Warren Kennedy Reaches 50 For Season In NZ

“He could be right up there with some of the better horses I’ve ridden”, said Warren Kennedy about the unbeaten Crocetti after winning the Gr 1 NZ 2000 Guineas on him last Saturday (Picture: Therese Davis (Ruakaka Racing))

Turf Talk

Warren Kennedy, fresh over a Gr 1 win over the weekend, has had a winner at both meetings he has ridden in this week and that has taken him to 50 wins for the season and a lead of nine in the New Zealand jockeys premiership.

In second place on 41 is Irish ex-patriot jockey Joe Doyle.

Warren has been on fire in the last two “Grand Tour NZ” racedays this month.

The jockey premiership leader claimed four wins on the card at Pukekohe Park, including the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes and Listed Fulton Family Stakes.

He then took his form into the opening day of the New Zealand Cup Meeting at Riccarton Park on Saturday, where he won the Listed Metropolitan Trophy and the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

His Gr 1 win was aboard the unbeaten superstar Crocetti (Zacinto).

CLICK HERE TO READ A REPORT ON CROCETTI’S NZ 2000 GUINEAS VICTORY

Below is a promotion for the “Grand Tour NZ”, which explains it all:

For the second year running, the racing industry’s largest party continues. A celebration and unification of New Zealand’s top 20 horse racing events across Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Waikato, The Grand Tour is turning up the heat for its return, with an outstanding line up of headline artists set to entertain once the ponies have gone to bed.

Add to that the outstanding hospitality, racing and fashion we’ve come to expect from The Grand Tour, it’s one hot ticket! Eat, drink, and get racy at New Zealand’s ultimate thoroughbred racing festival.

Double For KZN Sire Rabada

The Michael Roberts-trained Umhlali wins fulls of running under Rachel Venniker (Picture (cropped): Candiese Lenferna Photography)

KZN Breeders

Rabada enjoyed a double on the turf on Wednesday, with his doppelgänger son Addabar winning by over five lengths in hand while Umhlali snuck up on the outside rail under Rachel Venniker to grab victory on the line.

Addabar made a winning return to his form, winning easily under Calvin Habib unextended by over five lengths for owner and trainer, MJ Odendaal, who was heard in his interview to say that if the progeny looked like Rabada, they run like Rabada- which goes for most of them as he is a sire that stamps his stock.

The smart colt had a virus as an excuse for his below par performance in his previous running, and looks to be an exciting prospect for the KZN Champions Season to come in 2024. He is a half brother to Gr1 winner Under Your Spell and Gr3 winner Witchcraft.

The next to follow was Umhlali, a well bred filly out of dual Gr2 winner Fisani by Kahal, winning for the second time for owner Mr Tommy Crowe, trained by Michael Roberts.

Rabada stands at Sandra and Lance Trethewey’s Bloomhill Stud, and its currently boasting a 37.5% winners to runners percentage. From 16 runners this season, he has produced 8 winners and 17 places.

Congratulations to all concerned.

Lyall Cooper Fundraiser Golf Day Well Supported

Picture: A small but quality field played in the golf day held today at Melkbosstrand for a great cause

Sporting Post

The Lyall Cooper Fundraiser Golf Day held in glorious sunshine at the scenic Atlantic Beach Links Golf Estate in Melkbosstrand on the Cape West Coast on Friday was another fine example of the racing community standing together in support of a colleague in need.

Popular 4Racing TV on-course presenter Lyall Cooper was diagnosed with cancer in June and has found, like so many before him, that even with provision and planning, serious illness can be a debilitating financial burden that many do not recover from.

Paul Barrett (middle) surrounded by his champion fourball

The Golf day fundraiser was organised by Joanne Knowles, wife of Cape presenter Grant Knowles, and proved a great success, raising over R32 000, with a small but quality field of golfers competing for glory in the name of a great cause.

Longstanding Cape owner Paul Barrett’s fourball teed their way to the top spot, followed by Grant Knowles’ fourball, Brett Crawford’s fourball, with retired champion jockey Glen Hatt’s fourball rounding off an illustrious quartet.

Retired jockey Glen Hatt gives the thumbs up

Brett Crawford and Ian Longmore cooling off after a tough day

Joanne Knowles of Equine Marketing Solutions thanked the sponsors and participants for their ‘tremendous support’.

The honours list included Gaynor Rupert, Golfers Club, Garth Rowe, Brett & James from Crawford Racing, World Sports Betting, Bruce & Jo Gardner, Rainbow Beach Trading, TAB and Central Route Trading.

Lyall’s family and his fiancee, Charlene Basilio, are facing challenging times with mounting medical bills.

However, they will have gained great strength from the fact that the horseracing is rallying around in their time of need.

If you would like to chip in, Lyall is on BackaBuddy. Click here to read more.

Nico Kritsiotis has also facilitated a medical assistance fund with the assistance of Rowan Furman and his team of attorneys.

The account is at Nedbank. Branch code 580015. EFT acc: 50020803119.

Hollywoodbets Durbanville Saturday Formguides And Selections

Sugar Mountain has been selected to win the fifth (Picture: Wayne Marks)

At The Races

1 12:50 PM – Hollywoodbets Durbanville Welcomes You Maiden Plate

Good maiden. TWENTYTWENTYVISION and GRAVITY improved to finish 2nd at this course last time and are likely to be competitive if confirming that progress. KING OF SPIN showed his inexperience last time out when unlucky not to have finished closer but would have come on since and could make amends. SONG TO THE MOON is likely to improve after an encouraging introduction so must be respected too. Both PLAZA ACCORD and SOLOMONS SEAL have claims too.

2 1:20 PM – Cape Racing Sales Restricted Maiden Plate (3 Year Olds)

Lucrative maiden. SPEED RACER has confirmed the promise he showed as a juvenile in both his starts this season, which include a 2nd over track and trip last time. He wouldn’t be winning out of turn and needn’t improve a great deal to shed his maiden tag. LINDBERGH and stablemate NOON DAY GUN are likely to improve for the step up to this distance and have both the form and experience to challenge. GUARDING THE WALL has also shown enough to be competitive. KZN raiders STARS IN HEAVEN and returning PETTEIA complete the shortlist.

3 1:55 PM – Cape Turf Club Syndicates Maiden Plate (F & M)

QHAWEKAZI confirmed the promise of her debut 2nd by running on to finish even closer last time, so the step up to this distance should suit. FASTNET FILLY finished behind that rival but should improve with the benefit of that experience. ELLORIX has been left too much to do from wide draws in her last three starts so ought to go close from a better barrier position on this occasion. Stable companions LOREINA and A THOUSAND KISSES are capable of a lot better than their disappointing latest outings suggest. TICKING BOMB could have a say if taking her place in the lineup (earlier engagement).

4 2:25 PM – Gulf Racing Club Cape B Stakes (F & M)

Tricky. Last-start winners UNCONQUERABLE LADY and FUN ZONE ought to remain competitive despite recent penalties. MISS GREENLIGHT and GIMMEAFIRST are versatile and should acquit themselves well once more. RED SASH finished 3rd over track and trip in a similar contest last time and is likely to be in the mix again off a reduced mark. Unexposed 3yo fillies GIMMETHATPEARL and JAPANESE ROSE are also likely to improve for the step up to this distance after impressive maiden victories over 1250m. MONTELENA is another who should have more to offer over the extra so looks the one they all have to beat.

5 3:00 PM – Racecape Powered By Hollywoodbets Class 2

Good race. SUGAR MOUNTAIN is at the top of his game having won 3 of his last 4 starts, resulting in a total 12-point hike in his rating. He could, however, have more to offer stretching out to this distance for the first time so could defy his most recent penalty. Lightly raced PONTE PIETRA will relish going this trip after a much-needed comeback run and is likely to play a leading role. ITSRAININGWILLIAM is another who should appreciate reverting to 1800m. Stablemates ROCKPOOL and SACHDEV ought to make their presence felt on these terms. GAINSFORD, MY BESTIE and BARATHEON have claims too.

6 3:35 PM – Follow Cape Racing On Social Media Stayers Stakes (F & M)

Tricky. SILVERLINKS and GOLD POKER GAME made encouraging comebacks over an inadequate trip and are likely to fare better stepped up to this distance with improved fitness on their side. LOVE IS A ROSE has maintained her form and consistency in stronger races against male opposition recently, so should find competing against females, with a reduced rating, more to her liking. SECRET IDENTITY and MY FLOWER FATE are lightly raced and open to any amount of improvement going this distance for the first time. Consistent LADY SILVANO is versatile and likely to acquit herself competitively once more.

7 4:10 PM – destinationcaperacing Class 3

Intriguing contest. POMODORO’S JET and ROSH KEDESH both caught the eye on their reappearances recently and would have come on since so ought to be competitive, especially over this trip which will be more to their liking. TAMARISK TREE also made an encouraging comeback/local debut and should have more to offer. CARRIACOU ran on well in just his second outing this distance to finish ahead of FUTURE TURN last time and, with the winner having subsequently won a Grade 3, is good value to uphold that form on these terms. PROMETTERE and NIGHT RULER are capable of getting involved too. Good race!

8 4:45 PM – Hollywoodbets Bright Class 4 (F & M)

Stablemates CALLMEGETRIX are RAINBOW LORIKEET are closely matched on recent form. The former was drawn wide and ran on from a hopeless position to finish on the heels of the latter last time so is good value to turn the tables from a more favourable starting stall on this occasion. Both are likely to improve over the extra 200m, as is progressive PRINCESS IZZY. Both FATAL GEM and ENCHANTING CHOICE benefitted from a step up in distance to win last time and could remain competitive, in spite of their wide barrier positions. METAR wouldn’t be winning out of turn and BENEATH THE MOON can earn too.

Katjedi, Calvin Habib, Tarry, De Kock Doubles

Savannah Storm roared through a gap to score an impressive win at Turffontein Standside tonight and it secured a double for jockey Malesela Katjedi. The Phillip and Jeannique Vermuelen-trained seven-year-old Sudden Storm gelding was officially 2kg under sufferance with the best weighted runner Captain Peg, but that did not stop him beating a quality field that included Gr 2 winners Feather Boa (runner up), Val D’Orcia (3rd), Humdinger (4th) and Peach Daiquiri (8th).

Turf Talk

Malesela Katjedi and Calvin Habib rode doubles at the Turffontein Friday evening meeting.

Sean Tarry and Mike de Kock both scored doubles.

Katjedi goes to 8 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 8.08%.

Habib is on 42 wins at 11.35%.

Tarry is on 17 wins at 10.69%.

De Kock is on 22 wins at 14.47%.

Perth Summer Carnival Kicks Off Tomorrow (Saturday)

Picture: Destination Perth

Summer is around the corner in Australia, meaning it’s time for the scorching Perth Summer Carnival to kick off with five consecutive Saturday’s making up The Pinnacles at Ascot. Day One on Saturday 18 November has two major highlights with firstly, the G3 $300,000 WA Champion Fillies Stakes for three-year-old fillies over 1600m. In recent years, this race has been a launching pad for superstars from the west and a key lead up to the G1 Northerly Stakes in three weeks. Arcadia Queen won in 2018 before winning multiple Group 1’s and Kay Cee placed in 2019 before winning the Northerly Stakes. The Placid Ark Stakes has had its prizemoney boosted to $500,000 in recent years and provides an opportunity for up & coming three-year-old sprinters to make a name for themselves. The undercard includes the G3 R.J. Peters Stakes offering a last chance to qualify for next weeks Railway Stakes plus the G3 Colonel Reeves Stakes and Listed Jungle Mist Classic for sprinters.

Western Mail (Lochie Taylor & Scott Embry cover the feature races and feature stories for the first day of the Pinnacles)

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Trackwork Interviews

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Trevor Andrews, trainer – Paris Calling, Ayumi & Krysanova.
Mitchell Pateman, trainer – Almighty Class.
Jake Casey, co-trainer – Hanchi, Snow Prince, Read Admiral & Laverrod.

Fourie And Greeff Four-timers - Fourie Projected Season Tally 301

On The Road Again (Vercingetorix) wins the last race to give both Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff four-timers on the day. (Pauline Herman Photography)

Turf Talk

Richard Fourie rode a four-timer on the Fairview poly today, three of them for his guv’nor Alan Greeff, who also scored a four-timer.

Gavin Smith scored a double.

Fourie is now on 90 wins for the season at a strike rate of 20.74%.

If he keeps up his number of rides rate he will have 1453 rides for the season and at a strike rate of 20.74% that will give him 301 wins, which is 33 short of Anthony Delpech’s 334 record.

Any jockey beating that record will earn a R1 million bonus from Hollywoodbets.

However, at this time last season Keagan de Melo was on 98 wins at 22.17% and he ended up on 277.

Alan Greeff is on 37 wins for the season at 14.18%.

Gavin Smith is on 32 at 9.47%.

Today’s Question

The horse pictured was the last to achieve the Durban July/Summer Cup double

Winchester Mansion is out to do the Hollywoodbets Durban July/Betway Summer Cup double. Which horses in history will he emulate if he does it?

Weekend FIELDS

Hollywoodbets Durbanville, Saturday

Hollywoodbets Scottsville, Sunday

Today’s Question Answer

Turf Talk

Johanesburg used to have four main races a year, the Summer Handicap, Autumn Handicap, Winter Handicap and Spring Handicap. It was changed to have just one running per year in 1950 and has had various names including Summer Handicap and Summer Cup.

The following horses have done the double of Johannesburg and Durban’s biggest races.

Bonnie Dundee Johanneburg Autumn Handicap 1903 and Durban Turf Club Handicap 1906

Sir Caulin Johannesburg Summer Handicap 1909 and Durban Turf Club Handicap 1910.

Lombard Johannesburg Winter Handicap 1913, Durban Turf Club Handicap 1912.

Winnipeg Johannesburg Summer Handicap 1915, Johannesburg Winter Handicap 1916 and 1918, Durban Turf Club Handicap 1915

Pamphlet Johannesburg Summer Handicap 1917, Durban Turf Club Handicap 1918 and 1920.

Glen Albyn Johannesburg Summer Handicap 1928, Durban July Handicap 1928

Sun Tor Johannesburg Winter Handicap 1937, Durban July Handicap 1934.

Flash On Johannesburg Summer Handicap 1952, Durban July Handicap 1953

Numeral Johannesburg Summer Handicap 1962, Durban July Handicap 1964

El Picha Johannesburg Summer Handicap 1999, Durban July Handicap 1999 and 2000