Issuu

Wednesday 7 October 2026

REAL DREAMS! 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 1

OCTOBER’S A RUSH!

IN THIS ISSUE… v

In this week’s issue... A Royal Family Real champions

Ride Of The Month? Muzi magic at Turffontein

Arc Double For Daryz

Super Sunday at LongChamp

Rupert’s Big Up Down Under God’s Window upsets the applecart

New Trainer Opens Shop

Another Justin in the training ranks

And plenty more!

On the cover

Continue The Dream storms home on debut under Craig Zackey at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday. It’s early days, but the family ties suggest Khaya Stables and Dean Kannemeyer are in for a sizzling summer. Read more on page 14. Image courtesy of Chase Liebenberg.

Issue: 40/2026

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Isivunguvungu (Christophe Soumillon) canters down for the 2025 Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint at the Dubai World Cup meeting Credit: Chase Liebenberg

THE STORM SUBSIDES v

GLOBETROTTING SPRINT CHAMPION RETIRES A dual Grade 1-winning Equus champion sprinter and a horse with the x-factor that captured the public imagination in four countries, Isivunguvungu is set for a return to South Africa after Hollywood Racing announced his retirement earlier this week. 4 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

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Isivunguvungu (Richard Fourie) wins the 2023 Gr1 Computaform Sprint | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

A Narrow Creek Stud bred son of champion sprinter What A Winter, Isivunguvungu raced for Hollywood Racing and was trained in South Africa by Peter Muscutt, for whom he won 6 races, including 2 Grade 1 victories from his 15 starts. Isivunguvungu, meaning ‘storm’ in isiXhosa, was christened by Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Odwa Ndungane. His sensational success in the 2023 Gr1 Computaform Sprint at Turffontein, when clocking 56,11 secs to beat the gallant William Robertson, also marked a maiden elite level victory for the veteran Peter Muscutt, who much like the star sprinter, has his own international CV, having conditioned horses in Zimbabwe, Singapore and Australia. “It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of Isivunguvungu’s journey in South Africa. He was brilliant at 1000m – just look at the way he 6 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

won the Gr1 Mercury Sprint. A brilliant ride by Richard Fourie saw him pull the pants down of those behind him! In the US, I thought he was desperately unlucky not to hit the money in the Breeders’ Cup. I am thrilled to hear he will be returning to Ashburton and he remains very close to all of our hearts,” reflected Muscutt. Isivunguvungu’s season-capping victory in the 2023 Gr1 Mercury Sprint, referred to by Peter Muscutt, was unquestionably a tactical showpiece by Richard Fourie, and took the champion’s earnings over the R1,7 million marker. South Africa’s recordbreaking champion jockey, Richard Fourie partnered Isivunguvungu at 5 of his 6 victories on African soil. “What a lovely easygoing horse. Mr Peter Muscutt did a great job with this phenomenal sprinter. Reflecting back, ‘Isi’ was an absolute gentleman and it was an honour to be associated with him. It is also special to have won two Grade 1’s on a horse with such a kind

nature and a genuine will to win. I wish him well on this deserved retirement and I know that the team will heap plenty of love and care on a horse that broke new frontiers for them,” Fourie told the Sporting Post. A dream to go for gold in the $1m Gr1 Breeders Cup Turf Sprint saw Isivunguvungu arrive in New York on 7 March 2024 as part of an equine tour group of eleven SAF-bred big-hitters, in what was the first direct export flight from South Africa in over two decades. Isivunguvungu made an impact in the States just six months after his arrival in the land of the free with a determined neck victory in the Da Hoss Stakes on 7 September at Colonial Downs, where he made an inside rush under Manny Franco.

International Grade 1-winning trainer Graham Motion told the Sporting Post that winning with Isivunguvungu in his first USA start was extremely rewarding and the beginning of a great journey with the South African horses that he is now training. “He went on to show he could be competitive in the Breeders’ Cup against the best horses in the world and this week he retires as a sound and happy horse,” added Motion. Isivunguvungu followed in the hoofprints of SA speed legends JJ The Jet Plane and Shea Shea as he made a brave bid against some of the world’s premier speedsters in the 2025 Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint, run on turf over 1200 metres on Dubai World Cup night.

Isivunguvungu (Richard Fourie) wins the 2023 Gr1 Mercury Sprint | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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A globetrotter in his latter years, Isivunguvungu closed off his career in Canada last weekend in the Gr2 Nearctic Stakes at Woodbine. The speedster, who first saw the light of day in the chilly magnificence of John and Renee Everett’s Narrow Creek Stud in Wolseley, a veritable gem of the upper Breede River Valley region of the Western Cape, calls it a day as a multiple Gr1 winner of 6 races with 6 places from 21 starts and stake earnings of over R4,7 million. Hollywood Racing Manager Anthony Delpech described Isivunguvungu as an ‘incredible soldier throughout his career’ and confirmed that the highly decorated gelding would likely be spending some time at Steven and Jessica Jell’s Newstead Stables, before returning to Ashburton in KZN when a flight is available. “This is a very well-deserved retirement for a horse who has given us so much. We would like to sincerely thank Steven and Jessica for opening their home to him. They are looking forward to his visit and already have a few

retired racehorses there who will become his new buddies. Isivunguvungu will have a huge paddock to run around in, plenty of space to enjoy himself, and the opportunity to simply be a horse and enjoy the start of his retirement. We wish ‘Isi’ a long, happy, and peaceful retirement. He certainly deserves it,” said the former champion jockey. Hollywood’s Devin Heffer said that Isivunguvungu has been an incredible horse and deserves his retirement.

“He took us to the Breeders Cup, to Canada, to Dubai and was a player in the renaissance of getting South African racing back to the i had a l world. He also gave Hollywood Racing our 100th winner on the last day of the 2021/22 season - the first time we hit the century mark. Some horses creep into one’s heart. He was certainly one of them and we look forward to enjoying his personality and character in his retirement at Ashburton. And to everybody everywhere who played a role in the Isivunguvungu story, we thank you all for being a part of the incredible dream,” said Heffer.

The happy team congregate around the champion and Richard Fourie after the Gr1 Mercury Sprint victory | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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Robin Bruss – passionate follower of the Saffers abroad | Credit: Hamish Niven Photography

SOUTH AFRICA’S WINNING WEEKEND!

What a weekend it was for South African connections across the globe! Robin Bruss writes that Barry Irwin’s USS Valor might be the best 2yo in America after his startling win in the Gr1 Champagne at Belmont - he won by a wider margin and faster time than Secretariat in the same race! Barry reports that he has never owned horse remotely as good as this one -even though he owned and bred 2011 Kentucky Derby winner, Animal Kingdom. Gaynor Rupert’s win with homebred Gods Window from her Cayton Park Stud UK, but running in Australia now, was in the A$1,5m Gr1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick on Saturday morning. He defeated the 2024 winner Ceowolf.

Last year the race was won by Autumn Glow, another SA connection. Autumn Glow, a daughter of triple Gr1- winning South African race mare Via Africa (Var), was recently crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year for the 2025-2026 racing season Then on the breeding side, Amusingly, a filly whose dam is a half-sister to Frankel and Paardeberg stallion Kikkuli, won France’s Champion 2yo colts race, the Gr1 Prix Jean Luc Legadere, in a historic win. She also came from last with a huge burst of speed. Ed – please see more reports on pages 57, 64 and 76 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 11

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Continue The Dream storms to victory on debut under Craig Zackey | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

ONCE UPON v

A SUNDAY

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KHAYA’S ROYAL FAMILY GETS ANOTHER GREEN LIGHT! v

In typical Dean Kannemeyer style, there is no starry-eyed hype or talk of the classics and bigger fish to fry – not yet, that is – for his aptly named, and very impressive Hollywoodbets Durbanville debut winner Continue The Dream, this week’s Sprint cover star.

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Another Khaya Hollywoodbets Durban July winner! Jehan Malherbe and Dean Kannemeyer enjoy the traditional frame ceremony after The Real Prince won Africa’s greatest in 2025 | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

The blue-blooded colt was backed before cruising to a facile victory over the Country Course 1400m under SA Champion jockey Craig Zackey on Sunday. “He ticks all the boxes. He has the pedigree, the temperament, is athletic, and a really very handsome colt. I have been blessed to enjoy the support of Khaya Stables and have horses like this to train. Based on the outstanding family history, there was plenty of expectation in the build-up, and he duly delivered on his work. I really thought only the Hollywoodbets Durbanville track could beat him,” Kannemeyer told the Sporting Post on Tuesday. The veteran trainer added that it was probably ‘a blessing in disguise’ that he did not run Continue The Dream in KZN as a 2yo. “We took him up to the East Coast last season, but he had a few issues, so we opted to exercise patience. He has just grown beautifully and we believe he is special. But I always

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prefer to keep my feet on the ground and let the horse do the talking from the winner’s box. As I mentioned on Sunday, my late Dad always said that if they are good enough they will qualify themselves for the bigger tests.” When asked where to next, Kannemeyer said that on Monday morning Continue The Dream had emptied the manger and looked like he hadn’t raced. “He was given a rating of 89 by the handicappers and I would like to step him out next at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in a race where he gets his weight-for-age allowance, and then take it from there. I am not sure of the quality of what he beat on Sunday, but his next start will certainly tell us more.” When it comes to illustrious lineage and fabulous families, Dean Kannemeyer and his long-time patron Lady Christine Laidlaw have enjoyed a royal run with the offspring of the SA Champion Broodmare Real Princess (Trippi),

who was purchased by Jehan Malherbe’s Form Bloodstock for R2,7 million on the Cape Premier Yearling Sale.

Gimmethegreenlight foals just pop out looking like superstars - different types of horses, but all superstars,” enthused the leading breeder.

Real Princess has produced five foals at the magnificent Varsfontein Stud for Lady Laidlaw – four colts and one filly, and all by champion sire Gimmethegreenlight.

Susan added that after Continue The Dream, Real Princess was in foal to Vercingetorix but sadly aborted.

When asked if breeding champions was simply pressing buttons, as it appears to be with this particular marriage, Varsfontein’s Susan Rowett told the Sporting Post that it was just amazing and was a very nice win. She said that from the very beginning Jehan Malherbe and Carl de Vos had been in total agreement. “Christine Laidlaw was absolutely delighted after Continue The Dream’s win this weekend. Jehan sent her to us to board because of wanting her to go to Gimmethegreenlight, and Carl said from the moment she arrived that she was the ideal mare for the stallion. I honestly think that she is his favourite mare on the farm. And we have some very nice mares! The

“She was desperately ill. It was absolutely touch and go. But Carl, Jaco and Carolyn (Erasmus) pulled her through. So she had no foal in 2024 nor 2025. I doubt she will ever go anywhere else, but Gimmethegreenlight!” Varsfontein’s Jaco Erasmus confirmed to the Sporting Post on Tuesday that Real Princess is probably a matter of two weeks away from foaling down her latest ‘Gimme’. “She is in great shape and is as fit as a fiddle. She looks to be carrying a nice sized foal,” he added. The dream looks set to continue! Read more about Continue The Dream on page 27.

Flashback to CPYS Cape Guineas in 2012 - Lady Christine Laidlaw, Dean Kannemeyer, Karl Neisius and the sponsor’s Robin Bruss on the podium after Capetown Noir’s victory | Credit: Supplied

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50/50 SPILT ON R1 MILLION HOLLYWOODBETS PUNTERS’ CHALLENGE WIN! Two players shared the R1 million all-or-nothing jackpot in the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge at a sun-drenched Country Course on Sunday. On an afternoon where only two tote favourites arrived over the eight races, and every winning margin, bar that of impressive Kannemeyer first-timer Continue The Dream, was a half-length or less, the two Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge jackpot winners Allstar and Summer heat endured a rollercoaster ride of some proportions.

And don’t discard the ‘edge-of-the-seat trauma’ of the objection by Keagan De Melo on Demanding Dave against Kabelo Matsunyane and the evergreen Oliver in the fifth! While the Stipes overruled De Melo’s appeal and left the result intact, it was a potential 50-50 in some pundit’s books. 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 21

But the result is on the board and one of the winning players was thrilled to take our call. “It was a sweat! Almost every race had a twist to it and after the tight finishes – look at Richard Fourie’s genius in the first race – and the objection, when Anaas Mosaheb got Devil A Saint home by a nostril to beat Keagan de Melo and United Front in the last race, I leapt for joy,” said 62-year-old Stanger Granddad Summer heat, who told the Sporting Post that the win was ‘literally lifechanging’. The former Educator is involved in the construction industry and has endured some financial challenges, which he says will be alleviated by the windfall. He explained that his pseudonym ‘Summer heat’ was nothing complicated – it was simply chosen on a hot Durban day, when a horse by the same name won overseas. His wife was the only person at home when he chatted to us. He said that she was ‘over the moon’. He could not thank Hollywoodbets enough for putting on a competition, he had played since ‘Day 1’. “I have loved the racing for my whole life and the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge is just a wonderful way of enjoying the game. I am glad I wagered the minimum R50 on the betslip – in fact I spent R84 – so this gave me some nice winning bets as a bonus and importantly multiplied my potential payout ten times. What a dream day!” enthused Summer heat, who said he never really follows form, but rather goes with his experience, intuition and a sixth sense of sorts. 22 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

The key to Summer heat and Allstar’s big wins was the fact that they both wagered the R50 minimum on the programmatically generated betslip The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge is available on all local, Hong Kong and selected international racemeetings, with entries closing five minutes before the scheduled offtime of the first race. Over R48 million has been paid out in South Africa’s most popular horse racing competition of all time. 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.

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African Wild Dog bounds home under Craig Zackey | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

MORE BITE THAN BARK!

While it may have taken seven runs to get off the mark, the well-bred African Wild Dog delivered in nice style when he won the second race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday. 24 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

The three-year-old was knocked down to Jonathan Snaith for R1 300 000 at the 2025 Premier Yearling Sale, where the Drakenstein Stud-bred African Wild Dog was the second most expensive yearling sold by his sire Querari. South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2yo’s in 20182019, Querari (who hails from the same Green Desert male line as Sunday’s repeat Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Daryz) enjoyed a wonderful season in 2025-2026. Querari, third on the General Sires premiership last season, was responsible for seven black type winners of 12 stakes races with this tally headed by the Gr1 winning Equus Champions Questioning and Star Major. Raced by Rolf & Gloria Theiler in partnership with Drakenstein, African Wild Dog was one of two winners at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday for his sire, with Querari gelding Devil A Saint winning the eighth and final race. The blue-blooded African Wild Dog is the fifth winner for the Trippi sired Gr3 Flamboyant Stakes runner-up Impala Lily. The latter is also responsible for 2024 Baker McVeigh Gr3 Diana Stakes second Summer Lily (Gimmethegreenlight), and last season’s Gr3 West Cape Fillies Championship runner up Lowveld Lily (Legislate). The regally bred Impala Lily is a full-sister to Listed Perfect Promise Sprint winner Lesedi La Rona (dam of dual graded stakes winning filly Green Diamond), and half-sister to the stakes winning fillies Swazi Queen (Legislate) and Gerbera (One World). Another half-sister, Mara, is the dam of Gr3 Cape Classic winner Great Plains (Danon Platina). Impala Lily also ranks as a three-parts sister to Trippi’s Gr2 placed daughter Shingwedzi and

to the dam of multiple graded stakes winner Hoedspruit (Legislate). Impala Lily is out of the Western Winter mare Barberton Daisy, whose own dam Buffalo Dance (Sadler’s Wells) is a half-sister to dual French Gr1 winner Bright Sky (Wolfhound). Buffalo Dance and Bright Sky were produced by the high-class racemare Bright Moon, one of the best horses sired by disappointing Kentucky Derby winner Alysheba. The latter, a multiple group winner, is directly descended in female line from arguably the greatest broodmare in the studbook -La Troienne. La Troienne’s remarkable influence shows no signs of abating with her female line still producing top-class performers to this day. The 2026 Gr1 Del Mar Oaks winner Tim Tam (Medaglia D’Oro) is another descended in female line from this remarkable matriarch with Tim Tam’s close relative Essential Quality sire of recent Gr1 winner The Puma. African Wild Dog’s broodmare sire, the late Trippi, continues to make his presence felt on the world stage. Not My Time and Liam’s Map (both sons of Trippi’s star daughter Miss Macy Sue) have both enjoyed magnificent times in 2026. Not This Time, whose son Rhetorical won Saturday’s Gr1 Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes, currently heads the North American General Sires premiership, with his dual Gr1 winning half-brother Liam’s Map responsible for three Gr1 winners in North America this year - notably Preakness Stakes winner Napoleon Solo. Another outstanding daughter of Trippi, Real Princess, ranks as the dam of Sunday’s hugely impressive debut winner Continue The Dream.

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Craig Zackey returns on Continue The Dream as DKR team members Mzwanele Lize and Alfred Tembinkosi Skeyi assist | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

HE LOOKS

THE REAL DEAL! All eyes in the third race at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday, the RCS Two Year Old Sale 24 October Maiden Plate over 1400m, were on the aptly named full brother to Gr1 champions The Real Prince and Gimme A Prince, Continue The Dream, and he didn’t disappoint.

Sent off a well-supported favourite (5/2 into 33/20) in what proved to be by far the slowest of the afternoon’s three 1400m events, Dean Kannemeyer’s charge raced ninth no more than six lengths off the sedate pace set by Confirmed.

Drawn wide at twelve meanwhile the friendless Godric Gryffindor (5/2 out to 6/1) raced second, and he got there without his rider barely having to move a muscle.

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The time then recorded between the 1000m and 600m markers in this race was the slowest of the afternoon and the pace only really picked up when Vaughan Marshall’s charge took up the running early in the straight.

Front quickened well after switching out and would surely have won in another stride.

Continue The Dream quickened impressively after only having to be shaken up going through the 400m and he was already at the front passing the 200m marker.

Track Conditions:

He quickly skipped three lengths clear and although the winning margin was reduced to a length and a half, it was due in part to being eased late, and Godric Gryffindor quickening clear of the remainder after receiving a couple of smacks. Very interestingly, the time recorded by Continue The Dream over the final 400m was by far the fastest for that segment of the four races around the turn. It takes a very good horse to quicken like that off a slow pace. One to follow! There were three races run over 1400m in total and in the quickest of these, the closing Hollywoodbets Bright Future C Stakes, the confirmed frontrunner DEVIL A SAINT registered his fourth career victory. Run in a time 2,42 seconds quicker than that of Continue The Dream, the 6yo son of Querari was soon up with the speed and put his head in front coming off the bend. He ran on strongly in the straight and in what proved to be a real thriller, he only got the verdict from the heavily supported United Front (5/1 into 33/20 fav) on the nod. Baulked for a run when three lengths behind the winner going through the 400m, United 28 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

United Front was reported by the vet as making a respiratory noise and coughing after the race.

Going: Penetrometer: Rain:

Good 22 Last 24 hours Nil - Last 7 days 1mm

Irrigation:

Last 24 hours 5mm Last 7 days 55mm

False Rail:

Original position with a 4m spur at 500m mark

Wind: Course Variant:

15-30km/h South Easterly cross wind 1,96s fast

In terms of prizemoney and average highest merit ratings, the Race Coast Incentives – HWB B Stakes over 1000m topped the bill and in what proved to be the fastest of the four races over the distance, the 7yo Twice Over gelding OLIVER gained his seventh career victory. Usually one to run on stoutly from off the pace, Adam Marcus’ charge broke well from pole position here and raced handy in fourth. He bravely squeezed through a tight gap to lead 150m out and ridden with just hands and heels by Kabelo Matsunyane in the closing stages, he fended off a determined challenge from Demanding Dave.

Oliver was trying the distance for the first time in 31 starts when winning in his penultimate outing and he has now won two from two over 1000m. Oliver recorded a time of 21,73 seconds over the final 400m and that proved to be the quickest for that segment of the afternoon. An objection was lodged by the rider of Demanding Dave against the winner on the grounds of interference over the final 150m, but this was overruled. Just five runners went to post for the Lucky Fish Strike Class 4 (f&m) over 1400m and although the pace was steady on leaving the stalls it did then pick up rounding the turn. Peace Garland made the running whilst the unbeaten odds-on favourite OVER MY

SHOULDER (racing unsettled and green) sat just two lengths away in third. She was ridden to lead going through the 300m, but was then challenged strongly by the second favourite Sabre Wing whom she had beaten by 1,1 lengths on 1,5kg more favourable terms on her debut. Both gave their all under determined rides below the distance but try as she might Sabre Wing couldn’t get closer than a neck. Fastest Times: 1000m (4) Oliver 57,96 1400m (3) Devil A Saint 83,76 400-finish Oliver 21,73 Notebook: Continue The Dream (D Kannemeyer)

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Tristan Godden gets Gladatorian home as the competition tries hard | Credit: JC Photos

EVERGREEN 7YO v

JUST LOVES THE HIGHVELD!

KZN jockey Tristan Godden returned to the scene of his maiden Grade 1 triumph when producing the goods in cavalier style on the Stuart Ferrie-trained 7yo Gladatorian to win the R550 000 Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge on Saturday. 34 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

On 29 November last year, Godden rode his first ever winner – and career Gr1 icebreaker – at Turffontein, and made it a memorable occasion, when getting the 100-1 Mocha Blend home for trainer Frank Robinson in the Betway Gr1 Summer Cup. The stars aligned again at Turffontein on Saturday for the Richards Bay native and this time it was again in a yellow black strip – not of the Jells, but of veteran racing man Michel Nairac and his partners, and the evergreen Erasmus Thoroughbreds-bred gelding. Godden got the opportunity in the absence of the suspended Sean Veale and said the 7yo was in a good space and felt in fine fettle on the way down to the start. He had ridden Gladatorian only once previously – and coincidentally also at Turffontein, when the gelding was narrowly beaten by Winchester Mansion in the 2024 Allied-Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile. This time there were no mistakes, as Gladatorian (4-1) flew down the outside to nab the free-striding I’m A Fireball (9-2) by just under a length to win in a time of 88,58 secs. Another 7yo hard knocker in Texas Red (11-2) was 1,30 lengths back in third, with Verdonese flagbearer Choisaanada (14-1) showing up well after a 13-week break to crown the quartet. Formerly trained by retired legend Dennis Drier, Gladatorian is a superbly versatile son of Vercingetorix (Silvano) out of the six-time winning Dynasty mare Harvard Crimson, who was trained by Justin Snaith. A R400 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, the Stuart Ferrie-trained Gladatorian has won 12 races with 13 places from 36 starts for stakes of R3 770 339. 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 35

STAKES v

BREAKTHROUGH FOR DE KOCK SOPHOMORE Producing the grandstand finish of the Turffontein afternoon as she scythed through late between runners, De Kock Racing’s Rafeef daughter Flower Island took full advantage of her 9,5kg pull at the weights with the gallant year older Hazy Dazy to win the R450 000 Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring F&M Challenge in sensational style under Muzi Yeni.

36 |gets 7 OCTOBER 2026flying as Miss World (Serino Moodley) stays on for third on the rail | Credit: JC Photos Muzi Yeni Flower Island

“I got top-class instructions. Mat told me to just trust her – they went hard around the first turn. It wasn’t easy on the inside track but she’s a classy individual,” added the Stone Stamcorsponsored Muzi Yeni. Carrying the Lucky Fish flag, Mat de Kock suggested it was the ride of the season and labelled the sophomore as a filly with a promising future. And that she certainly looks to be after turning on the jets to show courage and

class as she dashed through to gain a quarter length verdict over the Spies 4yo Hazy Dazy (20-1), on whom Trent Mayhew looked to have done everything right. A popular 11-10 tote favourite, Flower Island clocked 88,38 secs for the 1450m inside track. Adam Azzie’s Miss World (25-2) ran a cracker, a head away down the inside for third, with Whistle The Tune(20-1) capping the quartet, with under a halflength covering the first four! Flower Island’s win gave the De Kock team a race-on-race double, after Duke Of Lorraine (7-1) was steered to victory by Craig Zackey a half hour earlier. Raced by Jess and Steven Jell, Mike de Kock, Chris Haynes, George Ragunan, Noelene Malherbe and Fieldspring Racing, Flower Island cost R500 000 at the BSA National Yearling Sale and made it 3 wins with a place from 4 starts for stakes of R666 876. By Ridgemont kingpin Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice), the Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein-bred Flower Island is out of the Gr1 SA Fillies Classic winner, Orchid Island (Silvano), who won five times up to 1800m from sixteen starts. According to Mat de Kock, the Starling Stakes could be next for Flower Island, with the WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas in December also in the plans. The R500 000 Pick 6 carryover reached R2 029 895,62 – falling well short of the R3 million target.

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Potala Palace - successful stallion | Credit: Ridgemont

THE

SPRING STANDARD

Last Saturday’s Joburg Spring Challenge and Joburg Spring Fillies & Mares Challenge over 1450m at Turffontein have become popular features of the opening weeks of the new season. 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 39

The Gr2 double-header was inaugurated in 2009 and has produced a host of high-class winners over the years. The Fillies & Mares Challenge, in particular, has built a remarkable legacy. It has become a serious standard setter for fillies destined for the breeding paddocks, and its roll of honour contains a number of mares who went on to make their mark at stud. Both races were upgraded from Grade 3 to Grade 2 status in 2014. The races are also renowned for close and exciting finishes, which is perhaps fitting given

that they are the first major weight-for-age (plus penalties) features of the new season. For the established stars, it is an early chance to lay down a marker, while the younger runners get an opportunity to take on proven older opposition. The race has produced two stallions from its winners in Potala Palace (Singspiel), who won in 2014 and MK’s Pride (Willow Magic), successful in 2021. The formidable Captain Al sired Captain Scott (Alec Laird), the winner of the first Spring Challenge in 2009, as well as Captain Aldo, who triumphed in 2018. Captain Al’s son William Longsword sired Back In Business, who won for Joe Soma in 2024.

Kangaroo Jack | Credit: JC Photos

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Feather Boa | Credit: JC Photos

The winningmost trainers prior to Saturday in the Spring Challenge were Mike de Kock and Sean Tarry, with three victories apiece.

broke the ice when his gallant evergreen son Gladatorian scored for Stuart Ferrie and Tristan Godden on Saturday.

De Kock saddled Gibraltar Blue (2011), Link Man (2012) and Mount Pleasant (2020), while Tarry had Trip To Heaven (2015), Wonderwall (2017) and Tin Pan Alley (2025).

No horse has managed to win the race twice.

Gibraltar Blue is the only filly to have won the colts’ race in its 17-year history. Querari sired back-to-back winners in Kangaroo Jack (2016) and Wonderwall (2017). The superb Maine Chance stallion is represented this year by Cosmic Speed and Choisaanada. Interestingly, champion stallion Vercingetorix

The most successful jockeys in the Spring Challenge are Andrew Fortune and Warren Kennedy with two wins apiece.

In the ranks of the fillies and mares, the Spring Challenge produced a star in Igugu (Galileo) who won the race as a three-yearold in 2010 and went on to win the then Vodacom Durban July in 2011 and the then Grade 1 J&B Met in 2012. Another three-year-old star was Anything Goes (Var) who won five of seven starts, including the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes as a two-year-old. 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 41

Welwitschia (Oasis Dream) won the Spring FM Challenge as a four-year-old in 2011, before going on to three Grade 1 second places and a win in the Grade 2 2013 Diadem Stakes. Significantly, as a broodmare she produced the champion filly, Desert Miracle, winner of the Grade 1 2023 Schweppes Majorca Stakes and the HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes in the same season. Festival Of Fire (Kahal), the 2012 winner, produced Destiny Of Fire, who finished third last year and is in the line-up again this year. Her foal Glastonbury Fire (Hawwaam) was a R1-million two-year-old in 2025 who won his second career start handsomely earlier this year and has been rested since. Feather Boa (Flower Alley) the 2023 winner, was sold and exported to the United States where she will continue her career as a broodmare. Humdinger (What A Winter) followed her 2022 success with a win in the 2023 Grade 2

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Tibouchina Stakes and a sensational defeat of Happy Chance and Double Grand Slam in the 2024 Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes. Humdinger was sold on to Drakenstein Stud, where she’s had a lovely colt by One World, reported to be heading to the Bloodstock SA National Sale next year. Gavin Lerena is the most successful jockey in the history of this contest, but he is on the injury list and Keagan De Melo (Whistle The Tune) is the only rider with a previous win, and a chance to get a second victory this year. Mike de Kock has saddled six winners of the F&M Spring Challenge and now in partnership with his son Mat made it seven on Saturday with Flower Island, giving Wilgerbosdrift/ Maurtitzfontein their fourth success. • Edited by SP editorial staff from the original Off The Record.

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Muzi Yeni steers Anuschka’s World to victory | Credit: Pauline Herman

SON OF

ONE WORLD SHOWS THE WAY

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The Riverton Stud-bred Anuschka’s World is a soldier of consistency and scored his second win on the polytrack from six career victories when rallying smartly under the hardworking Muzi Yeni to win the R200 000 Betway NBT Cradock Place Stakes at Fairview on Friday. v

Saddled by the Lucky Fish-sponsored Kelly Mitchley, the 5yo Anuschka’s World (33-10) led early in a field reduced to just five runners and then came right back at them late in the home straight to beat the accomplished Cruise Control (5-10) by three quarters of a length in a time of 69,11 secs for the 1200m. An R80 000 National Yearling Sale bargain buy, the winner is raced by Cape-based Etienne and Cameron Braun & Sean Meadows and has now won 6 races with 19 places from 32 starts and stakes of R786 767. Bred by the Barry’s Riverton Stud, the winner is by One World (Captain Al) out of the thricewinning Kahal mare, Brigtnumberfour. The training honours on the day were with a double apiece by Duncan McKenzie, Dean Smith and Alan Greeff, while Richard Fourie rode two winners.

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Friday Night Racing at Hollywoodbets Greyville delivers on the action! | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

OOMPAH! TIENIE ENJOYS AN

OKTOBERFEST QUICKSTEP

With the twelve runners boasting an average merit rating of 113, the Bet With Tote www.tote.co.za Conditions Plate over 1400m topped the bill at a festive ‘Oktoberfest’ Lucky Fish Friday evening at Hollywoodbets Greyville. 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 47

In what not surprisingly proved to be by far the quicker of the two races over the distance, the Tienie Prinsloo-trained dual Gr1 winner Quickstepgal registered her eighth career win from just 14 starts. Always top of the boards, the well-supported favourite broke well and as per usual was soon positioned close to the speed. She had only been ridden with hands and heels on moving up to challenge approaching the 200m marker but did then have to be ridden in order to shake off the staying on pacemaker Otto Luyken, on whom apprentice Sesingi dropped the crop at the 100m.

gate nine by apprentice Qiniso Ngcobo and led by a length throughout. She ran on strongly at the business end of the race, and although the 3yo Anushka (lost one length at start) was fairly flying at the finish, she got the verdict by just over a half. Anushka came from the back and recording the second fastest 400 to finish time on the evening was another who did well to finish a close second. Interestingly, both Zeitz and Anushka were ridden by Serino Moodley who also rode two winners on the evening as well as another fast-finishing runner up. Track Conditions: Going:

Good to Soft

She ran on strongly in the closing stages of the race and went on to score by a long neck from the progressive grey Zeitz.

Penetrometer:

Positioned 11th of the twelve turning for home some seven lengths behind the winner, the runner-up caught the eye finishing strongly in the straight and in recording an impressive 22,20 seconds over the final 400m – comfortably the quickest for that segment on the evening. He did very well indeed to get as close as he did.

Irrigation:

Last 7 days Nil

False Rail:

A winner of eight of her twelve starts last season, the 6yo Vercingetorix mare ARVERNI PRINCESS opened her account at just the third time of asking this season with a typically gallant win in the Lucky Fish Diamond Riches Class 4 (f&m). Freely available at 10/1 on the off, Louis Goosen’s charge was swiftly guided over from 48 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

Rain:

Wind: Course Variant:

24 Last 24 hours Nil – Last 7 days 21mm

20-45km/h North Easterly head wind 0,74s Slow

Run in a time 0,40s faster than that of Arverni Princess was the Gallop TV Class 5 (f&m) over 1000m in which the 4yo William Longsword filly FASCINATION blazed a trail. Taken straight to the front by apprentice Dezahn Louw, Nathan Kotzen’s charge set a healthy gallop throughout. She was three lengths clear coming off the bend and went on to score unchallenged.

Just 1/50th of a second separated the winners of the opening two maiden events over 1200m with the quicker of the pair being the Lucky Fish Lucky Break Maiden Plate (f) won by the favourite FORTHEGOODTIMES. Backed into 7/10 from even money at the track, the 3yo daughter of Master Of My Fate sat fifth early on some five lengths off the pace set by Sweet Cherry. The well-tried Meghan’s Diamond was the first to make a move and on striking the front 300m out it looked as if it might be 13th time lucky. Dean Kannemeyer’s charge had been very confidently ridden throughout by Keagan De Melo though, and only having to be shaken up in order to lead 150m out, she went on to score with a ton in hand by a length and a half.

There were four races over 1200m in total and in the quickest of these, the Join Passion! www.racecoast.co.za Middle Stakes (f&m), the Justin Snaith trained MATCH THAT registered her third career win. Sent off second in the betting market at 5/2, this daughter of Gimmethegreenlight raced sixth of the seven for most of the journey. There were five virtually in a line as the field began to concertina going through the 300m, and racing wide apart, she got the better of the nibbled at Infinity Edge (16/1 into 10/1) by three quarters. Fastest Times: 1000m (2) Fascination 1200m (4) Match That 1400m (2) Quickstepgal 400-finish Zeitz

59,55 72,16 84,20 22,20

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Fairview on Friday - we race on the poly | Credit: Pauline Herman

FRIDAY AT FAIRVIEW

– SURFACE CHANGE 4Racing advised via a media release issued on Monday 5 October that Fairview had received 55mm of rain over the course of the past weekend.

45, and with further rain predicted this week, it was decided to move this Friday’s fixture to the Polytrack. All distances remain unchanged.

The penetrometer was returning readings of 50 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

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Mickael Barzalona steers Daryz to a fluent title defence as Bay City Roller chases | Credit: Liesl King

DARYZ GALLOPS INTO ARC HISTORY BOOKS

Daryz became just the ninth horse to win the Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for a second time, repeating his 2025 success with a late burst to claim victory in the richest Flat race in Europe on Sunday. 52 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

The FrancisHenri Graffard trained four-yearold became the first colt to double up in the Arc at ParisLongchamp since Alleged did it 48 years ago.

“I was never worried,” said Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who took over the racing operation of the Aga Khan Studs after the death of her father last year.

Mickael Barzalona, the winning jockey last year, took the ride again and expertly manoeuvred Daryz through the 16-strong field to hit the front in the closing stages.

“Last year was especially tough as I was caught up in the moment and still dealing with the loss,” she said.

The 13-8 favourite needed a photo finish last year but this time claimed victory by more than a length from Bay City Roller (28-1), with Aidan O’Brien’s 10-1 chance Diamond Necklace finishing third. “To win this kind of race twice proves that Daryz is an exceptional horse,” Barzalona told Sky Sports. “It was a really tough race, it didn’t go as we expected but he showed his talent and that made the difference in the end.” It was considered a gamble to keep last year’s Arc winner in training aged four, when most top-class colts are retired at three because of the lucrative breeding fees. But it has paid off for owners Aga Khan Studs, who claimed the winner’s cheque of more than £2.5m.

“He has such a will to win, and such speed, I was pretty relaxed. “Also Mickael is so calm and I have such faith in him. This is a huge achievement and I congratulate the whole team including Francis (Graffard, the trainer).” Princess Zahra said the win had made her think of her father, who enjoyed great success in the Arc including with the fabulous unbeaten Zarkava, who triumphed in 2008.

The esteem that the Aga Khan’s colours, green with red epaulettes, is held in was reflected in the huge roar from the crowd of around 30 000 as Daryz launched his challenge. Daryz added two further Group One victories to his tally this season and won his Arc prep race in grand style last month. “He’s a good horse, he’s a champion,” said jubilant winning trainer Graffard, following his second success in the race. “It’s rare that I am confident in the race – I always try to keep my feet on the ground because it is so hard to win these races. “But I knew that if things were going right for him during the trip he was very hard to beat because he is a real champion.”

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No Nay Never (Scat Daddy ex Cat’s Eye Witness) | Credit: Coolmore

ALL FUN FOR

NO NAY NEVER DAUGHTER

Amusingly (2f No Nay Never - Joyeuse, by Oasis Dream) delivered a win over the colts with a smooth victory in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on Sunday. 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 57

The Juddmonte homebred was making just her third start, having run out a threelength winner on her debut at Compiegne in June and then finishing a narrow second in the Group 2 Prix d’Aumale at Longchamp to Rogue Passion (by Sioux Nation). 58 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

Trained by Francis Graffard, Amusingly was ridden by Colin Keane and the pair settled in rear before switching left and making smooth headway from a furlong out. The daughter of No Nay Never led towards the finish to strike by a length and a quarter, with Man’s Best Friend (by No Nay Never) in third. Graffard said: “She beat the filly who finished second in the Marcel Boussac [Data] very easily, so I was hoping I didn’t make a mistake. “She shows a lot of speed this filly, so I said to Barry Mahon [Juddmonte racing manager] she’s more of a Commonwealth Cup filly than a Guineas filly for next year. “I’ve no idea if she’ll go to the Breeders’ Cup, I need to speak to the team. Today is a big win so I just want to enjoy that and winter well and we have a lovely filly for next year, but what she has done today is wonderful.” Keane added: “I think the decision to run in this race rather than the Boussac was a bit of a combination of everyone, it just looked like the last day over a mile she failed to see out the final half-furlong. “She’s a filly with a lot of class and lot of pace, she did a lot on the bridle before being run out of it close home [last time] so that was in the decision to bring her back to seven, albeit we were taking on the colts. “She relaxed a lot better today, she wasn’t as fresh and gassy and did everything right in the first half of the race. When she did that part we thought she’d run a good race and she showed how well she can quicken.”

Siena Grima salutes in delight as God’s Window storms to victory | Credit: Australian Turf Club

DRAKENSTEIN’S

AUSTRALIAN GR1 GLORY – WITH A VIEW!

Drakenstein Stud’s white and blue flag took another international stride of success at Royal Randwick on Saturday for Gaynor Rupert and her champion team when the Chris Waller-trained God’s Window produced a stunning upset to win the 2026 A$1,5 million TAB Gr1 Epsom Handicap. 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 59

Surging home from the tail of the field, God’s Window produced the goods to give apprentice Siena Grima a fairytale first Group 1 victory at her very first ride at the elite level! In what is one of the stories of the Sydney Spring Carnival, the six-year-old son of Dubawi defied his outsider status to score a brilliant 1¾-length victory over the Joe Pridetrained topweight Ceolwulf, while Tom Kitten ran on well for third in the iconic Randwick mile feature showing glimpses of his former greatness. After missing the start slightly, God’s Window settled near the rear of the field as Fully Lit rolled forward to dictate terms and several of the major chances settled ahead of him in running. But Grima remained patient throughout, allowing the lightly weighted gelding to find his rhythm before angling into clear running in the straight. Once balanced up on the better ground, God’s Window unleashed a powerful finishing burst, sweeping down the outside to storm past his rivals and record the biggest victory of his career in a winning time of 1:35.22. God’s Window was bred by the Ruperts’ Cayton Park Stud and is out of the Nathaniel mare Perfect Clarity. The history books reflect that God’s Window has earned champion trainer Chris Waller a recordequaling seventh success in the feature. 60 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

For the champion apprentice Siena Grima, it was a big moment. Not since Wayne Harris won aboard Gold Circle in 1981 has an apprentice won the famous Randwick mile feature. But Grima, 24, bucked 45 years of history in one fell swoop and in doing so reduced her master Waller – and plenty of those around him – to tears. In the direct aftermath of the watershed win, Waller revealed a key member of his team, Hall of Fame jockey Darren Beadman, was another to feel the emotion. Beadman was on duty at Flemington on Saturday but Waller said he had spoken to the former champion hoop who “was also in tears”. “He’s so proud – he’s put so much work into her,” Waller said. “I supply the horses for her to ride but he’s been there working away with her and that has played a huge part in today. “We knew Siena riding him today was the right fit, we never gave it a second thought to be honest.” The win was a boost for Maine Chance Farms’ young sire Point Lonsdale. God’s Window is out of the Listed Betfred Mobile Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes winning Nathaniel mare Perfect Clarity, whose sire Nathaniel was sired by Galileo. The latter’s fourth dam, Galaxie Dust, ranks as the third dam of multiple group winner Point Lonsdale, a son of Galileo’s dual Derby winning son Australia. From the immediate family of successful sire Zoffany, Point Lonsdale won group races at two, four and five.

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A broad grin from Siena Grima as she returns on God’s Window | Credit: Australian Turf Club

SIENA’S

SUPER SATURDAY Up until early last Saturday morning, many South African racing fans had pobably not heard the name of 24 year old apprentice Siena Grima. But that all changed in the 95 odd seconds it took the Drakenstein Stud-owned outsider God’s Window to cover the Randwick mile and win the A$1,5 million TAB Gr1 Epsom Handicap.

Riding in what was her maiden Grade 1 contest, Siena took the Chris Waller-trained import back from a draw in gate 12, before dashing through from last at the top of the straight to sweep down the outside and beat topweight Ceolwulf by one and three-quarters lengths to give Mrs Gaynor Rupert and her champion team, an elite level first in Australia with their Cayton Park-bred son of Dubawi. In the process the young horsewoman became the first apprentice in 45 years to claim the Epsom Handicap. Siena joined Waller’s premier Sydney stable from Tamworth last year before surging to the 64 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

apprentices’ premiership under the guidance of riding great Darren Beadman. And by all accounts, she somehow had no prerace nerves in the build-up to Saturday. “I honestly was filled with confidence just with the horse and the confidence Darren (Beadman) and Chris (Waller) had coming into it. They just told me to have a great time and have fun! I can’t thank everyone that has been involved at getting me here, but just to have my first group 1 win in a first ride is unreal.” Legendary trainer Chris Waller was overcome with the ‘fairytale’ win.

“I’m getting emotional for her. When she came to us, she wanted to learn. Tough is not the right word, she’s just solid. She’s an amazing horse person. We are very proud of her and so happy for her. We have a big team in Melbourne today and Darren Beadman is down there. He was the first person on the phone, he was in tears as he has put so much work into Siena. It is a fairytale win.” Born in Kempsey on the New South Wales midNorth Coast, Siena’s background was in show jumping before she relocated to Tamworth to become an apprentice jockey. She gained her love of horses from her father Michael, but, like many dads, he tried his best to steer his daughter away from thoroughbred race riding. Siena, though, was determined from a young age to be a jockey, and to go fast. “My grandfather was the first one into horses and he always wanted to be a cowboy, so he did a bit of mustering and working with cattle,” she said.

in pony club, did a bit of rodeoing, but then I went towards the showjumping and I did a lot of that. I think I always wanted to be a jockey, ever since I was a young kid. I’d watch the racehorse movies and I always loved going fast on my horses. But my Dad was always very adamant I wasn’t having anything to do with racehorses. He said it’s a really hard industry and you can get hurt. But I eventually wore him down and started track work when I was 19 or 20 - and it took off from there.” It was the influence of Hall of Fame jockey Darren Beadman, formerly an assistant trainer with Godolphin and now with the Waller yard, who initiated contact to ask whether Grima might be interested in some opportunities in Sydney. The Kempsey native subsequently started a three-month loan with Chris Waller at Rosehill where she was indentured to Mel O’Gorman. What a fairytale! What started as a once-ina-lifetime opportunity with one of the great stables, and coupled now with her almost casual Grade 1 success on the board, means the sky is surely the limit!

“Then my dad got the bug and he was more into the rodeo side of things. Then I started out

Siena enjoys a day she will remember forever | Credit: Australian Turf Club

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ANOTHER

JUSTIN IN SA TRAINING RANKS

South Africa’s newest racehorse trainer is set to send his first runners out from the Milnerton Training Centre on Saturday17 October, after receiving his licence last week.

A member of one of our most well-known breeding and racing families, the 35 year old Justin Andrews has realised a lifelong ambition and told the Sporting Post that he was looking forward to launching his training career with 20 horses and a ‘really lovely mix’ of passionate owners.

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The Andrews pedigree runs deep – Dad Terry is an accomplished former jump jockey turned breeder, while Mum Annabel was the Racing Editor for the Cape Times, and subsequently turned breeder. Elder brother Anthony was a successful jockey until injury ended his career in 2025. Justin boasts extensive international experience over twelve years in Australia and the UK and brings plenty of youthful energy to the local training ranks.

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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Ryan Moore – pictured at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Met Day in 2020 | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

RYAN MOORE & SHERGAR

INDUCTED INTO BRITISH RACING HALL OF FAME

Legendary jockey Ryan Moore and the iconic Shergar are the latest inductees into the British Racing Hall of Fame. Their inductions will be formally marked with a presentation moment at Ascot on Qatar Racing British Champions Day, Saturday 17 October. 70 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

Moore’s career achievements mark him out as one of the best riders in the history of horseracing in a stellar career spanning 26 years and counting. Initially starting out as a jumps jockey, Moore was successful on his first ever ride under rules, as Mersey Beat – trained by his father Gary won a handicap hurdle at Towcester. Over 3,400 winners later, the 43-year-old has established a global reputation as a world-class horseman, with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Japan Cup, Tenno Sho, Hong Kong Cup, Melbourne Cup and numerous Breeders’ Cup contests all on his glittering CV. Moore won the British Champion Apprentice title in 2003 and went on to be crowned Champion Jockey on three occasions from 2006 to 2009. He has won 18 British Classics, ridden 99 Royal Ascot winners, and been named Longines World’s Best Jockey four times. His astonishing tally of over 230 Group/Grade 1 winners started with Notnowcato in 2006 and has been added to every year since, most recently with True Love in the Prix de la Forêt at Longchamp on Sunday 4th October. Reducing his career to numbers would take away the sheer delight his rides have brought to racing fans the world over. Perhaps the most famous example was at Royal Ascot 2013 where Estimate, in the colours of Queen Elizabeth II, became the first horse owned by a reigning monarch to win the Gold Cup. That year he also won top-level contests in the United States, Japan, Canada and France, showcasing his adaptability and the demand for his services the world over – demand which has remained constant right up to the present day.

Moore said: “I’m honoured to be inducted into the British Racing Hall of Fame. I’ve been fortunate to work with some brilliant people throughout my career. My family’s support was so important when I was starting out, and Richard Hannon showed lots of faith in me in the early days as well. I’m also particularly grateful to Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien for the opportunities they’ve given me over the years. It means a lot to be recognised alongside them and others who have achieved so much in the sport.” Moore becomes the 14th person to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after Lester Piggott, Vincent O’Brien, Pat Eddery, Queen Elizabeth II, Frankie Dettori, Willie Carson, Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute, Prince Khalid Abdullah, Steve Cauthen, Aidan O’Brien, Jack Berry and Major Dick Hern. Shergar remains a household name almost half a century after his remarkable exploits on the track and it’s those breathtaking performances that see him inducted into the British Racing Hall of Fame this year. Foaled in 1978 at the Aga Khan IV’s private studs in Ireland, Shergar was part of the second crop of yearlings sent to Michael Stoute in 1979 after the powerful owner-breeder decided to resume his interests in British racing. He did not debut on the racetrack until September 1980 but made an instant impact once he did, winning at Newbury before finishing second in the Futurity Stakes at Doncaster the following month. It was his three-year-old season that would leave a lasting impression on the world of racing, though. Following a ten-length success in Sandown’s Classic Trial then a 12-length victory in the Chester Vase, Shergar was sent off the odds-on favourite for the 1981 Derby at Epsom. His winning distance of ten lengths remains a record to this day and could even have been 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 71

more had jockey Walter Swinburn not eased off his mount in the closing stages. The Irish Derby at The Curragh was next for Shergar and this time Lester Piggott was in the plate for another steering job, an eased-down four-length win, with Piggott commenting that he was one of the best horses he had ever ridden. The last victory of Shergar’s career came at Ascot in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes where he and Swinburn overcame trouble in-running to put four lengths between themselves and the rest of the field in the blink of an eye. Following a below-par run in the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster, Shergar was retired and sent to stud in Ireland. He only managed one breeding season, in 1982, as on 8th February of the following year he was kidnapped and never seen again. Whilst he may have subsequently joined public folklore for his disappearance rather than for his amazing performances on the track, the Aga Khan IV’s colt was a Shergar wins the 1981 Epsom Derby with ease | Credit: Supplied

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generational talent whose exploits seemed scarcely believable to anyone privileged enough to witness him in action. He becomes the 14th horse to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after Frankel, Brigadier Gerard, Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Dayjur, Dancing Brave, Galileo, Sea The Stars, Stradivarius, Pebbles, Dubai Millennium, Goldikova and Enable. Sophie Able, Co-Chair of the British Racing Hall of Fame Panel, said: “It was the unanimous decision of the panel that Shergar and Ryan Moore are both truly deserving inductees to the British Racing Hall of Fame. Shergar remains one of the most celebrated and iconic horses in British racing history, while Ryan’s outstanding career and achievements in the saddle have established him as one of the great jockeys of his generation. We look forward to welcoming those connected with both to Ascot on Qatar Racing British Champions Day and celebrating their remarkable contributions to British racing.”

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Egyptian Mau in race action in South Africa | Credit: JC Photos

TEAM VALOR’S SAF-BRED CUTS

OPPOSITION DOWN The classy Egyptian Mau, a R425 000 buy from the 2022 BSA National Yearling Sale, showed her class when she won the Gr3 Belmont Turf Sprint Stakes at Belmont Park last Thursday (01 October). 76 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

The daughter of Fire Away made a mockery of her 31-1 starting price with a convincing display on Thursday.

Bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein, Egyptian Mau races for Team Valor International.

An almost six-month layoff and facing males could not stop 6-year-old mare Egyptian Mau from winning her first U.S. graded stakes in the $200,000 feature.

The mare, a half-sister to Gr3 Godolphin Barb Stakes winner Cymric, was produced by the winning Fort Wood mare Savannah Cat.

The Neil Drysdale trainee posted a 31-1 upset for her first graded stakes win since the 2023 Gr3 HSH Princess Charlene Starling Stakes in her native South Africa. Breaking from post 4 under Antonio Fresu, Egyptian Mau rated in sixth behind the leaders on the rail through a quarter-mile in :23.19 and a half-mile in :45.83. Still fifth in the stretch, Fresu and Egyptian Mau took advantage of a gap on the rail to run down second-choice Walaro for a neck score. The mare has now won four of 15 starts, having also claimed an allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita Park last October.

The latter, in turn, is a half-sister to Gr3 Kings Cup winner Bulleting Home and hails from the same family as multiple champion sire Western Winter. A delighted Robin Bruss told the Sporting Post that Egyptian Mau was on the direct flight from SA to USA which Gerard Connolly and himself organized and included Princess Calla (now at stud in Kentucky), Beach Bomb (Gr2 winner and Gr1 second in NY and earned over $600k) and Isivunguvungu (dual SW and 6th in Breeders Cup Sprint Gr1). “Add the more recent performances of Gimme a Nother and One Stripe, and SA horses are holding their own in USA!” enthused the veteran bloodstock man.

NHA CALENDAR ALL THE ADMIN UNDER ONE UMBRELLA The Sporting Post presents the National Horseracing Authority calendar per Friday 2 October 2026. The calendar is a summary of the past week’s penalties and registrations and is an easy-read snapshot of information. Please click on the image below:

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Justin Andrews – new young talent in the training ranks Credit: Supplied

ANOTHER

JUSTIN

IN THE RANKS! South Africa’s newest racehorse trainer is set to send his first runners out from the Milnerton Training Centre within a matter of weeks after receiving his licence last week. 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 79

A member of one of our most well-known breeding and racing families, the 35 year old Justin Andrews has realised a lifelong ambition and told the Sporting Post on Friday that he was looking forward to launching his training career with 20 horses and a ‘really lovely mix’ of passionate owners. The Andrews pedigree runs deep – Dad Terry is an accomplished former jump jockey turned breeder, while Mum Annabel was the Racing Editor for the Cape Times, turned breeder. Elder brother Anthony was a successful jockey until injury ended his career in 2025. Justin smiles broadly when he tells that, much like Anthony, he was driven straight from the maternity ward to his parents’ Sorrento Stud, where he lived his first 18 years on horseback. While he rode a number of winners in Cape Town, he was unable to follow in his older sibling’s career as he was considered to be physically too heavy. He thus decided to pursue a training career – a dream that became reality this week after his return to South Africa in December last year. 80 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

At a relatively young age, Justin brings a rich mix of diverse exposure to one of the toughest professions on earth. His list of past employers – he calls them coaches – include the likes of Glen Kotzen, Summerhill Stud, Vaughan Marshall, Justin Snaith, and further afield the likes of the Australian Turf Club, Chris Waller – where he proudly worked with world champion Winx – as well as the Hawkes family, amongst other leading establishments. “Listing all of those star achievers sounds like I’m name-dropping, but I really have been fortunate to have learnt from some of the very best – and to have worked with great horses like Igugu and Winx, amongst others, is an honour in itself.” Justin has taken over Lucinda Woodruff ’s old yard in Milnerton. He beams with enthusiasm when asked about his new stable. “We are a young and dynamic team and will make our set-up great. The offices are very nice, but our horses are always our priority and our focus. As long as they are happy and comfortable, that’s all that matters.” Justin spent six months this year with Piet Botha and was in the process of setting up his own team this week.

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Damian Pillay poses proudly in his new blazer with SAJA Cape Riding Master, Colinda Austin | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

50 UP FOR DAMYAN

Delighted 19 year old apprentice Damyan Pillay lost his claim and received his white blazer marking his 50th career winner at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday, when Black Erika gave Adam Marcus the second leg of a double on the sunny afternoon. A former St Charles College student, the tall young man, who grew up in Orient Heights in Pietermaritzburg, enjoys passionate support when riding in KZN from his Mom Anneleen, Dad Yugan and younger sister, Thalya. The Al Khayl-sponsored Damyan’s interest in horses commenced when he joined the 84 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

Canterbury Equestrian Centre at the age of 6. Showjumping was the start for Damyan and he simply loved being around the horses. He rode his first winner at Hollywoodbets Scottsville at his 18th ride in September 2024 on Red Mountain for Robbie Hill.

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For illustration only – racing is dangerous | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

JOCKEYS’ HIDDEN REALITY: v

LEARNING TO FALL Following on her editorials, ‘What We Don’t See…Insights Into The ‘Glam’ Life Of The Jockey’ published 6 July 2026 and ‘When Winning Doesn’t Feel Like Winning’ published on 27 July 2026 on the Sporting Post website, Michele Wing (MSc, Brunel University London) provides more insights in another instalment of her series, entitled ‘The Hidden Reality’. She writes that a fall in a race can happen in an instant.

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For illustration only – riderless horse | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

One moment, a jockey is balanced above the horse, part of the harmonious movement of the race. The next, that movement is broken and horse and jockey are down.

The Risk They Already Know

For those watching, the moment is clear. A horse stumbles. A jockey disappears from view whilst the other horses race on.

“Every time we are legged up, our lives are on the line”.

For a jockey, there is no watching it happen. “It happens so fast, you have no chance … no chance whatsoever.” A horse can falter. A horse can fall. Horses can impede each other in the running of a race. At racing speed, there is little time to understand what is happening, let alone avoid what comes next. And then comes the ground. A fall itself can take place in just seconds. What happens afterwards often lasts far longer. And that is the part of falling we rarely see. 90 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

Jockeys do not need anyone to explain to them that racing is dangerous. They know.

They know things can happen that are not completely within their control. They understand the speed, the close proximity of horses in a race and the consequences when things goes wrong. It almost seems inevitable. It’s not if you’re going to fall … it’s when you’re going to fall. I prefer not to think about it, but it’s in the back of my mind”. Knowing a fall can happen, does not see a jockey riding expecting it to happen. A jockey still has to judge the pace, position a horse and act when an opportunity appears.

There is little room for a mind occupied by any negativity.

When the Body Stops, the Career Doesn’t An injury affects not only the body.

Yet accepting the inevitability of a fall, is not the same as experiencing it. And sometimes, after experiencing it, things change. When A Fall Follows You When a jockey returns, racing expects the same from them. Horses still race in close quarters at speed. Gaps still open and close. Decisions still have to be made in fractions of a second. But a jockey may not experience it in quite the same way. “I don’t care what anyone tells you, falling affects your nerve. Just watch a race and you’ll see jockeys who can’t take a gap … that’s them.” A missed opportunity may look like poor judgement. A jockey who cannot commit to a gap may appear hesitant. But what the public cannot see is the thought before that splitsecond decision. What if? A jockey can find that their confidence is not the same. The memory of what happened can occupy the space when decisive judgement is needed. Whilst the body may have healed, rebuilding confidence can take longer. The hardest part for a jockey is not getting back into the saddle. It is about rebuilding trust in themselves, the horse and the sport, once they are there.

For a jockey, their body is how they earn a living. But when the body stops, other things can stop too. “One of my most stressful times, was when I broke my collarbone. I couldn’t do anything whilst my body healed … I nearly went mad.” The frustration is not simply about pain. It is about being unable to do the thing that gives purpose to their day, provides an income and forms part of a professional identity. “In our game, if you are not riding, you are not earning. When injured, you are not only trying to heal as fast as possible but stressed out of your mind that you can’t provide for your family. It’s tough … very tough.” And for a young jockey, injury can come at a time when their professional life is only just being established. They may need support, someone to talk to, and enough self-belief to trust again. Those needs do not necessarily present in the same order. Nor do they disappear when a doctor says an injury is healed. Either way, whilst a jockey recovers, racing continues without them. Returning Isn’t Simply Returning Returning brings other challenges. A ride may no longer be available. A replacement jockey may have been found. A relationship with a trainer may have shifted. “You become a used piece and only booked to ride when a trainer is left with few options.” 7 OCTOBER 2026 | 91

It is a stark description, and not necessarily every jockey’s experience. But it captures a vulnerability in a profession where absence can have consequences. The body has its own recovery timetable. The mind has another. The career has its own and they do not always wait for one another. “It takes huge strength to come back from a bad injury … you’re never quite the same.” Returning is not simply a medical milestone. It is a point at which a jockey must discover what still remains possible. Sometimes getting back in the saddle is only the beginning. Why Go Back? So why go back? After a fall, the pain, the uncertainty and the long hours of recovery, what makes a jockey ride again? There is no single answer. For some, it is all about the horses. For others, it is the competition, ambition, or exhilaration of racing at speed. Being a jockey may be the career they have worked towards since childhood, the community in which they have grown up, or the identity they have built around being an elite athlete. There are practical reasons too. Racing is their livelihood. There may be a family to support, goals still to achieve, or a future that feels difficult to imagine outside of being a jockey. 92 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

And sometimes, it is simply that they are not finished yet. One jockey described the other side of that choice: “You don’t ever want to retire because you have to. Sadly, many of us do because our bodies can’t take the punishment anymore.” The words point to something more than retirement itself. They suggest that leaving racing is not always a decision made freely. That is why returning cannot be measured simply by whether a jockey gets back on a horse. Returning is one choice. But continuing is another. And sometimes the most difficult decision may be knowing when the two are no longer the same thing. For a jockey, the question is not only, can I ride again? It may also be, do I still want to? And perhaps more significantly, what comes next if I don’t? The Person Behind the Goggles From the outside, a jockey seems to be no more than what we see on race day.

The colours. The goggles. The few minutes of a horse beneath them. A fall can bring the attention of those watching to a sudden standstill. But the field races on. It always does. A jockey at the front may not even know a fall have happened behind them. The finish line arrives and only afterwards they learn what has happened. Behind the goggles is someone who can be

injured, whose confidence can be shaken, whose livelihood can be interrupted and whose future can change. Whilst a fall happens in full view, much of what happens afterwards is out of sight.

A jockey is a person whose life continues after a race. A jockey is a person whose life continues after a fall and after the applause has gone.

A jockey is not simply a person who we see for those few minutes on race day.

For illustration only - it’s not a glam job! | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

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Jabez Johnstone rides Mr Monaco to win The Lexus Bart Cummings during Turnbull Stakes Day at Flemington | Credit: VRC

MR. MONACO SECURES A

‘GOLDEN TICKET’ The Ciaron Maher stable has secured another ‘Golden Ticket’ into the Lexus Melbourne Cup with the victory of Mr Monaco at Flemington.

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Mr Monaco took out the Group 3 The Lexus Bart Cummings (2500m) on Saturday to receive a ballot exemption into the Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on 03 November. Shockletz earned a ballot exemption for the Maher stable with her win in The Archer (2500m) at Flemington last month. An acceptor also in The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday, the decision was made to send Mr Monaco to Flemington. Under the guidance of apprentice Jabez Johnstone, Mr Monaco (A$8) scored a 1-¼ length win from the A$4.60 favourite Litzdeel with Valiant King (A$13) a further four lengths away third.

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Maher said his confidence in Mr Monaco grew after watching Juju Kibo take out The Metropolitan 15 minutes prior to The Bart Cummings. “The horse had been a little bit out of form, but before that he and Juju Kibo had run together and with Juju winning The Metropolitan, it gave me a bit of confidence,” Maher said. “He did have good wet form, so we thought we’d send him down the highway and now he’s here in Melbourne and has got a ticket. There’s a great ownership group and now they’re in the Cup. “The next month and a bit, when you get one in the Cup is the most thrilling time for the owners. The build-up, it’s nearly better than the race. “The Metrop was his aim, but when the weather came, on Wednesday, at acceptance time, that’s when we travel our horses and that’s when we made the call and thankfully, we did.” Maher praised Johnstone for his ride on Mr Monaco which provided the Tasmanian apprentice with his first Stakes race win on the mainland. “He’s a little ripper,” Maher said of Johnstone. “He’s been a revelation since coming across. My General Manager Sam Lefebvre follows the Tassie racing having worked down there and he said ‘this kid is going places, and we need to get him’. “He works hard. I get on with him quite well. He’s usually a man of few words and I don’t mind that either. It was a good positive ride and he’s strong.” www.vrc.com.au

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Definitive secures a first Class 2 victory at Sha Tin | Credit: HKJC

DEFINITIVE DOMINATION & PURTON MILESTONE AT SHA TIN Delighted 19 year old apprentice Damyan Pillay lost his claim and received his white blazer marking his 50th career winner at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Sunday, when Black Erika gave Adam Marcus the second leg of a double on the sunny afternoon. Eustace celebrated a second Group 3 win in Hong Kong last Thursday (01 October) with Colourful King before Definitive secured the third-season handler’s fifth win this term as the recipient of a cracking ride from Teetan aboard the five-year-old War Decree gelding. Stepping from barrier seven, Definitive 98 | 7 OCTOBER 2026

positioned behind leader Sing Dragon (127lb), while Sky Vino (115lb) held third on the rail. Turning for home, Teetan pressured the leader before taking over at the 400m, scoring by twoand-a-quarter lengths in 1m 38s. Teetan said: “He went down to the gates feeling good and when he came out so well, I thought,

that’s halfway home already. He was able to control the race and he picked it up nicely. He had no weight on his back and he was in the perfect spot. “I always knew he had ability, and sometimes it’s just about him bringing his ‘A game’ to the races, too. I must say, well done to David and his team – they had the horse spot on.” Talents Ambition (128lb) finished second with Sky Vino grabbing third. Eustace expects Definitive will seek a fourth Happy Valley win after this breakthrough in Class 2. “He got a beautiful ride and the setup of the race worked out well for him. He’s got to take his medicine from the handicapper, and there are not too many options for him on the dirt, but he’s got a very effective record at Happy Valley,” Eustace said.

Racing in the same silks as triple Group 1 winner Mr Stunning for owner Maurice Koo and trainer Frankie Lor, Mr Cool (126lb) dashed to victory in the Class 4 Yan Chai Trophy Handicap (1400m), capping a double for Teetan. Lor also grabbed two of his own when Horsepower (135lb) nicked the Class 3 Shing Mun Handicap (1000m) under Andrea Atzeni. The Harry Angel gelding is owned by Michael Lee, former Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and his family. Zac Purton reached 1,100 wins on the Sha Tin turf as Michael Chang’s Lady’s Love (129lb) claimed the Class 4 Sham Tseng Handicap (1400m). Purton kicked off his double aboard KOL (122lb) in the Class 4 Kwok Shui Handicap (1200m) for David Hayes.

Lady’s Love is Zac Purton’s 1,100th turf course winner at Sha Tin | Credit: HKJC

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Chang said: “Today has been lucky on my side, as both my horses drew barrier one. This horse (Lady’s Love), Zac came back and said he does a few things wrong – he doesn’t fully concentrate. I think he still has a couple of lengths left to improve further.” Purton, a nine-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey, leads the 2026/27 standings with 14 wins – six clear of his nearest rivals. The winningest rider in Hong Kong racing history, 43-year-old Purton has notched 2,035 wins in the city since arriving in 2007/08. Team Happy (124lb) began Chang’s double under Matthew Poon, taking out the Class 5 Lo Wai Handicap (1400m), while Hayes also trained two victors as All Round Winner (120lb) skimmed the inside rail to strike under Harry Bentley in the Class 3 Shek Wai Kok Handicap (1650m, dirt). Double Bingo (128lb) edged to Class 5 Chai Wan Kok Handicap (1650m, dirt) success under Nichola Yuen for trainer Ricky Yiu. Victory is the sevenpound apprentice’s sixth from the past four fixtures.

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Big Return (120lb) made his first appearance over nine furlongs a winning one, taking the Class 3 Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1800m) under Alexis Badel for trainer Jamie Richards. After interference from Firefoot (123lb), Supreme Agility (131lb) was declared the winner of the Class 4 Sha Tsui Handicap (1650m, dirt) following an inquiry and objection after initially finishing second with jockey James Orman for trainer Pierre Ng. Ng said: “He’s quite a different horse this season. It took him a long while to build up this good form. He showed in a trial he’s much sharper now, so I’m looking forward to him running in Class 3 from a light weight.” Six-year-old Bunta Baby (127lb) and jockey Luke Ferraris denied Four-Year-Old Classic Series potential Solid State (135lb) in the Class 3 Yau Kom Tau Handicap (1200m). The gelding savored a fourth career win for trainer Manfred Man at odds of 38/1.

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Jack Mitchell is heading to Dubai | Credit: Dubai Racing Club

JACK IS

FLYING HIGH Some Cape racing fans may remember a young Jack Mitchell who rode for then multiple Cape champion trainer Joey Ramsden back in the day. And like our own Durban July-winning rider in SA at the time, Stuart Randolph, now a Stipe in KZN, Jack holds a pilot’s licence - the only jockey to do so in the UK.

That win came on Saddadd in the Gr1 Grosser Preis Von Baden in Germany, in the colours of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Dubai Racing reports this week that the 37-year-old is cheerful, chatty and on the crest of a wave having recently ridden his first Gr1 winner.

With the confidence of that win behind him, Mitchell will arrive in the UAE on 29 October relishing the challenge ahead.

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He will join the prolific Simon Crisford stable, fresh from their Dubai World Cup night success with Fairy Glen. “I’m excited about working for Simon, I’ve ridden for the stable for quite a while and we’ve had quite a lot of success and a good relationship, so hopefully that continues,” he says. “I’ll effectively be freelance, but ride for Simon when he needs me.” The records show that Mitchell has only ridden twice in Dubai, most recently finishing seventh on German challenger Sisfahan in the 2023 Gr2 Dubai Gold Cup. However, he is something of a regular visitor. “I’ve holidayed there before and I’ve always loved it – I think it’s a brilliant place. I’ve talked about coming out for the past four or five years but been busy here [in the UK] and the kids were so young. And I was riding nice horses in novices on the all-weather, so it was easier to stay at home. “This year I thought “why not?” I’m 37 now, not 21. You’re always worried about coming back into the fold in England, but I’d like to think my jobs here are pretty good and secure. That Gr1 winner helped a bit in that I’m more established for when I come back so I don’t have to worry too much.” It was fitting that the Gr1 win came for one of Mitchell’s biggest supporters, trainer Roger Varian. It’s a victory which took a while to sink in. “We were confident enough as on form he only really had to beat [Gr1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic third] Giavellotto. I ride in Germany a bit, so there was trust in me knowing the track and the other riders. It was

weird, I was probably less nervous going into that race than any other big one. “I knew I’d won but I still wasn’t sure until I saw the car cameraman who follows you around. I looked across and saw him and thought “ahh, brilliant!” Mitchell was flying both metaphorically and literally after the biggest success of his career, as he’s currently the UK’s only jockey to hold a pilot’s licence. It’s something which he intends to use while in the UAE, where he will enjoy much more free time than at home, which demands a seven-day riding schedule. “It’s pretty relentless here, which is good, but being over there [in Dubai] and riding three or four times a week appealed a bit more than going to Newcastle in -4c for one ride!” jokes the father of three. “I’m going to pick up padel, which everyone has told me to do, a bit of golf and I’ve looked into a flight school, maybe in Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah. I’ve got my licence and I’m all qualified.” Mitchell, who has joined top agent Carl Hodgson, has a minimum riding weight of 55kg for his Dubai foray and brings with him plenty of experience on Arabians as well as Thoroughbreds. The dirt, he says, is a “new challenge, but another aspect to our riding as jockeys.” Nothing much, it seems, fazes Mitchell. A good attribute in a pilot, and a jockey. In an exciting development, the Sporting Post reported recently that De Kock Racing is set to reopen its Dubai stable for the 2026/2027 Dubai Racing Carnival as part of the new Global Stable initiative.

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Blue Bolt (Colin Keene) shows her class | Credit: Great British Racing

BLUE BOLT STRIKES DOWN

SUN CHARIOT Star four-year-old filly Blue Bolt took no prisoners in the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket last Saturday, running out an easy winner by nearly three lengths, while taking her record for the season to 6 from 6.

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running on from behind, Blue Bolt Blue Bolt, a Juddmonte nothing had a clear lead on the climb to the finish. homebred trained She quickened away to win convincingly by Andrew Balding, from the Karl Burke trained three-year-old Evolutionist who stayed on best of the won a listed race on rest in second, with Irish raider City Of her seasonal return, Memphis third. then gained glory at What’s next for this Blue Point filly with the Flat season nearly over. Balding and Royal Ascot when Juddmonte’s European racing manager successful in the Gr2 would not commit to her next start until discussing the matter with the filly’s Duke of Cambridge, owners. and has since rattled She does hold an entry in the Queen off four Group 1s Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile at Ascot on British Champions Day, but that Gr1 is - the Sun Chariot only two weeks away. If she does run one follows the Falmouth last time this season it looks more likely to be at the Breeders’ Cup meeting at at Newmarket, the Keeneland. Prix Rothschild Blue Bolt would be highly competitive at Deauville, and against the colts in the Breeders’ Cup Mile but could also be nominated for the the Matron at Filly and Mare Turf, run over nine and a half furlongs. She has never raced Leopardstown. Blue Bolt raced keenly sitting no more than a couple of lengths off the lead in the early stages of the Sun Chariot, run over the straight mile, behind the leader Moon Target. Retained rider Colin Keene knew what he had underneath him and made an early move three furlongs out to tackle the leader.

beyond a mile, so stamina concerns would be considered.

However, she has finished off her races over a mile strongly, and on a flat track with a relatively short homestretch, Blue Bolt could land a fifth consecutive Gr 1 in 2026.

Moon Target tried her utmost but couldn’t match the increased pace of the heavily supported odds-on favourite, and with

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results up to: 2026-10-07

TRAINERS Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

48.4

2,453,681

3,612,753

49.6

1,881,938

2,504,275

50.0

1,533,438

2,333,219

59.1

1,360,281

2,084,213

24.7

48.4

1,464,781

1,896,604

Other Places

Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr S J Snaith

182

18.1

Mr A C Greeff

139

22.3

Mr D G Smith

160

16.9

Mike/Mathew De Kock

17.2

Mr A P Peter

JOCKEYS Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

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

Total Stakes (R)

Mr K de Melo

218

22.5

107

49.1

3,576,809

5,015,141

Mr C Zackey

184

18.5

52.7

2,123,306

3,136,335

Mr M A Yeni

203

16.3

108

53.2

2,412,719

3,615,019

Mr K Matsunyane

172

19.2

48.8

2,203,406

3,149,084

Mr Serino Moodley

123

17.9

50.4

1,733,750

2,568,904

BREEDERS Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

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

Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

194

353

24,554

18.6

162

4,763,454

Varsfontein Stud

138

232

30,135

26.8

112

4,158,568

Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)

103

160

22,418

17.5

2,309,105

Klawervlei Stud

158

25,445

18.9

2,290,023

Ridgemont Highlands

161

23,645

19.8

2,151,651

Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

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

Vercingetorix

120

204

37,101

30.8

4,452,074

Master Of My Fate

128

219

28,779

23.4

103

3,683,707

Rafeef (AUS)

125

212

28,715

25.6

108

3,589,354

Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)

124

213

26,159

21.0

109

3,243,685

Querari (GER)

102

175

23,065

17.6

2,352,586

SIRES

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