The wide-reaching influence and substantial contribution by some Bookmakers to horseracing was underlined in the fifth race at Turffontein on Saturday, the R75 000 Betway Boost MR 75 Handicap, when the Hollywood Syndicate-owned Trois Trois Quatre won a race sponsored by Betway, with World Sports Betting providing the Groom’s incentive of R1 500.
Groom Godfrey Malizani received his cheque and was clearly delighted as he thanked Betway, who just become involved in the spring and summer season on the Highveld and in the Eastern Cape, as well as WSB and Hollywoodbets, encouraging all Bookmakers to get involved in racing.
Countrywide, Grooms benefit from bookmaker-sponsored cash incentives, with all three firms involved in race sponsorship.
Beyond a powerful string of horses nationally, Hollywood have taken the involvement and support of SA horseracing to another level, with direct investment in Cape and KZN horseracing.
Winning trainer Mike de Kock with his assistant trainer David Dlamini and winning jockey JP van der Merwe (Pic – JC Photos)
Mike de Kock complimented the Hollywood Syndicate for their patience with Trois Trois Quatre, who he labelled ‘a progressive horse’.
“He had a few niggles and we chatted to Anthony Delpech and threw him out for a break. He has come back a different horse. A trainer’s job is difficult enough, and when you have owners working against you, then it’s more difficult. We can get the best out of horses when owners are with us, as in this case. As for the strength of it, I don’t get too excited about winter form but he is better than a 76 or 77, and certainly a good handicapper.”
The progressive Rafeef gelding’s name is French for three three four (334), which is the record number of wins by a jockey in a SA racing season, which was set by Anthony Delpech almost 25 years ago. French goes back to the Hollywood Syndicate Racing Manager’s roots in the Seychelles.
With only eight starts under the belt, the Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein-bred Trois Trois Quatre made it three wins on the trot since shedding his maiden at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on 19 July.
He was given a professional ride by Bryanston Auctioneers-sponsored JP van der Merwe, who became a Dad for the first time when daughter Valentina arrived on Friday afternoon. Congratulations to JP and Abbi, as well as Oupa Gavin and Granny Marilyn Smith down in Gqeberha.
