Turf Talk Newsletter – 20 August, 2026

Candiese Lenferna Photography 

The reigning Equus Champion Stallion and reigning Equus Champion Broodmare, Vercingetorix and Palace Of Dreams respectively, were together responsible for the highest priced lot on day one of the BSA August Two-year-old Sale (Lot 130).

The chestnut filly vendored by Millstream Farm and bred by Sheik Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s Al Adiyaat racing operation is a full-sister to both Gr 1 SA Classic winner Grand Empire and to Equus Champion two-year-old filly Palace Of Arvernia, already a winner of two Gr 2s.

She was purchased by Form Bloodstock for R2.6 million.

Palace Of Dreams has only had three runners to date and all five of her foals born have been by Vercingetorix.

The superstar stallion only had three lots on day one and they averaged R1,516,667.

The first of them sold was also a chestnut filly from Millstream Farm out of an Australian-bred one time-winning daughter of Encosta De Lago and Louis Goosen bought her for R450,000, unusually cheap for a Vercingetorix, especially considering the dam is a full-sister to a Gr 3 winner in Australia.

The next Vercingetorix to be sold was a Varsfontein Stud-bred colt out of a twice-winning Judpot mare who was a Gr 2 runner up and he was bought by Hollywood Racing.

The top sire by aggregate was Rafeef with seven lots fetching R5,100,000 for an average of R728,571.

The second highest average was achieved by Legislate with his three lots averaging R900,000.

Click here too see details of the Sale 

Andrew Balding receives a trophy from Queen Camilla during his dominant day at the York Ebor meeting (Sporting Life Racing)

The Gaynor Rupert homebred Mehmas filly Machadadorp completed a memorable four-timer for Andrew Balding and a treble for Oisin Murphy on the second day of the York Ebor meeting when landing the concluding 7f fillies’ handicap.

Balding has landed both of the major Gr 1s at the festival so far, winning the Juddmonte International with Item on Wednesday and the Yorkshire Oaks with Kalpana today, both ridden by Colin Keane.

The three-year-old Machadadorp broke sharply and remained close to the leaders before moving into contention inside the final two furlongs. She passed the 18-1 shot Woohoo and pulled two and a half lengths clear to record her third career success in just six starts (and she has also had a second).

She is out of a Redoute’s Choice mare who had a Gr 3 third and a couple of Listed top three finishes.

Machadadorp had finished second in a competitive Newmarket handicap before finding the drop to six furlongs against her at Glorious Goodwood. This step up in trip on rain-softened ground brought her stamina back into play.

Her success took Balding’s prize-money haul for the afternoon to £525,820.

Balding’s dominant four-timer kicked off with a commanding success for The Lost King in the mile heritage handicap.

The 7-1 shot took over from the pacesetting Mirsky before pulling two and a half lengths clear of last year’s winner Bullet Point.

Balding’s four-year-old, who was progressive on the all-weather in the winter, reached a new level on turf when scoring over course and distance last month and defied a 6lb rise to strike again under Oisin Murphy.

Balding’s wife and assistant Anna Lisa said: “We weren’t sure he’d go on the ground, but Oisin said he loved it. It was a brilliant ride to go on in front and they never got near him.”

Murphy added: “The team have done a terrific job with him at home. We weren’t going crazy fast and the field didn’t really lay up with the leader. I managed to get a break on him and it was all quite smooth.”

There was drama at the start when 10-1 shot Checkandchallenge was left with no chance after trouble in the stalls, with jockey Callum Shepherd unable to remove the blindfold before the gates opened.

Kalpana won the next race and Balding’s outstanding run continued when Prizeland added a third consecutive race on the card for his Kingsclere team in the Listed Galtres Stakes.

Prizeland moved to the front in the home straight and quickly pulled clear under Murphy to win by three and a quarter lengths.

The 11-1 winner had arrived with stronger form than her lack of a victory on turf suggested. She had finished second in the Lingfield Oaks Trial in May before again filling the runner-up spot behind Superior Choice in the Listed Glasgow Stakes last month.

That Hamilton contest has produced subsequent Group 1 winners including Kalpana, Subjectivist and Defoe in recent years, and Prizeland built on her effort there when returning to competing against her own sex.

Her previous wins had come on the all-weather at Kempton and Lingfield and the cut in the ground appeared to bring further improvement.

Anna Lisa Balding said: “Oisin got off her and said that’s what she loves. We needed to get this Listed win under her belt.”

The top class Summerhill Stud-bred filly War Of Athena (JC Photos)

The Act Of War filly War Of Athena, owned by S Wentzel & Dr Rosemary Waterman-Wentzel, was an amazing champion filly who won eleven of her 20 starts including two Gr 1s, three Gr 2s and one Gr 3.

Her only foal is a South African-bred filly by Vercingetorix and this S Wentzel & Dr Rosemary Waterman-Wentzel-homebred filly called Goddess Of War has had two promising starts in Ireland.

Bred to Southern Hemisphere times, she is racing as a three-year-old, but is technically not yet three as she was only born in October 2023.

She is trained by the dual purpose trainer Jessica Harrington.

Among the many good horses Harrington has trained is Pathfork, who won the Gr 1 National Stakes and is now a successful Gr 1-producing sire in South Africa.

She is the most successful woman trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, winning the Gold Cup with Sizing John and campaigning the like of two mile-legend Moscow Flyer, whose Cheltenham Festivals wins included the  Arkle Trophy and the Queen Mother Champion Chase twice.

Harrington has also won an Irish Classic, winning the Irish 1000 Guineas with Alpha Centauri in 2018.

Goddess Of War finished fourth on debut in a three-year-old event at Gowran Park over one mile and two furlongs.

Today (Thursday) at Leopardstown she ran on in a Maiden over a mile at Leopardstown to finsih a 3,25 length third under Shane Foley.

She will continue to improve and it should not be long before she wins a race.

Kalpana ridden by Colin Keane (left) passes Sparan Nua ridden by Rossa Ryan on the way to winning the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks

‘She is the full package – if you want to ride a racehorse, she’s the one you’d want to ride’.

At The Races

King George heroine Kalpana just held on to land the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks at York after a mighty scare from Sparan Nua.

Aidan O’Brien’s outsider Sugar Island was immediately sent to the front and Ronan Whelan quickly distanced himself from the field, extending the advantage to 20 lengths turning for home.

But as the main players began to eat into that lead, Colin Keane sent Kalpana to give chase over three furlongs out, hitting top gear two furlongs from home, only for Jim Bolger’s Sparan Nua – who got a little squeezed at one stage – to make up plenty of ground and close the gap.

The line just came in time for the 10-11 favourite to hold on by a short head, giving Keane, Andrew Balding and owners Juddmonte a second Group One in the space of 24 hours, after Item had landed the showpiece Juddmonte International on Wednesday.

“You knew after going a couple of furlongs it was going to be messy and passing the three (furlong marker) I thought the pacemaker was gone,” said Juddmonte’s European racing manager Barry Mahon.

“Colin had to commit probably a bit sooner than he wanted. When he saw himself the pacemaker was gone he had to chase her down a little bit, so she was always going to be vulnerable to something closing late, but she’s gutsy and knows where the line is.

“She put her head down and got the job done. It’s not pretty, but she got the job done and that’s the main thing.

“Fast ground, slow ground, 12 furlongs – you wouldn’t even be afraid to drop her back to 10. She’s just very versatile and the ultimate pro now. She’s fully matured now at five years of age and keeps answering all the questions, so it’s wonderful.”

Connections must now consider how to split their aces, with either Kalpana or Item likely to get a shot at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Should Item be given the green light to head for ParisLongchamp, Kalpana – who finished seventh in last year’s Arc – will almost certainly bid to win the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot later in October.

Mahon added: “We have the horse from yesterday too, so whether he’ll go to the Arc and we wait for Ascot with this filly – we have to sit down in a week or two and discuss all that, but it’s a nice problem to have.

“The horse from yesterday has joined the fray, so we’ll decide all those sort of things in the next couple of weeks with the owners and see what they want to do.

“Item is definitely a top of the ground horse. He got away with the good to soft here yesterday. Funnily enough Colin actually said this filly doesn’t enjoy the softer ground as much as she did last year, he said she felt like she enjoyed the faster ground in Ascot more the last time than she did today.

“I wouldn’t have thought we’d run both in the Arc. Again that will be the owners’ decision, but it wouldn’t be my first preference.

“I suppose with Item being a colt, if the ground comes up good he’d probably have the preference, and with this filly Ascot was always the target, so it would make sense to sidestep the Arc if the ground is good – but that’s a big ‘if’.

“She probably will retire at the end of the year. Whether she’ll finish at Ascot or if she doesn’t go to the Arc whether she’ll go to the Breeders’ Cup – there’s a lot of variables to work out.”

Keane was fulsome in his praise of Kalpana, describing her as “the full package”.

“I felt we went along nice and even and obviously the pacemaker got a break on us,” he said.

“I probably didn’t realise how far she’d got in front of us until we turned in and levelled up, I felt nothing beside me was going to bring me forward and the one thing she is is very willing, she’ll do what you ask her and she chased the leader down well.

“She got there relatively easily and then kind of wandered a bit and waited for them to come, but I’d say the ground felt plenty slow for her. I think she’s got used to running on quicker ground and appreciates it.

“She showed her class and her will to win. I could hear the commentator getting very loud, but I didn’t want to be hard on her because I felt she was giving me everything and thankfully the line came at the right time.

“She is the full package – if you want to ride a racehorse, she’s the one you’d want to ride.”

Queue Wing has been a soldier and can make a bold bid for a ninth career win and the first for over a year (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

Andrew Harrison

A small but competitive seven-race card faces punters on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville tonight.

Veteran trainer Ricky Maingard still has a small string based at Summerveld before heading back to home base at Milnerton later this month but he could reduce his travelling costs back to Cape Town with Klein Karoo in the first leg of the Pick 6.

Klein Karoo made the highly rated Coast Of The Sun work for victory last time out. The latter may have needed the outing but it was still a brave effort from Maingard’s runner whose last win was over course and distance. Mike and Mathew de Kock saddle Next Of Kin who looks the main threat. The gelding’s form is holding up well and he also enjoys the poly. He was touched off last start and looks a lively threat. Going on jockey bookings Dricus appears to be the best of the Andre Nel pair ahead of Prins Jaspar who is returning from a break. Dricus was a winner over the distance last time out and only got a three-point raise in the handicap. Cowdray Park may have needed his last run over a sprint and steps up to what looks to be a more suitable trip.

The first is the opening leg of the Bi-Pot as well as the PA where Cuba Libre is lightly raced and both runs have been on soft turf. He makes his poly debut and can make the required improvement although at face value the form does not stack up. The filly Floral Kingdom has run two smart races on the poly. She steps up in trip but has a very much in form Keagan de Melo to help her home. Prince Of Rabada has improved with cheek pieces and has a handy galloping weight. He has a money chance. Ziphos continues to disappoint but is better than his last two on the turf. Back on poly he should be competitive.

Dean Kannemeyer only has one runner on the evening. Maphaka won well last time out and has gone close over course and distance and should be competitive. Danger could come from Frank Robinson’s Banff who has his first run for the stable. He showed some useful form in good company in the Highveld and if taking to the poly he will be a big runner. Gary Rich’s smart mare De Vlugge is back on her favourite surface and has excellent form over course and distance. With a handy galloping weight she should run another forward race. Future Flo is never far back but meets Mphaka on the same weight terms as their previous meeting and from a deep draw he may not be able to turn the tables.

In the fourth, Shiny Bob goes well over the trip and is back on what looks to be his preferred surface. Princess Palace showed signs of her best form last time out. She gets a 4kg claimer aboard which should see her competitive. Mohandas had his last win over course and distance two runs back. He was not far back when taking on stronger last run on the turf and the switch back to poly will suit. National Dream is way better than his last two on the turf. He is best on the poly and can feature in a difficult race.

The fifth is an open handicap but Glen Kotzen’s mare Sesame denied the handicappers last time out with a comfortable victory. She got a seven-point raise in the ratings but is at the top of her game and can deny the handicap again. If she fails things get tricky. Thoonsil’s last win came over course and distance. He was a beaten favourite on the turf last run and can improve back on the poly.

Queue Wing is a veteran but has been holding form well. He is down in class and a ninth win is not out of the equation. Tee Dog was a close-up fourth last run on the turf and looks the pick of Wendy Whitehead’s pair. Fine Wine may have been a little out-classed at her last start but has useful form on this track.

Dog Soldier is a lightly raced three-year-old who won well when shedding his maiden. He takes on much older modest handicappers in the sixth but looks progressive and can follow up. Send Me is struggling for his second win but has shown recent improvement in blinkers and should be competitive in this line-up. Sail To The Moon goes well on the poly and has been knocking on the door for some time now. He will never get a better chance at a third win. King Bavarian only got a two-point raise in the ratings for his last win but both recent wins have come on the turf.

Mano Pandaram has a number of runners on the night but best could be last. Arilena makes the trip from the Highveld but has run well over course and distance in the past. She has been in useful form of late and should put in a good showing. Got The Word is struggling for his second win but goes very well on the poly and distance is no problem. Cappellino is something of a five furlong specialist but gets the benefit of a 4kg claimer and can go all the way. These three are drawn wide alongside each other. Mountainsofthemoon has been trying further of late but is seldom far back. She must have a strong chance on her best form in spite of the drop in trip.

Mercantour won all three legs of the Poly Challenge last year and begins the defense of his title at Fairview on Friday (Pauline Herman Photography) 

Fairview Poly Friday 21 August 2026 – Comments by Trevor Reid

RACE 1

TP THUNDERCHILD has hit the crossbar three times in a row and can go one place better this time. LOVELY DANCER is holding her form and could have a winning turn. TIPSY is clearly better than her last run would suggest and should fight out the finish. AURELIAN, ALLEYAH’S ROCKET and LOOKING GOOD are not reliable but are capable of earning some money. MOON GIRL makes a local debut and could contest the finish.

RACE 2

WINTERONTHEGREEN showed what she is capable of with a solid success last time out. She has cracked a good draw and may well follow up. ICED MARMALADE showed a form return last time and her trainer is in very good form. RULES OF CONDUCT would prefer further but would also not be a surprise winner. TRULY MAGICAL seems to be improving and is not out of it. BANDMASTER and CHIEF RUNNER are looking to upset but need to find their best form.

RACE 3

QUEEN OF CASTILLE was doing her best work at the finish last time out. She showed good improvement from her debut and could go close to scoring. HARPA was not disgraced on local debut and could have more to offer. GREEN POINT is threatening to win a race and must be respected yet again. PRICELESS TREASURE has lost her way in her last two starts but was very consistent before that and can be a threat. PEEKABOO and DEAD POETS SOCIETY could make some money.

RACE 4

TOO LATE MY MATE has been unlucky not to win either of her last two starts and is ready for a winning turn. LAGUNA VERDE is clearly better than his last run and could contest the finish. ABOVE THE HORIZON is threatening a success and must be respected for that. DYNALLEY and ROLL OF THE DICE are not reliable but are capable of making the frame. JOHNNY DRAMA tends to lack a strong finish but can earn some money. VILA VICOSA will carry a penalty for an easy last win but is also not out of it.

RACE 5

A competitive looking race. GOLDEN CROC has not been beaten far in her last two starts and should go close to winning this. FANTINE is improving and should be right there at the finish. WOMAN IN GOLD seems better than her last run would suggest. QONDANEKUKHANYENI is consistent and clearly in with a chance. GUTSY BABY will prefer this longer distance and cannot be ruled out. PRESERVE FOREVER is unreliable but has a place chance.

RACE 6

MERCANTOUR won the Polytrack Challenge last year and is back in Leg 1 and ready to do it again. This is a tough start for him without regular rider Richard Fourie, but he does get the vote to score. CRUISE CONTROL is a class sprinter and has won twice over this course and distance so deserves the utmost respect. FAIRY KNIGHT has not been at his very best of late but would not be a surprise winner. MOVER AND SHAKER is unreliable but does possess

talent and could surprise. GUY GIBSON and BLACK EGRET are both arriving for this after modest last runs but can earn minor money.

RACE 7

A very open looking race and it might pay to go very wide in this leg for all exotics. IONA CASTLE quickened nicely to win on local debut and could have more to offer. MONTELENA is in good form as is her trainer so she must be respected. LADY BOMBER bounced back to form with a good win and is not out of it. LOTUS SILK is better on grass but ran well enough last time out to suggest she can win this. GENOVEFA loves the Polytrack and is distance suited so is in with a shot at more success. DESERT CLOUD, NORTH STAR and DUPONT EMERALD are three others to consider.

RACE 8

An interesting race. Having just turned three, POWEROFPEACE could be better than rated and looks the one to be with. WHITE WATERS is not reliable but always capable of surprising when in the right mood. ICY LANCASTER and KAMAKAZI are capable of scoring but are also unreliable. ALEX MILLER has been threatening a second success for some time but is not an easy ride. AMANATTO and MARKETA are two others that can get involved with the finish.

A great photograph is separated from a good one because it captures a moment in time that tells a story on its own.

Chase Lebenberg’s photograph of the moment Mickaelle Michel realised she had won the Gr 1 Daily News 2000, and thus become only the second woman to win a Gr 1 in SA history, achieved just that and duly won him the Equus Award for still photography.

Chase tells the story of the picture, “This season we were fortunate to welcome international jockey Mickaëlle Michel to South Africa. She arrived with a résumé many riders would envy, having raced in France, Japan and Australia. Earlier in the season she claimed the WSB KZN Guineas (G2) aboard Star Major for the Crawford stable and in May 2026 her long-held ambition came true. Mickaëlle took the elusive Grade 1 victory in the Daily News 2000 on Star Major, breaking into tears of joy as she crossed the line. Deeply moved, she thanked the South African racing industry for its support this season.”