Turf Talk Newsletter – 18 July, 2025

The imposing Cousin Casey, a champion son of boom sire, Vercingetorix. (Picture: Supplied).

Cousin Casey, the smashing and well-performed son of Vercingetorix, has been retired to stud at Mauritzfontein. He arrived at the legendary Kimberley farm on Friday afternoon and has been bouncing around his new paddock like a colt with a fresh set of dreams—head high, ears pricked, and clearly aware that his next chapter has just begun.

Ravi Naidoo, who owns Cousin Casey under his ‘Kalinga’ banner, said that the decision to retire the five-year-old entire was taken after his 2025 HWB Durban July preparation was hampered by an injury.

A late foal, Cousin Casey was a calculated buy at the Bloodstock SA National Yearling Sale in 2021, fetching R375 000. His exploits in becoming the Equus Champion Juvenile in 2021/22, helped trigger the boom prices for his sire at subsequent sales.

Cousin Casey won a Listed race, two Group 2s and a G1, and was second-placed four times in Group 1s, and twice in Group 2s. He was positively imperious as a juvenile, won a G2 as a three-year old and ran his heart out, leading from the front into the southeaster, in the 2023 Met, finishing just 1,8-lengths behind Jet Dark and Kommetdieding, who have both also started careers at stud.

As a three-year-old, he was moved on veterinary advice, to a high-altitude training location where he thrived. His first run back, after a six-month layoff, was a close second in the G2 Charity Mile, and he subsequently unfurled four 2nds in the KZN Champions Season, notably twice to Dave the King (who beat all-comers in the 2025 Gold Challenge too), and the famous heart-stopping 2024 Durban July finish, where he was beaten just 0.30-lengths by Oriental Charm, giving the winner 3kg.

Cousin Casey’s pedigree is noteworthy, being by South Africa’s all-conquering champion stallion-elect, Vercingetorix, out of Bretton Woods (Casey Tibbs), a full sister to an Equus Champion and 2009 Durban July winner, Big City Life.

Naidoo told Turf Talk: “I am super excited about Cousin Casey’s prospects at stud. He is the first recognised champion by Vercingetorix to go to stud, and given that he exhibited precocity as a racehorse is an immediate advantage. Precocity is coveted by local markets, and he must therefore be a compelling proposition.”

Cousin Casey, in full cry.

Sean Tarry, who trained Cousin Casey in the latter part of his career, agreed with Naidoo and commented: “Cousin Casey is a brilliant specimen. He is well conformed, especially considering he is a Vercingetorix. He has an impressive depth of girth and great hind quarter, perfectly balanced, which almost creates the illusion that he is compact, despite his 16.2 hands. He was always resplendent in an exceptional coat, relished his work, and over term, his form can never be question. Last season in KZN, he was a revelation in distances from 1400 to 2200m. He is a versatile champion who will be an asset to our stud book.”

Naidoo added: “Cousin Casey is a special horse and has given much joy to all connected with him. The interest in his career as a stallion has been lively. I am pleased to say that Jehan Malherbe and John Freeman of Freeman Stallions, our two most revered bloodstock agents, have agreed to share syndication duties. That in itself is a noteworthy compliment to Cousin Casey’s potential.

“Collaboration is a pre-cursor to our industry being globally competitive. It’s two sides of the same coin.”

Naidoo himself is an accomplished businessman and a broker of high-profile interactions, with 30 years at the helm of his company, Interactive Africa; founder of Design Indaba, the globally renowned design platform. He also co-founded Rain, the ground-breaking internet service provider. Naidoo received a Royal award, the 2015 Sir Misha Black Medal for innovation in design education; was responsible for the First African in Space mission with Mark Shuttleworth in 2002, and the marketing bid to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

He concluded: “Cousin Casey will be standing on a fabled piece of earth. I am truly grateful to Jessica and Steven Jell and look forward to having many smaller, Indie breeders in the Karoo and KZN, being involved with Cousin, alongside the majors. We’re making him highly accessible at a stud fee of only R10,000. Shares are available which will include service rights.”

For more information, speak to Jehan Malherbe on 083 252 8146 or John Freeman on 082 777 8117.

Picture: Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, celebrates with jockeys at the Happy Valley Season Finale. (hkjc.com).

The individual and collective feats of Hong Kong’s equine titans – Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble – elevated Hong Kong’s world-class racing onto an even higher plane during a record-breaking and historic season.

Led by Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble, Hong Kong’s champion horses won 11 of the world’s top Group 1 races in 2024/25, while eight of the city’s elite races were included in the 2024 LONGINES World’s Top 100 Group/Grade 1 races, demonstrating the enduring quality of the Club’s racing.

Additionally, 12 Hong Kong-trained horses received an international rating of 115 or higher in the year-ending 2024 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. In particular, by the end of the 2024/25 season, Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising, both at a rating of 126, are at joint-fourth place with Delacroix in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings behind Field Of Gold, Forever Young and Ombudsman (all 127), while Voyage Bubble, at a rating of 121, was joint 15th. This is an incredible accomplishment given Hong Kong has a pool of about 1,300 horses in training – or less than 1% of the world’s racehorse population.

Acknowledging these achievements, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said: “It’s been an amazing season, with outstanding performances by top horses that have truly captured the imagination of fans not just in Hong Kong but around the world. Since the Policy Address of HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, we have been able to attract even more Mainland and overseas tourists, who have come to our racecourses in record numbers to experience our city’s signature sport for themselves. These achievements strengthen the position of Hong Kong racing as a world-class sport and entertainment experience. They have also made an important contribution to Hong Kong tourism as well as underlining Hong Kong’s vital role as a centre for East-West exchange.”

The quality of Hong Kong horses was again illustrated at Hong Kong’s two international flagship events, the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and FWD Champions Day. Competing against 41 overseas runners from seven different nations and jurisdictions, Hong Kong’s finest triumphed in five of seven Group 1 features.

Three flagbearer horses shared the spotlight in Hong Kong and also on the global stage. Ka Ying Rising became only the third Hong Kong horse to win eight races in a single season, and also gained the status as the world’s top-rated sprinter with four Group 1 victories and twice breaking Sha Tin’s 1200m course record – a mark which had been held by Sacred Kingdom since 2007. In doing so, he stretched his winning streak to 12 races, the third-longest in Hong Kong racing history behind Silent Witness (17 races) and Golden Sixty (16 races).

Ka Ying Rising’s invincible season also saw him become the fifth horse to capture the three-race Hong Kong Speed Series bonus of HK$5 million, following his victories in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m).

Romantic Warrior’s globetrotting heroics continued with victory in the G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) in Dubai in a track-record time.  Adding to victories in Hong Kong, Japan and Australia over the past two seasons, Romantic Warrior became the first Hong Kong-trained horse to win   G1 races in four different racing jurisdictions. His narrow defeats in the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) and the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m), where he placed second in both races, served only to underscore his champion status, as well as making him the world’s richest racehorse in terms of career earnings.

Voyage Bubble became the city’s second Triple Crown winner, and first in 31 years, by matching the feat of River Verdon with victories in the G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) in the same season.

Read more.

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Picture: Gavin Lerena, set to clinch the 2024/5 National Title.

Going into the final fortnight of the season, Gavin Lerena’s quest for a second Champion Jockeys’ title looks to be a fait accompli. At the time of writing, Lerena has built up a 10-win advantage and even challenger Richard Fourie might have to admit that his chances of retaining the title he won last year, are disappearing fast.

Lerena looks set to notch up another few runners at Turffontein on Saturday when they race on the Standside track.

He does ride a number of winners for the Tony Peter yard and he can claim a win for them when he climbs aboard The Ultimate King in Race 6, a MR 80 Handicap over 2000m.

This lightly raced three-year-old son of Vercingetorix has always been highly thought of by Peter and after a couple of disappointing early starts, the decision to geld him was proven to be the right move and has seen him turn the corner.

He was a very comfortable winner of his maiden and then produced a flying finish after a poor start to beat Impact Investor going away by 0.75 lengths.

He has only been penalised 4.5kg for the two wins and should still have a lot more to give. He also has the benefit of jumping from No 1 draw and looks a possible banker in all bets.

Well-related Jabari Thimba, a Pathfork half-brother to highly rated Garrix, filled the runners-up berth on debut over 1160m and is good value to open his account under Lerena in Race 3 over 14o0m with that experience to count on and improvement expected over the extended trip.

And the conveyor belt of Lerena-ridden winners will likely churn out another in the form of Obsidian in Race 9 over 1400m. This impressive last-start scorer pulverised his opposition over 1600m six weeks ago and the form of that victory was franked by the runner-up, Birthright, winning subsequently.

The progressive three-year-old gelding carries races off a career-high mark under an eight-point penalty but that is unlikely to prevent Van Vuuren’s charge from winning again, with Lerena aboard for the first time.  – Jack Milner/TAB News.

Picture: Minnie Hauk is deep in the red for Irish Oaks.

Minnie Hauk, who got the better of a thrilling tussle with her classy stable companion Whirl to win the Oaks at Epsom, will face only six rivals when she aims to double up in Race 5, the Group 1 Juddmonte Irish Oaks over 2400m at The Curragh on Saturday. The Frankel filly has been priced up at 1-4, one of the shortest-priced Oaks favourites in many seasons, and looks set to give Aiden O’Brien his eighth success in this classic.

Picture: Cole Dicken rides Escapologist in Race 5. (Race Coast).

ANDREW HARRISON previews the race meeting scheduled for Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday, 20 July.

R1:  BLACK FROST (7) has shown some ability and was not far back on his poly debut but has run well on this course. Rachel Venniker is back from injury with her 1.5kg allowance. BOURON’S BEAST (9) started at long odds in both starts but was much improved last time out and the stable is in form. MOHAVE PRINCE (8) was a modest fourth on debut at long odds but experience should bring him on. GREEN GATEWAY (10) is a regally bred debutante and one to watch in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 7-9-8-10).

R2: CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT (1) has put in two promising efforts to date and was not far back in a strong maiden last time out. With a 4kg claimer up she should be competitive. MISS KANSAS (6) made a smart debut over course and distance but ran well below form at her last start. Big chance on her debut effort. DREAM DECISION (5) raced green on debut on this course and should come on with the run. QUEEN FENN (8) is consistent and can feature in this line-up. DI ROSA (9) has not been far back in her last five starts but is struggling. She was close-up on the poly at her last two. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-5-8-9).

R3: Many in with chances. CATCH A PENNY (5) has not been out of the money in nine starts and has gone close over this distance. She takes on males but should be thereabouts again. NEXT OF KIN (8) was a beaten favourite at just his second start. He has shown up well in both outings and this trip should suit. DIGITAL ASSET (6) was staying on gamely behind the highly rated Bruh last time out. He has improved with each outing. CARNIVAL PARK (4) is another that has been improving all the while and the stable is in form. (Andrew Harrison: 5-8-6-4).

R4: FLYING SOUTH (1) has improved with every outing and was narrowly beaten last start. She steps up in trip but has the best of the draw in what appears to be a modest line-up. MISS TWINKLE (6) raced green on debut but did find some market support. She is sure to come on with the outing. SKIPPER O’MALLEY (10) has shown some ability and has a fair money chance. SNEEUWITJIE (12) gets first time blinkers and a light weight. She can surprise. (Andrew Harrison: 1-6-10-12).

R5: Not an easy race where pace will be key in a small field. LADY MY LADY (9) is a lightly raced four-year-old who goes the trip for the first time. However, she only has 49kg to shoulder and was not far back at her last two. ESCAPOLOGIST (3) loves this course and distance and goes well for Cole Dicken. A repeat of her last effort will see her close again. OUR LADY FATE (6) steps up in trip but has had two promising warm-ups leading into the race. She should stay the trip and is one to follow in the market. SHINY BOB (4) won well last time out and has a 4kg claimer aboard while BAD MEDICINE (2) is better than his recent form would suggest. (Andrew Harrison: 9-3-6-4).

R6: LADY ELEANOR (7) is lightly raced but shows promise. She disappointed first up on the poly but has done well over course and distance. VISION TO ACHIEVE (5) is in cracking form over course and distance but found Hot Pearl in a galloping mood last time out. HAPPY ANALIA (1) gets firs time blinkers. She is holding form and her last win was over course and distance. HURRICANE CAT (6) was much improved when winning first up with a tongue-tie. She is quick and has a chance again. (Andrew Harrison: 7-5-1-6).

R7: THESUPERNOVASTAR (3) was much improved with the blinkers removed and a repeat effort over course and distance should see him competitive. BEACH PALACE (4) was two lengths back to Thesupernovastar when last they met but the apprentice has been replaced by Callan Murray. Similar sentiments go to stable companion ATTABOY (6) with Gavin Lerena replacing an apprentice. SAIL TO THE MOON (7) was in that same race but having his first outing for Yogas Govender after arriving from the Western Cape where the form generally pans out well in KZN. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-7-6).

R8: Mike Miller has three chances here but judged by jockey bookings ETHEREAL VIEW (4) could be the stable elect. She had it tough from a wide draw on the poly last start but has good form over this trip. RADU (5) is holding form well and is back over what looks to be her optimum trip. PROM QUEEN (11) has a wide draw to contend with but has come well of late and with some luck in running should contest the finish. SKYTRIX (10) also has a wide draw but has a 4kg claimer aboard and showed signs of her best form last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 4-5-11-10).

Dave The King will be facing some strong opposition. (Picture: Race Coast).

The final field for the Grade 1 HKJC CHAMPIONS CUP at HWB Greyville on Sunday, 27 July, has been announced. 

Durban July hero, THE REAL PRINCE, is equally effective over 1600m and with his powerful turn of foot presents a realistic challenge to champion miler DAVE THE KING. Three-year-old FIRE ATTACK has already won a Grade 1 on weight-for-age terms and, with an arguably less stressful build-up campaign, could run the two older stars off their feet. A proper horse race in which the stalwart GLADATORIAN also has shout on his fast-finishing third to Dave The King in the Gold Challenge.

The picture presents a clue:

The Scott Brothers’ resident stallion, Mogok (USA) sired the winners of the HKJC Champions Cup in 2010 and 2011. The 2011 winner was named after the singer, pictured above. Who was he?