Andrew Harrison

Nothing went right for the Tony Rivalland-trained King Of The Gauls on a recent trip to Cape Town for their summer season. The stable rate him as more than useful and the two below par efforts at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth could well have played in his favour for the Gr2 Golden Horse Sprint, fourth leg of the R500 000 Jackpot 1 carryover at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today.

Had King Of The Gauls finished close-up in the two Cape Town feature sprints that he contested, he would have incurred a penalty. As it now stands he still races off a 109 rating which could still be below his true potential and as this race is a handicap he has a relatively handy galloping weight.

What is more encouraging is that on his comeback run in KZN he finished a creditable fifth behind O’Tenikwa, running on strongly without being unduly pressed in the finish. Granted, this is a much stronger field but given that it is a handicap, some expected improvement should at least see King Of The Gauls in the shake-up if not winning.

But he faces a daunting task as one can make out a case for most of the runners. Biggest threat could come from Tenango who has smart form over the trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and should make a bold bid. He will be ridden by Andrew Fortune who was aboard King Of The Gauls last time out but surely not able to make the weight. 

Outlaw King finished a neck ahead of King Of The Gauls when last they met and there should not be much between the two again although I expect more to come from the latter. Surjay seldom runs a bad race. He has run two smart races in Group company of late and this course will suit while Ziyasha  is highly regarded by Clinton Binda and won well last time out. However, his best form has been over 1000m and he was beaten four lengths in this race last year. 

The Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint sees Double Grand Slam and Rascova renew rivalry and both are top class fillies. However, all of their recent meetings have been over a mile and further and although class always comes through it may prove prudent to look for the tried and tested over the trip. 

Asiye Phambili was a game second last run over course and distance. The jockey dropped the rein when changing his stick and this saw her hanging inward across the course. She might well have otherwise won as she only lost by 0,40 length to three-year-old Mai Sensation, to whom she gave 8,5kg. Unlucky last year when losing her rider at the start, she comes with strong Cape form and Duncan Howells knows what it takes to win this race having saddled the smart mare Via Africa to victory. Sean Tarry has an exceptional feature race record at this track and saddles Mia Moo who is unbeaten in two since returning from the Cape and is sure to have been aimed at this race.

It is seldom that fillies take on males in the Gr1 Gold Medallion but Tarry scratched Green Diamond with an abnormal blood count on Thursday leaving the way open for the colts as the filly looked to have most of them stone cold.

Local hopes could rest with Peter Muscutt who saddles a brace in Military Command and Little Boy Blue, with the former likely the stable elect . Military Command was disappointing last run but may have needed the outing after his trip back from the Cape where he reeled off two straight victories. Mike and Mathew de Kock send out I’m A Fireball  who ran a disappointing race after winning smartly on debut. He is likely to improve on that showing and may be worth watching in the betting. There should not be much between Highveld raiders Zalatoris and Charming Cheetah. Both looked held by Green Diamond on their SA Nursey showing so their respective trainers will be more than happy at Green Diamond’s absence.

Fairview is no longer the backwater of South African racing that it was in the past and Alan Greeff can ram home the point with Direct Hit in the Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship. She is unbeaten in three starts  including the scalps of some of the most forward of the Western Cape runners in the Cape Nursery. She has hardly been tested in her three starts and looks to be a serious filly. If she handles the sometimes tricky Hollywoodbets Scottsville straight she should be right there again although she takes on another Tarry filly with useful Highveld form in One Fine Winter. She was a comfortable winner of her last start but Greeff will know what he is up against as One Fine Winter played second fiddle to the Greeff filly Golden Palm in the SA Nursery. Mike Miller sends out the unbeaten Comic Relief who goes the extra furlong but is unbeaten in two on this track which is in her favour. Justin Snaith had a red letter day at Hollywoodbets Greyville last Saturday with Eight On Eighteen and Little Suzie landing the features and he pins his hopes on Wild Wild Green who may just have needed her last run on this course and should benefit from the outing. She looks more than useful. 

RACE 1

6 THAT’LL BE THE DAY   9 LET’S GO LOLA   8 WORLD OF ROYALTY   7 MFETHU

Summary: Mostly first timers but of those that have run, THAT’LL BE THE DAY (6) was well supported on debut but that was on the poly and she finished down the field. She can make the required improvement on turf. Visiting LET’S GO LOLA (9) started at long odds on debut but was narrowly beaten into third. She should come on from that effort. WORLD OF ROYALTY (8) found some market support on debut and finished a respectable third. She too should benefit from having a run. MFETHU (7) is a well-bred first timer and may be worth following in the market. (Andrew Harrison: 6-9-8-7).

RACE 2

12 ALEX MILLER   3 PROMISE OF FIRE   5 TERMINAL VELOCITY   2 FINE WINE

Summary: ALEX MILLER (12) has been costly to follow for her supporters, a beaten favourite at her last two. She has drawn wide but gets first time blinkers. PROMISE OF FIRE (3) was run out of it late with first time blinkers. She has shown steady improvement and has a good draw. The extra furlong should also suit. TERMINAL VELOCITY  (5) is way better than her last run from a wide draw. She may also have needed the outing and is sure to improve. FINE WINE (2) is a late starter but has shown up well in her two outings to date. She is bred to stay this trip and from a handy draw she is one to keep an eye on in the betting. (Andrew Harrison: 12-3-5-2).

RACE 3

5 ONE SMART COOKIE   2 PRINCESS ILARIA   10 FAIZAH   9 ZENA ROSE

Summary: Tough race to start the PA with many in with chances. ONE SMART COOKIE (5) has come well of late and tries for a winning hat-trick. She steps up to a mile from a decent draw and only got a two-point raise in the handicap for her last win. PRINCESS ILARIA (2) is in good form on the Highveld. She stays the trip well and from a handy draw should be right there. FAIZAH (10) is always game and her last win was over course and distance. ZENA ROSE (9) was narrowly beaten last run and got a four-point raise in the handicap. Duncan Howells stays with her 4kg claiming apprentice. (Andrew Harrison: 5-2-10-9).

RACE 4

7 TERMINATOR   11 GURKHA   8 INGQWELE   5 FORWARD MOTION

Summary:  Wide open. TERMINATOR (7) comes from a very much in form stable and has been narrowly beaten at his last two over the trip. INGQWELE (8) was a runaway winner of his last start beating favourite that day, GURKHA (11) by over six lengths. The latter is now 4kg better off which should bring them closer together although both at still improving three-year-olds. FORWARD MOTION (5) is a smart filly. She is up against it in this field but with a 4kg claimer aboard she can make her presence felt. (Andrew Harrison: 7-11-8-5).

RACE 5

10 DIRECT HIT   5 ONE FINE WINTER   4 COMIC RELIEF   2 WILD WILD GREEN

Summary: The unbeaten DIRECT HIT (10) has hardly been tested and has also made the trip to Kenilworth for the Cape Nursery. She looks to be a serious filly and if she handles the sometimes tricky Hollywoodbets Scottsville straight she should be right there. Sean Tarry’s runners have a superb record  on this track and he pins his hopes on ONE FINE WINTER (5), a comfortable winner of her last start but Alan Greef will know what he is up against as One Fine Winter played second fiddle to the Greeff filly Golden Palm in the SA Nursery. COMIC RELIEF (4) goes the extra furlong but is unbeaten in two on this track which is in her favour. WILD WILD GREEN (2) may just have needed her last run on this course and should benefit from the outing. She looks more than useful. (Andrew Harrison: 10-5-4-2).

RACE 6

 3 GREEN DIAMOND   7 MILITARY COMMAND   9 I’M A FIREBALL   1 ZALATORIS

Summary: GREEN DIAMOND (3) takes on the colts but has not been tested at her last two including the SA Nursery against males. She looks to be way above the average and Sean Tarry behind her is a bonus. MILITARY COMMAND (7) was disappointing last run but may have needed the outing after his trip back from the Cape. I’M A FIREBALL (9) did not appear to handle the soft ground of his last start after winning smartly on debut. He should improve on his last showing. There should not be much between ZALATORIS  (1) and CHARMING CHEETAH (8) although both look held by Green Diamond on their last showing. (Andrew Harrison: 3-7-9-1)

RACE 7

10 ASIYE PHAMBILI     5 RASCOVA   1 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM   8 MIA MOO 

Summary: DOUBLE GRAND SLAM (1) and RASCOVA (5) renew rivalry and both are top class fillies. However, all of their recent meetings have been over a mile and further and although classy always comes through it may prove prudent to looks for the tried and tested over the trip. ASIYE PHAMBILI (10) was a game second last run over course and distance giving the winner 8.5kg. She comes with smart Cape form and Duncan Howells knows what it takes to win this race. MIA MOO (8) is unbeaten in two since returning from the Cape and is sure to have been aimed at this race by Tarry. (Andrew Harrison: 10-5-1-8).

RACE 8

9 KING OF THE GAULS   16 TENANGO  15 SURJAY  5 OUTLAW KING   

Summary: Wide open handicap. Nothing went right for KING OF THE GAULS (9) when making the trip to the Cape. He caught the eye when just out of the money last time out and looks cherry-ripe for this race with a light weight. TENANGO (16) has smart form over the trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and should make a bold bid. OUTLAW KING (5) was a neck ahead of King Of The Gauls when last they met and there should not be much between the two again although there may be more to come from the latter. SURJAY (15) seldom runs a bad race. He has run two smart races in Group company of late and this course will suit. ZIYASHA (13) is highly rated and won well last time out. However, his best form has been over 1000m and he was beaten four lengths in this race last year. (Andrew Harrison: 9-16-5-13).

RACE 9

15 ISIVIVANE    5 UN BEL DI   3 GUY GIBSON   10 LICENCE TO THRILL

Summary: ISIVIVANE (15) won well first run back from a long break and was then tried over a mile in the Gr2 WSB Guineas. He was well beaten over the trip behind Sail The Seas and Eight On Eighteen but still incurred an eight-point penalty. He looks to be back over a more suitable trip. UN BEL DI (5) has useful Cape form in good company and should be in the firing line. The grey GUY GIBSON (3) was close-up when back to a sprint after a break and can feature. LICENCE TO THRILL (10) has not been far back since his last win and has a money chance. (Andrew Harrison: 15-5-3-10).

RACE 10

5 PRICELESS PEARL   6 COTTON RON   4 ONE IRISH ROVER   7 NOW I GOT YOU

Summary:  Competitive handicap to round off the day. PRICELESS PEARL (5)  is still a maiden and returns from a length break. He has been tried over further but faces modest company here and will not have to have improved much to have a good chance. COTTON RON (6) seldom runs a bad race but is struggling for his third win. ONE IRISH ROVER (4) and NOW I GOT YOU (7) are old rivals. One Irish Rover is 1kg better off with Now I Got You who has an inexperienced apprentice aboard. (Andrew Harrison: 5-6-4-7).

Please note: South African Quartet Pools with fractional betting offered at Chepstow and Haydock (UK) – 30 May 2025.

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.

It’s a weekend packed with non-stop excitement and massive Jackpots across Hollywoodbets Scottsville and Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Saturday, 31 May – Hollywoodbets Scottsville Jackpot Carryover: R 500 000 Estimated Pool: R 1.5 Million, includes the premier races: Allan Robertson Championship, Gold Medallion and the Golden Horse Sprint! Jackpot runs from Race 5 to 8. Race 5 off at 13:30.

Sunday, 1 June – Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Jackpot One Carryover: R 100 000 Estimated Pool: R 500 000. Jackpot runs from Race 5 to 8. Race 5 off at 13:45.

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