Andrew Harrison

The Gr3 Lucky Fish Winter Stakes over 2400m is a tough handicap for punters to work out the form. The race heads a nine-race programme at Hollywoodbets Greyville today where we have another turf/poly programme.

The Winter Stakes may well be a decider as far as a berth in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets July is concerned which makes for more than just added interest in the race.  Enflame has done very little wrong in recent starts over ground for Candice and Tammy Dawson and should go close again and along with Tenpenny, is on the outside looking in.

Patrick Kruyer, long-time assistant to the legendary Terrance Millard, saddles Tenpenny who disappointed last run in the soft. But prior to that he had smart Cape form over ground.

Contracted rider JP Van der Merwe rides Native Ruler who has good form in strong company although yet to go this trip. However, Keagan de Melo has been declared as the gelding’s rider for the Hollywoodbets Durban July which would account for the riding engagements with Van der Merwe’s name penciled in behind Justin Snaith’s runner Regulation.

Shoot The Rapids is another July hopeful looking to boost his form. Nathan Kotzen’s gelding stays well and was runner-up at his last two. Kotzen has booked Richard Fourie for the ride which is a big bonus. Holding Thumbs may just have needed his last run but this trip will suit Glen Kotzen’s runner better and he should put in another good shift.

Sean Tarry is a dab hand at keeping older horses on the boil and surprise package could be Future Pearl. The gelding has patchy form of late but he has dropped markedly in the ratings and on his day has the ability.

It is a highly competitive card with no stand-out bets so punters will need to do their homework.

In the card opener, Highveld visitor Tanareef found good market support on debut and although he was a well-beaten fourth it was in good time and from the best of the draw from a top stable he should be right there. Lenoxx was narrowly beaten last time out after being unlucky at his previous start but has improved with each outing and should now be at his peak. Just behind Lennox was Deonarie who made his debut at long odds. Drawn along-side each other there should be little in it. Kid From The South found some support on debut and was not far back in soft ground. Any market support must be taken seriously.

Sweet Green may be one of the better bets on the card. Justin Snaith’s filly was a beaten favourite at her last run after a smart debut. She has been rested but does look progressive. Pacific Mood has the widest draw but showed up well when racing green on debut. The experience should bring her on lengths. Queraristinyferari has only been firing on five cylinders and has been a beaten favourite at her last two. Her last run was on the poly and the switch back to turf could bring out the best.

In the opening leg of the PA, canny operator and former champion trainer Ricky Maingard’s runners are unbeaten since arriving in KZN and can continue that trend. The grey comes from steady Cape form and will be a big runner if taking to the poly track. Gary Rich is in a purple patch and Light The Fire was not far behind recent Gr2 winner Viking Leader in his penultima start and was second behind Maingard’s Pretti United last time out. Barry’s Boy was caught late when trying the poly for the first time and gets some relief from the saddle and will be a threat.

The opening leg of the Pick 6 is wide open but Wendy Whitehead holds a strong hand with three competitive runners. Best may be Definitely Yes who although having a wide draw he has shown up well in both starts from similiter gates at his last two on the poly. With a useful 4kg claimer aboard he looks to be the stable elect. Peter Muscutt saddles Little Boy Blue that enjoyed his poly debut and finished ahead of Definitely Yes but is now 5kg worse off in the handicap for a two-length beating. Nathan Kotzen’s runner Bangladesh won well first run back from a lengthy break. He does appear to have problems but fit and well, he looks progressive. Whitehead also saddles Gorgeous Guy who has dropped in the ratings and has the best of the draw. He has been consistent on the turf and the switch to poly could bring out the best.

In the fifth, Mohave Prince has won three of his last four starts and second on the other for Garth Puller. He got a five-pound penalty for his last win but Puller has booked Rachel Venniker with her 1.5kg allowance and he can follow up. Gimmefabulous has been up against much stronger at recent outings and takes on males again but looks capable in this field. Uzwano is 1.5kg better off with Mohave Prince taking in Venniker’s allowance but he has drawn wide that could make the difference. Office In Command has been dropping slowly in the ratings but with a senior jockey aboard he should do better than his last two.

The sixth is a wide open handicap with only a few of the runners having tried the trip. Day Two shed his maiden over the distance and is lightly raced. He showed up well first run out of the maidens on the poly and the switch back to turf could suit. No Pressure was touched off last run and has shown up well in two starts since his maiden win. He should stay this trip well while likely outsider Intuitive Spirit stays the trip and has a light weight. He could be the surprise package.

There are many in with chances in the eighth but Cats Pajamas will be in line for some of the features in the next two months but he is a class act and the drop in trip and a big weight may not be enough to hold him back. Circumbendibus has come good since arriving in KZN and has been in cracking form of late. The trip suits and he gets 2.5kg relief from the saddle in apprentice Sifiso Bungane who knows the gelding well. King Of The Gauls has a difficult draw but is quick and cannot be written off.

In the last, Black Eagle comes with smart Cape form and Sean Veale knows him well. He was a beaten favourite on the poly last run and can go one better on the turf. Serengetti Sun is lightly raced and takes on males but will be a threat. She ran a smart race behind champion Asiye Phambili last time out and with a two-pound drop in the handicap she should at least be competitive in another tough race. Miss World made a winning debut for her new stable over course and distance and only got a three-pound raise in the ratings. She is ultra consistent and can go in again.

Please Note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Goodwood and York (UK) – 12 June 2026

RACE 1

An interesting opening event. RUSH GREEN produced a good debut on the Polytrack. He was doing his best work late and can go one place better. DIGITAL WARFARE has been well beaten in his starts so far but might play a minor role. GREY EAGLE has shown inexperience but the penny could drop and he has a place chance. RUN JOHNNY RUN makes a local debut after a change of trainer and can be a lively danger. SILVA STREAKER showed improvement second time out but might be looking for further. RED BIRCH was not disgraced in her two starts so far and should fight out the finish.

RACE 2

FONTE is improving and could go one place better. A competitive race. ROCK ME MAMA was a major disappointment last time out and is badly drawn this time. She could bounce back to score. BLUE DAME is probably better on the turf but must be respected in this line-up. ONE SUMMER is consistent but is also battling to win. KIM KAY showed some improvement last time out and should be a real threat. LADY OF FATE and MEDITERRANEANFLAME have place chances. KITANA’S JOY can also get involved with the finish.

RACE 3

A very open looking race. OSMIUM has done enough of late to suggest he can also get involved with the finish. MONKEY’S WEDDING has tended to lack a finish late but gets a narrow vote to score from a good draw. PLAYMAKER did not show his best last time out but can be a threat. BUGLE and SATELLITE WORLD are both in good form and would not be surprise winners. STRAIGHT RED has some fair form and is another to consider.

RACE 4

KALEESH CYBORG returns from a lengthy break but on his best form he would win a race of this nature. ALLEYAH’S ROCKET has shown improvement of late and could contest the finish. HURRICANE POWER makes his local debut and could earn some money. HERE COMES JOHNNY clearly did not like the Polytrack in his comeback. He will strip fitter and could bounce back to score.

RACE 5

HONORINE’S GIMMIE has shown good improvement since changing trainers. This is a tougher task but he may well be up to it. Stable companion BOURNE SUPREMACY quickened nicely to win on local debut and could have more to offer. MASKED VIGILANTE has run in better fields than this and could surprise. SLASH ‘N BURN is improving and won a decent enough race in April. He has changed stables since and makes his local debut. NOTORIX is unreliable but does sometimes get into the mix of things. AWAY WITH RED and FLIGHT ENGINEER both tend to lack strong finishes but are course and distance suited.

RACE 6

A tricky race. Under normal conditions ROMAN AGENT would prove hard to beat. He does, however have to give weight away to all his rivals. GOLDEN PAVILION and stable companion TINTAMARRE have been disappointing of late but could bounce back and threaten these rivals. BLACK EGRET was a well-backed winner last time out and could have more to offer. IMAGINABLE should be a threat this course and distance. FOREST SPY is often involved with the finish and clearly not out of it. LOTUS SILK is improving and should be right there at the finish.

RACE 7

HOMING PIGEON has Richard Fourie in the irons and is clearly the one to beat. HELIOTROPE is better than her last run on the Polytrack and is not out of it FLIGHT DISPLAY is consistent and likely to contest the finish. GINGER DELIGHT does her best work on this surface and can get involved with the finish. KEY WORKER and ROYAL MISSY seem better than their last run would suggest and might play minor roles.

RACE 8

A big field handicap. Consistent BLACKBERRY BREEZE is not well drawn at all but deserves a winning turn after some good recent performances. GARDEN SUN finished off his race well last time out and looks course and distance suited. SUN SPECTACULAR and PICK A POMODORO tend to lack extra late and might earn minor money. NIGHTJAR is hinting at a victory and must be included in all bets. GOLDEN GREY, SAN QUINTIN, MELA STRENGTH, ROTOTO and DARLING GIRL are some others to consider.

RACE 9

KLEINZEE has won both her starts for trainer Alan Greeff. Those wins were on the Polytrack. A 4kg claiming apprentice gets the ride this time which could overcome her recent penalties. ALWAYS SHINING is probably better on the Polytrack and could bounce back and be a threat, FLASH LIGHTNING is better than recent performances and could contest the finish. HOSPICES DE BEAUNE struggled last time out but has a place chance. CHEERFUL CHARLIE B is arriving for this after a narrow win but can make the frame.

David Thiselton

The South African racing fraternity woke up to the sad news yesterday that the legendary Hall Of Fame trainer Ormond Ferraris had passed away after a short illness.

He passed away peacefully at his retirement home in Plettenberg Bay yesterday morning, 10 June, surrounded by people he loved dearly, his sons David and Paul, grandson Luke, granddaughter Caroline and stepdaughters, Kim and Leigh.

Ormond was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame on Champions Day at Turffontein on Saturday, 29 March 2025, two days  before his 93rd birthday.

He had saddled no fewer than ten Oaks winners, including Pretty Border, St Just and Lambarina.

He also prepared eight Derby winners, including the outstanding Distinctly, Newmarket Triple Crown winner Fine Regent, and The Monk, and he won the 2013 Triple Tiara with Cherry On The Top.

Another of Ferraris’ great legacies will be the role he played as a mentor. He played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of champion trainers David Ferraris, Mike de Kock, and Michael Clements, as well as leading trainers Weiho Marwing, Weichong Marwing and Sharon Kotzen.

Yet, what he held dearest was his founding of the Trainers Benevolent Fund, which he personally managed from 1970 to 2022 before handing it over to a private accountant.

Ferraris said about the fund just over a year ago, “The saddest thing I’ve seen in all my years in racing is the passing of many good horsemen without a penny to their names. We tried to help as many as we could, despite limited funding from racing authorities. Resources are now at a minimum, but we built a reserve that I hope will last a few more years.”

Ferraris briefly worked as a trainee antiques dealer in downtown Johannesburg before becoming workrider and then assistant trainer to George Weale in 1949 and 1950 respectively.

In 1954, he was granted his own trainer’s licence and saddled his first winner, Shenandoah, at Gosforth Park on 14 August of that year.

Ferraris went on to train approximately 2,600 more winners before retiring in May 2019, never handling a string of more than 60 runners.

Racing scribe Charl Pretorius ghost wrote Ormond’s autobiography “Thoroughly”.

The book reaffirmed Ferraris’ reputation as a dedicated trainer who put his horses first.

Ormond developed expertise in all facets of training and his most rewarding finds at the Sales ranged from a R200 purchase to the brilliant Australian-bred Tracy’s Element.

His dedication to his profession was in fact emphasised on the day he spotted Tracy’s Element.

It followed an exhausting flight to Australia, but rather than rest in the hotel and wait for the next day he went straight to the Sales grounds where he spotted the filly walking by soon after arriving there.

He was beside himself with excitement and upon returning to the hotel he informed owner Paddy Hinton that he had seen perfection. His expert eye and intuition proved to be a hundred percent correct. Tracy’s Element had 19 starts for 11 wins, four of them Gr 1s and three of those were against the boys, the Gold Medallion, the Computaform Sprint and the Star Sprint and she also won the SA Fillies Sprint.

The book confirmed Ormond to be a forthright man.

The first time a wealthy owner pushed him too far the twenty-seven year-old Ormond drove to the latter’s office, jumped over the receptionists desk and barged into his office.

“Get your horses out of my yard!”, or something to that effect, were the last words he said to a few owners, including that one.

However, this never stopped him progressing steadily and the reason for this was emphasised through another incident.

Ormond was warned by a colleague, after he had given one particular owner the “Get out!” command, he should perhaps have been more circumspect because this particular man had a reputation as one not to be messed with.

Ormond believed his end might be nigh when he came to a lonely bridge on the way to the track early in one of the ensuing mornings to find this man’s car blocking the path.

However, after approaching the car with trepidation, it turned out the owner was only there to beg Ormond to take his horses back.

Ormond was training at The Vaal at the time of that incident and had moved there after a stint at Newmarket.

His career in fact truly took off at the Vaal.

His reasons for the move, i.e. the training tracks had no clay underneath them and thus drained well, proved spot on.

Ormond had up and down relationships with jockeys, but developed flourishing partnerships with the good ones, with fierce loyalty being a determining factor.

The pressure was high on trainers in the old days when they did not get a percentage of the prize money and had to rely on betting. In fact this pressure was so great that in the mid 1960s Ormond packed up training and turned to sheep farming.

Luckily for SA racing, the latter stint did not last long!

There were then the boom years of the 1970s,1980s and first part of 1990, when massive crowds attended the races and the quality of the thoroughbreds competing was outstanding, as it had also been in the 1960s.

They horses were bred tougher in those days and this is emphasised when Ormond states matter-of-factly that his top class colt Distinctly made his debut over 800m on October 10 of his two-year-old season!

Of course Distinctly is at the centre of Ormond’s most disappointing day on a racecourse in the 1975 July, where he believes, but for interference from Gatecrasher, Distinctly would have won by four to five lengths.

Another aspect mentioned by Ormond is that throughout the dark days of apartheid peace and harmony existed between the various races of South Africa on the race course, even in the times when they were forced on to separate grandstands.

Former jockey and now Summerveld trainer Dennis Bosch summed up Ormond is one sentence yesterday morning.

He said, “In racing Mr Ferraris said it as it was, there was no beating around the bush, but out of racing he was the nicest, kindest man you could ever meet. He not only started the benevolent fund for trainers. but I believe he also built a beautiful church for the previously disadvantaged. He was a super guy and a great trainer.”

Ormond was still active into his 90s assisting trainer Weichong Marwing at Turffontein, where the pair once formed a lethal partnership with Ormond as trainer and Weichong as jockey.