The large number of horses needing to race after the lockdown with only 12 currently permitted to run, has created a huge demand for places in fields across the country.

The Western Cape have a huge number of two-year-olds which are ready to run, but many of them are unfortunately being eliminated at final declaration stage.

There have been requests, particularly from smaller trainers who are at a disadvantage from a numbers’ perspective, to assist in this regard and after numerous options were considered, Kenilworth Racing Board Director, Jonathan Snaith, came up with a solution.

“There are five race meetings still scheduled for the Western Cape this month and Jonathan has managed to get a group of companies and individuals to sponsor four of these race meetings, with Kenilworth Racing Co-chairman and Director, Robert Bloomberg, having already put his hand up in sponsoring a meeting in his personal capacity, thereby facilitating an extra race at each meeting,” explained Racing Executive Patrick Davis. 

“Eight races have been programmed per meeting, but we will now be able to add an extra Maiden Juvenile Plate to each meeting. This will effectively provide an additional 60 runs for the juveniles this month.”

Kuda Holdings will sponsor the race meeting on 9 June, Klawervlei Stud and Justin Snaith on 16 June, Jonsson Workwear on 21 June, Robert Bloomberg on 27 June and EasyEquities the meeting on 29 June. 

“These are very testing times for most businesses in South Africa and racing is no exception. The generosity from all these sponsors to assist racing’s stakeholders under the circumstances is a wonderful gesture,” said Davis. 

If there are any other individuals or organisations who might also be interested in supporting this initiative into July, please contact Faeeza Heuwel, Chief Operating Officer for Kenilworth Racing, at 021 700 1614 or email faeezah@kenilworthracing.com

Ends

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirms that in line with its commitment to ensuring the safety of all the participants, it has established extensive Covid-19 Protocols and Procedures, for the Resumption of Racing behind closed doors.

This document has been carefully considered using international best practice, in addition to considering our own requirements according to Government Protocols.

The NHA has appointed Mr Arnold Hyde, Racing Control Executive, as the Chief National Covid-19 Compliance Officer, to facilitate that these Protocols and Procedures are strictly adhered to, ensuring that Racing is conducted behind closed doors in a responsible and safe environment for all Stakeholders. All enforcement officers report directly to the Chief National Covid-19 Compliance Officer.

The NHA has assembled a panel of dedicated and appropriately qualified people to its Covid-19 Surveillance in Racing Panel, which includes Miss Hazel Kayiya (NHA Racing Administration Executive), the NHA Investigating Officer, Mr Riaan Janse van Rensburg, the Chief Stipendiary Stewards in the respective regions, Messrs Lyle Anderson (Highveld), Ernie Rodrigues (Western Cape) and Deanthan Moodley (KwaZulu-Natal), the Racing Operators’ Health and Safety Personnel, Messrs George Shirinda (Highveld), Preston Chetty (KwaZulu-Natal) and Mrs Faeeza Heuvel (Western Cape) and Medical Experts, which include Dr Schalk de Kock (NHA Laboratory Director), Dr Richard Albrecht and Professor Ian Sanne (Highveld), Dr Poobalan Pillay (KwaZulu-Natal), Dr Jan Lapere (Eastern Cape) and Mr Adrian Todd (Western Cape – Managing Director, South African Equine Health Protocols).

The National Horseracing Authority will carefully monitor this Protocols model and may make amendments if and when necessary.

ENDS.

Do It Again, a huge price at 11-1 for his history-making bid to win a third Vodacom Durban July, may gallop with Peninsula Handicap winner Belgarion at Summerveld on Monday as plans for Sunday’s racecourse gallop have had to be scrapped.

Justin Snaith said yesterday: “Belgarion has never been to (Hollywoodbets) Greyville and a gallop against Do It Again there would also have told punters where the latter is for the July.

“But I have been informed today that all course gallops have been cancelled. Obviously the authorities have their reasons, and I respect them, but I am hoping they will change their minds. If not, I will have to gallop the pair of them at Summerveld on Monday.”

Belgarion is 15-2 third favourite in the pre-nomination July betting with Hawwaam and Rainbow Bridge jointly heading the market at 5-1

Rainbow Bridge, beaten only four-tenths of a length in last year’s July and just half that when second to One World in the Sun Met, was entered but not declared for Sunday’s   Independent on Saturday Drill Hall Stakes.

Eric Sands said yesterday: “He galloped very well last week and I could have run him but he’d had a respiratory problem and I didn’t want to risk setting him back. He will gallop again on Monday and go for the Rising Sun Gold Challenge (June 28) and then the July.”

The five-year-old will be ridden in his KZN races by Warren Kennedy, running away with his first jockeys’ championship. Kennedy partners Rainbow Bridge’s Cape Derby winning half-brother Golden Ducat and Driving Miss Daisy for Sands in Sunday’s two Guineas races. “The distance will be a bit sharp for both horses but they have come on a lot,” said the Milnerton trainer.

The Adam Marcus-trained Vardy, winner of the L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate but badly hampered in the Met, is 11-10 favourite for the Drill Hall with last year’s Cape Flying Championship winner Kasimir next on 2-1.

Missisippi Burning, stable companion of Vardy and winner of the Cape Fillies Guineas, is 2-1 favourite with the sponsors for the World Sports Betting Fillies Guineas and the Snaith-trained Sachdev is 3-1 favourite for the colts’ equivalent.

Run Fox Run booked her ticket for the SA Fillies Sprint at Scottsville by proving much too good for the opposition in the Pinnacle Stakes at Kenilworth yesterday and coming away in the final furlong to beat 20-1 shot Fabian rather more easily than the half-length verdict might suggest.

Greg Cheyne, who rode her out with nothing more forceful than hands and heels, said: “She is special and absolute class. She knows what to do and when to do it. It’s a privilege to ride a horse like her.”

The Ridgemont filly’s only defeat came in the Cape Flying Championship on Met day when she was just over a length fourth to Russet Air (third yesterday)- and apparently there were excuses for that.

Brett Crawford explained: “She pulled up after the race with a snotty nose and that had to have had some type of effect on her performance. Certainly she couldn’t have been at her best.”

Cheyne won three of the eight races and the training honours went to Candice Bass-Robinson (also three) but the ride of the day was surely that of Morne Winnaar on the Glen Kotzen-trained Sockeroo in the 1 400m handicap.

He loomed up a furlong out but found his path blocked by the equine equivalent of the Berlin Wall. He switched right, right again and then a third time. On each occasion the gaps were closed as tightly as the jockeys’ face masks. With 100m to go he was still only fifth. Suddenly his prayers were answered and Winnaar grasped his opportunity as gratefully as Moses crossing the Red Sea. Even those who had backed the winner from 14-1 to 7-1 could hardly believe it.

BLOB Michael Clower’s followers celebrated Cape Town’s racing return to action with two winners from just four selections, showing a profit of R21.10 to a R10 level stake.

By Michael Clower

Run Fox Run, beaten only once in six starts, can celebrate the return of racing to the Western Cape by taking the TAB Pinnacle Stakes at Kenilworth today.

Greg Cheyne’s mount met her Waterloo when starting favourite for the Cape Flying Championship on Sun Met day and finishing just over a length fourth to Russet Air who she meets on the same terms.

There is no logical reason why she should reverse the placings except for a suspicion that she might be still on the upgrade. “I think she is looking for a little bit further but coming out fresh could be in her favour,” says Brett Crawford who had two of the first three winners when racing resumed in Durban on Monday. “She hasn’t had a grass gallop but that’s the same for everybody. I have done as much as I can with her at home, she has done very well and she looks great.”

The Philippi trainer is also expecting good runs from Pacific Trader (5-1) and Bold Respect (6-1). “They have quite a bit in their favour and they like to run fresh, especially Pacific Trader.”

But the bookmakers reckon that Candice Bass-Robinson’s Milnerton yard houses the main dangers to the selection who was favourite at 5-2 yesterday morning. Russet Air (28-10) and the Bidvest Majorca winner Clouds Unfold (33-10) are the two highest rated horses in the race. Apparently not too much notice need be taken about Aldo Domeyer opting for the latter because he is now retained by Drakenstein and this is the filly’s prep for KZN – she will run in either the Tibouchina or the Rising Sun Gold Challenge before going for the Jonsson Workwear Garden Province.

“I think Russet Air has probably got the better chance over this 1 000m,” says their trainer while adjusted merit ratings suggest that the race lies between the top five.

The Crawford-trained Winter Flight opened odds-on for the opening Social Distancing Maiden Juvenile but he started coughing and has been scratched. The vote goes to newcomer Jet Dark. At one time you could get 9-2 but he is now 16-10 favourite and is held in high regard.

“Every time we put him on the grass before the lockdown he surprised us and every time we worked him with a horse we think highly of he beat him,” Justin Snaith said yesterday, adding: “I think our horses are quite ready – follow the yard.”

The selection is by Trippi, cost R200 000 and is closely related to the Mercury Sprint runner-up Night Trip. Another that Snaith mentioned is Hyde Park (5-1) who takes on older horses in the Stay Safe With A Mask Maiden (race three). Hello Tomorrow is favourite but I prefer to take a chance with Domeyer’s mount Anmer Hall (7-2) who ran green on debut.

Glen Kotzen, in double KZN form on Monday, may take the Juvenile Fillies (race two) with I’m A Lady who has most to fear from Stuck On You, Fiftyshadesdarker and French Fling.

By Michael Clower

The SA Champions Season commenced yesterday and although it will be unrecognisable in some facets due to the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the crowded program brings with it plenty of exciting racing for online and telephone betting punters to look forward to.

The downside will be reduced stakes and only absolutely essential personnel will be allowed on course so there will be no crowds to create atmosphere. 

In the first eight weeks of the SA Champions Season all of these races will be run: 

June 7: The Grade 2 WSB Guineas (R175,000), the Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas (R150,000), the Grade 2 IOS Drill Hall Stakes (R175,000).

June 13: The Grade 2 Post Merchants (R175,000), Grade 3 Poinsettia Stakes (R100,000), Grade 3 Godolphin Barb Stakes (R100,000), the Grade 3 Strelitzia Stakes (R100,000).

June 20: The Grade 2 WSB 1900 (R175,000), the Grade 3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup (R125,000), the Listed East Coast Cup (R85,000).

June 28: The Grade 1 Daily News 2000 (R500,000), the Grade 1 Gold Challenge (R425,000), the Grade 1 Woolavington 2000 (R325,000), the Grade 2 Tibouchina Stakes (R150,000), the Listed Gatecrasher Stakes (R85,000), the Listed Devon Air Stakes (R85,000), the Non-Black Type Durban Dash (R75,000.).

July 4:  The Grade 1 Golden Horse Sprint (R425,000), the Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint (R325,000), the Grade 1 Golden Horse Medallion (R325,000), the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship (R325,000), the Grade 3 Cup Trial (R125,000).

July 11: The Grade 2 Track And Ball Derby (R150,000), the Grade 3 TRack and Ball Oaks (R125,000), The KZN Winter Challenge races (1200m, 1600m, 2000m all for a stake of R75,000)./

July 18: The KZN Breeders Million Mile and seven other KZN Breeders races (all for stakes which are yet to be announced).

July 25: The Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July (R1,5 million), the Grade 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes (R325,000), the Grade 2 Durban Golden Horseshoe (R150,000), the Grade 2 Golden Slipper (R150,000), the Grade 3 Campanajo 2200 (R125,000), the Grade 3 DSTV Gold Vase (R125,000), the Listed Thukela Handicap (R85,000), the Non-Black Type eTHekwini Sprint  (R75,000) and the Non Black Type KZN Yearling Sale Million (R650,000). 

There will be a five week breathing space between the Vodacom Durban July meeting on July 25 and the Gold Cup meeting on August 29. 

At the latter meeting the following feature races will be staged, Grade 3 Gold Cup (R400,000), the Grade 1 Champions Cup (R425,000), the Grade 1 Mercury Sprint (R425,000), the Grade 1 Premier’s Champion Stakes (R325,000), the Grade 1 Thekwini Stakes (R325,000), the Grade 2 Gold Bracelet (R150,000), the Grade 2 Umkhomazi Stakes (R150,000), the Grade 2 The Debutante (R150,000), the Listed Umngeni Handicap (R85,000) and the Listed Darley Arabian (R85,000).

The following rules shall be applicable from racing’s effective restart date, June 1.

The field sizes will be restricted to 12 runners per race with the exception of ALL Pattern races in which 14 runners will be allowed. However, it is hoped that by the time of the July the protocols will allow more than 14 runners. 

Jockeys will be restricted to ride in the region of their choice and cannot move in between provinces.  They will be allowed to make ONE move prior to the commencement of racing.

The adjusted minimum riding weight in Handicap races shall remain at 54kg.

Horses moving between regions shall NOT be allowed unless a horse is moving to another province on a permanent basis as per the regulations of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

All Horse Transport Companies must have the necessary Permits to move horses between the training centres and race courses.

The last race must be run not later than 16h45.

Only essential staff members will be permitted on to the racecourse through a single entrance point. 

1. Licensed Jockeys/Apprentices engaged to ride at the race meeting

2. Licensed Trainers with engaged runners

3. Licensed Assistant Trainers/Stable Employees (recommended one per stable)

4. Grooms (one per horse)

5. Official Photographers/Technical Staff

6. Racing Operator Staff

7. Licensed Officials

8. A maximum of two Racing Journalists at the sole discretion of the Racing Operator.

All public betting outlets will be closed but online betting and telephone betting will go ahead as normal.

To open an online TAB account: Visit www.tabgold.co.za and under FAQs there will be detailed instructions on how to open an account for online betting and telebetting. Downloading the Tabgold Betting App also allows one to bet on sport online.

Visit www.trackandball.co.za to open a fixed odds online betting account.    

By David Thiselton

Most of Cape Town’s top racehorses had departed for KwaZulu-Natal for the Durban season at the beginning of March, where the Vodacom Durban July, South Africa’s premier race was due to be run on the first Saturday in July. 

But with COVID-19 rearing its ugly head, Candice Bass Robinson, the first female trainer to win the prestigious Vodacom Durban July, found her string of stars stuck in Cape Town.

“My horses were only actually going to be going up in stages.  I wasn’t going to send the whole string up at the beginning of the season. And then the day they were supposed to leave, we were going into lockdown, so I decided to keep them here”, Bass Robinson explains.  “I’m glad I kept them here, as it means we are all in one place and I don’t have to worry about horses stuck up in Durban, without me being there.  So it worked out quite well.”

Bass Racing normally has a full complement of around 50 staff working at the racing yard. With lockdown looming the racehorses still had to be fed and exercised, while stables needed to be cleaned.  Bass Robinson admits that in the beginning it was tough going, but says her staff were absolute stars. 

“I had 23 guys that decided they would be happy to stay, and they stayed on the property here.  So for the first five weeks of lockdown we worked with half the staff.  Initially it was hard, but we changed a couple of things and we got into a nice groove.  I had 23 really good guys here.  No complaints, no moaning, they were fantastic, they were unbelievably accommodating.  They just got stuck into it.  

“This is what we have to do, and this is what we do. The only down side was that those guys never had a day off and it was a bit tough on them because it is hard work.”

Bass-Robinson was forced to look at new ways of doing things, with a reduced staff. “It has certainly opened my eyes to a couple of things that I need to change in my yard going forward.  Procedures and structures that I would like to change, because it actually worked really well.

As soon as the country moved to Level 4, the initial group of staff were given time off, while the second group of staff took over.  The racing stable is now back up and running.  “We are back to a full complement of staff”, said Bass Robinson.

“In full lockdown we obviously didn’t have any movement in and out of the yard, but with lockdown easing we are now going to have a lot more movement and that opens us up to a bit more risk. Hence, we have taken the necessary precautions.  We take temperatures every morning on arrival. There are hand sanitisers all around the yard and they have got to sanitise their hands in between work and when they come in and leave. Masks are worn at all times, even when riding.  We try to keep social distancing. It isn’t easy in a yard, but we all try and do our best.  These are uncertain times all over the world and we just need to make the best we can of a bad situation.”

With the movement of horses finally being allowed now, Bass Robinson will be sending her string up to contest the Durban season.  “I have pretty much kept the horses in work, they will have a prep run here and then they depart for Durban on the 11^th of June.” For only the second time in its history, the Vodacom Durban July has been moved and the race will now be run on the 25^th of July.

By Liesl King

Raymond Danielson has a good card of rides at the Highveld’s first meeting after lockdown at the Vaal (Tuesday 02 June) and has been tipped to score a hattrick.

The meeting marks the return of reigning national champion jockey Lyle Hewitson.

Luke Ferraris, Sean Tarry and David Nieuwenhuizen have all been tipped to score doubles.

The highlight of the meeting will be races 6 and 7 in which some classy horses are turning out.

The unbeaten Lady Of Steel faces the boys in race 6, an Allowance Plate over 1450m and this classy three-year-old is sure to make a bold bid but she does have a tough task at the weights with the talented Riverstown, who is ideally distance suited. The topweight Warrior’s Rest is always a tough nut to crack as he is able to maintain a strong gallop all the way to the line. Astrix is unbeaten over this trip and is well regarded by trainer Paul so can’t be discounted either and Promiseofamaster is a scopey sort who should have benefited from the break.

In the seventh the talented filly Wylie Wench comes in as reserve from a plum draw of two and is the one to beat provided she runs. Trainer Mike Azzie said he was waiting to find out whether she had made it into the field for the Grade 2 WSB Fillies Guineas to be run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday and if she had she would be scratched from the Vaal race.

To open an online TAB account: Visit www.tabgold.co.za and under FAQs there will be detailed instructions on how to open an account for online betting and telebetting. Downloading the Tabgold Betting App also allows one to bet on sport online.

Visit www.trackandball.co.za to open a fixed odds online betting account.    

By David Thiselton

It’s premature to read anything into the form after a break of two months, but what was obvious at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday was that the stables of Brett Crawford, under the stewardship of Peter Muscutt, visiting trainer Glen Kotzen, and Anton Marcus are primed for South Africa’s Champion Season.

What will be more interesting in the next few days will be which jockeys will stay in KZN given that the National Horseracing Authority rules, under direction from the lock-down regulations, state that jockeys may move province only once until restrictions on movement are lifted.

So do the riders that previously had the luxury of travelling stay in KZN for Champions Season or take a chance on Gauteng, where their season’s ends on Saturday?

Marcus is always looking for an edge and was a regular riding work at Summerveld during lock-down, so not for nothing is he one of the most sort after riders in the country – not only for his undeniable ability in the saddle but also his work ethic.

Best ride of his four-timer was possibly the Doug Campbell-trained Farland. ‘Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes,’ was an order allegedly given by American officer William Prescott at the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American Civil War but it is often suicidal to give start at the top of the straight on the Greyville poly. But while all were scrubbing for home and sticks flailing, Marcus waited until the last second to pull the trigger and after a few sweaty palms for Farland supporters it was very much job done for Marcus.

Final Attempt and Hexatonic may have put a kink in a few preparations for the classics although Wendy Whitehead will not have been pleased with the antics of African Sunrise which saw the gelding not make it into the starting gate.

Who did catch the eye was Mount Anderson, who came from a long way back to fill the shallow end of the purse giving the impression that a mile and further, the Gr1 Daily News 200 in particular, will be well within his compass.

Kotzen made inroads into the travelling expenses account with a brace of winners, Final Attempt and Hexatonic adding to the kitty and debutante Fast Love, taking on older runners, running out a comfortable winner of the opening leg of the Pick 6.

By Andrew Harrison

The consequences of the Coronavirus lock-down have been debilitating as far as the sport’s finances are concerned but it is back to business come Monday with a 10-race card scheduled for the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly track.

Training has not been interrupted with both Ashburton and Summerveld carrying on as normal but it has been a bit of guess work as far as preparations have gone. Trainers have been in the dark as to when racing would resume so getting their charges to peak fitness for the restart will have been tricky.

That said, the two-month break will have done most horses the world of good with trainers having the time to sort out any persistent niggles.

So, the 120 horses lining up for Monday’s events should be in prime condition but finding winners could prove tricky. Some will be being preparing for the bigger races scheduled for South Africa’s Champion Season while some of the lessor lights will be primed for the restart.

A trio of runners that will almost certainly have the final classic races of the season in their sights are African Sunrise, Mount Anderson and Trip To Africa in the sixth, all three of which showed above average promise before the lock-down.

African Sunrise has won two of his four starts and both wins have been full of merit. Last time out from a coffin draw over the poly 1600m, he coasted home against older and more seasoned rivals. He has another difficult draw to overcome on Monday but Wendy Whitehead’s charge is a talented gelding and if not winning, should at least be in the money.

Dean Kannemeyer has a number of runners on the day and he will be looking for a big effort from Mount Anderson who followed up his maiden win with a smart victory in a MR 90 Handicap, a big step up from his maiden win. The gelding then came unstuck in a 98 MR Handicap but was under two lengths back to the useful Padre Pio. He is ideally suited to this course and distance and will be a big runner.

Trip To Africa is also lightly raced but Duncan Howells is of the opinion that he has a future. His first run out of the maidens is best ignored but he showed up well next time out, his jockey of the opinion that he may just have needed the run. He will much prefer Monday’s trip and must be included in all bets.

With only two months of the official season to run, Monday sees many juveniles in open company and those that show some potential are most likely to be too strong for many of their moderately performed older rivals.

Thomas Henry could be a case in point and open the card on a winning note for visiting trainer Glen Kotzen. He showed up well in his first two outings at Kenilworth but then fluffed his lines in an early season feature. Kotzen is not likely to have wasted money on a float trip to KZN if he didn’t think his charge would pay his way.

Given that punters will be hungry for some local action the Pick 6 will be a popular bet. Two runners that could save on expenses are Fade To Back in the opening leg, fourth race on the card, and Farland in the seventh.

Fade to Black could prove the pick of the runners that have raced but it may pay to keep an eye on the first timer Fast Love, another Glen Kotzen runner. Kotzen will leg up Anton Marcus in spite of him putting up half-a-kilo overweight which all points to a big run.

Doug Campbell’s runners generally perform well on the poly surface and although Farland’s last two outings have been on the turf, they have been in far superior company to what he meets on Monday. Farland is no stranger to the poly and from a good draw and Marcus aboard he strikes as a possible exotic bet banker.

By Andrew Harrison

The NHA is pleased to announce that Horseracing in South Africa will resume on 1 June 2020 behind closed doors. The  NHA have informed the Racing Operators accordingly on the requirements that needs to be complied with in order to stage these meetings.

The following rules shall be applicable on the effective start date.

• The field sizes will be restricted to 12 runners per race with the exception of ALL Pattern races in which 14 runners will be allowed.

• Jockeys will be restricted to ride in the region of their choice and cannot move in between provinces. They will be allowed to make ONE move prior to the commencement of racing.

• The adjusted minimum riding weight in Handicap races shall remain at 54kg.

• Horses moving between regions shall NOT be allowed unless a horse is moving to another province on a permanent basis as per the regulations of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

• All Horse Transport Companies must have the necessary Permits to move horses between the training centres and race courses.

• The last race must be run not later than 16h45.
  
  
• Any persons with comorbidities shall not be able to attend.

Racing at Flamingo Park shall NOT take place in the month of June. The Racing Operators shall advise on the status of Kimberley racing in due course.  All of the above will be applicable for the month of June.  Any relaxations shall be implemented in conjunction with the status of the Coronavirus pandemic, together with any positive  changes to the Governments adjusted risk strategy from July onwards.

A further release on the Health & Safety, together with the surveillance protocols, as per our submission to Government shall follow.

The Racing Operators have commenced with pre administration work for the upcoming meetings.

The NHA is pleading to all participants to self-regulate regarding prevention and hygiene practices. The Covid-19 pandemic is in its infant stages in South Africa.  The scientific and worldwide statistics, forecasts that this virus will be in existence for an extended period. Individual responsibility will go a long way in assisting the South African Horseracing Industry to continue racing, creating value and to the ultimate sustainability thereof.