Hollywoodbets Durban July Welcomes The Crowds Back
www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za
With the news this week that all Covid restrictions and regulations have been removed, and that all sporting and other events have opened up unconditionally, Gold Circle looks forward to welcoming thousands of horse racing fans to the 2022 Hollywoodbets Durban July at Hollywoodbets Greyville Race Course on Saturday 2 July.
“The fact that proof of Vaccination or negative PCR Tests is no longer a requirement for entry to the race course is most welcome and a great boost for the event. Entrance tickets at R230-00 are on sale at all Computicket outlets and racegoers can look forward to a great day with a mixture of high-quality thoroughbred horse racing, exciting fashion and contemporary music combining to ensure an incredible sporting and social experience,” said Marketing and Events Executive Stephen Marshall.
“The Durban July has traditionally brought the rainbow nation together in a spirit of goodwill and excitement and with the support of our new sponsors Hollywoodbets, this year will now be no different.” he added.
The first of 12 races is due off at 11:50 with the Hollywoodbets Durban July scheduled for 16:00.
Gates will open at 09:00.
Hollywoodbets Durban July Broadcast Schedule
Ready To Fly Gives Benmag A Proper Lift-off
www.mikedekockracing.com
Neil Andrews’ Benmag Brown Syndicate enjoyed a first-class lift-off when Ready To Fly (Richard Fourie) shot 2.50-lengths clear of her rivals in a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m on the Hollywoodbetsat Greyville on Monday, earning the winner’s stake and a R60,000 bonus for being a BSA graduate.
This was a winner from the Syndicate’s fourth run and Neil commented: “I am delighted for the Benmag partners who gave us their trust and support. There are 24 of them in all, including big names like Basie and Suzette Viljoen, Murray Makepeace and others with shares ranging from 1 to 10%. But this is the wonder of fractional ownership – everyone shares the same pleasure and excitement.”
Ready To Fly won after two successive second places and she’s a promising type by Gimmethegreenlight that Mike de Kock considered running in the G1 Golden Slipper on July Day, but she didn’t draw well and Neil said: “There is a career and more opportunities ahead of her.”
Neil added: “This win was for the syndicate and the three ladies involved – Lindi Garlicki who bred her at Connemara Stud; Jane Thomas who spelled her at Far End and Diane de Kock who prepared her for the main yard at Randjesfontein. Thanks to all!”
Two of the syndicate members, first-time owner Sanjay Manisunker (left) and more experienced owner Vinod Hansraj (right), recently spoke to Turf Turf Talk.
Sanjay was at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops and spoke of his thrill at watching Ready To Fly win on Monday.
The Benmag Syndicate also has a Rafeef filly in training with Mike – her name is Cataclock and she is from the immediate family of The Mouseketeer, who won the Emerald Cup for Neil and partners several years ago.
Benmag Bloodstock’s other runner is another Gimme called I Did It My Way, in training with Dean Kannemeyer. Neil told: “This one had me worried. He was slow off on his debut, so much so that race caller Rouvaun Smit noted he was ‘detached from the field’, something no owner wants to hear. I was distraught, saw the runners flashed by at the winning post but also saw I Did It My Way running on strongly into fifth and earning a stake cheque. He flew late from his impossible position behind 11 others, so we have hope for him too!”
Benmag also purchased an Oratorio colt from a recent sale, a “smashing individual” selected in conjunction with Jane Thomas when Jehan Malherbe was unavailable. This Oratorio will go into training soon.
Picture: Ready To Fly (Candiese Lenferna).
Airways Law Ready To Prove A Point
The Andre Nel-trained Airways Law was a surprise omission from the Hollywoodbets Durban July final field in the eyes of many but he will be running on the big day.
St. John Gray Tackling The Golden Horseshoe With Argo Alley
Pregnant Mare Wins By 26 Lengths At Nottingham Yesterday!
Commentator Craig Peters sometimes uses the term “Steeple Chase Margin” to describe an easy win and that was literally a term which could have been used to describe the winner of the last race at Nottingham yesterday.
Apprentice jockey Rose Dawes produced a masterclass aboard Storm Chaser (Hurricane Run) in the Apprentice Handicap event over a mile and six furlongs.
She jockey built an early lead on her mount and they showed no signs of stopping once into the straight.
The five-year-old found plenty under the enterprising ride and coasted to victory.
It was her first career success in her twelfth start.
She was later revealed to be in foal by trainer Mick Channon and will therefore soon be packing up the racing game to concentrate on her new career!
However, punters were less than impressed (read below article).
PUNTERS BLAST “JOKE” RACE AT NOTTINGHAM
Picture: Apprentice Rose Dawes rode an enterprising race from the front.
Mxothwa Treble, Sharon Kotzen And Smith Doubles
Luyolo “Louis” Mxothwa won the last three races on the Fairview Poly today to go to 81 winners for the season at a 10.95% strike rate.
Two of the wins were for Sharon Kotzen, who goes to 35 winners for the season at an 8.88% strike rate.
Smith is the East Cape Champion Trainer elect and has had 119 wins this season at a strike rate of 10.56%.
Today’s Question
How many Durban July winners have put daylight between themselves and the rest of the field in the last 30 renewals and who are they?
Picture: 2021 Durban July (Candiese Lenferna)
Kenilworth Saturday June 25 Fields
Hollywoodbets Greyville Sunday Fields To Be Uploaded When Available
Today’s Question Answer
The five horses in the last 30 Durban July renewals to have put daylight between themselves and the rest of the field are:
Do It Again in 2018 (1,25 lengths).
Eyeofthetiger in 2006 (1,25 lengths).
Greys Inn in 2004 (2,80 lengths).
Trademark in 2001 (1,25 lengths).
Classic Flag in 1998 (1,3 lengths).
Picture: The Mike de Kock-trained 2004 victor Greys Inn is the winner who recorded the biggest margin of victory in the last 30 years of the Durban July. (Sporting Post image).
