The Hollywood Syndicate celebrated a milestone 600th winner on African soil when the Danon Platina gelding Luhamba Phambili stormed to victory to win the R200 000 non black-type Need For Speed Sprint as local racing returned to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
Just hours prior to the Hollywood Syndicate’s groundbreaking Breeders’ Cup Sprint bid by their champion Isivunguvungu 16 000km away in California, Luhamba Phambili (3-1), who had arrived in the province a fortnight earlier, made his Cape debut a winning one when he was always in the mix before stamping his authority to register a convincing length victory in a time of 57,14 secs for the 1000m.
Corne Orffer has Luhamba Phambili are in control as Roman Agent (JP van der Merwe) chases late – fourth placed Lion Rampart (Sean Veale) can be seen at the rail (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The Hollywood Syndicate registered a double after first-timer Elizabedi Gold had won the opener.
The Snaith’s good-looking grey Roman Agent (25-2) came on late to hold Miss World (25-2), with the more fancied Lion Rampart (9-10) outpaced and then tiring late for fourth.
A R550 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Luhamba Phambili was bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein and is a son of Deep Impact stallion Danon Platina out of the four-time winning Silvano mare, Simply Royal.
He is now a winner of 2 races with a place from 4 starts and stakes of R208 625.
There is plenty of symbolic significance in Luhamba Phambili’s name, which means ‘move forward’. It is a phrase of encouragement, urging one to take bold steps, be innovative, and push forward, even in the face of obstacles. It’s a call to action, inspiring individuals to be trailblazers and make a positive impact. That sums up the Hollywood brand in many ways!
The multiple Grade 1-winning Hollywood Syndicate have grown exponentially since Splendid Night recorded their first victory back in 2002.
As a mark of appreciation, the syndicate presented winning trainer Gareth van Zyl with a cheque of R10 000, while jockey Corne Orffer received the same amount.
The winning Groom, nicknamed Scelo ‘Lucky Boy’ Thukela earned himself R2 500, while commentator Alistair Cohen played his part in the historic moment and picked up R5 000 for calling the 57,14 second milestone moment.
