February 2026 Round Up

James Crawford and Timothy Woodruff– Eleven for February

Crawford Racing has high standards and although producing ten winners across continents for January was good, they did not rest on their laurels. For the month of February the stable purred. From Cape Town to Gauteng to Hong Kong, Crawford Racing (James, Tim, and Brett) produced fourteen winners for the shortest month of the year writes Hadley Lakay.

Brett’s three winners are included in their own insert this month, horse of the month is the Greg and Gina Bortz owned and very aptly named North Point, a win this month which merited his own insert. Then we had ride of the month and honestly, I could not split the rides of “Big Guns” Loyiso Mxothwa on two horses, Different World and Chasingtherainbow. Both were brilliant and Louie and his two equine athletes deserved their own insert.

The Crawford stable started the month with a double on the 04^th of Feb which are both included in their separate inserts below and the remining eight winners are therefore included in this insert.

MONKEY PUZZLE

Age:           5 (at last run)

Sex:           g

M/Rating: 75 (at last run)

Owner:     Messrs Ross Kieswetter & E G van den Berg, Mrs G MacGregor, Mr A G & Mrs D Turk

Breeder:   Ridgemont Highlands

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: Canford Cliffs (IRE) – Scent Of Pine by Badger Land (USA)

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

Last run:  2026-02-05

The next day, the 05^th, Tim saddled a double at the Vaal starting with the son of Canford Cliffs, Monkey Puzzle. Since relocating to the Highveld, Monkey Puzzle has been a model of consistency, in seven runs achieving four seconds and on the 05^th recording his second win.

Monkey Puzzle was out of the starting machine in a flash with race jockey Callan Murray taking him off to the front. Monkey Puzzle continued to go strongly as they rounded the turn, and Callan gave him a breather at the 500M.

That was the winning move because as Never Never Land ranged up out wide, Callan got into him and he ran strongly all the way to the line to win a good race. The owners Messrs Ross Kieswetter & E G van den Berg, Mrs G MacGregor, Mr A G & Mrs D Turk have themselves a mini ATM, with his four seconds and two wins now from seven starts since his relocation.

Monkey Puzzle records his second win under a strong Callan drive

DUCHESS OF PALOMA

Age:           4 (at last run)

Sex:           f

M/Rating: 85 (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

Last run:  2026-02-05

Duchess of Paloma completed a good double for Tim and Crawford Racing on the same day. Another horse that has thrived since relocating to the Highveld, this daughter of Royal Mo has also clocked a third, two seconds and now three wins for her owners, Stone Hill Stud (Nom: Mr H C W Rix), Mrs C Appalsamy, Messrs M Appalsamy & C Van Rooyen.

Race jockey, champion elect Craig Zackey had her out in a flash as she showed good gate speed out of the stalls. He settled her a couple of lengths off the frontrunners as the field spun into the stretch, Craig continuing to hold onto her as the field stretched past the 400M. At the 300M he asked her to go and win her race, which she readily did.

She showed a beautiful turn of foot, reeling in the frontrunners and putting three lengths between herself and the field in a matter of strides and as the field went through the last 100M Craig had the luxury of easing her up but she still hit the line strongly in a manner of a horse that was still on the upgrade.

Duchess of Paloma records her second win under s well-judged ride from Craig Zackey

COPPER PLATE

Age:           4 (at last run)

Sex:           g

M/Rating: 69 (at last run)

Owner:     Mark Bass, A J Brand, H D M Otto, Wehann Smith, Dr J Steytler, Nick & Val McFall & SMB Insurance Brokers CC (Nom: Mr M A Brackett)

Breeder:   Mr G J Armitage

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: Futura – Sound The Flute (USA) by Theatrical (IRE)

Colours:  Pink, white stripe, blue sleeves, pink cap, white stripe

On the 10^th of February and another horse that had relocated from Cape Town, Copper Plate was on the victory trail. The first run since his relocation was a pipe opener over a distance short of his optimal distance but since then in his next six runs, he has placed second twice and recorded two wins.

The son of Futura showed good gate speed allowing race jockey Callan Murray to place on the rail, a couple of lengths off the pacemakers as the field went down the back stretch. The order did not change as the field moved around the bend and came into the stretch where the field made a beeline for the outside rail.

Copper Plate was still going well through the 400M when Callan asked him for his effort. He accelerated past the pacemakers but then had to hold off the attention of Culturati who was making a sustained run down the outside rail. Callan was having none of it and was now driving away and Copper Plate kept responding all the way to line to win by a half a length.

Copper Plate keeps responding under the Callan drive to win well

WINTER IN AUCKLAND

Age:           3 (at last run)

Sex:           f

M/Rating: 74 (at last run)

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

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

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: What A Winter – New Zealand by Trippi (USA)

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

The run of winners now switched to Hollywoodbets Durbanville in Cape Town, with James bringing home two winners at the country course, the one being on the 11^th and the second on the 14^th in the month of love. After four runs and a couple of places, Winter in Auckland took her place in an Open Maiden for fillies, her first run at Hollywoodbets Durbanville for her owner Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert).

From the jump she settled just off the pacemaker her stable companion Piteraq as the field sped into the bend. She continued to race in the box seat as the field spun into the stretch where she seemingly hit a flat spot. However, race jockey Craig Zackey switched her to the inside to make her run and she responded readily. However she had to hold off a slew of horses all making runs at her in the final 100M, but she responded well to Craig’s urgings to keep her head in front at the line.

Winter in Auckland keeps running bravely to break her Maiden under a strong ride by Craig

Winter in Auckland – Winning Interview

LADY LOOK ALIKE

Age:           5 (at last run)

Sex:           m

M/Rating: 71 (at last run)

Owner:     Mrs D J Sherrell & Mr L Sherrell

Breeder:   Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: Var (USA) – Lady Kensington by Overlord (AUS)

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

Next up, on Valentine’s Day, was Lady Look Alike. Despite being a very consistent placegetter, the daughter of Var had not visited the winner’s enclosure for almost ten months. For her latest run, James had decided to pull her back in distance. From a good draw, she jumped well but with the field scrimmaging for position Louie had to ease her to just behind midfield as the field moved into the stretch.

As the field passed the 400M Louie switched her to the centre of the course and started urging her to make up the leeway. She responded, and kept running at the leaders, hitting the lead just as the post was looming. She continued responding all the way to the line to win by a half a length for owners Mrs D J Sherrell & Mr L Sherrell.

Lady Look Alike rewarded for her consistency under a well-timed ride from Louie

Lady Look Alike – Winning Interview

The 22^nd of February was another red letter day for Crawford Racing, as James and his stable saddled a three timer at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Chasingtherainbow is included in the Ride of the Month insert, and we include the other two winners in this insert.

SHEZARIPPER

Age:           2 (at last run)

Sex:           f

M/Rating: (at last run)

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

Breeder:   Mr Geoffrey van Lear

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: Rafeef (AUS) – Schippers by Var (USA)

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

Shezaripper was the first winner in the treble for the stable on the 22^nd, the daughter of Rafeef, despite drifting in the betting looked a picture in the parade ring. Race jockey Louie Mthotwa had her out in a flash and allowed her to find her feet.

As they came past the 400M he asked her for her effort and she showed good acceleration to repel the challenge of the Bass inmate Sparkling Star. She was going away from the second placed horse at the line and hit the line full of running. An excellent debut for owners ASSM Racing Syndicate (Nom: Mr A Chadha).

Shezaripper wins on Debut under a strong ride from Louie

Shezaripper breaks her Maiden on Debut – Winning Interview

STARTING POINT

Age:           3 (at last run)

Sex:           f

M/Rating: 74 (at last run)

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

Breeder:   Klawervlei Stud

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – All Is Secret by Captain Al

Colours:  Dark green, blue sleeves, white cap

Starting Point is a 3yo filly owned by prominent owners Ridgemont (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter) & Mr Devin Heffer. After her first two runs she was given a rest and after running 3^rd on her first run back, her second run was even better. Over the minimum trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and jumping from a 4 draw, she displayed good gate speed, with jockey Richard Fourie dropping her in just behind the pacemakers.

The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight moved up to the frontrunner under the hands through the 400M when Richard asked her for her effort. She responded well going through the 200M, nosing her way to the front at the 100M and then drawing away at the line to break her Maiden in good fashion.

Starting Point breaks her Maiden in facile fashion under a good ride by Richard

Starting Point breaks her Maiden – Winning Interview

APRIL FOOLS’ DAY

Age:           3 (at last run)

Sex:           f

M/Rating: (at last run)

Owner:     Greg & Gina Bortz

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

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: Futura – Trick by Trippi (USA)

Colours:  Aquamarine, dark grey seams, aquamarine sleeves, dark grey armbands, striped cap

The final winner in this insert was the lightly raced three year old April Fools’ Day. The daughter of Futura owned by Greg and Gina Bortz, had only had two runs before her win on the 25^th of February, finishing only six lengths off Seven No Trumps on debut over 1200M. On her second racecourse appearance she stepped up to 1250M at Hollywoodbets Durbanville improving to finish just over three lengths off stable companion Winter in Auckland.

On the 25^th, at her third start, she was back at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth but this time stepping up another two furlongs and having to overcome a double digit draw. She jumped well but was then eased back by jockey Richard Fourie and settled at the back of the field. She continued to idle at the back as they swung into the stretch.

Richard took the shortest route home down the inside rail, and she was responding well to his initial gentle urgings from the saddle. As she idled up to them at the 300M Richard switched her to the middle inside of the track and she readily made up the ground to win “easier than the margin suggested” as commentator Alistair Cohen commented from the commentary box.

April Fools’ Day loves the step up in trip to win well under Richard’s urgings

April Fools’ Day breaks her Maiden in facile fashion – Winning Interview

Another stellar month for Crawford Racing – eight winners in Cape Town, three in Gauteng and three in Hong Kong for a total of fourteen winners for the month. With the Cape season now winding down, the focus shifts to the Premier Yearling Sales at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, and then Champions Season in Natal. We await the next chapter with anticipation.

Horse of the Month – North Point Onwards and Upwards

North Point has always been a model of consistency and class for Crawford Racing and his owners Greg and Gina Bortz. Despite being off the track for seven months, he returned to racing in good fashion, finishing second, less than a half a length off the progressive Demanding Dave over the minimum trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. He then stepped up another gear having his second run off the break beating a small but ultra-competitive field over the minimum trip down the lane at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

There is a distinct level of satisfaction in the horse racing industry when a thoroughbred returns from a lengthy period on the sidelines to perform at the same high level he did before the break, and North Point did this with aplomb. Throughout his seven-race career, he has never finished outside of the top five positions, a statistic that underscores his class, honesty, and competitive nature. His recent performances have confirmed his physical well-being and his ongoing progression as a racehorse after having overcome a significant injury hurdle.

NORTH POINT

Age:           3 (at last run)

Sex:           g

M/Rating: 101 (at last run)

Owner:     Greg & Gina Bortz

Breeder:   Klawervlei Grooms Trust

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: William Longsword – Little Bristol by Speightstown (USA)

Colours:  Aquamarine, dark grey seams, aquamarine sleeves, dark grey armbands, striped cap

North Point is a three-year-old sired by the Klawervlei stud stallion William Longsword. He is out of the mare Little Bristol, who is a daughter of the internationally recognized sire Speightstown. Bred by the Klawervlei Grooms Trust, this lineage offers a solid blend of speed and durability.

A massive amount of credit must go to his owners, Greg and Gina Bortz. In a sport where there is pressure to see a perceived quick return to the track, they displayed infinite patience. They gave the stable the time needed to allow the horse to heal naturally. Their willingness to wait and build him up gradually, without rushing his rehabilitation program, has been a key factor in his successful return.

His comeback campaign began in January 2026 with a run over the 1000-meter straight at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Returning after a 254-day absence, it is expected for a horse to need the run to regain race sharpness. Despite not putting up his absolute best work before his first run back and showing signs that he would benefit from the outing, he produced an incredibly encouraging effort to finish in second place, beaten less than half a length.

He chased the winner to the line, proving that his competitive instinct was fully intact. James used this run as a building block, advancing his fitness without asking too much of him first time out. Building on that positive return, he lined up again on the 4th of February over the same 1000-meter trip at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in the Lucky Fish Monopoly Live B Stakes contest.

When the gates opened, race jockey JP Van Der Merwe ensured the gelding secured a comfortable position just off the speed. The race unfolded with a genuine tempo, and as the field reached the final stages, JP asked North Point to extend, and he responded generously, finding extra in the closing stages under a strong and balanced ride and kept finding extra to eventually win the contest cosily by half a length from Black Eagle.

North Point all Class as he wins second up after his enforced layoff under a strong ride by JP

North Point – Upwards and Onwards to Champions Season – Winning Interview

In the post-race feedback, JP felt the gelding had improved significantly from his comeback run in January and handled the competitive field with utmost professionalism, confirming the stable’s confidence in his ongoing progression. James expressed his pride in the stable star, emphasizing that the horse had always displayed top-level ability during his juvenile campaign before the unfortunate setback.

James praised the entire Crawford Racing stable team for their meticulous care during the difficult rehabilitation phase. Crucially, he extended his deepest gratitude to the owners, Greg and Gina Bortz, for their incredible patience in allowing the horse the necessary time to heal.

Greg was equally thrilled with the result, acknowledging the challenging times the stable had faced with North Point recently and celebrating this win as a turning point. Greg hinted that they would plan the future carefully for this talented individual, possibly exploring races around a turn, at Greyville.

That could be a possible pointer to North Point travelling to KwaZulu Natal to contest the feature races during Champions Season. This will depend on North Point’s continuing well-being, but if he continues his upward trajectory which he has displayed since his break, it could, aptly, be onwards and upwards for North Point.

Rides of the Month – Different World & Chasingtherainbow

Luyolo Mxothwa takes pride of place this month in the Ride of the Month insert. He is talented, shows strength in the finish, keeps a horse balanced and times his winning runs to perfection. This month he rode two outstanding finishes, winning on Different World and Chasingtherainbow for Crawford Racing. Both rides were outstanding and deserves their insert for the month of February.

DIFFERENT WORLD

Age:           3 (at last run)

Sex:           g

M/Rating: (at last run)

Owner:     D Chinsammy, L Sherrell, G MacGregor, D J Sherrell, Vanashree & Anant Singh, Team Valor International (Nom: Mr B Irwin) & TKP Racing (Trevelen Pillay)

Breeder:   Blue Sky Thoroughbreds

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: One World – Silent Crusade by Crusade (USA)

Colours:  Green, red chevron, green sleeves, red seams, red cap

Different World’s first two runs were in March and May of 2025, the last run being particularly good with the hindsight of how Roland Garros has progressed in his career. It was over 1400M Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, finishing less than five lengths off the now Gr1 competitor. The son of One World then had a setback and was off the track for nine months.

Massive credit must go to his very prominent set of owners, D Chinsammy, L Sherrell, G MacGregor, D J Sherrell, Vanashree & Anant Singh, Team Valor International (Nom: Mr B Irwin) & TKP Racing (Trevelen Pillay), for allowing him to recuperate and this was his first appearance on the racetrack after that injury enforced layoff.

A step slow out the stalls Louie had him midfield as the field thundered past the 400M. At the 200M Different World had five lengths to make up, but Louie was asking his gelding for maximum, and he scythed through a narrow gap between horses to fly home and pip the favourite Fast Train in the shadow of the post.

This was a magnificent ride from Louie, a never say die ride, on a gelding coming back from a lengthy break, but just as good as Louie’s ride was, just so courageous was Different World who absolutely took off in the closing stages and displayed the same attitude as his jockey.

Different World – Louie at his brilliant best to get her up in the shadow of the post

Different World – Winning Interview

In his post-race interview, James stated his satisfaction, noting that he had regularly shown above average ability during track work but needed adequate time to recover from a prior setback. James indicated that this sprint trip is shorter than his preferred trip, suggesting there is room for subsequent improvement as he races over longer distances and thanked all the owners for continued patience especially during his setback.

Louie shared similar observations, stating he was initially uncertain if he had won it. He said his form was solid going into the race, and he would have been more confident over 1200M. However his turn of foot over the minimum trip boded well for the future as he progresses through the divisions. One to watch – Different World.

CHASINGTHERAINBOW

Age:           4 (at last run)

Sex:           g

M/Rating: 88 (at last run)

Owner:     Messrs P Barrett & D G Curran

Breeder:   Normandy Stud

Trainer:     James Crawford

Breeding: Potala Palace – Lady Of The Fleece by Argonaut

Colours:  Turquoise blue and purple quartered, white sleeves and cap

Chasingtherainbow possesses a solid pedigree as a four-year-old son of the stallion Potala Palace. Bred by Normandy Stud, his bloodline combines standard durability with an effective turn of foot. This genetic background equips him with the stamina required to navigate a mile comfortably, along with the acceleration needed to close out his races effectively, and what a turn of foot he has.

Chasingtherainbow was out the stalls in good fashion allowing Louie to position him midfield as the field went down the back straight. He maintained that position as the field spun into the stretch and Louie then angled him to the centre of the racetrack for his run.

However the son of Potala Palace wanted to move to the outside rail, and instead of interrupting his momentum Louie decided to allow him to move to that rail, all the while getting stuck into him with the right handed stick. This move, in my opinion, won him the race and it was a brilliant split second decision by Louie.

Chasingtherainbow was now low flying along the outside rail, and he just kept coming at the frontrunners who all made their runs down the inside rail. It was also a brilliant call from commentator Brandon Bailey who was watching the lone runner on the outside rail, and as the post approached Louie was in full driving mode, getting Chasingtherainbow’s nose down on the line and win under a brilliant ride.

Chasingtherainbow wins spectacularly despite all the quirks – Louie at his brilliant best

Chasingtherainbow – Winning Interview

The win provided a good result for his owners, Paul Barrett, and David Curran, who attended the races with his family. James noted during his post-race interview that the horse briefly caused concern when shifting outward, but he was pleased with the overall result. James explained that the primary objective for this specific run was to help the horse settle during the race, and he acknowledged the collective effort required to achieve this victory.

Louie stated that he was forced to abandon his initial inside route due to restricted racing room, and he pointed out that the horse has a high cruising speed and suggested that his performance will become more streamlined once his racing habits are fully corrected.

Both horses’ victories were brilliant, but the rides on both horses were just pure strength, agility, balance and split second timing of making the right decisions by Louie. He is riding at the top of his game, the confidence is high and when he is in a fight to the finish, the opposing jockey will know that he has been in a race if he manages to win that individual duel.

Farewell to Robert Barrett – A Tribute to His Time at Crawford Racing

When Robert Barrett first walked into the Crawford Racing yard, he brought with him a blend of experience, curiosity, and quiet determination that quickly made him an integral part of the team. His arrival marked the continuation of a lifelong journey with horses — one shaped by early exposure, hard-earned lessons, and a deep respect for the sport. Now, as he moves on to his next chapter, it feels fitting to reflect on the contribution he made and the character he brought to the yard.

Robert’s background in racing is rooted in a childhood spent around horses, where he developed both a practical understanding of the animal and an instinctive feel for their behaviour. His early years were shaped by hands‑on work, long hours, and the kind of mentorship that only the racing world can provide. Over time, he built a reputation for reliability and a willingness to learn — qualities that would later define his role at Crawford Racing.

Before joining the team, Robert had already accumulated a diverse set of experiences across the industry. His ambition for the sport, his appreciation for the craft of horsemanship, and his desire to keep growing within the sport. That same profile also revealed a man who understood the realities of racing which extended to the unpredictability, the grind, and the constant pursuit of improvement. It was this grounded perspective that made him such a natural fit when he stepped into the assistant trainer role at Crawford Racing.

From the outset, Robert approached his work with a sense of purpose. He was hands‑on, attentive, and deeply committed to the horses under his care. Whether it was early‑morning trackwork, managing the flow of the yard, or supporting the training team through the daily demands of the operation, he brought consistency and calm to the environment. His presence was steady — the kind of reliability that does not always draw attention but is felt profoundly when it is gone.

One of the most memorable aspects of Robert’s time at Crawford Racing was his unmistakable habit of singing as he moved through the yard. A light, easy tune drifting between the boxes, signalling that he was nearby and fully in his element. It was a small thing, but it captured something essential about him — a man who worked hard, stayed focused, and still carried a sense of ease and familiarity in the space around him.

Robert’s contribution extended beyond routine tasks. He had a genuine interest in the horses as individuals, paying attention to their quirks, their moods, and their small daily changes. He understood that training racehorses is as much about observation as it is about instruction. His ability to read a horse, to notice subtle shifts in behaviour or wellbeing, made him an asset to the team. It also reflected the depth of his experience, the kind that cannot be taught quickly or replaced easily.

During his tenure, Robert supported the stable through busy racing seasons, sales preparations, and the everyday pressures that come with managing a competitive yard. He was part of the rhythm of the operation, contributing to the smooth running of the team and the welfare of the horses. His work ethic was appreciated, his reliability respected, and his presence valued.

As with any chapter in life, transitions are inevitable. The sport moves quickly, and people often find themselves pulled toward new opportunities, new ambitions, or new directions. Robert has now chosen to pursue his next adventure, that of a fully-fledged trainer.

The racing world is built on relationships — between horses and humans, between trainers and their teams, between the people who show up before dawn and stay long after the last horse has been put to bed. Robert was part of that fabric at Crawford Racing. His time here mattered, and it is remembered with appreciation.

As he moves forward, we wish him well. New chapters bring new challenges, but they also bring growth, discovery, and the chance to carve out a path that feels true to one’s ambitions. Robert has always shown the determination and resilience needed to succeed in this industry, and those qualities will no doubt serve him well in whatever comes next.

The yard will feel a little different without him — a little quieter, perhaps, without the familiar whistle echoing between the boxes. But the mark he leaves behind is a positive one, a reminder of the value of hard work, the importance of consistency, and the impact of someone who shows up each day ready to contribute.

From everyone at Crawford Racing, thank you, Robert, for your time, your effort, and your commitment. We appreciate what you brought to the team, and we wish you every success as you continue your journey in the world of racing.