Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Lingfield and Wolverhampton (UK) – 22 December 2025.
Category Archives: Racing News
De Melo feasts on ‘plum pudding’
Andrew Harrison
Keagan de Melo may not have been flavour of the season in Hong Kong but I highly doubt that it was due to a lack of talent but more likely to do with a lack of opportunity. He will however, have honed his riding skills in the competitive Hong Kong environment and it was on display at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday night where he scored a hattrick in quick succession.
He showed a mature judgement of pace on Plum Pudding for Andre Nel and assistant Byron Forster in the Middle Stakes that headed the card and first leg of the Pick 6. He rode a patient race on the mare, coming from a long way back to seal victory.
Stable companion Terminator gave Tristan Godden a tough time, fighting for his head for much of the race before finally allowed his head and going well clear. With more in front than behind, De Melo allowed Plum Pudding to gradually build up a head of steam off the false rail and one in full stride, the mare quickened past the opposition to win rather comfortably.
He rode a smart race for his old boss Dean Kannemeyer, getting Continentalexpress home in the C Stakes over 2400m. The gelding was back over his preferred trip but De Melo, judging that the pedestrian pace was not to his advantage, took on pacemaker High Queue putting Sean Veale under pressure coming up the hill with the balance chasing. From there on, Continentalexpress gradually drew away from High Queue to win convincingly. The gelding appears to have come into his own this season and could well be a contender in the staying features towards season end.
De Melo’s run started in the second with Copacabana for Dennies Bosch in the opening leg of the PA.
Stalking pacemaker My Gucci Girl, he made an early move at the top of the straight and the mare kicked on gamely to stave off challenges from Golden Angel and Futano with many of the more fancied not in the hunt and a large number of PA tickets heading for the waste bin.
De Melo was not so fortunate in the fourth where S’Manga Khumalo took Numzaan to the front and was not for the catching as Frikkie Greyling’s charge kept up a solid gallop. Industrialstrength was making up ground over the final furlong but not quickly enough to cut back the deficit to mount a serious challenge.
Cole Dicken is a solid journeyman rider and makes the most of his opportunities when they come.
He replaced the injured Serino Moodley on Circumbendibus in the B Stakes and was given something of an armchair ride as Glen Kotzen’s charge ran away from his opposition to score rather comfortably. Second-placed I’m A Fireball, having his first outing after a six-month break, was given a gentle reintroduction but was running on stoutly for second and should come on plenty with that run under his girth.
Dicken picked up the ride on Iron Will in the last and he made all on Yadav Singh’s veteran galloper, chased home by favourite Music Is Life who tried gamely but never able to get onto terms with the winner.
Fairview Poly Monday 22 December 2025 – Comments by Devonne Govender
RACE 1
(9) AMANATTO is holding consistent form and looks hard to beat here with Richard Fourie aboard. (1) ORIGINATOR is making progress with every run and should be in the firing line. (3) GOOD SHINE ran well enough in the last start and should be included in larger perms. (5) BLAME IT ON ME represents Cape form which stands up strong here so needs to be taken seriously. (Devonne Govender 9-1-3-5).
RACE 2
(9) WARRIOR’S EDGE ran well on debut and will be a big runner in this field respectfully. (6) AETHELWULF is holding form and will be a big challenger here. (8) SMIDDYBURN is making progress and has scope to be right in the thick of things. (5) BUGLE is capable of much better and that last run is best ignored. (Devonne Govender 9-6-8-5).
RACE 3
(2) ROYAL CITY GIRL ran a cracker in the last start and will have a big chance here. (3) BACK FOR MORE was narrowly beaten in the last start and will be a serious contender. (1) THREE CHEERS hasn’t been far and is capable on her day so include in all bets. (6) CANFORD QUEEN wasn’t far in the last start and should be involved for the placings with the claiming apprentice up. (Devonne Govender 2-3-1-6)
RACE 4
(3) OLIVE OYL is capable of much better and will be the narrow first choice, she goes well here and will make her presence felt. (7) ROCK OF FUTURA hasn’t been far in recent runs and is capable of challenging here so respect. (4) OUTBACK EXPRESS won his maiden extremely well, he is capable of a big finish and should be included. (1) GARDEN SUN is a very honest type, with the claimer taking weight off, he could run a big race. (Devonne Govender 3-7-4-1).
RACE 5
(2) FAIRY KNIGHT won extremely well in his last start and will be tough to beat here, although many have solid form he packs plenty of class and can pull it off. (1) CRUISE CONTROL ran a cracker in the last start and expected to be in the mix. (4) CLIFF TOP won a good race over 1000m in his last start and should be in the shake-up. (7) ROMAN AGENT is holding solid form and rates a chance here, include in larger perms as he takes on strong contenders in the form of the top 3 selections. (Devonne Govender 2-1-4-7).
RACE 6
(2) BAIE MOOI ran a cracker in her last start and looks tough to beat if she repeats that run. (4) STATE SECRET is holding solid form and looks the main danger to the top selection. (1) MONTELENA is capable on her day and can make the frame here. (3) AVERNIAN GODDESS ran well in her last start and gets a top rider up, she can certainly pop up. (Devonne Govender 2-4-1-3).
RACE 7
(2) HOERIKWAGGO won impressively in her last start and looks to have a huge chance of following up in this line up. (9) BRETTY is capable of much better, she hasn’t been far in recent runs and could bounce back and run a cracker, include in all bets. (5) JAMBO SANA is always in the mix, she goes well here and is a must include in everything. (6) MARSHMALLOW is never far back and with the claimer up she could run a big race. (Devonne Govender 2-9-5-6).
RACE 8
10) TEEREX is knocking on the door for another career win, he has been consistent and will go close. (3) THUNDER MASTER gets a much kinder draw this time and will be a huge challenger. (4) CADENZA won his maiden impressively and looks progressive hence he should be respected. (2) PORFIRIO won easily in his last start and a repeat of that will see him making his presence felt in a big way. (Devonne Govender 10-3-4-2).
A New Era of Racing: Colossus Pools Launched on 1st December with UK Racing!
Race Coast is thrilled to announce a game changing new era for South African horse racing punters with the official launch of horse racing with Colossus Pools on Monday, 1 December 2025!
Following the successful introduction of Colossus world class sports pools, we are now bringing this innovative technology to the multi-leg racing bets. To kick off the launch, the horse racing pools will feature predetermined, high value UK race meetings, giving local punters access to massive international jackpots.
This marks a major step forward for the sport, combining the thrill of racing with modern, flexible features.
Introducing Unprecedented Control
For the first time in South African racing, you will be able to take advantage of key features that put you in control of your bet:
- Cash Out: Don’t wait until the last race! You will now receive leg-by-leg offers to Cash Out all or part of your ticket as the pool progresses. Secure a profit early or reduce your risk, giving you unprecedented control over your potential winnings.
- Syndicate Betting: Join forces with other punters to crowdfund a single, high stakes ticket. Share the cost, increase your chances of hitting the jackpot, and share the rewards with the betting community. You can become a Syndicate Captain or contribute to a ticket led by an expert.
Race Coast is committed to innovating and ensuring our horse racing proposition is the most exciting and engaging in the country.
Get Ready to Play!
Look out for the Colossus button on the www.tote.co.za website and from December 1st, toggle between Football and Horse Racing, and experience the new generation of betting.
Massive UK Jackpots, More Control, and Shared Success—get ready to elevate your racing experience!
Get Ready for a Game Changer! Introducing Colossus – Bigger Pools, More Control!
We are thrilled to announce a ground-breaking new chapter in your betting experience! We’ve partnered with Colossus Bets, a leading UK-based company, to bring you an exciting new product never before seen in the South African tote betting market.
What is Colossus Bets?
Imagine betting into massive, guaranteed prize pools, often reaching life-changing sums, with the added power of controlling your bet as the action unfolds. That’s the essence of Colossus Bets! It’s a revolutionary way to play, combining the thrill of traditional tote betting with unparalleled flexibility.
Understanding the Bet Types & Functionality:
Colossus Bets specialises in pool betting, where you bet against other players. The total money wagered is placed into a “pool”, and the prize money is shared among all winning tickets. The more people who play, the larger the potential jackpot!
Some of the Bet Types on offer
- Pick 1×2: This is a straightforward pool where you predict the result of each match – Home Win (1), Draw (X), or Away Win (2).
- Correct Score: This is a more challenging but potentially more lucrative pool, where you must predict the exact final result of each match
- Both Teams to Score: This is for fans of goals and fast paced action. Your task is to simply predict whether or not both teams will score at least one goal in a selected series of matches
Innovative Functionality
- Cash Out: This feature allows you to lock in a profit before all matches (legs) in your ticket are completed. After each leg, Colossus bets will make you an offer to buy your ticket based on its current value. You can choose to accept the guaranteed payout or stay in the game for a chance at the full jackpot.
- Syndicate Betting: Colossus Bets offers a unique way to play through Syndicate Tickets, allowing Players to team up and increase their chances of winning. Creating a Syndicate – If you have a betting strategy or consider yourself a “Pro”, you can create a Syndicate Ticket and invite other Players to contribute towards the payment of the ticket. Joining a Syndicate – Alternatively, you can join a Syndicate Ticket that another Player has already created. When you contribute to a Syndicate Ticket, you will own a share of that ticket. This share is directly proportional to the amount of money you contributed. If the Syndicate Ticket wins, you will receive a proportionate share of any returns (such as dividends or cash-out proceeds) based on your contribution. In essence, Syndicate Tickets allows Players to pool their resources, share the risk, and share the rewards!
- Guaranteed Huge Sports Pools: Colossus Bets offers guaranteed prize pools often reaching life-changing proportions. This means greater potential payouts for a winning ticket!
- Consolation Prizes: For many pools, if you narrowly miss the jackpot by getting a number of the selections correct, you can still win a share of a consolation prize. This means that you can still get a payout even if your ticket isn’t a perfect winner.
How to find the Colossus Product
To access the Colossus soccer products, simply follow these steps:
- Log in to your TOTE account on www.tote.co.za
- Once logged in, look for the “Colossus” button on the main navigation bar.
- Click the button to be taken to a new page, displaying all the available Colossus products
- Start playing!
Why is this a game changer for South Africa?
Colossus Bets is renowned for pioneering the Cash Out feature in multi-leg pool betting, Syndicate Betting, and for offering some of the largest sports jackpots globally. This partnership brings that innovation and scale directly to you, providing a fresh and exciting way to engage with your favourite sports.
We are confident that Colossus Bets will transform your betting experience, offering bigger thrills and more control than ever before.
Ready to get in on the action? The Colossus button on www.tote.co.za is your portal to this revolutionary product. Don’t miss out!
Be sure to look out for the Colossus horse racing products – Coming Soon!
Get Ready for a Game Changer! Introducing Colossus Bets – Bigger Pools, More Control! – Betting now OPEN!!!
Introducing Colossus Bets
We are thrilled to announce a ground-breaking new chapter in your betting experience! We’ve partnered with Colossus Bets, a leading UK-based company, to bring you an exciting new product never before seen in the South African tote betting market.
What is Colossus Bets?
Imagine betting into massive, guaranteed prize pools, often reaching life-changing sums, with the added power of controlling your bet as the action unfolds. That’s the essence of Colossus Bets! It’s a revolutionary way to play, combining the thrill of traditional tote betting with unparalleled flexibility.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
• Guaranteed Huge Sports Pools: Colossus Bets offers enormous, guaranteed prize pools. This means bigger potential pay-outs for a winning ticket!
• Multi-Leg Challenges: Test your sporting knowledge by predicting the outcome of multiple events (legs) within a single pool. The more legs you correctly predict, the closer you get to that colossal jackpot!
• The Power of Cash Out: This is where Colossus Bets truly revolutionises your play! For the first time in South African tote betting, you will be offered the option to Cash Out your bet before all legs of your ticket are complete. If some of your early selections (Legs) are winning, you could secure a profit even if the later legs are still in doubt. You can choose to cash out a portion of your ticket or wait for the completion of all the legs for a possible larger prize, giving you unprecedented control over your potential winnings.
• Syndicate Betting: Colossus Bets offers a unique way to play through Syndicate Tickets, allowing Players to team up and increase their chances of winning. Creating a Syndicate – If you have a betting strategy or consider yourself a “Pro”, you can create a Syndicate Ticket and invite other Players to contribute towards the payment of the ticket. Joining a Syndicate – Alternatively, you can join a Syndicate Ticket that another Player has already created. When you contribute to a Syndicate Ticket, you will own a share of that ticket. This share is directly proportional to the amount of money you contributed. If the Syndicate Ticket wins, you will receive a proportionate share of any returns (such as dividends or cash-out proceeds) based on your contribution. In essence, Syndicate Tickets allows Players to pool their resources, share the risk, and share the rewards!
Why is this a game changer for South Africa?
Colossus Bets is renowned for pioneering the Cash Out feature in multi-leg pool betting, Syndicate Betting, and for offering some of the largest sports jackpots globally. This partnership brings that innovation and scale directly to you, providing a fresh and exciting way to engage with your favourite sports.
We are confident that Colossus Bets will transform your betting experience, offering bigger thrills and more control than ever before.
Ready to get in on the action? The Colossus button on www.tabgold.co.za is your portal to this revolutionary product.
Don’t miss out!
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE 129TH HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY!
Durban, South Africa – The countdown has begun! The 129th edition of Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacular, the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ), is set to take place on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. As the most anticipated fixture on South Africa’s racing calendar, the event seamlessly blends world-class horse racing with high fashion, entertainment, and a memorable social experience.
Staying true to the theme of “Marvels of Mzansi,” this year’s racing extravaganza promises an iconic line-up of South African talent, featuring a diverse array of artists set to captivate all attendees throughout the day. The national anthem will be beautifully performed by one of the country’s leading songstresses – look out for the reveal in May. With these performances, the thousands of attendees expected at Hollywoodbets Greyville will have a memorable experience. Stay tuned for the full artist line-up. All ticket holders can look forward to a day filled with live entertainment that will be talked about for years to come, as this year’s HDJ celebrates Mzansi’s vibrant spirit.
Tickets for this outstanding event are now officially on sale via Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za). Priced at R230 for general admission, your ticket grants access to a day of thrilling racing action, live entertainment, fashion showcases, gourmet food experiences, and an array of engaging activations from event partners. For added convenience, onsite parking is available for R170 per vehicle.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP hospitality packages provide exclusive access to luxurious enclosures, premium viewing areas, and top-tier catering. These options can be explored on the official event website (www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.za). Please note that VIP hospitality packages do not include general admission tickets, which must be purchased separately via Ticketpro.
This year’s theme, “Marvels Of Mzansi”, was unveiled in late February, marking the official commencement of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience, presented by Durban Fashion Fair. The fashion programme includes the much-anticipated HDJ Young Designer Award, showcasing the best up-and-coming talents from KwaZulu-Natal. The winners will share the spotlight with the HDJ Invited Designers and DFF Rising Stars at the HDJ Fashion Preview Gala, set to take place at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in late June.
Racing enthusiasts can also look forward to the announcement of the first official entrants on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. With last year’s champion, Oriental Charm, emerging as the early ante-post favourite, excitement is already building.
Secure your tickets today and experience Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July!
Soccer10 Price change on Wednesdays
Please Note: From December, Unit cost of all Soccer10 Pools closing on Wednesdays will be R3.
The R3 unit cost on Wednesdays is on a trial basis only & follows requests from many customers to increase the Soccer10 Unit.
The unit cost of Soccer10 Pools on all other days remains R2.
KZN Racing – The New Dawn Takes Shape
All systems go on 1 January 2025
Horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal took the next step to the dawn of a new era with the publication on Thursday of a revitalized racing programme and the news of the introduction of incentives and stakes adjustments that will align the province with the status quo in the Cape.
The introduction of the new-look programme and policies on the East Coast comes into play as a result of the proposed acquisition of Gold Circle by the Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings group, which now hinges on the required approval of the KZN Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA).
Whilst the outstanding approval of the KZNERA is critical to the transaction, and will be the final step in transferring ownership, Hollywoodbets and its appointed Chairman Designate of Gold Circle, Greg Bortz are in management and strategic decisions during the interim period, with Hollywoodbets investing funds at its own risk to ensure the continuity of horse racing in KZN, and the survival of Gold Circle.
Programme and related reading matter, click here.
Subject to the fulfillment of other outstanding conditions precedent, the deal effectively unlocks a R500 million rescue injection from Hollywoodbets, and a takeover of the sport in the holiday province, which is set to include track upgrades and other infrastructural and operational initiatives.
The new KZN programme covers the period 1 January to 28 February 2025 and introduces the stakes-boosted class racing structure to the province, while unveiling financial incentives via the RaceCoast incentive scheme with the ultimate aim of improving racehorse ownership in KZN and achieving enhanced field sizes with the knock-on vital lifeblood of increased betting turnovers.
Down South, the RaceCape incentive programme has proven a winner and has underscored the unprecedented turnaround in Cape horseracing by providing further opportunities for the local racing community and increased employment prospects for grooms and work riders, as well as raising the bar for all related and ancillary horse racing services.
“We are very excited about future plans for KZN racing,” Cape Racing Executive: Racing & Bloodstock Justin Vermaak told the Sporting Post on Thursday, as he outlined broad plans to revolutionise the appeal of the sport across the board for all stakeholders in KZN.
“We need to provide owners and trainers with an even and attractive playing field that makes them want to race. Stakes and rewards need to be meaningful. That ultimately leads to better field sizes, more exciting racing and improved betting turnovers. Punters are key to the success of the process. We are implementing a first world reform in terms of transparency when it comes to information. Items like horse weights, for example, will be published. They are, after all, a form assessment tool. Horses working at our training centres and tracks will all have easily identifiable bar-coded saddle-cloths. So, there are no secrets. If Oriental Charm or One Stripe is on track, the public will share in it,” added Vermaak, who confirmed that barrier draws after acceptance was another operational change which would be implemented on 1 January 2025.
Veteran KZN trainer Garth Puller, who attended a recent stakeholder’s meeting at Summerveld hosted by Greg Bortz, Justin Vermaak, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets officials, enthused that he was thrilled by the news of the takeover by business-minded racing people who were brave and bold enough to step in and turn the ship around.
“This has come very late for me at my age, but it’s a lifechanger and the future is brighter than it was yesterday,” reflected a delighted Puller as he told the Sporting Post that the adjusted stakes and ‘very welcome’ incentives would boost cash-flows, while also making it so much easier to help him and his colleagues market the basic ownership product.
“And we are getting draws after acceptances. Wonderful! I was calling for that 25 years ago at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Bigger fields mean a faster pace, means better form, means better truer results. It’s an ecosystem of positivity. It all feeds on itself,” added the horseman who is never scared to pass an opinion.
Puller said the repair of the Polytrack at Hollywoodbets Greyville was ‘definitely quite overdue and welcome news’.
“That’s our stage. The track must be safe for horse and rider, be true and competitive, and have credibility with all role-players. That’s not a negotiable.”
On the ‘abolition’ of the committee structure to facilitate decision making and policy, Puller said that he was so pleased to hear that all reasonable suggestions will be considered by management.
“Wonderful! So there are no more long-winded committees to hide behind and to dither over. How refreshing. I believe every stakeholder in this sport in KZN needs to doff a cap to Hollywoodbets and Mr Bortz. This investment and takeover is a brave move. But we know that with the passion for horse racing of the local population in this province, we can make it work. And by putting the structures in place they are making sure we have no excuses. Let’s look forward and get on with rebuilding KZN racing. I am absolutely thrilled. This is good news,” he concluded.
2024 Betway Summer Cup First Log
Johannesburg, 15 October 2024 – 4Racing in conjunction with the Handicappers have published the first log for the 2024 R6 million Gr1 Betway Summer Cup to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 30 November.
Second entries close at 11am on Tuesday 05 November, and final entries at 9am on Monday, 18 November 2024, after which weights will be announced. Declarations must be in by 11am on Wednesday, 20 November 2024 and barrier draws will be conducted at a Betway event on 20 November 2024. The final log will be published on Tuesday 05 November 2024.
