Michael Holmes, CEO of Bloodstock South Africa (BSA) (Picture: BSA).

Holmes And His Team Ready For Their Most Important Two Days Of The Year

David Mollett

Mention the name Michael Holmes overseas – particularly in America – and people will know you’re referring to the CNN correspondent.

Mention Michael Holmes in South Africa and practically every owner, trainer and breeder will know you are referring to a guy who has been an integral part of the bloodstock world for three decades.

This month – on April 21 and 22 to be exact – SA’s Michael Holmes will lead his executive team at Bloodstock SA on their two most important days of the year – the National Yearling Sales in Germiston.

The journey for Michael began in 1988 (Blimey, he’s aged well!) when he joined the Durban-based firm of Chris Smith Bloodstock learning the tricks of the bloodstock world – and there are many – from a master of his trade.

Between 1985 and his sudden passing in 2001, Chris Smith was a powerhouse in the bloodstock world and had a clientele which included pools magnate, Robert Sangster, and many of the leading owners in the country.

“Those were the golden days – Chris had owners and breeders knocking on his door as they knew he was the best in closing a deal,” reflected Michael.

Then in 2001 – after checking in to a Durban hospital for what was thought to be a minor illness – Chris passed away overnight leaving his close friends in total shock. They included breeders Des and Robin Scott, Herman Brown Snr, Diane and David Nagle, Holmes and myself.

The Nagles were particularly close to Chris and flew out from Ireland for the funeral.

The next stage of his career saw Michael Holmes Bloodstock emerge as popular with owners and trainers – particularly his Shongweni sale where bread-and-butter horses changed hands for modest amounts.

His signing for Bloodstock SA was a coup for the sales company – similar to Manchester United if they sign Harry Kane which they need to do after Sunday’s result!

Chris Smith began his career in newspapers and he drummed into Michael the importance of the media. In the heyday of Robert Sangster, he would get me to organise press briefings with the famous owner who enjoyed huge success with Vincent O’Brien in Ireland.

So no surprise when I chatted to Michael that he wanted to steer the conversation towards the National Yearling Sales in a fortnight’s time.

Did he feel vendors would approach the sale in a bullish mood, I asked. “Yes, I believe they will as the industry as a whole is in an upward trend.”

Did he feel the R136,9m aggregate of 2022 could be bettered. “That’s always a question that isn’t easy to answer, but I would answer it in the affirmative for the reason we’ve got a nice crop of horses among the 401 lots which should appeal to the wide spectrum of owners and trainers.”

“Then, of course, there is the huge incentive for buyers of the R100 000 juvenile bonus scheme – basically if your horse can win two races, it pays for his or her keep for 18 months.”

As Michael can’t be seen to be favouring any particular stud, he wouldn’t be drawn on which yearling might make top price – last year’s highest price was R3,3 million.

So – as I have no such restrictions – I’ll have a stab at it and name Maine Chance Farms’ Vercingetorix colt, Prince Valiant (lot 19), as the possible saletopper. An early foal born in August, this yearling is a half-brother to the Gr 1 winning mare, Princess Calla.

Princess Calla is owned by Mario Ferreira so his team – and Sean Tarry – will be having a close look at her half-brother, but – as Michael is expecting “considerable overseas interest” – it’s likely the bids will be coming in thick and fast to whovever’s on the rostrum – either Steve Davis or Andrew Miller.

New Zealander Steve Davis has been a regular at this sale longer than Jordan Pickford has been keeping goal for England and that’s a long time.

Skipping through the national sale catalogue and four other lots which should prove popular on the first day include lot 161 a full-sister to Kommetdieding from Oldlands Stud, lot 107 a half-brother (by What A Winter) to Do It Again from Lammerskraal Stud, lot 169 a half-brother to Alesian Chief from Ambiance Stud and lot 94 a half-brother (by Vercingetorix) to Gr 1 winner Missisippi Burning from Rathmor Stud.

Gary Player will also be expecting plenty of interest in his Futura colt (Millstream Farm as agent) as this yearling (lot 65) is a half-brother to Gr 2 winner, Vars Vicky.

Michael Holmes executive team at BSA includes Ashley De Klerk, Heather Morkel (sales liaison) and former talented and knowledgeable former trainer Alistair Gordon (sales liaison).

Little wonder his latest post – probably not as many as Graeme Hawkins has held – will end up with a happy ending. Chris Smith would be delighted by what his prodigy has achieved.

Kyle Strydom being interviewed on RacingTV after his win today (RacingTv)

Kyle Strydom Off The Mark In The UK With Dylan Cunha-trained Winner

A regular question heard in the mornings and early afternoons in betting shops in the UK in the 1990s and 2000s would have been, “What is Strydom (which they pronounced Straii – dom) riding?”

Piere “Striker” Strydom had as big a following out there, in the days SA racing was screened in the betting shops, as he had here.

Some of the older U.K. betting shop punters would no doubt have been thrilled to learn that Kyle Strydom, now riding in the U.K, is Striker’s nephew.

Kyle had his first winner in England today at Nottingham.

Fittingly, the horse was trained by ex-pat South African Dylan Cunha.

Expressionless (Intello), a three-year-old gelding Dylan owns in partnership with Chris Housego, had his fifth career start and provided Kyle with his second UK ride.

He dwelt and had to be pushed along to stay in touch in the one mile and half-a-furlong contest.

He was still being pushed along in last place in the five-horse field three furlongs out and did not look likely to convert 11/8 favouritism.

However, Strydom had definitely earned his riding fee, because the gelding took hold of the bit in the last two furlongs and stretched past the rest to win by a comfortable 1,50 lengths.

Hopefully, it is the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

Cunha just needed support to show his credentials and he has received it recently with, for example, seven horses being sent to him by Quest Thoroughbreds syndicate.

He started his innings with Quest by winning with Gold Medal at Lingfield a week ago on March 29.

Then on Sunday another Quest horse making his debut for the Cunha yard at Donaster’s Lincoln meeting, Faro De San Juan, ran an excellent third in a class 3 19-runner handicap under Marco Ghiani.

Before that, last Friday, Kyle made his UK debut on the Cunha owned-and-trained Mr Fayez, who ran an excellent fourth, considering he started at odds of 125/1 in 12-horse-field.

Kyle is officially based with Newmarket trainer Roger Varian.

Via Africa’s daughter being sold for Aus$1.8 million (Picture: Inglis)

Via Africa/Carry On Alice Yearlings Fetch Seven Figures At Aus Sale

The first two days of the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale was described thus in an Inglis press release, “An extraordinary two days of trade at Riverside has seen the Easter Yearling Sale rise against pre-sale trepidation and an industry-wide market correction to again assert itself as the ‘Best of the Best’ yearling sale in the Southern Hemisphere.”

That puts into perspective the feat of South African-bred Var mare Via Africa having the highest price lot on day two of the sale.

Her Silverdale Farm-bred filly by Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice) was sold to Arrowfield Stud – who stand the stallion – and Hermitage Thoroughbreds for a sale-topping $1.8m.

It was an extraordinary result for Silverdale, who had purchased the filly (pictured) for $600,000 as a weanling.

“What a result!’’ a stunned Rob Petith of Silverdale said.

“Everyone is over the moon. This is all the long days, late nights, early starts, this is what we do it for.

“When it all comes together it’s just fantastic and very satisfying. Easter is where you bring quality and in one word, that’s how you describe this filly. [Easter] was the obvious choice. We’ve been very fortunate, it’s all lined up, we’re all very proud.’’

Arrowfield’s John Messara described the Via Africa filly as “something special’’.

“She is by our stallion, we’re very proud of him and we are very hopeful about him and she was an absolute queen, a true athlete,’’ Messara said.

“I think she’s a particularly exciting prospect because of her physical characteristics – she had balance, she had scope, she had substance, she was a great mover, she had everything you look for.

“She’s a very valuable commodity, we paid a lot of money for her.’’

Via Africa has had two runners to date. Pleasant Endeavor, a gelding by Redoute’s Choice won four times over 1000m – 1200m, and In The Congo, a colt by Snitzel, is a Grade 1 winner who has been retired to stud.

Carry On Alice’s bay colt by Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice), sold on the first day of the sale by Arrowfield, went for Aus$1.1 million to China Horse Club / Newgate / Go Bloodstock / Trilogy.

Carry On Alice’s first foal is an unraced three-year-old.

Loading the float at Ashburton yesterday (via facebook video)

Meanwhile, Via Africa’s Trainer Begins New Chapter

Duncan Howells, who trained Via Africa to three Grade 1 wins and an Equus Champion Sprinter award, wrote earlier today, “Our move to Summerveld happened yesterday (Tuesday), it went very well and the horses have settled in nicely. We are sad to leave Ashburton but the facilities at Summerveld are world class, and we have a lovely barn, good office space and spacious stables for the horses.

The horses all ate up last night and Im very happy with how the move went as we settle in.”

Howells had been at Ashburton since taking out his own trainer’s licence in 1999.

Princess Calla (JC Photos).

Strong entry for Empress Club Stakes

Jack Milner (4Racing)

This is definitely a case of quality over quantity as eight runners have been nominated to contest the R1.25-million HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes.

The Grade 1 race for fillies and mares run at weight-for-age over 1600m will be run on the Turffontein Standside track on Saturday, 15 April.

Heading up the field is defending champion Princess Calla. Now trained by Sean Tarry, this five-year-old mare is in the form of her life, having won five of her last six starts. The daughter of Flower Alley has turned into a top sprinter-miler having added three Grade 2 sprints this season to her already impressive record.

While in Cape Town she took top honours in the Southern Cross Stakes over 1000m, her first run back since winning the Empress Club Stakes in April last year, and the Sceptre Stakes, both at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

She then made a triumphant return to Joburg where she romped to a 5.25-length victory in the Senor Santa Stakes over 1160m at Turffontein.

But she will be meeting some top opposition headed up by Mike de Kock-trained Desert Miracle, who lowered the colours of Captain’s Ransom in the Grade 1 Majorca Stakes over 1600m in the Cape.

Add to that Grade 2 Hawaii Stakes winner Under Your Spell, two talented three-year-old fillies in Feather Boa and Gimme A Shot, consistent Humdinger, back-to-best Marigold Hotel and Listed Jacaranda handicap winner Bureau Des Legendes and racing fans are in for a thrilling contest.

Supplementary entries close at 9am tomorrow (Thursday) with declarations by 11am on Tuesday.

World Sports Betting’s early odds:

7-10 Princess Calla;

5-1 Desert Miracle, Under Your Spell;

8-1 Feather Boa, Gimme A Shot;

10-1 Humdinger;

16-1 Marigold Hotel;

50-1 Bureau Des Legende.

Entries for the R1.25-million HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes (Grade 1)(Fillies and Mares at weight-for-age) over 1600m.

1 BUREAU DES LEGENDE (R Klaasen) 60.0

6 DESERT MIRACLE (M F De Kock) 60.0

5 HUMDINGER (M F De Kock) 60.0

7 MARIGOLD HOTEL (S G Tarry) 60.0

4 PRINCESS CALLA (S G Tarry) 60.0

8 UNDER YOUR SPELL (S G Tarry) 60.0

3 FEATHER BOA (S T Pettigrew) 57.5

2 GIMME A SHOT (M/A Azzie) 57.5

Jimmy The Rich – red hot form! (Picture: Sporting Post)

Jimmy The Rich Makes It A Double

Sporting Post

Winning Form tipster Jimmy The Rich has established himself as a leading contender for top honours in the inaugural Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge Racing Stars competition, after he topped the daily leaderboard for the second time in five racemeetings on Wednesday.

Jimmy tipped 5 winners on the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth midweek card and not only banks the R500 daily cash award, but is also a leader on the progressive log.

Have a look at the logs here.

In a first for SA racing, the professionals have taken up the challenge and the new fun competition hosted within the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge platform for South Africa’s racing presenters, personalities, commentators and journalists pits the faces and voices of racing against each other, competing on every South African race meeting, covering KZN, Western Cape, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape.

For regular players the Racing Stars are also in position on the daily leaderboard – so it’s a chance for every punter countrywide to pit their individual skills against the professionals!

Jimmy The Rich also won the opening day, while Charl Pretorius came up trumps on Day 2. On Day 3 Gary Lemke grabbed the limelight with Weighted To Win’s Darryl Maree putting in a big effort to bank the cash on Day 4.

“Wow, this is a great honour! This competition has created great interest and there is plenty of banter and needle on the group as we go through the rollercoaster of tipping winners. I’m fortunate that my focus is on form study and the Winning Form is a proud industry leader with racing and form information. I will have to buy the office some cake I suppose!” laughed Jimmy as he chatted to the Sporting Post after the final race.

For the 30 days of April, there is R27 000 up for grabs, with a R500 daily Racing Stars winner takes-it-all prize for each race meeting.

The next Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge Racing Stars will be held at the Vaal on Thursday, with the off time of the first at 12h55.

For all players, the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge will be held at Happy Valley on Thursday – off time of the first is 12h55.

Stratospheric, seen winning easily on his Highveld debut, will be out to make it three wins on the Highveld from three starts (via Youtube).

Vaal Classic Track Thursday Formguides And Selections

www.attheraces.com

1 12H55 – 4Racing Welcomes You Maiden Maiden Juvenile Plate (Fillies)

Difficult to assess the opener. Many are looking to improve especially over the longer distance. BETULA raced over this distance when doing well on debut and could hold SPRING IN HEAVEN. Others looking to improve are LEONESSA, SHILPA’S MOON, LOVE SONG, DAKOTA CAT, COURAGEOUS and GOTHIC PRINCESS. Watch the debutantes especially KHATEERA.

Top Tip: BETULA (2)

Watch out for: KHATEERA (6)

2 13H25 – Tab Telebet 0861 000 822 Maiden Juvenile Plate

BROTHERHOODOFMAGIC showed much improved form compared to his first two runs when tried over this distance – respect. BOM BOM did well on debut and is crying out for the extra. Look for a big run. NO PLACE LIKE HOME is looking to improve over the longer trip. Watch the first-timers, especially KAMOKAMO.

Top Tip: BOM BOM (2)

Watch out for: BROTHERHOODOFMAGIC (3)

3 13H55 – Racing240 For Racing. For You Maiden Plate (F & M)

WAR EMPRESS looks hard to oppose. She has run close-up in all three races and if debutante WAITFORGREENLIGHT is not strongly fancied she should exit the maiden ranks. COUNT YOUR CHANCES, REGINA BELLISSIMA, GLITTERFOX and SOMEDAY MAYBE warrant inclusion in exotics.

Top Tip: WAR EMPRESS (1)

Watch out for: WAITFORGREENLIGHT (11)

4 14H25 – Racehorse Owners Association Mr 96 Handicap

CONTSTABLE never got into it last time and it was reported ‘something amiss’. If well, he should make them run. Stable companions MARDI GRAS, MOVER AND SHAKER and VEGAS HI RISE will hope to get his measure. VEGAS HI RISE could head the challenge. MAY QUEEN, STRIKE A MATCH and EXISTENTIALIST are looking for minor money.

Top Tip: CONSTABLE (1)

Watch out for: MARDI GRAS (2)

5 14H55 – Play Soccer 6, 10 And 13 Novice Handicap

HAZLO GRANDE was heavily backed when winning at the second time of asking and has plenty of scope for improvement. The one to beat. VITELLIUS wasn’t disgraced in his post maiden runs and should have no problem with the longer distance. LIBECCIO, THE INKOSANA and LUTHULI should do battle for Trifecta money.

Top Tip: VITELLIUS (1)

Watch out for: HAZLO GRANDE (2)

6 15H30 – 4racing.tv Mr 68 Handicap

DEFENDER OF RIGHTS is overdue her second victory and will be strongly fancied to do so in this not overly strong field. SILK GARDEN should challenge if she jumps on terms. Old mare WRITTEN IN STONE could pick up another cheque. CONKER THE WORLD had her blinkers removed last time and showed improvement. AFTER HOURS could finish off strongly and make the money. MABONENG drops in trip but could make the Quartet.

Top Tip: DEFENDER OF RIGHTS (1)

Watch out for: WRITTEN IN STONE (4)

7 16H05 – betontab.co.za Mr 86 Handicap

Good race. STRATOSHERIC is bang in form and the combo is on a hat-trick in his new yard, however, he gives year-older SOUTHERN BLAZE 4kg which could be a bit much. The latter has been close behind useful Eye Of The Prophet who is a lot stronger. TRIDENT KING is no slouch and meets SEQUOIA on 2.5kg better terms for 1.8 lengths. It could get close between them. MO JIVE is back over 1600m but could make the money. BLOOMINGTON can place.

Top Tip: STRATOSPHERIC (2)

Watch out for: TRIDENT KING (3)

8 16H40 – Next Vaal Racemeeting Thursday 13 April Mr 72 Handicap

NAPOLEON has disappointed in both starts for his new yard but is having his peak run and could make amends. EAGLE ALLEY finds problems but could get back to winning ways. BOB’S YOUR UNCLE surprised when winning at the second time of asking, but will enjoy the extra and could go on. MCEBISI, FOLLOW MY PATH and GREGOR MACGREGOR (lost his rider at the start last time) could find minor money.

Top Tip: BOB’S YOUR UNCLE (1)

Watch out for: MCEBISI (3)

Four-year-old Silvano gelding Sugar Mountain made it five career wins today at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and gave trainer Candice Bass-Robinson and jockey Aldo Domeyer a double together in the process. Sugar Mountain’s five wins have all been over 1400m. (Cape Racing)

Bass-Robinson/Domeyer Treble, Snaith Double

Candice Bass-Robinson and Aldo Domeyer combined for a treble today at Hollywoodbets Kenileworth.

Justin Snaith sent out a double.

Bass-Robinson is now on 52 wins for the season at a strike rate of 11.85%.

Snaith is on 99 wins for the season at 12.89%.

Domeyer is on 35 wins at a strike rate of 20.59%.

A picture of the subject horse (New Zealand national Library)

Today’s Question

Whose career as a jumps racehorse was prompted by an earthquake in New Zealand 120 years ago in 1903?

Vaal Classic Fields, Thursday

Moiffa (wikipedia).

ANSWER TO TODAY’S QUESTION:

Many legends surround the Grand National but none stranger than that of ‘shipwrecked’ Grand National winner of 1904.

Moiffa originally belonged to Alf Ellingham who in his day was the best hurdle and steeplechase jockey in New Zealand. He purchased Moifaa as a two-year-old for 50 pounds and went on to win numerous hurdle and steeplechase races with him, including the Great Northern, Wanganui & Hawke’s Bay steeplechases.

Spencer Gollan, a wealthy all-around sportsman, was visiting Ellingham’s ranch in Takapau in 1903. Gollan was examining Moiffa, checking his hooves and teeth, when suddenly it grew quiet and the ground beneath his feet began to tremble. A major earthquake followed and Moifaa, taking fright, took off and began jumping from paddock to paddock with astonishing agility. This display so impressed Gollan that he immediately bought him as a hunter for his daughter.

Ugly Looking Bloody Thing

Moifaa wasn’t a pretty horse. At 17 hands, he was big and strong with a plain head and had been described as having the head and shoulders of a camel. “I would never ride that ugly looking bloody thing!” was the reaction of Gollan’s daughter when she first saw him. But despite the ugliness of the horse his placid temperament soon won her over.

Moifaa was taken to the Gollan’s sheep farm at Fernhill where he was allowed to run free and wild. They soon found that even without an earthquake Moiffa loved to jump; whenever they wanted to catch him he would jump from one pasture to another with exasperating ease.

This gave Gollan an idea, one that he had cherished since his school days in England and one that his friend, the Prince of Wales, had achieved a few years earlier in 1900 with Ambush II – to own a Grand National winner. Gollan had been sending horses to England since the early 1890s, his family had originally come from Scotland. An excited Gollan told his daughter. “Right, if he is so keen to jump – that’s exactly what he will have to do!”

The Legend Is Born

Gollan entered Moifaa for the 1904 Liverpool Grand National at Aintree. His decision to take a team of horses, including Moifaa, to England at that time was a bold one. Travelling of any sort in the early 1900s was primitive and gruelling for horses, especially in the small sailing and steamships of the day. Many horses were maimed or killed through mishandling or poor shipping; and it was around this backdrop that the myth, a case of mistaken identity was born.

The ‘Moifaa Legend’ begins with two ships leaving New Zealand, both carrying horses bound for Aintree. On the way to England, one ship was engulfed by a huge storm near Cape Town. It sank, and the crew and horse were presumed dead.

The day after the storm, a fishing boat sailed past one of the many islands in Table Bay, the crew were astonished to see a horse standing alone on the tiny deserted island. They took him back to Cape Town and following a recovery period the horse continued his journey to Aintree.

Fake News

The shipwrecked horse (Kiora) did eventually make it to Aintree and he ran in the 1904 Grand National alongside Moifaa, who had arrived in England safely. Fact began fiction when a local reporter heard the story of the shipwrecked horse (Kiora) and mixed up the two horses from New Zealand, Moifaa and Kiora. The two horses became one and the myth of a shipwrecked National Winner was born.

Nevertheless, Moifaa’s real story was just as interesting as the legend. He’d taken a while to adjust to English conditions when he first arrived and was unplaced in his first three races. Moifaa’s jockey for the National was to be Ben Ellis, but for a mysterious reason, he never rode in the race, rumours of the time claimed that he was too drunk, and a journeyman jockey, Arthur Birch, rode in his stead.

Moiffa Wins The National

On the day of the race, the fences were even bigger than usual. Moiffa was racing against Ambush II, appearing in the Colours of King Edward VII, and the popular 16-year-old, Manifesto was making his final appearance. Amongst the fancied horses were Patlander, Detail and the following year’s winner, Kirkland. Moifaa wasn’t expected to do much, starting at 25/1.

It was an exciting race from the start with the favourite Ambush and Dearslayer falling at the third. Moifaa was going strong and when the leader, Inquisitor, went at the 5th it left Moifaa in a prime position. The second time at Becher’s, Detail got within two lengths of him but was tripped by the rider-less Ambush. Moifaa took his chance, jumping the last two fences perfectly to win by eight lengths from Kirkland with The Gunner coming in third.

Edward VII had watched the race with keen interest and was so impressed with Moifaa that afterwards, he asked his racing manager to buy the horse as a replacement for the ageing Ambush.

Moiffa Retires

In The Grand National of 1905 Moifaa was set to run in the King’s colours. George Williamson was booked to ride the horse but the day before the race he was kicked in the ankle as he dismounted and, like Moiffa’s first national jockey, was put out of the running. Eventually, Bill Dollery rode Moifaa who started as the clear favourite with a huge amount of money riding on him. Moiffa was going well but fell at Becher’s the second time around and never rode in the National again.

After the race, King Edward decided to retire Moiffa from racing as the horse had developed a breathing problem. He gave him to an old friend, Colonel Brocklehurst, who hunted him in the Leicestershire countryside. When the King died in 1910, Moifaa followed the gun carriage that carried the coffin through the streets of London, with King Edward VII boots reversed in the stirrups and the saddle empty.

What happened to Moifaa after this is not certain, although he probably returned to Leicestershire and spent the rest of his days in full retirement. The national winning jockey, Arthur Birch, was not so lucky. Two years after his most famous win he fell and broke his neck at Gatwick. He was confined to a wheelchair and died in 1911 at the tragically early age of 36. Spencer Gollan, the man who had brought Moifaa to England, was knocked down and killed by a London bus in 1934, aged 73.

A tragic end to the incredible story of the ‘shipwrecked’ Grand National winner.

Turf Talk Newsletter – 5 April 2023