Randjesfontein trainer Fanie Bronkhorst saddles four runners at the Marshalls World Of Sport Festival Of Racing at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. That’s a remarkable achievement for a man who only has a yard of 15 and saddled his first runner a matter of eight months ago.
Fanie will be operating with an open licence from the start of the new season on Sunday and says he is happy to be able to work without the constraints of being an owner-trainer.
Running Brave beats Expressfromtheus to win the London News – she is back to best for Saturday! (Pic- JC Photos)
“That’s the NHA requirements and I have now satisfied them, so I am looking forward to expanding my string with my two barns at Randjesfontein,” he says proudly.
The man who grew up in Kathu, the iron-ore capital of the Northern Cape Province, broke the ice with a big win by his stalwart Running Brave in the Gr3 London News Stakes at Turffontein in the first week of January.
The hard knocking daughter of Brave Tin Soldier heads his quartet on Saturday when she bids for a historic third consecutive success in the Gr2 Gold Bracelet.
” I’m sad for Summer Pudding’s connections and the racing public that the champion has been withdrawn as we were all looking forward to her swansong. My girl is back to her best and I reckon she will go close to winning the race for the third year. I also have every respect for She’s A Keeper. Running Brave is over a joint issue she developed prior to the Vodacom Durban July. She wasn’t 100% there, but believe me she is full of beans again!”
Asked whether he would be retiring the trojan mare to stud after Saturday, Fanie is in two minds.
“I will let her tell me. She will make a lovely broodmare and has the credentials. I’m in two minds as she is so enthusiastic and loves her racing,” he says.
Fanie opens his day with Kayla’s Champ in the Listed Darley Arabian.
“She is consistent and always does her best. She takes on some decent males and it’s her first time on the polytrack. She has shown excellent sand work and Smanga Khumalo will give her every chance from a fair draw.”
He then runs Cocoa Hill in the Gr2 Debutante.
“Her post-maiden run was fair as they rate the winner. The draw isn’t easy, but she has good gate speed and once again Smanga Khumalo is the right man for the job. Based on her work, I’m hoping for a place.”
His Elusive Fort gelding Excellarator runs in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes.
“He is crying out for the mile so I was really pleased with his win over the 1200m at his third start. Donovan Dillon is a nice strong rider and if he can get Excellarator into a decent position, I’d think he is capable of running a place. Whatever happens, he will be a better horse as a 3yo,” he adds.
- Fanie has empty boxes available and may be contacted on 082 313 1368.
