Wednesday’s race looked like boasting strong form despite comprising only three runners. The impeccably bred Miss Fabulass, who was resuming after her promising second on debut at Rosehill in February, showed good early pace and soon went to the front. She then travelled strongly, was pressured nearing the home turn, got a break at the... Read More

The whole saga of Chautauqua’s racing embargo, in place until he trials to the satisfaction of stewards, borders on farce. Comic and dramatic from the start. Frankly it doesn’t make sense given that he’s never significantly transgressed on raceday. He’s been slow to begin on occasions but been no barrier rogue. Yes, of course, he... Read More

First-up since his unplaced run in the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) on March 24 and carrying 59kg, Sandbar overcame a wide draw to be near the lead throughout, fighting on well to win by a head from Charge (Zoustar), with Golden Tycoon (Hussonet) just a neck away in third place. Drifting favourite Plague... Read More

I’m in good hands as the guest of Gold Circle’s soon to retire events marketing manager, Ken Tweddell whose charter has not only been to ensure that the Durban July remains the region’s greatest event but also to pen a poem each year to mark the occasion. That he intends to continue to do. I’m... Read More

Reference has frequently been made to Washbourn-owned horses in this column throughout the summer, with both Thundering Blue (Exchange Rate) and Chief Ironside (Lawman) exhibiting the qualities needed to succeed in the southern hemisphere on more than one occasion. While Washbourn does not have a reputation for selling his stock and this columnist is unsure... Read More