horse news
15.1.2021 01:33 pm
Racing once again salutes the great Michael Roberts
Roberts won 11 South African jockey championships. Then he went to Britain and took their title –with a monumental freelancer effort in 1992.
The first mention of the boy taking up a career as a jockey came when he was at school. A new teacher told him to stand up behind his desk in class. “But I was already standing up,” he recalls with a chuckle many years later.
horse news
Jockeys between a rock and a hard place
Jockeys are not usually subjects of pity in the racing world – being convenient blame targets for lousy gambles – but right now one does feel a little empathy with them.
horse news
Just nine entries for Queen’s Plate
The high quality – and consistency – of South Africa’s elite racehorses has scared off the connections of many a potential challenger for the 2021 LÓrmarins Queen’s Plate (Grade 1) on Saturday 9 January.
horse news
Horse racing back to strict lockdown rules
Only people with an Essential Service Permit will be allowed onto South African racecourses, while Jockeys will have to stay and ride in a province of their choosing.
horse news
Holiday gifts galore for racing fans
We might not be allowed onto beaches, and scary new Covid-19 infection rates will keep us away from other public places, but there is no shortage of horse racing action to keep racing aficionados occupied over the coming holiday week.
horse news
Plan for new racecourse at Randjesfontein
In what could be a first for the country in 50 years, the Randjesfontein Training Centre near Midrand might be developed into a state-of-the-art racecourse.
horse news
Dean Kannemeyer on his 100-1 Guineas winner
Russian Rock’s owner says his conservative approach to racing, and not over-extending his charge is not going to change – even with the coveted Guineas trophy safely in the cabinet.
horse news
Music is good for horses – but no heavy metal or rap, please
Music has a calming effect on horses and spinning tunes in the stable is likely to become a new trend in the training of performance horses, including racehorses.
horse news
Alexander team heading Down Under is latest blow to SA racing
When the Alexanders leave their Turffontein stables, scores of jobs will be lost and a South African family racing dynasty will vanish.
horse news
July champ Belgarion going for six in a row
Belgarion, winner of the 2020 Vodacom Durban July, is one of the marquee names of an all-star cast taking the Kenilworth stage on Saturday.
horse news
Frankie rules but debate rages on over best ‘Covid-year’ racehorse
The year 2020 will be infamous for decades to come, and anything with that number attached to it will be instantly something apart – for example, names on trophies and honours boards.
horse news
Hong Kong gallops on, through sickness and strife
Hong Kong is suffering its fourth wave of Covid-19 infections, not to mention ongoing scary political turmoil, yet it has resolutely pushed ahead with its famous international racing festival this week.
horse news
Heritage field and Met noms are skimpy, but quality is a silver lining
With the R1 million Grade 1 Met, the silver lining is the 25 nominations containing most of the best horses in the country – so Cape Town’s historic, prestigious race will not lack quality.
horse news
Merit rating cherry on top for Summer Pudding
Some racing fans might think she’s better than that, having fallen head-over-heels in love with the charismatic filly after her feats of the past year: nine wins from nine starts, a Triple Tiara, three Grade 1 triumphs and a “major” in the bag.
horse news
Spat over poultry threatens future of SA horse racing
Racing will not come to an immediate halt following the shock decision to stop issuing permits for horses to be transported around the country. But the outlook for 2021 is very uncertain.