Latest news with #HollywoodbetsKenilworth
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Dopamine aplenty on offer this weekend
Scottsville's sprint Jackpot pool is set to top R1.5 million. Like addictive drugs such as cocaine, heroin, nicotine and alcohol, gambling activates the brain's reward system, which is powered by dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter inside the brain that reinforces sensations of pleasure. That's what comes up if you ask Google why people gamble. Of course, we know that seeking too much pleasure reinforcement is unlikely to be good for us in the long run, so best be a tad careful with the dopamine fixes during this Champions Season at the racecourse. Health warning out of the way, on to the fun part: planning to scoop big Jackpot pools coming our way this weekend. Three carryovers totalling R700,000 will boost pools for Jackpot One wagers this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Jackpot Ones at Fairview on Friday 30 May and at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday 1 June will kick off with R100,000 carryovers, TAB announced on Monday. Between those two dates, the Jackpot One pool at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Saturday 30 June will get a weighty R500,000 carryover. The Scottsville meeting features four of South Africa's major sprint races, and they make up the four Jackpot One legs on the day. The four sprints, all over 1200m, comprise three Grade 1 contests and a Grade 2, with the R1.5 million Gold Medallion for two-year-olds heading the show. TAB predicts this pool will top R1.5 million, with the carryovers at Fairview and Kenilworth generating pools of more than R500,000. Down the line Looking a bit further ahead in the KwaZulu-Natal season, on Saturday 7 June punters will be able to bet into the huge Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool tote on Races 7 to 10 at the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge meeting, and on all races at the Epsom Derby meeting in the UK. In other good news for the patrons who keep cash churning through the system, the Pick 6 first-timer rule has been extended to include the Bipot – as seen at Greyville racecourse this past Saturday. Should first-timers finish first and second, the first horse to finish of those to have run before also qualifies for the Bipot. 'The purpose of applying the first-timer rule to the Bipot is to prevent customers from being disadvantaged by first-timers and will be welcomed by the many customers who have requested it apply to both the Pick 6 and Bipot,' said TAB. 'It should be noted that, in the Bipot, the first-timer rule does not apply in the event of a raced horse finishing first or second. 'As with the Pick 6, the first-timer rule only applies to Bipots on South African race meetings. In Quickmixes, it applies to South African races only.' Fields for the Scottsville sprints have been finalised. SA Fillies Sprint (draw, name, weight, MR, trainer, jockey) 1 Double Grand Slam 60 122 Justin Snaith Richard Fourie 2 Frozen Fantasy 58.5 99 Robyn Klaasen Kabelo Matsunyane 3 Symphony In White 58.5 105 Candice Bass-Robinson Andrew Fortune 4 Just Be Lekker 60 109 Candice Dawson Serino Moodley 5 Rascova 60 122 Sean Tarry Gavin Lerena 6 Chasing Happiness 60 112 J A Janse van Vuuren S'manga Khumalo 7 Mrs Browning 60 113 Sean Tarry Luyolo Mxothwa 8 Mia Moo 60 115 Sean Tarry Callan Murray 9 Whistle The Tune 58.5 105 Candice Dawson Calvin Habib 10 Asiye Phambili 60 116 Duncan Howells Sean Veale 11 Gimme A Shot 60 110 M G Azzie/A A Azzie Muzi Yeni 12 Mai Sensation 58.5 105 Lucinda Woodruff Juan Paul vd Merwe 13 Chrome Tourmaline 60 106 Fabian Habib Diego De Gouveia 14 Gimmie's Countess 58.5 107 Dean Kannemeyer Craig Zackey 15 Convocation 60 92 Gareth van Zyl Athandiwe Mgudlwa
The South African
12-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
End of an era as Avontuur Estate closes breeding operations
In a deeply emotional moment for South African thoroughbred breeding, Avontuur Estate has officially closed its storied stud operations after nearly four decades of excellence. Under the watchful eye and expert stewardship of general manager Pippa Mickleburgh, the Somerset West-based farm became a cornerstone of local bloodstock development, renowned for producing elite racehorses and standing champion stallions. The estate, once home to legendary sires such as Var and Oratorio, will now continue solely as a wine farm, restaurant, manor house accommodation, events venue, and recreational hub. However, in racing terms, the iconic barns and paddocks that once echoed with the sounds of future champions have now fallen silent. Mickleburgh confirmed that the final transport carrier departed Avontuur Estate in early May, marking the end of a 35-year journey filled with triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments. 'This farm has been my life for 35 years. My blood, sweat and tears are in the soil,' Mickleburgh said, visibly emotional. 'Many of the staff have been around for 20 or even 40 years – they're like family. It's a very sad time for all of us.' The decision to wind down breeding operations was made by the owners of the estate, with all horses – including 27 broodmares – relocated to Ridgemont, another leading South African stud operation. Avontuur's impact on the industry is difficult to overstate. Season after season, the farm produced Grade 1 winners, and most recently, it achieved a final flourish when the One World colt, Dreamworld, bred by Avontuur, won the Grade 3 Winter Nursery at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Mickleburgh, attending the event, was visibly moved during the winner's lead-in. 'That was the final group winner for Avontuur while it was still an operational stud. It was incredibly emotional,' she said. At last month's 2025 BSA National Yearling Sale, Mickleburgh attended her final sale as Avontuur's representative. The standout colt October Rush (by Rafeef out of Grade 1 winner Miss October) was sold to Form Bloodstock for R4.25 million, topping the sale. In total, Avontuur's seven yearlings fetched R6.45 million, with an average of R921 429. Mickleburgh, whose tenure ends on 30 June, remains uncertain about her next chapter. 'I think I'll take a break. I need time to reflect. Avontuur is in my DNA, and watching it wind down has been very tough – physically and emotionally,' she said. Though its breeding chapter has closed, the legacy of Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm will live on through the champions it produced and the lives it touched within the South African racing community. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
New Paper
27-04-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
April 28 South Africa (Kenilworth/Greyville) form analysis
Race 1 (1,200m) (9) SPIRIT raced just off the speed and stayed on nicely to the line late last start. He is still improving with every start and must be respected. (3) BUGLE BOY ran a lovely race on debut at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. He was still very green and managed to finish off his race nicely late. (8) BIG DEAL ran fifth on debut and was beaten just over eight lengths by the winner. He can only improve with more racing Watch the market with so may well-bred first-timers, with (5) MADRA RUA a chance to feature. Race 2 (1,000m) (8) JOUEUR DE FLUTE ran a fair race in a very weak field last time. He should improve from his last run, include him into all bets. (11) CALL ME JANE disappointed after her debut second. She is much better than that performance, she can improve. (6) JANNEMAN WAT KAN and (3) LE TURBO are to be followed among the newcomers. Race 3 (1,000m) (8) TREASURE ISLAND might not get an easier opportunity (barring any first timers with talent) to get it all right. (2) CRAFTY CROFTY made a fair debut and can be expected to improve in this field. (4) EXPLOSIVE POWER could run well on debut and (1) MISS DANON can improve. Race 4 (1,400m) (2) SIERRA SAGRADA was very green on debut and still managed to run just over six lengths behind North Point. He will love the step-up in trip and good draw. (9) REAL STUNNER comes back to the track from a rest and gelding. His last two runs have been good over 1,600m. He can run a big race. (8) EXALTED LOVE has been rested for 86 days and he was gelded on Feb 5. He should enjoy the step-up in trip. (4) THOMAS JENKINS was gelded on Jan 20. He might be able to sneak into the quartet at a big price from a good draw. Race 5 (1,600m) (5) GRIPEN brings some fair form from the Cape. His penultimate effort when second at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth is very good. (3) KING CELTILLUS is making huge inroads and improving with each run. Strong each-way chance. (11) EL CAPITAN has a huge place chance and should win soon. (10) WHITE SEAHORSE is a must for the quartet. Race 6 (1,400m) (1) MONT LOISIR ran an absolute cracker last time behind Trippi's Silk. Even with the top weight of 61.5kg to shoulder, he has the perfect draw of 1. He will go very close to winning. (8) TRES CHIC never runs a bad race. If she can get some luck in running from a wide draw, she is a good each-way chance again. (9) ISCHYRO ran a great race behind Arbitration on Feb 26. He will have a good money chance from a wide draw. (2) MELA STRENGTH should enjoy the 1,400m trip. He could be the value in a tricky race. Race 7 (1,800m) (4) RANI TARABAI went close last time and looks cherry-ripe to go one more and win. (2) ROYAL MERMAID showed last time that her winning turn is near - strong each-way chance. (1) SHEEZAROCKET can place and (6) GLORIOUS BUTTTERFLY could represent some attractive value for the quartet. Race 8 (1,400m) (7) BOOGIEFIED won a great race on March 16 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He beat a competitive field from a tricky draw. On his best form, he can easily win again. (4) GREEN GARNET finished six lengths behind Boogiefied in his last start over 1,400m. If he jumps on terms, he will be super competitive. (8) DEVIL A SAINT caught the eye in his last run behind a smart horse at Durbanville. He could be competitive at a decent price. (16) LANDOFTHERISINGSUN comes back to the track from a rest of 76 days. He won his maiden impressively, watch him closely. Race 9 (1,800m) (3) NATIONAL DREAM could be teed up for a huge effort and has not been far off the action since returning from a rest. (1) TWILIGHT WARRIOR is a maiden but can be competitive in this field and is a must for all bets. (5) FUTURE SAINT and (2) SACRED LILY can make the quartet. Race 10 (1,400m) (6) ONI SAN has dropped even further in the ratings. She must have a good winning chance. (8) LICKETY SPLIT carries a big weight. This is a tad short, but she will be doing her best work late. (3) MY ONLY WEAKNESS ran a shocker in her last start behind Fun Zone. She is much better than that. The cheekpieces and nice draw will help. (2) PILOT FLAME has been in good form lately, she will enjoy the step up in trip to 1,400m. Race 11 (2,200m) (2) KADIZORA is ultra-consistent and looks ready to record her next career win. She gets a neat draw and Muzi Yeni again. (5) BASIE RAAKVAT has solid overall form. Should give a very good account of himself. (8) KING BAVARIAN can finish in the first three and (1) MOUNTAINSOFTHEMOON should be in the shake-up. Race 12 (1,800m) (4) DUBBELOSIX ran a great race out of the maidens behind Congressman at Hollywoodbets Durbanvilleo on March 22. This looks to be a nice race for him to be very competitive. (3) PRIME VENTURE should be right there despite the big weight of 61.5kg on his back. (6) BATON ROUGE can be dangerous from the front, and he has no weight on the back. (1) MY BESTIE had no luck in running last time from a wide draw. Has drawn well this time. Race 13 (1,600m) (9) SILKY JET rates a bright win chance despite the high draw. (2) ENGLISH PRIMROSE keeps running second - another honest run can be expected. (7) FIREBURST and (4) THESUPERNOVASTAR are musts for the quartet. Race 14 (1,200m) (4) BABELICIOUS is as honest as the day is long. Her form is good, she must have a huge winning chance. (8) TRIP TO MAPUTO comes with a strong run late. Include her into the play. (7) BACK AT THE GEORGE won well on Feb 15. Can go well fresh. (9) MISS WORLD is much better than her last run. The drop in trip should help her improve.
