Vaal

Yesterday talanted Jockey Chad Little rode his first winner since his return to the saddle after a five year and four month absence.

Trainer Lucinda Woodruff put him up on the 4 year old gelding AZZURRI who was supported in from 14/1 to 5/1 and won by a nose. Chad had to get to do some serious work in the last 200m to gain the upper hand.

His winning mount came one month and a week since his return to race riding.

BLESS MY STARS, South Africa’s 3-year-old champion filly of 2023 and Equus Award winner, delivered a commendable first performance on American soil at Gulfstream Park.

The talented daughter of Gimmethegreenlight made her first start since February in the Grade 3 Suwannee River Stakes, tackling the mile distance on turf. Despite not placing, she finished just 2 lengths behind the winner. Overcoming a slow start, she raced at the back of the field before unleashing a powerful late run, closing impressively despite covering extra ground by racing wide into the straight.

The much-anticipated Grand Heritage and its consolation race (at the Vaal, Saturday, 21 December) have been postponed to Tuesday following concerns over unsafe weather conditions. Officials made the call after lightning was detected within a 5km radius of the racecourse, posing a significant risk to jockeys, horses, and spectators.

Safety protocols were immediately enacted, with the decision prioritizing the well-being of all participants. While the postponement is disappointing for racing enthusiasts, it ensures the races will proceed under safer and fairer conditions.

The 2024 ARIMA KINEN (The Grand Prix) (G1) in Japan won by No. 8 Regaleira with a very close second by No. 16 Shahryar.

Regaleira breaks 64 year old Arima Kinen record.

COSMIC HIGHWAY wins 2023 Cape Merchants

"Now sponsored by De Grendel, another clash of the speed merchants will take place this weekend and with last year’s winner Cosmic Highway back to defend his title under Rachel Venniker, there is both a chance of a new dual Merchants winner being crowned, and a lady rider claiming the race for the first time."

Learn the history of the Cape Merchants at Cape Racing.

COSMIC HIGHWAY wins 2023 Cape Merchants

The Grade 2 Cape Merchants has drawn a bloated field of 20 runners, underscoring the challenge in Cape Town’s sprinting scene. With seemingly every sprinter and their stablemates desperate for a spot, this race epitomizes the glaring problems caused by an obsession with breeding for speed at all costs.

The South African horse racing community is mourning the tragic loss of FLAG MAN, the exceptional KZN Bred colt who succumbed to colic following surgery to repair a fetlock joint chip.

Year 2022: James Mcdonald has become just the second Australian-based rider to win the Longines World’s Best Jockey competition, claiming the crown for 2022

Expat Kiwi jockey James McDonald has added another feather to his already illustrious cap with his nomination as a finalist for the prestigious ISPS HANDA Halberg Sportsman of the Year award.

While McDonald has achieved global recognition in racing, this nomination marks a significant acknowledgment from his homeland’s sporting industry. His remarkable year, highlighted by securing his second LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Award, has solidified his status as one of the most revered jockeys in the world. From December 2023 to November 2024, McDonald claimed nine victories in the world’s top 100 Group One races, riding elite horses like Romantic Warrior and Via Sistina in features across Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan.

Showcasing his remarkable talent, Luke Ferraris reached the 100-win milestone in Hong Kong with a stunning double at Sha Tin’s all-dirt meeting on Wednesday night (December 18), capping off an outstanding season.

Live stream: Zimbabwe horse racing on Friday, 20 December 2024...

GOLDEN SICKLE delivered a stunning gun to tape performance to claim victory by a whisker in a Pinnacle Stakes over her preferred 1000m course and distance. The on-course commentator initially called it for DYCE, but the photo finish revealed that the Viljoen-owned filly had gotten her nose in front right on the wire, securing her fifth win over the track and trip.

Turffontein once again delivered a spectacle, with veteran jockey Piere Strydom producing a masterclass aboard WHITE PEARL to secure a nail-biting victory in the standside mile. At 58 years old, Strydom demonstrated his legendary patience and tactical acumen, timing his run to perfection. The race unfolded with VJ'S ANGEL (28-10) setting a steady pace at the front, while race favorite FIERY PEGASUS (9-10) endured a tough trip, caught wide and unable to unleash her best. All the while, Strydom bided his time, allowing WHITE PEARL to settle comfortably and wait for her moment.

Mike de Kock's WHITE PEARL wins the Gr2 Mike de Kock Ipi Tombe Challenge. Wonderful ride by Piere Strydom to perfectly time his win.

SMART CALL winning the J&B Met

The South African racing community bids a heartfelt farewell to one of its brightest stars, SMART CALL. This extraordinary mare, bred by Mauritzfontein Stud, won everything before her in South Africa before her travels overseas.

Turffontein

GIMMIE'S COUNTESS will revert to sprinting after being beaten again over ground in the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas on Saturday.

It was FATAL FLAW day over the weekend where Brett and James Crawford (B/J Crawford) dominated with the Cape fillies left counting their losses. Fatal Flaw was shipped in from Joburg for the win. At the forefront of them was GIMMIE'S COUNTESS, who was rather disappointing having flattened at the business end of the race.

UAE 2000 Guineas winner Mendelssohn Bay (pictured) has kept his owners dreaming of more Meydan success during the long summer months and the three-year-old gets his campaign underway on Friday - the fourth meeting of the Dubai Racing Carnival.