Turf Talk Newsletter – 20 March, 2026

Picture: The Irish courts in Dublin

Advocate Nigel Riley of the Daleside Valley stud farm, Heversham Park, situated just south of Johannesburg, has been ordered by the Ireland high court to pay €218,000 in fees owed to an investment branch of John Magnier’s Coolmore and to David Stack’s Coolagown Bloodstock Ltd for the care of his animals, according to a report in the Irish Times.

However, Riley spoke to the Sporting Post on Friday evening and said there had been a “miscarriage of justice”.

He added, “The matter is sub judice and we are confident of having it overturned on appeal.”

Riley is ironically the part-owner of a former Coolmore homebred in South Africa, the imported Galileo entire The Equator, whom he intends to stand at stud.

The Equator was formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien and although he has had limited success in all of Ireland, the UK and SA, his pedigree has improved dramatically since being purchased through the outstanding career of his three-parts sister by Frankel, Lake Victoria, who won three Gr 1s as a juvenile, including a Breeders Cup event, and she later won the Gr 1 Irish 1000 Guineas.

The Irish Times report on the case is shown below:

Paul Neilan (Irish Times)

A South African horse owner has been ordered to pay €218,000 in fees owed to an investment branch of John Magnier’s Coolmore and to David Stack’s Coolagown Bloodstock Ltd for the care of his animals.

The High Court case was taken by Linley Investments Ltd, trading as Coolmore Castlehyde and Associated Stud Farms and by Coolagown Blockstock Ltd against qualified lawyer Nigel Riley.

At the High Court on Thursday, Judge Peter Charleton made the awards of €148,000 to Coolagown and €70,000 to Coolmore for the care and stud fees owed.

The judge said the relationship with Coolagown and Riley started in 2013 and the outstanding fees sought went back to 2018 for keeping mares.

“The defence filed was more than uninformative; stating a denial of everything,” said the judge, who said a similar defence was made by Riley in the Coolmore claim.

In June 2021, Riley wrote a letter repudiating the Coolagown agreement at a time when Stack was “forcefully” seeking payment of his boarding fees, which then amounted to €148,000.

After proceedings were issued by Stack in April 2022, the plaintiff made an attempt “in good faith” to resolve some of the issue on the basis of transferring the ownership of the animals to him, which would reduce the fees sought, said the judge.

“David Stack alleges a simple agreement; he kept mares for Nigel Riley, arranged for them to be covered and for this service he was to be paid,” the judge wrote.

“That simple agreement is denied by Nigel Riley. That does not help his [Riley’s] case. As to what basis Nigel Riley’s horses were at Coolagown stud farm in the care of David Stack was not fully explained by Nigel Riley,” the judge noted.

The judge said that there had to be some kind of contract for Riley’s horses, some being in Ireland from 2013 and getting cared for. He said Stack’s evidence had been “calm and trustworthy” regarding payments by Riley in 2018 and 2019, which was proof of an underlying contract, albeit one not in writing.

Riley claimed that he had cleared fees based on a “reasonable” rate of €10 a day and that from November 2019 a new agreement was put in place whereby Stack would keep his horses for free but profits from foal sales would be shared evenly and the charges written off.

Charleton described the posited €10-a-day figure as an “unbelievable” low rate.

The judge said the court did not accept anything contrary to the evidence of Stack and that invoices went from Ireland to South Africa in 2018 and 2019, indicating the contract arrangement asserted by Stack.

“It is more than surprising, and is obstructive of a path towards truth, that Riley should deny that arrangement,” Charleton said.

The judge then made an order of €148,000 in favour of Coolagown.

A similar denial argument was made by Riley against Coolmore, where five mares were covered when Stack was acting as Riley’s agent in November 2017.

Riley asserted that Stack was not his agent and that the housing of his mares in Coolmore was “nothing to do with him” despite evidence to the contrary.

“He [Stack] clearly was Mr Riley’s agent and the evidence of [Coolmore staff] William Mackesy and Edward FitzPatrick in that regard is accepted,” the judge said.

The court accepted Coolmore evidence that FitzPatrick first met Riley with Stack in November 2017 when Stack was acting as agent.

“What was he [Stack] doing there, if not in the capacity of agent? Certainly, they were not merely buddies. At all times the cover of mares was arranged as Mr Riley’s responsibility through his agent, in that regard, Mr Stack,” the judge said.

The judge then decreed that Riley pay Coolmore €70,000 for its outstanding fees.

Riley indicated his intention to appeal the judgments.

Nordic Chief’s four wins have been from 1000m to 1250m so he should enjoy the step down to 1250m from his last three starts after running over 1500m, 1400m and 1600m in his last three starts (Picture: Wayne Marks)  

Alistair Cohen (Race Coast)

Smatterings of fair form throughout his career but possibly not delivered on promise. He has not been the easiest horse to read but when he decides to ramp up, he can mix with some far better than who he meets in race 7 over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.

Do not be underwhelmed or put off by his last run. Challenging a horse over an extended distance is always worth the experiment. If it does not work, the trainer can always revert to basics. That is exactly the story with his last start over 1600m. He did not stay so back to his happy place is where Nordic Chief heads.

Prior form reads consistently and he has kept good company. His penultimate run came over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth when he ran 1,75 lengths behind subsequent Grade 2 Splashout Prix Du Cap winner, Stormwatch. He gave the well weighted filly a good challenge when he ultimately finished third. Close-up behind the likes of Voorloopertjie and One Liner also reads in his formlines. Those horses are always worth their salt in strong handicaps placed just below group form.

He has not won since March 2025 when he turned over the well performed Elusive Winter. Perhaps the cycle of late summer works for him. Sean Veale does not get many rides for Andre Nel but he steps aboard here.

Scottish Kiss enjoys this course and his rapid rise up the ranks necessitated him racing against some strong opposition without any disgrace. He is down in class which should make him a threat to Nordic Chief.

He has won with a slipped saddle before and his versatility took him through the divisions. Quirky at the start of his career, Justin Snaith has been able to assist him reaching a level that looked out of reach a year ago. His last run came behind former Grade 1 winner Snow Pilot in late January when he received 7,5kg to a far superior horse but finished 1,25 lengths behind. These calmer waters must give him a winning shot. Tristan Godden makes a rare visit to Cape Town which is great to see after doing duty on Okavango for Snaith at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last Sunday in the Listed Kings Cup.

What A Fortune punches above his weight and always warrants consideration especially at this course. He should not be far away from the action. He too looked short of this class a year ago but he has climbed the ladder quietly to look competitive against some useful rivals.

To the start of the card, race 1 over 1400m sees Captain’s Angel plumet in class. From the Listed JC Le Roux Summer Juvenile Stakes in late January to this class must give him an outstanding chance. He finished 4,4 lengths behind Red Spice who subsequently won the Grade 3 Ridgemont Cape Of Good Hope Nursery. The level of that form sticks out.

Fortune One gave his career best when last seen. He should back that performance up in race 2 over 1250m. He finished second behind Trois Sept Huit over 1000m at Hollywoodbets

Kenilworth. Had the winner stayed straight he would have won easier but at least Fortune One stepped up from some moderate form. That was his first run after a three-month rest so that effort must have done him some good. Aldo Domeyer is up for Candice Bass.

There is some good maiden form to work with in race 3 over 1600m and a few look to have chances. Mercenary is given the narrow verdict over Spanish Verse and Trip To Camelot.

Mercenary has not had the most luck in running finding traffic and not unwinding in time. Sometimes he just did his best work too late in the race. The track should still be running fast so hopefully he is not left with too much to do but expect him to hit the line with plenty in hand. JP van der Merwe rides for Lucinda Woodruff.

Vixens War is a 10-start maiden who is banging at the door. She probably has her best chance to date in race 4 over 1600m. Back against her own sex and not carrying top weight despite her compelling form, everything looks set to stack up well for her under Chad Little. She has been placed in her last two runs to take her tally to six places. Despite being costly to follow, this must be the day she visits the winners’ box.

King’s Quest has always reportedly shown good work but hardly delivered that on course. He scraped a narrow win over It Is My Time in his most recent start at this course over 1400m. He is back over the same trip in race 5. If he has gained any confidence from that victory, he could show that he is ahead of this class, something he has always hinted. The bravery he showed last time was a rarity so hopefully he is coaxed into being a little more genuine. If he is, he could go on a streak.

Ignore the last run from Prince Of Tibet. Returning to Hollywoodbets Durbanville, where he runs his best races, could be the catalyst to return to form. He runs in race 6 over 1250m. His last run at this course was his last win in October when he defeated the useful Delta Pride over 1500m. He runs more places and less wins than one would like but expect better from him. Piet and Elbert Steyn train him and JP van der Merwe takes the ride.

Race 8 over 1600m is not a hot event by any stretch. Who Is She seems to be finding some life so she could be the horse to side with in a shallow race. Luyolo Mxothwa is carded to ride for James Crawford. Her penultimate run was her best and it came over this course and distance when he finished third behind subsequent winner, Amayah. Her biggest dangers are stamina queries too.

Absolutely Yes has not won since winning the Gr 3 Langerman in June last year (pictured above), but was just 1,65 lengths behind the smart All The Rage in the Schweppes Winchester Sprint Cup over 1100m last time out (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Saturday Hollywoodbets Durbanville Formguides And Selections

R1 2 CAPTAIN’S ANGEL must have a big winning chance in this field, he was doing some good work late behind Red Spice on debut, with natural improvement expected from this good-looking colt, he will be hard to beat from a neat draw. 1 LE CONCIERGE has been rested for 105 days, he ran a lovely race on debut behind Catwalk King at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m on Saturday, he should be right there in the finish from a good draw. 6 FROM THE ISLAND has run two nice races in succession, he was still green in his last start behind Lady Jean, if he gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, he should finish amongst the places, watch him closely. 5 HERO’S JOURNEY was a touch disappointing behind his stable companion on the 4th of February, if he brings his debut run to the track, he will have a massive winning chance here. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 1 – 6 – 5)

R2 1 RHYTHM KING could be serious value in this tricky race, the blinkers have been removed, the apprentice takes off 4kgs on Saturday, and he has a good draw of one, he will be hard to fetch late, include him into all bets. 3 FORTUNE ONE stayed on beautifully for second in his last start behind Trois Sept Huit, he is definitely improving with every start, there is no doubt that he will be very competitive. 6 WEDDING VOW finished like a rocket behind Winter In Auckland on the 11th of February, she has a low weight on her back, if she brings her last run to the track again on Saturday, she can trouble them all in the finish. 8 CRAZY LITTLE THING has run two excellent races in succession, if she gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, she will run a big race. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 3 – 6 – 8)

R3 4 MERCENARY was gelded on the 23rd of January 2026, he stayed on nicely for third behind Prairie Dawn on the 21st of January at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, even though he carries top weight for this Open Maiden event on Saturday, he has some strong form, and he will go close to winning. 5 TRIP TO CAMELOT would have needed his last run when finishing second behind Money Extractor, he is exceptionally well-bred, there is no doubt that he will be much fitter on Saturday, include him into all bets, he can win a race like this quite easily. 8 SPANISH VERSE only found Tunguska too good in his last start at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, the drop in trip to 1600m will be no problem for this gelding, he will be running on strongly late. 7 MASTERONTHEMOON ran a much better race behind Fast Train last time, that was his first run back after a long break, he will love the step up in trip to 1600m, watch him closely at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 5 – 8 – 7)

R4 4 VIXENS WAR has run two lovely races in succession, this looks to be the right race for her to exit the maiden ranks, her form is consistent, and she has a good draw, she will be tough to beat in this Open Maiden event. 2 KITUBA will love the step up in trip to 1600m on Saturday, she was still green in running when finishing just under three lengths behind Alessia Asheville on the 25th of February, from a neat draw, she will run a big race. 9 PACIFIC WATERS will need some luck from a tricky draw, her form is consistent, if the gaps open at the right time for this filly, she will be amongst the places. 7 FATE OF PACE ran a much better race behind her stable companion on the 4th of March, if she brings that run to the track again on Saturday, she will be competitive. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 2 – 9 – 7)

R5 4 KING’S QUEST quickened up smartly to win a good race last time, he was given four points for that victory on the 4th of March, the yard thinks highly of this gelding, he can definitely win again. 3 CARRIACOU never runs a bad race, he was doing some good work late for third behind Boogiefied on the 14th of February, he loves this track and trip, he will go close from a good draw. 6 CLARK GRISWOLD won his maiden impressively on the 10th of November at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he has been rested and gelded, if he doesn’t need the run back from a small break, he will be right there in the finish. 5 KLIPTOWN finished like a rocket in his last start behind Spirit on the 22nd of February, he is a beautiful horse with a great action, he will be doing some good work late, watch him closely from a nice draw. (Brandon Bailey: 4 – 3 – 6 – 5)

R6 3 WINTER PEARL looks to be one of the better bets on the day, the drop in trip and the good draw is key for this gelding on Saturday, he has dropped one point in the ratings from his last run on the 22nd of February, he will be very hard to beat in this field. 8 GRAVITY always has a money chance at this level, he will be switched off early from a wide draw, and he will be storming home late, watch him closely, Trainer Piet Botha has done a good job with this gelding. 4 PRINCE OF TIBET is much better than his last start on the 28th of February, ignore that run completely, the drop in trip to 1250m will be no problem for this individual, on his best form, he will be super competitive. 5 JET A ONE ran a cracker behind Sooty on the 11th of February, if he brings that run to the track again, he could surprise them all. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 8 – 4 – 5)

R7 2 ABSOLUTELY YES ran a big race in the Winchester Sprint Cup on the 31st of January, he is very talented this gelding, if he relaxes early, he will be hard to beat from a good draw on Saturday. 5 NORDIC CHIEF didn’t stay 1600m in his last start on the 22nd of February, the blinkers have been fitted, and he drops in trip to 1250m, he could be dangerous, watch him closely. 6 SCOTTISH KISS was only beaten just over one length by Snow Pilot on the 31st of January, he will enjoy the drop in trip on Saturday, he has lots of ability this gelding, if the race works out for him from a tricky draw, he can definitely win a race like this. 4 OBJET D’ART was a touch unlucky in his last start behind Spirit, he is a young horse that is improving with every start, he is nowhere near the finished article just yet, keep a close eye on him. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 5 – 6 – 4)

R8 6 WHO IS SHE must have a massive winning chance in this field, her form is good, the drop in trip to 1600m will help her chances, this looks to be the right race for her to exit the maiden ranks. 7 AUTUMN RUSH finished just over four lengths behind Vivo Per Lei on the 4th of March, she was drawn badly on that occasion, the step up in trip to 1600m on Saturday could unlock further improvement, include her into all bets. 8 EPERNAY has run two fair races in succession, she could be the value play in this tough race, there is no doubt that she will love the step up in trip, if she gets some luck in running from a tricky draw, she will be competitive. 5 WOMAN IN GOLD will need to improve to win a race like this, her form of late has been disappointing, she now drops in trip, and the tongue tie has been fitted, watch for sharp improvement from this filly at a big price. (Brandon Bailey: 6 – 7 – 8 – 5)

Rollo The Viking is still progressing and can bounce back to winning ways

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Rollo The Viking has had one warm-up for Nathan Kotzen when runner-up to the useful Wild At War and can go one better when he lines up in the Servotech B Stakes over 1400m that heads another competitive ten-race card on the Hollywoodbets Greyville turf on Sunday.

The race has attracted a useful field and victory will not come easy. However, Rollo The Viking is down in class and comes off some excellent form over the trip often against much stronger fields. He was touched off by Wild At War last time out over course and distance but the apprentice has been replaced by Muzi Yeni which could make all the difference. Dean Kannemeyer has teamed up Gavin Lerena with Uzwano who has won on gelding twice so knows the horse well which is possibly the reason why stable rider Craig Zackey has stayed faithful to stable companion Kanaal Skater. The three-year-old One World gelding is no slouch in his own right and cannot be written off lightly. The Shepherd is possibly the dark horse. He is talented but often unpredictable. The much quieter surroundings of Ashburton could well see a change of attitude and bring out the best in his first run for Wengi Masawi. Wild At War has a tough draw to overcome although was a beaten favourite last start but is back on turf. Down By The River ran a smart race behind the top class King Pelles last time out. He reverts to a much shorter trip but is in good form.

Red Taffety could get you home for cheap in the first leg of the Place Accumulator. She makes her local debut for Adam Azzie and comes off some useful Cape form and strikes as a likely winner. Danger should be Lilting Song who started favourite in her local debut but found one too good for her on the poly. Back on turf she can make amends. Princess Trippi is another to consider as she has improved with each recent outing and is in with a fighting chance.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is a competitive handicap and go wide is the advice. Blind Speed has been dropping in the ratings but has been consistent for Gary Rich. The step up in trip should suit and she has a chance at decent odds. Deepest Water surprised at long odds when shedding her maiden at just her third start but that form has held up quite well and she can follow up in this company. Mississippi Spice was much improved carrying bottom weight at her last two. She got a three-point raise in the handicap but gets 1.5kg relief from the saddle in the form of top class rider Mickaella Michel. Saint Brigid carries top weight but her last win was over course and distance and she can edge Oh My Gucci Girl where a neck separated the pair at the line on the poly.

In the fifth, Psyche finally got her act together when shedding her maiden in comfortable fashion. She is well thought of by the yard and the step up in trip and a handy galloping weight could see her follow up. Sascha’s Dream is never far back and was close-up behind Zena Rose and Fine Wine when last they met over the trip at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. The trio are on top of each other in the handicap and luck in running could be the difference between the three.

The sixth could see Continental Express home as he stays well and has consistent form. He has a fair weight to shoulder but also the best of the draw. Tobacconist would appear to be the pick of the Hollywood Racing’s runners with Sean Veale aboard MJ Odendaal’s gelding who was a close-up fourth behind JP’s Palace last time out and the latter was a game third in the Kings Cup last Sunday. Tee Dog has come good of late and stays the trip while there should not be much between him and High Queue with a length separating them when last they met at the same weights.

The eighth is a highly competitive handicap. Prince Of Troy is lightly raced but has shown promise. He has a money chance in a wide open handicap. My Lucky Charm would appear to be the pick of the Mike and Mathew de Kock pairing although Next Of Kin appears to have the better recent form as he

has some promising post maiden form and Lerena rides from pole position. My Lucky Charm has shown patches of ability on the Highveld and the change of routine could be the key. Dricus was a beaten favourite on the poly last time out after winning over course and distance at his previous outing while Town Crier has a deep draw to contend with but has improved in blinkers and showed up well in a set weights race last time out.

Blue Steel could be one of the better bets on the card. Although a recent maiden winner he won with authority. He has a big weight to shoulder and takes on seasoned older runners but does look progressive and may be under the handicappers radar in spite of his high rating. Should he not run up to expectations then Definitely Yes could step up. He has been a beaten favourite at his last two outings and gets the benefit of Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance and can make amends. Kimbal O’Hara has shown some improvement in blinkers and is dropping in the handicap. He goes well over course and distance while Iron Will has come to hand late in life and has crept up in the handicap.

La Landonne clinches a double for Justin Snaith and it sees Snaith Racing’s career earnings surpassing the R400 million mark. (Pauline Herman Photography)

When JP van der Merwe passed the post first in the fifth race at Fairview today (Friday) on Legislate filly La Landonne it took Snaith racing past R400 million in career stakes earnings.

The Justin Snaith-trained and Greg and Gina Bortz-owned filly earned over R55,000 for the victory and Snaith had earlier won a Maiden with Homing Pigeon (Hawwaam), ridden by Craig Zackey, so the amount of R67,748 needed at the beginning of the day for Snaith Racing to surpass R400 million had been accumulated.

It is probably a record for local earnings, although Mike de Kock is almost certainly the highest earning trainer in SA history if overseas earnings count, considering he earned US$6.3 million at a memorable Dubai World Cup meeting in 2008 and that was just one of many big meetings abroad for him.

There was some good racing at Fairview today.

The highlight was the Listed Bryanston Auctioneers East Cape Guineas, which proved to be another doddle for the Alan Greeff-trained Richard Fourie-ridden Anotherdanceforme (Master Of My Fate), who had won the Listed Breeders Guineas for fillies three weeks earlier.

Her stablemate Augusta Rosso (Erik The Red) finished second in both events.

The Listed Hollywoodbets Supports ECHU East Cape Sprint Cup over 1200m saw the Kelly Mitchley-trained One World gelding Anuschka’s World getting up by 0,25 lengths under Muzi Yeni from Roman Agent with the favourite Fairy Night well beaten in third. There was a bit of bumping between the first two and Anuschka’s World also carried Roman Agent inward slightly and bumped him just before the line, so a race review was called by both the stipes and Roman Agent’s jockey Wayne Agrella, but no further action was taken.

That win clinched a double on the day for Yeni and Mitchley.

Justin Snaith was the only other double scorer at the meeting, which was generally a favourable one for punters.