The Klawervlei bred William Longsword gelding Sakhala Is’Cathulo, whose name appropriately means ‘the game is on’, grabbed the limelight at a relatively low-key Turffontein racemeeting on Thursday when he stayed on resolutely to register his maiden victory to mark a momentous 500th winner milestone for the Hollywood Syndicate.
Clinton Binda, Muzi Yeni and Claudius Mwandama were the men in the hot seat on what was a truly auspicious day for a syndicate that has grown from their humble first winner Splendid Night, on 13 March 2002, to a powerful force today in racing in both South Africa and the UK.
Muzi Yeni has Sakhala Is’Cathulo in control for the milestone victory (Pic – JC Photos)
The 2022 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, who was only the second horse selected by Hollywood buyer Jo Mincione with trainer Clint Binda, was named by Zandile Madondo, a member of the Hollywood PR and Communications team.
The 3yo Sakhala Is’Cathulo was having only his fifth start after showing smart improvement in blinkers at the Vaal at his previous start.
Given a peach of a ride by Stone Stamcor-sponsored Muzi Yeni, Sakhala Is’Cathulo (33-20) looked a potentially beaten horse 200m out when challenged by the filly Thing Called Love (2-1), but came back resolutely to score a 1,20 length victory in a time of 61,04 secs for the 1000m.
Muzi Yeni, who has ridden 25 winners for the Hollywood Syndicate over the years, reflected back on the days when he was assisted with air tickets to Kimberley and doffed his cap to Hollywood boss, Owen Heffer.
Claudius Mwandama shows his delight (Pic – JC Photos)
Long-serving groom Claudius Mwandama, a man of few words, thanked his boss and said that he was proud to be a part of Hollywood Syndicate history.
Trainer Clinton Binda, had a broad smile on his face and said that he wasn’t complaining that Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville racemeeting had been washed out.
Binda has certainly been an integral player in the success story over the years, and this was his 98th winner for the team. Next best on wins rankings is Summerveld trainer Alyson Wright on 71.
The experienced Binda’s first winner for the Hollywood Syndicate was their 24th, and he has shown some excellent timing over the years as he also landed the milestones of 50th winner and 200th winner.
Happy day! Clint Binda, Anthony Delpech, Muzi Yeni and the Binda team enjoy a massive milestone (Pic – JC Photos)
The Hollywood Syndicate enjoyed their best season ever last term with their 124 wins incorporating 5 Grade 1 victories, by three different horses in Anfield’s Rocket, Make It Snappy and Isivunguvungu,
The previous season they racked up 101 wins.
The Hollywood Syndicate were back in the winner’s box at Turffontein two races later when apprentice Trent Mayhew steered Princess Kesh home for trainer Heather Adamson.
Watch the replay of the 500th winner:
A glance at the purple and yellow team’s key stats over the years tells a story of widespread support across the country.
Their 500 wins were achieved by 206 different horses bred by 77 different breeders.
Hong Kong -based reigning SA champion jockey Keagan de Melo has ridden the most winners for the Hollywood Syndicate, with 43 firsts. Winning Form-sponsored national log leader Richard Fourie is on second spot with 39.
Clinton Binda is one of 35 different trainers to have saddled a winner for the Hollywood Syndicate.
