June 2026 Round Up

Hollywoodbets Durban July Day – Crawford Racing Runners

Saturday the 04^th of July 2026 has almost arrived. Despite being tinged with a touch of disappointment because of Star Major being scratched from the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Crawford Racing still have a trifecta of runners representing the stable on one of the highlights of the horse racing season in South Africa.

We preview these three horses in this insert, then we continue with Horse of the month going to Brett’s aptly named Mr Incredible, followed by One To Watch which this month is Messrs Raphael Goolam, Tony Moodley & Selvan Naidoo’s Fish Tales.

We conclude the June Newsletter with the three remaining winners for the month, All Are Mine, Sovereign Fund and finally, the “comeback kid” who has just relocated to the Highveld, the 5yo mare, Dame Of Trix writes Hadley Lakay.

Race 3 – Magical Zulu Kingdom 2200 (Grade 3, 2200m)

Otto Luyken – Profile, Career & Conditioning

Otto Luyken, a six‑year‑old gelding owned by Greg and Gina Bortz, has built a career defined by durability and consistency in middle‑distance handicaps. Partnered by Richard Fourie, he returns to the 2200‑metre trip at Greyville, a distance and track combination where he has repeatedly excelled. His career record includes multiple wins and placings running over 1800M plus in his career. In addition, his victory in this race in 2025 remains one of his most authoritative performances of his career.

Otto Luyken wins the 2025 G3 Magical Zulu Kingdom

Across the 2026 season, Otto Luyken has continued to show reliable form. In May, he produced a front‑running effort where he controlled the pace before tiring late, followed by a second‑place finish in which he settled more conservatively and closed strongly. These contrasting runs highlight his tactical versatility and his ability to adapt to different race shapes. His temperament could suit Hollywoodbets Greyville’s tight turning circuit as his run in last year’s Magical Zulu Kingdom confirms.

His preparation for this race has focused on maintaining freshness rather than heavy conditioning, a strategy that has historically suited him well. His 41‑day break could be exactly what he needed after racing twice in May and despite his wide draw, he has the expertise of Richard to guide him around Hollywoodbets Greyville on the big day.

Race Summary – Magical Zulu Kingdom 2200

This Grade 3 handicap presents a balanced field with several credible contenders. Imilenzeyokududuma (4/1) arrives with consistent recent form in high‑level handicaps, often finishing strongly from off the pace. His ability to quicken late makes him a threat if the early tempo is genuine. Magic Verse (4/1), third in this race last year, has drawn favourably and tends to run well when able to secure a midfield position with cover. His recent form suggests he is approaching peak condition.

Tintin (3.33/1) is the younger improver in the field, stepping up in distance after good performances over shorter trips. His stamina profile is still developing, and his featherweight and good draw could put him at the forefront of the contenders when the whips are cracking in the final 200M. The handicap structure is compressed, meaning tactical decisions and early positioning will play a significant role. Otto Luyken’s proven record at the trip and the course could give him a natural advantage, but he must overcome that wide draw, but we trust Richard to do just that.

Race 5 – Amusnet Golden Slipper (Grade 2, 1400m)

Royal Tiara – Profile, Career & Conditioning

Royal Tiara, a two‑year‑old filly owned by the ASSM Racing Syndicate (Nom: Mr A. Chadha), has shown steady progression across her first three career starts. Ridden by Callan Murray in all three her starts, she continues to develop with each outing and is priced at 4/1 on Hollywoodbets for this Grade 2 juvenile feature.

She debuted with a third‑place finish, showing natural early speed and a balanced action. She followed that with a win at Turffontein in late April, where she travelled comfortably throughout and was not fully extended, showing good gate speed and striding away from her field to win well.

Her most recent run on the 6^th of June at Greyville saw her finish second after pulling early, displaying greenness in the running and overracing in the early stages of the race, a sign of her inexperience. Despite the early keenness, she maintained her effort and confirmed her ability to handle Hollywoodbets Greyville’s idiosyncrasies, especially with this being her first run away from her home base and around the turn.

Royal Tiara finishes a gallant second to Alice B Toklas in the Devon Air Stakes

Royal Tiara’s development curve suggests she is improving with each run. As a lightly raced filly, she retains scope for further progression, and her physical condition continues to strengthen as she matures. Her favourable draw of three provides Callan with the tactical flexibility, of settling her in running and allowing her to secure a good position in the early running for the sustained finish down the short Hollywoodbets Greyville straight.

Race Summary – Amusnet Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper brings together several promising juvenile fillies. Alice B Toklas (1.82/1) heads the market after defeating Royal Tiara recently. She showed notable maturity in that performance, settling well and producing a measured finishing effort. Her ability to accelerate well down the short stretch makes her a strong contender.

Palace of Arvernia (8.33/1) arrives with competitive juvenile form but must overcome a wide draw, which may force her to work early to secure a position. Her closing sectionals suggest she can feature if she avoids covering excessive ground. Ocean Mistress (12.5/1) also brings high‑level form but faces similar draw challenges, and her tendency to race prominently may expose her late if the pace is strong.

The race is expected to highlight emerging talent among two‑year‑old fillies. Royal Tiara’s improving profile and favourable draw position her well, but she must continue to refine her early behaviour and settle more efficiently to maximise her finishing effort.

Race 8 – Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes (Grade 1, 1600m)

Mon Petit Cherie – Profile, Career & Conditioning

Mon Petit Cherie, a five‑year‑old mare owned by Ridgemont (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter) and Mr Devin Heffer, has developed into a reliable and competitive performer at Grade 1 level. Regular pilot Richard Fourie takes the ride, and she is priced at 5/1 currently on Hollywoodbets. She carries both experience and a proven affinity for Greyville’s 1600‑metre circuit.

Her career progression has been steady and consistent. After showing early promise as a three‑year‑old, she matured into a stakes‑class mare during the 2024–2025 seasons, recording multiple high‑level placings and demonstrating a balanced racing style suited to Hollywoodbets Greyville’s turning track. Her second‑place finish in this race in 2025, beaten less than a length proves that she comes into this race with a good chance of running well again with luck in running.

In her most recent start on the 6^th of June, she showed good gate speed but had to race wide for most of the trip because of her wide draw. She still quickened well as the field swung into the stretch and at the 200M mark was in a great tussle with Quickstepgal for the first placed cheque. She was slightly impeded when the winner shifted ground late, yet she maintained her momentum and finished strongly. James and the owners lodged an objection against the winner, but that was overruled, and the run confirmed her readiness for another attempt at this Grade 1 event.

Mon Petit Cherie finishes a brilliant second to Quickstepgal in the Tibouchina Stakes

Her preparation for this race has been deliberately measured, with the stable focusing on maintaining her freshness and ensuring she arrives in optimal condition. As an older mare, she benefits from a well‑established routine, and her experience in high‑pressure Grade 1 environments gives her an advantage in races where tactical decisions and timing are crucial. She will receive every assistance from Richard, and from a marginally better draw than last time, should be ready to run a good race.

Race Summary – Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes

This Grade 1 contest for fillies and mares features a strong and varied field. Double Grand Slam (0.91/1), the defending champion, sets the standard. Her ability to settle, quicken, and sustain her run makes her the benchmark performer, and her recent form suggests she remains at peak condition.

Quickstepgal (7/2) is the emerging younger threat, having recently defeated Mon Petit Cherie in the Tibouchina Stakes. She possesses tactical speed and a sharp turn of foot, making her dangerous if the pace slackens mid‑race. Rainbow Lorikeet (10/1) brings multiple stakes victories and a history of finishing close to the leaders in similar company. Her ability to race prominently without over‑committing gives her a tactical advantage.

The race is expected to be run at an even tempo, placing emphasis on positioning and the ability to accelerate late. Mon Petit Cherie’s experience, track affinity, and measured preparation position her well, but she must overcome the middling draw and the presence of a dominant defending champion.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July Raceday is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the South African Horseracing Season, and with twelve races starting before Midday and ending just before 8pm, it is a raceday that has all the makings of a great spectacle. The countdown has begun!

Brett Crawford – Horse of the Month is an Incredible Mister

Mr Incredible is an Australian‑bred gelding by Toronado, raced in Hong Kong by owner Allen Shi Lop‑tak, with Brett having secured the horse as part of a concerted effort to strengthen his stable with progressive young talent. The gelding arrived with a profile suggesting natural athleticism and scope being progressive. Brett’s team has managed his transition carefully, giving him time to settle into the Hong Kong environment before beginning his racing career.

He made his debut as a three‑year‑old and immediately showed promise. Although still learning, he travelled kindly through the early stages of his debut and finished off with purpose when the gap appeared with Karis easing him up at the line for an impressive win on debut, indicating that he would improve sharply with experience. His action, temperament, and ability to handle the tempo of Hong Kong racing were encouraging signs, and the stable noted that he had adapted quickly to the training regime.

His second star was his only defeat. He travelled well enough through the early stages but found himself momentarily short of room when the field compressed, turning for home. Although he regained momentum late, the leaders had already established their advantage, and he finished within three lengths of the winner. The run was not a setback but rather a valuable learning experience, showing that he could handle adversity and still finish competitively.

Mr Incredible returned for his third start with no shortage of confidence. Once again partnered by Karis, he produced another polished effort, travelling smoothly and quickening in the straight to secure his second win from three starts. His ability to sustain his run and handle pressure from more seasoned rivals marked him as a horse progressing rapidly through the grades. Brett noted that his physical development and mental composure were improving in tandem, making him an exciting prospect for the stable.

He returned to Sha Tin on 27 June 2026 for the Class 3 Shek Sheung River Handicap over 1200 metres, and this time he delivered his most complete performance to date. Settling just behind the early speed under Karis’s kind hands, he travelled comfortably throughout and was angled into clear running soon after straightening. When asked for an effort, he momentarily hit a flat spot before accelerating under Karis’s urgings, completing his final 400 metres in 22.28 seconds, one of the sharper closing sectionals of the meeting. Karis eased him down late, yet he still won by 1.75 lengths, confirming his ability to handle stronger opposition and marking his third victory from four starts.

Mr Incredible reels off three from four in scintillating fashion

As he continues to mature, Mr Incredible has shown the qualities of a horse capable of progressing beyond the handicap ranks. His ability to settle, quicken, and sustain his run suggests he may be suited to the Graded age‑restricted features as he develops. Brett’s stable has taken a measured approach with him, focusing on building confidence and maintaining physical stability rather than rushing him through the grades as his Race Performance Radar indicates.

• PM – Prize Money
• Stay – Staying Performance
• Mid – Middle Distance Performer
• GRI – Group Rating Index

For owner Allen Shi Lop‑tak, the gelding has become a rewarding acquisition — a horse who has adapted quickly, progressed steadily, and continues to show the attributes required to compete at a higher level. For Brett, Mr Incredible represents a successful early chapter in his Hong Kong expansion, training a young horse sourced with intent, developed with patience, and now delivering performances that justify the stable’s long‑term planning.

One To Watch – Callan has no problem with his Fish Tales

Fish Tales made a strong impression on debut when winning down the Turffontein straight, announcing himself as a promising new addition to the Crawford Racing yard in Gauteng, overseen by assistant trainer Timothy Woodruff. Tim has played a key role in managing the horse’s preparation and settling him into the routine at Randjesfontein.

FISH TALES

Age: 2 (at last run)

Sex: c

M/Rating: (at last run)

Owner: Messrs Raphael Goolam, Tony Moodley & Selvan Naidoo

Breeder: Ascot Stud (Pty) Ltd

Trainer: James Crawford

Breeding: Heavenly Blue (AUS) – Caviar by Var (USA)

Colours: Red and yellow checks, emerald sleeves and cap

Bred for speed and early maturity, Fish Tales is a son of a sire known for producing sharp, forward juveniles, and his pedigree suggested he would handle the straight course well. Fish Tales broke smartly from the gate and immediately showed good natural pace, settling into a comfortable rhythm down the centre of the straight. Despite being a debutant, he travelled like a horse who understood his job, keeping a straight line and responding well to Callum’s calm direction. Through the early stages, he maintained a balanced action and did not show any signs of greenness, which allowed him to stay in touch with the early leaders without being pressured.

Approaching the halfway mark, Fish Tales began to improve his position naturally. Callum allowed him to build momentum gradually rather than asking for a sudden effort, and the gelding responded by lengthening his stride and moving into a more prominent position.

Inside the final 300 metres, Callum was now getting lower in the saddle and asking him to quicken and go and win his race, which he did readily. He moved past the horses around him with purpose, showing both acceleration and determination. Once he hit the front, he continued to extend his advantage, maintaining his momentum and extending all the way to the line.

Fish Tales wins well on debut under a brilliant driving ride from Callan

On debut, Fish Tales drew clear to win with authority, completing a performance that suggested he has both natural ability and a professional attitude. The way he travelled, quickened, and sustained his run indicated that he has the potential to progress further as he gains experience. For Crawford Racing, it was a pleasing first outing from a horse who handled the straight course with maturity and delivered a polished win at the first time of asking.

For James and Tim, the win was a rewarding confirmation of the stable’s early impressions. As Callan reiterated, Fish Tales had shown promise in his work but still had more to come, travelling smoothly and quickening when asked. His owners were equally delighted, seeing their young horse deliver a polished first‑up victory that sets a solid foundation for his career.

Fish Tales will continue to strengthen and learn with each run, and the stable will place him carefully as he moves forward. His debut win down the Turffontein straight was more than just a first success; it was a glimpse of a horse with the temperament, ability, and support team to make steady progress in the months ahead for the team of Crawford Racing and his owners Messrs Raphael Goolam, Tony Moodley & Selvan Naidoo.

James, Tim & Brett bring home Five winners in Total for June  

The final insert of the Newsletter reviews Brett’s final two winners for the month (All are Mine and Sovereign Fund) as well as the “Comeback Kid” and now relocated to Tim at his Highveld base by her host of owners, Mrs G MacGregor, Messrs J N A Mantel, E G van den Berg & J J Zandberg, the filly Dame of Trix.

All Are Mine – Happy Valley, 24 June 2026

All Are Mine, a gelding by New Bay owned by Chen Chun‑Man, delivered a breakthrough performance in the Class 5 Westlands Road Handicap over 1650 metres at Happy Valley. The gelding had previously been stretched out to 2200 metres, but the decision to drop him back to a more suitable trip proved decisive. Jumping from barrier two, he was shuffled back early when the pace lifted sharply, leaving him further off the speed than expected.

Jockey Alexis Badel remained patient, conserving the gelding’s energy while waiting for an opportunity to improve. Approaching the home turn, Badel angled him off the fence, giving him clear running room and allowing him to build momentum. Once balanced, All Are Mine quickened past the tiring leaders and established control inside the final 100 metres, drawing away to win by 1.25 lengths.

All Are Mine wins in the shadow of the post under an inspired ride from Alex Badel

The victory rewarded the owner’s patience during the gelding’s gradual adaptation to local racing conditions. Brett noted that the horse had been steadily improving with each run and that the return to 1650 metres allowed him to produce a more complete and confident performance.

Sovereign Fund – Sha Tin, 27 June 2026

Sovereign Fund, an Australian‑bred gelding by Capitalist, completed Brett’s race‑to‑race double with Mr Incredible on the same afternoon when winning the Class 3 Tan Shan River Handicap over 1400 metres. Raced in partnership by Glenn Chan Wai Cheung and Raymond Chan Ka Shun, the gelding has adapted well to Hong Kong racing and continues to build on his early promise.

Breaking cleanly, he settled into a midfield position where the pace remained even, allowing Karis Teetan to keep him relaxed and well‑balanced through the middle stages. As the field straightened, Karis guided him into the clear, giving him uninterrupted space to lengthen. Sovereign Fund responded willingly, rallying strongly inside the final 200 metres and maintaining his momentum to hold off Aeroinvincible by half a length.

Sovereign Fund flies home under a driving ride from Karis to give Brett the Double

The win reflected both his growing maturity and the stable’s management of his transition after his move from his previous stable. His owners have watched him adapt steadily to the competitive environment, and this performance confirmed that he is progressing in the right direction as he continues to strengthen and settle into local racing conditions.

South Africa Winners

Dame Of Trix – Turffontein, 11 June 2026

Dame of Trix has been a long‑term project for Crawford Racing, and her latest victory at Turffontein was the performance that rewards patience, persistence, and belief. The five‑year‑old mare, trained by Crawford Racing and managed in Gauteng by Tim, has had a career shaped by both promise and challenge. Her owners have stood by her throughout, giving her the time she needed to overcome setbacks and return to racing with renewed strength.

DAME OF TRIX

Age:     5 (at last run)

Sex:      m

M/Rating:          90 (at last run)

Owner:  Mrs G MacGregor, Messrs J N A Mantel, E G van den Berg & J J Zandberg

Breeder: Rathmor Stud (Nom: Mr M J A Ferreira)

Trainer: James Crawford

Breeding: Vercingetorix – Mystery Dame by Jet Master

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

Bred by Rathmor Stud (Nom: Mr M. J. A. Ferreira), Dame of Trix is by Vercingetorix out of Mystery Dame, a Jet Master mare whose influence is evident in her temperament and stride. Her pedigree leans toward speed with a touch of late‑maturing depth, and her early career reflected that blend.

She showed ability from her debut win in January 2024 and followed that with consistent placed efforts in competitive sprint handicaps despite significant enforced layoffs. The stable never rushed her back to racing from those periods of inactivity on the track, allowing her to rebuild physically and mentally. Her owners remained supportive throughout, trusting the stable’s long‑term plan and giving her every opportunity to recover fully.

Therefore it must have been very gratifying to both the stable and her owners that her latest win at Turffontein was arguably the most complete performance of her career. Breaking from gate seven, she travelled comfortably through the early stages of the race, striding on the lead as Kabelo allowed her to lengthen naturally. Inside the final 200 metres, Dame of Trix produced a decisive turn of foot which allowed her to pinch a race winning two lengths on the field, stopping the clock in an impressive 57.46 seconds.

Dame Of Trix struts her stuff first run on the Highveld under a good ride from Kabelo

It was a polished, confident win that reflected her maturity and the stable’s careful preparation. For a mare who had once been sidelined for an extended period, the victory was a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of her ownership group Mrs G MacGregor, Messrs J N A Mantel, E G van den Berg & J J Zandberg.

For James, Tim, and her owners, it was a moment that validated their patience and belief in a mare who has now won five races and earned her place as a dependable and competitive sprinter. Dame of Trix continues to strengthen with each run, and her latest performance suggests she still has more to offer as she moves through the season.