Lyle Hewitson after scoring his 1000th career win on HK Dragon at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (Hkjc.com).

Lyle Hewitson Double Includes 1000th Win

Lyle Hewitson scored a double at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday night and it took him to 1001 career wins.

In the second race of the evening over 1650m in a class 4 race he scored on the Douglas Whyte-trained Japanese-bred five-year-old gelding Lord Kanaloa.

It was the gelding’s first start this year and after jumping from draw six, Hewitson had him in the back four in the 12 horse field for the first half of the race.

He then moved him up steadily and he turned for home handy.

The horse found plenty in the straight to score easily by 2,25 lengths, a fine training feat by Whyte after the four month layoff.

Hewitson had thus reached 1000 wins almost exactly seven years after riding in his first professional race on March 6, 2016.

Hewitson scored again in the fifth race, a class 4 over 1200m, on the David Hayes-trained NZ-bred five-year-old gelding Snowalot (Contributor).

One wouldn’t have called him a winner at the 600m mark because he was in thbird last place on the rail in a strung out 12-horse field.

However, he managed to come off the rail entering the straight and made a strong run down the centre to win by a head.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club website provides a good summary of Hewitson’s career to date:

Background:

Lyle Hewitson hails from a racing family as his father, Carl Hewitson, is a former jockey who is now a trainer.

Hewitson started out in the saddle playing Polocrosse, excelling at both a provincial and national level.

At age 12 he set his sights on becoming a jockey and began riding work in Port Elizabeth during school holidays.

Instead of heading directly to the South African Jockeys’ Academy, Hewitson’s parents were adamant he finish school first, which meant that he began his race-riding career in work riders’ races outside of school hours.

With an education at Kearsney College under his belt (where he scored Academic Honours with five A’s and two 79’s in matric) Hewitson joined the well-regarded South African Jockey Academy in 2016 and landed his first win at his 10th ride, aboard Blizzard Belle at Fairview.

The emerging talent finished runner-up in the apprentice championship that season with 73 wins.

Hewitson secured the champion apprentice title in 2016/17 with 124 wins. He took the title again in 2017/18 with 184 wins and in doing so made history as the first apprentice to win the full South African Jockeys’ Championship since Michael Roberts in 1972/73.

His most successful day in the saddle came when he landed a Group 1 double at Scottsville on Saturday, 25 May, 2019 aboard Eden Roc in the Sun Gold Medallion and Celtic Sea in the SA Fillies Sprint.

After departing from his first contract in Hong Kong with three winners, Hewitson campaigned in Japan for a two-month stint where he finished with 19 wins and a pair of Group 2 triumphs after claiming the Spring Stakes atop Galore Creek at Nakayama Racecourse and Aoba Sho aboard Authority at Tokyo Racecourse.

Hewitson then returned to South Africa to capture a third champion jockey title, having ridden 263 winners through the 2020/21 season.

Returning to Hong Kong in November, 2021, Hewitson struck with early success before a shocking fall in December stalled his headway. However, the affable South African made a remarkable return to race-riding in January, 2020 to close out the season with 27 wins – most of which came in tandem with fellow countryman Douglas Whyte.

Achievements:

South African Champion Jockey (2017/18, 2018/19, 2020/21); South African Champion Apprentice (2016/17 & 2017/18).

Notable wins include:

Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes (2021 Rain In Holland), Grade 1 Gauteng Summer Cup (2018 Tilbury Fort), Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes (2018 Redberry Lane), Grade 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge (2018 Undercover Agent), Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint (2019 Celtic Sea), Grade 1 Gold Medallion (2019 Eden Roc), Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes (2019 Celtic Sea), Grade 2 Spring Stakes (2020 Galore Creek), Grade 2 Aobo Sho (2020 Authority).

Hong Kong Career Wins (at start of 2022/23 season) : 30 (win strike rate: 5.1%).

Hong Kong Wins this season: 26 (7%).

Fundi Sithebe (Picture: LinkedIn)

4Racing Reorganises Its Business Operations As It Looks To The Future

After completing its first financial year as horseracing operator, 4Racing has reviewed its operations and reorganised its business divisions to allow for a leaner, more performance-driven business.

Effective as of 1 March 2023, the company will be rearranged into the following three distinct business divisions:

– Racing Operations (to manage the racing business)

– Betting (which will include all revenues and costs relating to betting products, including retail)

– Content (which includes content, broadcast and rights distribution).

“As we have reached the end of the financial year (February 2023) and reflect on the past year’s considerable and insightful learnings, it is evident that 4Racing is ready for a new lease on life regarding how it operates from a revenue generation and expense management perspective. We are under no illusions about how difficult the horseracing and tote industry continues to be, which makes managing every cent and finding new business models crucial, as we look to support the sustainability and growth of the industry,” said 4Racing Chief Executive Officer, Fundi Sithebe, about the need to reorganise the business.

Sithebe said the process will realign certain job functions and business units, so as to improve operational efficiencies and lay strong operational foundations to provide a platform for sustained success.

“As we have said from the outset we want to ensure our 4Racing culture is accountable and transparent, hence we are also communicating these operational changes to the broader horseracing industry that 4Racing serves. We believe 4Racing is well positioned for success, and we need to ensure that our business is at the heart of everything we do, with a strong focus on execution and performance. We believe these changes will incentivise revenue growth and help us better manage and allocate costs, as we look to provide the platform for future growth,” added Sithebe.

Pacaya and JP van der Merwe flash up to catch an unsuspecting Joshwin Solomons on Quasiforsure, an indiscretion which earned Solomons a three month suspension (pciture: Wayne Marks)

Solomons Gets 3 Months, Munger Gets 10 Days

In two separate incidents Apprentice Joshwin Solomons has been suspended for three months and Ryan Munger has been suspended for ten days.

The Sporting Post reported on the Joshwin Solomons incident, in which he appeared to cost the Peter Muscutt-trained Quasiforsure victory on Saturday in the Gordon’s Gin Listed Jet Master Stakes by stopping riding a good ten metres before the line.

The Sporting Post wrote:

In a sequel to the dramatic finish to the Gordon’s Gin Listed Jet Master Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, jockey Joshwin Solomons will serve a three month suspension after failing to ride the pacemaker Quasiforsure out to the end of the feature.

The 21 year old Solomons, a son of established local jockey Morne Winnaar, was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.3 in that he failed to ride Peter Muscutt’s Quasiforsure out to the end of the race, thereby costing his mount first place.

He signed an Admission of Guilt and has been suspended from riding in races for a period of 90 days. The dates of his suspension will be 8 March 2023 to 5 June 2023, inclusive.

When assessing the penalty the Stewards reportedly considered the degree of negligence, the status of the race, the prejudice to the owners regarding the difference in stake money between the winner and the second placing and the negative effect to the reputation of the sport of horseracing.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE REPLAY

Furthermore, they gave consideration to the mitigatory points, namely the manner in which Solomons conducted himself during the line of questioning surrounding this matter, his plea of guilty to the charge, and the remorse that he showed following this incident.

The reaction from the industry was very sympathetic to Solomons in the aftermath, with some questioning the potential absence of guidance and mentorship for young jockeys.

In a chat with the Sporting Post on Thursday morning, Solomons said he appreciated the support from so many and apologised to those stakeholders who had been prejudiced by his error.

“I know a made a terrible mistake and I am sorry. I understand why I need to be punished. I have learnt a lesson but have also seen how many kind and supportive people there are in racing,” he added.

Solomons said that he would be staying in the Cape and would be riding work to maintain his fitness while serving out his suspension.

The Manenberg-born rider, who is sponsored by Chase Liebenberg Photography, joined the SA Jockey Academy in 2018 and rode his first winner for recently retired trainer Dennis Drier on Dune Dance at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 6 November 2019.

He was crowned Cape Apprentice Jockey Of The Year in 2022.

He has ridden 81 career winners to date.

Munger

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Johannesburg on Thursday, 2 March 2023, Jockey R Munger was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.2.

The particulars being that he rode PRIME EXAMPLE in an unprofessional manner by striking Jockey M Yeni with his crop at the 300m in Race 6 at the Vaal Racecourse on 9 February 2023.

Jockey Munger pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge.

In determining penalty, the Stewards considered the evidence presented and imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of ten (10) days.

Jockey Munger was given the right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed.

Furthermore, following another incident in the same event, Jockey Munger was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M on the use of the crop) in that he misused his crop by striking PRIME EXAMPLE more than twelve times in the entire race. Jockey Munger elected to sign an Admission of Guilt and a fine of R 2,500.00 was imposed.

When assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration the number of times the crop was used (15), his finishing position and Jockey Munger’s recent record with regards to this Rule and Guideline.

Gavin Smith (Picture: Pauline Herman)

Smith v Greeff thrillers at Fairview

Jack Milner

When it comes to racing in Port Elizabeth one just can’t get away from it – it’s going to be Gavin Smith v Alan Greeff once again.

Which of them will win which race is open to question though, as they both have strong runners in the two main races at Fairview on Friday.

Race 7 is the Breeders Guineas for three-year-old fillies over 1600m where Smith saddles Futura filly Ekoria and Greeff sends out Double Destiny.

This one should go to Smith as Ekoria is not only well above average but is also the best weighted runner by at least 10.5kg.

She was only beaten twice in six starts as a juvenile, on debut and in the other was her fourth place in the Grade 1 Allan Robertson at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in which she was beaten only 2.60 lengths by Sweet Pepper.

Unfortunately for her supporters she has not been as good this season, having finished runner-up in all three of her starts. She is also untried over 1600m whereas Double Destiny won over this course and distance last time out.

Cruise Control and Cliff Top were supposed to have met two weeks ago but thunderstorms and jockeys refusing to ride curtailed that.

They meet in Race 6, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m, and should fight out the finish. Smith-trained Cruise and Greeff-trained Cliff Top have met four times with the outcomes even split at two apiece each.

The 1000m seems will suit Cruise Control who also gets a 1.5kg allowance with Rachel Venniker up.

But Cliff Top has impressed in his last two wins and comes in at the top of his game as is his rider, Richard Fourie.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 1 Amazing Colours, 2 Back For More, 6 Fire Glow, 7 First Minister

Race 2: 1 Yaya Maria, 2 Kilmonivaig, 13 Celtic Vixen, 7 Magenta

Race 3: 5 For All We Know, 6 Burning Moon, 9 Madame Vicki, 12 My Ami Beach

Race 4: 1 I Like It Hot, 2 Bonnaroo, 4 Great Melody, 6 Miss Rose

Race 5: 3 Arverni Warrior, 10 Picture The Moment, 1 Modern Magician, 2 Bethel

Race 6: 3 Cliff Top, 1 Cruise Control, 4 Stranger Danger, 9 Vegas Gold

Race 7: 1 Ekoria, 3 Double Destiny, 7 Strawberry Light, 2 Chere For Me

Race 8: 6 Perfection, 2 Pam’s Princess, 1 Mhlabeni, 7 Secret Is Ours

Race 9: 8 Flinders Range, 6 Travel Master, 4 Equestrian Affair, 11 Gunsmoke

BEST BET

Race 7 No 1 Ekoria

VALUE BET

Race 3 No 5 For All We Know

BEST SWINGER

Race 6 1×3

BIPOT

R144

Leg 1: 1, 2, 13

Leg 2: 5, 6, 9, 12

Leg 3: 1, 2

Leg 4: 1, 3, 10

Leg 5: 1, 3

Leg 6: 1

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R216

Leg 1: 5, 6, 9

Leg 2: 1, 2

Leg 3: 1, 3, 10

Leg 4: 1, 3

Leg 5: 1

Leg 6: 2, 6

Leg 7: 4, 6, 8

PICK 6

R480

Leg 1: 1, 2, 4, 6

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 8, 10

Leg 3: 1, 3

Leg 4: 1

Leg 5: 1, 2, 6

Leg 6: 4, 6, 8, 11

JACKPOT 1

R30

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 8, 10

Leg 2: 1, 3

Leg 3: 1

Leg 4: 1, 2, 6

JACKPOT 2

R24

Leg 1: 1, 3

Leg 2: 1

Leg 3: 1, 2, 6

Leg 4: 4, 6, 8, 11

Billy Bowlegs (Pic – JC Photos)

Billy Bowlegs Has The Form But Has A Tough Draw

Alec Laird might have regretted not putting his The United States colt Billy Bowlegs in the Grade 2 WSB Gauteng Guineas after he had seen the result of the latter race.

Billy Bowlegs had given the Gauteng Guineas winner Eyeoftheprophet 3kg and a long-head beating over 1800m at the Vaal Classic track about a month earlier.

On the downside Billy Bowlegs was a three length fifth in the Grade 3 Allied Steelrode Graham Beck Stakes and a 6,50 length eighth in the Jonsson Workwear Dingaans over 1600m.

However, he has subsequently won twice over 1800m and is one of only three horses in Saturday’s Grade 1 WSB SA Classic over 1800m to have won over the trip or beyond.

In his last start he passed the line with plenty still in hand when beating the decent filly None Other by half-a-length, giving her 2,5kg, in the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes over the SA Classic course and distance.

There was one other 1800m race that day and Billy Bowlegs’ time was 1,75 seconds quicker.

However, a big detractor to Billy Bowlegs’ chances is his wide draw of 14.

He is going to need some luck to find cover and not be too far back.

The best PA banker in the race could therefore be Royal Victory.

This Nathan Kotzen-trained gelding has shown his class consistently and only just failed in the Gauteng Guineas from draw nine. He now has a good draw of five and should enjoy the step up in trip. His sire Pathfork has produced a decent stayer before and his Kahal dam won four times including twice over 1800m.

Eye Of The Prophet has always been a nice sort and is proven over the trip, so can be a contender again from draw seven.

Electric Gold is a long-striding scopey sort who would not be a surprise winner over a distance that suits him and on a track with a long straight that is ideal for his style. He is one of the three horses in the race who have won over a trip this far.

East Coast will relish the step up in trip and from pole position will be dangerous.

Shoemaker is full of class but has pulled in his last two starts. If able to settle from a tough draw he will be a big runner.

Jimmy Don has class and a good turn of foot but on pedigree there is a stamina doubt.

Laguna Verde has always been well regarded and he showed why last time when winning the Egoli Mile with topweight. That was his first run in blinkers. He is by Gimmethegreenlight and interestingly his Captain Al dam, who ran three times for two wins and a second in the Starling Stakes over 1400m, is out of the SA Fillies Classic winner Urabamba (Fort Wood). So, it would be no real surprise to see Laguna Verde in the mix.

Money Heist caught the eye staying on well from last in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, but has been plagued by wide draws. He now has a good draw at last but although he runs as if he will stay the trip, his pedigree suggests a stamina doubt. However, he has the maestro Piere Strydom up so is sure to be given every chance.

Rule By Force was staying on for sixth in Gauteng Guineas and gave the impression he would enjoy the trip and he is trained by Joe Soma, who can be ignored at your peril.

Total Protection is talented and will enjoy the trip, but he does have issues at the start and has refused to jump once.

Star Coin won well over 2000m last time, but he does have a tough draw and on 1400m form he is well held by Jimmy Don.

Anfields Rocket was staying on in the Gauteng Guineas for a 4,50 length fifth, but his good record over sprints suggests the trip will stretch him.

Le Morne is by Futura and should be improving, but he does have a lot to do to reverse a, 11,25 length defeat in the Gauteng Guineas where he was drawn in pole.

Argo Alley has an easy win over 1700m to his name, but when finding little cover in the Guateng Guineas he was beaten 21 lengths and from draw ten there is a risk the same will happen.

Captainofthegreen has a tough task at the weights.

Sounds Russian is about a 20/1 shot for the Cheltenham Gold Cup at present. (Picture: The Southern Reporter).

Sounds Russian going for Gold Cup glory at Cheltenham

www.attheraces.com

Cotswold Chase runner-up did have the option of Kelso this weekend.

Sounds Russian is Boodles Gold Cup-bound after connections made the decision to veto Kelso in favour of the Cheltenham Festival.

The eight-year-old has been in good form all season, winning the Edinburgh Gin Chase at Kelso on debut before placing fourth behind reigning Grand National hero and leading Gold Cup contender Noble Yeats in the Many Clouds at Aintree.

He was then second in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby and second again in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham – a trial for the Gold Cup in which he was beaten just a length a half by Ahoy Senor but reversed the form with the third-placed Noble Yeats.

Sounds Russian held an entry for Kelso’s Listed Premier Chase on Saturday and connections were pondering whether to aim for that or the Gold Cup, eventually deciding on the latter and not declaring for this weekend.

“The owners came on Tuesday and were quite keen to let him take his chance in the Gold Cup, so that’s where we’re going,” said Jefferson, who is the daughter of the late Malcolm Jefferson.

“I’ve never had a runner (in the Gold Cup) myself, I suppose we ran a couple in it (when her father was training), so it’ll be nice to have a crack.

“I’m realistic about his chances, but he’s a versatile, straightforward horse and he doesn’t do a lot wrong.

“Sean Quinlan will ride him, he’s ridden him round there now and so he should know what to do as the situation presents itself.

“I don’t think they’ll let the ground get quick, but it’s going to be challenging for them. He’s not ground dependent though, let’s be honest.”

Another win for promising sire The United States as Grant van Niekerk wins on the Candice Bass-Robinson-trained Philosophise (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Bass-Robinson Treble, Domeyer Double Wednesday – Matsunyane Treble, Crawford Double Thursday

Candice Bass-Robinson scored a treble at Hollyywoodbets Kenilwoth on Wednesday, two of them ridden by Aldo Domeyer.

Kabelo Matsunyane scored a treble at Turffontein Inside today (Thursday), two of them for Brett Crawford.

Bass-Robinson goes to 46 wins for the season at a strike rate of 11.70%.

Crawford goes to 64 wins at a strike rate of 13.59%.

However, Bass-Robinson is in second place in the national championship behind Justin Snaith as she has marginally higher stakes earnings than Crawford.

Mastsunyane goes to 77 wins for the season at a strike rate of 10.41%.

Domeyer is on 28 wins at 18.30%.

An early picture of Greyville racecourse. (ilovedurban.co.za)

Today’s Question

The establishment of which sport did the Durban Turf Club, the Clairwood Turf Club and City Sporting Club (in Pietermaritzburg) vehemently oppose in 1927.

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.