Gimme A Nother, unbeaten in seven starts (JC Photos)

Some would regard the Mike de Kock-trained superstar filly Gimme A Nother as an unlikely participant in the Hollywoodbets Durban July, considering the gates to international Gr 1 racing have been opened by the lifting of the ban on direct flights to Europe.

On the other hand De Kock has won the big race five times, three times with fillies and twice with three-year-old fillies, and one of the latter pair, the 2002 July winner Ipi Tombe, still managed to go on to international Gr 1 glory.

Furthermore, it was unlikely to have been the July that caused another of his greats, the 2011 three-year-old July winner Igugu, to run below par in her short-lived international career.

Igugu did the impossible in the Met of 2012, where she not only had to play catch up in her training after illness, but she also had to endure vector protected quarantine conditions in the days before the race. She lifted herself from a beaten looking position in the race itself and then had to endure a long journey to get overseas. She was never herself overseas, but it was more likely the Met and the journey that took their toll rather than the July.

De Kock and connections might prefer to look to the example of Ipi Tombe before deciding whether to run Gimme A Nother in this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The July has nevertheless always had a reputation for being a “rough” race, so the decision to run her won’t be taken lightly.

There are six past winning trainers represented among this year’s 58 entries.

Mike de Kock and Justin Snaith are both going for a sixth July win, Dean Kannemeyer goes for a fourth, Sean Tarry a third, Brett Crawford will try and win it two years in succession after breaking his July duck last year and Alec Laird goes for a second July win 28 years after winning his first.

Candice Bass-Robinson, Michelle Rix and Glen Kotzen are the still active July-winning trainers who do not have representation at this stage.

Nathan Kotzen, Michael Roberts, Peter Muscutt, Robbie Hill, Gareth van Zyl, Lorenzo Karriem, Michael Miller, MJ Odendaal and Tony Rivalland have entries and all will be attempting to become the first KZN-domiciled trainer to win the July since Ricky Maingard did it with Space Walk 30 years ago.

Sean Tarry has the most entries, ten, Justin Snaith has eight and Mike de Kock has seven.

Four females have won the July this millenium, Ipi Tombe in 2002, Dancer’s Daughter in 2008, Igugu in 2011 and Sparkling Water in 2022.

Ten fillies and mares are among the entries this year.

Last year’s one-two Winchester Mansion and See It Again are among the entries.

There are no notable absentees among the entries.

The connections of the crack three-year-old Sandringham Summit have not been tempted to enter him after earlier saying they had doubts about his stamina capacity.

Vaughan Marshall had already said weeks ago there would be no third attempt at the big race for this year’s WSB Met runner up Rascallion.

Marshall has not entered his progressive Gr 1 Splashout Cape Derby fourth-placed Coastal Commander either and the concern might be the trip, espcially considering he easily beat a good field today (Tuesday) over 1400m.

Snaith racing appear to have given up on Pacaya and One Way Traffic, whom they have rated as potential July horses over the past couple of seasons and they are both absent.

The Ricky Maingard-trained Al Muthana has stamina limitations and is not among the entries.

The two possible biggest surprise absentees then are Litigation, whom Sean Tarry has been disappointed not to get into the race for the last couple of seasons, and the Fabian Habib-trained Zeus, who is a top stayer but he was also fourth in the Betway Summer Cup.

The dual Gr 1 winner over 2000m Puerto Manzano is usually an entry, but he looks to be in decline and he is not suited to the tight Hollywoodbets Greyville track anyway.

There are one or two entries who will raise an eyebrow or two.

Will Main Defender stay the trip?

Royal Aussie failed to stay the Met trip, so it is a bit surprising to see him entered here.

The number of entries compares favourably to recent years, with 60 received in 2023, 68 in 2022, 53 in 2021, 52 in 2020, 49 in 2019, and 69 in 2018.

The 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July first entries are listed below:

SEE IT AGAIN (4C) 132 Michael Roberts
MAIN DEFENDER (3G) 131 Tony Peter
DAVE THE KING (4G) 126 Mike de Kock
GIMME A NOTHER (3F) 125 Mike de Kock
ROYAL VICTORY (4G) 125 Nathan Kotzen
ROYAL AUSSIE (4G) 124 Justin Snaith
WINCHESTER MANSION (5G) 124 Brett Crawford
COUSIN CASEY (4C) 123 Sean Tarry
PURPLE PITCHER (3C) 120 Robyn Klaasen
WITHOUT QUESTION (4G) 120 Justin Snaith
GREEN WITH ENVY (3C) 119 Dean Kannemeyer
LUCKY LAD (3C) 119 Sean Tarry
SON OF RAJ (4G) 119 Tony Peter
ARAGOSTA (5G) 118 Mike de Kock
FRANCES ETHEL (3F) 118 Brett Crawford
WILLIAM IRON ARM (3C) 117 Tony Peter
FUTURE PEARL (4G) 116 Sean Tarry
MONTIEN (4G) 116 Piet Botha
PURE PREDATOR (3G) 116 Fanie Bronkhorst
SILVER SANCTUARY (3F) 116 Mike de Kock
MONDIAL (3G) 115 M G Azzie/A A Azzie
MY SOUL MATE (3F) 115 Candice Dawson
SAFE PASSAGE (5G) 115 Mike de Kock
HOTARUBI (3G) 114 Sean Tarry
LET’S GO NOW (3F) 114 Sean Tarry
MID WINTER WIND (3G) 114 Sean Tarry
MASTER REDOUTE (5G) 113 Andre Nel
ORIENTAL CHARM (3C) 113 Brett Crawford
TRIPLE TIME (4G) 112 Justin Snaith
ATTICUS FINCH (4G) 111 Alec Laird
HLUHLUWE (3G) 111 Justin Snaith
NEBRAAS (7G) 111 Sean Tarry
MUCHO DINERO (4G) 110 Justin Snaith
SAARTJIE (4F) 110 Andre Nel
SHOEMAKER (4G) 110 Mike de Kock
BARBARESCO (3G) 109 J A Janse van Vuuren
SECOND BASE (6G) 107 Robyn Klaasen
FORMAGEAR (4G) 106 Peter Muscutt
CAPE EAGLE (6G) 105 Andre Nel
IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA (5G) 105 Gareth van Zyl
PERFECT WITNESS (5M) 105 Candice Dawson
FUTURE SWING (4G) 103 Justin Snaith
NAVAJO NATION (3G) 103 Robbie Hill
PONTE PIETRA (4G) 103 Dean Kannemeyer
RIVER ROMEO (4G) 101 Lorenzo Karriem
NARINA TROGON (4G) 100 Michael Miller
PYROMANIAC (5G) 100 Sean Tarry
BARATHEON (5G) 98 Piet Botha
GET IMPRESSED (3G) 96 Justin Snaith
MARAUDING HORDE (3C) 96 Mike de Kock
THE GREY KING (3G) 96 Justin Snaith
CELTIC BEAUTY (3F) 94 Tony Rivalland
POMODORO’S JET (5G) 93 Brett Crawford
ANCIENT WORLD (3G) 92 Michael Miller
CELESTIAL CITY (5H) 92 Sean Tarry
JORDAN (3G) 91 Sean Tarry
INDIAN OCEAN (4F) 90 Lorenzo Karriem
DANSE MILORD (5M) 89 M J Odendaal
58

Hollywoodbets Durban July timeline:.

First declarations close at 11h00 on Monday 13 May.
First supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Tuesday 14 May.
Second declarations close at 11h00 on Monday 3 June.
Final supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Tuesday 18 June.
Weights will be published on Tuesday 18 June.
Final declarations close at 11h00 on Monday 24 June.
Final Field and Draw – announcement of the Final Field and Barrier Draws will be on Tuesday 25 June.
Only 20 horses will be carded – 18 + 2 Reserves. The reserves will be scratched by 08h15 on Friday 5 July.

Elimination will be at the sole and unfettered discretion of Gold Circle.

See It Again at last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

The sponsor made See It Again the 7/2 ante-post favourite for the Hollywoodbets Durban July after the first entries, which not many would have been in a rush to take considering the race is still more than two months away, and he has duly drifted out to 4/1 already.

However, he the right choice to be favourite … presuming he is able to bounce back to his best after a highly disappointing WSB Met performance.

He ran off a 124 last year and this year must run off a 132, which is a 4kg difference.

However, he was 5,5kg worse off than weight for age with Winchester Mansion last year and this year, with the latter now merit rated 124, he will only be 4kg worse off than weight for age with him.

The horse that got closest to him last year from the rest of the field was Bless My Stars, whom he beat by 3,50 lengths and she is now overseas.

Furthermore, the older males are subject to a new condition which means the male older horses have to carry a minimum weight of 54kg and the females 53kg, which are both 1kg more than the minimum last year.

It is going to be tougher for a Winchester mansion type under-the-radar four-year-old to win the race this year.

Mucho Dinero, merit rated only 110, is one of those horses and he will probably drift out from his current 8/1 when everybody cottons on.

So, it might be up to the three-year-olds to give See It Again a go.

However, all of the above is said with the presumption See It Again can bounce back.

On the downside he is still an entire, but on the upside a number of raiding horses peformed below par in Cape Town, so there could have been some sort of underlying virus.

However, the ball is in the court of the like of three-year-olds Green With Envy (7/1), Purple Pitcher (16/1)  and also Pure Predator (25/1), all of whom are progressive and have proved they will stay the trip. The new weight conditions will favour the three-year-olds too.

Considering they are all merit rated lower than See It Again was at this stage last year and the older hose bottom weight has increased by 1kg, it might even be argued that the three-year-olds should be at the top of the board.

However, the detractor is the questionable strength of the crop beyond two horses, Main Defender and Sandringham Summit, who have excelled up to a mile.

The latest detractor to the form was when the battling maiden Taxhaven finished a three length fifth in the Gr 1 SA Derby. It was admittedly run at a slow pace, but in his only subsequent run he was beaten more than seven lengths in a maiden over 2000m.

However, visual evidence is often better than form and Green With Envy, Purple Pitcher and Pure Predator have all caught the eye.

William Iron Arm (25/1) has an impressive stride and he should run with more comfort next time after surgery for a rig issue.

One older horse who can’t be ignored is Royal Victory.

He will be receiving 3,5kg from See It Again as things stand and he beat Winchester Mansion on weight for age terms by half-a-length  in the Premier’s over 2000m.

So on last year’s July form and this year’s Premier’s form, coupled with the respective merit ratings of the trio, See It Again is probably just over a length clear of Winchester Mansion and Royal Victory.

However, there is not much in it and both Royal Victory and Winchester Mansion are coming off good runs, while See It Again will have a cloud hanging over his head until he proves he is still the same horse.

Shoemaker (40/1) is another older horse worth considering as he has always had talent and caught the eye last time. He is merit rated 110 which puts him 5kg under sufferance as things stand, but he is open to further improvement now that he has found the winning thread again.

Gimme A Nother is no value at 7/1, because she is likely not a certainty to line up.

Mid Winter Wind at 50/1 is interesting. He undoubtedly has a touch of class and although he is by an Equus Champion Sprinter in What A Winter, he is out of Lady In Black who was close up to Equus Horse Of The Year Oh Susanna in both the Gr 1 Cartier Paddock Stakes over 1800m and the Gr 1 Woolavington 2000. Staying the trip is not out of the question with him.

His stablemate Lucky Lad is also interesting at 33/1. He has not had a chance to prove whether he stays or not, but he has a lot of class. He is by Gimmethegreenlight out of a Caesour mare who won over 1600m and was a Gr 3 runner up over 1800m, so on pedigree he is not a forlorn hope to stay the July trip.

Below is the initial ante-post betting after the first entries:

The controversial finish to the 2014 Durban July, in which Legislate successfully objected against the first accross the line, Wylie Hall  (Picture: sahorseracing.com)

The first big event of this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July happened today (Wednesday, April 24) i.e. the announcement of the first entries, which were closed on Monday.

Years ending with the number four have always seemed to attract dramatic or significant renewals of the great race.

The first renewal ending in four was 1904 and the race was won by the biggest outsider up until then, the 33/1 shot Nymagee (Splendour), who was the first of four Australian-bred horses to have won the July. The others are Chere Amie in 1905, the great Igugu in 2011 and The Conglomerate in 2016. Nymagee was trained by W. Meredith, owned by S Brooks and ridden by W Clements. TIhe 1904 renewal was the first to be run with the Drill Hall present. The land had been given to the trustees of the Durban Light Infantry regiment by the Durban Town Council in appreciation of their services in the Anglo Boer War and the complex was officially opened on May 24, 1904.

The 1914 renewal was run with war looming. New buildings on course included a new grandstand and offices, a Tote, a dining room below the secrtary’s office and a weighing room and jockeys room in a separate building. However, a record crowd attended and the buildings, spacious for normal meetings, were quite inadequate to accomodate the crush. The race was won by the SA-bred three-year-old Rhanleigh, trained by WL Randall, owned by Sir G Farrar and ridden by R Dine. Rhanleigh Wines, which is still flourishing today, is named after the July winner.

In 1924 the winner Oriel, a British-bred five-year-old, was intermittently lame throughout his career and his trainer Ernie Ryan could often be seen in the early mornings at the track massaging his legs. It was this one of the most romantic victory’s in the history of the race as it was only due to Ryan’s exceptional care that the horse even got to the start let alone won. He was ridden by J Lievaux and owned by Messrs Deane and Hollis.

In 1934 the winner Sun Tor came in off the back of a layoff of 161 days and no horse since has come off a longer layoff to win the race. The British-bred five-year-old was trained by J Angles, owned by P Sussman and ridden by A Rugg.

In 1944 the winning jockey Harry Berry had a bad fall a few days before the race in which he broke a rib and sprained both thumbs and a wrist. He had finished second in the race in 1931 and 1934 and finally broke his duck by riding Moneith to victory, despite being in great pain. The winner was a British-bred seven-year-old trained by CB Clutterbuck and owned by A Wayne. He gave the British-based sire Montrose the first of four wins in the July, two of them being by Milesia Pride.

In 1954 Dennis Labistour trained his second July winner, three-year-old colt C’Est Si Bon, who was by the 1941 July winner Sadri II. He spoilt the hopes of many that the great King’s Pact would win, but the three-year-old filly’s welter burden of 54,5kg proved too much. Both of Labistour’s July winners were part-owned, together with himself, by writer Molly Reynolds, who later wrote a book about the July. Labistour’s other July claim to fame is he flew the aeroplane in 1931 that flew July spectators in from east London, the first known instance of people flying in to watch the big race.

In 1964 Numeral, trained by George Azzie and ridden by Raymond Rhodes, beat Top Gallant. The latter was a half-brother to the immortal Sea Cottage. Numeral was owned by the American businessman Charles Englehard, one of the world’s biggest owners whose horses included the great English Triple Crown winner Nijinsky and also the South African legend Hawaii.

The 1974 renewal was one of the most dramatic in history because the jockey of second favourite Jamaican Music, Tom Rattley, fell off between the start and the Drill Hall. The George Azzie-trained Riboville, despite odds of 20/1, remains the easiest winner in July history, winning by 4,5 lengths from rank outsider Pedlar. Riboville gave Dennis and Peggy Mosenthal an unexpected July winner at last after years of trying, including a controversial second by their horse Radlington in 1952. They had expected to win the 1974 July with the Azzie-trained favourite Elevation, who finished fourth.

In 1984 Terrance Millard had his second of six July winners with the English imported mare Devon Air, who was spotted by still active Durban bloodstock agent Andy Williams and purchased on behalf of the Scott Brothers Des and Robin. The powerful mare gave jockey Felix Coetzee the first of three July wins.

There was controversy in 1994 when Surfing Home veered across the likely winner Pas De Quoi twice in the straight. Surfing Home crossed the line first with Pas De Quoi only fifth, but the objection was upheld and the race was awarded to the Ricky Maingard-trained Space Walk, ridden by Robbie Fradd and owned by D Cohen and Sons. Maingard was the last KZN-based trainer to win the July.

The 2004 renewal coincided with ten years of democracy in SA and the number ten horse, Greys Inn, thus carried the South African flag on his saddle cloth. He duly won, giving trainer Mike de Kock a second of five July wins and jockey Antony Delpech a second of four July wins. Greys Inn was owned and bred by Bridget Oppenheimer, one of six July wins she had as an onwer and one of five as a breeder (she owned and bred together with husband Harry until his passing in 2000).

The 2014 July was the first renewal on the narrowed track and a controversial objection saw trainer Justin Snaith landing his second of five July wins and Richard Fourie landing the first of three July victories. Legislate was the son of the great 2003 winner Dynasty and he was owned by Jack Mitchell, Gaynor Rupert’s Drakenstein Stud and Gail and Dennis Evans of Newbury Racing.

Press Release: 4Racing (Johannesburg, 24 April 2024)

Following on 4Racing’s announcement last week regarding an increase in overall stakes to R177 million, the operator would like to provide all stakeholders with more details for the upcoming season. 4Racing is proud to maintain its position as a leader in this regard, offering the largest stakes pot in the country, attracting top talent and ensuring thrilling racing for all.

“In our continuing efforts to enrich the ownership experience, we are proud to announce more details pertaining to our winter period racing as well as the start of the Trainer and Raider incentives during the May – September period,” said Gabriel Soma, 4Racing Head of Operations.

Although the stakes pot increased by 8%, for the year, 4Racing has allocated a higher percentage during this May – September (winter) period, as we were working off a low base. The stakes for the winter period have been increased by 11,5% (R4 million) – increasing the total available stakes from R34 million to R38 million. This is a positive stride for all involved and lays a good foundation for next year.

The above increase does not compromise the funds available for the summer period, which is already starting off a much higher base, leaving a decent amount for this period.

4Racing is confident that we have created a balanced program for the May to September period to cater for all Highveld horses. Additionally, we will offer, on average, two race meetings per month to cater for horses rated 66 and below.

In further exciting news, we have amended the feature race program to add interest to the winter months. We will be implementing an inaugural three-year-old winter series- comprising of the Secretariat Stakes on 12 May, the Egoli Mile on 9 June (Jubilee Stakes Day) and the Sea Cottage Stakes on 7 July. Any horse to win all three legs of the series will take home a R500k bonus. The trainer and raider incentives will kick off on the 1 May 2024.

We include an illustration of the overall increase from 2023 to 2024 below, with majority of the divisions receiving a decent percentage increase.

Picture: James Maree instructing a workrider 

James Maree was one of the best jockeys in a vintage era of jockeys and among the big races he won was the Durban July.

However, he has become even more renowned for his skills as a riding instructor and the great work he does for racing and for transformation is captured in the latest edition of Off The Record with Charl Pretorius. 

CLICK HERE TO READ OFF THE RECORD #23

The fifth race, a MR 96 Handicap over 1000m, is the highest rated of an eight event meeting at Turffontein Inside on Thursday and Dreamland could claim a hattrick.

The Lucky Houdalakis-trained three-year-old gelding is a superbly bred sort. He is by the late Lancaster Bomber out of a daughter of Equus Champion Sprinter Val De Ra. His dam Dream De Ra was unplaced, but is bred in the purple. Her mother Val De Ra, who won the Gr 1 Computaform Sprint, the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint and the Gr 1 Cape Flying Championship, was by European champion sprinter Var and Dream De Ra was by another European Champion Sprinter in Oasis Dream, who has produced the winners of 27 Group 1 races. Lancaster Bomber has two Gr 1 winners in his first crop and is a big loss. So the ingredients are all there for Dreamland. After showing initial promise, he went a bit off the boil, but now appears to be coming into his own. The 1000m trip around the turn from a draw of four should suit him down to the ground because he possesses both early pace and a nice kick. He only has to overcome a merit rating raise of three points for his last win. Gavin Lerena, who rode him to both of those last two wins, has hopped off probably due to 56kg being 1kg below his official riding weight. Lerena is the first choice rider for Laurence Wernars, but is aboard Karangetang. The latter has come down to a 99 merit rating and this is his correct trip, but he is drawn five and carries 61,5kg which will be tough for a horse who has been seen to fade late in some of his races. Dreamland could have been a better option and Richard Fourie is in that case the beneficiary. Woman Of Power has a touch of class and should start progressing so will be dangerous from pole position. Halbardier is in good form and although half-a-kilogram under sufferance he has a good draw and should be thereabouts. Wind Water is well drawn but has 1,85 lengths to make up on Karangetang and they face on the same terms.

In the first race over 1500m In A Blue Moon is consistent and has a good opportunity here from a good draw over a suitable trip. Pike Place is a battling long-time maiden but is better than his last start and under Chamu Mabaya he could be involved. Trombettista has a tricky draw but is improving and might enjoy the step up in trip being by New Predator out of a Fort Wood mare, although the mare’s only win was over 1000m. Irish Love has shown enough to be able to earn. Oklahoma Twister jumps from pole position and should earn a cheque here.

In the second race over 1200m Cosmic Speed looks hard to oppose, having finished a close second to Fire Attack on debut and the latter went on to win the Gr 2 SA Nursery. He is drawn well and the rest of the field are uninspiring. Dance King, who finished a nine length third to the promising Buffalo Storm Cody on debut, makes most appeal of the rest.

In the third race over 1200m Magic Secret is no great shakes but from a good draw has a chance in this uninspiring event. Together Again is also a battler but can earn here from a fair draw. Dragon Dragon ran a close second in a similar field over course and distance last time, but she now has a wide draw. The Navy Lark is drawn very wide but does have early pace so could overcome it and can be involved here. Centrefold made a fair Highveld debut and has a chance here.

In the fourth race over 1200m And Action ran a cracker over this trip around the turn in his penultimate start under Kabelo Matsunyane, who is now back aboard. From draw three he should be able to lead like he did in that race. Gold Agent has been knocking on the door for a long time, but usually finds one or two too good. However, he has pole position and will be a threat in this line up. His Lordship has shown some promise and from draw two should be in the shake up. Two-year-old Waheed made a fair debut and the form has been franked with two winners coming out of that race. However, he is up against older horses and has a tricky draw. Bad Medicine finished a nine length second on debut to Buffalo Storm Cody, but is capable of improvement.

In the sixth race over 1600m Magical Flight went close last time to a decent sort over 1400m and enjoys this trip too, so can go close from a good draw. Kissing Machine has a tricky draw but looks to have scope for more improvement over this ideal trip. Work Of Time was on top of Magical Flight last time but now has a tough draw. Cape Lights has some fair form but is also drawn wide. Just Be Nice is drawn in pole and that could help her get home over a trip that might stretch her a litttle.

In the seventh race over 1450m MK’S Dreams is well regarded and has a plum draw over an ideal trip. He is better than his last run where he might have gone for home too soon after being dropped out from a wide draw. This looks to be an easier field. Max The Otter went close the last time he tried this trip and he has a fair draw. Bob’s Your Uncle has a fair draw and is off a competitve mark over a suitable trip. Arividicio sneaks into the handicap with tihe minimum weight and could earn. The Playboy Bomber won an uninspiring maiden well and represents an in form yard so could play a part off a 78 merit rating.

In the last race over 1450m Houston is talented and although not ultra reliable is distance suited and has a fair draw. Funky Music is capable over this trip and has an easier task than in his recent races so could represnt good value. Bloomington is always capable of popping up, but does have a tricky draw. Pocket Watch is hard to ignore despite a tricky draw as he should start progressing. Just Nuisance has disappointed in his last two but this is an easier task, although he does have a tough draw.

Douglas Whyte celebrates his 200th win as a trainer after Hugh Bowman had ridden Majestic Knight to victory. (Picture: Kenneth Chan, South China Morning Post)

Legendary jockey continues to add to his legacy as a handler as Majestic Knight delivers at Happy Valley

by Jay Rooneyon (South China Morning Post)

Hong Kong’s most successful jockey, Douglas Whyte, reached a small but significant milestone with his 200th win as a trainer courtesy of Majestic Knight at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

Boasting a record 1,813 victories and 13 premierships in the saddle, Whyte trails only Tony Cruz’s total of 2,448 wins in the city across his own training and riding careers.

The South African horseman hung up his riding boots in 2019 and has added to his legacy since entering the training ranks later that year.

“Two hundred is very special, but there’s a lot of trainers that have achieved a lot more than me, so I’m at the bottom at the moment and stepping my way up,” Whyte said.

“It’s a nice achievement to accomplish and I’ve got a long way to go.”

Majestic Knight emphatically delivered 52-year-old Whyte his training milestone with a comfortable victory in the Class Two Korea Racing Authority Trophy (1,000m) under Hugh Bowman.

Capitalising on a dream run one-out and one-back, the $3.9 second elect ran on strongly to hit the front just before the 100m and surge clear.

The son of Redoute’s Choice beat the $3.8 favourite, Harmony N Blessed, by a length and a quarter, while pacesetter Nervous Witness held third.

Whyte has kept Majestic Knight fresh with regular stints at Conghua and the move has paid dividends with three victories – all at Happy Valley – this term.

“He’s been a very honest horse, a well-placed horse and he’s crept up in the ratings,” Whyte said.

“He’s just improved incrementally and got better and better. He’s a horse that gives you a lot and he needs a bit of a freshen up between runs, but this race was planned a long time ago and he’s delivered.”

Elsewhere, Pierre Ng Pang-chi set the scene for a big Champions Day assault with a Happy Valley double, extending his trainers’ premiership lead over Francis Lui Kin-wai to seven.

Second-season handler Ng will start emerging star Galaxy Patch and Taj Dragon in the Group One Champions Mile and talented galloper Mugen in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) on Sunday.

“It will be good to see how the horses perform in the sprint race and the mile for my stable,” Ng said.

“Galaxy Patch is going really well, he trialled really well and pulled up well. He just needs to be switched off and run his last 400m sectional fast and hopefully he can run top four.

“We tried the mile with Mugen and obviously he didn’t go well enough. We always thought he’s a very good sprinter. Now that Lucky Sweynesse is out, we just have to take our chance.”

Beauty Waves overcame a three-wide run without cover to narrowly win the Class Three Jeju Handicap (1,000m) for Zac Purton.

“He was tough,” Ng said of Beauty Waves, who is now two from two since a stable transfer. “It was a great performance from three wide all the way with top weight. Hopefully he can improve a little bit more and find one or two more wins for us.”

Ng sealed his brace when Andrea Atzeni booted home I Can in the Class Four Incheon Handicap (1,650m).

Purton ended a mini-drought, having gone winless at his previous three meetings, with a double after also booting home Benno Yung Tin-pang’s High Percentage in the first section of the Class Four Busan Handicap (1,200m).

Harry Bentley also registered a double, saluting aboard Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s Sweet Diamond in the Class Five Yeongcheon Handicap (1,200m) and Chris So Wai-yin’s Our Lucky Glory in the second section of the Busan Handicap.

The most wins in a horse racing trainer’s career is 10,325 by Steve Asmussen.

That seems hard to believe, considering he has had a career of about 38 years, meaning he would have thus had to average 272 wins per year.

However, his wikipedia page confirms the number: CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT STEVE ASMUSSEN.