The Ridgemont Highlands powerhouse moved into top gear at the second meeting of the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Summer Festival of Racing on Saturday when the Robertson nursery of champions bred their second WSB Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas winner in five renewals as the unexposed Dynasty filly Make It Snappy went all the way for an impressive early career victory.
The Make It Snappy team celebrate on the podium (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The victory by the Brett Crawford-trained daughter of iconic Ridgemont Highlands stallion Dynasty – the champion son of Fort Wood’s third winner in the classic after Just Sensual (2016) and the Ridgemont flagbearer Front And Centre (2018) – was an eyecatcher in all respects, with the lovely filly cheekily pricking her ears at the post under elated jockey, and a Gr1 first-timer himself, Louis Mxothwa.
After two decades of commitment, the gamechanging win was also a milestone maiden Grade 1 victory for the Hollywood Syndicate, who race the flyer in a unique bulk lease agreement with Ridgemont Highlands.
The Hollywood Syndicate race many well-bred Ridgemont Highlands horses, with the victory by the progressive Make It Snappy taking the association to another level, much to the joy of Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer.
“It is a really very special moment for all of us to celebrate our first Gr1 winner and we could not have achieved this without Ridgemont Highlands. Our partnership is still in its infancy, but it has effectively accelerated our racing into the top echelon with the opportunity to race these magnificently bred horses. For us it is the stuff that dreams are made of. Hats off and many thanks to Wayne, Craig and Ross Kieswetter who have achieved such incredible things in relatively short time through a passion and professionalism that makes all the difference,”said Devin Heffer, who went on to explain that racing across South Africa in the yellow and purple silks was a means of showcasing their popular brand, while reinvesting back into the sport of kings.
“It’s been quite a year of proud firsts! Five months ago it was the inaugural Hollywoodbets Durban July – and now our first Gr1 winner. Racing Manager Anthony Delpech has assisted in elevating the performance of the Hollywood Syndicate, and all of this is ultimately a tribute to Owen Heffer and his passion. While he never steps into the limelight, it is his dream and hard work that has contributed to a significant impact on racing in both KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. From Grooms, to Owners, Trainers, Jockeys and the Horse Care Units, not a stakeholder has been overlooked. It is something that we are really very proud of! To Ridgemont Highlands and Make It Snappy – thanks again. We look forward to following her fortunes all the way through her racing career, and then into the second phase of her life as an exciting broodmare in the Robertson paddocks!”
Ridgemont Highlands’ Craig Kieswetter echoed the sentiments, and said that he hoped that Make It Snappy was the first of many elite level performers for themselves and Hollywoodbets.
“Our association with Hollywoodbets is founded on a mutual quest to see horseracing prosper and grow. Enjoying a Gr1 success in such a key race on the track, and ultimately in the stud-book, is tremendously satisfying and we are proud to be part in what is a team effort. Make It Snappy has gone down in history for all of us involved. We are proud to have bred her and thrilled that she is a daughter of the legend Dynasty,” concluded Kieswetter.
Have you read the latest Sprint? Please click on the image below:
