January 2026 Round Up

Global Treble for Brett & James – 21 January 2026

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, marked a significant milestone for the Crawford Racing team as the stable recorded a global treble across two continents. With racing taking place at Sha Tin in Hong Kong and Hollywoodbets Durbanville in Cape Town, the respective stables demonstrated its international reach and consistency. Brett saddled two winners in Hong Kong, while James added to the tally with a victory in South Africa, ensuring a memorable day for the stables and owners alike writes Hadley Lakay. 

The meeting at Sha Tin began positively for Brett, where Celestial Harmony secured victory in the Class 5 handicap over 1650 meters. The five-year-old gelding races for the Mastermind Syndicate and is a son of Lope De Vega out of the Camacho mare Happy Odyssey. This win provided a memorable visit to the winner’s enclosure for the horse, who had been working steadily in the mornings leading up to this engagement. 

Jockey Lyle Hewitson was aboard Celestial Harmony and produced a measured ride from the start. Breaking from a middling draw, Lyle elected to settle the gelding in a prominent position, tracking the early speed without expending too much energy. As the field turned into the straight, Celestial Harmony traveled well and moved up to challenge the leaders at the 300-meter mark. When asked for an effort, he responded generously, sustaining his run to the line to hold off the late challenger of Phantom Cyclone by just under a length.  

Celestial Harmony wins well under a perfectly timed run by Lyle 

The momentum continued into Race 3 when Speedy Smartie delivered the second leg of the double for the stable. Owned by Dr. Andrew Yu, Dr. Alvin Yu Man Ho, and Dr. Bernice Yu Man Yan, this gelding is by Satono Aladdin out of the Bertolini mare Lemonade. He has been a consistent performer for the yard and arrived at the race in good physical condition, suited by the 1200-meter trip. 

Karis Teetan took the ride on Speedy Smartie and utilized the horse’s natural gate speed to overcome the draw. Karis positioned him just behind the lead pace, allowing him to find a rhythm through the middle stages of the race. As the field spun into the home stretch, the gaps appeared timeously, and Speedy Smartie quickened well. He hit the front inside the final 200 meters and kept galloping strongly all the way to the line to win well. The performance highlighted his ultra-competitive nature and ability to handle the Sha Tin circuit effectively. 

Speedy Smartie wins impressively under a good front running ride by Karis 

Attention then shifted to Cape Town, where James represented the stable at the Hollywoodbets Durbanville mid-week meeting. Success arrived in Race 5 with Midway, a gelding who races in the partnership of Messrs A. J. Brand and S. S. Govender and bred by Maine Chance Farms. The gelding has shown a liking for the Durbanville course in his previous runs at the country course and today was not any different. 

Race Jockey Luyolo Mxothwa was in the saddle and rode a tactical race suited to the tight nature of the Durbanville track. From the jump, Louie settled Midway in midfield, avoiding the early scramble for positions while keeping the leaders within striking distance. As the pace quickened coming down the side of the course, he began to improve his position, angling the horse out for a clear run at the top of the straight.  

Midway has sometimes struggled to finish off his races especially when challenged for the lead. Not today however, because as Double Distilled sidled up and nosed ahead of him at the 200M, he was in a determined mood, and under a driving ride from Louie he regained the lead inside the last 100M to hit the line full of running giving the stable a wonderful three timer for the day, across continents. 

Midway completed the Global Treble for Crawford Racing under the Louie drive 

Midway – Winning Interview 

This global treble serves as a testament to the hard work of the teams in both Hong Kong and South Africa for their hard work and dedication. Of course, none of that would be possible without the incredible owners who support the respective stables in South Africa and Hong Kong.  

As the season progresses, the stable will look to build on this momentum in 2026, whether those race meetings are your midweek meetings in the respective countries or the race meetings where the Graded Races will be the target for the stables Equine Superstars. 

Horse of the Month – Whirlwind Goes through the Gears

There is a special kind of satisfaction in horse racing when a prediction comes to fruition, particularly when that prediction involves the emergence of a talented young thoroughbred. In the December 2025 edition of this newsletter, we profiled a promising filly named Whirlwind. At the time, she had just shed her maiden tag, and we noted the comments from Richard Fourie regarding her natural gears and progressive nature.  

It was a bold claim for a horse with only a handful of starts, but the daughter of Gimmethegreenlight has quickly moved to validate that high praise. Fast forward just one month to one of the most prestigious days on the South African racing calendar, Cape Town Met Day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, and Whirlwind delivered a performance that suggests she is not just progressive but potentially destined for the upper echelons of the sport. 

To understand the engine that powers this filly, one must look first to her exceptional lineage. Whirlwind was bred by Ridgemont Highlands, a farm synonymous with producing champions. She is a daughter of the reigning champion sire Gimmethegreenlight, a stallion who has consistently produced elite runners capable of winning from sprint distances up to middle distances.  

On her dam’s side, she is out of Icy Winter Air, a mare by the legendary Western Winter. This cross combines the best of South African bloodlines, blending the speed and precocity of her sire with the stout, classic influence of Western Winter. It is a pedigree that screams class, and physically, she has grown into a scopey, athletic individual who carries herself with the presence of a professional. 

Her journey to the winner’s enclosure on Met Day was paved with encouraging performances. After her debut at Durbanville in September 2025, where she finished third despite needing the run, she returned in December to break her maiden with authority. That victory was followed by a solid effort on January 4, 2026, where she stepped out of maiden company for the first time in a D-Division Stakes. Racing over 1000 meters.  

She finished a credible second to Digby, beaten just 0.30 lengths despite being a step slow when the starter hit the button. While she did not win that afternoon, the run served as a vital stepping stone, keeping her fitness sharp and giving her experience against winners. It was the perfect preparation for what would be her toughest test to date on the last day of January. 

Her task on Met Day, on paper, looked formidable. Not only was she facing a large field of sixteen runners, but she was also taking on male opposition, including hardened older campaigners. To make the race even more challenging she was allotted gate 14, a position on the outside of the track. In recent months, the straight course at Kenilworth has shown a distinct bias toward horses drawn low, making her task statistically difficult before the gates even opened. 

When the starter released the field, the concerns about her draw were compounded she was once again a step slow out of the gates. For many young horses, a slow start from a wide draw against older male rivals would be enough to end their chances. However, what transpired combination of athletic ability from Whirlwind and the calm temperament of Richie Rich. 

Jockey Richard Fourie, who has partnered her in all her recent successes, did not panic. He allowed the filly to find her feet, settling her towards the rear of the field and giving her time to recover from the poor break.  

Up front, the pace was genuine, with the leaders cutting out a strong rhythm. As the field passed the halfway mark and began the run down to the final furlong, Whirlwind still had a mountain to climb. She was spotting the leaders several lengths and not much time to make up the leeway. 

It was inside the final 400 meters that the “gears” we wrote about in December were fully unleashed. Richard asked her for an effort, and the response was instantaneous. Whirlwind lowered her head and began to lengthen her stride; she responded in explosive fashion to the urgings from the saddle.  

Displaying a wonderful turn of foot, she cut back the deficit seemingly effortlessly and picked up the leaders in a matter of strides swept past the win to win going away by half a length running strongly all the way to the line. It was a victory of brilliance, defying the draw, the slow start, and the track bias to win with something in hand. 

Whirlwind goes through the Gears to win Cape Met Day under the Richard Drive 

Whirlwind – Winning Interview 

The significance of the win was not lost on the connections. Trainer James Crawford has managed her career with great patience, resisting the urge to rush her into feature races too early. By placing her in a C Stakes against the boys, he tested her mettle, and she passed with flying colours. In his post-race assessment, James was understandably delighted. He noted that despite the complications at the start and the wide draw, her class pulled her through. He highlighted that beating older male horses at this stage of her career is a hallmark of a filly with a bright future. 

Richard was equally complimentary in his feedback. Having ridden her in her maiden win, he was aware of what she had under the hood. He emphasized his earlier sentiments, noting that the feeling she gives him when he asks for a quickening is distinct and powerful. He mentioned that she is still learning her trade and that the slow start was just a sign of her relative inexperience, but the way she finished the race confirmed his belief that she is a filly destined for higher honours. 

A massive amount of credit must go to the owners, Ridgemont, nominee Mr. Craig Kieswetter, and Mr. Devin Heffer. These are prominent figures in the South African racing industry who invest heavily in the sport and understand the patience required to develop top-class athletes. To see their famous dark green, blue, and white silks carried to victory on such a significant race day is a reward for their continued support of the stable and the industry at large. Their partnership has produced numerous winners, and in Whirlwind, they appear to have unearthed another gem. 

Ride of the Month – Louie, Star Major, the Gr3 Politician Stakes

The Cape Town Met Day is not just a showcase of the finest equine talent in the country; it is a crucible that tests the nerve and skill of the human athletes in the saddle. Louie Mxothwa, a jockey known for being made of stern stuff, delivered a masterclass aboard Star Major in the Grade 3 HKJC World Pool Politician Stakes. When you deny a red-hot Andrew Fortune a remarkable five-timer on the day then you know you have ridden pearler. On that note, a massive congratulations must go to Andrew for his brilliant achievements on a memorable afternoon of racing. 

Bred by the illustrious Maine Chance Farms, he is a three-year-old colt by the German sire Querari out of the Silvano mare Star In The Sky. This pedigree is a classic blend of speed and stamina, with Querari injecting the turn of foot and Silvano providing the foundation for classic potential. He races in the distinct purple and white striped silks of a powerful ownership group comprising Neville Isdell, Mr. J. I. Bloch, Mrs. Prakashni Pillay, and Kalinga. These are prominent figures in the industry who have enjoyed success at the highest level, and in Star Major, they appear to have another serious racehorse in their ownership. 

Star Major’s journey to this Grade 3 triumph has been one of steady progression and hardened experience. After shedding his maiden tag in June 2025 over 1400m, he faced the rigors of competitive handicapping and graded stakes racing. His run in the Grade 2 Cape Punters Cup in November showed promise, but it was his effort in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas in December that truly signaled his arrival.  

Finishing sixth behind the classy Jan Van Goyen, albeit beaten over three lengths, proved he belonged in the upper echelons of his generation. That run, over 1600m, suggested that the step up to 1800m in the Politician Stakes would be well within his compass. James was confident he would handle the extra furlong, and Star Major came to the racecourse in peak condition, ready to tackle a field that included several highly rated contemporaries. 

The race itself unfolded as a fascinating tactical battle. From a slightly wide draw of 8, Louie elected not to rush Star Major early, allowing him to find a rhythm as the field navigated the back straight. The pace was honest without being frantic, giving every runner a fair chance. As they turned for home, the complexion of the race changed. Happy Verse, ridden by the in-form Andrew Fortune, looked to be traveling ominously well. Andrew, seeking his fifth win of the day, sent his mount forward with purpose, and for a moment, it seemed the race was over. Happy Verse kicked clear, opening a gap on the rest of the field. 

However, Star Major and Louie had other ideas Louie asking the son of Querari to close the gap as the field entered the final 400m. The response was initially gradual, a testament to the stamina influence of his dam, but as the momentum built, Star Major began to eat into the lead. It became a duel of pure will. Louie, balanced and powerful in the drive, kept asking for more and more he was given. 

With 100m to go, Happy Verse still held the advantage, but the purple silks were closing relentlessly. Louis had timed his challenge to perfection, lifting Star Major in the final strides to reel in the leader and snatch victory by a neck in the shadow of the post. A brilliant ride from Louie on a horse that should continue to improve as he goes further. 

Star Major Wins the Gr3 Politician in a relentless driving finish – Louie at his brilliant best  

Star Major – Winning Interviews 

Louis was modest but visibly pleased in the post-race interview. He praised the colt’s heart, noting that while they had some work to do to catch the leader, Star Major never hesitated when asked to dig deep. He credited the stable for having the horse so fit and mentally prepared for the battle. 

James was equally effusive in his praise. He highlighted the strategic plan to target this race after the Guineas, believing the 1800m would be ideal. He expressed his gratitude to the owners for their patience and trust, noting that Star Major is a colt who is still maturing and has a bright future ahead.  

For the owners—Neville, Jonathan, Prakashni, and the Kalinga team—this victory was a sweet reward. The Politician Stakes is often a springboard to even greater things, and with a colt who possesses grit to win a dogfight over 1800m, the horizon looks incredibly promising. Star Major has announced himself as a force to be reckoned with, and with Louie in the saddle, they could form a formidable partnership when the Graded Races roll around in 2026. 

Crawford Racing hits double figures for the month of January

The momentum that defined the latter half of 2025 has carried seamlessly into the new year, with Crawford Racing recording a stellar ten winners for the month of January 2026. It was a balanced attack across continents, with James and Timothy Woodruff combining to produce five winners on South African soil, while Brett matched that tally with five victories in Hong Kong.  

We have already covered the auspicious double at Sha Tin on January 21st and Midway’s success at Durbanville in previous segments, as well as the brilliant Cape Town Met Day winners, Whirlwind and Star Major. In this final segment, we turn our attention to the remaining five stars who contributed to this double-figure haul: Dame Of Trix and Naretoi in South Africa, and the Hong Kong trio of Lovero, Beauty Missile, and Island Buddy. 

Kicking off the South African success for the month was Naretoi, who finally shed his maiden tag on January 8th at the Vaal. This four-year-old gelding, owned by Mr. P. M. Murugasa, is bred by Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein and is a son of Danon Platina. His journey to the winner’s circle has been one of patience and perseverance. After relocating to the Highveld, he showed flashes of potential, most notably with a close second at Turffontein in November.  

Jockey Marco van Rensburg, who has built a strong rapport with the horse, was in the saddle and he rode a race of calculated aggression. From a mid-pack position, he allowed Naretoi to travel within himself, ignoring the early jostling. As the field straightened up, he produced the gelding with a perfectly timed run down the long Vaal straight. 

Naretoi responded gamely, engaging in a thrilling duel with War Talk over the final furlong. Under a strong drive, he found extra to get his head in front, winning by a neck. It was a deserved victory for Mr. Murugasa, rewarding his loyalty to a horse that has now seemingly found his niche over ground on the Highveld. 

Naretoi gets up in the shadow of the post in a thrilling finish under a strong ride by Marco

Back in Cape Town, the stable celebrated another victory on January 13th with the speedy Dame Of Trix. This five-year-old mare races for a partnership involving Mrs. G. MacGregor, and Messrs J. N. A. Mantel, E. G. van den Berg, and J. J. Zandberg. Bred by Rathmor Stud, she is a daughter of Vercingetorix out of the Jet Master mare Mystery Dame.  

Since returning from a lengthy break, Dame Of Trix has been a model of consistency, having won in October and November of 2025 before a solid third in December. She arrived at this Class 4 contest over 1000m in peak form, carrying the confidence of the stable. Louie, who has been instrumental in her recent success, was aboard once again.  

The race unfolded at a blistering pace, but Louie kept her quiet, just off the leaders as the field went through the 400M. He then asked her for her effort just outside the 200m, and she unleashed a powerful turn of foot. She quickened away from the field in impressive style, crossing the line just under two lengths ahead of the second horse. It was a display of speed and class, confirming her status as a specialist over the minimum trip. Her ability to maintain such high-level form over several months is a testament to her courage and the meticulous nature of her training regime. 

Dame of Trix quickens impressively to record her 4th win under a good ride by Louie 

Dame of Trix – Winning Interview 

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, Brett Crawford ensured the month began with a bang. On January 4th at Sha Tin, Lovero provided the stable with its first winner of 2026. This Japanese-bred gelding by Lord Kanaloa has been a project for the yard, but the patience paid off in style.  

Jockey Harry Bentley overcame a middling barrier in this 1600-meter contest by sliding the gelding across to find cover midfield. This tactic allowed Lovero to conserve energy while the leaders set a brisk tempo. Upon straightening, Harry angled him into the clear, and Lovero accelerated strongly to reel in the frontrunners inside the final 150 meters, winning decisively. 

Lovero showed improved focus and determination to win the mile contest, proving that the stable had him in peak condition following the holiday period. It was a crucial ice-breaker that set the tone for the weeks to follow. 

Lovero wins under a confident ride by Harry Bentley 

Just three days later, on January 7th, the success moved to the city circuit at Happy Valley. Beauty Missile, a son of Smart Missile, finally got off the mark for the yard by winning the 1800m Murray Handicap. It was a well-deserved win for a horse who has often been unlucky in running.  

Given a masterful ride from Hugh Bowman, Beauty Missile overcame a tricky run in transit to score a popular victory under a determined and beautifully balanced ride from Hugh Bowman. He waited patiently approaching the home turn before driving Celestial Harmony through a gap at the top of the straight.  

The gelding established a clear break and maintained his advantage over the final furlong to hold off a late challenge from Phantom Cyclone. This win highlighted the stable’s ability to rejuvenate horses and find their winning form at the unique Happy Valley track, rewarding his patient owners. 

Beauty Missile wins under a great ride from Hugh Bowman

Rounding off the month’s success on January 25th was Island Buddy at Sha Tin. Competing in the Class 4 Mr Vitality Handicap over 1200m, this gelding secured a battling first win in Hong Kong. Ridden by Karis Teetan, who continues to form a formidable partnership with the stable, Island Buddy showed tremendous grit.  

Competing over 1200 meters, Island Buddy jumped smartly but had to work early to hold his position. Jockey Karis Teetan kept him balanced through the turn before asking for a maximum effort upon straightening.  

The gelding engaged in a sustained duel with the favorite, Packing Glory, for the length of the straight, eventually finding the necessary stamina in the final strides to win by a head. It was the stable’s 13th winner of the season, confirming that the Hong Kong operation is firing and competing effectively against the best in the district. 

Island Buddy wins under a brilliant ride from Karis Teetan five timer for the month for Brett 

These five winners, combined with the earlier successes of Midway, Celestial Harmony, Speedy Smartie, Whirlwind, and Star Major, made January 2026 a month to remember for Crawford Racing. Ten winners across two continents is a remarkable achievement and speaks to the depth of quality in both the equine and human talent within the organization.

Ultimately though, the respective stables would not reach the heights without the love for racing and the dedication of all the owners. You are the reason the human talent in the Stable Yards in South Africa and Hong Kong can continue to shine. Ten winners and ten second places in the first month of 2026 is testament to that very fact.