All systems go on 1 January 2025

Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.

The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).

Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.

Programme and related reading matter, click here.

Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.

The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.

Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.

“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.

“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.

Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.

“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows,  while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.

“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.

Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.

“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”

On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.

“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing.  I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.

RACE 1

(13) REGINA LOU ran well on debut and has plenty of scope to go well here compared to others respectfully hence she is the first choice. (5) HER ROYALTY is capable of much better and can contest the finish. (11) HAT MONTERA wasn’t beaten far on debut and will improve from that run. (6) SERENDIPITOUS is capable of winning here but was rather disappointing in the last start when beaten favourite however can’t be ignored. (Devonne Govender 13-5-11-6)

RACE 2

Tough race. (6) NOODSBERG ran a cracker in the last start and will be a hard horse to beat in this contest. (3) BEIJING BOULEVARD is holding consistent form and will be in the frame, she has a much better draw and will challenge. (1) A MONTH OF SUNDAYS has scope to go well and will be in the firing line with more improvement to come. (4) COUNTESS Q is getting closer with each and every run and must be included in everything. (Devonne Govender 6-3-1-4)

RACE 3

(1) MY BEST SHOT is classy and is expected to bounce back here. He seemed to come under pressure early during the last 300m or so in the last start and that is clearly not his type of run. (3) SAKURAJIMA ran in front of the top selection and shoulders a handy weight in this contest and will be fighting this one out so respect his chances however he will have to pick up his feet to match the classy top selection. (4) PLAY ACT is holding form well and won’t be far coming from a yard who are in top form. (2) CAN’T SAY NO is capable of much better and will have quartet chance. ( Devonne Govender 1-3-4-2)

RACE 4

(7) VINTAGE CRYSTAL ran extremely well in the last start and will have a huge winning chance in this open looking contest. Although she jumps from a tough draw there looks to be enough speed in this race which may suit her. (4) GREEN FAME placed at big odds in her last start, it was a good performance and if repeating that here she will have a huge say. (6) BLUE PALACE is capable on her day and cannot be discounted here, she hasn’t been far in recent starts and can feature. (1) ARABIAN RED has a big weight to carry but won’t be far with a top rider up. (Devonne Govender 7-4-6-1)

RACE 5

Punters are urged to play wide in exotics as this is a very open race. (3) GOLD FOR AFRICA has a wide draw to deal with however she can race handy and with her usual gate speed she may just get into a prominent position so must be respected. (1) LADY ZULTANITE is never far back and very capable of winning this contest despite the wide draw. (5)CHRONICLESOFNANIA has the ability to win a race of this nature and can’t be ignored. (6) QUERANDI ran well in the last start and must have chance here. (Devonne Govender 3-1-5-6)

RACE 6

Another very open looking race. (3) HEART STEALER is holding solid form and is definitely the horse to beat although he has a tough draw. (2) HAROLD THE DUKE won at long odds but must be respected here from a much better draw. (1) KAROO GOLD comes of the same form line as the second selection and will have to factored into everything. (6) SLAINTE MHATH is a honest type and expected to be in the mix. ( Devonne Govender 3-2-1-6)

RACE 7

CRUZADOR is very speedy and if finding himself in a prominent position he will be dangerous. (6) WORDSWORTH ran extremely well in the last start and a repeat showing will see him being competitive. (10) FULL OF MAGIC has never been far back and rates a winning chance here. (11) MEDITERANEANGODDES Is very capable on her day, her last run was good and she will have to be included. ( Devonne Govender 4-6-10-11)

RACE 8

(4) MASKED VIGILANTE is in top form and will have another massive winning chance however there are plenty dangers here. (2) EYJAFJALLAJOKULL is the main danger to the top selection, his last win was very impressive and there won’t be much to choose between the top two. (9) EL ROMIACHI is another who is holding top form and can’t be left out of anything, like the top two selections he’s also searching for his third consecutive win. (12) TRAVEL MASTER is holding consistent form and another honest run is expected. ( Devonne Govender 4-2-9-12)

RACE 9

(5) LEGAL THRILLER ran an absolute cracker in the last start and will be a huge contender here from a much better draw. He quickened up well from the tail end and will be the firm first choice and a Pick 6 banker. (6) GOLDEN PAVILION ran well enough in the last start and won’t be far once again. (8) SWISS WALT is holding consistent form and his last run was eye catching, massive runner. (9) PASHTUNWALI is never far back and can get into the mix. (Devonne Govender 5-6-8-9)

RUGBY 8 WIN MARGIN on Friday, 29 November 2024. C/Over R 41 099 Pool Closes at 21h35

Soccer4 on Friday, 29 November 2024. C/Over R 25 000 Pool Closes at 19h30 Sport 18 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 150 000

Soccer10 on Friday, 29 November 2024. ADD-IN R 150 000 Pool Closes at 19h30 Sport 12 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 2 Million

Soccer10 on Friday, 29 November 2024. ADD-IN R 150 000 Pool Closes at 19h30 Sport 12 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 2 Million

Soccer4 on Saturday, 30 November 2024. C/Over R 25 000 Pool Closes at 17h00 Sport 19 and Pool 2. Estimated Pool: R 150 000

Soccer6 on Saturday, 30 November 2024. ADD-IN R 100 000 Pool Closes at 15h30 Sport 1 and Pool 2. Estimated Pool: R 500 000

Soccer10 on Saturday, 30 November 2024. ADD-IN R 150 000 Pool Closes at 15h30 Sport 14 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 2 Million

Soccer13 on Saturday, 30 November 2024. Pool Closes at 16h15 Sport 10 and Pool 1. One Winner Guaranteed Jackpot: R 16 Million (if only one 13 of 13 Winner

Soccer ANY 13Xtra on Saturday, 30 November 2024. ADD-IN R 125 000
Pool Closes at 15h00 Sport 13 and Pool 1. Estimated Pool: R 500 000

Andrew Harrison

The card headliner, a MR 90 Handicap over 1000m, at a wet Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday saw the field cut down to five runners with the Glen Kotzen-trained favourite Connery hunting his fifth win in succession since his gelding. 

With the starting gates moved to the outside of the track, the runners stayed off the cut-up going on the inside rail with young Jacey Botes leading a bunched five-horse field.

However, in the straight the 4kg claim came into play with Jet Legacy not able to get to terms with the favourite and going down just under a length.

Most impressive winner on the day was the Michael Roberts-trained Ladyofdistinction who took the step up to handicap company in her stride.

The conditions were never going to be in favour of any lightly raced runner with potential but the daughter of Vercingetorix handled it with aplomb as did Rachel Venniker. Scoring a double on the day, she had her mount wide almost all the way around the track before pressing hard for home. The veteran mare Radu tried gamely to make a race of it and at one stage looked to have the edge, but Venniker never went for the stick, knowing that she had plenty to come from her mount and Ladyofdistinction looks to have a bright future.

 It was a big jump from Kimberley and Flamingo Park for Nicholas Patel who was a right hand man to Jarred Rugg in the far reaches of the country before the track was abandoned.

Rugg’s move to KZN did not last long as a dearth of support was never going to make his yard viable and he moved on into the hospitality business.

However, as a jockey Patel was left in no-man’s land with little option in what is his home province but has found support from MJ Odendaal. Patel may not always ride the stable elect but he does get the odd bone and ‘MJ’ kept him aboard Grand Appeal in the card opener and he made the most of it.

 The son of Gold Standard made short work of the favourite One Armed Bandit, the two coming away from their rivals over the subway, with Grand Appeal proving to be far the stronger.

The stable looked all set for a double in the second as Who Blinked was backed into the red, but as is often the case in racing, the best laid plans can go awry. Marco van Rensburg gave the favourite the perfect ride but debutante Slytherin gave all a surprise, including Alyson Wright. A late starter, according to Wright, Slytherin had shown little at work and was pegged as a 1800m plus contender. But he could well prove to be a hidden talent. It was not the strongest of maidens but good stayers can sprint so Slytherin could be chasing the ‘Golden Snitch’.

A torrential downpour and lightning delayed the start to the third, a maiden sprint, and Venniker rode the prefect race on Roberts-trained favourite Amafort, sitting midfield and then picking her way through the traffic. Sonata Samaritan and Jeanne Darc put in determined challenges but the shortest way home proved to be the right way home.

It was a double for Alyson Wright as Serino Moodley took no prisoners in the fourth. Taking advantage of the starting gates being position wide off the rail. He took Rhythm to the front and was not for the catching.

It may not all have gone according to plan for the Odendaal stable with Who Blinked getting rolled but they did manage a double on the day as Johnny The Thief went back-to-back in the seventh. Marco van Rensburg always looked to be travelling well as Woodland Glade made the running and although the pair drifted onto the inside rail under pressure, ‘Johnny’ always had the measure of his rival.

Paul Lafferty’s charge Mr Fixit made short work of the opposition in the last as he cruised home under Calvin Habib.

David Thiselton

The Pick 6 always has a big pool on Betway Summer Cup day and will be taken by many punters, so an analysis of the difficult first two legs could be useful.

Mrs Browning will be out to retain her crown in the first leg, the Gr 3 Betway Carry On Alice Stakes over 1160m. She has only had one outing this season and was beaten 6,75 lengths over the course and distance. However, she was drawn in the tough barrier one position that day and the victor of that race was the best sprinter in the country, Dyce.

Furthermore, she is slung in at the weights on Saturday, being 3,5kg better off with the second best weighted horses, Winter Greeting and White Pearl. On top of that she has a nice high draw and has in form Gavin Lerena aboard. Her stablemate Mia Moo is the favourite, but although that is a justified choice on her good form and progressive profile, winning a big field feature down the Turffontein straight course from draw two is usually tough, although there was one Summer Cup meeting where the inside draws were actually favourable, a rare occurrence.

A more interesting stablemate is Troppo Veloce, who is drawn on the right side and on a line through Dyce is weighted to finish on top of Mrs Browning. However, the latter would surely have come on from that last run. If Troppo Veloce is given a chance then Elegant Ice from the in form Lucky Houdalakis stable has a chance and the latter jumps from draw 8. White Pearl won well last time over 1400m and the last time she tried this course and distance she was second in a Gr 3 and she beat Mrs Browning by 2,35 lengths.

At the weights she could repeat that dose but the problem is Mrs Browning was drawn one that day and on Saturday White Pearl has a tough low draw of three. The up and coming Chasing Happiness is improving all the time and is officially quite well in being only 4,5kg under sufferance with Mrs Browning. She has scope for further improvement and is a big runner from draw ten with Aldo Domeyer up.

Winter Greeting ran a fine race in the Gr 2 Senor Santa Stakes over course and distance back in April and did well in her reappearance last time when finishing two lengths ahead of Mrs Browning. However, she is now 4kg worse off and has draw six to negotiate. Richard Fourie is up so Winter Greeting can’t be ignored. CallmewhenUneedme is on the up but she is 5,5kg under sufferance with Mrs Browning and Trent Mayhew will not be able to claim his usual 2,5kg unlike last time.

The youngster Poblano has been thrown in at the deep end and is officially 10kg under sufferance with Mrs Browning but she looks to have talent and should still improve so could earn from a high draw. East Cape raider Passchendale is in fine form, but draw one makes it tough. One Fell Swoop has the ability but has not run for five months and has a tough low draw. Where’s The Party is drawn on the right side but has a tough task with Chasing Happiness being just 2kg better off for a comfortable 5,90 length beating. Garlandsofgreenery has ability but has not run for over ten months. You Bring Me Joy has some good Turffontein form but has not run since ending last season under a bit of a cloud. Gimmefabulous has a hard task at the weights and hasn’t run this season yet. Tamil Tigress has a tough task at the weights. A chance could be taken in only including Mrs Browning and Chasing Happiness on a day in which the Pick 6 will be tough and going thin on some legs will be necessary.

In the second leg of the Pick 6, the Gr 3 New Turf Carriers Merchants over 1160m, the Frank Robinson-trained Cats Pajamas is officially 1kg under sufferance but looks to have a lot of ability and is drawn on the outside rail. This Rafeef gelding ended last season with a fine victory in the Gr 2 Umkhomazi Stakes over 1200m and this season he has had one run, his first as a gelding, and the form of that dominant 3,30 length win has worked out very well. He could be the one to beat.

Richard Fourie is reunited with Lucky Lad, whom he seems to always get the best out of. Lucky Lad has overcome a low draw, or at least being on the wrong side when it counted, over this course and distance before so a draw of three might not be overly concerning. However, this is a handicap and carrying 63,5kg is going to be tough. Pistol Pete has speed and some class and sneaks into the handicap with the minimum weight and he is drawn on the right side too. Red Bomber should be cherry ripe and is drawn towards the right side.

Mount Pilatus is 1kg under sufferance but in fine form. Chyavana won well last time and on paper has a chance, but a draw of six won’t be easy. The honest Sheldon can never be dismissed but from draw two it will be tough. Quantum Theory, Melech and Magic Tattoo are others who would be fancied if better drawn. Gimmeanotherchance has class and is interesting dropped in trip from a middle draw. Rulership would be a leading player here if it was over 1000m as he is drawn on the right side.

After The Rain has ability and a good draw but is 2kg under sufferance and Halberdier has a tough task at the weights. Cats Pajamas is tipped to beat Lucky Lad with Pistol Pete, Red Bomber and Mount Pilatus next best.