Alistair Cohen

Trainer Vaughan Marshall will saddle nearly 20 horses at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday, including three lively chances in the Grade 3 Champagne Stakes over 1200m. Seeking The Stars has long been one of the stable favourites and being seven years old, he has seemingly not lost any zest for racing. He could claim a richly deserved ninth career win under Gavin Lerena.

When Lerena travels to Cape Town for Marshall, one needs to take notice. He was associated with One Stripe for nearly the last 12 months for the same owner, Rikesh Sewgoolam. Seeking The Stars has almost been hidden in the shadows of other big-name Marshall horses like One World, Rascallion and One Stripe, but his efforts have never gone unnoticed.

During the Cape Summer Festival of Racing, he kept the best company at Grade 1 and Grade 2 levels. He was hardly going to be a threat to Gimme A Prince, who is the highest rated horse in South Africa, but that Grade 1 dust has settled and Seeking The Stars may have found the right landing spot to win again.

In January, he was run off his feet in the Grade 1 World Pool Cape Flying Championship over 1000m, but when one considers Gimme A Prince was a facile five-length winner, he was just behind some A-Grade sprinters beaten by 7,2 lengths overall. Seeking The Stars followed up with a good 2,15-length fourth behind Gimme A Prince in the Grade 2 Khaya Stables Diadem Stakes over 1200m a month later. One could argue that Gimme A Prince ran a level below himself but it was still an admirable performance. 

Tenango was a winner all over last time but he was snared at the line by Gem King by a nose. He reopposes Gem King and he meets on 2kg better terms which should be enough to turn the tables. Trainer Candice Bass-Robinson has maintained that Tenango has a feature race within and since a wind operation, he has done sweet little wrong. He has a smart turn of foot and the latest conditions after some rain could help him finish his race better than the hard going through summer. Andrew Fortune is riding very well and he is carded to take the ride.

Marshall also has Lion Rampart and All Out For Six in the race. Both are promising three-year-olds. The former probably has more going for him as a proven sprinter but the latter has the scalp of the HSH Princess Charlene Big Cap last month and he is easily the highest earner in the field. Watch both for good runs.

Marshall has good winning chances in races 1 and 2. Ireland Forever in the opener might be a little tentative because some rivals have a lot to come but are unproven. But his debut win should set him up. He followed that win up in the Listed Cape Of Good Hope Nursery over 1200m and although he failed to fire, to the eye, his debut showed his hand as a useful two-year-old to follow. He is back to the same 1000m trip that he won in his debut. That could be the key.

Better Man makes a ton of appeal in race 2 over 1400m. He stormed home late to be beaten 2,75 lengths by Pay The Palace at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. The track did not suit horses coming from off the pace and he made inroads when the race was all over. With that further education under the belt he must take a power of beating for the same connections as Seeking The Stars.

Umfula has a lot to recommend as a smart stayer in the making. He strikes as one of the better bets on the card in race 7 over 2200m. It might have taken him four frustrating runs to win but he was always burning towards his peak trip and now that he has found his groove, there could be seriously exciting things in the pipeline. He sauntered to victory at his last run when he smashed Ahead Of The Facts, who is no mug, by 2,75 lengths. Richard Fourie is obliged to ride because his sponsors own a share in the horse and one would be certain that he is pleased to partner up again. Brett and James Crawford train.

There is a paucity of form in race 3 over 1100m. Duchess Of Paloma makes the most appeal of those who have experience but it is hardly form to sing from the rooftops about. Check the market on all debutantes, especially the well-bred Ukuduma and Lowveld Lily.

If Ocotillo was drawn better than Gate No 11, she would stack up as a huge play of the day, but she could still get away with it in race 5 over 1400m. She is out of Grade 1 winning mare Camphoratus and there has been steady improvement throughout her career. Trainer Eric Sands is in terrific form and log-leading jockey Craig Zackey takes the ride. Her last run form was well franked because Kleinzee stepped out and won her post-maiden in style last Wednesday.

There are a few winning chances in race 5 over 1700m, but Past And Present could be set up for his overdue maiden exit. He tried 2400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last month and although he stuck around for second behind Wood World, he did not look like winning. This more sympathetic trip could do the trick with him. He keeps finishing second. His penultimate run was behind Umfula, who received a glowing report.

Bass-Robinson has a strong hand in race 9 over 1200m. Rahhabba and October Fest make plenty of appeal. The former is fresh off her maiden win, so she could have slightly more to come despite rising in class. She beat Miss William in good style by 1,75 lengths over this course and distance when last seen in February. 

Father-daughter team Michelle Rix and Harold Crawford could also saddle a double with lively chances on the card. Beneath The Clouds has finally got into a consistent vein of form and she has learned the trade after starting her career a bit wayward in terms of how she did things. She is overdue and she could crack it in race 6 over 1700m. She is also from the Kleinzee form which might spark up a race earlier and that will add some confidence.

Firingonallengines is as gutsy as they come and this overachiever could score in race 10 over 1200m. He races handy and he is able to find which is testament to his character. He takes on some upwardly mobile opposition who needs to be considered but as far as effort goes, Firingonallengies often gets a thumbs up.

Race 1: 

The William Longsword gelding (1) NORTH POINT was ultra-impressive when winning his last start and looks set to follow up here. (2) AMEN CORNER won a good race on debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last month. He has obvious scope for further improvement but bumps a potentially above average sort in North Point. (5) ORBIT made an auspicious winning debut back in December before fluffing his lines in his subsequent outing. He returns from a three month break and may have freshened up nicely. (7) IRELAND FOREVER drops in class from his moderate Nursery effort and can be competitive here. Selection: (1-2-5-7).

Race 2:

(8) BETTER MAN showed good improvement in his second start over this trip and gets the services of Gavin Lerena. (2) Randolph Hearst finished a well beaten third on debut but this blue-blooded colt will come on leaps and bounds with the benefit of that experience and will appreciate the step up in trip. (4) NEW WORLD brings decent form into the race and was not far behind Better Man when they met last month. (6) SUPPOSEYOU’VEHEARD comes out of that same form line and was right on top of Better Man and New World at the finish. Richard Fourie now takes the ride which is a positive and he can turn the form around. Selection: (8-2-4-6).

Race 3: 

There is every chance a newcomer can win this, the opening leg of the Place Accumulator, so keep a close eye on the betting. (1) UKUDUMA is a very well-bred daughter of Vercingetorix and Lerena rides for the Marshall stable. (3) Fourie has been engaged to ride the debutante LOWVELD LILY for the Snaith team and is also very nicely related. (7) WINTER GAMBLE has been placed in three of her five starts but appears limited and could be vulnerable to a market springer. (2) RUBY REX has shown some promise and may prefer returning to the straight course following a disappointing last effort at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Selection: (1-3-7-2).

Race 4:

(11) OCOTILLO faces a tricky draw in this 1400m contest but appears to bring the best form into the race and high-riding Craig Zackey retains the ride. (7) HUNGA TONGA was a close second behind Wehaveasituation towards the end of last month and on that form there is not much to choose between Ricky Maingard’s filly and (12) MISS WILLIAM who was third then and is now 1kg better off in this Open Maiden. (1) CHAMPAGNE BLAZE is a very well related juvenile from the Marshall stable and the daughter of Vercingetorix has cracked pole position. Any market support must be respected. Selection: (11-7-12-1).

Race 5:

Competitive Open Maiden over 1700m. (4) DRICUS may represent the quality here and is expected to show further progress after finishing second over 1400m last time. (9) TUNGUSKA ran a good race over 1600m last month and the form of that race has been franked. (10) PAST AND PRESENT is holding form well having been runner-up in his last three outings and rates a clear chance again. (12) SHOW OFF is lightly raced and may have scope for further improvement over the added trip. Selection: (4-9-10-12).

Race 6:

The Candice Bass-Robinson-trained (2) ENGLISH MISTRESS is a long time but very consistent maiden and from a good draw and with Andrew Fortune in the saddle she could exit the maiden ranks here. (5) SWEETSUMMERLOVE is slowly coming to hand and could get into the mix. (6) BENEATH THE CLOUDS is seldom far back and rates a clear chance in this limited field. (16) LUCKY THIRTEEN has a wide draw to overcome but comes into the race with a very low mass and could make her presence felt. (7) SPECIAL GLAMOUR may have more to come as she steps up in trip. Selection: (2-5-6-16).

Race 7:

The Canford Cliffs colt (6) UMFULA is on a hat trick and was a dominant winner over this course and distance last time out. (9) KWITE A KING is holding his form well and will appreciate going a touch further than in recent starts. (8) BOUNCEBACK ran third over 1800m last time and is still relatively unexposed, so can improve further. (7) TOTHEMOONANDBACK is 3kgs better off with Umfula for a three-length beating which should bring the pair a lot closer together. (2) HELIOTROPE has the form to win a race of this nature and is well treated at the weights, Selection: (6-9-8-7).

Race 8:

Competitive Grade 3 event over 1200m but there is lots to like about (4) TENANGO and he could claim his first Stakes success. (6) ALL OUT FOR SIX won the richly endowed Big Cap over 1400m last time and is a classy 3yo. He could be equally competitive over this slightly shorter trip. (10) LION RAMPART has been a touch disappointing recently but this will be his peak run and he could bounce back. (1) GEM KING has found a new lease of life but is now 2kgs worse off with Tenango which could sway the outcome in the latter’s favour. (11) DANCE VARIETY went wrong in his last start back in December but on best form would have an undeniable chance in this line-up. Selection: (4-6-10-1).

Race 9:

Open race but (8) OCTOBER FEST should be ready to produce her best and will appreciate stepping back in trip. (10) SHE’S GOT CLASS ran a terrific race first up out the maidens and a repeat of that performance will see her go close here. (4) FROM A DISTANCE is far better than her recent form suggests and could pose a threat. (2) NOODSBERG was a runaway winner of her maiden back in November but could need this run and a stiffer test of stamina. Selection: (8-10-4-2).

Race 10:

Hardest race on the card. (17) TOUGH TERRAIN has the right form but his chances may be compromised by being drawn on the wrong side of the track. (12)  ALL ABOUT AL has useful course and distance form and will be thereabouts at the finish. (9) FIRINGONALLENGINES is very quick and he brings good consistent form into the race. (11) MAJOR MASTER is very classy but prefers a touch further. However, he could be a factor in this line-up. There are many other with chances and punters will need to cast their nets wide, particularly as the possible track bias in this large field could be a determining factor. Selection: (17-12-9-11).

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!

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.

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.