Sporting Post columnists share their opinions and insights into horse racing from South Africa and around the world. They are experts who have a deep understanding of the sport of kings, enjoy their thoughtful and fresh articles.
‘This year alone, the NHRA is said to have spent in excess of R3-million on legal fees. I’d like to suggest the NHRA move their offices to Fasken Martineau in Sandton’
The BHA seems to regard trainers and owners as inherently dishonest individuals who spend their time lining up dishonest activities to profit from
‘How much longer will the Operators, who fund the NHA to the tune of roughly R80 million p.a. be prepared to continue financially supporting this wasteful exercise and the runaway legal costs, all of which impacts on our stakes?’
Imagine – we could be living next door to malice! Stipes decision raises more questions than answers
‘All is fair in love, war and on the racecourse. Except… When did you last see a 10-way dead-heat?’
The days of selective freelancing and power imbalances created by the top jockeys being associated with the top yards could be over
In the early 1980’s The Buggles told us that Video Killed The Video Star. Fast forward to the 21st century, the question is did handicapping do the same to the sport of kings?
Top-class stayers are not devoid of speed – they finish their races at the same pace as sprinters – it’s just that they take longer to build up to it
The ‘burning platform’ of Phumelela’s business rescue and Covid made it easy to reduce prize money. While that was a short-term fix, there must be other big changes we can make in this time of crisis that will make the industry more sustainable
There was no indication in the Vaal Stipes Report that an investigation would be opened into the incident
‘It’s been the pathetic mismanagement of the previous incumbents that have lead to the ‘illusion’ that Flamingo Park is a loss leader’
Finding the words ‘excitement’ and ‘insurance’ in the same sentence is as rare as breeding a Triple Crown winner!
As the clock ticks toward this year’s renewal of South Africa’s most iconic of races, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, it is only fitting that we return to the start of the new millennium and recall all the drama and splendour
