Turf Talk Newsletter – 7 February, 2025

Snaith Barometer: 195

Target: 222

Crawford Ready To Seize ‘The Opportunity Of A Lifetime’

Brett Crawford stands in the traditional welcoming spot when a new license has been issued by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and shakes hands with the club’s executive director of racing, Andrew Harding. (HKJC)

South African handler will join the city’s ranks next season after being officially unveiled by the Hong Kong Jockey Club on Friday morning

by Sam Agars (South China Morning Post)

Brett Crawford has labelled his impending move to Hong Kong “the opportunity of a lifetime” after the South African was officially unveiled by the Jockey Club at Sha Tin on Friday morning.

Crawford, who has 38 Group One victories to his name among almost 1,500 career winners, will join the Hong Kong training ranks for the 2025-26 season.

“I’ve been training in South Africa for many years and I have always been interested in moving to Hong Kong,” Crawford said.

“I’m very pleased that I have been granted the opportunity to come to Hong Kong. The integrity and professionalism of the Hong Kong Jockey Club is what attracted me to Hong Kong racing.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m very thankful for the privilege to be granted a licence in Hong Kong.

“It’s probably one of the few places in the world that has talent from all over the world competing against each other, so without a doubt it definitely makes you bring out the best in yourself and I think for me that’s probably the greatest challenge that I am looking forward to.”

Crawford will be the second South African on the roster, joining Douglas Whyte, and he follows in the footsteps of the likes of Tony Millard and David Ferraris.

“Knowledge is key for me in any industry, so the more you can learn from other people, I think it puts you in a good stead going forward. Obviously I have spoken to Mr Millard as well as Mr Ferraris and I know them both very well,” Crawford said.

Crawford’s appointment comes soon after the blistering Sha Tin victory of South African import Mid Winter Wind – one of the first gallopers to enjoy the smoother passage to Hong Kong created by a recent change in quarantine protocols – and the Jockey Club will hope the 53-year-old can help to drive an increase in the sourcing of horses from his home country.

“When we came to look for an outstanding talent to recruit from South Africa to join the training ranks in Hong Kong, frankly the natural choice was Brett Crawford,” Andrew Harding, the Jockey Club’s executive director of racing, said.

“I am absolutely delighted that he and his partner Gwen have made the decision to join us here and I look forward to him making an outstanding contribution to the world-class nature of Hong Kong racing.

“An important point to reinforce is the connection that Hong Kong has with South Africa in the form of the best that we can attract in terms of international talent in training.

“[Our goal] for some years has been to work with the industry in South Africa and the international organisations – the World Organisation for Animal Health – to achieve a facilitation of horse movements from South Africa and we’re very pleased that over the last 18 months we’ve seen a breakthrough on that front.”

Summer Sale A Big Success, Premier Yearling Sale Eagerly Anticipated

Picture: The Summer Sale in full swing at the new Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Sale venue.

Cape Racing Sales press release

The Summer Sale has proven to be a monumental success, with results that highlight the strength of the South African bloodstock market. The sale recorded the highest average price for a yearling sale in South Africa since 2017, underscoring the exceptional quality of the individuals on offer. Vendors who presented top-class specimens were justly rewarded, with impressive purchase prices further validating the standard of their offerings.

Among the standout lots, two yearlings captured the spotlight. The top colt, Chestnut Verse (Vercingetorix x Chestnuts n Pearls), fetched a remarkable R2.2 million, while the top filly, Proud Mary (Vercingetorix x Varikate), sold for R2 million.

The Drakenstein Stud-bred Vercingetorix colt Chestnut Verse was the top selling colt at the Summer Sale (R2.2 million).

The Avontuur Estate-bred Veringetorix filly Proud Mary was the top selling filly at the Summer Sale (R2 million).

Many well known buyers were at the Summer Sale.

The Summer Sale achieved a total aggregate of R46,355,000, with an average price of R626,419 and a median of R500,000.

This year’s Summer Sale also marked the inaugural event at the new venue, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. The venue’s layout and facilities were met with high praise from both vendors and buyers, ensuring that the transition to this new location was seamless and well-received.

Looking ahead, anticipation is already building for the Premier Yearling Sale. The catalogue is now available online, and there is growing excitement about the quality of horses on offer. Day 1 will showcase yearlings with exceptional pedigrees, while Day 2 will feature some outstanding individuals that may not tick every pedigree box but are nevertheless top-class physical specimens.

Please note that the Premier Yearling Sale will take place one day earlier than advertised. Day One will be held on Thursday, 13 March 2025, and Day Two on Friday, 14 March 2025, with both days starting at 16:00.

Incentives for Premier Yearling Sale Graduates:

CRS Slipper 2YO 1200m R3M – to be run in 2026

CRS Mile 3YO 1600m R1M – to be run in 2027

CRS Sprint 3YO 1200m R1M – to be run in 2027

CRS Juvenile Stakes Bonus – R100,000 (R75,000 for the owner and R25,000 for the vendor)

CRS Big Cap

Great news for sellers of horses on the Day Two part of the Premier Yearling Sale is that the Cape Racing Sales’ highly successful Pinhook initiative will be active. All prospective pinhookers are welcome to apply to the initiative with Cape Racing Sales in advance of the sale. The pinhook initiative allows approved pinhookers to buy horses and only pay once selling at the Breeze Up and Unbroken 2-year-old Sale. For more information, please visit www.caperacingsales.co.za and refer to the incentives tab. Terms and conditions apply.

We also remind all buyers to apply for their digital buyer’s card in a timely manner to avoid any delays.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Premier Yearling Sale, where your future champion awaits.

Country Championship Finals Take Centre Stage At HWB Kenilworth

Kebonalasedi can get the ball rolling in the country championship finals by taking race three, the “1600” final. (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Graeme Hawkins (Gold Circle)

Strap yourself in, it could be a bumpy ride at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday as the competitive 8-race programme includes five R200 000 Summer Country Championship Finals over distances varying from 1000m to 1800m and all for horses with a nett merit rating of 82 and below. But bumpy rides can also be exhilarating and the prospect of decent dividends in the respective exotic bets is enticing.

The third race, and opening leg of the Pick 6, is the “1600” Final and it may pay to follow the hard-knocking Kebonalesedi, a recent winner over track and trip. Grant Van Niekerk retains the ride for Eric Sands and the 4-time winning 5yo son of Pomodoro should again give us a good run for our money. Iconic Destination has bounced back from throat surgery with two very good efforts over 1400m and the extra 200m should be well within his range. He was rated 96 earlier in his career but comes in here off the handy mark of 81 and Andre Nel’s charge is definitely one for the short-list. Rich Folks Hoax has the advantage of pole position and the 3yo son of Danon Platina appears to have scope for further improvement. Strictly on paper he is held by Kebonalesedi, but last time Rich Folks Hoax raced from the worst of the draw when beaten two lengths by Kebonalesedi and they could finish much closer together here. The consistent Master Of Paris and his stable companions Okavango and Bounceback should be considered for Quartet permutations in a tricky contest.

The fourth race is the “1800” Final and the Snaith pair Kwite A King (Zackey) and Groovejet (JP van der Merwe) both have strong winning claims. JP has opted to ride Groovejet but at the weights there should not be much to choose between them. La Pulga is an interesting runner as he steps up to 1800m for the first time. His recent form is encouraging, and Candice Bass-Robinson has often spoken highly of the 3yo son of Pomodoro. Tothemoonandback has been priced up as one of the longshots in the ante-post market but in receipt of 7kgs from Groovejet, he could certainly upset the applecart. The only filly in the race, Green Isle, appears well-handicapped and is ideally distance suited while neither Aladdin’s Lamp nor Gentleman Joe would be winning out of turn. Happy Days seems held by Groovejet but will get the run of the race from the inside gate.

Race 5 is the “1400” Final and the in-form Family Power, trained by Greg Ennion and partnered by Grant Van Niekerk, gets the nod to confirm her superiority over the promising Swiatek. Golden Ideal should not be too far behind Swiatek on the evidence of their last run and cannot be lightly discarded. Industrial Strength has not enjoyed much luck in recent starts, and he leaves the impression there is still more to come from the lightly raced 4yo son of Gimmethegreenlight. Devil A Saint has drawn widest of all and is not the most consistent around but on best form he could surprise.

The “1000” Final has been billed as the sixth race on the card and the evergreen 6yo Bluff On Bluff could register his seventh career victory. Ashton Arries gets a good tune out of the Piet Steyn inmate and the pair were seen to good advantage when scoring at the end of December. There has never been much to choose between Bluff On Bluff and the 7yo All About Al and Craig Zackey’s fine record on the Adam Marcus-trained son of Captain Al is a plus factor. The veterans could well be upstaged by the 3yo Un Bel Di who will be ridden by Aldo Domeyer for the Justin Snaith team. Un Bel Di has his third run back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and should be cherry ripe, but he does have the steadier of 62,5kgs to shoulder. Another “old-timer” Barney McGrew is holding form nicely while Dame Of Trix has only had the one start since February ’24 and could improve markedly on that performance last month.

Race 7 is the “1200” Final and the race appears ultra-competitive. I am leaning towards the Vaughan Marshall-trained Captain’s Destiny who has not put a foot wrong in her last eight starts. She only has 53kgs on her back and is in receipt of 9,5kgs from Tough Terrain and 7,5kgs from last start course and distance winner Golden Destiny. The unexposed Elsinore who finished a creditable fourth on her handicap debut appears to be on an upward curve and can get into the mix. Prince of Tibet is holding form nicely since being fitted with blinkers and rates a threat off a low mass. Sooty who was heavily backed to win last month was not disgraced when runner-up behind Kelp Forest and is another to consider. The enigmatic Fort Red has not won for 462 days but he is quite capable of popping up when least expected.

Future Turn's Turn To Be Number One

Future Turn has finished second five times since his last win in June 2023 and he has been tipped to win Race 2. (Picture: Wayne Marks)

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Saturday Formguides And Selections

Race 1

1 TRIPPING THUNDER ran a lovely race on the 18th of January behind his stable companion, he stayed on strongly for second, the blinkers stay on, and he should go very close to winning in this field. 2 CHASINGTHERAINBOW ran a much better race last time behind Circumbendibus, he finished third and was only beaten just under two lengths by the winner, he is clearly improving and must be respected. 5 IMOKELLY made good improvement in his second start at the races, he was still very green and managed to run fourth in a competitive race last time, he looks like the type that will keep improving with every start, watch him closely. 10 WAVE OF GLORY is very speedy, he could bounce back to his best form at a decent price, include him into all bets.

(Brandon Bailey: 1 – 2 – 5 – 10)

Race 2

5 FUTURE TURN is as honest as they come, he ran a fair second last time behind Promettere, from a decent draw in a small field, there should be no excuses for this gelding, he will be right there in the finish. 7 RULE OF THUMB needs a particular ride, if the race works out for him, he could certainly win quite easily with no weight on his back, watch him closely in this tricky race. 6 PREVALENCE should enjoy the drop back in trip to 1600m, on his best form, he always has a good each way chance, include him into the play at a decent price. 8 HAT’S PRIDE will need some luck in running from a tricky draw, he could sneak into the Quartet.

(Brandon Bailey: 5 – 7 – 6 – 8)

Race 3

1 RICH FOLKS HOAX ran on strongly from a long way back in his last start behind Kebonalesedi, he was only beaten just under two lengths at the wire, now that he gets a good draw, he should go very close to winning. 4 ICONIC DESTINATION has run two very good seconds in succession, he steps up in trip now, with some luck in running he could be very dangerous in the finish. 7 KEBONALESEDI fought hard to win a good race on the 11th of January, he was given four points for that win, this looks to be a nice race for him to be competitive again. 3 OKAVANGO won his maiden in style beating Cosmic Rhythm by just over four lengths, the form has worked out well, he is still improving and must be respected from a good draw.

(Brandon Bailey: 1 – 4 – 7 – 3)

Race 4

9 GROOVEJET has won his last two races with absolute ease, unfortunately he draws wide, and he carries a big weight for this Summer Country Championship 1800 Final on Saturday afternoon, he will need a career best to win again, but he is still improving, and he has a good turn of foot, include him into the play. 1 HAPPY DAYS ran a fair race from a wide draw on the 18th of December, the yard think highly of this colt, from a good draw he must have a big winning chance. 3 KWITE A KING ran on powerfully last time to finish second behind his stable companion, he now gets a nice pull in the weights with Groovejet, he could certainly win this race if everything works out for him. 7 GENTLEMAN JOE is consistent and must be included into all bets, his form is very good.

(Brandon Bailey: 9 – 1 – 3 – 7)

Race 5

3 FAMILY POWER has been in terrific form of late, she will enjoy the drop back in trip to 1400m, Jockey Grant van Niekerk knows her well, she will go very close to winning this competitive race. 2 INDUSTRIALSTRENGTH has had one or two hard luck stories in his career, he is a lovely looking colt that is packed with ability, there should be no excuses for him from a good draw, include him into all bets. 14 DEVIL A SAINT has dropped in the ratings, he could be the value in this race at a good price, on his day he can be a strong front runner, unfortunately the draw will make life tough for him, but he could get to the front and be hard to fetch late. 11 SWIATEK never runs a bad race, she is consistent and must be included into all bet types.

(Brandon Bailey: 3 – 2 – 14 – 11)

Race 6

3 BLUFF ON BLUFF quickened very well to win going away on the 28th of December, the form of that race has worked out well, despite going up five points for that good win, he will be competitive again. 7 BARNEY MCGREW justified strong market support to win a nice race on the 15th of January, even though he is seven years of age, his form is excellent, and he could earn again for the connections. 4 UN BEL DI should be cherry ripe to run a cracker, he needed his first two runs back from a long rest, if he has made the necessary improvement back at home, he could be hard to beat. 2 ALL ABOUT AL never runs a bad race, he could sneak into the places on his best form.

(Brandon Bailey: 3 – 7 – 4 – 2)

Race 7

9 GOLDEN DESTINY finished like a train to win a top race on the 25th of January, he was switched off early and produced at the right time by Jockey Craig Zackey, with a similar performance on Saturday afternoon, he will be tough to beat. 12 SOOTY can be a tricky customer, he is a lovely looking gelding with tons of potential, his last run when finishing second behind Kelp Forest was a good performance, if he gets some cover early and the gaps open at the right time, he could certainly win a race like this. 5 TOUGH TERRAIN has been in good form lately, he likes to be held up early and then comes with a storming run late, include him into all bets. 7 CAPTAIN’S DESTINY always has a money chance, her form is good, watch her closely at a decent price.

(Brandon Bailey: 9 – 12 – 5 – 7)

Race 8

11 TENANGO quickened up really well to win a good race on the 4th of January, he is a talented sprinter that is still improving, he will be right there in the finish again. 9 CAPTAIN WEST needed his last run over 1400m, he should tighten up quite a bit from that run and he will love the drop in trip, include him into all bets. 8 ARCTIC WIZARD travelled strongly in the lead last time and just got run out of it late by Gem King, he is a smart colt with a magnificent action, he could be the horse they all need to fetch, watch him closely. 1 OLIVER is much better than his last run, he drops back in trip again and should be running on strongly.

(Brandon Bailey: 11 – 9 – 8 – 1)

Let's Go Now To Go In At Turffontein

Let’s Go Now has been selected to win the sixth race at Turffontein Standside on Saturday, a Conditions Plate for fillies and mares over 1600m (Picture: Candiese Lenferna).

A Conditions Plate for fillies and mares over 1600m and a Middle Stakes event over 1400m head the eight race meeting at Turffontein Standside on Saturday.

In the Conditions Plate Let’s Go Now has always struck as a filly who would get better and better with age and she has run two good races in her last two starts and now has her third run after a layoff over an ideal trip with Gavin Lerena up, although she does have a tricky draw. She was a 0,7 length 3rd in the Grade 2 Mike de Kock Ipi Tombe Challenge over course and distance last time out, albeit from a pole position draw. She is officially best in at the weights and is in fact 2,5kg better off with any other runner. Lerena was up for her last start and stays aboard. Beating Wings has shown glimpses of class this season and from a good draw should be right there over a distance on the sharp side, although she would have been freshened up. This is her first run since disappointing in the Summer Cup but she should run well fresh over a trip that is on the sharp side for her. Willy Meet Again has a tough task at the weights with Let’s Go Now and is in fact fact 9,5kg under sufferance with her. However, she is in fine form and can continue to progress. She has a has a tricky draw of seven, but Richard Fourie makes a rare foray to Turffontein and is aboard.

The William Longsword filly tried the trip for the first time last time out and was beaten only by two class fillies, World of Alice and Fiery Pegasus, and she actually finished ahead of the Group 1-winning filly, VJ’s Angel, too.

Beating Wings had a fine win over the top class filly Francis Ethel over this trip back in October. Key Element has run some good races over this trip and could place despite being well under sufferance. Tried And True and Happy Mo have tough tasks at the weights.

In the Middle Stakes event over 1400m Potberrie has turned the corner and after some good displays in good company, including finishing just 3.7 lengths back in fourth to Greaterix in the Gr 3 Got The Greenlight Stakes over 1400m, he easily won a handicap last time off a 95 merit rating. He runs over that same trip with Muzi Yeni up and should be right there. Star Coin is having his second run after a layoff of nearly a year and has a fair draw. Ikigai showed glimpses of his old self last time out and can be included.Francine is an honest type who is in fine form and she should make her presence felt although she has a tricky draw over 8.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 over 1600m Mountain High flew up too late last time and should handle the step up in trip. The Mightiest has good form from 1400m up toi 1800m and should be in the shake up. Up The Ante should relish the step up in trip and has a fine chance if able to overcome a wide draw.

In the second leg Apache Chief had some fair Cape Town form and can come on from his second place on his Highveld debut over this same trip. Spy Story is always thereabouts and should be in the shake up.Sovereign Crown improved when stepped up in trip last time and can be involved. Chieftan’s Shield has a form chance here from a fair draw. Spirito Selvaggio has a tough draw but has the form to be involved.

In the fifth race over 2400m Battleground has a lovely big action, so is ideally suited to staying races from good draws at this galloping track. Marauding Horde is capable of winning here and the best might not have been seen of him yet. Crimson King is a useful stayer and has his third run after a rest. Raiseahallelujah is a reliable stayer and should be right there. Zeus goes for Gavin Lerena and has a fine chance if bouncing back to his best, but he hasn’t won for a year now.

In the last race over 1160m The Navy Lark is quick and stays on so has a shout over this quick course and distance. Sakhala Is’Cathulo is not too reliable and probably prefers 1000m but over this quick course and distance he can be considered. Pretty Precious starts off handicapping on a competitive mark and although a low draw is against her Fourie is up.

In the first leg of the Bipot Easy Tiger impressed on debut and is taken to beat Caroline Island and Glastonbury, but is could be a thriller between those three.

In the first leg of the PA Winds Of Change should be too good and can be chased home by Kia Kaha and Grand Crescendo.

Tyrconnell Can Make It A Hattrick

Tyrconnell has been tipped to win race 3 and claim a hattrick. (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)

Hollywoodbets Scottsville Sunday Formguides And Selections

R1 Summary: ZACATOO (4) was a beaten favourite last run. Has run three promising races at Turffontein and can go one better. LIKE FIRE (6) made good improvement at his second start and has the benefit of having run at Scottsville. BLACK FROST (1) was a little disappointing last run after a useful debut and can improve. TREATY OF PARIS (3) should improve on his debut effort. (Andrew Harrison: 4-6-1-3).

R2 Summary: ROYAL VICTORY (2)is likely to start a short priced favourite as he has much in his favour. Small field so Muzi Yeni will have to judge pace carefully. SELUKWE (3) is held by Royal Victory on current showings but is holding form well. SILENT WAR (1) Has come to hand nicely and failed narrowly last time out. (Andrew Harrison: 2-3-1-4).

R3 Summary: Tricky. LAVA BURST (8) may just have needed his last run although not beaten far. KWAGGA BLITZ (10) has some patchy Highveld form but the step up in trip could now be what he’s looking for. Deep draw is a concern. MASTER DU ROUVRAY (4) is reported to be working well at home after a break and he has shown some promise. ZYAKALA (7) has improved with a tongue-tie and is not out of it. (Andrew Harrison: 8-10-4-7).

R4 Summary: OUR LADY FATE (2) has been much improved in a tongue-tie and this trip is right up her alley. LIKE A PRAYER (5) is lightly raced an appears to have come to hand. She comes with promising Highveld form to back her claims. ZENA ROSE (8) is way better than her last run. She goes well this distance and should run well. TAKATALVI (11) has a tough draw but ran a cracker at long odds last time out against a winner who looks useful. (Andrew Harrison: 2-5-8-11).

R5 Summary: Open. TYRCONNELL (6) will have plenty of supporters given his recent form and given the jockey bookings, Sean Veale will have had the pick of the four Hollywood Racing horses. However, Tyrconnell got a four-point rise in the handicap for his last win which sees IMPOSING (5) 4.5kg better off, taking Rachel Venniker’s allowance into account, for a length beating which could be enough to turn the tables. Also better off is BOWIE (1) who has the benefit of a pole position draw. SAVANTRIX (7) won well to weaker last run but is lightly raced and possibly still on the up. (Andrew Harrison: 5-1-6-7).

R6 Summary: BEACH PALACE (7) takes a big drop in class and the corresponding jump in weight may not be an issue. CONNOISSEUR (10) is struggling for his second win but has made some recent improvement and has been dropping in the handicap. ATTABOY (2) may just have needed his last run and has a 4kg claimer aboard from a favourable draw. PONGOLA (8) returns from a break but is capable on his day. (Andrew Harrison: 7-10-2-8).

R7 Summary: HODGEPODGE (3) has run to smart races since shedding her maiden. The form of her last effort over course and distance has worked out well. BUTTERCUP BABY (7) won well at just her second start and looks progressive. Rachel Venniker stays with the ride and her 1.5kg claim. RADU (4) has been consistent and although seemingly held by Hodgepodge on their last meeting she is not without a squeak. TOMYRIS (9) has come good at her last two and if overcoming the draw, can go one better. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-4-9)

R8 Summary: PRIZED PLATINUM (7) has hit form on the Highveld and looks capable in this line-up. COTTON RON (9) has been a soldier for Louis Goosen and ran out a comfortable winner over course and distance last time out. He took a five-point rise in the handicap but that may not be enough to stop him from another win. EL DRAQUE (5) is never far back and is now 3kg better off with Cotton Ron for a two length beating on their last meeting which should see him closer. NOW I GOT YOU (6) is in good form and has a 2.5kg claimer up to help his chances. (Andrew Harrison: 7-9-5-6).

R9 Summary: Wide open. ABADDON (12) is lightly raced and although a narrow maiden winner last run he does have some scope. MAGMA MAGIC (10) was touched off at long odds first up out of the maidens and can go one better. WHO BLINKED (1) made steady improvement leading into his maiden win. He also looks progressive. PROFESSOR LUPIN (2) is way better than his last run. Trip may be on the sharp side but he does have a useful 2.5kg claimer aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 12-10-1-2).

Snickers Chocolate Bars Closer To Our Souls Than We Thought

Snickers was a good looking racehorse and the heartbroken Mars family’s moment of inspiration upon his passing to name their next candy bar after him has ultimately left an everlasting legacy to their beloved horse. (Meta – Stable Express)

“The way to the soul is through chocolate” is a saying that applies to all walks of life, but there is one chocolate bar that should be closer to racing people’s soul than all others.

It emerged on social media this week that one of the world’s most popular chocolate bars, Snickers, is actually named after a racehorse.

In 1930, the Mars family faced the heartbreaking loss of their beloved racehorse, Snickers.

Frank Mars and his wife Ethel were accomplished horse breeders.

In the early 1930s, they started the aptly-named Milky Way Farm, with over 1,000 acres of pasture for horses as well as cattle and sheep.

These horses were no slouches either.

In fact, Mars Equestrian notes that one of their Thoroughbreds, named Gallahadion, won the 1940 Kentucky Derby.

Gallahadion’s achievement, however, pales in comparison to that of another Mars horse.

According to Mars Equestrian, Snickers was the name of a particularly beloved horse in the Mars family.

The Equine Chronicle reports that Snickers had a championship legacy.

He died mere weeks before a new chocolate bar debuted.

To honor his memory, the name was passed along to the candy.

And the rest is history.

Snickers would become one of the world’s most popular chocolate treats.

The Mars family’s deep connection to horses went beyond just business.

Snickers was a cherished family pet, and his memory lives on in every chocolate bar that bears his name.

Today, Snickers remains one of the best-selling candy bars globally, a sweet tribute to a special horse who captured the hearts of the Mars family

But one question remains which only Frank and Ethel Mars could have answered: What was the horse named after?!

Today's Question

Who was reportedly the most successful commercial stallion of the 1970’s and early 1980s in England and Ireland?

The subject is pictured above. (Picture: sporthorse-data.com)

FIELDS, Saturday, 8 February

Hollywoodbets Kenilworth

Turffontein Standside

FIELDS, Sunday, 9 February

Hollywoodbets Scottsville

Today’s Question Answer

Today’s Question Answer

Habitat (4 May 1966 – 23 June 1987) was an American-bred, British-trained thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In a racing career which lasted from April until October 1969, the colt ran eight times and won five races. Unraced as a two-year-old, he proved to be the best European miler of 1969, winning the Lockinge Stakes and the Wills Mile in England and travelling to France to win the Prix Quincey and the Prix du Moulin. He was then retired to stud where he became a very successful sire of racehorses and broodmares.

Click Here To Read About HABITAT