Turf Talk Newsletter – 29 May, 2025

Race Coast was officially announced as the new name for the racing operator which will amalgamate the KZN and Western Cape racing jurisdictions in a casual but professional ceremony on Thursday morning at the Bay Of Plenty beach.

“The new era” that has been welcomed in with much excitement and optmism thus had it’s official launch with many racing industrymen from around the country present, including the owner of Hollywoodbets Owen Heffer and the other main player in the new partnership Greg Bortz, as well as celebrities, notably Eben Etsebeth, Carol Tshabalala, Vernon Philander etc.

It was a historically fitting venue.

The topography of Durban originally was such that a couple of vleis (the Western and Eastern vleis) existed in the area between Durban Bay (the harbour) and the Umgeni River, which enters the sea just to the north of the Bay Of Plenty.

Greyville racecourse was built on the Western vlei, whilst the training of the racehorses used to be done on the beach at Blue Lagoon (the Umgeni River mouth), while the stables (Newmaket) were near the Blue Lagoon on the Eastern vlei.

So to see the horses on the beach this morning was a throw back to the past and as Durban was at one stage known as the leading racing jurisdiction in the country a bit of historical flavour added to the great vibe in the air as industryman anticipated a new era in which excellence will be the hallmark.

Speaking on behalf of the Hollywood Group, Brand & Communications Manager, Devin Heffer  said in his speech, “This is a historic moment for horse racing in South Africa as KZN and Western Cape unite under a single banner,which will now be known as Race Coast. Today, we are not just uniting two provinces. We are igniting a movement that is going to redefine the future of horse racing in South Africa and we thank the competition commission and the KZN economic regulator for supporting this vision. Your trust now gives us the mandate to move boldly. So with the Hollywood Group now owning both Cape Racing and Gold Circle, this next exciting new chapter will allow us to consolidate and align strategies between the two racing jurisdictions, pooling resources and pursuing a shared vision for the future of our sport.”

He continued, “For the first time, we can operate as one in delivering a cohesive, high quality racing product across both provinces while at the same time, and this is probably the most important thing, employing more South Africans and contributing positively to the economy of our country. And why I want to touch on that is because the numbers at the moment tell us that horse racing currently employs more than 60,000 South Africans with direct and indirect dependence amounting to 750,000 people.So just to think, this is not just a sport, it’s an economic engine and a livelihood for thousands. And it’s just something we are so proud of that we’ve been able to invest in it, and most importantly, be in the driving seat of it. But obviously, a lot of people have come and tried before and the question is, how are we going to do it? And I think the one defining thing that’s gonna separate us from everyone else is culture.”

Hollywoodbets are well known as doers rather than talkers and they are the epitomy of dynamism. They list their culture as being based on Service Excellence, Commitment, Integrity, Innovation, Enthusiasm, Accountability and Ubuntu.

Committed to modernising all aspects of the industry with integrity, while rebuilding the foundation of a legacy that will last beyond our lifetimes, through ensuring the preservation of the rich tradition of a sport that dates back over a century in South Africa, Race Coast has endorsed a philosophy to reignite a passion for the sport, while attracting a new and diverse audience.

It’s a socio-economic reality that, against the international background of the thrills and glitz and glamour of high-octane entertainment, horse racing creates employment, with commercial spin-offs, that includes the fuelling of tourism.

With a focus on innovation and community engagement, Race Coast is unequivocally dedicated to ensuring a bright and exciting future for horse racing in South Africa.

Devin said that the excitement and anticipation of a brighter future was palpable amongst industry stakeholders present at the launch function.

He continued, “What a vibe! It is so encouraging to feel that this is the gamechanger that everybody has been crying out for. We are thus determined to raise the bar with world-class professionalism, performance, and prestige. That doesn’t happen overnight, but starts with the basics of safety, fairness, and quality.”

He added operations are already underway and policies have been introduced that will ensure modernisation with integrity, and the construction of a legacy that lasts.

“We have the structure, foundation and human capital in place and we are committed to introducing a new era where racing has a place and appeal for everyone. Simply put, it’s a bolder, fresher, and more inclusive approach than ever, and we’re determined and equipped to focus on rebuilding the trust, excitement, and excellence from the ground up.”

South African champion trainer Justin Snaith is extraordinarily celebrating a half century of KZN winter season assaults for the famous family operation. His Dad Chris, still a key member of their team, first raided with a string from the Cape in 1975.

Snaith reflected on the initial success in his home province of RaceCape, initiated by Cape Racing and Hollywoodbets.

“That structure has proven a tremendous success! It has not only boosted ownership and field sizes in the Western Cape, but has also provided trainers with additional funding to enhance their operations. And today we mark the historic beginnings of Race Coast, which is another generous initiative by Hollywoodbets, aimed at promoting ownership in KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape, while boosting the horse population.”

Snaith reminded us of the very recent past, recalling that after the COVID-19 pandemic, many feared that horse racing in South Africa might not survive.

“However, the dedicated efforts of a few individuals have not only saved the sport, but have also paved the way for an exciting future. This is a future that we can shape and reinvent, making it better for all stakeholders involved. Race Coast marks the beginning of something special for the province and the future of horse racing in South Africa. On behalf of all our owners, staff, and horses, we want to express our sincere gratitude,” he concluded.

South African horse racing’s pre-eminent 21st century global ambassador Mike de Kock, who recently joined forces with his son Mathew in a powerful training partnership, said: “De Kock Racing has been around for a long time, but as a new training partnership, Mathew and I are excited to be involved with the innovators behind Race Coast. We have already seen the evidence of their vision and commitment, and we have positioned ourselves to grow with them. We look forward to what the future holds.”

Three-times Hollywoodbets Durban July winning veteran trainer Dean Kannemeyer said that a refreshing wave of enthusiasm and hope had already been tangibly felt in the Cape.

“The improvement and upliftment have been felt in bricks and mortar, communication, and incentives and stakes across the spectrum in the Cape, and looking today at the rejuvenated Hollywoodbets Greyville landscape, it’s a revelation and a passion driven work-in-progress, in simple terms. The Hollywood Team have made a difference in short time, and one gets a very warm feeling that the sport is in exceptionally good hands. We are all united under the flag of future prosperity, and, on behalf of our owners and the DKR team, I extend sincere onwards and upwards best wishes to Owen Heffer and his Team,” said Kannemeyer.

In a fitting climax to a month that will go down as a turning point in our modern horse racing history, the cream of South Africa’s equine speed stars will line up in the Golden Horse Festival Of Speed at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 31 May.

Good For You runs out an easy winner of a Maiden Juvenile Plate at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in March. (Picture: Wayne Marks).

The Sean Tarry-trained SA Nursery winner Green Diamond has been scratched from the Gr 1 Gold Medallion at the Festival Of Speed meeting, which takes place at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday,  and this has thown the race wide open.

The Glen Kotzen-trained Good For You could now be the one to beat.

Kotzen said, “He has had a very good prep. He got touched off last time in the Gr 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes over 1100m and he ducked from the stick. The filly that beat him (Elegantrix) is well regarded by Corne Spies and runs in the Allan Robertson. He’s got a good draw (2). Obviously its a very competitive race, but he’s in good form. He’s got some of the formlines I would like to have going in to this race.”

The Legislate gelding has only won one from six starts but has faced good sorts and been close up to them and he struck as being a tough sort in the Godolphin Barb as he stayed on resolutely despite the going being soft.

Military Command was beaten 3,40 lengths by Good For You in the Godolphin Barb and it looked a fair and square beating and as Military Command is the only horse to date to have beaten the exciting prospect Dreamland that augurs well for Good For You’s chances.

Good For You will be ridden by Turf Talk’s sponsored jockey Chad Little.

Outlaw King has only had 12 starts to date and looks to be on the up. (Picture: Wayne Marks).

The lightly raced Rafeef gelding Outlaw King must have a fine chance in the Gr 2 Golden Horse Spring over 1200 at Hollwoodbets Scottsville on Saturday.

He beat Cafe Culture and Surjay on handicap terms the last time he ran over this trip and he is now only four points higher whereas Surjay has been runner up to runaway winner Gimme A Prince in the Gr 1 World Pool Cape Flying Championships since then and Cafe Culture was the runner up to Gimme A Prince in he Gr 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes.

When Outlaw King beat Cafe Culture by 1,25 lengths the latter was rated 112 and Outlaw King received just 3kg.

Cafe Culture is today rated 128.

Cafe Culture proved that mark is not unrealistic by finishing a 2,30 length sixth in one of the strongest fields of the season in the Gr 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m and he was carrying topweight and giving the winner Gladatorian 1,5kg.

Outlaw King will have come on from his last race, an excellent 1,05 length fourth carry 61kg in the Listed In Full Flight Stakes over 1100m.

That run followed a four month layoff, so he should have come on from it.

He will jump from draw five under Craig Zackey.

He is quoted at 8/1 and along with Tenango, Fairy Night, O’Tenikwa and Truth is one of only five horses who are 10/1 or less.

Picture: International Star Romantic Warrior has undergone successful Surgery and has begun his Rehab (HKJC).

The issue in the gelding’s left front leg was discovered as part of a proactive health-screening process; no lameness or other clinical signs were present

Chelsea Hackbarth (Paulick Report)

Among the top-rated racehorses in the world, Romantic Warrior has undergone a successful surgery to address an issue in his left foreleg and will soon begin rehabilitation at trainer Danny Shum’s stables at Sha Tin in Hong Kong, reports the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The issue was not discovered via lameness or other clinical signs; rather, proactive health screening policies implemented by the HKJC were performed after Romantic Warrior returned from an international campaign in the Middle East. “Potential changes” in a joint were found via CT scan and an MRI performed on May 16, 2025.

Those changes led the HKJC to cancel a planned welcome ceremony last Sunday, and a surgical procedure was successfully completed on May 28.

3D PET data of the fetlock of a 2-year-old research Thoroughbred recently retired from race training. This data was acquired with a 4-minute scan time. The yellow areas demonstrate regions of bone changes as an adaptation to race training.

“Management options were discussed by the Club’s expert veterinarians and Romantic Warrior’s owner and trainer, and a decision was made for the horse to undergo a veterinary procedure at the Club’s Equine Hospital in which a single screw was inserted under standing sedation and local anesthesia,” HKJC’s statement explains. “The procedure was performed on May 28 without complication.

“Romantic Warrior returned to his stable where he will be closely monitored by Club veterinarians and stable personnel, supported by the world-class rehabilitation services that the Club has developed.”

The 7-year-old gelding is a 10-time Group 1 winner, whose international exploits include a win in Australia’s prestigious G1 Cox Plate in 2023. He was the first Hong Kong-based horse to win the country’s premier weight-for-age race. Romantic Warrior followed that up with a win in Japan’s G1 Yasuda Kinen in 2024.

Connections embarked upon a trip to the Middle East in early 2025, with the auspicious goal of trying the gelding on dirt in the Saudi Cup. Romantic Warrior won the G1 Jebel Hatta in Dubai in January as a prep, then came up just short when second behind Forever Young in the G1 Saudi Cup in February. The gelding then returned to turf to finish another good second in the G1 Dubai Turf in April.

Romantic Warrior has won 18 of his 25 career starts for $27,298,595 in earnings.

The Brett and James Crawford-trained Aladdin’s Lamp (Master Of My Fate) gives Callan Murray a double. (JC Photos). 

Callan Murray and Tony Peter were the only doublescorers today at the Vaal.

Murray is going to play his stay in South Africa by ear before deciding whether his long term future is here or in Australia.

He has had 39 rides since returning for five wins at a strike rate of 12.82%.

Peter has had  79 wins for the season at 16.74%.

Reigning champion Richard Fourie took the lead in the jockeys championship over the weekend and has 215 wins at 25.84%, with Gavin Lerena on 214 at 25.91% and Craig Zackey on 209 at 17.65%.

Irish racing was plunged into controversy on Wednesday evening when Philip Byrnes was unseated from Redwood Queen (pictured above), a market drifter before the off, when clear in front of the final flight in the card’s opening 2m1f claiming hurdle, an incident which the Irish Racing Regulatory Board [IHRB] has since confirmed will be subject to a further investigation.

The eight-year-old, trained by the jockey’s father Charles, had opened up at 7-2 before drifting to a starting price of 13-2, but looked set for victory when two lengths clear approaching the last hurdle. She traded at 1.14 approaching the final hurdle which she appeared to jump well before Byrnes parted company, slipping off the inside and landing on his knees.

Beacon Edge, trained by Gordon Elliott, under amateur Josh Halford took advantage of the final flight drama to come home a 22-length winner over Must Meet Cecil. Redwood Queen was subsequently claimed by the trainer of the runner-up, Cian Collins, for €6,000.

Watch a replay of the 4.55 at Wexford

Although the raceday stewards took no action against Byrnes, an IHRB spokesperson said on Thursday morning: “We note the position of the raceday stewards following their review of the incident. We can now confirm the matter is down for review by an IHRB senior racing official.”

The Wexford stewards’ report said: “The raceday stewards reviewed the unseating of Philip Byrnes, rider of Redwood Queen, at the last hurdle when leading. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the raceday stewards took no further action.”

How the incident unfolded
Redwood Queen appeared to be cruising heading towards the final flight in Wexford’s opener.

Redwood Queen cleared the last but jockey Philip Byrnes slipped from the saddle.

Philip Byrnes’ fall allowed odds-on favourite Beacon Edge to pick up the pieces.

The winner Beacon Edge was matched at a high of 2.22 (just under 5-4) pre-race on Betfair and a low of 1.35 (around 4-11) before going off an SP of 1.37. Redwood Queen was matched at a low of 2.84 (15-8) and a high of 14.5 pre-race before going off at an SP of 10.2.

Halford told Racing TV: “It’s my ninth winner altogether and it’s going great. I can’t thank Gordon enough. On paper it was a penalty kick, but I was very lucky to get the opportunity. I thought he could have come on and had the faller covered, but he got the job done.

“He was flat out all the way and I tried to hold on to him. Gordon told me to use my head as the trip would be a bit tight, but we got the win anyway so we cannot complain.”

What have been the names of the proprietors of KZN Racing since inception?