Captain Chaos, who has his first race of the season at Durbanville on Saturday, is due to return there for the R250,000 Grade 3 Kuda Matchem Stakes over 1400m on Saturday 3 October.

He is the highest merit-rated of the 26 entries and veteran trainer Ronnie Sheehan has been carefully mapping out a plan of campaign for last season’s Cape Of Good Hope Nursery (Grade 3) winner.

The Matchem, confined to three and four-year-olds, has been won by some high-class horses in recent years, most notably Variety Club in 2011 and Capetown Noir two years later. Justin Snaith, successful with Changingoftheguard three years ago, has the biggest entry (eight) and these include the provenly useful Heartland, Alpha Pegasi, Krambambuli and Charles Lytton.

Variety Club’s trainer Joey Ramsden has entered six, including the talented three-year-old Hard Day’s Night and Tar Heel, who started odds-on for the Cape Of Good Hope Nursery in June but failed to reproduce the form he showed when winning the Listed Somerset 1200 previously.

The Mike Bass stable, whose most recent successes came with Thundering Jet in 2008 and Rushing Wind 12 months later, have five entered including Sail For Gold who takes on Captain Chaos this Saturday.

The draw will be of supreme importance with the bend from the back straight into the straight beginning so soon after the pens open and those drawn high will be at a disadvantage, particularly if the field reaches double figures.

Inara, who completed a notable Grade 1 double in January in the Maine Chance Paddock Stakes and the Klawervlei Majorca, heads the 21 entries for the Lanzerac Diana Stakes over the same course and distance and on the same day as the Matchem.

She also runs at Durbanville this Saturday and the Mike Bass stable’s present plans are to go from there to the Diana which they won with Hammie’s Hooker two years ago. Their other wins in this race include the high class Sun Classique in 2006.

Alexis, winner of last season’s KRA Fillies Guineas, may represent Brett Crawford. Glen Kotzen has the best recent record with four winners in the last 15 years and he has entered three while Snaith has the biggest entry (six). He has won three of the last six runnings, most notably with the Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas winner Ebony Flyer in 2011.

There is a supplementary entry stage for both races next Wednesday (23 September) and declarations are on Monday 28 September.

Entries and draws for the Kuda Matchem Stakes (Grade 3) over 1 400m at Durbanville:

Entries and draws for the Lanzerac Diana Stakes (Grade 3) over 1 400m at Durbanville:

        –   TABNews

Picture: Inara (Liesl King)

Greyville stages the third of its popular Friday night series meetings this season and there look to be more good opportunities for punters, starting with Barbosa in the opener.

Barbosa appears to have the first, a Pinnacle Stakes event over 1000m, at his mercy as the Dennis Drier-trained gelding is particularly well in at the weights following his Umgeni Handicap win over course and distance on Super Saturday. Viva La Var finished 1,75 lengths behind Barbosa in the Umgeni and is now 1,5kg worse off, but was returning from an eight-month layoff for a knee chip then and should have benefited from the run. Eddie Sweat could fill third place being well drawn and only 0,5kg worse off for a 3,9 length beating by Barbosa over course and distance on Vodacom Durban July day. Prince Of Magic might have needed his last start and could earn. Sheik’s Brashee is second best in at the weights, but is hard to fancy on his last two disappointing runs. Chosen Dash’s winning time over course and distance was a lot slower than Barbosa’s and she is also 5kg under sufferance with the latter.

In the second, a Maiden over 2000m, Township Talk, who can front run and has a nice kick, is the form choice with Anton Marcus up over a suitable trip. However, Forest is likely to improve further over this trip and could be a threat. Red Savage over-raced a little bit over 2000m at Turffontein last time and could do better from a good draw here. Desert Sunset was only 1,5 lengths off Township Talk at Scottsville and has run ran a fair third over 1800m on the poly before. Knockout Johny stayed on over 1600m on the poly last time and could earn.

In the third, a Maiden for fillies and mares over 1400m, Khonza is a full sister to the decent sort Kwinta and will relish the step up in trip. She is tipped to beat Deeyala who is improving and ran a fair race over 1600m last time behind a horse who went on to finish second in a Gr 1. Swiss Note will likely relish the step up in trip. Swan Dance has cracked a good draw for a change which should help her settle over a suitable course and distance. Coastal Spell is not sure to appreciate the step up in trip.

In the fourth over 1400m Taku Wind’s course and distance form has worked out well, so as a likely improver he is tipped to win. Shine Up’s course and distance form has also been franked. Texican ran on strongly over 1200m last time and is likely to relish the step up in trip. Streetwear was not disgraced behind a top class sort over this trip at Turffontein last time. Promissory is another who can’t be ignored.

In the fifth over 1400m, Miss Stingray has dropped down to the merit rating of her last career win, which was over this course and distance and she is well drawn. Quintella was a touch unlucky last time over 1200m and should be running on as usual, but she would probably prefer 1200m. Tales Of Mambo hasn’t been harshly treated by the handicapper after winning her maiden over 1600m at Turffontein and the form looks fair. Alcanina’s class is undone by her breathing problems. Seek The Summit has improved and can’t be ignored. Hunger Games could earn if reproducing her best.

In the sixth over 1600m, Baracah ran on well to finish close up the last time he tried this trip and could be dangerous off a two point lower merit rating with a 4kg claimer up. Bold Inspiration enjoys the kinder poly surface due to his foot issues and his class could carry him close. Master Archer won well last time over this trip at Scottsville and can defy a three point raise. Master James is a progressive sort who has won over course and distance but he is returning from a three month layoff. Buffalo Bill is ideally course and distance suited.

In the seventh over 1600m, Variety Romp is reasonably merit rated and interesting running fresh over 1600m having dominated his only start over 1900m. Mambo Mime is a classy sort but has not settled well in his runs to date so it is a concern that he is a young three-year-old running fresh off an 88 merit rating. Astro, Open Heir and Klondike River can’t be ignored.

In the last over 1200m, Hold The Line has been knocking on the door and is course and distance suited. Salesman is also knocking on the door and is drawn well over an ideal course and distance, but does have a big weight to carry. Var’s Dream, Harrison and Delicious Damowin must also be considered.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Barbosa (Nkosi Hlophe)

The R1-million Supreme Cup sponsored by SAP (Grade 2) and to be run over 1450m on the Vaal sand on 26 September is going to be a fascinating contest.

The final field for the continent’s most prestigious sand race was unveiled yesterday on the Riverside Sun Hotel’s Liquid Lounge boat cruise and more than just a few “whoops” were heard during the ceremony as it quickly became apparent that this was both a classy and intriguing line-up.

The intrigue is provided by two horses that have never raced on the sand before, Willow Magic and Ultimate Dollar, and by the horse who stands to win a R100 000 bonus, Roman Carnival.

Willow Magic, from the yard of champion trainer Sean Tarry, is a Grade 1-winning sprint “miler” who is now five but is still at the top of his game.

Ultimate Dollar, from the new Highveld satellite yard of trainer Justin Snaith, ended a luckless Champions Season campaign by romping home in the Grade 3 tabGold 2200. Also effective over this shorter trip, he has drawn well at 2.

Roman Carnival is out to land the R100 000 bonus offered by World Sports Betting for any horse that can win both the Grade 3 World Sports Betting August Stakes over 1200m and the Supreme Cup. He destroyed them in the August Stakes last month and will relish the step up in trip. Although he does have it a bit tougher at the weights this time and has a wide draw to overcome.

Another intriguing entry is Deputy Jud, the Grade 1 SA Derby-runner up. He goes well on sand and his low draw looks ideal for his strong, galloping style, although he would prefer further.

His stablemate Isphan has enjoyed a good preparation and looks nicely weighted over a suitable distance. He has the speed to overcome his wide draw and the ability to run on.

Toro Rosso was a convincing winner over the course and distance in his last start and either he or Mootahadee, another impressive course and distance winner, could give Mike de Kock a third victory in this race.

Precursor is a speedster in the mould of last year’s winner Tommy Gun so is most interesting from pole position draw. Jade Vine is also in this category and should have come on from his last run which followed a five-month layoff.

Uncle Tommy has finished third and second in the last two runnings, but looks a bit high in the weights these days. All The Bids is another who could find it tough at the weights.

TapTap Makhatini finished sixth last year but is interesting because he runs well fresh, although his wide draw is a concern. Lavender Landscape loves the Vaal sand but would prefer further and the handicapper might have his measure.

Solar Triptych has a tough task on paper but is relatively lightly raced. He would have come on from his last start and, open to further improvement, could be the dark horse in the race.

• TABNews

*A carryover-boosted (R1,2million) Pick 6 pool will provide further incentive to get involved at the Vaal on Supreme Cup day (Saturday, September 26) with the pool expected to top R4,8MILLION

Picture: Ultimate Dollar (Nkosi Hlophe)

There is an eight race meeting on the Vaal sand today, a venue where value can often be found.

In the first over 1000m, Ronin Warrior is a by Kahal and is a half-brother to the fair sorts Silva Hawk and Red Rover and he doesn’t have much to beat, although he will prefer further in time. Magic has improved since being beaten by three of the other contestants over course and distance in July and should go close. From that race Gold Comet is well exposed after 17 starts and only three places, Song From Seattle has made breathing noises in both starts to date, and Mendoza’s Melody has not impressed in two starts since. Edgbaston could improve on his debut effort but a concern is he made a breathing noise. Tzitzikama Fire has a place chance having run two fair races over course and distance. Noah From Goa is a half-brother to the like of Guy From Dubai and looks likely to need further on pedigree.

In the second over 1450m Beaufort Sea is by Fort Wood so should love the sand. He has fair form on turf from 1200-1600m and his wide draw should not be too much of a problem considering he has Andrew Fortune up. Seven Single’s decent debut on sand over 1200m behind a well regarded sort was followed by a reasonable effort over 1600m on turf, although he was well beaten in that race by Beaufort Sea. Bullion Bay made late head way last time out over course and distance in a similarly moderate event to run a close second so has to be considered from pole position.  Battle Of Arcole does have breathing issues so will likely appreciate the step down to the course and distance of his best recent run. Marsden could earn if bouncing back to his best but his last three runs from similarly wide draws have been poor which is a concern.

In the third over 1600m Nurse Harriet is by Windrush so should love the sand and she is drawn well over the same trip of her last two fair efforts on turf. Angel’s Smile pulled up lame last time after a 1450m event on the sand but if reproducing her previous 1600m run on turf she could earn here. Carole Bouquet ran a fair race last time over 1450m on the sand, but a concern is that this is her second run after an eleven month layoff.

In the fourth over 1000m Ballerini ran a cracker last time over course and distance behind two promising sorts when under sufferance in a Pinnacle Stakes event and if she reproduces that here back in a handicap she will win. Easy Street ran well over 12000m in her first three starts before disappointing over 1400m, so is interesting making her sand debut over this trip. Wintry Night has a good sand pedigree being by Western Winter and has not been unduly punished by the handicapper after easily winning her maiden in her third career start over this course and distance, so she could do well despite having been well beaten on turf by Easy Street when showing pace on debut over 1200m.

In the fifth over 1200m Flag Of France is off a competitive merit rating and is 2,5kg better off for a 3,25 length beating by Shine Tiger over course and distance in his penultimate start. Shine Tiger disappointed last time but is re-associated with Craig Zackey who rode him to a convincing win over course and distance in his penultimate start, albeit from pole position whereas he now has to jump from the same seven draw as in that last run. Cosmic Tom, well beaten by Shine Tiger three runs ago when not himself, represents an in form yard and is well drawn over a course and distance he has gone close over in his last two starts. Formal Request has landed a good draw over the course and distance of his facile win in his penultimate start and he showed next time out over 1400m that he was up to his raised merit rated mark by only being caught late over 1450m. Return To The Sun is drawn in pole and has dropped down the merit ratings so could use his early pace to gain a place.

In the sixth over 1450m Wishful Heart is likely stretched by this trip, but has won over it before and is a progressive sort, so could be the one to side with considering the astute judge of pace Andrew Fortune is aboard. Brad’s Surge is drawn in pole as opposed to the draw of six when a nine length second over course and distance last time and he could go close as the runaway winner of that race looks a decent sort. Rough Justice is 1,5kg better off with Brad’s Surge for a 2,2 length beating in that aforementioned race and has another good draw so should also be concerned in the finish.

In the seventh over 1450m Divine Grace, ridden by Fortune, is off a competitive merit rating and was run out of it over 1600m by a decent sort in his last two so looks the one to beat over this step down in trip. River Run packs a strong finish and is likely to be a big runner from a good draw under promising 1,5kg claimer Callan Murray. Seven Kingdoms has a good sand pedigree being by Sarge and is well drawn over the course and distance of his easy maiden win.

In the eighth over 2000m Dover Beach likely runs off a capped merit rating having scooted in by ten lengths in his penultimate start on the sand over 1800m so could follow up.  Isosha ran on late over 1800m on the sand last time and just failed so should be right there from a good draw under Gavin Lerena. Inala has run well in two starts on the sand from 1450m to 1600m and stayed on over 2000m in his penultimate start on turf, so should also be involved in the finish.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Andrew Fortune 

The four-year-old Seventh Rock gelding made short work of beating a Graduation field over 1200m at Scottsville last Sunday and “couldn’t blow out a candle after the race”.

Said Drier: “He has come out of the race fantastically well. I was confident going into the race that the operation was a great success, but Anton Marcus was concerned because Guiness was making a little bit of a noise in the pull-up at the end of his work. On Sunday he reported back that there was no noise. And Guiness’ joints were ice cold on Monday morning. It was unbelievable to see him trot out.

“I think he’s a hell of a sprinter, so I expected him to win like that. I would have been disappointed if he hadn’t beaten that field. He’s back on track, big time.”

Guiness “went in the wind” when compounding to fifth behind Zinnavar in a 1000m Graduation Plate at Kenilworth in December last year. A few of Drier’s Cape Town string had come down with a virus and immediately after the race the poor performance was put down to Guiness being off colour. Sadly that was not the case and Cape veterinary surgeon Dr Alasdair Cameron performed a wind operation and removed his vocal chords four days later. Guiness was then gelded in January.

Drier held his breath. “I’m not one for wind ops because in past we haven’t had too much success but my last three have been phenomenal,” he said. “Sea Fever, a horse owned by Jack Mitchell, has been 100% and even won the KZN Winter Challenge 1200, while the Trotters’ Legend Fighter, while no star, has had no issues since his wind op.

“Vets have obviously developed new techniques and are getting better.”

Having aced this test, Guiness will now be a member of a 24-horse raiding party Drier is taking to Cape Town for the Sizzling Summer Season with his main mission being the Betting World Cape Flying Championship in January.

He will be joined on the float by dual Grade 1 winner Seventh Plain, who is targeting the CTS Million Dollar on Cape Flying Championship Day, and Grade 1 Golden Slipper winner Chestnuts N Pearls, who is first set to run in a sales race on Charity Mile Day at Turffontein.

“We’ll see how she travels and then decide whether she will go for the Cape Fillies Guineas in early December. That race might come a bit soon and I won’t just run her for the sake of running her. Her Cape mission will probably be the Klawervlei Majorca Stakes on J&B Met Day.”

  –    Nicci Garner for TAB News

Picture: Guiness (Nkosi Hlophe)

An appeal against the controversial demotion of Ladbrokes St Leger first past the post Simple Verse will be held next week.

The BHA confirmed on Monday an appeal had been lodged by connections of the runner-up, who lost the race to Bondi Beach in the stewards’ room following the race.

An initial appeal date of Thursday this week was changed due to issues with the availability of one of the participants’ counsel. The BHA issued three options – September 22, 23 or 25.

Simple Verse passed the post a head in front of promoted winner Bondi Beach, but the stewards determined that two separate incidents of interference between the pair had denied Bondi Beach the win and reversed the placings.

Trainer Ralph Beckett and David Redvers of owners Qatar Racing both expressed their dismay and pledged to appeal the result.

Explaining their main grounds for appeal on Sunday, Redvers said: “The big thing that has been mentioned everywhere is inconsistency and that’s the only thing I’ve got to say.”

Supplied by Racingpost.com

Picture: Simple Verse (attheraces)

Paul Lafferty is considering aiming Unbelievable Chad at the Gr 2 Investec Dingaans, to be run over 1600m at Turffontein on November 28, and other Johannesburg features. His yard had success in Johannesburg last season with Harry’s Son, who is being kept fit in Mauritius by Lafferty’s assistant Roy Waugh through regular exercise on the beach.

Lafferty said, “Unbelievable Chad looks to be a very good horse”. He added the colt by Toreador was looking for further.

Unbelievable Chad, who is part-owned by South African swimming legend Chad le Clos, ran out an easy 4,25 length winner of a 1400m maiden at Scottsville on Sunday. His time was almost a second quicker than the fillies maiden over the same distance, which was won by a decent looking sort in the Mike de Kock-trained Rozenna.

Toreador, who was a sprint-miler, is known for producing speedsters, but he appears to have had a new lease of life and two of the best in his youngest racing crop, Prospect Strike, who finished second in the Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Stakes, and Rikitikitana, who won his maiden over 1600m by 6,75 lengths, look to be milers plus.

Unbelievable Chad could follow suit as he is out of a Rakeen mare, Pink Tinge, who won twice from 1400-1600m and is a half-sister to the Western Winter stallion Lion Tamer, who finished runner up to the great Pocket Power in the J&B Met.

Meanwhile, Harry’s Son has been walking, trotting and galloping on the beach in Mauritius, where he is on the second leg of his five month journey to Dubai. The Australian-bred is enjoying his stay and is his normal laid back self.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Unbelievable Chad (Nkosi Hlophe)

Piere Strydom is now 99% sure he will appeal against the severity of the penalty handed down to him for his ride aboard Dublin Rebel in race 3 at Turffontein on August 27.

Strydom was given a 90 day suspension by the National Horseracing Authority, although forty of the days have been suspended. Strydom has until tomorrow to appeal and will then have 14 days to state his reasons for doing so.

An appeal board will then be formed to hear the case. Strydom will be represented by a lawyer in the hearing.

Strydom’s error of judgement cost Dublin Rebel almost certain victory. He thought he had his two main dangers beaten and believed he had the race won, so began easing his mount down. However, he had failed to notice Top Shot sneaking through on the inside rail until it was too late and the photo-finished proved the latter had won the race by the narrowest of margins.

Strydom later apologised profusely and with genuine remorse in a statement addressed to the connections, punters and the entire racing community and called it the worst mistake of his riding career. He went on to talk about his feeling for horses and his consequent career-long practice of never punishing his mounts unnecessarily. On this occasion he had eased his mount accordingly in the belief he had the race won.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Piere Strydom (Nkosi Hlophe)

KZN form has been standing up well this season and punters face another potentially rewarding day tomorrow at Greyville, where there is an eight race meeting on the polytrack.

In the first, a Maiden for three-year-old fillies over 1200m, Roy’s Queen jumps from a good draw and looks suited to the course and distance, while Anthony Delpech has stayed aboard which is a further bonus.  Euthenia comes from three strong form races and her early pace will help her overcome her wide draw. However, the first timer Estimation must be watched as she is by the top class sire Distorted Humour out of a Sadler’s Wells mare and jumps from a good draw under in form Ian Sturgeon. First-timer Ginger Quill is by up-and-coming sire Ideal World and is a full-sister to the decent sort Zante, although she will likely need further. Hey Georgie Girl must also be watched being by the promising sire Mambo In Seattle out of a Fort Wood twice-winning sprinter. Time Capsule could improve on her fair debut.

The second, a Maiden over 1200m for three-year-olds, and Seymour could improve on debut in which he stayed on behind runaway winner Sylvester The Cat. He jumps from pole and Sean Cormack is now aboard. Lecture D has run some fair races against decent sorts and has Andrew Fortune up from a good draw. He might appreciate the step down in trip after a three month-and-a-half month layoff. Extreme Dubai is an Australian-bred by Oasis Dream and doesn’t have a lot to beat so must be watched.

In the third, a Maiden over 1600m, Guilty As Charged is an improving sort who is distance suited and he could be the one to side with despite a wide draw. Golden Tongue was outpaced and caught a bit wide on debut so looks likely to relish the step up in trip and should have gained something from the experience. Soldier’s Code could improve on his fair debut when green and hanging over this course and distance and Anthony Delpech remains aboard. Roy’s Whistle has faced some good sorts and could earn in this weaker field. Man The Fort should appreciate the step up in trip. Relish is by Rebel King and doesn’t have as much speed as his top class half-brother Trip Tease, so might appreciate the step up in trip, although his pedigree suggests otherwise as it is packed with speed. Royal Champion is consistent and could earn again. Red Apache is a first-timer by Miesque’s Approval, whose progeny go well on the poly, and he is a half-brother to the top class The Apache so he has to be given serious consideration.

The fourth is a Maiden over 1400m for fillies and mares and Alessia went close over course and distance in her last start despite casting a shoe so could get it right this time. Stablemate Martita Ridge ran on well over 1200m on debut and looks to be the danger from a good draw over a step up in trip she will relish. Princess Varunya only faded late the last time she went the course and distance when setting the pace but is drawn identically in barrier ten and that could be her undoing again. Madame Le Roi and Zagora are likely to both improve over this trip. Zara’s Legacy and Thanda could earn although both have tough draws.

The fifth is a MR 64 Handicap over 2000m for fillies and mares and Lady Lago had excuses last time here over 1600m and could make a bold bid over a step up in trip she should enjoy. Lady Ami doesn’t seem to mind wide draws over this course and distance and on recent poly form should be right there. Sword Storm will enjoy the course and distance and is starting off a merit rating of only 64 after a facile maiden win over 1800m so should be running at them late. Likeness was a touch unlucky last time over 1950m at Scottsville when the jockey dropped the whip, so she could be right there from a good draw under the same 4kg claimer. September Storm is well drawn over a suitable course and distance and should be involved in the finish.

The sixth is a MR 74 Handicap over 1400m and Roy’s Winter Patch is a progressive sort who strikes as one who could follow up on his win over 1600m last time, despite having to carry topweight now off a five point higher merit rating. However, if he fluffs his lines it looks very open. Atso Time is an interesting runner as he runs off a merit rating 14 points lower than his sand rating and is well drawn over an ideal trip. Millrace should get closer to Roy’s Winter Patch this time due to a weight turnaround. Nicklaus is in fine form and will be a threat from a good draw although he might prefer 1600m. Military Leader is better than his last start when slow away and overracing over 1600m and he could well appreciate the step back to 1400m. The Poet hasn’t run badly since his maiden win and could earn. Peter Piper should have come on from his last start and together with Excalivar can’t be ignored.

In the seventh, a MR 74 Handicap over 1400m, Gumbi was unlucky on Vodacom Durban July day over course and distance when not getting his usual good start and from pole position this front-running type has a good chance over an ideal trip off a two point lowered merit rating. Time Marches On is distance suited and looks to now be off a winning merit rating so he will be a big threat. Max The Man is interesting over a suitable trip from a good draw for a raiding combination who have a high strike rate at this track. The veteran Live Controversy is course and distance suited and Delpech is an eyecatching booking. Black Jaguar is course and distance suited and has his third run after a rest.

The last race is a MR 66 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m and Girlfriend can win it provided she gets a better start than she did last time at Scottsville because she is ideally drawn in two for her front running style. Surtherfini is an honest sort who should be finishing strongly over an ideal course and distance. Grand Fantasy is an improving sort who goes well for this 4kg claimer and she would not be a surprise winner, although she has a tough draw.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Sword Storm (Nkosi Hlophe)

Drakenstein-based sire Duke Of Marmalade was denied a fourth European Classic winner this year when his daughter Simple Verse was demoted in the boardroom after crossing the line first in the St. Leger at Doncaster on Saturday, a head clear of the Aiden O’Brien-trained Bondi Beach.

When the winning connections of Bondi Beach were later presented with the trophy and jockey Colm O’Donoghue the Leger cap, boos and the odd shout were heard ringing out and later Simple Verse’s angry trainer Ralph Beckett vowed he would appeal against the upheld decision.

The decision looked harsh and in fact the following day across the Irish Sea the interference caused by the superstar Golden Horn when winning the Irish Champions Stakes looked far worse, with Free Eagle being the victim, but the result stood after a steward’s enquiry. The margin of victory in both instances must have played a big part (Free Eagle lost momentum to such an extent that he finished only third, beaten one-and-a-half lengths).

Footage of the St. Leger enquiry first shows Simple Verse, who looks full of running, overtaking Bondi Beach but then being kept in a pocket by the latter behind the two horses in front. She then forces her way outward, which was considered “the first bit of interference”. Later when both are driving for the line she shifts outward again and interferes with Bondi Beach, which the stewards call “the second bit of interference”.

However, it is clear that between the time of the first bit of interference and the second, Bondi Beach leans on Simple Verse, and even gives her a small bump. This forces her inward by two or three horse widths. Simple Verse, who was staying ahead all the while, clearly reacts to being leaned on by eventually shifting outward and if she hadn’t she would have risked being pushed on to another slowing horse on her inside.

Atzeni was at pains to point out that he was being leaned on in the enquiry and goes on to say, “The best horse won the race and I think if the other horse was good enough he had plenty of time to get by me. I don’t think my filly would have let him get by me and even if we had gone another lap I don’t think he would have got by me, it was 50/50 (interference).”  Bondi Beach’s jockey Colm O’Donoghue concluded by saying, “Has an instant occurred? Yes. Has it took me off a straight course? Yes. Before the second time in the race my horse had received a severe bump which has obviously taken his breath, knocked him off his stride and his rhythm. He is doing his best and trying his heart out to get back at the filly that obviously has a weight allowance against him, but he’s suffered interference and he’s been beaten a head on the line, and he’s received two instances.”

Atzeni could well have been right in saying the best horse won the race as Simple Verse was unable to go for home when she had wanted and clearly has more gears than the more one-paced galloping type Bondi Beach.

However, despite the number of upheld enquiries in Britain being relatively low, British stewards have never reacted kindly to jockeys forcing their way out of tight situations. That is clearly what Atzeni did when he was full of horse with nowhere to go.

The upheld decision cost Atzeni a second successive St. Leger. Simple Verse would have become the first filly to win the race since 1992. It was the first time a horse had been disqualified from first place in the St Leger since 1789.

This year Duke Of Marmalade’s daughter Sound Of Freedom won the Italian 1000 Guineas, another daughter won the Gr 1 Prix de Diane over 2100m in France (equivalent of the Epsom Oaks) and his son Nutan won the German Derby by five lengths. Drakenstein appear to have timed the purchase of the five-time European Gr 1 winner particularly well as he in unusually high positions on the various European sires logs for a stallion imported to South Africa.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Simple Verse (attheraces)