April 2026 Round Up

James & Timothy – Seven winners in April – Natal Season Begins

April was a month for current and potential new entrants into the ownership ranks to pour over National Yearling Sales catalogues, searching and researching to find their next Equine Superstar. It also presented the opportunity for trainers to prepare their seasoned and progressive equine athletes for the numerous graded races on the Highveld, as well as the much anticipated KwaZulu Natal Season of Champions, writes Hadley Lakay.

Crawford Racing though, as professional, and meticulous as they are, went in step with all these Yearling Sales and preparation for the upcoming Graded races in the different provinces, saddling seven winners in Cape Town and Gauteng for James and Timothy, with Brett saddling two more in Hong Kong. Brett’s tally of winners now in Hong Kong for his fledgling season, sits at a healthy twenty, an exceptionally good number for your first season in a new horse racing district.

Whirlwind has pride of place in the Horse of the Month insert, as she justified her, as James has stated, progressive nature, and has Richard has reiterated, she has Gears. Richard’s ride on Slash and Burn to break his Maiden against winners deservedly receives the Ride of the Month insert, and the remainder of the winners are included in this insert. Brett’s two winners is also encapsulated in this Newsletter.

IONA CASTLE

Age:              3 (at last run)

Sex:              f

M/Rating: 79 (at last run)

Owner:      Hollywood Racing (Nom: Mr A Delpech)

Breeder:   Ridgemont Highlands

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Danon Platina (JPN) – Joking by Querari (GER)

Colours:   Yellow, purple stars, yellow cap, purple star

Iona Castle had been a very consistent, money earner for her owners Hollywood Racing (Nom: Mr A Delpech) in her first six runs, finishing fourth once, third three times and had been a runner up in her two other runs. Having run over varying distances, she was dropped back to the minimum trip on April Fool’s Day and proved on the day that she was nobody’s fool.

She bounced beautifully from the one draw before being dropped towards the middle of the field as the pacesetters moved down to the 400M. It was then that jockey Sean Veale asked her for her effort and her acceleration was immediate and impressive as she slid past the pacemakers down the inside rail to hit the front at the 200M. She continued to gallop relentlessly to the line, hitting the line full of running to win a good race for owners Hollywood Racing (Nom: Mr A Delpech).

Iona Castle breaks her Maiden in impressive fashion under Sean Veale

Iona Castle – Winning Interviews

SWEETSUMMERLOVE

Age:              4 (at last run)

Sex:              f

M/Rating: 58 (at last run)

Owner:      Crawford Racing (Pty) Ltd T/A The Champagne Syndicate (Nom: Mr James Crawford)

Breeder:   Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Querari (GER) – Suzanita (IRE) by Lomitas (GB)

Colours:   Cerise, gold rings, gold sleeves, cerise rings and cuffs, gold collar, cerise cap, gold ring

The beginning of April provided a wonderful boost for the Champagne Syndicate, when a Syndicate graduate, Sweetsummerlove prevailed in a tight finish under an inspired Raymond Danielson to produce a winner for the owners.

After a chequered start to her career in the Cape, she was given a break and relocated to Tim on the Highveld in December 2025. Her improvement after her first run, which she needed, was imminently noticeable. On the second day of April that improvement culminated in her breaking her Maiden for the Syndicate.

She showed good gate speed from the jump with Raymond placing her just off the pacemaker as the field rounded the turn and they spun into the stretch. Raymond was gently working her closer to the pacemaker and asked her for her effort as the field went through the 400M.

She showed great determination, joining the leader at the 200M but then had to be given a couple of smacks by Raymond to keep her mind on the job. That focussed her and in a driving finish, she fought all the way to the line to snatch victory in the shadow of the post for the Champagne Syndicate.

Sweetsummerlove wins for the Champagne Syndicate under a good ride from Raymond

WHO IS SHE

Age:              3 (at last run)

Sex:              f

M/Rating: 76 (at last run)

Owner:      Mr Danie Maritz & Mrs G MacGregor

Breeder:   Mr W J Engelbrecht (Jnr)

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Hawwaam – Elusive Butterfly by Elusive Fort

Colours:   Green and black stripes, green sleeves, quartered cap

Who is She has always been rated by the stable. She had very consistent in her races, always being up with the pace and finishing well to just miss breaking her Maiden. In April though, she was the one to forge to the front to break that elusive Maiden under a strong and determined ride from race jockey Callan Murray.

Her good gate speed allowed Callan to let her to stride as the starter hit the lever and she continued in that rhythm all the way around the bend. As the field swung into the stretch the daughter of Hawwaam hit a flat spot through the 400m. Callen was having none of that, switching her to the inside rail and giving her a couple of cracks of the whip.

She responded well to the persuader, and as Brandon Bailey said in commentary, she pinned her ears back as Callan eased her on to the inside rail and finished strongly to put her head in front at the 200M and hit the line strongly for owners Mr Danie Maritz & Mrs G MacGregor. Now that she has found the confidence and knows how to win, she could fulfil that potential that the stable sees in her.

Who Is She wins well under a strong and confident ride from Callan Murray

Who Is She – Winning Interview

FUTURE GAMBLE

Age:              3 (at last run)

Sex:              f

M/Rating: 75 (at last run)

Owner:      Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)

Breeder:   Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Futura – Captain Gambler by Captain Al

Colours:   Blue, white square, blue sleeves, and cap

The final day of March had produced a winner for Tim Woodruff and Crawford Racing in the form of the daughter of Futura, Future Gamble, who broker her Maiden in fine fighting fashion for owners Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert). Her career had begun with four runs in Cape Town which saw her improving gradually with every run, especially when stepped up over the middle distances.

She then relocated to Gauteng, was given a three month break, and since she has returned to the track she has finished second twice, and on the last day of March, she stepped up another two furlongs from her last run to break her Maiden.

Her first run out of the Maiden ranks was also over 2000M and it was decided to give the ride to Mickaelle Michel. Using the one draw to her advantage and with the daughter of Futura’s good gate speed, Mickaelle bounced her out and allowed her to stride to the lead before allowing horses to pass her on the outside, settling Future Gamble on the rail about three lengths off the leaders.

She maintained her position as the field turned into the home stretch with Future Gamble moving up to the leaders under the hands. Mickaelle admitted in her interview that she might have hit the lead earlier than she wanted to, but Future Gamble would wait no more. They continued to gallop strongly all the way to the line despite moving a tad early and Mickaelle kept her up to her task to make it two wins from her last two runs, not an easy feat when a horse steps up from winning a Maiden race and more improvement could be expected as she steps up over even more ground.

Future Gamble goes back to back under a good ride by Mickaelle

Timothy seems to be making it a habit of saddling a winner on the last day of the month and April was no exception. Step forward Royal Tiara.

ROYAL TIARA

Age:              2 (at last run)

Sex:              f

M/Rating: (at last run)

Owner:      ASSM Racing Syndicate (Nom: Mr A Chadha)

Breeder:   Mrs Vanessa Harrison & Winterbach Stud

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Rafeef (AUS) – Captain’s Princess by Captain Al

Colours:   Grey, dark blue epaulettes and sleeves, dark blue cap, grey stars

After a good third place on debut after being a step slow out of the stalls, Royal Tiara stepped up in the Maiden Plate on the last day of April to exit the Maiden ranks for owners ASSM Racing Syndicate (Nom: Mr A Chadha).

Despite being a step slow out of the machine again today, she quickly made up the leeway to race just off the pace. She tracked the pacemaker to the 400M and when race jockey Callan Murray asked for her effort she quickened readily.

She continued galloping strongly into the last 200M, and despite a challenge being thrown out by the Sean Tarry/Craig Zackey inmate Storm Avalanche, the daughter of Rafeef continued to stride all the way to the line to hold the second placed runner comfortably at the line.

Royal Tiara is impressive as she breaks her Maiden on her second racecourse appearance

Despite the KwaZulu Natal Season of Champions moving into top gear, Tim and James continue to keep the home fires burning by bringing home the winners in Cape Town and Gauteng.

The collective success across the Western Cape and the Highveld throughout the month underscores the stable’s depth and the meticulous preparation of the entire team. With victories achieved across various age groups and distances, this consistent run of form provides the perfect springboard as the stable shifts its focus towards the graded features.

These results are a testament to the hard work performed behind the scenes, ensuring that the yard remains a formidable competitor even as the industry’s spotlight intensifies on the upcoming graded races, highlighting a commitment to excellence and long-term strategic planning.

Horse of the Month – Whirlwind is Progressive & has Gears

To understand what makes this filly run, you need to analyse her impressive family lineage. She was bred at the prestigious Ridgemont Highlands, a farm well-known for producing some of the best champions in the sport. Her sire is the current champion, Gimmethegreenlight, a stallion famous for producing high-quality runners that can handle any distances, from the straight course to the middle distances.

On Dam’s side, she is out of Icy Winter Air, whose father is the legendary Western Winter. This combination brings together the best of South African breeding, mixing her sires natural speed with the classic endurance of the Western Winter line. It is a pedigree full of quality, and it shows in her physical appearance—she has developed into an athletic athlete who although does have a few quirks in the saddling enclosure, carries herself with the calm confidence of a true professional as soon as she sets her hooves on the racecourse.

WHIRLWIND

Age:              3 (at last run)

Sex:              f

M/Rating: 82 (at last run)

Owner:      Ridgemont (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter) & Mr Devin Heffer

Breeder:   Ridgemont Highlands

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – Icy Winter Air by Western Winter (USA)

Colours:   Dark green, blue sleeves, white cap

After showing early promise with a third-place finish on debut, Whirlwind quickly found the winner’s enclosure in just her second start at Kenilworth in December 2025. She remained highly consistent through the summer season, recording another win over 1200m in January followed by a narrow second-place finish where she was beaten by less than a length.

Her owners, Ridgemont (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter) & Mr Devin Heffer, were rewarded for her consistency as she entered her April fixture having never finished out of the top three. James had her perfectly tuned for her sixth career outing at Kenilworth, where she looked to build on her impressive record of two wins and three places.

Having been a step tardy out the gates in her previous races, none of that tardiness was on display in April as she showed good gate speed as her pilot Richard Fourie settled the filly in midfield as Peace of Mind set a brisk pace at the front of the field. As they worked past the 600m mark, Richard kept her within striking distance while waiting for the false rail. As the 400M approached Richard moved her off the heels of the leaders and asked her for her effort. She hesitated for a stride or three, but Richard was having none of that as he gave her a couple of cracks to keep her mind on the job at hand.

She straightened and accelerated like a pocket rocket, reeling in the frontrunner in a matter of strides and sprinting clear of the field to put the race to bed like a true professional. Not only did she show how progressive she is as James has always stated, but she also, has Richard has stated, has gears and as she progresses and matures, Graded races could be on the horizon for the daughter of Gimmethegreenlight.

Whirlwind continues her impressive journey through the Divisions

Whirlwind – Winning Interviews

In the post-race interview, James expressed his satisfaction with how the filly has matured at home and started to settle well in her work. He noted that she was a handful to saddle but was pleased she won in a manner that proved her capability as a progressive type.

Richard shared that it was a fairytale run and a perfect way to round off a successful day before spending the Easter holidays with his family, because he is an engaged man now. He also highlighted her talent, mentioning that she finally raced without wasting energy and moved through the gears very professionally to record the third win of her career.

ROTM – Richard at his brilliant best to bring home Slash & Burn 

SLASH ‘N BURN (IRE)

Age:              3 (at last run)

Sex:              g

M/Rating: 76 (at last run)

Owner:      Ridgemont (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter) & Mr Devin Heffer

Breeder:   Ridgemont Stud

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Mehmas (IRE) – Chevauchee (AUS) by High Chaparral (IRE)

Colours:   Dark green, blue sleeves, white cap

After his first four runs, Slash ‘N Burn was given a rest. He recuperated, filled out, and came back to the racecourse an improved horse. His first run back was at Hollywoodbets Durbanville racecourse over the minimum trip, finishing second less than a half a length off the winner. He then stepped up to 1100M over the straight course at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, this time competing against winners in a D Stakes race carrying top weight of 62 kg, a tall order for the colt that was still a Maiden.

However, with the determination and fortitude of a gelding who knows that he was owned by heavyweight owners Ridgemont (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter) & Mr Devin Heffer, and with a little help from Richard Fourie (riding with the determination of a man who knew his single status was a thing of the past) Slash ‘N Burn overcame all those challenges to break his Maiden, in a D Stakes.

Jumping from a inside draw Slash ‘N Burn showed good gate speed to be in the vanguard as the field sped through the fist half of the race. At the 400M Country Time and Craig Zackey had hit the front, forging to a two length lead. Craig had seemed to time his run to perfection, but the son of Mehmas was now in full stride down the inside rail under Richard to try and catch Craig and his filly.

To that end, Richard was, once again, at his brilliant best as the field went through the 200M, and as Slash ‘N Burn came to eyeball Country Time at the 100M Richard was in full driving mode, extracting everything and the kitchen sink from his mount, and in typical Richard fashion extricated the extra required to win by a short head. Yes, Slash ‘N Burn might have been on tired legs as they hit the line, but he was a Maiden, carrying top weight, against a field of winners. A meritorious win indeed.

Slash ‘N Burn wins his first race – in a D Stakes, under a brilliant driving finish from Richard.

Slash ‘N Burn – Winning Interviews

Richard believed he thought Craig Zackey had “pulled the trigger” at exactly the right time and was effusive in his praise for such a big horse. He said when he asked Slash ‘N Burn for an effort he was not sure if he would get there in time, but the big boy put his stride to good use and flashed past Country Time in the shadow of the post.

James agreed that he needed more time to mature and thought the gelding assisted him to keep his mind on the job. Being such a big horse and a sprinter, for now, Slash ‘N Burn, now that he has broken his Maiden, against winners, can only bode well for his illustrious owners.