Issuu

Wednesday 21 October 2026

TOP-CLASS CHAD! 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 1

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A SALE v

ON SATURDAY In this issue... Climbing Everest Chad makes waves

Snaith Star Is Back Impressive season debut!

Charming! Saturday at Hollywoodbets Durbanville

Qatar Racing British Champions Day World-class action

And plenty more!

On the cover Chad Schofield keeps Godolphin mare Tempted at her task to beat Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising (Zac Purton) in a thrilling finish to The Everest last Saturday. Pic courtesy of HKJC. Read more on page 148.

Issue: 42/2026

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SNAITH CONFIRMS

SUMMER PLANS v

FOR STAR

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The Snaith Racing team has confirmed that former SA Horse Of The Year Eight On Eighteen is on track for a Cape summer campaign where he will take in the midDecember Gr2 Green Point Stakes, the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate and then go into the WSB Gr1 Cape Town Met at the end of January. v

Eight On Eighteen (Richard Fourie) paces it with the gallant Hah Lah Lah (Craig Zackey) in an intriguing prep race 21 OCTOBER 2026Liebenberg |7 Credit: Chase

Justin Snaith and his team lead their big summer hope in with Richard Fourie in the saddle | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

The star galloper showed his class and courage when getting the better of Dean Kannemeyer’s lightly raced 4yo Hah Lah Lah by a short head to win his seasonal debut run after a break of 11 weeks at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last Saturday. Drifting to 13-10 at the off on support for Hah Lah Lah (18-10), Eight On Eighteen was confidently ridden by Fourie who had him some 8 lengths off pacesetting stablemate Beware The Bomb, with Hah Lah Lah stalking the leader. Into the home straight, Craig Zackey pressed Hah Lah Lah for an effort, with Eight On Eighteen directed inwards, but looking to have his back against the ropes at the 200m marker. While Hah Lah Lah appeared to have grabbed the giantkilling initiative, Fourie got stuck into Eight On Eighteen and the 5yo entire 8 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

responded, getting the verdict by a neck, with Fourie’s body language suggesting there was no need to panic. Eight On Eighteen, who was running over a distance short of his best, clocked 85,26 secs for the 1400m of the Race Coast Incentives Powered by Hollywoodbets A Stakes, and this would have been exactly what the doctor ordered as the Snaith team plot his targets for the summer season. Justin Snaith was delighted that Eight On Eighteen is over the health issues that had plagued him for over a year. For tote favourite Hah Lah Lah’s connections, the effort when bumping a four-time Gr1 winner showed that after a 12 week break their Hawwaam gelding, despite receiving 4kgs from the champion, could well be a feature player in the summer. He also won’t get a penalty for this run.

Eight On Eighteen, a R700 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, made it 7 wins with 7 places from his 17 starts for stakes of R7 995 026. Raced in partnership by Nic Jonsson (who was a rare visitor to the County Course today) and Johann Rupert, Eight On Eighteen is a son of deceased War Front stallion Lancaster Bomber out of the unraced Captain Al mare, Sempre Libre.

A three-parts brother to Drakenstein Stud’s blue-blooded new stallion Snow Pilot, Eight On Eighteen was having his first start since winning the 26 July HKJC Gr1 Champions Cup. Eight On Eighteen was crowned Horse Of The Year and Equus Champion 3YO Colt/ Gelding/Champion Middle Distance Horse in 2024-2025.

BRING ON THE

SUMMER

From November through to February, Hollywoodbets Kenilworth will host six feature race days, bringing together South Africa’s leading horses, trainers and jockeys alongside food, fashion, music, entertainment, family experiences and some of Cape Town’s most anticipated social occasions. Each race day has its own personality and its own reason to attend. From the relaxed, family-friendly opening of the Lucky Fish Cape Punters Cup and Prawn Festival, to Tacos, Tequila & Purpose on World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas Day, Christmas at the Races for the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas, the elegance of the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, the spectacle of the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met, and a sporting finale combining racing and international show jumping on Swiss Derby Day.

And at the heart of it all is exceptional racing. The Festival opens on Sunday 29 November 2026 with the Lucky Fish Cape Punters Cup, an important early marker for the three-yearolds heading towards the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas. The first Grade 1 of the Cape season follows on Saturday 5 December, when the country’s leading three-year-old fillies step forward in the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas. On Wednesday 16 December, attention turns to the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas, one of the defining tests for South Africa’s emerging three-year-old stars. And that public holiday programme hosts the Gr2 Green Point Stakes, where Eight On Eighteen is expected to take his next step to targeting the Grade 1 double in January!

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KANNEMEYER’S v

CAPE GUINEAS

DREAM TIME!

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Trainer Dean Kannemeyer will have hopes of approaching the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas on 16 December for his seventh success in the ‘Classic Of Kings’ with a measure of positivity after the blueblooded and very exciting Continue The Dream made it two wins from two starts at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday. v

OCTOBER 2026 |Liebenberg 13 Continue The Dream and Craig Zackey make it look so21 easy | Credit: Chase

The extraordinary Khaya Stables Real Princess dynasty looks to have produced another rocket, and while both trainer Dean Kannemeyer and racing manager Jehan Malherbe are preaching the ‘feet on the ground’ approach, it is difficult not getting slightly excited about Continue The Dream. The colt, described as handsome and athletic by Kannemeyer, followed up on his debut score on Saturday over the course and distance, with an eyecatching effort. Run in a time just over a second slower than that of Eighteen On Eighteen was the Lucky Fish Monopoly C Stakes over 1400m in which the aptly named Continue The Dream did just that. A facile winner of his only previous racecourse appearance just two weeks ago, this full brother to both The Real Prince and Gimme A Prince broke well and was soon positioned in third four lengths off the pace set by Ferryman. Confidently ridden throughout by champion jockey Craig Zackey, this son of Gimmethegreenlight was ridden to lead going through the 200m and won going away in impressive fashion by three and a quarter. The highlight at the country course on Saturday was the Race Coast Incentives – HWB A Stakes over 1400m in which the former Horse Of The Year and four-time Gr1 winner EIGHT ON EIGHTEEN made his seasonal reappearance.

turn was four lengths clear of Eight On Eighteen (jumped outwards at start). Dean Kannemeyer’s progressive son of Hawwaam struck the front approaching the 200m marker and with Eight On Eighteen just a half length behind him at that stage battle quickly commenced. Both ran on strongly under determined rides and just when it looked as if the champ might be floored, he suddenly produced extra to lead 10 metres from home. A R700,000 purchase, Eight On Eighteen has now won seven races in total and has amassed stake earnings of over R7,98 million. The opening HWB Durbanville Welcomes You Maiden Plate was the quickest of the four 1250m maiden events that had gotten proceedings underway and here we saw a smart front running performance from the 3yo What A Winter gelding PREMIER WINTER. Having his third run after a rest here, Glen Kotzen’s charge, under hands and heels, set a good honest gallop and raced two and a half lengths clear for most of the journey. He was only really asked to race shortly after passing the 200m marker and although his lead was being seriously cut into by the running on Auguste Renoir below the distance, he won well by a half. The runner-up had been seven and a half lengths behind the winner at the top of the straight and did well to finish as close as he did. Track Condition

Along with the class act trainer Justin Snaith saddled three other runners in the field of six and one them, Beware The Bomb (over raced and difficult to settle) set a hot pace. Indeed, he was four lengths clear of the second horse Hah Lah Lah turning for home who in 14 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

Going: Good Penetrometer: 23 Rain:

Last 24 hours 4mm – Last 7 days 5mm

Perfect Winter (JP van der Merwe) holds off the fast-finishing Auguste Renoir (Richard Fourie) as Le Tissier (Muzi Yeni in red cap) also shows up well | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Irrigation:

Last 24 hours 10mm – Last 7 days 45mm

2m out on back straight False Rail: with a 5m spur at 500m mark

Wind:

15-30km/h South Westerly cross wind

Course 0,19s slow Variant: Two 1000m events brought the meeting to a close with the quicker of the two being the Bet With Tote www.tote.co.za Class 4 won by the veteran ALL ABOUT AL. Making his fifty ninth racecourse appearance here, Adam Marcus’ 9yo raced second and was always poised to strike. He did so passing the 100m marker, and although Magma Flow ran on well from off the pace to take second position, he looked to win with a bit in hand. All About Al has now won

nine races in total and has amassed stake earnings of over R972,000. The Hollywoodbets Bright Future D Stakes over 1000m brought the meeting to a conclusion and here it was nice to see the irrepressible Andrew Fortune back in the winner’s enclosure. Nicely drawn in pole position Andrew took AXIS POWER (shifted out sharply shortly after leaving the stalls) straight to the front under a very tight hold and led throughout. The Flower Alley gelding only had to be gently pushed out in typical Fortune fashion in the closing stages of the race and won without any anxious moments by a half. Fastest Times: • • •

1000m (2) All About Al 1250m (4) Premier Winter 1400m (2) Eight On Eighteen

59,99 77,24 85,26

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T H AT D I D N ’ T v

TAKE LONG!

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South African racing’s very own Bionic Man, Andrew Fortune returned to race riding at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday after a ten week injury enforced absence and it felt as if he had never left.

Ashley and Kylie Fortune with the proud Fortune Racing Team lead Axis Power in as the Candyman 21 OCTOBER 2026 Liebenberg | 19 breaks through early on return from injury | Credit: Chase

Andrew Fortune - back where he belongs | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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former colleague Garth Puller, who retired The 59 year old, who his after an illustrious career at age 57. fractured his clavicle Garth pointed out that the Candyman was his apprentice. and ribs in a fall at “We have a few really top riders, but it’s a fact Fairview on Friday that there is not a great deal of experience 7 August, had three and depth in the riding ranks. Andrew Fortune a host of attributes that sets him apart. rides on the afternoon has He has excellent balance – he sits dead still. has good hands and a racing brain. He and booted home the He is also a top judge of pace. So when he is in front, he is doing things on his terms. Look third of those for his how he kept Axis Power together – the horse was clearly feeling comfortable in his hands. wife Ashley. “Beautiful! This is how I want my racing to be – how good is God? He doesn’t take my battles away. He makes me stronger and tougher. We have to treasure every moment. I am not going to be around for long and it’s wonderful to have my family here.” Andrew chirped that he was looking forward to the summer and that he would probably have to go and curry favour (our euphemism) with the Snaiths. “They have four or five horses in a race,” he enthused, no doubt reflecting on a memorable last season with the multiple national champion outfit.

When that challenger came for him, the horse went again of his own accord. A polished ride on a horse that is probably not the soundest around,” added Garth, who said that the one ‘weak link’ in the Fortune armoury was probably the stick. “When he pulls that crop, he is in trouble,” smiled the man they christened the ‘Head Waiter’ for his inimitable style of ‘wait and pounce’ riding. Garth said that Axis Power had good ability but wasn’t ‘entirely comfortable on the turn’.

The Fortune winner, the 5yo Flower Alley gelding Axis Power, was having his third start for staunch owner Faizal Vahab, having been purchased on the BSA August 2026 Online Sale out of the Garth Puller yard.

“But then that just endorses the quality of the ride. And they will have still have some fun with him. Ashley is a horsewoman and will look after Axis Power. He is bound to win again,” added the veteran Summerveld trainer, who sent his best wishes to the Fortune Racing Team on their first summer season based in the Cape.

Rather than ask Mr Fortune – again - what it is that elevates him a rung or three above the majority of the jockey room, we approached

As for the Candyman, or Bionic Man, or whatever we choose to label him, the summer just got hotter. 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 21

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DREAMS CAN v

COME TRUE! It has been a memorable few months for Hopes And Dreams Stud. The farm bred 2026 Zimbabwe Derby Listed winner Robin Of Locksley, and it was recently announced that the Wellington establishment - already home to the impeccably bred Frantastic - will stand the brilliant Lucky Lad this year.

Hopes And Dreams Stud’s Suzette and Basie Viljoen | Credit: JC Photos

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Lot 46: f Hawwaam – Queen Of Shadows A son of multiple By one of Silvano’s best sons, this filly, closely inbred to Silvano, is out of the highchampion sire class racemare Queen Of Shadows. A of Vercingetorix, Queen Of Shadows Gimmethegreenlight, daughter finished second or third in no fewer than five black-type races and ran second in the Gr3 Acacia Stakes. This is the family of leading Lucky Lad won Cape sire Querari, among others. his first four starts, Lot 85: c One World – Ultimate Shamrock including the Gr1 By the same sire as the likes of One Stripe, Rich Man’s World and World Attraction, this colt is a three-parts brother to the useful Gold Medallion, performer Ensuing. Out of a winning daughter of Fastnet Rock, he hails from the same before training on female line as champions Diesis and Kris as well as the likes of Count Dubois and Indian well to land the Gr1 Haven Golden Horse Sprint Lot 103: c Rafeef – Before The Dawn By the same sire as champions Haute Couture and Thunderstruck, this colt is out of at three. Hopes And Dreams will be offering a quality draft at the upcoming October Two Year Old Sale, with their consignment including the progeny of such notable stallions as Buffalo Bill Cody, Fire Away, Hawwaam, Jet Dark, One World, Querari, Rafeef, and The United States to name a few.

a seven time winning half-sister to the Rafeef sired champion, dual Gr 1 winner, and sire, Thunderstruck. His granddam is the Var sired Post Merchants Gr 2 winner Varikate. Lot 119: c Querari – Curly Top

Lot 6: f Jet Dark – La Bastide

Querari had a breakout year in 2025-2026, and the sire of Star Major and Questioning is represented here by a colt whose dam is a winning Vercingetorix half-sister to the stakes placed Visiway. This colt’s dam is bred on similar lines to the Vercingetorix sired multiple graded stakes winner Seeking The Stars.

From the first crop of multiple Equus Champion Jet Dark, this filly is out of a mare who won four, from a top-class South American family.

For more information on Hopes And Dreams Stud’s draft, please contact Suzette Viljoen on (082) 773 3811.

Five potential standouts in this imposing draft are:

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Quality in the ring | Credit: RCS

HIGH-CLASS

KLAWERVLEI! Klawervlei will be offering, as agent, buyers a chance to acquire their own piece of Klawervlei excellence by offering a high-class draft at Saturday’s October Two Year Old Sale 30 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

Their October consignment includes many choicely bred two-year-olds, including a number sired by the Klawervlei bred Equus Champion and multiple champion sire Vercingetorix. Below are a few of the choice lots to be found in this string: Lot 51: SYDNEY HARBOUR – Vercingetorix ex Safe Harbour (C) By multiple champion sire Vercingetorix, this half-brother to the stakes placed Darling Harbour is out of the top-class racemare Safe Harbour. The latter, a direct descendant of Sister Sublime, finished second in all of

the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas, Gr1 Paddock Stakes and Gr1 SA Fillies Classic. Lot 62: SHIMLAS WHISPER – Vercingetorix ex Simona (F) By the same sire as such star filllies as Double Grand Slam, Mrs Geriatrix and Palace Of Arvernia, this filly is out of a champion daughter of multiple champion sire Gimmethegreenlight. Lot 81: Gimmethegreenlight – Trinity House (C) By one of the best stallions in South Africa, this colt has a real stallion’s pedigree. A half or full brother to six winners, and bred on the same cross as champions Proceed and Sandringham Summit, he is out of a dual Gr3 winning Captain Al half-sister to Vercingetorix. Lot 143: Vercingetorix – Gibraltar Blue (F) From the family of current Gr1 winners Sun Goddess and Thesecretadversary, this filly is a half-sister to the stakes placed pair of Battleoftrafalgar and Pillar Of Hercules, a full-sister to the high-class performers Cullinan Blue and I’m A Fireball. Her dam is Rock Of Gibraltar’s four-time graded stakes winning daughter Gibraltar Blue. Lot 154: Rafeef – In Other Words (C) By the sire of champions Thunderstruck and Haute Couture, this colt, who is bred on the same cross as the remarkable Gr1 winner William Robertson, is a half-brother to four winners including City Of Cape Town Listed Sophomore Sprint, runner-up Captain Arrow. For more information on this draft, please contact Tracey Nash on (066) 185 7197. 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 31

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HALF-BROTHER TO GR1 WINNER v

IN PAARDEBERG PORTFOLIO Paardeberg Stud has wasted no time in making their presence felt on the South African turf.

Gr1 winner Erik Dubois has a The United States half-brother named Count Nefaria (#117) on Saturday’s sale 44 Candiese | 21 OCTOBER Credit: Lenferna2026

The farm’s very first crop produced a potential star in the form of Erik Dubois, winner of the 2026 World Pool Moment Of The Day Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes. v

One of the best two-year-olds seen out in South Africa, Erik Dubois showed his class when accounting for the likes of Red Spice, Vibe Check, and Better Never Ends in the Premiers Champion Stakes. The farm also bred and raised the exciting Errol Flyn, winner of his last three starts including the TAB Gr3 Sea Cottage Stakes.

Paardeberg will be offering a half-brother to the classy Erik Dubois at the 2026 October Two Year Old Sale. Sally Bruss had the following comments to make about this well bred-colt, and other smart prospects to be found in Paardeberg’s October Two Year Old Sale draft: Lot 25: Apollo Nine c Malmoos – MOON GUIDE This is a precocious colt, whose dam is a Var halfsister to the Gr1 winning two-year-old Ambiorix. Lot 30: Chromius c The United States – NINA KATRINA A handsome, well made and scopey colt, he is a half-brother to recent Sable Flyers Listed winner Waiting On Charlie and his dam is a full-sister to classy Gr2 winner Buran. Lot 31: Hyrule Warrior c Soqrat – OMEGA FORCE A close coupled, deep bodied and muscular colt, Hyrule Warrior is out of a twice winning Gimmethegreenlight half-sister to three black type horses, from the family of the Gimmethegreenlight sired Cape Merchants Gr2 winner Vikram.

Lot 77: Arado Jet f The United States – TAWNY JET By the sire of such stars as Tin Pan Alley, Rodeo Drive and Kingdundee, this filly is attractive, tall, athletic and well balanced. Lot 117: Count Nefaria c The United States – COMTESSE DUBOIS He is a tall, extremely well balanced and athletic half-brother to World Pool Moment Of The Day Premiers Champion Stakes Gr1 winner Erik Dubois. For more information on this draft, please contact Sally Bruss on (066) 220 1587. 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 45

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Striking! Charm Away (Fire Away ex Souk) will go through the ring as lot 66 | Credit: Wayne Marks

GET YOUR KICKS WITH LOT 66! HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY WINNER’S HALF-BROTHER LOOKS SMART Originally published in SP Sprint on 14/10/202

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A colt that is bound to turn heads at the Race Coast Sales October 2yo Sale is the Owloon Horses-bred Fire Away half-brother to 2024 Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July winner, Oriental Charm. v

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Aptly named Charm Away, the bay colt is being offered as lot 66 in the impressive Soetendal draft.

after her sire Golden Thatch, as did her full sister, the Gr2 Sceptre Stakes winner Lady Broadhurst.

“He is a muscular, athletic colt that is a bundle of energy. A must-see,” enthused Soetendal boss Julia Pilbeam.

Daphne Donnelly’s dam was the American import You’re My Lady, a Roberto half-sister to Danehill’s dam Razyana, whilst their dam, the Buckpasser mare Spring Adieu, counted the mighty Northern Dancer amongst her siblings. In short, a female line to die for! Daphne Donnelly was not the most prolific of broodmares and produced just five foals, all by Fort Wood. Four of those were fillies and all have become black-type producers.

His sire, Wilgerbosdrift’s red hot War Front stallion Fire Away, made international headlines recently when his Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred daughter Egyptian Mau won the Gr3 Belmont Turf Sprint Stakes at Belmont Park. Fire Away’s progeny include HKJC World Pool Gr1 Premiers Champions Challenge winner Fire Attack, 2025 Gqeberha ‘Triple Crown’ hero and eleven-time winner My Best Shot and TAB Gr1 SA Classic winner, Confederate. Charm Away’s half-brother Oriental Charm, who retired to stud at Drakenstein in 2025, was described by Hong Kong-based Brett Crawford as possessing the temperament, heart and ability to go all the way. He certainly showed those characteristics amply in an impressive track career. By champion Vercingetorix, Oriental Charm, like Charm Away, is out of stakes-placed, a daughter of the Oppenheimer-owned and bred Greys Inn. Souk was purchased by Owloon in foal to Fire Away from Anton Shepherd in July 2024. A daughter of the Oppenheimer-owned and bred Greys Inn, who won the historic 2004 Durban July, Souk is a product of the Mauritzfontein paddocks, and hails from a female line that has served SA racing’s most famous racing family well, originating from the purchase of the stakes winner, Daphne Donnelly. The latter was a sprinter and took 52 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

Souk is a grandaughter of Daphne Donnelly’s first foal Bay Tree, who returned to her birthplace as a two-time winner and when mated to Strike Smartly produced Gr1 SA Derby hero Bouquet-Garni as her second foal. Her first, a filly by the same sire named Tagine, never raced but became the dam of Souk. Souk won three races and also earned small black- type when second in the Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes. At the end of her racing career, she was sent to Cheveley Stud, where she produced the three-time winning fillies Athalia and Touch Of Grace as her first two foals. Oriental Charm had the speed to win first time out over 1250m and the class to go on and win the Hollywoodbets Durban July over 2200m. While Oriental Charm’s July victory is the cherry on the cake, the family’s purple patch was preceded by stable companion Frances Ethel’s success in the Gr2 SA Oaks. The Mauritzfontein-bred daughter of Rafeef, who races in the Team Valor silks, is out of Daphne Garland, an unraced full sister to Bay Tree. Frances Ethel is a fancied contender in the R6 million Betway Gr1 Summer Cup next month.

Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Oriental Charm’s full-brother in Owloon Horses paddocks recently | Credit: Supplied

An excited Alex de Wet reported that they had sent Souk back to Vercingetorix and had a beautiful colt running around their scenic paddocks.

Then there is Lot 68, a superb colt by Jet Dark from a winning Var half-sister to Star Express, dam of Bless My Stars and Let’s Go Now.

Owloon Horses are offering two other two year olds under the Soetendal Estate banner.

“He is a November foal and we’ve watched him improve month by month leading up to this sale. With Var making waves as a broodmare sure, this colt is an exciting prospect,” concluded Julia.

Lot 9 is a filly by Rafeef out of the Judpot mare, Let It Flow. “She is from the family of Foverflo and Flobayou and is a neat, racy, deep-girthed filly. Her dam is a half -sister to Sovereign Flo, the dam of 2025 World Sports Betting Gr3 1900 winner Selukwe and three other stakes horses,” adds Julia.

The Owloon trio can be found in Block B and sale pre-viewing is from 08h00 on Wednesday 21 October at Hollywoodbets Durbanville.

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SOETENDAL v

21 YEARS ON

When it comes to pure ‘sales cred’, there are very few with more experience than Julia Pilbeam who recently quietly celebrated her family’s 21st year at the beautiful Soetendal Estate near Wellington. Soetendal is a pre-training facility, preparing youngsters ahead of various sales. They also do rehab work and good old-fashioned ‘R&R’ for horses needing a break from training, as well as backing services. Julia is sending 20 two year olds to Hollywoodbets Durbanville for the RCS October Sale on Saturday 24 October. We have already covered the Owloon Horses trio on page 26, and these are the balance of her draft: Lot 3 (Backed): A filly by Erik the Red ex Kissing Point (Global View) – the first foal of a Gr3 placed half-sister to KILINDINI and HEIR LINE, this superb filly brings together the best of both sides of her pedigree – substance, strength, conformation and class.

58 published | 21 OCTOBER 2026 Originally in SP Sprint on 14/10/202

Lot 4 (Backed): A filly by Elusive Fort ex Konfessional (Kahal) - ALL SIX of her siblings are winners of multiple races, and her full sister, Encryption is a 5 time winner and Listed-placed. This athletic filly’s third dam is SECRET PACT, who needs no introduction. She’s ridden away and ready to go! Lot 19 is a filly by Royal Mo out of a VAR half sister to CAPTAIN CHAOS and SACRED ARROW. The full sister is already a winner, and this powerful, well-grown filly looks sure to be hot on her heels. Lot 20 (Backed): A Rafeef filly with eye catching action, out of tough race filly MERCURY RISING (Gimmethegreenlight) who won 4 races including the Listed Perfect Promise Sprint and was 3rd in the Grade 2 Western Cape Fillies Championship. This is the current and active family of of Taikonaut, Francia and Earth’s Orbit.

Julia Pilbeam - experienced horsewoman with an eye for a winner | Credit: Supplied

Lot 22 (Backed): Great opportunity to buy the first foal of the talented Gr2 Turffontein SA Nursery winner MISS COOL (What a Winter). Racy filly who moves well, with her 2nd dam a half sister to FUTURA she’s also a great investment Lot 28:A What a Winter filly from a two- time winning full sister to the ultra speedy HA LUCY. The granddam is the Champion mare BOLD ELLINORE, and this balanced, correct filly looks and though she carries this family’s speed. Lot 29 (Backed): A well-grown, quality filly showing a lovely action, by exciting first season sire, Digital Age; she’s from A Visionaire half sister to LIGHT ON HER TOES and TWINKLE TOES, the family of Gr1 winer ON HER TOES. Lot 52 is a colt by Fire Away ex Sakura Mo (Royal Mo) – this is an athletic colt with elastic movement from a prolific winner producing family. Lot 60 (Backed): A filly by popular first season stallion, Jet Dark, from a 3-time winning ¾ sister to HACK GREEN, she’s developing into a lovely strong filly with a great attitude. Lot 72: A colt with the X factor! An incredible specimen of a colt, by Futura (currently at an excellent 9% stakes winners to runners) ex Sukiwarrior (Power), he has a great presence and action about him. Lot 74: A Rafeef filly from a 4-time winning Fastnet Rock mare, a great opportunity to buy a filly with classic potential, as Rafeef fillies continue to prove their worth on the track. Lot 87: This is a well-made, very attractive filly with scope by Royal Mo, from the speedy stakes winner WHAT YOU ARE (Captain of All).

Lot 96: A filly by Twice Over out of Captain Al mare ALL AT ONCE - the dam is herself a Listed winner of 4 races, and is a half sister to ATTICUS FINCH and Alessia (dam of MAIN DEFENDER). This is the blue-blooded family of ALEXANDRA BI, and a great opportunity to buy a filly of this calibre. Lot 98: A full sister to the promising FROM THE ISLAND (two wins at 2 and 3rd Grade 3 Langerman), this is a classy, well-grown filly with good substance. The dam has a 100% record of winners to runners, and this filly is from the prolific family of POINTING NORTH, RODOILLE, BLUE TIGER, LOUVRE, SAND AND SEA, TRIP OF FORTUNE and WINCHESTER MANSION. Lot 129: A Declarationofpeace colt from a winning half-sister to FLYING MYTH and VANDAH’S SPIRIT – this is the speedy family of MANA MOU and MYTHICAL FLIGHT, and this late foal is maturing into a superb colt with an eye catching walk. Lot 141: A well-grown Royal Mo filly who stands over ground, excellent with scope and rein, from a 4-time winning stakes placed Stronghold mare. Lot 148 (Backed):Colt by One World out of a full sister to Trip to India (dam of lightning fast SHEELA and WILD WILD GREEN) - this is an incredibly potent female line, and this exciting colt certainly looks early with his solid build and elastic action. Julia Pilbeam may be contacted at 082 317 9474. Read more on page 50.

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GREAT VALUE v

AGAIN

FROM NORMANDY

Normandy Stud has a proud history at the October TwoYear Old Sale, having consigned Gr1 winning sprinters Rio Querari and Sergeant Hardy, along with a strong supporting cast of black-type winners. Originally published in SP Sprint on 14/10/202

21 OCTOBER 69 Normandy - high quality horsepower over many decades | 2026 Credit:| Supplied

Normandy’s Oscar Foulkes is, however, keen to reiterate that their October draft has plenty more to offer going forward. He says, “these are all late foals and we’ve pretty much left them alone to develop at their own pace. Whatever condition they arrive in, they’ll continue improving once the buyers have taken them home.” Below are Oscar’s comments on his draft for the October Sale: Lot 11: Elusive Fort c ex Libra This well-made colt is the only foal of a six-time winning, Gr 3 placed mare. It’s a family that has been great for us, but Libra’s 70 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

breeding record was so bad that we found her a new home as a hack. Elusive Fort lays claims to being South Africa’s most underappreciated stallion and we can see this colt building on that record. Lot 65: Master of My Fate f ex Someone Exciting Master of My Fate seems to be a neverending fountain of winners and stakeswinners. This is a solid winner-producing family. Lot 83: Legislate c ex Tuuleletar As rare as unicorns, the progeny of Legislate have done their great sire proud on the racetrack. This late first foal is neat and well put together. His winning dam is out of a fullsister to the dam of Gr1 winner Rio Querari. Lot 131: The United States f ex Dreams Are Made The United States has been playing catch-up since his first tiny crop that produced Sheela, siring Graded stakes-winners over a diversity of distances. This filly is from the family of Champion Sire I Am Invincible. Lot 133: Futura c ex Ekaterina This standout colt is out of a half-sister to Mother Russia, herself the dam of Nother Russia and grandam of Gimme A Nother. It’s also the only family in the Stud Book to have produced multiple L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate winners. He’s by the sire of a July winner and inbred to Sadlers Wells. He truly could be anything. For more information on this draft, please speak to Oscar on (083) 297 3402.

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RIDGEMONT’S HARMONY LOOKS IN TUNE! v

For decades a globally acknowledged leader in the field of thoroughbred breeding in South Africa and staffed by experienced professionals, Ridgemont is located in the fertile, lime rich Robertson valley. The home of champions extends over 300 hectares. Ridgemont will be offering an exceptionally well-bred filly at this year’s October Two Year Old Sale. By a multiple champion sire, she is out of an outstanding racemare, whose first winners have both made an impression. Lot 75: Harmony f by Vercingetorix ex Takingthepeace Harmony is a daughter of multiple champion sire Vercingetorix, whose progeny continue to dominate both on the track and in the sales ring.

Responsible for 21 individual stakes winners last season, Vercingetorix, who is once again heading the South African General Sires premiership, has sired some outstanding fillies led by champions Double Grand Slam, Mrs Geriatrix and Palace Of Arvernia. His daughter Harmony is a half-sister to the useful Golden Rule and full-sister to debut winner Take No Prisoners. The trio was produced by the brilliant racemare Takingthepeace, winner of all of the Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic, Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas and Gr3 Victory Moon Stakes. Harmony hails from a great filly family, with her relatives including the likes of Brave Mary, Fanzene and Joan Ranger. For more information on the filly, please contact Craig Carey on (082) 654 5169.

On the market! is a2026 daughter of Vercingetorix out of the Gr1 winner Takingthepeace (Visionaire) | Credit: Supplied 76 | 21 Harmony OCTOBER Originally published in SP Sprint on 14/10/202

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PROSPER v

ACHIEVING A FINE BALANCE Prosper Stud’s draft for the upcoming October Two Year Old Sale is an attractive balance of proven and promising stallions, combined with horses from some of the best female lines around. This consignment includes two-year-olds who hail from the same family as such champions as Wish List, Princess Calla, Jay Peg, Divine Proportions, Manila, and Princess Victoria among others.

Lot 79: Jet Dark f The Turning Point From the first crop of five time Gr1 winner and multiple Equus Champion Jet Dark, this filly is out of a Futura three-parts sister to multiple graded stakes winner Future Swing – whose dam, like Jet Dark, was sired by Trippi! This filly’s granddam is a half-sister to Equus Champion Jeppe’s Reef as well as multiple graded stakes winner Disco Al. Lot 101: BOLIVAR – Querari c Beau Var

Prosper have catalogued 12 exciting lots for this sale, with a few likely highlights including: Lot 1: Fire Away f Kantara Queen By the sire of Gr1 winners Confederate and Fire Attack, this filly, a half-sister to a six time winner, is out of winning half-sister to Somerset Plate, Listed, runner up Silk Road. She is from the family of champion sire Fort Wood as well as the likes of Dubai Millennium, Timber Country and Elnadim. Lot 47: Querari f Queen Of Sparta By one of the hottest stallions in South Africa, this colt is out of the useful Queen Of Sparta. The latter’s granddam is a daughter of legendary stallion A.P. Indy and once beaten champion, and dual French classic winner, Divine Proportions.

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By the sire of such stars as Questioning, Star Major and Turn It Up, BOLIVAR is a half-brother to 3 winners including Winter Nursery Gr3 third Magma Flow and his dam is a winning Var own sister to the stakes winners Le Var and Winter Passion. Lot 155: Futura f Jade Vine This filly shares her sire with the likes of Derby winning filly Curious Girl and 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July Gr1 winner Note To Self. A half-sister to three multiple winners, this filly, inbred to Western Winter, is out of a sixtime winning three-parts sister to the dam of Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes Gr1 winner Rascova. For more information on this draft, please speak to Jikkie De Wet on (083) 288 8112.

Prosper boss Jikkie de Wet - smart draft Credit: Supplied

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UALITY UINTET

FROM NARROW CREEK

Narrow Creek Stud has been enjoying a wonderful run of form over the past few months, and they enjoyed more success at this year’s Equus Awards ceremony.

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There could be a pot of gold at the end of the beautiful Narrow Creek rainbow on Saturday! | Credit: Narrow Creek

The Narrow Creek bred Buffalo Storm Cody, winner of both the TAB Gr1 Computaform Sprint and Gr1 Mercury Sprint in 2026, was crowned South Africa’s Champion Sprinter. He follows the recently retired globetrotting Isivunguvungu as a champion sprinter bred by Narrow Creek Stud. The farm will be offering a five strong string at the upcoming October Two Year Old Sale, with their draft made up of two-year-olds sired by Hawwaam, Malmoos, Querari and Real Gone Kid. Lot 13: SUMMER SMILE – Querari ex Lotus (F) By the sire of Star Major, Rio Querari, and Questioning, Summer Smile, a half-sister to the useful Mordechai, is a three-parts sister to the Querari sired Gr3 Poinsettia Stakes winner Marigold Hotel.

Lot 34: TENNESSEE WHISKEY – Hawwaam ex Passion Peach (F) By an exciting young sire in the form of fivetime Gr1 winner Hawwaam, this filly is out of a four time winning half-sister to Gr2 Cape Merchants runner-up New Caledonia. The family of Gr1 winning filllies Brave Mary and Takingthepeace. Lot 53: TALKALITTLESMACK – Malmoos ex Sassy Sal (F) A half-sister to five winners, this filly is by Triple Crown winner Malmoos, South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2025-2026. Out of a mare by outstanding sire High Chaparral (the broodmare sire of more than 100 stakes winners), her third dam won the Gr1 Irish Oaks. Lot 78: MARGARITAVILLE – Real Gone Kid ex The Gardner Girl (F) By a speedy son of legendary sire Snitzel, Margaritaville is a half-sister to two winners, including the useful Cold Shine. Her dam is a winning full-sister to Wilgerbosdrift Gr1 SA Fillies Classic /Wilgerbosdrift Gr2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas heroine Takingthepeace, and this is the family of high-class fillies Brave Mary, Fanzene and Joan Ranger. Lot 90: ARROWTOWN – Querari ex Zeta Jones (F) This filly shares her sire with such Gr1 winning fillies as Bavarian Beauty and Querari Falcon, and like Gr1 winners Bavarian Beauty, Cosmic Speed and Star Major is bred on the potent Querari/Silvano cross. Her winning dam is a three-parts sister to July winning champion Marinaresco. For more information on this draft, please contact John Everett on (082) 377 2912. 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 83

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Winterbach – quality the key | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

WINTERBACH MORE WINNERS!

Classy gelding Hah Lah Lah looks to be a very exciting prospect. From the first crop of champion Hawwaam, the lightly raced four-year-old has won four of just five starts, having followed up a facile two and a half length debut victory with three wins from his next four starts. 86 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

Winterbach Stud will be bringing an exciting draft to the upcoming October Two Year Old Sale, with their consignment including a halfbrother (Lot 26) to Hah Lah Lah. This very attractive draft includes two-year-olds sired by some of South Africa’s most commercial sires, including Erik The Red, Jet Dark, Kommetdieding, Master Archie, One World, Querari and Rafeef. Five potential stars in this draft could include: Lot 26: MR KURTZ – Jet Dark c Moonlight ‘N Roses From the first crop of multiple Equus Champion Jet Dark, Mr Kurtz, closely inbred to the mighty Jet Master, is a half-brother to four winners led by the exciting HAH LAH LAH. His dam is a stakes placed daughter of Captain Al, while MR KURTZ’s granddam is Jet Master’s Gr1 winning daughter Soft Landing.

Lot 43: SWEYN FORKBEARD – Erik The Red c Princess Ofthe Sky

Lot 121: ONE DAFFOL DAY – One World c Daffodil Day

By South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2YOs of 2025-2026, this colt is out of the Jet Master sired Stormsvlei Mile Listed winner, Princess Ofthe Sky, a three-parts sister to Gr1 winner Love Is In The Air. Sweyn Forkbeard’s first three dams are all black type performers.

By the sire of One Stripe and Rich Man’s World, this colt is bred on the same One World/Silvano as the now retired champion One Stripe. A half-brother to four winners, led by Ruffian Stakes Listed, winner Dagmar, his dam is a stakes placed winner of eight, and his granddam is Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes queen Day Lily Delight.

Lot 76: KWESTARI – Querari c Talitha Borealis KWESTARI shares his top-class sire with numerous stars including recent Equus Champions Questioning and Star Major. A half-brother to two winners, he is out of a stakes placed winner of five, from the same female line as such stars as Politician, Excelebration and Lancaster Bomber.

Lot 153: VAREIGN – Rafeef c Ilha Da Varlette Bred on the same Rafeef/Var cross as Gr1 winners Haute Couture, Master Archie and Thunderstruck, Vareign is out of a three-time winning daughter of Var, and his granddam is a smart daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar. For more information on this draft please contact Hendrik Winterbach on (082) 465 4433. Originally published in SP Sprint on 14/10/202

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Richard Fourie salutes in delight as Anotherdanceforme holds off Prairie Dawn | Credit: Pauline Herman

GREEFF BREAKS

ALGOA CUP ICE 90 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

The Varsfontein Stud-bred Master Of My Fate filly Anotherdanceforme became only the second member of the fairer sex to win the R400 000 TAB Casino Listed Algoa Cup this century, when providing her multiple champion trainer Alan Greeff with a maiden success in the race long known as the ‘PE July’. v

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Undefeated at home in 13 starts, Anotherdanceforme (18-10) was given a perfect ride by Richard Fourie – who bagged four winners on the day - and cut through down the inside after defending champion Zatara Magic (20-1) had led the charge. Into the final stages, Anotherdanceforme proved too strong and clocking 118,70 secs under her 59,5kgs she slashed the course record of 120,15 secs set by Justin Snaith’s Royal Influencer (60kgs) on 14 August 2026. While the Fourie and Greeff team were celebrating a superb victory by Peter Moor’s top-class filly, the switch of surface was no doubt something of a disappointment for JP van der Merwe and Justin Snaith. The combination sportingly didn’t scratch and produced the goods with a storming late finish by the 15-10 tote favourite Prairie Dawn. The son of The United States would have been a serious contender on the turf, but went down with honour, and more will be heard of him. Defending hero Zatara Magic (20-1) did the donkey work, as is his customary style, and was beaten 2,25 lengths back in third, with the winner’s stablemate Wild Fig (10-1) capping the quartet. While it was a momentous and memorable occasion for Alan Greeff, all the credit was given to Anotherdanceforme’s work-rider Xola Jacobs. The former jockey has done wonders with a tricky customer, and demonstrates the depth of the Halo Stables team. 92 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

The previous filly to win the big race was Escapology, who was saddled by Glen Kotzen back in 2006. Bred by Varsfontein Stud, Anotherdanceforme was a R650 000 buy from the 2024 National Yearling Sale. She is out of the What A Winter mare Destiny Dancer and has now won 13 of 15 starts for stakes of R1 674 157. While 4Racing took the inevitable flak for the surface switch, it is clear that there has been record rainfall this year in the region and if the polytrack had not been introduced by the much maligned old regime thirteen years ago, who knows where Nelson Mandela Bay Racing would be today? The Algoa Cup traces its origins to 1920 and remains one of the most prestigious races on the Eastern Cape calendar. First won by Woodcutter, the honour roll features an impressive collection of champions, including Dunford, winner of the 2005 Vodacom Durban July and Hill Fifty Four, who claimed the 2014 J&B Met. The race has been a happy hunting ground for raiding trainers, with visitors claiming the honours from 2010 to 2023. Jacques Strydom-trained Firealley broke the drought and scored a hometown win in 2024. Zatara Magic from the Smith Stable kept the silverware at home in 2025. After today, it is clear that the tide has turned in favour of the hometown!

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MARCHLAND & MAGIC! MITCHLEY’S v

MUZI

94 | Fish-sponsored 21 OCTOBER 2026 The Lucky Kelly Mitchley Racing team lead the champion in | Credit: Pauline Herman

Owner Mervin Govender’s Malmoos filly Marchland maintained her impeccable five-from-five record with a scintillating victory in the R300 000 Konica Minolta Listed SA Stakes run on the polytrack at TAB Fairview on Sunday.

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After a late switch of the second leg of the Eastern Cape Festival Of Racing from turf to the polytrack, results on the day largely went the way of punters, with the 7-10 Marchland endorsing the confidence of her supporters, with a cracking effort after a 12 week break on a spongy testing, and taking on the boys! “She’s way better on the grass and she needed it,” confirmed Muzi Yeni, who rode his favourite filly with confidence, darting inside late as New Day (14-1) unleashed an ominous looking effort down the outside. Lucky Fish-sponsored trainer Kelly Mitchley has grown in stature, having recently opened a KZN satellite yard, and admitted she was a nervous wreck in the build-up. But Kelly need not have worried as Marchland showed her class, staying on best to beat the clearly very smart New Day (who was in receipt of 3kgs) by three quarters of a length in a time of 94,08 secs for the polytrack mile.

Glen Kotzen’s Cape raider Bello Gallico (16-1) played up in the gates, but came home with a wet sail to grab third place, a further 1,75 lengths back. The Lammerskraal Stud-bred Marchland is a daughter of Ridgemont’s Captain Al stallion Malmoos out of the Western Winter mare Marcheline. One of the most exciting racers of the 21st century, and only the fourth horse in history to win the South African Triple Crown, the winner’s sire Malmoos galloped his way into South African turf history on 3 April 2021 as he registered his seventh victory from his first eight career starts. Marchland was a R450 000 buy from the 2025 Premier Yearling Sale. She is unbeaten in five starts and took her earnings to R860 220. The WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 5 December must be on the radar for Marchland, although with Kelly’s Summerveld base available, there could also be options on the Highveld.

g n i m o c l e W A NEW SPONSOR

Sponsors of Sunday’s Listed SA Stakes at TAB Fairview, Konica Minolta South Africa is a division of Bidvest Branded Products, with more than 70 points of presence across Southern Africa.

With its technology-powered, customer-centric approach, the company delivers cutting-edge solution technologies to meet the needs of the ever-evolving market. Remote, real-time and on-demand services incorporating advanced technologies the company delivers efficiency, safety and security, to resolve organisational challenges at customer workplaces. In the age of the POPI Act and cybersecurity concerns, Konica Minolta South Africa safeguards customer data and provides a 96 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

comprehensive document and data security strategy.

“At Konica Minolta South Africa, we recognise the value of sport in bringing people together, encouraging healthy competition and celebrating achievement. Our support for sporting initiatives reflects our commitment to being an active participant in the communities in which we operate, rather than simply doing business within them. The Algoa Cup race day provided another opportunity to demonstrate that commitment, while celebrating the excitement, tradition and excellence that make horse racing such a special part of the sporting landscape,” said Marc Pillay, CEO of Konica Minolta South Africa.

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TAB Fairview – track changes ongoing after a wet year | Credit: 4Racing

TAB FAIRVIEW FRIDAY FIXTURE MOVES TO POLY

4Racing advised in a media release on Monday that TAB Fairview had received in excess of 35mm of rain overnight with more forecast. The turf track was saturated and would not recover in time for the meeting scheduled for Friday 23 October 2026.

Therefore, the 4Racing and TAB Fairview track management teams made an early decision to move the meeting to the Polytrack. • Race 5: the distance will change from 1800m to 1900m. • All other distances remain the same.

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CANFORD CLIFFS DAUGHTER v

LOOKS A CLASSIC PROSPECT While the unbeaten Marchland (Malmoos) rightly received plenty of plaudits for winning Sunday’s Listed Konica Minolta SA Stakes at TAB Fairview, there was a lot to like about the performance of runner-up New Day.

New Day – beaten by rampant Marchland but looks very progressive | Credit: Pauline Herman Photography

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Winner of three of her five starts prior to Sunday, New Day confirmed herself as a progressive sort when running on strongly to get within threeparts of a length of Marchland, and she looks to be a potential candidate for the World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas on 5 December.

Princess Ofthe Sky is set to represented at the upcoming October Two Year Old Sale, with Winterbach Stud (As Agent) offering an Erik The Red colt named Sweyn Forkbeard. The well-bred Princess Ofthe Sky, whose dam won four and ran third in the Gr1 Empress Club Stakes, is a half-sister to Gr3 Kings Cup runner-up Platinum Prince (by Silvano).

The Ridgemont Highlands-bred three-year-old is a daughter of Ridgemont’s five-time Gr1 winning stallion Canford Cliffs.

She is also bred on similar lines to a number of high-class Jet Master sired stakes performers, including Listed Darley Arabian winner Jet Jamboree, Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes winner Careful Landing and Love Is In The Air. The latter pulled off a memorable deadheat when she finished in a tie for first place, with paternal half-sister Gluwein, in the 2010 Klawervlei Gr1 Majorca Stakes.

New Day hails from the same crop as her sire’s Gr3 Winter Nursery winner Tag And Release, as well as Rungstedland. The latter, ironically enough, finished second to Marchland in last season’s Listed East Cape Fillies Nursery.

Movingandgrooving, the dam of multiple graded stakes winner Running Brave (Brave Tin Soldier), is another closely related to Princess Ofthe Sky, as is the stakes-placed Jet Flyer, dam of Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap winner Sylvan On Fire (Silvano).

To date, Canford Cliffs has sired 32 stakes winners, with his stock having amassed in excess of R442 million.

New Day’s fourth dam is Gr2 SA Oaks winner Rootin’ Tootin’, whose own fourth dam is the influential Fishermans Prayer (King Salmon).

The son of Tagula is no stranger to siring high-class fillies and mares, with Canford Cliffs’ tally of black type winners including 11 graded/group winning females. This group is headed by the exported Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship winner Direct Hit.

Further back, this is the same family as that of Epsom Derby winner Cicero (Cyllene), and numerous other top-class performers. Fishermans Prayer’s fifth dam is Gas.

His promising daughter New Day, a full-sister to the useful performer Wishes And Dreams, is out of the unraced Dynasty mare New Kingdom. The latter, in turn, is out of the high-class Jet Master mare Princess Ofthe Sky, winner of four races, including the Listed Stormsvlei Mile.

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New Day’s first two dams are both by stallions who have enjoyed success in the Cape Fillies Guineas, with Dynasty the sire of Fillies Guineas winners Front And Centre, Just Sensual, and Make It Snappy, and Jet Master sire of Fillies Guineas winning stars Ebony Flyer and In The Fast Lane.

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WSB KZN GUINEAS

NOW A GR1! v

Further to a media release published on 16 September 2026 regarding the South African Graded Races, on Friday 16 October 2026, the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) advised that the Asian Pattern Committee APC has approved the NHA’s application for the upgrading of the World Sports Betting KZN Guineas from Grade 2 to Grade 1 status.

The upgrade was subsequently ratified by the Asian Racing Federation Executive Council and notified to International Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC), which is responsible for providing reports of significant decisions made by regional pattern committees to the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA).

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The World Sports Betting KZN Guineas will be run under its new status in the 2026/27 season and will be updated in the 2027 edition of the International Cataloguing Standards Book (Blue Book). The NHA extends its sincere appreciation to the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), the APC, the IRPAC, and SITA for their careful consideration of South Africa’s application and their continued support for international racing standards and best practices. Their commitment to safeguarding the integrity and quality of global thoroughbred racing has contributed significantly to South Africa’s retention of its Part I status in the International Cataloguing Standards Book.

Star Major wins the 2026 WSB KZN Guineas Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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FOUR PLAYERS SHARE

HOLLYWOODBETS PUNTERS’ CHALLENGE

JACKPOT

On a Hollywoodbets Durbanville afternoon on Saturday where only three tote favourites won over the nine races, four Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge players showed their skills, with a dash of luck, and shared the all-or-nothing jackpot after finding all the winners on the card. 106 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

Players PPramlal, Badboy K, Thepreacher1and Selvin117 shared the R100 000 jackpot to take the winner total to 180. But the quartet will probably be kicking themselves for not wagering the minimum R50 on the programmatically generated betslip that would have boosted their payouts ten times. Coincidentally, a fortnight earlier two players, Allstar and Summer heat won the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge jackpot at Hollywoodbets Durbanville and as both had taken the minimum bet, they shared R1 million! The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge is free to enter, but the R100 000 jackpot is boosted to R1 million if the minimum R50 bet is made. “That’s a lesson. I won’t forget to place a R50 wager if my budget allows next time,” a pleased-as-punch Thepreacher1 told the Sporting Post. A relative newbie to racing, he follows form stables and jockeys as a guide to his selections. Thepreacher1 is a single man of 27 who lives with his Mother.He is currently unemployed, but the first thing he is doing on Monday is buying Mom a new fridge and television set. “I enjoy playing the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge and I am happy to to be able to give something to my Mother who does so much for me,” he added. Over R48 million has been paid out in South Africa’s most popular horse racing competition of all time.

The competition is conducted on all local racemeetings, as well as Hong Kong and selected international racemeetings. On Saturday all eyes were on the Crown Collection, which was offered on three international race meetings. Besides Hollywoodbets Durbanville, players could experience the rush of the Tab Everest, Sportsbet Caulfield Cup and Qatar Racing British Champions Day with a special edition of the Punters’ Challenge! All one needs to enter the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge is a Hollywoodbets account. This puts the player in contention to win either a share of the Must-Be-Won prize or the whole/share of the All-Or-Nothing prize. The idea is to find as many winners on any designated card, as possible. Points are awarded based on finishing positions and the total number of runners in a race, and the starting price of your selection if it wins. The Must-Be-Won prize of R5 000 is shared among the top 20 players on the leaderboard at the end of each eight-race (minimum) meeting. If you place a R50+ bet using the Betslip Feature – as today’s two winners did – the Jackpot amount rockets to R1 million, irrespective of the number of horses carded to run, so long as at least eight races are run on the day. On days when seven or fewer races are carded, the All Or Nothing prize will be capped at R100 000, provided you’ve taken a R50+ bet using the bet slip feature. 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 107

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Athinesh Boolkah waves after his first winner | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

FIRST WINNER COMES WITH A FINE AND HOLIDAY FOR APPRENTICE

Mauritian Apprentice Athinesh Boolkah celebrated his first career winner at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 9 October when winning aboard Cali Bullet for trainer Kelly Mitchley.

While it was an incredibly proud moment for the enthusiastic young apprentice, his contravention of NHA rule 58.10.2 (Appendix E, read with Guideline M on the use of the crop) would have put a damper on the occasion, but hopefully also provided a lesson learnt. It was his 20th career ride and Cali Bullet beat the runner-up After The Fire (6-1) by 0,80 lengths.

This again highlights the anomaly of a winner breaking the rules, yet still getting to keep the victory. Had there been interference, there is at least an opportunity to object. Boolkah was found to have misused his crop by striking the filly 18 times. The regulatory limit is 10. He was suspended from riding in races for a period of fourteen (14) days from 12.10.2026 to 25.10.2026, both days inclusive, and a fine of R16 000 was imposed. The NHA calendar is published every Friday and is a summary of the past week’s penalties and registrations, and an easy-read snapshot of information.

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4RACING’S v

NEW RAIDER INCENTIVES

In a media release published last week, 4Racing announced a comprehensive Raiding Trainer Incentive Programme for 2026/27.

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Highveld race action | Credit: 4Racing

The programme incorporates winning incentives, transport subsidies and seasonal accommodation support to encourage owners and trainers from across the country to support key Gauteng meetings during their feature race season. Under the Standard Raider Incentive, applicable to races at non-marquee meetings from Allied Steelrode – Onamission Charity Mile Day (31 October 2026) through to the Championships Finale (24 April 2027), the owner and trainer of a winning raider will each receive an incentive of R20,000. Enhanced incentives will apply at 4Racing’s designated Marquee Race Days, namely: • Allied Steelrode - Onamission Charity Mile Day – 31 October 2026 • Betway Summer Cup Day – 28 November 2026 • Gauteng Guineas Day – 6 February 2027

On these marquee race days, the connections of winning raiders in races carrying stakes of less than R600,000 will be eligible for R50,000 each for the trainer and owner. For races carrying stakes of more than R600,000 on showpiece race days, a R50,000 incentive will be payable to the winning trainer only. In addition to the winning incentives, transport subsidies will be available to raiders competing in Grade 1 through Listed races, subject to the applicable terms and conditions. Transport subsidies will be assessed on a province-by-province and case-by-case basis, with final determinations made at the time of entries. 4Racing will also provide seasonal accommodation support to raiding trainers who elect to base themselves in Gauteng for the season through to the Championships Finale. Complimentary rental accommodation will be available at selected venues, subject to availability and the applicable terms and conditions. The new initiative forms part of 4Racing’s ongoing efforts to enhance the competitiveness and appeal of the Highveld racing programme, while creating opportunities for owners and trainers from across South Africa to participate in some of the country’s showpiece race meetings.

• Classic Day – 6 March 2027 • Champions Day – 3 April 2027 • Championships Finale – 24 April 2027

The programme will take effect from Charity Mile Day on 31 October 2026 and run through to the Championships Finale on 24 April 2027.

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Unbeaten Monroe Walk ( Keita Tosaki) holds off Danon Scorpion’s hard challenging Garavogue (Kazuo Yokoyama) in the Gr1 Shuka Sho on Sunday | Credit: JRA

DANON SCORPION SISTER CATCHES EYE Wilgerbosdrift’s exciting new stallion Danon Scorpion is a full-brother to one of the best three-year-old fillies currently racing in Japan. Garavogue, Danon Scorpion’s own sister, finished runner-up in the Gr1 Shuka Sho (the final leg of the fillies Triple Crown in Japan) on Sunday. Garavogue made rapid headway to hit the front approaching the final furlong in Sunday’s contest before being joined in front by Monroe Walk.

A daughter of Sadler’s Wells’ Gr1 winning son Sligo Bay (whose relatives include Jet Master’s sire Rakeen), Lexi Lou was Horse of the Year, Champion 3YO Filly & Grass Female in Canada in 2014 and Champion Turf Female in Canada in 2016. In total, Lexi Lou won nine black type races, including the historic Queen’s Plate, and also finished second in the Gr1 Hollywood Derby.

Always doing just enough to keep her unbeaten record intact, Monroe Walk hit the line with a neck to spare over Garavogue, who had to settle for the runner-up spot at the top level for a third time in her career, having previously chased home Star Anise in both the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies and the Oka Sho.

Her son Danon Scorpion, a son of top-class Japanese sire Lord Kanaloa, was a high-class galloper whose top performance came when he won the prestigious Gr1 NKH Mile Cup - a race won Danon Scorpion’s outstanding paternal grandsire King Kamehameha among others.

Danon Scorpion and Garavogue were produced by the outstanding racemare Lexi Lou.

Danon Scorpion is standing his first season at Wilgerbosdrift.

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DANON v

SCORPION

(JPN)

LO R D K A N A LOA ( J P N ) X L E X I E LO U (C A N ) BY S L I G O B AY B ay C o l t | D O B 2 0 1 9 FOR

2026

NEW

Gr1 placed at 2, Gr1 winner at 3. By a Champion Racehorse, Champion Freshman sire and sire of Champions. Dam a multiple Champion, Horse Of The Year and recently inducted into Canadian Hall Of Fame

STANDING AT

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BRITAIN’S v

CHAMPION SPRINTER! Almeraq (11/10F) confirmed himself to be the best British sprinter around with a third Gr1 victory of the season in the Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint at Ascot on Saturday. Lining up after an impressive victory over Paborus in the Sprint Cup at Haydock Park, William Haggas’ contender had to work harder to beat the same rival this time after racing on different parts of the track. Paborus (18/1) was given an enterprising ride along the far rail, forcing Almeraq to angle that way to launch his challenge, but Tom Marquand’s mount picked up strongly to wear down the eventual runner-up and win by a neck. The winner’s stablemate Division (17/2) was over three lengths further back in third. 118 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

Owned and bred by Shadwell, Almeraq was gaining a second success at Ascot this season following the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. Haggas said: “Almeraq had a bit of ground to make up, but he got there. The horse that ran very well in second, who was well beaten by us at Haydock, got much closer but, fortunately, not close enough to us. “He deserves to be [Britain’s Champion Sprinter]. He is a good horse and has won three Group Ones; it is great. He has come back from a bad fall at York last year. He is a really, really good horse.

“He must be the best sprinter here, I would have thought. I do not know whether he goes to stud at the end of this season – I would have thought so, but no one has talked to me about it, so I live in hope. I am not asking! “We have to thank lots of people, in particular Andrew Tinkler, who rides Almeraq every day but will not come to see him run. He did not come to Royal Ascot or Haydock, so he is sitting at home with his children. Well done, Andrew.” Marquand said: “Almeraq is the best in the division. He has shown versatility all year; good to firm ground at Ascot, heavy ground at Haydock, and back on good ground here. He has felt like a proper, proper top-class Group One horse on all occasions, and I suppose to win three Group Ones in a year at the distance, you have to be. “He did have ground to make up, but Ascot is a very stiff track. He blew Paborous out of the water at Haydock, but he did not have to make any ground up that day. I flicked over on to Danny’s heels with two and a half to run at Haydock, whereas today he had the same amount of ground to make up from half a furlong out. It was a tougher job, but it just showed how good he was. He is real class.”

of horse under me. He was just beaten by an exceptional one.” James Doyle said of the third: “I am delighted with Division. Things have not gone too well for him this year, but he is getting the hang of it and, hopefully, he is going to be a decent sprinter next year.” William Haggas added: “Division ran really well. He is only three; he will have a good year next year. It has been unfortunate, but hopefully he will have strengthened up by then.” Richard Brown of Wathnan Racing said: “I am gutted, but proud of the way Paborus ran. Ed has done a great job with him. He is a tremendous young trainer who is doing a great job. He has a great team up there, and this horse should give us a really big day at some stage, hopefully next year. “Division maybe has not had the rub of the green this year, but that happens. I think he is going to develop further over the winter, and hopefully he could turn into a top sprinter next year.” Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint (Group 1) 1 Almeraq (Shadwell Estate Company Ltd) William Haggas 4-9-04 Tom Marquand 11/10F

Maureen Haggas said: “I am thrilled for Sheikha Hissa and all the team. Almeraq has overcome so much in his life. He is a fantastic horse, he really is. Obviously, the softer the ground, the better he is, and you saw at Haydock what he can really do. He has massive feet on him. He is a champion.”

2 Paborus (Wathnan Racing) Ed Bethell 5-9-04 Daniel Tudhope 18/1

Danny Tudhope said of Paborus: “He was drawn one, and the plan was to stay on up the rail. I have never been so confident in a race like this; I was thinking I was going to win two out. He did everything right, and I had plenty

William Haggas – 6th Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner

3 Division (Wathnan Racing) William Haggas 3-9-03 James Doyle 17/2 16 ran

Tom Marquand – 5th Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 119

BLUE HEN RACING SYNDICATE v

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Contact: Peter de Beyer - 082 452 5572 | Email: peterdebeyer@gmail.com 120 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

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TALK IS NOT

CHEAP! Talk Of New York (3/1) continued his ascent to stardom with a dominant victory in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By Qatar Racing) at Ascot on Saturday for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. Covered up in midfield, Talk Talk Of New York has gradually climbed the ladder this year, with today’s success coming Of New York made smooth on the back of impressive victories at Listed G2 level, in addition to a third in the Gr1 headway to challenge at the and St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. two-furlong pole and readily said: “I am delighted with the way put daylight between himself Appleby the horse has matured. First of all, I want to give Maurizio [Pasquale] a lot of credit for this and his 10 rivals. Ten Bob Tony (7/1) and Rayif (10/1) closed the deficit towards the line but never looked like getting there, going down by a length and a quarter and a neck. The 7/4 favourite Gstaad was well-beaten in eighth. 122 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

horse. Talk Of New York has been a challenge for everybody. Early on in his career, he was very headstrong, and Maurizio has always had a lot of faith in this horse. He told me back in the spring, ‘Charlie, he is one of the best three-year-olds I have sat on’.

“All the team have done such a great job with him. What I loved today, and what I saw at Newmarket, is the way he is maturing mentally. He walked around the paddock today like a proper old horse, whereas earlier in his career he would get a bit on his toes, and you never like to see that too much when you are coming into these bigger events. “The pace was there, Will got a lovely slipstream into it, and I could see when he moved over to the right that he had plenty of horse. He was just looking for an angle to have a crack at them. Once he hit the front, I was confident he would keep on galloping out. In time, he might get further. “He is a horse who came in with a lot of natural ability, and the team has done a fantastic job of nurturing him in the right way. As always, I can only thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Team Godolphin for giving us the opportunity to take our time with him. Thankfully, he has repaid everybody.” He added: “Belmont next year… I think it would be quite apt if he could go round there at a mile and have a crack at it.” William Buick said: “Talk Of New York is a very smart horse. Credit to Charlie and the team, they have done a great job with him. He has been a slow learner, but he is really quite good, and we are starting to see him reach his full potential. “Champions Day is fantastic. There are 30-odd thousand people here today, it is a beautiful day, the ground is perfect, and this is what it is all about: very competitive racing. It is hard to win, so we have to enjoy it when we do.”

Ed Walker said of Ten Bob Tony: “I am insanely proud of him. He has been so consistent recently. Another huge run today – he loves it here, and Kieran has given him a great ride. I saw him tracking the winner, and he just nicked two lengths off us with more of an instant turn of foot. Then Ten Bob Tony was closing all the way to the line but just did not quite have that gear. It was a huge run, and we are immensely proud of him. “He had to barge Docklands out of the way a bit to hold his ground, and I do not know if that cost him anything. My first feeling is that the best horse won the race. Fair play to Charlie and the team for supplementing the winner, but it is annoying they did! “We have got everything set for the Breeders’ Cup, but it is two weeks’ time and he has been busy. He has had a long year and has been so consistent. You do not win or finish placed in these races without putting in a huge shift. Flying him over to Kentucky, even though it is the last roll of the dice for the season, is a tough one. He is a gelding and will stick around for many more years if we look after him, so it is a difficult decision. My gut feeling is probably no at the moment.” Lisa Jane Graffard said of Rayif: “He has run a good race. He was further back than we wanted him to be. He can be a little bit nonchalant, and he was where he was. He settled, then in the last two furlongs he came from way off the pace and closed all the way to the line. It is only his fourth run of the season, and he is still a bit of a baby, really. It was his first time travelling and his first time doing anything like this, so we are happy with him and think he has run very well.

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“We have a lot of discussions to have after today, but he is clearly a horse with a lot of ability and he has not run very much. I think this was only his seventh race, so he is a very fresh horse for the end of his threeyear-old career. He is not going to go to the Breeders’ Cup, for sure.” Aidan O’Brien said of beaten favourite Gstaad, who finished 8th: “He has had a hard season, and he had to go through all that [an infection] like all the others. Maybe it was just a race too far for him this year. He raced a little bit like a tired horse; he never really took Ryan [Moore] and did not pick up. “Obviously, we did not think that was there, but we were not overworking him because he was very fit after having a hard season. Maybe it was just one race too many for him this season, and he needs a bit of time now. “I am not sure what the lads will do. He is obviously a very valuable horse to go to

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stud. He is a Starspangledbanner, who has done a lot this year. If he stays in training, I will be delighted, but if he goes to stud, he is going to have a lot of mares to cover. He is a very important horse.” Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By Qatar Racing) (Group 1) 1 Talk Of New York (Godolphin) Charlie Appleby 3-9-03 William Buick 3/1 2 Ten Bob Tony (TBT Racing) Ed Walker 5-9-06 Kieran Shoemark 7/1 3 Rayif (His Highness The Aga Khan Studs S C) Francis-Henri Graffard FR 3-9-03 Christophe Soumillon 10/1 11 ran 7/4 fav Gstaad (8th) Charlie Appleby – 2nd Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner William Buick – 5th Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner

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Mount Atlas (PJ McDonald) scores the upset Credit: Megan Rose Photography

SHOCK IN

LONG DISTANCE CUP Andrew Balding landed a blow in the trainers’ championship as Mount Atlas caused a 33/1 shock in the Gr1 Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot on Saturday. 126 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

Progressive over staying trips this season, Mount Atlas crept into contention under PJ McDonald and had to wait until the final furlong before finding room to deliver his challenge.

and I am very happy to be a small part of a huge team. I am also very happy to have a horse like him, because how brave was he in the final furlong.

Queenstown (14/1) was resilient in front but had no response once Mount Atlas was in the clear. The winning distance was three-quarters of a length, with G1 St Leger hero Highwayman (7/4F) the same distance further back in third.

“The way the race panned out for me, it opened up just at the right time and he was through the gap and on the line before he really knew what was going on. To be fair, it was tight between Ryan [Moore] and Doyler, and he answered for me. When I sat into him, he stuck his head in there and moved through.

Balding said: “PJ has given Mount Atlas an absolutely stellar ride there. We got out at just the right time – he does not want to hit the front too soon, and it has panned out perfectly. That is his style. He needs to be delivered late, and it could not have worked better. “Mount Atlas is a very talented horse. We were taking a chance over the two miles, but he loves Ascot and PJ gave him an absolutely brilliant ride. I am so thrilled, and it is so appropriate in those colours as well. I am just sorry my mother is not here – she has gone to watch a hockey match. She would have loved that because, obviously, she bred him. “Mount Atlas has been on it all season and been a big contributor. I am delighted with PJ. It panned out great for him today because he had cover right until he needed to get out, so it could not have worked better.” McDonald said: “These are the places where you want to be riding winners – and need to be riding winners. Obviously, I have got more years behind me than in front of me, but it is just great to be a part of this team. Like I have said before, the staff are probably the politest staff I have ever worked for. It is a great team. “Andrew and Anna Lisa [Balding] put a lot of confidence in me, which gives you a lot of confidence moving forwards. To be riding nice horses, you need to be riding for a good stable,

“Andrew, Anna Lisa and the whole team at Park House have been so good to me these last few years, and that’s probably the best way I can pay them back – a Group One winner on Champions Day.” Joseph O’Brien said of Highwayman: “He ran a good race and got a lovely run through. It was probably the end of a long year for him. There is lots to look forward to next year.” Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 1) 1 Mount Atlas (Kingsclere Racing Club) Andrew Balding 5-9-09 PJ McDonald 33/1 2 Queenstown (Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Westerberg) Aidan O’Brien IRE 6-9-09 Ryan Moore 14/1 3 Highwayman (John Ioannis Neocleous) Joseph O’Brien IRE 3-9-02 Dylan Browne McMonagle 7/4F 10 ran Andrew Balding – 4th Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner PJ McDonald – 1st Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 127

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MINNIE HAUK v

BOUNCES BACK! Minnie Hauk (5/1) rediscovered her best form for Aidan O’Brien with a commanding victory in the Gr1 Qatar Racing British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. The four-year-old sat on the quarters of front-running stablemate Sugar Island before being produced to challenge by Ryan Moore approaching the final furlong. She readily went away soon after to win by a length and a half from Believed (16/1), with Lilt (6/1) a neck further back in third. Tenth in the Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on her latest appearance, it was a return to form for Minnie Hauk, who enjoyed a Gr1 hat trick last year in the English, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks. O’Brien said: “Minnie Hauk is a very highclass filly. William [Buick] thought in the Arc 130 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

that she just got caught in there and they went slow – he felt she was a lot better than that on the day. Ryan kept it quite simple on her today; she was drawn wide, and I thought he was very good on her. He stayed out until he came back in. “We know what she did last year, and she had a lot of trouble with corns this year, so we never got a really good run into her. But since the Arc, she has been lovely and everything has been great with her. Corns are like having a stone in your foot; we would get them cleared up and they would come back again. She has been prone to them, but lately they have come right.

“The lads will decide what they want to do – whether they go to America with her or whether she is retired, but I think she is going to Justify at the end of the year. Whatever happens, I am delighted for everyone involved.

done all year. Things have not gone right for her, but she was doing everything lovely. We were able to slide outside Sugar Island, did not go mad, and she just had more class than them today.”

“Andrew Balding is a great fellow, and they are a great family. The very best of luck to them today. It is a bit of fun [the trainers’ championship], and we are all delighted to be here.”

3 Lilt (James Wigan) William Haggas 3-9-01 Tom Marquand 6/1

Moore said: “The race was straightforward, but getting Minnie Hauk here has not been straightforward. She ran in the Arc 13 days ago and performed today the best she has

Oisin Murphy said of Believed: “A career best. We thought she could run a great race, and she has lived up to expectations. On figures, she has actually improved with every single start, without fail.” Lilt’s rider Tom Marquand said: “We were pretty confident that she would love the trip. The ground is probably quite important to her as well. More than anything, she is pretty lightly raced, so I was asking a bit of her downhill to try to hold the line just inside Minnie Hauk, but she did a good job. I presume the plan is to keep her in training, and you would imagine, just looking at her, that she is going to progress and fill out even more.” Qatar Racing British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) 1 Minnie Hauk (Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor) Aidan O’Brien IRE 4-9-07 Ryan Moore 5/1 2 Believed (Qatar Racing Limited) Johnny Murtagh IRE 3-9-01 Oisin Murphy 16/1

12 ran Evens Fav Kalpana (7th) Aidan O’Brien – 11th Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner Ryan Moore – 6th Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner

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OMBUDSMAN v

MAKES HIS RULING Ombudsman (5/4F) turned the tables on Calandagan with a stunning performance in the Gr1 Qatar Racing Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Just over two lengths behind Calandagan in last year’s edition of the 10-furlong showpiece, Ombudsman travelled powerfully behind Bay City Roller in the straight as his old rival unleased a strong run from the rear of the six runners. It soon became apparent that Ombdudsman and Calandagan had it between them, but John & Thady Gosden’s contender quickly settled the outcome with a fine change of gear. Calandagan (5/2) was almost four lengths behind at the line, with Bay City Roller (17/2) a further length and three quarters back in third. Ombudsman, who was bouncing back from a fourth in the G1 Juddmonte International, now has three Ascot wins to his name, having become the first horse in 31 years to win backto-back Gr1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at the Royal Ascot.

John Gosden said: “I thought William was riding him very confidently in the straight, and I thought, ‘When are you going to go?’ He showed that turn of foot. The ground today is on the slow side of good, and he can handle that. At York, he just spun his wheels, but today we were back to seeing what he is. It was a great performance in a small but classy field. “We set nice, even fractions – Rab [Havlin] on Devil’s Advocate – and there was no plan to go fast, slow or pull it up. We talked about that beforehand. We wanted solid, even fractions, and Bay City Roller was out there with us. It was a special performance from a special horse. “We got a little too far back in this race last year, way back, 10 or 11 lengths off it, so we thought we were not going to do that again. This time, the race went perfectly. William

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rode him just how he wanted to, and he is a top-class horse when we get it right. I think we got the tactics a little wrong last year, but that takes nothing away from Calandagan; he won well. “Either he will go to stud or I will discuss it with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to see if he would like to consider putting him in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. That is the only other option now. Golden Horn did not enjoy Keeneland because it was like a sandpit when he ran, and it rained three inches. But this horse would handle it well. He is quick and agile, and he could have sat on the lead if he had wanted to today. He is the right type of horse, and I think the track would suit him, so it is a possibility. We do not have to make a rapid decision. “Ombudsman is the best mile-and-a-quarter horse I have trained, definitely. I do not know if he is the best overall. He is going to stud, so I had better say yes, had I not, because that helps sell the nominations!”

again. We had a ding-dong last year, and it is one-one now. Two great racehorses, and they produced a great race last year, but it was our turn today.” Francis-Henri Graffard said of Calandagan: “He jumped quite slowly and took time to get on the pace, but he was following Ombudsman nicely. On the last bend, we had to go round other horses, and my horse came through really strongly with a nice stride. But Ombudsman kicked for home very strongly. He is a real champion with a lot of power. My horse tried, but this year was different to last. It is not bad to be second to a horse like him.” He added: “The plan was to go to the Japan Cup with him again, so if he comes out well, hopefully we will go back there with him. Fingers crossed, he can perform again.” Oisin Murphy said of Bay City Roller: “A huge run from him. He takes his racing very well. He travelled brilliantly, picked up and kept going, even when he was passed by the front two.” Qatar Racing Champion Stakes (Group 1)

William Buick said: “That was something else, but Ombudsman has shown that before, has he not? I think at York, the softer ground was one factor, and there were a couple of others. It was a funny race. But we saw the real Ombudsman today, and that turn of foot is amazing. Explosive. He is the fastest horse I have ever ridden over 10 furlongs. It is an amazing feeling. “He has such a good racing brain and races so economically, but when you ask him, he fills up, and he is like a coiled spring. You fill him up and off he goes. He is an incredible racehorse, and I do feel very privileged to ride a horse of his calibre. He really is amazing. “I could see Calandagan in the corner of my eye, but only very briefly, because we left him

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1 Ombudsman (Godolphin) John & Thady Gosden 5-9-07 William Buick 5/4F 2 Calandagan (Aga Khan Studs SCEA) Francis-Henri Graffard 5-9-07 Christophe Soumillon 5/2 3 Bay City Roller (Victorious Forever) George Scott 4-9-07 Oisin Murphy 17/2 6 ran John & Thady Gosden – 12th Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner William Buick – 6th Qatar Racing British Champions Day winner

BREEDERS’ CUP DATE FOR

OMBUDSMAN John Gosden has confirmed his brilliant Champion Stakes hero Ombudsman is on course for a potential swansong at the Breeders’ Cup on Saturday week. and we’re taking a look at the Breeders’ Cup Now a five-time Group One Turf with him.We’ll see, the horse has taken his winner having also struck gold race very well. Interestingly enough he gets an in last season’s Juddmonte invitation to run, a sort of free entry – a ‘win and International and the Dubai Turf you’re in’ I think it’s called – for winning at both (Royal) Ascot and there (Champion Stakes). earlier this year, Ombudsman “It’s a nice invitation and we’re right to take a is set to begin a lucrative good look at it.” career at stud in 2027, but not before an exciting tilt at Ombudsman is the 6-4 favourite to successfully step up to a mile and a half for the first time in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at the Breeders’ Cup Turf, with Aidan O’Brien’s Keeneland. “He’s been entered for the Breeders’ Cup this morning,” Gosden told the Press Association on Monday. “He’s in good order from Ascot

multiple Group One-winning filly Diamond Necklace – last seen finishing third in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – rated his biggest threat at 5-2.

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GIMME THE WORLD v

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GODOLPHIN v

ARE CHAMPION OWNERS Fifth Column (22/1) completed a treble for Godolphin on Qatar Racing British Champions Day as he landed the concluding Balmoral Handicap (Sponsored By Qatar Racing), adding to the wins of Talk Of New York and Ombudsman.

Trained like Ombudsman by John & Thady Gosden, the four-year-old son of Kingman was 16th in this race 12 months ago but, off a 3lb lower mark and with a first-time visor applied, he powered home to score by threequarters of a length from Indalo (16/1). Godolphin received the Champion Owner award for an 18th time following another excellent season, with the Dubai-based operation accumulating over £6.5m in prize money. Ombudsman has led the charge, winning the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes and Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, with Notable Speech and Talk Of New York also posting top-level victories. Unbeaten Gr1 Fillies’ Mile winner Musical Times heads a promising crop of juveniles, with Desert Castle and Rock Montreal impressing recently as well. Hugh Anderson, Managing Director at Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said: “The entire team at Godolphin is delighted to win the UK Owners’ Championship, this year for the 18th time. “The season began with some superb performances from our older horses, with now seven-time Gr1 winner Notable 140 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

Speech dominating in the Lockinge, before Ombudsman became the first back-to-back winner of the Gr1 Prince Of Wales’s at Royal Ascot for 30 years. “It was particularly special to witness our great flagbearer Rebel’s Romance sign off his racing career with victory during the July Festival. “As the season has progressed, the twoyear-olds have really come to the fore and we head into the winter full of optimism for next year’s Classics. “Racing is, as always, a team sport so huge thanks must go to our trainers, jockeys and everyone on the racing yards, and also to those on the studs and everyone else who is working hard behind the scenes to keep the show on the road. “A special thank you must of course go to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, whose unwavering support of and passion for our industry is an inspiration to us all.” The crowd figure for Qatar Racing British Champions Day 2026 was 32 140, up 3 per cent on 31 257 last year and just shy of the record 32 348 for the day in 2012.

Billy Loughnane | Credit: Megan Rose Photography

BILLY AND JACK

CROWNED CHAMPIONS Billy Loughnane and Jack Callan were crowned champions at Ascot on Saturday as the British Flat championship concluded with Qatar Racing British Champions Day. Loughnane secures his first Champion Jockey title at the age of 20, becoming the youngest winner since 19-year-old Charlie Elliott shared the honours with Steve Donoghue in 1923. Loughnane ends the championship with 159 wins, more than 20 clear of runner-up Oisin Murphy, and now has his sights set on Sir Gordon Richards’ record for a calendar year of 269.

The Irishman has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his first victory at Wolverhampton in November 2022, taking the following year’s Champion Apprentice title and gaining a maiden Classic victory on Bow Echo in this year’s G1 2000 Guineas. Loughnane said: “It has been an extraordinary couple of years, really. I have been lucky to team up with a lot of trainers who have propelled me forward. Around this time four years ago when I was headed up to Newcastle for my first ride, the aim was just to have a few winners. What it has turned into is amazing. I am very lucky. 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 141

Jack Callan | Credit: Megan Rose Photography

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“To find a horse like Bow Echo was a dream come true. Unbeaten in six starts, including the Guineas, Royal Ascot and the Sussex Stakes. I am gutted that we won’t see him on the track again but very lucky to have partnered him. The Guineas was my highlight of the year – it was the best buzz I have had on a racehorse.” On Sir Gordon Richards’ record, Loughnane said: “It is in my sights, although I am not full blasting at the moment. I am going to take the rest of this month and November. I will keep doing what I am doing, riding every day, and then heading into December I will assess whether it is possible.” Callan takes Champion Apprentice honours after a similarly impressive rise, emulating his father Neil who secured the same title in 1999. Callan jnr only started race riding in March last year and, while successfully juggling A-level studies in Biology, Economics and Maths, finished fourth in the apprentice standings. With that experience under his belt, the 19-year-old made a quick start to this season’s championship and rode out his claim at the end of July. He ends the campaign with 54 wins. Callan and Loughnane complete a notable double for trainer George Boughey, with both jockeys attached to his Newmarket yard.

Callan said: “It has been a fantastic season. I have been very lucky to be supported by some great people. I think I saw a stat that said I have ridden for over 100 trainers this year, so hopefully it continues. “I started riding out for George [Boughey] the year that Cachet won the Guineas. For him to do that so early was phenomenal and, since then, he has gone to new heights. The quality of horse has kept improving and, given what Bow Echo has done this year, it just goes to show what a good trainer he is. “I have always had the mindset of wanting to be the best, no matter what I do, although I did not put much pressure on myself to become Champion Apprentice this year. I wanted to beat my annual total of 50 winners from 2025, including 27 during the [championship] season. “I rode double digit winners in each of the first three months of the season and, although I was silly enough to get a suspension that broke some of the momentum, it was great to get things rolling again after riding out my claim at the end of July. “I love this job and to even call it a job is a bit ridiculous to me. It is something I have always wanted to do from a very early age. There are obviously days where it is difficult and things are not quite going right but, overall, I am delighted with how things have gone. “I want to keep taking my riding to new heights, which hopefully leads to bigger numbers and better horses. I have built some great connections and will be staying here over the winter to build on that. Hopefully, I can be champion jockey one day – that would be the dream.”

21 OCTOBER 2026 | 143

O’SHEA BACK IN DUBAI v

HUNGRY FOR MORE!

As 12-time UAE Champion Jockey, there are few who look forward to a season in the sun more than Tadhg O’Shea. He also knows better than most the importance of recharging over the summer break, although horses are never far away from the cheerful Irishman.

“It was probably the first summer that I turned down the opportunity to race ride,” he says, having now returned to Dubai ahead of his 25th season in the Emirates. 144 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

“I kept busy through the summer riding out for my brother-in-law while also helping on the farm. We have some mares and youngstock to keep me busy and I actually love the breeding side of it.

Tadhg O’Shea – same plans as last term | Credit: DRC

“It was lovely to recharge and reset. Our two sons are growing up fast so it was fantastic to spend a lot of time with them. Throughout the season it’s all go and you don’t get to spend much time with them.” O’Shea will once again be based with Champion Trainer Bhupat Seemar, for whom he rode the bulk of his 46 winners last season. That tally saw him finish second in the Championship behind Silvestre de Sousa. “My plans are pretty much the same as last season,” says the 44-year-old. “I’m Stable Jockey to Bhupat at Zabeel Stables, which is fantastic. I don’t have any commitments or contracts for the Arabians this season so will be available to everyone who wants me.” Jockeys based in the UK will tell you not to ask them about potential Championship battles until August. O’Shea has a similar mantra, albeit his deadline falls much earlier in the year. “People don’t believe me when I say I don’t evaluate the Championship till about midFebruary as you just hope everything goes well,” he says. “If I’m in front or within striking distance at that point of the season it will be on my mind morning noon and night. “The aim every season is try to stay healthy, fit and ride as many winners as I can for the people who employ me.” As is the case each year, O’Shea is among the first jockeys to arrive back in the UAE after the summer. It’s a time to get to know the horses he will be riding, some new and some established stars. “I’m getting acquainted again with all the horses,” he says. “It’s exciting to see how the previous season’s top performers have improved again. Killer Collect is always a horse I’ve rated. He didn’t run a lot last season but he was good and tough in winning

the Jebel Ali Stakes. He’s still lightly raced and I wouldn’t rule him out for the big dirt races at Meydan this season.” O’Shea is also looking forward to being reunited with the great Tuz, 2024 G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner. The nine-year-old raced just twice last season, latterly finishing fourth in the Shaheen behind Dark Saffron. “Tuz is a superstar,” says his rider. “He looks amazing, as strong as a bull, and it’s always a privilege to get the leg up. Soon he will turn 10 but is training like a two-year-old and he’s got a fantastic will to win.” O’Shea will be front and centre when the Dubai Racing Carnival begins on 6 November, and he can’t wait. •

• •

•

“Meydan is a place I would urge anyone in the horse industry to visit,” he says. “It truly is a magical place which you really have to see to believe. The crowd, the atmosphere, the racing - it’s all top class.” Opening day of the season is Thursday 22 October 2026 at Abu Dhabi Turf Club. There are 64 meetings - Meydan hosts 17, Abu Dhabi Turf Club 16, Al Ain 14, Jebel Ali 11 and Sharjah 6. The Dubai Racing Carnival opens at Meydan on Friday 6 November and runs for 16 meetings. Festive Friday is 18 December, Fashion Friday 22 January and Super Saturday 27 February. Abu Dhabi’s big days are the UAE President Cup (AED 8 million) is on Saturday 12 December and the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup (US$1 million) on Sunday 7 February 2027, both at Abu Dhabi Turf Club. The Dubai World Cup is on Saturday 27 March 2027. The race itself is worth US$12 million. Racing carries on at Abu Dhabi and Al Ain until 15 April 2027.

21 OCTOBER 2026 | 145

James McDonald has time to do some window shopping as Autumn Glow cruises home | Credit: Magic Millions

YOU

GLOW

GIRL!

A daughter of SA champion Via Africa, superstar mare Autumn Glow made it 14 wins from 15 starts with a soft win in Saturday’s A$5 million Gr1 King Charles 111 Stakes run over a mile at Randwick. The daughter of The Autumn Sun again left her rivals in her wake and in the process notched a fifth career Group One success. With her usual rider James McDonald in the saddle, Autumn Glow cruised through the race and her latest success was both impressive and comprehensive. At the post she held a two and a quarter length margin over second favourite and twice defending champion Ceolwulf. As expected the remaining three horses fought out the minor placings a further seven and a quarter lengths back. 146 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

The hot favourite, a Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale buy, is trained by Chris Waller and not surprisingly he was again proud of the star of his stable. “Her work has been fantastic, she is an absolute professional,” Waller noted. “We asked her to do a bit more work during the week expecting a wet track and more speed in the race. But she took it all in stride and came out and did that today.”

“In modern day racing we have seen quite a few times this spring with tearaway leaders so we have to have them a little bit fitter.” “But it doesn’t matter how you train her, we just keep it simple and she trains herself. It has been an honour to be working with some great horses.” Waller said he would take a breath and speak with her ownership group before concluding whether she heads to Melbourne for the Flemington Cup Carnival. A run in the Champions Mile is on the radar. “We will have a chat with Mr Messara and Hermitage and see what they want to do. But we also want to make sure she has a long career so we want to look after her. “She will go to the paddock for three days or so and we will enjoy the win,” Waller summed up. Autumn Glow was the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale top seller when she realised A$600,000. She was offered by breeder, the Kelly family’s famed Newhaven Park, and was secured by Silverdale Farm in partnership with Brian McGuire’s Shrone Bloodstock. As it stands the mighty mare has earned a staggering A$12,8 million for her connections led by owners Arrowfield Pastoral and Hermitage. “Lobbed into a good spot,” winning rider James McDonald said of the run. “I clicked her up at the 600m. I wanted to open her up today.”

McDonald said the mare was a versatile performer – her quality carried her so far. “1200m, 1400m, a mile,” he stated when asked what Autumn Glow’s best distance was. A daughter of Arrowfield’s The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice), Autumn Glow is from the former star South African mare Via Africa (Var). As well as being a triple Group One winner with elite level wins at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and Hollywoodbets Scottsville, Via Africa had made a name for herself as an elite producer. Autumn Glow isn’t the only Group One winner she has produced. She is also dam of In the Congo (Snitzel), a Golden Rose Stakes winner and exciting young sire. Her other runner is the six-time Hong Kong winner Pleasant Endeavor (Redoute’s Choice). • • • • • • • • • •

•

Winner: Autumn Glow Breeding: The Autumn Sun-Via Africa (Var) Race: ATC King Charles III Stakes G1 (1600m) Sold for: A$600,000 Sale: 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale Earnings: A$12,821,600 Breeder: Newhaven Park Stud Vendor: Newhaven Park Buyer: Silverdale Farm & Shrone Bloodstock Owners: Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd (Mgr: JM Messara) & Hermitage (Mgr: Ms SM Clarke) Trainer: Chris Waller (Rosehill)

“(She) hasn’t had a lung buster for a few starts. I opened her up and she got to the line. Was waiting for Ceolwulf with his blinkers on, he never came.” 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 147

MAHER STAR BEATS v

HONG KONG CHAMP IN THRILLER

Chad Schofield keeps Tempted at it to win The Everest, beating Ka Ying Rising (Zac Purton) in a thriller 148 | 21 OCTOBER 2026 Credit: SKY Racing

Trainer David Hayes has lamented a poor barrier draw after Ka Ying Rising’s 21-race winning streak came to a dramatic end in the AU$20 million Gr1 The Everest run over 1200m at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia on Saturday. v

21 OCTOBER 2026 | 149

Ka Ying Rising was trapped wide under Zac Purton after jumping from barrier 11 and settling sixth, and momentarily appeared to be struggling in the straight before he launched a desperate bid for a second victory in the world’s richest turf race, failing by only half a neck to overhaul Tempted. Ciaron Maher-trained Tempted, who had a trouble-free run from barrier one under former Hong Kong-based jockey Chad Schofield, inflicted Ka Ying Rising’s first defeat since January 2024 and reversed the result of last year’s The Everest, when she was second to Ka Ying Rising. Joliestar was third, a neck further back. The overall time was 1m 08.21s. Hayes said: “We didn’t expect him to be there (midfield), but it was the barrier. Sometimes (barrier) 11 can be a bonus, but he got caught wide. He settled a bit further back than we thought he would, and if we have to take a positive out of it, he was in front one stride after the post.

Purton, who has partnered Ka Ying Rising in 20 of the gelding’s 22 wins from 25 starts, was circumspect post-race. “I thought it was a very good run, he just got a little bit lost coming into the straight and it felt like he was really struggling but when the horse on the outside (Headwall, 129lb) came to him, that’s when he clicked into gear and started to give me something,” Purton said. “He was good to the line – very good heart. “He prefers it dry, but he got through it (the track) okay. Every horse that went forward, finished out the back so it didn’t work out for them, either.” Schofield, who rode 208 winners in Hong Kong before relocating to Sydney in 2021, was elated after employing a radical change of plans by pushing forward on Tempted – who usually races back in the field. “First time I’ve really ridden her and asked her from the start. I normally just ride her to relax and trust her to be far too good late,” Schofield said.

“So (he was) very brave. The first and third horse cut the corner and really had dream runs, and we had a horror (run) being six-wide, no cover. But he was brave, and I love the way he finished, but I hate the result.

“But it was a different race today. We had the world’s best sprinter, the world’s best horse. I had eyes for him, and I knew he wasn’t up there and I held my spot and kept him deep and I’m pretty sure that made Zac have to come back.

“The ground (Soft 5) was absolutely perfect. It was the barrier, and we actually thought the barrier would be a bonus, but it went the wrong way for us.

“From there, I had the perfect trip. I came off from behind the two leaders, and I hit the front very early, a long way out. But she’s such a good horse, she’s so brave and so game.”

“I’ve had a chat with Zac and he just thinks the barrier, getting caught so wide, and the winner had such a beautiful run. Well done to the winner. She’s had a big spring.”

With the runner’s up cheque of AU$2.9 million (approx. HK$15.8 million), Ka Ying Rising’s career earnings swelled to HK$176.7 million, overtaking Golden Sixty’s HK$167.17 million to be in second place among Hong Kong’s highest-earning horses behind Romantic Warrior, who retired with world record prizemoney of HK$288,745,697.

Hayes immediately looked to the future, declaring: “He (Ka Ying Rising) will be there on LONGINES Day (LONGINES Hong Kong International Races) and then (FWD) Champions Day, and this season is only just starting, so hopefully we might come back next year to The Everest.” 150 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

Chad Schofield –on cusp of history ahead of Saturday’s Cox Plate | Credit: HKJC

CHAD IS EYEING COX PLATE ON SATURDAY

South African born Cox Plate-winning jockey Chad Schofield was the villain of the piece for some when he produced a scintillating tactical ride on the Cieron Maher-trained Tempted to win the A$20 million Gr1 The Everest at Randwick on Saturday, dashing the hopes of the legion of Ka Ying Rising fans in the process. The 32 year old Chad, who won a race here on Hollywoodbets Durban July day, and ran third on King Pelles behind Note To Self in Africa’s greatest race last term, was oozing self-belief when he arrived at Randwick last Saturday. While every man and his dog expected Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising to take the Everest Trophy back to Hong Kong again, Schofield thought otherwise.

“Tempted is so special, and she hasn’t been beaten in five starts since this race last year,” Schofield said. “I went out there knowing I would have to be inch-perfect, but I knew I could beat him.” Schofield had the pole position draw and used it as he had discussed with his father and former champion, Glyn. “He doesn’t need much help, but we talked about it after the draw on Tuesday, and I told him one it was the biggest positive he had,” Glyn Schofield beamed afterwards. “She could be closer and be where he wanted to be, and he did it perfectly. Watching that is better than any big race I won in my career,” said the proud Dad. 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 151

Schofield took due advantage of the gate and executed with precision. He controlled every aspect of the race from the pace to winning post. They ran 33.93 from the gates, and he had enough horse to run 34.28 for an overall time 1.08.21.

Schofield, who will be managed by his father going forward, draws on his knowledge. “Dad and I talk about a Hawkesbury maiden or midweek, we talk all the time, so it wasn’t anything special,” he said.

The consequences of Tempted kicking up in the first 200m compounded the outside draw for Ka Ying Rising, who was five-wide with Savvy Hallie, Spicy Martini, Blue Door that were putting the speed on.

A superstar apprentice in Australia, the former Clifton College scholar won the 2013 Cox Plate aboard Shamus Award and moved to Hong Kong in 2015, where he had spent four years of his childhood, amassing 208 winners .

After 200m, Schofield took hold of his mount and found cover. Purton did the same but instead tried the front. He did back a length or so off the speed but was still very wide off a hot gallop.

He rode more than 30 winners in each of his first five Hong Kong seasons, producing a personal best of 43 victories in 2019-20, while his biggest success came aboard Singapore Sling for Tony Millard in the 2018 Classic Cup.

Schofield had timed his move to take cover perfectly and it was the break he needed.

Purton added that Randwick is not Sha Tin and Ka Ying Rising finds it a challenge.

“It was a different race today. We had the world’s best sprinter, the world’s best horse. I had eyes for him, and I knew he wasn’t up there and I held my spot and kept him deep and I’m pretty sure that made Zac [Purton] have to come back. From there, I had the perfect trip. I came off from behind the two leaders, and I hit the front very early, a long way out.”

“I don’t know what it is about this track, but he struggles here for some reason.He was gone at the 300m but only his heart and class got him that close,” reflected the multiple champion.

Schofield drove through at the 300m and made his decisive move putting three lengths on rivals as Ka Ying Rising battled.

Chad Schofield now has the chance to write his name in history by winning The Everest and Cox Plate in consecutive weeks.

“The way she kicked I didn’t think anything was going to get near me,” Schofield said. “I had to be inch perfect when you had a horse like that chasing, and luckily I was. It is a long way up that straight.”

On Saturday at Flemington he will ride Ceolwulf in the Cox Plate. The son of Tavistock hasn’t won a race yet this prep, but Chad is confident the Joe Pride-trained gelding can salute in the prestigious Gr1.

The final 100m showed just how good Ka Ying Rising is on his feet, as he lifted and lunged - but arrived too late.

Have you seen Gallop’s sectional timing information? Visit www.gallop.co.za.

152 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

The final margins were fine a long neck with neck back to Joliestar in third, who had saved every bit of ground around the turn.

Zac Lloyd steers Magic Verse to victory on the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July day | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

KEEPING IT IN

THE FAMILY On the same Royal Randwick day that Chad Schofield rode his big winner, his 23 year old cousin Zac Lloyd, son of champion Jeff ‘the Guv’ Lloyd, guided It’s A Knockout to victory in the Big Dance Wild Card Handicap, the opening race on TAB Everest day.

Nothing seems to faze him and there’s no doubt that’s one of his real strengths as a rider right now. He’s making the right choices more often than he doesn’t.”

Both riders are the sons of former Durban jockeys who married the daughters of former trainer Aubrey Roberts.

“She had a lovely run. I wanted to get there sooner rather than later because she’s quite deep into her prep, she’s fit and can sustain a good gallop.Very happy to get the win for Jason and Dynamic Syndications as well.”

It’s A Knockout’s winning trainer Jason Deamer praised Zac Lloyd’s carefree nature after Sydney’s leading jockey struck the first blow “He’s just so relaxed,” Deamer said. “It’s like he doesn’t give a s… actually.

“I had a good plan and it worked out perfectly,” Lloyd said.

The win resulted in It’s A Knockout securing a place in the field for the A$3 million The Big Dance at Royal Randwick on the first Tuesday in November. Make a date for 3 November – that’s Melbourne Cup day! 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 153

EUSTACE TREBLE v

AS LIGHT YEARS CHARM LANDS GR2 SHA TIN TROPHY

154 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

David Eustace is eyeing a run at December’s showpiece LONGINES Hong Kong International Races for Light Years Charm after he capped the English trainer’s best day in Hong Kong with victory in the HK$5.35 million Gr2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap at Sha Tin on Monday. v

21 OCTOBER 2026| Credit: | 155 HKJC Light Years Charm and Karis Teetan power to victory in the Sha Tin Trophy

Six-year-old Light Years Charm, carrying the minimum 115lb under Karis Teetan, enjoyed a splendid trip along the rail and finished with aplomb, wearing down long-time pace-setter Patch Of Theta while pulling away from My Wish, who rallied in the final 100m. Patch Of Theta finished second, a length and threequarters behind, with My Wish a further quarter of a length back. The win – Eustace’s first Group 2 triumph in Hong Kong – completed a treble for the third-year trainer. Light Years Charm has now earned prizemoney totalling HK$17.69 million, with this coming after a runner-up finish in June’s G3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m) and victory in the Gr3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m) at the end of May. “It’s been a good day,” Eustace said. “I thought he could run well, given the draw and the weight. “We’ve been working back from December – I was keen to target the (Gr1 LONGINES) Hong Kong Cup (2000m). I feel he’ll stay that well. I think at level weights over a mile at Group 1 level, he’d probably find a few too sharp. But pulling up, he wasn’t having too much of a blow. I think he appears to be a natural stayer and at this stage we’ll still go in that direction. “Karis said it went very smoothly and he got into a lovely rhythm. I was keen to hold the fence; he’s a big horse that needs momentum and is not a horse who wants to be held up. I just felt trying to angle out and ask for a turn of foot; he’s not really that type.” Teetan was taking his first ride on the Rubick gelding, and was glowing about the horse’s credentials. “It’s good to get a big win,” Teetan said. “David was really confident that this horse was going to run very well with this weight on his back. 156 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

“I trialled him at Happy Valley and, honestly, he gave me the feel of a good horse, and I think he’s showed that today. He had a good run through, but I must say, when I needed him, he responded well and he ran all the way through the line.” Earlier in the day, Eustace celebrated a victory on debut for Shannon Glow (129lb), ridden by Jerry Chau, the four-year-old who powered home at 33/1 in the first section of the Class 4 Sun Chui Handicap (1400m). Another promising four-year-old, Ace Eagle (131lb), claimed his maiden victory as Zac Purton guided the hot favourite home in the second section of the Class 4 Lung Hang Handicap (1200m), the treble taking Eustace’s season win tally to 10. Dennis Yip became only the eighth trainer to saddle 900 Hong Kong winners when Supreme Voyager (119lb) handed the trainer his first win of the season in the Class 4 Sun Tin Wai Handicap (1000m) under Harry Bentley. The 2012/13 champion trainer joined John Moore (1,735 wins), John Size (1,668), Tony Cruz (1,618), Caspar Fownes (1,244), Ricky Yiu (1,115), Francis Lui (1,044) and Danny Shum (944) in reaching the landmark. Yip, whose biggest win in Hong Kong came courtesy of Massive Sovereign in the 2024 Hong Kong Derby (2000m), said: “I’ve been waiting a long time (to get to 900). I’m happy. “(Supreme Voyager) is a big horse. The last two times he didn’t draw well, so we needed to take him back, but this time he drew eight, so I told Bentley ‘he should be midfield’. He did everything right.” First-year handler James Cummings got off the mark in Hong Kong courtesy of a bold effort from Grand Eagle (121lb) in the Class 3 Lek Yuen Handicap (1200m), with Chau timing the four-year-old’s run to perfection to complete a brace.

A proud Karis Teetan in the ceremony post the Gr2 Sha Tin Trophy | Credit: HKJC

“We’ve been delighted that (Grand Eagle) has been able to improve vastly on the first-up run,” said Cummings of his charge, who finished eighth first-up two weeks ago. “I believe the horse had a lot of hidden merit in his first-up effort, and he vindicated that today, ridden with his trademark turn of foot. Jerry Chau was able to get the horse to really lift, and I suspect there’s a little bit more to come with this horse.” Purton rode his second winner of the day when he guided short-odds favourite Packing Fighter (135lb) to a comfortable win in the Class 3 Sha Kok Handicap (1600m). The win for Danny Shum’s galloper will see the fouryear-old advance into Class 2. Angus Chung grabbed just his second winner of the campaign when Good Good (116lb) clung on to claim a stunning victory in the Class 4 Chun Shek Handicap (1800m). The John Size-trained 101/1 shot tore clear with 300 metres to go but was slowly clawed back by the late-charging Victor Supreme (135lb) before eventually prevailing by half a length. Chung made it a race-to-race double

when Star Satyr (116lb) struck in the second section of the Class 4 Sun Chui Handicap (1400m) for Tony Cruz. Vincent Ho has now ridden a winner at each of the last four meetings when he guided Pierre Ng’s I Excelle (130lb) to a first victory of his career in the Class 5 Shek Mun Handicap (1800m), and Gutsy Bravo (126lb) bagged a first career win in the first section of the Class 4 Lung Hang Handicap (1200m) for trainer Chris So. James Orman in the saddle continued his own solid form with his sixth win of the campaign. Francis Lui’s Baby Sakura (131lb) remained on course for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series with victory in the card-closing Class 3 Wo Che Handicap (1400m) under Ho, who completed a double. The Tagaloa gelding has won five of eight career starts, including the past three in succession. •

Hong Kong racing continued at Happy Valley today. 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 157

158 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

HAYES ‘A SHAME v

TO SEE A CHAMPION BEATEN’

One of this week’s Sprint cover stars, Ka Ying Rising has pulled up well following defeat in the Gr1 The Everest at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia on Saturday and will continue a familiar preparation for the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. The world’s top-rated horse was scheduled to depart Sydney on Monday and will re-enter quarantine at Sha Tin for the next two weeks, ahead of the HK$5.35 million Gr2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint at Sha Tin on 22 November before he chases a third victory in the HK$28 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint on 13 December at Sha Tin. “He’s pulled up fine,” trainer David Hayes said. “It’s such a shame to see a champion get beaten. He seemed to race in patches on Saturday, but he was very brave, and I think he would have won in a few more strides. “He’s coming back to Hong Kong and will go into quarantine and have an easy week there with some trotting and cantering in the dressage ring. “In the second week of quarantine, he’ll be back on the track, and then he’ll come back to my stables.

“It’s only early in the season. He’s got a big season ahead and I’m looking forward to getting him back home. It was tough seeing him lose in the way he did, but he’ll bounce back.” Tempted ended Ka Ying Rising’s Hong Kong record winning streak of 21 races in The Everest under an inspired ride by Chad Schofield, denying the Hong Kong champion, who fell short by half a neck on a yielding track after covering ground. Hayes reiterated post-race that Ka Ying Rising’s main objectives for the season remain the HK$28 million Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 13 December and the HK$24 million Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 25 April. Read more if you missed it on pages 148 and 151.

21 and OCTOBER | 159 HKJC David Hayes - disappointed but the programme life goes2026 on | Credit:

160 | 21 OCTOBER 2026

results up to: 2026-10-21

TRAINERS Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

109

48.4

2,881,181

4,331,390

49.2

2,536,313

3,439,150

50.8

1,968,438

3,014,044

57.6

1,672,000

2,560,044

21.5

50.5

1,464,781

1,962,035

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

Win Place Places Other up 3rd results Stake (R) % to: 2026-09-23

Total Stakes (R)

Mr K de Melo

253

20.9

128

50.6

3,855,872

5,531,941

Mr C Zackey

220

18.6

116

52.7

2,669,438

3,943,554

Mr K Matsunyane

235

16.2

117

49.8

2,589,344

3,909,340

Mr M A Yeni

234

15.8

125

53.4

2,831,844

4,187,019

Mr R D Fourie

145

22.8

51.7

2,332,844

3,110,165

Other Places

Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr S J Snaith

225

17.3

Mr A C Greeff

177

21.5

Mr D G Smith

193

17.1

Mike/Mathew De Kock

118

17.8

Mr A P Peter

107

Name

JOCKEYS

BREEDERS Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)

Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

208

431

27,563

19.2

197

5,733,004

Varsfontein Stud

153

285

33,301

26.8

136

5,095,061

Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)

115

192

25,404

20.0

2,921,417

Klawervlei Stud

196

28,828

21.4

2,825,104

Ridgemont Highlands

100

197

27,809

21.0

108

2,780,889

Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

B.T. B.T. Total Wnrs/ Wnrs Wins Rnrs% Places Winrs Wins Stakes (R)

Vercingetorix

140

261

38,618

30.7

120

5,406,568

Master Of My Fate

139

267

31,837

23.7

126

4,425,319

Rafeef (AUS)

138

259

30,544

26.8

128

4,215,004

Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)

139

267

28,867

23.0

134

4,012,579

Querari (GER)

111

212

25,084

19.8

109

2,784,336

SIRES

See all the detailed standings - Click here 21 OCTOBER 2026 | 161

162 | 21 OCTOBER 2026