South Africa boasts a rich and thriving horse racing scene, with world-class trainers and exceptional racehorses that have made their mark both locally and internationally.
In this blog post, we will explore notable South African racehorses to follow, delving into the outstanding performances of top trainers’ champion horses as well as up-and-coming equine talents.
Whether you’re an avid follower of South African horseracing or just seeking insight into the industry, our guide showcases the best racehorses in South Africa, revealing major events and insider tips for following these magnificent animals on their road to glory.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa boasts a thriving horse racing scene with world-class trainers and exceptional racehorses that have made their mark both locally and internationally.
- Notable trainers such as Justin Snaith, Sean Tarry, and Candice Bass – Robinson have produced champion horses like Do It Again, Legal Eagle, Marinaresco, Rainbow Bridge, Vardy and Queen Supreme.
- Major horse racing events in South Africa include the prestigious Durban July, Sun Met, Summer Cup and Cape Town Met. These iconic races draw thousands of spectators each year from all over the world.
Top Trainers And Their Winning Horses In South Africa
South Africa boasts some of the top horse trainers in the world, including Justin Snaith who has trained multiple champion horses such as Do It Again and Vardy, as well as Sean Tarry with notable racehorses like Legal Eagle and African Night Sky, and Candice Bass-Robinson whose winning horses include Marinaresco and Queen Supreme.
Justin Snaith’s Champion Horses
One of South Africa’s leading trainers, Justin Snaith, boasts an impressive roster of champion horses that have taken the horse racing world by storm. With a keen eye for identifying potential winners and expert training skills, Snaith has notched numerous victories in prestigious races like the Durban July and Sun Met.
Another shining star among Snaith’s thoroughbred fleet is Oh Susanna, the Australian-bred sensation. This magnificent mare defied all odds to clinch victory at the 2018 Sun Met against accomplished male counterparts, proving her worth as a formidable competitor on the track.
Furthermore, she became only the fourth filly in history to win South Africa’s most esteemed race after Epolleta way back in 1946.
Sean Tarry’s Notable Racehorses
Sean Tarry is one of the most successful trainers in South Africa with numerous wins to his credit. His stable has produced several top-class racehorses, including Legal Eagle, Hawwaam, and Jet Master.
Legal Eagle is arguably Sean Tarry’s most notable horse, having won multiple Grade 1 races such as the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and the Sun Met. The gelding was also a four-time winner of the Horse of the Year award in South Africa between 2015 and 2019.
Another impressive racehorse from Tarry’s yard is Hawwaam, who won six consecutive races before finishing second in the Vodacom Durban July in 2019.
Overall, Sean Tarry has an impressive record of producing high-quality horses that perform admirably on big stages.
Candice Bass-Robinson’s Winning Horses
Candice Bass-Robinson is one of the top trainers in South Africa, and she has made a name for herself as a trainer of some of the best thoroughbreds in the country. One notable horse that she has trained is Marinaresco, who won the 2017 Vodacom Durban July – South Africa’s most prestigious horse racing event.
However, that is not all; Mrs Robinson also guided her grey colt Do It Again to win back-to-back titles in the Vodacom Durban July, making him only the third horse ever to accomplish such an impressive feat.
In addition, she has also trained other high-performing horses like Lady Of The House and Silvano’s Pride, which have both achieved significant victories on the track.
Other Notable South African Trainers And Their Horses
Aside from the highly acclaimed trainers Justin Snaith, Sean Tarry, and Candice Bass-Robinson, there are other notable South African trainers who have produced winning horses in the horse racing industry. Here are some of them:
Joey Ramsden: Trainer of The Conglomerate, a South African Thoroughbred racehorse that won the 2016 Durban July.
Geoff Woodruff: Trainer of Horse Chestnut, a South African Thoroughbred racehorse that won the 1999 Dubai World Cup and is considered as one of the greatest South African racehorses of all time.
Mike de Kock: Trainer of Soft Falling Rain, a South African Thoroughbred racehorse that won eight consecutive races in his career.
Glen Kotzen: Trainer of Kochka, a South African Thoroughbred racehorse that won multiple graded stakes races including the Grade 1 Cape Derby.
Duncan Howells: Trainer of Marinaresco, a South African Thoroughbred racehorse that won the 2017 Vodacom Durban July.
South Africa’s horse racing industry has produced many notable trainers and horses throughout its rich history. It is always exciting to watch up-and-coming horses as they strive to become champions like those before them. Keep track of your favourite trainers and research their past performances to stay updated on upcoming races here in South Africa.
Up-and-Coming Horses To Follow In South Africa
Discover the future stars of South African horse racing with our list of up-and-coming horses to follow, including Rainbow Bridge, Vardy and Summer Pudding.
Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge is a South African racehorse who has made quite a name for himself in recent years. Trained by Eric Sands, this six-year-old gelding’s most notable victory came in the 2019 Sun Met, one of the country’s premier horse races.
He sustained an injury shortly after but returned to racing later that year and went on to achieve impressive results again.
Some other notable achievements of Rainbow Bridge include winning the World Sports Betting Green Point Stakes twice in 2018 and 2020 and finishing second at the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate in 2019.
His success story demonstrates that even when faced with obstacles such as injuries, perseverance can pay off.
Do It Again
Do It Again is one of the most exciting horses to follow in South Africa’s horse racing scene. Trained by Justin Snaith, this talented thoroughbred has already made a name for himself with impressive wins in major races such as the Vodacom Durban July and the Sun Met.
In addition to his impressive performances on race day, Do It Again is also known for his strong work ethic and training regimen. He consistently puts in long hours at the stable under the watchful eye of Snaith and his team, ensuring that he is always in top form come race day.
Vardy
Vardy is a rising star in the South African horse racing scene. Trained by Adam Marcus, this four-year-old colt has had a strong start to his career with six wins out of nine starts.
He first caught attention after winning the Grade 2 Golden Horseshoe at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in Durban, beating some stiff competition. Vardy then went on to win both the Daily News 2000 and Rising Sun Gold Challenge, two prestigious races held at Greyville during their Winter Season.
His future looks promising as he continues to compete against top horses like Do It Again and Rainbow Bridge in major races around South Africa.
Queen Supreme
Queen Supreme is an up-and-coming racehorse in South Africa that has made quite a name for herself in recent years. Trained by Mike de Kock, this four-year-old filly has already won several major races, including the 2020 Cartier Paddock Stakes and the Woolavington 2000.
What sets Queen Supreme apart from other racehorses is her versatility on different tracks and distances. She has shown an ability to excel both on turf and dirt surfaces, as well as handling distances ranging from 1600m to 2000m with ease.
Her success is a testament not only to her natural talent but also to the skillful training of de Kock, who has been instrumental in developing her into a formidable competitor on the track.
Summer Pudding
Summer Pudding is a rising star in the South African horse racing industry and has quickly established herself as one of the top horses to watch. Trained by Paul Peter, this three-year-old filly has already won six out of her seven starts, including the prestigious Triple Tiara series for fillies.
Born from a cross between sire Silvano and dam Cherry on the Top, Summer Pudding exhibits tremendous speed along with great stamina. Her victories include wins at various distances ranging from 1200m right up to 2450m.
Major Horse Racing Events In South Africa
Some of the top South African horse racing events to look out for include the prestigious Durban July, Sun Met, Summer Cup and Cape Town Met; read on to discover more about these exciting races and their history in South Africa’s rich horse racing culture.
Durban July
The Durban July is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in South Africa, attracting thousands of spectators each year. This iconic race takes place at Greyville Racecourse in Durban on the first Saturday of July and features some of the country’s top horses jockeying for position over a distance of 2,200 meters.
Notable winners include current champion trainer Justin Snaith’s “Do It Again,” who secured back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019. Other notable past champions have included “Ipi Tombe” (2003), who was the first filly to win in nearly two decades, and “Big City Life” (1993), whose victory was celebrated by owner Cyril Hurwitz wearing a bright yellow suit matching his horse’s colours.
Sun Met
The Sun Met is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in South Africa, attracting a large number of visitors and punters every year. Held annually at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town, it features top-class thoroughbred horses competing for the coveted trophy and cash prizes.
One interesting fact about the Sun Met is that it attracts fashion enthusiasts as much as horse racing fans. Known for its glamorous atmosphere and fashionable attire, many attendees dress up in their finest clothes to make a statement.
Additionally, several celebrities attend the event each year, adding to its allure.
Summer Cup
The Summer Cup is one of South Africa’s most long-standing and prestigious horse races. First held in 1887, the race takes place annually at Turffontein Racecourse in Johannesburg, usually in late November or early December.
The event attracts top horses from across the country and beyond, with many trainers targeting this race as a way to demonstrate their horse’s class at the end of the season.
With over R2 million in prize money on offer, it has become a showcase for some of the best thoroughbreds around.
Cape Town Met
The Cape Town Met is one of South Africa’s most prestigious horse racing events, attracting visitors and top horses from around the country. The race takes place annually at Kenilworth Racecourse in January and features some of the best Thoroughbred racehorses in the nation.
The event has a rich history dating back to 1883 when it was first established as the Metropolitan Mile, with its prize money being only £50.
Every year, thousands of enthusiastic spectators gather together to witness top-quality horses compete against each other on this magnificent day. With more than 140 years under its belt, the Cape Town Met remains one of South Africa’s most exciting social events that draw crowds from all walks of life.
The glamorous fashion displays by attendees are also worth watching out for – they come dressed up in their finest outfits.
Tips For Following Horses In South Africa
– Keep track of trainers and jockeys: Follow the top trainers and jockeys in South Africa to stay updated on their latest racehorses.
– Research past performances and form: Do your research by looking up each horse’s past performances, including their wins, losses, form, and ratings.
– Stay updated on upcoming races: Check out online resources such as racing calendars or social media pages to know about upcoming races.
– Utilise online resources for statistics and information: Use databases like Equineline or Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) to gather valuable statistics regarding South African horses.
– Bet Responsibly: Only gamble what you can afford to lose when betting on horses; keep a budget in mind before placing any bets!
Keep Track Of Trainers And Jockeys
One of the most important things to keep in mind when following horses in South Africa is to pay attention to their trainers and jockeys. Experienced trainers have a knack for picking out promising young horses, and top jockeys can help bring out the best in their mounts on race day.
For example, Justin Snaith has a long track record of training winning horses, such as Do It Again and Bela-Bela.
It’s also worth noting that many trainers often work with specific owners or stables who are known for producing quality stock. Stables such as Markus Jooste’s Mayfair Speculators have built a reputation for buying top-quality bloodstock at auction sales from around the world.
Research Past Performances And Form
To increase your chances of success when following horses in South Africa, it’s important to research their past performances and form. This means looking at the horse’s track record, including their previous wins, places, shows, and finishes.
For example, if you’re interested in Rainbow Bridge as an up-and-coming horse to follow in South Africa (as outlined above), you would want to look into his past performances and form.
In 2019 alone, he won the Sun Met and placed second in both the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Stakes and the Green Point Stakes.
By researching past performances and form consistently for each of your chosen horses, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions about which bets are most likely to pay off on race day.
Stay Updated On Upcoming Races
To stay on top of the horse racing scene in South Africa, it is crucial to keep an eye on upcoming races. One way to do this is by regularly checking race calendars on reputable racing websites or following them on social media.
It’s also recommended to research past performances of horses scheduled to run in upcoming races. This information can help bettors make informed decisions when placing bets and give a good indication of which horses are worth following closely.
Utilise Online Resources For Statistics And Information
To stay informed on the latest statistics and information related to horse racing in South Africa, it’s essential to utilise online resources. Fortunately, there are plenty of websites that offer comprehensive data and analysis on everything from race results to horse performance.
These websites provide detailed racecards for upcoming events along with past performances and statistical analyses; providing invaluable insights into each horse’s form leading up to a race.
Additionally, they feature blogs and articles covering current trends in the sport with input from well-reputed analysts & insiders.
Conclusion And Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the horse racing industry in South Africa is thriving and offers a diverse range of horses to follow. With top trainers like Justin Snaith, Sean Tarry, and Candice Bass-Robinson producing champion racehorses such as Rainbow Bridge and Do It Again, there’s no shortage of excitement on the tracks.
And with major events like the Durban July and Sun Met drawing large crowds each year, there are plenty of opportunities to witness these magnificent creatures in action.
To stay updated on upcoming races and emerging stars in South African horseracing, it’s important to keep track of trainers and jockeys, research past performances and form, and utilise online resources for statistics and information.
FAQs:
What criteria should I consider when selecting horses to follow in South Africa?
When selecting horses to follow in South Africa, it is important to consider their past performances, current form, jockey and trainer partnerships, track conditions and competition level of the races they are entered into.
How can I stay updated on the progress of my chosen horses?
You can stay up to date on your chosen horses by following their social media accounts or website updates. Additionally, tuning into racing broadcasts or picking up a copy of a reputable horse racing publication will also keep you informed of the latest news and results.
Are there any upcoming horse racing events worth attending in South Africa?
South Africa hosts a number of prestigious annual horse racing events such as The Sun Met held at Kenilworth Racecourse and Durban July Handicap at Greyville Racecourse which are both highly anticipated by enthusiasts across the country.
Can betting on horses be profitable in South Africa?
Betting on horse races can be profitable with careful consideration and research done beforehand. It is important to understand how odds work and be selective with bets placed not only based on personal preference but also on a statistical analysis of past performance data etc. Keep in mind that gambling comes with risk so always gamble responsibly within budget limits set beforehand.
