The Oracle is gone: Matthew Lips dies, aged 64
TRIBUTES are pouring in for well-known racing personality Matthew Lips (64), who died in Durban’s Wentworth Hospital after a period of illness on Friday morning.
Born Matthew Lipman in India, he left Fort Victoria in the old Rhodesia, came to South Africa in 1980 and joined media entrepreneur Owen Heffer in 1987, just after Heffer had started Winning Form. They were close associates while Heffer built the Winning Form Group into the giant that is Hollywoodbets today.
Lips, for years, was extraordinarily popular for his insightful summaries and outstanding tips in Winning Form’s ‘Magic Lips’ column and became the standard for tipsters in the 1990s and 2000s. He left Winning Form to join the National Horseracing Authority as senior handicapper in 2012, a position he held until his passing.
Lips had been suffering from emphysema. He also had a heart condition and his friends, trainers Clinton Binda and Paul Lafferty, were of the last people to speak with him earlier this week.
Binda said: “Matthew was a wealth of racing knowledge. I’ve never seen anyone with racing information so much at his fingertips. People would argue with Matthew about facts he already knew. They’d have to research it, to confirm answers he’d already given them. He was an oddball, but a very unique individual and a big loss to racing.
“We shared a chuckle till near the end. There was an Indian gentleman in the bed next to him in the High Care Unit. He said: ‘Hey man, Matthew and I go way back, we backed winners together I will keep him chatting, he won’t fall asleep!’ He had someone that recognised him as one of racing’s greatest experts, even on his deathbed.”
Binda had phoned Lafferty, who was in the UK this week, and he handed the phone to Matthew, who answered, ‘Laff, I am heeere!’ – a joke many of their fans would understand. It originated from their association as TV pundits, when Laff found a perfect sounding board for his unique, dry humour in Matthew, a man he described as “as intelligent as I’ve ever known.”
For his tremendous knowledge of pedigrees and form, Matthew was nicknamed in the late 90s as, ‘The Oracle’ by friend Lynton Ryan, the bloodstock expert. Lafferty habitually ended pre-race interviews with Lips with the expression, ‘Well, there you have it. That’s The Oracle!’
Lafferty added: “We were good friends for 40 years, we visited, we shared fun, laughter and racing thrills. I have many tales to tell about our adventures together. Matthew had some personal problems and he let things slip over the last year, it is very sad. But he will live on in our hearts. He will be sorely missed.”
Photographer Candiese Lenferna wrote on Facebook: “So absolutely heartbroken to hear of this wonderful man’s passing. Really got to know him well in the past few years, as he always caught a lift with us to Hollywoodbets Scottsville. A brilliant racing mind and an even better sense of humour, the best.
“Our car trips were never quiet, they were filled with plenty of entertainment, one particularly memorable drive back was after a horse called Peanut Butter romped home at Scotssville- Matthew was in his best form with sayings like “she isn’t a nutty filly”, “she didn’t spread a shoe in the running” and “she never got jammed at the finish.”
“One particular Scottsville meeting, the horses were finishing so close together on the line in just about every race which makes for a photographer’s nightmare, and I would have a humorous whine at him and threaten that he could walk home, and he absolutely loved that – the pride of getting his handicapping so right was special and there were many days of challenging finishes because he was so good at what he did.
“There was another time when a hail storm hit on the way home from Pietermaritzburg and we phoned ahead and diverted to Ashburton, hiding my new car in a hay barn until it passed and Matthew spent the entire hour with the horses, patting and talking to them softly. He really loved them.
“I will miss his Facebook posts for sure, whether it was about ships or dodgy record album covers, it always made for an entertaining read. Will miss you ‘Mannthew’, Matthew Lipman as affectionately known, may you Rest In Peace!”
Well. That Was The Oracle.
The Matchem showdown looks likely to happen on Saturday, at last!
THE weatherman predicts 20 degrees celcius and cloudy day for Saturday in Cape Town – no rain, and with Friday being sunny so far (12pm) it looks like Charles Dickens will finally get to take on Gimme a Prince in the G3 Matchem Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday. MARK VAN DEVENTER previews this contest, and others.
This clash for connoisseurs is carded as Race 8, rescheduled at an off- time of 16:45. Charles Dickens has an official merit rating of 132, two points ahead of Gimme a Prince in this Weight- For- Age showdown. Both are having their seasonal openers.
Gimme a Prince is coming off a stiff fourth, two months ago in the Merchants at Hollywood Greyville after a torrid trip. Prior to that he won the G1 Golden Horseshoe under topweight and ran a tremendous race in defeat in the Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m when just failing to catch Trip of Fortune after jumping from a bad gate.
Charles Dickens has been sensational from the beginning of his career. His record stands at eight wins from ten starts, only twice has he been defeated; by older rival, Al Muthana in the G1 Kings Plate and then by middle distance star, See It Again in the G1 Cape Derby over 2000m.
Around 1400/1600 he has no peers in SA. His ability to stride along comfortably, then turn on the afterburners when needed, makes him formidable in this distance range. He last ran 112 days ago, when beating his nemesis, Al Muthana in the G1 Gold Challenge over 1600m at Greyville.
This promises to be a great race, even if both are targeting bigger Stakes during Summer. Whatever happens Saturday, a revenge clash in the Queen’s Plate looms as an exciting possibility, as Dean Kannemeyer is keeping his options open with Gimme a Prince.
Next best could be Royal Aussie who can use pace pressing tactics to good effect in a small field, (by tracking likely leader After the Rain,) and is three wins from five over the trip. He is about five lengths inferior to Charles Dickens on known form however, which puts his chances in perspective.
Based on the official merit ratings, 15/10 fave Golden Hostess (OMR 116) may have a class edge over six rivals in the G3 1400m Diana Stakes run @ WFA – Race 7, off at 15h50.
It helps that she goes well fresh, can quicken up smartly and is adept over extended sprints, though she will be having her first start at the course and her come- from- off- the- pace running style is not ideal for Durbanville. She races for the same connections as Charles Dickens, heavy 1/3 favourite for the Matchem – Bass Racing and Drakenstein Stud with Aldo Domeyer as the pilot on both.
Indeed, Candice Bass-Robinson has a strong hand here. Gimmies Lassie (OMR 101) finished just ahead of Golden Hostess in last year’s Cape Fillies Championship over this trip with a flashy turn of foot and gets first-time blinkers. And well-drawn, Who Do You Love (OMR 99) was also highly tried at three where she proved herself not that far off the best. She too wears blinkers to sharpen her resolve.
Cala Muretta (OMR 101) is in the same ballpark on handicap ratings after taking out the Debutante Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Rating juveniles is fraught with imprecision though, and this race against elders will provide a better indication where the clearly talented Crawford/Rix trained, daughter of Gimmethegreenlight fits in. Richard Fourie is a confidence- enhancing jockey booking.
Another live threat is Happy Chance. She must be taken seriously on her WSB Fillies Guineas effort when defeated 3.5 lengths by Brett Crawford trained stable companion, Make it Snappy. The Dynasty filly mixes her form a bit but would be a menace on a going day. Wary bookmakers have priced her up as second favourite at 3/1.
Hierkommiebokkie (looks well behind the best on exposed form yet could have an influential pace-making role to play) and Silverlinks (sports solid form over further) are the other entries.
Racing fan asks for live-streaming of Peter hearing in the interest of transparency
Racing fan Jamal Farah, in a letter to Sporting Post, has drawn attention to a significant upcoming inquiry that has been generating considerable buzz and anticipation in the racing community.
He writes: “It has come to my attention that trainer Tony Peter’s inquiry is scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday, 12 and 13 October. The intrigue and media frenzy surrounding this inquiry are undeniable, with implications that extend beyond the racing track.
“In the spirit of transparency and fairness, I wish to put forth a humble request to the National Horseracing Authority (NHRA), as well as Tony Peter, to agree to have this inquiry live streamed.
“The racing world thrives on the dedication and passion of punters and the unwavering support of the public.
“However, oftentimes, critical investigations like these occur behind closed doors, leaving many of us in the dark and uninformed about the proceedings. In an age where transparency is paramount, live streaming the inquiry would provide a unique opportunity for everyone to witness first hand how such investigations are conducted and understand the complexities involved.
“Moreover, the public’s comments and speculations have cast a shadow on Tony Peter’s reputation. To ensure a fair and unbiased inquiry, and to quell any undue harshness from the public, transparency is key.
“By live streaming the process, we can ensure that no stone is left unturned, and justice is served in an open and accountable manner.”
“In the true spirit of sportsmanship and community, we kindly request that the NHRA and Tony Peter seriously consider our proposal to live stream the trainer’s inquiry.
“Doing so would not only satisfy the curiosity of racing enthusiasts but also serve as a testament to the NHRA’s commitment to integrity, fairness, and transparency.
“Let us all come together to support a racing world where transparency and fairness prevail.
“We eagerly await a positive response and the opportunity to witness this significant inquiry unfold.
Lance Benson, editor of Sporting Post, has asked the NHA management for a response to Mr Farah’s suggestion. Their media release of 14 September 2023 regarding the Tony Peter lidocaine positives evoked a wave of reaction on our media platforms. Peter is reported to have supported his call.
Miracles do happen, they say, but if we were Jamal and Lance, we won’t hold our collective breath for a response from NHA boss, Vee Moodley.
Top runners are back at Turffies, big Pick 6 pool expected
There is a R1-million Pick 6 carryover going to Saturday’s meeting at Turffontein, and a R6-million pool is expected. The meeting is headlined by the G2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge over 1400m and the matching contest for fillies and mares.
Mike de Kock, Sean Tarry, Stuart Pettigrew and a few others will take the wraps off several of their stable stars on the day, including De Kock’s major feature contender Dave The King, who is not at his peak, but is expected to run well under jockey JP van der Merwe in the Spring Challenge.
De Kock noted on his Betway Blog: “Dave The King has a number of runs planned for him this season and is another of mine who will improve, come on with the run. His immediate aim is the Charity Mile, he is around 85% fit but he looks physically really good. He has a poor draw and if he goes out to lead, he’ll have to go too fast, so we’re going to try different tactics. There are talented three-year-olds with good speed in the race, also a horse like Forever Mine, who has also had a break but is ideally course and distance suited. He is also drawn wide, however, hard to win from there.”
More Frankelmania at the end of Tatts Book 1
A filly and colt by Champion sire FRANKEL were the star turns on the third and final day of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, selling for 1,600,000 guineas and 950,000 guineas respectively.
Frankel Filly out of Millisle to Shadwell for 1,600,000 Guineas
The first foal out of the champion two-year-old filly MILLISLE became the highest-priced filly at Book 1 of this year’s Tattersalls October Yearling Sale when selling for 1,600,000 guineas to Shadwell Estates after a prolonged bidding duel with Kieran Lalor from Al Shira’aa Stables, standing alongside David Cox. The daughter of STARSPANGLEDBANNER won the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes as a two-year-old and was sold by Watership Down Stud on behalf of breeder Francis Jennings of Stonethorn Stud.
Shadwell Estates’ Angus Gold said outside the sale ring: “A lovely first foal, I saw her on the farm and loved her. We loved her every time we saw her as did Sheikha Hissa. We knew she’d make a lot of money, but we need some fillies for the stud and a first foal out of a Cheveley Park Stakes winner and by a great stallion, it was fairly self-explanatory. She seemed very athletic, very well balanced and has a very good mind, so now she has got to be able to run!
“It is a period of rebuilding and is a long term project for Sheikha Hissa. We have been lucky this year with the older horses and Sheikha Hissa is happy to take a different route to her father Sheikh Hamdan, who did not like to keep the older horses. She is prepared to if we think there is more to come and she has been rewarded with a Group 1 winner. It is exciting times for the stud, but you have to keep regenerating.”
Gold added: “She has loved coming here, she can stand looking at the horses all day if someone did not come and move her! She loves coming to see the yearlings and we saw them all on Monday, and she has been back over the three days to see the horses again. She is picking it up very quickly, like her father, and really enjoys the business.”
Simon Marsh, General Manager of Watership Down Stud, commented: “She is a beautiful filly and was born and raised at Kiltinan Stud, our farm in Ireland. She has never put a foot wrong all her life and there were a lot of people interested in her. It is extremely rare to have a filly out of a Cheveley Park winner come up for sale, and as attractive as she is. It is a lot more than we thought she would make but I am not ultimately surprised.
-More on Tattersalls website.
Nastili wins his first ever race at Fairview
SAJA recruits complete an eventful week
Today’s Question
Why was the running of the 1997 Grand National at Aintree postponed?
Today’s Question Answer
A BOMB THREAT!
The 1997 Grand National (known officially as the Martell Grand National and also informally as the Monday National) was the 150th official running of the Grand National steeplechase held at Aintree near Liverpool. The race was scheduled to be run on Saturday 5 April 1997, but was postponed by two days to Monday 7 April after a Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) bomb threat forced the evacuation of the course. The race was won in a time of nine minutes and 5.9 seconds and by a distance of 25 lengths by New Zealand-bred Lord Gyllene at odds of 14/1.
