Fortune pops the Champagne on Tenango
PUBLISHED: April 21, 2025
Graeme Hawkins Andrew Fortune produced the exciting Tenango (28/10) from well off the pace to win yesterday’s R250 000 Champagne Stakes (Gr3) over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth with contemptuous ease.Tenango was switched off towards the rear of the field as Seeking The Stars and Lion Rampart cut out the early pace. Approaching the final 200m […]
Graeme Hawkins
Andrew Fortune produced the exciting Tenango (28/10) from well off the pace to win yesterday’s R250 000 Champagne Stakes (Gr3) over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth with contemptuous ease.
Tenango was switched off towards the rear of the field as Seeking The Stars and Lion Rampart cut out the early pace. Approaching the final 200m Gem King moved through menacingly but by now Tenango was in full cry and the 4yo son of Canford Cliffs swept past to score going away by a wide margin.
Tenango has now won five races from only thirteen starts and we are likely to see him next in the Grade 2 Golden Horse Sprint over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville towards the end of May. Trained by Candice Bass-Robinson for owner-breeder Ian Longmore, Tenango has recovered remarkably well from a wind operation and is now in the form of his life.
Gem King finished second ahead of All Out For Six and a running on Silver Falcon but were they simply no match for Tenango who was recording his first Graded Stakes success, with the promise of more to come.
Tenango was Fortune’s third winner on the card, having booted home Hunga Tonga and English Mistress earlier in the day.
The 2yo’s North Point, Randolph Hearst and Ukuduma were impressive winners of the first three races on the programme. All three appear to be well above the average and should be worth following for the remainder of the Season.
Okavango stakes his claim
PUBLISHED: April 21, 2025
Andrew Harrison Locally based trainers always face an uphill task during South Africa’s Champions Season as the out-of-towners arrive with the cream of their crops. Highveld-based trainers have their moments but most are hard-pressed to match runners from the Western Cape. The second race on the Hollywoodbets Greyville card, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m, […]

www.tabgold.co.za Class 4 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday.
Picture: Gold Circle/Candiese Lenferna
Andrew Harrison
Locally based trainers always face an uphill task during South Africa’s Champions Season as the out-of-towners arrive with the cream of their crops. Highveld-based trainers have their moments but most are hard-pressed to match runners from the Western Cape. The second race on the Hollywoodbets Greyville card, a Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1400m, was a prime example as it was dominated by Cape-based runners, Aversator making good improvement on his debut effort for Dean Kannemeyer and the Justin Snaith-trained Indigenous runner-up.
Sean Veale gave him a clear run at the line going up the inside of the field and the son of Rafeef quickened up smartly to win going away. Andrew Fortune picked his way through the field from well off the pace and Indigenous ran on well to take the shallow end of the purse.
Both colts look promising and worth following come the sharp end of the season.
Nautical Landing saved a large number of Place Accumulator tickets as two rank outsiders Street Talk and Echo were culprits of one of the biggest exacta payouts in recent memory, both finishing strongly to edge out the luckless Nautical Landing as Tristan Godden tried valiantly to keep the filly together over the final two furlongs. Muzi Yeni was of the opinion that Kom Naidoo’s filly is looking for much further with the strong pace playing in her favour.
Harun Al Rashid finally got his act together, a runaway winner of the opening leg of the Pick 6. Not an easy horse to train as he tends to lather up before his races but he finished with a rattle to finally show what he had promised in his earlier races. Runaway pacemaker Angel Boy J compounded at the top of the straight and apprentice Mxolisi Mbuto was lucky to stay aboard as his mount nearly came to a halt.
The handicappers are often under fire from trainers accusing them of being heavy-handed when dishing out penalties but the three points afforded One Smart Cookie kept her competitive as Tienie Prinsloo’s filly went back-to-back but with the entire field breathing down her neck in a blanket finish to the fifth. Magical View, School Policy and Woza Nawe were all within a neck at the line.
Pongola is not an easy ride as alluded to by Michael Roberts. Not a horse that takes kindly to being bustled early in a race stand-in rider Siphesihle Hlengwa, replacing an indisposed Rachel Venniker, was on a hiding to nothing. However, from off the pace, Pongola was closing in relentlessly on the filly Fireburst who had got the better of pacemaker Gorgeous Dude, but he kept shifting in on his rival. There was no contact but Hlengwa lost his crop 100m out trying to keep his mount on a straight course and got to the line with a nose to spare.
It was a Snaith one-two in the seventh as Underworld got the better of stable companion Get Impressed with Diani staying on strongly for third. It was a tactical ride from Fortune who had Underworld pinned on the rail behind pacemaker Cherry Ano and getting first run. However, not to be outdone, Yeni got his mount into stride off the false rail and a ding-dong battle ensued up the straight with Underworld making light of his weight to get the better of his rival.
Okavango looked to be the best bet on the card and so it proved as Fortune finally got out of the second box. A son of Master Of My Fate out of the exceptionally talented mare Sabina Park, he had turned in an eye-catching performance when winning at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last time out, coming from the clouds to get up close home. It was a lot easier yesterday as Fortune had him in the box seat from his pole position draw and although he took a little time to get rolling, Fortune was looking around a long way out for any challenges.
It was a comfortable victory and with Fortune saying that Okavango would enjoy a furlong further, the Gr 1 Daily News 2000 looks a possible target but he will probably be up against stable companion Eight On Eighteen and the WSB 1900 may be a better option.
Cape form was once again to the fore as Plum Pudding rounded off the meeting for Andre Nel and Serino Moodley. Well back turning for home, Plum Pudding got a dream split up the centre of the track and finished off her race in style.
Fairview Poly Tuesday 22 April 2025 – Comments by Devonne Govender
PUBLISHED: April 21, 2025
RACE 1 (2) BLOWN AWAY hasn’t been far in recent starts and can win this contest with Richard Fourie aboard. (8) PRICELESS TREASURE is holding solid form and will have a big say here, huge runner. (7) MIND FREEZE is capable of much better and cannot be ignored here, respect her chances with Craig Zackey […]
RACE 1
(2) BLOWN AWAY hasn’t been far in recent starts and can win this contest with Richard Fourie aboard. (8) PRICELESS TREASURE is holding solid form and will have a big say here, huge runner. (7) MIND FREEZE is capable of much better and cannot be ignored here, respect her chances with Craig Zackey in the saddle. (5) CHERRY LANE is making steady progress and can run into the placings. (Devonne Govender 2-8-7-5)
RACE 2
(3) NEMOROSA made improvement in the last start and if continuing that progress with be in the firing line. (1) FANTASY GIRL is holding decent enough form and is very capable of winning here. (2) RUBY CLAIRE is never far back and can get into the placings here. (6) OPERA VERSE ran well in the last start and needs to repeat that. (Devonne Govender 3-1-2-6)
RACE 3
(2) BROOKSIDER ran extremely well in the last start and will have a big say here so must be respected. (4) WINTER EMERALDS represents Cape form and will have to be respected here. He hasn’t been far in his last two starts and will be in the shake-up. (1) GRAND ALLEGRO ran well in the last start, he drops in trip and will be right there, must include in all bets. (3) AMERICAN PITBULL is another who is never far back. (Devonne Govender 2-4-1-3)
RACE 4
Open race. (3) ARTICUNO ran a cracker in the last start and will be a huge contender for top honours. (10) SWISS WALT ran extremely well in the last start and the claiming apprentice takes off 2.5kgs of his back which could be the game changer. (7) MUNCHKIN has ability and can blow this field away on best form so must go into all bets. He hasn’t been far in recent starts and will be there again. (8) SEE YOU IN A BIT is another who is holding form and rates a winning chance in this line-up. (Devonne Govender 3-10-7-8)
RACE 5
(1) STRANGE MAGIC ran well in the last start, with the apprentice taking valuable weight off his back he will be a serious contender. (5) SHARAPOVA was gutsy in her last win and will be in the firing line again, huge chance. (6) VALERIAS DREAM is very capable on her day, from a good draw she will be a factor. (8) FLOWER FESTIVAL is never far back and can get a lot closer but has a tough draw. (Devonne Govender 1-5-6-8)
RACE 6
(8) GREENLIGHT LEGEND is holding top form and is very capable of reeling in a hat-trick. (5) GLOBETONIC is holding solid form and will be in the firing again, big winning chance. (4) A BIT CHILLY ran a much improved race in the last start and will be there again, include in the placings. (10) ARIVIDICIO placed at decent odds and with the light mass can pop up here. (Devonne Govender 8-5-4-10)
RACE 7
(7) JACK IN THE GREEN is holding form well, his poly runs are good hence he will be tough to beat in this line-up respectfully. (11) CANFORD QUEEN is never far back and is capable of challenging the top selection on best form. (4) PAINITE won a gutsy race at big odds and can pop up here. (9) KYOMAI ran well here in his last start and a repeat performance will see him in the firing line. (Devonne Govender 7-11-4-9)
RACE 8
(4) HAPHAZARD is holding form and has run well in both her starts on the poly knocking up a second and thereafter is maiden win. She looks to have an outstanding chance in this field respectfully. (6) A MONTH OF SUNDAYS was an easy maiden winner and could have more to come here. (1) ONO NO KOMACHI is another who has scope to go well and must be included into the placings. (10) TAKE YOUR TIME placed at big odds and could represent some place value however can be unreliable. (Devonne Govender 4-6-1-10)
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE 129TH HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY!
PUBLISHED: April 1, 2025
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 […]

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!


Soccer10 Price change on Wednesdays
PUBLISHED: December 4, 2024
Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3. The R3 unit cost on Wednesdays is on a trial basis only & follows requests from many customers to increase the Soccer10 Unit. The unit cost of Soccer10 Pools on all other days remains R2.
Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3.
The R3 unit cost on Wednesdays is on a trial basis only & follows requests from many customers to increase the Soccer10 Unit.
The unit cost of Soccer10 Pools on all other days remains R2.