Turf Talk Newsletter – 28 September, 2026

Jet Force, Buffalo Storm Cody need a plane full of friends!

Horse shipping. (Image for illustrative purposes, Global Bloodstock Logistics).

Saturday’s Grade 3 Matchem Stakes winner, Jet Force, earmarked for a campaign with De Kock Racing’s ‘Global Stable’ at the 2027 Dubai Carnival, may have to stay on in South Africa after all. His traditional rival, Buffalo Storm Cody, also pencilled in for Dubai, is in the same boat – though not a dingy that will arrive unannounced at Jumeirah Beach.

Their international ambitions have been thrown into uncertainty because insufficient horses have been booked to make the charter financially feasible. The first flight set to carry horses overseas was delayed several weeks ago and the next available flight, scheduled for 6 December, is hanging in the balance, leaving their connections facing a frustrating wait over whether the charter will go ahead.

As things stand today, there is a further temporary stipulation which affects the Turffontein-trained Buffalo Storm Cody: Horses booked for the 9 December charter have to be at the quarantine station in Cape Town by the latest next Tuesday, 6 October, to start their residency on 30 October.

At the heart of the issue lies the exorbitant financial commitments associated with shipping racehorses overseas. It costs between US$45,000 and $USD50,000 (about R820,000) to fly a horse to an overseas destination, provided that there are 18-21 horses on the chartered flight. The cost of flying a single horse or just a few horses is so huge that it is not even considered an option.

JJ van der Linden of Global Bloodstock Logistics explained: “The price of fuel has gone haywire, leaving no room for flexibility. Also, at present the most suitable runners for international competition are not available to us. We have two, Jet Force and Buffalo Storm Cody, we may get one or two extra racers in the next few weeks, but the rest of the flight will have to be filled with sports horses or showjumpers.”

There is, however, enough hope to cling to.

Van der Linden said: “There is a good chance that travelling restrictions in place for horses going to Cape Town will be lifted as soon as this coming Friday, which will allow more time for Buffalo Storm Cody to get to the quarantine station.

“Also, the 9 December charter is enjoying good interest from exporters of sports horses. With a bit of luck we could have a plane full of horses before the cut-off date.”

If Jet Force and Buffalo Storm Cody do manage make the flight, the rest of the journey will look more or less like this:

10 December, arrive at Newmarket, UK, for required 30-day intermediary residency en route to Dubai: Full training is allowed, so both will be able to work in full preparation.

11 January: Arrival in Dubai, where a further 10 days in quarantine is required, or as a second option they can skip the quarantine but have to leave the UAE within 90 days.

21 January: To De Kock’s Racing’s Global Stable at Meydan.

Mike de Kock commented: “We will register the pair as UAE horses to qualify for the 10-day quarantine, as we did before with South African runners. We intend to raid Hong Kong races from our Dubai base.”

He added: “For them to race during the 2027 Carnival there will be a number of factors to consider, but in our favour is that they will arrive very fit from the UK, and we will be able to train them while they are in quarantine in Dubai. If everything falls into place, we’ll have enough time to get them tuned for races in the second half of the Carnival.”

At Turffontein, Tony Peter has indicated that he is keeping Buffalo Storm Cody ticking over until further notice, and Des McLachlan will have to adopt the same approach pending further developments.

We’ll keep fingers crossed!

Double Grand Slam, on her way to Gr 3 Diana Stakes win. (Picture Wayne Marks)

Double Grand Slam, in her first run at six, showed that she’d lost none of her sparkle when she quickened away in her customary thrilling fashion to win the Grade 3 Diana Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville by 2.75-lengths under Keagan De Melo.

Justin Snaith said that they’re keeping the star mare in training for another year, suggesting that she has a few unfinished boxes to tick. “She has been unlucky a few times, but also lucky otherwise. There is a hard record for Grade 1 wins in South Africa (nine, by Empress Club), and that is something I’d like to see her accomplish.”

De Melo said he got goosebumps when Double Grand Slam crossed the finishing line, listening to the verbal support of Double Grand Slam’s fan club – there was a good spectator turnout at the country track.

De Melo said she was professional in her demeanour, switching off early and then picking up the bridle instantly when asked.

Snaith added: “I’m so lucky to have a filly like this, she’s special, incredible to train.”

Double Grand Slam clocked 83s flat, more than a second faster than the time recorded for Grade 3 Matchem Stakes winner Jet Force, half an hour later.

Sired by Vercingetorix out of Princess Peach (Captain Al), Varsfontein-bred Double Grand Slam races for the partnership of Gaynor Rupert (Drakenstein Stud), Dave Maclean and Gary Player Stud farm.

She’s on 12 wins and 10 places from 25 starts, with stake earnings fast approaching the R5-million mark.

Miami Summer (JP van der Merwe), wins the Settlers Trophy. (Picture: Wayne Marks).

Snaith Racing was on a roll at Hollywooodbets Durbanville. Miami Summer, heavily punted from 5/2 into even money to take out the Listed Settlers Trophy, duly inflicted more punishment on beleaguered bookmakers under J.P. van der Merwe.

The son of The United States enjoyed stepping up to 2000m, and after, settling in fourth place as Congressman cut out the pace, moved up to seize control halfway down the straight.

Stablemate Prairie Dawn came alongside at the 200m mark and raced to the finish, but Miami Summer’s superior fitness told in the closing stages as he held off Keagan de Melo’s mount, who was returning from a four-month layoff.

Snaith Racing thus saddled the Settler’s exacta – Justin Snaith had spoken beforehand that this race was specifically targeted by Miami Summer, so it was case of a plan coming together for the Normandy Stud bred four-year-old.

“Everything was set up for him. Well done to the whole team. This was a long project with this horse.”

Snaith said that his gallant runner-up, Prairie Dawn, would be considered for the Algoa Cup.

Miami Summer has now won four of eight starts for Greg and Gina Bortz in partnership with Leon Ellman, with the promise of more to come. – Extracts from Race Coast media release.

Trainer Robyn Klaasen saddled three of the seven winners at Sunday’s Turffontein race meeting, and with the stable back and firing on all cylinders she is looking forward to the rest of the season.

The perennial place-getter, Two Tigers (Flower Alley) got out of the Maidens in Race 2 over 1000m under Muzi Yeni, who also rode talented four-year-old Trip Of Faith (Master Of My Fate) to victory in Race 6 over 1200m. Kabelo Matsunyane partnered with Got The Look in Race 7 over 1200m for a 4.75-length win.

Robyn was pregnant with young Leo for most of last term and said: “As much as I tried, it wasn’t possible to give 100% to my runners, but everything is back to normal now. My string is down to 40, but we have a few nice prospects and we’re rebuilding.”

She’s been in or around the National Top 20 for the last four seasons, regardless of circumstances, and last season’s 31 winners and 119 places was a respectable feat in any book.

Aside from Trip Of Faith, who looks like she has a future, Robyn mentioned Moana and Charming Cheetah (both by New Predator) as runners likely to compete for bigger prizes this season, while her older, hard knocker, Texas Red, will still be in contention.

Moana is an impressive three-time winner from five starts. On Gold Cup Day at Hollywoodbets Greyville she was tested against the top three-year-old colts in the Grade 1 Premiers Champion Stakes and gave a good account, finishing 4.5-lengths off Erik Du Bois.

Robyn said: “Moana is still green, despite having raced a few times, so that was a very encouraging performance. We knew she’d be up against it in male company and with more people around her on a big day like that, but she ran very well. She came from far back, only realized what it was about late in the race and finished strongly.”

Grade 1-placed as a two-year-old after two quick wins, Charming Cheetah took a long time to post his third win recently, but he’s a smart horse who could go on to win more.

“Charming Cheetah has raced against the best around, and mostly against older horses as a three-year-old last season because those were the races that suited him best. He’s four now, and will be able to compete on more favourable terms,” she said.

Sean Veale on Gimme A Fireball, moments after the incident at Turffontein. (JC Photos)

Jockey Sean Veale has been found guilty of reckless riding and suspended from riding in races for 25 days.

The National Horseracing Authority confirmed on Monday that at an Inquiry held in KwaZulu Natal on Monday, 28 September 2026, Veale was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7.

Whilst riding GIMME A FIREBALL in Race 5 at Turffontein on 12 September 2026, Veale failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to the horses, RIVERA, WHATSDAMATTERWITHU and KUDIKARAN. This resulted in KUDIKARAN clipping the heels of GIMME A FIREBALL, falling, and dislodging Jockey Kaidan Brewer.

Sean Veale pleaded guilty to the charge.

In arriving at this penalty, the Board factored in Mr. Veale’s record pertaining to an incident of this nature.  He has the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed. – Adapted from NHA Press Release.

The athletic Argentine star, Hand In Hand. (Picture: supplied).

Vermaak Equine has announced the acquisition of unbeaten three-year-old Hand In Hand (ARG) to complement its recent purchase of dual Gr1 winner Colorado Del Monte (ARG).

The pair will form the foundation of De Kock Racing’s Dubai string, set to relaunch for the 2027 Dubai International Racing Carnival.

Hand In Hand was bred by the renowned Haras Santa Inésin Buenos Aires and acquired for Hollywood Racing which, alongside Laurence Wernars, have given De Kock Racing their start-up support for re-entry onto the world stage with their ‘Global Stable’.

Hand In Hand, like Colorado Del Monte, has already marked himself as an exceptional talent. He is two from two on the dirt and regarded as a ‘nailed-on’ prospect for Dubai’s prestigious dirt features, including the Group 2 $US1-million UAE Derby over and the Listed $US215,000 Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby Stakes, both staged over 1900m at Meydan Racecourse.

As a two-year-old, Hand in Hand won his 1600m debut in May 2026 at the Hipódromo de Palermo by 12 lengths, displaying a beautiful action with a good cruising speed.

Rested through winter, he re-appeared on 11 September 2026 in the Group 3 Clásico Coronel Miguel F. Martínez over 1800m and slammed his rivals by 2.50-lengths after he was cramped at the start, dropped to the rear and then forced to circle the field on the turn.

Argentina’s Turf Diario reported: “Despite wasting energy racing wide, once he hit the home straight, Hand In Hand unleashed a powerful rally. He took the lead and drew clear to win – remarkably, without his jockey ever having to use the whip.”

Hand In Hand is a dark bay son of Il Campione (Scat Daddy – CHI), a triple Group 1 winner and former Horse of the Year in Chile before being sold to continue his career as a stallion. He was Stallion Of The Year in Argentina in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and has so far sired 13 Group 1 winners.

Hand In Hand’s dam, Handprint, is by Medaglia D’Oro, who finished second in the 2004 Dubai World Cup and went on to become an elite stallion, with 27 Group 1 winners worldwide. Signigicantly, Medaglia d’Oro is also a top-tier broodmare sire with 115 stakes winners to 2024.

Justin Vermaak said: “We have good options with Hand In Hand and Colorado Del Monte. We hope to start both off in races on sand at Meydan on New Year’s Day so they can find their feet, and thereafter we can place them – one can go to Saudi Arabia on Saudi Cup Day in February and the other can stay in Dubai.”

“Colorado Del Monte may go for the Group 2 $US1.5-million Saudi Derby which is staged over a mile on 7 February, 2027. The dirt track at King Abdulaziz Racecourse will suit him because it is a bit more ‘user-friendly’ in that he can come from off the pace. Perhaps he and Hand In Hand will meet in the UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup night.”

Mike de Kock shared Vermaak’s enthusiasm and commented: “Hand in Hand is a very impressive horse. I saw him as a two-year-old and we’ve kept an eye on him since. He’s got everything you want in a racehorse, reminds me a bit of Asiatic Boy. It will be interesting to see how he stacks up against the Nothern Hemisphere three-year-olds in Dubai.

“In Hand in Hand and Colorado Del Monte we have two exciting prospects and a good start to reviving the Dubai racing experience.” – vermaakequine.com

Sun Goddess gallops away from her rivals. (Picture: Press Association).

Aidan O’Brien’s praised his “freak” wonder filly as she scorched to victory in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes over 1200m at The Rowley Mile, Newmarket, in course record time.

She only ran 13 days ago, when bolting up over seven furlongs in the Moyglare at the Curragh on soft ground.

But she had no trouble at all dropping back in distance on a quick surface against the fastest two-year-old fillies in this country.

Sent off the 5/6 favourite, Sun Goddess claimed a third Group 1 success in eight starts and provided O’Brien with a seventh victory in the race.

He said: “She is very unusual. She looks like a freak, to be doing what we are doing. You must remember she is only a two year old filly, and she is racing at the top level every day. I can’t remember having one that classy, with that speed, and with that distance range before. She looks very unusual.

“We will see how she is (regarding the Breeders’ Cup). We will see with the balance of her training whether that has taken much out of her whether she is ready to go, or not.

“She is big and she doesn’t look like a two year old. She looks like a three year old. She is a massive big specimen. If she didn’t change anything from now to next year she is plenty big enough, and she would still be considered a big three year old.” – Extracts from Sporting Life.

Warwoven (wrap your tongue around that) – wins the Golden Rose (Picture: Racing Zone)

In a performance described by his history making jockey as ‘dominant’ and by his in-form trainer as ‘very special’, Warwoven (Sword Of State) provided a huge success for both connections of him and his sire when he scored an utterly dominant win in Saturday’s Golden Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) at Rosehill.

Having become his sire’s first Group race winner when landing the Pago Pago Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Rosehill back in March, the Bjorn Baker trained colt hit new heights here as he provided Cambridge Stud’s second-season sire Sword Of State (Snitzel) with an early Group 1 victory.

Ridden by his usual partner Rachel King, Warwoven was sent off the $6 third-elect and sat fourth on the rail throughout before finding himself slightly short of room rounding the home bend.

However, when a gap appeared the colt was quick to take advantage, sweeping to the front before clearing away inside the final 150 metres to run out a ready 3.4 lengths winner over old rival St Gotthard.

There was a further 0.05 lengths back to Yulong’s Under Focus (Too Darn Hot), who had been front rank for most of the 1400-metre trip.

Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) hero Guest House, who was sent off the $2.50 favourite, was never involved in the finish and ran sixth.

“He was dominant,” King, who in winning the race made history as the first female rider to lift the Golden Rose trophy, said.

“He’s very good, we know he’s very good, and it was just very satisfying for him to go out there and do that today.” – anzbloodstocknews.