David Thiselton

Gareth van Zyl’s six-timer on June 16 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville proved to be the key event of the KZN Trainers Championship, because he finished exactly six wins ahead of both Garth Puller and Dean Kannemeyer on the championship table.

Meanwhile, Justin Snaith was out on his own in terms of nationwide stakes earnings in the 2024/2025 season and is threatening to become as dominant nationally as he is in the Cape.

All four of the provincial trainer champions from last season, Gareth van Zyl (KZN), Justin Snaith (Cape), Sean Tarry (Highveld) and Alan Greeff (East Cape), retained their titles.

Van Zyl had 49 wins in KZN during the season at a strike rate of 13.54% to claim his third KZN championship.

Kanemeyer’s 43 wins were at a strike rate of 17.34%.

Puller has become the perennial rival of Van Zyl and his 43 wins were at a strike rate of 10.72%.

Alyson Wright was next best with 38 wins at 9.69%.

Fifth-placed Peter Muscutt had the best strike rate of the contenders, his 34 wins being achieved at a strike rate of 20.36%.

In sixth place was Mike Miller on 33 wins at 10.28%.

Andre Nel was in seventh place with 30 wins at 15.31%.

Stuart Ferrie was in ninth place with 29 wins at 12.61%.

An amazing facts is the stats of the former jockeys who tied for tenth place with both Michael Roberts and MJ Odendaal having exactly the same number of runs and wins, 294 runs for 28 wins, a strike rate of 9.52%.

Justin Snaith landed the National Trainers Championship for the sixth time and for the third time in succession and his 2024/2025 earnings of R31,013,601 (excludes restricted stakes) were not far behind Sean Tarry’s SA record return of R32,293,050 (ecluded restricted stakes).

Snaith won the Cape Championship for the 13th time in succession.

His nationwide earnings were R14,811,005 clear of the R16,202,596 earnings of second-placed Alan Greeff and are R15,603,907 clear of the R15,409,694 earnings of third-placed Sean Tarry.

Snaith scored 170 wins nationwide, which is identical to the number of wins accumulated by Alan Greeff.

Snaith’s first national championship in 2011/2012 actually came one season before his first Cape championship as Mike Bass and Joey Ramsden were powerful forces in the Cape in the first decade of this millenium and beyond.

However, he has not relinquished his grip on the Cape Championship since landing it for the first time in 2012/2013.

This season his earnings in the Cape were R23,187,869, well clear of Candice Bass-Robinson and Vaughan Marshall, who were in second and third place respectively with earnings of R10,457,600 and R10,127,494.

Sean Tarry won the Highveld trainers championship with Highveld earnings of R12,289,768.75, which was less than R2 million ahead of Tony Peter on R10,627,212.50, and Alec Laird was third on R9,098,350. Peter had the most wins on the Highveld, 94 to Tarry’s 73.

Alan Greeff was way clear of perennial rival Gavin Smith in the East Cape Championship and deserves to get an Equus Special achievement award after a remarkable season.

Greeff, despite being from the perceived lesser racing centre of Gqeberha, has the three best two-year-old fillies in the country, among other stalwarts.

He has raided Hollywoodbets Kenilworth four times this season and whilst unsuccessful with crack three-year-old filly Splicethemainbrace (Master Of My Fate) and with two-year-old filly Silva City (Global View), he finished fifth in a Gr 3 with four-year-old filly Joy And Peace and later won the Gr 3 Cape Of Good Hope Nursery Stakes with the hitherto unbeaten Canford Cliffs filly Direct Hit, who is a homebred of Ridgemont’s and is also part-owned by Devin Heffer.

Greeff later raided Hollywoodbets Scottsville with Direct Hit and won the Gr 1 Allan Robertson Championship over 1200m, although on the same day his four-year-old gelding Fairy Night (Global View) finished unplaced in the Gr 2 Golden Horse Sprint.

Earlier, Greeff had raided Turffontein Standside with the Varsfontein Stud-bred Peter Moor-owned Master Of My Fate filly Golden Palm and won the Gr 2 SA Fillies Nursery over 1160m by 2,30 lengths.

Greeff then had the East Cape’s first Hollywoodbets Durban July runner since the Gavin Smith-trained Shoes Of Silver in 2004 and although his three-year-old runner My Best Shot finished a 9,60 length twelfth he had a Gr 2 winner on the day when his unbeaten filly Anotherdanceforme, who is the only horse to date to have beaten Golden Palm, ran out a 1,40 length victor in the Splashout Golden Slipper over 1400m. Anotherdanceforme is also a Varsontein Stud-bred by Master Of My Fate and is also owned by Peter Moor.

Greeff was back for World Pool Gold Cup day on Sunday and Golden Palm proved herself the likely Equus Champion two-year-old filly by winning the Gr 1 Douglas Whyte Stakes over 1600m by an effortless 2,80 lengths.

Greeff and Richard Fourie had thus made history by winning all three legs of the unofficial KZN two-year-old fillies Triple Tiara and in unprecedented fashion they had done it with three different fillies.

Greeff also had a runner in the Gold Cup, but Bournemouth (Canford Cliffs) was beaten 12,60 lengths into tenth place.

Anotherdanceforme is unbeaten in five starts and besides her raiding win also won the Listed East Cape Fillies Nursery over 1200m by 5,25 lengths and the Listed WSB Dahlia Plate over 1200m at Fairview by 3,25 lengths.

Direct Hit is unbeaten in four starts and besides her two raiding wins she also won the Listed East Cape Nursery against the boys by 4,75 lengths.

Golden Palm lost to Anotherdanceforme by 2,35 lengths over 1000m on debut and has since then been unbeaten in four further starts. Sandwiched between her SA Fillies Nursery win and Douglas Whyte Stakes win was a ten length victory in the Listed Lady’s Slipper Stakes over 1400m at Fairview.

Greeff has all in all had 170 wins in the season, one more to date than national champion trainer Justin Snaith, and he has earnings of R16,202,596 (excluding restricted races), which puts him in second place on the national log.

In the East Cape he had 165 wins, which was just eleven short of his East Cape record mark of 176.

CALLMEGETRIX, with Sean Veale up, wins the Listed Off To Stud Stakes for trainer Candice Bass-Robinson at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday. Picture: Race Coast/Candiese Lenferna

Andrew Harrison

Terry Fripp is something of a floating rib when it comes what goes on at Summerveld during Champions Season although currently attached to the Kom Naidoo yard. Well versed in what it takes to get a race horse to its optimum, Fripp has displayed his talent for many a visiting trainer and also locally.

This Champions Season he was tasked by Candice Bass-Robinson to look after her raiding party and five out of nine was not a bad tally including two features on Hollywoodbets Durban July day to round off that meeting.

Fripp was back in the winner’s circle with Callmegetrix in the Listed Off To Stud Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday as Sean Veale managed to smoothly get the mare to negate her wide draw and take up the running as is her want.

Once in front, Veale dictated the pace to a nicety and was not for the catching in spite of a belated challenge from the diminutive Tomyris with expected challenger in the market, White Pearl fading out to hold on to fourth.

Tienie Prinsloo doesn’t have too many horses in his yard, 14 to be exact, but punches way above his weight when it comes to winners. All the money came for the first timer Captain Ventura in the first and she looked to be heading the right way as she tracked Blazing Beauty who was living up to her name. Tristan Godden had her out in a flash and scooted off to the lead with Captain Ventura on her heels and the rest of the field strung out behind.

Captain Ventura challenged at the top of the straight but Blazing Beauty kept up a relentless gallop and the money horse melted under pressure. Never challenge, Blazing Beauty cruised in with the balance chasing shadows.

The money when astray in the card opener but it was bang on the mark in the second as Kanaal Skater landed something of a betting coup for Dean Kannemeyer and stable rider Craig Zackey. From an opening call of around even money, the son on One World started deep in the red at around 5-10 at one stage and the result was never in doubt.

Taking a lead from pacemaker Higher Love, Zackey sat in behind tracked by market rival That’ll B The Day. But once off the false rail, Zackey was sitting with a handful as That’ll Be The Day struggled to stay in touch and the race was over a long way out. That’ll B The Day struggled into third as the first timer Coccolina made a game but vain effort to catch the winner and is one for the notebook.

As they say in the classics, ‘he stands over a lot of ground.’ Town Crier certainly fits that bill and he put his big stride to good effect as Stuart Ferrie’s colt out-pointed the field in the third. Slow out of the gate, Serino Moodley, coming off a double at Turffontein on Saturday, bustled him to hold position but once off the false rail the big son of William Longsword  extended and kept rolling to hold all at bay. Targaryen Knight finished best of the chasing opposition while the well-supported Boardwalk Breeze was never able to overcome his draw as Sean Veale kept him wide on Taste The Rainbow and he once again had to settle for minor money.

Chad Little has quickly established himself as one of the country’s leading riders after a long stint in life’s doldrums and his talent was on display as he got Lucinda Woodruff’s gelding Twilight Warrior home in the first leg of the jackpot. Seemingly a long way off the pace in a big field, Twilight Warrior quickened up the inside to win well. Zackey looked to have ridden the perfect front-running race on King Of Victory but was swamped close home as Call Me Wild was first out of the pack but not able to hold off the late charge from Twilight Warrior.

It was the Woodruff and Little show in the next as Little rode a confident race on Another Dream to for the filly notch her third race on the bounce. Woodruff was quietly confident of her charge’s chances and Little rode an excellent front-running race. Going forward from the jump, he managed to stack up the field behind him before making a winning dash off the false rail and up the straight and was not for the catching.

Mountains Of The Moon came in for good market support before the start of the sixth. It looked to be money on the mark and race over as Tristan Godden slipped Robbie Hill’s mare up the inside and taking the lead. But Moodley was hunting the field up the outside and Copacabana arrived looking that she had just jumped into the race as she seemingly enjoyed the extended trip.

RACE 1

Open looking race. (3) THE ROARING ROCK ran extremely well in the last start and will have a huge winning chance. (5) AMERICAN EAGLE is holding his form well in the province and expected to be right there with the in form rider Jason Gates. (7) FLIGHT ENGINEER ran a cracker in the last start and is another who is in with a massive chance. (14) AWAY WITH RED is a long time maiden however gets the claimer up which brings her right into this contest. She can be unreliable but isn’t one to totally ignore. There are many other who could make the frame on paper hence its suggested to go wide in the Bipot. (Devonne Govender 3-5-7-14)

RACE 2

(1) PYRO EDITION ran a cracker in the last start and looks tough to beat here. (2) BOMBER BAY is holding form well and will be the main danger to the top selection. (3) GLOBAL DRUMBEAT is never far back and will be in the mix once again. (7) ZAMBEZI SUNSET has scope to get much closer and can get into the quartets. (Devonne Govender 1-2-3-7)

Del       3          Open looking race. (3) BIRD ON A WING ran well on her provincial debut and will be in the firing line. (1) LADY BOMBER is another who wasn’t far back on provincial debut and will get much closer. (4) FANTASY GIRL ran a cracker on the poly in her last start and if repeating that effort here, she will have a big say. (10) FARAWAY GIRL is making steady progress and is capable of winning this if building on that recent good run. (Devonne Govender 3-1-4-10).

RACE 4

(5) ABOVE THE HORIZON is holding decent form and will be the firm first selection. (4) GOLDEN GREY did take some time to win the maiden however she has always been consistent so include. (10) MISTER WHISTLE is never far back, he has been racing well and could be some value for the placings. (6) DUMISANI ran extremely well at decent odds and could make the quartets pay. (Devonne Govender 5-4-10-6)

RACE 5

(5) GIMME MORE TIME ran a decent race behind Golden Peace in his last start. With the claiming apprentice aboard he will be a huge runner here. (3) ANATOLIAN SILVER has run some decent races in the past, although on paper the form suggests otherwise he will be a factor here and represents value. (6) MAKHACHEV nearly pulled it off at huge odds in his last start and must be respected here. (8) NOTHINGELSEMATTERS is always in the mix, his form is good and is a must include in everything. (Devonne Govender 5-3-6-8)

RACE 6

(5) DUBAI HILLS is holding consistent form on the poly, he gets a top rider up and rates the one to beat. (3) USA’S HOPE is very capable on his day, he is never far back and is very capable of winning this. (6) FOREST SPY placed behind a highly regarded sort, he was at 40-1 on that occasion and can make the frame if repeating that run here. (8) EYJAFJALLAJOKULL is capable of a big finish on his day and needs to be respected, he ran a cracker in the last start and can win this on best form. (Devonne Govender 5-3-6-8)

RACE 7

(1) SMASHING has been racing consistently and should take some beating here. She ran a cracker in the last start and goes very well on both surfaces, huge chance. (10) POMODORO MAGIC is never far back, she gets the claimer up who takes valuable weight of her back which makes her a huge contender. (3) DRESSEDTOTHENINES is holding form and should be in the mix with the inform Luyolo Mxothwa aboard. (2) YOU’RE SO SPECIAL has scope to go well and should be included in lager perms. (Devonne Govender 1-10-3-2)

RACE 8

(2) BUFFALO BILL was an easy maiden winner and has scope to go well here in what doesn’t look to be the strongest field respectfully. The same can be said for (3) DANISH DYNAMITE who smashed the opposition when winning his maiden. The stable and rider are in top form so he will be a factor. (4) MUNCHKIN is never far back and will be a huge contender here. On best form he can blow this field away. (5) ROUGAROUIN ran a cracker in the last start and must be respected again. (Devonne Govender 2-3-4-5).

RACE 1

1 BLAZING BEAUTY   3 CAPTAIN VENTURA   7 QUEEN FENN   9 KALI BWANA

Summary: It may pay to keep track of the first timers. Of those that have run, BLAZING BEAUTY (1) made major improvement at long odds first run for her new stable. A repeat can see her home in a modest line-up. QUEEN FENN (7) has shown some ability but judged on jockey bookings, stable companion and first timer CAPTAIN VENTURA (3) could be the stable elect, trainer Darryl Moore commenting that she is very quick. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-7-9).

RACE 2

1 THAT’LL B THE DAY   4 KANAAL SKATER   2 HIGHER LOVE   7 RED CARDINAL

Summary: There was little confidence expressed about the first timers in this race but they should all have to get past KANAAL SKATER (4) and THAT’LL BE THE DAY (1) the pair with some credentials. Kanaal Skater made marked improvement first time out in KZN and can build on that while That’ll B The Day was a beaten favourite last run after a smart previous effort. From pole position draw he may be the one to beat. HIGHER LOVE (2) is way better than his last two and has done well on the poly. RED CARDINAL (7) raced green on debut and sure to come on with the run. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-2-7).

RACE 3

8 BOARDWALK BREEZE   4 DEVOTED   5 TASTE THE RAINBOW   3 TARGARYEN KNIGHT

Summary: BOARDWALK BREEZE (8) has been knocking at the door for some time now and has improved in blinkers. Not disgraced last run he should finish in the money. TASTE THE RAINBOW (5) raced green on debut and although some way back the winner Green Gateway looks to be more than useful. TARGARYEN KNIGHT (3) finished just ahead of Taste The Rainbow but was having his second outing. DEVOTED (4) comes from a very much in form stable and is one to watch in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 8-4-5-3).

RACE 4

14 TWILIGHT WARRIOR  10 ZARA’S WINTER   2 CARNIVAL PARK   9 LUNAR DESCENT

Summary: Tricky maiden. TWILIGHT WARRIOR (14) has a wide draw to contend with but made a promising local debut and looks set to make further improvement. ZARA’S WINTER (10) appears to be coming to hand at the right time. Mike Miller’s charge has started at long odds in all three outings but has come on with each start and could prove to be the best of Miller’s  four runners. CARNIVAL PARK (2) has taken time to shed his maiden but has not been far back and has a plum draw to help his cause. LUNAR DESCENT (9) is better than his last run. He has been showing signs of coming to hand and with a more experienced jockey aboard he should be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 10-2-14-9).

RACE 5

4 PRINCESS PALACE   6 ELEMBEE   2 QUEEN AMINA   3 ANOTHER DREAM

Summary: PRINCESS PALACE (4) has dropped in the ratings and this step up in trip with a handy galloping weight will suit. ELEMBEE (6) has come down to a more competitive rating and has shown steady improvement at recent outings. She is seldom far back and should be in the mix. QUEEN AMINA (2) built on his steady improvement when not winning out of turn on the poly last time out. The trip suits. ANOTHER DREAM (3) was a game winner first up out of the maidens. Three might be too much to ask from Lucinda Woodruff’s filly but she cannot be ignored. THE GHOST (8) steps up in trip and Muzi Yeni is back in the irons for Paul Lafferty. The extra should suit. (Andrew Harrison: 4-6-2-3).

RACE 6

7 CASSANDRA   6 AMAFORT   9 COPACABANA   1 MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON

Summary: CASSANDRA (7) is still a maiden but has shown up well in all three of her starts and Glen Kotzen’s filly is up against some well exposed opposition. AMAFORT (6) is lightly raced but appears to have come to hand at recent outings and looks primed for this. COPACABANA (9) has drawn wide  but has been holding form well and the extra furlong should be in her favour. MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON (1) was a beaten favourite last run but has improved with a tongue-tie and has the best of the draw. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-9-1).

RACE 7

9 CALLMEGETRIX   3 WHITE PEARL   2 TWO G’S   4 SOVEREIGN GRANT

Summary: Competitive field. CALLMEGETRIX (9) was possibly out-classed in the Gr1 Garden Province  but had smart form before that and should go well in this line-up. WHITE PEARL (3) finished less than a length behind Callmegetrix in the Garden Province and has the better draw this time around. There should not be much between the two.  TWO G’S (2) steps up in class and trip but is lightly raced and her recent form is solid. SOVEREIGN GRANT (4) hardly ever runs a poor race and should be right up there. (Andrew Harrison: 9-3-2-4).

RACE 8

1 RAFA’S BOY   4 CATAVAR   10 IBHELE   2 TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Summary: RAFA’S BOY (1) has a big weight but is in mustard form. All recent form has been over the Hollywoodbets Scottsville straight and he takes the turn but from pole position. CATAVAR (4) has shown up well in two recent outings on the poly. His last win was over course and distance. IBHELE (10) has been dropping steadily in the ratings. Down in class and he can surprise. TRAFALGAR SQUARE (2) is quick. He has started at long odds in all of his recent starts but can pop up. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-10-2).

Andrew Harrison

The new racing season in KZN starts off with a bang. The revamp of the N3 highway will be demolished today and the meeting scheduled for Hollywoodbets Scottsville has been moved to the turf at Hollywoodbets Greyville where the card is headed by the Off To Stud Stakes (Listed) over 1600m.

The race has attracted a competitive field where the top weights Callmegetrix and White Pearl look to be the principal contenders although the list of possible winners does not stop there.

Cape-based Candice Bass-Robinson sent up a small string for Champions Season and it all came together last Sunday with two winners at Greyville and a further two at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday.

Terry Fripp has been holding fort in KZN and the stable can continue their winning run with Callmegetrix . She was possibly out-classed in the Gr1 Garden Province  but had smart form before that and should go well in this line-up. However, she is again up against White Pearl who finished less than a length behind her in the Garden Province and has the better draw this time around. There should not be much between the two.

Gareth Van Zyl’s filly Two G’s steps up in class and trip but is lightly raced and her recent form is solid while Sovereign Grant hardly ever runs a poor race and should be right up there.

One of the better bets on the card could come in the sixth where Glen Kotzen saddles the maiden Cassandra.  She has shown up well in all three of her starts and she is up against some well exposed opposition. Amafort is lightly raced but appears to have come to hand at recent outings and Michael Roberts looks to have her primed for this.  Copacabana has drawn wide  but has been holding form well and the extra furlong should be in her favour while Mountainsofthemoon was a beaten favourite last run but has improved with a tongue-tie and has the best of the draw.

In the first it may pay to keep track of the first timers. Of those that have run, Blazing Beauty made major improvement at long odds first run for her new stable and a repeat can see her home in a modest line-up. Queen Fenn has shown some ability but judged on jockey bookings, stable companion and first timer Captain Ventura could be the stable elect with Darryl Moore commenting that she is very quick.

There was little confidence expressed about the first timers in the second but they should all have to get past Kanaal Skater and That’ll B The Day, the pair with some credentials. Kanaal Skater made marked improvement first time out in KZN and can build on that while That’ll B The Day was a beaten favourite last run after a smart previous effort. From pole position draw he may be the one to beat.

In the first leg of the Pick 6, Boardwalk Breeze has been knocking at the door for some time now and has improved in blinkers. Not disgraced last run he should finish in the money. Taste The Rainbow  raced green on debut and although some way back the winner Green Gateway looks to be more than useful. Targaryen Knight finished just ahead of Taste The Rainbow but was having his second outing. Devoted comes from a very much in form stable and is one to watch in the market.

The fourth is a tricky maiden but although Twilight Warrior has a wide draw to contend with he made a promising local debut and looks set to make further improvement. Zara’s Winter to be coming to hand at the right time. Mike Miller’s charge has started at long odds in all three outings but has come on with each start and could prove to be the best of Miller’s  four runners. Carnival Park has taken time to shed his maiden but has not been far back and has a plum draw to help his cause. Lunar Descent is better than his last run. He has been showing signs of coming to hand and with a more experienced jockey aboard he should be competitive.

In the fifth, Princess Palace has dropped in the ratings and this step up in trip with a handy galloping weight will suit. Sean Tarry ‘s only runner Elembee has come down to a more competitive rating and has shown steady improvement at recent outings. She is seldom far back and should be in the mix. Queen Amina built on his steady improvement when not winning out of turn on the poly last time out. The trip suits. Another Dream was a game winner first up out of the maidens. Three might be too much to ask from Lucinda Woodruff’s filly but she cannot be ignored.

In the last Rafa’s Boy has a big weight but is in mustard form. All recent form has been over the Hollywoodbets Scottsville straight and he takes the turn but from pole position but he can round off the meeting. Catavar has shown up well in two recent outings on the poly. His last win was over course and distance while Ibhele has been dropping steadily in the ratings and now down in class he can surprise. Trafalgar Square is quick but has started at long odds in all of his recent starts. He can pop up.

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!

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.