Andrew Harrison

Former champion jockey Anthony Delpech has been on a few ‘good’ ones in his time and now as racing manager of Hollywood Racing he has been on the cutting edge of managing a large string.

Hollywood Racing is one of the leading owners in the country but Delpech has made no secret that he measures success by the number of Gr 1’s they can achieve.

South Africa’s Champion season is on the horizon and Hollywood Racing may well have come up with a strong contender for the Gr1 Gold Medallion to be run in mid-May over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville after I’m A Fireball set the track alight at the same track yesterday, giving the colt valuable experience over what can be a tricky course.

In spite of some sticky going after last week’s rain, the son of Vercingetorix simply waltz past early leader and more experienced Captain’s Pride as he quickened out of the pack to finish clear of his rival and lengths clear of the chasing opposition.

I’m A Fireball was the first winner to come out of the Ashburton Training Centre after Hollywood bought the property as a pre-training and spelling operation and also a haven for their horses that have finished their racing careers. Mathew de Kock, who saddled I’m A Fireball, said he had not much to do except polish up for this run as Jo and Trevor Brown has done much of the groundwork.

Dean Kannemeyer has hit the ground runner with his runners up from Cape Town for Champions Season. He added to Monday’s winning tally of a double and a close-up second as the filly Keukenhof romped home in the third.

“I don’t know what she beat but she could only win,” Kannemeyer commented post-race but it was certainly an eye-catching performance.

There was no shortage of confidence as Keukenhof started solidly at the top of the boards and she duly delivered in style.

If I’m A Fireball staked his claim for the Gold Medallion, Keukenhof put up her hand for the Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship.

There is still a lot of water to flow into the sea before that but these two have been first to float their boats.

Kannemeyer has arrived for the season with his powder dry and he fired another telling shot as Dancing On A Cloud came home lonely at only his second start. An Open Maiden, he was giving weight to all except O Space O, and the son of the sadly missed sire Lancaster Bomber had stable rider Craig Zackey looking both ways for opposition a furlong out as he cruised home under hands. Just how the handicappers view the win will be telling.

David Thiselton

Punters face a competitive eight-race card on the Vaal Classic track today.

In the first, a Maiden over 1200m, Scarlett Heart ran well second time out with Khumalo up and Khumalo keeps the ride and jumps from pole position. Tin Pan Alley is by the United States out of a Querari mare and Craig Zackey is an interesting booking jumping from draw two. Time Will Tell ran a cracker second time out when second to One Fine Winter but he was beaten 4.3 lengths and Khumalo has jumped ship. 

The second is a maiden over 1200m. Inspiration made a fair debut at Kenilworth before being well beaten in the Gr 3 Cape of Good Hope Nursery but in this field, she must have a fine chance, although she does jump from a tricky draw of six. Open Sesame is by Futura out of the decent Philanthropist mare Magic School and jumps from pole position under Gavin Lerena while Wings Of Ice made a fair debut behind a fair sort and should improve. 

The first leg of the Pick 6 is another maiden, this time over 2400m. Heroic Act ran a much improved race last time and can go close with a repeat. Santiago’s Pride has shown ability over staying trips and has a chance here from a good draw. Chieftain’s Shield ran well over 2,000 metres last time and should get this trip while Lunar Rainbow has shown some ability and from pole position might be able to earn.

The fourth is a Middle Stakes over a mile. Zuzan won well last time over this trip, beating a good sort and off a four-point higher mark he could repeat it, jumping from pole position. Francine has some class and over a suitable trip under Gavin Lerena should make a bold bid. Royal Edition is an honest sort and from a good draw under Muzi Yeni should make his presence felt, although the trip is slightly on the sharp side. Silent War is capable of running on strongly, but he will need to find cover from a wide draw. 

The fifth is a 1000m sprint. Antonio Gaudi  won a fair race last time and starts off a fair handicap mark of 79. Captain Efficient is always thereabouts and is drawn on the right side while Phala Millions is in good form at present and is also drawn towards the right side. Sakhala Is’Cathulo has a difficult number one draw but is in good form and can’t be ignored. 

Night Vigil is in fine form and with a 4kg claimer up from a nice high draw she should go close to winning the sixth, another 1000m dash. Virgin River has plenty of pace and has been raised only three points for her last win so can be involved again. Kia Kaha is drawn on the right side and can do better than she did last time. The Navy Lark is very quick and enjoys this course in distance but does have an unfavourable low draw. 

In the seventh, another 100m sprint, Chasing Happiness has speed and some class and Piere Strydom is a bonus over the suitable trip. Cosmic Star  ran a cracker last time over this trip and is now drawn on the right side. Yamadori went close last time over this trip and is also drawn on the right side while Troppo Veloce should make her presence felt. 

The last is a handicap sprint also over 1000m. Ilha Da Orange has been disappointing in her last four starts but now gets the blinkers on and reverts to 1000m. Lady Of Memphis is in good form and should make her presence felt. Omnipotent won well in the Maidens and starts off handicapped off a reasonable mark. Heirloom has speed and on her day can be dangerous over the minimum trip and she is drawn on the right side. 

RACE 1    

8 SCARLETT HEART 7 TIN PAN ALLEY 6 TIME WILL TELL 4 SECRET WARRIOR

Preview: 8 SCARLETT HEART ran well second time out with Khumalo up and Khumalo keeps the ride and jumps from pole position. 7 TIN PAN ALLEY is by the United States out of a Querari mare and Craig Zackey is an interesting booking jumping from draw two. 6 TIME WILL TELL ran a cracker second time out when second to One Fine Winter but he was beaten 4.3 lengths and Khumalo has jumped ship. 4 SECRET WARRIOR has run two good races but does have a wide draw to overcome. (David Thiselton 8-7-6-4)

RACE 2     

4 INSPIRATION 7 OPEN SESAME 9 WINGS OF ICE 2 CAPTAIN SELVIE

Preview: 4 INSPIRATION made a fair debut at Kenilworth before being well beaten in the Gr 3 Cape of Good Hope nursery, but in this field she must have a fine chance, although she does jump from a tricky draw of six. 7 OPEN SESAME is by Futura out of the decent Philanthropist mare Magic School and jumps from pole position under Gavin Lerena. 9 WINGS OF ICE made a fair debut behind a fair sort and should improve. 2 CAPTAIN SELVIE is by Captain of All out of a DuPont mare. (David Thiselton 4-7-9-2) 

RACE 3     

2 HEROIC ACT 1 SANTIAGO’S PRIDE 4 CHIEFTAIN’S SHIELD 9 LUNAR RAINBOW

Preview: 2 HEROIC ACT ran a much improved race last time and can go close with a repeat. 1 SANTIAGO’S PRIDE has shown ability over staying trips and has a chance here from a good draw. 4 CHIEFTAIN’S SHIELD ran well over 2,000 metres last time and should get this trip. 9 LUNAR RAINBOW has shown some ability and from pole position might be able to earn here. (David Thiselton 2-1-4-9)

RACE 4     

2 ZUZAN 3 FRANCINE 7 ROYAL EDITION 1 SILENT WAR

Preview: 2 ZUZAN won well last time over this trip, beating a good sort and off a four point higher mark he could repeat it, jumping from pole position. 3 FRANCINE has some class and over a suitable trip under Gavin Lerena should make a bold bid. 7 ROYAL EDITION is an honest sort and from a good draw under Muzi Yeni should make his presence felt, although the trip is slightly on the sharp side.1 SILENT WAR is capable of running on strongly, but he will need to find cover from a wide draw. (David Thiselton 2-3-7-1)

RACE 5     

1 ANTONIO GAUDI 4 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT 8 PHALA MILLIONS 3 SAKHALA IS’CATHULO

Preview: 1 ANTONIO GAUDI won a fair race last time and starts off handicapping on a fair mark of 79. 4 CAPTAIN EFFICIENT is always thereabouts and is drawn on the right side. 8 PHALA MILLIONS  is in good form at present and is also drawn towards the right side. 3 SAKHALA IS’CATHULO has a difficult number one draw but is in good form and can’t be ignored. (David Thiselton 1-4-8-3)

RACE 6     

1 NIGHT VIGIL 6 VIRGIN RIVER 7 KIA KAHA 8 THE NAVY LARK

Preview: 1 NIGHT VIGIL is in fine form and with a 4kg claimer up from a nice high draw she should go close. 6 VIRGIN RIVER has plenty of pace and has been raised only three points for her last win so can be involved again.7 KIA KAHA is drawn on the right side and can do better than she did last time. 8 THE NAVY LARK is very quick and enjoys this course in distance but does have an unfavourable low draw. (David Thiselton 1-6-7-8)

RACE 7     

1 CHASING HAPPINESS 4 COSMIC STAR 9 YAMADORI 5 TROPPO VELOCE

Preview: 1 CHASING HAPPINESS has speed and some class and Piere Strydom is a bonus over the suitable trip. 4 COSMIC STAR  ran a cracker last time over this trip and is now drawn on the right side. 9 YAMADORI went close last time over this trip and is also drawn on the right side. 5 TROPPO VELOCE should make her presence felt. (David Thiselton 1-4-9-5)

RACE 8     

10 ILHA DA ORANGE 1 LADY OF MEMPHIS 2 OMNIPOTENT 9 HEIRLOOM

Preview: 10 ILHA DA ORANGE has been disappointing in her last four starts but now gets the blinkers on and reverts to 1000m. 1 LADY OF MEMPHIS  is in good form and should make her presence felt. 2 OMNIPOTENT won well in the Maidens and starts off handicapping off a reasonable mark. 9 HEIRLOOM has speed and on her day can be dangerous over the minimum trip and she is drawn on the right side. (David Thiselton 10-1-2-9)

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that the Inquiry into the incident involving Jockey Gavin Lerena (GIMME A STORM) and Jockey Jason Gates (BLURRED VISION) that commenced on 21 February 2025 and adjourned to 24 March 2025, was finalised yesterday.

 Jockey Gavin Lerena

Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with the following contraventions of:

 1)        Rule 62.2.2 read with Rules 62.2.3 and 72.1.25

 In that he rode GIMME A STORM in an unprofessional manner by changing his riding style by stopping riding, standing up in the stirrup irons and striking Jockey Jason Gates across his back with his crop on at least two occasions in the running.

 Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of guilty to contraventions of Rules 62.2.2 and 72.1.25 and not guilty to a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.

 2)        Rule 72.1.26

 In that as the rider of GIMME A STORM he behaved and conducted himself in a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horseracing, or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NHA or relevant Racing Operator.

 Jockey Lerena entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of Rule 72.1.26.

 The Inquiry Board found Jockey Lerena guilty of the charges incorporating the contraventions and imposed the following penalties:

 1)        Jockey Lerena was suspended from riding in races for a period of ninety (90) days of which sixty (60) days is wholly suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of these Rules for a period of two years.

 2)        Jockey Lerena was fined the amount of R200 000 of which R100 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.26 for a period of two years.

 Jockey Lerena has the right of appeal regarding both the findings and penalties that were imposed.

 Jockey Jason Gates

 Jockey Jason Gates was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.4 in that he rode BLURRED VISION in a careless, negligent, reckless or dangerous manner by intentionally striking the crop out of Jockey Lerena’s hand in the closing stages of this race.

 Jockey Gates entered a plea of not guilty but was found guilty to the charge.

 Jockey Gates was fined the amount of R10 000, of which R5 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 62.2.4 for a period of two years.

 Jockey Gates has the right of appeal against the finding and penalty that were imposed.

Durban, South Africa – The countdown has begun! The 129th edition of Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacular, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ), is set to take place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. As the most anticipated fixture on South Africa’s racing calendar, the event seamlessly blends world-class horse racing with high fashion, entertainment, and a memorable social experience.

Staying true to the theme of “Marvels of Mzansi,” this year’s racing extravaganza promises an iconic line-up of South African talent, featuring a diverse array of artists set to captivate all attendees throughout the day. The national anthem will be beautifully performed by one of the country’s leading songstresses – look out for the reveal in May. With these performances, the thousands of attendees expected at Hollywoodbets Greyville will have a memorable experience. Stay tuned for the full artist line-up. All ticket holders can look forward to a day filled with live entertainment that will be talked about for years to come, as this year’s HDJ celebrates Mzansi’s vibrant spirit. 

Tickets for this outstanding event are now officially on sale via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za). Priced at R230 for general admission, your ticket grants access to a day of thrilling racing action, live entertainment, fashion showcases, gourmet food experiences, and an array of engaging activations from event partners. For added convenience, onsite parking is available for R170 per vehicle.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP hospitality packages provide exclusive access to luxurious enclosures, premium viewing areas, and top-tier catering. These options can be explored on the official event website (www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za). Please note that VIP hospitality packages do not include general admission tickets, which must be purchased separately via Ticketpro.

This year’s theme, “Marvels Of Mzansi”, was unveiled in late February, marking the official commencement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience, presented by Durban Fashion Fair. The fashion programme includes the much-anticipated HDJ Young Designer Award, showcasing the best up-and-coming talents from KwaZulu-Natal. The winners will share the spotlight with the HDJ Invited Designers and DFF Rising Stars at the HDJ Fashion Preview Gala, set to take place at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in late June.

Racing enthusiasts can also look forward to the announcement of the first official entrants on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. With last year’s champion, Oriental Charm, emerging as the early ante-post favourite, excitement is already building. 

Secure your tickets today and experience Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July!