Trainer suggests quality categories for stallions and broodmares
Mick Price: “Transparency and disclosure is needed, with all relevant information on one platform.” (Photo for illustration purposes from Equus Magazine).
“It’s in everyone’s benefit that we can breed a better horse,” leading Australian trainer Mick Price wrote in a recent article published in The Thoroughbred Report.
Sustained racing careers benefit everyone. Horses who compete across multiple seasons not only enhance their own welfare outcomes, but also deliver greater value to owners and stronger engagement for fans. Recent history offers clear examples: Winx (Street Cry {Ire}), Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) all raced across multiple seasons, building followings that extended well beyond a single campaign.
Japan markets their racing with “hero is coming”, putting the horse at the centre of their marketing slogans. And so, how do we create horses, who are not only champions, but champions who last and can pull crowds back to the races?
Price has an idea that warrants consideration, drawing inspiration from Germany.
“I would love to see the Stud Book introduce an A category for broodmares and stallions – an added layer of quality control. I understand the German Stud Book operates under stricter standards than we do.
“I’m not suggesting we restrict Australian Stud Book numbers in any way. Rather, if there were a recognised category for soundness, it could provide an incentive for people to aspire to that level,” Price said.
The German Stud Book states their aspirations that extend beyond horse racing, looking on into their post-racing career:
“The breeding objective is a sound thoroughbred horse bred for speed, stamina, endurance, commitment and toughness in the highest performance, displaying nobility and enough substance in bone and body which, moreover, due to its character, harmony in conformation and its naturally elegant, fluent and supple movement can be employed for breeding programmes in warmblood populations as well as be used as a riding horse.”
To meet those objectives, Germany limits approval to stallions who have achieved a rating of 110 or higher on the World Thoroughbred Rankings, raced across more than one season, and passed a conformation assessment scored across a 30-point system.
Australia allows the marketplace to determine suitability for stud. Stallions stand based on commercial demand, with breeders weighing performance, pedigree, physical type, race record and service fee when making mating decisions.
How do we determine which horses get the A standard?
“If he retired to stud with no knee surgery, no fetlock surgery, no throat surgery, and you could add a soundness category in the stud book and say this horse retired sound, if you stamp them with an A, and they were A breeder, and the mare was also A, you would actually get more for your product,” said Price.
“It doesn’t mean to say you’d get less if they weren’t an A grader because of the variables in the game. We all understand them, but I just think as an attempt to evolve in a better way. It would be interesting if there was the chase for a better standard.”
In South Africa, there are detailed yearling inspections prior to the various auctions, but stallions and broodmares are not specifically graded for any physical or previous performance issues.
Bloodstock South Africa’s Alistair Gordon, who has inspected yearlings on behalf of BSA for the last eight years (the last two alongside Cathy Rymill) noted: “We have a thorough yearling inspection in January, three months before the National Sale.
“We are given basic micro-chipped info like sex, colour and date of birth and we give every yearling a score out of 10. We afford every farm the same courtesy and attention, whether they are big commercial breeders or smaller concerns.
“We viewed 480 yearlings this January and the final catalogue is 376-strong, from which there have already been some withdrawals, which is normal. We don’t automatically approve any yearling because we like the stallion or the farm. If they don’t make the grade, they are not given the nod and we advise the breeders to take them to a later sale.”
Many yearlings arrive at the National Sale already scoped, as breeders do not want to risk the costs involved of losing a deal due to a negative scope report at the sale. Some also arrive with X-rays already done and available. When they are not at hand, it is standard procedure for breeders to pay for X-rays at the sale on request of prospective clients.”
4Racing and TPD launch advanced race tracking technology
4Racing has announced the partnership of cutting-edge GPS tracking and In-Running odds technology across 4Racing’s racecourses, following the awarding of a landmark contract to Total Performance Data (TPD) – the global leader in live horse racing data solutions.
This strategic partnership sees TPD’s technology now fully operational at 4Racing’s Turffontein, Vaal and Fairview racecourses, delivering real-time race tracking, sectional timing, and enhanced live data overlays to benefit punters, trainers, owners, broadcasters, and racing fans alike.
This is not a tote product and will be available to bookmakers, and direct info can be obtained from Stephen Watson at 4Racing (stephen@4racing/tv or refiloe@4racing.tv).
By partnering with TPD, 4Racing joins an international network of world-class racecourses including Ascot, Churchill Downs, and Meydan – which all utilise TPD’s performance data to enhance their racing product.
“We’re thrilled to bring our technology to South Africa through this partnership with 4Racing,” said Adam Moore, Director of Racing Partnerships at TPD. “Their commitment to innovation makes them a natural fit for our solutions, and we’re excited to see the benefits already being realised on race days.”
This development represents a significant advancement for the South African racing industry, reinforcing 4Racing’s commitment to innovation and improving the overall racing and wagering experience through data-driven enhancements.
More importantly, it has paved the way for the launch of In-running betting at Turffontein, Vaal and Fairview racecourses for the local market.
4Racing CEO Patrick Duff commented, “It’s been a pleasure to work with TPD over the past year in transitioning our racecourses’ sectional timing systems to sit on their technology stack. The increased reliability and accuracy has enabled us to generate both advanced sectional timing data and unlock a new revenue stream for 4Racing in the form of offering in-running betting, a first for South Africa.
The initial results achieved through the launch of our in-running betting in the UK, through Entain’s fixed odds betting operators Ladbrokes and Coral, are encouraging and we are excited to launch this in the South African market next month and offering it to all our fixed odds business partners.”
This innovative product will give punters the opportunity to place bets during the race itself, providing a dynamic and immersive betting experience and comes on the back of a solid year of testing and implementing the technology into our existing offering.
The In-Running prices are generated by TPD’s advanced AI algorithm and leverages real-time data collected from GPS tracking devices embedded in each runner’s saddle cloth. The cutting-edge technology allows odds to update continuously as the race unfolds, offering fans an exciting new way to engage with the sport and represents a significant step forward in the modernization of South African horse racing.
Jake Swinburn, Sales Executive at TPD, commented: “We are thrilled to launch this product with 4Racing and to continue strengthening our partnership. It’s exciting to think about how fans will engage with racing at these three iconic venues. With prestigious fixtures such as The Championships and the Gr1 Betway Summer Cup, we hope this innovation will attract even greater global attention to South African racing.”
Both 4Racing and TPD are committed to delivering more interactive and engaging experiences for racing fans and bettors alike and as we continue to modernise our offering, 4Racing is proud to be at the forefront of technological advancement in South African horse racing.
About Total Performance Data (TPD)
Total Performance Data (TPD) is the global leader in live horse racing data. Using GPS tracking technology, TPD delivers live and post-race performance data including sectional times, stride metrics and in-running odds from 150 racecourses in 16 countries to broadcasters, bookmakers, analysts and racing professionals worldwide. TPD’s data powers betting markets, leading performance analysis and next-generation fan engagement.
Lerena airlifted after fall at the Vaal
Reigning champion jockey Gavin Lerena was airlifted to the Union Clinic in Alberton from the Vaal racecourse on Tuesday afternoon after he suffered a crashing fall in Race 7 over the straight 1600m. Early reports are that Lerena was in pain, but fully concious and not seriously injured.
Lerena, on the favourite Warning Light, sat right at the back of the 11-runner field with plenty of running room, and the incident occured when he moved his mount to the standside rail for a run around the 400m-mark.
The video replay does not reflect what had happened and with no stipes report available until tomorrow, the reason for Warning Light’s coming down is unknown.
Lerena lay motionless on the track for a while, but soon moved his arms and the on-course presenting crew established that he was complaining of pain in his back. He was moved to the on-course medical centre and then airlifted away for a precautionary check-up and treatment.
Race caller Nico Kritsiotis said that he visited the medical centre after the race and reported: “Gavin was given injections for pain and said that he had hurt his ankle.”
Lerena is carded for eight rides on Champions Day, Saturday, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Brandon Bailey previews Kenilworth racing, Wednesday
Picture: Demanding Dave returns from a short rest, Race 8 over 1100m. (Wayne Marks)
Race 1
3 SPARKLING STAR must have a good winning chance in this field, she ran a great race on debut behind Shezaripper at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 22nd of February, with natural improvement expected from this well-bred filly, she will be hard to beat. 8 PEACE GARLAND stayed on nicely for third in the same race as Sparkling Star last time, she is a beautiful filly with a great action, she will be right there in the finish. 6 MYSTIC INFERNO jumped out the gates well on debut, she was in it for a long way before getting tired late behind Shezaripper on the 22nd of February, she will improve tons going into this race on Wednesday, watch her closely. 4 WHAT THE FLUFF has been rested for 78 days, she ran a fair race on debut behind St Harry on the 13th of January, the form of that race has worked out well, she could sneak into the places at a big price. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 8 – 6 – 4)
Race 2
1 IONA CASTLE never runs a bad race, she travelled like a winner last time when finishing just under two lengths behind Peaches And Cream on the 14th of February, the drop in trip to 1000m could be key for this filly, she has a big winning chance in this field. 7 SWIFT SERENITY ran a great race behind Starting Point at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 22nd of February, the blinkers have been removed, she will be right there in the finish on her current form. 4 KIERA ROSE showed good improvement around the turn at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 14th of February, she finished just under three lengths behind Ebisu, if she brings her last run to the track again on Wednesday, she will be amongst the places. 3 SCANDALIZE ran a much better race behind Starting Point last time, she might be able to sneak into the Quartet on her best form. (Brandon Bailey: 1 – 7 – 4 – 3)
Race 3
2 SOMMERSTERN stayed on well for third behind In A Timely Manner on the 25th of February, the form of that race has worked out well, he has a wonderful turn of foot, and he has a good draw, he will go close to winning. 7 IT IS MY TIME just missed in a driving finish behind King’s Quest at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 4th of March, unfortunately he was given two points for running second last time, if he beats the tricky draw here, and he manages to get some cheap sectionals in front, he will make them all work for victory. 3 FAST TRAIN could be anything, he won a great race up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the 22nd of February, he will love the step up in trip to 1400m, include him into all bets. 1 LOVING PRAGUE ran a much better race behind Lady Look Alike on the 18th of March, there should be no excuses for this well-bred colt from a neat draw on Wednesday, watch him closely. (Brandon Bailey: 2 – 7 – 3 – 1)
Race 4
5 LARK’S SONG moved up well in her race when finishing second behind Amayah on the 14th of February, she looks extremely progressive, there is no doubt that she has a winning chance now that she steps up in trip again to 1800m. 2 PENTOLINA was a touch unlucky when finishing fast for second behind Dream Searcher on the 4th of March, she is honest, and she tries hard, she will be right there in the finish on her current form. 4 SPIRIT OF LEVANA found big betting support when flying home late to win a good race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 18th of March, she was given three points for that win last time, she has a low weight on her back for this race on Wednesday, if she builds on her last performance, she can certainly win again. 7 BENEATH THE CLOUDS could be the value horse in this tricky race, she can be dangerous from the front, watch her closely at a decent price. (Brandon Bailey: 5 – 2 – 4 – 7)
Race 5
3 FINAL CALL powered home from a long way back to run a great race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 3rd of March, she really was finishing quickly for third behind Star World last time, this doesn’t look to be the strongest race on paper, she will be just off the speed early, and she will be flying at them late, include her into all bets. 1 MEG’S LEGACY could be some decent value in this race, ignore her last run completely, the race didn’t go according to plan for her, she drops in trip to 1200m on Wednesday, and the compression mask has been fitted, if the gaps open at the right time, she will run a big race. 7 WILLIAM’S WOMAN ran fourth in the same race as Final Call last time, she must have a nice place chance on her current form. 6 WHY NOT JACKIE has been rested for 87 days, she has dropped even further in the ratings, she will be doing some good work late. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 1 – 7 – 6)
Race 6
3 FORT RED disappointed terribly at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 18th of March, he didn’t stay the trip of 1600m, now that he is back sprinting up the straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, he will run a much better race. 5 COUNTRY TIME quickened away from her field to win a good race on the 14th of February, she was given two points for that impressive win, she will be just off the speed early here, and she will be running on strongly late, she has a big winning chance again. 2 SLASH ‘N BURN ran a terrific race for second behind Galactus on the 18th of March, his form has improved nicely with the blinkers, include him into all bets. 8 AFRICAN MEMOIR ran a much better race behind Rattlesnake on the 4th of February, he has dropped further in the ratings, keep a close eye on him. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 5 – 2 – 8)
Race 7
3 NORTH POINT is much better than his last run, ignore that completely, he is a smart gelding with lots of ability, he should bounce back to his best form now that he is sprinting again at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. 9 DEMANDING DAVE was given a top ride by jockey Andrew Fortune on the 13th of January, he was given three points for that impressive win last time, he looks progressive, and he has a sharp turn of foot late, he will be competitive again. 8 TEFLON MAN never runs a bad race, he will be flying at them late, if the gaps open at the right time, he will be involved at the finish. 6 BEWARE finished just over one length behind Jet Force at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on the 14th of February, the yard thinks highly of this colt, the drop in trip to 1100m might help him get his head in front again, watch him closely with top jockey Richard Fourie in the saddle. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 9 – 8 – 6)
Race 8
3 WHIRLWIND ran a great race for second behind Seven No Trump on the 22nd of February, she is a young filly with lots of ability, she can definitely win a race like this on her current form. 6 HAMPSTEAD HEATH stayed on well for third in the same race as Whirlwind last time, her form is rock solid, she will be super competitive, include her into all bets. 2 MARITZBURG MEMORY could be some nice place value in this race, she has dropped one point in the ratings from her last run on the 22nd of February, she will be running on strongly late, keep a close eye on her at a big price. 9 OCTOBER FEST was beaten just over nine lengths by her stable companion in the Listed Lady’s Pendant at Fairview Racecourse on the 20th of February, that was a much stronger field than what she faces here, she will run a big race at a nice price. (Brandon Bailey: 3 – 6 – 2 – 9)
Saturday 11 April: 178th running of the Grand National
The world famous Grand National steeplechase festival is set to run from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. There will be 21 races in total, with the first events on Opening Day (Thursday 9 April) and Ladies Day (Friday 10 April).
The final day of the event on Saturday 11 April culminates with the Grand National steeplechase. The 34 runners will be asked to jump 30 fences in total, which vary in terms of size and width. One lap of the race consists of 16 fences. On the second lap they will jump 14 before sprinting to the finish line.
The betting market has started to take shape… and there are already a few names catching the eye, including the 2024 winner I Am Maximus, joint ante-post favourite at 8-1. Plenty can change between now and Aintree, but early signs are always worth noting.
Over 150,000 attended the Grand National Festival at Aintree in 2025, while a further 800 million are estimated to watch the event on TV.
Who’ve you got your eye on at this stage?
-From Grand National Guide.
Garrix will join Douglas Whyte in Hong Kong
Garrix at the Kenilworth Quarantine Station. (Supplied).
Well-performed high-profile runner Garrix is off to Hong Kong!
The dual graded-winning miler will join the stable of Douglas Whyte in a deal brokered by Vermaak Equine.
Garrix, by Vercingetorix out of Makiwara (Smart Strike) was originally purchased by Justin Vermaak at the Bloodstock South Africa Two-Year Old Sale for R450,000.
He was trained by Piet and Elbert Steyn and won four races from 13 starts, including the Grade 3 Variety Club Mile and the Grade 3 Legal Eagle Stakes. He also ran a close second in the Gr2 Green Point Stakes.
Horses were great then - like they are now!
Picture: Springbok History on FB.
It is a strange sight to see a mounted policeman chasing a demonstrator in the middle of a match involving an international team, but this is Olympic Park in Melbourne in 1971 where the Springboks ran in 12 tries to beat Victoria by 50 points to nil.
It was said that Springboks morale was at a low ebb. Outside the ground, it was even more unreal. As was the case during the tour, university students held an anti-Vietnam war protest, then formed up as an anti-Apartheid protest and marched to the ground where they fought a pitched battle with police outside the ground.
Record average as Easter defies global uncertainty
Picture: Too Darn Hot colt (Lot 288) – Inglis.
A Too Darn Hot colt topped Day 2 of an Easter Yearling Sale that ended with a record average and a staggering 26 A$1m+ lots, despite ongoing global uncertainty.
Sir Andrew and Lady Madeleine Lloyd Webber’s Watership Down teamed up with Johnny McKeever and Waterhouse/Bott Racing to secure the day’s leading lot for A$2.2m from the Widden draft.
“It’s a lot of money, it’s fantastic, that was a wonderful result and to see the joy and delight for the Watership Down, Johnny McKeever and Gai and Adrian partnership to win that titanic bidding battle was really cool,’’ Widden’s Antony Thompson said.
“It’s been an incredible week, an amazing two days of selling.
“We came here with what we thought was an incredible draft…we had some anxiousness with where the market might be at but it’s just been a stunning set of results right across the board. We’re so proud.’’
Watership Down’s Simon Marsh was “absolutely delighted’’ to have secured the highly-touted colt.
“To be honest with you, from the first time I saw him I said to Johhny ‘we’re going to have to have this horse’, he was just so exceptional,’’ Marsh said.
“It’s been a wonderful week and Inglis do a fantastic job. They look after everybody really well so we can’t thank Inglis enough for everything they do for everybody, especially those of us coming from overseas.’’
McKeever added: “I just didn’t want to lose him because my whole week centred around him but having said that, I knew it was asking a lot of Simon. He was simply the best yearling on the grounds I thought.’’
Monday’s second-top lot honours were shared between a pair of A$2m colts.
The first was Newgate Farm’s Extreme Choice x Giza Goddess colt which sold to Yulong and trainer Matt Laurie.
The colt’s breeder Steve O’Connor – who was gifted the mare as a wedding present by his employer Go Bloodstock owner Sir Own Glenn – was stunned by the result.
“It’s nerve-racking but we thought this was the best place to advertise this colt and it couldn’t have worked out any better,’’ O’Connor said.
“She’s such a beautiful mare that we wanted to breed her to the best to give her the best opportunity and Extreme Choice is the top stallion and he just kept getting better and better and the stars aligned for this sale. It’s great to come to Easter and get rewarded like this.’’
The other A$2m colt late in the day was the brother to Gr1-winning Easter superstar Switzerland (Snitzel x Ms Bad Behavior) which Arrowfield sold to James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership, Tony Fung Colts and Coolmore.
Harron was delighted on the purchase and how the Easter Sale played out overall.
“Pedigree aside, we just thought he was an awesome horse and we’re delighted to get a horse of that calibre,’’ Harron said.
Tin Pan Alley MR appeal dismissed
An independent panel constituted in terms of Clauses 20.3 and 21.3 of the NHA Constitution, and consisting of Messrs K Miedema, A Sewpersad and A Maharaj, was convened on 30 March 2026 to consider a Merit Rating Appeal lodged by Trainer Sean Tarry against the adjusted merit rating of TIN PIN ALLEY from 117 to 128 following his performance in the WILGERSBOSDRIFT H F OPPENHEIMER Gr1 HORSE CHESTNUT Stakes on 7 March 2026, at Turffontein.
The Panel unanimously found that the Official Handicapper’s use of TEXAS RED as a line-horse was appropriate, due to consistent performances by this gelding.
The Appeal was accordingly dismissed, and the deposit fee is forfeited.
- Media release by the NHA on Monday, 30 March 2026.
Three apprentices sign papers
The South African Jockey Academy has announced that apprentices Elrico Sesingi, Qiniso Ngcobo and Athinesh Boolkah have officially signed their racing papers.
This marks a major milestone in their careers, as they can take race rides with immediate effect.
Today's Question
Since its inception in 1997, four stallions have won the Grade 1 Empress Club Stakes (Saturday at Turffontein) both as sire of winners, and later as sire of winning broodmares. Name any one of the four stallions, or name all four!
The picture gives you a clue to one of the four.
FIELDS, Wednesday, 1 April
Kenilworth
Today’s Question Answer
The four stallions to have sired winners of Saturday’s Grade 1 Empress Club Stakes, and who also sired the broodmares of later winners, are:
AL MUFTI (winners Arabian Lass 1998; Lady Brompton 1999 and broodmare sire of Little Miss Magic in 2007).
MODEL MAN (winner Legality in 2003 and broodmare sire of Along Came Polly in 2014).
JET MASTER (winners Little Miss Magic in 2007, Stratos in 2008, broodmare sire of Ronnie’s Candy in 2020).
TIGER RIDGE (winner Nother Russia in 2017 and 2018l and broodmare sire of Gimme A Nother in 2024)
