The entire dining room rose to its feet to give Stan Elley a standing ovation when the now-retired trainer was announced the winner of the Acknowledgement of Achievement Award at Stellenbosch’s Lanzerac Hotel on Friday evening.

Justin Snaith, tongue firmly in cheek, caused laughter when he said: “Enjoy your green pastures, Stan. I am sure your wife will kick you out and send you to the races.”

There were also Special Service presentations at the Cape Racing & Breeding Awards Dinner to yearling inspection legend John Kramer and Robert Bloomberg.

The latter’s award was presented by Vidrik Thurling who paid tribute to his fellow Kenilworth Racing director for all he has done for Cape Town racing and added: “His daily punting makes a substantial contribution to the coffers of the racing operators!”

Bloomberg countered: “I thought that if I ever received an award like this it would be posthumously.”

Futura was named Horse Of the Year and is widely expected to follow up at tomorrow evening’s Equus Awards in Johannesburg.

Kenilworth general manager Dean Diedericks was not present but he was singled out for special mention by Markus Jooste’s racing manager Derek Brugman who said: “It is so important for us that our horses come back sound and in Dean we have somebody at the helm who does a wonderful job.”

Cape Breeders’ chairman Vaughan Koster, whose Cheveley Stud bred award-winner Legislate, pointed to the high success rate of Western Cape breeders and stallions – over 60% of last season’s Grade 1 races – and singled out Main Chance and its stallion Silvano’s achievement of accounting for the first three in the Vodacom Durban July.

He said: “This has never been done by a breeder or a stallion before and the question begs whether it will ever be done again.”

The theme of the importance of the horse was initially underlined – and subsequently reinforced by several award recipients – by leading breeder John Koster who said: “Here we all sit when in actual fact our tables should be graced by Seventh Plain, Futura, Legislate, Captain Of All and all the other nominees.

“It is because of these noble animals that we are able to rise from ordinary lives and feel a wonderful sense of achievement. It is because they run their hearts out for us – unconditionally and without expectation of personal glory – that we are so fortunate.”

Koster, whose Klawervlei organisation took a whole host of awards, also had words of encouragement for smaller breeders, saying: “It matters not the size of your broodmare band, nor that of your budget but – with the right skill, passion and commitment – we can all breed the horse of our dreams.”

By Michael Clower

Klawervlei Stud’s Captain Al has deservedly added the South African Champion Sire title to his glittering CV.

Klawervlei will go down as the first stud in the country to have stood a champion stallion that they themselves bred since Henry Nourse’s Dwarsvlei Stud achieved this with Dignitary in 1934. Klawervlei were also champion breeder for the second time and Captain Al was champion sire of two-year-olds for the seventh consecutive season.

Captain Al (pictured), a son of the 1999 champion sire Al Mufti, was a Vaughan Marshall-trained sprint-miler who won the Gr 1 Cape Guineas as well as two Gr 2s over 1200m and a Gr 3 and a Listed race over 1400m. He set a new South African record as a freshman sire in the 2004/2005 season with 22 individual two-year-old winners, although Jet Master raked up more earnings to land the freshman sire title. Captain Al broke his own record in 2009 when siring 30 individual two-year-old winners of 40 races. He also set a two-year-old earnings record of R3,02 million.

John Koster, the original owner of Klawervlei who is now a partner in the farm with Markus Jooste, Chris van Niekerk and Bernard Kantor, believed in Captain Al from day one. “You sometimes have to put your head down and I put all my faith in him.” His optimism increased after seeing his first two foals. “They were like peas in a pod and looked like their sire, well balanced, athletic and they had a bit of white on them.”

When Jooste became a partner in Klawervlei he not only brought another exceptional sire in National Emblem but also overseas buying power. Koster recalled being at the Newmarket Tattersalls December Sale in the UK looking for broodmares when Captain Al had his first two runners. “His first runner came second and the second one won.”

An intriguing ding-dong battle ensued between Captain Al and Jet Master for freshman sire. Later when Captain Al produced the Gr 1-winning fillies Captain’s Lover and Captain’s Gal in his third and fourth crops respectively and the Gr 1-winning colt Exhilaration in his fifth crop, Koster knew “we were on to something.”

Captain Al has to date produced 10 individual Gr 1 winners from eleven crops to have raced, four males and six females, and between them they have won Gr 1s from 1200m up to 2450m.

Koster said, “He is one of the most versatile stallions around and is a real Mr Fixit. He improves maiden mares, bad-legged mares and gives substances to mares that lack it. He is phenomenal because he also produces good looking foals that sell well. Ask any trainer, they would fill their yards with Captain Als. They are honest, sound, can win over any distance and when you pay proper money for them you usually get results and could get a Gr 1 winner. There are very few hard luck stories with Captain Als. You can also sell Captain Als on and at present they are cleaning up in Mauritius.”

Captain Al is this year lying second in the world on the Gr 1 list behind Dubawi, courtesy of two Gr 1s with Captain Of All, one with Captain America, one with Carry On Alice and one with Pine Princesss. Captain Of All, on 126, is the second highest merit rated horse in South African history, together with Jet Master, and has joined his father on Klawervlei’s stallion band.

Captain Al’s mother Off The Wall (Complete Warrior), is still at Klawervlei at the age of 32 resting in the “old age home”. She has two daughters on the farm and her Gr 1-winning granddaughter Thunder Dance has “a belter” of a Silvano filly at foot and is in foal to Var.

Captain Al has produced two Gr 1s as a broodmare sire, the brilliant filly Same Jurisdiction (Mambo In Seattle) and the colt Potent Power (National Emblem). There are about 30 Captain Al broodmares currently at Klawervlei Stud.

Klawervlei could have a long run as champions, but Koster is by no means complacent. “Micky (Goss of nine-times champions Summerhill) gave us a good run. The stallions which  covered our mares last season are of a better quality than ever before. We are firm believers of bringing in bloodstock from overseas and Markus and Chris also race good fillies which they can bring to stud. But it’s ok getting to the top, it’s staying there that is tough. There is also Wilgerbosdrift, Mauritzfontein, Drakenstein, Varsfontein and others. I don’t think there has ever been a time in South Africa when breeding has been boosted by such a wide range of people. This is great for all breeders in the country, including small breeders. In my early days I welcomed big farms bringing in expensive overseas broodmares because it would give us the opportunity to later buy into these families at affordable prices.”

Captain Al is now 19-years-old, but both his results and the quality of mares he is being sent are improving. He is also one of the few stallions in the world still keeping the once influential Roberto line alive.

Captain Al would have lost out on the Sires Championships to Dynasty if the postponed Super Saturday meeting had fallen in July instead of August 1. However, Futura’s win in the Champions Cup will bolster Dynasty’s chances this season.

Koster also spoke of “the rub of the green” having once cost Captain Al when eight Cape meetings were washed out and he ultimately lost the title to Jet Master by a mere R90,000.

Koster concluded by recounting the story of the famed Springbok rugby forward ‘Boy’ Louw, who was asked to comment after a lucky three point win by the Boks over the All Blacks. Louw simply said, “Looks at the score board.”

By David Thiselton

Scottsville stages a low key eight race meeting today but there are still some interesting horses being turned out and there could be one or two opportunities for punters.

The first is a weak maiden over 1200m and the one to side with could be Timeous, who stayed on well over 1200m on the poly last time after being caught in behind horses which allowed the winner to steal a march. Masked Girl ran second over course and distance last time out after the race had panned out very well for her as she was given a tow by the leader until the 300m mark. From a higher draw she might have it tougher this time. Simla has some fair form against stronger but looks held by Timeous on their only meeting over this trip, although that was admittedly on the poly. Elusive Lady returns from a layoff and might appreciate the step down in trip. Venetian Gold appears to have problems but two of her best runs were over 1200m and she can’t be ignored.

Rock On Baby looks an exciting horse in the making and could follow up on her easy maiden win in the second over the same 1000m course and distance. Just Lucky has some class and will be running on strongly over this too sharp trip. Lady Penrhyn is well regarded and could earn.

Roy’s Strike Force ran a decent second last time out over the 1200m of the third race and could go one better here. Omega Onslaught made a good debut over course and distance and with natural improvement will be a big runner. Thunderwood was not far behind him and should improve too. Destined For Dawn is a hard knocker who is course and distance suited and he could earn. Forest has scope for improvement and is also one to consider.

Nikki ran on for third behind two promising sorts over 1000m on debut and is drawn in pole over the much more suitable 1600m of the fourth race. Wind Trader has run two fair sprints to date and should also appreciate the step up in trip. The consistent Cherry Orchard is likely to be involved in the finish here.

The hard knocking Dark Avenger could finally get it right in the fifth over a suitable 1600m with Anton Marcus up. However the improving Rio De La Plata should also relish the step up in trip and could be a big threat from a good draw.

Leopard Lily was up against some decent sorts last time out over the 1600m course and distance of the sixth and was by no means disgraced, so she could be the one to side with.

Alpine Ridge has always been promising and as a daughter of Go Deputy should now be coming into her own. Her last start can be ignored as she dislodged the rider. Miss Argentina has a touch of class and is interesting stepped up to this trip with Marcus up. Lertasha has matured into her big frame and is also a contender. Cassie O’Malley ran a fair race over course and distance last time and can’t be ignored.

Diamond King has overcome his problems and his class will make him hard to beat in the seventh over a probably ideal trip of 1400m. Kings Archer and Baltic Amber should give some cheek. Firewood, Master Archer and Cinema Scope also have plenty of ability and can’t be ignored.

Royal Roy has snuck into the handicap with bottom weight in the eighth and has a 4kg claimed aboard too so he looks the one to side with in the eighth over 1200m. It is a competitive event but Theseus has some class and could make his presence felt despite carrying a welter 64kg.

Special Encounter, Piano Man and National King make most appeal of the rest.

In the last race over 1200m Ooh La Var is a half-sister to Legal Eagle and doesn’t have a lot to beat. Hannah’s Answer ran a fair debut and could improve and the consistent Seek The Summit is likely to be in the frame again.

By David Thiselton

Like migrating birds, the Gold Cup meeting marks the end of Champions Season and visiting trainers head back home accompanied by many of the best horses. This year’s migration was delayed a week but we are now left with the common or garden variety looking to pay their way and justify their monthly expenses.

Over the next week or so a pattern will evolve with trainers who bottled up horses not capable of competing during Champions Season popping the cork – the trick is to work out which trainers and which horses.

With two Gr1 winners behind his name this past season Duncan Howells does not fall into the “battler” category because he knows which of his horses are geese and which are swans and with ten runners pencilled in for Scottsville today his runners may be worth following.

He has not made things easy in the Racing. It’s A Rush Handicap that heads up the nine race card having booked Anton Marcus for Kings Archer and current stable first call Muzi Yeni aboard the progressive Baltic Amber.

However, weight could be the key here with Marcus much more comfortable at 59,5kg and light weight Yeni aboard Baltic Amber with 55kg to shoulder.

That however, does not solve the problem. King’s Archer has plenty in his favour. After pulling outside draws at his last two starts he has finally cracked an inside gate. Given his style of running and over what looks to be his optimum trip he may be the stable elect.

But in Baltic Amber he faces a progressive gelding who has taken time to come to hand but now looks to be close to the peak of his powers. He found stable companion Saratoga Dancer too hot to handle at his most recent outing when trying to make all the running, only fading out of contention inside the final 200m. Given that he is in receipt of 4,5kg from King’s Archer, Baltic Amber may prove to be the right one of the pair.

But the list of possible winners does not stop there. Master Archer finished well beaten behind Saratoga Dancer and Baltic Amber when last they met but Sean Tarry’s runner was drawn in Woodhouse Road. He pulled another bum draw at Greyville at his next start but will now jump alongside Kings Archer which should make for some interesting tactics between Marcus and Anthony Delpech.

That leaves Diamond King. Tony Rivalland’s gelding has always promised much but has come up short when expected to feature. However, he has contested two strong feature races since returning from a break and during Champions Season it’s never easy. This will be his third run since a lay-off and over what looks to be an optimum distance he can give Brandon Lerena his first winner back after giving up his position as stable jockey to Ricky Maingard in Mauritius.

In all, this race epitomises what punters will be faced with in coming weeks and unless one is convinced of having worked out the form correctly, it may be best to stick to set weights races when it comes to all-to-come bets.

In the first, a Maiden sprint over 1200m, Timeous, runner-up in both starts will have her supporters although she was a well beaten second when sent out favourite behind Patty Cake. The year older Masked Girl has not been out of the money at her last four starts but she has had her chances and a high number draw is not in her favour given her obvious limitations.

A better proposition could be the Kom Naidoo-trained Simla. Last time out she was pitched into the deep end in the Gr 2 The Debutante won by the very promising Cosmic Light and a drop to Maiden company with 4kg claimer Tristan Godden aboard could see her triumph.

Dennis Drier has had a superb season with five Gr 1 wins and he will be looking to kick off his new term in the second with Rock On Baby. Caught late from a difficult draw on debut, she made amends over the same course and distance at her second outing, winning unextended. Second place Elephant Matriarch, some six lengths back at the wire, has since franked that form which gives Rock On Baby plenty of shine.

However, the Howells-trained Just Lucky, not aptly named given her myriad of problems, is rated 3kg superior to her nearest rival in the weights, Snow Rose, and must be given serious consideration. She has been racing over much further at recent outings but she did not gain her rating for nothing and although she drops in trip, this may well turn out to be her best trip.

By Andrew Harrison

The Ideal World filly, Persian Rug, who races in the silks of Mike de Kock’s assistant trainers Stephen Jell and Natie Kotzen, seemed to have the Thekwini Stakes (Grade 1) over 1600m sewn up. However, as Kotzen relates it, “when S’manga Khumalo starts going after her, she pricks her ears, ducks to the left and then digs her toes in” approaching the line made by the grandstand’s shadow.

Khumalo, obviously feeling the crop was doing nothing for her chances, hid it away against his body and rode her hands and heels to the wire. Persian Rug took off in the final 50m and finished third, a rapidly closing 0.50 lengths behind winner Lauderdale.

Said Kotzen: “Anton Marcus, who won on her first time out, said she did the same thing to him. She’s just green and doesn’t know what’s going on yet.”

Even though she didn’t win the race, Kotzen was pleased with the filly, leased to the partnership by Jessica Slack’s Mauritzfontein Stud. “It was a great run. At least we know she’s got ability.

“She’s a big horse who is still immature and is going to strengthen up. She’ll come into her own as a late three-year-old,” he said.

De Kock has already sent the horses he is taking to Dubai for next year’s Carnival to Mauritius, so Persian Rug, who won her first two starts, is staying in South Africa for at least her three-year-old career, according to Kotzen. “I’d love to see her race in Dubai, but that decision has to be Jessica’s.”

Initial plans, he said, were the Triple Tiara in Johannesburg next year, so the filly, who he has had in his care since she first came into training, will be leaving his Durban stable bound for Randjesfontein.

* According to Charl Pretorius, editor of De Kock’s website www.mikedekockracing.com, the stable’s Dubai-bound horses currently in quarantine in Mauritius are: Australian-breds Ertijaal, winner of the Cape Derby; Almashooqa, runner-up in the 1400m Golden Slipper, and two-time winner Mutamakkin, as well as an ex-Joey Ramsden-trained Trippi four-year-old Liquid Mercury, winner of the Winter Derby, and former Geoff Woodruff-trained Tellina. Highly regarded grey filly Majmu, who at this point is retiring to stud in the UK, is also in Mauritius.

– TABNews

Picture: Persian Rug finishing third to Laurderdale in the Thekwini (Nkosi Hlophe)