Andrew Harrison

Thoroughbred breeders in Kwa-Zulu Natal are a resilient band. In spite of trying markets and

dwindling numbers, the diehards have ridden the hard times. Hopefully vastly increased stakes and

the possibility of overseas export for top performers has buoyed their sales market.

The Kwa-Zulu Natal Breeders day at Hollywoodbets Greyville today has ten races restricted to

KZN-bred runners headed by the R650 000 KZN Breeders Mile.

Justin Snaith has warned that his Champions Season raiding party will improve as the season

progresses and he saddles the three-year-old Legal Council. The promising gelding has a wide draw

to contend with but is nicely in at these weights. His form was boosted on Wednesday with the much

improved and year older Thisiswhatitmeans narrowly ahead of him last time out.

Wendy Whitehead sends out the former Fairview galloper Cherry Ano who has been racing in top

company since his arrival in KZN. He was just over three lengths back to recent Gr1 Hollywoodbets

Gold Challenge winner Dave The King at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and has good form in blinkers. He

is the best rated and should fight out the finish.

Sean Tarry is a stalwart supporter of KZN-bred horses and sends out Dantonfromsandton who won at

this meeting last year and was subsequently narrowly beaten by Cats Pajamas in a sprint feature on

July day. He was friendless in the market last Ame out but at best will have a strong chance in this

line-up although he has yet to prove that he stays the trip. African Skyline is up-and-down in trip but

was not far off Dave The King last Ame out and must have a shout.

In the first leg of the PA Cassandra started at long odds on debut but showed up well, finishing close

up behind Dark MaTer. She takes on males and makes her poly debut but looks the part with Glen

Kotzen’s runners in good heart. Queen Of The Air was a beaten short-priced favourite at just her

second start but comes off a lengthy break. That run was possibly too far but she does appear to

have some ability.

The fourth is a tricky Pick 6 opener. Fortress Of Fire was a smart winner on debut but has

disappointed since in two feature races much to Michael Roberts’s chagrin. He is now down in class,

and if he can reproduce his debut effort he could prove difficult to beat. Master Silvano has a wide

draw but was close-up in his debut. This trip will suit. As menAoned, Tarry has an enviable record at

this meeAng and War Talk should come on from her promising debut effort.

Window To My Soul could prove to be one of the beTer bets. Alyson Wrights gelding was touched off

when going ground for the first Ame and on his poly debut. He is lightly raced and looks the part. Tee

Dog has shown some promise of late and stays the trip. The switch to poly could be in his favour and

looks the most likely threat. Possible Bomber has not shown much in two sprints but jumps in trip

and is one to watch in the market.

Hat’s Queen is visiting Tony Peter’s only runner on the day and is possibly the best bet on the card.

She is very well in at these weights and from the best of the draw she should take a lot of beaAng.

Queen Amina could be a threat as she has shown consistent form since shedding her maiden. She

goes well on the poly and stays the trip.The seventh is not so straight forward with a number in with chances. Garth Puller’s runner Agrado

shows promise and is hardly ever out of the money. He should go well this course and distance and

can get the beTer of DisAng who that has some fair form in useful feature company. She has the

best of the draw and should go close. Silver Tudor is way beTer than his last effort although not

beaten far. He boasts some useful Highveld form and cannot be ignored. Veteran galloper Proud

Master is way beTer than his last two runs would suggest. He looks well weighted here in spite of

62kg and the poly will suit.

In the last leg of the Pick 6 Tarry sends out Willow Express. The seven-year-old has had four aTempts

at the KZN Breeders Mile without success and Tarry has him taking on a lesser field in the KZN

Breeders 1600 where he should be competitive. He is way beTer than his last run and can finally add

an eighth win to his CV . Puller sends out the lightly raced Actor who was returning from a lengthy

break when badly in need of the ouAng last Ame out. He has the best of the draw and should be

competitive. The mare Radu looks to be the pick of Wendy Whiteheads coupling however, all of her

recent form has been at Hollywoodbets ScoTsville where she has been close-up in recent exchanges.

Stable companion Joshua Hotsnake is always dangerous and has a money chance.

Snaith could round off the day with Among The Clouds. The grey has a wide draw but has come on

nicely since arriving in KZN. She won with authority last time out over course and distance and can

follow up. Miss Paget has the best of the draw and has been close-up in her last two over course and

distance. She looks well in and will be a big threat from her pole position draw.

Please Note : South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Ffos Las (UK) – 22 June 2025.

PLEASE NOTE!

Soccer 4: SFF Soccer 17 Pool 2– 20 JUNE 2025

Match 1 (M1): SALERNITANA vs SAMPDORIA. Rescheduled. New Date 22 June 2025

Soccer 6: 6II Soccer 4 Pool 1– 20 JUNE 2025

Match 2 (M2): SALERNITANA vs SAMPDORIA. Rescheduled. New Date 22 June 2025

Soccer 10: 1RR Soccer 14 Pool 1 –  20 JUNE 2025

Match 2 (M2): SALERNITANA vs SAMPDORIA. Rescheduled. New Date 22 June 2025

All results (the field) will qualify for the above match.

In terms of Tabgold rules, all choices (the field) will apply in determining results and payouts.

Soccer Corners : – 21 JUNE 2025

Match 4 (M4): CAVALRY FC vs PACIFIC FC. Reschedule to 22 June 2025 Due to unplayable pitch conditions. Pool will be resulted after match played

Please Note: FNB is currently Offline.

Durban, South Africa: A bright and exciting future for horse racing in South Africa is on the horizon! That was the underlying message to emerge as the birth of South Africa’s new age coastal racing operator was celebrated at the official launch of the Race Coast brand, which was attended by a wide spectrum of local government leaders, racing personalities, and the media, in Durban today. 

A vibrant new force in South African horse racing, Race Coast was spawned from the merger of Gold Circle’s operations in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape-based Cape Racing, united under the Hollywoodbets banner.

Committed to modernising all aspects of the industry with integrity, while rebuilding the foundation of a legacy that will last beyond our lifetimes, through ensuring the preservation of the rich tradition of a sport that dates back over a century in South Africa, Race Coast has endorsed a philosophy to reignite a passion for the sport, while attracting a new and diverse audience. 

It’s a socio-economic reality that, against the international background of the thrills and glitz and glamour of high-octane entertainment, horse racing creates employment, with commercial spin-offs, that includes the fuelling of tourism.

With a focus on innovation and community engagement, Race Coast is unequivocally dedicated to ensuring a bright and exciting future for horse racing in South Africa. 

Speaking on behalf of the Hollywood Group, Brand & Communications Manager, Devin Heffer said that the excitement and anticipation of a brighter future was palpable amongst industry stakeholders present at the launch function.

“What a vibe! It is so encouraging to feel that this is the gamechanger that everybody has been crying out for. We are thus determined to raise the bar with world-class professionalism, performance, and prestige. That doesn’t happen overnight, but starts with the basics of safety, fairness, and quality,” enthused Heffer, who added that operations are already underway and policies have been introduced that will ensure modernisation with integrity, and the construction of a legacy that lasts.

“We have the structure, foundation and human capital in place and we are committed to introducing a new era where racing has a place and appeal for everyone. Simply put, it’s a bolder, fresher, and more inclusive approach than ever, and we’re determined and equipped to focus on rebuilding the trust, excitement, and excellence from the ground up.” 

South African champion trainer Justin Snaith is extraordinarily celebrating a half century of KZN winter season assaults for the famous family operation. His Dad Chris, still a key member of their team, first raided with a string from the Cape in 1975.

Snaith reflected on the initial success in his home province of RaceCape, initiated by Cape Racing and Hollywoodbets. 

“That structure has proven a tremendous success! It has not only boosted ownership and field sizes in the Western Cape, but has also provided trainers with additional funding to enhance their operations. And today we mark the historic beginnings of Race Coast, which is another generous initiative by Hollywoodbets, aimed at promoting ownership in KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape, while boosting the horse population.” 

Snaith reminded us of the very recent past, recalling that after the COVID-19 pandemic, many feared that horse racing in South Africa might not survive. 

“However, the dedicated efforts of a few individuals have not only saved the sport, but have also paved the way for an exciting future. This is a future that we can shape and reinvent, making it better for all stakeholders involved. Race Coast marks the beginning of something special for the province and the future of horse racing in South Africa. On behalf of all our owners, staff, and horses, we want to express our sincere gratitude,” he concluded.

South African horse racing’s pre-eminent 21st century global ambassador Mike de Kock, who recently joined forces with his son Mathew in a powerful training partnership, said: “De Kock Racing has been around for a long time, but as a new training partnership, Mathew and I are excited to be involved with the innovators behind Race Coast. We have already seen the evidence of their vision and commitment, and we have positioned ourselves to grow with them. We look forward to what the future holds.”

Three-times Hollywoodbets Durban July winning veteran trainer Dean Kannemeyer said that a refreshing wave of enthusiasm and hope had already been tangibly felt in the Cape.

“The improvement and upliftment have been felt in bricks and mortar, communication, and incentives and stakes across the spectrum in the Cape, and looking today at the rejuvenated Hollywoodbets Greyville landscape, it’s a revelation and a passion driven work-in-progress, in simple terms. The Hollywood Team have made a difference in short time, and one gets a very warm feeling that the sport is in exceptionally good hands. We are all united under the flag of future prosperity, and, on behalf of our owners and the DKR team, I extend sincere onwards and upwards best wishes to Owen Heffer and his Team,” said Kannemeyer. 

In a fitting climax to a month that will go down as a turning point in our modern horse racing history, the cream of South Africa’s equine speed stars will line up in the Golden Horse Festival Of Speed at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 31 May.