Equus Champion Entisaar's Daughter Wins For SA Owners
Heat Missile, by Too Darn Hot out of former Equus Champion Two-year-old filly Entisaar (More Than Ready), wins in the Drakenstein Stud colours at Warwick Farm in Australia on Wednesday (Picture via Instagram)
South African connections have had success in Australia over the last few days and one of the winners was out of More Than Ready mare Entisaar, the former Mike de Kock-trained Equus Champion Two-year-old filly of the 2014/2015 South African season.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Heat Missile (Too Darn Hot-Entisaar) won for owners Drakenstein Stud (Gaynor Rupert), Mike de Kock, Larry Nestadt and Gary Barber at Warwick Farms on Wednesday.
Larry Nestadt also had a share in a British-bred Dubawi gelding called Assailant who won at the same meeting.
Last Thursday a Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly called Fearn Trick won in the Laurence Wernars colours at Scone. The Wernars family own this Farnan filly in partnership with Mike de Kock and Larry Nestadt and others.
Heat Missile is a four-year-old filly. Her dam Entisaar won both the Gr 2 SA Fillies Nursery and Gr 1 Allan Robertson when trained by De Kock.
Heat Missile is an Australian-bred and was purchased for Aus$200,000.
She has now won three times in nine starts.
Heat Missile’s race on Wednesday was in a 1400m handicap at Warwick Farms and she lay handy before powering clear coming into the straight and winning by 2.2 lengths.
She has finished fourth in a Listed race over 1600m before, so after this impressive performance she might step up into a black type event again.
Assailant, the British-bred that Larry Nestadt has a share in, recorded a remarkable victory under Adam Hyeronimus.
He went into the lead of the 2400m event, before Forbidden Reef under Chad Schofield came around him and took it up. They went at a cracking pace and opened up a gap between themselves and the rest of the field.
When the field closed on them Forbidden Reef was swamped and faded, but Assailant kept them at bay all the way up the straight in a courageous display.
Assailant was formerly trained by John and Thady Gosden and won second time out at Wolverhampton over nine and a half furlongs and in his sixth and final start in the UK he won off an Official Rating of 83 over one mile, three furlongs and 44 yards under Oisin Murphy in a race at Goodwood in which the winner received over £18,000.
He was originally purchased for 900,000 Gns at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 and was owned by Bjorn Nielsen of Stradivarius fame.
If the hope was he would develop into a Melbourne Cup horse he has been disappointing because Wednesday was his first win in Australia in his sixth start out there. However, he did win in impressive fashion on Wednesday in a performance which suggested he has any amount of stamina, and he could perhaps still amount to something.
Last week on Thursday at Scone Fearn Trick won over 1400m in her third career start, having finished fifth in both of her first two starts. She should continue to progress and could carry the Wernars colours to more victories.
Could Note To Self Be The Snaiths' Next Big Horse?
Note To Self cruises to victory in a C Stakes event over 2000m and gets Andrew Fortune and Justin Snaith off the mark for the day (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Will Note To Self be the fifth successive WSB Met winner for the Justin Snaith yard next year, although if he is it would bring Nick Jonsson’s run of four-in-a-row to and end as this Futura gelding is owned by Jonathan Bloch, Jonathan Snaith and Nancy Hossack?
The Varsfontein Stud-bred Futura gelding was one of the most impressive winners at Hollwyoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
He raced over 2000m in a C Stakes event and carried joint topweight of 61,5kg under Andrew Fortune.
That did not stop him from winning easing up by three lengths.
He was beautifully relaxed in the running and showed a fine turn of foot.
Fortune said he had the race won throughout.
He mentioned how impressively he had quickened when just giving him a little “squeeze” at the top of the straight and added he could feel there were still “two more gears” left, gears he did not need to call on.
The gelding has a massive stride and will continue to progress.
Snaith said he had became particularly excited about Note To Self after he had won over 1200m on debut, knowing that he needed 2000m.
He said it was just a case now of nurturing him in the right direction.
However, he did say his next target would likely be the Gr 1 Lucky Fish Cape Derby.
His merit rating went up six points to 96 for the win on Saturday.
Turf Talk-Sponsored Golf Day Added To WSB Met Fever
The Turf Talk-sponsored Western Cape Equine Trust Golf Day is an important annual fund raiser for the Equine Trust and is fast becoming a WSB Met tradition, held on the Friday before the iconic racing event.
This year’s Golf Day took place at Atlantic Beach Golf Club and had a full field many weeks before the day.
Ken Truter sent the following letter of thanks to Turf Talk (below that there are some photographs of the day and a list of the sponsors).
3 February 2026
The Editor, Turf Talk
On behalf the Committee and myself, I would like to thank Turf Talk for the sponsorship of our Western Cape Equine Trust Golf Day held at Atlantic Beach Golf Club on Friday 30th January 2026. The weekly advertising of the event resulted in our day being sold out well in advance while all 26 of our four ball players enjoyed perfect conditions and a strongly contested competition. Congratulations to all the winners!
Once again the top scorers won some wonderful prizes followed by a lively auction in aid of the Trust. We are most grateful for the support from Grant and Jo Knowles who organize this successful fundraising event making sure everything runs smoothly and professionally.
As the Trust is run entirely by volunteers, our income is solely dependent on donations from caring individuals and organizations and a yearly Race Day held at Kenilworth Racecourse.
A special thank you to all the sponsors for their generous prizes and auction items as well as to the golfers that participated. To all who assisted Grant and Jo on the day, our grateful thanks.
We are hopeful this will become an annual event on the racing calendar leading up to the Met. With sincere thanks and best wishes.
KEN TRUTER
CHAIRMAN OF WESTERN CAPE EQUINE TRUST









United Nation Can Make It Five In A Row
United Nation has been tipped to make it five-in-a-row on the poly (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Andrew Harrison (Race Coast)
United Nation is unbeaten in four starts on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly and Darryl Moore looks to have picked the right race for five on the bounce when the gelding lines up in the B Stakes over 1000m that heads the card.
He has drawn widest of all in the nine-horse field but Moore has stuck with apprentice Mxolisi Mbuto and his 2.5kg claim could make all the difference again as he carries a handy galloping weight. Clinton Binda is a rare visitor to the Cape but he took his chances with Umzingeli Wenyathi who paid his way with a maiden win.
He won first up on the poly last time out and has only once finished out of the money in nine starts. He has stayed with 4kg claimer Sifiso Bungane who has partnered him in both victories and the Buffalo Bill Cody gelding could prove the biggest danger to United Nation’s record.
Good Traveller has been a soldier for Howard Schwegmann, winning seven from 50 starts. He loves the poly and got up to win narrowly last run but he may prefer it a furlong further. Jet Legacy won his last two over the trip on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville turf and is back on the poly in good form.
It is a competitive card and starts with Higher Love in the first who has improved recently on the poly and was narrowly beaten last outing from a wide draw. Saudi Sweep was disappointing on the Hollywoodbets Scottsville turf last start after three promising efforts for her new stable on the poly. Whatastar makes her local debut. Her recent Cape form has been over further but she looks capable of big improvement.
In the second Skyline Bell made marked improvement at just her second outing, both runs in the soft. She makes her poly debut but can show further improvement. Praise De La Rey is showing steady improvement and appears to have come to hand. Skipper O’Malley finished narrowly ahead of Skyline Bell when they met but she is well exposed and one can expect further improvement from her younger rival.
In the opening leg of the Pick 6 Black Platina goes well over course and distance and should be involved in the finish. Levitator has the widest draw and steps up in trip but is back on his preferred surface. Takeyourbestshot is overdue a win however, he has been rested and weirdly has drawn 10 out of 10 for the fourth consecutive time.
In the fourth Rahhabba has come well at her last two since arriving in KZN. She has the best of the draw in what is a competitive handicap. Happy Fortune’s last two win have been over the trip including one over course and distance. She is in good form and Rachel Venniker’s allowance will help her cause. De Vlugge is seldom out of the money and switches to the poly. She should put in another forward showing while Your Ladyship has been up and down in distance but showed up well last run over shorter and Callan Murray stays aboard.
Amafort is overdue and has run two promising races over course and distance at recent starts and can kick off the jackpot. Mystique Rouge was a close-up second behind Izibulo last time out. She is now 1kg better off in the handicap and can turn the tables. Strutting was a recent maiden winner but has shown some potential. However, she does shoulder top weight.
In the sixth, Queue Wing has been in good form since being tried in blinkers. His last two have been over further but he has gone close over course and distance and has a handy galloping weight. Clever Trevor is lightly raced and has had one sprint since arriving from the Highveld. He should come on from that. Wild At War won over the distance last time out and has gone close on the poly. He should feature again from the best of the draw.
A tough race to close but Acacia’s Blossom has dropped in trip at her last two and went close over course and distance at her penultimate start. A repeat effort could see her home. Rock Music was a recent maiden winner on the Highveld. He have been the travelling companion for Umzingeli Wenyathi but has been showing steady improvement and now faces some well exposed older handicappers. Ultra Quick has been racing over a little further but with De Melo staying aboard it may have been the advice to try shorter. Indecent Proposal is in good form over course and distance and has a slightly better draw this time around.
Fairy Knight Can Score Another Hattrick
Fairy Knight has been tipped to win the 6th race (Pauline Herman Photography)
Fairview Turf Friday Formguides And Selections
Race 1: Preview: ROCK ME MAMMA (6) is by Rafeef and will be ridden by the in -form Andrew Fortune. Watch the betting. CASPERITA (2) could be very competitive first up – respect and include. ETERNAL SPIRIT (3) for Dean Smith is by Master Of My Fate and could be anything. QUICK SKETCH (5) can finish in the first four on debut. (Warren Lenferna 6-2-3-5)
Race 2: Preview: WINTERONTHEGREEN (10) brings some okay Cape Town form into the race which could be good enough for her to win this. HERE COMES JOHNNY (6) improved a ton last time in local run and can go close to winning – huge chance. TITLEMOUSE (4) comes from a strong yard and meets the right field on debut – include in everything. ALESIAN BEAU (5) has a first four chance. (Warren Lenferna 10-6-4-5)
Race 3: Preview: TIMELINE (6) is well tried but looks ready for the winning run – strong each way claims. ELUSIVE BOMBA (12) is never far off and could be the place value for the quartets and swingers. ATLANTIC PEARL (7) is running well, holding form and can win – big runner. ENDIZAYO (10) is one for the shortlist. (Warren Lenferna 6-12-7-10)
Race 4: Preview: XTINES PRINCESS (2) is lightly raced, been improving in the Cape and could be very hard to beat in her local debut – outstanding pedigree! LANA VIEW (1) has obvious claims, went close last time and should get it all right very soon, if not today. LEBOMBO GOLD (3) and OH MANDY (5) have strong place chances. (Warren Lenferna 2-1-3-5)
Race 5: Preview: A hard race! YOU’RE SO SPECIAL (10) caught the eye in her post maiden run and looks to have some ability. She rises in class and could end up being absolutely anything. TINTAMARRE (5) can do way better than the last run and is a big runner. COASTAL PATH (11) is never far off and has competed in some competitive races – strong each way claims. ONE TOO MANY (8) ran a cracker last time and can again. There are many others in with bright chances. (Warren Lenferna 10-5-11-8)
Race 6: Preview: FAIRY KNIGHT (1) is good, ran on powerfully to win last time and is the possible banker on the card. GUY GIBSON (2) is holding form and will be a massive danger – exacta suggestion. USA’S HOPE (3) is taking time for the next win but should be in the shake up once again. Strong place chance. CHAMPONELLE (5) is a must for quartet bets. (Warren Lenferna 1-2-3-5)
Race 7: Preview: TRAVEL MASTER (5) disappointed a tad last time but is most certainly worth another chance and therefore the first choice. GUARDING THE WALL (7) bounced back to better form last time at long odds. He is capable and can never be ignored. VOLARE E MAMBO (2) is taking time for the next victory but is certainly earning and can do so again today. Strong place claims. SILVERY SURFER (1) gets weight off – a must for all bets. (Warren Lenferna 5-7-2-1)
Race 8: Preview: SHORI KAI (9) ran a huge race in much stiffer company last time and is clearly on the upgrade. She could be tough to beat. VOORSMAAKIE (11) posted an encouraging effort last time and can earn again and might represent some value. CANFORD QUEEN (10) is never far off the winners and has to be factored into most bets and GAELIC DANCER (6) was not far off last time and can pop up into the back end of the quartets. (Warren Lenferna 9-11-10-6)
Frankie Dettori Has Really Retired And Speaks About It
Frankie Dettori’s last ever flying dismount after winning the Gr 1 Grande Premio Estado do Rio De Janeiro in Brazil (via Instagram)
Frankie Dettori: I couldn’t have written a better finale for myself by winning in Brazil, the hobby I’m hoping to pick back up in retirement, a tip for the Saudi Cup, why Brazil will win the World Cup and Arsenal are on course for the Premier League title
This interview was held this week with legendary now former jockey and current Stake ambassador Frankie Dettori, who officially retired from the sport after a glittering career last week when landing the Group 1 Grande Premio Estado do Rio De Janeiro in Brazil.
Q: Day one of your retirement – what were your emotions?
FD: My emotions are that I’m still figuring out how to process it all. There’s no going back this time!
We left the races late on Sunday night. They had a little bit of barbeque for me, then I went to the Samba school!
As a treat they suggested I walk with one of the floats in the rehearsal for the Rio Carnival which starts at the end of next week. I wasn’t on the float, just walking beside. That was a great experience.
On Monday morning I woke up and tried to process everything that happened on Sunday at the races. I’m pretty happy and still in that bubble of the great send off they gave me.
I’m still processing it all. I don’t feel I regret it. But bear in mind that this is my third retirement, so I’ve had plenty of practice!
But now it really is time to say goodbye.
I got my last trophy. I haven’t got a house at the moment, so I probably will give it to my son, and he can put it in his bedroom.
Q: Only you could go out in the way you did! You won the Brazilian 2000 Guineas, didn’t you?
FD: Yes! The first leg of their Triple Crown.
The things that you don’t plan tend to come out best. I never planned to finish off my career in Rio, but they were very keen to have me as part of the centenary of the racetrack at Gavea.
I was just happy to race here but they brought forward the big race by a week so I could take part. I don’t know why because I was just happy to ride in a normal race.
Imagine trying to move the Kentucky Derby or the 2000 Guineas in England a week early just for me! That’s how much they wanted me to come.
Luckily enough, my first ride won, so I was very emotional. They got me on stage, they presented me with a plaque and said thanks very much for choosing Rio for your last day.
Then my wife, Catherine, came on the podium. I was tearful with joy.
When I felt the warmth of the people, I thought, ‘Wow, I’m not going to have this again. ‘
I wasn’t emotional about not riding again. I think I got to a point now that I’ve done so much of it, I think my fire inside as a professional jockey is not as strong as it was.
So, I chose the right time to stop.
But I was emotional thinking this is my last winner, that this was my last time on stage and of course I was choking up a bit.
Then I had to get ready for the next few races and I rode another one – I came last in the Fillies’ Triple Crown.
Then it was the Colts’ Triple Crown which is their 2000 Guineas. I was drawn 16 of 16 and everybody said, ‘Oh, nobody wins from there.’
I had no idea about the horse which was called Bet You Can.
It was a 20-1 shot. I was getting instructions from the owner and trainer. I rode him like I usually do, using my instinct – and we won!
As I crossed that line I said to myself, ‘I can’t believe this!’
So, when I came back in, I wasn’t emotional as I’d already won the first race. I was able to really enjoy it. I thought, ‘This is great. This is special. This is more than I imagined. Winning a Group 1 as my last ever winner.’
I was really able to really enjoy it without crying. I could not have written the finale better myself.
Q: Throughout your great career that’s what fed you, the rapport you have with the crowd wasn’t it?
FD: Yes, and I think the people fed off me too. They can be part of what I do and enjoy it because I’m quite an emotional person. I can be high, low, dry, happy, and they can relate to that.
I guess I get people more involved in my sport.
Q: Looking back at your great career, if you don’t mind being a bit nostalgic, when was the moment you felt, ‘Yes, I can do this, I could make a success of this?’
To be honest, the first year I started when I was 16, I was riding apprentice races and I thought ‘You know what, I have got this. ‘
It may be embarrassing to say, but I felt like I’m better than these guys.
Then it just snowballed.
Q: You’ve had thousands of winners, what’s the best result? What’s the best horse?
FD: My best achievement was obviously winning the seven races at Ascot in 1996, 30 years ago this year. Emotionally, I would say when I won the Derby on Golden Horn, emotionally I felt great.
Q: You’ve obviously had dozens of people wishing you well in your retirement. Has anyone famous sent you their best wishes?
FD: To be honest, lots! I don’t actually do my social media. My sponsors do it. I’ve been told that people all over the world, footballers, golfers, cricketers, all sorts of sports people have sent me best wishes. So, it would be unfair to single a couple out.
Q: It was unexpected that you would finish in Brazil. Was there any temptation to have one last ride in England?
Last year I got the urge a bit, Wesley Ward was pushing me to ride. In the end he didn’t have any runners.
But honestly, the way I finished my English career in October 2023 with the Champion Stakes, all my family was there. I couldn’t beat that.
And I thought, ‘What’s the point?’ I want to finish with a great memory of what I achieved and not spoil it.
But I did have the devil on one shoulder telling me, ‘Come me on one more time, just get that buzz one more time.’
But the good devil told me, ‘You don’t want to spoil what you did.’
Q: Is there a ride or a result you wish you could change and get a different outcome?
FD: Probably the balls up was Swain in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and I wish I could have won a Melbourne Cup. My wife’s relatives are from down under in Australia. It would have been a good thing to do for them.
But nobody has a perfect career in life. So, I’m satisfied with what I have done.
Q: Your favourite horse?
FD: Enable and Fujiyama Crest, the last one of the seven timer.
Q: What was special about Enable?
As a jockey, you’re racing every day on different horses. We all love horses, but it’s the horses what take you to a special place that you remember.
They take you emotionally somewhere that some of the everyday horses can’t. You get to love them a little bit more and Enable was one of those. Those special horses that emotionally give you something more than the others. You tend to love them a bit more.
Q: Which horse would you love to have ridden but didn’t?
FD: Frankel without a doubt. The best of all time.
Q: Who was your biggest rival in the saddle?
Lots!
The thing is, back in the 80s when there was a massive Coolmore-Godolphin rivalry, there was Michael Kinane, Kieran Fallon, Johnny Murtagh who is a good friend of mine.
Those were the big rivalries that I had. It was every weekend. But then there were Olivier Peslier, Christophe Soumillon, Ryan Moore. I rode against all the greats, Lester Piggot, Steve Cauthen.
Every year I’d have different greats to deal with. You deal with the challenges that you get at the time.
Q: Where are the most passionate fans? Where’s the rapport? Where’s that sort of atmosphere the best?
FD: I’ll be honest with you, and only because I’ve been here, the passion in South America is incredible.
But everywhere really, England, Japan, Australia., Hong Kong. Each is unique.
Q: For so many years, you pretty much carried the sport. You were the face of racing. You were the one jockey that people on the street identified with and recognised. Is there someone who can take that mantle now?
It’s not for me to say. We’ll find out. I’m on the other side of the fence now and I’ll be curious to see. I really don’t know who that might be.
Q: You’re 55 now and obviously still very competitive. Do you have any remaining ambition?
FD: Listen, I just finished yesterday. I still have to kind of wind down and process it all. I am really looking forward to continuing with Stake who have been great to me.
I am going to look forward to a new chapter in my life and I will take it one step at a time. I don’t really want to set targets for myself because I don’t have a target. I just want to do well.
Q: Will you still continue to ride out?
FD: At the moment I have no desire. I just need to have a break and then we’ll see. I’m not going to say yes, I’m not going to say no.
I just need to switch off a bit.
It doesn’t come overnight after you’ve been doing the same thing for 40 years. I’m processing things slowly, slowly.
Q: How long do you think it will take to process and decompress? Will there always be that yearning inside you thinking,
FD: Well, I’ll be honest with you, I’ve never done this before. So of course I don’t know. I’m learning as well, I’ll let you know, everybody’s different and everybody processes things differently.
Q: Looking back at the 15, 16-year-old who came over to England all those years ago, you can look back with immense pride at what you’ve achieved. But could you ever have imagined that you’d reach the heights you did?
FD: To be honest with you, I never look back. I look forward.
I never thought I’d get to this position. When you first start, you never think of the day that you retire, but it has happened. Life goes really quick.
I’ve had great memories. I can’t even remember what I thought when I first started.
As you live life, you change. I am a great believer that you change every 10 years. Now I’m getting towards 60.
What you are going through and what you want to achieve is also different.
Q: You must be very proud. That must be your overriding emotion. No one’s really done what you’ve done and left such an impact.
FD: I have had an amazing career with ups and downs. I’ve loved it.
I’m just pleased to say that I closed this chapter, and I was able to walk away on two legs.
I’ve had colleagues who have died, people in wheelchairs, on life support machines, all of that sort of thing throughout my 40-year span.
Not just jockeys, lads, work riders. I just thank God I was able to walk out on Sunday night.
I have great feelings for everybody who does what we do. I just pray for them to be healthy and safe.
Q: How would you like to be remembered as a jockey?
That as a jockey, I sold the sport. I enjoyed what I did. I hope I gave people enjoyment throughout the world and I hope a lot of people won lots of money!
Q: In your new chapter how will you be sharing your tactical insights and your Frankie magic with the community who invest in horse racing, that is to say, the punters?
FD: Even the last few months I have had to share my knowledge about races when I wasn’t even involved, but I still watched.
When you’re doing this job as a jockey you’ve got an eye for what you see, what people make mistakes or which horse will benefit from changing distance or changing ground.
I’ve got that knowledge still and let’s hope it never goes away.
Q: Now you can take a step back. Is there anything you want to pursue? Is there a hobby or a pursuit? Something that you’ve never had time to do, but you’d like to take up?
FD: To be honest no!
I am only thinking about being involved with my work for Stake.
I have to stop thinking about Frankie Dettori, myself and what I’m going to ride.
Q: As a jockey do you have to be quite selfish because it’s such a competitive environment? You’ve got to be selfish to succeed haven’t you?
FD: Absolutely, yeah. When you’re a jockey it is only you and the horse.
Now I’m involved in a huge team, and I have to be part of it. I can’t just be thinking about myself.
So, it is an exciting road ahead and I’m looking forward to it.
The good thing about it is it’s keeping me in racing, keeping me in the sport that has been so good to me for over 40 years.
I’m super excited because it is every sportsman’s nightmare, ‘What are you going to do next?’
I’ll be honest with you, if this opportunity didn’t come, I probably would have done one more year in California, but then you are back to the same problem, ‘What are you going to do next?’
So, when this opportunity came, I had to grab it with two hands and run with it.
Q: In your role as an expert, if you’re looking at a race, what tells you for instance that a hot favourite is in trouble? What are the warning signs?
Well, I don’t want to say too much and give away my trade secrets!
But if you were in the position that I am and have done what I’ve done for so many years, people inside the sport, not just me, can pick up things that the general public can’t.
There is no one classic example. It’s the same thing as a football pundit who has played the game at the top for a long time, can spot something that I can’t spot because I’m not a football pundit. I’m not a football person.
You have this advantage which only comes with experience.
Q: If you had time for a holiday, what is your favourite destination? Where would you love to be putting your feet up briefly?
FD: Of course I’d love to go back to Italy. I also like the snow and I like skiing too. Some place that is quite active. I’m a person who can’t really sit still for too long. It’s going to be something that engages me mentally.
Of course, I love the sun, but you know I can’t really lie in the sun bed for more than 10 minutes you know.
I have just got to engage my brain to do something.
Q: Were you able to ski as a jockey or was the risk too great of injury or breaking something?
FD: I have skied since I was a little boy so skiing to me was never a problem.
I wasn’t really allowed to ski when I worked for Godolphin. But I did! I won’t lie to you.
Touch wood everything went well.
Now that I’m retired, I’ll probably go and twist my knee when I go skiing next time.
Q: The Saudi Cup is coming up soon. How do you approach it differently from a big European group one?
FD: You want to see a race like that succeed because it helps develop the sport. When I started racing, when the Arlington Million was created, I think in 1984, nobody thought we’d have a race for a million dollars.
Now the Saudi Cup is US$20 million, 40 years down the road.
It’s great because it gives awareness to people who don’t know anything about racing. It’s good for an owner to invest in racing knowing that if they have a horse that is good enough, they are racing for $20 million.
I think it’s amazing. I wish that more countries could put up their kind of money. Australia, Hong Kong and Japan are putting up big prize money.
I think the only one left behind really is Europe.
They’re prestigious races, but they don’t have the money. Only a handful does really.
Q: From the tactical point of view, what’s it like riding in the Saudi Cup? What do you have to do differently?
FD: Riyadh, where they hold the Saudi Cup, is probably the best dirt track I’ve ridden in my life.
It’s very kind on the kickback so even turf forces can do really well.
Last year Romantic Warrior was a turf horse who did really well.
The worry for turf horses is that they can’t face the kickback because we don’t train them on the sand.
But at the Riyadh track, the sand is very fine, and it doesn’t hurt them.
So, turf horses can face it, it doesn’t stop them. And so it gives an opportunity even if you’ve got a grass horse.
Q: Tactically there, is it a question of trying to get an early lead and stay there or is it a question of timing your run to perfection depending on how the race unfolds?
FD: To be honest it all depends on whether you have a good horse under you!
Q: Does the dirt surface present different challenges for a jockey?
FD: The dirt is more about sustaining speed throughout. On the turf you can stop and start a couple of times in the race, and you can still win.
The breeding also makes a difference.
Some horses are bred to have a lower action to suit the dirt while a grass horse has more of a longer, rangier action to cover the grass.
There is a difference. And some horses are better than others on one type of track.
The exceptional ones can be good on both.
Q: How good is the Saudi Cup in terms of quality and intensity? It is improving all the time isn’t it?
FD: Last year you had Forever Young who won the Saudi Cup, who went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic and just got beaten in the Kentucky Derby. He’s as good as you get in the world.
Romantic Warrior was second and just got beaten by a neck. He has won four Hong Kong Cups; he’s won just about everything.
You can’t get any better than that.
Q: Does the big prize put any extra pressure on a jockey or is it something great to go for?
The winning jockey gets a million dollars! It’s amazing. The pressure is always there whatever the race really.
But obviously you like to get a big one like the Saudi Cup! It’s not going to make your ride any better. You’re still going to ride as well as you can.
Q: What’s the biggest unknown for a jockey heading into the Saudi Cup for the first time?
FD: Most of the jockeys who ride in these big races are well seasoned top class riders. They’re not going to put any rookie or an apprentice up! So, there’s nothing that I can tell those kind of guys.
But obviously like in any big, very competitive race, you have to be aggressive, you have to be clever, all the normal things you would do in any big race.
Q: Do you have a tip for the Saudi Cup?
Forever Young all the way. What a horse.
Q: Will Arsenal do it and win the Premier League?
I don’t want to jinx it but yes, after 22 years I think they can.
Q: What do you make of the job Arteta has done?
FD: I wasn’t so sure about him four years ago but he’s coming up with the goods and we’re close.
Q: Would you prefer the league title or the Champions League?
Both! We haven’t won the Champions League. Let’s hope we get at least one.
Q: We’ve got the World Cup this summer. Who do you think might win it and who’s going to be in the semi-finals?
I think Argentina and England will do really well. Italy over the last few years have not been that powerful. Then there’s France, Spain and Brazil.
And then you get teams like Croatia that are always doing well. And there’s often an African team that pops up.
When I was a kid, it was always just the usual suspects, Italy, Brazil, and Argentina. Now it is far more open which is great.
Q: Who’s your idea of a World Champion?
I’m going to watch it as a fan. So, I’m not going to have a preference. I love all the big teams, of course, and enjoy and live the moment.
Maybe Brazil though because that’s where I finished my career. Maybe they’re going to finish on a high as well, that would be a great win double!
Marx-Jacobson, Habib, Crawford, Peter Doubles
Blaine Marx-Jacobson gave favourite backers no anxious moments in the last race when bringing home the Tony Peter-trained three-year-old Ideal World filly Precocious to an easy victory. The former Western Cape-based filly has won both of her Highveld starts with ease (JC Photos)
Blaine Marx-Jacobson, Calvin Habib, James Crawford and Tony Peter all had individual doubles at the Vaal Classic track meeting on Thursday.
Habib is now on 79 wins for the season achieved at a strike rate of 12.14% and that puts him in fourth place in the national jockeys championship.
Marx-Jacobson has had five wins at 4.95%.
Craig Zackey had a single win today to go to 142 wins for the season, 27 clear of Richard Fourie on 115 and Muzi Yeni is third on 82.
Callan Murray is on 74 wins and is in fifth place.
James Crawford had a double on Wednesday too and is now on 46 wins at 11.98%.
Tony Peter is on 53 wins at 16.67%.
Today's Question
Who is the only jockey in history to complete two British Triple Crowns?
The picture is of the subject
Today’s Question Answer
Steve Donoghue (8 November 1884 – 23 March 1945) was a leading English flat-race jockey in the 1910s and 1920s. He was Champion Jockey 10 times between 1914 and 1923 and was one of the most celebrated horse racing sportsmen after Fred Archer, with only Sir Gordon Richards and Sir Tony McCoy eclipsing him.