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With such a rich heritage and steeped breeding tradition, it will be a sad day for South African Racing when we bid farewell to the end of a great breeding era as Odessa stud disperses their final band of mares on public auction this week.

Lionel Cohen, CEO of Equimark Equestrian Sales and owner of D Cohen & Sons, is a name that has become synonymous with achievement when it comes to breeding and racing in our country

The 135th running of the Kentucky Derby signalled the beginning of American racing’s annual quest for a transcendent star. It’s just possible they’ll die trying 

Given I am something of a devotee of horse racing, a woman I know asked me last year if I had an opinion on the harrowing scene that had occurred the week before in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs: The runner-up in the race, the filly Eight Belles, broke both front ankles and had to be euthanised as a capacity crowd and worldwide television audience looked on in horror.

Pocket Power’s scintillating debut performance in Kwa-Zulu Natal, has shot the champion gelding to 7th on the current world rankings.  

Dubai Duty Free winner, Gladiatorus was announced as the top ranked horse in the world, while the Mike De Kock trained Eagle Mountain was ranked 4th . Pocket Power joins the likes of the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and the Champion filly Rachel Alexandra, winner of this year’s Preakness Stakes in 7th position, just 6 points adrift.

A lineup of monstrous proportions awaits punters and racing fans tomorrow with the first 4x grade-1s of the season all crammed into one meeting. This is the annual Scottsville sprint-fest and the crowds come out in droves for the occasion. The 7th race is the SA Fillies Sprint and hot favourite 3year old Merlene De Lago is currently priced at 1/1 representing a 50% winning chance.

Nevvay put it all together to clinch his first group 3 on Sunday when triumphing in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup, with stable companion Thundering Jet running a much improved race to finish a close up third.

The well bred son of Western Winter has thrived since his arrival in Natal. His prep run over a mile at Scottsville two weeks prior was somewhat surprising considering his lengthy layoff, and to follow this up with another super win here is indicative that he has reached the potential we always thought he was capable of.

A field of 12 top horses, including 8 entries for the Vodacom Durban July, will contest the R750 000, Grade 1 Gold Challenge over 1 600m at Clairwood Racecourse in Durban on Saturday.

Pocket Power added the illustrious Gold Challenge to his trophy cabinet this Saturday when overcoming a top field in the group 1 classic, and now appears to have the Durban July at his mercy in three weeks time.

Back to two meetings for KZN racing this weekend, first up tonight - Greyville featuring the Post Merchants over 1200m, then to Scottsville Sunday for a meeting of the mundane and marginal.

The traditional Vodacom Durban July gallops will take place at Greyville Racecourse on the morning of Thursday, June 25, just over a week before the big event.

The gallops are a condition of entry for the country’s greatest horse race and the public will get a final chance to see all the runners in action.

Bank on the Smart money at Greyville

The Vodacom Durban July gallops were held on Thursday morning and gave little away with most of the contenders putting in similar workouts and 400m to finish times. The exception however has to be Smart Banker who put in the clear ‘best performance’ of the morning with an impressive galloping display, blitzing the final 400m in 21 seconds.

Unrivalled as Africa’s greatest sporting and social event, July 4 will again attract more than 50 000 of the country’s bold, brash and beautiful to Greyville Racecourse in Durban for the R3 million Vodacom Durban July.

It is in fact 112 years ago in July 1897 that seven runners faced the starter at the inaugural meeting of the new Durban Turf Club.

With the countries finest horses competing in the 12 carded races it provides spectators and fans a feast of equine excellence, and is unquestionably the greatest and most prestigious horse racing event on the continent.

John Botha has won week-2 of the Interbet return on investment competition to earn himself a cool R2k into his Interbet account.

Press Release: Three great July winning trainers of the past were asked yesterday who they thought would win this year’s Vodacom Durban July.

Ralph Rixon, who won the big race with Jamaican Music in 1976, believes it will be hard for any horse to beat Pocket Power this year.

South Africa’s Champion three year old Big City Life, superbly ridden by Greg Cheyne, ran an outstanding race to be crowned the Vodacom Durban July champion on Saturday. Zirconium and Forest Path, both De Kock stable inmates, were second and third while the Bass trained Thundering Jet held on gamely for fourth. Pocket Power ran on exceptionally well from the rear but could only manage fifth position despite the fastest 400 to finish.

After contesting last weekend’s Vodacom Durban July run over 2200m, Our Giant reverts to sprints next Sunday, July 19, where he is due to line up in the R600,000 The Mercury Sprint (Gr 1) to be run over 1200m at Clairwood.

This month Interbet will host an early morning 'behind-the-scenes' tour of Summerveld and the opportunity for racing fans to get a glimpse first hand into the world of thoroughbred race horse training.

Popular race horse owner and a 'voice of reason' to the industry John Finlayson, has won the R2k prize for week 4 of Interbet's ROI competition.

Only two weeks of Champion's season remain here in KZN before the cavalry roll on once again in relentless pursuit of graded stakes and black type. This weekend we have the Mercury Sprint at Clairwood on Sunday, then onto Champion's Cup the following Saturday and for the finale - Gold Cup day on the 1st August with almost R2mil in stakes money to bring season to a close in fine style. This day also ushers in the 2009/2010 season, resets the stats and is the official birthday for all racehorses.

Lion’s Blood, winner of the 2007 Dingaans, is back in SA after his overseas campaign and has now been gelded. He arrived at Summerveld 3 weeks ago and will remain with the Herman Brown yard where he will be prepared for the forthcoming JHB spring season. He’s likely to make his first appearance or two here in KZN before contesting the November Handicap en route to the Summer Cup.

Interbet's Summerveld breakfast tour is on for tomorrow (Thurs 23rd July) and all are welcome. The tour is free but please note :

booking is essential as we have a very limited number of places available due to cancellations.

Our Giant, The sensational winner of the Gr 1 Natal Mercury Sprint has been sold.

The sum is not known but it has been confirmed that the brilliant son of Giants Causeway has left the yard of Charles Laird and has already been moved to the yard of Mike de Kock.

The countries premium grade 1 event for stayers, resulted in an incredible feat for trainer Stephen Page who ran home first and second in the Cup for owner Bridget Oppenheimer.

It was a well deserved accomplishment for the modest Phillipi based trainer who demonstrated his capabilities at the highest level and one hopes he attracts the utmost recognition for this fine achievement.

University librarian Fareed Davids from Cape Town has emerged victorious for the 7th round of Interbet's weekly ROI competition and wins the R2000 weekly prize courtesy of Interbet and TAB.

THE 2009 Equus Awards, honouring the Champions of South African racing for the 2008/9 racing season, will be held on Thursday, 13 August at the Emperors Palace Entertainment Centre.

Equimark have two nominated graduates among these nominees including the 2009 Vodacom Durban July champion Big City Life (Equimark 2007 RTR sale).

International Breeders Seminar

26, 27 August 2009

Somerset College

Somerset West

So, after some deliberation, we decided to write to The Queen of England after Pocket Power’s third victory in The Queens Plate. After all, its not every day one finds a valid reason to communicate with Royalty.

Not expecting that the letter would so much as find the Royal mail box, it was a pleasant surprise for us when we eventually received correspondence from Buckingham Palace…

..and you don't need 20/20 vision to spot the hidden message that lurked across my two recent columns - 'The Kotzen concoction' and 'The 6's and the 8's'. The signs were there for none to see, all pointing to yesterday at Scottsville when Kotzen pounced on the 8th race with No.8, Lune De Miele at 25/1, tonking punters for the proverbial cricket 6!

The 2008/09 season has been a rewarding one for me in that I have managed to secure the Western Cape Jockey’s Championship for the seventh time – the sixth time in the past eight seasons. I owe a vote of thanks to all the Owners and Trainers who have made this possible and in particular a special mention the Bass Racing Stable, headed up by Mike, and the Plattner team headed up by Brett who have given me so many chances over the past season, not to mention the years gone by.

Read the article on www.equimark.co.za

A few snaps taken recently………

Winner Gr3 Colts Nursery and 2^nd in the Gr2 Southern Cross stakes to Lady Windermere

The Mike de Kock stable dominated Gold Circle’s KwaZulu-Natal Racing Awards held at a function at Greyville Racecourse on Thursday evening. 

Woolavington 2000 winner and Vodacom Durban July runner-up Zirconeum was crowned Horse of the Year as well as Three-year-old Filly of the Year.

Welcome to the out-of-season long haul KZN.. in full swing and high time to whip out your formguide of choice and get down to some good old collateral form analysis. Local trainers have wasted no time springing into action now they have the playing field to themselves so there’s sure to be a few good things to lift spirits like only profit-making can.

Julie Reich has won Interbet's ROI competition No.5 and the R2000 weekly cash prize on offer. It was a case of first time lucky for Julie who only joined Interbet last week to catch some lucrative doubles for a 430% return on investment. Well done!

Pocket Power’s attempt at his ninth group 1 in the Champions Cup was not to be when he found one better in Ivory Trail at Clairwood on Saturday. The Champion gelding hit the front a furlong and a half out and looked to have done enough in the closing stages, but a late sustained run from Ivory Trail saw the Champion relegated to second position. In a tight knit finish, last years victor Buy And Sell got third while Blue Tiger ran a cracking race in fourth.

Interbet's Return on Investment competition week6 has gone to a well known racing personality from back in the day who wishes to remain anonymous but did reveal his racing heyday nickname - Tic Tac Man.

Racing at Scottsville today and it's the last KZN meeting for the

2008/2009 season so the plan is to see it off a winner. Who better to stick with then than trainer Glen Kotzen having the season of his life here in the Winter capital.

Media Release:

Avontuur Estate, the thoroughbred stud farm and wine estate between Stellenbosch and Somerset West announced an increased sponsorship for this year’s Grade 1 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas of R750 000. The race will be run on Saturday, 5 December at Kenilworth Race Course in Cape Town.

3 Horses for Sale from Reinels Stud

•         Shareeda’s Jet
•         Monseur Jay
•         Speed Of Light

Kenilworth 12th R 1800 Pick 6 Returned R 94 728.10

Scottsville 9th Pick 6 Returned R 82 720.40

Other highlights

Kenilworth 12th R150 Jackpot Returned R 1735.80

Turffontein 12th PA Returned R 769.00

Scottsville 9th Jackpot Returned R 1590.60

MBR.com value:

Turffontein 12th, Draw Bridge @ 5/1

MBR.com Best Bets:

Kenilworth 12th, Captain's Secret @ 2/1

Turffontein 12th, Valley Of Rubies @ 2/1

Vaal 10th, Ex Unitate Vires @ 2/1

Scottsville 9th, Secret Babe @ 2/1

After a record breaking 127 winners last season, Captain Al looks set to continue his march to the top of the sire’s championship. One of his many impressive progenies is Captain’s Secret. The talented gelding secured the first listed win for his sire this season when easily disposing of the Sophomore field in the listed sprint at Kenilworth.

We had an early new arrival to the Bass family on Wednesday night. Mark and Maree had a healthy baby girl, named Sienna. She weighed 2.5kgs at birth and is ever so cute. Maree and Sienna arrived home last night and the news this morning from a rather weary Mark was that they did not get much sleep, just a taste of what’s to come! Congratulations to them both and I am very proud to be an aunty.

FEW people will bet against three-time Horse of the Year Pocket Power scoring the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate-J&B Met double for the fourth consecutive time when the Cape’s premier events are run in January next year.

Those are the two primary objectives mapped out by ruling Cape champion trainer Mike Bass for the problematic seven-year-old son of Jet Master. First, Pocket Power will have a pipe-opener in the Diadem Stakes over 1200m at Kenilworth on Saturday 19 December.

A bumper line up awaits punters this Sunday at Clairwood and there’s surely something to suit every punting style across the ten race program. We have bags of info up and coming from Summerveld so be sure to catch Interbet’s racing preview on raceday mid-morning. Find it on a favourite Interbet affiliated news site near you and get notified when it becomes available by subscribing to the notification list here

Tote and fixed odds betting from one online account

Bill Of Rights could be considered unlucky not to have secured his Algoa Cup double but Sunday’s raid on Fairview was substantiated with a win and two places from our three runners. 

The privateer Motorite Racing team has completed the 2009 motor sport season with championships in both disciplines in which it competed and has taken its record to five national championships in five years.

The Gr 2 Betting World Merchants Stakes is the highlight of the Cape Race meeting to be run over spongy Kenilworth track this coming Saturday.

The stable mate pairing of Gaultier and Blue Tiger, who came first and second respectively in this same race last year, will have similar expectations again when they step out for their first major race of the season.

Also in this article

• Green Point Stakes  
• River Jetez returns
• 3 winners for MBR on Saturday

Pocket Power had his first gallop at Kenilworth over 1400m with Diamond Quest yesterday when they were sent from the 1400 m mark.

Besides the blustering winds (so excuse the amateur footage) both jocks were happy with their gallops.

Pocket Power delivered an astounding performance in his come back run at Kenilworth on Saturday when the champion easily romped home ahead of Big City Life and Air Combat over 1500m. He now remains unbeaten from 13 starts in excess of 7 furlongs around the turn at the Cape course.

Thousands of racing fans, celebrities, families and kids and wine lovers were on hand on Saturday, 5 December at Kenilworth race course in Cape Town to see complete outsider, Field Flower, win  the R750 000 Gr 1 Avontuur Fillies Guineas by a large margin in one of the most tightly contested races of the day!

The grade 2 Midmar Premier Trophy takes place on Sunday.

It is to some extent an early pointer towards the Met, with the winner virtually guaranteeing his position amongst the final line up.

This race is often difficult to assess at this time of year and it is historically renowned for upsets. This year appears no different and the race looks wide open.

The Grade 2 Midmar Premiers Trophy was won by the impressive front running galloper Red Rake who won a top race under the conditions. From the Mike Bass coupling, Fort Vogue ran on the best finishing second and has now established himself as a serious top division contender.

Piggs Peak Casino, home of All Africa Poker, will sponsor night racing at Turffontein in Gauteng and Greyville in Durban, as well as twilight meetings at Kenilworth in Cape Town, from January 2010.

Red Rake was the biggest points earner on the second weekend of the Cape Sizzling Summer’s Charity Turf Challenge as he gained 10 points for winning the Grade 2 Midmar Premier Trophy, while second placed Fort Vogue and third-placed Noblewood earned seven points and five points respectively. All three of these horses were on the original 100 horse guideline.

The Bloodstock SA Cape Guineas, the premier event for three year old colts on the Cape sizzling summer calendar, takes place this Saturday.

The Mike Bass trained Captain’s Secret will be among the well fancied individuals to capture his trainers first colts guineas crown, but is drawn widest of all in an outstanding line up of young colts.

“Mike Bass honoured”

“Guineas run to form”

With two of SA’s premier horse racing events, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and J&B Met happening in January, the story of Thoroughbred mare, Sawubona, and her foal, African Airways, sired by champion racehorse, Jet Master, seems appropriate.  

• TBA Paddock Stakes
• Queens Plate
• Peninsula Handicap

In familiar fashion, so often seen executed by her brother, River Jetez produced a late charge to secure her first start of the season at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Gauteng’s premier racing event of the season has arrived, the Summer Cup now sponsored by Sansui and to be run as part of a 12 race day/night program at Turffontein tomorrow, the 28th Nov-09. The services of DJ Jazzy D and his famous friends have been engaged to provide entertainment for guests and all is now in place for Phumelela and the RA’s valiant effort to get people back to the races.

Media release

Avontuur Estate GM, Pippa Mickleburgh announced this week that the well-known winery and stud farm from the Somerset West area in the Western Cape,   has appointed 28 year old up-and-coming SA jockey, MJ Byleveld, as their new on-course ambassador.

Vanilla Accounting Services

Press Release : 6 January 2009

Bass and Snaith Stable

Fort Vogue’s scintillating victory in the Peninsula Handicap, capped off a superb day for owner Marsh Shirtliff who had the privilege of having four winners in his colours at Kenilworth yesterday.

Seasons greetings everyone and what better way to roar into the new-year than with the ensemble of champions that take their place in the big time at Kenilworth this weekend. Very little has been left to say about the historic moment awaiting Pocket Power when he attempts the astonishing - a forth consecutive win in the Queen's Plate and last stop before yet another record breaking attempt in the Met at month end.

Pocket Power, the three times defending champion of the J&B Met, will receive a unique "gift" from Gold Circle on Saturday 30th January as he receives his very own saddle cloth colour for the big race- a gesture never, to our knowledge, bestowed upon a defending champion of a Grade 1 race either in South Africa or internationally.

The stage is set for the 33rd running of the J&B Met with one of the finest fields to line up in this race for some time.

It will unquestionably be Pocket Powers toughest ask of his career to win it four times in succession, but trainer Mike Bass feels his Champion will be up for the challenge.

Pocket Power’s renowned jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe, has been undergoing an intense training regime with one of South Africa’s most legendary personal trainers and Muay Thai champions Winston Chong. The pair met at the Queens Plate and Fayd’Herbe has enlisted the services of the Dragon Power boss to strengthen and maintain his weight for the 2010 J&B Met, where he attempts to pilot Pocket Power into a world record fourth consecutive victory.

Saturdays feature is the Betting World Cape Flying Championships. A WFA grade 1 event over 1000m.

Press Release

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa is pleased to announce that Dr Len Konar, who has served on the National Board since June 1999, was elected as Chairman of the NHA on 18 January 2010.  Dr Konar replaces Larry Nestadt whose term of office has expired.

KZN racing takes a breather this weekend as all attention focuses on Cape Town for what must surely be the most anticipated J&B Met of all time. Not only are we to be entertained by an exceptionally strong field packed with the best South Africa has to offer, but the towering achievements of a once in-a-lifetime champion named Pocket Power, may soar to even greater heights should he emerge triumphant for a 4th consecutive time.

KZN racing returns to Greyville for night time action on Saturday where an 8 race program is scheduled at the city track. At this stage the weather forecast is all clear for a change so for those of you out on a limb, here’s to the trimming of losing streak wings! Cheers.

Trainers took full advantage of the ‘buyers’ market conditions at Sandringham Estate on Sunday. The sale average plummeted by 10 % on last years figures and buyers were quick to snap up the quality bloodstock at very sensible prices.

Sunsational capped off another big season for Mike Bass when running out a comfortable winner in the Kenilworth feature on Saturday.

The daughter of Windrush, has been a model of consistency throughout her career and this victory now moves her winning tally to 5 from 17 starts. This was her second grade 3 win, after clinching her first, the Final Fling Stakes, in August last year.

Pocket Power will be bound for his 4th season in Kwa-Zulu Natal when he leaves with Mike’s string of 28 horses later next month.

Mike Bass Racing had a fantastic Cape season and at throughout February topped the National trainers log from Mike De Kock in second and Charles laird in third.

Mike Bass has announced his string to race the Kwa-Zulu Natal racing season which will depart with assistant trainer Robert Fayd’Herbe on the 6 April.

The Herman Brown yard have been flying over the last couple of months to Dubai and have a weekend that could make their season with good feature chances in three centres around the world.

Since the Real Time Mobile partnership with Phumelela Gold some 6 months ago, the intuitive mobile operation has made strides in development. The company has accrued a dedicated band of followers to their Java application which provides subscribers with up to the minute odds and betting information for horseracing, football and sports betting.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES–Gloria de Campeao won the $10 million (all figures U.S.) Dubai World Cup on Saturday in a thrilling photo finish, nosing out South African hopeful Lizard's Desire to capture the world's richest horse race.

Easter weekend started off auspiciously for Avontuur and VAR’s incredible three-year-old daughter, Val de Ra, when she was unbeaten after five starts in the listed KwaZulu Natal Stakes over 1000 m at Greyville on Friday night.

Gold Circle advises that the racemeeting scheduled to take place at Greyville Racecourse on Sunday, 18 April 2010 has been moved to Friday, 16 April 2010, and will be a Night Racemeeting.

The Equimark Vintage yearling sale takes place this weekend which is one of the premier sale dates on the South African calendar. One graduate from the 2009 catalogue was Forbes who won a cracking race to break his maiden at Durbanville on Saturday.

The 2010 Vodacom Durban July is 149 days away and will take place on Saturday, 31 July 2010.

Every year the theme for Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event is eagerly awaited and enthusiastic callers badger Gold Circle’s Marketing Team from about August of the preceding year for an insight into the theme. 

With South Africa hosting the World Cup, the year 2010 has necessitated breaks in tradition and innovative thinking by administrators of many South African sporting codes; horseracing being no different. This year’s Champions Season sees the R1.2million Canon Gold Cup brought forward a month, and for this year only, will be run on Saturday, June 26.

Durban - With just over three months to the 2010 Vodacom Durban July, designers and fashionistas are trolling through the fabric isles and paging through the high-end fashion magazines following the announcement of this years theme "It's a Blooming Great Day".

Blue tiger, Rushing Wind and Gaultier will kick off our Durban campaign when they partake in a conditions race, over 1200m at Clairwood next week. Also carded on the same day are Grisham and Test Pilot who run in a graduation plate as well as Novelty in a MR 78 over 1900 m, so we are hopeful of a positive start to our 2010 Kwazulu-Natal campaign.

We have nominated for 4 feature races over the next few weeks including this years Vodacom Durban July where Mike has nominated 4 entries including back to back winners and siblings, Pocket Power and River Jetez ……

Mike Bass has not yet made up his mind as to the route Pocket Power will take in the Kwa Zulu Natal feature race build up.

Strategise fell just short of the Snaith trained Robert The Bruce in the PE Derby on Sunday, but the Bass camp were happy with both of our runners performances.

The Betting World 1900 will be run over 1900 m at Greyville Racecourse on Friday evening, May 21. Mike will be sending out his ‘A’ team for their first outings on the east coast, including Fort Vogue in the 1900 feature, Pocket Power in the pinnacle and River Jetez over a mile. Mike Bass reports:

Pocket Power returned to the winning enclosure for the 19th time in his amazing career when he provided fans with a spectacular performance in the 1400m pinnacle stakes at Greyville racecourse on Friday evening.

Saturday’s big Golden Horse Casino Sprint Raceday at Scottsville Racecourse is looming large in the minds of Champions Season enthusiasts and it augurs well for the Clairwood-base trainers whose horses appear to thrive at this training centre at this time of the year. 

Charles Laird sends out the Grade 1 winning sprinter, Warm White Night, in the Golden Horse Casino Sprint over 1200m.

Six of Mike’s runners contest two features in the Cape and KZN this weekend. The Gr1 Golden Horse Casino Sprint and the Gr3 Cape Winter Classic.

Mike gives his website the rundown:

For KZN-based players of the Charity Turf Challenge, Gold Circle has kindly allowed Racing South Africa to use the Gold Circle Members Department as a reception area in the build up to the competition. Situated on the first floor of Greyville Racecourse, the venue is easily accessed via Gate 8 off Avondale Road.

The KZN string, under Mike Bass and Robert Fayd’Herbe, are optimistic of a good weekend with our runners in both the Woolavington and Lonsdale Stirrup Cup this weekend.

Interbet users now have an added service of being able to watch live South African racing from the comfort of their computers. 

Interbet’s newly launched online service is free to Interbet customers and provides viewers with live feeds including Interviews, canter-pasts and racing from all South African racing centres.

Lionel Cohen has been granted his full, open training licence by Racing New South Wales in Australia.

Lionel, who still has a firm business interest in the South African racing industry from an Equimark and breeding perspective, will start his new training operation from the beginning of August from his allocated premises at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney.

From time to time, people tell me, 'lighten up, it's just a horse,' or, 'that's a lot of money for just a horse'. They don't understand the distance travelled, the time spent, or the costs involved for 'just a horse.'

The Rising Sun Gold Challenge has always been the focal point of Pocket Powers season. The defending Champion has come through his preparation run very well but this year’s field of 10 runners is particularly strong and the Power will have to bring his best form to the track on Saturday to secure the Gold double.

Big City Life returned with a bang in the KZN premier weight for age mile, the Rising Sun Gold Challenge, ahead of the hard knocking Blue Tiger and the Champion Pocket Power who ran well but finished third.

Now that you are safely in our country you are no doubt happily realising you are not in a war zone. This may be in stark contrast to what you have been bracing yourself for should you have listened to Uli Hoeness or are an avid reader of English tabloids, which as we all know are only good for wrapping fish ‘n chips and advancing the careers of large-chested teens on page three.

MUST GO, first come first serve

Shipment of quality horse shoes for sale at landed wholesale price

3000 sets (R45 per set)

Includes sole trading distribution agreement

Contact Mark 082 650 1442

mark@mikebassracing.com 

Post Race comments on the weekend’s runners

The Grade 1 Canon Gold Cup, to be run over 3200m at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, is usually a fight between out-and-out stayers and classier middle distance to staying types and this year, despite it being run unusually early, looks no different.

The Mike Bass-trained pair of Thanks John and Golden Parachute are both smart stayers and look to have bright chances in Saturday’s Canon Gold Cup to be run over 3200m at Greyville Racecourse.

The wonderful affinity Australian-bred horses have with the famous Royal Ascot carnival continued Sunday morning, with Starspangledbanner scoring a dominant win in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes.

Golden Parachute and Thanks John are both in good shape. The handicapper has them a pound apart and we expect both to run well.

It has been well documented that the Champions Cup has been prioritised as Pocket Powers main mission for the Durban season. Mike Bass has his Champion gelding in good shape ahead of Saturdays clash and says that he has stripped a much fitter horse since his last outing in the Gold Challenge.

They say the key to brilliant race horses is longevity and versatility. Well it is hard to believe that a nearly 7 year old mare can still be improving, but River Jetez is certainly an exception and when most mares of her age have already experienced the gift of motherhood her racing career is just beginning to peak.

With Mike away, Trevor and I have been holding the fort in Cape Town. 

The Grade 1 Champions Cup to be run over 1800m at Clairwood Racecourse on Saturday sees another top class field face the starter and with four other features on the card there will be a feast of action coming hard on the heels of last weekend's memorable Canon Gold Cup meeting.

Mike Bass was particularly impressed with Pocket Powers run in the Champions Cup when finishing third to Orbison and his trainer believes he still may be the horse to beat in this years Durban July.

Durban – With less than a month to go to Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event the chatter amongst the design enthusiasts and fashion followers is “who is going to win this year’s Vodacom Durban July Young Designers Award?”

The 2010 Equus Awards was held at the Emperors Palace Casino last night, 12^th August. Irish Flame, bred by Millenium stud, was awarded Horse of the Year for the Mike de Kock stable who, in addition, claimed the title of Trainer of the Year. Owner of the Year went to Marcus and Ingrid Jooste and Champion jockey was awarded to Anton Marcus. Summerhill Stud was named Champion Breeder. View the full results of the 2010 Equus Awards.

The sale started off slowly and after the first night, the sale was down 50% compared to the prior year after the same number of lots (125).

However, days two and three showed marked recovery and eventually the total sale turnover ended 14,8% down on the previous year and the average price just 4,1%.

Nic Claassen, the well respected and popular Port Elizabeth trainer unfortunately passed away this morning.

Robert Fayd’Herbe, and brother Bernard, were very close to “Oom Nic” as they referred to him, who helped them out tremendously in their respective careers.

We are very excited about our young crop of horses this year and heading that list is the very talented Western Winter colt What a Winter.

We acquired him from Daytona Stud and he is now unbeaten from two starts in Kwa-Zulu Natal where he spent the season with Mike.

We keep numerous websites up to date, leaving the professionals to do what they do best, raise thoroughbreds.

Final Approach is a very well bred half sister to the 7 time black type earner Road To Reason.

An opportunity to learn from the best in the world!

SA Horse 2010 is the most unique and exciting conference on this year’s equine calendar. The fantastic line-up of presenters, all international experts in their respective fields, will be congregating at Turffontein Racecourse from 4-6 November 2010 to present their latest findings and research breakthroughs. 

Mike Bass saddled 5 winners from 9 races at the Kenilworth track on Saturday including Kiss Again, who won his comeback sprint and will be aimed at the Matchem Stakes next month.

Mike tipped a R30 Pick 6 on the MBR SMS service at Kenilworth on Saturday, 18^th September. Although the dividends didn’t pay that well, MBR tipped a R30 Pick 6 returning R516.20 (18/1).

For a full list of the weekend’s results please click here

To register for SMS tipping please click here

Robert Fayd’herbe, assistant trainer to Mike Bass spoke about the yard’s three runners, Blue Tiger, Rushing Wind and Gaultier for this year’s Mercury Sprint which takes place on Sunday at Clairwood Racecourse.

Draws for the 2010 Vodacom Durban July took place at Greyville Racecourse at 12:50 today. There were mixed feelings in the Bass yard over the draws with the champ, Pocket, drawing 17, Fort Vogue - 11, River Jetez - 9 and Love Is In The Air - 5.

THE screen shot above shows the Interbet trading platform at 8am this morning, with increased betting activity reported on the 2010 Durban July. Interbet’s Johnny Stark reports: “Betting increases as July fever sets in over the next several days leading to the race.”

All 4 of our runners are in good shape for the July meeting, said Mike Bass from his Durban base in Clairwood. This years Durban July is as close to a true handicap as we can expect, and with no real stand out horse, racing fans could look forward to what may be the be the best we have had for many years.

Mike speaks to us about his other runners on July day:

Thanks John, Super Storm, Golden Parachute, Grisham, English Garden and We Have Lift Off ....

THE ROYAL FAMILY. Pocket Power and River Jetez have established themselves as the Vodacom Durban July’s reigning Royal family. Full brother and sister, they boost — between them — five previous runs in this great race. He is the returning King, having won in 2008. She is the Princess Royal having run a very close fourth in 2008. As they assert their right to the throne in 2010, is a Royal dead-heat impossible?

AFRICA’S GREATEST HORSRACING EVENT

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr Graham Beck who died in his London home late last night at the age of 80. Graham's wife Rhona, was at his bedside to the end according to Etienne Haines, marketing manager of Graham Beck Wines. Graham Beck will be long remembered as our greatest supporter of South African horse racing.

Juan Nel has joined Mike Bass Racing and will be working along side Candice Robinson, Trevor Taylor, Robert Fayd'Herbe and Betina Van Schalkwyk as assistant trainer to Mike Bass.

The 2010 Equus Awards will, for the first time, be sponsored by Racing South Africa, the Company established to represent the major stakeholders of South African horseracing and breeding namely the Breeders, Operators and Owners. 

Media Release: Avontuur Estate ended up in the Vendor List top 10 again with a sixth spot on aggregate  for the 2010 National Yearling sale which took place last weekend at Gosforth Park in Johannesburg.

Nicholas Robinson Bass (2 years Old)  sings the South African National Anthem ahead of the World Cup final on Sunday.

Brilliant!!

Click here to watch the clip

Durban July hopeful Fort Vogue was edged into second place by Flying Tristram in a pinnacle stakes over 1800 at Clairwood yesterday but Mike feels he was happy with his performance and he will come on well from that run.

Mike Bass saddled another 4 winners at Durbanville racecourse yesterday taking the monthly tally to 17 wins from 5 race meetings. Champion apprentice Aldo Domeyer rode all our winners including Peregrine Power, Sam The Man, Scarlet Sky and Margaret Court. 

Champion Sprinter Warm White Night arrived at the yard late last week in preparation for what should be his last competitive season.

The National Horseracing Authority wishes to confirm that Mr Jonathan Witts-Hewinson was recently elected as Chairman of the NHA.

Odessa Stud breeder turned trainer Lionel Cohen has had his first winner under his Australian trainers licence on Friday.

Liquid Force, a son of Danzero out of a Gone West mare, shed his maiden tag over 1000m at the Kembla Grange Track just south of Sydney to give his owner/trainer the first win of his career.

Watch the race here

Castlethorpe has a real look of class about him, as does What A Winter, and not for some time now has the stable felt so excited about two prospects.

Pocket Power will bid for his 20th career victory in the Grade 2 Ocean Basket Green Point Stakes on Saturday. He has never been beaten in this race from his previous two showings, but as Mike Bass reports a third win here might not be as easy this time around.

Pocket Power, in his second race of the season, faces a strong field on Saturday at Kenilworth Racecourse in the Grade 2 Ocean Basket Green Point Stakes over 1600m.

The field includes the unbeaten Bravura and Cape Town's current star, Tales Of Bravery.

Pocket Power continued with his winning ways on Saturday after incredibly notching up a hat trick in the Gr2 Green Point stakes which was also his 20th career win. With the Queen’s Plate just a month and a half away, this victory is sure to boost the belief considerably of his fans when the Champion attempts an impossible 5th consecutive Gr1 in the same event , an achievement only the great Kelso managed to accomplish in the 1960’s ......

The Cape Breeders Club and Owners and Trainers Awards evening took place at Kenilworth Racecourse last night. The black tie affair honours the Western Cape’s Equine horse society for the period 2009/2010.

The J&B Met winning mare River Jetez was named the Western Cape owners and trainers Horse of the Year, as well as champion middle distance horse and older female, while full brother Pocket Power scooped two awards including champion older male and an achievement of excellence award.

Mike Bass was awarded champion trainer for the 4th consecutive year, his 8th championship in total.

MBR Vaal pick 6 returns R116 625 70

The MBR tipping service tipped the Vaal pick 6 for R116 625 70

The value bet was General Assembly, which returned R7,40 on the saftote.

Just a reminder to all patrons that the All To Come bet is now available for download for the Cape and KZN venues.

Just sms ATC to 42003

 or

Cape, KZN, PE, Gauteng to 42003 sms charged at R30 per sms

Touted by the commentators as a legendary training feat, jockey turned trainer Lucky Houdelakis took on the world in Hong Kong with super sprinter JJ The Jet Plane and won. It’s an enormous and proud occasion for South African Racing and one which will go down as one of the very best achievements of our time.

Early morning. A sweet musty smell. Basset hounds and dachshunds bark. And a sign that says Mike Bass Training. I have arrived at stables in Milnerton to meet a champion. Mike and his son Mark allow me to walk unsupervised past stable doors where horses look out onto the yard.

Pocket Power’s preparation for the 150^th running of the Queens Plate has gone according to plan said Mike Bass. The Champion is set to do battle against a top class line up next Saturday in what will be the toughest ask of his illustrious career.

Mike Bass was his usual philosophical self ahead of Pocket Power’s world record-equalling attempt in the Grade 1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate over 1600m on Saturday at Kenilworth Racecourse. 

Pocket Power left the yard for the very last time when boarding work rider Belinda Haytread’s two birth trailer on route to his new home in Constantia on Friday morning.

Barbara and Cedrick Amm enjoyed the sweet taste of International success for the first time when River Jetez flew down the centre of the course to claim a decisive 2 ½-length victory in the $200,000 Gr 2 Balanchine Stakes at Meydan Racecourse on Friday night.

LEXINGTON, February 21, 2011 (AFP) - Owner Jess Jackson bred Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year, with 2007 and 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin on Monday, making real his dream bid to create a "super horse".

On J&B Met day, 29^th Jan 2011, Pocket bids farewell to his adoring fans. Click here to view the video

To view all Pocket's tributes or to add yours, please click here

Mike Bass has sent four highly-regarded horses – Fort Vogue, Captain’s Secret, Gaultier and English Garden – to raid Johannesburg.

Adrian Jugniek, AKA AK47 in the 5 to follow competition, has won the Cape season edition of the 2011 competition by 14 points with a total of 161.

In second Place was Russell Dewee (Winner of the signed Pocket Power silks competition last year) on 147 points with a three way tie for third on 145 points between Casey Clark, The Don and Mouse.

Mike Bass was knocked down both sale toppers at this years Cape regional Sale and Equimark Vintage sale respectively.

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, March 10, 2011 (AFP) - Zenyatta, the 2010 Horse of the Year, is in foal after being mated with 2006 Preakness winner Bernardini and is expected to give birth next February, her manager announced on Thursday.

Fort Vogue and Captain’s Secret ran impressive prep runs over 1400m finishing 3rd and fourth respectively, just a length behind the winner, another Ex Capetonian Rebel Knight.

Bass was very happy with both their performances but said that Fort Vogue’s run was particularly impressive. “They would have both come on nicely from this run and we are firmly on track with them for the Horse Chestnut Grade 1 mile at the end of the month.”

Meanwhile in Cape Town Castlethorpe returned with a bang after the benefit of gelding and won a classy race under Karl Neisius by three lengths. “This was an impressive come back run and he certainly appears back to his best again after gelding” said Mike

He will be prepared for a crack at the Winter Guineas in May.

A few snaps of Pocket Power and Belinda Haytread doing some light jumping at his new Constantia home.

Like a fish to water …………

With the recent Highveld rain its been far from ideal training conditions for our Gauteng raiders Fort Vogue and Captains Secret, but it hasn’t dampened Fayd’Herbe who reports that both horses are putting up excellent work ahead of Saturdays Gr1 clash in the Horse Chestnut Stakes.

Champion mare River Jetez produced a fantastic effort in the Dubai Duty Free finishing a brave second behind Presvis on Saturdays’ World Cup Night. Presvis under Ryan Moore ran a cracker on the day to deny Jetez the spoils but we were all well thrilled with her effort in second.

Mike Bass has nominated SA Classic winner English Garden for the SA Derby on Champions Day on April 30^th. What A Winter and Blue Tiger make their debuts at the Highveld after both were nominated for the Gr1 Computaform Sprint this morning.

Mike Bass bought 9 yearlings from the National Sale including lot 217, a cracking Trippi colt from the Klawervlei Stud for R2.1 million rand. Inclusive in the purchases is also the smart half brother to Brown Penny as well as the half brother to Val De Ra from Avontuur etsate….

Cracking Victory Moon filly for sale from the National Yearling Sale

Top class mare prepared by Mike de Kock who chases his third win in this race. Ran on well when close second to Presvis in the Dubai Duty Free

A celebration of life for the late Peter Mills will be held at Avontuur Estate on Tuesday 3rd May 2011 at 3pm.

Dubai World Cup winner Victoire Pisa has suffered a minor injury during his preparation for the G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup and, after taking veterinary advice, connections have decided to withdraw the horse from the race.

Castlethorpe put up a scintillating performance to easily win the Gr3 Cape Winter Guineas at Kenilworth on Saturday. In the race before, crack sprinter Covenant won her sixth career victory and 4^th feature from just 10 starts when winning the Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes to set up an impressive feature double for Mike Bass.

What A Winter and Blue Tiger are on track for their invasion in the Grade 1 Computerform Sprint on Saturday says Mike Bass. The young colt and his grey entire counterpart are expected to arrive at Randjesfontein early Thursday morning.

The latest Aussie champion to take Europe by storm has been described by his world famous trainer as potentially ‘the best horse I’ve ever trained’. 

A half share in one of Mike Bass ‘s selections from the National Yearling Sale has become available.

The field for the Grade 2 Betting World 1900 at Greyville Racecourse on Friday night, 20 May 2011, has trimmed down to 12 runners with champion trainer Mike de Kock holding a strong hand with three top horses.

Thirty years ago, shortly after the Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana, the Vodacom Durban July was fittingly won by the Dr Louis Naude-owned and trained Big Charles.

Mike Bass joined assistant trainer Robert Fayd’Herbe last week and has reported that they are very happy with the progress of their string ahead of the Natal season.

The last of the horses joined the stable last week including some of our juveniles - Prince Of Wings, the half-brother to What A Winter by Jet Master; Barrel n But a half-brother to Nysean Bolt by National Emblem and  Laurie’s Gold a smart Silvano colt out of the stakes winning Elliodor mare Park Lane.

Melissa Arnold comes with a reputation of one of the hardest working assistants trainers around. For the most part of her career she has worked abroad only moving to South Africa 3 and half years ago. She brings with her a wealth of experience to the MBR team and we welcome her warmly to the team.

Val De Ra looked a picture of health on Monday in the lead up to the SA Fillies Sprint at Scottsville Racecourse on Saturday, the race in which she tasted her only ever defeat last year.

In her last start the Dennis Drier-trained four-year-old Var filly used her blistering early speed to put the Grade 1 Computaform Sprint to bed inside the first three furlongs at the country’s quickest sprint course

Pocket Power has settled into his retirement role very well reports Jenny and Belinda Haytread.

He has really let down well and is a really keen and talented jumper  these days. Belinda says he is not far from competing in his first show on a social level!! We really looking forward to that!

The Natal string has been coming on well since the start of the season with 4 graded places and their first winner for the season when on Sunday, Alinga won the East Coast Handicap for the stable.

This weekend will see our top stars in action as What A Winter contests the Gr 1 Golden Horse Casino Sprint and Covenant the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint, among others.

Gitano Hernando (GB) made his winning bid with 400 meters remaining in Sunday’s $2,423,100 Singapore Airlines International Cup (Sin-G1) at Kranji Racecourse, and the well-travelled Hernando (Fr) horse found enough stamina to turn back a late charge by South African Group 1 winner River Jetez en route to his second Grade/Group 1 win.

Mike Bass has indicated that his Classic winner English Garden will have his work cut out in this year’s running of the Daily News on Saturday after a lengthy campaign and a poor draw to overcome.

Click here to view Mike's comment

 - New entries include Victory Moon filly out if Northern Guest mare (Princess Victoria by Victory Moon wins Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship) – Price R250k

 - Paul Do Mar (Manshood out of an Al Mufti mare) – Price R90k

Click here for full listing

Delivering Exceptional Sporting Experiences

The Marquee Restaurant Package:

- Reserved table in your name

- 4 course self-service buffet lunch with hot plat du jour

- Half a bottle of wine per person

- Reserved grandstand seat 

Click here to view more

This weekend will be an important day for our horses as most will be trying to qualify for this year’s Vodacom Durban July. It is tough race to qualify for this year and no more than five of our entries will be vying for a spot in Africa’s greatest horse race.

Super Storm won his first grade 3 when he needed it the most, beating stable companion Brown Penny for honours in the grade 3 Cup Trial at Clairwood yesterday. This important victory should have booked him a spot in this year’s Vodacom Durban July.

It is with deepest regret that we have to advise you that Terry Silcock passed away on Tuesday morning, 14^th June.

Terry will forever be remembered by all in the breeding and racing industry as a gentle, gentleman and our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Barbara and children Jason and Haley.

Final Fields & Media Release for the Vodacom Durban July at Greyville on Saturday, 2^nd July

Mike Bass was well chuffed with his selection capability when picking out draws 3, 5 and 9 from the draws hat for his Durban July trio.

Punters on this year’s Vodacom Durban July have been given added incentive with the Totalisator set to pay six places on the big race to be run at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, July 2.

Solo Flight : Jet Master - Rollicking Romp (Qui Danzig (USA))

Paul Do Mar : Manshood (GB) – Sharp Performer (Al Mufti (USA))

The Boards of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse Marketing have accepted with regret the resignation of joint CEO Peter McGauran who is leaving to pursue a number of private business ventures.

It’s billed the most famous race in Africa, and the ultimate test for local thoroughbreds. It’s what turns potential into achievement, stars into superstars and dreams into reality. Looking back at some  past champions -Colorado King, Sea Cottage, Politician, Ipi Tombi and more recently, Pocket Power,  it serves as a brief reminder of just how prestigious this race is, but also just  how difficult it is to win.

An injury to What A Winter has forced Mike Bass to return his crack sprinter back to Cape Town, and in the process miss the Gr1 Mercury sprint.

Crack superstar filly Igugu, silenced the harshest of critics when galloping to an easy victory in this year’s Vodacom Durban July. Trained by Mike De Kock and ridden by Anthony Delpech, she set a new weight-carrying record for a three-year-old filly and became only the third lady in history to win the race in 114 years.

Mike de Kock is keen to let River Jetez take her chance in the Etihad Airways Gr1 Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting next week.

De Kock loves nothing better than having a tilt at a big British prize although he didn't have a runner in Britain last summer.

In response to an invitation by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) in Australia, apprentice Juan Paul van der Merwe will be representing South Africa and the South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) in the prestigious 2011 Asian Young Guns Challenge at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne Australia on Saturday 6 August. His chaperone will be Rhys van Wyk, head riding master at SAJA.

Fort Vogue and Galileo’s Galaxy have been sold to Herman Brown to race internationally for Brown’s chief patron and Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov in Dubai.

• Pocket Power - Bernard Fayd’Herbe
• Fort Vogue – Karl Neisius
• Rushing Wind – Pier Strydom
• Super Storm – Aldo Domeyer

The Cape Flying Championship has developed into a cracking contest between some top class speed merchants on Saturday. The impressive crack filly Gibraltar Blue takes on the sophomore colts What A Winter and Magico while the top rated and inform Earl Of Surrey could round off what should be a smashing Grade 1 contest.

River Jetez lines up for her first test on international soil on Thursday night when contesting the Listed Cape Verdi Classic for trainer Mike De Kock.

One of the legends of the turf is at the finishing line, having stamped himself as the undisputed people’s champion….click here to view article

Mike Bass landed his first Grade 1 of the season when Karl Neisius

Mike Bass has 16 horses carded for the running of the J&B Met on Saturday. It is not our strongest assault on the Met compared to years gone by, but we like to think we have some good chances on the day. Here are the stables opinions of our runners for 2011 J&B Met Day, kicking off with the Big horse himself - Pocket Power. (click here to watch Pocket's sprint up)

Pocket Power has officially retired from racing, and so we pay homage to the end of a magnificent era, and pay tribute to a horse that has changed the face of South African horse racing history.

It has been said that longevity is the hall mark of the truest Champion. Well he comes no bigger, We have been treated to six years of amazing racing which included 20 career victories, nine of which at group 1 level and shattered numerous records along the way