A big entourage of joyful connections lead in Main Defender after he had won the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes in scintillating fashion (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The Tony Peter-trained star Pathfork gelding Main Defender is not overseas or on his way overseas, as has been rumoured.

His biggest fan and spokesman for the connections, Frankie Zackey, was positive about the season that lay ahead for the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes winner.

Frankie said, “The champ is doing great. He will be a better four-year-old in my opinion and is really looking like a proper racehorse.”

He continued, “Obviously we will be aimimg him at the Gr 1s, but unfortunately there is no race available for him until October.”

Frankie believes he will get further than a mile and explained, “The way he won the Horse Chestnut … and not forgetting it absolutely belted down beforehand and to be honest nothing went his way that day anyway … we don’t see any reason he should not get further than the mile and it is a no brainer to give him a shot at the Summer Cup.”

Main Defender won three out of four as a two-year-old, his only defeat being second place to Sandringham Summit in the Gr 1 World Pool Moment Of The Day Champion Stakes over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

As a three-year-old he started off with a devastating win over 1450m on Turffontein Inside in the Gr 2 Betway Jo’Burg Spring Challenge, obliterating older horses on weight for age plus penalty terms by 6,50 lengths.

Frankie said he would likely start this season’s campaign by defending his crown in the Spring Challenge.

Then came a thrilling clash with the horse who had been built up to be his arch rival, Sandringham Summit, in the Gr 3 Betway Graham Beck Stakes over 1400m at Turffontein Standside. He exacted revenge on the Gimmethegreenlight colt, getting up by a short-head, although he was receiving 1kg.

Then came the drama on Betway Summer Cup day where he was due to run in the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Merchants, but he had to be scratched along with all the other Tony Peter-trained horses.

He was back at Turffontein Standside seven weeks later in January and despite carrying a 2kg penalty and being under done, and hanging in badly late, he got up by 1,10 lengths from the useful Barbaresco to win the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m.

He nearly came down in his next start in a Pinnacle race over 1200m after hanging in again over 1200m and crashing sickeningly hard in to Melech just before the line. He went down over his fetlock, but luckily managed to right himself.

It was a worrying incident for the connections, but he fortunately showed no ill effect.

He then emphatically proved himself top class in his next start in the Gr 1 Wilgerbosdrift HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m.

He had an awkward start in the Horse Chestnut.

Frankie recalled, “When he came out the pens he hit his head hard on the ground. That’s why Calvin was so out of his ground and racing wide.”

Main Defender was caught wide around part of the turn, but Calvin did then find a beautiful spot for him one wide in midfield with cover.

In the straight he was switched inside of horses as Princess Calla and Dave The King fought it out on the outside rail.

Main Defender found an exhilarating turn of foot at the 300m mark to reel that pair in and he then ricocheted away to win as he liked by 2,75 lengths. He hung in significantly again, but this time it was clear he was hanging away from the whip.

Frankie continued, “So everything never went our way in the race and then still to win like that was a sign of an absolute superstar.”

He not only won well but had a reigning Equus Horse Of The Year, Princess Calla, and a subsequent Equus Horse Of The Year, Dave The King, behind him.

Frankie added, “And another thing, take into consideration the downfall we had over that hour and 15 minute period, it was scary. So taking that all into consideration, the 2000m, we don’t see a problem.”

His Champions Season route was set to be the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall into the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge and the Gr 1 HKJC Champions Cup.

However, there was more drama ahead … as is well documented he had to be scratched from the Drill Hall after being shown to have an elevated TCO2 level.

Furthermore, he injured himself while being tested for a second time.

Frankie said, “He reared up and when he came down he slit himself hard at the bottom of his leg. So taking him back to Jo’Burg was an issue and we were limited in the amount of work we could get into him. It was not a major injury, but we had to ease off him slightly. Obviously you don’t want to overdo it, because he’s got his whole future ahead of him. So he went into the Gold Challenge slightly underdone, he wasn’t exactly spot on, and it was definitely not his run.”

The connections then decided to give him a rest.

Frankie said, “He had a lot of rest. We brought him back about two and a half weeks ago. We ran him in a little Pinnacle over 1400m and he had to carry 62kg and there was a 16kg turnaround from the Spring Challenge with Unzen. We had just wanted to get a run into him because keeping him in the box wasn’t doing him in any good, he wasn’t enjoying that. And he still ran an absolute cracker (1,40 length second to Umzen).  But that was not the mission. The mission was just to get him out of the box, let him have a run, and bring him back, because there are just no races for him.”

Main Defender was spotted at a Cape Sale by KZN-based trainer Tienie Prinsloo and owner John Habib. He did not have the best legs and Frankie revealed, “He’s got an offset (knee), it’s a slight offset and it’s never, ever worried him. Soundness issues – we have never had one day’s problem with him.”

However, the less than perfect legs enabled Prinsloo and Habib to snap him up for a bargain R140,000.

Main Defender won on debut for Prinsloo over 1100m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville.

He was then moved to the Tony Peter yard because John Habib was advised by doctors to stop flying to races due to health issues.

After winning first time out for the Peter yard Gerome Nassif, Kevin Nassif and Mark Nassif became partners in the horse with John Habib and were immediately rewarded because he won the R400,000 Bloodstock SA Sales Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville in his first start for them.

The Pathfork gelding is going to be one of the big attractions this season and hopefully it goes without the upheavels of last season.

Main Defender was officially bred by Jagessar Ltd, who were the partners with Varsfontein Stud in Main Defender’s damsire Judpot, and he was born and raised at Varsfontein Stud.

Frankie concluded by saying about an overseas campaign, “He is not moving anywhere … for now anyway.”

The first direct shipment of horses from SA to the EU in 14 years landed in Belgium over the weekend. Among the 32 horses were three racehorses and among those three racehorses was the Hong Kong-bound What A Winter gelding Star Performer (Picture: via meta) 

Hobday Equestrian Enterprises Press Release

Successful Liftoff for SA’s First Direct Equine Export to the EU in 14 Years! Hobday Equestrian Enterprises (HEE) has been shipping horses for the past 25 years and has lived through the challenges and changes within the equine shipping industry. Despite seeing it all, this must have been one of the most complex, yet gratifying charters they have been responsible for.

Over time, health, customs, and regulatory requirements have become more complicated, and piecing all the parts together resembles a 40,000-piece puzzle of plain white. In addition to this complexity, there is the pressure of time restrictions. Luckily, HEE always welcomes a good challenge. The first direct export from Cape Town to Europe in just under 14 years was successfully dispatched on 17 August 2024, from Cape Town International Airport to Liège Airport in Belgium. This was a full charter of 32 horses using a company called Easy Charter. In an effort to create a cohesive transport solution, HEE accommodated 3 horses that were booked by other equine shipping agents.

For the last 14 years, the only alternative to move horses from SA to EU and onwards was via Mauritius or direct to the USA. Although via Mauritius was a good option, this routing incurred additional costs and time (around 70 additional days in Mauritius), which negatively impacted the number of horses procured and shipped. Direct to the USA is simply uneconomical, being hugely expensive and requiring the horses to stand in full lock down in the USA for 60 days. Certainly not ideal! The Western Cape is an African Horse Sickness (AHS) controlled area made up of three different zones: the AHS protection zone, the AHS surveillance zone, and the AHS free zone. Getting horses from the rest of SA into the Western Cape and eligible for export is a complex process. The horses may need to spend a 14-day stop-over quarantine before traveling into the AHScontrolled zone, dependant on the status of AHS cases in the area of origin. Once in the Cape, they must complete 40-days residency in the free zone, including 14-days of hard lockdown in Kenilworth Quarantine before the flight date, with all the required blood tests having been implemented. Out of the 32 horses on the flight, there were 27 Endurance Horses, 3 Racehorses, 1 Polo Pony, and 1 Warmblood. Thirty of the 32 horses were sold commercially, reflecting the importance of streamlining this channel for growing the equestrian industry, which includes Thoroughbred Racing, Polo, Arabian breeding, and Warmbloods for multiple disciplines and many more.

Forging a new path is never easy, but with the support of the below-mentioned entities and individuals, it was made possible and done extremely well. The enormous undertaking of resolving SA’s banned status was managed by the SA Equine Health & Protocols (SAEHP), led by Adrian Todd and his team.

Funded by the local racing industry and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, this collaboration of major role players, with immense financial and time investment, implemented the correct infrastructure within SA, allowing for a successful EU audit in 2023. Consistent lobbying within the EU also drove the EU Commission to adopt the recommendation given by the audit, leading to the lifting of the ban against direct exports to the EU in May 2024. The SAEHP and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), under the directorship of Dr. Mpho Maja, collaborated in this highly functional privategovernment partnership to facilitate and resolve EU direct exports for SA. Additionally, Dr. Vivien Malan and Dr. Ansulize Pepler of the Western Cape Government undertook the task of ensuring that these 32 horses met the EU import requirements successfully.

Another crucial part of the mechanism is Cape Racing, which offered the only certified export quarantine facility in SA at Kenilworth Racecourse. The facilities belong to Greg Bortz, a fundamental personality in the equine industry, especially racing. The team behind it all included quarantine manager Sue Mutch and her assistant managers, Stephanie and Andrea, along with Justin Vermaak and his administrative team, who provided fantastic support in the background to make this endeavor possible and ensure healthy happy horses were dispatched to the EU.

The facilities at Montague Gardens, where the horses spent their 26 days of residency, were managed by Hayley Houareau and Dr. Deborah Van Dyk, representing Boarder Management Authority (BMA), were essential in facilitating the requirements needed before the horses headed to Kenilworth Quarantine Station for the final leg of their pre-export preparations. With respect to the logistical aspect, HEE was thrilled to have had a successful collaboration with Intradco Global, who assisted with securing the charter and facilitating all logistics surrounding the charter from airport to airport.

Charlie McMullen continues the long-term legacy of Eddie McMullen, the founder of Intradco, who undertook their first animal assignment of 6 horses from London to Accra in 1989. On Saturday the 17th August, the horses were entrusted to their two incredible professional grooms, Paul Wyatt and Howard Russell, and assisted by the qualified professional groom Olivier Francois representing HEE.

Dr. John Charles and his team from Peninsula Equine ensured that all horses’ pre-quarantine preparations and wellbeing during quarantine were maintained to the highest standards.

Due to the lack of cargo freighters in SA since COVID, the Intradco/HEE team experienced logistical constraints in securing a suitable charter date. These difficulties initially led to several flight date changes. Due to these changes, there were availability issues with respect to transport from quarantine to the Airport, but luckily New Turf Carriers came to the rescue. Pulling a rabbit out of the hat, providing the necessary transport needed.

The incredible team on the day, who were alongside the horses from the moment of offloading from the trucks onto the jet stalls, and then onto the aircraft, consisted of HEE founder Candice Hobday, qualified flying groom Jesse Sutton, the 3 pro grooms that flew with the horses, local equine vet Dr. John Charles, and Ashley Hendricks from BidAir Cargo.

SA has always had a fantastic reputation for breeding high-quality horses. This is hopefully our chance to start presenting them on the international market in abundance again. A huge congratulations to every individual who formed part of this remarkable milestone and for assisting in placing all the puzzle pieces where they needed to be, ensuring a HUGE success.

The top lot at last year’s BSA August Two-year-old Sale was the above Maine Chance Farms-bred Vercingetorix filly (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Theatre of Dreams at a horse auction

Blockbuster sale expected as sun shines on racing once more

Mike Moon (The Citizen)

Germiston will be a hive of activity this weekend with the August horse sale. Picture: Getty Images

They’re called horse sales – and horses do change hands – but it’s dreams that are being sold. Racehorses are beautiful creatures and can (sometimes) earn lots of money, but eager buyers rocking up at the auction ring in Germiston on Thursday and Friday will mainly be driven by visions of turf glory.

Bloodstock SA is expecting big things of the 2024 August Two Year Old Sale this week. Racing dreams nowadays have more chance of coming true than they have in a long while, thanks to the local industry looking more stable and prosperous.

The optimism is mainly founded on racing recovering from a near-death experience and the lifting of equine export bans. Less talked about has been a stirring of confidence in the country’s political and economic future.

It’ll be a surprise if the 2YO Sale doesn’t break records, so it will be closely watched from all corners of the game.

Marketing superlatives

The trouble with a thoroughbred sale is the whole thing is swathed in hyperbole; even savvy buyers can get confused by the marketing superlatives, overwhelmed by an avalanche of bloodline detail.

Observers without a purchaser’s paddle can only find some names they know and sit back and enjoy the show.

The best-known names among the sires represented at the 2YO Sale are, of course, champion Gimmethegreenlight and his closest challengers Vercingetorix, Querari, Master Of My Fate and Rafeef.

Gimmethegreenlight has 11 offspring catalogued, with the standouts being Lots 30 and 330 – a filly called Hazel Green, who is from the family of Epsom Derby winner Harzand, and a colt called Go Johnny Go, who is from the highly successful “Gimme”/Jet Master cross.

Vercongetorix has 15 on offer, with colt Torremolinos catching the eye. He is out of Australian import Alboran Sea (by Rock Of Gibraltar), who was an Equus champion and winner of the Alan Robertson Championship, the Cape Flying Championship and the Computaform Sprint – all Grade 1 races.

Lance

At the other end of the scale to these eminent fathers is Lance, who was almost entirely ignored as a stallion until one of his few offspring emerged as a track superstar – filly Quid Pro Quo, who ruled supreme in the juvenile ranks of the recently concluded season.

Lance has been visited by a few more mares of late, but only has two progeny on this sale. On pedigree, the choice is a filly out of Spring Festival, a daughter of Silvano and a half-sister to Gold Cup champ Wavin’ Flag.

As always, new sires on the block will be closely watched.

One World has been a sensation, with his first racing crop including more than two dozen winners, including dual graded nursery victor One Stripe.

The likes of brilliant racers Hawwaam and Erik The Red have their first crops on the catalogue this week, along with the imported American Declarationofpeace.

The humble environs of Germiston offer up a true Theatre of Dreams.

Jockey Alvinio Roy has been banned for five years after a bizarre incident in which some, including the stewards, claim he jumped off his horse who had a good chance of winning when entering the straight in the lead in a race in Mauritius.

Turf Talk editor has looked at this incident and it seems quite clear the jockey simply loses his footing on the right stirrup iron and consequently loses his balance. With the fall being inevitable he wisely decides to jump clear of the horses legs. (see video below)

Mauritian publication Turf News shared the below report of the inquiry with the Sporting Post:

Turf News have shared with the Sporting Post that jockey Alvinio Roy was disqualified on Wednesday 21 August 21 after his ‘fall’ from Special Force in the second race of Meeting 15, held on 10 August.

Before going into the report, Turf News suggest it is important to take their hats off to the Race Stewards who, in their opinion, did a very good job and asked the right questions.

We, who often criticize them, feel that this is an important point to underline. Alvinio Roy, on the other hand, failed to defend himself.

The first point put forward by Alvinio Roy during the investigation to explain his fall was that his saddle had shifted.

He explained that after Romanus’ escapade, he had to get off Special Force because he is a reckless horse. Since he had been ordered to get back in the saddle by the Stewards, he did so even though he felt there was a problem with his saddle.

The Chief Stipe, Riyaz Khan, replied that the request had come from the trainer, Praveen Nagadoo, and that they had simply passed on the message. He also added that it was his duty to say that the saddle was not correct in his opinion.

However, once on the horse, Alvinio Roy said he had told the Special Force’s handler about the issue. The message was passed on to Nicolas Kéblé, the chief handler, and it was Jean-Noël Kéblé who came to check. He was categorical: everything was correct. The horse may have kicked, but the saddle was in the right place. He also added that the horse was not sweating either.

Finally, Nicolas Kéblé added that before starting the loading exercise, he asked Alvinio Roy if the saddle was correct on three occasions, and the latter answered yes.

Philippe Aumaître, the starter, said that Alvinio Roy had expressed no concern about his saddle in the starting gate.

Then came the viewing of the race film from all angles.

At the jockey’s request, the race was viewed in its entirety. This enabled the Race Stewards to identify certain inconsistencies in the Mauritian’s statements.

Riyaz Khan pointed out that Alvinio Roy did not seem concerned by his saddle behind the boxes. He defended himself by saying that he could be seen talking to the handler. Then, when the boxes were opened, Ally Mohedeen, a Steward, countered by emphasizing the vigor with which the jockey accompanied his horse when the latter suspected a displaced saddle in the stalls. Alvinio Roy replied that he was simply following his trainer’s instructions. These were: go out, bounce, follow at the front or in second position if Alpenhorn wanted to go ahead. If Alpenhorn reduced the pace too much, to overtake him and take the lead.

Once the saddle-slip part was over, we moved on to the part that got a lot of ink flowing: the fall.

The Chief Stipe asked: “How did you fall? There was no stumble nor no sudden movement from the horse. The horse was as good as he could be. What really happened? Alvinio Roy explained that he was using new stirrups. This was the very first time he’d used them. He had to use them because they were light. He had borrowed them from Rye Joorawon. He explained that after passing the road, he started pushing his horse. Entering the final straight, he wanted to look for the support of the rails and by putting his body weight on the right side, but his foot, which was not completely in the stirrups, slipped. He then found himself unbalanced and fell. The Chief Stipe was quick to respond, saying that there had been no problems with the stirrups during the race.

Sanjeev Thakan, another member of the Stewards, also spoke up, telling him that there were inconsistencies with the jockey’s explanation. Notably his weight – where he said he hadn’t eaten for two days to lose weight and that he wasn’t 100% fit, but had nevertheless accepted three rides – his irons, which he was using for the first time in competition, and the misplaced saddle, an excuse that didn’t hold water because it was denied. Riyaz Khan didn’t mince his words, saying – as the video played in slow motion – that it looked more like a jump than a fall. It was too perfect to be a fall.

After listening to the jockey’s explanations, the Racing Stewards charged him under section 80.1.19 of the Rules of Racing and found him guilty, although Alvinio Roy pleaded not guilty.

The stewards accused him of lying about the saddle-slip, since the testimony of the handlers and trainer was to the contrary.

The fact that a piece of equipment was incorrect is entirely his own responsibility, as he should have tried it first in training.

And finally, with regard to the fall, he made no effort to stay in the saddle. As a result, he was disqualified for five years.

Although he is appealing, he will not be able to get back in the saddle for either training or racing. He can’t be present at training either. It is highly likely that the case will be transferred to the police.

Section 80.1.19 of the Rules of Racing reads: “Without in any way derogating from the provisions of the Rules, no Person shall commit, incite or conspire with anybody to commit any corrupt, fraudulent, dishonest or prohibited practice in relation to the racing, breeding, buying and/or selling of Horses in any country.”

• Courtesy of Turf News

A report by Code Sports a couple of days after the incident gives an insight into what happened and the rage of punters in the aftermath.

Mauritian jockey Alvinio Roy involved in bizarre race fall

An inquiry has been opened by Mauritius stewards after a jockey fell off his horse when leading a race last Saturday.

A jockey in Mauritius fell off his horse in bizarre circumstances when leading in the home straight.

Punters found another way to do their cash on Saturday with a sick beat at Mauritius after a jockey fell off his horse that looked to be home.

Sundance Kid has been tipped to win the last race (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)

Rachel Venniker has proved herself against the best in the world and she can get Sundance Kid home in a tough race that rounds off the card on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.

Wendy Whitehead’s gelding has been contesting features of late where Venniker has not been able to claim her allowance and her claim could be what sees her home here.

Last One Standing looks a threat as he has been holding form well and with a handy galloping weight should make his presence felt.

Dean Kannemeyer should get the ball rolling. His colt Industrialstrength fell foul of the Tco2 testing at his last intended start and was scratched. He finished runner-up to the Gr1 proven The Specialist on debut and should he pass the iniquitous Tco2 test he should be difficult to beat in a small field.

Barry Du Grond finished a distant second last time out and although Robbie Hill’s colt has shown some ability he should prove second best.

Mask On should get punter’s through the first leg of the PA. He looks to be the pick of Louis Goosen’s pair as he was touched off over course and distance last time out hand has been improving steadily. Surprise package could be Stanley Park. Garth Puller has pitted him against much stronger at recent starts and he has been dropping steadily in the handicap. He is also down in class but does have a 4kg claimer up who has yet to win a race. Alyson Wright also saddles two runners with big chances. Rhythm has stable jockey Athandiwe Mgudlwa aboard but the gelding was a beaten favourite last time out finishing behind Mask On. Wright likes to exploit Rachel Venniker’s 1.5kg allowance and although Love In Winter has mostly poly form, he must have a strong chance.

In a race with thin form Mike de Kock’s runner Mvelelo comes with consistent Highveld form over this trip and although drawn a little wide he could prove difficult to beat. Recently turned three-year-old Carnival Park improved nicely for MJ Odendaal at his second start and can show more but surprise package could be Amigo. He had the worst of the draw at his second start where he met Gr1 contender French Flame. He should do much better in this company.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is wide open. Landseer is lightly raced and has improved with each outing. He has the best of the draw and the Andre Nel stable is in good form of late. Magma Magic had the widest draw last run and finished a close-up third to General Byng. Tony Rivalland has declared first time blinkers and with a much better gate this time he should make a bold bid. Always Shining was favourite in the race with General Byng and a length ahead of Magma Magic. However, blinkers and a better draw for Magma Magic could see the tables turned.

The fifth, is a weak maiden over 2200m but Frank Robinson is a dab hand at preparing stayers and Intuitive Spirit has shown that he stays a trip in a field with very little form. He is way better than his last effort on the poly and his best showing has been on this course. Fire Force was close-up behind Intuitive Spirt when last they met in the same race. He has shown steady form since and must have a strong chance in this line-up. In that same race, Magic Hat Trick finished ahead of both the afore mentioned but his recent form has been modest.

The sixth is another tough race. Mike’s Mazarin surprised all, including trainer Duncan Howells, when motoring home to win his maiden at just his second start. He came from a long way back so the extra will suit and in modest company he can follow up. Lucretius switches to the turf but has consistent poly form and with Craig Zackey aboard for Carl Hewitson they could make an impression. Basie Raakvat showed up well over course and distance last time out and can finish in the money again.

Alec Laird sends out Pointer in the seventh who comes with strong Highveld form in useful company to back her claims. She faces a competitive field but was an expected easy winner of her last start at prohibitive odds and prior to that was far from disgraced behind the promising Rodeo Drive. Prom Queen has not been out since finishing five lengths back to Quid Pro Quo in the Allan Robertson. The step up in trip will suit and she should be a big runner for Dean Kannemeyer. Of the older runners, Perilla has been in good form for Dennis Bosch and was running on well behind the well-weighted Mascherina in a recent feature.

You Got To Me has been tipped to win the Gr 1 Yorkshire Oaks (Racingfotos.com)

At The Races

1 2:50 PM – Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2)
Queen Mary winner Leovanni is aiming to protect her unbeaten record and she sets a lofty standard for the others to aim at with a rating of 106. Karl Burke’s juvenile holds obvious claims, but it may pay to side with HEAVENS GATE, who has shown improvement with each run to date and was impressive in her victory at Naas last time. The daughter of Churchill has plenty of speed and this looks like an ideal opportunity to gain her first Group success. Betty Clover is the pick of the remainder.

Top Tip: Heavens Gate (4)
Watch out for: Leovanni (1)

2 3:25 PM – Harry’s Half Million By Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes (GBB Race)
Maw Lam has made the frame at Group and Listed level in two of her last three outings and that level of performance gives her every chance of taking this valuable prize. However, the vote goes to ARIZONA BLAZE, who arguably brings the best form to the contest after finishing third in a strong renewal of the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh earlier in the month. Adrian Murray’s juvenile has plenty of experience under his belt and could put that to good use. Territorial Knight and Against The Wind are others to keep an eye on.

Top Tip: Arizona Blaze (1)
Watch out for: Maw Lam (20)

3 4:00 PM – Clipper Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
Thunder Run was a beaten favourite when third on his handicap debut at Thirsk earlier in the month, but remains unexposed and is likely to have plenty more to offer. However, the vote goes to the in-form ELNAJMM, who continues to go from strength to strength after scoring at Ascot last month and has proved a different proposition since being gelded last year. William Haggas’ four-year-old could continue his rapid progression and go in again, while New Image and James McHenry can fight it out for the minor honours.

Top Tip: Elnajmm (4)
Watch out for: Thunder Run (15)

4 4:35 PM – Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks (Fillies’ & Mares’ Group 1) (British Champions Series)
Three-year-olds have won eight of the last 10 renewals of this prestigious fillies and mares showpiece and, having been responsible for five of those heroines, Aidan O’Brien’s trusted formula for success has been formidable. Content and Port Fairy are two high-class contenders for O’Brien this time around, with the former readily suggested as the Ballydoyle flag-bearer. However, both were outgunned by YOU GOT TO ME in the Irish Oaks last month and it is the Ralph Beckett-trained filly who appeals most from the Classic generation. The rapidly improving Queen Of The Pride has the younger legs and shades the stoic Emily Upjohn as the main contender for the Gosdens on this occasion.

Top Tip: You Got To Me (8)
Watch out for: Content (5)

5 5:10 PM – British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (Fillies’ & Mares’ Listed)
William Haggas won this race in 2013, 2014 and again last year, which all bodes well for the progressive SEA JUST IN TIME, who is capable of making a big impression now she steps back up in class. The holder of a couple of Group 1 entries, the daughter of Sea The Stars appears to have an outstanding chance here. Nakheel was two places ahead of the selection when third at Goodwood in June but failed to build on that at Newmarket last time. With that in mind, Karmology may pose a bigger threat given her course record.

Top Tip: Sea Just In Time (11)
Watch out for: Karmology (5)

6 5:45 PM – sensory-junction.co.uk Autism Awareness EBF Stallions Nursery
AGE OF GOLD scored in the style of a smart prospect over 6f at Yarmouth on his debut in May, prior to finishing seventh in the Chesham at Royal Ascot. Having been gelded since, he gets the tentative nod to score on his nursery debut. Original Outlaw looked likely to score before being caught by his stablemate when second in a similar event at Goodwood three weeks ago, and he can emerge as the main danger upped 6lb. Dividend and Seagolazo are others for the shortlist.

Top Tip: Age Of Gold (1)
Watch out for: Original Outlaw (4)

7 6:20 PM – British Ebf Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
Alfa Kellenic has been in great form this year and she must be on the shortlist once again. That said, ELIM gets the vote as she was an excellent third over a mile in a Pontefract Listed race last month, just giving way in the closing stages and this step back to 7f could be right up her street. Although a mark of 92 is tough enough, she may well be capable of defying it here. Key To Cotai was forced to endure a luckless passage when fourth over 7f at Haydock recently and she merits respect off an unchanged mark.

Top Tip: Elim (3)
Watch out for: Alfa Kellenic (11)

Muzi Yeni clinches a treble and St. John Gray a double with the Gray homebred Potala Palace filly Twostep Queen (JC Photos).

Muzi Yeni rode a treble at the Vaal today (Tuesday), two of them for St. John Gray, and Gavin Lerena rode a double for Lucky Houdalakis.

Yeni is now on 17 wins for the season, one off the pace being set by Sean Veale, and he has done it at a strike rate of 15.18%.

Lerena is on 13 wins at 28.89%.

Houdalakis is o n four wins for the season at 30.77%.

Gray is also on four wins and has a 17.39% strike rate.

Picture: Some remains of the ancient city of Eboracum (Time Travel Rome)

Eboracum (Classical Latin: [ɛbɔˈraːkum]) was a fort and later a city in the Roman province of Britannia. In its prime it was the largest town in northern Britain and a provincial capital. The site remained occupied after the decline of the Western Roman Empire and ultimately developed into the present-day city of York, in North Yorkshire, England.

Eboracum, the Roman name for York, sounds exotic and Latinised to our ears, and on initial consideration, appears to have little in common with the city’s modern-day name. But in fact, the name York is a direct descendent of the name Eboracum.

THe Ebor Festival derives its name from the Roman name Eboracum.