Issuu

Wednesday 14 October 2026

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FIRST ROYAL

RAYS OF SUMMER! v

In this issue... 166 Royal Renewals L’Ormarins King’s Plate countdown

October 2yo Sale Hosted by Race Coast Sales

Charming! Durban July winner’s half-brother in ring

The Arc Debate Have your vote!

The Everest Ka Ying Rising – or bust?

And plenty more!

On the cover We are counting down to the RCS 2yo Sale on Saturday 24 October and here is a cover star that could be worth looking at! Narrow Creek’s #90, a daughter of Querari, is bred on the same cross as champion Star Major, and fellow Gr1 winners Bavarian Beauty and Cosmic Speed. Her dam is a thrice-winning ¾ sister to Durban July winning champion Marinaresco, and graded winners, Marina & Bulsara. Romi Bettison took the photograph.

Issue: 41/2026

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166TH L’ORMARINS v

KING’S PLATE

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CAPE TOWN TURNS BLUE AND WHITE! v

One of Cape Town’s most celebrated summer occasions returns to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 9 January 2027, when the 166th running of the L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate brings together world-class racing, signature blue-and-white style and one of the city’s great social traditions.

14 OCTOBER 2026 |5 Craig Zackey kisses The Real Prince, winner of the 2026 L’Ormarins Gr1 Kings Plate | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Wish List (Andrew Fortune) won the Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

Steeped in history and synonymous with the Cape summer, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate has evolved into far more than one of South Africa’s most prestigious race days. It is an occasion where racing, fashion, food, entertainment and celebration come together, transforming Hollywoodbets Kenilworth into a spectacular sea of blue and white. At the heart of the day, however, remains an extraordinary racing tradition. More than 150 years of history have seen some of the greatest thoroughbreds in South African racing add their names to the King’s Plate honour roll, including Charles Dickens, Sea Cottage, Politician, Jet Master and fourtime winner Pocket Power. Won in 2026 by The Real Prince, the 2027 renewal is already shaping up as another exceptional contest. 6 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

See It Again, Eight On Eighteen, Note To Self, Jan Van Goyen and Questioning are among the current stars likely to lock horns over the famous Hollywoodbets Kenilworth mile, adding another chapter to one of South African racing’s most celebrated contests. The L’Ormarins Gr1 King’s Plate also carries international significance, with the winner earning an invitation to the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile in the United States, providing a pathway from Cape Town to one of racing’s biggest global stages. The action extends well beyond the headline race. The day features three elite Group 1 contests, with the World Pool Gr1 Cape Flying Championship (1000m) and Cartier Gr1 Paddock Stakes (1800m) joining the L’Ormarins King’s Plate on an outstanding programme of racing.

Lipizzaners entertain the crowd | Credit: Chris Hitchcock

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Away from the track, the event’s unmistakable blue-and-white theme has become part of Cape Town’s summer identity, with thousands of racegoers embracing the dress code and turning the lawns and hospitality areas of Hollywoodbets Kenilworth into a showcase of style. Fashion will once again play a major role, with prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat, while food, entertainment and hospitality will ensure there is plenty to experience between races and beyond the final event of the day. Guests can choose from a range of experiences, from Style Village and the atmosphere of the lawns to premium hospitality offering exceptional dining, exclusive lounges and prime views of the racing. As the afternoon moves into evening, the racing may finish, but the celebration does not. Music and entertainment will carry the Blue and white is in fashion! | Credit: Chris Hitchcock

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festivities into the night, continuing a tradition that has made the L’Ormarins King’s Plate as much a fixture on Cape Town’s social calendar as it is on its sporting one. Whether you come for the champions, the fashion, the food, the friends or simply the unmistakable atmosphere of a Cape Town summer day, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate offers something beyond the ordinary. World-class racing. Iconic style. Cape Town in summer. More Than Just Racing. The 166th L’Ormarins King’s Plate takes place at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday 9 January 2027. • •

For more information: www.lormarinskingsplate.co.za Tickets are on sale now from Computicket.

Media release by L’Ormarins King’s Plate on Wednesday 14 October 2026.

Fashion statements! | Credit: Chris Hitchcock

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4 ALGOA CUP DAY Racing Welcomes New Sponsor v

HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL RACING WEEKEND

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Final fields have been declared for the 2026 Algoa Cup Day at TAB Fairview Racecourse on Sunday, 18 October, with the historic TAB Casino Listed Algoa Cup headlining a programme that welcomes Konica Minolta as a new sponsor to Eastern Cape racing.

Zatara Magic charges home under Craig Zackey to win the 2025 Algoa Cup – he is back to defend his title on Sunday 14 OCTOBER 2026 | 11 Credit: Pauline Herman

The Algoa Cup traces its origins to 1920 and remains one of the most prestigious races on the Eastern Cape calendar.

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First won by Woodcutter, its 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.

Patrick Duff, CEO of 4Racing said, “4Racing and the Eastern Cape racing community are delighted to welcome Konica Minolta South Africa. We value their investment in our sport and local community, and this collaboration reflects the importance of building strong partnerships that contribute to the continued growth and development of racing.”

The race has proved a very 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 and Zatara Magic from the Smith Stable kept the silverware at home in 2025. The 2026 renewal, to be run as the TAB Casino Algoa Cup, promises another compelling contest, with Zatara Magic back to defend his title. Supporting the headline event is the Konica Minolta SA Stakes (Listed), a 1600m contest for three-year-olds. Formerly known as the ROA Stakes, the race welcomes new sponsor Konica Minolta. 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 12 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

“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 gives us 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,” says Marc Pillay, CEO of Konica Minolta South Africa. The Konica Minolta SA Stakes has also produced its share of notable performers over the years, with past winners including 2010 Vodacom Durban July champion Bold Silvano, international campaigner Light The Lights and sire, Gold Standard. Please see the final fields on www.sportingpost.co.za. Media release by 4Racing on Wednesday 14 October 2026.

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Another crackerjack sale anticipated 16 | 14 OCTOBER 2026 Credit: Chase Liebenberg

PLENTY OF v

CHOICES

AT RCS 2YO SALE

The Race Coast Sales October Two Year Old Sale is set to take place this month at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on 24 October.

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The one day auction will be looking for more great results, with no fewer than 127 of the 131 horses offered at last year’s sale knocked down successfully. Poster boy for the sale remains globetrotting champion One Stripe, who made R1 400 000 to top the 2023 Cape Racing Ready To Run Sale. The champion son of One World is set to stand his first season at Ridgemont in 2027. With South Africa’s top sires all represented at the sale, the 2026 RCS October Two Year Old Sale seems likely to produce more future equine stars. A few lots which look particularly eyecatching on paper include: Lot 20: Unnamed f Rafeef -Mercury Rising By the sire of recent Gr2 Joburg Spring F and M Challenge winner Flower Island, this filly is out of the Gimmethegreenlight sired Listed World Sports Betting Perfect Promise Sprint winner Mercury Rising, a half-sister to two black-type horses, including Gr3 Lebelo Sprint winner Taikonaut. Lot 66: Charm Away c Fire Away -Souk Charm Away shares his sire with Gr1 winners Confederate and Fire Attack, as well as recent US Gr3 winner Egyptian Mau. Out of Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes runnerup Souk, and from the family of Danehill, Machiavellian and Northern Dancer, he is a half-brother to four winner,s notably G1 Hollywoodbets Durban July winning sire Oriental Charm. Lot 75: Harmony f Vercingetorix -Takingthepeace By reigning champion sire Vercingetorix, this filly is out of Gr1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic winner Takingthepeace and she is a full-sister to debut winner, Take No Prisoners. 18 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

Lot 80: Time Magic f Vercingetorix -Trickster A full-sister to impressive debut winner Dog In The Fog, Time Magic is out of Gr2 Western Cape Fillies Championship runner up Trickster, a full-sister to Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint winner Asiye Phambili. Lot 95: Jet Setter c Jet Dark -Alinga By one of South Africa’s most popular young stallions, Jet Setter, out of a stakes winning daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar, is a 3/4 brother to BSA August Million winner Broadway Trip (by Trippi) and half-brother to Equus Champion and dual Gr1 winner, Fatal Flaw. Lot 100: Bavaro c Querari - Bandola From the family of Gr1 winners Little Miss Magic, Bilateral and Lucky Lad, this colt is a full-brother to Gr1 Thekwini Stakes winner Bavarian Beauty. Lot 117: Count Nefaria c The United States -Comtesse Dubois By the red-hot The United States, and out of a stakes winning 3/4 sister to two graded stakes winners, this colt is a half-brother to four winners led by last season’s Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes winner Erik Dubois. Lot 134: Unnamed f Jet Dark -Elisium A half-sister to six winners led by Gr1 Cape Guineas winner Russian Rock, this filly hails from the family of outstanding fillies Minding, Arabian Lass, Tuesday, Victorious and Empress Josephine, among others. Lot 143: Unnamed f Vercingetorix -Gibraltar Blue From the family of 2026 Gr1 winners Sun Goddess and Thesecretadversary, and out of a four time graded stakes winning daughter of Rock Of Gibraltar, this filly is a full-sister to the classy stakes performers, I’m A Fireball and Cullinan Blue.

Enjoy our lot-by-lot snapshot in sire alpha order - please click here.

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Quality in the ring | Credit: Supplied

THE POWER OF PREMIER! ENTRIES ARE OPEN In the countdown to the new generation Race Coast Sales Premier Yearling Sale to be held at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 19 and 20 March 2027, prospective vendors are reminded that preliminary entries are now open at no cost. 14 OCTOBER 2026 | 21

The preliminary entries close on Friday 30 October 2026, with final entries and the R5 000 fee per yearling due on Tuesday 1 December 2026.

R80 000 to the owner, R18 000 to the trainer, and an amount of R2 000 to the groom,” she added.

In order to protect the calibre of the sale, a tiered vendor commission will apply.

“Our goal is to raise the bar every year, and plans include an overall review of the buyer incentive scheme, with implementation being planned for 2028. For now, we are looking forward to the RCS 2yo Sale to be held at 15h00 on 24 October at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. The catalogue is available online at www.racecoastsales.co.za. Hard copies are available at various collection points. Please feel free to contact our team at any time,” concluded Amanda.

RCS Sales Executive Amanda Carey confirmed to the Sporting Post that vendors will be offered guaranteed payment within 45 days of the fall of the hammer. She pointed out that earlier this year, the 2026 Race Coast Sales Premier Yearling Sale enjoyed a gamechanging renewal, recording a new record aggregate of R145 390 000, at an average of R646 178 and a median of R400 000, which was up 23% year on year. “Buyer incentives are a vital component of the sale economy, and the RCS Juvenile Bonus Scheme sees R100 000 paid on a graduate’s first juvenile maiden win, with 22 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

There is a guaranteed incentive pot of R4 million for distribution to graduates of the Premier Yearling Sale, with a voluntary R7 000 buyer buy-in required at the point of purchase to qualify. Linked sales races form an integral part of the incentive programme and there are four R1 million races open to any 2027 Race Coast Sales graduate, with no buy-in required. The golden carrot is the R5 million RCS Big Cap, a slot race for RCS Premier Yearling Sale and Two-Year-Old/Ready-to-Run Sale graduates. Run over 1400m, there will be 14 slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. More details will follow in due course please watch this space!

Please click here for the entry form. Email contacts: AmandaC@racecoastsales.co.za Janine@racecoast.co.za Vicky@racecoast.co.za Telephone: +27 (0) 21 700 1600

REMEMBER YOUR BUYER’S v

GUIDE!

The Raceform Buyer’s Guide is an amazing, detailed summary of dam and siblings of Race Coast Sales October 2yo Sale lots. It gives insight as to what to expect of the youngsters in terms of class, stamina, aptitude, racing performance and sale price. The sale will be held at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on 24 October, so there is plenty of time to do some studying. Please click here to read this handy buyer’s tool.

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Now Out! v

DIRECTORY OF SIRES 2026 - S

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OUTH AFRICA

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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 26 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

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

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Donnelly. The latter was a sprinter and took after her sire Golden Thatch, as did her full sister, the Gr2 Sceptre Stakes winner Lady Broadhurst. 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. 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,

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

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. An excited Alex de Wet reported that they had sent Souk back to Vercingetorix and had a beautiful colt running around their scenic paddocks. Owloon Horses are offering two other two year olds under the Soetendal Estate banner. 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. 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. “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. 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.

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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 26.

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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. 14 OCTOBER 45 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 46 | 14 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.

52 the | 14market! OCTOBER 2026is a daughter of Vercingetorix out of the Gr1 winner Takingthepeace (Visionaire) | Credit: Supplied On Harmony

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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.

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. 14 OCTOBER 2026 | 55

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.

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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.

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CHALLENGE CONCLUDES v

ON FRIDAY

The 2026 Nelson Mandela Bay Poly Challenge concludes with the running of Leg 3, contested over 1600m at Fairview on Friday 16 October 2026.

Although there will be no outright winner of the series – and the R250,000 bonus – this year, there is still an attractive R50,000 consolation cheque to the connections of any horse that contests all three legs and wins at least one. Points are allocated as follows: 1st ten points, 2nd six points, 3rd four points, 4th three points, 5th two points and 6th one point. Leg 1, contested over 1200m on 21 August, was won by Hollywood Racing (Nom: Mr A Delpech)’s Cruise Control (Querari – Eurythmics), trained by Dean Smith and ridden by reigning champion jockey, Craig Zackey.

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Mercantour grabs the honours in leg 2 | Credit: Pauline Herman

Leg 2, over 1400m, went to last year’s series winner, Mr P J Moor’s Mercantour (Var – Winter Wood). Trained by Alan Greeff, the seven-year-old scored by a quarter of a length under Kabelo Matsunyane on 25 September. Leg 3 has attracted a field of seven runners, including the formidable Mercantour, who leads the Consolation bonus log and returns for Friday’s deciding leg under jockey Richard Fourie. Mercantour currently has 16 points by virtue of his 2nd place finish in Leg 1 and victory in Leg 2. The only other runners in contention for the consolation bonus are Guy Gibson (6 points), Ingqwele (8 points) and Warhawk Bomber (1 point).

KZN STAR TOPS FIRST

BETWAY SUMMER CUP LOG A sensational winner of the recent Betway Gr2 Joburg Spring Challenge, Stuart Ferrie’s Gladatorian tops the first R6 million Betway Gr1 Summer Cup log which was published on Tuesday 13 October.

Gladatorian (Tristan Godden) beats I’m A Fireball (Callan Murray) to win the Betway Joburg Spring 14Gr2 OCTOBER 2026 |Challenge 61 Credit: JC Photos

The Summerveld resident is one of 42 entries for A panel, comprising 4Racing’s Gabriel Soma, in consultation with NHA Lennon Maharaj and Kurt the Gr1 Betway Handicapper Felix from Race Coast, will publish two logs leading up to the premier Highveld Summer Cup race – one on 13 October and the second on 5 November. to be run at The Betway Summer Cup log functions as the official ranking tool used to Turffontein on determine which horses are most likely to be selected for the Betway Summer 28 November Cup, based on their position at the time of publication. 2026. With the final field limited to 20 runners, a tense few weeks lie ahead to see which will make the final cut and face the starter to vie for their share of the R6million stake cheque.

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Log rankings are based on a combination of factors, including but not limited to: • • • • •

Merit rating Recent race form Form over the distance Performance in key build up races Form in Graded races

In compiling the first log, preference was given to Grade 1 winners, followed by Grade 2 winners and horses with higher merit ratings. It is important to note that horses that do not participate in relevant feature races leading into the Betway Summer Cup may drop in the log standings. Therefore,

participation in these lead-up races is strongly encouraged and will be an important consideration for the second log. However, the final field will be determined at the discretion of the panel. The log serves as a strategic guide for owners and trainers, providing a clear indication of where their horse stands in relation to the competition. Please Note: Horses that currently fall outside of the published log are listed in alphabetical order only. Their position does not indicate any order of preference or ranking by the panel.

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2026 BETWAY SUMMER CUP FIRST LOG

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MAGIC MR MULLEN! v

ED 14

The recent news that De Kock Racing is set to relaunch their base for the 2027 Dubai International Racing Carnival has created renewed interest for South African racing fans in the champion's old global stomping ground. 14 OCTOBER | 65 Richard Mullen – the senior in the Dubai weighing room 2026 | Credit: Supplied

Mike de Kock, now in partnership with his son Mat, is the Carnival’s most successful international trainer, with 186 UAE wins, including a Gr1 Sheema Classic, a Gr1 Dubai Turf, a Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint and six Gr2 UAE Derbies.

in the Maktoum Challenge, after Mullen had finished second in the race for Bhupat Seemar in each of the two previous years. “At the latter part of your career, you’re thinking those Group 1’s are a thing of the past.”

However, it all came to an end in 2022 when the travails of exporting horses from South Africa due to the African Horse Sickness regulations became too much. That, thankfully, is a part of our modern history and De Kock – now training in partnership with his son Mathew - is excited about his relaunch in Dubai.

This winter he’s back at Charlie Appleby’s Marmoom Stable, riding freelance in the afternoons and teaming up with Eric Legrix on the Arabian front.

With the Dubai Racing Carnival scheduled to commence on 6 November, it is a good time to catch up with a few familiar names and, while our own 59 year old Andrew Fortune makes him look like a spring chicken, multiple local champion Richard Mullen is the senior citizen at 50 in the current Dubai weighing room. Richard rode his first Dubai winner back in 2000. After two serious falls in as many years, including a 2025 Abu Dhabi spill that left him with a fractured wrist, dislocated elbow, ruptured ligaments, a fractured ankle and a broken thumb, he came back to ride 28 winners last season. One of them was a Group 1. “It certainly gets you thinking when you’re sitting in a hospital bed after several operations. ‘Is it worth carrying on?’ But I’ve got an amazing family who were by my side throughout. And hearing people say I should retire gave me a burning desire to get back and prove I could still do it,” he reflects. That Group 1 was Imperial Emperor’s win 66 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

He’s now the oldest jockey in the weighing room, but his motivation is as strong as ever: “28 seasons is a number I’m extremely proud of. To be part of a magnificent racing jurisdiction and to have raised my family in such a wonderful country. I’ve ridden all around the world but I don’t think you’ll find a better track or facilities anywhere than at Meydan Racecourse.” Unsurprisingly the rider does not regret his original decision to leave Britain, where he was a self-confessed ‘journeyman jockey’, to team up permanently with Satish Seemar. “I’ve never shied away from saying the Dubai World Cup is the one race I have wanted to win, even over the Derby, because this is home for me,” said Mullen, who moved abroad full-time in 2012. Mullen says he fell in love with the place when first riding in Dubai in 1997 but competing in Britain as well was taking a toll on his family life. “I wasn’t setting anything alight in Britain. I was, as they call them, a ‘journeyman jockey’. I was riding for some very nice stables – I rode for John Gosden and Sir Michael Stoute – but that would basically be at the weekends and there was a lot of travelling.

“I had four young kids at the time. It’s very hard. You don’t have a life. I’d always come out here for the winter but my kids were in school so they wouldn’t come with me. Dubai offered me the one thing it’s very hard for any jockey to get: time with family. And it also provided me with the chance to ride in races. People used to say: ‘Do you miss Britain?’ I didn’t. I didn’t class it as home any more.” Mullen remembers his moment of clarity, when he decided riding in Britain was no longer worthwhile. “I drove to Catterick for one ride, it took me nearly five hours to get there, the horse won, and it took nearly six hours to get home. I had that much time in the car I actually calculated going there had cost me money.

“Telling the wife we were moving to Dubai wasn’t so difficult, telling [owner] John Fretwell, who I was retained to ride for, was the hardest thing as he was such a great supporter of mine and we’d had some great days. “I said, ‘Look, boss, it’s just not viable anymore and I’m not happy in what I’m doing’. And there are a lot of jocks like that in Britain – it’s a shame because I think Britain does have the best jockeys in the world. I used to look in the weighing room and see a lot of top-class jockeys going for one ride here and one ride there.”

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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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GIMME THE WORLD v

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ONE WORLD X GIMME GIMME GIMME

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Blaine Marx-Jacobson steers Into Dancing to another victory | Credit: JC Photos

PETTIGREW FILLY

MAINTAINS TOP FORM

While Stuart Pettigrew’s Into Dancing maintained her consistent formline with a good victory, a dark cloud was cast over Saturday’s R150 000 Allez France Stakes run at Turffontein, with a sad ending for Spies Racing flagbearer, Hazy Dazy.

7yo mare Indian Ocean Had done all of the donkey work, and came within 1,30 lengths of pulling off a surprise. The uber consistent winner of 4 of her last 5 starts, Into Dancing clocked 140,46 secs for the 2200m on the inside course.

A high-class filly who provided us with so much entertainment in a career where she won 50% of her starts, and came within a heartbeat of 2026 SA Triple Tiara glory, Hazy Dazy went wrong at around the 600m and came down, dislodging Trent Mayhew.

Bred by Lammerskraal Stud, Into Dancing is a daughter of Kingmambo stallion Ideal World out of the three-time winning Gimmethegreenlight mare In The Dance.

According to a 4Racing spokesperson, Mayhew was stabilised on course. Our condolences are extended to the Hazy Dazy connections.

A R350 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, Into Dancing only failed to earn on her 1400m debut when she started at 33-1, and since then has earned at every outing and took her tally to 5 wins and 8 places from 14 starts, and stakes of R461 840.

The non black-type feature was won by 6-1 shot Into Dancing, who was produced late by Apprentice Blaine Marx-Jacobson after the

The blinkers have clearly done the trick.

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4RACING RACECOURSES v

ADOPT TAB BRAND 4Racing has announced a landmark naming rights initiative with its TAB betting product that will see its three racecourses – Turffontein, Vaal and Fairview – renamed TAB Turffontein, TAB Vaal and TAB Fairview respectively. This represents an important step in the evolution of the TAB brand and its journey into the future, placing one of South Africa’s oldest and most trusted tote betting brands at the heart of the country’s racing experience. As South Africa’s largest horseracing operator, 4Racing manages Turffontein, Vaal and Fairview racecourses as well as www.tab.co.za.

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In a media release published on Saturday 10 October 2026, 4Racing says that through this initiative, it is placing the TAB brand at the forefront of its flagship racing venues, creating a stronger, integrated identity for racing fans, punters, owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys and industry stakeholders. The naming rights initiative forms part of 4Racing’s broader strategy to strengthen the connection between South Africa’s premier racing venues and its TAB brand.

Fairview Racecourse falls under 4Racing jurisdiction | Credit: Pauline Herman

By bringing the country’s oldest and trusted betting brand to the forefront of its racecourses, 4Racing aims to enhance brand recognition, create a more seamless customer experience and reinforce the vital role that TAB plays in supporting the sustainability and growth of South African horseracing.

“We are incredibly excited about this development and what it represents for TAB,” said Patrick Duff, Chief Executive Officer of 4Racing. “TAB has an extraordinary heritage in South African racing and is one of the country’s most established and trusted betting brands. This initiative is about taking that heritage forward and making it part of TAB’s trajectory into the future.” “Bringing the well-known TAB name to Turffontein, Vaal and Fairview is another step in the process of positioning TAB as a heavyweight participant in the betting space. These are three of the country’s most important racing venues, and they provide TAB with a powerful platform from which to build its brand, engage customers and showcase the breadth of what TAB has to offer.” “We see this as much more than just naming rights. It is about the continued evolution of TAB and creating a stronger, more visible and more relevant brand for the future, while respecting the incredible legacy that has brought the brand to this point.”

Colin Gordon, 4Racing Chief Operating Officer, said: “TAB has been synonymous with South African horseracing for generations, and this partnership provides an opportunity to take that association into a new era. The TAB name will now be highly visible at three of the country’s premier racing venues, bringing the brand closer to customers and creating new opportunities to engage both existing and new audiences.” “A strong TAB brand and a strong racing industry are closely connected, and this partnership allows us to build on that relationship while supporting the continued growth and sustainability of the sport.” The newly branded venues will continue to host some of South Africa’s most prestigious race meetings and serve as key centres for racing, entertainment and community engagement, while providing TAB (www.tab. co.za) with a prominent platform to connect with its customers. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to the future of both racing and betting, with TAB (www.tab.co.za) building on its established heritage as it continues to evolve, innovate and strengthen its position in the South African betting market. The naming rights partnership will take effect from 1 November 2026.

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The Vaal | Credit: Supplied

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SON OF IDEAL WORLD v

WINS MICHAELMAS THRILLER Delivering a non black-type weekend feature double for Mauritzfontein’s Kingmambo stallion Ideal World, the Dean Kannemeyer-trained Uzwano finished with a flourish to give Hollywood Racing a 910th lifetime winner with an edge-of-theseat victory in the R175 000 Michaelmas Handicap at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday. Just over a fortnight after Kwagga Blitz signed their 900th lifetime winner milestone honour roll as Cliffie Miller’s charge stormed home at Fairview, Uzwano rounded off a double for SA’s champion owners after a scintillating run of firsts. Easy to back at 6-1, Uzwano surprised some when quickening under Kabelo Matsunyane off a sedentary gallop set by Master De Rouvray, before staying on doggedly down the inside to pip the evergreen Narina Trogon (7-1) by a nose in a time of 117,49 secs for the 1900m. Another Hollywood Racing flagbearer in De Kock Racing’s Curious Girl (7-2) looked a winner late but just proved a tad ring rusty

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after a 14-week break, and was beaten 1,40 lengths into third, with Pinot Grigio (20-1) boosting the quartet in fourth. Bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, the winner is by Ideal World – who also sired Saturday’s Allez France winner Into Dancing – out of the two-time winning Horse Chestnut mare Banbury and took his stats tally to 6 wins with 5 places from 19 starts and stakes of R643 644. Earlier in the afternoon, Hollywood Racing marked the first leg of their double when the Hawaam gelding Sensei Of Spin – also a Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein product – won his second start in good style for De Kock Racing and Callan Murray. MJ Odendaal saddled a double on the afternoon, while apprentice Anaas Mosaheb rode two winners to bring his season tally to a very respectable 15, with 26 winners overall. Sporting Post-sponsored Athandiwe Mgudlwa maintained his solid interprovincial strike-rate for Milnerton trainer Candice Bass, when he booted Scarlet Macaw home in the seventh.

Kabelo Matsunyane (purple cap, centre) has Uzwano in full stride | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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MGUDLWA & MOSAHEB

DOUBLES ON SUNDAY v

The quickest of the two 1000m races on the Hollywoodbets Greyville Sunday card was the Tote For The Win Class 4 event in which the 5yo son of Act Of War Luneluck gained his second career victory.

78 | 14 OCTOBER 2026 Ferrie after Luneluck’s good win | Credit: Candiese Lenferna Athandiwe Mgudlwa and Stuart

Drawn widest of the ten, Stuart Ferrie’s charge raced in the back rank for most of the journey some five lengths off the pace set by Perfume Power. He quickened well as the field began to tighten up coming off the bend and soon began to make headway. Having raced handy Mojo Man was the first to make a move and ran on strongly after striking the front 200m out. Luneluck was in full flight at that stage though and went on to win well by a length after he in turn hit the front 100m later. This was the first leg of a double for Athandiwe Mgudlwa Apprentice Mosaheb, who also rode a double on the afternoon, was fined R3600 for striking Mojo Man more than the permitted ten times (13). In terms of prizemoney the Non-Black Type Michaelmas Handicap over 1900m topped the bill on Sunday’s card and in what proved to be a very false paced affair, the Ideal World gelding UZWANO (hung in from 250m) registered his sixth career victory from just 19 starts. The pace set by Master Du Rouvray was a steady one and in what was always a very tightly bunched field Dean Kannemeyer’s charge raced seventh and was no more than four lengths off the pace when the race developed into a sprint at the top of the straight. The runners resembled a cavalry charge approaching the 250m mark and in a thrilling finish, he only got the verdict over the running on Narina Trogon by the narrowest of margins.

The Form Guide www.galloptv.co.za Progress Plate over 1400m boasted the highest average merit ratings which in part was down to the best weighted runner in the race, Native Ruler with a 123. Despite having his first run of the season and racing over a trip short of his best, punters clearly expected class to tell and as a result Justin Snaith’s charge was heavily supported into 9/10 from 7/2. In what measured against class averages proved to be the slowest race of the day, they were over two seconds slower to the 1000m mark than the opening maiden plate. Well drawn in gate two and racing under a very tight hold, the Vercingetorix gelding very quickly found himself a reluctant leader. Still under a tight hold in the straight Native Ruler was only asked to race shortly after passing the 300m marker when the mare SCARLET MACAW moved up to challenge. Both ran on strongly in a three-way sprint to the finish with the daughter of Horizon getting the verdict by the narrowest of margins to give Athandiwe Mgudlwa a double on the day. Native Ruler was ridden by replacement rider Tristan Godden. Less than half a second separated the winners of the afternoon’s three 1200m events. The Live It. Love It. Own It. Class 5 won by the 4yo FRENCH WAR LORD was surprisingly the quickest of these. After losing two lengths at the start, Matthys Odendaal’s charge raced at the back early on but was never more than six lengths off the pace. He didn’t find the clearest of passages early in the straight and after switching out had to make his run down the middle of the track.

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Once into stride though he quickened best of all and in what proved to be another thriller, he got up in the dying strides. The time of 23,1 seconds recorded by French War Lord over the final 400m was only 0,26 seconds slower than the fastest for that segment of the afternoon. This son of Act Of War has now won two from six and is clearly better than this bare form line would suggest. The quickest of the two 1000m races on the card was the Tote For The Win Class 4 event in which the 5yo son of Act Of War LUNELUCK gained his second career victory. Drawn widest of the ten, Stuart Ferrie’s charge raced in the back rank for most of the journey some five lengths off the pace set by Perfume Power.

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He quickened well as the field began to tighten up coming off the bend and soon began to make headway. Having raced handy Mojo Man was the first to make a move and ran on strongly after striking the front 200m out. Luneluck was in full flight at that stage though and went on to win well by a length after he in turn hit the front 100m later. Apprentice Mosaheb was fined R3600 for striking Mojo Man more than the permitted ten times (13). Fastest Times: 1000m (2) Luneluck 1200m (3) French War Lord 1400m (2) Scarlet Macaw 400-finish Handsome Prince

59,96 72,57 85,91 22,84

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TAKE A VIEW ON GREAT RACING!

Experience race day from one of the best seats in the house at the Durban View Restaurant at Hollywoodbets Greyville.

in Durban, Durban View combines great food, great company and thrilling racing in one memorable experience.

Enjoy a delicious buffet, relaxed hospitality and spectacular views overlooking the track, while taking in all the excitement and atmosphere of live racing.

Great food. Great views. Great racing. Because at Race Coast, it’s More Than Just Racing.

Whether you’re racing with friends, celebrating a special occasion, entertaining clients or simply looking for a different day out

For Durban View Restaurant reservation enquiries: please telephone 031-314 1736 /1650 or email fbbookings@racecoast.co.za.

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Rich Man’s World (Richard Fourie, red cap) holds the competition at bay | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

NERVOUS MOMENTS BUT MONEY TALKS

There were a few nervous moments for backers of the short odds-on favourite Rich Man’s World at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last Wednesday (07 October). The Race Coast Incentives – HWB Progress Plate over 1250m was the highlight at the country course on Wednesday and here all eyes were on last season’s R1,75M Gr1 Gold Medallion runner-up Rich Man’s World. Priced up at 1/3 before leaving the parade ring, Vaughan Marshall’s charge was very headstrong and unsettled on the canter down and working hard in the process, he was allowed to flirt with 9/10 at one stage. When the gates opened though this 3yo son of One World broke well and despite racing 86 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

under a very tight hold, he amassed a four lengths advantage before coming off the bend. The pace he set in this five-runner race was a strong one and at the 600m marker they were 1,75 seconds faster than the quickest of the other five races over the distance. Then very confidently ridden by former champion jockey Richard Fourie, the two Hollywood Racing runners Fox On The Run and Beware were allowed to move alongside 300m out. He was only really asked to race 150m later, and doing no more than was necessary; he won a tad more easily than the official winning margin of half a length wound suggest.

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When interviewed after the race Richard said that Rich Man’s World had a cap in his mouth and lost half a tooth on the way the start. This clearly accounted for his behaviour. Track Conditions: Going: Good Penetrometer: 23 Rain:

Last 24 hours 9mm – Last 7 days 10mm

Irrigation:

Last 24 hours 5mm – Last 7 days 40mm

False Rail:

Original position with a 4m spur at 500m mark

Wind:

15-30km/h Southerly cross wind

Course 1,45s fast Variant: Four of the afternoon’s six 1250m races were Maiden events and in the quickest of these, the opening HWB Durbanville Welcomes You Maiden Plate (3yo’s), the newcomer ABOVE THE LAW scored an eye-catching victory. On leaving the stalls it was his stable companion Green Sensation who elected to make the running whilst the son of Legislate (troublesome loading) raced green some six lengths away in seventh. He ran on stoutly at the business end of the race and in what proved to be a real thriller, he got up in dying strides to deny the always handy newcomer Running Shoes (25/2 into 17/2). Beaten just over a half-length into third was yet another newcomer, Stitchintime. He also ran on well from off the pace. The time of 21,84 seconds recorded by Above The Law over the final 400m proved to be the fastest for that segment of the afternoon. 88 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

The Lucky Fish Aviator Middle Stakes over 1600m was the supporting act and in what proved to be the quicker of the two races over the distance, the progressive SOHO HEARTTHROB registered his third career victory. Third in the Listed Settler’s Trophy last time out, Dean Kannemeyer’s charge raced closer to the pace than usual here and just had just three lengths to find turning for home. Running on from the back of the seven Diamond Rock made the first move and kept on strongly after striking the front 150m out. The son of Gimmethegreenlight was in full flight at that stage though and under a welljudged ride from Juan-Paul van der Merwe he won going away after hitting the front shortly after passing the 100m marker. Keagan De Melo became the first jockey to ride 50 season-winners on the day, when guiding DALEY PARK to victory in the closing Hollywoodbets Bright Future Maiden Plate over 1600m. The pace set by War Hawk early on was a fast one. Indeed, they were over a second quicker to the 600m marker than the middle stakes. In what soon became a very strungout field then, Greg Ennion’s charge, after being squeezed out at the start, raced fourth with five lengths to find. The grey son of Danon Platina made up the ground quickly once in the straight though and after striking the front 300m out he ran on well under a determined ride to beat the always handy Captain’s Angel by a length and three quarters. Fastest Times: 1250m (6) Rich Man’s World 1600m (2) Soho Heartthrob 400-finish Above The Law

74,35 96,89 21,84

SAJA CELEBRATES v

RECORD-BREAKING DAY! A total of 67 rides booked across two race meetings, with 64 rides retained after scratchings, marked a significant milestone for SAJA and the development of the next generation of South African jockeys.

In a media release, last Wednesday (07 October) we are advised that the South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) is proud to celebrate an outstanding achievement, with its apprentice jockeys reaching a remarkable milestone across the day’s race meetings at Hollywoodbets Greyville and Fairview Racecourses.

This achievement reflects the progress, commitment and growing involvement of the Academy’s apprentices in South African horseracing. It is a proud moment for SAJA and a testament to the opportunities being created for young apprentices to gain valuable experience and establish themselves in the industry.

The day’s original bookings comprised 67 rides across the two meetings. Following scratchings, the apprentice engagements total 64 rides from 143 runners, representing an impressive 44.8% of all rides. Original bookings: 67 rides Rides after scratchings: 64 Total runners: 143 Percentage of rides: 44.8%

Race riding is an essential part of an apprentice jockey’s journey, providing opportunities to apply training in a competitive environment, refine their skills and develop the confidence, judgement and tactical awareness required for professional success. Every ride contributes to their growth and prepares them for the challenges and responsibilities of a career in the saddle.

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Apprentices line-up at Hollywoodbets Durbanville | Credit: Chase Liebenberg

At the heart of this development are SAJA’s Riding Masters, whose dedication, expertise and commitment to training our apprentices play a fundamental role in preparing them for professional race riding. Through daily instruction, practical training, race preparation and ongoing guidance, our Riding Masters help shape the skills, discipline and professionalism of our future jockeys. The Academy sincerely thanks them for their continued contribution to the development of its apprentices. We also recognise the important role played by our racing mentors, whose industry knowledge, experience and guidance provide valuable support to apprentices as they navigate their careers and work towards becoming established professional jockeys. SAJA extends its sincere appreciation to the owners and trainers who continue to entrust our apprentices with valuable riding opportunities. Your confidence in our young jockeys is vital to their progression, allowing them to gain essential race-day experience, demonstrate their abilities and establish themselves within the industry. Your continued support makes a meaningful difference in creating opportunities for emerging talent. A special word of thanks goes to the racing operators, Race Coast and 4Racing, for their continued support of apprentice development through the provision of apprentice races. These races create important opportunities for young jockeys to gain race-riding experience, build confidence and develop their competitive abilities. Continued investment in these opportunities is essential to strengthening the pathway from apprentice to professional jockey and securing a sustainable future for South African horseracing. The Academy would also like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership and support of SAJA Chairman, Basil Thomas, who 90 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

continues to advocate for the Academy and its apprentices. His commitment to championing their development, creating opportunities and promoting investment in young jockeys is deeply appreciated. Equally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our incredibly supportive Board, whose commitment, guidance and continued investment in the Academy have helped make achievements such as this possible. Their collective support enables SAJA to strengthen its programmes and create opportunities for apprentices to grow and succeed. This milestone reflects not only the hard work of our apprentices, but also the leadership and support behind them. The Academy further recognises the wider SAJA team, whose collective efforts in training, athlete development and support prepare apprentices both on and off the track. Developing successful jockeys is a collective undertaking. The partnership between the Academy, its Riding Masters, racing mentors, owners, trainers, racing operators, Chairman and Board demonstrates the importance of collaboration in nurturing young talent and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation. The South African Jockey Academy congratulates all its apprentices on this remarkable achievement and extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to invest in their development and the future of South African horseracing. 64 rides from 143 runners. A remarkable 44.8% of the day’s rides. A proud milestone for SAJA and a powerful reflection of what can be achieved through dedication, opportunity and industry-wide support.

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Every horse deserves a life worth caring for | Credit: Supplied

EQUINE WELFARE

BEYOND THE RACETRACK

The Hollywood Foundation, Race Coast and Hollywoodbets present Equine Welfare – A Life Worth Caring For.

Go beyond the racetrack as we explore the people and organisations dedicated to the care, protection and wellbeing of horses across South Africa. 98 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

Discover the Four R’s of Equine Welfare: Rescue, Recovery, Rehabilitation and Rehoming, while exploring the powerful bond between humans and horses and their ability to bring purpose, healing and positive change. Watch all four episodes and discover why every horse deserves a life worth caring for.

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Nic Jonsson sold Lot 409 | Credit: Tattersalls

JONSSON TOPS TATTERSALLS BOOK 1 SESSION Some breeders spend a lifetime dreaming of topping a session of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. South African Gr1-winning owner Nick Jonsson achieved that feat last Thursday (08 October), despite not wanting to sell at all. Jonsson was responsible for the Night Of Thunder colt out of the well-related Capture The Heart, who went the way of Ace Stud at 2,200,000gns. 100 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

The seven-figure youngster was consigned by Luca and Sara Cumani’s Fittocks Stud. Fittocks Stud’s colt was added to Ace Stud’s Book 1 purchases when they secured him with an online bid of 2,200,000 guineas.

He is out of the Sea The Stars mare Capture The Heart, who is an own-sister to the Gr3 winner and the dual Gr1 placed River Of Stars.

it’s been great fun. I’ve also got a few horses here with William Haggas – he and Maureen are old friends.”

He was sold by Luca and Sara Cumani’s Fittocks Stud on behalf of South African owner-breeder Nick Jonsson. “I love racing, so I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to sell him”, explained Jonsson.

Sara Cumani added: “Everybody says the same thing, but he really has been a superstar ever since he was born. He’s been a real joy. It’s awfully exciting going forward as the mare is very young.”

“Tis is really mostly thanks to Luca and Sara. At one point I was planning to send this mare to South Africa, and Sara said that I would be mad to do that and to keep her here instead. This colt has a walk on him that’s quite extraordinary, and let’s hope he’s a great success for his new connections”.

Four further million guineas lots on the third day of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale took the final tally of million guineas yearlings for the sale to a record equaling tally of 17.

Of his racing background in South Africa, Jonsson said: “My great-grandfather founded the Durban Turf Club in 1887, and I’ve got 100 horses in training. I’ve had horses for 35 years in South Africa. We love racing and

From a reduced catalogue, healthy trade was reflected in the average rising 12% to almost 360,000 guineas, and the median climbing 10% to 230,000 guineas. See the sale results – please click here.

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Nick Jonsson – pleasing result at Tatts | Credit: Candiese Lenferna

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Daryz wins the 2026 Arc | Credit: Liesl King

GELDINGS IN ARC HOW DO YOU VOTE?

The decision to allow geldings to compete in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from next year is facing strong opposition. 14 OCTOBER 2026 | 103

The Racing Post reports that racing superpower Coolmore have promoted a petition challenging France Galop’s decision to allow geldings to run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from next year.

consultation with owners, trainers and breeders before such a fundamental change is made. The petition had around 1,000 signatures by 18h00 last Friday.

Coolmore supremo John Magnier and Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O’Brien have been staunch critics of the proposal to change the conditions of Europe’s most prestigious race.

France Galop announced plans in June to open the Arc to geldings after its board gave “overwhelming approval” to a proposal put forward by president Guillaume de Saint-Seine.

The global breeding and bloodstock operation, owned by Magnier and his partners, has now backed a petition launched by Henri Bozo, the breeder of Diamond Necklace, opposing the move.

The decision was approved by the European Pattern Committee last month following a member vote after a meeting in August.

A Coolmore statement posted on X under the headline ‘Protect the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe’ read: “One of the world’s most prestigious races, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has a unique place in the international racing and breeding industry. “A petition has been launched opposing proposals to open the race to geldings, seeking to preserve its tradition, prestige and importance to the future of thoroughbred breeding. “We encourage everyone involved in the racing and breeding industry to make their voice heard and sign the petition.” The post, which was published last Thursday, included a link to the petition under the words ‘sign here’. The petition set up by Bozo, the prolific French breeder and director of Ecurie des Monceaux, argues that opening the Arc to geldings would undermine its unique status as a premier 1m4f race for future breeding prospects, potentially deterring connections of three-year-olds and reducing opportunities for emerging talent.

De Saint-Seine welcomed the change, saying it “will make the race even more compelling on the track and further strengthen its international profile and media appeal”. The campaign to allow geldings to contest the Arc has gained momentum partly because of the exploits of Francis Graffardtrained pair Goliath and Calandagan. Both won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes but were ineligible for France’s biggest race. Magnier, whose Coolmore operation has been involved in the ownership of four previous Arc winners – Montjeu (1999), Hurricane Run (2005), Dylan Thomas (2007) and Found (2016) – believes the change would diminish the race’s standing. Speaking in June, he said: “I hope they don’t let the geldings into the Arc. I think most of the purists would be against it. “There are two sides to every coin but I’m only giving it from the breeding side and from the breed as a whole. The Arc is one of the real races and it won’t be any more if you include geldings.” Interested? Sign the petition by clicking here.

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Daryz (Mickaël Barzalona) wins the Arc - he is now at stud | Credit: Aga Khan Studs

ARC WINNER TO STUD

Daryz, the brilliant dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, has been retired from racing following his historic second victory in Europe’s premier at ParisLongchamp. 106 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

This high-class mare later took the Gr1 Hong Renowned for his Kong Vase and has since established herself as one of the outstanding broodmares of her exceptional turn of generation, producing seven Stakes horses including two Group 1 winners. She herself foot, Daryz echoed is out of Champion Three-Year-Old Filly his own sire Sea The Daryaba, winner of both the Prix de Diane and the Prix Vermeille. Stars by combining Daryz also represents a good outcross, with class with the his pedigree free of Danehill, Dubawi and Sadler’s Wells. versatility to excel Owner/breeder Princess Zahra Aga Khan said over a range of after the homebred colt’s first Arc triumph: distances and ground “As a breeder, and as part of a legacy that stretches back more than a century, winning conditions. He retires this race is the pinnacle of what one can as a six-time Group achieve.” Francis-Henri Graffard stated earlier winner, including four Trainer this year: “Daryz possesses a sharper, more victories at Group 1 explosive acceleration. Since I began training, Daryz is clearly one of the best horses I have level from nine to ever been responsible for. I am fortunate to work with many very good horses, but 12 furlongs. he is truly exceptional: beautifully bred, Daryz is the first colt in almost half a century to achieve back-to-back Arc victories, joining an illustrious roll of honour that includes Ksar (1921-1922), Tantieme (1950-1951), Ribot (1955-1956) and Alleged (1977-1978) – all of whom later became influential stallions. Representing a combination of two of Europe’s finest bloodlines, Daryz followed in the footsteps of Sea The Stars, who won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 17 years ago over a memorable weekend that also saw his dam, Daryakana, claim victory in the Prix de Royallieu.

with a remarkable physique, particularly an outstanding hindquarter.” Jockey Mickaël Barzalona, who partnered him in all nine of his career victories, said: “He is the kind of horse every jockey dreams of riding. He is a force of nature with an exceptional engine.” Daryz now embarks on a new chapter in his story as part of the Aga Khan Studs stallion roster. Further details regarding stud arrangements will be announced in due course

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The 16th running of Qatar Racing British Champions Day will once again bring together the very best horses from across Europe Credit: Ascot Racecourse

EUROPE’S BEST

ASSEMBLE AT ASCOT Ascot racecourse hosts the Qatar Racing Champions Day on Saturday. Along with many intriguing and highly anticipated Group 1 features; the meeting will more than likely confirm the champion British Flat trainer for 2026.

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Kingsclere based trainer Andrew Balding, leads eighttime champion O’Brien, who turns 57 on the eve of Champions Day, by a little more than £80,000 in the title race which, although it runs the full calendar year, might easily be decided one way or the other on a day with guaranteed prizemoney of £4.35 million. As Saturday’s fields at Ascot took clearer shape at the latest declaration stage on Monday, bookmakers cut Balding into 2/1, with O’Brien a 1/3 shot, from 1/5 to retain his title. Andrew Balding is set to be well represented on a season-defining day at Ascot next Saturday, but any thoughts of securing a maiden trainers’ title will be pushed to the back of his mind until the Champions Day is over. Balding’s team for the raceday is due to be headed by Kalpana, the winner of the Gr1 Qatar Racing British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes for the last two years. The mare is well clear of her rivals on official ratings due to her emphatic victory over Calandagan here in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes in late July. Balding said: “Mount Atlas will go to the stayers’ race. Kalpana and possibly See The Fire will run in the mares’ race. Marvelman will run in the Sprint, as long as he’s all right after Longchamp, and we’ll have one in the Balmoral too.” However, despite his unprecedented success, Balding remains cautious about discussing

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the title, pointing to the more than £4m in prize money up for grabs at Ascot. Asked when he could think about the championship, Balding said: “After Ascot. We can’t think about it until after Champions Day. Once that’s happened you know what you need.” “We have done what we can; the horses have run well all season as a whole. That’s great credit to the team to enable the horses to keep their form.” The Jockey’s championship is done and dusted. Reigning champ Oisin Murphy has accepted that he cannot make up the leeway to catch Billy Loughnane for the title that ends on Champions Day. The five-time champion jockey has been well beaten by Billy Loughnane, who currently holds a lead of just under 30 winners and is set to be crowned champion for the first time on Saturday. Speaking to the press, Murphy revealed he had conceded defeat at the end of September. “I’ve been chasing the jockeys’ championship to no avail, and I’ve admitted defeat,” Murphy said. “I’ve realised that I cannot win, and it’s an uncomfortable feeling, really.” He added: “I’m guilty of receiving quite a few careless riding bans, which doesn’t help, and I’ve had a lot of trips to Ireland and France.” “But credit has to go to Billy. At 20 years old, the fact he’s stayed suspension-free since around mid-May is truly extraordinary. The discipline to not make any errors. He has done terrifically, and he is a lovely fella. I messaged him to congratulate him, and I’ve seen him every day since.”

Ka Ying Rising (NZ) – takes on The Everest again on Saturday | Credit: HKJC

KA YING RISING

MAINTAINS LONGINES LEAD DARYZ (FR) [128] has moved into the Top 3 in the eighth edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2026 after his repeat victory in the Qatar Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Leading Horses Click Here For Complete Rankings Rank

Horse

Rating

Trained

KA YING RISING (NZ)

135

OMBUDSMAN (IRE)

131

DARYZ (FR)

128

BOW ECHO (IRE)

127

ITEM (GB)

126

ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE)

126

To win the Arc for the second time, Daryz defeated BAY CITY ROLLER (IRE) [125] by 1 ¼ lengths. In doing so, Daryz raised his rating to 128 from 126, and Bay City Roller increased his rating to 125 from 122.

One start prior, Daryz beat Bay City Roller by 1 ¾ lengths in the Qatar Gr2 Prix Foy. Other victories for Daryz this season include the Gr1 Prix Ganay and Gr1 Prix Aga Khan IV, while Bay City Roller took the Coolmore Gr1 Coronation Cup. KA YING RISING (NZ) [135] still leads the rankings by a significant margin. He is expected to make his next start in the Gr1 The Everest on Saturday, 17 October.

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Rachel King has Warwoven in control | Credit: Magic Millions

WARWOVEN MAKES IT ANOTHER

GR1 STRIKE! Warwoven could head to the Southern Hemisphere’s weightfor-age championship after another stunning win at the highest level in Saturday’s Gr1 A$3 million Caulfield Guineas. Sent out the favourite after a runaway last start win in the Gr1 Golden Rose in Sydney, Warwoven made the switch to Melbourne with ease, cruising home in the stallion making contest by almost two lengths. Rider Rachel King had the crack Bjorn Baker trained colt positioned fifth for much of the race before she switched her charge off heels approaching the corner.

The pair then produced their now customary sharp sprint to reel in star local three-yearold Blind Raise and score a soft and famous victory. It is the third straight year that the breed shaping Caulfield Guineas has been won impressively by a Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase.

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Warwoven follows in the hoofsteps of Autumn Boy and Private Life to snare the mile Classic. “It is a bit emotional, actually,” Baker’s Assistant Trainer and Racing Manager Luke Hilton said. “There was a bit more pressure today. There was more excitement in Sydney but there was a fair bit of pressure with him today.” “The race probably didn’t pan out what we thought. Incredible ride, Rach, Had her wits about her. She knew what she had under her and when she hadn’t moved on him on the corner I thought he must be travelling well.” “He’s an outstanding colt. Bjorn has said for a long time that he could be one of those special horses that don’t come around too often. He’s proving him right so far.” Another win at Group One level has left their Magic Millions 2YO Classic disappointment, when scratched on race morning, just a memory now. “As Bjorn said a couple of weeks ago, everyone was in a lot of hurt in January, but we banded together. Credit to the owners, they were phenomenal, they understand that these things can happen and Bjorn has been able to pay them back now.” “Jim Clarke and the sales team have done a fantastic job. A first season sire (Sword of State) and they bought a beautiful colt.” Hilton is the husband of the winning rider, and he was clearly proud of his wife who handled the occasion with coolness and class. “It is very special. Over the past 24 hours she has copped a lot of instructions and running through the race play-by-play which she doesn’t appreciate because she is better off flying by the seat of her pants, but she did well and it means a lot.” 114 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

“I see how hard she works and the ups and downs she goes through, it is an amazing game, and it can be very tough as well.” The win was the tenth at the elite Group One level for King and she was not surprisingly heaping superlatives on Warwoven. “He leaves me speechless, this horse,” a beaming King said. “He’s unbelievable.” “There were a few question marks today, we didn’t know how he’d handle going this way around and Caulfield’s not an easy track to come to first time Melbourne way, but he’s just got so much class, and he was still arrogant again.” “I know a lot of people said, ‘how can he peak again?’, but I don’t think he has peaked. I think there’s still more there. I’ve certainly never sat on a horse like this and he’s pretty unbelievable.” King paid tribute to Baker and bloodstock agent Jim Clarke for finding the star. “They’re unbelievable. The whole team behind them. Right from the start, Jim from the sales and Bjorn’s team have done an amazing job.” “We thought it was sort of dreams over a little bit back at the start of the year, but they’ve done an amazing job to just be patient with him and let him have his time and it’s really paid off,” King added. Warwoven was purchased for A$380,000 by connections including Ridgmont, Baker and Clarke from the draft of breeder Kia Ora Stud at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. As it stands, he’s notched six wins from nine starts and earned almost A$3 million in prizemoney – his stud value is anyone’s guess!

Warwoven is a son of Sword of State, who like his superstar son and champion sire Snitzel, was purchased by connections from the Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The now Cambridge Stud based Sword of State won the Group One Diamond Stakes at two – among four wins as a juvenile and six overall.

Warwoven’s dam Needle and Thread, a daughter of Makfi, won the Group Two Royal Stakes in New Zealand over 2000m and is a sister to stakes winner and three-time Group One runner-up Savile Row.

Winner: Warwoven • Breeding: Sword of State-Needle and Thread (Makfi) • Race: MRC Caulfield Gr1 Guineas 1600m • Sold for: A$380 000 • Sale: 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale • Earnings: A$2,987,150 • Breeder: Kia Ora Stud Pty Ltd • Vendor: Kia Ora Stud • Buyer: Ridgmont/Bjorn Baker Racing/S & J Gosling/Clarke Bloodstock • Owners: Ridgmont (Mgr: M Cunningham), Kia Ora 2009 (Mgr: RW Rose), S Gosling, Mrs J Gosling, GS Racing (Mgr: SA Gray-Spencer), J and A Sydney Racing (Mgr: JP Stevens), KR Ferrel, K Salagic & Mrs AK Clarke • Trainer: Bjorn Baker (Warwick Farm)

NHA CALENDAR PER FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 2026

The Sporting Post presents the National Horseracing Authority calendar per Friday 9 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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James McDonald and Chris Waller after Lady Shenandoah won the Hyland Race Colours Toorak Handicap at Caulfield Credit: Inglis

SNITZEL FILLY GRABS

A FOURTH GR1 VICTORY! Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) secured a fourth career Gr1 win on Saturday when scoring a heart-stopping victory in the A$1m Toorak Handicap at Caulfield. 116 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

It was a memorable ride by jockey James McDonald, who was struggling to get a gap at any stage of the Caulfield home straight as Lady Shenandoah looked destined for another luckless result. But the split came at the 100m mark, and the 5YO mare didn’t disappoint, surging through under McDonald’s vigorous riding to clinch a sixth career win in the most memorable fashion. Carrying the hefty impost of 58kg, the Chris Waller-trained Lady Shenandoah became the first mare to win the Toorak Hcp since More Joyous in 2010. Lady Shenandoah is one of 127 individual Inglis graduates to win a Gr1 since 2018. Owner Hermitage Thoroughbreds, working with trainer Chris Waller and bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster, purchased Lady Shenandoah for A$525,000 at the Easter Yearling Sale, where she was offered by Arrowfield, who cobred the mare with Planette Thoroughbreds. She has now won more than A$5m in prize money. Lady Shenandoah’s victory continued an extraordinary run of results for Arrowfield, who have now had 11 individual Stakes winners in the past 14 days – either sales graduates of theirs or Stakes winners by stallions standing at the farm. “It’s amazing, the farm is going amazing, we’ve had a hell of a run these past few

weeks and there’s no better time to be doing things like this than the middle of the spring carnival,’’ Arrowfield’s John Messara said. “Lady Shenandoah is such a beauty. I’m very pleased for her owners, they’re both partners of ours as well as clients and I’m so thrilled to see them have another Gr1 success. “They probably owe JMac a postcard, nobody but him would have got through that gap, it was a literal needle-eye opening, but he found a way and the mare did the rest.’’ Lady Shenandoah’s win was extra special for Messara, who lost her sire Snitzel 16 months ago. “I wish he could have lived forever, he was wonderful to the farm, and we all loved him so dearly,’’ Messara continued. “He keeps on doing it and he’s got another crop this coming season, his last crop and I can assure you the ones heading to Easter are incredible.’’ Winning trainer Waller added: “She’s a very good horse and she proved that again today. That ride, it was one of the all-time greats today. When a mare has 58kg, James saved every inch and kept the momentum up and that was the difference between winning and losing. “It was tight, it was very tight…but she was good the last 100m.’’ For much of the home straight Welcometotheshow – the HTBA Sale yearling and Ready2Race Sale graduate trained by Tyler Donaldson-Aitken – had looked a likely winner of the race, only run down late to eventually finish 3rd, beaten just 0.4 lengths.

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DARKNESS FALLS OVER DEWHURST! v

Darkness Falls (2c Camelot – You’resobeautiful, by No Nay Never) cemented his claims for Classic honours next year with victory in the Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Already a Group 1 winner courtesy of an impressive win in the Golden Fleece Stakes at Leopardstown last month, the Ballydoyletrained Darkness Falls backed up that effort with a game win in the hands of Ryan Moore. The son of Camelot raced in second before taking up a narrow lead two furlongs out. He was pressed for the lead but ran on well to strike by a neck, with Great Barrier Reef (by No Nay Never) in third. Aidan O’Brien said: “John [Magnier] made the call [to run] with the lads. It was a big call to come here and it’s incredible to bring a horse back from nine furlongs to win a Dewhurst. “We’ve always loved him and he’s always had a lot of class. Ryan gave him a brilliant ride and I’m so grateful to win this for everyone, he’s very exciting.

always going to find out plenty. It was a massive ask to bring him back to seven furlongs; it was a tough nine at Leopardstown last time and he has so much class obviously. “He’s so exciting, as you saw what he did over nine furlongs and I don’t think he’ll have any problem going further either, he has a lot of quality. “When they have as much class as he has, they can do anything and the Triple Crown is the dream. His dad was an incredible horse who went very close. This lad is very like him, but quicker. “His dad is a top-class stallion, and this is a very exciting son of his. If everything goes well, we’ll start at the Guineas and see what will happen after that.” Darkness Falls was bred by Lynch Bages Ltd.

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Credit: Coolmore Stud

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FIFTY-EIGHT v

REMAIN

IN RACE FOR CUP GLORY

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Credit: Racing Victoria

58 horses remain in the running for this year's 166th running of the Group 1 A$10.2 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) after second declarations were announced on Tuesday, 13 October. Victoria’s premier trainer Ciaron Maher has continued to build his representation in the Cup, with 14 horses still in contention, headlined by 2025 placegetter Middle Earth. Bolstering his team further is Mr Monaco, now exempt from the ballot after securing a golden ticket in The Lexus Bart Cummings (2520m), joining fellow golden ticket winner Shockletz.

This Saturday’s (17 October) Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) will again prove to be a pivotal step towards the first Tuesday in November, following Half Yours’ success last year enroute to completing the Caulfield/Lexus Melbourne Cup double. 19 of the 22 Caulfield Cup hopefuls have accepted for the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Two-time Lexus Melbourne Cup winning trainer Joseph O’Brien is set to return and looks to have his strongest hand to date heading to the Cup, accepting with 9 horses, including golden ticket winner of the Group 2 Prix Kergolay (3000m) Defiantly and James J Braddock.

The reigning Cups champion Half Yours will aim to become the first horse since Rising Fast in 1954/55 to go back-to-back in the Caulfield Cup, before he aims to carry the topweight (59kg) in his quest for a second Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller has kept the dream alive for 9 of his runners, with his headline horse Aeliana staying in contention, along with Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m) winner Ohope Wins and last Saturday’s Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) winner Pinhole.

Other notable entries for both feature cups include Group 1 ATC Derby (2400m) winner Green Spaces, Group 3 Glorious Stakes (2400m) winner Enfjaar and 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice.

On the 20th anniversary of Japan’s first win in the Cup with Delta Blues, representing Japan this year will be Stinger Glass, who will be ridden by world-class jockey Christophe Lemaire, who was successful in the 2011 Cup aboard Dunaden. British trainer Harry Charlton will be hoping for a successful first trip to Australia with his Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes (2671m) winner Wine Dark Sea, who is also one of the more favoured runners heading into Saturday’s Caulfield Cup.

Only four golden tickets remain for automatic entry into the Lexus Melbourne Cup, including the Caulfield Cup, Geelong Cup, Moonee Valley Gold Cup and the Cox Plate. With just three weeks remaining until the 166th running of the race that stops a nation, anticipation continues to build for connections. Third declarations for the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup close on Monday 26 October. www.vrc.com.au

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THE MCDONALD-MELBOURNE

CUP AFFAIR

For James McDonald, the Melbourne Cup was more than a race won. It was a childhood dream, a lifetime of ambition and a moment that, when it finally arrived, felt almost impossible to comprehend. James McDonald had grown up idolising the race – its history, its champions and its place on the world stage. To simply earn a ride in the Melbourne Cup is an achievement. To win it is something altogether different. When McDonald partnered with Verry Elleegant to victory, the significance of the moment was magnified by the relationship they had built in the lead-up. Everything had clicked. Then came those unforgettable final strides and, with them, a feeling McDonald had imagined since he was a boy.

“It’s one of the greatest feelings of all time.”

Crossing the line, the reality of becoming a Melbourne Cup-winning jockey began to sink in. “To have your first Melbourne Cup on the mantelpiece was just so surreal.” Rather than rush away from the moment, McDonald allowed himself to savour it – returning slowly, goosebumps running through him, knowing he was experiencing something he wished could last forever. Because the Melbourne Cup is more than a race. It is a dream shared by generations – and, for those fortunate enough to win it, a moment that stays with them for life. “If you do ever get that chance to win it, it’s life changing.”

Jockey James McDonald aboard Verry Ellegant raises his head and arms to the sky as he 14 OCTOBER 2026 returns124 after| winning the 2021 Melbourne Cup | Credit: VRC

THE EVEREST DRAWS & FINAL FIELD v

The 2026 The Everest barrier draw has been completed and the final field has been released ahead of a massive day at Randwick racecourse on Saturday as Ka Ying Rising attempts to win consecutive editions of the A$20 million race. This is only the 10th edition of the race but in this time, barrier 5 has been the most

successful, winning The Everest on two occasions. The Chris Waller-trained Joliestar has drawn in barrier 5 for the 2026 renewal. Last year’s defending champion, the David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising remains the race favourite and is in barrier 11, which has had no previous wins in recent times. However, barriers 10 and 12 have both had winners, so this is also not an impediment to Ka Ying Rising winning.

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Last year’s Caufield Cup winner Half Yours has drawn ideally in barrier seven | Credit: Breednet

DREAMING OF THE

CAULFIELD CUP The field and barrier draw has been finalised for the 2026 Gr1 Caulfield Cup with race favourite Cosmic Crusader drawing out wide in 17 while last year’s winner Half Yours drew 7. 14 OCTOBER 2026 | 127

Ciaron Maher has five horses in the final field and has also provided three of the four emergencies giving the stable eight in total of the final acceptors. The field includes three European trained runners in Enfjaar (Ire) trained by Roger Varian in England (A$13), Wine Dark Sea (GB) trained by Harry Charlton (A$8), and Starford (Ire) from the Joseph O’Brien stable (A$18). Caulfield Cup – 2400m (Gr1) - A$6,545,000 1. Half Yours (St Jean) Tony and Calvin McEvoy / Mark Zahra (7) 57.5kg 2. Cosmic Crusader (NZ) (Maurice) Andrea Leek / William Pike (17) 56kg 3. Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) Matt Laurie / Daniel Stackhouse (5) 55.5kg 4. Kingswood (GB) (Roaring Lion) Gavin Bedggood / John Allen (20) 55kg

5. Knight’s Choice (Extreme Choice) John Symons and Sheila Laxon / Robbie Dolan (22) 55kg 6. Middle Earth (GB) (Roaring Lion) Ciaron Maher / Thomas Stockdale (11) 55kg 7. Enfjaar (IRE) (Lope De Vega) Roger Varian / Ray Dawson (1) 54.5kg 8. Green Spaces (Street Boss) Bjorn Baker / Rachel King (18) 54.5kg 9. Royal Supremacy (IRE) (Make Believe) Ciaron Maher / Jamie Spencer (8) 54.5kg 10. Wine Dark Sea (GB) (Ulysses) Harry Charlton / Damian Lane (19) 54.5kg 11. Asterix (NZ) (Tavistock) Chris Waller / (10) 53.5kg 12. Saint George (GB) (Roaring Lion) Ciaron Maher / Craig Williams (2) 53.5kg 13. Starford (IRE) (Beckford) Joseph O’Brien / (15) 53.5kg 14. She’s A Hustler (NZ) (Ace High) Grahame Begg / Michael Dee (6) 53kg 15. Soul Of Spain (IRE) (Phoenix Of Spain) Chris Waller / (13) 53kg 16. Zahrann (IRE) (Night Of Thunder) Ciaron Maher / (4) 53kg 17. Ohope Wins (NZ) (Ocean Park) Chris Waller / (16) 51.5kg 18. Kings Valley (IRE) (Territories) Ciaron Maher / (12) 51kg 19. The Euphrates (GB) (Frankel) Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott / Jett Stanley (9) 52.5kg www.breednet.com.au

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Mathew Poon delivers Ka Ying Attack for the 700 milestone Credit: HKJC

HALL RINGS IN

HONG KONG

700

David Hall joined a celebrated group of current trainers by securing his 700th Hong Kong win with a double at Sha Tin on Sunday 11 October. Hall modestly deflected the achievement after joining contemporaries John Size (1,667), Tony Cruz (1,617), Caspar Fownes (1,243), Ricky Yiu (1,113), Francis Lui (1,043), Danny Shum (943), Dennis Yip (899), Manfred Man (749) and David Hayes (731) as winners of 700 or more races in Hong Kong. 130 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

“It’s not something you go to work every day thinking about but 700 (wins) sounds good – 800 will sound better,” Hall said after Ka Ying Attack and Kempes scored.

Hall, 62, transferred to Hong Kong in 2004 after guiding champion stayer Makybe Diva to the first of her record three triumphs in the Gr1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) before claiming Group 1s in his new surrounds with Absolute Champion and Invincible Sage. The Australian was delighted with the performance of Ka Ying Attack (129lb), who forged along the rail under a superb ride from Matthew Poon to land the Class 2 Yuen Long Handicap (1200m) after jumping from gate 10. Taken to the tail of the field by Poon, Ka Ying Attack burst on the scene late to beat Rising Force (132lb). “I decided to take him back and it’s easy now to say that decision was the right one but it was a perfectly executed ride as well,” Hall said. “I didn’t want him to get caught wide first-up. The horse is just flying; he’s in the zone – he finished off last season well and he’s started this season in the same form. It’s exciting, it’s great.” Kempes (121lb) continued his brilliant form with a powerful sprint under Andrea Atzeni to overhaul Bustling City (131lb) in the closing stages of the Class 3 Lau Fau Shan Handicap (1200m, dirt). Winner of the G1 Estrellas Juvenile (1600m) as a two-year-old in Argentina, where he raced as Dark Love, Kempes has thrived with stints at Conghua. “He’ll go back to Conghua. He’s enjoying the routine he’s in at the moment. He’s not just a dirt horse – he can run on the grass just as effectively, as you’ve seen. He’s probably as good as he’s ever been in Hong Kong – it’s taken a long time, but he’s putting it together now,” Hall said.

predicts a rapid rise through the ratings for Megastar Heart after the injury-prone gelding’s emphatic victory. Plagued with lameness issues since arriving from Australia, where he won twice including once at Listed level for Annabel Archibald, Megastar Heart (123lb) absorbed midrace pressure before fending off Swift Ascend (135lb) to win the Class 3 San Tin Handicap (1200m) by two lengths in 1m 08.53s. Megastar Heart salutes for Caspar Fownes and Luke Ferraris. Fownes said: “He’s been lame since he arrived – proper lame. It’s frustrating but that’s what we work for – to get that and hopefully now he pulls up alright and he comes back and then we’ve got something to work with going forward. If we can do that, he’s a chance to get there. He’s a chance to really get up through the ratings. “He’s a very nice horse. He’s had a lot of problems. He’s been one of the hardest horses for me to train in my career. So, for me to get him to where he is now and finally get him fit, I think we have a really nice horse going forward and I thank the owner (Good Time Syndicate) for being a little bit patient with him because we had to take a long time to get him to where we want to have him. I think he’s a chance to go quite high.” The Star Turn gelding’s victory earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million as well as prizemoney of HK$1.04 million and left reigning Hong Kong Champion Trainer Fownes with eight wins for the campaign, behind Pierre Ng (10), Manfred Man (10), Cody Mo (eight) and Hall (eight).

Gathering momentum for a tilt at a sixth Hong Kong trainers’ championship, Caspar Fownes

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A delighted David Hall | Credit: HKJC

132 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

Let’s Have Fun claims the Class 4 Pok Oi Cup Handicap | Credit: HKJC

Jolly Brilliant (135lb) finished stoutly to win the Class 4 Ping Shan Handicap (1600m) for Ricky Yiu to give Andrea Atzeni a double after the Italian had scored on Kempes. In-form Jerry Chau also excelled with a double. He first patiently piloted Sunny Q (133lb) to victory in the Class 5 Kam Tin Handicap (1000m) before producing another timely ride on David Eustace’s Mighty Profit (126lb) in the Class 4 Lam Tei Handicap (1200m). Derek Leung’s rich vein of form continued with Mark Newnham’s Armour War Eagle (130lb) in the Class 4 Mai Po Handicap (1200m, dirt). Leung has 10 wins for the campaign, a tally bettered only by Zac Purton (17). “It’s been very smooth. The trainers who always support me like Cody (Mo), Manfred

(Man) and Frankie (Lor) have had a good start and I am lucky to ride with them,” Leung said. “I just hope everything keeps going smooth and I can continue to ride winners for them and keep improving myself.” Let’s Have Fun (119lb) broke through at his 15th attempt with victory in the Class 4 Pok Oi Cup Handicap (1200m) for David Hayes and Matthew Poon after Brett Crawford and Karis Teetan combined with Shinyu Kokoroe (127lb) to land the Class 5 Hung Shui Kiu Handicap (1200m, dirt). Ng regained leadership of the Hong Kong trainers’ championship when Storm Mirror (130lb) defied his pursuers to prevail in the Class 4 Nam Sang Wai Handicap (1400m) for Vincent Ho before Purton and Douglas Whyte teamed with Celestial Hero (125lb) to win the Class 3 Shui Pin Wai Handicap (1400m).

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results up to: 2026-10-14

TRAINERS Place %

Win Stake (R)

Total Stakes (R)

48.0

2,655,556

3,885,878

50.7

2,023,188

2,720,375

51.2

1,657,813

2,527,119

60.0

1,571,063

2,441,769

22.8

50.5

1,464,781

1,928,310

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 K Matsunyane

204

17.6

100

49.0

2,432,000

3,568,034

Mr C Zackey

184

18.5

52.7

2,167,719

3,180,748

Mr M A Yeni

215

15.3

115

53.5

2,453,094

3,721,894

Mr R D Fourie

116

22.4

55.2

1,667,531

2,294,690

Other Places

Name

Runs

Wins Win%

2nd

3rd

Mr S J Snaith

198

18.2

Mr A C Greeff

150

22.0

Mr D G Smith

170

17.1

Mike/Mathew De Kock

110

17.3

Mr A P Peter

101

Name

JOCKEYS

BREEDERS Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

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

Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

203

395

25,980

19.2

182

5,274,011

Varsfontein Stud

145

257

30,213

26.2

125

4,380,893

Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)

108

172

23,812

19.4

2,571,661

Ridgemont Highlands

181

25,280

19.4

101

2,477,476

Klawervlei Stud

175

26,450

18.3

2,459,810

Name

Runrs Runs

AEPR

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

Vercingetorix

131

230

36,954

29.8

109

4,841,005

Rafeef (AUS)

134

240

30,030

26.9

118

4,024,029

Master Of My Fate

136

248

29,118

23.5

116

3,960,057

Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)

133

238

27,073

21.8

120

3,600,673

Querari (GER)

109

191

24,390

20.2

2,658,486

SIRES

See all the detailed standings - Click here 134 | 14 OCTOBER 2026

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