Lucy English has been tipped by Dave Mollett to win the Grade 3 Sycamore Sprint over 1160m at Turffontein Standside tomorrow (JC Photos).

Sycamore Sprint A Nightmare For Tipsters With So Many Vying For Victory

Each of the 14 runners has a winning chance

David Mollett (Business Day)

From time to time, tipsters are faced with a Bechers Brook race — the stiffest fence in the Grand National, which will enjoy its 175th renewal on April 15.

The Bechers Brook race this weekend is Saturday’s R200,000 Sycamore Sprint at Turffontein in which each of the 14 runners has a winning chance.

The early market leader is Kiss Me Captain with Mike and Adam Azzie’s filly boasting an impressive win in the Swallow Stakes in January. The daughter of Captain Of All is bidding for her fifth win in seven career starts.

This column likes to find an outsider in the Grand National and the one who appeals in the Sycamore is Lucky Houdalakis’s runner, Lucy English. She ran a bit flat in her latest outing but that was only her second start since July 2022.

The worry for both Houdalakis and the Azzies is that their runners have a low draw — those drawn high usually have an advantage in sprints at the city track.

Dancetildaylight — also drawn on the inside — started her career with Candice Bass-Robinson and won two races. Now in the care of trainer Johan van Vuuren, the filly made a pleasing highveld debut when second to Texas Red in February.

It’s a plus that Dancetildaylight will have Keagan De Melo in the saddle as this season’s leading rider closes in on 200 winners for the current campaign.

Tony Peter’s filly Cold Fact has a high draw and the four-year-old should go well with Craig Zackey partnering the daughter of What A Winter for the second time. However, his mount is 3kg worse off with Stuart Pettigrew’s runner, Alula’s Star.

Richard Fourie is getting plenty of rides for Sean Tarry and he has been booked for the top weight, Marigold Hotel. The four-year-old faces no easy task with 60kg on her back.

Miss Cool drops back to sprinting after contesting the Gauteng Fillies Guineas and is in the mix with British-bred Good Queen Bess, who has performed well on her last two outings.

Though it’s tough to be confident about any selection, 11-1 chance Lucy English is the choice to beat home Kiss Me Captain, Alula’s Star and Cold Fact.

The supporting feature — the 1,800m Jacaranda Handicap — doesn’t look much easier but Fourie can go close on Clafoutis, who got home in a rough finish to the recent Acacia Handicap.

Whether he can beat Queen Of Shadows remains to be seen as Alec Laird’s daughter of Vercingetorix is 2.5kg better off with Mike de Kock’s filly.

Gilded Butterfly — unbeaten over the distance — is a kilo better off with Clafoutis and should go well in the hands of Gavin Lerena. Another who must be included in exotic perms is the lightly-raced Tipsy Tarragon.

SELECTIONS

1st Race: (1) Iron Sky (2) Fulliautomatix (8) Flying Broomstick (5) Viva De Janeiro

2nd Race: (2) Free Movement (1) American Biscuit (11) Mambo Come Tesio (3) Celtic Rush

3rd Race: (8) Robert Burns (2) Trident King (9) Sequoia (7) Admiralty Arch

4th Race: (6) Wokonda (9) Strange Magic (8) Paton’s Tears (1) Captain Peg

5th Race: (6) Bee In My Bonnet (2) Winter Muse (11) Lunar Ballade (1) National Star

6th Race: (10) Queen Of Shadows (3) Clafoutis (1) Gilded Butterfly (5) Tipsy Tarragon

7th Race: (12) Lucy English (7) Dancetildaylight (4) Kiss Me Captain (2) Alula’s Star

8th Race: (7) Fostinovo (4) Vegas Hi Rise (3) Chyavana (9) Mini Coop

9th Race: (2) Cian The Conqueror (6) South Boy (7) Siberian Steel (1) Blue Waters

My press pass allowed me to get a little too close to the 2009 Champion Hurdle runners.

Ups And Downs Of Punting Illustrated By My Cheltenham Visits

Turf Talk Ed

I have always maintained that the crucial advantage bookmakers have over punters is that the latter do not have to get their bet on.

When they price up the bookmaker’s bet is on.

Punters have to decide when is the best time to place the bet and from my experience if you place it early the horse is guaranteed to drift, whilst deciding to place it late means the horse will be what in the UK they call “a steamer” i.e. it shortens dramatically.

But the worst happening of all is when you fail to get on.

This can be due to the wifi going down, the bookmaker’s online system going offline, the bank going offline while you are trying to deposit, the internet going too slowly, typing trouble while making a desperate last minute attempt to get on, the queue on course being too long, daydreaming, distracted by an annoying whatsapp etc.

One of the most amazing truisms in racing is when the punter fails to get on, the horse has a fine chance of bolting in full of running.

The best illustration of all of the above happened during my three visits to the Cheltenham Festival from 2009 to 2011.

I have an old school friend who lives in Cheltenham and I was able to get a press pass, so accommodation was free and course entrance was free so it was affordable.

It was a memorable experience from visiting the famous Hollow Bottom pub which is close to the yards of leading trainers Nigel Twiston-Davies, Jonjo O’Neill and Fergal O’Brien, the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds, the buzz around the town as racing fans flock in, the breakfasts in which every table is having a forum over their Racing Posts, the electric atmosphere on course, the top class and unbelievably dramatic racing, the emotion-charged celebrations and the jollity accompanied by Irish bands in the town at night.

Picture: It is difficult not to relax in the Cotswolds.

There were some forgettable moments and one in particular I still have the odd nightmare about.

My press pass allowed my into the middle of the course together with the photographers, many of whom gathered near the jump closest to the grandstand.

Before the Champion Hurdle I took my place among the photographers lining the rail near the jump with my little digital camera.

What I did not realise was that they all took their photographs and then stepped away from the rail before the horses stampeded past.

So there I was getting a close up of the leader and got quite a shock when it passed inches away from me on the other side of the rail.

In SA there is a running rail and a spectator rail with a gap in between so being used to that might have had something to do with that moment of foolishness.

Luckily my presence did not put the horse off, but I often have nightmares about what might have happened had it done so.

Anyway, it was a fine photograph at least and can be seen above the headline. It illustrates just how close I was to the leader, the David Pipe-trained and Andrew McNamara-ridden Osana, and perhaps it was fortunate he was wearing blinkers.

I recall the security official looking at me wide-eyed and he did not need to say anything when he saw my equally wide-eyed disposition.

Anyway, on to the purpose of this story … the punting.

Upon arrival on the second day I decided to go to the Centaur room, where all of the big bookmakers had stalls.

Over breakfast that morning I had read the column of James Willoughby, a renowned racing intellectual and he singled out two horses at decent prices whom he felt would run places.

The first of them was a Paul Nicholls-trained horse called Chapoturgeon, who was around 8/1 for the Jewson’s Novices’ Handicap Chase and the second was Imperial Commander, who was around 6/1 for the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase.

I wrote out a betting slip at a Coral bookmaker venue, a place double on Chapoturgeon and Imperial Commander.

However, upon taking it with my ten quid to the teller I was told that place doubles were only allowed within each-way double bets, so a ten quid place double would only be allowed if there was a win double for the same amount. I therefore took out another ten quid from my wallet and put the win double on.

I left the bookmaker thinking I had eaten into my budget a bit unnecessarily.

However, the Paul Nicholls-trained Chapoturgeon won the Jewsons by nine lengths under Timmy Murphy.

Later, I remember the amazing feeling of watching Imperial Commander, who had led for most of the second circuit, powering up the hill and continuing to find extra under Robert “Chocolate” Thornton.

He successfully repelled the challenges of the hot favourite Voy Por Ustedes and one other.

What made it more rewarding was I had met Nigel Twiston-Davies briefly in the Hollow Bottom pub a couple of days earlier and he courteously answered my one or two journalistic questions and posed for a photograph.

I then remembered the betting slip and realised the intended place double was now going to be a touch more.

I was quite shocked though to be handed 720 quid over the counter!

It more than paid for the whole journey.

“Choc” Thornton was always a big hero of mine thereafter, not to mention Imperial Commander, who won the Gold Cup the following year under Paddy Brennan.

I felt privileged to get this close to two legends, Kauto Star and Ruby Walsh, after they had won the Gold Cup.

Anyway, the following year on the Wednesday morning I opened the Racing Post and my memory was immediately jolted when I saw James Willoughby had a column again.

I went to the course with two horses on mind taken from the column.

I made my way down to the bookmakers in the front as the horses went down to the start for the first.

I then appraoched a bookmakers and told him I would like an each way double on the following two horses (I can’t remember their names).

His reply, “Sorry, we don’t take doubles here.”

The bookmaker next to him was the same and I was told I would have to go to one of the firms.

Getting to the Centaur Room in time would have been an impossibility and even if there was a firms bookmaker nearby I would probably not have been able to get on considering the number of people who bet just before the off.

I was empty-handed for the two races, having been floored by the refusal and not having had the simple foresight in the limited time available to put a single each way for the first leg.

To cut a long story short Willoughby was on the mark again and, amazingly enough, both horses won.

The worst part was when I worked out what a 10 pound each-way bet would have returned.

It was in the region of 3000 pounds!

A sleepless night ensued on what might have been and that is not to mention the psychological ramifications such a happening has on one’s subsequent betting strategy.

Imperial Commander was walked down to the Hollow Bottom pub by trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2010 (Picture: alamy).

The Willie Mullins-trained Lossiemouth wins the Triumph Hurdle. The Hollywood Syndicate colours can be partially seen behind him. (Getty images: Alan Crowhurst).

Hollywood Colours Fourth In The Triumph Hurdle

Lossiemouth has won the JCB Triumph Hurdle in the opening race of the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins had seven horses in the race and was trainer of the first four home.

The Hollywood Syndicate colours were carried by Gust Of Wind, who was in strong contention approaching the climb to the finish as he was sitting behind the leaders still under a hold.

However, he could not match his stable companions up the hill and had to settle for fourth, which was still some feat considering he started at odds of 22/1.

Justifying Paul Townend’s decision to select the filly, Lossiemouth produced an assured run to win by a couple of lengths from Gala Marceau in second and Zenta in third.

Despite a delayed start owing to some of the horses becoming uncomfortable at the start, Lossiemouth kept her cool amid an often packed and unsettled field.

The 124 merit rating See It Again was given for his Splashout Cape Derby win has been deemed to be correct by an appeal panel.

Merit Rating Appeal Fails For Nick Jonsson’s Splashout Cape Derby Runners

An independent National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) Merit Rating Appeal panel consisting of Messrs R Napier, G Soma and K Miedema was convened virtually on 17 March 2023. The panel considered Merit Rating Appeals lodged by Trainer Mr J Snaith against the published adjusted ratings of the following horses following the SplashOut Cape Derby (Grade 1) on 25 February 2023 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse:

124 given to SEE IT AGAIN

119 given to WITHOUT QUESTION

109 given to ROCKPOOL

The Appeal Panel, after careful consideration regarding if the correct line horse had been used by the Handicappers, concurred that AT MY COMMAND was the correct line horse in this case and that their assessment of the race was correct.

Consequently, the three Appeals were dismissed.

The Appeal Panel ruled that the deposit fee in relation to the three appeals be refunded.

Picture: Ryan Munger (courtesy Facebook page of Sporting Post)

Ryan Munger Excited to Ride at Woodbine

The 27-year-old top-10 rider in South Africa and champion in Zimbabwe is headed to Ontario to start a new chapter in his career.

By: Jennifer Morrison (canadianthoroughbred.com)

Woodbine racing fans are in for a treat in 2023 as RYAN MUNGER, a top-10 rider in South Africa and a champion in Zimbabwe, is headed to Ontario next month to start a new chapter in his career.

The 27-year-old will be represented by agent Mike Luider, best known for his longtime client Emma-Jayne Wilson, one of this country’s all-time top jockeys.

“I am looking forward to it very much, said Munger when talking to Canadian Thoroughbred this week. “Woodbine has a good racing product and looks like a great place to ride.” Munger and his wife Kelsey, who is a licensed assistant trainer and exercise rider, hope to arrive in Canada a couple of weeks before the season begins on April 22.

Munger, who was born in Durban, South Africa, has never been to Canada, but has relatives in the eastern part of the country. Growing up in South Africa, Munger was influenced by his uncle, Stuart Randolph, a very successful rider in South Africa. Munger joined the prestigious South African Riding Academy, a five-year course that encompasses every aspect of horse racing and becoming a rider.

He rode his first race when he was 17 years old and quickly became one of the most respected riders in the very large industry in South Africa. He was the champion rider in Zimbabwe in 2017/2018 season and in 2020, rode in Singapore where he also had a successful campaign. In South Africa, where racing is held every day but at different tracks, Munger would drive or fly up to two hours for races or to work a horse. There are some 150 riders in the country.

Munger is currently in the midst of a top season in South Africa and among his three listed winners on March 4 at Turffontein was Ipso Facto, now a favourite for the South African Oaks, and Good Council, a top contender for the South African Derby. Both races are on the first weekend of April.

The idea of moving to Canada came about during his stint in Singapore. “My wife and I were there during [the COVID-19] lockdown. We tossed around ideas about other places where we might go to ride. We knew about Woodbine, and how big it was, and at first, I thought it was in the U.S. When I realized it was in Canada, I was even more interested.”

Munger was pointed in the direction of Luider, who has also handled the books of champions Eurico Rosa da Silva and Jim McAleney. “I knew of Emma-Jayne Wilson, in fact, everyone in South Africa knows Emma-Jayne Wilson,” said Munger. “What Mike has done with Emma-Jayne is a real feather in his cap and I am very privileged that he will represent me.”

South African racing publications have said Munger is a smart, personable, and modest rider with a knack for saving a horse’s energy for the latter stages of a race.

“The one thing I would say about myself is that I feel like I am a very good judge of pace. You need a horse with a chance, but I am very calm and patient and feel like I can put my horses where they should be in a race.”

Munger is excited to travel more than 20 hours to Woodbine and he is sure to be a great addition to the competitive Woodbine jockey colony.

Muzi Yeni (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Yeni And Jacobson Still In Limbo

Sporting Post

The Inquiry involving jockeys Billy Jacobson and Muzi Yeni will apparently continue in Johannesburg on 3 and 4 April, having commenced on Tuesday.

The Inquiry board consists of Advocate Karen Lapham-Fourie, a former member of the Jo’burg bar, and Ms Bibi Loonat, whom we believe once headed up Legal & Compliance at Phumelela.

The matter is being heard at the offices of the National Horseracing Authority’s attorneys Norton Rose Fulbright in Sandton. which we believe is unprecedented.

We are reliably informed that Jacobson initially faced 6 charges and Yeni 8 following allegations of verbal and physical exchanges in the Hollywoodbets Greyville jockey’s quarters on Monday 13 January.

Yeni additionally also allegedly made use of a mobile phone in contravention of the NHA rules hence his additional 2 charges.

There are a number of eye-witnesses set to testify and given the serious repercussions for both defendants in light of the seemingly astronomical number of charges, it is surprising that more days were not originally set aside.

Jacobson is being represented by leading Cape-based horseracing specialist attorney Robert Bloomberg, while Yeni has both attorney John Bolus and Adv Nigel Riley, whom some may remember as a former trainer turned breeder, acting for him.

We have also learnt that a request by Mr Yeni’s legal team to have both the NHA CEO, Vee Moodley, and Racing Executive, Arnold Hyde, testify was granted by the Inquiry Board. This of course will render them liable to cross-examination from both defendants legal representatives.

Both riders have been placed under an indefinite suspension since 15 February 2023.

Yeni was engaged for 6 rides at Turffontein yesterday.

However, the interim suspension was not removed and he was not allowed to take the rides.

Bravemansgame heads to the start in the King George (SkySports.com)

Hollywoodbets Life After Racing Program For Retired Horses

Hollywood Syndicate have a passion for horseracing and really care about their horses as this excellent video illustrates.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Galopin Des Champs wins the Gold Cup under Paul Townend (Picture: BBC).

Galopin Des Champs wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup for Willie Mullins

Paul Townend produces a brilliant ride to edge Bravemansgame after defending champion A Plus Tard was pulled up in pulsating race

By Julian Bovill For Mailonline

Favourite Galopin Des Champs has won the Cheltenham Gold Cup after a brilliant ride by Paul Townend.

In a pulsating edition of the week’s showpiece race, Galopin Des Champs avoided the carnage that forced two of the horses to pull up and another number to fall at two fences.

With Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame, trained by Paul Nicholls, going at it hammer and tong heading into the final two fences, the eventual winner avoided the mistake it made in last year’s Turners Novices’ Chase which allowed Bob Olinger to claim victory.

Capping what has been another brilliant week for Willie Mullins at Cheltenham, Galopin Des Champs lived up to its pre-race favouritism in the market.

There had been serious questions hanging over the head of Galopin about whether he had the stamina to last the trip, with Mullins insisting he was ready to win the Gold Cup.

With a masterful ride by Townend, those questions were swiftly abolished as he hanged back and waited for his moment.

Executing the break at the perfect time, Galopin Des Champs accelerated into the final straight and won by a few clear lengths.

Claiming his third Gold Cup, a usually calm and collected Townend was visibly emotional having passed the finishing post.

The pressure on the Irishman had been immense in the build up, with criticism over a few of his rides in the days prior.

Bravemansgame followed in second, while Conflated, trained by Gordon Elliott, produced a brilliant run off a fair pre-race price to finish third.

The picture gives a clue to the Gold Cup’s winning-most horse (Hulton archive/Getty images).

Today’s Question

Which horse, jockey and trainer have respectively won the most Cheltenham Gold Cups?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.

Turffontein Standside Fields, Saturday, CLICK HERE

Hollywood Scottsville Fields, Sunday, CLICK HERE

Tom Dreaper, trainer of the legendary Arkle. (picture: alamy)

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION:

Chelenham Gold Cup’s winning-most protagonists.

Most successful horse (5 wins):

Golden Miller – 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936

Leading jockey (4 wins):

Pat Taaffe – Arkle (1964, 1965, 1966), Fort Leney (1968)

Leading trainer (5 wins):

Tom Dreaper – Prince Regent (1946), Arkle (1964, 1965, 1966), Fort Leney (1968)

Turf Talk Newsletter – 17 March 2023