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The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Handicappers S.M.I.L.E. on July champ
The Real Prince raised five points for thrilling win. The Real Prince, right, wins the Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville Racecourse on Sunday. Picture: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images The Real Prince has been raised five merit points to 125 following his victory in the past weekend's Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville. The National Horseracing Authority issued an unusually thorough explanation of their deliberations and decisions concerning South Africa's biggest race. The NHA even used the adjective 'thrilling' to describe The Real Prince's win – though its officials are meant to be objective and dispassionate about their work. The statement used other emotive words: 'This was a notable achievement from The Real Prince, as he had previously never raced beyond 1600m and, in fact, his pre-rating of 120 was earned exclusively over shorter trips. 'In handicapping terms, The Real Prince transitioned from the miler aptitude category to the longer-distance category – and did so with a resolute win.' After all that enthusiasm, one might have expected more than five merit rating points. The NHA continued: 'To structure distance aptitude assessments, handicappers often refer to the S.M.I.L.E. acronym: S — Sprint (1000m-1300m) M — Mile (1301m-1899m) I — Intermediate (1900m-2100m) L — Long (2101m-2700m) E — Extended (2701m-and above) 'In determining the updated ratings, the handicappers unanimously selected Royal Victory, the ever-reliable fourth-place finisher, as the line horse, leaving him at a rating of 125. This approach also validated Madison Valley's performance, as the fifth-place finisher ran precisely to his mark of 115, effectively making him a second line horse. 'Eight On Eighteen, the gallant runner-up, reaffirmed his Daily News 2000 merit rating of 129 with a spirited performance. He finished narrowly behind the winner and 2.60 lengths ahead of the 125-rated Royal Victory while carrying 2kg less.' The NHA went on the explain the 'maths for Eight On Eighteen's performance'. • Base: MR 125 (Royal Victory, line horse) • +4 MR points: Margin ahead of the line horse (2.60 lengths = 4 MR points), applying the length distance factor over 2200m • –4 MR points: Weight difference as per race conditions (in receipt of 2kg) • +4 MR points: Weight-for-Age adjustment (3yold WFA allowance in July over 2200m) • Performance Rating: 129 – Final Third-placed Selukwe was the only other runner to get an MR increase, moving from 111 to 115, justified by his under-sufferance position of 2kg going into the race. All other participants maintained their prior ratings, except Purple Pitcher, whose merit rating was reduced from 122 to 121. Assessment of the other Grade 1 race on Durban July day, the Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes over 1600m for females at weight-for-age, saw winner Double Grand Slam retain her official MR of 122. 'Having performed to expectations', she was used by the handicappers as the line horse to guide assessment of the field. Runner-up Mon Petit Cherie, who finished 0.80 lengths behind, was raised from 113 to 120. Just Be Lekker, who was fourth, three lengths behind the winner, was raised from 109 to 116, 'reflecting the quality of her performance'. I Am Giant has had his rating increased from 116 to 119 following his victory in the Grade 3 Post Merchants over 1200m. King Pelles has been adjusted up from 112 to 118 following his easy victory in the Grade 3 Durban Gold Vase over 3000m. Fourth-placed Shoot The Rapids was the line horse and remains unchanged at 112. 'King Pelles delivered a performance that warranted a higher rating; however, his increase was capped at 118, in accordance with race conditions that limit adjustments to six points for winners and three points for placed runners,' explained the NHA. Grade 3 Magical Zulu Kingdom 2200 winner Otto Luyken has been increased from 114 to 116. Due to interference affecting multiple runners in the closing stages, the handicappers assessed the race using the lowest possible route. Navajo Nation (runner-up) was selected as the line horse, retaining his rating of 104. Further increases were Johnny The Thief from 92 to 94 and Count Huhtikulu from 91 to 95. Sunday in Joburg saw Choisaanada complete a clean sweep of the inaugural Highveld Winter Series with victory in the 4Racing Sea Cottage Stakes over 1800m on the Turffontein Standside track. Accordingly, his MR has been raised from 106 to 112. 'Although Choisaanada delivered a performance deserving of a higher rating, his merit was capped at 112 in accordance with the race conditions, which permit a maximum increase of six points for the winner and do not allow rating increases for placed horses,' said the handicapping team.
New Paper
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Paper
The Real Prince claims the crown in Durban July
The Real Prince put his head down where it mattered and got up narrowly from favourite Eight On Eighteen in the Grade 1 five million rand (S$360,000) Hollywoodbets Durban July (2,200m) at Hollywoodbets Greyville on July 5, handing jockey Craig Zackey his maiden victory in South Africa's most prestigious race. Trained by Cape Town trainer Dean Kannemeyer - who has three previous Durban July successes to his name with Dynasty (2003), Eyeofthetiger (2006) and Power King (2015) - The Real Prince was given a gem of a ride by Zackey at his first Grade 1 race attempt. First-up after his last-start fourth in the Grade 2 Drill Hall Stakes (1,400m) on May 3, the Gimmethegreenlight four-year-old jumped smartly from gate 5 before Zackey sat him in midfield on the rails, trailing Grade 3 Dolphins Cup Trial (1,800m) winner Madison Valley (Gavin Lerena). Defending champion Oriental Charm (Juan Paul van der Merwe) made good use of barrier 1 to lead and stack up the speed in a bid to catch his rivals napping. Meanwhile, hot favourite Eight On Eighteen (Richard Fourie) slotted into sixth position after jumping from gate 11, just five lengths off the leader. Upon straightening, the Justin Snaith-trained star colt drew first blood, while The Real Prince ($81) was angled out by Zackey for his final assault after a patient rail-hugging ride. With Fourie throwing everything bar the kitchen sink at Eight On Eighteen and Zackey riding for dear life on The Real Prince, the two went to the line locked in battle. Eight On Eighteen would not cave in but in the end, it was The Real Prince who came out tops in a stirring finish, denying Eight On Eighteen's chance of making history and becoming the first three-year-old to win the Grade 1 WSB Cape Town Met (2,000m) and the Durban July in the same year. Selukwe (Serino Moodley) stormed home for third while Royal Victory (Muzi Yeni) finished fourth. Zackey was relieved that he had finally put behind him the bad memories of his last Durban July ride. The Gauteng-born hoop finished unplaced with another Kannemeyer-trained galloper, Green With Envy, in last year's edition. Green With Envy started as the favourite, but was well beaten by Oriental Charm. The dual Grade 1 winner was retired to stud in early 2025, shortly after one more dismal run. "It's incredible," he said to Gallop TV. "Green With Envy didn't have the best of run after the (Grade 1) Daily News (2,000m). He got injured and it felt like I was carrying the world on his shoulders and the pressure just got to both of us. "He went wrong after the race and I just haven't let it down for a year, so I carried it with me in a cool tone coming here today and that pressure is well off now. "If he (The Real Prince) had one more run in between, I think he would have been a bit more comfortable. But I knew he was the best horse in the race and I just knew if he stays, he's hard to beat." Owned by breeder and owner Lady Christine Laidlaw of Khaya Stables, The Real Prince silenced doubters about his staying ability. Out of Grade 1 winner Real Princess - who was bought by former racecaller and racing manager Jehan Malherbe for Lady Laidlaw - he also has an older full brother Gimme A Prince, who was a three-time Grade 1-winning sprinter in South Africa. "We know his family so well and this was a team effort by everyone," said Kannemeyer, who also won the Durban July with Power King for Lady Laidlaw in 2015. "This is the second July I've trained for Lady Laidlaw and she's been a great supporter of my yard. "I remember buying Real Princess in the Cape Premier Yearling sale. When we bought her, Jehan said with that pedigree, she is going to go a mile without a doubt, or maybe further, and we were banking on that stamina with this horse (The Real Prince) because he's a completely relaxed horse. "The first time we tried him over a mile (in the Listed Jet Master Stakes over 1,600m at Kenilworth on Feb 22), he won by six lengths. "He ran a big race in the Drill Hall, and if we'd gone to the (Grade 1) Gold Challenge (1,600m) and run fourth, the handicappers would've been looking for you. "You've got to land at the right time and the right place, and we've got the right draw, so it was fantastic." sharonzhang@
The South African
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
WATCH the Hollywoodbets Durban July with Xhosa commentary
In a thrilling duel to the line, The Real Prince was crowned king of the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, The Real Prince narrowly got the better of race favourite Eight On Eighteen in the Grade 1 R5 million race. Third was Selukwe with Royal Victory finishing strongly for fourth. The Real Prince's full brother Gimme A Prince was crowned Champion Sprinter two season's back so there was always a question mark hanging over his ability to stay the 2 200m trip of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. That was answered in no uncertain manner as The Real Prince fought off Eight On Eighteen who was attempting to become the first three-year-old to win the Grade 1 WSB Cape Met and the July in the same season. As expected, Oriental Charm set the early pace, but JP van der Merwe was in no great hurry, stacking the field up behind him. Richard Fourie angled Eight On Eighteen in from his 11 draw, but was not able to get anywhere near the rail in the early exchanges. With the pace pedestrian, Fourie made a dash around the final turn hitting the front shortly after crossing the subway and going clear. It looked to be a winning move until The Real Prince loomed up on his outside. Zackey had given his mount a copy book ride, cosy on the rail and keeping Eight On Eighteen in his sights. As Fourie went for broke, Zackey got a clear path and gradually reeled in his rival. It was a nod of the heads at the line, but Kannemeyer had his fourth Hollywoodbets Durban July winner in the bag and his second for Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables. It was a plan come together said Kannemeyer speaking in the third person. 'Where were we going to place him. The first time we tried him over a mile he won by six lengths. Great run in the Drill Hall. If we run him in the Gold Challenge and run fourth the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You have to come in at the right time with the right weight and we got the right draw.' 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.
IOL News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The Real Prince is king of the Hollywoodbets Durban July
The Real Prince, ridden by Craig Zackey was crowned king at Hollywoodbets Durban July in Greyville on Saturday. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Media In a thrilling duel to the line, The Real Prince was crowned king at Hollywoodbets Greyville yesterday. Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, The Real Prince narrowly got the better of race favourite Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July. Third was Selukwe with Royal Victory finishing strongly for fourth. The Real Prince's full brother Gimme A Prince was crowned Champion Sprinter two season's back so there was always a question mark hanging over his ability to stay the 2200m trip of the July. That was answered in no uncertain manner as The Real Prince fought off Eight On Eighteen who was attempting to become the first three-year-old to win the Gr1 WSB Cape Met and the July in the same season. As expected, Oriental Charm set the early pace but JP van der Merwe was in no great hurry, stacking the field up behind him. Richard Fourie angled Eight On Eighteen in from his 11 draw but was not able to get anywhere near the rail in the early exchanges. With the pace pedestrian, Fourie made a dash around the final turn hitting the front shortly after crossing the subway and going clear. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Real Prince narrowly got the better of race favourite Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Media It looked to be a winning move until The Real Prince loomed up on his outside. Zackey had given his mount a copy book ride, cosey on the rail and keeping Eight On Eighteen in his sights. As Fourie went for broke, Zackey got a clear path and gradually reeled in his rival. It was a nod of the heads at the line but Kannemeyer had his fourth July winner in the bag and his second for Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables. It was a plan come together said Kannemeyer speaking in the third person. 'Where were we going to place him. The first time we tried him over a mile he won by six lengths. Great run in the Drill Hall. If we run him in the Gold Challenge and run fourth the handicapper is going to be looking for you. You have to come in at the right time with the right weight and we got the right draw.' SUNDAY TRIBUNE
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
The Real Prince, the real deal: Hot favourite narrowly beaten in Durban July
The four-year-old gelding started at bookmaker odds of 14-1. Spectators celebrate during the Durban July main race on 2 July 2022. Picture: Jacques Nelles The Real Prince won the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville – just ahead of hot-pot 2-1 favourite Eight On Eighteen. Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, the four-year-old gelding started at bookmaker odds of 14-1, paid R10.30 a Win and R2.90 a Place on the TAB tote. It was Kannemeyer's fourth Durban July victory and a first for Zackey in South Africa's premier horse race. In third place was Selukwe (17-2), with Royal Victory (20-1) in fourth and Madison Valley (25-1) in fifth. This is a developing story
