 4-5-8-6).
R8 Summary: Wide open handicap. VISION TO ACHIEVE (2) is overdue another win and was only run out of it late over course and distance last time out. She meets many of the same rivals and there should be very little separating them all. However, she meets CALL ME JANE (5) on 1.5kg worse terms with Rachel Venniker being replaced by Gavin Lerena. Call Me Jane was running on well from an outside gate before finishing up the inside. MYSTIC DANCER (7) has smart recent poly form but has run well on the turf. She has yet to finish out of the money in six starts. MILLION VOICES (4) improved on the poly last run with the blinkers removed and she can feature on her best effort. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-7-4).
R9 Summary: MAJOR TOMMIE (2) is back over his best trip. He has only once been out of the money and he should put in another good shift. SERENGETTI SUN (10) is a promising filly and made a cracking comeback after a lengthy break last time out. This trip will suit and she should feature prominently. CITY OF LOVE (3) won well over course and distance last run. He took a hefty six-point rise in the handicap but still looks progressive and carries bottom weight. CIRCUMBENDIBUS (8) meets City Of Love on much better weight terms with his 4kg claimer aboard and can turn the tables. (Andrew Harrison: 2-10-3-8).
R10 Summary: NIGHT TIGER (11) started favourite last time out but something went amiss and he was not persevered with. He had promising form prior to that and can make amends. IN THE BAG (6) must surely have a change of fortune soon having finished runner-up in four of his last five starts. ARVERNI PRINCESS (2) contested a highveld feature last run and was not far back considering the quality of the opposition. Her previous form was solid and she gets 2.5kg relief from the saddle. CAPPELLINO (8) comes from a much in-form stable but there are a few in here that could have her number. (Andrew Harrison: 11-2-6-8)
Mullins Heaps Praise On Gold Cup Record-Breaker Townend
The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old gelding Gaelic Warrior on his way to a comfortable victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and it gives the Irish jockey Paul Townend a record fifth victory in the iconic event (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)
‘He is just my ultimate’ – Mullins heaps praise on record-breaker Townend
Fifth win in the Gold Cup puts Closutton number one out on his own.
At The Races
Willie Mullins was fulsome in his praise of Paul Townend having watched his jockey become the most successful in Cheltenham Gold Cup history with his victory aboard Gaelic Warrior.
Townend pulled clear of Pat Taaffe who also won the race on Fort Leney as well as his three successes on the mighty Arkle.
The 35-year-old was coolness personified on the eight-year-old – who barely came off the bridle – as he added to his two wins each with Al Boum Photo and Galopin Des Champs.
In seeing Gaelic Warrior win, Mullins has joined Arkle’s trainer Tom Dreaper on five victories in the blue riband.
“I wasn’t aware that he had won the Gold Cup more than any other jockey, that’s incredible,” Mullins, who was also crowned leading trainer at the meeting for an incredible 13th time, told the Press Association.
“What I always say about Paul is that he is just so cool, he’s especially good under pressure and there is no pressure like Gold Cup day in Cheltenham.
“I always find when the going gets tough, Paul gets going. He is just my ultimate man. When you need a bit of coolness, Paul is the man that can provide it.
“Remember that day at Punchestown when Al Boum Photo ran out with him at the last? A lot of jockeys would have disappeared for a year after something like that happening in a Grade One.
“Not Paul, he came back the following day and rode four winners, he just forgot about it and put it behind him.
“The best compliment I can pay him is that he just comes in and does his job, when you need him he is always there, he’s a fantastic rider.”
On this year’s Gold Cup, Mullins could have barely had a moment of doubt.
“Gaelic was keen enough early on, but then Rebecca Curtis’ horse (Haiti Couleurs) come over in front of him to make the running and I think most race-readers said that was what would happen,” he said.
“A lot of things went according to plan, apart from arriving in front a little earlier than we wanted, but he just had so much in the tank, I was quite happy.
“How he got beat in the Fred Winter (in 2022 on his debut for Mullins) all those years ago is the question we all want to answer!”
Marchland Is Malmoos' First Stakes Winner
Marchland pulled clear in impressive style to remain unbeaten (Pauline Herman Photography)
Marchland followed up on his impressive debut win under Muzi Yeni by winning Friday’s Gr 3 East Cape Fillies Nursery over 1200m on the Fairview turf.
The Kelly Mitchley-trained bay gave Triple Crown winner Malmoos (Captain Al) his first stakes winner.
She started at odds of 13/10 after support came for the Alan Greeff-trained first-timer by Canford Cliffs, Chatterbox.
Yeni rode a patient race and had her a couple of lengths off the pace.
She moved up well and, with challengers on both sides, she drew clear to win easily.
Dean Smith had five runners in the eight horse field and finished second and third with Rungstedland (Canford Cliffs) and Daffodil Delight (What A Winter), who were beaten 3,25 lengths and 3,75 lengths respectively.
Chatterbox was next best, beaten 6,25 lengths, and in fifth was Eternal Spirit (Master Of My Fate).
Marchland looks smart and it will be no surprise to see her contesting in other provinces.
Papaya Brose Can Follow Up On Impressive Debut
Papaya Brose winning impressively on debut (Picture: HKJC)
At The Races tipster Tim Carroll is back with Sunday’s preview for Sha Tin’s 11-race card, including his three best bets.
This Sunday sees a competitive 11-race card from Sha Tin on both the Turf and All-Weather tracks getting underway at 06H30 SA Time and there are four Class 3 contests on the card with race 8, The Junction Handicap, over 1 mile on the dirt, offering more than £200,000 in prize-money.
Now onto this week’s selections:
Today's Question
Which King’s Cup winners have gone on to win the July?
The picture gives a clue
Today’s Question Answer
Jollify won the King’s Cup in 1967 before winning the South African Guineas and then dead-heating with the immortal Sea Cottage in the July when receiving 27 pounds.
In 1969 Sea Cottage’s half-brother Naval Escort won the King’s Cup and followed it with a win in the Natal Derby, a second in the SA Guineas and then winning the July.
