Turf Talk Newsletter – 28 August, 2026

DRAKENSTEIN STUD | PRESS RELEASE

TRIPPI: Champion sire and foundation stallion of Drakenstein Stud dies aged 29

FRANSCHHOEK, 27 August 2026 – It is with immense sadness that Drakenstein Stud announces the passing of Champion sire and Equus Outstanding sire Trippi. The American-bred son of End Sweep, whose stud career linked Ocala, Florida, and South Africa, helped to shape Drakenstein Stud.

After establishing the Stud in 2003, Gaynor Rupert travelled to America to view 28 potential stallions, and was immediately captivated by the magnificent bay, describing him as the most beautiful horse she had ever seen. Gaynor made the decision to purchase him as her first sire to stand at Drakenstein, and the beginning of a legacy was born. He travelled to South Africa after the 2008 northern-hemisphere breeding season, where he became the foundation sire of a stallion operation that has since established itself as one of the country’s principal nurseries.

Foaled in Florida in 1997, Trippi was bred by Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. and raced for Dogwood Stable under Todd Pletcher. He won seven of his 14 starts, headed by the Grade 1 Vosburgh Stakes, with further graded victories in the Riva Ridge Stakes, Tom Fool Handicap, Flamingo Stakes, and Swale Stakes. He then stood at Ocala Stud, where his American crops established him among Florida’s leading sires before his move to Drakenstein.

The change of hemisphere did not narrow his influence. Trippi supplied speed, precocity, and, often, the ability to carry that speed beyond sprint distances. He was South Africa’s champion sire in 2015/16 and, from 1,073 runners worldwide, sired 857 winners, including 94 stakes winners of 191 stakes races. His record includes 14 individual Grade 1 winners.

His South African record was led by two champions now standing alongside his legacy at Drakenstein. Charles Dickens, winner of the Cape Guineas, Gold Challenge, and King’s Plate, was a miler of remarkable acceleration and consistency. Jet Dark won five Grade 1 races, including two Queen’s Plates, two Champions Cups, and the Cape Town Met, and was effective from a mile to 2,000 metres. Both have retired to stud, giving Trippi a direct route into the next generation of South African pedigrees.

There was immense depth behind them. Winchester Mansion won the 2023 Durban July, while Trippi’s other South African Grade 1 winners included Afrikaburn, Deo Juvente, Inara, October Morn, Real Princess, Chimichuri Run, Lobo’s Legend, For The Lads, Sweet Pepper and Trip Of Fortune. His better runners ranged from early two-year-olds to older horses, and from fast-track performers to horses capable of succeeding in South Africa’s foremost middle-distance races.

His American legacy has proved equally durable through his daughters. Miss Macy Sue, one of his early US-bred stakes winners, produced Liam’s Map and Not This Time. Liam’s Map won the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile before becoming an established Kentucky stallion. Not This Time, runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, has developed into a leading sire in the United States, standing at $250,000 this season. Their successes have given Trippi an international influence as a broodmare sire beyond the achievements recorded in his own name.

In South Africa, too, his daughters have become a significant part of the broodmare population. As a broodmare sire of 66 stakes winners, including 9 Grade 1 winners, he’s continued to produce leading runners, reinforcing the qualities for which he became known. The value of that female line, together with the stud careers of Charles Dickens and Jet Dark, means his contribution will continue on more than one branch.

For Gaynor Rupert, Trippi’s importance was inseparable from the development of Drakenstein itself. He arrived before the farm had an established stallion roster and supplied it with an identity: an internationally proven horse whose results justified the decision to bring him to the Cape. Many of his best South African horses were bred or raced by Drakenstein, among them Charles Dickens, Inara, Winchester Mansion, and Trip Of Fortune, making his story inextricably bound to the farm’s own.

Trippi’s final crop are three-year-olds in South Africa this season. As they continue to race, and as his sons’ first generations come through, the influence of Drakenstein’s first stallion remains very much a part of the present rather than only its history.

Trippi was expertly cared for by his long-time stallion handler Schedrick Oerson, whose favourite moments with Trippi were their daily walks on the farm in the mornings, just the two of them, like old friends. Schedrick shared that it was a privilege and an honour to work with him.

Umzingeli Wenyathi  can win the Listed Spring Spree Stakes from a good draw (JC Photos)

Rifle Queen can bounce back in the Non-Black Type Betway The Lady’s Stakes (JC Photos)

Turffontein Inside Saturday 29 August 2026 – Comments by Brendan Gaillard

RACE 1

SHINING SUN was a beaten short-priced favourite over 1400m last time but this shorter trip should be more to his liking so he can make amends. FOREVER CANFORD and TWO TIGERS have the form and experience to be competitive, though newcomers BRIEF ENCOUNTER and JET PLATINO don’t have to be special to play leading roles either.

RACE 2

RAFEEF’S QUEEN deserves to get her head in front after back-to-back recent seconds, the latest over this distance at prohibitive odds. THORN BIRD would have benefitted from an encouraging 1000m introduction and should improve to make her presence felt over this extended trip. NEW YORK GROOVE and WITHOUT REMORSE have shown enough to be competitive, along with Highveld newcomer GIDDY UP GRACE. Watch the betting on well-related newcomers ROYAL FREEDOM and SCENTED ALLEY.

RACE 3

WHATSDAMATTERWITHU is thriving and unbeaten as a gelding. He continues to improve so a 4-point penalty for his last-start success is unlikely to halt his momentum. VAR PARK has dropped to below his last-winning mark so should make his presence felt. However, he is held on recent form by ICE DRAGON who will likely pose more of a threat. Class-dropper BANYAN, filly CALADRIUS and hard-knocker TIME WILL TELL can also get into the picture.

RACE 4

IT’S PERSONAL won a similar contest from the front recently and ought to play another leading role under 5-point penalty on the evidence of that performance. Fellow last-start scorer TROMPE L’OEIL is unbeaten over 1000m and remains open to improvement so should be competitive, despite a 5-point increase. TIME IS PRECIOUS contested a 2yo Grade 1 when last seen so warrants respect on his reappearance, especially with the aid of his rider’s 1.5kg allowance. Stablemates YAMADORI and CHIEFTAIN also have the means to get involved.

RACE 5

WINTER IN AUCKLAND ran well in defeat at this level against male opposition last time and a repeat of that performance off an unchanged mark in same-sex company could suffice in her peak outing. Recent course-and-distance winner ICONIC WINTER and last-start maiden scorer JACK’S LEGACY will be competitive with improvement expected, though the same could be said of MOLTEN ROCK who reverts to turf after opening her account on the Polytrack last time. CONCORDIA and USHOULDBEDANCING also have earning potential.

RACE 6

Top-weight RIFLE QUEEN returns from a layoff but is open to improvement with a tongue-tie fitted for the first time. Like that rival, ANCHORAGE is also unbeaten over track and trip so is likely to acquit herself competitively. BRIGHT AND BRAZEN and BLIZZARD SNOW are course-and-distance specialists who are better than their most recent outings suggest. WINTER RAINFALL, SHE’S ALL MINE and SIGRID SWING have the means to make their presence felt too.

RACE 7

Competitive Listed feature. KARATE KID and UMZINGELI WENYATHI are closely matched on the form of a recent meeting over 1000m. Both are probably more effective over that shorter trip but could play leading roles over this distance. ESPINOZA impressed when winning from the front recently in first-time blinkers so should remain competitive under a 6-point penalty with the headgear retained. THE LAST DUKE and MAX THE MAGICIAN are also genuine contenders on the strength of their recent form. Versatile SLINKY MAPIMPI isn’t taken lightly either.

RACE 8

SOCIAL GRACES confirmed the promise of her debut success with a game-in-defeat 3rd over 1000m in her last start. Not only did she concede 3kg to the winner but the 4th-placed filly (finished 11 lengths back) has won since. With any improvement over the extra 100m, she should resume winning ways. Returning LANZAROTE and well-bred Highveld newcomer NAVASEVEN are also open to improvement so warrant respect on their reappearances. Last-start winner NKANDLA GOLD and veteran hard-knocker KOTINOS have the means to trouble the principals.

RACE 9

GUERILLA WARFARE beat ART NOUVEAU over 2000m last month and is weighted to confirm that form on these terms, as the latter carries a penalty for a subsequent victory. Both are distance suited but the latter could enjoy the run of the race from gate No 1. REPETITION and SAMUEL SHARPE are also closely matched on recent form but could be better suited to a sterner test of stamina, so both will need a strong tempo. Class-dropper KUDZU has the means to play a role in the outcome, while ORANGE COUNTY could make his presence felt stretching out to this trip.

Mike de Kock revealed Exocet was coming back from a fractured cannon bone and he felt he would have a tough task in a race in which a lot of the opposition had 4kg claimers up. He concluded by saying he was a nice horse, but he felt he had a lot to do on his comeback and it would be a tough race to win – Ed (Picture: Race Coast)

Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)

Punters face a testing card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday but Mike and Mathew de Kock could provide some relief when they saddle Exocet in the Middle Stakes over 1000m, fifth race on the card.

Now a lightly raced four-year-old, Exocet has an international pedigree that partly may account for the fact that he is still an entire. However, he is also a winner of two of his three starts and the yard has intimated that he is a horse with some ability.

He has not been out since winning on the poly back in October last year but the De Kock’s are unlikely to send the colt out half-baked and it may be telling that Exocet is only up against six rivals as the Summerveld dogs are sure to have been barking.

Gareth van Zyl sends out Vihaan’s Web who has won over course and distance and seldom runs a poor race. If Exocet fails to fire he could pick up the pieces. Veteran Donquerari is always dangerous over this trip and has a 4kg claimer aboard while fellow veteran African Skyline gets first time blinkers with a 4kg claimer aboard. Both have a money chance.

Big fields face punters in the first few races including a full house of 16 in the first. Adam Azzie only has one runner on the day and will be looking to One Pepper to pay his way in the card opener. One Pepper returns from a break and gelding but was up against Vibe Check and Kazanoyoni at his last start and if racing fit he should go close. Diaval was well supported on debut when starting favourite but raced green and the experience should have brought him on. Bullet Catch started at long odds behind stable companion Omkhulu Boss but was not far back. This is his third run on the course and should run a forward race. Maggiano made a promising debut behind long-time maiden Tipperary but should also come on from that effort.

Fleur Delacour faces a capacity field in the second. Paul Lafferty’s filly started at long odds on debut but finished with a flourish, failing narrowly over course and distance. She can go one better on that showing. Theleia was disappointing in her first local run when starting favourite. However, that was her first run back from a break and she looks capable of making amends. Abbey’s World made good improvement second time out over course and distance and looks progressive while Willow Valli has shown up well in two starts under Rachel Venniker and was a beaten favourite last time out.

The De Kock’s could hold the key to the opening leg of the Pick 6. Scott’s Bar was a beaten favourite over a sprint last time out and now steps up to a mile, a trip that should suit. Stable companion Taranaki Nomad was green on debut on the poly where he was slowly away and took a hefty bump in the running. He should come on lengths from that effort. Reign Man also steps up in trip and showed up well in a promising sprint debut. He has the best of the draw and should much prefer this distance.

The fourth is a wide open handicap. Tim Woodruff saddles Another Dream for his sister Lucinda and although the mare has joint top weight she has shown up well in two recent starts over course and distance. Gavin Lerena rides from the best of the draw. Glen Kotzen saddles two runners in with strong chances. Gold Gol Baby is unbeaten in two starts in blinkers, the last over course and distance and can go in again. Heavenly Mafia finished just under two lengths back to her stable companion but is now 2.5kg better off and light weight rider Cole Dicken is aboard as stable jockey Chad Little will not have been able to make the weight.

The last three races are competitive handicaps.

Boundless Energy winning in Cape Town (Picture: Wayne Marks) 

Mauritius Saturday Preview By Graeme Hawkins

BOUNDLESS ENERGY COULD LAND ANOTHER FEATURE FOR HEWITSON:

Having dominated the Feature race landscape in Mauritius this Season, Carl Hewitson has established a clear lead over arch rival Soon Gujadhur in the race for the Trainers’ Championship and Boundless Energy could widen the gap even further when he lines up in the G3 Azul Handicap over 1400m at Champ de Mars on Saturday.

With Manoel Nunes serving a suspension, Corne Orffer has picked up the ride on the 5yo son of Vercingetorix. Unbeaten in two starts on the Island thus far, Boundless Energy will be a popular choice but with the presence of At My Command, Underworld and Pennsylvania in the field it is likely to be closely contested affair.

The first of seven races on the programme gets under way at 10:30 SA time.

Race 1: (10:30) – BM20 Handicap – 1500m (First Leg of the Place Accumulator):

This lowly-rated Handicap looks set to be fought out by Nordic Prince (Curatolo) and Lunar Descent (Taka). Nordic Prince was narrowly beaten by Fire Starter over 1400m a month ago with both Lunar Descent and Canford Lights a long way behind in third and fourth spot, which suggests that Nordic Prince should comfortably have their measure. But Lunar Descent performed well below expectations on that occasion and if judged on his previous effort when a good second behind the progressive Exalted Love, then Sam Mahadia’s runner should pose a greater threat this time around.

Betting: 8/10 Nordic Prince; 2/1 Lunar Descent; 13/2 Balouchi; 15/2 Canford Lights; 20/1 Love On Time.

Selection: (2) Nordic Prince; (3) Lunar Descent; (5) Canford Lights; (1) Balouchi.

Race 2: (11:05) – BM25 Handicap – 990m (First Leg of the Pick 6):

Holds The Key (Van Niekerk) was narrowly beaten by Bombardier Boy over the trip last month and the form of that race looks strong. Simbine (Curatolo) was a length behind Holds The Key in that race and Vincent Allet’s runner for Hollywood Racing has plenty of scope to improve. Interestingly both Holds The Key and Simbine are 4yo sons of What A Winter and we can expect an exciting duel between the pair. Jet Blackfire (Schwarz) is interesting. Placed second in his last two starts, the 5yo son of One World steps back to the minimum trip and only the race will show whether this is an inspired move by trainer Vicky Ruhee.

Betting: 1/1 Holds The Key; 17/10 Simbine; 28/10 Jet Blackfire; 16/1 William Blake; 100/1 Stepping Out.

Selection: (3) Holds The Key; (2) Simbine; (1) Jet Blackfire; (4) William Blake.

Race 3: (11:40) – BM36 Handicap – 1450m:

Ashikule (Danielson) has won his last two 1365m starts beating the useful sorts Exalted Love and Blackjack Randall. The very progressive 4yo son of Erupt has not raced since 20 June but he looks hard to oppose here and rates one of the better bets on the card. Carnarvon (Van Niekerk) is the obvious danger with the 4yo son of Elusive Fort having posted back-to-back victories in June and July. The step up in trip should be to his liking and if Ashikule fluffs his lines, Carnarvon will be there to pick up the pieces. Military Force (Schwarz) is starting to show signs of getting to grips with racing at Champ de Mars and he should be considered for Trifectas and Quartets.

Betting: 7/10 Ashikule; 7/2 Carnarvon; 7/1 Canford Club; Cybotix; 12/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (7) Ashikule; (5) Carnarvon; (1) Military Force; (4) Canford Club.

Race 4: (12:15) – BM46 Handicap – 1400m (First Leg of the Jackpot):

Emerging star New World (Danielson) takes a steep rise in class here and will be fully tested by the likes of Mfethu (Curatolo) and National Award (Mansour). New World’s most recent victories have been scored over slightly further but he has a touch of class and could be equal to the task. Although never winning in South Africa, New World showed decent ability behind the likes of Randolph Hearst and Vapour Trail. Mfethu races for the Hollywood team and his form is eye-catching. Third on local debut behind Ashikule and then a close second behind the talented Secret Passage last time, Mfethu would not be winning out of turn and he cannot be lightly dismissed. National Award is very game and consistent but faces a tough test here.

Betting: 7/10 New World; 33/10 National Award; 7/2 Mfethu; 16/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Mfethu; (5) New World; (4) National Award; (6) Old Fashioned.

Race 5: (12:50) – BM56 Handicap – 1600m:

Summer Snow (Juglall) sets the standard in a small but competitive line-up. The 5yo son of What A Winter is a tough and consistent hard-knocking performer for the Hewitson team and although rising in class does receive a fair amount of weight from his principal rivals. We Have Touchdown (Taka) caught the eye on local debut when finishing third over 1365m and this extended trip will be more to his liking. The 5yo son of Gimmethegreenlight has plenty of upside. On best form Tyrion Lannister (Curatolo) rates a real threat. He has dropped in the ratings this season but appears to have soundness issues and his well-being needs to be taken on trust. Blue Bay (Danielson) was a beaten odds-on favourite last time and could make amends here.

Betting: 12/10 We Have Touchdown; 16/10 Blue Bay; 9/2 Summer Snow; 13/2 Tyrion Lannister; 50/1 Ninety Nine Heroes.

Selection: (3) We Have Touchdown; (5) Summer Snow; (1) Blue Bay; (2) Tyrion Lannister.

Race 6: (13:25) – The Azul Trophy G3 – 1400m:

Boundless Energy (Orffer) is bidding to maintain his unbeaten record on the Island but faces a tougher challenge this time in a very competitive renewal of the Azul Trophy. At My Command (Danielson) was a surprise winner of the G1 1600m Barbe Cup on 27 June but he is a past course and distance winner and warrants utmost respect. Underworld (Van Niekerk) was disappointing in the Barbe Cup but is capable of better here. His wide draw does not do him any favours but he could be charging home in the closing stages. Pennsylvania (Sooful) is very highly regarded and the 5yo son of Lancaster Bomber only has 52kgs to shoulder. His local debut when second over 990m was a smart effort and this distance will be much more to his liking. Following a rare double last weekend, jockey Dinesh Sooful’s confidence will be high.

Betting: 1/1 Boundless Energy; 3/1 Pennsylvania; 7/2 Underworld; 6/1 At My Command; 33/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (3) Boundless Energy; (1) At My Command; (2) Underworld; (6) Pennsylvania.

Race 7: (14:05) – BM26 Handicap – 1450m:

A small field lines up for this low-division handicap but on past form there is very little to choose between Blackjack Randall (Mansour), The Centurion (Danielson) and Bugle Boy (Ramsamy) and a keenly contested finish is on the cards. Bugle Boy has his first run since being gelded and he could turn the tables on The Centurion who blotted his copybook with a below-par effort in the Sophomore Challenge in July. Blackjack Randall finished behind The Centurion and Bugle Boy on 30 May, but the 4yo son of Danon Platina has progressed nicely since then, finishing runner-up behind Ashikule and Exalted Love in his last two outings. That level of form of suggests Blackjack Randall may have the edge here but all three rate strong winning chances.

Betting: 1/1 Blackjack Randall; 15/10 Bugle Boy; 3/1 The Centurion; 33/1 and better the balance.

Selection: (1) Blackjack Randall; (3) Bugle Boy; (2) The Centurion; (4) Captain Marsala.

Betting correct at 17:00 on Thursday 27 August.

Suggested Pick 6 (Races 2-7):

2,3 x 7 x 3,5 x 1,3,5 x 1,2,3,6 x 1,2,3 (R144)

Sportsbook operator Lucky Fish has boldly announced its sponsorship of the SA National Trainer and Jockey Championships, together with an unprecedented Apprentice and Grooms Championship for the 2026-27 season.

All four competitions will encompass race meetings staged in all four racing jurisdictions in South Africa.

The Lucky Fish National Trainers Championship will reward the top 10 trainers based on the total number of winners they saddled during the season, rather than the stakes earned, which determines the official ‘Champion Trainer’ title.

With the aim of encouraging trainers to raid outside their home centres, there is a proviso that trainers must have saddled a minimum number of 6 horses outside of their designated home jurisdiction.

In addition, the trainer must win a race in two of the four jurisdictions to qualify (for clarity, Turffontein and the Vaal racecourses are in the same jurisdiction).

Similarly, the Lucky Fish National Jockeys Championship will reward the top 10 jockeys based on the total number of winners ridden across South Africa.  To qualify, jockeys must have ridden at least 5 winners outside of their home jurisdiction.

A total prize fund of R2 million has been allocated to each championship with R1 million awarded to the champion trainer and R1 million to the champion jockey, making these the richest performance-based awards of their kind in South African racing.

The sport’s emerging stars have not been overlooked!

Lucky Fish has put forward an additional R200,000 for the Apprentice Championship, with the top five apprentices sharing the prize money and the winner receiving a potentially life-changing R100,000.  To qualify, apprentices must have ridden at least 1 winner in two of the four jurisdictions.

The country’s grooms will also be rewarded by Lucky Fish for their dedicated care of the equine athletes.

The top thirty grooms who take charge of the most winners nationwide will share in R300 000, with the most successful groom earning the first prize of R50 000.

Vishen Naidoo, General Manager of Lucky Fish said “We believe the additional financial incentive for the participants in all four categories will elevate the competitive environment to a new level, while encouraging participants to compete across the country. We wish all the participants the very best in the pursuit of the ultimate prize. Lucky Fish is committed to giving back to racing”.

Hollie Doyle

The At The Races ambassador previews a busy Saturday of clashes, which features the Listed August Stakes at Windsor.

TENABILITY CAN TAKE WINDSOR FEATURE
The feature race on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday evening is the Listed Weatherbys August Stakes (19H30 SA Time) which can go to my husband Tom Marquand and trainer William Haggas.

They combine with the reliable TENABILITY who has winning form at the track and won’t mind any rain, as he proved at Ascot last autumn when he chased home Al Qareem in the Cumberland Lodge.

Tenability has been kept fresh since beating popular stable companion Hamish at Goodwood in June and then finishing third in a Group 3 in Deauville over further than this 11.5f trip.

He brings more compelling recent form to the race than the intriguing Silawi, who has been disappointing given what he achieved in winning the Group 1 International in Canada last October and then chasing home Opera Ballo in the Jebel Hatta in Dubai in January.

EASE IN GRADE CAN SPARK A CELEBRATION
The most prestigious race of the day on Saturday is the Group 2 Virgin Bet Celebration Mile Stakes (16H10 SA Time) at Goodwood and I won’t be forsaking the likeable ZAVATERI , who has a great chance to gain his first win of the year.

Eve Johnson Houghton’s three-year-old, who is eased in grade, ran respectably behind Bow Echo in the Sussex Stakes at this track and wasn’t disgraced in Notable Speech’s Group 1 at York last weekend.

This is a quick turnaround for a colt who has winning Pattern form at this track in the Vintage Stakes but I take him to win an ordinary renewal at the probable expense of Qirat, last year’s shock Sussex Stakes winner who will be a danger to all if he gets loose on the front end.

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