Turf Talk Newsletter – 19 May, 2026

Chasingtherainbow gives newly licensed trainer Richard Barrett a winner with his first runner (Picture: Wayne Marks)

South Africa’s newest trainer Robert Barrett scored a winner with his first runner at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth today as the Potala Palace gelding Chasingtherainbow came from second last with a tremendous finish under Richard Fourie to win by an easy 2,50 lengths.

A lifelong dream came true as the 27-year-old Manchester-born trainer greeted his winner and an emotional interview followed.

Robert chose Chasingtherainbow for his grandfather Paul at the Sales and had always been with him as he was formerly the assistant trainer for Crawford Racing, firstly with Brett and James and latterly with James.

So that made the win even more special.

It was the sixth career win for the Normandy Stud-bred gelding.

The four-year-old 93-rated horse had a tricky draw of nine in the 1400m B Stakes event.

He hadn’t raced since winning a Middle Stakes event over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on February 22 and did not have it easy today as he was on the bottom of his merit rated band.

He hence started at generous odds of 17/2.

Fourie sat on him after he had jumped well and eased him until he was sitting in second last place.

He remained patient in the straight until the 400m mark at which point he switched him out.

The bay immediately started building and was clearly stretching out like a winner, while the others had begun to paddle.

He swept to the front at the 100m mark and went on to win easily.

Paul Barrett spoke of his pride in his grandson, but not before mentioning how he had been in the depths the previous week after losing a close friend and was now suddenly in the opposite state of mind.

Listening between the lines of the interview, Robert will be going places as a trainer.

He leaves no stone unturned and has an unusually good memory, a valuable asset for a trainer.

He was spoken highly of by both joint-owner David Curran and by his grandfather.

An elated Paul Barrett leads in Chasingtherainbow while trainer Robert Barrett hangs back in the background (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Robert thanked many for the win, including his own team.

The Philippi trainer had foregone a possible career as a professional golfer to follow his dream and it has been a long journey to reach this point.

Robert said he was just sad “Louis” (Mxothwa) had not been there to share the win as he had always partnered Chasingtherainbow.

Click here to read how Robert Barrett ‘s dream became reality 

Querari Dancer runs in the first leg of Jackpot 1, the Gr 2 Allan Robertson Championship, and has a fine chance if able to overcome the problematic draw of one (Picture: Julia Marnewick) 

The exotics are the way to go in the Festival Of Speed meeting at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday as the Pick 6 can pay a healthy dividends, whilst the Jackpot  Of Graded races is always a exciting wager to be involved in.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Uzwano has a nice middle draw and with Gavin Lerena up he should be finishing strongly and will go close. Talk To The Master has hard-knocking form and should be finishing strongly. Those two could get punters through, although the risk averse can consider wider.

In the first leg of the Jackpot, the Gr 2 Allan Robertson Championship, Querari Dancer would be fancied more if she had a better draw than one, which will be especially problematic for her style of running in which she comes from off the pace. The outiside horses tend to drift inward and cause traffic problems for the lowly drawn horses who are being held up. The wily Fortune might concoct a plan though and this horse looks to have the class to win. Get Up showed a fine kick from a handy position over 1100m to win the Gr 3 Pretty Polly Stakes and has a form chance. If she can be in the leading line the draw of four should not be problematic and she has the Tarry factor. Secretary Bird is well regarded and Griselda beat Get Up in the SA Fillies Nursery, but the latter slammed the SA Nursery winner Good Day Sunshine in the Pretty Polly, so Get Up was prbably below par in the Nursery. Griselda has a scurrying sort of action so is not as impressive as Get Up but they win in all shapes and sizes and she has a nice draw of seven out of 16. Flower Island won well in both starts, although her time was not noteworthy last time.  Ventura Boulevard won by ten lengths on debut in the East Cape and can’t be ignored.

In the Gr 1 Gold Medallion Rich Man’s World looks to be a superstar and can be bankered. For he risk averse Haute Couture can be included as he was very impressive on debut. Egremont caught the eye with his debut win and can also be considered.

In the Gr 2 Golden Horse Sprint Cosmic Speed bounced back when put over a sprint down the straight last time and as he is a former Gr 1 Gold Medallion runner up he is already proven over this course and distance. He has a nice draw of seven. One Eye On Vegas has speed and class and if able to overcome the troublesome number one draw he could be in the shake up. Taxi To The Moon is in devastating form and from draw five should make a bold bid. Texas Red is a 1400m specialist with consistent form and he should enjoy the tough Hollywoodbets Scottsville course and distance. Jerusalema Rain is in fine form and could still have more to come as he has found bis feet in the Tarry yard and he should be in the shake up. Cafe Culture has speed and class and should be right there. Fox On The Run has some class and is tough to ignore. Last year’s winner Tenango comes in fresh and could have benefited from the layoff.

In the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint one would have to go thin, considering how many horse had to be put in legs one and three. Asiye Phambili is fancied to take it, but she will have a tough task keeping Double Grand Slam at bay and last year’s winner Mia Moo must also be considered.

In the last leg of the Pick 6 Circumbendibus has been in fine form and should make a bold bid. Chapbook is only the reserve runner but if getting in he will go close as he caught the eye finishing strongly over 1100m at this course last time. Disting has some good form in Cape Town and has a good record over this course and distance. Vibe SA is an enigmatic sort but is good on his day and has a shout as he is in good form. Magic Surprise was not disgraced last time in the In Full Flight Stakes over 1100m and he has come into his own so should make a bold bid. City Of Love finished a good fifth in the In Full Flight Stakes and should also make a bold bid.

Picture: Riethuiskraal Stud, a beautiful farm upon which National Colour and other top class horses were bred  

Riethuiskraal Stud, whose paddocks have been graced by some outstanding thoroughbreds, will be holding a Reduction Sale on Sunday, May 24th. The catalogue for the auction can be viewed online at www.bsa.co.za

In April 2000 Altus Joubert, an advocate from the Johannesburg bar, purchased the land from Smith and developed it into a stud farm. At that time Joubert had already been breeding thoroughbreds for some 10 years, boarding mares at various farms. As a consequence the horses were bred in the name of “Adv A.P. Joubert”. All such horses referred to herein reflect the breeder as “Riethuiskraal Stud”.

The stud is the source of several champions and other outstanding horses. By the beginning of 2013 the stud had produced horses that have won more than 400 races.

Riethuiskraal’s reduction sale catalogue is made up of more than 40 lots, with the catalogue made of broodmares and weanlings. Among the covering sires represented in the catalogue are A Case Of You, Buffalo Bill Cody, Eden Roc, Erupt, Expert Eye, Jet Dark, Oriental Charm, Point Lonsdale, Sandringham Summit, and Thunderstruck.

A few potential standouts in this catalogue include:

Lot 4 – a filly from the first crop of star sprinter A Case Of You out of a stakes placed Che Bella

Lot 9 – a filly by the inform The United States out of a six time winning half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Running Brave

Lot 16 – Bint Susu, a Singspiel half-sister to G1 winner Special Fighter, she sells in foal to Erupt

Lot 19 – Celestina, runner up in the G3 Pretty Polly Stakes, the daughter of Kahal sells in foal to Point Lonsdale

Lot 20 – Che Bella, stakes placed winner of six, this mare has been covered by A Case Of You

Lot 27 – Gilded Tigress, the half-sister to recent G3 Legal Eagle Stakes winner La Pulga sells in foal to A Case Of You

Lot 30 – Linda My Love, dam of four winners as well as the promising two-year-old Juliet Of Verona, she sells in foal to champion Jet Dark

Lot 35 – Quippi, dam of two stakes placed runners, the winning daughter of Trippi sells in foal to Expert Eye

Lot 36 – Sao Paulo, six time winning daughter of Trippi was covered by Thunderstruck

Lot 39 – Slinky The Cat, the dam of promising two-year-old Sherlock Holmes is in foal to Expert Eye

The sale, which will take place at Riethuiskraal, is set to get underway at 12h00 sharp and will be conducted both live on-site and via the BSA Zoom platform.

Please note that buyer registration is required prior to the sale. For registration or further information, kindly contact Ashley de Klerk at ashley@bsa.co.za or +27 (0) 84 514 1723.

A veterinarian will be available on-site on sale day to assist with any requests, queries, or support that may be needed.

Should anyone require accommodation for the sale, please contact Erhardt Joubert. gejoubert@mail.com or +27 (0) 83 321 1114.

Chasing Gold has been tipped to win the fifth race (Picture: Race Coast)

The Hollywoodbets Greyville poly meeting on Wednesday, 20 May is competitive throughout, but there should be some fair opportunities for punters.

In the fifth race over 1600m, CHASING GOLD will be improving all the time being by Ideal World out of a Silvano mare. His dam Silver Class was a sprint-miler so CHASING GOLD has interestingly dropped in trip after a good win over 1900m last time out. She had to handle a four point raise for that win, but she is a galloping type who is drawn three and she should make a bold bid from a likely handy to front-running position. MISSISSIPPI SPICE is also in fine form and going the right way, so should be right there too.

In the opening leg of the Pick 6, GIMME THE POWER has held her own in stronger maiden company in Cape Town under low weights, while also producing a solid effort in Class 5 handicap company. She made a good debut in KZN in a maiden and should be in the shake up here in this maiden jumping from draw three under Andrew Fortune. CHOOKS KISS and PEACE ROSE also have to be considered.

In the next leg of the Pick 6, GOLD GOLD BABY impressed in her KZN debut in a maiden over 1900m and can follow up off a reasonable 75 rating. She has a nice draw on her poly debut. PRINCESS PALACE will go close if repeating her last start and if she has a chance then LA MADDALENA must also be considered as she beat PRINCESS PALACE narrowly last time, although she does now have a wide draw to overcome.

In the sixth race over 1600m, a Middle Stakes event, TOMYRIS on a 93 is one off the top of her merit rated band and this merit rating has seen her go close in both of her previous two starts, including in a Middle Stakes race last time. She is clearly well weighted under these conditions and should go close from a good draw. SPRIT OF SHIMLA and ICE RAIN make most appeal of the rest.

In the seventh over 1200m POETIC PRINCESS won well last time and has a chance off a four point higher mark from pole position. LITTLEBLACKGEM and CLICKBAIT look well treated at present and can earn.

In the last race over 1400m, MASK ON ran a cracker last time and can go close on that performance, while HEAVEN’S WILL should be right there too if reproducing her latest effort over this course and distance.

The meeting could start with a win for the well drawn QUERARISTINYFERARI in the 1000m contest, although on form there is not much between her and the widely drawn ROYAL CREST.

In the second over 1600m, the Highveld raider ROYAL JACKET makes appeal as a consistent sort who does not face an inspiring field.

Giant Balloon comes off a hattrick and will be out to beat SA-bred All Out For Six (One World) and others in the 8th race (Picture: HKJC) 

At The Races tipster Tim Carroll tipped three winners on Sunday and returns with Wednesday’s preview for Happy Valley.

This Wednesday sees a competitive nine-race card getting underway at 12H40 SA time and the feature of the meeting is race 9, the Class 2 Thistle Handicap over 6f, offering prize money of more than £280,000.

A record-breaking R10-million stake is the main attraction for the equine athletes at the 130th running of Africa’s Greatest Horse Racing Event, but is just one of the many reasons the Hollywoodbets Durban July will once again be South Africa’s ultimate social occasion on July 4.

Anticipation continues to build for an event that promises spectacle on every level. Country Allure has been unveiled as the vibrant theme for 2026, setting the stage for a celebration where the country’s leading fashion creators, world-class musical entertainment and South Africa’s finest racehorses come together for an unforgettable experience.

While trainers, owners and jockeys fine-tune preparations to ensure the nation’s top equine stars peak for the prestigious R10-million, 2 200m contest, the fashion and entertainment industries are equally hard at work preparing to captivate audiences at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse.

The announcement of the Country Allure theme earlier this year sparked a wave of creativity among fashion houses, designers, young creatives and hospitality specialists. Drawing inspiration from South Africa’s dramatic rural landscapes and the timeless elegance of equestrian culture, racegoers will transform Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse into a vibrant celebration of the Rainbow Nation on race day.

The first of the six Invited Designers has now been revealed, with Thula Sindi’s elegant creations showcased on this page and across the event’s social media platforms. The remaining five Invited Designers will be announced over the coming days, with their designs featured weekly in The Mercury.

Meanwhile, the DFF Rising Stars presented by Durban Fashion Fair – who will also showcase their work on race day – are putting the finishing touches to their collections, set to be unveiled later this month.

Alongside the established names, emerging talent is preparing for one of the most demanding and rewarding opportunities in South African fashion. In early June, students from fashion design colleges and technikons across KwaZulu-Natal will compete in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Metro FM.

Entries will be narrowed to 25 semi-finalists before a final selection of the top 10 young designers is made. These emerging talents will enjoy a career-defining opportunity to present their Country Allure creations alongside the Invited Designers and DFF Rising Stars at the Gala Preview Show, before showcasing again on race day in front of more than 50 000 spectators.

Beyond providing a platform for industry leaders, the pre-race fashion showcases also inspire amateur fashion enthusiasts and socialites, ensuring Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse becomes a dazzling display of colour, creativity and individual expression when the big day arrives. Racecourse entrance tickets are available via Ticketpro at www.ticketpro.co.za, as well as at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on weekdays and race days in the lead-up to the event. While tickets will be sold at the gates on race day, advance purchase is recommended to avoid queues. On-site parking will be available at R170 per vehicle.

A central pillar of the race day experience remains the event’s renowned hospitality offerings, with luxurious infield and grandstand packages catering for a wide range of tastes and budgets.

Racegoers seeking a premium day of food, fashion and music can explore available hospitality options at www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za.

All indications are that the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July will deliver a true celebration of Country Allure, appealing equally to fashion lovers, socialites and dedicated racing enthusiasts.