December 2025 News

Eight Winners for Crawford Racing in December – 2026 Awaits   

November and December proved to be months of significant milestones for Crawford Racing on a global stage. The momentum began in mid-November when James secured his first treble in his own right at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. This winning culture resonated across the continents, as Brett recorded a fantastic double in Hong Kong on December 3rd. The very next day, the success returned to South African soil, when assistant trainer Tim achieved a memorable treble at the Vaal.

Having set the bar incredibly high in October and November—with the Cape Town, Gauteng, and Hong Kong yards combining for fourteen and twelve winners respectively—December saw the total number of winners settle at eight. While this figure represents a numerical dip from the extraordinary heights of the preceding months, it reflects the natural ebb and flow of racing rather than a decline in performance.

A closer inspection of the December statistics reveals a stable that remains in good form. The Cape Town and Gauteng strings recorded eleven second-place finishes during the month. While these horses missed the winner’s enclosure, their consistency ensures that owners are still rewarded with stake cheques and confirms the well-being of the string, writes Hadley Lakay.

The six winners in South Africa are detailed above and in addition to the two winners of Brett, are the eight winners for the month. Included in the segments in this Newsletter are Tim’s treble, Brett’s double, and a segment on the horse of the month, Whirlwind. The remaining two winners are included in this segment.

SIGNOR DANTE

Age:        4 (at last run)

Sex:         g

M/Rating:               71 (at last run)

Owner:   Messrs Ross Kieswetter & L Sherrell & Mesdames G MacGregor & D J Sherrell

Breeder: Piemonte Stud

Trainer:   James Crawford

Breeding:               Rafeef (AUS) – Awfaa by Silvano (GER)

Colours:                Black, black, and white hooped sleeves, white cap, black peak

The first of the two winners arrived on December 6, 2025, at the picturesque Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse. Bred by the Piamonte Stud, he is a son of the champion sire Master Of My Fate, out of a mare by the speed-influence Rafeef. This pedigree suggested he would possess both the engine and the mental fortitude to handle a rise in class, and he certainly did not disappoint, racing in the colours of a prominent ownership group Messrs Ross Kieswetter & L Sherrell & Mesdames G MacGregor & D J Sherrell.

In his previous run, which was his Maiden win, Louie Mxothwa was a masterclass in winning from the front, getting the win on the bob. This was his first run after the Maiden win, and James entrusted the ride to the talented lightweight Kabelo Matsunyane, whose tactical awareness would prove to be the deciding factor in the contest. Facing a notoriously strong Kenilworth southeastern wind, Kabelo produced an inspired piece of front-running riding (again) that left the opposition chasing his proverbial shadow.

Signor Dante was alert at the break, flying out of the stalls to immediately claim a three-length advantage. While many riders might have been wary of leading into the wind, Kabelo understood that Signor Dante’s previous win had been from the front also into the teeth of a south easter and allowed him to “stack up” the field behind him. By controlling the tempo from the front, he ensured that Signor Dante had plenty of reserves left for the final sprint.

As they turned into the home straight, the field loomed, but the work Kabelo had done in the middle stages began to pay dividends. When he asked Signor Dante for a maximum effort at the 400-meter mark, the response was immediate. The gelding found another gear, maintaining a clear lead and refusing to let any challenger within striking distance. It was a professional display of grit and speed that saw him win start-to-finish.

Signor Dante reels off two on the bounce under the urgings of Kabelo

Signor Dante – Two on the bounce – Winning Interview

WOMAN’S WORLD

Age:        5 (at last run)

Sex:         m

M/Rating:               89 (at last run)

Owner:   Messrs E G van den Berg & M B Bloemstein

Breeder: Miss B A M Giddy

Trainer:   James Crawford

Breeding:               Global View (USA) – Women’s Rights by Al Mufti (USA)

Colours:                Blue, broad yellow stripe, blue sleeves, yellow armbands, yellow cap, blue peak

Women’s World arrived at this 2000-meter contest having been a model of consistency, though she was still searching for her first victory since relocating to the Highveld. Under the watchful eye of assistant trainer Timothy Woodruff, who manages the stable’s satellite string, she had been prepared to the minute for this specific staying test.

The race unfolded as a tactical battle over the long Vaal straight. In a compact field of six, Callan showed great patience, settling Women’s World in fifth position while allowing others to dictate a steady early pace. He kept her in a smooth rhythm, ensuring she did not waste energy in the early and middle stages.

As they reached the final 600 meters, the field began to fan out. Callan navigated her toward the outside, seeking clear running and firmer ground. At the 400-meter mark, he asked her to lengthen her stride, and the response was emphatic for the Messrs E G van den Berg & M B Bloemstein owned mare.

Women’s World showed a superior turn of foot for a stayer, reeling in the leaders with every stride. By the time they reached the final 220 meters, she had put the race to bed, hitting the front and pulling away to win by a comfortable two lengths. In the post-race winning interview, Callan was quick to praise the horse’s attitude and the work done by the team at home.

He noted that the step up to 2000 meters was exactly what she needed and that she is a mare who is only getting better with age. Tim was equally delighted, highlighting the fact that she had been “knocking at the door” for a long time and thoroughly deserved to get her head in front.

Woman’s World – Callan with a sustained run as Consistency Rewarded

As Crawford Racing looks toward the major features of early 2026, we are deeply grateful for the solid foundation established during the final quarter of 2025. The productivity of the past three months across Cape Town and Gauteng has been excellent, and we owe a debt of gratitude to our owners and dedicated staff in both centers, whose commitment ensures our horses are healthy and responding well to their training as we head into the new year.

Moving forward into the summer season, we remain humble in our pursuit of excellence, relying on the seamless collaboration between James and Timothy’s Highveld team to keep the operation competitive. We sincerely thank our owners for the continued opportunities to compete and aim to reward your unwavering support with further success in the months ahead.

Horse of the Month – Whirlwind is Progressive Says Richard

A filly with a pedigree as sharp as her name suggests, Whirlwind is a well-bred daughter of the champion sire Gimmethegreenlight (AUS), who continues to dominate the South African stallion ranks. Bred in the purple by Ridgemont Highlands, she is out of the Western Winter (USA) mare Icy Winter Air, a genetic cross that blends elite speed, precocity, and class.

WHIRLWIND

Age:        3 (at last run)

Sex:         f

M/Rating:               78 (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

She races in the formidable partnership of Ridgemont (Nom: Mr. Craig Kieswetter) and Mr. Devin Heffer, a combination synonymous with top-tier success in South African racing. This ownership team has a history of campaigning elite thoroughbreds, and in Whirlwind, they appear to have unearthed another exciting prospect to fly their colours. Her physical makeup matches her breeding; she is an athletic, scopey individual who has “future class” stamped all over her, promising much for her racing career.

Her career introduction took place at the country course, Durbanville, in September 2025. Coming into the race, she was clearly in need of the experience, a fact reflected in the betting market where she drifted significantly before the jump. Despite the lack of market support and evident greenness, she produced an eye-catching debut effort to finish third.

That form line has since crystallized into one of the strongest of the early season, with the runners finishing ahead of and around her subsequently coming out to win multiple races, validating the strength of that maiden plate. However, just as her career looked set to take off, she was struck down by a virus that forced a frustrating layoff.

Trainer James Crawford was forced to back off her completely, giving her the time needed to recover fully. Her preparation for the return was meticulous, capped off by a scintillating grass gallop that signaled she was ready to resume where she left off.

Returning to the races after her enforced absence, Whirlwind lined up at Kenilworth Racecourse over the flying 1000m. With the services of champion jockey Richard Fourie secured, confidence was high despite the break. From the jump, she showed none of the rust one might expect. Richard positioned her beautifully, allowing her to travel within herself during the early if not slightly frenetic pace.

When the question was popped at the 400m mark, the response was immediate and professional. She changed legs and accelerated with a fluid, rhythmic stride, putting the race to bed in a matter of strides to shed her maiden tag in emphatic fashion. The way she dispensed with the opposition suggested she was merely going through the gears, hinting at significant improvement to come as she matures and potentially steps up in trip.

Whirlwind wins her Maiden in emphatic fashion under Richard’s Hands

Whirlwind – Winning Interview

Richard was full of praise in the post-race interview, highlighting the filly’s natural engine and professional demeanour. He noted that he barely had to ask her for an effort, as she traveled like a winner from the jump and gave him a tremendous feel when he asked for acceleration. He added that her ability to do everything right is a sign of a true professional, which will be a massive asset as she progresses through the divisions.

James shared the excitement, clearly relieved and delighted to see the plan come together after her earlier health setback. He admitted that the time off following the virus she picked up after her debut was challenging, but her exceptional grass gallop leading up to the race had confirmed she was ready to win. He extended a special thank you to Craig and Devin for their patience during her recovery, labelling her a lovely filly with a very bright future ahead.

This victory serves as a testament to the patience of the connections and the expertise of the stable. By taking the time to bring her back to peak fitness without rushing the process, they ensured she returned to the track as a happy, healthy, and competitive equine athlete. As James reiterated, she was not 100% match fit, was slow out of the pens, but a wonderful turn of foot and then Richard gearing her down short of the line shows that she is progressive and is one to watch in the forthcoming months.

Highveld Treble Marks A Major Milestone For Timothy Woodruff

December 4, 2025, will be a date etched in the memory of assistant trainer Timothy Woodruff, who celebrated his first career treble for James Crawford Racing at the Vaal Racecourse. Managing the high stakes satellite string for trainer James Crawford, Timothy orchestrated a flawless day of racing, saddling three winners that highlighted the remarkable depth and readiness of the stable’s Highveld raiding party.

It is never an easy task to maintain a winning momentum when operating away from a primary base, yet the constructive collaboration between the Cape and Johannesburg divisions was on full display as the yard swept through the card with professional precision. This achievement serves as a testament to the hard work occurring behind the scenes, where every feed, gallop, and tactical decision is meticulously planned to ensure that the horses arrive at the start in peak physical and mental condition.

REAL STUNNER

Age:        4 (at last run)

Sex:         g

M/Rating:               75 (at last run)

Owner:   Mr P M Murugasa

Breeder: Mrs Lynette Ryan

Trainer:   James Crawford

Breeding:               Oratorio (IRE) – Ghaliya (AUS) by Galileo (IRE)

Colours:                Green, black epaulettes, blue sleeves and collar, green cap

The day began in Race 4, where Real Stunner provided the first leg of the treble in the famous colours of Mr. P. M. Murugasa. This well bred gelding is by the international sire Oratorio out of the Galileo mare Ghaliya, a pedigree that essentially screams stamina and suggests he will only continue to improve as he ventures further over ground.

Real Stunner arrived at the course still looking to shed his maiden tag, but the confidence from the stable was high given his progressive work at home. The choice of the top heavyweight jockey Gavin Lerena for this 1800m assignment proved to be a masterstroke. Gavin is known for his ability to get the best out of stayers, and he settled the gelding beautifully towards the rear of the midfield shortly after the jump.

As the race progressed, Gavin allowed Real Stunner to find a comfortable rhythm, never panicking even when the leaders attempted to steal a march. The pace was genuine enough to allow the backmarkers to find their feet, and as the field approached the 500m mark, Gavin began to weave his way through the pack.

When asked for his effort the response was instantaneous. Real Stunner unleashed a powerful and sustained turn of foot down the center of the track, sweeping past the leaders inside the final 300m and bounded clear of his rivals to win by an impressive five lengths.

Post race, Gavin was full of praise for the horse’s attitude, noting that despite being a bit quirky in his younger days, he settled perfectly on the day and won a good race. This performance suggests that there could be more to come from this progressive individual as he moves into the handicap ranks.

Real Stunner starts the day in stunning fashion for Tim and Gavin

DUCHESS OF PALOMA

Age:        4 (at last run)

Sex:         f

M/Rating:               76 (at last run)

Owner:   Stone Hill Stud (Nom: Mr H C W Rix), Mrs C Appalsamy, Messrs M Appalsamy & C Van Rooyen

Breeder: Stone Hill Stud (Nom: Mr H C W Rix)

Trainer:   James Crawford

Breeding:               Royal Mo (USA) – Eyona by Black Minnaloushe (USA)

Colours:                Navy, gold epaulettes, lightning bolt and cuffs, gold cap, navy lightning bolt

Race jockey Callan Murray was given the responsibility in the irons, and he delivered what can only be described as a tactical gem. Breaking from a reasonable draw, Callan elected to settle her just off the pace, finding a perfect position three back on the rail where she could conserve her energy.

Duchess of Paloma traveled sweetly throughout the middle stages and as the field made the turn for home, he saw an opening and made his move, perhaps hitting the front a fraction sooner than ideal, but despite being in the lead a long way out and facing late pressure from challengers, she found another gear and fended them off to win by nearly two lengths.

Callan admitted after the race that while he was initially unsure if she would see out the full 1800m trip, she proved him wrong with a very gutsy, staying performance. For the owners Stone Hill Stud (Nom: Mr H C W Rix), Mrs C Appalsamy, Messrs M Appalsamy & C Van Rooyen and Tim, it was a moment of great satisfaction to see her potential fully realized over a distance that suits her stout breeding.

Duchess of Paloma makes it two wins on the spin under the Callan drive

TUSCAN ROMANCE

Age:       4 (at last run)

Sex:       f

M/Rating:            85 (at last run)

Owner: Mr P M Murugasa

Breeder:               Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

Trainer: James Crawford

Breeding:             Master Of My Fate – Touch Of Tuscan by Al Mufti (USA)

Colours:              Green, black epaulettes, blue sleeves and collar, green cap

The perfect day was completed in Race 7 when Tuscan Romance stepped into the winner’s enclosure and provide Tim with his treble. Jockey Kabelo Matsunyane took the ride and produced a confident, front running masterclass that left the opposition with no answers. From the second the gates opened, Tuscan Romance broke sharply and immediately found herself at the head of affairs, a position Kabelo was happy to maintain. Kabelo allowed her to stride freely, dictating the tempo of the race without being pestered by any of the other runners.

It was a display of pure confidence as they entered the final 400m; while challengers attempted to close the gap, the filly clearly had plenty in reserve. She kept rolling under a sympathetic hands and heels ride to win comfortably, justifying her position as the market leader.

It was a professional display of raw speed, with Kabelo noting post-race that Tuscan Romance felt like a winner from the very moment she went down to the start. The victory was a fitting end to a spectacular day for Tim and his powerful owners the Murugasa Family whose investment in the yard was rewarded with two of the three winners.

Tuscan Romance – THREE for the day and a Double for Mr Murugasa

For Timothy, this treble represents more than just three wins in a single afternoon; it is a validation of his role within James Crawford Racing and the success of the stable’s expansion onto the Highveld. James and his stable have built an operation that thrives on consistency and diligence, and with Timothy at the helm of the Johannesburg division, that philosophy is clearly bearing fruit.

Crawford Racing extends sincere wishes to all owners for a prosperous and winning 2026. The team is grateful for your continued support and looks forward to a productive year ahead, hoping to share many more successful days at the races with you in the new season.

Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to the owners and the respective teams in Cape Town, Gauteng, and Hong Kong. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to compile this monthly summary of the stable’s successes as your support makes it possible to document and share the ongoing achievements of Crawford Racing.