Turf Talk Newsletter – 21 August, 2025

Minnie Hauk Matches The Great Enable's Oaks Feat

Minnie Hauk is a comfortable winner of the Yorkshire Oaks (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

Enable is one of the most celebrated horses this millennium, having one the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe twice, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes three times and she also won the Eclipe and the Breeders Cup turf and the Epsom Oaks among other big wins, so it was a great moment at York on Thursday when the Aidan O’Brien-trained Frankel filly Minnie Hauk matched one of Enable’s feats.

Enable, a John Gosden-trained daughter of Nathaniel, was so invincible against her own age and gender that she scored an Oaks four-timer, winning the Gr 1 Epsom Oaks, the Gr 1 Irish Oaks, the Gr 3 Cheshire Oaks and the Gr 1 Yorkshire Oaks.

When Minnie Hauk won Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks she had completed that same Oaks four-timer.

Enable pulled it off in 2017, while another great filly, Snowfall (Deep Impact), did the Epsom, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks treble in 2021.

Snowfall, like Minnie Hauk, was trained by Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore rode her in all three of her Oaks victories, while Moore has also ridden Mini Hauk in all four of her Oaks wins.

O’Brien also pulled off the Gr 1 Oaks treble in 2006 with Sadler’s Wells filly Alexandrova, who was ridden by Kieren Fallon in the Epsom and Irish versions before Michael Kinane took over in the Yorkshire Oaks.

Enable went on to win the Yorkshire Oaks again in 2019 and she was ridden by Moore on that occasion, although Frankie Dettori rode her in all of her 2017 Oaks wins.

At The Races wrote about Thursday’s race (read below):

Mini Hauk started as the 8-15 favourite.

Her stablemate Garden Of Eden set the pace and David O’Meara’s Estrange did ensure the winner had a race, but the triumph was ultimately light work by three and a half lengths on the line.

O’Brien said: “She’s beautiful, she does everything right, she cruises, she’s a lovely mover and obviously the Arc and the Breeders’ Cup Turf, all those races are there for her.

“Ryan said the (Breeders’ Cup) Turf, so she’s obviously given him an unbelievable feel. Ryan gave her a class ride, he was very cool on her. She is classy and he gave her a very confident ride.

“It wasn’t going to be a Mickey Mouse race today, they were going to go an even gallop without going crazy. Ryan has always said the stronger the tempo, the better we’re going to see.

“She’s very exciting.”

O’Brien – who saw Delacroix and dual Derby winner Lambourn suffer defeat on Wednesday – went on: “We’ve always felt the better the race the better she’ll be.

“It was good for Ryan, he had a tough day yesterday and things didn’t work out but the professional that he is he didn’t flinch.

“It was a nicely-run race, even though there were only four in it, I think the second is a nice filly, isn’t she.

“She’s won well in the end our filly, she obviously stays very well and always finishes her race off well. She doesn’t kill herself getting there but she’s always finishing.

“She has to be close to the top of our pecking order for the Arc, she’s an improving filly at this time of year.

“She could go to the Breeders’ Cup Turf but also the Arc. Whirl could go with her.

“Whirl could go to the Vermeille or Irish Champion, but there’s a good chance Delacroix goes back to the Irish Champion and if John (Gosden) brings his horse (Ombudsman) it will be great.”

Co-owner Michael Tabor said: “I think she won very comfortably, she’s obviously very good and looking forward maybe she will run in the Arc or the Breeders’ Cup. Hopefully we can keep her in training as a four-year-old and enjoy her.

“There’s no secret to the success. First of all we have a very good trainer but we try to breed the best to the best as we all do, like Godolphin and Juddmonte. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

“Yesterday was not a disaster, but it was tough. It’s tough when you lose which is why you have to appreciate when you win because it is not easy.

“Minnie Hauk beat Whirl at Epsom and dare I say their next races will be the Arc and the Breeders’ Cup for one or the other and hopefully they’ll have good chances in those races.”

Drakenstein-bred Vercingetorix Colt Fetches R4 Million

Lot 47, a stunning looking Drakenstein Stud-bred colt by Vercingetorix (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

There have been rumours flying around for a week or two that Lot 47 at the BSA August Sale, which started today (Thursday), would challenge South African auction records and although he did not even get halfway to the SA record auction price of R9 million the bidding was swift and reached a huge R4 million before beng knocked down to Jonathan Snaith.

The Drakenstein Stud-bred Vercingetorix colt is beautifully conformed and is out of the twice Gr 1 Majorca Stakes-winner Clouds Unfold, who is by What A Winter.

Clouds Unfold, trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, won nine times and besides her two Majorca wins she also won two Gr 2s and a Gr 3 as a two-year-old.

Vercingetorix had four lots on this year’s BSA August Sale, all sold on day one, and averaged R1,431,250, which was similar to his BSA National Yearling Sale average of 1,435,000.

The top lot, who is called Le Soleil, is a November foal so that might have been why he did not appear at the Race Coast Sales March Day 1 Sale or the BSA Nationals.

There were five seven figure lots, two of them by Vercingetorix and three of them by Rafeef.

Rafeef had the highest aggregate of R8,900,000 and his 13 lots sold out of 17 available averaged 684,615.

The second highest lot at the Sale was a Wilgerbosdrift-bred Rafeef filly out of the Gr 1 SA Fillies Classic-winning Fort Wood mare Athina and she fetched R1.7 million.

The Sale confirmed the current bullishness in SA racing as the average was up to R324,125 from R280,156 last year and the Median was up from R160,000 to R260,000, although there is still a day to go in the Sale.

Jonathan Snaith was the leading buyer and Wilgerbosdrift Stud were the leading vendor.

Click here to see all the Sale Details.

Cousin Casey Ready To Produce Many Cousins Says Barry Hilton

Cousin Casey with popular comedian Barry Hilton inset (Horse Picture: Wayne Marks)

Passionate owner Ravi Naidoo is in horseracing chiefly for fun and he came up with the imaginative idea of employing South Africa’s most famous “cousin” i.e. Barry Hilton, to promote his Mauritzfontein-based stallion Cousin Casey.

The Vercingetorix colt’s career, in which he won one Gr 1, two Gr 2s and a Listed race as well as being runner up in four Gr 1s, was no laughing matter.

However, Barry Hilton’s promotional video has had South African racing fans in stitches since it was released on Thursday.

In horseracing there is of course a lot of line breeding and inbreeding.

Barry thus has a lot of leverage to talk about Cousin Casey and the thoroughbred cousins of this first season stallion and also the cousins he is going to produce.

Click here for a link to the amusing video

Arizona Blaze Could Take The Nunthorpe

Arizona Blaze has been tipped to win the Nunthorpe (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

York Friday Formguides And Selections

1 2:50 SA Time PM – Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Trainer Roger Varian has won two of the last nine runnings and he relies on French Duke, who finished down the field over further at Goodwood last time out. He can go well on his third start after being gelded, but top-weight MOUNT ATLAS is preferred. A winner at Ascot last month when coming from off the pace with a well-timed run, an added 5lb may not stop him following up under Oisin Murphy. Doncaster second Marhaba The Champ has won here twice, including this prize in 2023, and could hit the frame at a massive price.

Top Tip: Mount Atlas (1)
Watch out for: French Duke (5)

2 3:25 PM SA Time – Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2)
TRAWLERMAN arrives on the back of wins in the Henry II at Sandown and the Gold Cup at Ascot by seven lengths from the classy Illinois. Despite carrying a Group 1 penalty for the latter success, the former Ebor hero should prove a tough nut to crack once again. Shackleton gets a stone from his older rival as a three-year-old and the Irish Derby eighth has to be of interest at these weights, while Al Qareem is hard to ignore in his hunt for a hat-trick on the Knavesmire.

Top Tip: Trawlerman (1)
Watch out for: Shackleton (6)

3 4:00 PM SA Time – Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) (In Honour Of Tom Lacy)
Do Or Do Not ran well for a long way before finishing third in the Vintage at Goodwood and in first-time cheekpieces dropping back to 6f, he looks a major player. RECIPROCATED pulled too hard before finishing last in a Listed race over further at Ascot, but had impressed when winning his first two starts at Nottingham and Carlisle. This test should play to his strengths a lot more, while Egoli won here in July and may hold on for third.

Top Tip: Reciprocated (6)
Watch out for: Do Or Do Not (2)

4 4:35 PM SA Time – Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1)
Lady Iman has stolen all of the headlines leading up to this event as she was supplemented after her Molecomb triumph last month and the daughter of Starman is worth her place at this level. Course winner Jm Jungle produced a career-best when defeating She’s Quality by a neck in a Group 2 at Goodwood earlier in the month and it would be no surprise to see him confirm that form. However, Commonwealth Cup silver medallist ARIZONA BLAZE looks the way to go. Adrian Murray’s three-year-old accounted for Mgheera by two lengths in a Group 2 at the Curragh on his most recent start and can continue his upward trajectory.

Top Tip: Arizona Blaze (9)
Watch out for: Lady Iman (16)

5 5:10 PM SA Time – Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
Zgharta was slowly away and suffered from a troubled passage when fifth over a mile at Goodwood last month. Therefore, with a smoother trip and the step up in distance possibly bringing out improvement, she needs considering. Wonder Star only found one too good in this grade at the same track on her latest outing and is noted, but CAPE FLORA gets the vote. The Gosdens’ filly showed a huge amount of improvement when bolting up at Leicester last month and considering the manner of that triumph, she might defy her 11lb rise.

Top Tip: Cape Flora (11)
Watch out for: Zgharta (5)

6 5:45 PM SA Time – British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)
Naval Light almost atoned for a luckless run in Norfolk at Royal Ascot with a rallying second in a similar event over 6f at Goodwood last month. Slowly away that day, he stayed on well enough to suggest stepping up to 7f should be fine. Frescobaldi represents Aidan O’Brien/Ballydoyle and appeals after two promising starts in Ireland. However, this race is about deep potential and none fits the bill more than INISHBEG. Having cost 500,000gns as a yearling, the son of Ghaiyyath runs for highly respected connections whose decision to pitch him at this level on debut is a telling indication of expectations. New Monarch and Beny Nahar are other compelling options.

Top Tip: Inishbeg (7)
Watch out for: Naval Light (9)

7 6:20 PM SA Time – Sky Bet Mile Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
FEARNOT’s third-placed finish in the Britannia at Royal Ascot was highly commendable. However, that effort was bettered when he successfully returned to the same venue in an identically deep handicap last month. A 6lb higher rating might should be manageable for Clive Cox’s progressive colt. Montpellier had Yah Mo Be There a place behind when he finished fourth in a similar event over 7f at Goodwood and can confirm the form with improvement possible over this longer trip. The unbeaten Big Leader is up in class but also merits respect.

Top Tip: Fearnot (1)
Watch out for: Montpellier (4)

Sweetie Darling Can Make It A Fairview Four-timer

Sweetie Darling has been tipped to win the fifth race (Pauline Herman Photography)

Fairview Poly Friday Formguides And Selections

R1 Preview: HAT MONTERA (4) ran an absolute cracker last time when in open company for the first time and comes from an inform yard. She can go one better this time. ONO NO KOMACHI (3) is taking time for the next win but showed last time when 2nd to Flight Display that the next victory is near – big chance. TAKE YOUR TIME (6) is never far off the action, gets Craig Zackey and has to be given serious consideration for all bets. DARLING HARBOUR (5) has place credentials. (Warren Lenferna 4-3-6-5)

R2 Preview: DESERT CLOUD (1) kicked on well last time and should take a power of beating today. GOLDEN ALEXIA (2) brings Highveld form into the race and can make her presence felt in her local debut – bright chance. SALAGADOOLA (7) improved a ton last time and can go very close. She is lightly raced. NIGHT IN JAPAN (3) has clearly taken to racing at Fairview and should again be very competitive. A must for the quartet and should win soon. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-7-3)

R3 Preview: STAND UP (3) is improving with racing and went very close to getting it all right last time. He looks cherry ripe for the win and to be noticed. PIBE DE ORO (1) was a nose behind Stand Up in the race won by Bright Future and there shouldn’t be too much between them again. Strong each way chance. BANDMASTER (2) caught the eye when competing in PE for the first time last time and should be hugely competitive in this. MONOCLE (4) can earn. (Warren Lenferna 3-1-2-4)

R4 Preview: CONCERTO (8) has run some attractive races since winning in February and Khumalo would have learnt a lot from the last run when finishing 3rd to Kingdom Of Heaven. She can be expected to go very close. ARABIAN RED (6) her stable mate can provide plenty cheek all the way home and is the exacta suggestion. PRISCILLA MASEY (3) impressed when winning last time and if she were to follow up it would come as no shock at all – respect and include in everything. POLYNOMIAL (1) has showed some spark in her last two runs and can earn – strong place claims. (Warren Lenferna 8-6-3-1)

R5 Preview: SWEETIE DARLING (2) has found a new zest for life in PE having won mighty impressively by getting up close to home every time in her last three starts. She goes a little further now to 1400m but can certainly continue on winning ways. Sparkling winning chance. GIMME’S LASSIE (1) is holding form, has finished close to Sweetie Darling in her last two starts and has huge each way claims. ENCHANTING CHOICE (6) has trotted up in her last two beating Walkonthewildside and Wild Applause respectively and can reel off the hat trick – serious contender. MONTELENA (3) is taking time for the next win but is competitive and can never, ever be ignored from any bets – respect and include. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-6-3)

R6 Preview: FEW DOLLARS MORE (1) brings solid KZN form into the race and might be too strong here. He gets the services of Chad Little and they are confidently selected to win. ROTOTO (7) can be forgiven for the last run and judged on the penultimate start – chance and could represent some value. ONE SCOTCH (3) and WILLIAM THE FIRST (4) should be in the first four. (Warren Lenferna 1-7-3-4)

R7 Preview: MERCANTOUR (2) boasts solid form and will have a huge winning chance but the race is fiercely competitive. FAIRY KNIGHT (1) can be forgiven for the last effort in a Grade 1 in KZN and can bounce right back to way better form – big danger. GOLDEN PAVILLION (7) has won four out of his last five and can continue on the winning spree and CHAMPONELLE (6) is another one that is just winning and winning well – how can he be ignored? A tough race. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-7-6)

R8 Preview: CASINO ACE (8) could represent some attractive each way value. His two runs in PE have been better, especially his last run when only 1,60 lengths off Danish Dynamite. ROYAL KINGDOM (1) won his maiden oh so easily and has been given a mark of 86 – he may be nicely treated and could end up being absolutely anything. Big chance. WORDSWORTH (3) is way better than the last run, ignore that and expect way better. WINTER WARFARE (2) has a first four chance. (Warren Lenferna 8-1-3-2)

The Day The Kenilworth Racecourse Judge Changed The Result

Racecourse judges seldom make mistakes but it has happened. Unlike the amateurish error made by an Australian judge for the above photo finish (read article here) the judges quickly rectified a mistake made at HWB Kenilworth back in 2008.

An unusual occurrence happened at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racecourse on November 4, 2008, but the judges handled it professionally and there were no gripes about the outcome.

When the Mike Bass-trained Wolfista and the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Mar Del Plata flashed past the post together in the sixth race the judges were going to have to call for the photo finish to separate them.

Wolfista was declared the winner after the photo-finish was studied.

However, it then became apparent that the camera was not correctly lined up with the finish line.

In the preceding part of the meeting it had been noticed that the timer on the camera had not been working, so the IT department was called in to repair it before the sixth race.

The movement of the camera had occurred during the repair process.

The judge excercised his right, as per the NHA rules, to refer to the race film in order to verify the placings.

On doing this he was not satisfied that there was a discernible difference between the noses of the two horses, and therefore declared a dead-heat.

Mike Greef, Gold Circle’s Racing Regonal Executive, said that the trainers of Wolfista and Mar Del Plata, Mike Bass and Dean Kannemeyer respectively, had been happy with the decision.

Twice Over Is Related To Wednesday's Juddmonte International Winner

Picture: Twice Over wins the Juddmonte International in 2011 (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

Cape Breeders

Impressive four-year-old winner of the Gr 1 Juddmonte International, Ombudsman, hails from the same family as Klawervlei Stud’s four time G1 winning sire Twice Over.

Not only that but they are both bred on remarkably similar lines.

Ombudsman’s fifth dam Lost Virtue is the third dam of Twice Over.

In both pedigrees Lost Virtue, who is by Cloudy Dawn, was crossed with a Nasrullah line sire, Riverman in Ombudsman’s case and Blushing Groom in Twice Over’s case.

The dam of both Ombudsman and Twice Over are from Nothern Dancer line stallions, Dansili in Ombudsman’s case and Caerleon in Northern Dancer’ case, while both of their sires are from Mr Prospector line sires, Night Of Thunder in Ombudsman’s case and Observatory in Twice Over’s case.

So there are a lof of similarities in their pedigrees.

Ombuddsman showed his class on Wednesday.

In landing the York showpiece, Ombudsman emulated Twice Over, with the latter victorious in the G1 Juddmonte International of 2011.

The 7-4 favourite was ridden by William Buick for John and Thady Gosden, with the fellow Godolphin-owned runner Birr Castle sent out to make the running as a rank outsider in the field of six. The latter horse was afforded an enormous lead and as he rounded the turn for home it looked quite possible that the chasing pack would not catch him, but as he tired, Ombudsman was gaining ground.

He eventually swept through to grab the lead and while Delacroix also made late gains, Ombudsman emerged a three-and-a-half-length winner.

Victorious in this year’s G1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, Ombudsman was claiming the second Group One victory of his eight-race career to date, with John Gosden’s sights already set on more top-level success.

He added: “He had a little problem as a baby and we never raced him at two and he came along gradually. He’s getting better and better, has trained well and was unbeaten last year. His only defeat this year was in the muddling Eclipse and he’s a proper horse.

The two obvious races for him are the Irish Champion and Ascot for Champions Day. It will be Sheikh Mohammed’s decision if he stays in training but he is a sportsman.”

Ombudsman, winner of six of just eight starts, is out of Syndicate. The latter’s fourth dam Lost Virtue also ranks as the third dam of Twice Over.

Twice Over has seven lots on offer at the 2025 August Two Year Old Sale, including a colt (Lot 151) out of G2 winner Magic Smoke, and a three-parts sister (Lot 260) to G2 Senor Santa Stakes winner Smorgasbord.