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.
Kildeer’s descendants have enjoyed huge success over the past 100 years or so, and this powerful female line looks stronger than ever in the 21st century.
I read this morning that Anton Marcus has ruled himself out of riding Act of War in the Guineas. My first phone call will be to racing manager, Derek Brugman, for his opinion and some form of cunning plan. Derek is never, ever short of one and usually one step ahead of the rest of us. I don’t see too many problems ahead
Pippa and the Avontuur team always ensure a top class outing, so thank you for a thoroughly engrossing day’s racing. Pippa for president ! Or better yet, head of marketing.
Our local yards have been hard hit by the difficult economic climate which has resulted in drastically reduced strings. In addition the firm going has understandably made some trainers think twice about acceptances. Hopefully this situation will improve when the long awaited rains finally arrive
This could be the fastest mile ever run at Kenilworth, particularly if there is no head wind! For once, there does look to be an awful lot of pace in the race. However, every time I say that they go an absolute crawl and I end up with egg on my face.
Runners in the Fillies Guineas are by sires whose progeny include three previous winners of the race, and a staggering total of over 470 stakes winners. Safe to say, the winner of the 2014 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas will have considerable value as a broodmare!
Cally Hotson and her Horses In Art home boutique have been in business for 10 years and are hosting a Christmas Pop-Up Shop on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December to celebrate.
Justin, riding his elephants in India, must be a very happy man. I had a quick chat with Chris afterwards and he was smiling from ear to ear
Horse Chestnut is the maternal grandsire of Ocho Ocho Ocho, who remains unbeaten in 3 starts and who looks a potential candidate for the 2015 Kentucky Derby
Thank you, Striker. And thank you, racing. When you get it right, you get it so so right.
There is no miracle cure, and betting operators have to believe strongly in what they are doing and the potential of the sport before they will succeed. Without this you cannot market anything successfully as marketing requires conviction, and lots of it to be effective.
It will be good news for South African racing fans that, despite a number of offers from abroad, Gerald and Karen Kalil’s multiple champion Quid Pro Quo will continue her 3yo season on African soil
The son of Twice Over has been gelded and will be aimed at the Betway Gr1 Summer Cup, the L’Ormarins King’s Plate and the WSB Cape Town Met
Former SA Champion jockey Andrew Fortune’s six month quest to be relicenced to ride again reaches something of a watershed
The Ridgemont’s Kieswetter and Drakenstein’s Rupert families are major players in our horseracing and the Monmouth Park feature thus held more than a passing interest for many of us
