Tab Online - Articles

Challenge the champions and you’ll emerge at Europa Point

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT is Champions Day at Turffontein tomorrow and the principal race on the card is the R2-million President’s Champions Challenge. So does it not make sense to go with the champion trainer as well?

Silver Flyer looks ready to grab first G1 title

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IF the betting is anything to go by, bookmakers see the R1.5-million SA Derby over 2450m as a two-horse race - Silver Flyer vs Pomodoro.

Marvellous mare to run boys off their feet

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: FOLLOWING the defeat of What A Winter by Val De Ra in last year’s Grade 1 Computaform Sprint, trainer Mike Bass had a simple explanation for the loss. ``My horse cannot run 1000m in 56 sec.’’

De Kock `quite confident' about Ilha Bela

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER MIKE De Kock feels that Ilha Bela is unlucky not to be running for the Triple Tiara when she lines up for the Grade 2 SA Oaks over 2450m.

Soft Falling Rain to continue on winning path

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER; THE panel of handicappers rate Soft Falling Rain six points faster than his nearest rival in their unofficial assessment of the current crop of two-year-olds.

Franny not `home and hosed’, but the one to beat

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: FRANNY must rate one of the best bets on the Champions Day card when she lines up in the R400,000 SA Fillies Nursery (Grade 2) over 1160m, although her current odds of 15-20 are not appetising.

Gorongosa to end De Kock’s day on a high note

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: MIKE DE KOCK has a number of high-class stayers in his care and Gorongosa is one of the better among those.

Berry Blaze looks De Kock’s ace in Gerald Rosenberg

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER:TRAINER Mike de Kock seems to hold most of the aces in the Gerald Rosenberg Stakes (Grade 2) over 2000m at Turffontein, saddling four of the nine runners.

Torra Bay has star potential

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: MOST racing fans know it is not easy to keep a horse in winning form for any length of time.

What the trainers say

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

QUITE a few of tomorrow’s nine feature races have short-priced favourites, but there are no guarantees in horseracing. So NICCI GARNER and JACK MILNER chatted to some of the trainers of the big-race runners to find out their opinions

Unofficial 2yo ratings

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

THE handicappers do not give official merit ratings to two-year-olds, but they do assess them throughout their juvenile careers. Below are the panel’s unofficial ratings for the runners in the two juvenile feature races on Champions day:

Champions Day . . . wow!

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

STAND by for more than five hours of amazing action on Champions Day at Turffontein this Saturday.

Charity to win on Derby

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NEARLY R100,000 will be given away to charity at Turffontein this Saturday in the Intercontinental Village Day Charity Cup, which is linked to the SA Derby.

Bring the family

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

BRING the entire family to Champions Day at Turffontein this Saturday – there’s entertainment for everyone, ranging from high-class racing to an Intercontinental Village and a display of Ferrari cars.

How the Champions Challenge runners shape up

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

THE R2-million President's Champions Challenge on Saturday is a wide-open affair with chances to most of the runners.

Final fields for Champions Day

Nicci Garner — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

MORE than R7.2-million in prize money will be up for grabs on Champions Day, the richest day on the South African racing calendar.

De Kock nominates 22 for July but no Igugu

Nicci Garner — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

THE absence of last year’s Vodacom Durban July winner Igugu was the big shock when a record field of 71 nominees were announced for this year’s R3-million race over 2200m at Greyville on Saturday 7 July.

Champions Day entries

Nicci Garner — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

RACING fans will be sitting on the edge of their chairs for around 56 seconds on Saturday 28 April when the swiftest horses in the country line up for the Grade1 Computaform Sprint over 1000m at Turffontein.

It was Classic ‘Slumdog’

Nicci Garner — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: AN enterprising ride from Marthinus Mienie saw Slumdogmillionaire rise out of the gutter and into the record books with a dramatic victory in the R2-million SA Classic over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday.

De Kock content with Meydan haul

Nicci Garner — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

ROBERT GARNER: DUBAI – South African champion trainer Mike de Kock hoped for more but wasn’t overly disappointed with his haul at Dubai World Cup 2012.

Monterosso win signals change of guard at Godolphin

Nicci Garner — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

ROBERT GARNER: DUBAI – Dubai World Cup has often delivered little for Godolphin, the banner under which the rulers of Dubai race, but they were the stars of the show at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday with a 1-2 finish in the showpiece of th

Give us a green light!

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: AMERICAN writer Charles Dexter Cleveland is the man credited for calling death “the great leveller”. In horseracing it is the handicapper, often portrayed as the Grim Reaper, who is assigned that role. However, sometimes barri

Pierre Jourdan can crack Gr1 Chestnut bubbly

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THE weight-for-age conditions of the R1-million HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m favour Dancewiththedevil, winner of this Grade 1 race last year.

Ed Marnane’s Dubai World Cup analysis

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: DUBAI - This year’s Dubai World Cup meeting is truly a global spectacle, highlighted by the $10-million Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest race, one of nine top-class races to enjoy.

Expect a Classic display from Control Freak

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHEN the news broke that Control Freak was coming from Zimbabwe to contest the Gauteng Fillies last month it caused quite a stir.

Robert Garner’s best bets for Meydan

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DUBAI World Cup is set to generate another series of epic contests as the drama of the 2012 edition of horseracing’s equivalent of the Olympic Games unfolds at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday night.

Istiqaar, Franny are precocious juveniles

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: IT is rare for champion trainer Mike de Kock to return home empty-handed from a big day and Saturday should be no exception.

Zaki runner can deliver power to Pick 6

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: FIVE Grade 3 races add enormous interest to Saturday's Turffontein programme, in spite of all having small fields.

No 1 draw for Master in $10m Dubai World Cup

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CHAMPION South African trainer Mike de Kock runs Master Of Hounds in the world’s richest race, the $10-million Dubai World Cup, over 2000m on the synthetic track at Meydan on Saturday and his charge drew pole position of the 14 runners in

De Kock has two solid chances at World Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

MIKE DE KOCK, the top international trainer at Dubai World Cup, reckons his best chances of clinching a victory this Saturday rest with Mickdaam in the $2-million UAE Derby and Mutahadee in the $5-million Dubai Duty Free.

Win with PRI

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PRIVATE RACING INFORMATION (PRI), a new initiative launched by Phumelela Sports Betting Executive Vee Moodley, is proving a big hit with TAB customers.

World Cup last race on Turffontein programme

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

THE Dubai World Cup, the last of nine races at Meydan this Saturday, has also been included as the final race (Race 12) on the Turffontein card.

Bet an All To Come into the SA Classic

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

TAB customers can take an All To Come on any race meeting Monday through Friday this week (excluding France, Italy, Macau, Sweden and Turkey) and make the last selection a Win or Place bet on a horse of their choice in the SA Classic.

How the SA Classic runners shape up

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NOT many runners in the R2-million SA Classic do not have a chance of featuring in the finish. We took a closer look...

Two blockbusters! Wow!

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

FOR horseracing fans it doesn’t get any better than this Saturday when we’ll be treated to two blockbuster events on two different continents – Classic Day at Turffontein and Dubai World Cup at Meydan.

Gimmethegreenlight weighted to knock down rivals

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

GOLDEN CHATEAU, winner of the Betting World Gauteng Guineas, will have to improve further if he is to continue his quest to capture the SASCOC Triple Crown.

Supplementary entries for Classic Day

Nicci Garner — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

THERE have been no horses added into the fields for the R2-million SA Classic and the R1-million SA Fillies Classic at supplementary entry stage.

Entries for Classic Day

Nicci Garner — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

THE respective winners of the Gauteng Guineas and Gauteng Fillies Guineas are among the entries for the Grade 1 SA Classic and SA Fillies Classic to be run over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday 31 March.

First entries for the President’s Champions Challenge

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CHAMPION trainer Mike de Kock stables 17 of the 31 entries for the R2-million President’s Champions Challenge over 2000m at Turffontein on Saturday 28 April.

What the feature runners' trainers say

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

FIVE feature races will be run on Guineas day at Turffontein and all the big races are tricky, with some runners having preparatory runs for bigger prizes later in the season and doubts about others’ wellbeing.

Slumdogmillionaire blasts off on path to Triple Crown glory

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE outcome of this year’s R1-million Betting World Gauteng Guineas could well hinge on the fitness of one horse - Silver Flyer.

You won’t see red by taking a Bluroute to Fillies Guineas

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IS there another Igugu in this year’s Betting World Gauteng Fillies Guineas field?

Dancewiththedevil can show class and courage in Hawaii

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: A number of the runners in this year’s R300,000 Hawaii Stakes (Grade 2) over 1400m are having preparatory runs for richer - and longer - races later in Phumelela’s Autumn Feature Race Season.

De Kock looks the goods in Acacia and Aquanaut

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: WITH more than R3 million in reserve on the national trainers’ log, Mike de Kock and his team can be relied upon to deliver, particularly at big events like Guineas day at Turffontein.

History shows a bright future awaits the G2 Guineas winner

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: WHILE only one horse has won the SASCOC SA Triple Crown since it was introduced in 1999 - the mighty Horse Chestnut in the inaugural year - three horses have come close in the last 10 years.

Weights favour Piere Jourdan, Dancewiththedevil in Hawaii

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNERTHE two big guns, Pierre Jourdan and Dancewiththedevil, stood their ground at final acceptance stage on Tuesday for the R300,000 Hawaii Stakes (Grade 2) over 1400m and are well weighted with just 57.5kg.

All To Come for the Guineas

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

TAB customers can take an All To Come on any race meeting until Friday 24 February (excluding France, Italy, Macau, Sweden and Turkey) and make the last selection either a Win or Place bet on a horse of their choice in the Guineas.

It's Triple Crown time!

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

SILVER Flyer will have to rely on sheer class when he steps on to the stage for the first leg of the SASCOC Triple Crown for three-year-olds at Turffontein this Saturday, the R1-million Betting World Gauteng Guineas over 1600m.

How the runners shape up for the R1-m Gauteng Guineas

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

WE have a look at how the runners shape up in the R1-million Gauteng Guineas over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday.

Final fields for Gauteng Guineas and Fillies Guineas

Nicci Garner — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DINGAANS winner Silver Flyer heads a competitive field of three-year-olds in the R1-million Betting World Gauteng Guineas to be run over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday 25 February.

Two runners added to entries for G2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas

Nicci Garner — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

TWO runners have been supplemented into the Grade 2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 25 February.

Top Zimbabwe filly among entries for G2 Fillies Guineas

Nicci Garner — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

AS expected, a plethora of runners from champion trainer Mike de Kock’s yard are among the entries for the Grade 2 Betting World Gauteng Guineas and Betting World Fillies Guineas to be run over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday 25 February.

Penalty 'grossly unfair', says Ramsden

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Joey Ramsden has proved himself one of the most astute big-race conditioners in the country over the years.

Tales Of Bravery 'spot on' for Met

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Tales Of Bravery is viewed by the pundits as the most likely horse to upset the favourite Igugu in the J&B Met over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Super Storm unlikely to add to Bass' Met record

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Mike Bass has one contender for the J&B Met over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday, Super Storm.

The Apache travels well from Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Gavin van Zyl is very happy with The Apache as the big race he contests, the J&B Met over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday, begins to loom large.

Cask is taking his chances, says Page

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Stephen Page-trained Cask has always been just behind the best at the highest level, but his trainer says, “I think he’s as good as the likes of Super Storm, so we will take our chances” in Saturday’s R2.5-million J&B Met.

Smanjemanje 'looks fine' after journey - Zackey

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Trainer Tyrone Zackey said that he will know how well his Highveld raider Smanjemanje travelled for his engagement in the J&B Met over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday after the five-year-old Kahal gelding had a pipe-opener.

Ilsanpietro will be competitive - De Kock sen

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Mike de Kock is happy with his J&B Met day favourite Igugu’s preparation into the big race, but is unhappy with her having to stay in vector-protected conditions at the Kenilworth Quarantine Station, according to ``Racegoer’'.

Igugu and others put into Cape quarantine

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DUE to an outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) within a 30km radius of her home base, Randjesfontein, Met favourite Igugu and a number of other Highveld horses will be stabled at the Kenilworth Quarantine Station while in the Cape.

Met king - Mike Bass

Nicci Garner — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

MIKE BASS is the most successful trainer in the J&B Met in recent years, having won the race five times since 2001.

Igugu's the one!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

HORSERACING fans can stand by for a grand afternoon of racing at Kenilworth this Saturday.

`Greenlight’ a big runner if he stays 2000m, says Snaith

Nicci Garner — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Justin Snaith remains hopeful that Gimmethegreenlight will see out the 2000m distance of Saturday’s J&B Met at Kenilworth.

Astro News bound for the stars - Ennion

Nicci Garner — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Astro News, one of only two three-year-olds in the J&B Met to be run over 2000m at Kenilworth this Saturday, is a 33-1 outsider.

Drier expects Beach Beauty to finish in the money

Nicci Garner — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Dennis Drier will go into the J&B Met on a high after winning the Grade 1 Betting World Cape Flying Championship with his brilliant five-year-old Var mare Val De Ra over the weekend.

How the Met runners shape up

Nicci Garner — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

MANY experts will look no further than Igugu for the winner of Saturday's J&B Met, but the race is definitely on for the minor money, with a number of runners qualifying for a second look.

Top guns make final field for R2.5-m Met

Nicci Garner — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE were few surprises when the final field was announced for the R1.5-million J&B Met, to be run over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday 28 January.

Super filly Igugu entered for the Met

Nicci Garner — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: IGUGU, rated by some as the best horse to have raced in South Africa this millennium, was one of 34 horses nominated this week for the R2.5-million J&B Met to be run over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday 28 January.

Indian summer for The Apache

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHEN the nominations came out this year’s R2-million Sansui Summer Cup, proudly presented by Gauteng, I found myself in a quandary whether to go with Pierre Jourdan or The Apache to win this Grade 1 event to be run over 2000m

Straw Market could put the brakes on Dingaans ‘boat race’

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE is probably more hype surrounding the Grade 2 Investec Derby than the Sansui Summer Cup hosted by Gauteng. Trainer Michael Azzie has entertained the public with his strong views about Potala Palace,

Bank on De Kock’s duo in Pick 6 perms

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: PUNTERS have a natural Pick 6 banker on what could prove to be a tough Turffontein card with the Mike de Kock coupling in Race 4, the R450,000 Merchants (Grade 2) powered by Hertz over 1160m.

What the trainers say about their Cup day runners

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE Sansui Summer Cup hosted by Gauteng, one of five feature races on Saturday’s 12-race Turffontein programme, is a handicap and is much more open than the betting suggests.

Gauteng aims for the stars with Cup

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

GAUTENG is committed to unleash the full potential of the Sansui Summer Cup, first run in 1887, by turning it into a top-class international horseracing event with massive benefits for Gauteng’s economy.

De Kock says his Cup four all have claims

Nicci Garner — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Champion trainer Mike de Kock bids to win the Sansui Summer Cup proudly hosted by Gauteng for an astonishing 10th time at Turffontein this Saturday and reckons all four of his runners have claims.

Tarry’s views on his Cup three

Nicci Garner — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

GOLD ONYX, a 40-1 chance with Betting World and currently paying more than R100 for a Win with TAB, is a horse several experts consider the value in Saturday’s R2-million Sansui Summer Cup proudly hosted by Gauteng.

The Sansui Sound Experience

Nicci Garner — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE Sansui Sound Experience will keep everybody entertained between races at Saturday’s Sansui Summer Cup race meeting and it’s going to be a huge party once the horses have gone home.

Going could be perfect on Cup day

Nicci Garner — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

AS things stand the going at Turffontein for Saturday’s Sansui Summer Cup meeting should be perfect, provided that weather forecasts of no rain on Friday or Saturday prove accurate.

De Kock says Dingaans is wide open

Nicci Garner — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

POTALA Palace, Merhee and Straw Market are dominating the betting on the Investec Dingaans over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday, but champion trainer Mike de Kock reckons the Grade 2 event is wide open.

Back your fancy in the celebrity sprint

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

There will be lots of famous horses racing at Turffontein on Saturday, but some famous people will get their chance to run in the HiFi Corp Celebrity Charity Dash over 100m.

Van Zyl’s Bulsara offers good value for Places on the tote

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THE APACHE is currently tote favourite for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup hosted by Gauteng (Grade 1), the topliner on a bumper raceday at Turffontein on Saturday.

Cup Day ... wow!

Nicci Garner — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

IT'S Cup Day at Turffontein this Saturday and the stage is set for an epic battle in the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup.

How the runners shape up in the Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PIERRE JOURDAN is favourite for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup hosted by Gauteng, but a closer look at the form indicates he will not have an easy task.

TAB betting on the Sansui Summer Cup opens 16 November

Nicci Garner — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The countdown to the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 26 November has started and TAB is delighted to announce that tote betting on the event opened on 16 November.

Smanjemanje is supplemented into Summer Cup field

Nicci Garner — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SMANJEMANJE, surprise winner of the Grade 2 Victory Moon Stakes last Friday night, will take his place in the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup, proudly hosted by Gauteng, over 2000m at Turffontein on Saturday 26 November.

Europeans in the lead after Leg 1 of Challenge

Nicci Garner — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

RICHARD HUGHES led his European team to a commanding lead over the Proteas in Leg 1 of The Citizen International Jockeys' Challenge at Turffontein on Friday night and was the leading rider at the meeting, booting in two winners.

Get sold on Delago Deluxe in Merchants

Nicci Garner — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHEN Mike Bass sent Delago Deluxe to Kenilworth to contest the Grade 3 Cape Classic over 1400m he admitted that he was unsure whether the Australian-bred colt would see out the extended sprint trip.

Challenge Leg 2 too close to call

Nicci Garner — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE Kenilworth leg of The Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge looks to be a close affair between the teams. The runners look evenly balanced and victory could go to either team.

Perana can score the Victory Moon double

Nicci Garner — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: AS is so often the case in feature races, Mike de Kock holds a strong hand in Friday night’s Grade 2 Victory Moon Stakes powered by The Citizen over 1800m at Turffontein.

Locals have edge in first leg of Jockeys’ Challenge

Nicci Garner — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge kicks off at Turffontein this evening with the first four ``test’’ races and the riders move to Kenilworth on Sunday for Leg 2.

Bet on the jockeys in the Challenge

Nicci Garner — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TAB will be betting on the outcome of both legs of The Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge, which will be held at Turffontein on Friday night and Kenilworth on Sunday.

`Devil’ and Detzky to finally square up in G2 Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE story of how Dancewiththedevil was bred is one of those legends of horseracing.

Buckle up for great November racing!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

What a month November is going to be and the headline action kicks off at Turffontein this Saturday with the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile over 1600m.

How the runners shape up in Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A competitive handicap has been drawn up for the Charity Mile on Saturday. Here's how the runners shape up.

Supplementary entries and weights

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dancewiththedevil and The Apache have been allocated top weight of 60kg for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup, proudly hosted by Gauteng.

SA’s “young guns” team announced

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE team of emerging jockeys to take on an international side in a race sponsored by the Thoroughbred Racing Trust at Turffontein on Friday night 12 November has been announced by Racing Association chairman Larry Wainstein.

Special All To Come bet on Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TAB is operating a special All To Come bet on the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile this week.

Mixed fortunes for De Kock’s quintet in Charity Mile ballot

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Mike de Kock will saddle nearly a third of the field when the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile is run over 1600m at Turffontein.

Tarina Patel will light up Turffontein at Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

South African model-turned-Bollywood actress Tarina Patel will be following up on her two-week long appearance in SA’s popular TV show "The Wild" – a role written especially for her – when she steps out at Turffontein on 5 November.

A R550,000 bonanza for 16 charities

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SIXTEEN charities will all get a share of R550,000 when the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile is run over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday, 5 November.

Paul will dance to a different beat at Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DJ, producer and manager of The Sound Syndicate and The Sound Contact, Paul Almeida has been driving force behind the beat to many a party since the late 1980s.

Karolina throws her weight behind Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Karolina Sky will be hoping the sky is the limit for her horse in the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile.

The SoapGirls to clean up at the Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ONE of the runners in the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile at Turffontein will be represented by The SoapGirls ``super-sassy, sexy and outrageous’’ sisters ,Camille (Mille) and Noemie (Mie) Debray.

Neethling hopes his horse goes for gold

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Olympic gold medallist Ryk Neethling, the only South African to have participated in four Olympic Games, will be hoping his horse doesn’t do "the crawl" in the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile.

Relebogile will be hoping its second-time lucky at Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Multi-talented actress, singer and part-time journalist Relebogile "Lebo" Mabotja brought some of her "beginner’s luck" to the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile last year.

He’s hip - so hop off to Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ProVerb, one of the front-runners in the African hip-hop revolution, will be hoping the horse he represents can sing to his tune and win the R100,000 at the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile.

Fast horses come on to radio star Paul Rotherham’s radar

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Video will definitely not "kill", only enhance radio star Paul Rotherham’s reputation, and he will be one of the famous people at the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile.

It’s no bluff – Neil will be at Charity Mile again

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NEIL ANDREWS, fresh off working for SuperSport as the senior anchor for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, has been a celebrity at all six Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile racedays and will represent a horse at this year’s event as well.

Leanne Manas to add a touch of glamour to Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Award-winning Leanne Manas was at Charity Mile last year when her horse, Vertical Takeoff, finished ninth to give Emperors Palace-sponsored Welamlambo Primary a R26,000 bonus.

Ultimate survivor Hykie to turn up the heat for charity

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SURVIVOR South Africa: Maldives winner Hykie Berg will be turning up the heat at Turffontein next month when he will publicly represent a horse in the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile.

Sporty but stylish Elana hopes to star at Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Stylish Elana Afrika is no stranger to racing - cycling, that is having ridden in the Argus this year.

Brian Mitchell to be a knock out at Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

FORMER champion boxer Brian Mitchell has represented a horse in the Charity Mile for the past two years and although his horse has not yet won, he is an enthusiastic supporter of the race.

Bailey’s effervescence will lighten the mood at Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Bailey Schneider, "the girl with the golden voice and infectious laugh", was born to entertain and her skill will be put to good use in the moments before the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile when the tension will be palpable.

Catch livewire Anele at Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

POPULAR 5FM DJ Anele Mododa will be a vibrant drawcard to the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile raceday when she will represent a horse for charity in the big race.

Alfred’s laugh will infect racegoers at Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Multi-lingual actor Alfred Ntombela (39) will be keeping racing fans in gales of laughter when he represents a horse in the 2011 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile.

Overseas riders announced for the International Jockeys’ Challenge

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A formidable team of international jockeys will participate in The Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge to be held over two legs next month - Turffontein on Friday night 11 November and Kenilworth on Sunday 13 November.

Entries for the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SOME of the best 1600m runners in the country are among the entries for the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 5 November.

Top-class Proteas team for International Jockeys’ Challenge

Nicci Garner — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ANTON MARCUS, who has won the South African Jockeys’ Championship for the last two seasons, will captain a strong team in the two-legged The Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge.

Gauteng Tourism Authority to partner Sansui Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HORSERACING and tote betting company Phumelela is proud to announce that the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) is to partner the Sansui Summer Cup.

Sage can’t split his Emerald Cup runners

Nicci Garner — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

GIVEN R100 to bet on Saturday’s Grade 2 Emerald Cup, trainer Robbie Sage says he would split it between his two runners – Art Wish and Iron Curtain.

49 first entries for Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TOP-CLASS gelding Pierre Jourdan, who made a winning start to the season in a 1450m Conditions Plate at Turffontein last Saturday, is among the 49 horses nominated at the first-entry stage for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup.

A gem of a race

Nicci Garner — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE big-race action is back! The R600,000 Emerald Cup, Africa’s richest race on sand, will be run at the Vaal this Saturday and it’s set to be a grand afternoon with huge TAB pools and many chances to land a big win.

How the Emerald Cup runners shape up

Nicci Garner — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A number of runners have winning chances in a competitive field for the R600,000 Emerald Cup this Saturday.

When it comes to Emerald Cup, Alimony is here to stay

Nicci Garner — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER LIKE the payment in a divorce settlement, Alimony will not go away.

Air Mauritius takes Citizen International Jockeys Challenge on board

Nicci Garner — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

AIR MAURITIUS and the Racing Association have signed a sponsorship deal worth some R500,000 for The Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge.

Weights and supplementary entries for Emerald Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

FOUR runners were added to the nominations for the R600,000 Emerald Cup over 1450m when supplementary entries for the Grade 2 race closed on Monday morning.

The Citizen to sponsor Jockeys' International again

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PHUMELEPHUMELELA is proud to announce that The Citizen will sponsor the International Jockeys’ Challenge again this year.A is proud to announce that The Citizen will sponsor the International Jockeys’ Challenge again this year.

Entries for R600,000 Emerald Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

AS expected the first and second-placed runners in last Saturday’s August Stakes, The Mouseketeer and Across The Ice, are among the 31 entries for the R600,000 Emerald Cup to be run over 1450m on the Vaal sand on Saturday 24 September.

Place payouts for first six in Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TAB Place payouts for the first six past the post in the recent Vodacom Durban July proved such a big hit with horseplayers that TAB will also pay Place dividends for the first six finishers in this Saturday’s Canon Gold Cup at Greyville.

How the runners shape up in the Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Take a closer look at the chances of the 20 runners in the R1-million Canon Gold Cup.

What a finish!

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE curtain comes down on the 2010-11 racing season this Sunday and the race meeting at Greyville a day earlier will provide a grand climax to 12 months of fabulous action.

How the Champions Cup runners shape up

Nicci Garner — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

IT is the end of a great season and some of the best horses in the land will be in action at Greyville on Gold Cup day. The supporting feature to the Gold Cup is the Champions Cup and this is how the runners shape up.

De Kock bids to score 3rd Gold Cup win

Nicci Garner — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

RULING champion trainer Mike de Kock, who is set to take the title again this season, is the only trainer in the last decade to have won the R1-million Canon Gold Cup (Grade 1) over 3200m more than once.

Bass gives his three July runners chances

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Mike Bass has three runners in Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event, the Vodacom Durban July, including two three-year-olds, which is a rarity for him.

Durban July draw method irks Snaith

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Justin Snaith didn’t enjoy this year’s draw method for the Vodacom Durban July, believing it put too much pressure on the trainers.

De Kock has 20 runners on July day

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - The Mike de Kock yard has 20 runners on Vodacom Durban July day and commented on all of them.

Former July winner will be `there for free' - Kotzen

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN – Big City Life will line up in Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July as one of three horses in the big race that can already be described as public heroes.

Enjoy the July at Turffontein or a TAB

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you can’t be at Greyville for the Durban July, Turffontein Racecourse in the south of Joburg is a great place to enjoy all the fun and excitement of Africa’s greatest horseracing event.

‘Durban Demon’ jets home to partner Pierre

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: HAVING forged a hugely successful career overseas, jockey Doug Whyte ("The Durban Demon’’) is returning to South Africa in a bid to capture the most coveted prize on the African continent, the R3-million Vodacom Durban July.

From the horse’s mouth . . .

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Only 12 females have won

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Igugu is out to become the 13th female and only the fourth three-year-old filly to have won the Durban July since the race was first run in 1897.

Betting feast!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HERE we go! Africa’s greatest horseracing event, the R3-million Vodacom Durban July at Greyville this Saturday, will not only spark a betting feast – it’s also set to be one of the greatest contests in the race’s long history.

How the runners shape up for the Durban July

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A closely matched field will line up for the R3-million Vodacom Durban July at Greyville Racecourse in Durban on Saturday 2 July. Our experts had a look at the runners' form.

Play a TAB All To Come into the July

Nicci Garner — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - The Vodacom Durban July at Greyville this Saturday is South Africa’s biggest betting day of the year and TAB is delighted to announce two innovations that will make betting on Africa’s greatest horseracing even more exciting.

Impressive workout by Igugu

Nicci Garner — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Mike de Kock's Durban July favourite Igugu impressed when partnered by big-race jockey Anthony Delpech in a televised public work-out over 1600m at Greyville on Thursday.

De Kock expects good runs from his 5

Nicci Garner — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Mike de Kock is happy with all five of his Vodacom Durban July contenders and is expecting good runs from all of them in Africa’s greatest horse race.

Van Zyl has a live contender for July honours

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Gavin van Zyl has achieved the notable feat of having a pair of Vodacom Durban July runners, The Apache and Bulsara, just five years or so after taking out his training license.

TAB to pay to sixth place in Durban July

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Punters on this year’s Vodacom Durban July have been given added incentive to take a tote bet with TAB set to pay six places on the big race to be run at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, July 2.

Igugu draws at No 10 for big July date

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - The results of the Rising Sun Gold Challenge and the Cup Trial had the selection panel who decided the field for next month’s Vodacom Durban July scratching their heads.

Visser bullish about his duo's chances in Medallion

Nicci Garner — Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Deon Visser is a name that is becoming increasingly prominent and the Clairwood-based trainer is bullish about his two runners, Hard Rock and Liquid Motion, in the Grade 1 Tsogo Sun Maverick Medallion over 1200m at Scottsville.

Howells' romance to flourish

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN – Ashburton-based trainer Duncan Howells is very bullish about the chances of his three-year-old Romantic Moon in the weight-for-age Grade 1 SA Fillies Sprint over 1200m on Saturday, despite the top-class field she faces.

Kavanagh's work `has been awesome' - De Kock

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN – Mike de Kock is pleased with the preparation of his four feature contenders for Scottsville’s big Golden Horse Casino Sprint Raceday on Saturday.

What A Winter in good shape

Nicci Garner — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - The Grade 1 Golden Horse Casino Sprint favourite What A Winter is in good shape at Clairwood.

Short odds offered about Gibraltar Blue, Val de Ra

Nicci Garner — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Val De Ra looked a picture of health on Monday in her lead-up to Saturday’s SA Fillies Sprint, the only race in which she has tasted defeat to date.

4 sizzling blockbusters!

Nicci Garner — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE KwaZulu-Natal Winter Feature Season gets into full swing with four blockbuster sprint races over 1200m on the Golden Horse Casino raceday at Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg this Saturday.

How the runners shape up for the Golden Horse Casino Sprint

Nicci Garner — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

WHAT A WINTER and Shea Shea, second and third respectively in the recent Computaform Sprint, spearhead the field for the Golden Horse Casino Sprint this Saturday.

Igugu one of six July entries for De Kock

Nicci Garner — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Mike de Kock has entered six horses for the R3-million Vodacom Durban July at first-entry stage after refusing to nominate at the initial nomination stage.

Entries for Scottsville's big sprint meeting

Nicci Garner — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE following are the first entries for the Grade 1 feature races at Scottsville’s “festival of speed” day on Saturday, May 28.

What A Winter nominated for G1 sprint

Nicci Garner — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: SOME of the best sprinters in the country will line up at Scottsville on Saturday 28 May, when four Grade 1 races over 1200m will be run.

Mosia takes 2010-11 Work Riders' Challenge

Nicci Garner — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SAMUEL MOSIA won the third and final leg of the 2010-2011 Work Riders' Challenge at the Vaal on Monday 2 May when he won two races and also scored points for a second and a third.

Rudra to spike the Devil

Nicci Garner — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHENEVER one sees images of the devil, he is always holding a trident - a three-pronged pitchfork.

What A Winter can prove he is the country’s best sprinter

Nicci Garner — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: NOT that long ago many pundits were mourning the fact that, with JJ The Jet Plane’s departure from our shores, the sprinting ranks had been sadly depleted.

Tiara bonus for Igugu, Perana to finally get it right in Derby

Nicci Garner — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ONE of the highlights of Champions Day will be whether Igugu can write her name in the history books.

Ilsanpietro can continue on his winning way

Nicci Garner — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE is form to suggest that even-money favourite Ilsanpietro is beatable in the R500,000 Gold Bowl (Grade 2) over 3200m, but the Brazilian-bred gelding is going from strength to strength and will make them all gallop.

What the trainers say

Nicci Garner — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NINE feature races will be run at Turffontein tomorrow and with the depth of quality in every field punters will need every bit of information they can gather in order to make good choices.

Igugu’s R1-m bid!

Nicci Garner — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HORSERACING fans are in for a feast of high-quality action on Champions Day at Turffontein this Saturday, when nine feature races will be run.

How the runners shape up in the Champions Challenge

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TOP-CLASS filly Dancewiththedevil journeys over 2000m for the first time in her career in her bid to win her third G1 race in a row. Can she get it right?

Intercontinental Village is the place to be!

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Champions Day at Turffontein this Saturday will have something for everyone, ranging from high-class racing to an intercontinental village and a display of Mini-Minor cars.

Final fields for Champions Day

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE fairer sex will be in the spotlight come Champions Day at Turffontein on Saturday 30 April.

Samsung Business to sponsor SA Derby

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PHUMELELA is pleased to announce its association with Samsung through the sponsorship of the R1.5-million SA Derby by Samsung Business.

Makhubo successfully defends his crown in 2009-10 Challenge

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

FOR the second year running, Abram Makhubo took the grand prize in the Work Riders Challenge for 2009-10. Makhubo finished seven points clear of John Nel.

Makhubo misses final leg but still wins 2008-09 Challenge

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SOUTH Africa’s jet-setting work rider Abram Makhubo (left) clinched the inaugural Work Riders’ Challenge, in spite of missing the final leg because he had already left for Korea to begin a highly profitable two-year contract.

Final supplementary entries for Champions Day

Nicci Garner — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Seven runners have been added to the entries for the R2-million President’s Champions Challenge since the original nominations took place on 28 February. The Grade 1 race will be run over 2000m at Turffontein on Saturday 30 April.

Work riders BEE programme a huge winner

Nicci Garner — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime" - Chinese Proverb

De Kock snubs early Durban July entries

Nicci Garner — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER THERE were 43 runners entered at first-entry stage for this year’s R3-million Vodacom Durban July to be run over 2200m at Greyville on Saturday 2 July but one trainer’s name is missing from the list - champion Mike de Kock.

Impi Lukhele

Nicci Garner — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Impi Lukhele, who has only had 131 rides in his race-riding career, was among the first graduates of the Work Riders Training Programme.

Abram Makhubo

Nicci Garner — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Abram Makhubo is one of the most consistent and prolific work riders to have graduated from the Work Riders Training Programme.

Samuel Mosia

Nicci Garner — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SAMUEL MOSIA won the Leg 2 of the 2010-11 Work Riders Challenge and tops the standings going into the third leg, which will be held on 2 May at Turffontein.

24 entries for President's Champions Challenge

Nicci Garner — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TWENTY-FOUR horses have been entered for the R2-million Presidents Champions Challenge (G1, weight-for-age) over 2000m at Turffontein on Saturday 30 April.

World Cup is Race 12 on Turffontein programme

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Dubai World Cup, the last of eight races at Meydan this Saturday, has also been included as the last race (Race 12) on the Turffontein card.

16 feature races!

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SIXTEEN feature races in little more than seven hours!

How the runners shape up for the SA Classic

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our experts read the form for the 16 runners in the SA Classic.

R100,000 to be won at Triple Crown

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HORSERACING fans who attend the second and the third leg of the SASCOC Triple Crown can put themselves in line to win R75,000 cash from Betting World.

Strong opposition awaits Link Man in G1 SA Classic

Nicci Garner — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DESPITE doubts about whether he will see out 1800m, trainer Mike de Kock has kept Gauteng Guineas winner Link Man in the field for the R2-million SA Classic to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 26 March.

De Kock’s top guns fare well in ballots for Grade 1 draws

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ON the whole champion trainer Mike de Kock’s horses for the three major races on SA Classic day at Turffontein on Saturday 26 March have fared well in the ballot for barrier positions.

Nominations for Classic Day

Nicci Garner — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

BOTH the winners of the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas and the Gauteng Fillies Guineas are among the nominations for the R2-million SA Classic and the R1-million SA Fillies Classic.

Final fields for Gauteng Guineas and Gauteng Fillies Guineas

Nicci Garner — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

WITH just 13 runners accepting for the R1-million Gauteng Guineas, the draw situation for trainers Mike de Kock and Charles Laird has vastly improved when the final fields were announced on Thursday.

De Kock Guineas hopefuls draw wide

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Mike de Kock must have felt the “draw Gods’’ had deserted him after the barrier positions for the Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas and Gauteng Fillies Guineas were announced on Monday.

Link Man among 26 Triple Crown entries

Nicci Garner — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LINK MAN, the joint top-rated three-year-old in the country alongside Cape-based stars Run For It and What A Winter, is one of 26 first entries for the R1-million Gauteng Guineas (G2) to be run over 1600m at Turffontein on 26 February.

De Kock completes treble with Warsaw

Nicci Garner — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DUBAI - After a rare blank at Meydan a week ago, Mike de Kock completed a treble at Meydan on Thursday when Warsaw (Kevin Shea) landed a last-to-first victory in the 1400m turf handicap.

Saboteur can blow his opposition away

Nicci Garner — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: DUBAI - On Saturday evening Meydan racecourse hosts a non-Carnival meeting with a competitive six-race card in which the topliner is a 1600m handicap for horses rated 85-100.

`Bob’ can Weave his way to victory

Nicci Garner — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: BOB ‘N WEAVE is the best bet on the card at Fairview on Friday on the evidence of his awesome performance in the Need For Speed Sprint over 1000m at Kenilworth last month. He drops in class, carries only 54.5kg and the opposition will have to bring their A-game to the races to beat him in the Fairview Merchants over 1200m.

Feelin Foxy should outsmart them at Wolves

Nicci Garner — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - FEELIN FOXY can make the most of a return to Polytrack and regain winning ways in the bluesq.com On Your iPhone Conditions Stakes at Wolverhampton.

De Kock looks set for a good evening

Nicci Garner — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: DUBAI - Having endured a rare blank at last week’s Dubai Carnival meeting, Mike de Kock - the most successful international trainer in the history of the international equine extravaganza - should enjoy better fortune at Meydan on Thursday and is expected to be among the winners with several of his charges holding strong claims.

Positivity a good attitude for Southwell

Nicci Garner — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - POSITIVITY can provide another winner for Bryan Smart when she targets a third course success at Southwell.

Iron Wood to get punters out of the rough and in the money

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IRON WOOD has had his fair share of problems but he is loaded with talent and looks the answer in Race 4 at the Vaal on Thursday, a Graduation Plate over 1400m on the straight turf course.

Bells to toll for Hemingway

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: WHEN it comes to racing at Durbanville one always needs to take cognisance of course specialists. Hemingway fits into that category and will be a hard horse to beat in Race 6 over 1400m.

Get sold on Advertisement at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - ADVERTISEMENT has a fine opportunity to land the hat-trick with victory in the Betdaq Mobile Apps Handicap at Kempton.

JJ The Jet Plane ranks No 2 in the world

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: JJ THE JET PLANE is the second highest-ranked turf sprinter in the world after Australia’s Black Caviar. The South African star is rated one point below Peter Moody’s astonishingly good four-year-old filly.

Big Bucks on the drift for World Hurdle: have a dip

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Big Bucks, who will attempt to win the World Hurdle for the third consecutive year at Cheltenham on 17 March, could face his stiffest task yet, with David Pipe’s Grands Crus looking a real contender for the stayers’ crown when annihilating a strong field for the Cleeve Hurdle on Trials Day at Cheltenham last weekend.

Bass to make a rare foray to the Highveld

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DAVID MOLLETT: IN a great fillip for the forthcoming Gauteng season, trainer Mike Bass will be raiding with around a dozen horses including his highly-rated sprinter What A Winter.

RACING EXPRESS STAR OF THE MONTH

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

PAST MASTER 4bg Jet Master-Early Thaw Trainer: Darryl Hodgson Jockey: Gerrit Schlechter Owner: Hassen Adams Winner: R2.5-million J&B Met, 2000m, Kenilworth, Sat 29 Jan

Summer Speedsters rescheduled to 17 February

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE Summer Speedsters (Non-Black Type) over 1000m which was due to be run at the Vaal Racecourse on Tuesday 1 February, has been rescheduled for Thursday 17 February, the next meeting programmed to take place on the sand track.

NHA: two riders suspended

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TWO riders have accepted week-long suspensions for infractions of the National Horseracing Authority rules.

Binocular to line up for Sandown hurdle on Saturday

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Cheltenham Festival pointers continue with cracking meetings in England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland this weekend. The festival runs from 15 to 18 March.

Kishanda to go one better

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Hughie Morrison's KISHANDA ran a promising race on debut and has the look of a good thing in the Membership of Southwell Golf Club Maiden Stakes.

Ebrahim Khan gets back into the sport at Cape sale

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

RINGSIDER: FORMER top owner Ebrahim Kahn and Singapore trainer Pat Show stole the show at the inaugural Cape Premier Sale held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Second World can blitz them as sprinters take centre stage

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: SPRINTERS get their day in the sun on the Vaal sand track on Tuesday in the Lightning Stakes and the Summer Speedsters. Both are Non-Black Type events over 1000m.

Keat’s Drift can get back into No 1 box

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TRAINER Deon Visser could be in for a terrific night at Greyville on Tuesday when he saddles several classy horses. His charge Keat’s Drift has been in great form and looks the horse to beat in Race 7, a Pinnacle Plate over 1400m.

Blackpool Billy can sink the eight ball

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - BLACKPOOL BILLY is one of the shining lights on an informative afternoon at Ayr.

Rugg runner to wipe floor with his opponents

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HUNTERS GREEN has not finished further back than second in his last seven starts, winning three times, and he should give a good account of himself at Flamingo Park on Monday when he takes on a decent field in the Kimberley 1400 Handicap.

Zackey’s Mirage Drive can appear in Vaal No 1 box

Nicci Garner — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: TRAINER Tyrone Zackey could be the man to follow when Mirage Drive, who will stay every metre of the trip, lines up against a bunch of proven stayers at the Vaal on Sunday in Race 5, a MR 97 Handicap over 2400m.

Rave about Ray at Fakenham

Nicci Garner — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - RAY MOND made a victorious debut for trainer Neil King at Fakenham earlier in the month and he can follow up back at the Norfolk venue on Sunday.

Past Master wins the Met

Nicci Garner — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

MIKE MOON: PAST MASTER carved a special place in the history books for his owner Hassan Adams when he won the 2011 J&B Met at Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday. An emotional Adams said he was proud to be the first member of Cape Town’s coloured community to win the city’s famous Grade 1 race.

Profile of a legend: Terrance Millard

Nicci Garner — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TERRANCE Millard was one of South Africa’s greatest trainers. In the week of the J&B Met, a race he captured six times, Racing Express pays tribute to a true legend…

Reach for the sky with Cloudnine at Doncaster

Nicci Garner — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Trainer Neil Mulholland has certainly been making waves this season and he looks to have every chance of big-race glory in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.

Met day: What the trainers say

Nicci Garner — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THREE Grade 1 races will be run at Kenilworth tomorrow and, although all three are considered by many pundits to be straight-forward, most trainers of the big-race runners would beg to differ. Here’s what they say:

Filly Bushwacker can hit target at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: THOSE racing fans who cannot get to Cape Town for the J&B Met on Saturday should make their way to Turffontein for some fantastic racing action.

‘Ill’ Derby start could be costly for Saggiatore

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE start of the race could decide the outcome of the Grade 1 Investec Cape Derby over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

De Kock set for Majorca Stakes double

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: RACEGOERS can recoup all their losses on Gibraltar Blue when she lines up in the R500,000 Klawervlei Majorca Stakes (Grade 1) over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Two Strikes can fire in J&B Reserve Stayers

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THE Cape Summer Stayers often gives a good pointer to the outcome of the R300,000 J&B Reserve Stayers over 2800m, the closing event of what is normally a brilliant day out at Kenilworth on Met day.

Chjimes can ring out over rivals at Lingfield

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Lingfield star CHJIMES is a leading fancy to claim a 10th course success in the 10% Forecast Bonus At bluesq.com Handicap on Friday.

Classic Lecture to be heard at Fairview

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: AFTER the performance of Barry Steenkamp’s three-year-olds Bob ’N Weave and Torcida Split in Cape Town last weekend, punters will take note of the fortunes of his horses. Another top horse in the stable is Classic Lecture and there appears to be nothing to stand in his way in Race 5 over 1200m at Fairview on Friday.

Dial M for the Met winner!

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IN 1954 master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock directed a movie called Dial M For Murder which starred Grace Kelly and Ray Milland. On Saturday an adaptation of that movie will be on view at Kenilworth Racecourse called Dial M For Met. It lasts a little more than two minutes but will be as thrilling and it stars Mike, Marcus, Mary and Mother in the Met.

Life begins at 50 for the Jackpot

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE Tote Jackpot has become one of the most popular bets in the country again since couplings were done away with and racegoers should consider taking one on J&B Met day – even if it’s just for sentiment’s sake as it will fall roughly on the 50th anniversary of this bet becoming famous.

Jockey Brandon Lerena handed a suspension

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE NHA has imposed a week-long riding ban on Brandon Lerena for causing interference in running at Turffontein recently.

Jinzo smart enough to down stablemate Intellectual

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHILE Herman Brown is in Dubai with his runners, assistant trainer Frank Robinson has kept the local yard ticking along quite nicely in KwaZulu-Natal.

Taxi for hire at Southwell

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON – Joe Le Taxi looks booked for another huge run when he checks in at Southwell on Thursday.

Irish Flame can make winning Meydan debut in Al Rashidiya

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: DUBAI - South African champion IRISH FLAME can get his Dubai campaign off to a flying start by taking the Al Rashidiya, the Group 2 feature at Meydan on Thursday.

King Of Eagles to be crowned in PE

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SINCE King Of Eagles relocated from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth he has been running consistently without winning often, but he gets a good chance to revisit the winner’s enclosure in Race 5 over 1600m at Arlington on Wednesday.

There’s a Beautiful prospect at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - BUT BEAUTIFUL can land a hat-trick when she lines up in the skysports.com Fillies’ Handicap at Kempton on Wednesday.

International Affairs: Hurricane is Fly-ing

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - The Champion Hurdle is just 48 days away and Willie Mullins, who trains the leading hope from the Emerald Isle in Hurricane Fly, will be hoping for a trouble-free run up to Cheltenham after his stable-star returned home ``slightly stiff’’ following his impressive victory in the Irish equivalent, run in tiring ground at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Profile of a legend: Terrance Millard

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

TERRANCE Millard was one of South Africa’s greatest trainers. In the week of the J&B Met, a race he captured six times, Racing Express pays tribute to a true legend…

Snaith holds thumbs for 3 G1 winners on Met day

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN – Justin Snaith is confident that three-year-old Run For It is capable of winning the R2.5-million J&B Met on Saturday, and the trainer is hoping for another two Grade 1 victories because he rates Solo Traveller in the Investec Cape Derby as his best chance of a winner on the day and also believes Emerald Cove has winning credentials in Klawervlei Majorca Stakes.

Bravura will make a brave Met bid – Ramsden

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN – Trainer Joey Ramsden was bullish about the chances of Bravura in Saturday’s J&B Met over 2000m, and that should boost jockey Glen Hatt’s hopes of riding the winner for the second year in succession.

If big 3 fail to fire, Cask has Met chance – Page

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN – Stephen Page has his second J&B Met runner in succession for chief patron Bridget Oppenheimer on Saturday and is optimistic about the chances of his four-year-old Fort Wood gelding Cask.

Mini tornado hits Flamingo Park

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: A mini tornado hit Flamingo Park on Thursday last week, blowing the roof off the stipendiary stewards’ boardroom and the workshop. Although all the damage to the property had been fixed before Monday’s scheduled race meeting, further rain throughout the weekend resulted in a rare abandonment.

Jockey Felix Coetzee suspended

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JOCKEY Felix Coetzee has been suspended from riding for a week - but will ride in the J&B Met meeting at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Prohibited substance detected in runner at Kimberley

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

FINDING of a prohibited substance: Trainer Mr V C Rugg

Approachable looks a friendly bet under the Turffontein lights

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TALENTED Approachable plummets in class and looks impossible to oppose in Race 5 at Turffontein on Tuesday night, a Graduation Plate over 1600m.

Zulu Warrior set to dance at Clairwood

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: IT IS rumoured that the connections of Royal Zulu Warrior turned down a large overseas offer for the Australian-bred son of Mossman. This superstar in the making is the best bet of the card when he runs in Race 5 over 1200m at Clairwood on Tuesday.

Big chance for Bay at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

BIG BAY can arrest a lengthy losing spell with victory in the Book Racing Post Chase Day Handicap at Kempton on Monday.

Harry Prince to lead Kimberley royal parade

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: ROYALTY could be the theme in the main event of the day at Kimberley on Monday. Harry Prince gets the vote over Western King and Crown of Power in Race 5, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m.

Four-timer and a 1-2-3 for Bass stable

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: CAPE trainer Mike Bass does not do things by half measures. He saddled four runners in the R600,000 Betting World Cape Flying Championship, run at weight-for-age over 1000m at Kenilworth on Saturday, and dominated the finish.

1-2-3 for Bass in Cape Flying Champs

Nicci Garner — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TOP Cape trainer Mike Bass notched his first Grade 1 success of the 2010-11 racing season in the Cape Flying Championship at Kenilworth on Saturday when high-class three-year-old What A Winter beat his fast-finishing stablemates Rushing Wind and Blue Tiger. Together they coined a R555,000 payday for the stable.

Gold Circle announces inauguration of international race

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Following the recent announcement that South African Veterinary Services has given the green light for Kenilworth Racecourse to be used as an import facility to receive international horses for competition purposes, Gold Circle is gearing up to stage South Africa's first International race.

NHA - three riders suspended

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THREE riders are in hot water with the authorities.

Dubai double for De Kock

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DUBAI - His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum saw his colours carried to victory twice by his retained jockey Richard Hills who won the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial on Zanzamar, his first runner for South African Mike de Kock (won this 1400m contest last year with Musir, subsequent winner of the UAE 2000 Guineas and Derby).

Good turnout at Met gallops

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

DAVID THISTLETON: CAPE TOWN - The J&B Met gallops made a welcome return to the big race build up at Kenilworth on Thursday and there was a fair turnout of horses, although all of them ran well within themselves.

Met may be Pocket Power's last run

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Many pundits were surprised to see Pocket Power in the final field for the J&B Met on Saturday next week.

Howell's runner to be the Belle of the ball

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ONE of the most relevant ways of evaluating a runner's performance is by how many winners have come from a particular form-line. An examination of Belle's maiden victory at Scottsville in December indicates that Duncan Howell's filly is well above average and should be hard to oppose in Race 4 at Clairwood on Sunday, a FM 78 Handicap over 1200m.

Stronger Tender Twilight should have the advantage

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE Grade 2 Gauteng Guineas is just five weeks away and potential runners have started their preparations for that R1-million race, the first leg of the SA Triple Crown.

Gibraltar Blue can give Jooste a joyous birthday celebration

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: IF history repeats itself, then either Gibraltar Blue or Rushing Wind will win the R600,000 Betting World Cape Flying Championship at Kenilworth on Saturday and give champion owner Markus Jooste a brilliant 50th birthday present.

Refreshing Breeze to blow in at Arlington

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TRAINER Brett Crawford will be making the trip to Arlington on Friday with Breeze Bar, who will contest Race 5, the Aloe Stakes over 1300m. It is not often that Crawford raids on Port Elizabeth and he obviously feels that this is an ideal race for the daughter of Counter Action.

Silver Turn looks a Smart bet at Wolves

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - SILVER TURN appears to be a filly on the upgrade and she can make it a quick double for trainer Bryan Smart at Wolverhampton.

Good turnout at Met gallops

Nicci Garner — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Marshall plans to raid on lucrative Highveld prizes

Nicci Garner — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: CAPE-BASED trainer Vaughan Marshall, whose stable is in red-hot form at present, is planning to bring a small but talented string to the Highveld for the feature season, which starts in February.

Few surprises when G1 Met field is announced

Nicci Garner — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE were few surprises when the final field for the R2.5-million J&B Met was announced on Monday.

English Garden looks a fresh bet

Nicci Garner — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: FOLLOWING the success of The Apache, Gold Onyx and Il Saggiatore in three-year-old features, punters would rate them among the best of their age in the country. English Garden has beaten The Apache and run just behind both Gold Onyx and Il Saggiatore, which must make him a five-star bet in Race 4 at Kenilworth today, a Novice Plate over 1600m.

River looks swell at Lingfield

Nicci Garner — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - BOW RIVER ARCH can strike for Jeremy Noseda in the Crowhurst Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Lingfield.

Met may be Pocket Power's last run

Nicci Garner — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Many pundits were surprised to see Pocket Power in the final field for the J&B Met on Saturday next week.

Long Run shines brighter than Star in King George

Nicci Garner — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - One of the first lessons I was taught when starting to take betting seriously was to "never change your mind’’ - so imagine how I felt watching Nicky Henderson’s Long Run, my original selection for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, romp home an impressive winner of the rescheduled mid-winter showpiece, having been backed on-course from 7-1 to 9-2.

Phumelela considers synthetic racing surface

Nicci Garner — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JOHANNESBURG - "It’s a miracle that we haven’t lost more race meetings this season after an abnormally high rainfall,’’ says Phumelela Horseracing Executive Patrick Davis.

Marshall plans to raid on lucrative Highveld prizes

Nicci Garner — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Zenyatta crowned USA Horse Of The Year

Nicci Garner — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kty) - Zenyatta, the daughter of Street Cry who sustained her only loss in 20 starts when second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), was honoured on 17 January as North America’s Horse of the Year for owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs.

El Riche coins it at Arlington

Nicci Garner — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

EIGHT-year-old El Riche bounced back to best to win race 7, a MR 90 Handicap over 2000m at Arlington on Monday.

Bush Battler wins Magic Millions

Nicci Garner — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - A 67-year-old trainer from the NSW country town of Queanbeyan won the $2-million Magic Millions Classic over 1200m at the Gold Coast on Saturday last week.

Few surprises when G1 Met field is announced

Nicci Garner — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE were few surprises when the final field for the R2.5-million J&B Met was announced yesterday, although three of the leading three-year-old contenders will be missing from the line-up for the Cape’s premier horseracing event.

Fahey set for a Wolves double

Nicci Garner — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Richard Fahey looks set for a good day at Wolverhampton with both SLOOP JOHNB and BALLODAIR holding excellent chances.

‘Goddess’ has the class to overcome weight, draw

Nicci Garner — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT is a case of quality rather than quantity at Turffontein tomorrow night, where there is a load of sprinting action. There might only be seven races on the card but most of them have top-class fields with heaps of speed.

Romantic Moon is hard to beat

Nicci Garner — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: ROMANTIC Moon will be aiming for a hat-trick when she races at Scottsville in Race 9 over 1200m on Tuesday. She is by far the best bet on a very tough card and looks set to go through the divisions.

Club Montreal heads for Arlington in good form

Nicci Garner — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: CLUB Montreal has shown very consistent form in his last five runs, and with a handy weight of 55.5kg on his back looks bound to win again in Race 7 over 2000m at Arlington on Monday.

Dancer has Sum chance at Plumpton

Nicci Garner — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON – Plumpton regular Sumdancer is taken to once again step smartly at the Sussex course on Monday.

Rudra to go for the Met after trotting up at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: RUDRA, the 2008 Sansui Summer Cup winner, will be heading for Cape Town and a shot at the J&B Met following his impressive victory at Turffontein on Saturday.

Final field for Betting World Cape Flying Championship

Nicci Garner — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

AS A hors d’oeuvre to J&B Met day the following Saturday, it does not come more appetising than the Betting World Cape Flying Championship.

Neisius and Sangria Girl double up on Cape Breeders Club day

Nicci Garner — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

MIKE MOON: VETERAN Jockey Karl Neisius recorded a notable “repeat double” at Kenilworth on Saturday, winning both the Cape Breeders Sun Classique (2400m) and the Cape Breeders Jamaica Handicap (1700m) for the second year in succession.

Dolomite looks rock solid in Muis race

Nicci Garner — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: IF you believe in omens, then Dolomite, trained by Kumaran Naidoo, has to have a big chance of winning the Listed Michael Roberts Handicap over 1800m at Scottsville on Sunday.

Field Flower is ready to bloom in the Cape

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT has been more than a year since Field Flower won the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas and paid a visit to the winner’s enclosure. However, there are signs that the Stephen Page-trained filly is starting to regain that sort of form and she could be the answer to the Listed Cape Breeders Jamaica Handicap over 1700m at Kenilworth.

Anton Marcus and Mr Black Tom bid to continue their winning run

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: JOCKEY Anton Marcus has five rides at Turffontein on Saturday and all of them have decent chances.

Ken Rutherford to bat for Phumelela Gold

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

FORMER New Zealand cricket captain Ken Rutherford has been appointed to head up the Marketing, Communications, Publishing and Telemedia functions at Phumelela Gold Enterprises (PGE).

Ajara can rise to the challenge at Wolverhampton

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Ajara can shrug off a step up in class and make it four wins on the bounce for trainer Tom Dascombe at Wolverhampton on Friday.

Scripture is the word for Arlington

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: PUNTERS can build up an early kitty in Race 2 at Arlington on Friday where Scripture is weighted to score.

De Kock has strong hand in Round 1 Maktoum Challenge

Nicci Garner — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: FIVE days after landing the Queen’s Plate with Mother Russia, Mike de Kock seeks further big-race glory in Round I of the Maktoum Challenge, the opening-night highlight of the 2011 Dubai Carnival at Meydan on Thursday evening.

Ed Marnane’s best bets and perms for Dubai

Nicci Garner — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Best Bet: Race 7, No 1 Mendip Best Value: Race 3, No 6 Dandy Boy Best Swinger: Race 7, 1 Mendip and 14 Mabait

Wonder Lawn could be De Kock’s best at Meydan

Nicci Garner — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

FIFTEEN runners from Mike de Kock’s stable will be in action on the opening night of the 2011 Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan racecourse on Thursday night.

Bentley to motor home at Southwell

Nicci Garner — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Bentley looked a bit unfortunate to run up against a progressive rival last time, but compensation awaits back at Southwell on Thursday.

Hollywoodboulevard to show Success Counts

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: FOR a midweek meeting punters are in for a treat on Thursday at the Vaal, where some quality horses will be in action. With the rain keeping at bay for the moment it appears that everything will go ahead unhindered.

Greyville night meeting abandoned

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE Greyville race meeting scheduled for Wednesday night - after being postponed from Tuesday - has now been abandoned.

Caymen Island set to show class at Kenilworth

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: BOLD SILVANO, Fort Vogue and Flying Tristram all contested last season’s Vodacom Durban July, with the first-mentioned winning South Africa’s premier race. Caymen Island was not far behind when he met each of these rivals – indicating that he is just below top division.

Spencer has a ‘Soopa’ chance on Cal at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Jamie Spencer looks a good booking for Soopacal in the Top Football Offers Today At williamhill.com Handicap at Kempton on Wednesday.

Mille Chief a live outsider for Champion Hurdle

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON – We’re off and running. Synchronised gave us the dream start to 2011 when capturing the rescheduled Welsh Grand National at Chepstow last Saturday – and the generous bookies gave us 5-1!

J&B Met: latest log of entries

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

AFTER her victory in Saturday’s L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, Mother Russia has moved to the top of the J&B Met log, displacing Pocket Power who has dropped to third.

Pocket Power’s fourth place signals it’s his time to retire

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Mike Bass has always said Pocket Power would tell them when he it was time for him to retire. After his fourth place behind Mother Russia in Saturday’s Grade 1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate it appears the message has been sent.

Greyville Tuesday night racing postponed

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE race meeting scheduled for Tuesday night at Greyville in Durban has been postponed until Wednesday night, at the same venue.

Cash in with Aussie Dollar at Southwell

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Aussie Dollar looks the best bet on the card at Southwell in the Visit Nottinghamshire Maiden Stakes on Tuesday.

Drop in class will suit Fidelis

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: FIDELIS ran in a league above his best last time and back in Graduation company he will be hard to beat. In-form champion jockey Anton Marcus will be riding him in Race 8 over 1400m at Greyville on Tuesday night.

Return to Vaal sand makes Renegade a good prospect

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: RENEGADE returns to the Vaal sand track on Tuesday and is well treated under the conditions of Race 7, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m.

Caravan to make Kimberley punters laugh

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SOME punters will be relieved to see that racing in Kimberley resumes on Monday with a competitive feature race headlining the programme. Comedy Caravan has some splendid Kimberley form and is fancied to win the Flamingo Park Sprint, Race 7, over 1200m.

Williams charge can ensure sweet dreams for supporters

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - DREAMACHA is still relatively unexposed on the all-weather and makes plenty of appeal on a low-key afternoon at Wolverhampton.

Payne’s colt qualifies for Magic Millions

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: DAVID PAYNE-TRAINED colt Snippets Of Glory qualified for the $2-million Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic by running second in Saturday’s Vale John Bradshaw Handicap (1200m) at Randwick.

Bulsara makes the 'News’ his own

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: KWAZULU-NATAL-based trainer Gavin van Zyl has been having a decent run in Gauteng recently and Bulsara continued the stable’s good form by winning the Grade 3 London News Stakes over 1800m at Turffontein on Sunday.

Met looms for supermare

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: AND now for the J&B Met!

Caravan to make Kimberley punters laugh

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SOME punters will be relieved to see racing in Kimberley resume on Monday with a competitive feature headlining the programme. Comedy Caravan has some splendid Kimberley form and is fancied to win the Flamingo Park Sprint, Race 7, over 1200m.

Bulsara makes the ‘News’ his own

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Regal Ransom set to relish the soft

Nicci Garner — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE have been clouds all around Johannesburg over the past few days and hopefully the rain will stay away long enough for Sunday’s meeting at Turffontein to take place.

Light weight should give Exclaim’N’Exclude edge

Nicci Garner — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: EXCLAIM’N’EXCLUDE is well handicapped in Race 6, a Conditions Plate over 1200m, at Clairwood on Sunday. He has been racing against much stronger opposition and with just 52.5kg on his back it will take a top-class performance from one of his rivals to beat him.

Dubai Hills can follow up again

Nicci Garner — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Southwell's Fibresand surface has proved the making of DUBAI HILLS and he can continue his rapid ascent in the ratings with another victory at the Nottinghamshire venue.

Easy for Mother Russia in R1-m Queen's Plate

Nicci Garner — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: ALL the goodwill in the world was not enough to see Pocket Power record his fifth consecutive win in the R1-million L'Oramarins Queen's Plate (Grade 1), run at weight-for-age over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday. The champ suffered the first defeat over the course and distance in his illustious career, never getting a blow in and finishing fourth behind ultra-impressive Mother Russia.

Saboteur steals Meydan feature

Nicci Garner — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE feature, the 1600m Meydan “Prime”, was won by the Abdulla bin Huzaim-trained Saboteur under Jesus Rosales at Meydan on Thursday night.

Glorious Mother Russia can foil history-seeking `Pocket’

Nicci Garner — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: FOR Pocket Power and Ebony Flyer Saturday's L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate is all about history. For Mother Russia, it is all about the glory.

Snaith filly to roll in on time

Nicci Garner — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: OCEAN OF TIME has not been doing badly in Cape Town and on Friday she will return to the town of her debut third to contest the Listed Lady’s Bracelet at Fairview over 1600m. Her chances are boosted by the presence of Felix Coetzee in the saddle.

Hibba can make winning handicap debut

Nicci Garner — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - HIBBA is taken to emerge triumphant on her handicap debut at Lingfield. The four-year-old filly has done more than enough in her first three starts in maidens to warrant fulsome respect in the Eden Brook Handicap.

Flintoff has an all-round edge over this Vaal field

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WITH the cricket test matches around the world right now, Flintoff would be a topical winner in Race 5, a MR 66 Handicap over the straight 1600m, on the Vaal turf on Thursday.

You can get the Peninsula winner In Writing

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IN WRITING has always given the impression that he is a horse with untapped potential. Dean Kannemeyer’s charge has only won three races from his 14 outings but he has put up some excellent performances in defeat.

Piscean can make it into the No 1 box this time

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - PISCEAN should not yet be discounted upon his return to Kempton. This winter Tom Keddy’s sprinter has been in exemplary form, winning three times from five starts.

Hurricane blows into eye of the Champion Hurdle storm

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Hurricane Fly rocketed to the head of the ante-post market for the Champion Hurdle with a brilliant performance at Leopardstown last week, but there is such quality in this year’s renewal for the hurdling crown that bookmakers are going 4-1 each of three for Cheltenham in March.

Pocket Power’s career mirrors record-holder

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Pocket Power is now just three days away from his world record-equalling bid to win the Grade1 L’Ormarins Queen's Plate for the fifth time in succession.

Winning start for De Kock justifies DIRC excitement

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CHAMPION South African trainer Mike de Kock has relocated to Dubai for the 2011 International Racing Carnival, which starts next Thursday, 13 January, and, according to his website mikedekockracing.com, is hugely excited by the strength of his 34-horse army of desert warriors. And his confidence looks spot-on after Mahubo got the stable off to a winning start in a 1200m sprint at Meydan last week. This is what he had to say about the Carnival on his website.

Run For It shortens dramatically for Met

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Three claims have resulted in Run For It shortening from 20-1 to 7-1 joint third favourite for the R2.5-million J&B Met over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday 29 January.

Top weight may not stop Chigger Yellem

Nicci Garner — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: A SHORTER distance, coupled with a drop in his merit rating seems to have done the trick for Chigger Yellem. He was racing off a rating of 92 but clearly found it tough to compete when it was increased to 98. He has now been dropped to 94 and showed improvement last time out.

Masai Warrior can spearhead fight-back

Nicci Garner — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Mike Azzie will have been disappointed that none of his well-backed Fort Wood runners could find a top-three-finish at the Vaal last Thursday. However, he could get some compensation on Tuesday when Masai Warrior lines up in Race 4 on the Vaal sand, a MR 80 Handicap over 1800m.

Rooney to find the net at Fairview

Nicci Garner — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SPORTING ROONEY could be the best bet at Fairview on Monday. He is never beaten by far and has Alan Greeff’s stable rider MJ Byleveld in the saddle. He takes on a moderate field and that could make him hard to beat in Race 8, a Novice Plate over 1200m.

Pearlysteps should step up another rung

Nicci Garner — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Henry Daly's PEARLYSTEPS has been found the perfect opportunity in the Lindley Catering Beginners' Chase at Hereford.

Marcus enthralled by Blue Voyager’s courageous win

Nicci Garner — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ONE of the most surprised people at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday after the running of the Grade 3 Lebelo Stakes was Anton Marcus, jockey of winning horse Blue Voyager.

Sheikh enjoys a New Year treble

Nicci Garner — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - When you’re a tee-totalling sheikh you’re unlikely to start the New Year with the wobbles - and Sheikh Mohammed certainly got 2011 off to the steadiest of starts with his horses capturing three of the eight races on the Randwick card.

Young sprinter Covenant promises much as she grasps the Sceptre

Nicci Garner — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

MIKE MOON: COVENANT showed herself to be a very smart filly when she won the Grade 2 1200m Sceptre Stakes going away from a competitive field at Kenilworth on Sunday.

Greyville meeting postponed, venue changed

Nicci Garner — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

THE New Year race meeting scheduled for Saturday night at Greyville has been moved to Sunday at Scottsville.

Madrisa bats for youth in Sceptre Stakes

Nicci Garner — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT is usually pure conjecture as to whether the current crop of three-year-olds is better than their elders as there is often very little collateral form.

Greyville Saturday night meeting in the balance

Nicci Garner — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE racemeeting scheduled for Greyville Racecourse on Saturday night, 1 January 1 2011, is in the balance and a final decision on whether to race or not will be taken late on Saturday morning.

Thunderflash very likely on New Year’s Eve

Nicci Garner — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: WE have seen it before; horses prepping for bigger races failing to fire. But, on the evidence of Thunderflash’s impressive win last time out, he could be good enough to win a Conditions Stakes, Race 5, at Fairview over 2700m on Friday.

Magico bids to keep his perfect 1000m record in Lebelo Sprint

Nicci Garner — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: MAGICO is unbeaten in four starts over 1000m and could be in for his biggest payday on Saturday when he lines up in the Grade 3 Lebelo Sprint over the minimum trip on the Turffontein standside track.

Autumn Gold to shine on a Greyville summer night

Nicci Garner — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: AUTUMN GOLD has been running against much stronger lately and is hard to back against in the Grade 3 Flamboyant Stakes over 1 600m at Greyville on Saturday night.

Perfect chance for Les Verguettes at Lingfield

Nicci Garner — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - LES VERGUETTES has been found the perfect opportunity to record her first victory in the Amelia Butler’s 100th Birthday Median Auction Maiden at Lingfield.

Final fields: Queen's Plate & Paddock Stakes

Nicci Garner — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE final fields for the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate and the TBA Paddock Stakes, Grade 1 events to be run at Kenilworth on Saturday 8 January 2011, have been annopunced.

Incorrect Pick 6 combination and payout

Nicci Garner — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TAB declared an incorrect payout of R3 462 on the Pick 6 for the Greyville meeting on Wednesday night 29 December. The payout was corrected to R39 738 some 20 minutes later.

Cheltenham clears New Year weather hurdle

Nicci Garner — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Cheltenham anticipates no weather problems ahead of its New Year's Day fixture, which is headlined by the victorchandler.com Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday afternoon.

Ed Marnane’s best bets for Meydan

Nicci Garner — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TIPSTER Ed Marnane’s best bets for the race meeting at Meydan, Dubai, on Thursday:

Brown runners expected to feature at Meydan

Nicci Garner — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: DUBAI - Meydan hosts its final fixture of 2010 with an attractive six race card, featuring a fascinating 1600m conditions race, in which a maximum 14 horses have been declared.

Wolf to slay them all at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Tom Dascombe is in absolutely red-hot form, which makes Wolf Slayer a must in the Jump Racing On 15th January Nursery at Kempton on Thursday.

Three riders suspended for first week of 2011

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOCKEYS Piere Strydom and Brandon Lerena and apprentice jockey JP van der Merwe have all been suspended from race riding for a week, the National Horseracing Authority announced in a press release on Wednesday.

Ugly Betty stands out on a thorny New Year’s card at the Vaal

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT could be a very lucrative New Year for those punters able to decipher Thursday's card for the Vaal turf track.

Greyville track and trip suit Paraguayito

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: SEEKING out a runner who is ideally course-and-distance suited is always a vital factor when studying form and nothing stands out like Paraguayito in Race 7 at Greyville on Wednesday evening.

High hopes for Hill punters at Wolves

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - High On A Hill thrived on a step up in trip last time and can strike again as he tackles 3200m at Wolverhampton on Wednesday. The three-year-old showed he more than gets the trip when triumphing at Kempton earlier this month, after a couple of decent performances from 2400m upwards.

My Kazzie hard to oppose at Kenilworth

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: MY KAZZIE put up an admirable performance in strong company last time out, which puts her in prime position to win Race 5, an Allowance Plate over 1700m, at Kenilworth on Wednesday.

Henderson to be Hogmanay toast at Newbury

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS by GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Punters in Britain were kicking their heels over the Christmas period with snow and frost wiping out all turf meetings and even affecting the all-weather. But thankfully normal service is now resumed and Nicky Henderson can help us stock up the wine cellar for the Hogmanay celebrations this weekend by winning four races on Newbury’s marathon programme on Wednesday.

David Payne fills stocking for Aussie owners

Nicci Garner — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: FORMER South African trainer David Payne played Santa Claus for the owners of five-year-old entire Cardinal Virtue by saddling the bay to victory in a A$70 000 handicap over 1100m at Randwick in Australia on Boxing Day.

Go star-gazing with Piscean at Lingfield

Nicci Garner — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Victory at Lingfield looks written in the stars for Piscean. Trained in Newmarket by the unheralded Tom Keddy, this speedy five-year-old must have a great chance in the Dry Hill Handicap on Tuesday.

Azzie’s sand debutants can provide Vaal value

Nicci Garner — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE look to be a number of good bets at the Vaal on Tuesday but that percentage will increase if Mike Azzie’s three Fort Wood inmates take to the sand.

Summer night racing every Tuesday

Nicci Garner — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NIGHT racing will occupy a regular Tuesday night slot during the South African summertime.

Latest J&B Met entries log

Nicci Garner — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THREE-TIME J&B Met winner Pocket Power heads up the preliminary log for the Western Cape showpiece to be run at Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, January 29.

Mother Russia favourite for Met

Nicci Garner — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mother Russia has been installed as a 5-1 favourite for the J&B Met to b run over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday 29 January.

Pocket Power faces strong challenge in Queen’s Plate

Nicci Garner — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: POCKET POWER will be hard-pressed to maintain his unbeaten record over 1600m at Kenilworth when he lines up for the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate on Saturday 8 January.

Weights favour Frozen Fire despite merit rating doubts

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Mike de Kock expressed the view when Frozen Fire made his South African debut on Summer Cup day that ``his rating was too high and the distance (1600m) was too short’’.

Sparkling treble for Mullins at Fairyhouse last weekend

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - With four Grade 1s, two Grade 2s and a Grade 3s, there has arguably never been a better jumps meeting in Ireland than the one staged at Fairyhouse last week.

Fantasy Gladiator to make his supporters dreams come true

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - FANTASY GLADIATOR can defy his rapid rise in the ratings and make it a hat-trick in the Marriott Breathe Spa Handicap at Lingfield.

Pocket Power in sublime form ahead of his Queen’s Plate bid

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - A victory in November sees Pocket Power in sublime form as he prepares for a world record-equalling fifth consecutive victory in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate in January and a place in horseracing folklore.

McCoy award greeted with delight by racing

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Tony McCoy's landslide success in the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards on Sunday has been greeted with jubilation from the entire racing industry.

White Mischief to take control

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: WHITE Mischief has been waiting for Clairwood. This thickset daughter of Jet Master will love the nature of this course and will take a power of beating in Race 6 over 1900m at Clairwood on Wednesday.

High-class catalogue for Cape Premier Yearling Sale

Nicci Garner — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - BloodStock South Africa launched the catalogue for its inaugural Cape Premier Yearling Sale at the R1-million sponsored BSA Cape Guineas meeting at Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town last Saturday.

Private Joke is no laughing matter at Wolves

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - John Gosden’s PRIVATE JOKE looks a cut above his rivals in the More Live Football Betting At totesport.com Handicap at Wolverhampton on Monday.

Racing fans should tread warily around tricky Turffontein card

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE’S good money to be made at Turffontein on Tuesday night when punters are faced with a competitive and interesting card.

Kings Troop can march to victory at Arlington

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: KINGS Troop put up an excellent effort in his last start when he went down to Hear The Drums at Arlington earlier this month. He could be the one to beat in Race 6 over the course and distance on Monday.

It could be Tick Tock’s time at Kenilworth

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: CAPE trainer Michael Robinson has a tiny string and does not often send horses to the racetrack, having had only 26 runners this year. But he will be represented by Tick Tock at Kenilworth on Tuesday and the Captain Al filly is sure to run another good race in the topliner, a FM 90 Handicap over 1600m.

Second classic victory for Solo Traveller

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: RULING Cape champion trainer Mike Bass looked to have a strong hand in all four feature races at Kenilworth on Saturday, but had to settle for second in three of them and his highly regarded star What A Winter, who started favourite in the BloodStock SA Cape Guineas over 1600m, finished unplaced.

Silent Call to make the most noise at Clairwood

Nicci Garner — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SILENT Call has been racing with some of the best three-year-old fillies around and can take advantage of a drop in class in Race 7 over 1450m at Clairwood on Sunday.

Three from three for Bremner’s Celtic Fire

Nicci Garner — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ECLIPSE: THE Memorial Mile proved a humdinger at Arlington on Friday, with favourite Celtic Fire from the Yvette Bremner yard winning well to complete a hat-trick of victories.

Solo Traveller cruises to Cape Guineas win, ahead of stablemate

Nicci Garner — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Justin Snaith registered a one-two with Solo Traveller and Run For It in the Grade 1 R1-million Bloodstock SA Cape Guineas over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Piere’s Perspective: JJ team is still flying high

Nicci Garner — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PIERE STRYDOM: I’VE won races all over the world, but JJ The Jet Plane’s win in Hong Kong was probably the most awesome. It was a fairytale - and nobody could have asked for a better ending.

Suits Me can get back into the Lingfield No 1 box at last

Nicci Garner — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - SUITS ME never runs a bad race around Lingfield and looks certain to go close in the Quebec Stakes there on Saturday.

Solo Traveller cruises to G1 Cape Guineas win, ahead of stablemate

Nicci Garner — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Justin Snaith registered a one-two with Solo Traveller and Run For It in the Grade 1 R1-million Bloodstock SA Cape Guineas over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Rain puts Turffontein meeting in jeopardy

Nicci Garner — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: AFTER more than 100mm of rain was recorded at Turffontein on Wednesday night alone, the track is very wet and, according to a release from Phumelela, the fate of Saturday's race meeting is totally in the hands of the weather.

Italian racing launches in South Africa this Sunday

Nicci Garner — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SOUTH AFRICAN horseplayers will be able to bet on Italian racing for the first time this Sunday 19 December. All races on which TAB operates pools will be screened live on horseracing’s exclusive TV channel Tellytrack.

Time And Love to shine at his favourite course

Nicci Garner — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TIME And Love is an Arlington specialist with eight wins and a place from 10 starts at the venue and should enhance his record there in the Listed Memorial Mile, which is Race 6 over 1600m on Friday.

Flash City can strike at Southwell

Nicci Garner — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - FLASH CITY can take Southwell by storm in the Archer Electrical Nursery on Friday.

Thursday Highveld meeting abandoned

Nicci Garner — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE race meeting originally scheduled for Turffontein on Thursday, December 16, has been abandoned. The programme was moved to the Vaal racecourse after heavy rain earlier in the week, but underfoot conditions at the Free State venue were deemed unfit for racing on Thursday morning.

Mike Bass reckons What A Winter has what it takes for the Guineas

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: CAPE TOWN’S champion trainer Mike Bass has two of the top five in the betting for the R1-million BloodStock SA Cape Guineas (Grade 1) over 1600m at Kenilworth this Saturday. They include 16-10 favourite What A Winter, who he says “is a very special horse and probably hard to beat”.

Three likely bankers at Turffontein holiday fixture

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE are three possible bankers for Pick 6 players at the holiday meeting at Turffontein on Thursday - Crown Heights in Race 3, Mina Salaam in Race 4 and Captain’s Key in Race 8. Nobody will get rich backing them individually, but collectively they could prove profitable in All To Come and Pick 6 bets.

Enchanted Kingdom to go 3 for 3 at Greyville

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TRAINER Paul Peter has made no secret of his high opinion of Enchanted Kingdom, who aims to make it three wins from as many career runs in Race 6 over 1600m at Greyville on Wednesday night.

Join the Tribal clan at Kenilworth

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TRIBAL seems to have found the form which was expected of him and the well-bred son of Western Winter looks the one to beat in Race 6 over 1000m at Kenilworth on Wednesday.

Tartak to prove his worth at Newbury

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - TARTAK can be given one more chance to prove he is worthy of his lofty reputation in the rearranged totesport.com Peterborough Chase at Newbury on Wednesday.

Double celebration for Brits in Hong Kong

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: GEOFF LESTER - The “Brits” had a double celebration at the big Hong Kong International meeting at Sha Tin last weekend with Godolphin’s Mastery winning the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase and Ed Dunlop’s rags-to-riches filly Snow Fairy producing a breathtaking performance to pass 11 rivals up the straight and capture the Hong Kong Cup.

Mille Chief can warm up his supporters at Ascot

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - We are promised another cold snap in Britain towards the end of the week, but Alan King, in double form at Plumpton on Monday, has fingers and toes firmly crossed that Ascot will get the go-ahead for Saturday as his smart hurdler MILLE CHIEF carries maximum stable confidence in The Ladbroke, the £150,000 feature.

Stakes deficit reduced

Nicci Garner — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HORSERACING and tote betting operator Phumelela, the Racing Association (the organisation responsible for looking after the interests of owners in Phumelela regions) and the Thoroughbred Horseracing Trust are contributing R4 million towards offsetting a R10-million shortfall in prize money for races at the five Phumelela racecourses in the 2010-11 racing season.

Argentine recruit for Mike de Kock

Nicci Garner — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ARGENTINA - Attempting to repeat the success achieved with Argentine import Asiatic Boy, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum recently purchased Argentine Classic winner Anaerobio, to be aimed at the UAE Derby at the 2011 Dubai World Cup meeting.

African Vision looks right one in topliner

Nicci Garner — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: AFRICAN VISION needed his last run after a short layoff but should do much better on Monday at Flamingo Park when he lines up in the main race, a MR 92 Handicap over 1400m.

JJ gets his head down just in time to take G1 honours

Nicci Garner — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HONG KONG - South Africa might have a fraction of the horse population of other racing countries, but when it comes to international competition we have few equals as the JJ The Jet Plane and Rocket Man proved in finishing 1-2 in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on Sunday.

It’s brack to basics for Chance

Nicci Garner — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Noel Chance will receive a warming tonic should BRACKLOON HIGH run to form at Plumpton.

Underrated Cask puts in a promising Met pipe-opener

Nicci Garner — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: J&B MET entry Cask put in an ultra-promising preparatory run for the Cape’s premier race when winning the R300,000 Midmar Premier Trophy (Grade 2) over 1800m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Magic can twist and shout

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The rescheduling of the Tingle Creek from Sandown to Cheltenham was a real blow for connections of Twist Magic, but big-race success still awaits in the shape of the totesport.com Peterborough Chase.

Four nice bets on Sunday's card

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RACEGOERS PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TURFFONTEIN RACE MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE VAAL.

HIGHVELD RACE MEETING MOVED TO THE VAAL

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RACEGOERS should please note that the race meeting scheduled for Turffontein on Sunday has been moved to the Vaal.

International G1 win for JJ The Jet Plane

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JJ THE JET PLANE cruised through to lead 200m from the line and win the $14-million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Psycho can kill McCoy’s victory celebrations

Nicci Garner — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Tony McCoy would surely love to win the Vote AP Gold Cup at Cheltenham, but Irish raider PSYCHO is primed to spoil the party.

Ebony Flyer takes aim at Queen's Plate

Nicci Garner — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Unbeaten three-year-old sensation Ebony Flyer, who scored her fourth victory in as many starts when winning the Grade 1 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth, will take on older horse’s next time out in the Grade 1 L'Ormarins Queen's Plate.

Earl of Surrey can get back in charge

Nicci Garner — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE is not one standout banker on the card for Turffontein (inside track) on Sunday afternoon, but many punters will take a chance on Earl Of Surrey in the main race, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m.

Bravura can show a touch of his old spark in Midmar

Nicci Garner — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: BRAVURA, one of the classiest three-year-olds in an above-average crop last season, can step up on his comeback run last month in the R300,000 Midmar Premier Trophy (Grade 2) over 1800m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Key Word a PA banker at Greyville

Nicci Garner — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: HUGE dividends have been the order of the day in KwaZulu-Natal, especially since the rains have started. A number of trainers have not been able to get enough work into their runners - the reason for the upsets.

Vision D’Etat is favourite for Hong Kong Cup

Nicci Garner — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HONG KONG - French raider Vision D’Etat, who ran Twice Over to 1.80 lengths in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket in England in his most recent run, is 21-10 favourite to win the $20-million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup over 2000m at Sha Tin on Sunday for the second year running.

Classic Lecture to show his class

Nicci Garner — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TRAINER Barry Steenkamp has been in terrific form in Port Elizabeth lately saddling winner after winner. His good run could be extended by Classic Lecture, who should be in the winner’s box after Race 7 at Fairview on Friday, a Merit Rated 90 Handicap over 1200m.

Mohawk Ridge should get another scalp

Nicci Garner — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - MOHAWK RIDGE should relish the drop back in trip when he is sent into battle at Southwell.

JJ draws at No 8 for Hong Kong Sprint

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HONG KONG - JJ The Jet Plane drew at No 8 for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint which his big-race jockey, Piere Strydom, said was "not bad''.

Shaw happy with 6 draw for Rocket Man

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HONG KONG - Trainer Patrick Shaw was a happy man after his champion sprinter Rocket Man drew barrier No 6 in the HK$14 million Group 1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin.

Moore wins Jockeys' Challenge in Hong Kong

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HONG KONG - Ryan Moore lifted the Cathay Pacific International Jockeys' Championship outright for the first time at Happy Valley riding two winners in the four-race series, which was enough to take the title from Hong Kong's perennial champion Douglas Whyte.

McCoy voted SJA Sportsman Of The Year

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Tony McCoy on Wednesday said he was "flattered" to become the first jockey to be voted Sportsman of the Year in the 62-year history of the prestigious SJA Awards.

De Kock could notch a main-race double

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: AUSTRALIAN-BRED Sky Link is one of the most consistent three-year-olds in training, although only a two-time winner, and the Hussonet gelding could be hard to beat in Race 7 at the Vaal on Thursday, a MR 90 Handicap over 1600m.

Kal Barg can give Buick a winner

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: DUBAI - Course-specialist KAL BARG made a most pleasing comeback last month and can register his third success at Meydan on Thursday night in the 1900m conditions race, one of two features on the card.

Morar to follow up on Kempton win

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - MORAR bolted up on her latest visit to Kempton and the Kia Venga Handicap at the same track looks an excellent opportunity for her to follow up.

Roux warning off confirmed

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

AN appeal by trainer Kobus Roux against a warning off was heard on Tuesday and the board confirmed the penalty.

2,000th win for USA trainer Baffert

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

USA: Trainer Bob Baffert recorded his 2,000th career victory when he sent out Free Pourin to win a maiden event at Hollywood Park on Sunday.

UK punters can now bet into SA pools

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PHUMELELA Gold Enterprises, the joint venture between South African horseracing and tote betting operators Phumelela and Gold Circle, and the UK tote have signed an agreement that enables British betting shop customers to bet directly into South African tote pools for the first time.

Antious can get back into winning groove

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: ANTIOUS is holding his form well and could be the best banker on the Clairwood card on Wednesday. Herman Brown’s Argentine-bred colt runs in Race 7, a MR 80 Handicap over 1200m.

Norman Orpen to defy a penalty at Lingfield

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - NORMAN ORPEN impressed on his latest appearance at Kempton and should be backed to follow up in Lingfield's Bet On Tonight's Football At totesport.com Handicap.

Transcend steps off towards Dubai World Cup

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Jack Frost and Sammy Snow put paid to any hopes of turf racing in Britain last week, but Japan unveiled a live contender for the richest race on the globe, the $10-million Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March, when Transcend made all the running for a brave success in the £1.93-million Japan Cup Dirt last weekend.

Whyte predicts that JJ might find 2 too good

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DAVID MOLLETT: HONG KONG - Sorry JJ The Jet Plane fans, but many-times Hong Kong champion Dougie Whyte, feels Sunday's HK$12-million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint is a match between Rocket Man and local champion Sacred Kingdom.

Payne’s filly third in Magic Millions warm-up

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - David Payne’s charge Defiant Dame went off 4-10 favourite for the $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Stakes (1000m) at the country track last Sunday, but was always chasing and finished a 4.75-length third behind 5-1 chance Karuta Queen.

Injury puts Pierre Jourdan on sidelines for months

Nicci Garner — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: PIERRE JOURDAN, one of the most popular horses in training on the Highveld, has sustained a career-threatening injury and will not be seen again for a number of months.

Igugu ticks all the right boxes for Triple Tiara

Nicci Garner — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

IGUGU is to be prepared for the Triple Tiara next year after running a gallant second to Ebony Flyer in last Saturday’s Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth.

Pasquier takes top honours in Mauritius test

Nicci Garner — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MAURITIUS - French rider Stéphane Pasquier won the Top Stars Championship at Champ De Mars last weekend with two points to spare over Irishman Robert Burke, who scored 26 points. Frankie Dettori was third on 21 points.

Hear The Drums to stay home in future

Nicci Garner — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: HEAR THE DRUMS, who holds the South African record for number of wins in a career, will not be heading to the Western Cape to run in next month’s Cape Flying Championship for a fourth time, according to his trainer Des McLachlan.

Zenyatta bids farewell to her fans

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kentucky) - Zenyatta bid a final farewell to her legions of fans on Sunday last week at Hollywood Park, pricking her cotton-stuffed ears at the gaggle of cameras one more time before heading into retirement.

Bush Pirate should sink this field

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: BUSH Pirate carries top weight, but looks a good bet in Race 5 over 1200m at Kenilworth on Tuesday.

The Best Overall looks hard to beat in Race 8

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THE BEST OVERALL could make amends for her debut defeat when she lines up in Race 8, the final race of the evening at Turffontein on Tuesday.

Get money early with Broadway Nite

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: FACED with a competitive card at Flamingo Park on Monday afternoon, punters should aim to build a bank in the first two races for their exotic bets later in the day.

Improving Reem Star is set to open account

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Ed Dunlop may have bigger fish to fry in the coming days, but he can get among the winners at Lingfield today with REEM STAR in the Bigger Wins With SP+ At totesport.com Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

Ebony Flyer keeps Igugu at bay in Fillies Guineas

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: AN exciting weekend’s racing was spearheaded by the Grade 1 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth on Saturday and the post came in time for star Cape three-year-old Ebony Flyer to retain her unbeaten record.

Marcus comes up trumps on favourite in Ipi Tombe

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: JOCKEY Anton Marcus showed exactly why he is South Africa’s ruling champion jockey when giving Gibraltar Blue a perfect front-running ride in the Ipi Tombe Challenge (Grade 2) over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday.

Ebony Flyer holds off Igugu in G1 Fillies Guineas

Nicci Garner — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: ON form the R750,000 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas (Grade 1) at Kenilworth on Saturday was a two-horse race and so it proved to be, with Cape star Ebony Flyer extending her unbeaten record to four from top-class Highveld raider Igugu.

JJ The Jet Plane has only 2 to beat

Nicci Garner — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PIERE STRYDOM: I’M really looking forward to next weekend when I’ll be riding JJ The Jet Plane in the R14-million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin in Hong Kong. There are 14 runners in the field, but I think there are only two dangers - Singapore star Rocket Man, who’ll be ridden by Felix Coetzee, and Hong Kong champion Sacred Kingdom.

Love Delta can plunder the spoils at Southwell

Nicci Garner — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Mark Johnston has had another prolific year with more than 200 winners and he can plunder the main race at Southwell on Saturday with LOVE DELTA.

Hear The Drums regains winning ways

Nicci Garner — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By ECLIPSE: PORT ELIZABETH - Late money came for Ballando, who shortened from 7-1 to 9-2 for the main race at Arlington on Friday, the Glendore Sprint over 1000m, even though Thunder Key was always at the top of the boards at 15-10. However, brilliant Hear The Drums, who eased to 7-1, pounded into the lead 200m out and kept rolling to win well.

Lando Junior denies Swinging Sixties at Meydan

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DUBAI - Meydan's third meeting of the season was highlighted by the concluding 1900m Meydan "Farriers" and Frenchman Stephane Chevalier opened his account for the season, as did former champion jockey Ted Durcan, when Lando Junior led close home to deny Swinging Sixties.

Gibraltar Blue to rise to the challenge over 1600m

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: WELL-PERFORMED Irish-bred filly Gibraltar Blue has been priced up 4-10 for the R300,000 Ipi Tombe Challenge (Grade 2) over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday, but her trainer Mike de Kock cautions moderation in making his charge a "good thing’’.

Ebony Flyer, Igugu to clash in G1 race

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE’S some brilliant racing in store for racegoers at Kenilworth on Saturday, when two of the most promising three-year-old fillies in the country cross swords for the first time.

Santa to treat 120 kids at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SANTA is coming to Turffontein tomorrow to brighten the day for 120 underprivileged children. Each will leave the racecourse at 4.30pm with a Christmas present and great memories of Phumelela’s annual Christmas Tree.

Top international riders to do battle in Mauritius

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Air Mauritius International Jockeys Weekend held at Champs de Mars - the oldest racecourse in the southern hemisphere with a history stretching back to 25 June 1812 - is a highlight of the horseracing season on the island.

Enchanted Kingdom to complete the hat-trick

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: HIGHLY regarded Enchanted Kingdom faces her stiffest task at Greyville tonight but a combination of her class and a light weight could see her safely home in Race 7 over 1400m.

Thunder Key to rumble his rivals in Glendor

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THUNDER KEY is seven years old now, but showed that he is still a formidable competitor over the minimum distance when cruising away from his field to win a Pinnacle Plate at Fairview earlier this month.

Nazreef could end Morrison’s dry run

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - NAZREEF can end Hughie Morrison's run of near-misses by hitting the target at Lingfield.

Grudge won’t be held at Wolverhampton

Nicci Garner — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - GRUDGE can take centre stage at Wolverhampton in the SP+ For Bigger Wins At totesport.com Handicap.

Maath Gool to give rivals a fright

Nicci Garner — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: DUBAI - On the evidence of his promising debut last month MAATH GOOL, who hails from a yard with an impressive strike rate in such races, looks banker material in the 1400m maiden at Meydan on Thursday night.

Jockey suspended for 10 days

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOCKEY Bernard Fayd’herbe has been suspended for 10 days.

Makhubo has several promising rides at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THE first leg of the 2010-11 Work Riders’ Challenge will be held at the Vaal on Thursday and 37 of the men and women who work so hard in the background getting horses to the races in good trim, will have their time in the limelight.

Light weight points to Mystic Moon

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TWO-time winner Mystic Moon could prove to be the value bet at Kenilworth on Wednesday. He will meet a strong field but his light weight and huge potential may be enough to carry him to victory in Race 7 over 1600m.

Iron Condor can defy a penalty at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Kempton keeps the flag flying for racing with another all-weather card and IRON CONDOR is taken to land another victory at the Sunbury track.

Marcus to represent SA in Hong Kong test

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RULING South African champion jockey Anton Marcus will take part in the Cathay Pacific International Jockeys’ Championship over four races at the Happy Valley Racecourse fixture on Wednesday 8 December.

Big weight halts Denman’s quest for a third Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - There is a saying in racing that "weight will stop a train’’ and the crushing burden of 11st 12lb derailed the mighty juggernaut we know as Denman in his quest for an unprecedented third Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday. The lean and leggy Diamond Harry (6-1), who was receiving 26lb from the 4-1 favourite, thwarted a fairytale celebration.

Iron Condor can help fill the Christmas wish list

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - There was more chance of England beating South Africa at Twickenham last Saturday than there is of turf racing resuming this weekend in snow-bound Britain, so let us concentrate on the action coming up on the Polytrack in the next few days as we look for betting opportunities to buy the Christmas presents.

STAR OF THE MONTH

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER MIKE DE KOCK

Top horses set to run in Tingle Creek

Nicci Garner — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - English racing fans have a daily racing programme this week, despite the concerns of turf tracks as a cold snap looks set to ravage the Great Britain and Ireland fixture list.

Answer could lie in Scripture

Nicci Garner — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SCRIPTURE has been on a good run of form lately and she must have a huge chance in spite of the strong-looking field at Fairview on Monday in Race 5 over 1600m.

Master At Arms to lead the charge home

Nicci Garner — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The cold snap continues to bite but MASTER AT ARMS can keep punters warm with victory in the Book Now For Christmas Handicap at Wolverhampton.

What A Winter has learnt his lessons well

Nicci Garner — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHAT A WINTER proved his run in the Cape Classic was all wrong when he came away from his field to win the Grade 2 Selangor Cup over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Soumillon relegated to second after Japan Cup win

Nicci Garner — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TOKYO - Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillion guided Japanese top-gun Buena Vista to victory in the Japan Cup, but was denied the win after he was ruled to have impeded the runner-up.

Ninth Cup win for De Kock

Nicci Garner — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: CHAMPION trainer Mike de Kock continued his total dominance of the Sansui Summer Cup when he won the race for an incredible ninth time with outsider Flirtation at Turffontein on Saturday afternoon.

Australian jockeys banned for betting

Nicci Garner — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - Leading Sydney jockeys Blake Shinn (23) and Peter Robl (39) copped a 15-month and 12-month ban respectively for betting on races in which they had mounts. The two had wagered more than $300,000 in a six-week betting spree.

Brown looks to be aboard a good thing

Nicci Garner — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SHERMAN BROWN has struck up a fantastic partnership with Good Thing and this seven-year-old can notch up another victory in Race 6 over 1200m at Scottsville on Sunday.

Spensely should follow up at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - SPENSLEY got into any amount of trouble when last seen at Kempton and still won, so the dual course-and-distance winner is well worth following at that track.

Yeni and Alderry aim for stardom in the Cup

Nicci Garner — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Muzi Yeni’s career as a professional jockey is gathering momentum. The 23-year-old found himself going head to head with some of the world’s most famous riders in the recent Citizen International Jockeys Challenge and he more than held his own. Now he aims for his biggest career win on Alderry in the Sansui Summer Cup.

Weird Al to upset Denman at Newbury

Nicci Garner — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Ian Williams-trained WEIRD AL is taken to upset Denman's hat-trick party by claiming a fantastic renewal of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

What A Winter can make amends for Classic defeat

Nicci Garner — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE have already been a number of dramatic showdowns between veteran trainer Mike Bass and pretender Justin Snaith, most notably the clashes between Pocket Power and Dancer’s Daughter.

Gypsy's Warning scores G1 win in USA

Nicci Garner — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

AFTER missing narrowly in her last two G1 attempts, South African-bred Gypsy's Warning broke through by rallying to win the $250,000 Matriarch at Hollywood Park on Friday.

De Kock hot, hot, hot

Nicci Garner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: "IT'S not whether you win or lose - but whether I win or lose!’’

Kavanagh setback opens the door for Destiny

Nicci Garner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE Grade 2 Investec Dingaans always attracts a top field of three-year-olds and this year it could come down to a clash between Mike de Kock and Charles Laird for top honours.

Happy Archer to hit the bulls-eye in Fillies Mile

Nicci Garner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: HAPPY ARCHER looks the straightest arrow in the R275,000 KIC Fillies Mile (Grade 3) over 1600m, one of four supporting features on Cup Day at Turffontein on Saturday.

Paraguayito can recoup backers’ losses

Nicci Garner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: WE fancied Paraguayito last time he ran but he failed to fire over 1200m. Back over a more favourable distance in Race 6 on Friday night - 1400m at Greyville - and in this sort of field, he must be the banker punters are looking for.

Get in the mix with DJ Detzky

Nicci Garner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: DJ DETZKY is one of the better horses in Port Elizabeth and he could help punters build a purse for the big weekend ahead, even though he takes on a good field in The November Stakes over 1400m at Fairview on Friday.

Harald Bluetooth can take a chunk out of his rivals

Nicci Garner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - David Simcock enjoyed a landmark year with dual Group 1-winner Dream Ahead and while HARALD BLUETOOTH is some way off that calibre, he should get the job done at Wolverhampton.

Cup Day horses are HOT! HOT! HOT!

Nicci Garner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

IT’S Cup Day at Turffontein tomorrow when five features will be run and the racing action will live up to the meeting’s billing as HOT! HOT! HOT! We spoke to the trainers about what they thought of their runners’ prospects.

Zackey fancies his four in an All To Come place bet

Nicci Garner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TAB’S new All To Come bet has proved enormously popular and one trainer who will be coupling all his horses for places in the bet at Turffontein on Saturday is affable Tyrone Zackey.

Zackey fancies his four in an All To Come place bet

Nicci Garner — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TAB’S new All To Come bet has proved enormously popular and one trainer who will be coupling all his horses for places in the bet at Turffontein on Saturday is affable Tyrone Zackey.

NHA appointment

Nicci Garner — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOHANNESBURG - Denzil Pillay has been appointed Racing Control Manager of the National Horseracing Authority with effect from January 2011.

Jack Smudge to score the five-timer

Nicci Garner — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - JACK SMUDGE has enjoyed a sterling juvenile campaign and he can make it five in a row in the wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk Nursery.

Without Malice win points to Marwing runner at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE victory of Without Malice last Saturday has changed the complexion of a number of form-lines. What may have seemed average now looks outstanding after George Scott’s Jet Master filly beat a strong field that included a Grade 1 winner and a filly who had placed in two Grade 1 races in Rocks Off and Jet Trail respectively.

Fallon looks a rider to follow at Meydan

Nicci Garner — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: DUBAI - Kieren Fallon, the six-time British champion jockey, returns to Dubai with a full book of rides at Meydan’s second meeting of the season on Thursday night.

Ramsden’s runner predestined to win

Nicci Garner — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: PREDESTINATION looks the runner to beat in this year’s Listed Durbanville Cup to be run 3200m at Kenilworth on Wednesday, although it does look a reasonably open affair.

Duster can brush aside his Lingfield opposition

Nicci Garner — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - DUSTER can sweep all before him in the Bet Champions League Football - Betdaq Handicap at Lingfield.

Weird Al could stymie Denman’s three-timer

Nicci Garner — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Weird Al can upset Denman’s bid to become the first horse to win the prestigious Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup for a third time by carrying off the brandy for Ian Williams at Newbury on Saturday.

Nasty cut may rule Imperial Commander out

Nicci Garner — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander began the defence of his crown in the best possible fashion when making a winning reappearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday last week, but there was a sting in the tail to post-race celebrations when it was discovered that he had come home with a nasty cut on his near-fore, which might well rule him out of a clash with Kauto Star in the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Thinking like a horse made Upton a legend

Nicci Garner — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ANNE UPTON carved her name into South African turf legend by training two reject horses - Furious and North Island - to win Johannesburg’s biggest race. She spoke to MIKE MOON .

De Kock runners dominate betting for five feature races

Nicci Garner — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: OF the five Graded races to be run at Turffontein on Saturday, trainer Mike de Kock has three of the favourites. His runners top the boards for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup, the Grade 2 Investec Dingaans and the Grade 2 Hertz Merchants.

Kentucky Express can ride the De Kock wave at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: KENTUCKY EXPRESS has been remarkably consistent of last but the one thing Mile de Kock’s runner has been unable to do since arriving on the Highveld is pay a visit to the winner’s box.

Nadeen can put it together again at Southwell

Nicci Garner — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - NADEEN seemed to thrive when switched to the all-weather and he can confirm that impression with victory at Southwell.

NHA: Fayd’Herbe suspended

Nicci Garner — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOCKEY Bernard Fayd'herbe has been suspended from 28 November to 4 December.

Nsele appointed to NHA board

Nicci Garner — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOHANNESBURG - The National Horseracing Authority is pleased to announce that the Board unanimously approved the appointment of William Nsele as a National Board Director with effect from 18 November 2010.

How the runners shape up in the Sansui Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A strong and competitive field will line up for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup. Mike de Kock looks set to dominate, but his six runners face stiff competition.

Cup Day . . . great!

Nicci Garner — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CHAMPION trainer Mike de Kock is well on his way to becoming a legend in his own lifetime and has a huge chance of winning Joburg’s horseracing event of the year, the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup at Turffontein, for an amazing ninth time.

Dee Ee to deliver and delight at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON: ON A relatively low-key Monday in British racing there could be a potential star on show when Dee Ee Williams lines up at Kempton.

Water Jet should shoot to victory in Kimberley

Nicci Garner — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: WINNER of Kimberley’s biggest race, Water Jet will take a power of beating in a Pinnacle Plate over 1600m on Monday. He shows his class time and time again and could continue a happy day for Peter Miller.

Dingaans offers superb curtain raiser to Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ONCE again the supporting show to the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup is top class. Other than the Grade 1 features there are four Graded races that will be run at Turffontein on Saturday, headed up by the Grade 2 Investec Dingaans over 1600m.

Pocket Power back to best as he wins Green Point for third time

Nicci Garner — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MIKE MOON: POCKET Power showed he is still very much a force to be reckoned with in winning the Grade 2 Ocean Basket Green Point Stakes over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Dark Wind to complete hat trick at Greyville

Nicci Garner — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SINCE Dark Wind started running over middle distances he has turned the corner and bids to complete a treble at Greyville on Sunday in Race 3, a Graduation Plate over 1900m.

Bravura is inexperienced but he’s out to prove a point

Nicci Garner — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THIS year the Grade 2 Ocean Basket Green Point Stakes can be viewed as the Old Gringo taking on the Young Guns. The R300,000 race will be run over 1600m at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Three-year-old form under scrutiny in Vaal topliner

Nicci Garner — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE RAJ lost out on a chance to make his debut on the sand track at the Vaal last week when the meeting was abandoned so, with the Investec Dingaans just one week away, trainer Mike de Kock clearly needed to get a run in prior to the Grade 2 race.

Thunderflash is set to strike at Fairview

Nicci Garner — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: THUNDERFLASH returns to a longer distance in Race 7 at Fairview this afternoon, a Conditions Plate over 2700m, and looks perfectly primed to win.

Pires can light a fire at Wolves

Nicci Garner — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - PIRES looks the star turn at Wolverhampton on Friday.

Geoff Lester on the weekend’s British racing

Nicci Garner — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - WHAT A FRIEND, who has been living in the shadows of stablemates Kauto Star and Denman, can consolidate his claims to be considered a Gold Cup candidate himself this year by winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

Champion mare Zenyatta retired to stud

Nicci Garner — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

VERSAILLES, Kentucky – Jerry and Ann Moss’s champion Zenyatta has been retired from racing. The 6-year-old Street Cry mare will be boarded at William Farish’s Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky.

Money pours on to Perana as Summer Cup betting opens

Nicci Garner — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE only three-year-old in the race, Perana, has been priced up favourite for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup to be run over 2000m on th

Vaal has duelling jockeys on tantalising card

Nicci Garner — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ONCE again there is some mouth-watering fare on offer at the Vaal on Thursday when a couple of duels will be taking place.

Rhythm to strike winning chord at Wolverhampton

Nicci Garner — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Red Rhythm can build on the promise of his debut fourth by claiming the Hotel & Conferencing At Wolverhampton Maiden Stakes at Dunstall Park on Thursday. Luca Cumani’s Starcraft colt showed signs of inexperience in the parade ring and on the way to post at Ffos Las, and the theme continued once the gates opened.

Goldikova named Cartier Horse of the Year

Nicci Garner — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON: The Wertheimer family’s Goldikova, who on earlier in November at Churchill Downs won her third consecutive Breeders’ Cup Mile, was named Horse of the Year in the Cartier Awards in London this week.

Mixed bag of Summer Cup draws for De Kock

Nicci Garner — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Mike de Kock had mixed fortunes when the barrier draws for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup was conducted at Turffontein on Tuesday night.

De Kock shows off equine talent on stable tour

Nicci Garner — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE is an old idiom that states “nothing succeeds like success” and trainer Mike de Kock is living proof of those words. He has been a key player in putting South African racing on the international map and has often said we could be leaders in this market.

Peace Plan can conquer at Scottsville

Nicci Garner — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: PUNTERS have a chance to make good money at Scottsville on Wednesday on an open-looking card.

Lady Bridget a noble bet at Lingfield

Nicci Garner — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Barry Hills only has a few runners at this time of year so LADY BRIDGET has to be of interest in the Betdaq For An Exchange Nursery at Lingfield on Wednesday.

Mike de Kock has a strong hand in the R2-m Sansui Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HUGELY talented young gun Perana, who scored an unbelievable win in the Grade 2 Victory Moon Stakes at Turffontein last Friday night, made the final field for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup (Grade 1) to be run over 2000m at Turffontein on Saturday 27 November.

Globetrotting Snow Fairy warms Dunlop’s heart

Nicci Garner — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Snow Fairy, Ed Dunlop’s dual Oaks heroine, capped a memorable season when annihilating a classy field to win the £1.4-million G1 Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup in Kyoto (Japan) on Sunday.

UK jockey suspended for SA ride

Nicci Garner — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Horseracing Authority of SA has slapped a week-long suspension on British jockey William Buick after his ride in the final race of the International Jockeys' Challenge at Kenilworth.

Mike de Kock has strong hand in R2-m Sansui Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HUGELY talented young gun Perana, who scored an unbelievable win in the Grade 2 Victory Moon Stakes at Turffontein last Friday night, had made the final field for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup (Grade 1) over 2000m at Turffontein.

Gluwein might come well under Turffontein lights

Nicci Garner — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: CHAMPION trainer Mike de Kock has dominated the majors on the Highveld this spring, winning nine of the 15 features run so far, including the two Grade 2 events - the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile with Alderry, and the Victory Moon Stakes on Friday in a 1-2 with Perana and Mother Russia.

Princess Rainbow can fill the pot at Folkestone

Nicci Garner — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Jennie Candlish delved into the big time at Cheltenham on Saturday and can carry on the good work with PRINCESS RAINBOW, who should deliver the goods in the Daily Mail HBLM Mares’ Handicap Hurdle at Folkestone.

Lion In Winter ready to roar at Durbanville

Nicci Garner — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: LION IN WINTER is very well handicapped at Durbanville on Tuesday and the consistent performer might prove hard to beat in Race 6, an Allowance Plate over 1400m.

JJ settles back into UK life

Nicci Garner — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CHAMPION sprinter JJ The Jet Plane is due to fly from England to Hong Kong on 26 November.

Proteas again unstoppable against top internationals

Nicci Garner — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THE Proteas won the Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge by 46 points after Piere Strydom rode one of his hallmark finishes aboard Life Of Pi in the final race of the competition, getting Dean Kannemeyer’s charge up in the final stride to beat UK rider William Buick and Cask. Although the international team dominated the first race, at Turffontein on Friday night, with Turkish star Halis Karatas winning on Mr Black Tom and Irishman Kieren Fallon finishing second, the Proteas then took full advantage of home-ground knowledge. They proceeded to win the other three races at Turffontein and went into Sunday’s Kenilworth meeting, the second leg of the Challenge, with a 62-point cushion.

NHA fines, suspends five jockeys

Nicci Garner — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Horseracing Authority has taken the following disciplinary action:

Big swing in weights favours Zili

Nicci Garner — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: CONSISTENCY could pay off for Zili at Fairview on Monday. She is weighted to beat her conquerors of recent outings and could represent some value in a Merit Rated 89 Handicap for the girls over 1000m (Race 6).

Perfect opportunity for Red Kestrel to win again

Nicci Garner — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - RED KESTREL has been found the perfect opportunity to end a lengthy losing spell in the Bet In Running - Betdaq Handicap at Wolverhampton.

Louis Goosen: no NHA action

Nicci Garner — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A CASE of bringing the NHA into disrepute via an SMS has been heard.

Incorrect draws published for Durbanville

Nicci Garner — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - The National Racing Bureau regrets to advise that due to a computing error, all draws for the race meeting at Durbanville on Tuesday 16 November were incorrectly computed and published.

Zipping wins Sandown Classic for fourth time

Nicci Garner — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - Nine-year-old Zipping had the whole of Australia cheering. The gelding was bidding for his fourth-straight win in the G2 Sandown Classic (WFA) and the old fella, who went off even-money favourite in a field of five, brought home the bacon.

Risky Business wins Singapore Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SINGAPORE - Risky Business capped a magical season for Singapore's champion trainer Steven Burridge when he led home a Magic Millions 1-2 finish in Sunday's Group 1 S$1.35-million Singapore Gold Cup at Kranji.

Tom Cooper's charge to spamp his authority

Nicci Garner — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - A rare quality day of racing in Britain on Sunday sees all eyes on Cheltenham where FORPADYDEPLASTERER can stamp his authority on the Sinbad Testimonial 2010/2011 Chase.

Hassen Adams resigns from Gold Circle

Nicci Garner — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - The Board of Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd has, with regret, accepted the resignation of Hassen Adams as a director of both the company and the Western Province Regional Racing Association.

Finger Onthe Pulse can keep Gold Cup in Ireland

Nicci Garner — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Tranquil Sea ended a 19-year blank for the Irish raiders in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last year and after laying the hoodoo to rest, the Emerald Isle looks to have another winning opportunity this time around. Not since Bright Highway in 1980 had an Irish runner struck but following Tranquil Sea's victory, FINGER ONTHE PULSE can keep up the good work.

De Kock army marches on

Nicci Garner — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: CHAMPION trainer Mike de Kock won both feature races at Turffontein on Friday night, taking the R300,000 Victory Moon Stakes (Grade 2) with brilliant young gun Perana and the R135,000 Gardenia Handicap with top-class filly Gibraltar Blue.

Rashid Al Raihe posts Meydan double

Nicci Garner — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DUBAI - Racing returned to Meydan on Thursday evening for a competitive six-race card, all on the all-weather surface and sponsored by Emirates Airlines.

Jockeys’ Challenge to be a close-fought battle

Nicci Garner — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SOUTH AFRICA’S best riders square up against some of the best in the world in the two-leg The Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge.

Fit Zirconeum to have edge in G2 Victory Moon Stakes

Nicci Garner — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ALL eyes will be on Mother Russia in her return from a six-month layoff when she lines up in the Grade 2 Victory Moon Stakes over 1800m at Turffontein on Friday night.

Snaith runners hold the key at Fairview

Nicci Garner — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: A FEW months ago when one saw a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m at either racecourse in Port Elizabeth, one automatically selected Hear The Drums - not only to win, but as the best bet on the card.

Mazamorra fans can recoup losses at Lingfield

Nicci Garner — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - MAZAMORRA let down favourite backers at Wolverhampton last time out but can gain compensation on her first trip to Lingfield.

Buick to replace injured Garcia

Nicci Garner — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NORWEGIAN-BORN jockey William Buick has been called up to replace American Martin Garcia at this weekend’s The Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge.

Buick to replace injured Garcia

Nicci Garner — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NORWEGIAN-BORN jockey William Buick has been called up to replace American Martin Garcia at this weekend’s The Citizen International Jockeys’ Challenge.

Mtshali memorial service on Friday

Nicci Garner — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A MEMORIAL service will be held for late jockey Sylvester Mtshali before the race meeting at Turffontein on Friday 12 November

Beggar can hit a high note at Wolves

Nicci Garner — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - John Gosden and William Buick enjoyed a fruitless trip to America for the Breeders' Cup but BEGGAR'S OPERA can get them smiling again at Wolverhampton.

Battlers get chance to open their accounts at the Vaal

Nicci Garner — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE are a couple of "hard-knockers’’ who could not get a better chance to shed their maiden tags than at the Vaal on Thursday.

Drier’s Sharks Bay to drift in

Nicci Garner — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: SHARKS BAY has won five of his 19 career starts and victory No 6 looks likely to take place on Thursday evening at Greyville.

Meet the teams

Nicci Garner — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Proteas have won The Citizen International Jockeys Challenge in the last two years. Can they do it again?

What a clash!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

South Africa’s best jockeys will go head to head with some of the top riders in the world in Leg 1 of The Citizen International Jockeys Challenge at Turffontein Racecourse in Joburg this Friday night.

What a clash!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Kilt Rock looks solid at Meydan

Nicci Garner — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ED MARNANE: DUBAI - Meydan hosts the opening fixture of the new season on Thursday evening with a highly competitive six-race card, featuring five handicaps and a hotly contested maiden, all on the all-weather.

Lake Drawsko can prove her quality

Nicci Garner — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: AFTER an easy debut win, Lake Drawsko followed up with a close second, 0.50 lengths behind Mist Of May over 1200m. She is now back to 1000m, the distance over which she romped home in her debut, and she could be the right horse to follow in Race 6, a fillies and mares’ MR 70 Handicap at Kenilworth on Wednesday.

Long Run to keep punters in the game

Nicci Garner — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Britain’s jumps season proper starts this weekend with the Paddy Power Gold Cup, the feature steeplechase at Cheltenham, and punters should look no further than LONG RUN, who is rated a future Gold Cup prospect by his trainer, Nicky Henderson.

Valencha should enjoy the extra ground

Nicci Garner — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Hughie Morrison's string is running well on the all-weather and he can go close under the floodlights at Kempton with VALENCHA in the digibet.com Handicap.

Few will forget Smith’s bad ride on Zenyatta

Nicci Garner — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - The 27th Breeders’ Cup in Kentucky had absolutely everything, but for all the superlatives surrounding Goldikova and Uncle Mo, sadly the lasting memory was the abysmal ride that Eclipse-Award winning jockey Mike Smith gave Zenyatta, whose 19-race unbeaten spree came to an end in controversial fashion in the $5-million Classic at Churchill Downs on Saturday night.

Black Caviar tastes sweet success in sprint Classic

Nicci Garner — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - Hail a true champion! Brilliant mare Black Caviar proved she’s Australia’s best sprinter when thrashing a small but crackerjack field in the $750,000 Patinack Farm Classic (G1, WFA) over 1200m at Flemington on Saturday.

Paddy Power Gold Cup tops Cheltenham card

Nicci Garner — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CHELTENHAM, the home of jump racing, takes centrestage this week with the prestigious three-day Open meeting getting underway on Friday - and you can follow it all on GBI Racing.

Top jockeys go head to head

Nicci Garner — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SOUTH AFRICA'S best jockeys will go head to head with some of the top riders in the world in Leg 1 of The Citizen International Jockeys Challenge at Turffontein Racecourse in Joburg this Friday night. The six riders in each team will clash in four Challenge races – Races 3, 4 7 and 8 – and will accumulate points according to the finishing positions of their mounts. To equalise the chances of the two teams, the runners in all Challenge races were seeded beforehand by a panel of racing experts and there was then a draw for mounts. The overseas team drew for horses seeded 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 in the first of the Challenge races and for seeds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 in the second and so on. The second leg of the competition takes place at Kenilworth on Sunday and the winning team and leading individual rider will be decided by the total points scored across the two legs.

Nicholls runner looks charmed at Exeter

Nicci Garner — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Paul Nicholls' string seem a bit further forward than in previous years, which gives plenty of confidence that ROYAL CHARM can win the Desert Orchid Restaurant Beginners' Chase at Exeter on his seasonal debut.

Vaal Tuesday Abandoned

Nicci Garner — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE RACE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR THE VAAL ON TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER HAS BEEN ABANDONED DUE TO RAIN.

Final field for Victory Moon Handicap

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MOTHER RUSSIA will make her first appearance on the racecourse in five months when she lines up for the Grade 2 Victory Moon Handicap over 1800m at Turffontein on Friday night.

Sale fares well in challenging market

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Emperors Palace Ready To Run Sale ended on a slight decline from last year. The aggregate of R22,460,000 fell from last year’s total of R27,530,000. The median price of R100,000 remained the same.

Warm up to Neo Africa sound experience

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

EXCITEMENT is in the air as Jozi gears up for the Sansui Summer Cup warm up event, the Neo Africa Sound Experience, powered by Sansui, on Friday 12 November 2010!

Warm up to Neo Africa sound experience

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

EXCITEMENT is in the air as Jozi gears up for the Sansui Summer Cup warm up event, the Neo Africa Sound Experience, powered by Sansui, on Friday 12 November 2010!

Blame Retired after BC Classic win

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kentucky) - Blame, winner of the 6 November Breeders’ Cup Classic, has been retired for stallion duty at the Hancock family’s Claiborne Farm near Paris, Ky.

Lerena gets nod for Jockeys’ Challenge

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: JOCKEY Gavin Lerena has been given the call-up to represent the Proteas in The Citizen International Jockeys Challenge at Turffontein on Friday night 12 November and Kenilworth on Sunday 13 November.

The Citizen International Jockeys Challenge teams announced

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SA racing fans will be treated to a scintillating display of race-riding skills next month, when world-famous Christophe Soumillon will lead some of the best international jockeys in a clash with top local riders in a jockeys' challenge.

Alderry goes the extra mile and wins R100,000 for her charity

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Mike de Kock proved you can never leave him out, even when it appears his runners have little chance of winning.

Miller couplings pose Jackpot riddle

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: JACKPOT punters face a mighty quandary at Flamingo Park on Monday when they have to work out which of Peter Miller’s runner need to go into their bets.

Ebony Flyer tops brilliant day for Team Valor

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TEAM VALOR had a day to remember on Saturday as they won three Graded races in three different centres.

Punters to give thanks to Big Fella

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - All eyes will be on BIG FELLA THANKS as he makes his reappearance at Carlisle and if he is on his A-game, he will take plenty of beating.

Smith accepts blame for Zenyatta’s defeat

Nicci Garner — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

IN one of the most thrilling races seen at the Breeders' Cup, the great Zenyatta just came up short in the Classic over 2000m, where she suffered a painfully narrow defeat at the hands of Churchill Downs specialist Blame.

Tuscan Sky to prove his worth at Scottsville

Nicci Garner — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TUSCAN SKY seems well above average, having recorded three wins from four starts. He is rated a high 106, which means he has caught the handicapper’s eye as well, but his talent may bring him through in Race 2 at Scottsville on Sunday, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m.

City looks Sunday best at Ffos Las

Nicci Garner — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SUNDAY CITY strolled home at Huntingdon a week ago and can make it a quick double with victory at Ffos Las on Sunday.

Alderry shows heart in Charity Mile win

Nicci Garner — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MIKE MOON: THE filly Alderry (15-1) finally lived up to the expectations of champion trainer Mike de Kock when she streaked clear of a strong field to win the R600 000 Grade 2 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile at Turffontein on Saturday.

Delegator is on course for BC Mile

Nicci Garner — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kentucky) - DELEGATOR is on course to take his place in the field for the Breeders' Cup Mile on Saturday after making a good recovery from an injury scare.

Six Blue Notes could play right tune in Odessa

Nicci Garner — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: THE Cape summer season is in full swing and at Kenilworth on Saturday the Grade 2 Odessa Stud Championship will be run over 1400m.

Give Senate the office at Doncaster

Nicci Garner — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SENATE can provide John Gosden with back-to-back victories in the totesport.com November Handicap at Doncaster.

How the Charity Mile runners shape up

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A hot handicap field lines up for the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile and Pierre Jourdan will have opposition, despite being the favourite.

The hottest event this summer

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RUSCO HOSPITALITY in partnership with Spiced Productions are proud to bring you Joburg’s greatest horseracing and sound experience, blazing a sporting, partying and social trail at Turffontein Racecourse.

The hottest event this summer

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Pierre Jourdan unlikely to be charitable to rivals

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: COMEDIAN Bob Hope once said: “If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.”

Ready To Run Cup could pinpoint another champ

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: IT WAS inevitable that the Ready To Run Cup would throw up a star performer and it didn’t take long, with Pierre Jourdan winning the 1400m race last year.

Graham Beck Stakes win could be Laird’s Destiny

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: A FEW pundits have expressed the view that Charles Laird’s stable is not firing at the moment. However, as Laird explains, it has all come down to the lack of rain.

Trainers' comments for Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PIERRE JOURDAN might be the hot favourite in tomorrow’s R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile, but the race is run on handicap conditions and the classy Parade Leader gelding is by no means “home and hosed”. Racing Express’ staff caught up with the trainers of the runners in the big race to find out what they thought of their chances.

Zenyatta set to start at odds-on for BC Classic

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kentucky) – Zenyatta, who drew perfectly at No 8, could yet start an odds-on favourite to win her second Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs, as the connections of American racing's megastar hinted that retirement plans could be shelved for the second year running if their champion wins on Saturday.

DJ Detzky set to regain form at Fairview

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHILE Hawk’s Eye was penalised 4.5kg for his victory in the Grade 3 Algoa Cup at Fairview last month, remarkably all the horses who finished behind him escaped unscathed.

Noble Storm can break drought at Southwell

Nicci Garner — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - NOBLE STORM can break a lengthy barren spell with victory in the attheraces.com/breederscup Conditions Stakes at Southwell.

Six riders suspended

Nicci Garner — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Horseracing Authority of South Africa has announced the following suspensions:

Mick Goss - a South African racing treasure

Nicci Garner — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MIKE MOON: SUMMERHILL STUD in Mooi River has won six consecutive South African champion breeders’ titles - but this remarkable achievement hasn’t made the Summerhill enterprise at all complacent. That much is made quite clear by farm boss Mick Goss.

Sports Coach set to come home alone at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE is little doubt that Sports Coach needed his last start, when he hung on to force a dead heat with Legislature over 1200m on the Turffontein inside track. Charles Laird’s runner has a chance to claim a win on his own when he contests Race 7 at the Vaal on Thursday, a Graduation Plate over 1000m.

Entitled to underline class at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - ENTITLED has so far proved a frustrating filly to follow, but will surely reward those who keep the faith at Kempton.

Loads of entertainment at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CHARITY will be the big winner at the day-night race meeting at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday when the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile will be run, but there will be loads of excitement and entertainment for ordinary racegoers as well.

Breeders' Cup Turf prospects

Nicci Garner — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

KENTUCKY - KHALID Abdullah's Workforce, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Epsom Derby winner, has been made the 7-5 favourite for the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf. The mile and a half race, which is currently evenly matched with foreign and North American-based runners, is worth $3-million and will be run on Saturday, November 6, at Churchill Downs.

Lerena gets called up for Jockeys’ Challenge

Nicci Garner — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

International Affairs: Mouth-watering Breeders’ Cup

Nicci Garner — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - With $25.5 million on offer in Kentucky this weekend, the 27th Breeders’ Cup promises to be the best yet, with three golden gals defending their crowns - Zenyatta, Goldikova and Midday. But the Europeans' confidence has diminished somewhat because the turf course is as hard as the local freeway.

Fisani for winning return at Scottsville

Nicci Garner — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: FISANI makes her return to racing following a 185-day layoff in a Conditions Plate for fillies and mares at Scottsville on Wednesday over 1500m.

Mastery can be the star at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The flat season might be in its final few days but punters get to see a class act at Kempton where MASTERY stands out in the Listed digibet Floodlit Stakes.

Mtshali (24) dies in car crash

Nicci Garner — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOHANNESBURG-BASED jockey Sylvester Mtshali died in a car accident in Soweto in the early hours of Sunday morning.

French raider Americain wins Melbourne Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MELBOURNE: AMERICAIN denied So You Think his place in Australian racing history with a win in the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup at a rain-soaked Flemington on Tuesday.

Gio Ponti for Breeders' Cup Mile, not Classic

Nicci Garner — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GIO PONTI, the gutsy horse who finished second to Zenyatta in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic, will not be taking another shot at the super mare in this year’s race on Saturday, November 6.

Somersby looks all gold at Exeter

Nicci Garner — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON: SOMERSBY can start his season off in fine style by winning the totesport.com Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter.

Cinnamon Sugar a sweet bet on Vaal sand

Nicci Garner — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: CINNAMON SUGAR may have found the task of taking on the colts in the Emerald Cup over 1450m on the Vaal sand in September a touch too tricky, but on Tuesday at the Vaal she reverts to clashing with her own sex.

Hughes may bypass BC in bid to win title

Nicci Garner — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The 2010 GB Flat racing season officially finishes at Doncaster on Saturday – and the race of the week involves jockeys, not horses, for a change.

De Kock stars draw wide in Graham Beck

Nicci Garner — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Mike de Kock might have a number of runners in the R200,000 Graham Beck Stakes over 1400m at Turffontein on Saturday, but the champion’s horses did not fare that well in the ballot for barrier positions.

Big change to rules of Jackpot

Nicci Garner — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE coupling of stable companions and the first-timer rule will not apply to TAB’s Jackpot bet on South African races from this Monday 1 November.

Springbok Summer looks too hot

Nicci Garner — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SPRINGBOK SUMMER appears one of the best middle-distance horses in the Northern Cape. His win on 4 October was by an easy eight lengths over subsequent winner Giant’s Footprint and he will take a power of beating in Race 7, a MR78 Handicap, at Flamingo Park over 1400m on Monday.

Lord Of Persia can get off the mark at Wolves

Nicci Garner — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Ralph Beckett's decision to put LORD OF PERSIA back into maiden company can pay dividends at Wolverhampton.

So You Think a `no brainer’ for the Melbourne Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - Bart Cummings’ charge So You Think is the one you have to tip for the Melbourne Cup. Sure, if he doesn’t stay he could run nearer to the tail than the front, but until he’s flopped over 3200m he must be given the benefit of every doubt.

Springbok Summer looks too hot

Nicci Garner — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SPRINGBOK SUMMER appears one of the best middle-distance horses in the Northern Cape.

SA punters can bet on Melbourne Cup

Nicci Garner — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TAB customers will be able to bet on the last four races at the Melbourne Cup meeting at Flemington Racecourse in Australia on Tuesday.

164 juveniles catalogued for Ready To Run Sale

Nicci Garner — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A total of 164 well-bred two-year-olds will come under the hammer at the Emperors Palace Ready To Run Sale on Sunday 7 November.

So You Think wins another G1 race

Nicci Garner — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - On 29 August, I wrote, "God help every trainer taking on Cummings and this four-year-old High Chaparral entire (So You Think) this spring. This isn’t a mere racehorse – this is Phar Lap Junior."

Payne's runners earn R2-m

Nicci Garner — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - David Payne loves Derby Day at Flemington. Last year his charge Centennial Park won the G3 Insurance Stakes (now the Chatham Stakes) over 1400m on the nation’s favourite Saturday. This year he took two horses down for the bumper programme and they earned their connections R2 million.

Joe to come smoking home

Nicci Garner — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: OUR SMOKING JOE looks set to burn up the turf when he contests Race 6 at Scottsville on Sunday, a MR 88 Handicap over 1000m. The form he has shown to well above-average sprinters is appealing and he could record his third career win.

Delight and tragedy for De Kock

Nicci Garner — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Mike de Kock won both feature races at Turffontein on Saturday with Flirtation running on well to win the Grade 3 Yellowwood Handicap and Ilsanpietro taking the laurels in the Listed Java Handicap.

De Kock and Bass runners in the spotlight

Nicci Garner — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: RACING this weekend is highlighted by a carryover Pick 6 of R763,005 at Turffontein where two feature races will take place, and the return of Pocket Power at Kenilworth, which will also stage the Grade 3 Cape Classic over 1400m.

Opening betting for Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

POPULAR Highveld-based star Pierre Jourdan has been priced up 16-10 favourite with Betting World for the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile (Grade 2) over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday 6 November.

Sharks set for big wins this weekend

Nicci Garner — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: THE Sharks will be a major talking point in Durban this weekend and a victory by Sharks Bay in Race 6 at Greyville on Friday night, a MR 104 Handicap over 1600m, could be seen as a good omen for the home team ahead of tomorrow’s Currie Cup rugby final. And both "Sharks’’ could be a good bet for this weekend.

Snaith can score

Nicci Garner — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Justin Snaith had mixed fortunes in Port Elizabeth last weekend. He watched talented three-year-old Run For It win the Listed Racing Association Stakes on Friday last week and then had to deal with the tragedy of useful four-year-old Robert The Bruce’s fatal break-down in the Grade 3 Algoa Cup on Sunday.

Ragsah can wipe the floor with her rivals

Nicci Garner — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - RAGSAH has a fighting chance of scooping top honours in the EBF Bosra Sham Fillies' Stakes at Newmarket.

Doubts about Profound Beauty, Bauer for Cup

Nicci Garner — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MELBOURNE - Two international contenders are believed to be in doubt for next Tuesday's Melbourne Cup, Australian newspaper "The Age" reports.

2 Australian jockeys being investigated

Nicci Garner — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MELBOURNE - Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Blake Shinn is one of two riders being investigated for allegedly placing illegal bets on horseracing.

Inquiry opened into posting of wrong on-course result

Nicci Garner — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Gold Circle regrets and apologises for any embarrassment or inconvenience caused to the affected parties for the incorrect result being posted on-course after Race 2 at Kenilworth on Wednesday 27 October.

City Of Johannesburg to back Sansui Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Sansui Summer Cup 2010 is ready to soar as the City of Johannesburg comes on board as a supporting partner for the 2010 event on Saturday 27 November at Turffontein.

City Of Johannesburg to back Sansui Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Sansui Summer Cup 2010 is ready to soar as the City of Johannesburg comes on board as a supporting partner for the 2010 event on Saturday 27 November at Turffontein.

Iron Wood to chip way back into No 1 box

Nicci Garner — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE lingering debate about the effects of the second run after a layoff comes into play at the Vaal on Thursday when Iron Wood takes his place in Race 5, a Graduation Plate over 1600m on the turf.

Sansui Summer Cup - HOT! HOT! HOT!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Get ready for the hottest event this summer, The Sansui Summer Cup 2010.

Sansui Summer Cup - HOT! HOT! HOT!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Get ready for the hottest event this summer, The Sansui Summer Cup 2010.

Pierre Jourdan draws at No 3 for Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PIERRE JOURDAN drew at No 3 for the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday 6 November and his trainer Gary Alexander was delighted with what he described as "a cracking draw".

Jourdan draws well for Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Link Man entered for two races on Charity Mile day

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SOME of the most promising two-year-olds last season could be seen in action as early three-year-olds at Turffontein on Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile day.

16 charities to share R550,000 windfall

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SIXTEEN charities will share in a R550,000 windfall from Peermont and Emperors Palace when the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile is run at Turffontein on Saturday 6 November.

Celebrities add glamour to great occasion

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile raceday on Saturday 6 November is one of the most popular events on the South African racing calendar, bringing together famous people and top-class equine athletes in aid of charity.

The Citizen International Jockeys Challenge teams announced

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SOUTH AFRICAN horseracing fans will be treated to a scintillating display of race-riding skills next month, when world-famous Christophe Soumillon will lead some of the best international jockeys in a clash with South Africa’s top riders in a two-legged International Jockeys’ Challenge.

PJ draws widest for Victory Moon

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PIERRE JOURDAN has been allocated joint top weight with Rudra for the R300,000 Victory Moon Stakes (Grade 2) over 1800m at Turffontein on Friday night, 12 November, and neither horse is likely to start from single figure draw.

Softer conditions should favour Graceful Descent

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - GRACEFUL DESCENT bolted up in her latest appearance at Ayr and should follow up in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Willie Park Trophy Handicap at Musselburgh.

Take a leap with Golden Parachute

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: CLASSY stayer Golden Parachute will be out to record another long-distance success when racing returns to Kenilworth on Wednesday.

Dettori thinks Casamento could be Classic material

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - No horse has ever won the Derby in the Godolphin silks and while Sheikh Mohammed’s Casamento, who took Britain’s final Group 1 race of the season when carrying off the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday, has since left Mick Halford to join the boys in blue at Newmarket, he does not look a Blue Riband winner in my eyes.

Manighar can give Cumani his first Melbourne Cup

Nicci Garner — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Luca Cumani, who has twice hit the crossbar in the Melbourne Cup when narrowly beaten with both Purple Moon and Bauer, can finally nail "the race that stops a nation’’ by carrying off Australia’s most prestigious prize with MANIGHAR at Flemington in the early hours of next Tuesday.

Link Man nominated for two feature races

Nicci Garner — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SOME of the most promising two-year-olds of last season could be seen in action as young three-year-olds at Turffontein on Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile day.

Cohen gets off the mark in Australia

Nicci Garner — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

EX-SOUTH AFRICAN Lionel Cohen, who formerly owned Odessa Stud, has had his first winner since taking out his Australian trainer’s license on Friday last week, according to www.mikebassracing.co.za.

Goldikova on course for third BC Mile

Nicci Garner — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kentucky) - Trainer Freddie Head said on Tuesday that Goldikova’s preparation before for her record-breaking attempt to win the $2-million TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile for the third time is going smoothly.

NHA: Four riders suspended

Nicci Garner — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FOUR jockeys are in hot water with stipendiary stewards.

Newmarket meet brings curtain down on Flat season

Nicci Garner — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The curtain comes down on Newmarket’s Flat season with a two-day meeting starting on Friday, with the highlight being the Bet365 Zetland Stakes over 2000m on Saturday.

It’s unwise to exclude Laird runner from your reckoning

Nicci Garner — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE is always the question that a horse might not perform on the sand, but occasionally a runner looks head and shoulders above the opposition and stands out as the obvious selection.

So You Think wins second Cox Plate

Nicci Garner — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - So You Think made history on Saturday, becoming the youngest horse to win two Cox Plates. The Bart Cummings-trained four-year-old colt justified 4-10 favouritism in Australia premier weight-for-age event and has now won $4.63 million in just 10 starts.

King Brex can rule at Taunton

Nicci Garner — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - With the jumps season stepping up a gear as each day goes by it is not surprising that the richest prize on a mundane Tuesday is on Taunton's National Hunt card.

2 Phumelela executives appointed to board

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PHUMELELA is delighted to announce that two members of its executive management team have been appointed to the board.

Workforce is Breeders' Cup Turf bound

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kentucky) - Investec Epsom Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Workforce will run in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs

Owner and trainer fined over colours

Nicci Garner — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

AN owner and trainer have been fined over two horses that ran in a particular set of racing colours when neither horse was owned or leased by the owner in question. The National Horseracing Authority’s press releases on the matter:

Hawk’s Eye wins but tragedy strikes in PE

Nicci Garner — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WESTERN Cape trainer Joey Ramsden knows what it takes to win races in Port Elizabeth and once against showed his prowess for picking the right races for his horses when Hawk’s Eye won the Grade 3 Algoa Cup at Fairview on Sunday.

Gargantuan run by Zackey’s Galanthus

Nicci Garner — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: GALANTHUS painted himself into the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile and Sansui Summer Cup pictures with a scintillating run at Turffontein on Saturday.

A fistful of winners for Miller

Nicci Garner — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Peter Miller sends out 23 runners on Monday's nine-race Flamingo Park card and it will be a shock if he does not come away with many winners.

Aim high with Cape Rambler at Leicester

Nicci Garner — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON – Cape Rambler has shown enough on his first few appearances to suggest he can open his account in the EBF Fosse Way Maiden at Leicester on Monday.

Rudra allocated top weight for Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE were no supplementary entries for the Grade 2 Peermont Charity Mile November Handicap to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 6 November and nominations for all feature races on the day, including the R1.5-million Emperor’s Palace Ready To Run Cup, have been announced.

Robert The Bruce to surf home in Algoa Cup

Nicci Garner — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE is always a buzz in Port Elizabeth when the Grade 3 Algoa Cup is run and the locals will no doubt be hoping that East Cape horse of the year Surfin’ USA can pull off the double.

Bojangals is the man for Aintree

Nicci Garner — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Fred Bojangals should be ready for action as he returns to fences in the Weatherbys Bank Handicap Chase at Aintree on Sunday.

Striker Surfin’ into PE for family occasion

Nicci Garner — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOCKEY Piere Striker discusses the chances of his weekend rides.

Run For It nabs RA Stakes in a thriller

Nicci Garner — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE Town trainer Justin Snaith kicked off Port Elizabeth’s big weekend racing festival in style when his colt Run For It snatched the R125 000 Racing Association Stakes in a tight finish at Fairview on Friday.

National Play to make light of 62kg

Nicci Garner — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: NATIONAL PLAY, unbeaten in two starts at Durbanville, could make light of a big weight and keep his record at the track intact when he lines up in Race 7, a MR 94 Handicap over 1400m, at the Cape country course on Saturday.

Go trophy hunting with Seville at Doncaster

Nicci Garner — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Seville can spring a minor surprise and land a late blow for the Ballydoyle team with victory in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday.

Harbor Street on right path to Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: HARBOR STREET will take the next step to earn his place in the Grade 1 Sansui Summer Cup next month when he lines up in Race 6 at Turffontein on Saturday.

Miss Zummerudd is the class contender

Nicci Garner — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHETHER Miss Zummerudd is good enough to make an impact in the fillies’ classic races this season remains to be seen, but the daughter of King Of Kings undoubtedly has ability and should have few problems disposing of the field she meets in Race 6 at Greyville.

Hanagan can fly to yet another victory

Nicci Garner — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Champion jockey-elect Paul Hanagan can delight the local crowd with victory aboard FLYING STATESMAN at Doncaster.

Abington to down The Plunderer

Nicci Garner — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: ABINGTON will be an example of the theory that it does not normally take long for a horse from the Western Cape to find form in Port Elizabeth.

Kalurooz Jet to blast into Dingaans contention

Nicci Garner — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT is the dream of every trainer, no matter how big the yard, to acquire a champion and John Vos believes he has a potential star in Kalurooz Jet.

New chairman for NHA

Nicci Garner — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JONATHAN Witts-Hewinson has been elected the new chairman of the National Horseracing Authority.

Big guns roll out in Pinnacle

Nicci Garner — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE’S a curtain-raiser to next month’s big-race action at the postponed night meeting at Turffontein on Wednesday when several entries for the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile and the Sansui Summer Cup will be in action in Race 6.

Never Forever set to shine at Clairwood

Nicci Garner — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: NEVER FOREVER always seems to find something to beat him but on Wednesday he faces easier opposition in a 1200m Novice Plate at Clairwood and he rates the one to beat in Race 9.

JJ jets off to take on big guns in Hong Kong

Nicci Garner — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: JJ THE JET PLANE will be flying off to England on Thursday, October 21, on his long journey to Hong Kong for the $14-million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Sprint at Sha Tin on Sunday 12 December.

New trainer Steven sets the bar high

Nicci Garner — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: NEW trainer Steven Janse van Rensburg set the bar high by saddling two winners and a third from just four runners at his very first race meeting.

Pastoral Player a serious contender at Ffos Las

Nicci Garner — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - PASTORAL PLAYER has nowhere near as many wins to his name as he should for a horse of his ability, but he can add another in the HM Plant Hitachi Handicap at Ffos Las.

NHA: four riders suspended

Nicci Garner — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FOUR riders have been slapped with suspensions by stipendiary stewards.

Cecil bounces back with a G1 double

Nicci Garner — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Henry Cecil, the legendary 10-time champion trainer who was on the scrap heap in 2005 when he sent out just 12 winners, yielding prize money of only £82,000, is back in the big time.

Captain Al sets another record

Nicci Garner — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Captain Al was given a good chance of sweeping the honours in the Grade 3 Diana Stakes at Durbanville last weekend, and his girls delivered yet another new record.

Al Quoz Sprint distance cut

Nicci Garner — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DUBAI - The Al Quoz Sprint will be run over 1000m, rather than 1200m next year.

Breeders' Cup starts to take shape

Nicci Garner — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kentucky) - Now that the preps for the 5 and 6 November Breeders’ Cup have been completed, Bloodhorse's Steve Haskin took a look at all the races to see who will be and might be showing up.

Count on consistent Chippendale

Nicci Garner — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: CHIPPENDALE is one of the most consistent handicappers in the country and invariably runs a place when he fails to win. He looks the one to be on in a MR 84 Handicap over 1600m at Durbanville on Tuesday.

Turffontein betting

Nicci Garner — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HERE are bookmakers' odds for the race meeting at Turffontein on Tuesday evening:

Durbanville betting

Nicci Garner — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HERE are bookmakers' odds for the race meeting at Durbanville on Tuesday:

Ajjaadd to score again for Powell

Nicci Garner — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - AJJAADD looks a solid pick in the Citipost Direct Distribution Handicap at Lingfield on Tuesday for unheralded trainer Ted Powell.

Joshua Tree wins Canadian International for O'Brien

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TORONTO - It was an ominous beginning for Irish-bred Joshua Tree, who delayed the start of the $2-million Pattison Canadian International (Can-IT) because he lost a shoe in the paddock.

Fayd’herbe gets 3 at Durbanville

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: JOCKEY Bernard Fayd’herbe showed on Saturday why many consider him among the best jockeys in South Africa, riding three winners including Townsend in Durbanville’s feature event, the R150,000 Diana Stakes (Grade 3) over 1400m.

2 odds-on shots both hold on to share at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: IN spite of the two most popular Pick 6 bankers, Charles Laird-trained Sports Coach in Race 5 and Nova Zembla in Race 6, holding on to share in their respective races, the full R1,232,358 net Pick 6 pool was not won at Turffontein on Saturday and R175,611 was carried forward.

Hear The Drums fine after disappointing run

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: FANS must just draw a line through Hear The Drums’ run in the Cradock Place Stakes at Arlington on Friday last week because he got his tongue over the bit, said his trainer Des McLachlan on Monday.

Unbeaten Perestroika to shrug off penalty

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN:HIGHLY regarded Perestroika is confidently expected to keep her unbeaten record intact at Arlington on Monday in Race 6.

Hannon youngster to get Tankard at Pontefract

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - ROYAL Exchange lost nothing in defeat in his Pattern-race debut at Newmarket last month and will be hard to beat in Pontefract's totepool Silver Tankard Stakes on Monday.

Two new directors at RA

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Racing Association has two new directors – William Nsele and Mark Currie.

Link Man joins De Kock

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LINK MAN has joined the championship stable of Mike de Kock.

Waterhouse wins first Caulfield Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - Racing’s first lady, Gai Waterhouse, won her first Caulfield Cup (G1) on Saturday when Descarado (16-1) ploughed through the heavy going to land the $2.5 million race in Melbourne.

Noble Alan to make winning seasonal debut

Nicci Garner — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - NOBLE ALAN should appreciate the switch back to hurdles as he makes his seasonal bow at Kempton on Sunday.

History points to Imperial Dice over Royal Rocker

Nicci Garner — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: RACING fans always enjoy an interesting tussle and that is exactly what they could get in Race 7 at Clairwood on Sunday, a MR 87 Handicap over 1600m.

Powerful entry for Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN the average merit rating of the likely runners in a field is as high as around 105 – the median merit rating for the whole racehorse population is somewhere in the 70s – racing fans can bank on a power field lining up in the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile (Grade 2) over 1600m at Turffontein on Saturday 6 November.

Power entry for Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Poet's Voice to go in again at G1 level

Nicci Garner — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON- Poet's Voice can make the most of his new-found maturity by making it a Group 1 double for Godolphin in the Dubai Champion Stakes at Newmarket.

Rocket Man right on target for Hong Kong

Nicci Garner — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SINGAPORE - Singapore’s champion sprinter Rocket Man heads to Hong Kong next month in perfect order following his victory in the inaugural Group 3 $200,000 Garden City Trophy over 1200m on Friday.

Great start for fledgling trainer Janse van Rensburg

Nicci Garner — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By ECLIPSE: WHAT a brilliant start to a training career - bagging two winners including victory in the feature event! That was the reward for the late Nic Claassen’s long-serving assistant trainer Steven Janse van Rensburg at his first meeting as a fully-fledged trainer.

Laird, Marcus set for winning day at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Charles Laird is starting to bring out his better horses ahead of the Highveld Sprint-Summer Racing Season and he could come away with a few winners at Turffontein on Saturday.

Laird and Marcus set for winning day at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Charles Laird is starting to bring out his better horses ahead of the Highveld Sprint-Summer Racing Season and he could come away with a few winners at Turffontein on Saturday.

Only distance can stop Madrisa in G3 Diana

Nicci Garner — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: DURBANVILLE is renowned for giving punters "course specialists’’. In Race 7 on Saturday Madrisa takes on her biggest test in the Grade 3 Diana Stakes over 1400m. Madrisa is unbeaten at the track but the key to the race is whether she can stay the 1400m.

Strong line-up forecast for Charity Mile

Nicci Garner — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PIERRE JOURDAN is expected to head the nominations for the R600,000 Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile, which close at 11 am on Friday.

Loving Spirit looks a nice prospect at Newmarket

Nicci Garner — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - LOVING SPIRIT has all the right credentials to take the Bet At bluesq.com Houghton Conditions Stakes at Newmarket.

Rain won’t silence the Drums

Nicci Garner — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: THERE has been 96mm of rain at Arlington in the last few days but as long as there is no further precipitation, Hear The Drums will have a chance of scoring his 34th career win.

Predestination has all the answers

Nicci Garner — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: PREDESTINATION is back home in the Western Cape after enjoying a successful KwaZulu-Natal winter season and he will be out to blow away the cobwebs after a 74-day rest in Race 5 over 2400m at Durbanville on Wednesday.

Punters can start `Loden’ their wallets

Nicci Garner — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Those in attendance at Kempton on 22 September will no doubt vouch for the claims of LODEN upon his return to Sunbury.

All To Come punter collects R7,527 for R10!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SCORES of horseplayers have already taken full advantage of TAB’s recently launched All To Come bet and have won staggering payouts in terms of the initial amounts bet.

Frankel to prove he’s the best 2yo in Europe

Nicci Garner — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Hype does not win races, especially Group 1s, but FRANKEL looks the real deal and despite being taken on by another couple of ace juveniles in Dream Ahead and Saamidd in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday, Henry Cecil’s colt can consolidate his claim to being champion two-year-old in Europe by winning the £300,000 prize, highlight of Champions Day and what promises to be the best day’s racing of the year in Britain.

Godolphin gets its third-straight G1 double

Nicci Garner — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - For the third consecutive weekend Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin team clocked up a Group 1 double, Biondetti winning the Gran Criterium in Italy where the celebrations for the boys in blue were topped up by success for Rio De La Plata in the Premio Vittorio di Capua.

Warm White Night joins Bass

Nicci Garner — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CHAMPION sprinter Warm White Night arrived at the Mike Bass yard late last week in preparation for what should be his last competitive season.

Payne duo banks R850,000 in placing at Caulfield

Nicci Garner — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - Former SA champion trainer David Payne had a terrific Saturday at Caulfield as the spring feature season moved up a gear.

Trainers come out in support of G3 Algoa Cup

Nicci Garner — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE is a national flavour to the 38 entries for the Grade 3 Betting World Algoa Cup, to be run at Fairview on Sunday 24 October.

NHA: Jockeys suspended; Ashbrook weight furor

Nicci Garner — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THREE jockeys have been suspended for breaking National Horseracing Authority (NHA) rules.

Easy task for Long Lashes at Leicester

Nicci Garner — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Long Lashes has fallen short of Group 1 expectations this term, but her turn can come as she takes a dip in class at Leicester.

Wide draw may not stop Gentleman’s Club

Nicci Garner — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: GENTLEMAN’S CLUB could have the beating of a competitive field in the first of two MR 90 Handicaps at the Vaal on Tuesday.

Mouth-watering Champions’ Day in prospect

Nicci Garner — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Newmarket's Champions’ Day meeting on Saturday will provide some outstanding racing and is one of the highlights of the year on GBI Racing.

Steenkamp to foil Miller’s big challenge

Nicci Garner — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: KIMBERLEY’S perennial champion trainer Peter Miller has a strong hand in Race 2 at Flamingo Park on Monday, saddling seven of the eight runners. However, Port Elizabeth-based Barry Steenkamp should take the laurels in this MR 88 Handicap over 1600m with Eye Of The World.

Secrecy favourably treated at Salisbury

Nicci Garner — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - SECRECY ought to be winning the feature race at Salisbury. Godolphin's consistent four-year-old has been in impressive form this term and looks favourably treated for the Bathwick Tyres Free Admission Raceday Conditions Stakes.

Game Matchem win by Tales Of Bravery

Nicci Garner — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOCKEY MJ Byleveld and Tales Of Bravery always had the Matchem Stakes at their mercy and posted an easy win in the Grade 3 race at Durbanville on Saturday.

Tuscan Sky is the limit

Nicci Garner — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TUSCAN SKY returns to racing at Greyville on Sunday after four months on the sidelines and given his top-class run in his most recent start, the Grade 1 Gold Medallion, he looks the part in Race 2, a Graduation Plate over 1000m.

Summerinthecity can post first win of 2010

Nicci Garner — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - SUMMERINTHECITY showed he was suited to autumn conditions when landing his first success of 2010 recently and another win looks on the cards at Goodwood.

So You Think brains them in Yalumba

Nicci Garner — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - Last year’s Cox Plate winner So You Think confirmed his status as Australia’s top horse when romping home unchallenged in the $400,000 Yalumba Stakes (G1) over 2000m at Caulfield on Saturday.

Stars shine brightly on Winter's Night

Nicci Garner — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: WINTER’S NIGHT showed exactly why he was the champion racehorse in Zimbabwe last season by posting his second win in a row in the R115,000 Michaelmas Handicap (Listed) over 1900m at Greyville on Friday night.

Exclaim’N’Exclude could have edge over Pierre Jourdan

Nicci Garner — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE return of a champion is always something to enthuse over and there are many punters who will be hailing the reappearance of Pierre Jourdan at Turffontein on Saturday.

Castlethorpe should not be vanquished

Nicci Garner — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: IN the past the Group 3 Matchem Stakes over 1400m has been a useful springboard for younger horses into the Cape Summer Season. On Saturday highly touted Castlethorpe lines up in the Durbanville race and if the hype is true, he could prove the one to beat.

Vulcanite looks a solid bet at Ascot

Nicci Garner — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Ralph Beckett can enjoy a bumper pay-day with Vulcanite in the ladbrokes.com Stakes at Ascot.

Speed gets golden opportunity to score again

Nicci Garner — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ONE needs to go back to Durban July day in 2008 to find the last time Speed For Gold saw the inside of the winner’s box. However, Dennis Drier’s runner could enjoy a change in fortune when he lines up in the Listed Michaelmas Handicap over 1900m at Greyville.

Follow Paddock’s Pride

Nicci Garner — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHEN Louie’s Pride lines up for Race 5 at Arlington he will be making his 66th trip to the racecourse.

Kirklees to get back among the winners

Nicci Garner — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Godolphin looks to have found the perfect opportunity for KIRKLEES to get back to winning ways in the Garbutt & Elliott Conditions Stakes at York.

Thomas Tompion looks a Newbury nap

Nicci Garner — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - THOMAS TOMPION can make a seamless switch to handicap company in the Sir Gerald Whent Memorial Nursery at Newbury.

De Kock to perform his magic on another PE runner

Nicci Garner — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Mike de Kock has the ability to pluck runners out of Port Elizabeth and make champions out of them.

Last Regal looks the real deal

Nicci Garner — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: THE three-legged winter series in Cape Town has been to be a platform for some of South Africa’s best horses in recent years - Winter Solstice and Pocket Power are two famous names that spring to mind.

Jaaryah to rack up another win for Jarvis

Nicci Garner — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Michael Jarvis is still knocking in the winners as the flat season reaches its conclusion and JAARYAH can augment the statistics with victory at Kempton.

Chase for the title makes Hughes the man to follow

Nicci Garner — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Richard Hughes has not given up hope of landing his first jockeys’ championship in Britain. He started the week 10 winners adrift of Paul Hanagan and his rides could be worth mixing up in permutations at Ascot on Saturday, with INVINCIBLE RIDGE, REDFORD and PAUSANIAS making particular appeal.

Workforce posts gritty Arc success for Stoute

Nicci Garner — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Sir Michael Stoute, 10-times champion trainer in Britain, bagged one of the few big-race wins not on his CV when saddling Workforce to a gritty head success over Japanese raider Nakayama Festa in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp last weekend.

Nieuwenhuizen’s training career is slowly taking off

Nicci Garner — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: IN the somewhat cynical world of horseracing, David Nieuwenhuizen is a breath of fresh air. One of the "small-fry’’ racehorse trainers on the Highveld, he looks like a bohemian and is reserved and quietly spoken. But he is visibly and deeply happy to be involved in the sport.

Peermont, Emperors Palace sponsor Charity Mile again

Nicci Garner — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Charity Mile, which brings together top racehorses and famous people in aid of charity, has become one of the highlights of Phumelela’s Spring-Summer Feature Race Season and will be sponsored by Peermont and Emperors Palace for the second year running.

Peermont & Emperors Palace to sponsor Charity Mile again

Nicci Garner — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sun Classique produces Oasis Dream foal

Nicci Garner — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Sun Classique, a champion while in the care of trainer Mike Bass in South Africa before taking the 2008 Dubai Sheema Classic for Mike de Kock in Dubai, has foaled down with an Oasis Dream colt.

Soumillon gets call-up to captain internationals

Nicci Garner — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SOUTH AFRICAN horseracing fans will be treated to a scintillating display of race-riding skills next month when world-famous Christophe Soumillon will lead some of the best international jockeys in a clash with SA’s top riders.

Soumillon to captain internationals in Challenge

Nicci Garner — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cecil star looks Picture perfect at Leicester

Nicci Garner — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - It was difficult not to have been impressed by Picture Editor's debut win, and he should not be opposed in the ladbrokes.com Squirrel Conditions Stakes at Leicester.

Goldikova makes history, heads for US

Nicci Garner — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PARIS – Supermare Goldikova broke the European record for Grade 1 wins by posting her 11th top-flight success in the Qatar Prix de la Foret over 1400m, beating Paco Boy for a fourth time.

Godolphin’s Darley Sun could rise at Pontefract

Nicci Garner — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - DARLEY SUN can make the most of a drop in class by landing the Phil Bull Trophy Conditions Stakes at Pontefract.

Payne filly doddles juvenile feature

Nicci Garner — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZEZRBST: SYDNEY - David Payne-trained filly Defiant Dame (28-10 favourit) won the $100,000 Gimcrack Stakes (Listed) for two-year-old fillies in blistering fashion over 1000m on Saturday at Randwick.

Superstar Zenyatta makes it 19-straight wins

Nicci Garner — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES - Nineteen down, one to go. The great Zenyatta (John Shirreffs-Mike Smith) extended her unbeaten record to 19 with a farewell victory to California in front of a wildly enthusiastic crowd at her hometown track, Hollywood Park, in the Lady's Secret Stakes (Grade 1) over 1700m on Saturday.

Workforce bounces back to give Stoute Arc win

Nicci Garner — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PARIS - Derby hero Workforce provided trainer Sir Michael Stoute with his very first winner in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Group 1) over 2400m when edging out Japanese raider Nakayam Festa in a thrilling finish to Sunday's showpiece at Longchamp.

Gypsy’s Warning third in Yellow Ribbon Stakes

Nicci Garner — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES - Hibaayeb, making her USA debut for Godolphin Racing, outfought Turning Top and the South African-bred 2-1 favourite Gypsy’s Warning in the final 200m to win Oak Tree's $250,000 Yellow Ribbon Stakes at Hollywood Park on Saturday.

Another four-timer for Neisius

Nicci Garner — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Jockey Karl Neisius rode four winners at Durbanville on Saturday but with the exception of Spanish Gold in Race 5, he had to work hard to earn his salary.

Century up for Mansour as Vestal Virgin shows her class

Nicci Garner — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Saturday was a red-letter day for apprentice Donavan Mansour. He achieved another milestone in his career as a jockey when Vestal Virgin crossed the line in first place in Race 4 at Turffontein. It was Mansour’s 100th winner.

Harbor Street an All To Come good thing

Nicci Garner — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Punters are faced with an interesting card at Turffontein on Saturday when there are a number of opportunities to benefit from the new All To Come bet.

Take national pride in Gosden’s runner at Newmarket

Nicci Garner — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Nationalism is an unspectacularly logical selection for the first leg of the autumn double at Newmarket on today.

Bob ‘N Weave has punching power in All To Come bet

Nicci Garner — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - The new All To Come bet offered by TAB is being launched today and punters can get into the groove with a decent All To Come treble at Arlington.

Neisius to anchor All To Come bets

Nicci Garner — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - Three horses at Durbanville on Saturday have the potential to swell punters’ wallets in All To Come bets and two of them will be ridden by Karl Neisius.

Approve can get heads nodding at Newmarket

Nicci Garner — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Tough and consistent APPROVE has lots going for him in the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Zaidan to put bad run behind him and claim Gr 3 glory

Nicci Garner — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Zaidan can get back on the straight and narrow in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket today. While his ambitions may have been lowered by Clive Brittain, he is still one of the most interesting candidates vying for Group 3 glory at Headquarters.

Workforce ready for Arc after impressive workout

Nicci Garner — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PARIS - Workforce will run in Sunday's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after satisfying connections in a light piece of work yesterday morning.

Rachel Alexandra's racing career is over

Nicci Garner — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rachel Alexandra, one of the most popular US racehorses of the modern era, has been retired after failing to recapture the form of her stellar horse of the year campaign as a three-year-old.

Brian Wiid’s classy duo can give trainer a double

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - There is some interesting racing on the Vaal turf on Thursday afternoon and trainer Brian Wiid could come away with a couple of winners if fortune runs his way.

All To Come bet starts this Friday!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TAB is delighted to announce that its exciting new All To Come bet will be launched this Friday. The bet gives horseplayers the chance to win big for small amounts.

Arbuthnot filly looks a `Leelu’ of a bet at Salisbury

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - LEELU can atone for a no-show at Epsom by winning the Begbies Traynor Group Handicap at Salisbury.

Frankel steals the Ascot show from `King’ Frankie

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Frankie Dettori has been king of Ascot since his ``Magnificent Seven’’ 14 years ago, but though he again stole the show on the Royal Heath last Saturday with a brilliant 217-1 four-timer, the Italian was upstaged by a new equine star, Henry Cecil-trained Frankel, who produced the best performance from a two-year-old this season when clocking up a breathtaking 10-length success in the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes.

Row in with Planteur in this Saturday’s Arc

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER, LONDON - This promises to be one of the great weekend’s of sport in Europe. Not only will we regain the Ryder Cup by taming the Americans at Celtic Manor, we stage the richest race in the calendar in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, in which I am rowing in with PLANTEUR to take his revenge on Behkabad in a race which could be dominated by the home team.

Visser fillies can strike at Clairwood

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - One of the younger trainers has an opportunity to score a double at Clairwood on Wednesday. Deon Visser, who was formerly assistant to Alec Laird before taking out his own license, appears to have a useful filly in Silent Call.

Bravura to return to action within weeks

Nicci Garner — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RACING REPORTER - Bravura, unbeaten after five career starts as a three-year-old but sidelined due to an injury incurred before the KZN Champions Season, should be back in action within a few weeks.

Strydom could make his Cape stopover a worthwhile outing

Nicci Garner — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Jockey Piere Strydom spends his second successive meeting at Durbanville on Tuesday and he could be in for a very lucrative afternoon.

Water Jet should shoot to victory at Flamingo

Nicci Garner — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - After winning Kimberley’s biggest race last time out, Water Jet returns to the track in the Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m today. The talented son of Jet Master won the Racing Association Mile with ease last time out and is strongly fancied to win again.

Cumani, Fallon set for success at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Luca Cumani traditionally hits a purple patch at this time of year and Fimias can add another to his tally in the Bet Champions League Football – Betdaq Nursery at Kempton.

Poet's Voice stars in fantastic four for Dettori

Nicci Garner — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Frankie Dettori enjoyed another memorable afternoon at Ascot on Saturday, the 14th anniversary of his magnificent seven winners at the track, when he completed a fabulous four-timer at the course.

Iron Curtain hangs on gamely to win exciting Emerald Cup at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER WINNING a graded race can often be compared to a hand of bridge – you need the cards to lie in your favour. For the Robbie Sage-trained Iron Curtain, that is exactly how Saturday’s R600,000 Emerald Cup over 1450m on the Vaal sand panned out.

Laaheb to land Ascot’s Lodge Stakes

Nicci Garner — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Laaheb could hardly have been more impressive on his most recent start and his autumn harvesting can continue in the Grosvenor Casinos Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot on Sunday.

It’s time to Dance With Mikey

Nicci Garner — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: DANCE With Mikey ran Star Empire to 4.75 lengths in the Darley Arabian Stakes at Clairwood in August when above-average Galileo’s Galaxy was second.

Jagermeister to be the toast of Durbanville

Nicci Garner — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: JAGERMEISTER is in good form and could rack up his third win in a row when he contests the R125,000 Settlers Trophy (Listed) over 2400m at Durbanville on Sunday.

Feature double for Paul Matchett

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Paul Matchett had a big smile when the curtain came down on the first day of the Emerald Festival of Racing at the Vaal on Friday.

Parade Prince a banker as Emerald Festival kicks off

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PIERE STRYDOM: IT looks like I’m in for a busy few days as we have racing at the Vaal on Friday and Saturday and then I will be riding at Durbanville on both Sunday and Tuesday next week.

Bella Jet to fly home against fillies

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHILE Cinnamon Sugar and Queen’s Bay will be taking on the boys in the R600,000 Emerald Cup over 1450m, the fillies will have a their own race in the Listed Emerald Total Rewards Fillies Handicap over the same distance on the Vaal sand on Saturday.

Others to eat Storm’s dust

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE is always an air of excitement when the R600,000 Emerald Cup comes around each year as it heralds the start of the summer racing season on the Highveld.

Renegade, Mannequin stand out in sprint features

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE two-day Emerald Festival of Racing kicks off on Friday with two Listed sprint races on the Vaal sand track.

Lanigan’s charge to make Ascot punters smile

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - SPARKLING SMILE can make a swift transition from multiple handicap winner to Listed victor in the Princess Royal Transformers And Rectifiers EBF Harvest Stakes at Ascot.

Greeff scores 1-2 in Walmer Handicap

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RACING REPORTER: PORT ELIZABETH - Following a narrow defeat of his charge Jettatura in the same event last year, trainer Alan Greeff left punters reeling again when his two long-shots, Scripture and Katara, claimed the first two places in the R90,000 Walmer Handicap (fillies and mares) over 1800m at Arlington on Thursday.

Woodruff disappointed Don’t Tell Titch won't run

Nicci Garner — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Geoff Woodruff admitted he was very disappointed that Don’t Tell Titch did not make it into the field for the R600,000 Emerald Cup over 1450m on the Vaal sand on Saturday.

Umhlaba now a gelding

Nicci Garner — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ON Tuesday there was a flood of money for the Mike de Kock-trained Umhlaba for Race 2 at Greyville.

Sirvino may just have the edge at Pontefract

Nicci Garner — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Sirvino is a tentative selection in the feature race of the day at Pontefract. An intriguing eight-runner field has been lured to the party for the Simon Scrope Dalby Screw-Driver Handicap, but slight preference is for David Barron's five-year-old.

Cinnamon Sugar, Queen’s Bay could strike for the fairier sex

Nicci Garner — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: FILLIES and mares do not have a good record in the Emerald Cup with Sandy Beach one of the few members of the fairer sex to have run a place in the R600,000 race over 1450m on the Vaal sand.

Tarry can benefit from night meeting

Nicci Garner — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WITH apologies to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, in the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of night racing. Greyville will host the first night meeting of the new season on Thursday and it should be a cracker.

Lovetorn to thwart Tuvana Silva

Nicci Garner — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE is little doubt that Miss Scaramanga is one of the best fillies to race in Port Elizabeth. Justin Snaith’s runner was unbeaten in her first three starts in the province, but was then made to look decidedly second rate by Lovetorn in the listed Jockey Club Stakes over 2000m at Arlington.

Deep Water out, Raga Muffin gets his chance

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE withdrawal of Deep Water from Saturday’s R600,000 Emerald Cup has opened the way for first reserve Raga Muffin to line-up for this Grade 2 race over 1450m on the Vaal sand track.

Sandsational Emerald Cup!

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

YOU can bank on six hours of superb racing and great music when horseracing company Phumelela’s 2010 Spring-Summer Feature Season kicks off with Africa’s richest race on sand, the R600,000 Emerald Cup, at the Vaal this Saturday.

How the runners shape up for the Emerald Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A full field of 14 runners, plus two emergency acceptors, are carded for this Saturday's R600,000 Emerald Cup.

How the runners shape up for Emerald Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A competitive field of 14, plus two emergency acceptors, will are carded for this Saturday's R600,000 Emerald Cup. We had a look at their form.

65 first entries for Sansui Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SIXTY-FIVE horses have been nominated at the first-entry stage for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup (Grade 1) to be run over 2000m at Turffontein on the last Saturday in November.

65 entries for 2010 Sansui Summer Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SIXTY-FIVE horses have been nominated at the first-entry stage for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup (Grade 1) to be run over 2000m at Turffontein on the last Saturday in November.

Top ‘miler’ honours up for grabs at Ascot

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The Sony Ascot Festival this Saturday is one of the highlights of the British and Irish racing calendar with two Group 1 races and a Group 2 contest on the bill.

Spice Club can finally get off the mark

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: SPICE CLUB has limitations, but she looks hard to oppose in Race 3 at the Vaal on Tuesday, a Maiden Qualified Handicap for fillies and mares over the specialist 1600m on the turf track.

Feature-placed Mar Aberto will be hard to beat

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: MAR ABERTO was beaten into second in his most recent run by the top-class Water Jet in Kimberley’s biggest race, the Racing Association Mile over 1600m.

Hymnsheet could find her voice at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - HYMNSHEET receives the seal of approval in the Brother 141 Handicap at Kempton.

Zim champ recaptures top form

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOCKEY Anthony Delpech keeps Zimbabwe champion Winter’s Night going long enough to post a game neck victory over Dance At Daylight in Race 6 at Clairwood on Sunday, a 1600m Pinnacle Stakes.

Neisius and Bass clean up at Cape meeting

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TRAINER Mike Bass' rich vein of form continued at Kenilworth on Saturday when the stable saddled three winners, but jockey Karl Neisius stole the show in booting home four winners and a close second.

Punters in the pound seats at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: ALTHOUGH not all the results went punters’ way, there were only two upsets in the Pick 6 races and the pool was shared by many punters, who went home with a dividend of R5,347,60.

Sugar looks sweet for Cup

Nicci Garner — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CINNAMON SUGAR has been backed for the R600,000 Emerald Cup, Africa's richest race, over 1450m at the Vaal on Saturday. Roy Magner's filly, who has a nearly flawless record over the course and distance, is currently joint favourite with Storm Crossing.

Chad Schofield rides first winner

Nicci Garner — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST - SYDNEY - Young Chad Schofield, 16-year-old son of Glyn Schofield, rode his first Australian winner at Newcastle on Wednesday last week.

Winning comeback for Delegator

Nicci Garner — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Delegator's exploits in 2009 appeared to have been ignored by many as he returned to action in a Listed race at Newbury on Friday at a surprisingly generous 3-1.

Be on the Ivory Trail to success at Clairwood

Nicci Garner — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - A horse who can beat Pocket Power when the champion was at his peak should make you stand up and take notice. He clearly has a liking for Clairwood and he is well weighted to win Race 6, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1600m.

Interim suspension imposed on Roux

Nicci Garner — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A sub-committee of the National Board of the National Horseracing Authority conducted a hearing yesterday to consider imposing an interim suspension pending the finalisation of an appeal lodged by JS (Kobus) Roux.

What A Winter to show his class in Sophomore Sprint

Nicci Garner — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - It is no secret that Cape trainer Mike Bass rates What A Winter as one of his best prospects for the upcoming summer season.

Fulgur stands out at Newmarket

Nicci Garner — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Fulgur gets the nap vote in the MC Seafood Median Auction Maiden Stakes as racing returns to the Rowley Mile course at Newmarket on Friday afternoon.

Choose the right groove at Arlington

Nicci Garner — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - When a horse turns seven years old you expect it to be near the end of its racing career. All of a sudden its performances begin to decline but that’s not the case with Choose The Groove. He has won his last two runs and bids to complete the treble in Race 6 at Arlington on Friday.

Well-drawn Checcetti can stake a claim for the future

Nicci Garner — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - As the summer season approached trainers start to show their hands as they prepare their runners for the upcoming feature races. We've already seen two three-year-olds stake their claims.

Storm Crossing priced up favourite for Emerald Cup

Nicci Garner — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DESPITE his No 16 draw, Storm Crossing has been installed as the 7-2 favourite for the R600,000 Emerald Cup (Grade 2) to be run over 1450m on the Vaal sand track on Saturday 25 September.

Mary Lou and Igugu stand out as bankers at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - The race meeting at the Vaal Thursday could be viewed as the eye of the hurricane as it is a brief encounter with the turf track in the midst of the sand racing season.

Rebel Raider suffers career-threatening injury

Nicci Garner — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MELBOURNE - Leading Melbourne Cup contender Rebel Raider has suffered a major leg injury, placing his racing career in jeopardy.

Storm Crossing draws widest of all for Emerald Cup

Nicci Garner — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

EARLY favourite for the R600,000 Emerald Cup, Storm Crossing, drew widest of all at No 16 when the barrier positions were made known on Wednesday night.

Let’s hear it for the Girl at Pontefract

Nicci Garner — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Gouray Girl is the confident pick to defy top weight in the Pontefract Park Fillies' Handicap for the Walter Swinburn yard today.

Changes to Summer Cup fee structures

Nicci Garner — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE first nominations for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup (Grade 1) to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 27 November 2010 close on Monday 20 September at 11am and owners and trainers need to be aware of the revised entry/declaration dates and fees’ structure.

Final field for Emerald Cup live on Tellytrack

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE buildup to the R600,000 Emerald Cup will come to a this evening when the final field for the Grade 2 race over 1450m at the Vaal on Saturday 25 September will be unveiled.

What A Winter to make it a great Cape summer for Bass

Nicci Garner — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE trainer Mike Bass has a number of useful three-year-olds going into the Cape season and top of the list appear to be the colts What A Winter and Castlethorpe.

Distant-suited Fathsta will be hard to stop at Haydock

Nicci Garner — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Fathsta must go close in the EBF Griffiths & Armour Classified Stakes at Haydock today.

Kobus Roux warned off, Andrew Fortune fined

Nicci Garner — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Kobus Roux has been warned off after his runner, Tara’s Flight, tested positive for a banned substance.

Al Felon looking to up rating for Emerald Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainers are often complaining that the handicapper has rated their horses too highly but occasionally one finds someone who wishes the boys in the backroom would heap the ``pudding’’ on one of their runners.

Schofield’s winning mount could be Ascot-bound

Nicci Garner — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST, SYDNEY - Former KwaZulu-Natal rider Glyn Schofield went to Melbourne this weekend to partner boom sprinter Hay List in the Grade 3 McEwen Stakes over 1000m at Moonee Valley.

Buick claims his first Classic on Arctic Cosmos

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DONCASTER - Arctic Cosmos, sporting first-time blinkers, gave rising star of the saddle William Buick his first Classic success in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster.

Nawaashi to follow up on great debut run

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Nawaashi shaped with abundant promise on debut, and anything less than victory will be disappointing when she lines up in Redcar’s EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes this afternoon.

Five winners for Bass at Kenilworth

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Mike Bass had a superb day at Kenilworth on Saturday with five winners on the nine-race card.

City Of Bells and Shea Shea should be worth following

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - There were some decent horses in action at Turffontein on Saturday but there were two in particular who stood and should pay to follow – City Of Bells and Shea Shea.

Hannon filly set for Welsh Jolly at Ffos Las

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Jollywood found Listed company a touch too tough last time but she can make the most of a drop in class and regain the winning thread at Ffos Las Sunday.

Dongola to make amends at Scottsville

Nicci Garner — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - Dongola could have his consistency rewarded in Race 8 over 1950m at Scottsville on Sunday. He has found form in his last three runs and now looks due for a win.

Snaith, Marshall to provide bankers at Kenilworth

Nicci Garner — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - There look to be two useful bankers for Pick 6 and Jackpot punters on the Kenilworth card on Saturday although ironically, it may not be that easy for players of the Place Accumulator.

Take a walk on the `Wild’ side in St Leger

Nicci Garner — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Rewilding is a justifiably short-priced favourite for the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster today. Godolphin's colt has made breathless progress since his arrival in England, and can reach his zenith in the final Classic of the season.

Azzie and JP can ring the bells for Variety of reasons

Nicci Garner — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Michael Azzie and apprentice Juan Paul van der Merwe have struck up a great partnership and they should feature prominently in the two races in which they team up at Turffontein on Saturday.

Gauteng Starter gets a final written warning

Nicci Garner — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirmed on Thursday, 9 September that, in terms of its Disciplinary Code, a penalty of a final written warning has been imposed on Mr BE “Solly” Ngcobo, the Race Starter in Gauteng.

Improved Watchful can defy weight change on Vaal sand

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Rate of improvement versus weight. That is the conundrum facing punters in Race 4 at the Vaal tomorrow, a MR 85 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1450m on the sand.

Consistency to pay off for Meeznah in Doncaster feature

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Meeznah can finally land the big pot her consistent efforts this season have deserved in the DFS Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster today.

Rocket Man honoured in Aushorse awards

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SINGAPORE - The Patrick Shaw-trained Rocket Man was tonight named the winner of the Aushorse Marketing Australian-bred Singapore Champion Award.

Short holiday for jocks

Nicci Garner — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A GROUP of jockeys and apprentice jockeys have each landed themselves a one-week ban for a various series of offences.

Bank on Free Money at Doncaster

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - My Freedom bids to make it two wins from as many starts in the Arena Structures Nursery on the opening day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster.

Tailormade could be a perfect fit at Scottsville

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - Tailormade is like an aging wine. The older he gets the better he runs. He has found a new lease of life in his last two starts and he could continue the run in Race 5 at Scottsville on Wednesday.

Racing Express Star Of The Month: Rugg, Pheiffer

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ONE of the main aspects of horseracing for punters is obviously to make money. Had punters followed trainer Vernon Rugg and young apprentice Evert Pheiffer they would have walked away with a very healthy profit in the month of August.

O’Brien strikes in Ireland as Cape Blanco flies home

Nicci Garner — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Coolmore were unable to hoist the Starspangledbanner, their champion Aussie speedball being eclipsed in the Haydock Sprint.

Kannemeyer could strike with Blake, Chippendale

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - He would probably rate this as the kiss of death, the way the horses are running in the Western Cape at the moment, but trainer Dean Kannemeyer could have two winners at tomorrow’s Durbanville meeting.

Meehan’s Titus Mills looks a titan at Goodwood

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Titus Mills can keep the Brian Meehan bandwagon rolling in the Peter Willett Stakes at Goodwood today.

Defending champ Phunyuka tops Emerald Cup weights

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LAST year’s winner, Phunyuka, has been allotted top weight for this year’s Grade 2 Emerald Cup to be run over 1450m on the sand track at the Vaal Racecourse on Saturday 25 September.

Kimberley champ, Indigofera, injured

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By NICCI GARNER: KIMBERLEY’S top horse of 2009-10, Indigofera, will probably not race again as a three-year-old, says her owner-trainer Corne Spies, who also won the owners’ championship in the Northern Cape last season.

`Boy’ can continue his march to fame at Flamingo

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - Combera Boy could turn out to be a Kimberley champion. His two career starts have yielded a debut win at Flamingo Park and a good second to Parlotone at the Vaal last time out.

Anderson forced to deal with racing's ups and downs

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - When Valley Of Rubies won Race 7 at Turffontein on Saturday, it proved to be some consolation for trainer Ernie Anderson because the last month has been a period of mixed fortunes for him.

Moore’s Apache Warrior looks a straight arrow

Nicci Garner — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Middleham trainer George Moore has his small string in good heart at present and APACHE WARRIOR can build on a promising debut in the LA Taxis Maiden Stakes at Newcastle.

He's so good it's Shocking!

Nicci Garner — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner, Shocking, shocked even his trainer when scoring over 1600m at Flemington on Saturday on a heavy track.

Rocket Man on target for Japan after facile win

Nicci Garner — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SINGAPORE - Singapore’s pin-up sprinter Rocket Man made a successful racing comeback by taking Sunday’s $200,000 Group 3 Woodlands Handicap (1200m) in his customary devastating fashion, smashing the course record for good measure.

Inquiry into Vaal race debacle

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On 26 August Race 4 at the Vaal Racecourse was declared null and void.

Kentucky Express can set sail for Hollywood

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: WHAT A WINTER is one of the better three-year-olds around, so Kentucky Express, who finished just two lengths behind him last time out, must also be above average and the Mike De Kock inmate could be a hard horse to beat in Race 5 at Scottsville on Sunday.

Mary Lou can pave way to a pot of Pick 6 gold

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE are times when a runner is so well weighted and so down in class that it is can almost be classed as that elusive "racing certainty’’.

Neisius takes to the Court with a fistful of good rides

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: LAST weekend punters were given a drubbing at Kenilworth but they look to have a good chance of getting their money back at the track on Saturday.

Three good bets on Fairview card

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IF the horses run to form at Fairview on Friday there could be a few good bets on the card.

Noseda can get lost in a winning moment

Nicci Garner — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - LOST IN THE MOMENT, a horse on the upward path, can bag a hat-trick for the Jeremy Noseda team in the Felbridge Handicap at Lingfield.

Roux takes horse owners for millions

Nicci Garner — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALEC HOGG, Moneyweb: Among those ripped off by a thief who stole millions from racehorse owners.

Margot Did can do it for her supporters

Nicci Garner — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Margot Did endured a luckless run at York last time out but she can set the record straight with victory at Salisbury.

De Kock trio add to classy midweek Vaal sand card

Nicci Garner — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: PACK up the picnic baskets and go and spend an afternoon at the Vaal Racecourse on Thursday. So many midweek meetings are loaded with weak fields and low-calibre handicaps but this eight-race card on the sand course is just packed with top-class and competitive runners.

KZN-based Naidoo makes a lucrative raid on Kimberley

Nicci Garner — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: KWAZULU-NATAL trainer Kom Naidoo enjoyed a lucrative afternoon in Kimberley on Wednesday. He took seven horses to Flamingo Park and won the first of the two feature races, the Betting World Sprint, with Furious Dancer plus two of the minor races.

Sonic Barrier to give Laird a Flamingo Park feature double

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - TRAINER Charles Laird will be attempting to repeat his feat of last year by winning both feature races on the second day of the Flamingo Park Festival in Kimberley on Wednesday.

Flamingo track to get R1.3-m refurbishment

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE successful Flamingo Park sand racing surface is to be refurbished at a cost of about R1.3 million.

Locals not favoured in selecting feature fields

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

KIMBERLEY-BASED horses were not favoured by the local conditions when the fields for the feature races at Flamingo Park on Wednesday, the Betting World Sprint and Flamingo Park Mile, were decided.

Boom and Bust can thunder to victory

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Kieren Fallon is an eye-catching booking for BOOM AND BUST as he makes his handicap debut at Kempton.

Coetzee on sojourn in Singapore

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SINGAPORE - South African jockey Felix Coetzee has been granted a five-day jockey’s license by the Singapore Turf Club.

Casey’s Son looks the part over 2400m

Nicci Garner — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - TOPWEIGHT Casey’s Son can return to winning ways at Durbanville on Wednesday as he goes over 2400m, his best trip, in Race 7.

Lucky may take JJ to Hong Kong

Nicci Garner — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CHAMPION sprinter JJ The Jet Plane could be on his travels again with trainer Lucky Houdalakis considering a tilt at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint on 12 December.

Sand stars are in line to score jewel of a double

Nicci Garner — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NO horse has won the R600,000 Emerald Cup twice but Alimony and Phunyuka will be hoping to break the mould when they line up for the Grade 2 race over 1450m on the Vaal sand track on Saturday 25 September.

Sand stars are in line to score jewel of a double

Nicci Garner — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Castlethorpe has all the right credentials to shed maiden tag

Nicci Garner — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - DRACONIAN may only have finished fourth at Clairwood yesterday but the form behind him when he won his maiden on debut over 1200m at Clairwood has been dazzling.

Newz can continue beefing up her act

Nicci Garner — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - ANGUS NEWZ recorded her first win in almost two years at Newmarket last Saturday and is fancied to continue her revival in Leicester's ladbrokes.com Prestwold Conditions Stakes.

Mayson to take Trophy glory at Ripon

Nicci Garner — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Richard Fahey's Mayson is strongly fancied to secure his first success in Listed company in the Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy today.

Sir Dodge to weave his way to victory

Nicci Garner — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN Peter Miller could get his Flamingo Festival off to a bang with Sir Dodge in Race 7 over 1200m today. He is represented by three strong runners, of which Sir Dodge appears to be the best.

Prime Circle to rock racegoers at the Emerald Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

POPULAR rock band Prime Circle has been confirmed as the headline musical act for the forthcoming R600,000 Emerald Cup. The Emerald Cup, a three-day festival of sand racing from 23 to 25 September, is hosted by the Emerald Resort & Casino, Phumelela and the Racing Association.

Payne’s Masquerader runs out of luck in Golden Rose

Nicci Garner — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST- Sydney -rainer David Payne had the favourite in Saturday’s $1 million Golden Rose (Grade 1) for three-year-olds over 1400m but his charge might as well have stayed in his box given the way the race was run

Appie is happy as De Kock duo stake Emerald Cup claims

Nicci Garner — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - For any young apprentice winning their first feature race has to be a special moment. It is especially memorable when your family are on course to share that moment with you

Tropical to turn up the heat in Supreme Stakes

Nicci Garner — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Tropical Paradise secured a landmark first success in Pattern company at Glorious Goodwood last month and she is taken to follow up back at the Sussex track.

Ibrox Park to come flying home as Zaki jets into KZN

Nicci Garner — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Dominic Zaki and jockey Brandon Lerena raid on KwaZulu-Natal this Sunday and in spite of the inconsistent form of some of their runners of late, they should come away from Clairwood with a couple of winners at least.

Aim high at Goodwood on Saturday

Nicci Garner — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Main Aim is taken to best handle the testing conditions at Goodwood in the totesport.com Celebration Mile.

Steyn’s runner can take the crown

Nicci Garner — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN STATE CROWN was rated a top horse as a three and four-year-old, but after sustaining a serious injury, lost his way somewhat. He is slowly coming to hand, though, and looks ready to end the drought.

Imali can point punters to an August windfall in big Pick 6

Nicci Garner — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - The time has come for contenders to throw down the gauntlet for the Grade 2 Emerald Cup over 1450m on the Vaal sand track on Saturday 25 September. The build-up begins with two features.

Miss Scaramanga to rise to the challenge

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN- Miss Scara Scaramanga is unbeaten in Port Elizabeth but Justin Snaith’s filly faces her toughest task to date when she lines up in the Listed Jockey Club Stakes over 2000m at Arlington this afternoon.

Plymouth has solid claims at Newmarket

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - PLYMOUTH ROCK can gain handsome dividends for a descent n distance at Newmarket on Friday.

Draw mess up sinks Dover Crossing's victory at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Brett Warren said he was ``bitterly disappointed’’ after Race 4 at the Vaal yesterday, won by his charge Dover Crossing, was declared null and void.

Kritsiotis to focus on presenting and commentating

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MIKE Rishworth, in his capacity as Tellytrack’s interim broadcast executive, announced today that Nico Kritsiotis has decided to step down from a Tellytrack managerial role from 1 October in order to focus on presenting and commentating.

Cracker Jack display expected from Woodruff's stayer

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Racing may be between seasons right now but punters will be treated to a crackerjack card at the Vaal on Thursday.

Here is a perfect chance for Jack My Boy

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Jack My Boy can atone for a lacklustre run at Newmarket last time by landing the feature event at Ffos Las today. The three-year-old had been on a bit of a roll for trainer David Evans, winning twice on the bounce, before his progress came to a shuddering halt at Headquarters.

Noble Heir becomes an Aussie heiress

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

COMPUTAFORM SPRINT winner Noble Heir has been bought by Australian multi-millionaire racehorse owner and Ultra Tune executive chairman Sean Buckley.

Online betting on horseracing and sport is legal

Nicci Garner — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HORSERACING and tote betting operators Phumelela and Gold Circle, and corporate bookmaking chain Betting World, would like to point out that online betting on horseracing and sport is legal.

Colepeper to take the Brighton pot

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - COLEPEPER showed signs of a return to form last time out and can build on that encouraging impression at Brighton.

Follow Jo Piper into winner’s circle at Scottsville

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - Jo Piper in Race 7 over 1600m stands out as one of the best bets on an open-looking card at Scottsville on Wednesday. Dennis Drier’s charge has finished close-up to some top-class fillies, including an eye-catching effort behind Autumn Gold last time out.

Experts believe JP has what it takes to join 'The Elites'

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

IT has been quite a while since an apprentice has attracted so much attention from hardened racegoers, but in recent months Juan Paul van der Merwe has done just that. In fact his principle trainer, Mike Azzie, calls him ``gifted’’ and jaded racing experts like Jack Milner and David Mollett, often sing his praises. NICCI GARNER decided to catch up with him to find out what all the fuss is all about.

William Buick is Ebor showstopper

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Rip Van Winkle, Rewilding and Midday were the equine stars of a fantastic Ebor meeting at York last week, with former champion apprentice William Buick proving the two-legged showstopper, courtesy of his memorable trans-Atlantic Group 1 double on Debussy in Chicago and Dream Ahead in France.

Final fields for Saturday's Vaal features

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE weights for this Saturday’s R150,000 August Stakes (Listed) on the Vaal sand favour Mike de Kock’s charge Braggadacio.

Lottery Funds assist SA apprentice jockeys

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) has provided the South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) with a grant of R1. 1-million to be used for training and educating apprentice jockeys for the horse racing industry in South Africa.

Perfect chance for Hamloola to open her account

Nicci Garner — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - William Haggas' Hamloola has the look of a good thing in the Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium Maiden Fillies' Stakes at the seaside venue today.

National feel to entries for Flamingo features

Nicci Garner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Runners from all over the country appear among the nominations for the two feature races to be run at the Flamingo Park Festival on Wednesday 1 September.

Rejuvenated Deigo is worth following on the Vaal sand

Nicci Garner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: AS a juvenile, Deigo looked to have a pretty useful future. After winning his first two starts he ran a two-length third to ill-fated Runaway Man in the Listed Storm Bird Stakes and then finished a 1.50-length second to the same runner in the Grade 3 Protea Stakes over 1100m at Turffontein.

Riggins looks ready to strike at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - RIGGINS has a perfect opportunity to post his first victory of 2010 at Kempton on Monday.

Penalties should not stop Time And Love

Nicci Garner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TIME AND LOVE keeps getting penalty after penalty for being victorious but on keeps winning. Having won over 1400m in his last two starts, he could complete the hat-trick in Race 5 over 1600m at Fairview on Monday.

Charity Mile could be on the cards for Captain’s Wild

Nicci Garner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Penny Kimberley appears to have a useful runner in her stable in the form of Captain’s Wild and he now may be aimed at the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile at Turffontein on 6 November.

Ideal chance for Victory Beat to pound home

Nicci Garner — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT seems hard to believe that Victory Beat is still a maiden after four starts but Sean Tarry’s runner will never get an easier opportunity to open his account than in Race 2 over 2400m at Scottsville on Sunday.

Ras’ll dazzle ‘em at Musselburgh

Nicci Garner — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - RASAMAN fell short when upped in class at York earlier in the week but can gain swift compensation at Musselburgh.

De Kock to inject new life into maturing Lions Blood

Nicci Garner — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE Mike de Kock factor comes into play at Turffontein on Saturday when the champion trainer sends out Lion’s Blood in Race 7, a MR 103 Handicap over 1600m on the standside track. In fact, the six-year-old son of Dominion Royale returns to the course and distance that shot him to fame in November 2007 when he won the Grade 2 Dingaans over 1600m.

Measuring Time can give Hannon solace

Nicci Garner — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Richard Hannon suffered a couple of reverses at the Ebor meeting this week but MEASURING TIME is taken to get the stable back on track at Sandown.

Rosestone to get to line in time

Nicci Garner — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TRAINER Piet Steyn does relatively well with his small string and finished in the top 50 on the National Trainers’ Log in the 2009-10 racing season, which ended on 31 July. While he has not saddled a winner in the last month, Rosestone could get the stable back in a winning groove at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Thrills and fun at this year's Emerald Cup

Nicci Garner — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Emerald Cup, Africa’s richest race on sand, will be run at the Vaal on Saturday 25 September and will form part of a weekend festival of racing.

PE legends, Claasen and Greeff, die

Nicci Garner — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JUST hours after Nic Claassen died on Wednesday morning, further sad news broke that another Port Elizabeth training legend, Stanley Greeff, had passed away death after a long battle with cancer.

Snow Fairy can add third Oaks to her CV

Nicci Garner — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - SNOW FAIRY can take full advantage of a handy weight allowance in Thursday’s Darley Yorkshire Oaks.

Breeders and Government back BEE weanling scheme

Nicci Garner — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: WITH a powerful black economic empowerment policy in place, the South African Government has vowed to "build the skills required by the economy and advance employment equity in every area of work and economic endeavour’’.

Martyr set to shine again at Ebor

Nicci Garner — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - The big handicap of this week’s prestigious four-day Ebor meeting at York is the Ebor in which I like Richard Hannon’s MARTYR.

14 in a row for `The Budapest Bullet’

Nicci Garner — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - One of the most exciting sprinters in Europe is unbeaten Hungarian-trained Overdose, who took another step along the comeback trail when blitzing home by 10 lengths in his homeland last weekend.

Three SA riders go to Mauritius

Nicci Garner — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MAURITIUS - Johnny Geroudis has accepted a contract to ride for trainer Gilbert Rousset in Mauritius and last weekend booted in his first winner for the stable.

`Oom Nic’ stable after stroke

Nicci Garner — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: VETERAN Port Elizabeth trainer Nic Claassen is in a serious but stable condition following a stroke on Sunday night.

Equus competition winners

Nicci Garner — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HUNDREDS of entries were received for the tabonline-Racing Express Equus Awards competition.

Murtagh Rips to last-gasp success

Nicci Garner — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Rip Van Winkle benefited from a strong Johnny Murtagh ride to deny owner Prince Khalid Abdullah a famous victory in the Juddmonte International at York.

Byword to give Abdullah landmark Juddmonte win

Nicci Garner — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - BYWORD can present owner Khalid Abdullah with a landmark win in the Juddmonte International Stakes, the feature event on the opening day of the Ebor Festival at York.

Fenerbahce looks set to break the long drought

Nicci Garner — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TRAINER Gary Alexander’s Fenerbahce could end a long drought in the first of two R95,000 Conditions Plates over 1450m at the Vaal on Tuesday.

Jack Dan to open his account for Lotz

Nicci Garner — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: JACK DAN has run two promising races since transferring to Kimberley-based trained Leon Lotz from the Eastern Cape and rates the one to beat in the main race at Flamingo Park on Monday, a 1000m Pinnacle Stakes.

The Confessor can follow up at Kempton

Nicci Garner — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - THE CONFESSOR won with any amount in hand at Southwell a week ago and another bold showing can be expected in the Epsom Trainers Open Day August 22nd Handicap at Kempton.

My Kazzie not tuned up but wins anyway

Nicci Garner — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MY KAZZIE (Bernard Fayd’herbe), making her debut for recently returned trainer Neil Bruss, was quoted in the red for Race 3 at Clairwood on Sunday, a Novice Plate over 1200m, and made short work of beating Street Cred by 2.25 lengths.

Katici Princess gets Mark back on the honours roll

Nicci Garner — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: JOCKEY Mark Neisius, who only returned to the saddle in June after going into remission with cancer, was back on the feature-race honours roll at Kenilworth on Saturday when he scored a 10-1 upset aboard Katici Princess in the Grade 3 Champagne Stakes over 1200m.

Quick Single shows she is feature-race material

Nicci Garner — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: QUICK SINGLE put herself in line to contest some of the biggest races on the Highveld this season with an easy victory over 1800m at Turffontein on Saturday.

Russell Baze scores 11,000th win

Nicci Garner — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES (California) - Jockey Russell Baze, horseracing's ultimate blue collar warrior, reached new heights on Saturday with his unprecedented 11,000th career win.

Sir Lowry to win for Marcus at Clairwood

Nicci Garner — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - A Number of decent horses go to post at Clairwood on Sunday including Sir Lowry, who could resume winning ways in Race 6, a MR 99 Handicap over 1600m.

Tyawa takes over as CEO of NGB

Nicci Garner — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Gambling Board (NGB) has a new chief executive. Baby (Penelope) Tyawa took over from caretaker CEO Tebi Moja six weeks ago.

Desire to take Pontefract feature

Nicci Garner — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Michael Jarvis can land Sunday’s feature race at Pontefract with his speedy filly BEYOND DESIRE.

Sans Frontiers to go in again at Newbury

Nicci Garner — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - SANS FRONTIERES has always been held in high regard and can continue his recent resurgence in the CGA Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury today.

Strawberry Ice to find winning groove

Nicci Garner — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - Trainer Dean Kannemeyer started the new season with a winner at the very first Western Cape fixture, but hasn’t fired again since. Strawberry Ice could change all of that in the Champagne Stakes (Grade 3) over 1200m at Kenilworth tomorrow

Highest-rated Hooray inspires a confident bet

Nicci Garner — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - HOORAY can bring good cheer to Sir Mark Prescott by scooping Listed honours at Newbury on Friday.

Irish Flame gets SA racing's highest accolade at 2010 Equus Awards

Nicci Garner — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - IRISH FLAME, owned by Larry Nestadt, Bernard Kantor, Gary Barber and Percy von Molendorff and trained by Mike de Kock, has been awarded South African horseracing’s highest accolade.

Hearts Of Fire can singe the Salisbury turf

Nicci Garner — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Salisbury stages a fascinating totesport.com Sovereign Stakes, in which Pat Eddery's HEARTS OF FIRE is taken to get off the mark for the season.

Cecil sympathetic about Harbinger’s breakdown

Nicci Garner — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Veteran trainer Henry Cecil sympathised with another as York prepared for next week's Ebor meeting without its No 1 attraction.

2010 Emerald Cup festival will be bigger and better

Nicci Garner — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Emerald Cup, Africa’s richest race on sand, celebrates its seventh year of existence in September – and this year’s event promises to be the best yet.

Forest Of Dreams looks set to break the drought at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - Forest Of Dreams may not have won a race since September last year, but he is one of the most consistent horses around and with his merit rating dropping all the while, he might be ready to score again

Two good bets at Scottsville on Wednesday

Nicci Garner — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Victory Beat did not prove an easy ride for Felix Coetzee in his last start but Sean Tarry’s gelding can finally shed his maiden when he contests Race 2 at Scottsville on Wednesday.

House can raise the roof at Salisbury

Nicci Garner — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CEILIDH House is taken to bounce back from her disappointing showing in the Oaks when she contests the EBF Upavon Fillies’ Stakes at Salisbury.

Well-related lots at National Two-Year-Old Sale

Nicci Garner — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THIS weekend’s Emperors Palace National Two-Year-Old Sale, to be held over three days at the TBA Sales Complex at Gosforth Park, features highlights in every session. A host of pedigrees among the 486 lots are stacked with bold black type.

Goldikova can post historic win at Deauville

Nicci Garner — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER, London - Goldikova can claim a piece of racing history in Deauville next Sunday by becoming the first mare to clock up 11 Group 1 races in winning the Prix Jacques le Marois for the second year running

Equus Awards panel faces tough choices

Nicci Garner — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DAVE MOLLETT - In my youth one of singer Dionne Warwick's big hits was ``Say A Little Prayer For Me’’ and that's exactly my feelings ahead of Thursday night's Equus awards banquet at Emperors Palace.

Tim Roberts Finds Winning Formula

Nicci Garner — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBZT, Sydney - Remember Dr. Tim Roberts? He used to ply his veterinarian trade in Johannesburg in the 80s and 90s. Since then the Aussie has built up a reputation as one of Sydney’s best equine vets and his expertise is often translated into cash for happy owners and trainers.

Phumelela supports Mandela Day, 67 min of Goodwill

Nicci Garner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JSE-LISTED Phumelela was an enthusiastic supporter of Mandela Day on 18 July, South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize Laureate’s 92nd birthday.

Group races at Newbury take centre stage

Nicci Garner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Highlight of the week ahead on GBI Racing is the two-day Newbury meeting which starts on Friday.

Have a shot of Jagermeister at Durbanville on Tuesday

Nicci Garner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN - The stayers come out to play in Race 4 at Durbanville on Tuesday when a competitive field lines up over 2400m.

Forjatt to make amends at Nottingham

Nicci Garner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - FORJATT was unlucky to bump into a smart sort in his latest appearance at Doncaster and is strongly fancied to return to winning ways in the EBF Think Taxi Think DG Cars Novice Stakes at Nottingham.

Immelman looks best in battle of distance specialists

Nicci Garner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: PUNTERS are faced with an interesting poser on Monday at Scottsville where they are faced with two horses who are distance specialists in Race 7, a MR 96 Handicap over 1400m.

The Confessor can continue sweet run

Nicci Garner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - THE CONFESSOR has an excellent chance of nailing a hat-trick in the feature race at Southwell.

Simons can add another win to his tally

Nicci Garner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY racing heads to Flamingo Park and Scottsville on Monday and there looks to be plenty to be won at the end of the three-day weekend.

There’s no stopping Nyakatho

Nicci Garner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Ernie Anderson’s decision to duck the Listed Darley Arabian at Clairwood and go for a Novice Plate at Turffontein on Sunday paid dividends.

Ireland retains Shergar Cup and Silver Saddle

Nicci Garner — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Ireland retained both the team title and Silver Saddle after a thrilling conclusion to the Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

R5,000 in TAB bets to be won on Equus Awards

Nicci Garner — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THREE readers can win free TAB bets in a tabonline-Racing Express competition by correctly selecting 10 of the Equus Award winners. The Equus Awards honour the top performers in horseracing each season and will be presented on Thursday 12 August.

Godolphin has feature on a Plata

Nicci Garner — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Godolphin looks set to enjoy a fruitful 30 min on Saturday with the boys in blue holding leading chances in the feature events at Haydock and Newmarket.

Jarvis' Ertikaan looks good in Leicester sprint

Nicci Garner — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - ERTIKAAN can make the most of the drop back to 1200m with victory at Leicester on Sunday.

Nyakatho, Mamalushka to fill coffers at Hospice raceday

Nicci Garner — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: SUNDAY’S Turffontein (standside) meeting is the Hospice Million-Rand Raceday, which aims to raise funds for both the Witwatersrand Hospice and the Highveld Horse Care Unit.

Conditions point to A Daughters Legacy

Nicci Garner — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: A Daughters Legacy is the second highest-rated runner behind four-year-old fillies Comebackanddance and Field Flower in the Grade 3 Final Fling Stakes over 1800m at Kenilworth and at the weight-for-age terms she seems set to record her fourth consecutive victory.

July form points to Laird’s Galileo’s Galaxy in Darley

Nicci Garner — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: MANY racing experts firmly believed Galileo’s Galaxy would have been competitive in last week’s Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July at Greyville.

Chabal should put in a much-improved effort

Nicci Garner — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - CHABAL may have proved something of a disappointment since his high-profile transfer to Godolphin last year but he can get his season back on track at Newmarket.

Take a plunge on Cocoa Beach

Nicci Garner — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: SMART mare Cocoa Beach lines up at Arlington on Friday in Race 3, a Graduation Plate for fillies and mares over 1400m.

Shergar Cup teams finalised

Nicci Garner — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The final jockeys’ teams have been confirmed for the 11th running of the Shergar Cup, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, which will be held at Ascot on Saturday.

Right Grand has the right credentials

Nicci Garner — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - RIGHT GRAND made an excellent start to his handicapping career last month and is the one to follow as he turns out again at Haydock.

Durban July will add interest to popular sale

Nicci Garner — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FOLLOWING last Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July there will undoubtedly be an even greater interest in the progeny of stallions Silvano and Dynasty whose sons Bold Silvano and Irish Flame finished first and second in South Africa’s greatest race.

Sheikitupbaby to twist and shout in tricky stayers’ race

Nicci Garner — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER WITH the winter season now over racing fans on the Highveld will be treated to an entertaining day’s racing by some quality runners at the Vaal tomorrow.

Equus Award nominees announced

Nicci Garner — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THE three-year-old crop stole the show during the 2009-10 racing season, so it stands to reason that one of the leading lights of that generation will take South African horseracing’s highest accolade, Horse Of The Year.

De Kock has high hopes for his dynamic dozen!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: GIVEN the season he has just enjoyed, trainer Mike de Kock wouldn’t be human if he wasn’t excited about his prospects for the next 12 months.

Druid’s Moon set to shine brightly

Nicci Garner — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ALISTAIR COHEN: TRAINER Dean Kannemeyer may have had a quiet and disappointing KwaZulu-Natal winter season but back in Cape Town, he can get the new season off to a good start at Durbanville on Wednesday.

Pontefract fray should break well for Precision

Nicci Garner — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - PRECISION BREAK can atone for his Goodwood no-show when hurled back into the fray at Pontefract.

A Glorious Goodwood for Hannon and Hughes

Nicci Garner — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Goldikova and Midday are two fillies who have conquered the world stage and while both moved a step closer to defending their Breeders’ Cup crown in Kentucky in November with impressive successes last weekend, poker players will know that a pair of aces will always beat a pair of queens, so I will go along with punters who were toasting the unbelievable achievements of Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes at Glorious Goodwood.

You get out what you put in!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TAKING racehorses to the very precipice of their physical capabilities, as the top conditioners in the world have to nowadays, has become more and more scientific in the last decade and the science of feeding racehorses for their arduous and gruelling lifestyle is something most trainers fixate on.

Alverta to be reunited with Angland in France

Nicci Garner — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - The Australian sprinters might have missed out at Royal Ascot this year, but ALVERTA, who took time to acclimatise when arriving in Britain, ran a blinder to finish third in the July Cup at Newmarket and he could prove the best bet of the weekend in the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on Sunday.

Sand specialist Renegade to win for new trainer

Nicci Garner — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: RENEGADE just recently moved from his long-time trainer Jan Breedt, who has handed in his licence, to join the stable of Louis Goosen. The son of Dominion Royale will be in action in race 5, a MR 104 Handicap over 1000m on the sand course at the Vaal on Tuesday.

It’s madness to ignore Millie at Catterick

Nicci Garner — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Mad Millie can be followed with earnest in the Book Now For Saturday 18th September Handicap at Catterick. David O'Meara's three-year-old filly made an encouraging start for new connections at Thirsk two months ago when staying on for second behind Imperial Djay, who is two years older and far more experienced.

Double ends season for Payne

Nicci Garner — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - South African trainer David Payne and jockey Glyn Schofield ended the 2009-2010 season in vintage form. Payne trained a double, and was desperately unlucky not win a third race. His stable is back in red-hot form.

Marcus to captain team in Shergar Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NEWLY crowned champion jockey Anton Marcus is on his way to the United Kingdom to ride in Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

Cheers to a Midnight Martini at Rippon

Nicci Garner — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Midnight Martini looks the star turn in the Armstrong Memorial Handicap at Rippon today. Tim Easterby's valuable sprinter is unquestionably the most progressive contender in this line-up, and will go very close if running to her mark.

Clever punters can make a fortune at Flamingo Park

Nicci Garner — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY - Andrew Fortune, having lost weight, is now all engines running. He will be in full swing today when racing takes place at Flamingo Park and is the jockey to follow at the start of a brand new season.

Six of the best as Delpech brings home Bold Silvano

Nicci Garner — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Ifwinning the Vodacom Durban July came down to a choice of numbers, jockey Anthony Delpech would choose No 6 every time. He won the race for the first time on Classic Flag in 1996.

Tarry scores Grade 1 double in juvenile features

Nicci Garner — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Sean Tarry claimed both Grade 1 juvenile features when Gold Onyx and Happy Archer won the Grade 1 Premier’s Champion Stakes and Thekwini Stakes respectively on Saturday.

Bold Silvano digs down deep to beat Irish Flame in Durban July

Nicci Garner — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MASTER trainer Mike de Kock’s three-year-old pair of Bold Silvano (13-2) and Irish Flame (33-10) fought out a riveting finish to the 2010 Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July over 2200m at Greyville on Saturday.

Coetzee pips Lloyd in big finish to Schweppes 2200

Nicci Garner — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SALUKI produced a late flourish to win the Schweppes 2200m (Grade 3), the first feature on Durban July day at Greyville, Saturday.

Zaki’s Fort Petersburg to stay on the right path

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - While most eyes will be focused on Greyville Racecourse with the running of South Africa’s premier horserace, the Vodacom Durban July, those racing from Turffontein will be treated to an interesting MR 96 Handicap over 1600m as a prelude to the big event

Sean Tarry expects a good day Saturday

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Tarry said that his team of Vodacom Durban July day runners were fit and well and all of them were entered on the day not for the sake of it but because he felt they all had realistic chances, even the ones at long odds.

Draw No 2 points to Kavanagh in Premier's

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - A wide draw over 1600m at Greyville can be an absolute killer and it is a factor that is sure to play a major role in the outcomes of both the Premier’s Stakes and the Thekwini Stakes at Greyville tomorrow.

Prestic has Garden Province Stakes at her mercy

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - IF ever a runner has been presented with an ideal opportunity to win a Grade 1 race it is Prestic in the Garden Province Stakes over 1600m at Greyville on Saturday.

Trainers' comments on July Day runners

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE R3-million Vodacom Durban July has been billed as the most competitive in years and many of the other races on the card are as difficult to decipher. HAROLD STERLEY and JACK MILNER caught up with the trainers of the Durban July runners to get their impressions of the big race and comments about their other runners at the meeting.

Bass puts rumours to rest

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Mike Bass clarified a false rumour that has been circulating regarding his jockey bookings for the Vodacom Durban July.

Sheikh is odds-on to take SA’s most coveted trophy

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DAVID MOLLETT - One of the best post-race interview quotes came at Cheltenham four years ago after War Of Attrition had led home an Irish 1-2-3 in the Gold Cup. Surrounded by reporters, winning owner Michael O'Leary said: ``Blimey, I've died and gone to heaven.’’

Dunlop has the right Tactic in Goodwood Cup

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Stamina is the main attraction on the Sussex Downs today as the top two-milers battle it out for the prestigious Artemis Goodwood Cup, with the improving Tactic looking the most likely winner

Gilmore Girl looks good Eachway wager in Vase

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - Trainer Glen Kotzen’s big gun Big City Life will not be defending his crown in the Vodacom Durban July at Greyville tomorrow, but the trainer could help punters build a stake for their bets in the big race in the R400,000 Mercedes-Benz Gold Vase (Grade 2) over 3000m.

Handicappers have buried Rudra for July, says De Kock

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Mike de Kock believes the handicappers have ruined any chance Rudra may have had of winning Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July.

Rambling with Stenger’s boy is likely to bring joy

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Once again punters will need to be astute when they delve into Thursday's Vaal card where racing takes place on the turf track.

Former cricket star will be 'policing' his first July

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THIS Saturday the former Natal cricketer Neville Daniels will be in the boardroom for his first Vodacom Durban July as a stipendiary steward, while Max Fletcher Campbell will be the July starter for the first time.

Give Bandol a second chance at Fairview

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Bandol flopped badly in his last start but the three-year-old Var gelding deserves another chance when he runs in Race 5 at Fairview today, a MR 88 Handicap over 1000m.

Rileyskeepingfaith can win the Stewards Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER, LONDON - Mick Channon has enjoyed a golden spell in July. Music Show won the G1 Falmouth Stakes, Soraaya took the Princess Margaret at Ascot and evergreen Youmzain was placed for the third time in the King George.

Harbinger’s win looked too good to be true!

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - When things in life seem too good to be true, they usually are and while Harbinger produced an astonishing performance to leave two Derby winners toiling as he scorched to a spectacular 11-length success in course-record time in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last Saturday, some of the post-race reaction has been way over the top.n things in life seem too good to be true, they usually are and while Harbinger produced an astonishing performance to leave two Derby winners toiling as he scorched to a spectacular 11-length success in course-record time in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last Saturday, some of the post-race reaction has been way over the top.

Shirtliff’s head says River Jetez, his heart belongs to the champ

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - Two racehorse owners, the Cape’s Marsh Shirtliff and Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, will have three runners each in Saturday’s R3-million Vodacom Durban July at Greyville.

Polish Lady will go sweetly in her first run on the dirt

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - While some horses do not take readily to the sand surface at the Vaal, Polish Lady is trained there and looks certain to go sweetly on the track. She rates the one to beat in Race 2 over 1450m today, a Maiden Juvenile Plate for fillies.

Majestic Dream set to improve on fair debut

Nicci Garner — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Majestic Dream looked badly in need of the experience in his racecourse introduction at Windsor and better can be expected on his return to the track.

Only the shrewdest punters share R1.12-m Pick 6 pool

Nicci Garner — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - Even though suggested Pick 6 banker Palermo Rosa won the final leg, the R1.12-million pool was shared by only the shrewdest backers with R85,040 being paid out to the holders of the 13.19 winning tickets.

The July Day Pick 6 gets a huge boost

Nicci Garner — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Vodacom Durban July at Greyville this Saturday will trigger Africa’s biggest betting day of the year and a mega R5-million-plus Pick 6 pool is expected as a result of a carryover from Kenilworth on Saturday.

Cheyne, Marday sink Cape punters

Nicci Garner — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - Jockey Greg Cheyne, on a brief sabbatical in Cape Town before returning to Hong Kong on 15 July, wasted no time getting back into the winners’ enclosure at Kenilworth, but made few friends in the process.

Harbinger trounces rivals in memorable King George

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Harbinger absolutely annihilated his King George rivals with a memorable victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1), the midsummer showpiece at Ascot.

July still special for Mike De Kock

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: DURBAN - His horses have excelled in exotic locations like Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, Sha Tin in Hong Kong, Kranji in Singapore and Ascot in the UK, but the Vodacom Durban July trophy is still a piece of silverware that trainer Mike de Kock covets.

Glorious Goodwood is well named

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Glorious Goodwood 2010 is almost upon us and as gloriousgoodwood.net looks forward to one of the best weeks of racing of the summer, punters are rarely disappointed when it comes to Goodwood with several top races on the card.

Durban July blockbuster!

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

IT'S four weeks later than normal because of the World Cup, but the Vodacom Durban July at Greyville this Saturday is going to be a blockbuster!

July facts to help you win!

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

What is the best age? The best draw? Female winners?

How The Runners Shape Up

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A competitive field of 20 will line up for the R3-million Vodacom Durban July and even the experts are battling to pick the winner.

Lloyd can put `July Jinx' in the past

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - This year's Vodacom Durban July will see Jeff Lloyd having an excellent chance of winning the race for the first time as he is aboard the fancy of many pundits, the Mike Bass-trained River Jetez.

Record 33rd career win for Hear The Drums

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PORT ELIZABETH - Hear The Drums seemed to be in all sorts of trouble when Ocean's Away took the call just over halfway down the straight, but jockey Anton Marcus extracted that little bit extra from the champ, who came again to win a 1000m Pinnacle Stakes on Friday.

Monsieur Joe looks right one at Ascot

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Sunday’s racing at Ascot may not be quite as classy as Saturday’s King George card, but Monsieur Joe can put his best foot forward in the Japan Racing Association Sprint Stakes.

Palermo Rosa could be worth the wait in final leg of Pick 6

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT looks a case of saving the best for last, as punters may have to wait until Race 9 at Turffontein on Saturday to latch on to the best bet on the card.

Bass duo could fight out the finish

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Mike Bass will have one eye on the Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July to be run at Greyville Racecourse in Durban on Saturday 31 July when he saddles four runners including champion Pocket Power.

Workforce to strike at Ascot

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Whether it was the strongest renewal of the Derby or not, the punishment handed out by Workforce at Epsom this year was brutal and he should not be opposed in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Sandown payouts revised

Nicci Garner — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The UK Tote has declared new Win and Place payouts for Race 4 at Sandown in the UK on Thursday 22 July.

Laminitis puts paid to Lizard's Desire's career

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: LIZARD’S DESIRE is fighting for his life on his owner Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s farm in Dubai after contracting laminitis.

Marcus in PE to Hear The Drums

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: JOCKEY Anton Marcus makes an almost unheard-of trip to Arlington on Friday for just one ride.

More to come from Fort Vogue, warns Bass

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHILE some pundits have expressed disappointment at the workout by Vodacom Durban July third favourite Fort Vogue at yesterday morning’s gallops, held at Greyville Racecourse, trainer Mike Bass was not one of them.

Alsace to take her revenge at Ascot

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - ALSACE LORRAINE ran an excellent race in defeat at the Royal meeting and can gain compensation back at Ascot on Friday.

Even De Kock `stumped' by July form

Nicci Garner — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Vodacom Durban July pundits around the country will be asking during the next two weeks "where is that German octopus when we need him".

The race every jockey wants to win ... the Durban July

Nicci Garner — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Anthony Delpech has said that the Vodacom Durban July is the race the jockeys of South Africa most want to win and is bullish about his chances this year aboard the Mike de Kock-trained Bold Silvano.

Interesting fields in minor races

Nicci Garner — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN -The supporting features on this year’s Vodacom Durban July card have drawn some very interesting fields, none more so than the Grade 1 Premier’s Champion Stakes where Copper Parade and Kavanagh renew rivalry.

Russian Sage offers `value for money' in betting market

Nicci Garner — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Justin Snaith said that his Vodacom Durban July charge Russian Sage was "the best value for money roughie" in this year’s race.

Crying Lightening can strike at Sandown

Nicci Garner — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - A repeat of Crying Lightening's sixth in the Albany Stakes at Ascot should be good enough to see her home in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Star Stakes at Sandown

Hawk’s Eye set to recoup losses

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: HAWK’S EYE let the side down when he could only manage third place behind Two Strikes at Clairwood 10 days ago, but Joey Ramsden’s runner can recoup losses at Scottsville on Wednesday.

Baransky to keep Al Zarooni in the limelight

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - A mixture of racecourse experience and useful form can see BARANSKY home in front in the Devine Homes EBF Maiden Stakes at Sandown.

Workforce can put his elders in the shade in King George

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Fashion dictates that three-year-olds no longer target the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot, but Khalid Abdullah has opted to buck the trend with his Derby winner WORKFORCE, who can become the first of the classic generation to win the midsummer championship since Alamshar in 2003 by lifting the £1-million prize on the Royal Heath on Saturday.

Payne `bloods’ new apprentice

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SYDNEY - Apprentice Chad Schofield will have his first race-ride at Newcastle on Saturday and trainer David Payne has backed the youngster to make the grade as a rider.

Captain is better than 125-1 in the July - Laird

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Alec Laird is astonished that Captain Scott is the 125-1 outsider for the Vodacom Durban July on Saturday next week.

Yogas proves you don’t need racing in your DNA

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: NEW boy on the block, Yogas Govender, might have ensured that he got the best education that experience can buy, but not even he could have envisaged how well he would do when he took over at the helm of billionaire owner Sabine Plattner’s racing operation at the beginning of the season.

Snow Fairy restores her age group’s honour

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The King George might suggest otherwise, but the cynics have had their knives into this season's middle-distance classic horses, claiming they are not worth a round of drinks.

Money pours on Youmzain for King George

Nicci Garner — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Punters believe Youmzain can make it third-time lucky in Saturday's King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot after just eight runners stood their ground at Monday's five-day stage.

Kavanagh, Copper Parade to clash on July Day

Nicci Garner — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: JOCKEYS Piere Strydom and Kevin Shea have squared up in a number of interesting duels, a couple of which have ended up in the boardroom with the stipendiary stewards having to make the final decision.

Mark Of Honour deserves a second chance

Nicci Garner — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: SOMETIMES when a horse runs an out-of-the-blue bad run, it pays to put a line through that race and try again.

Barq can bite in Yarmouth maiden

Nicci Garner — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Barq showed more than enough on his racecourse debut at Wolverhampton to suggest he can get off the mark in the Peugeot At M R King Lowestoft Maiden Stakes at Yarmouth today.

Oaks double for Snow Fairy

Nicci Garner — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Snow Fairy put in an imperious performance in the Darley-sponsored Irish Oaks over 2400m at The Curragh, streaking clear of her rivals in impressive fashion under a hands and heels ride from Ryan Moore, returning at 7-2.

JJ leaves his rivals trailing in his wake in G1 Mercury

Nicci Garner — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - AN injury enforced break before the R600,000 Mercury Sprint (Grade 1) at Clairwood on Sunday did not make one iota of difference to JJ The Jet Plane, who ran his rivals ragged in the big race.

Indigofera can keep her Kimberley record intact

Nicci Garner — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY - Trainer Corne Spies has been a busy man in the last few days and today will be no exception. He sends a huge entourage to Flamingo Park and will be hoping for some good results.

Duchess Dora can get Quinn stable back on winning roll

Nicci Garner — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Ayr stages a valuable card on Monday and John Quinn’s DUCHESS DORA can take home a large portion of the pot in the Bet At Victor Chandler On 08000 78 78 78 Handicap.

Vets send Musir back to Dubai and De Kock

Nicci Garner — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST, Sydney - Fillies may hold the key to a bumper spring for former South African trainer David Payne.

Prestage’s runner has the right Lineage

Nicci Garner — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - The advantage punters have with a delayed meeting is that they have an insight into which runners were fancied before the decision was taken to reschedule.

JJ The Jet Plane fuelled and ready to fly home

Nicci Garner — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - Trainer Lucky Houdalakis has shown commitment and patience since JJ The Jet Plane returned from overseas, allowing his stable star to get back to top form in his own time.

Soft course favours Shades Of Indigo

Nicci Garner — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - With the winter rains now setting in at the Western Cape it may pay to follow Joey Ramsden’s Shades Of Indigo in Race 8 at Kenilworth tomorrow, a MR 96 Handicap over 1200m.

`World’ has Pick 6 claims at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Last Saturday’s Turffontein card always looked a tricky affair and it came as no surprise that R735,618 of the Pick 6 pool was not won. That amount was carried forward to this Saturday's Turffontein race meeting.

Compensation awaits Emma’s Gift at Newbury

Nicci Garner — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Emma's Gift was unfortunate to bump into a truly top-notch performer at Royal Ascot but compensation awaits her at Newbury.

Green Keeper has the right approach

Nicci Garner — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Once again it’s Justin Snaith and Joey Ramsden taking on the Port Elizabeth trainers in the Grade 3 Champion Juvenile Cup over 1400m at Fairview this afternoon.

Seven De Kock runners in final field for Durban July

Nicci Garner — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Mike de Kock, whose runners have earned almost R19 million in stakes this year, has a very strong hand in the R3-million Durban July (Grade 1) over 2 200m at Greyville on 31 July.

Hong Kong Title No 10 for the `Durban Demon’

Nicci Garner — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SOUTH AFRICAN-born jockey Dougie Whyte held on by a short head to win his 10th consecutive champion’s jockey title in Hong Kong yesterday. Going into the final meeting at Happy Valley, the 38-year-old Whyte had ridden 100 winners, two more than closest rival Brett Prebble.

Durban July field to be announced on Tellytrack

Nicci Garner — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE field and draws for this year's Vodacom Durban July will be broadcast live on Tellytrack at 12.50pm on Thursday afternoon. The R3-million race will be run over 2200m at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 31 July.

Stoute’s belief in son of Smart Strike not a `Myth’

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Desert Myth can benefit from having his sights slightly lowered in Leicester's ladbrokes.com Melton Mowbray Conditions Stakes today. Sir Michael Stoute is very rarely wrong when it comes to assessing a horse’s ability and if he thought the son of Smart Strike was good enough to compete in the Lingfield Derby Trial after only one previous run, then he must have shown him something at home.

Conditions favour Azzie’s sons of Var at Vaal track

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Same question, different horse. Will Vacherin take to the sand? It is the identical poser punters face at so many meetings on the Vaal sand.

Blue Tiger is the pick of the Bass stable

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ROBERT Fayd’herbe, assistant trainer to Mike Bass spoke about the yard’s three runners, Blue Tiger, Rushing Wind and Gaultier for this year’s Mercury Sprint which takes place on Sunday at Clairwood Racecourse.

Give Victory Beat a Top Mark at Scottsville

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Two runners stand out on today’s Scottsville card and it would come as a major surprise to see either getting beaten.

Layline can realise his early potential

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Layline can spring a minor surprise with victory in the EBF Paul Kelleway Memorial Classified Stakes at Lingfield.

Meeznah could take Snow Fairy this time

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER, London - Meeznah can give David Lanigan his biggest success as a trainer by reversing the Epsom form with Snow Fairy and win what promises to be a fascinating Irish Oaks at The Curragh on Sunday.

Profile: Aldo Domeyer's troubled path to success

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - Aldo Domeyer is looking a certainty to win the 2009-10 South African apprentice jockeys’ title, something he vowed to accomplish when the season started on 1 August last year. He is also looking a ``good thing’’ to complete another of his goals and rack up his 200th win before he qualifies.

Battle for Hong Kong title goes down to the wire

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE nail-biting finale to the battle for the Hong Kong jockeys’ premiership takes place today at the final race meeting of the season.

Starspangledbanner flies the flag for Australia

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST, Sydney - Winter hearts have been cheered by the news that Aussie-bred colt Starspangledbanner completed a sensational winning double in England on Friday.

JJ’s turbo is fuelled for Saturday's Mercury Sprint

Nicci Garner — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - It's all systems go for JJ The Jet Plane in Sunday’s Grade 1 Mercury Sprint at Clairwood. The Jet Master five-year-old sustained an injury to a hoof a fortnight ago and was off the track for a week.

De Beer to give up training at end of the month

Nicci Garner — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE-BASED trainer Michael de Beer has decided to give up training at the end of July after only six months for reasons he would not discuss.

Mkombozi can set up a win for Bernard, Yogas

Nicci Garner — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - The combination of jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe and trainer Yogas Govender is turning out to be pretty formidable. The pair continue to churn out the winners and they can be on the mark again on Tuesday when they team up with Mkombozi in race 7 at Durbanville, a MR 96 Handicap over 1400m.

Extra Time can win again for apprentice Pheiffer

Nicci Garner — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY - Extra Time has taken to Flamingo Park like a duck to water. His partnership with apprentice Evert Pheiffer has produced an awesome four wins from four starts.

5000-1 treble for Wiid and Naude

Nicci Garner — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Lance Wiid and jockey Francois Naude had a memorable afternoon at Turffontein on Saturday when they teamed up to bring home three winners.

Lady Eclair looks a sweet bet at Ffos Las

Nicci Garner — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Lady Eclair can continue the terrific run of the Mark Johnston stable in the OJ Williams Heating Oil Handicap at Ffos Las on Monday.

Devin Habib hurt in car accident

Nicci Garner — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Jockey Devin Habib is in the intensive care unit at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg recovering from a motor car accident on Saturday night.

Flying Tristram, Lizarre add their names to July shortlist

Nicci Garner — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Charles Laird has scratched all but one of his horses from the upcoming Vodacom Durban July to be run at Greyville on Saturday 31 July. However that runner, Flying Tristram, put himself firmly in the picture for the R3-million Grade 1 race on Saturday.

Wags won’t make fun of Wigmore Hall

Nicci Garner — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Wigmore Hall has the look of a potential good thing in the John Smith's Cup at York on Saturday.

Top broodmare sires featured at KZN sale

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

BROODMARE prospects by eight of South Africa’s 10 leading broodmare sires are among the 205 lots catalogued for the Kwazulu-Natal Mare, Weanling, Horses In Training and Fillies or Stud Sale, to be held for the first time at Golden Acres Farm near Mooi River on Monday 19 July.

De Kock's Champions Cup day runners pull up well

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Mike de Kock, who was last Saturday a boardroom decision away from breaking his record of three feature wins on a day, said that all of his runners had pulled up well.

Milesia Pride's double will not be duplicated this year

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - The scratching of Big City Life from this year's Vodacom Durban July was sad considering he had the chance of completing the July double on the diamond (60th) anniversary of Milesia Pride's famous second successive win.

29 first acceptances for the July

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TWENTY-NINE horses remain after first acceptances for the R3-million Vodacom Durban July over 2200m on Saturday 31 July.

JJ set to start hot favourite for Mercury

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SOUTH AFRICA'S highest-rated horse, JJ The Jet Plane looks likely to start hot favourite for the R600,000 Mercury Sprint over 1200m at Clairwood on Sunday 18 July.

Rudra can jump-start his engine

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: RACING returns to Clairwood this Sunday and with the Vodacom Durban July (Grade 1) scheduled for the end of the month Race 4, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1800m, could provide many clues for the biggest race on the Kwazulu-Natal racing calendar.

Carryover Pick 6 could yield a massive payout

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ONE of the huge benefits of punting on the Tote is that money not won does not go into somebody’s satchel but gets returned to bettors in the form of a carryover.

Kotzen to thwart Ramsden’s brigade

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: RACE 7 at Kenilworth on Saturday, a FM 84 Handicap over 1400m, looks a case of Joey Ramsden vs the rest.

Look west in East Cape Breeders

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE Listed East Cape Breeders Stakes over 1200m at Fairview on Friday is once again the usual tale of Port Elizabeth’s best taking on Cape Town’s weaker achievers.

Fleeting to show winning spirit

Nicci Garner — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Fleeting Spirit can become the first horse since 1958-59 to win back-to-back renewals of the Darley July Cup. Not since Right Boy struck so many moons ago has this unique Newmarket double been completed.

Autumn Gold to take the lucre at a tricky meeting

Nicci Garner — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: SMALL fields have not made finding winners any easier at Greyville on Friday evening.

Lack of sand experience makes Vaal topliner tricky

Nicci Garner — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Once again punters will have to use a touch of intuition to work out whether a runner will adapt to the Vaal sand track or not.

Top three-year-olds get weights for the Durban July

Nicci Garner — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - As expected, Pocket Power has been given top weight of 60kg for the R3 million Vodacom Durban July over 2 200m at Greyville on Saturday 31 July.

Follow Felix and get happy at Kenilworth

Nicci Garner — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Jockey Felix Coetzee has been travelling across the length and breadth of South Africa in search of winners and he has done so with much success. Coetzee looks the man to follow at Kenilworth today and he could well come away with a fistful of winners.

Lillie can blossom in Falmouth Stakes

Nicci Garner — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Lillie Langtry can shatter some big reputations and prove herself the pick of her generation over 1600m with victory in the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

Special Duty can fill the wallets for July meeting

Nicci Garner — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - We are guaranteed sunshine and Pimms for this week’s popular Newmarket July meeting, which starts today, but, with the ground riding rattling fast, speed will be an essence and for that reason I take SPECIAL DUTY to get us off with a winner by outpointing Lillie Langtry in what looks a fascinating G1 Falmouth Stakes.

Star Of The Month: Ancestral Fore

Nicci Garner — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ANCESTRAL Fore, described yesterday by his trainer Mike de Kock as a ``happy horse, who can be quite feisty and is a bit of a character’’, is Racing Express's Star Of The Month., June 2010.

Cecil targets Dubai World Cup for Twice Over

Nicci Garner — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Henry Cecil, a legend in European racing, has one remaining burning ambition in the sport - to win the richest prize on the globe, the $10-million Dubai World Cup.

Flora can claim Pipalong prize at Pontefract

Nicci Garner — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Flora Trevelyan can continue Walter Swinburn's excellent run of form with victory in the Weatherbys Bank Pipalong Stakes at Pontefracts.

Big City Life hurt, withdrawn from July

Nicci Garner — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

BIG CITY LIFE, scratched from the Champions Cup last Saturday, will also not be back to defend his throne in South Africa's premier race. Trainer Glen Kotzen has had to scratch him from the R3-million Vodacom Durban July because Big City Life injured himself.

JJ suffers setback before Mercury Sprint

Nicci Garner — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: JJ THE JET PLANE has suffered a setback in his preparation for his principle winter mission, the R600,000 Mercury Sprint (Grade 1) over 1200m at Clairwood on Sunday next week.

Whyte pulls three ahead of Prebble

Nicci Garner — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HONG KONG - Douglas Whyte strode up to join Brett Prebble in the lead in the jockeys' championship as expected on Sunday, then went three clear with another four-timer, but his own golden run in the past week is keeping his confidence in check.

Atlantic Oak should leave her rivals all at sea

Nicci Garner — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: MIKE De Kock is firing on all cylinders at the moment after almost pulling off the Jackpot of feature races at Clairwood last Saturday. His runners passed the line first in all four features but he lost the last leg on an objection.

Track and trip points to Time And Love

Nicci Garner — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: JOCKEY Raymond Danielson will be on a high after winning the Grade 1 Champions Cup at Clairwood on Saturday and he can continue his winning streak at Arlington on Monday when he rides Time And Love in Race 6, a MR 94 Handicap over 1400m.

Abergavenny can follow up on workmanlike win

Nicci Garner — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Abergavenny has shaped with a good deal of promise in his first couple of racecourse appearances and gets the vote in the EBF sportingbet.com Handicap at Windsor.

De Kock has no problem with boardroom decision

Nicci Garner — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - All Stars Day was a memorable event for the Mike de Kock yard but it so easily could have been even better had Kavanagh not lost the Grade 1 Golden Horseshoe for two-year-olds in the stewards’ room.

Orbison stuns best in the land to stake a July claim

Nicci Garner — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - While many pundits have been trying to work out which Mike de Kock horse will win this year’s Vodacom Durban July at the end of the month, Herman Brown suddenly threw a spanner in the works.

Place Accumulator the way to play at tricky Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER- Mid-Winter racing on the Highveld is never easy and on Sunday punters are once again confronted with a tricky card on the Turffontein inside track.

Forest Vixen to stay in the winning groove

Nicci Garner — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By NICCI GARNER - Firest Vixen, a progressive but problematic four-year-old who has a record of two wins and two places from her four runs so far this season, is probably still a step or two ahead of the handicapping panel and looks the one to beat in Race 8 at Kenilworth on Sunday, a MR 90 Handicap over 1200m.

Rule to lay down the law at Ayr

Nicci Garner — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A drop back to a 1600m has been the making of Rule Maker and he should prove difficult to beat in Ayr's Campbeltown Bar Stewart Scott Memorial Handicap on Sunday.

De Kock wins three of five Graded races at Clairwood

Nicci Garner — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Mike De Kock enjoyed a terrific day at Clairwood and won the four Graded features that comprised the four legs of the Jackpot, but the fourth victory was denied in the Stipendiary Stewards boardroom after an objection.

All Stars Day Trainers Comments

Nicci Garner — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Champions Cup Racemeeting at Clairwood Racecourse on Saturday is packed with top class action and although Mike de Kock holds the trump cards in the four supporting features, there are some trainers who believe they also have live chances.

UK Tote agrees new deal with PGE

Nicci Garner — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FOLLOWING the successful launch of fractional tote betting in England last month, the UK Tote and Phumelela Gold Enterprises (PGE) have entered into a ground-breaking agreement that will create new opportunities for commingling tote bets in the UK and South Africa into single pools.

Pocket Power feels pressure as younger set raises the bar

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Pocket Power finds himself in exactly the same position as six-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, who made a surprise exit from the championships in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, beaten by Czech Thomas Berdych.

Never Forever to regain his honour at Scottsville

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - If ever a horse was unlucky to lose a race on an objection it was Never Forever. The three-year-old gelding beat Straight Forward by a head in their last meeting over 1200m at Greyville but on the line shifted out slightly.

Durban July Charity Lunch in Honour of jockeys

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

EXPRO, in conjunction with the SA Jockey’s Association, are putting together a special Durban July Charity lunch at Turffontein on 23 July as a tribute to the jockeys of South Africa.

Fatanah can brush aside a `lean’ streak at Sandown

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - FATANAH found the going a bit tough at Royal Ascot but a drop back to Listed company at Sandown can see her regain the winning thread.

Have a Wayl of a time at Newbury

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Michael Jarvis' horses are in excellent form and Yaa Wayl can keep up the good work with victory at Newbury today. The Newmarket handler has been sending out a steady stream of winners and the Children In Crossfire Conditions Stakes is an ideal opportunity for Yaa Wayl to further enhance the statistics.

Trainers' comments for Grade 1 Champions Cup

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Grade 1 Champions Cup to be run over 1800m at Clairwood Racecourse on Saturday sees another top class field face the starter and with four other features on the card there will be a feast of action coming hard on the heels of last weekend's memorable Canon Gold Cup meeting.

Computaform Sprint form points to Esterel at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - The form-line of the Computaform Sprint will once again come under scrutiny when Esterel lines up in Race 4 at the Vaal tomorrow, an Allowance Plate for fillies and mares over 1000m.

De Kock runners dominate the betting for All Stars Day

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Mike de Kock will bring four of the five feature-race favourites to Clairwood on Saturday in a meeting that comprises three Grade 1 and a pair of Grade 2 races.

Coetzee, Wrogemann suspended

Nicci Garner — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Horseracing Authority (NHA) has confirmed the suspensions of two jockeys.

Improving Forecastle looks a class act

Nicci Garner — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Craig Eudey seems to have a useful performer in Forecastle and the three-year-old gelding can rack up his fourth successive victory when he runs in Race 7 at Greyville this evening, a MR 88 Handicap over 1600m.

Speedy Bandol could be hard to beat

Nicci Garner — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Finance Minister, one of the leading sprinters in Port Elizabeth, will take on an up-and-coming three-year-old in a MR 90 Handicap over 1000m at Arlington on Wednesday.

Calahonda looks a touch better on the all-weather

Nicci Garner — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Calahonda can make a triumphant return to the all-weather surface with victory in the digibet Casino Handicap (London Mile Qualifier) at Kempton Wednesday.

Irish Derby again belongs to Coolmore

Nicci Garner — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER, London - Fabio Capello, whose England soccer team were toothless up front and with more holes in defence than a Swiss cheese, could do worse than take a leaf out of Aidan O’Brien’s book of tactics.

Weight and course point to Multahab at Brighton

Nicci Garner — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Multahab can save the best until last in the finale at Brighton this afternoon. Despite his advancing years, Michael Wigham's hardy 11-year-old is always worth microscopic scrutiny when he wages war at the seaside track.

`Pocket’, `Flyer’ top boards as Big City Life is scratched

Nicci Garner — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Mike Bass has said from the beginning of the season that the Grade 1 Champions Cup over 1800m at Clairwood on Saturday was Pocket Power’s mission.

NHA suspends three jockeys

Nicci Garner — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Horseracing Authority (NHA) has confirmed the suspension of three jockeys for riding offences,

Blanic, Byleveld to strike smartly

Nicci Garner — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: BLANIC has to be one of the most improved horses in training. After a somewhat moderate start to his career - he took nine races to shed his maiden certificate - Vaughan Marshall’s runner finally discovered what racing is all about and has gone on to win four of his last five races.

Cape Blanco leads home brilliant O'Brien 1-2-3

Nicci Garner — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DUBLIN - Cape Blanco led home an Aidan O'Brien-trained 1-2-3 in the Irish Derby to give the master trainer a historic fifth consecutive victory in the Curragh Classic.

Promising Lizarre joins Mike de Kock

Nicci Garner — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SMART three-year-old colt Lizarre has joined Mike de Kock with a view to running in the Durban July before being shipped to Dubai and later to Singapore.

Coetzee, Woodruff look set to fly home with Private Jet

Nicci Garner — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: LAST week at the Vaal the Geoff Woodruff resurgence continued and the yard came away with four winners. The good run can continue on Monday at the same track where, if things go well, Woodruff can take home another host of winners.

Sydney three-timer for Glyn Schofield

Nicci Garner — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SYDNEY - Former South African jockey Glyn Schofield rode three winners at Randwick on Saturday and garnered warm praise from the trainer of all three victors - Chris Waller.

Cree Lodge comes from behind for Winter Derby upset

Nicci Garner — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT was undoubtedly a day for coming from off the pace at Kenilworth on Sunday with all three feature-race winners coming from last to take their respective races. The only problem for punters was that two of the three events produced massive upsets.

Ancestral Fore defies weight to win Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TRAINER Mike de Kock struck again at Greyville on Saturday, taking the Grade 1 Canon Gold Cup with well-backed favourite Ancestral Fore and the Grade 2 Tibouchina Stakes with Gibraltar Blue. And South Africa's master trainer also struck in one of the minor races on the afternoon.

Romeo’s star-crossed Destiny to change

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: LADY LUCK has not been smiling on Romeo Francis of late but the Vaal-based trainer can have a change of fortune at Turffontein on Sunday when he sends out Star Of Destiny in Race 7, a MR 90 handicap over 1600m on the inside track.

Tales Of Bravery, Last Regal in final Winter Series duel

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TALES OF BRAVERY will be looking to clinch the second leg of the Winter Series at Kenilworth on Sunday when he lines up in the Grade 3 Winter Derby over 2400m.

Take a Winning Leap of faith and rely on Zaki to strike Gold

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: WINNING LEAP was hugely impressive in the Gold Bowl on Champions Day, winning the tough 3200m race like a high-class stayer even though he is only three. And, having taken the Highveld’s premier marathon, the Labeeb gelding looks set to add the Grade 1 Canon Gold Cup to his tally.

Wilson’s charge could be too hot in Cup

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Noel Wilson bagged the totesport.com Gosforth Park Cup with Pavershooz last year and can repeat the trick with HOTHAM at Newcastle.

Lady Luck to smile on Resume at Vaal

Nicci Garner — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: GOOD money can be made at the Vaal on Friday by following the horses-for-courses formula on the sand track.

Sajjhaa to show her true colours at Newcastle

Nicci Garner — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - SAJJHAA looked all at sea on the undulations of Epsom earlier this month and should be given another chance to show her true colours in Newcastle's EBF Hoppings Stakes.

Ancestral Fore has big weight for a 3yo in Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: ANCESTRAL FORE, along with SA Derby winner Irish Flame and Bold Silvano, has already secured a stable in Dubai beside such brilliant horses as Lizard’s Desire for next year’s International Racing Carnival and on Saturday the grey is fancied to re-write the history books by becoming the first three-year-old since Castle Walk in 1988 to win the country’s premier race for stayers, the R1.2-million Canon Gold Cup.

Bookies’ satchels emptied at best Royal Ascot in years

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER

Zaki bubbling with confidence about Winning Leap’s chances

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: WINNING LEAP, the first three-year-old to win the gruelling 3200m Gold Bowl at Turffontein since my records (courtesy of the National Horseracing Authority) start in 1977, is strongly fancied in some quarters to win this Saturday’s R1.2-million Gold Cup at Greyville.

Zaki bubbling with confidence about Winning Leap’s chances

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: WINNING LEAP, the first three-year-old to win the gruelling 3200m Gold Bowl at Turffontein since my records (courtesy of the NHA) start in 1977, is strongly fancied in some quarters to win the Gold Cup at Greyville.

Ancestral Fore has big weight for a 3yo in R1.2-m Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Venue change unlikely to trouble Cameron’skingmaker

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT will be interesting to see whether the change in venue will make a difference to the outcome of the Listed Port Elizabeth Gold Cup over 3600m on Thursday.

`Hawk’ to keep his eye on the prize

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Joey Ramsden appears to have acquired a useful colt in Hawk’s Eye, who was trained in England last year by Mike de Kock. Both Ramsden and De Kock have a share in this son of Hawk Wing and he looks set to make his mark on the South African racing scene.

Mataaleb can wipe floor with his Salisbury rivals

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - MATAALEB routed the opposition at Haydock last month and should take plenty of stopping in the Ashbrittle Stud Bibury Cup at Salisbury.

LEGEND OF THE TURF: Bartie Leisher

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Part 1 THERE aren’t many stories that capture the incredible highs and shattering lows of racing as much as the life of former champion jockey Bartie Leisher. He is the subject of this month’s Legend Of The Turf, which covers events so rich in detail we will deal with in two parts.

Jan Vermeer to get O’Brien on Classic scoreboard

Nicci Garner — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Aidan O’Brien has drawn a blank in the classics so far this season, but JAN VERMEER impressed in his first gallop since Epsom and should not be opposed in the Irish Derby at The Curragh on Sunday.

NHA: Daniels suspended for one week

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOCKEY Derryl Daniels has been suspended for a week, but may appeal against the penalty imposed.

Extraordinary six-timer for Prebble

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HONG KONG - Jockey Brett Prebble and trainer Caspar Fownes celebrated the most successful day of their respective careers as both landed an extraordinary six winners apiece on Sunday at Happy Valley.

Not smooth sailing for Mokaro for 2010 Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TRAINER Stephen Page says he is not as confident going into this year’s R1.2-million Canon Gold Cup as last year when his charge Mokaro won the country’s premier race for stayers.

Bruising spill interrupts Refined In Fire’s prep

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

AT 50-1, Port Elizabeth-based Refined In Fire is one of the under-dogs in this Saturday’s R1.2-million Canon Gold Cup at Greyville, particularly after taking a tumble on the training tracks last Thursday.

Wide draw could wreck Thanks John’s chances

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - There’s 4-1 and better on offer about the field for Saturday’s Grade 1 Gold Cup, but trainer Mike Bass has two live contenders, second favourite Thanks John and Golden Parachute.

Dawn looks a heaven-sent bet in Newbury handicap

Nicci Garner — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - HEAVENLY DAWN showed a likeable attitude when getting off the mark at Windsor last month and can make a winning start to her life in open company in Newbury's Enjoy Junior Rugby With Tadley Tigers Fillies' Handicap.

NHA: Two jockeys suspended

Nicci Garner — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Two riders have been suspended for riding infractions.

Woodruff the man to follow at tricky meeting

Nicci Garner — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE is no easy money to be made at the Vaal on Tuesday when punters are faced with a card that is full of "ifs and buts'', but it might pay to row in with Geoff Woodruff, who saddles runners in six of the eight races and could win three.

Miller to drive home with his `Dodge’

Nicci Garner — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ONCE again it is trainer Peter Miller who holds a strong hand in Race 5 at Flamingo Park this afternoon, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1600m, but the puzzle that each punter needs to solve is which card he will be playing.

Aegean Shadow can rack up another win

Nicci Garner — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Potentially the nicest horse on show at Lingfield comes in the shape of progressive Aegean Shadow in the Quantem Consulting Handicap.

Double for Coetzee at Scottsville

Nicci Garner — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JOCKEY Felix Coetzee rode two winners at Scottsville on Sunday, booting in 2-1 second favourite The Mouseketeer for the Sean Tarry yard and immediately following up aboard Las Ramblas for James Goodman in Race 3.

Turffontein Pick 6 yields big carryover

Nicci Garner — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THERE were a few turn-ups at Turffontein last Saturday when only just over half the Pick 6 pool was won.

Casey Cool gets a big one in the bag at last

Nicci Garner — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: CASEY COOL had never really put it all together to win one of the big ones, although he had put in several good efforts against South Africa’s speed merchants. That changed on Friday night when the six-year-old son of Casey Tibbs took the Post Merchants (Grade 2) over 1200m at Greyville.

A Daughters Legacy paves way for Pick 6 carryover

Nicci Garner — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: TRAINER Riaan van Reenen has most of the horses in his small string in good form at the moment and has racked up six winners in the last eight weeks - not bad, considering his tally for the season is only 16.

Starspangledbanner flies the flag for Ballydoyle

Nicci Garner — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Starspangledbanner, the Australian import who cost a reported A$10 million, showed frightening speed to make all in a highly competitive Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday.

Nocturnal Affair could give Fayd’Herbe another winner

Nicci Garner — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY - Bernard Fayd’Herbe is one of the finest jockeys to have graduated from the South African Jockeys’ Academy. Sadly he has yet to win a premiership, but that is for one simple reason - his battle with the scale.

Casey Cool makes 'JJ' look good with Grade 2 win

Nicci Garner — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Darryl Hodgson's six-year-old sprinter Casey Cool paid a compliment to champion sprinter JJ The Jet Plane when winning the Grade 2 Post Merchants over 1200m at Greyville on Friday evening.

War Artist can win if he brings his best to Royal Ascot

Nicci Garner — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - There are differing experts' opinions about the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes over 1200m at Royal Ascot on Saturday. Aiden O'Brien's Starspangledbanner and the 2010 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner Kinsale King are among the favourites, but the Guardian newspaper fancies former South African ace sprinter War Artist.

Releif for O'Brien as Lillie Langtry wins

Nicci Garner — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Lilly Langtry provided the Ballydoyle team with their first winner of the meeting when she turned in a dominating performance to capture the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday.

Computaform Sprint champion for Merchants win

Nicci Garner — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - The Grade 2 Post Merchants over 1200m at Greyville is always a tricky affair because the draw becomes such an important factor in these races around the turn.

Mature Townsend to take Ladies Mile

Nicci Garner — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - A four-month rest seems to have done the trick for Townsend and she has returned to racing to fulfil the promise she showed early in her career. Justin Snaith’s filly was one of the fancied runners for the Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth last December but failed to overcome a poor draw and was reported to be not striding out during the race.

GBI Racing sponsoring winning posts at SA tracks

Nicci Garner — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GBI RACING, which brings top-quality UK and Irish racing to betting shop operators around the globe, is sponsoring the winning posts at all 10 South African racecourses for the next eight weeks.

Lillie Langtry to conquer Coronation Stakes rivals

Nicci Garner — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Aidan O’Brien has missed out on a classic success so far this year, but he came pretty close with Lillie Langtry in the Irish 1000 Guineas and there is plenty of stable confidence from Coolmore that she can win the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot today.

Rite Of Passage fends off Aquarius in Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ASCOT - Dermot Weld broke Aidan O'Brien's stranglehold on the Gold Cup when Rite Of Passage shattered the track record as he wore down Age Of Aquarius in an epic duel at Royal Ascot yesterday.

PROFILE: Jockey Mark Neisius gets a second chance

Nicci Garner — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - A brush with cancer has given Mark Neisius not only a new lease on life, but a new attitude towards the career he loves.

French raider Byword is Prince of Ascot

Nicci Garner — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FRENCH riding sensation Maxime Guyon ensured his home nation again struck lucky on day two of Royal Ascot as Andre Fabre's Byword led home a one-two for owner Prince Khalid Abdullah in the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

Fairview meeting is abandoned

Nicci Garner — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Fairview race meeting scheduled for Friday, 17 June, has been abandoned.

Ask Michael Stoute for Ascot Gold Cup winner

Nicci Garner — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER, London - It is 32 years since Sir Michael Stoute celebrated his solitary Ascot Gold Cup success with Shangamuzo, but the 10-times champion trainer quietly fancies Ask to take this year’s stayers crown on the Royal Heath today.

Laureal Man can take the laurels in his sand debut

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - There is some great racing at the Vaal on Wednesday but a concern for punters is that many of the runners have not raced on the sand before.

Acrostic may be up to the Royal Hunt Cup challenge

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER, London - Wednesday is traditionally the toughest of the five days at Royal Ascot, but, like most punters, I always relish the challenge of the 30-runner Royal Hunt Cup, and I am rowing in with trainer Luca Cumani's Acrostic.

Race reviews of Royal Ascot, Tuesday

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RICHARD Hannon dominated the St James's Palace Stakes as Canford Cliffs finally got the better of his stablemate Dick Turpin at Royal Ascot.

Aga Khan celebrates 1-2 in French Oaks

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The French soccer players might have left their shooting boots home in Paris - they wasted a hatful of chances in their 0-0 draw World Cup opener against Uruguay - but the Gallic thoroughbred has never been on a higher plane than at present.

Determined Whyte edges closer to Prebble

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HONG KONG - The race for the Hong Kong premiership is back on between log-leading Australian Brett Prebble and nine-time champion Douglas Whyte.

Meltaway has the class to dissolve his Greyville foes

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - TUESDAY night's Greyville card can be considered the ``eye of the hurricane’’ in that it is a rather subdued meeting in the midst of their winter season. But while there are no Graded races the topliner is an interesting MR 96 Handicap over 1400m.

Zenyatta thrills crowd at Hollywood Park

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE remarkable Zenyatta stands alone. Thrilling another crowd with her spine-tingling late charge, the undefeated mare nabbed a determined St Trinians by a half-length for her 17th consecutive victory in the June 13 Vanity Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park.

Class field nominated for July day’s Champions Cup

Nicci Garner — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Three Grade 1 races will be run on what normally is Durban July day, but this time racing will take place at Clairwood.

Kick off Royal Ascot with Hannon and Hughes

Nicci Garner — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER, London -Follow the Richard Hannon-Richard Hughes team is my advice for the opening day of Royal Ascot – they paid for our summer holiday when Paco Boy and Canford Cliffs won on this corresponding day 12 months ago.

`Tiger’ aims for five in a row

Nicci Garner — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Cliffie Miller seems to have got Siberian Tiger in a winning frame of mind and the Goldmark gelding can rack up with fifth successive victory in Race 8 at Flamingo Park Monday, a MR 84 Handicap over 1000m.

Jane to gain Oaks redemption

Nicci Garner — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Lady Jane Digby can gain vindication for a luckless run in last year's Warwickshire Oaks when she returns for another go on Monday.

Norquinco gives Geoff his Jubilee

Nicci Garner — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - If anyone had any doubt that the Geoff Woodruff yard was coming back to form, all one needed to do was get to Turffontein yesterday.

Big City Life blows away top milers to win Gold Challenge

Nicci Garner — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Big City Life looks to be perfectly primed to defend his Vodacom Durban July title after winning the Grade 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge over 1600m at Clairwood on Saturday.

Sir Gerry to blitz Salisbury rivals

Nicci Garner — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Sir Gerry ran his best race for some time at Windsor last month and can return to winning ways in the Bathwick Tyres Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury on Sunday.

Midnight Martini to cause a stir at York

Nicci Garner — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Midnight Martini already has one lucrative York success in the bag and is taken to make a winning return to the Knavesmire in the Reg Griffin Memorial Trophy on Saturday.

Champion milers throw down the Challenge to Pocket Power

Nicci Garner — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE winter season in KwaZulu-Natal brings about an assembly of champions. It is the one centre in the country where top horses from all over the land gather and if anyone doubts this, all they need do is look at the field for Saturday's Rising Son Gold Challenge over 1600m at Clairwood.

Killaridge looks worth a bet in Jubilee Handicap

Nicci Garner — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: PUNTERS always like a bit of value when they have a bet and they could find it with Killaridge at Turffontein on Sunday.

`Flyer’ out of July

Nicci Garner — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

KZN Guineas winner Noordhoek Flyer has been withdrawn from this year’s Vodacom Durban July to be run at Greyville on Saturday 31 July.

Course and distance to suit Judged Excellent

Nicci Garner — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHILE Judged Excellent has won five races and been placed on 10 other occasions, one would have to admit that overall he has been a little disappointing.

Phumelela Gold renews contract with SIS

Nicci Garner — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Phumelela Gold Enterprises (PGE) has concluded a five-year contract with Satellite Information Services (SIS) for the delivery of South African horseracing pictures and data to betting shops in the UK and Ireland.

Irish Flame among the 28 entries for the Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: AFTER Irish Flame won the Grade1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville on Saturday trainer Mike de Kock admitted he was not exactly sure where to go with the son of Dynasty in his build-up to the Vodacom Durban July.

Ryan Moore plays catch-up on Classic tally

Nicci Garner — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER

Fill the coffers to have a dip on Goldikova at Royal Ascot

Nicci Garner — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Having dusted off my top hat and spent half the Workforce winnings on a new outfit for the wife, it is time to get stuck into the formbook and find a few winners for Royal Ascot, so with the next column not due for release until next Wednesday, here are some suggestions for the first day of what, for me, is the best race meeting in the world.

Payne’s `Girl' sweeps through traffic for Listed win

Nicci Garner — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SYDNEY - South African trainer David Payne enjoyed another big win in Australia when Girl Hussler (10-1) upset the hotpot favourite in the Listed $125,000 Daybreak Lover Plate (1400m) at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm track on Saturday.

Mother Russia `is as well as can be'

Nicci Garner — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - The Mike de Kock yard has a strong pairing in Saturday’s Grade 1 Rising Sun Gold Challenge over 1600m at Clairwood - brilliant J&B Met runner-up Mother Russia and former Summer Cup winner Rudra.

Lady Eclair can cream ’em at Hamilton

Nicci Garner — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Lady Eclair has won with any amount in hand in her last couple of starts and can make her presence felt in the valuable Lanark Silver Bell Handicap at Hamilton.

Three good bets at Clairwood

Nicci Garner — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THERE appear to be at least three stand-out bets on Wednesday at Clairwood, two of them trained by Mike de Kock and the other by Sean Tarry.

Use the benefit of Hindsight at Salisbury

Nicci Garner — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - With Hindsight shaped with abundant promise on her racecourse debut and can open her account in the "Come Shopping At Castlepoint'' Bournemouth Maiden Auction Stakes at Salisbury today.

Pocket Power faces a stern test in Clairwood Challenge

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ONE of the finest fields to gather in many a year, headed by champion Pocket Power, is due to start in the Grade 1 R750 000 Rising Sun Gold Challenge to be run over 1600 m at Clairwood Racecourse on Saturday.

Three supplementary entries for July

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: CHARLES LAIRD-TRAINED Oracy and Conquered Dream have already been pulled out of next month's Vodacom Durban July, while another, ante-post favourite Noordhoek Flyer, has been declared doubtful by trainer Dean Kannemeyer.

Mokaro entered for R1.2-m Gold Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: LAST year's Canon Gold Cup winner Mokaro has been entered to defend his title in the R1.2-million race, which this year will be run on Saturday 26 June.

How the runners shape up for the Gold Challenge

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

POCKET POWER rates the one to beat in the R750,000 Rising Sun Gold Challenge, but he will not find Smart Banker, Kapil or the Mike de Kock duo of Rudra and Mother Russia easy to master.

Fortuna ready to resume winning ways

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: GAY FORTUNA has not paid a visit to the winner’s enclosure since October 2008 but considering the company in which she has raced recently, the Fort Wood filly looks overdue to post her third win.

White Tie should make Classic a formal affair

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: TRAINER Corne Spies raids on Kimberley on Monday and will be hoping to land the big race on the programme, the Kimberley Classic over 1600m, with White Tie, who pays his first visit to the sand course in the Northern Cape.

Kingsgate looks smoking hot at Windsor

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Robert Winston was thoroughly impressed with Kingsgate Choice following his recent victory and he is one to follow again at Windsor.

Cup runneth over in Grade 3 Langerman

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: NURSERY winner Brilliant Cup went on to score a quick feature double on Sunday by winning the Grade 3 Betting World Langerman over 1500m at Kenilworth.

Irish Flame in the news but `Flyer’ now doubtful for July

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: EARLY Vodacom Durban July favourite Noordhoek Flyer is now a doubtful starter following his disappointing fourth in Saturday’s R1-million Daily News 2000 at Greyville.

Drosselmeyer wins the Belmont Stakes

Nicci Garner — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NEW YORK - Drosselmeyer gave Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his first win in a Triple Crown race, wearing down pacesetter First Dude and holding off a late charge from Fly Down for a 13-1 upset in　the $1-million Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday.

Irish Flame in the news but `Flyer’ now doubtful for July

Nicci Garner — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: EARLY Vodacom Durban July favourite Noordhoek Flyer is now a doubtful starter following his disappointing fourth in Saturday’s R1-million Daily News 2000 at Greyville.

Workforce wins Investec Epsom Derby

Nicci Garner — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WORKFORCE broke the track record with a blistering turn of foot as he won the 231st running of the Investec Epsom Derby by seven lengths.

Imperious Star dictates Woolavington and keeps going

Nicci Garner — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

IMPERIOUS STAR, ridden by Derryl Daniels, led virtually from start to finish to win the Grade 1 Woolavington Stakes over 2000m at Greyville on Saturday.

Proven stamina to yield dividends for Al Masri

Nicci Garner — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By NICCI GARNER - Brilliant Cut is the most accomplished runner in the Betting World Langerman field at Kenilworth on Sunday, but recent history is against him winning this Grade 3 race.

Irish Flame to blaze home in Grade 1 Daily News at Greyville

Nicci Garner — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - ``Improvement’’ is the key word ahead of Saturday’s R1-million Daily News 2000 and the R500,000 Woolavington 2000. Many of the runners have met before under different circumstances.

Miss Scaramanga can continue winning roll

Nicci Garner — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY - Trainer Justin Snaith holds a strong hand with two smart fillies in East Coast Oaks (Listed) over 2000m at Fairview today and his stable elect, Miss Scaramanga could be hard to beat. .

Workforce can strike in Investec Epsom Derby

Nicci Garner — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore have a big chance of winning Saturday's Investec Epsom Derby with Workforce.

Ithinkbest horse will win for Stoute at Sandown

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Sir Michael Stoute holds strong claims in the Derby on Saturday with Workforce and can enjoy a good night at Sandown, with Ithinkbest looking to get back to winning ways.

Winter Cruise looks ready to score third career win

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Being able to assess the pace in a race is obviously more important the further you travel and the country’s apprentices get the opportunity to showcase their ability to do so in Race 7 at the Vaal tomorrow, a MR 80 Handicap over 2400m.

Noordhoek Flyer odds-on to capture his second G1 event

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - After his scintillating win the KZN Guineas last month, it comes as no surprise that Noordhoek Flyer has been priced up at 9-10 to win the Grade 1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville on Saturday.

Conquered Dream has enjoyed good Daily News prep

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CHAMPION trainer Charles Laird says that Conquered Dream's preparation for Saturday’s Daily News 2000 to be run at Greyville has gone well.

Spinner can finally fulfil his potential

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Dream Spinner can translate this season's solid form into a victory at Nottingham. The John Dunlop-trained three-year-old has finished second in his two starts this term, but looks poised to conquer in the totesuper7 Handicap.

Have faith in Marcus and Fidelis

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Jockey Anton Marcus can get punters off to a winning start at Scottsville today when he rides Fidelis for trainer Charles Laird in a 1200m Maiden Juvenile Plate.

Another awesome performance by Quality Road

Nicci Garner — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Quality Road, who has the distinction of being officially rated the best horse on the planet in 2010, looked better than ever when he returned from his winter break to clock up another awesome performance to win the $500,000 Met Mile at Belmont on Monday.

`Miracle’ win for Gypsy’s Warning in her USA debut

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GYPSY’S WARNING, the long-shot in the field at 7-1, won her USA debut, getting up in the final stride after racing wide to win the Grade 3 Eatontown Handicap over 1700m at Monmouth Park on Monday.

Now is the perfect time to buy a SA-bred!

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE Scott Brothers’ consistently successful stallion Mogok produced a Group 3 winner in the United States earlier this week courtesy of KwaZulu-Natal bred filly Gypsy’s Warning, an achievement so well timed it seems planned!

Coetzee, Wrogemann suspended

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Horseracing Authority (NHA) has confirmed the suspensions of two jockeys.

`JJ’, Noble Heir among the entries for Post Merchants

Nicci Garner — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - After his scintillating victory in Saturday’s Grade 1 Golden Horse Casino Sprint, JJ The Jet Plane may have to do it all over again at Greyville on Friday 18 June.

Look to Laaheb for Festival triumph

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Laaheb can make the most of a drop in class and get back to winning ways in Goodwood's Listed Festival Stakes today.

Weight turnaround points to Tree Flag

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Will 1kg be enough for Tree Flag to turn the tables on Katara in Race at Fairview this afternoon, a MR 86 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1800m?

Irish Flame on show

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE KwaZulu-Natal Champions Season continues with the R1-million Daily News 2000 for three-year-olds at Greyville this Saturday and Irish Flame, a sensational winner of the 2450m SA Derby in April, will be out to show he’s just as good over 2000m.

How the runners shape up in the Daily News

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - A high-class field of 14 will line up in the Daily News 2000 at Greyville this Saturday. Irish Flame and Noordhoek Flyer look the top two in the field, but it might not be that cut and dried.

`Flyer’ and `Flame’ set for a `Bold’ skirmish in Daily News

Nicci Garner — Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - While Bravura and Pierre Jourdan will not be in action in Saturday’s R1-million Daily News 2000 the contest between Noordhoek Flyer, Irish Flame and Bold Silvano is a mouthwatering affair.

Versatile Strydom takes the laurels in two sprint features

Nicci Garner — Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

BY NICCI GARNER - Racing fans saw jockey Piere Strydom at his versatile best at Scottsville on Saturday when the blond rider booted home JJ The Jet Plane in the Grade 1 R600,000 Golden Horse Casino Sprint and Captain’s Gal in the Grade 1 R500,000 South African Fillies Sprint.

No stopping JJ as he turbo-jets to another G1 victory

Nicci Garner — Sat, 29 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: JJ THE JET PLANE is back! The Jet Master gelding, having his first outing since returning from a relatively successful stint overseas, made short work of his opposition to win the R600,000 Golden Horse Casino Sprint (Grade 1) over 1200m at Scottsville on Saturday.

Green Moon to shine brightly at Newmarket

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Green Moon rates a cracking bet when he tackles the Novae Bloodstock Insurance Fairway Stakes at Newmarket.

Unofficial ratings for two-year-old races

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The handicappers' unofficial ratings for the Gold Reef Resorts Medallion and Allan Robertson Fillies Championship:

Budget on Finance Minister winning

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHEN Finance Minister moved to Port Elizabeth he was a disappointing one-time winner but in nine months the five-year-old has added four wins and three places to his record.

Run Angel Run looks to have the edge in Syringa

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE Listed Syringa Handicap over 1600m on the standside track heads up Sunday’s Turffontein card and there are a number of different form-lines that could lead punters in different directions.

Last Regal can add Winter Classic to his Guineas win

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IN 2006, while all the so-called top horses in the country were doing battle in KwaZulu-Natal, Mike Bass kept one runner back in the Western Cape to contest the Winter Series. His name was, of course, Pocket Power.

Moritz to apply for sainthood at HQ

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - St Moritz can build on a promising comeback run at Newmarket with victory in the Edmondson Hall Solicitors & Sports Lawyers Handicap back at Headquarters.

De Kock holds strong hand in three of 4 Scottsville G1s

Nicci Garner — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: MANY people will be banking on the Mike de Kock magic to see them through the carryover Pick 6 at Scottsville on Saturday. The pool will start off with R839,092 and could swell to R3 million.

"JJ" is 85% fit

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - JJ The Jet Plane, one of South Africa's most popular horses, will be travelling through the night on the eve of his attempt to become the first horse since Dambuster in 1984 to recapture the Golden Horse Casino Sprint crown.

Laird hopes for a surprise with Captain Scott

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Trainer Alec Laird was a couple of hours away from Summerveld on Wednesday with his Golden Horse Casino Sprint contender, Captain Scott when we caught up with him.

Musir and Raihana arrive safely in Sydney

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SYDNEY – UAE Derby winner and runner-up Musir and Raihana arrived at David Payne’s Sydney establishment on Tuesday.

Bookies favour De Kock to be king of the Scottsville sprints

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IF the bookmakers have got it right then Mike de Kock is going to win three of the four Grade 1 sprint races over 1200m at Scottsville on Saturday.

Padi can spark at gold dreams at Sandown

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Saptapadi can hurl down a serious marker for the Gold Cup at Ascot by winning at Sandown today. Although the joint-lowest-rated horse in the Blue Square Henry II Stakes, Sir Michael Stoute's four-year-old is unquestionably the most interesting contender in the line-up.

Bookies favour De Kock

Nicci Garner — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IF the bookmakers have got it right then Mike de Kock is going to win three of the four Grade 1 sprint races over 1200m at Scottsville on Saturday.

Tarry trio to arrive in Durban on Friday

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Trainer Sean Tarry will travel Captain’s Gal, Mythical Flight and Essential Oil down from Johannesburg on Friday ready for the Golden Horse Casino Sprint Raceday at Scottsville on Saturday.

Draw a line through Warm White Night's last run

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Saturday’s Golden Horse Casino Sprint Raceday at Scottsville is looming large and augurs well for the Clairwood-base trainers whose horses appear to thrive at this training centre at this time of the year.

Gelded Flybyme looks set for third career win

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THREE runners who are unbeaten over the Vaal turf straight 1400m will square up in Race 6 on Thursday.

Ennion’s Vicky Violet may have the edge

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WITH Western Cape trainers agreeing to draw barrier positions only after final declarations, the fields are much larger but it has become a nightmare for punters because many leading contenders end up with wide barrier positions and that can prove deadly at Durbanville, especially in races between 1000m and 1400m.

Geesala looks a whizz at Beverley

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Geesala can provide Kevin Ryan with a second Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley. The Hambleton handler won this historic Listed race four years ago with Roxan and looks to have a similarly flashy filly with which to go to war.

Jarvis’ Opinion to win the Poll in G2 Henry II Stakes

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - There is a quality programme at Sandown tomorrow and, with the sprinklers having been used liberally, Michael Jarvis hopes there will be sufficient ease in the ground for him to run his Ascot Gold Cup contender Opinion Poll in the Group 2 Henry II Stakes.

Undecided Coolmore throws Derby betting into disarray

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: GEOFF LESTER

Legend Of The Turf: Herman Husselmann

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WE tracked down former racehorse trainer and leading racing journalist Herman Husselmann somewhere on a game farm between Rustenburg and Thabazimbi. He is sitting under the umbrella-like crown of an old Leadwood tree, seeking shade from the mid-morning sun.

Bold Silvano leap-frogs into top 20 on July log

Nicci Garner — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

POCKET POWER, a past winner and currently third-favourite at 8-1 with Betting World, still tops the handicappers’ log for the R3-million Vodacom Durban July, to be held at Greyville on Saturday 31 July.

KZN Sale offers value, even greater variety

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Grade 2 winners Goat (cost R60,000) and Spring Clover (R45,000) and Grade 3 winners Ultra Vires (R70,000) and Cool Zone (R150,000) are among the value buys from KZN Yearling Sales in recent years.

1200m may be too far for Tuscan Sky

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Summerveld-based trainer Alistair Gordon has one of the main fancies for the Grade 1 Gold Reef Resorts Medallion for two-year-old colts and geldings over 1200m at Scottsville on Saturday.

Brilliant work by Brown's Chocolicious

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - A contender for the Grade 1 Allan Robertson Championship for two-year-old fillies at Scottsville on Saturday, Herman Brown-trained Chocolicious, beat G1 Golden Horse Casino Sprint contender Intellectual in a grass gallop on Monday

Val De Ra or Gibraltar Blue?

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Summerveld was abuzz on Monday, just days before Saturday's Golden Horse Casino Sprint Raceday at Scottsville.

Strong renewal of Durban July

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DURBAN - Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event, the Vodacom Durban July, to be run at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 31 July 2010, is shaping up to be one of the strongest renewals of the big race in many a year.

Take a bet at Rippon on the Off Chance

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Off Chance can provide the white-hot Tim Easterby operation with another winner at Ripon. The North Yorkshire handler is enjoying a vintage May, and looks to have unearthed a seriously progressive contender for the Nick Wilmot-Smith Memorial Handicap.

Pocket Power to face tough opposition in Gold Challenge

Nicci Garner — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MOST of the best milers in the country are among the 24 entries for R750,000 Rising Sun Gold Challenge to be run over 1600m at Clairwood on Saturday 12 June.

Inquiry – Trainer M P Antelme

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 17 May 2010, Trainer M P Antelme was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.10 in that as the trainer of the horse NOUVERRE he was aware that this horse was suffering from laminitis over a period of two to three months and failed to obtain adequate veterinary treatment to prevent the suffering of this horse.

Inquiry - jockey Kevin Shea suspended

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THE National Horseracing Authority confirms that Jockey Kevin Shea was charged with a contravention of the Malaysian Racing Authority Rule 48 (5),in that as the rider of LIZARD’S DESIRE, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to other runners at approximately the 150m mark in Singapore International Cup held on 16 May 2010.

Magner, Figueroa’s good Vaal sand form to continue

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Roy Magner continues his good vein of form and he could score at least a double when Eastern Cobbler and Lian Dancer line up on the Vaal sand on Tuesday.

Mr Mickey Mouse to scale great heights

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ON Monday morning a group of South African mountaineers is due to attempt to their final assault on the tougher north face of Mount Everest. Leading the expedition is the vastly experienced Sean Disney and while he’s not related to the famous family, it would perhaps be a fitting tribute if the most celebrated Walt Disney character, Mr Mickey Mouse, won at Greyville on Tuesday.

Tomcat on the prowl at Fairview

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TOMCAT could not have been more impressive when downing local champion Hear The Drums by 2.50-lengths in the Arlington Flying Five over 1000m at Arlington last month.

Tax Free can give punters a rebate

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - The irrepressible Tax Free can collect yet another big prize at Windsor.

Turffontein punters to get second bite of the cherry

Nicci Garner — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: PUNTERS got a bit of a hiding at Turffontein on Saturday but the good news is they will have the chance to reclaim some of their Pick 6 losses at Saturday’s Scottsville meeting.

Maestro Mike does it again as Bold Silvano takes 1900

Nicci Garner — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT is remarkable how Mike de Kock can improve a horse and on Friday night the maestro showed why he is one of the most sought-after trainers on the planet.

Bold Wonder to take East Coast Handicap

Nicci Garner — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY - Bold Wonder could not have been more impressive when winning her last start by 5.25 lengths at Clairwood and she looks the runner to beat in the Listed East Coast Handicap over 2000m at the Durban track on Sunday.

Bath venue points to Full Victory

Nicci Garner — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON – Full Victory seems to like it at Bath and can make it third-time lucky this season as he lines up in the totetrifecta Flexi Betting Handicap. He has been second in his two starts there so far this season and while he has crept back up the handicap a bit, he is nothing if not consistent.

Robinson Crusoe is Friday value in Betting World 1900

Nicci Garner — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Fitness looks to be one of the key factors with which punters will need to contend in Friday evening's R350,000 Betting World 1900 (Grade 2)at Greyville.

Take Gulch For Glory

Nicci Garner — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

FEW horses caught the eye at Wolverhampton through the month of March as much as Red Gulch and he must be followed until beaten, starting in the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Classified Stakes at Haydock.

Strydom family could bag one for ‘locals’

Nicci Garner — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY - Visiting Cape trainers have been making the very best of matters in Port Elizabeth in recent months, but the trend may grind to a halt at Arlington today as the Mike Stewart hopeful Hospitality won’t be racing in the main race on the program, the Glenair Trophy over 3200m.

Gibraltar Blue, Val De Ra to clash in SA Fillies Sprint

Nicci Garner — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RECENT KRA Fillies Guineas winner Gibraltar Blue will clash with unbeaten sprinting sensation Val De Ra in the R500,000 SA Fillies Sprint to be run over 1200m at Scottsville Racecourse on Saturday, 29 May

Bass runner to blow up a storm at Clairwood

Nicci Garner — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - IF trainer Mike Bass has been able to assuage the breathing problems troubling Super Storm, the son of Rakeen looks the runner they will all have to beat in Race 7 at Clairwood in Wednesday, a MR 98 Handicap over 1450m.

Musidora points to Aviator as Cecil’s `one’ for the Oaks

Nicci Garner — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - In what was a fascinating week of classic trials in Britain, Henry Cecil, one of the legends of the sport, enjoyed a welcome return to the big time when mopping up a couple of Oaks trials to go with his Lingfield celebration with Derby contender Bullet Train, and he also produced a real contender for the Ascot Gold Cup in Yorkshire Cup winner Manifest.

Warm White Night joins sprint field

Nicci Garner — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Charles Laird added a new dimension to the Golden Horse Casino Sprint (G1) when he supplemented Warm White Night and Imperial Gesture for the big race due to be run at Scottsville Racecourse on Saturday 29 May

All horses are equally special to Vivian Nkosi

Nicci Garner — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - He might be responsible for some of the bluest blooded - and expensive - horses in the country, but Vivian Nkosi doesn’t play favourites.

Phunyuka should be too quick for his rivals

Nicci Garner — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - After the scratching of Buy and Sell, champion sand horse Phunyuka looks to have an easy task in the 1450m Pinnacle Stakes on dirt at the Vaal Tuesday.

Indigofera can kickstart Flamingo Park meeting

Nicci Garner — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MEL KAPLAN FLAMINGO PARK racing can never be described as easy but trainer Corne Spies is consistently successful at the track and could give punters’ wallets an early boost in Monday when he saddles Indigofera in Race 1, a Juvenile Plate over 1000m.

Mazar-E-Sharif downs Vangelis

Nicci Garner — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WINNING favourites were few and far between at Arlington on Friday and the chief event – the R90 000 Arlington 1400 - proved no exception when the Alan Greeff-trained Mazar-E-Sharif (13-1) decided it was his day for galloping.

Emerald Cove shows that she’s a jewel

Nicci Garner — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MEL KAPLAN - Trainer Justin Snaith had a pearl of a day at Kenilworth on Saturday. He saddled three winners but the jewel in his crown was undoubtedly juvenile filly Emerald Cove.

Thanks John serves early Gold Cup notice

Nicci Garner — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - Tnanks coped best with the slow pace to justify favouritism in the R120,000 Highland Night Cup over 2500m at Clairwood yesterday (Sunday.

Lizard's Desire takes Singapore Cup for De Kock

Nicci Garner — Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: LIZARD’S DESIRE, only pipped at the highest international level in his last two starts, went one better on Sunday when he lined up against a strong field in the R16.3-million Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji.

Green Birdie pips Rocket Man in KrisFlyer

Nicci Garner — Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: ROCKET MAN tasted defeat for only the second time on his home pitch, Kranji, when going down a neck to 13-1 chance Green Birdie in the R5.4-million KrisFlyer International Sprint on Sunday.

Lookin At Lucky takes revenge in Preakness

Nicci Garner — Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE (Maryland) - Lookin At Lucky, the beaten favourite in the Kentucky Derby, redeemed himself in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, taking the lead at the top of the stretch and stubbornly fending off pacesetter First Dude and a closing Jackson Bend.

Paco Boy to win the Lockinge this time

Nicci Garner — Sat, 15 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Paco Boy can cement his place as the top "miler" in Britain by taking the totesport.com Lockinge Stakes at the second attempt.

Jim Tennant (62) dies

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JIM TENNANT, former Group Chief Executive Officer of JSE-listed Phumelela, died on Sunday. He was 62.

Summerhill's Vuma Horsefeeds closes

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MOOI RIVER - Summerhill Stud, which has made Vuma Horsefeeds and has fed many generations of racehorses in the last 20 years, has closed down that subsidiary of its business.

Lizard’s Desire could get his turn in the limelight

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: HAVING been the narrowly beaten in his last two world-class starts, Lizard’s Desire looks overdue to get to the line first and Sunday could be his day when he lines up in the R16.3-million Singapore Airlines International Cup over 2000m at Kranji.

Clairwood should give Mr Esplendid the edge

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: "HORSES for courses’’ is a well-known horseracing adage and that certainly applies to Mr Esplendid, who loves racing at Clairwood and will be back in action there in Race 6 on Sunday, the Highland Night Cup over 2500m.

Super Saver may have to lead in Preakness

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE (Maryland, USA) - In his winning Kentucky Derby effort, WinStar Farm’s Super Saver was able to sit off of a hot pace and take over coming out of the final turn. If the son of Maria’s Mon is to capture the second leg of the Triple Crown, he may have to revert to the front-running style that he used in the other two wins of his career.

Mythical Flight can have a winning prep for KZN sprint

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IN the 2006-07 racing season Mythical Flight was the king of sprinters in South Africa. He was unbeaten in his first seven starts and won the Grade 1 Computaform Sprint in a close-to world-record time of 54.94 sec.

We Three to become No 1 at Kenilworth

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WE THREE is turning out to be a versatile filly who has no fear of travelling. The daughter of Silvano won a Maiden Plate at Kenilworth over 2000m, captured her next start over 1600m at Durbanville and then took on the boys in the East Cape Guineas at Fairview where she went down a head to Feet Of Fire.

Moon to eclipse Yorkshire Cup rivals

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Purple Moon can make a winning return to the scene of his finest hour in the Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup.

Yeni can Master his rivals in PE feature

Nicci Garner — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MEL KAPLAN: MASTER LANDING makes his third visit to this track when he contests the Arlington 1400 (Race 8) at the East Cape course on Friday.

Chab can be Dante Dazzler for Frankie

Nicci Garner — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - There is no better race to search for Derby clues than the totesport Dante Stakes at York and Chabal can be the one to step up to the plate this time around.

Profile: Diane de Kock

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THAT poignant song "Wind Beneath My Wings’’ (Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar) could have been written for Diane de Kock, the wife who held it all together while her husband travelled the world to become famous in international racing circles.

High Tea, Diminutive look PA bankers

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: A GLANCE at Thursday's Vaal card, where racing takes place on the outside turf track, indicates that the Place Accumulator could be the best way for punters to go.

Ramsden filly can dash to victory

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IN Condition Stakes the allotted weights can often point punters in the direction of the winner but that may not be too helpful in Race 5 at Scottsville on Wednesday. In a 1000m dash, weights are not always a major factor and it may not help Badger’s Cove that she is technically 2kg better weighted than any other runner.

Schofield gets out of a jam and comes home sweetly

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF ZERBST: SYDNEY - The difference between being a hero and a mug is often pencil thin. South African jockey Glyn Schofield was shaping up as the latter in Race 3 at Rosehill last Saturday, but kept his cool and got the favourite home for thankful punters.

Lizard’s Desire, `KB’ have only Presvis to beat in Cup

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DAVE MOLLETT: SINGAPORE - Exactly a year ago, S'manga Khumalo rode Lizard's Desire to victory in the New Turf Carriers Eastern Cape Derby at Arlington.　It's probable no-one batted an eye-lid except those folk down Rod McCurdy's way. What a different scenario we've got on our hands now.

Workforce can advertise his Derby claims at York

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - The racing circus in Britain rolls on to York this week when I expect Sir Michael Stoute’s once-raced Workforce to advertise his Derby claims by winning Thursday's Dante Stakes.

Clean sweep for Gosden at Chester and Lingfield

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - There was a fistful of classic trials in Britain last week with Newmarket trainer John Gosden sweeping the board in winning both the Dee Stakes (Azmeel) and Cheshire Oaks (Gertrude Bell) at Chester and topping up the celebrations when capturing the Lingfield Oaks Trial with Dynamic Waltz.

Cabaret can get O’Brien’s show started

Nicci Garner — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Aidan O'Brien's runners may not have been quite firing on all cylinders yet this season, but punters should keep the faith and stick with Cabaret at York.

Pocket Power among entries for Scottsville sprint

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

EQUUS champion Pocket Power was a surprise entry for the Golden Horse Casino Sprint (G1) when first nominations were published on Friday.

Make plenty of time for 'Flannel’ at Warwick

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Tim Easterby has started the season in much quicker fashion than usual and his Fibs And Flannel can complete the hat-trick in Warwick's TurfTv.co.uk Handicap. Owned by Channel 4 pundit Jim McGrath, the three-year-old appears to be on a steep upward curve at present and looks a completely different horse this season.

Pocket Power among entries for Scottsville sprint

Nicci Garner — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

EQUUS champion Pocket Power was a surprise entry for the Golden Horse Casino Sprint (G1) when first nominations were published on Friday. In the same vein, last year’s winner Earl Of Surrey, who has not set foot on a racecourse since that win, was also among the list of 34 entries at this initial stage.

Tungsten threat to Wilgerbosdrift

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CAPE TOWN - Wilgerbosdrift Stud is under threat by the proposed mining of tungsten in its vicinity.

Dylan Cunha closes his stable

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

DYLAN CUNHA has handed in his license after seven years in the trainers’ ranks. The stable has saddled 95 winners from 1 569 runners since its debut on 27 February 2004. He plans to close up shop this Wednesday, 12 May.

Tan Can can end a two-year win drought

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TWO years ago Tan Can was among the favourites for the Daily News 2000 and the Vodacom Durban July. He finished 2.40 lengths behind Russian Sage and 4.60 lengths off dead-heaters Pocket Power and Dancer’s Daughter in the two races respectively.

Scorpion King can sting again

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MEL KAPLAN: HAVING made Pinnacle Stakes races all but his own, trainer Peter Miller will again saddle five of the 14 participants in Monday's 1800m event, Race 5 on the Flamingo Park card. Scorpion King has drawn wide at No 12 but is in devastating form and regular rider Gerrit Schlechter should have no problems in overcoming the wide berth.

Robert The Bruce delivers in East Cape Derby

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MEL KAPLAN: CAPE TOWN raider Robert The Bruce looked the pick of the 15 runners in Sunday's New Turf Carriers East Cape Derby at Arlington. The Justin Snaith-trained gelding duly arrived under a skilful ride from Felix Coetzee.

Beacon to shine a light on Windsor

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Beacon Lodge was a bit too keen to do himself justice in his seasonal bow but should feel the benefit of that run in the sportingbet.com Royal Windsor Stakes at the Berkshire venue.

Marshall takes honours in 2yo features

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Vaughan Marshall appears to have some talented two-year-olds in his yard as he walked off with both the Betting World Cape Of Good Hope Nursery and the Fillies Nursery, both Grade 3 events, at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Favourites put punters in pound seats at Turffontein

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WITH the odd exception, form worked out well at Turffontein on Saturday with almost all of the "good things’’ winning at the track.

Tropical Empire goes one better in Drill Hall

Nicci Garner — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: ON a night when horses were struggling to come from off the pace, Tropical Empire got a dream run down the inside rail to post an effortless win in the Grade 2 Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m at Greyville on Friday night.

HIGHVELD RACING AWARDS 2009-10

Nicci Garner — Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Presented by the RACING ASSOCIATION

Visiting runners hold the key to East Cape Derby

Nicci Garner — Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Three decent thoroughbreds from Cape Town make their way to Port Elizabeth on Sunday to do battle with the locals in the New Turf Carriers East Cape Derby (Grade 3) over 2400m, writes HAROLD STERLEY.

Madrisa is all the rage at Kenilworth

Nicci Garner — Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Kenilworth hosts two G3 Nursery events over 1200m on Saturday and impressive three-time winner Madrisa looks hard to beat in the fillies’ race, writes MEL KAPLAN.

Alec Laird looks set for a successful day

Nicci Garner — Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TRAINER Alec Laird could be in for a decent afternoon at Turffontein on Saturday when he could be on the mark in Races 6 and 8 with Theta and Extra Cover respectively.

Tropical Empire wipes out his opposition in Drill Hall Stakes

Nicci Garner — Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SEVEN-year-old Tropical Empire (5-1) produced arguably the best run of his career when he quickened away from his rivals to win the Grade 2 Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m at Greyville on Friday night.

Bass’ Blue Tiger to Drill them at Greyville

Nicci Garner — Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Friday evening's Grade 2 Drill Hall Stakes over 1400m is usually seen as the feature that raises the curtain on the KwaZulu-Natal winter season.

Bob can Weave to victory at Fairview

Nicci Garner — Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Justin Snaith makes shrewd assessments of which horses are suited to the Port Elizabeth tracks and has pulled off many a feature win by carting them from Cape Town.

Redwood, Critical Moment to give Hills Chester double

Nicci Garner — Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Barry Hills usually enjoys plenty of success at the Chester Cup meeting and this year can prove no exception, with the Lambourn handler primed to land a big-race double on Thursday.

Mannequin to prove handicappers are on the ball

Nicci Garner — Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - The handicappers are often the first line of attack when horses fail to win and each decision they take comes under close scrutiny every raceday.

Goat to foil visitors in Scarlet Lady

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - With all the raiding trainers pouring into KwaZulu-Natal for the winter season the locals will be under pressure to keep them all at bay.

April’s rainfall was four times more than average

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - The Highveld had nearly four times more rain in April than the yearly average for the last 42 years, so the ``gods of precipitation’’ were certainly smiling on racing fans last weekend because both Champions Day and the Work Riders Challenge race meetings took place at Turffontein with just a spit and a spot falling.

Charity Challenge winners

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ITALIAN DEVELOPMENT - GIS won the R30,000 in the Charity Challenge on Champions Day last Saturday.

Alexander backs away from an Irish rematch

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - There will be no rematch between Irish Flame and Pierre Jourdan anytime soon, trainer Gary Alexander has vowed.

Fatten your wallet on Red Cadeaux at Chester

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER, London -Huge crowds will flock to Chester this week for its popular three-day meeting and we can kick off with a big winner on the opening day - Red Cadeaux can take today’s Chester Cup for Ed Dunlop.

Bitter pill swallowed as French draw first blood

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - There has never been too much love lost between the British and French, so it was a bitter pill to swallow when our Gallic ``friends’’ captured the first two classics of the season - the first time both the 2000 and 1000 Guineas have been exported across the Channel in the same season.

R2,000 in bets to be won on Highveld Awards

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TWO Racing Express readers can each win R1,000 in free TAB bets by picking the 11 equine Highveld award winners.

Kavanagh, Kentucky Derby winner related

Nicci Garner — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - It is fascinating how two horses can win feature races on the same day in two different hemispheres and turn out to be related. That is the case with Kavanagh, winner of The Nursery (Grade 2) on Champions Day last Saturday, and Super Saver, who won the Kentucky. Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Couple of tough categories in Highveld Feature Awards

Nicci Garner — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER - The RA Highveld Feature Season Award-winners have been finalised and their achievements will be celebrated this Saturday at a black-tie banquet at Emperor’s Palace.

Big City Life lines up in Drill Hall Stakes

Nicci Garner — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LAST season’s Vodacom Durban July (Grade 1) winner, Big City Life, starts the defence of his title in earnest on Friday evening at Greyville when he takes on a high class field in the R350,000 Drill Hall Stakes (Grade 2) to be run over 1400m.

`Destiny’ can turn Doncaster loss into a win

Nicci Garner — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Destinys Dream can atone for a recent near-miss at Doncaster with a victory in Newcastle's Border Minstrel Re-Opening 14th May Handicap. Tracy Waggott's mare, formerly trained by Ann Duffield, travelled like the best horse in the race on Town Moor last week but was beaten two heads into third.

Tuesday's Vaal race meeting is abandoned

Nicci Garner — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Vaal race neeting, scheduled for Tuesday, 4 April, has been abandoned.

Gibraltar Blue, Noordhoek Flyer impress in Guineas

Nicci Garner — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Racegoers saw two champions in action at Greyville yesterday as Noordhoek Flyer and Gibraltar Blue came home lonely in the KRA Guineas and Fillies Guineas respectively.

Abraham Makhubo

Nicci Garner — Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

ABRAHAM MAKHUBO (to 3 May 2010) Rides: 242; Wins: 38; Places: 111 Riding weight: 56.5kg

Irish Flame burns bright as De Kock scores win No 2000

Nicci Garner — Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Perhaps the build-up of clouds at Turffontein Racecourse just before the running of the SA Derby was an omen as Pierre Jourdan was about to attempt his final dash at the SASCOC Triple Crown.

Super Saver gives Pletcher first Derby win

Nicci Garner — Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kty) - Jockey Calvin Borel won his third Kentucky Derby in four years as Super Saver won the "Run For The Roses" at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

Waywest Goddess wins Fillies Nursery

Nicci Garner — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WAYWEST GODDESS (25-1), a R60 000 buy at the 2009 Emperors Ready To Run Sale, packed too much speed for her opposition in the Fillies Nursery over 1160m at Turffontein on Saturday.

33-1 French shock in 2000 Guineas

Nicci Garner — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NEWMARKET - Little-known Mikel Delzangles and his unconsidered Makfi swept aside the superpowers of Britain and Ireland to cause a 33-1 upset in the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Kavanagh upholds his reputation in The Nursery

Nicci Garner — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

KAVANAGH (33-10) came to Turffontein in Saturday with a big reputation to uphold and he did so in thrilling style, coming home 2.5 lengths clear of stablemate The Raj and the favourite His Affadavit in the Grade 2 Nursery (R500 000) over 1160m.

Carryover Pick 6 to boost PJ’s quest for glory

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE sun has been shining for the past two days, the weather outlook appears good and hopefully it will be third-time lucky for Champions Day to go ahead at Turffontein on Saturday.

Three-timer would set master trainer up for a `Champion Day’

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: EVEN more credence will be given to the billing Champions Day if South Africa’s best-known trainer, Mike de Kock, wins three races at Saturday's Turffontein meeting - that is all he needs to hit the 2,000-winner mark.

Carryover Pick 6 to boost PJ’s quest for great glory

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: THE sun has been shining for the past two days, the weather outlook appears good and hopefully it will be third-time lucky for Champions Day to go ahead at Turffontein on Saturday.

Three-timer would set De Kock up for a `Champion Day’

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

St Nicholas Abbey can retain unbeaten tag

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Coolmore is not averse to hyping up its classic contenders, but Aidan O’Brien reckons St Nicholas Abbey, red-hot favourite for Saturday's 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, could be the best horse he has trained. The Ballydoyle maestro is even talking of an audacious tilt at the Triple Crown - last achieved by Nijinsky in 1970, ironically trained in the same yard by Aidan’s predecessor, the legendary Vincent O’Brien.

Level weights favour Kiss Again

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MEL KAPLAN: MIKE BASS-TRAINED Kiss Again and Justin Snaith’s Robert The Bruce are the pick of the runners in Race 7 at Kenilworth on Saturday, the Rossgo Winter Guineas over 1600m. Bass’ Al Mufti gelding has a 0.5kg advantage over his rival and gets the nod.

Lizarre looks streets better than rivals

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: THE dynamic of Race 5 at Greyville on Friday has changed dramatically with the scratching of trainer Mike Azzie’s August Rush. But the gelding’s withdrawal from this Progress Plate over 1400m at Greyville has opened the way for Lizarre to take home first prize.

Pirate to plunder the spoils at Fairview

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: A light weight, a good draw and a price of 12-1 all make Pirate’s Gold a worthwhile betting proposition in Race 5 at Fairview on Friday.

Amigo can make lots of friends at Doncaster

Nicci Garner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Watch Amigo looked a certain future winner when finishing with a rattle last time out and is the one to be on in the crownhotel-bawtry.co.uk Handicap at Doncaster.

Vee Moodley appointed Phumelela Betting Executive

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PHUMELELA, the JSE-listed horseracing and tote betting company, is delighted to announce that Vee Moodley, currently CEO designate of the National Horseracing Authority, will take up the post of Betting Executive on 1 July.

Both Turffontein tracks to be used Sunday

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HORSERACING fans should note that both the standside and inside tracks will be utilised at the Work Riders’ Challenge race meeting at Turffontein this Sunday 2 May.

Girl has favourite’s chance

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Favourite Girl can gain handsome dividends from a recent Ripon outing when she lines up at Redcar.

Lookin At Lucky looks solid in Kentucky Derby

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

STEVE CAUTHEN: It is a great shame that Eskendereya misses Saturday's Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs as he had won his last two races very impressively and looked like Todd Pletcher's No 1 horse in the race.

Des Irwin dies, aged 82

Nicci Garner — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MOOI RIVER - There is something terribly special about the racing community, writes ALEC HOGG. Sure, like any other group with a common interest, we bicker and even occasionally criticise each other. But deep down this is a community that wears its collective heart on its sleeve, showing a vulnerability that’s rare in this competitive world of ours.

Intercontinental village will be bigger and better

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RACING fans left in the lurch by the inclement weather last weekend should make another date to get to Turffontein this Saturday because, apart from the awesome racing action, they will be treated to a veritable wealth of off-track entertainment.

Champions Day delay should not overly affect competitors

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: PIERRE JOURDAN’S bid for Triple Crown glory on Champions Day has had to be postponed for a week due to the weather and many punters are wondering what impact the delay may have on the runners engaged for the richest day in South African horseracing.

Lookin At Lucky draws pole position in Kentucky Derby

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kty) - Morning-line favourite Lookin At Lucky drew post 1 for the 1 May Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) during the post position draw on Wednesday at Churchill Downs.

Magner duo looks impossible to oppose

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: TRAINER Roy Magner holds a strong hand with four runners in Race 7 at the Vaal on Thursday, a MR 90 Handicap over 1450m on the sand. With two strong contenders in Eastern Cobbler and Speed Keeper, the coupling looks a great banker for the Pick 6 and Jackpot.

St Nicholas Abbey can give Coolmore another Guineas

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - Every line of form points to Coolmore winning its fourth 2000 Guineas in six years with unbeaten St Nicholas Abbey at Newmarket on Saturday. Stablemate Fencing Master, runner-up in last season’s Dewhurst, might be the one to chase him home at decent odds.

Paco Boy wallops opposition in an awesome performance

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Paco Boy, who only cost 30,000 guineas as a yearling, took his prize-money haul soaring past the £700,000 mark when producing what was arguably his best performance yet to win the Bet365 Mile at Sandown last Saturday, prompting his owners to declare "bring on the Coolmore team’’.

Ask Tregoning for answer at Ascot

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Marcus Tregoning's yard endured a lamentable run of form in the first half of last season, but with his horses firing on all cylinders this term, Askar Tau can do the business at Ascot.

Malcolmino to make it four in a row

Nicci Garner — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT always takes a while for a trainer to fill someone else’s shoes and Michael de Beer has been struggling a little to emulate his predecessor, Basil Marcus, who is now training in Singapore.

Protégés and fans alike mourn Peter Lovemore

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: PETER LOVEMORE, who died of a suspected heart attack in Cape Town on Monday morning, has been described as an "auctioneer, racing writer and commentator supreme’’, but undoubtedly his best skill was people - discovering them, engaging them and mentoring and nurturing them. The Zimbabwean was 65.

Sohcahtoa can capitalise on current wellbeing

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Sohcahtoa can steal the show at Nottingham. Richard Hannon's four-year-old seemingly slipped into the racing abyss in 2009 - and was even given a try over hurdles, so desperate had the situation become.

National Yearling Sale reaches new highs

Nicci Garner — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

AUCTIONEER Andrew Miller summed up the somewhat unexpected record averages recorded at the 2010 Emperors Palace National Yearling saying: “Seven, eight years ago the good yearling crops stood out among the average ones. Now, however, one average crop will stand out among the exceptionally good quality crops produced by South African breeders.”

New times set for Champions Day

Nicci Garner — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Unless there is more ran over the next couple of days, the Champions Day meeting will be staged at Turffontein tomorrow.

Greeff looks set to pay his way with Finance Minister

Nicci Garner — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER - Trainer Alan Greeff holds the key to Race 7 at Fairview today where he saddles four runners in this MR 90 Handicap over 1200m.

Fall in love with Nicholls’ runner at Newcastle

Nicci Garner — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Lovelace can make a winning debut for the Dandy Nicholls yard in the LA Taxis Conditions Stakes at Newcastle today. Twice a Pattern-race scorer, the six-year-old looks a really exciting recruit for Nicholls' Thirsk-based operation.

Marwing pips De Kock runner in QE11 Cup

Nicci Garner — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

IN what could be considered an ironic twist, it was Mike de Kock's former stable jockey, Weichong Marwing who came to pip his runner, Lizard's Desire, in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup over 2000m at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Woodruff pays record R4-million for yearling by Jet Master

Nicci Garner — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RINGSIDER - Trainer Geoff Woodruff has made numerous headlines in a distinguished career and he stole the show at yesterday's Emperors Palace National Yearling Sales when bidding a record R4 million for the Jet Master colt, Devine's Jet.

Rachel Alexandra may run on Kentucky Oaks day

Nicci Garner — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE (Kty) - Reigning USA Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra is targeting the $400,000-added La Troienne Stakes (G2) on the Kentucky Oaks undercard on 30 April at Churchill Downs for her next start, majority owner Jess Jackson said.

Anglezarke can prove too quick for her rivals

Nicci Garner — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Anglezarke can continue Richard Fahey's fine start to the turf season by making a successful reappearance in the EBF Lansdown Fillies' Stakes at Bath.

Conterfeit R200 notes

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TAB customers are asked to avoid using R200 notes to bet with in order to prevent unnecessary delays processing bets.

Pierre’s day of reckoning

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IN 2004 the whole of America watched the Belmont Stakes with baited breath as Smarty Jones attempted to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

QEII Cup field fears slow speed may be barrier

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HONG KONG - Connections of the leading chances were more concerned about the possible lack of early speed in Sunday's HK$14-million Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup than which barriers they drew on Thursday.

Package gift-wrapped for Gold

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Sandown hosts its regular clash of the codes as the Bet365 Gold Cup highlights a mixed card at the Esher venue on Saturday.

De Kock is back in town and Rudra is up to the Challenge

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: "YOU better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town.’’

Pierre’s day of reckoning

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IN 2004 the whole of America watched the Belmont Stakes with baited breath as Smarty Jones attempted to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

This is the year of Warm White Night

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHAT a difference a year makes! In 2009 the Computaform Sprint produced arguably the best finish of the season when Private Jet, Rebel King and Warm White Night crossed the line almost as a single entity.

De Kock is back in town and Rudra is up to the Challenge

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: "YOU better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town.’’

This is the year of Warm White Night

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mad Mike could make a winning debut

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HAROLD STERLEY: TRAINER Mike de Kock is back in South Africa and will be a busy man at the Champions Day at Turffontein tomorrow. He could be back in the limelight at Scottsville on Sunday when his stable will be represented by two runners.

Here To Win could give De Kock the Triple Tiara

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE will be a stunned silence at Turffontein if trainer Mike de Kock does not win the R750,000 SA Oaks on Saturday.

Here To Win could give De Kock the Triple Tiara

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NICCI GARNER: THERE will be a stunned silence at Turffontein if trainer Mike de Kock does not win the R750,000 SA Oaks on Saturday.

In-form Rabattache should score again

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MEL KAPLAN: Rabattache burst clear of his opponents over the last 300m to post an impressive win after being hampered over the Kenilworth 1000m last time out. Returning from a rest that day, he is back to his best and will take a power of beating in Race 5 over that course and distance on Saturday.

What the trainers say

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

EIGHT feature races, three at Grade 1 level, will be run on Champions Day at Turffontein on Saturday. HAROLD STERLEY caught up with a few of the trainers to discuss their runners’ big-race potential:

International Communities Charity Challenge

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PHUMELELA is giving away R100,000 to charity on Champions Day and here’s how it works.

Babe to show she has classic potential

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Bikini Babe can teach the boys a lesson when she takes the plunge in the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown.

Hear The Drums to post his 33rd career success

Nicci Garner — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

MEL KAPLAN: HEAR THE DRUMS is without doubt the best sprinter to have graced the turf at the two Eastern Cape courses and he looks a near certainty to land career win No 33 at Arlington on Friday when he runs in Race 8, the Arlington Flying Five over 1000m.

Here To Win tops boards for SA Oaks

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT comes as little surprise to see that Mike de Kock’s runners dominate the betting for the Grade 2 SA Oaks over 2450m on Saturday.

Come to Champions Day and win

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THERE will be prizes galore to be won members of the public who attend Champions Day at Turffontein on Saturday.

Follow the handicappers into Iliad

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: WHEN a budding three-year-old meets a proven four-year-old at level weights it always promotes discussion. On paper the three-year-old - in this case Iliad - is weighted to beat his older opponent - Choisir - in this Graduation Plate over 1600m at the Vaal but that is only because of the handicapper’s ratings.

Riverside Theatre can put on a first-class show

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - The jumping season comes to an end this weekend, but Punchestown is ensuring it goes out with a bang and there is a big word for Nicky Henderson’s Riverside Theatre in the valuable Ryanair Novice Chase there on Thursday.

St Nicholas Abbey continues to impress O’Brien

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GEOFF LESTER: LONDON - St Nicholas Abbey, who Aidan O’Brien has indicated to close friends "could be as good a horse as anything that has walked through the gates of Ballydoyle’’, continues to shorten up for the 2000 Guineas as the flaws in his potential rivals at Newmarket come to the surface.

John Kramer an equine expert extraordinaire!

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

CHARL PRETORIUS: EVERYONE involved in South African horseracing knows John Kramer, the seasoned breeder, owner, pedigree guru and conformation expert. Yet only a handful of his colleagues and friends are familiar with John’s colourful background and remarkable achievements in horseracing worldwide. He is our Legend of the Turf in the week of the 2010 Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale.

Prompter to boost his Derby claims

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON - Prompter can give his Derby claims a shot in the arm by winning at Epsom's first meeting of the season.

Comet Chaser can take the Poinsettia

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: COMET CHASER found unbeaten Val De Ra a touch too good at Greyville in her debut in KwaZulu-Natal but Darryl Hodgson’s filly can atone for that defeat in the Grade 3 Poinsettia Stakes over 1200m at Clairwood on Wednesday.

Come to Champions Day and win

Nicci Garner — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

THERE will be prizes galore to be won members of the public who attend Champions Day at Turffontein on Saturday.

Here To Win tops boards for SA Oaks

Nicci Garner — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

JACK MILNER: IT comes as little surprise to see that Mike de Kock’s runners dominate the betting for the Grade 2 SA Oaks over 2450m on Saturday.

SA racing signs agreement with bet365

Nicci Garner — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

PHUMELELA GOLD ENTERPRISES has concluded a web-streaming agreement with bet365, a major online bookmaker in the UK that will expand South African horseracing’s exposure in the UK.

De Kock duo enjoy light workout in Hong Kong