David Thiselton

There was more success for South African horseracing abroad over the weekend as Gaynor Rupert led in a homebred winner at Royal Ascot and the Narrow Creek Stud-bred Hollywood Racing-owned What A Winter gelding Isivunguvungu came back from a ten month layoff to win in the USA.

Gaynor Rupert’s UK operation Cayton Park Stud bred the St. Mark’s Basilica colt Thesecretadversary together with Coolmore and she part-owns this three-year-old together with Mrs John Magnier.

Running in Drakenstein Stud’s familiar blue colours with a white  square the Ireland-based James Stack-trained colt converted 20/1 odds in a field of 14 to win the Gr 3 Jersey Stakes for three-year-olds over seven furlongs on Saturday under Seamie Hefferman.

The Secretadversary jumped well from draw two in the straight race and the solidly built horse with the unmistakeable white face travelled well just off the leading line.

At the three furlong mark he moved up to join the leaders still traveling with plenty in hand.

Hefferman got to work at the two furlong mark and gave him his first backhander a few strides later.

He kept at the horse in rhythmical style and The Secretadversary kept going resolutely to hold off his fellow Irish-bred contemporary Take Charge Star (Starspangledbanner), who jumped from draw one and helped ensure a boil over result as he jumped at 50/1 odds. This pair were a convincing 4,5 lengths clear of the third-placed 25/1 shot Morris Dancer (Palace Pier), while 80/1 shot Green Sense (Starman) was beaten 6,5 lengths into fourth. There was then a shorthead back to fifth-placed Neolithic (Sioux Nation) and the 11/10 favourite Saber Strike (Night Of Thunder) was next best.

Thesecretadversary won a Listed race as a two-year-old over seven-and-a-half furlongs at Tipperary and was placed fifth in the Gr 1 Summer Stakes over a mile on dirt at Woodbine under Frankie Dettori in his next start.

He won his three-year-old debut in the Gr 3 Ballylinch Stud Red Rock Stakes over seven furlongs and 42 yards by 2,5 lengths under Hefferman at Leopardstown.

He followed that with a 12,25 length fifth in the Gr 1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and then finished a five length sixth in the Gr 1 Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh.

Considering his seven furlong form he was good value at 20/1 on Saturday and it might have been his low draw which was off putting in a week in which the high draws looked to have a distinct advantage in the races down the straight.

The fact that Thesecretadversary broke this trend and won in commanding style shows just what a fine performance it was.

Hopefully he can go on to bigger things and perhaps stand at stud at Drakenstein one day.

His sire St. Mark’s Basillica, who is by Siyouni out of a Gr 3-winning Galileo mare, is making waves.

As a racehorse he won the Gr.1 Dewhurst Stakes, the Gr.1 French 2000 Guineas, the Gr.1 French Derby. the Gr.1 Eclipse Stakes and the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes and he was a European Champion two-year-old and World Champion three-year-old.

Thesecretadversary is from St. Mark’s Basilica’s first crop and so is the Aidan O’Brien-trained Diamond Necklace, who is unbeaten in five starts including three Gr 1s and those Gr 1s include the French 1000 Guineas and French Oaks.

Meanwhile, a layoff of ten months seems to have done a world of good for Isivunguvungu, who had gone off the boil in a tough campaign between September 2024 and August last year, which included a trip to Dubai.

The What A Winter gelding recorded his second win in the USA on Friday when landing an Allowance Optional Claiming contest over 5.5 furlongs (about 1100m) on the turf worth $57,000 and a first prize of $33,600.

It was the Narrow Creek Stud-bred and Hollywood Racing-owned gelding’s first victory since winning the Da Hoss Stakes at Colonial Downs on his USA debut in September 2024.

Jumping from a draw of seven, Isivunguvungu settled well and took up what the Americans call a stalking position, He was produced on the outside with a sustained effort to get on terms before asserting close to home and winning in impressive style by half-a-length.

All seven of the runners carried 123 pounds and Isivunguvungu started 7/5 favourite.

It was not a strong field, but it should be remembered that the SA-bred Hollywood Racing and Rikesh Sewgoolam-owned One Stripe came into his own in the USA after getting his confidence back by winning an Allowance Optional Claiming event.

Isivunguvungu is an eight-year-old by American breeding times, but the big Graham Motion-trained speedster looks to have a lot of racing still left in him.

Speaking to SAHorseracing.COM after the victory, winning jockey Jorge Ruiz paid tribute to the team behind the talented sprinter.

“I would like to thank the Graham Motion team and everyone involved with Isivunguvungu. I am truly grateful to Hollywood Racing for the opportunities they have given me,” said Ruiz.

“I hope to continue winning many important races with them and, of course, to win Group 1 races. That is my dream, especially while carrying the colours of Hollywood Racing from South Africa.

“Congratulations to the entire team, the owners, and everyone involved in this great organization in South Africa. Thank you for your support and confidence.”

Motion has done exceptionally well with South African-breds and this was his second win with an SA-bred in the space of six days as Gimme A Nother won at Monmouth Park the previous Saturday.

Andrew Harrison

Final declarations for this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July are due at 11 this morning but the name of Curious Girl may not be in the field of 18 plus two reserves after going down to Jazz Café in the Lucky Fish Winter Fillies Stakes over 2400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.

It was a close call at the line but Robbie Hill’s mare got up in the shadow of the post to make things even more difficult for those responsible for choosing the final July field as Curious Girl does boast five wins plus victory over males in the Gr2 SA Derby.

Jazz Café was the lowest rated horse in the nine-horse field and going on the official July weights Curious Girl was at the bottom of the handicap with 46kg, 6kg below the minimum July weight of 52kg so on Saturday’s evidence she is unlikely to be raised the required amount to make her competitive in the July or even make the final line-up. As Hill pointed out, it is difficult for three-year-olds at this time of the year especially over 2400m.

For Hill it was a plan come together and perfectly executed by Rachel Venniker. Curious Girl was always well placed in a race run at no great pace while Venniker was content to sit watching all unfold in front of her.

Approaching the final turn, Venniker gently asked for more as Jazz Café crept closer and was within striking distance crossing the subway. It was a sprint for home with many in contention but Jazz Café and Curious Girl gradually shook them off and had the race to themselves over the final 100m with Jazz Café just making it home with Woman’s World staying on for third.

It was KZN Breeder’s day with the Breeders’ Mile heading the card made up of KZN-bred horses. Tinus Gericke is an integral part of Blue Sky Thoroughbreds along with Bruce le Roux but Go Grayson Go was bred for his own account and races in the Gericke family colours.

It was straight forward for Richard Fourie who track the hot early pace set by replacement rider Tristan Godden on Wild At War The field concertinaed at the top of the straight but Furie had Daylight n front of him and Go Grayson Go delivered the coup de grace.

It was the second winner for Frikkie Greyling as the regally bred Queen Of The Air final got the maiden monkey off her back after two disappointing recent runs, and the third winner of Serino Moodley who rode a patient on the filly. With only one behind her turning for home, she gradually built up under hands before Moodley asked for an effort over the final 200m. Racing in a cornel collar, Queen Of The Air obvious has breathing issues but she had enough in the tank to hold off a determined challenge from Chef’s Kiss.

Fortress Of Fire was a game winner of the Non-Black Type Declarationofpeace 1200, getting home narrowly ahead of a fast-finishing Kalahari Roller. Andrew Fortune had pinched an early break in the straight up the inside rail on Magic Surprise but was quickly swallowed up by Fortress Of Fire. However, after a quick glance over her shoulder, it was all hands to the pump for Venniker as Kalahari Roller came flying  but Fortress Of Fire held on just long enough to deny Siphesihle Hlengwa.

Andrew Harrison

Punters face another competitive card on the poly at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.

The card opener is  a competitive maiden where Sierra Foxtrot has run two promising efforts on the poly and from the best of the draw should go well again. Midnight Hour is lightly raced and needed her last run and with a claiming apprentice aboard she should come on lengths from that run. Come Together has come on nicely since arriving in her new stable and taking to the poly. She should be competitive. Anniversary raced green on debut but was not far back and should come on lengths from that effort.

In the first leg of the PA, Skipper Zip was not far back over further when returning from a break. He has a light weight and gets first time blinkers. Ubuntu Of Peace will be a threat. He has been a late starter but close-up in both outings on the poly. He should now be cherry-ripe as he takes on some modest opposition but this is a handicap maiden. Levitator is a battling maiden but his form has improved on the poly. He only has 49kg to shoulder, 11 kg less than Ubuntu Of Peace, which is a big factor in his favour. Tiger Cody will have his supporters after finishing a narrow second behind the filly Meeksha last time out but like fellow two-year-old The Bidder they give weight to older runners.

The start of the Pick 6 is tricky. Summer Winter has good form over course and distance and was close-up second last run so should be competitive. Magical Sky is a poly specialist over course and distance but does have a big weight in spite of the 4kg claimer aboard. There should be very little between her and Catch A Penny, both having smart poly form. Emerald Forge made a winning local debut beating the luckless but consistent Tipperary to shed her maiden. She takes to the poly for the first time and could follow up.

Green Commander may be one of the better bets. He ran a cracker when runner-up in an Open Maiden giving the winner 7kg. Level weights here and can go one better. Let It Roll made promising improvement at his second outing and has a handy galloping weight. He should feature in this company.  Black Platina is a battler but never far back. He gets blinkers and Andrew Fortune that could make the difference.

The sixth is open but Gallic Victor has improved on the poly and showed up well first run in blinkers. This trip will suit. Island Forever has his third run since arriving in KZN and although behind Gallic Victor when last they met, he too will enjoy the extra. Red Bomber has useful form on the poly and was a beaten favourite at his last two. The step up in trip could suit while Blue Steel has been consistent and shed his maiden over course and distance in emphatic fashion.

Lunch Money has a big weight but also takes a drop in class in what looks to be modest company in the sixth. He has smart form on the poly from the best of the draw. Green Mile has excellent poly form and should run another competitive race along with Global Movement  who has shown improved form on the poly. He is also down in class with a 1.5kg allowance that should make him competitive. The filly Meeksha steps up in trip against older runners but has been making steady improvement.

In the seventh, Lady Jean has been racing in feature company and does appear to be better than her last two. She makes her poly debut from the best of the draw and should feature. Saudi Sweep is way better than her last run. She goes well on the poly and should go close in this line-up. Veteran Mystique Rouge has smart recent form on the poly and with a red-hot apprentice who has ridden her in her last two starts claiming 4kg she must have a strong chance.

The last is a competitive handicap but Poetic Princess has won her last two, last time over course and distance. She got a four-point rise in the handicap for her last win but can follow up in modest company. Veteran Arilena was much improved when tried on the poly and rates a strong chance. Quentasia has a light weight and goes well on the poly. Take Your Place has not been far back in recent outings and from the best of the draw should be competitive.

RACE 1

1 SIERRA FOXTROT   4 MIDNIGHT HOUR   3 COME TOGETHER   5 ANNIVERSARY

Preview: Competitive maiden. SIERRA FOXTROT (1) has run two promising efforts on the poly and from the best of the draw she should go well again. MIDNIGHT HOUR (4) is lightly raced. She needed her last run with a claiming apprentice aboard and should come on lengths from that run. COME TOGETHER (3) has come on nicely since arriving in her new stable and taking to the poly. She should be competitive. ANNIVERSARY (5) raced green on debut but was not far back. She should come on lengths from that effort. (Andrew Harrison: 1-4-3-5).

RACE 2

6 SKIPPER ZIP   3 UBUNTU OF PEACE   5 LEVITATOR   1 TIGER CODY

Preview: SKIPPER ZIP (6) was not far back over further when returning from a break. He has a light weight and gets first time blinkers. UBUNTU OF PEACE (3) has been a late starter but close-up in both outings on the poly. He should now be cherry-ripe as he takes on some modest opposition but this is a handicap maiden. LEVITATOR (5) is a battling maiden but his form has improved on the poly. He only has 49kg to shoulder, 11 kg less than Ubuntu Of Peace, which is a big factor in his favour. TIGER CODY (1) will have his supporters after finishing a narrow second behind the filly Meeksha last time out but like fellow two-year-old THE BIDDER (4) they give weight to older runners. (Andrew Harrison: 6-3-5-1).

RACE 3

2 SUMMER WINTER   7 MAGICAL SKY   4 CATCH A PENNY   5 EMERALD FORGE

Preview: SUMMER WINTER (2) has good form over course and distance. She was close-up second last run. MAGICAL SKY (7) is a poly specialist over course and distance but does have a big weight in spite of the 4kg claimer aboard. There should be very little between her and CATCH A PENNY (4), both having smart poly form. EMERALD FORGE (5) made a winning local debut beating the luckless but consistent Tipperary to shed her maiden. She takes to the poly for the first time and can follow up. (Andrew Harrison: 2-7-4-5).

RACE 4

7 GREEN COMMANDER   6 LET IT ROLL   9 BLACK PLATINA   8 CAPTAIN T

Summary: GREEN COMMANDER (7) ran a cracker when runner-up in an Open Maiden giving the winner 7kg. Level weights here and can go one better. LET IT ROLL (6) made promising improvement at his second outing. He has a handy galloping weight and should feature in this company.  BLACK PLATINA (9) is a battler but never far back. He gets blinkers and Andrew Fortune. CAPTAIN T (8) showed up well first run over course and distance. Looks held by Green Commander. (Andrew Harrison: 7-6-9-8).

RACE 5

9 GALLIC VICTOR   4 ISLAND FOREVER   2 RED BOMBER   7 BLUE STEEL

Summary: Open. GALLIC VICTOR (9) has improved on the poly and showed up well first run in blinkers. This trip will suit. ISLAND FOREVER (4) has his third run since arriving in KZN and although behind Gallic Victor when last they met, he too will enjoy the extra. RED BOMBER (2) has useful form on the poly and was a beaten favourite at his last two. The step up in trip could suit. BLUE STEEL (7) has been consistent and shed his maiden over course and distance in emphatic fashion. VIXENS WAR (8) showed up well first run out of the maidens. But drops back in trip. (Andrew Harrison: 9-4-2-7).

RACE 6

1 LUNCH MONEY   3 GREEN MILE   5 GLOBAL MOVEMENT   4 MEEKSHA

Preview: LUNCH MONEY (1) has a big weight but also takes a drop in class in what looks to be modest company. He has smart form on the poly from the best of the draw. GREEN MILE (3) has excellent poly form and should run another competitive race. GLOBAL MOVEMENT (5) has shown improved form on the poly. He is also down in class with a 1.5kg allowance that should make him competitive. The filly MEEKSHA (4) steps up in trip against older runners but has been making steady improvement. (Andrew Harrison: 1-3-5-4).

RACE 7

1 LADY JEAN   2 SAUDI SWEEP   5 MYSTIQUE ROUGE   8 QUEEN FENN

Preview: LADY JEAN (1) has been racing in feature company and does appear to be better than her last two. She makes her poly debut from the best of the draw and should feature. SAUDI SWEEP (2) is way better than her last run. She goes well on the poly and should go close in this line-up. Veteran MYSTIQUE ROUGE (5) has smart recent form on the poly and with a red-hot apprentice who has ridden her in her last two starts claiming 4kg she must have a strong chance. QUEEN FENN (8) has been consistent but takes another drop in the handicap which could see her feature prominently. (Andrew Harrison: 1-2-5-8).

RACE 8

8 POETIC PRINCESS   9 ARILENA   4 QUENTASIA   1 TAKE YOUR PLACE

Preview: Competitive handicap. POETIC PRINCESS (8) has won her last two, last time over course and distance. She got a four-point rise in the handicap for her last win but can follow up in modest company. Veteran ARILENA (9) was much improved when tried on the poly and rates a strong chance. QUENTASIA (4) has a light weight and goes well on the poly. TAKE YOUR PLACE (1) has not been far back in recent outings and from the best of the draw should be competitive. (Andrew Harrison: 8-9-4-1).

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Pontefract (UK) – 21 June 2026