The Elusive Fort full-sister to Kommetdieding who went for R3.2 million (BSA).

Kommetdieding’s Sister Tops Day One At Nationals

Kenneth Pillay’s Kestorm Investments won a second career Grade 1 this season with the Sean Tarry-trained Bless My Stars, which added to the Grade 1 success of his Gareth van Zyl-trained Vernichey in 2019.

He has now purchased a full-sister to Kommetdieding, who is one of seven horses in history to have won both the July and the Met.

The Elusive Fort filly out of the three time-winning Captain Al mare Adorable was knocked down to Kestorm Investments for R3.2 million.

She was cleverly named Kommetjie Storm after the small town on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula.

However, the word storm is an antonym to the calm temperament which Kommetdieding is known for and which his sister has also inherited.

Barbara Sanne of Oldlands Stud, who bred her, said, “She grew up very naturally, she was always pleasant, and it is such a wonderful thing to have a horse you don’t have to worry about. She was always in the right space.”

She is a magnificent specimen and it would not require a good eye to notice how well she walks and moves.

Alec Laird summed her up well, as revealed by Sanne, “A face like an angel and a bum like a barmaid.”

There will be a lot of fans anticipating the career of this exciting individual, whose price came as no surprise even if it outstripped the price paid for her brother (R55,000) by a cool R3.145 million!

The first Vercingetorix million rander on the sale was the above chestnut colt, who is out of the Grade 1 SA Oaks winner Pine Princess, which makes him a half-brother to the well performed four times stakes-placed Silvano gelding Pyromaniac. He was knocked down to big Vercingetorix fan Greg Bortz, who also bought the first Vercingetorix on the Sale for R500,000.

Vercingetorix Is All Conquering at BSA Nationals

Fifteen lots reached seven figures on day one of the BSA National Yearling sale and eight of those were sired by boom sire Vercingetorix.

His top lot was bought by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for R2,4 million. That was for a bay colt, from Boland Stud as agent, out of the four-time winning Grade 3-placed Captain Al mare Acaciawood. That makes him a half-brother to the three-time winner Run As One (Gimmethegreenlight).

Vercingetorix’s 22 lots sold so far have fetched R19,7 million for a phenomenal average of R895,455.

Former champion sire and this season’s leading sire Gimmethegreenlight is not far behind in average. His 16 lots have sold for R11,6 million for an average of R725,000.

Gimmethegreenlight had four seven figure lots.

The most expensive of them was lot 87, a filly out of one-time winner Skylar Lane, who is a Cheveley Stud-bred Western Winter full-sister to Grade 1 winners Solo Traveller and Redberry Lane. That makes this filly a half-sister to Visionaire Grade 1 winner and Equus Champion two-year-old filly Good Traveller.

Redberry Lane also had a seven figure lot by Gimmethegreenlight, bred by Lammerskraal Stud.

Other sires who had seven figure lots were Elusive Fort, whose sales topping filly went for R3,2 million, Danon Platina, who had a Lammerskraal Stud-bred colt who went for R1,45 million, and Flower Alley who had a Wilgerbosdrift Stud-bred filly going for R1.1 million.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE DETAILS OF THE SALE

4Racing’s Colin Gordon, WSB’s Steve Karam, 4Racing’s CEO Fundi Sithebe and WSB’s Warrick Govender enjoying Turffontein’s “Derby Day” (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)

4Racing Completes Reorganisation Of Its Business Units

4Racing Press Release

4Racing has completed the reorganisation of the company into four operational business divisions – ‘Head Office’, ‘Racing Operations’, ‘Betting’ and ‘Content’ – all with its own unit heads geared for growth with a unique customer product offering, resources and skills.

Gabriel Soma has been appointed as 4Racing’s Head of Racing Operations, with the task of maintaining and growing 4Racing’s world-class horseracing product and smooth running of its annual fixtures.

Soma will also be responsible for the oversight of events/hospitality, event marketing and sponsorships that go hand in hand with the racing calendar and will report directly to 4Racing Chief Executive Officer Fundi Sithebe.

The Betting Operations division will be headed by Neil Walters, with the responsibility of the management of the tote, retail outlets and other online betting opportunities.

The Content division will be headed by Stephen Watson, who will spearhead 4Racing branching out locally and internationally into new areas to augment strong existing revenue streams. The Content division will include the company’s broadcast, publishing, brand and communications functions.

The Betting and Content divisions will report into 4Racing Chief Operating Officer, Colin Gordon, who will focus on the company’s core revenue generating operations.

In addition to oversight of the company’s horseracing operations, 4Racing CEO Sithebe will focus on the company’s strategic stakeholder and industry relations and drive its transformation program.

The company’s Administration division will be led by 4Racing’s Chief Financial Officer Potlako Mophiring, and will provide support in financial control, procurement, human resources, company secretariat and payroll.

“The reorganisation of 4Racing is geared at creating a leaner, more performance-driven and accountable business. We are all well aware of the challenges of the horseracing industry and also the difficult economic conditions prevalent in the country, which makes this reorganisation process even more important and critical. By separating the business into these distinct divisions, we believe that each unit will have greater autonomy to grow faster, deliver better results and provide a better working environment for staff and better opportunities for growth for our many industry partners,” said Sithebe.

Quasiforsure (far side) loses last time out after being eased before the line and gets an opportunity at this meeting to make amends. (Candiese Lenferna)

Hollywoodbets Greyville Turf Saturday Formguides And Selections

www.attheraces.com

1 12H25 – Catch KZN Racing Via Live Streaming On www.galloptv.co.za Maiden Juvenile Plate

MIA’S ATHENA was well supported to win on debut but just found one a bit more composed and had to settle for second. She looks progressive and can make amends in her first run at Hollywoodbets Greyville. KHUPOLIWE also came in for money on debut and finished a fair third. He is also highly regarded and contested the Listed Summer Juvenile Stakes on Met day. He could prove to be dangerous on local debut jumping from gate No 1. FUTURE FLO has run two good races in a row but is dropping in distance. First-timers in it, follow the betting market closely.

Top Tip: THISISWHATITMEANS (6)

Watch out for: MIA’S ATHENA (5)

2 13H00 – Track & Ball Gaming Maiden Plate (F & M)

JADE’S CABERNEIGH disappointed on local debut. She showed good pace only to tire late again but a set of blinkers may see her turn it on at the right time. She must be able to go close in this weak field. REGINA BELLISSIMA can finally crack it. She has gone close on the poly at this venue and having run well on the turf on the Highveld could enjoy this track too. Juveniles FULL OF MAGIC and debutante FAR HORIZON look well placed. The former has shown pace down the straight and carries a light weight. Keagan de Melo has been booked for FAR HORIZON. WILLOW CREEK was supported on debut – watch out.

Top Tip: FAR HORIZON (9)

Watch out for: JADE’S CABERNEIGH (4)

3 13H35 – Greyville Convention Centre Maiden Plate

There might not be much to choose between the two Cape-based juvenile colts – FIBONACCI and STREETSHAVENONAME. The former took his chance in the Grade 3 Nursery and it was a race full of quality. He could much prefer the longer trip and has the best of the draws. The latter has experience over this longer trip. He was clear second best and had given the winner weight. MAJESTIC REIGN is the local runner with solid credentials. He looked ready to win before trying further in his latest racetrack visit. If he overcomes his draw he could threaten. VENERABLE and ULTIMATE JEWEL have fair claims too.

Top Tip: FIBONACCI (1)

Watch out for: STREETSHAVENONAME (6)

4 14H10 – Off The Rails Pinnacle Stakes

QUASIFORSURE was an unlucky loser of the Listed Jet Master Stakes on Cape Derby day. He has not finished further back than third and having now shown that he is on the upgrade should pick up a headline event in the near future. SILVER OPERATOR has proven himself at the highest level and comes in best weighted. He may be prepping for the Drill Hall Stakes which comes up shortly but is nevertheless one to take seriously. IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA, stablemate to QUASIFORSURE, is a lot better than his last race and could appreciate being back home. LOOK FOR HOUNDS, PRICELESS RULER and others can fight it out.

Top Tip: SILVER OPERATOR (7)

Watch out for: QUASIFORSURE (10)

5 14H45 – tabGOLD Score6 And Score10 Mr 82 Handicap

TIZONA made an impressive debut for his new yard on the Highveld and is now journeying south for a tilt at a stronger handicap. He could be up to the task. PINEAPPLE EXPRESS had issues last time but prior ran two good races in a row. This track could suit and he has blinkers fitted. All of ROSH KEDESH’s form lines are proving to be decent and he has done little wrong to date. If he doesn’t need it after a rest he could step up on his form in his first try round a right-handed track. PATRONAGE sprinted up nicely last time but is arguably better over this trip. CUPID’S SONG must have a say too.

Top Tip: TIZONA (6)

Watch out for: ROSH KEDESH (3)

6 15H20 – Online Form Guide www.gallop.co.za Mr 74 Handicap

Highly regarded CHEEKY LADDIE won his debut in this region but didn’t go on with it when tried in the Cape. He has been gelded and having drawn well could find true form again. SURYAVARMAN showed good pace after quite a break and must be expected to improve on that performance. He has gate No 1 and could give them all the slip. CAVALIERI beat a subsequent winner with a strong finish last time. He could still be in the same mood and fight for honours again. GIAMBATTISTA and LAZY GUY also boast strong finishes and have run well at this venue. More can get into the fray.

Top Tip: SURYAVARMAN (1)

Watch out for: CHEEKY LADDIE (3)

7 15H55 – www.tabgold.co.za Fm 69 Handicap (F & M)

DIANA THE HUNTRESS may have beaten a weak field but it was just her second start and can make good improvement. However, she will have to overcome the widest draw. LEOPARD LADY can get it right after running second three times in a row. She and SEA GODDESS have taken turns finishing ahead of one another. The latter may need a longer straight to get going in time, but both have drawn wide and will have their work cut out. MANIC MONDAY hasn’t drawn badly and can make further improvement after winning her maiden. BLAZING KISS, EYE CATCHING and FASHIONIGMA aren’t ones to take lightly.

Top Tip: DIANA THE HUNTRESS (13)

Watch out for: LEOPARD LADY (10)

8 16H30 – Hollywoodbets Bright Future Mr 75 Handicap

Open stayers event to end. ZAKHO won well enough on the poly to suggest he could be competitive in a marathon on turf. Only the race will show if he is as effective on the turf. TIN CUP ran a much-improved race when switching to grass last time and gives the impression he could stay all day. EVENTIDOR wasn’t far back in his one try in a similar contest. He may prefer a faster run race and along with TOM BOMBADIL could mow the field down if given the chance. ROCK FALL appears a bit better than his last race when the pace didn’t suit. But along with PAPA C and ZAKHO has drawn wide.

Top Tip: TOM BOMBADIL (6)

Watch out for: PAPA C (10)

Heaven Sent Yearling?

Equus Award-winning photographer Candiese Lenferna captured this photograph at the National Yearling Sale, which would require a double look from most viewers.

Has the beautiful yearling just floated down from a stud farm above?

In reality the Syrilla Stud-bred Gimmethegreenlight filly called Ignitethelight simply spooked and jumped to her right and is about to lash out with her hind legs!

Anthony Stroud purchased a pair of 625,000gns colts in consecutive lots by Havana Grey and Blue Point, respectively (Tattersalls/Laura Green)

At Headquarters Stroud Snaps Up A Pair Of 625K Colts

Anthony Stroud Snaps Up A Pair Of 625k Colts By Havana Grey And Blue Point Late At Tattersalls on Wednesday

TDN

Just a handful of lots from the end of the sale, a colt by last year’s leading first-season sire Havana Grey (GB) brought 625,000gns from Anthony Stroud’s Stroud Coleman Bloodstock to take what turned out to be joint-top honours at Park Paddocks as the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale wound down. Consigned by Glending Stables, the grey (lot 198) is a half-brother to four winners.

Bred by Maywood Stud, the colt was picked up by Childwickbury Stud for 52,000gns out of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, and joined Glending Stables when selling for 42,000gns in this ring as a December yearling just a few months ago. G1 Prix Robert Papin heroine Balbonella (Fr) (Gay Mecene) and her G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest-winning sire son Anabaa (Danzig) are under the third dam. A resident of Whitsbury Manor Stud, Havana Grey’s progeny are going from strength to strength, and he sired his fourth group winner, Mammas Girl (GB), in Wednesday’s G3 Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn S.

On behalf of Godolphin, Stroud acquired a colt by Darley stallion Blue Point (Ire) for the same amount, 625,000gns, just one lot later to provide a fitting exclamation point to the two-day stand. Lot 199, bred by Armitage Bloodstock and part of the Oak Tree Farm draft, had already passed through this ring twice–when making 110,000gns from John Rowe during the 2021 Tattersalls December Foal Sale, and he was also a 70,000gns buyback from Book 2 of the October Yearling Sale.

The March-foaled bay is a son of Most Beautiful (GB) (Canford Cliffs (Ire), who won the G3 Balanchine S. and was group/graded placed another three times. Her dam, in turn, won the Listed Pretty Polly S. and was also twice third in the G2 Pride S. Blue Point already has a trio of winners to his name, with his latest being Blue Storm (GB) in a novice stakes on Tuesday.

Vision Of Wonder is an easy winner of the Listed East Cape Nursery under JP van der Merwe (Pauline Herman Photography).

Gavin Smith Takes East Cape Nursery

Nelson Mandela Bay Racing

The R175 000 Listed East Cape Nursery over 1200m was dominated by the Gavin Smith stable at the Fairview Turf track on Friday afternoon.

Vision Of Wonder was the star of the show with an emphatic victory. The Visionaire colt was simply too fast and too strong for the other two-year-old’s. He won by about three lengths.

He was followed home by Fairy Knight (Alan Greeff) and two more Smith runners, Aadehya and Global Force.

“He quickened nicely when I asked him and then the race was over,” jockey JP van der Merwe said.

Assistant-trainer Dean Smith described Vision Of Wonder as a “special horse”. “He is a real racehorse and lovely to train.”

The Master Of My Fate filly Joy And Peace made a winning debut for the Greeff stable in the first of the day over 1200m.

Jockey Richard Fourie was impressed. “She gave me a good feel but there is still a lot of greenness. She is still learning and we will see a better horse in the future.”

The two-year-old What A Winter colt The Winter Lake was an impressive winner of the second race for the Smith yard.

“He has lots of potential,” winning jockey Muzi Yeni said of The Winter Lake.

“He showed his class and there is a lot of improvement to come.”

Lord Nelson won the third race in his debut for trainer Kelly Mitchley with Fourie in the saddle.

Lord Nelson tackled 2400m for the first time after campaigning over much shorter distances on the Highveld.

“I thought I had no chance turning into the straight. Then we made progress over the last 400 meters and we started gaining on the frontrunners. Lord Nelson gave a good last effort to win,” Fourie said.

Ellis Island, tipped to win by Henk Se Wenk (R14.10 a win, R4.20 a place on the tote) was a runaway winner of the Classified Stakes over 2400m (race 4) for trainer Lunga Gila.

“I trained the horse previously before it returned to KwaZulu-Natal, so I know the horse and the horse knows the track, so it wasn’t that difficult to get him ready for the race,” Gila said.

He was full of praise for the ride by Sandile Khathi who had to step in for the indisposed Ashton Arries.

The three-year-old filly Rainbow Thief made it two wins in a row, this time winning the fifth race over 1000m for the Juan Nel stable.

“Rainbow Thief had an injury but seems to be back to her best and it is very exciting,” Nel said.

Devin Ashby was the winning rider and he was straight back in the number box in the next race, this time for trainer Duncan McKenzie.

It was the filly Angel Deb’s who won the Pinnacle Stakes (F & M) over 1200m.

“Angel Deb’s is a strong girl with speed. I was excited when I heard I had picked up the ride,” Ashby said.

After the day’s feature race the eighth and last was won by Fiery Duke to give the Mitchley stable a double for the day, joining Smith.

Yeni was the winning rider for his double, joining Fourie and Ashby who also rode a double.

#NMBRacing

Steve Donoghue (getty).

Today’s Question

Steve Donoghue (8 November 1884 – 23 March 1945) was British flat racing Champion Jockey 10 times between 1914 and 1923 and was one of the most celebrated horse racing sportsmen of all time. Which horse did he claim to be the best he ever rode?

Hollywoodbets Greyville Fields, Saturday

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Fields, Sunday

Gay Crusader with Steve Donoghue up.

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION:

Gay Crusader (1914–1932) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire who won a wartime version of the English Triple Crown in 1917. In a career which lasted from September 1916 to October 1917 he ran ten times and won eight races, including his last seven in succession. In addition to his three Classic wins he defeated older horses in the Newmarket Gold Cup and the Champion Stakes. Because of wartime restrictions, all of his races were at Newmarket Racecourse. After being injured in training in 1918 he was retired to stud, where his record was disappointing.

Turf Talk Newsletter – 21 April 2023