February 2025 News

Crawford Racing – On the Double in Gauteng

By their lofty standards, February was a quiet month for Crawford Racing. The stable, professionally run, normally purrs along during the month producing numerous winners across the country, whether in Cape Town or Gauteng, or in Natal when Champions Season comes along. Dual HWB July Handicap winners in 2023 and 2024 and a second place in the 2025 WSB Cape Town Met in addition to numerous graded race victories is tantamount to how successful the stable has been in past, and recent years.

However, despite suspecting that a virus might have been prevalent in the Yard, James saddled two winners, with Brett saddling one in Cape Town with all three winners coming in the second half of the month. However, what has been interesting is that the stable has started to see a surge in placed runners including graded races, especially in the latter half of the month which hopefully means that whatever had been affecting the stable has now alleviated and the stable is ready to flood the winners’ enclosure in March.

On the 13^{th of} February, Fastnet Filly, a mare sired by Fastnet Rock out of Belle Miraaj, clinched victory on the Turffontein inside track. Ridden by jockey Kabelo Matsunyane and owned by Ridgemont (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter) & Mr Devin Heffer, Fastnet Filly surged ahead in the final 400M to secure the win. She pinged the gates and Kabelo Matsunyane then just eased her back and allowed the two pacemakers to cut out the pace and he just sat in third place as they rounded the turn. He started lifting her as they turned into the stretch and she responded beautifully as she surged into the lead, hitting the line full of running to win a good race.

Fastnet Filly wins well on the Turffontein Inside Track

Just two days later, on the 15th, Count Huhtikuu, a gelding sired by Royal Mo out of Banking April, triumphed on the Turffontein Standside track with Kabelo Matsunyane in the saddle and owned by Mr P Boonzaaier & Stone Hill Stud (Nom: Mr H C W Rix). Count Huhtikuu jumped well, took up the running after 400M despite having his head twisted for the first 200M of the race.

After he took up the running, he relaxed, Kabelo giving him a breather as the field rounded the turn. He continued galloping relentlessly down the stretch and started idling at the 200M looking for company. However, as the second favourite ranged up to him at the furlong pole, he kicked again after a couple of backhanders, quickening again and then hit the line strongly stretching away at line.

Count Huhtikuu breaks Maiden in good fashion

James Crawford’s knack for preparing his horses for peak performance is evident in these wins. His diligence and ability to bring out the best in his charges make him a standout trainer and one to be watched when he relocates to Cape Town at the end of the season.

Vicky Minott – The Consummate Professional

Vicky Minott’s journey from the racetrack to the presentation panel is nothing short of inspiring. Once a professional jockey, Vicky has seamlessly transitioned into a pivotal role as a presenter for Cape Racing in Cape Town. As the only female presenter on the panel, she brings a unique perspective and a breath of fresh air to the racing scene.

Vicky’s career as a jockey was marked by determination and success. She graduated from the prestigious South African Jockey Academy in 2008 and quickly made a name for herself in the male-dominated world of horse racing. However, an ankle injury led her to reevaluate her future, and she decided to embark on a new career as a Television Racing Analyst. Her keen eye for detail and unbiased views have made her a beloved figure among racing enthusiasts.

In addition to her professional achievements, Vicky’s personal life is equally noteworthy. She is married to Cape Town-based jockey Oswald Noach, and together they make a dynamic duo, especially when Vicky has to interview him after he has ridden a winner. Their shared passion for the sport and mutual support have undoubtedly contributed to their individual successes.

Whether she is presenting at a routine Wednesday race meeting at Kenilworth Racecourse or the prestigious WSB Cape Town Met Day, Vicky’s professionalism shines through. She brings the same level of enthusiasm and expertise to every event, ensuring that viewers are well-informed and entertained. Her ability to connect with the audience and provide insightful commentary has earned her a loyal following.

Vicky’s journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. She has successfully navigated the challenges of a career change and continues to make a significant impact in the racing community. Her story is a reminder that with passion and determination, one can overcome obstacles, pivot and still achieve success.

November 2022 – Welcome Vicky

As Vicky continues to excel in her role as a presenter with her charisma, charm and wit, the South African horseracing fraternity continues to look forward to her invaluable raceday contributions as a presenter and racing analyst.

Her unique blend of experience, knowledge, and her personal experience in the saddle make her an invaluable asset to Cape Racing. Vicky Minott, a true blend of grace and charm, indeed the consummate professional that brings Racing to life.

Ride of the Month – Richard Fourie & Umfula

UMFULA

Age:  3 (at last run)

Sex:  c

M/Rating:  78 (at last run)

Owner:   Dr John A Chandler, Messrs C L Elser, Devin Heffer & J Vermaak, Mrs A M Doyle & Ridgemont (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter)

Breeder:  Ridgemont Highlands

Trainer:  B/J Crawford

Breeding:  Canford Cliffs (IRE) – Cool River by Western Winter (USA)

Colours:  Royal blue, silver fleur de lis, silver sleeves, royal blue stars, silver cap, royal blue

In the post-race interview after Richard Fourie won on Umfula, he said that the further this horse runs, the better. He added that he thought this was a horse that could go 3000M; in essence a possible Gold Cup horse.

The beautifully named Umfula, which is Zula for River or stream, is sired by Canford Cliffs out of a Western Winter mare Cool River. If Richard is correct, that the further Umfula goes the better he will be, that stream will continue providing fresh water.

After two warm up sprints in which he did well after which he was switched up to a 1600M, then second in 2000M with his Maiden win coming in a 1800M at Kenilworth Racecourse. From a wide draw Richard Fourie jumped him out and slotted him in at the back of the field.

As the field rounded the turn, Richard started making up a little bit of ground and as they spun into the stretch Richard moved Umfula to the outside. He started making up the ground gradually and at the 400M Richard switched him to the inside, at which point Umfula started responding to the whip.

He quickened well as they went through the 200M, moving alongside the favourite at the jump, Past and Present, stretching away from him in the closing stages to win full of running at the line. Winning his Maiden at the fifth attempt bodes well for this big striding son of Canford Cliffs and he will continue to strengthen as he matures to eventually run in those ultra long-distance races.

Umfula breaks his Maiden in impressive fashion at Kenilworth

Umfula is a very progressive three-year-old colt who Richard Fourie rates highly. Now that he has broken his Maiden, Crawford Racing and the owners will sit down to plot the way forward for a horse that will only get better as he goes further.

If the “Stream” continues to gradually increase in volume as the season progresses, the sky could be the limit for Umfula. Remember the name!

Two Fillies to Watch – Fastnet Filly & Artiste

Despite February being a lean month for Crawford Racing by their exacting standards, a five-year-old and three-year-old filly stole the headline for the stable. Fastnet Filly is a thoroughbred born in Ireland in 2019. She is sired by Fastnet Rock, an Australian stallion, and his dam is Belle Miraaj, a New Zealand mare. She is owned by Ridgemont Stud (Nom: Mr. Craig Kieswetter) and Mr. Devin Heffer.

She started her racing career in Cape Town running two places in her first four runs. She relocated to Gauteng with James, reeling off two wins after her move. Two seconds followed and her third win was in February 2025 on the Turffontein Inside track.

Despite being a five-year-old, she is lightly raced having had only nine runs for her three runs. She has also showed her versatility by winning in good and soft going and could give her owners Ridgemont Stud (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter) & Mr Devin Heffer some more good moments at the track if she continues her career on the upward trajectory she is on.

Artiste is a 3-year-old filly born in South Africa in 2021. She is sired by Canford Cliffs, an Irish stallion, and her dam is Dancer’s Daughter, a British mare. Artiste is also owned by Ridgemont Stud (Nom: Mr. Craig Kieswetter) and Mr. Devin Heffer.

Artiste is also from the same ownership as Fastnet Filly, and now that the stable has overcome its challenges of February month, she could fulfil the promise she has shown in her early three-year-old career.

The daughter of Canford Cliffs has had eight runs thus far in her career. Her first four runs produced two wins and a second place. She was then placed in a MR 96 Handicap, running unplaced the run after that in the Grade 2 Sceptre Cartier Stakes.

A close-up 5^th followed at the beginning of February and then at the end of February she ran down the Kenilworth straight in a Stakes Race over 1100M. She broke well, tracking the pace all the way down the lane. As the field approached the 400M, she accelerated and hit the front, going strongly under the urgings of Richard Fourie.

She continued galloping strongly all the way to the line and was a tad unlucky to be collared in the shadow of the post by Paddy Kruyer trained First Masterpiece, who under a well-timed ride from JP Van Der Merwe, flew up late to shade Artiste on the line.

Artiste’s and Fastnet Filly’s careers thus far has been marked by strong performances and steady progress. This is reflected in their potential as they continue to develop under the guidance of Crawford Racing, Ridgemont Stud and Devin Heffer and contracted jockeys Richard Fourie and Gareth Wright. They will be two fillies to watch as the season progresses.