South African-Bred Fillies to Face Off at Gulfstream Park

Saturday’s Grade 3 Suwannee River Stakes at Gulfstream Park will feature an intriguing clash between two talented South African-bred fillies, Golden Hostess and Bless My Stars. The mile-long turf race will see Johnny Velazquez aboard Golden Hostess, while Irad Ortiz Jr. takes the reins on Bless My Stars.

READ MORE

Strydom Shines as White Pearl Triumphs in Thrilling Finish in Gr2 Ipi Tombe Stakes

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.

READ MORE

Golden Sickle Edges Dyce in Thrilling Finish

Golden Sickle delivered a stunning gun to tape performance to claim victory by a whisker in a Pinnacle Plate 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.

READ MORE

Heather’s Boy Sidelined After Cape Guineas Injury

Heather’s Boy, the standout three-year-old colt from Mike de Kock’s stable, faces a lengthy recovery after sustaining a tendon injury in Saturday’s Grade 1 Cape Guineas.

De Kock confirmed the news on Monday, stating, “Heather’s Boy returned lame after the race. Scans revealed that he had injured his near-fore tendon.” The injury rules the colt out of competition for at least six months, a significant setback for the yard and his owner, Lady Christine Laidlaw.

READ MORE

South African Falls heavily in Hong Kong, Star Jockey Suspended

James McDonald, recently crowned the LONGINES World’s Best Jockey for the second time in three years, has pleaded guilty to careless riding charges stemming from the ninth race at Sha Tin on Sunday. The incident resulted in a fall for jockey Lyle Hewitson and his mount, Joyful Hunter.

READ MORE

One Stripe Claims Guineas Glory in Thrilling Style

Top owner Rikesh Sewgoolam celebrated his first Grade 1 victory with One Stripe (7/10), as the Cape-trained colt delivered a sensational performance to outclass his rivals in the Gr1 Cape Guineas. In a race billed as a showdown between One Stripe and direct betting rival Heather’s Boy (4/1), the Mike de Kock-trained challenger faded in the straight, leaving Vaughan Marshall’s star to surge down the outside for a narrow but decisive win.

READ MORE

Admire Zoom Scores Overwhelming Victory in Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1)

Fifth favorite Admire Zoom captured his first graded victory and G1 title in only his third career start. Fourth in his debut over the same course and distance in October, the Maurice colt won by an overwhelming three-length margin in his following race on November 10, also at Kyoto at 1,600 meters before making his third start again at Kyoto’s 1,600-meter course 

READ MORE