Turf Talk Newsletter – 21 October, 2025

Khaya Stables Can Not Separate Their 3YO Hopefuls

Viva’s Liberte powers home under Serino Moodley at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on October 8 (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Lady Christine Laidlaw’s Khaya Stables seem to have a conveyor belt of stars at present led by the like of Gimme A Prince and The Real Prince and their retained jockey Craig Zackey was never going to have an easy choice choosing which of Lady Laidlaw’s potential three-year-old classic colts to ride with the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Gimmie Rules and the Candice Bass-trained Viva’s Liberte striking as probable candidates for the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas.

Her racing manager Jehan Malherbe revealed Zackey had chosen to stick with Gimmie Rules, but he emphasised that this was a political decision and was not an indication that Gimmie Rules was regarded as better than Viva’s Liberte.

He said, “I don’t want to mislead the public by saying that Gimmie Rules is the better of the two, that is not necessarily the case at all. Candice needed to have time to secure a jockey for the upcoming features, so Craig was forced into making an early decision and as he is Dean Kannemeyer’s stable jockey he made the political decision to stick with his stable.”

Gimmie Rules is a full-brother to both Equus Champion Sprinter Gimme A Prince and Hollywoodbets Durban July winner The Real Prince.

Kannemeyer has always assessed him to be a horse who would appreciate going over further than sprints, so he looks more likely to follow in the footsteps of The Real Prince than Gimme A Prince.

He showed an exceptional turn of foot when winning over 1250m last Wednesday and if he proves capable of staying a mile he will be a most exciting Guineas prospect.

Meanwhile, Serino Moodley took the ride on Viva’s Liberte on October 8, where he powered to a 2,50 length victory in a Class 4 event over 1400m running off an 88 merit rating. He is now unbeaten in two starts.

He will relish the step up to a mile and will likely relish 2000m too, being by Vercingetorix out of Jet Master mare Viva Maria.

Vercingetorix imparts more precocity and speed than his sire Silvano, but he did win the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and the Gr 1 Jebel Hatta over 1800m in Dubai.

Viva Maria won the Gr 1 Woolavington 2000.

The Bass yard said Viva’s Liberte would take the traditional feature route for a classic horse i.e. he will start off in the Gr 2 Punter’s Cup over 1600m on November 22 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and then go for the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas three weeks later. Those two races will dictate his future, but it would be no surprise to see him in races like the Gr 1 Spashout Cape Derby, the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 and the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July, because to date whilst he has not shown the same instantaneous turn of foot that Gimme Rules possesses, he looks to have plenty of class and builds up his finishing run. He looks to be one who will stay a trip.

However, Jehan Malherbe excercised a word of caution and said, “They are both just winning Class 4 Handicaps at the moment, we don’t know whether either one of them is going to be good enough to get to the Guineas, we will have to wait and see.”

From what has been seen from the pair to date they do look good enough.

Another Kannemeyer-trained Khaya Stables-owned three-year-old who could join them is Gallic Victor, a Vercingetorix colt who caught the eye running on from last over 1600m on Saturday, although the bird had flown out in front and he had to settle for second. He had won easily and impressively on debut over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville back in July and this was just his second career start.

All The Rage To Go The Sprint Route

All The Rage gets the better of Gr 1 Gold Medallion Winner Good For You (Picture: Wayne Marks)

The Candice Bass yard have revealed that the classy Rafeef colt All The Rage could well be embarking on a sprint route and there would in that case be the opportunity to start his feature campaign in the Listed Sophomore 1200, although it is not yet set in stone.

All The Rage has gone close over 1500m before, finishing a 0,35 length third at level weights to the smart Justin Snaith-trained pair Roland Garros and Randolph Hearst over 1500m in a Juvenile Plate on June 1 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

That race followed a third place finish in the Gr 3 Winter Nursery over 1100m in just his second career start, having won on debut over that same course and distance.

However, he perhaps did not find the extra expected of him in the 1500m contest considering his natural speed and his magnificent turn of foot over shorter.

In his seasonal reappearance over 1200m down the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth he cruised up to the pacemaker in effortless fashion before pulling away to win in the hands by 3,25 lengths.

In his next start over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville he came from some way off the pacemaker and once again made up the ground hands and heels to win by 0,30 lengths.

What made that performance so impressive was the horse he caught was the Gr 1 Gold Medallion winner Good For You and if Aldo Domeyer’s 1kg overweight is taken into account then All The Rage gave Good For You 1kg.

All The Rage could be a contender if going the Gr 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas route, but as a sprinter he could well be something special.

The Millstream Farm-bred colt is by the Gr 1 Computaform Sprint winner Rafeef out of the Al Mufti mare Gilded Minaret, who won the Gr 1 Golden Slipper over 1400m as a two-year-old and later finished a short-head second in the Gr 1 Cape Fillies Guineas and won the the Gr 2 Gold Bracelet over 2000m.

All The Rage is owned by Messrs GN Shirtliff & MJ Shirtliff, Mrs Vanashree & Mr Anant Singh, GreenacresTrust and Team Valor International.

He was a R1 600 000 buy from the 2024 BSA National Yearling Sale.

Michelle Rix’s Prince Scores Emotional Win

Querari gelding Handsome Prince (closest) gives Michelle Rix a winner with her first runner after going on her own (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Sarah Whitelaw

Michelle Rix recently enjoyed a notable milestone in her training career when she sent out Handsome Prince to win at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

In the process, Handsome Prince became Michelle’s first winner, from her first starter, since the dissolution of her training partnership with father Harold.

A horse described by his trainer as “an absolute professional of a horse who gives a 110% of himself,” Handsome Prince’s victory overwhelmed Michelle, who had expected a big run from the Querari gelding but was pleasantly surprised by the win.

Michelle and Harold had been training together since 2019, with that combination enjoying plenty of success notably with the brilliant Kommetdieding.

The latter, a bargain R55 000 Klawervlei Farm Sale purchase, was one of the best and most popular horses of his generation, with Kommetdieding’s six victories including the 2021 G1 Vodacom Durban July and 2022 G1 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met.

Now standing at Klawervlei, Kommetdieding’s first yearlings go on sale in 2026.

Michelle says her former charge’s outstanding characteristics was “Dominated by a workmanlike demeanour. He was a very calm and collected horse who always knew what his job at hand was. I feel if those characteristics are passed down onto his offspring it can only be an added benefit. “

Michelle says that her father taught her the foundation of training and laid the groundwork for her career. Other people to have helped and advised Michelle early on include such friends as Candice Dawson, Brett Crawford and Dennis Bosch.

The trainer pays tribute to prominent owner Jonathan Bloch, with the latter having been instrumental in helping Michelle form longstanding and valuable relationships with her owners.

Michelle, who currently has 45 horses in her yard, also pays tribute to the likes of Ready Steady Go (“a horse who always tested his limits”) and Elusive Winter(“a shy, timid horse).

The latter was a particularly rewarding horse for the yard, with Michelle and her team having spent a great deal of time building Elusive Winter’s confidence which has seen the son of Captain Of All win five times.

Michelle has a team of 17 people assisting her in the yard, including assistant trainer Roderick Fredericks.

She mentions Triple Crown winner Malmoos as a young stallion whose stock have impressed her, and says when looking at a horse she likes to see a well balanced individual with a good eye.

When asked about which win provided her with the most satisfaction, Michelle picked out her July success with Kommetdieding, but also paid tribute to a horse named What A Thief. The latter had a very severe facial injury which should have been both life and career ending for him, however through the patience of Westward Bloodstock’s Fiona Carmichael and the team at home, What A Thief was able to get back to the course where he shed his maiden tag.

Her goals going forward are to nurture her current crop of two-year-olds and see them reach their full potential, while Michelle would also like to enjoy G1 success in Gauteng.

Michelle also emphasizes the growing importance of syndicates to the South African horse racing industry, saying, “Race Coast has done a phenomenal job in giving syndicate members a racing experience that is second to none. This has enabled us as trainers to help them evolve from syndicate members to becoming individual owners.”

She has the following advice for people interested in getting into horse-racing, “Enjoy every minute of the high and be prepared for the low. It’s a game of longevity.”

Judging by her recent success, it seems more than likely Michelle Rix and her team will enjoy more highs in the seasons to come.

Yeni Penalty For Whip Misuse Reduced On Appeal

Muzi Yeni’s appeal has resulted in a considerably lesser penalty (Picture: Wayne Marks)

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that an Appeal was heard in Johannesburg on 20 October 2025 following the outcome of an Inquiry held in Durban on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, where Jockey M Yeni was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2, read with Guideline M in Appendix E relating to the use of the crop. The particulars of the charge were that Jockey Yeni misused his crop by striking I SALUTE YOU more than twelve times (13) during Race 7, the World Sports Betting Sledgehammer (Listed) at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse on Sunday, 13 April 2025. Jockey Yeni pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty by the Inquiry Board. The Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a fourteen (14) day suspension from riding in races and a fine of R9 679.00 (nine thousand, six hundred and seventy-nine rand).

Jockey Yeni exercised his Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed.

APPEAL BOARD FINDING

After careful consideration, the Appeal Board made the following determinations:

Transgression of Rule 58.10.2:
The Appeal Board confirmed that the Inquiry Board was correct in finding Jockey Yeni guilty of contravening Rule 58.10.2.
Imposition of Penalty:
The Appeal Board found, however, that the Inquiry Board did not sufficiently take cognisance of the degree of interference involved in the incident. Furthermore, the Board remarked that Jockey Yeni, not being legally qualified, should have received greater procedural assistance during the Inquiry.
Legal Principles Considered:
In referencing the judgment in S v Mlambo, the Appeal Board noted that an Inquiry Board should not deviate from the penalty guidelines on frivolous grounds, but compelling circumstances may arise wherever strict application of a guideline may result in an injustice. Both mitigating and aggravating factors must be properly balanced when imposing sanctions.
Reconsideration of Sanction:
The Appeal Board determined that applying the minimum guideline penalty in this case would be unduly harsh in light of the circumstances.
Revised Finding and Penalty:
The Appeal Board accordingly substituted the sanction imposed by the Inquiry Board with the following:
- A fine of R3 000.00 (three thousand rand) for the second offence of 13 strikes.
- The portion of the guideline prescribing a 14-day suspension and a 5% deduction of stake money (R9 679.00) is suspended for the remainder of the current racing season.
- Should Jockey Yeni commit a similar infraction in any race during the rest of the season, the suspended portion of the penalty will be added to the sanction applicable at that further infraction.
- This ruling applies to all levels of races, irrespective of their grading or nature.
Refund of Appeal Fee:
The Appeal Board further ordered that the appeal fee be refunded to Jockey Yeni.

MICHAEL SHACKLETON

LEGAL EXECUTIVE

Photographer HF Kenney Reflects on a Lifetime in Racing

Older racing fans all know the name, and the younger generation has seen his work – the colour photographs that have long adorned the walls of trainers, jockeys, and owners across South Africa.

From 1971 until his retirement in 2021, HF Kenney was the Highveld’s racecourse photographer, recording five decades of South African racing history.

Herman ‘Pops’ Kenney was a pioneer of colour race photography in the early 1970s and into the 1980s, a period many regard as the sport’s golden era.

Now 85 years of age and enjoying retirement in his adopted Portugal, Kenney speaks warmly of the industry that occupied most of his life.

He admits that, after all those years behind the camera, he still misses being part of the action.

Read Charl Pretorius’ Off The Record Column About HF Kenney Part 1

Read Part 2

Ovation Star Can Win More Applause

Ovation Star has been tipped to follow up on her debut win (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Hollywoodbets Greyville Wednesday Poly Formguides And Selections

R1 Summary: AUSTIAN BEAUTY (3) has come well for her new stable. She was caught late over course and distance last time out and can go one better. PRIORY TERRACE (2) had two starts at the back end of last season and has finished second in both. She does appear to have issues and has been rested but does look capable especially if she takes to the poly. Darryl Moore sends out two runners with the rides switching mounts. Stable elect would appear to be QUEEN FENN (8) who is seldom far back and Athandiwe Mgudlwa works closely with the yard. CAPTAIN VENTURA (9) found some market support on debut and Callan Murray switches mounts. (Andrew Harrison: 3-2-8-9).

R2 Summary: XIPHOS (5) has improved in blinkers but found one too good for him last time out, being caught late. He is down in trip and can go one better. TASK FORCE (6) raced green on debut and should come on a lot with that run under his girth. GRAND FORCE (4) has shown consistent form over the trip and should be thereabouts again. OUTRUN THE RAIN (2) makes his debut for Stuart Ferrie and has the champion apprentice aboard. One to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-4-2).

R3 Summary: Tricky Open Maiden. BLUE POPPY (7) made a smart debut at long odds. The extra will suit. AMERICAN GEM (4) made a smart start to her career when second at long odds. She was ahead of Olive Grove that day. OLIVE GROVE (1) has been coming to hand slowly and showed up well over course and distance last time out. She looks about ready. MRS STORMIATRIX (2) made marked improvement in blinkers last run and a repeat will see her close again. BELLA VALENTINA (5) makes her debut from a strong stable and is one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 7-4-1-2).

R4 Summary: SPAARNE RIVIER (3) found market support on debut and finished a close-up third. The step up in trip will suit. SUSURRANDO (5) was running on stoutly over course and distance last time out from the widest draw. He has a better gate here. TASTE THE RAINBOW (8) has not been far back in two outings and although drawn a touch wide the extra will suit. TICKALOX (2) is a battling maiden but has not been too far back at his last two and has another money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 3-5-8-2).

R5 Summary: DRIELANDENPUNT (6) disappointed when well supported at his second start of making a promising debut. He should much prefer the step up in trip and likely to improve on his last showing. TAKEYOURBESTSHOT (10) has drawn ten out of ten over course and distance for the third time in a row. He has finished runner-up in his last four and must be due a change of fortune. GREEN MILE (1) is relatively lightly raced but has come on at his last two on the poly over course and distance and with the best of the draw he must rate a winning chance. CALL ME WILD (2) has been consistent over further and is another to consider in all wagers. (Andrew Harrison: 6-10-1-2).

R6 Summary: Tricky Apprentice Handicap. KING BAVARIAN (6) has taken a new lease on life of late. He goes well on the poly is distance suited and has a useful 4kg claimer aboard. BLAZING LIGHT (9) looks to be back down to a more suitable rating and has shown some improvement with the blinkers removed. SILVER PLATTER (4) finally had his consistency rewarded when shedding his maiden last run and can follow up in this line-up. THAMBI (8) is way better than his last run which is best ignored and he gets blinkers. (Andrew Harrison: 6-9-4-8).

R7 Summary: OVATION STAR (8) won with a lot in hand on debut and appears to be well above average. She takes on much more seasoned opposition this time around but does look capable. RAHHABBA (6) makes her local debut and comes with some fair Cape form which is often stronger than local. She could be the main threat. ONE PATH (7) has not been out since June but is lightly raced and goes well on the poly. The stable is showing signs of turning. LIGHT OF GABRIEL (2) shed her maiden over course and distance last run but does show some promise and should feature. (Andrew Harrison: 8-6-7-2).

R8 Summary: Competitive handicap. MAJOR TOMMIE (3) is lightly raced and did well to run down the smart filly Hierarchy last time out with the Duncan Howells-trained filly complementing that form at her next outing. Serino Moodley has deserted to stay with CONNERY (6) trying for the eight win of his career but does have to give Major Tommie 5kg. FUTURE FLO (8) is a model of consistency but does appear to find the 1000m on the poly a touch too sharp for him. PRINCESS HANNAH (4) is a course and distance specialist and should be right there again. (Andrew Harrison: 3-4-8-6).

R9 Summary: PERFUME POWER (6) takes on males. However, she was a comfortable maiden winner last time out beating stable companion Austrian Beauty who has since backed up that form. She take to the poly for the first time with a 4kg claimer aboard and should have a strong chance in this line-up. KINSHIN SHA (4) has been improving slowly for his new stable and was not far off over course and distance last run. LOVE MY STYLE (7) surprised when shedding his maiden send time of asking If he has come on from that run he should be a contender. PINETTI (8) was a comfortable maiden winner last run over course and distance. He had consistent form before that and can feature. (Andrew Harrison: 6-4-7-8).

Fownes’ Cloud Heads For Happy Valley Glory

Horsepower has been tipped to win the sixth race (HKJC)

He Jiong

Six-year-old gelding Glory Cloud looks well placed to finally shed his maiden tag when he steps down in class for the Class 5 Handicap over 1200m on Wednesday.

Trained by Caspar Fownes, the son of Charm Spirit has been an honest performer in Class 4 company, placing four times from 16 starts and rarely finishing far from the winner. In each of his last three outings, he was beaten not more than 3.25 lengths, including a recent run over this track and distance where a slow tempo left him one-paced after attracting late market support.

Dropping into a moderate Class 5 field, Glory Cloud appears to have found a suitable opportunity. With a more positive ride, he should have the edge on his rivals and looks ready to break through.

Promising four-year-old Akashvani looks on track to make amends for his last-start defeat in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.

A one-time winner with three placings from seven starts, Akashvani resumed with an encouraging second in early September, prompting strong market support for his next outing. However, things didn’t go to plan that day — caught wide early from a tricky draw, he was forced to work hard to settle on the speed in a fast-run race.

That early effort told late, and he battled on bravely to finish fifth, beaten only 0.75 lengths over this distance.

The form from that race has since stacked up well, with Lucky Planet — who led and weakened on the turn — returning to run a solid third at his next start. With a kinder run in transit, Akashvani looks primed to notch his second career victory. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Super Sixty showed improvement with a solid second last start and shapes as a leading contender in this below-par Class 4 field. Lean Master a three-time winner in this class, he has drawn well and looks capable of producing an improved effort. Happy Boys attacked the line strongly late last time out, and with a genuine pace, he could secure a Top 3 finish. Savvy Twinkle had excuses last start, and with Purton aboard, he could show improvement first-up, though the wide draw remains a concern. Beauty Thunder his form is patchy, yet capable of an upset when at his best.

Race 2: Glory Cloud has gone close in Class 4 and looks poised to run a big race on his Class 5 debut, especially with the apprentice claim. Talents Supremo finished strongly to find one better last start, and from a low draw, he could go one better. Run Run Timing will relish the drop in class and his recent eye-catching trial suggests a strong first-up performance looks imminent. Noble Deluxe has been in consistent form of late and should not be overlooked despite the wide draw. Winning Heart possesses a strong turn of foot and will make his presence felt in a genuinely run race.

Race 3: A wide-open race where Know At Heart has dropped in the ratings, and from a favourable draw, he should map well and be competitive. Mega Bonus the inside draw suits his front-running style and improvement is expected. Patch Of Watch with his tactical speed, he could be hard to run down if he crosses early from a wide draw. Written Casa could cause an upset in a race of this nature, and is worth considering if his odds present value. Gastronomique finished strongly late on debut, and with natural improvement, he could be right in the mix.

Race 4: Nebraskan ideally weighted and could be hard to run down in a field lacking speed. Denfield found the line well late in a slowly run race last start and looks one to follow, with Bowman aboard. California Deeply better than his recent form suggests and could run a cheeky race if things fall his way. Rising Phoenix recorded the second fastest final 400m last start and must be respected with Purton aboard. Star Figure resuming from a break, he has trialled well and should deliver a strong first-up performance.

Race 5: Take Action badly held up in the concluding stages last start, and with a smoother run, he could make amends. Quantum Patch looks overdue for a win and must be considered a leading contender. Super Sicario has performed well since adopting a positive racing style, and another bold showing looks on the cards. Super Unicorn should be suited by the switch back to turf and is likely to improve. California Bay having slid down the ratings, he will find this field more manageable on his Happy Valley debut, making him a value choice.

Race 6: Horsepower boasts an impressive first-up record and has trialled well; he looks poised for a big run. Aurora Lady possesses versatility in running and has shown a great liking for this track, making him hard to overlook. Superb Capitalist comes off an easy first-up win and remains a chance, despite the rise in class. Colourful King had genuine excuses last start, and with a smoother trip, he could secure a spot in the Top 3. Stellar Express overlook his last run, as the jockey indicated he was poorly placed on the track; he deserves another opportunity.

Race 7: Silver Spurs has shown significant improvement recently, and with a favourable draw, he is expected to produce another strong on-pace showing. Rewarding Twinkle has not been beaten far in recent starts and the form of his last outing has since held up well. Sight Happy on a seven-day back up, his recent form has been consistent, and a win wouldn’t surprise here. Ace Power a genuine closer, he will make a strong late surge if they go too hard up front. Golden Luck could sneak into the placings at long odds if he reverts to his positive racing style.

Race 8: South Star boasts strong Sha Tin form and was narrowly beaten last start. He looks to be the leading contender on his Happy Valley debut. Star Contact finished fifth gamely in a fast-run race last start; a kinder pace could see him run a big race. Rising From Ashes the return to Happy Valley and the switch back to turf are both positives, making him one to watch closely. Definitive has performed well in this class but carrying the top weight is a major concern. A Americ Te Specso finished strongly in a sprint race first-up, and could show further improvement with the step up in trip.

Race 9: Akashvani met strong competition at Sha Tin and ran well; looks capable of featuring on his Happy Valley debut. King Lotus appears to be a progressive type and remains a strong contender despite the rise in class. Sovereign Fund was far from disgraced in his last outing and could be a value choice against some more fancied rivals. Storming Dragon has been in career-best form and should play a key role. Bundle Of Charm almost made all last start, and with Bowman aboard, he should produce another encouraging effort.