Having sent out her first winner only three years ago, Vaal-based Ashley Fortune has made great strides to join the top echelon of leading South African lady trainers. She saddles six Gr1 contenders at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday – and also sends out a runner in the $70 000 Gr2 OK Grand Challenge at Borrowdale.
The jackpot of four Gr1 1200m speed contests on the Golden Horse Sprint raceday at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in Pietermaritzburg celebrates its 60th year on Saturday.
Ashley Fortune welcomes her favourite Bard Of Avon after his debut win. The Var colt runs in the Gr1 Gold Medallion on Saturday (Pic- JC Photos)
Just a month away from a milestone 40th birthday, the Harare-born Ashley Fortune has built on her rock solid equine foundation to become a force to be reckoned with in a tough game.
“It’s very exciting to have feature runners down in KZN and North of the Limpopo on Saturday. I’d like to believe that amongst others, it’s a sign that we bought well that we have such nice juveniles to send out in the features.”
On the mechanics and rationale behind Cash Time’s engagement in the OK Grand Challenge, Ashley says that it’s a sentimental occasion – and the race offers a US dollar-denominated stake of nearly R1 million.
“Gokhan Terzi will saddle him for us. We will be thrilled if he runs into the money,” she adds.
Of her Hollywoodbets Scottsville feature candidates, Ash runs Crusade debut winner Aunty Lizzy in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship.
Fortune Family – Kylie, Andrew, Sean & Ashley
“She won well on debut and is a progressive type who shows good work. I’m hoping that she can run into the back-end of quartets. It’s a tough race – and that’s exactly what one expects when competing at Gr1 level.”
The Fortune Racing Team send out a quartet of runners in the Gr1 Gold Medallion. Ash was quick to play open cards.
“Don’t be fooled, in all avenues of life, everyone has a favourite – that’s why I only have one child!” she laughs, pointing out the Ridgemont Highlands-bred smart debut winner Bard Of Avon as her first choice.
“I fell in love with him the moment I saw him on the farm. Var liver chestnuts are my weakness! He has a few issues and can behave like a bit of a silly monkey. But we have been working on him and if he is on his best behaviour at the start, I’d like to believe that he can run a big race.”
Ashley and Captain Lannister (Pic – JC Photos)
Recent winner Captain Lannister is described as a ‘lovely colt who will be looking for further in time’.
“His work is good. He is fit. He won well at his second start. It’s a no-brainer to take our chances with a nice horse as the Gold Medallion only comes up once in a horse’s career!”
A second favourite behind Bard Of Avon for Ash is Elmo.
“Oh, he is a real cutie!” she enthuses, in a reference we thought was aimed at hubby, Andrew.
“No, I’m talking about Elmo. He is an honest lovely progressive horse who will also want more ground in time. He has won at the track – that helps! Calvin (Habib) rides him as his wife owns a share.”
Gold Medallion candidate Elmo (Calvin Habib) is led in by Katelyn Whittington & Shandre Habib (Pic- Candiese Lenferna)
The most experienced 2yo in the race, Godolphin Barb runner-up Irfaans Boy is the fourth of the Fortune attack.
“He really is a lovely horse. He enjoyed Hollywoodbets Scottsville previously when second in the feature behind what looks like a really nice sort, who he bumps again. He warrants respect and has a really lovely temperament, which is always an asset.”
Her final runner on the day is the smart 3yo Winter Smoke, who runs in the SA Fillies Sprint. She ran fourth in the Allan Robertson last year.
“I owe her a win at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. Last year we really fancied her in the Allan Robertson but she was under done – and we paid the price. She is back to her best now and comes racing fit and ready. I have to respect True To Life, who I feel is the horse to beat. But that said, it’s a typically high-class field with depth.”
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