Turf Talk Newsletter – 27 August, 2026

Quantum Theory is pictured winning last year’s Listed Spring Spree Stakes, which was switched to the Vaal Classic track due to a nearby landfill fire creating hazardous conditions at Turffontein (JC Photos)

“He’s on a spree, that’s number three,” was a phrase commentator Craig Peters used to employ to call home a jockey who had just won three races on the trot and it would be a fitting phrase to use if Quantum Theory won the Listed Spring Spree Stakes on Saturday at Turffontein Inside, because this horse is going for a third win in this 1200m event around the turn.

It is not often a horse wins the same feature three times.

The seven-year-old won it in 2023 from draw 9 off a 107 merit rating.

In 2024 he was beaten 6,10 lengths from draw 3 off a 112 rating.

Last year the race was switched to the Vaal Classic track due to a nearby landfill fire creating hazardous conditions at Turffontein.

Nevertheless, Quantum Theory won it from draw 1 off a 111 rating.

He is now rated 108, which gives him a fine chance, especially considering his string of unplaced runs last season ended with an eyecatching run in the Listed Umngeni Handicap over 1000m at Hollywodbets Greyville on World Pool Gold Cup day. He had to come from last that day after not getting a perfect break, However, he weaved his way through the field and was only beaten 1,95 lengths, although he was unfortunate to only finish seventh.

He is drawn six out of nine on Saturday and the field is small enough for him to reach the front after running on well in his customary style.

However, the bookmakers do not appear to fear him and Hollywoodbets have him at 10/1.

The 28/10 favourite, Umzingeli Wenyathi, is only narrowly held by Karate Kid on 1000m form, but enjoys this trip and should make a bold bid from a plum draw, especially considering the form of the Hollywood Racing-owned horses this season.

The 8/1 shot Espinoza is in fine form, but was raised six points for his last win and Girish Samo-Burthia will not be able to take his 2,5kg claim in this Listed event. However, that last start was with first time blinkers and he went to the front and won comfortably, so he could possibly be ahead of the handicapper.

The 7/1 chance Karate Kid has a good draw of three and comes in off a good preparation run over 1000m in which he was staying on late. Before that he beat Umzingeli Wenyathi by 0,75 lengths over 1000m at this track and he now faces the latter on the same terms. He is drawn well in three and his last win was over 1160m, so he should manage this trip, despite mainly being kept to 1000m. Blaine Marx-Jacobson rides with Paul Matchett’s first call rider Philasande Mxoli aboard the stablemate The Last Duke.

The 7/2 shot The Last Duke is a progressive type, but is only 2kg better off with Karate Kid for a 2,25 length beating, so has his work cut out from draw five.

The 6/1 chance Max The Magician has been having bad luck with draws and now gets the best draw, pole position, and he will enjoy this course and distance.

The 10/1 chance Charming Cheetah is capable of better than his last two and can’t be ignored.

The 5/1 shot Bjorn Ironside has a chance on form, but returns from a layoff and might be a bit ring rusty.

The 10/1 shot Slinky Mapimpi is competitively weighted on his best form but has a tough draw and has been starting slowly lately.

On A Jet Plane clinches individual doubles for both jockey Jason Gates and trainer St. John Gray (JC Photos) 

Veteran trainer St. John Gray is often prominent on the log in the first month of the season before the sheer firepower of the big guns sees normal order being  restored.

He is operating at a strike rate of 30.43% so far this season, which is the highest on the log for any trainer who has had more than 20 runs.

His 23 runs have brought him seven wins, including a double today, both ridden by Jason Gates.

He has also had four seconds, four thirds and a fourth and only seven unplaced runs.

He owns and has bred all of his winners this season.

The wins have comes from six horses.

The Potala Palace four-year-old colt Olympian Gold has won twice and was ridden by Philasande Mxoli on both occasions.

His other winners have been:

The four-year-old Potala Palace colt Palace Prince, who won easily under Jason Gates;

The nine-year-old Bezrin gelding After Hours, who was also ridden by Gates;

The six-year-old Bezrin gelding Secret Chord, who was ridden by Mxoli;

The three-year-old Chimichuri Run filly Xstatic, who was ridden by Mxoli;

And the five-year-old Bezrin mare On A Jet Plane, who was ridden by Gates.

The latter two horses clinched him his double today.

Gates also scored a double at the meeting and there was also a double for Muzi Yeni.

Gates is now on 6 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 25%. He has started the season with obvious determination and his success so far can be compared to last season in which he only managed 14 wins at a strike rate of 4.70%.

Mxoli is also having a good season with 7 wins at 20.59%.

Yeni is on 5 wins at 12.50%.

Mocha Blend wins last year’s R6 million Betway Summer Cup (JC Photos)

4Racing is pleased to announce the continuation of its successful partnership with Betway South Africa, a leading sports betting and gaming brand, which will once again see Betway take headline sponsorship of a number of feature races across the 4Racing calendar, including 4Racing’s marquee event, the Betway Summer Cup at Turffontein on Saturday, 28 November 2026.

The renewal extends a partnership that began in the 2022/23 racing season and has played an important role in the growth and development of some of 4Racing’s most prominent feature race fixtures.

Betway’s association with the Summer Cup began in 2022, when the race was staged under the theme Golden Summer and the sponsorship helped lift the prize money from R2 million to R2.5 million.

The following year, Betway’s support saw the stake double with R5 million going the way of 2023 winner, Royal Victory. The partnership achieved another milestone in 2024 when the stake cheque increased again to R6 million, making the Betway Summer Cup the richest race in Africa at the time.

We are proud that this year’s renewal will see Betway headline the country’s premier Johannesburg racing and social occasion for the fifth consecutive year.

The Betway Summer Cup has become much more than a race meeting. It is Johannesburg’s best end-of-year event, bringing together racing fans, fashion, entertainment and the city’s vibrant social scene for a celebration that has become firmly established on the national events calendar.

This year’s theme, Celebrate Summer, will capture the spirit of the occasion as Johannesburg comes together to mark the start of the summer season in style.

The partnership has helped the Summer Cup maintain its position among South Africa’s flagship races and has contributed to ensuring that the race remains one of the country’s major sporting and social events.

4Racing CEO Patrick Duff commented, “4Racing is delighted to continue our partnership with Betway, whose commitment to South African horseracing over the past five years has helped us grow the Betway Summer Cup into one of the country’s major racing and social occasions. The Summer Cup is uniquely Johannesburg’s race – a great day of racing, entertainment, fashion and celebration – and we are excited to once again work with Betway to deliver an unforgettable experience. With ‘Celebrate Summer’ as our theme for 2026, we look forward to welcoming racing fans and people from all across Joburg to Turffontein for another spectacular Summer Cup.”

Echoing Patricks statement, Betway Africa Head of Sponsorship, Jason Shield added: “We are pleased to have extended our current agreement with 4Racing and are looking forward to this year’s Betway Summer Cup. The Betway Summer Cup is a property we are really proud of and as always, we are committed to delivering an exceptional race day experience for all those in attendance. The Betway Summer Cup is Gauteng’s most anticipated horseracing event and we urge the public to join us as we “Celebrate Summer”.

4Racing extends its sincere thanks to Betway for its continued commitment to South African horseracing and for its ongoing support of the Betway Summer Cup. The partnership has helped create an event that celebrates not only the sport and its stars, but also the people, passion and entertainment that make racing such a special part of South African life.

With Celebrate Summer as its theme, the 2026 Betway Summer Cup promises to once again bring the best of racing, fashion, entertainment and Johannesburg’s unmistakable energy together at Turffontein on 28 November.

A bird’s eye view of the Turffontein front parade ring (JC Photos)

Johannesburg, South Africa – 4Racing is set to undertake a refurbishment of the front parade ring at Turffontein Racecourse as part of its ongoing investment in improving race-day facilities and the experience for owners, trainers, racing professionals and racegoers.

The front parade ring will remain in use for the Betway Spring Spree meeting on Saturday, 29 August 2026, after which racing operations will temporarily move to Turffontein’s original back parade ring while the refurbishment takes place.

The planned improvements will include the relocation of the second- and third-place boxes to the opposite side of the winner’s box, as well as an extension of the podium area to create significantly more space for owners, trainers and other stakeholders during presentations.

The refurbishment will also improve the overall functionality and presentation of the parade ring and winner’s enclosure area.

The intention is for the work to be completed in time for racing to return to the front parade ring for the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge on Saturday, 3 October 2026.

The temporary use of the back parade ring will allow racing operations to continue while the improvements are undertaken.

Gabriel Soma, 4Racing’s Head of Racing Operations, said: “This refurbishment forms part of our ongoing investment in Turffontein and our commitment to improving the race-day experience for our stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the upgraded front parade ring for the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge in October.”

ENDS.

Picture: Pride of Place participants Michael Keogh, Highfield, James Sowray, St. Patricks Square, Amanda Barry, Castlemary, Pearse Gilroy, Beach Park, Dave Bailey, Seamount Crescent, Marylou Murray (standing in for St.Anthony’s Villas), Jennifer Bailey, Station Road, Gerry Clegg, Backlanes, Trainer and Amateur Jockey Patrick Mullins, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland Suzanne Eade, Geraldine Sherwin (Standing in for Sea View) and Ann Brodigan, Alverno Heights at the Launch of the 2026 Laytown Races at Gilnas in Laytown. © Photo – Jenny Callanan

Laytown Races 2026 officially launched as estates drawn for Pride of Place Race

Reporter – Drogheda Independent
22 Aug 2026

Ten Laytown estates will be represented in the popular Pride of Place Race when horses return to the famous strand on September 10

The countdown to Laytown Races 2026 is officially underway following the annual community launch and Pride of Place draw.

A large crowd gathered at Gilna’s of Laytown, for the traditional launch of the unique beach racing fixture, which returns to Laytown Strand on Thursday, September 10.

Representatives from estates across Laytown were joined by local politicians and members of An Garda Síochána for the event, which included the eagerly anticipated draw for this year’s Pride of Place Race.

Twenty estates entered the competition, with ten names drawn from the hat by Horse Racing Ireland CEO Suzanne Eade.

The ten estates drawn were St Anthony’s Villas, Seamount Crescent, Seaview, Beach Park, St Patrick’s Square, Backlanes, Averno Heights, High Field, Castlemary and Station Road.

There will also be prizes for the communities whose horses perform best on the day, with Elite Garden Centre vouchers worth €500, €400 and €300 going to the estates represented by the first, second and third-placed horses respectively.

The annual draw has become a popular part of the build-up to Laytown Races, generating plenty of friendly rivalry between local estates as residents wait to discover which horse will represent them.

Champion amateur jockey Patrick Mullins was the special guest speaker at this year’s launch and entertained those in attendance with stories from his career in racing.

Renowned racing commentator Des Scahill acted as MC for the evening, overseeing proceedings and the community draw.

Organisers said the annual launch once again demonstrated the strong community spirit surrounding Laytown Races and the importance of the historic fixture to the local area.

Attention will now turn to Thursday, September 10, when horses and jockeys return to Laytown Strand for the only officially sanctioned beach racing fixture in Ireland.

The first race at Laytown Races 2026 is scheduled to get underway at 4.40pm.

Click here to see pictures of the famous Laytown Races

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

The Mike and Mathew de Kock-trained ESTEEMED has obviously had his issues. After a runaway win on debut, he finished runner up to the filly GREEN DIAMOND in the SA Nursery Gr 2 at Turffontein last season that garnered him a hefty 105 rating.

That run was a year ago back in March 2025, but he made a smart return to the track over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in July in a Progress Plate, cruising into a five-length victory.

He is obviously a talented colt and looks to be more than useful. From a top stable and off a handy weight will be the one to beat when he lines up in the Anita Akal Celebrating 55 Years A Stakes on the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday night.

A possible danger could come in the form of MALMESBURY MISSILE, named after Springbok rugby hero Pieter-Steph du Toit, has been racing in the highest echelons this last season and takes a big drop in class. If anywhere his best, he will be a strong contender. KAIBOY steps up in trip but was much improved last time out and could be a factor if staying the extra while GO GRAYSON GO, off his light weight, is likely to set a searching pace.

After last Friday’s car-crash results for many punters, things look more promising this Friday as racing switches to the turf, although there are a few tricky hurdles to jump, most notably in the Class 5, fourth race on the evening card.

It is a wide-open handicap but visiting Fairview-based trainer Kelly Mitchley could have the answer at good odds. She saddles WOOD WORLD who drops in class and who has also taken a seven-point drop in the handicap. Along with a 4kg apprentice up Mitchley could have picked the right run.

But the list of possible winners is a long one. LET IT ROLL is an improving three-year-old who showed up well first run out of the maidens and the trip will suit while JAZZ FESTIVAL has been knocking at the door for some time now and is due a change of fortune. He is 1kg better off with POWER STAR who beat him last time out. RUN TO RIO is seldom out of the money and can turn the tables on POWER STAR and JAZZ FESTIVAL but the advice is to load up in this leg of the exotics.

There are a number of unraced runners in the first, but BELLO GALLICO found good market support on debut and was narrowly beaten. He steps up in trip around a turn but from pole position draw and racing experience he is the leading contender. CATCH THAT KID has drawn wide but made a promising debut from a similar deep draw over course and distance and the apprentice is replaced by Gavin Lerena which could prove significant. Of the first timers, STORM CYCLONE has Keagan de Melo up for Sean Tarry and one to watch in the betting.

The first leg of the PA could develop into a two-horse race between CRIMSON TYPHOON and NOCTAMBULIST. CRIMSON TYPHOON was a close-up second over course and distance last time out. She has improved in a tongue-tie, and Keagan de Melo replaces the apprentice. Biggest threat is possibly top weight NOCTAMBULIST who was a beaten favourite over course and distance last time out and Richard Fourie, fresh from a trip to Japan, takes over from the apprentice. Of the balance FUTURE PROSPECT is a lightly raced mare who has come good at recent outings and gets weight from the above mentioned.

The Middle Stakes will kick off the Pick 6 could rest between LANDOFTHERISINGSUN and SALANI KAHLE. The former has run smart races over shorter in his two local starts and stays this trip well and at best will be a strong contender. SALANI KAHLE has only once finished out of the money in six outings and is well regarded by his connection. He got a big jump up the ratings for his second place behind the filly CURIOUS GIRL in the SA Derby Gr 1 and may well have needed his come-back run.

Dennis Bosch saddles VAANS SPIRIT in the fifth and the filly has not been further back than second in her three outings since shedding her maiden. The extra will suit and she has a strong winning chance. Ducan Howells sends out ZENA ROSE who has been trying further of late but not genuinely staying the trip. This shorter trip should suit, and Keagan de Melo stays with the ride. GOLDEN ANGEL was upstaged by stable companion SESAME in their last meeting in spite of the turnaround in the weights but is still holding form well and should be a contender. PRINCESS TRIPPI showed up well first time out of a weak maiden event but is lightly race and gets first time blinkers with Richard Fourie aboard.

BISON WARRIOR and THE SWAN SONG look to be the principal contenders in the seventh. BISON WARRIOR was a comfortable maiden winner last time out and the form of that win has panned out well. THE SWAN SONG looks held by BISON WARRIOR who beat him comfortably on debut in their first encounter but looks progressive and capable of turning the tables with expected improvement. KAAPSE KLOSE and CONNOISSEUR may prove best of the older contingent.

The last is a competitive handicap but RUBY RISING seldom out of the money and goes well over this trip. Given some luck in running, she should be in the firing line. FLEUR DE LING has consistent form in blinkers and has only been out of the money once in nine starts. She has a handy galloping weight and there should not be much between these two on their last meeting. FASCINATION has been runner up at her last two and although she has a two-point raise in the handicap to contend with she is a contender. Of the balance, SUMMER WINTER and MAGICAL SKY have shown their best on the poly but both go very well this trip.

Zatara Magic could be the one to side with in the third race (Pauline Herman Photography)

Fairview Friday 28 August 2026 – Comments by Trevor Reid

RACE 1

FONTE did too much too soon last time out and that run is best ignored. Her jockey gets the opportunity to make amends over a course and distance that should suit and she can bounce back to score. LADY LIMONCELLO has been a bit of a disappointment of late on the Polytrack and could do a lot better back on the grass. TRICKLE CHARGE can show improvement this distance. WITCHING HOUR is another in the race that looks likely to prefer the turf and must be respected. CAMDEN SQUARE has improved of late and is clearly not out of it.

RACE 2

MATTER OF TRUST has only been modest in two local starts that were on the Polytrack. Jockey Muzi Yeni rides her this time and improvement looks very likely. GIMMETHEGOLD is in good form and would not be a surprise winner. DEAD POETS SOCIETY has been reliable of late on the Polytrack and is clearly in with a shot at winning. CAPRANICA, LUCA DA WHEELS and LADY OF FATE are capable of bouncing back to score in a very open looking race.

RACE 3

ZATARA MAGIC is clearly the class horse of the race but returns from a break so his fitness will need to be taken on trust. BOURNEMOUTH is unreliable but capable of earning some money when in the right mood. FIREALLEY has held form of late and should contest the finish. BAD MEDICINE flopped last time out but can be a real threat this course and distance. WILD FIG has won his last three starts so must be respected for that. HOME REEF is game and is another to be respected. GLOBAL ALLY is also capable of earning some money.

RACE 4

A very interesting race as we have some fillies that were impressive on the Polytrack last time out. CARNIVAL showed she is improving with a very easy maiden win and can have more to offer. So too could PRETTY AWESOME who won on debut in fine style. They take on some in form horses like BASINGSTOKE, who found good betting support when making all last time out. CAPE CAPRI is in the form of her life and will not go down without a fight. QUEEN OF JAZZ returns to a course and distance that clearly suits and is another to consider.

RACE 5

SILVAN MISTRESS showed a disliking for the Polytrack in her last two starts. Hopefully that has not soured her to racing as she is talented and quite capable of winning a race. It is an open-looking race. Stable companion SILVA CITY is not reliable but ran a cracker last time out and must be respected. Another Alan Greeff-trained runner, WISHES AND DREAMS, is very consistent and would not be a surprise winner. ONCIDIUM remains in good shape and clearly is not out of it. AQUARIUS and EAST COAST GIRL could also be worth considering.

RACE 6

PERFECT IMPACT has won both local starts since joining trainer Dean Smith. They were both on the Polytrack but it is worth noting he was runner-up to Miami Summer earlier in his career and that form is good enough for this race. OVERTURE has been crying out for the

turf and will have his supporters to beat the selection. STARS IN HEAVEN, WORLD CHOICE and COASTAL PATH are all coming off disappointing runs but can bounce back and contest the finish. JOHNNY DRAMA is also capable of improvement back on the grass.

RACE 7

A very open-looking race and it may pay dividends to go very wide in all exotic permutations, especially the Pick 6. KENTUCKY LASSIE could be returning to her best and does like this track and trip. VOLARE E MAMBO is better than her last run would suggest and can bounce back to beat these rivals. ROYAL MERMAID is distance suited and was not beaten far in her recent starts. GREEK HEIRESS and FLEUR DE VILLE have shown improvement of late and could score. ROCK ME MAMA is a recent maiden winner but could have more to offer.

RACE 8

MASTEROFTHEBAROQUE was a well backed recent maiden winner. That was on the Polytrack but he did quicken well and might follow up in this stronger race. SAN QUINTIN and OSMIUM are in good form and should not be far away at the finish. ALADO’S PRIDE could have one more win in him and deserves respect. TERMINAL VELOCITY could show improvement over a course and distance that should suit. ARIVIDICIO is not reliable but is capable of earning some money when in the right mood.