Andrew Harrison

This is supposed to be the season to be merry but the majority of racing at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday was closer to a funeral procession as the runners ambled around before pressing on for a sprint for home. This was all in stark contrast to Happy Valley that was featured on the alternate DSTV channel where Hong Kong racing is no quarter asked or given with a hot pace from the jump.

With first time blinkers, the connections of Celtic Beauty were confident of a winning effort in the Flamboyant Stakes (Listed) but the race never panned out to suit and with Mary’s Greenlight and Perilla, last and second last into the straight, putting the field to bed in the sprint home.

Sean Veale was ‘swinging on’ to Celtic Beaty in the early exchanges as his filly fought for her head, but once settled Veal slowed it up and the field took closer order with Safe And Sound also pressing for the lead.

This pair took off at the top of the straight with Safe And Sound the first to capitulate under pressure. Celtic Beauty tried hard to hold onto her lead with Bevie’s Beauty also in the hunt but early exertions took their toll as Mary’s Greenlight and Perilla motored home up the outside of the field. This pair were travelling two strides to one with the opposition treading water.

 Things warmed up in the Christmas Handicap as Strathclyde took up the early cudgels after a lengthy delay to the start as firstly the always troublesome Palermo refused to load then then Navajo Nation having to be re-plated.

However, there was a list of excuses after the race with a number of runner inconvenienced as the field concertinaed up against the inside rail.

But Sean Veale took the right way home, racing wide and avoiding the traffic and Imilenzeyokududuma  quickened well from off the pace to win as he liked.

Two unlucky runners where Kitchakal with Athandiwe Mgudlwa looking for an inside passage but not quicken up enough to take the gap but running on late  while Mexican Pete never got a clear passed but was finishing strongly when he did find clear air and is one to watch next time out. 

RACE 1

(7) ALADO’S HABIT ran well on debut at big odds, with the expected improvement to come she will take some beating. (1) MILLION REASONS has been consistent and will be a huge danger to the top selection. (2) SWEET NOTHINGS has uninspiring form on paper however she is making her provincial debut. Cape form stands up strong in the province and any market support must be respected. (6) TUNE AGAIN ran a cracker in the last start and can place here.

RACE 2

(6) MAXIGIRL has been placing recently and will have a huge winning chance in this competitive contest. (5) OH MANDY wasn’t far in the last start and will get much closer. (2) ANGEL OF MY HEART is another who is never far back and will make the frame here. (1) LIKE A BUTTERFLY can improve on that last start so has to be respected coming from a top yard with Richard Fourie aboard. ( Devonne Govender 6-5-2-1)

RACE 3

(1) KABON KAPI is holding solid form and looks tough to beat especially with the apprentice claiming. (2) WOMAN OF POWER is knocking on the door and there won’t be much to choose between her and the top selection. (8) MISS SHAIVI is another who is holding consistent form and will be in the firing line. (4) TREASURE HUNT is very capable on her day and must be respected. ( Devonne Govender 1-2-8-4)

RACE 4

(5) WALKONTHEWILDSIDE could be anything, her debut win was eye-catching And she could remain unbeaten. (3) CHARLIE MALONE is holding consistent form and is a very honest type, huge run expected. (7) SEATTLE RIPPER wasn’t far in the last start and can get a lot closer. (1) RAVILIOUS represents some value for the placings , although shouldering a big weight he can feature. ( Devonne Govender 5-3-7-1)

RACE 5

(2) EXECUTOR is very capable and could take some beating. She drops slightly in trip which could make all the difference because she has a big finish. (5) ELLA’S DELIGHT is never far back and can get a lot closer. (6) NOTORIX wasn’t far in the last start and can get involved. (1) WHAT A WINNER improved in the last start, although shouldering a massive weight he can run into the quartets. ( Devonne Govender 2-5-6-1)

RACE 6

(6) ARTURO won a gutsy race in the last start and will be in the firing line. (3) PEDRO is holding consistent form and another career win is close. (2) MO THE MAN ran well at decent odds in the last start and will make his presence felt. (7) LT ALEXANDER is very capable of winning this, he is much better than the last start so must be respected. ( Devonne Govender 6-3-2-7)

RACE 7

(3) FIREALLEY is holding smart form and could take some beating here. He has the best draw with an inform rider aboard so will be a big runner. (2) CHERRY ANO is classy and will be the main danger to the top selection, his last run was good so is a must include. (1) BINGWA won’t be far in this contest and must go into larger perms, he has the class to feature. (Devonne Govender 3-2-4-1)

RACE 8

(8) ALL ABOUT LOVE is holding consistent form and will be the banker in all bets with Richard Fourie aboard. (11) CHEAP THRILLS ran a much-improved race in the last start and can build on that. (1) HE’S A GAUL is capable of much better and can feature here. (3) FEARLESS BADGER is capable of getting involved and can run into quartets. ( Devonne Govender 8-11-1-3)

RUGBY 8 WIN MARGIN on Friday, 27 December 2024 C/Over R 44 927
Pool Closes at 21h35

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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.