Amongst South African racing’s most instantly recognisable racing silks for over 18 years, the Hollywood Syndicate’s distinctive yellow and purple flag flew proudly under steel grey skies at Vaal Racecourse on Tuesday afternoon as the top team celebrated their 200th winner milestone, courtesy of the Clinton Binda-trained first-timer Hope Is Power.
The impressive son of international star Soft Falling Rain was bred by our champion breeders Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, and showed plenty of maturity on debut as he drew clear up the outside rail under Jason Gates to win the 1000m Maiden Juvenile Plate going away.
Jason Gates poses as Hope Is Power storms home (Pic – JC Photos)
Hope Is Power clocked 59,25 secs and his winning margin of 3,75 lengths illustrated the facile nature of his victory.
Trainer Clinton Binda, who is based at a private establishment near Lanseria Airport, coincidentally also saddled the Hollywood Syndicate’s 50th winner, and conceded modestly that he ‘wouldn’t be here without them’.
The seasoned conditioner was also at pains to thank his team, which includes his Assistant Clinton Naude, and in turn Clinton Naude’s ‘Assistant’ Tinashe Nasho, who doubles as Hope Is Power’s groom.
A thrilled Clint, a veteran horseman with an eagle eye for a good horse, admitted that Hope Is Power, registered as a R360 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, was the most expensive horse he had ever bought.
“Mary Slack had kindly given me a R200 000 credit for an issue with a horse of theirs I had purchased the previous year. So I was very fortunate to find Hope Is Power, and I am really so pleased and proud to have achieved this milestone for some great people who are so passionate about the game and love their racing.”
Hope Is Power is the second foal of the four-time winning Kahal mare, Sarasota – who produced a first foal winner, Florida Keys.
The Hollywood Syndicate is the racehorse ownership platform of South Africa’s favourite bookmakers Hollywoodbets.
The goal of the unique initiative is to support the industry by not only investing back into horseracing, but also by taking an active role in thoroughbred racehorse ownership.
The syndicate is managed by Anthony Delpech, a popular former multiple Champion Jockey.
Tinashe Nasho and Clint Binda proudly show off Hope Is Power after his milestone victory (Pic – JC Photos)
The day is an important one in a long and eventful road since the Hollywood Syndicate’s first winner on 3 March 2002, when Splendid Night won a Maiden Plate at what is now Hollywoodbets Greyville.
The syndicate hit a purple patch in 2020, with 42 winners in one of the toughest years for horseracing in history.
This season they are on 28 winners, with some exciting unraced horses in the wings.
Hope Is Power was ‘adopted’ by Hollywoodbets’ Corporate Social Investment department prior to his debut, and hence the very appropriate message carried in his powerful name!
In terms of an incentive announced last year, the 200th milestone winning groom Tinashe Nasho, trainer Clinton Binda and jockey Jason Gates will receive a commemorative cash award with the compliments and appreciation of the Hollywood Syndicate.
A trophy will also be awarded to each of the three men who played an important part in the win.
The framed pics of the winner on the memorable day will no doubt also enjoy a very special place on the wall of honour at the Hollywoodbets Team Support Office.
Every winner is special – and the team now moves on to achieving even greater things.
