March 2026 Round Up

James Crawford & Timothy Woodruff – Five winners for March

March 2026 saw the horse racing schedule punctuated by race meeting abandonments across the Cape and Gauteng for various reasons, alongside the BSA Cape Yearling Sales and preparations for the BSA National Yearling Sales. Preparations also commenced for the numerous graded races on the Highveld, as well as the KwaZulu Natal Season of Champions concluding with the running of the Hollywoodbets July Handicap, writes Hadley Lakay.

All the abandoned meetings, BSA Sales, and Natal Season of Champions preparations have ultimately culminated in smaller fields for race meetings and thus limited entries from the top trainers as they prepare for one of the upcoming highlights of the racing calendar. The Hollywoodbets Champions Season, a three-month horse racing festival running from May to July 2026, represents a pinnacle for all owners.

For the month of March, James and Tim secured five winners, two of which are detailed in the Ride of the Month (Somebody Somewhere breaking her maiden following an inspired ride from Gareth Wright) and the Horse of the Month (Duchess of Paloma recording her fourth win since relocating from Cape Town), with the other three winners detailed below. We then conclude with an insert on Brett’s winners in Hong Kong and an update on Crawford Racing’s new inclusion in their Champagne Syndicate.

LADY LOOK ALIKE

Age:              5 (at last run)

Sex:              m

M/Rating: 77 (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

After breaking her Maiden at her second run, then three runs later winning her next race, Lady Look Alike then notched up one more win and numerous places in her next twenty runs as she continued to earn regularly. Her owners, Mrs D J Sherrell & Mr L Sherrell were then rewarded handsomely as she won back to back races both at Hollywoodbets Durbanville and both over the 1250M, one in February 2026, and another in March 2026.

Her latest win saw her jumping well from her four draw, with race jockey Louie Mxothwa having her out in a flash, settling her just off the pace as the field raced into the bend. He continued in that position as the field spun into the stretch, when he angled her out into the clear at the 400M. She showed good, if gradual acceleration as the field went through the last 200M, Louie timing his run perfectly as she nosed to the front as the line approached, and as race caller Alistair Cohen said, won a tad cosily at the line.

Lady Look Alike goes back to back under a well-timed ride from Louie

Lady Look Alike – Winning Interview

The official margin was less than a half a length, but as Louie and James reiterated in their respective interviews, she is a quirky filly who must have things in her favour during a race to get to the line a winner. However, Louie knows how to ride her, and the daughter of Var is now a five time winner for the Sherrells’ and continues to race with enthusiasm and determination now that she has found her niche.

SHOREYBOMBA

Age:              3 (at last run)

Sex:              g

M/Rating: 77 (at last run)

Owner:      Hanna Brothers & Friends Syndicate (Nom: Mr L G Hanna)

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

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Declarationofpeace (USA) – Surfing Belle by Kahal (GB)

Colours:   Dark blue, white band of diamonds, dark blue sleeves, white armband, striped cap

Shoreybomba a three year old son of Declarationofpeace had contested five runs on the Highveld, most of those runs finishing on the fringes on the winners, being placed three of the five runs and having achieved a merit rating of 77 for owners the Hanna Brothers & Friends Syndicate (Nom: Mr L G Hanna).

On the 26^th of March he lined up in a Maiden race over 1450M at the Vaal and as they jumped, Shoreybomba was a half a step slow and a little sideways into stride. However, race jockey Callan Murray quickly settled him, balanced him and allowed him to stride along about three to four lengths off the frontrunners as the field rounded the turn, entering the long Vaal straight.

Callan allowed him to make up the leeway gradually under the hands, and as the field passed the 600M, Shoreybomba could wait no more and was now cantering up to the pacemakers. He hit the front as the field went through the 400M, but now had to withstand a sustained finish from the Tony Peter trained Tracksuit Dave.

Callan got into him with the right-handed stick as the field went through the 200M and with the addition of the blinkers, making him concentrate that little bit more, he dug down and would not let the second horse go past, winning a good race for the owners.

Shoreybomba breaks his Maiden with the addition of the blinkers under the Callan drive

FUTURE GAMBLE

Age:              3 (at last run)

Sex:              f

M/Rating: 75 (at last run)

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

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

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Futura – Captain Gambler by Captain Al

Colours:   Blue, white square, blue sleeves and cap

The final day of March produced another winner for Tim and Crawford Racing in the form of the daughter of Futura, Future Gamble, who broke her Maiden in fine fighting fashion for owners Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert). Four runs in Cape Town saw her improving gradually with every run, especially when stepped up over the middle distances.

She then relocated to Gauteng, was given a three month break, and since she has returned to the track she has finished second twice, and on the last day of March, she stepped up another two furlongs from her last run to break her Maiden. Jumping from a very advantageous draw of one, she was allowed to get onto the rail without too much effort as the field rolled down the back straight.

Race jockey Callan Murray had her midfield as the field started cornering for home, as the leaders kept changing positions up front. She continued to sit in fifth as the field went through the 600M when Callan gave her a clear passage between horses to make her run.

As the field went through the 200M, Chris Jonker trained Cool Reggae was now moving powerfully on the outside of the daughter of Futura and Callan had to first give Future Gamble a couple of left handed then right handed smacks and she responded beautifully to keep sticking her head out to keep Cool Reggae at bay as they hit the line.

Future Gamble breaks her Maiden in fighting fashion under a great ride from Callan

James and Tim have produced a very good first quarter of 2026, collectively saddling a total of twenty-one winners in Cape Town and on the Highveld. Yes, there have been abandoned meetings, BSA Sales and preparations for the Natal Season of Champions, but the eye has always been on the prize of trying to maximise the earnings for their loyal patrons.

James and Tim’s current set of owners are the lifeblood that keeps the respective stables ticking along. The passion, dedication and love for the Sport of Kings that emanate from the owners for their equine athletes are what and will continue to drive the stable to extract the best value for the owners, current and prospective, as this season continues.

Horse of the Month – Duchess of Paloma 4th win on the Highveld

The saying goes that a change of scenery is as good as a holiday. When Duchess of Paloma relocated to the Highveld from Cape Town, her form had been a mixture of placed and unplaced runs, as she always seemed to want to run her races on the pace, but seemingly faltered when the winning line approached.

In April of 2025, her owners, Stone Hill Stud (Nom: Mr H C W Rix), Mrs C Appalsamy, Messrs M Appalsamy & C Van Rooyen decided to send her to the rarified air of the Highveld’s Timothy Woodruff satellite yard. This was one year ago when she relocated, having achieved a merit rating of 78 while racing in Cape Town, which had dropped to a 69 when she made her debut at the Vaal after having a five month break.

From her first run in September 2025, to her latest run at the end of March of 2026, the results have been nothing short of amazing. She has run seven times, having finished 3rd on her debut in September, runner up twice and has now won four races. Her merit rating, a lowly 68 a year ago, is now at 85, having risen 17 points in six months and has rightfully received the nod for horse of the month after her most recent win.

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

Jumping from a wide draw of eight under race jockey Craig Zackey, Craig just allowed her to jump and relaxed her at the back of the field as the field went through the first 400M of the race. He continued to allow her to find her feet as the field rounded the turn into the long Vaal straight, gradually making up the ground on the frontrunners.

As the field came through the 400M Craig gathered her and asked her for her effort and the turn of foot was instantaneous as she cruised up to the frontrunner. As the field entered the last 200M she displayed that burst of acceleration and put two lengths between herself and the field, holding off the fast finishing Free in Seattle by a half a length at the line.

Duchess of Paloma records her fourth win of her career under a confident ride from Craig

Tim was effusive in his praise for the owners, thanking them for allowing her to relocate as well as to Craig for a very good ride. He also added that she had been entered for a feature before this race but had drawn poorly, and the mission therefore going forward was to enter her in one of the Graded Fillies staying races. She has improved in leaps and bounds since her move and could reward her owners even more with perhaps black type as she continues to improve and mature in Gauteng.

Ride of the Month – Gareth Wright’s going Somewhere 

Heavyweight owners Ridgemont (Nom: Mr Craig Kieswetter) & Mr Devin Heffer have many horses in training who have performed with aplomb at Graded Level. Direct Hit (trained by Alan Greeff in Gqeberha) and Mon Petit Cherie, Reet Petite and Whirlwind (all trained by James Crawford) have either won or been placed in Graded company or are progressive, with the ability to rise through the divisions as their racing career progresses.

SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE

Age:              3 (at last run)

Sex:              f

M/Rating: (at last run)

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

Breeder:   Ridgemont Highlands

Trainer:      James Crawford

Breeding: Rafeef (AUS) – Right And Ready (GB) by Whipper (USA)

Colours:   Dark green, blue sleeves, white cap

Somebody Somewhere’s first two runs were encouraging, finishing between three and five lengths off the winners in her first two runs. She then was given a five month break in which time she furnished and matured into her frame. I was fortunate enough to be at the racecourse for her Maiden win on a balmy Monday afternoon at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and what I saw in the parade ring impressed me.

She looked well in the ring despite the addition of the 13 kilograms she had added from her last start, belying her five month break and Gareth Wright had her stalking her way down to the 1200M start. Her impressive canter down saw me parting with a couple of my hard earned Rands, and I was not disappointed, not only in the manner that she won, but also the heart and determination she showed in the finish.

She broke well from her five draw, showing good gate speed as the field moved through the 800M as she took up the running. She continued out in front to the 400M when seemingly hitting a flat spot as the race time favourite, the Andre Nel trained Blue Lagoon went past her, looking the likely  winner.

However, Gareth changed his stick, lifted her off the canvas and galvanised her for a finishing effort. She responded well to the urgings from the saddle and came back at the favourite at the line in a head bobbing finish, getting her head down in the shadow of the post to break her Maiden at a distance seemingly short of where she will be campaigning in her next starts.

Somebody Somewhere displays the will to win with brilliant assistance from the saddle from Gareth

Somebody Somewhere – breaks his Maiden in fighting fashion – Winning Interview

Both James and Gareth confirmed that there was “some meat still left on the bone” and that racing her over the 1200M was only on the cards because of her five month break and that he thought she would prefer the sprint course first up after the break. They were both of the opinion that middle distances would be her forte as she matures.

A special mention to Gareth whose never say die attitude, inspirational change of the whip and constant urgings from the saddle all culminated in a horse who had a five month break, running at a distance short of her best and who at the tip of the spear for the first 800M of the race, still had enough to peg back the favourite. A brilliant, determined and strong ride from Gareth on a horse who could fulfil her progressive potential as her racing career unfolds.

The Champagne Syndicate – New Addition & Winner for the Owners

There are few things in racing quite as satisfying as seeing a plan come together. For the team at Crawford Racing, the past few weeks have been a reminder of exactly why they do what they do in blending bloodstock judgment, patience with their equine athletes and the ownership models that make race days feel like family reunions.

Based in Cape Town with James, a satellite yard on the Highveld in Gauteng under the burgeoning reputation of Tim, and with Brett operating a training yard in Hong Kong, the Crawford name carries weight across hemispheres. Crawford Racing currently have two syndicates in operation, The Champagne Syndicate, which just celebrated a victory with one of its partnership colts, and the Race Your Dream Syndicate, which creating its own excitement.

The Champagne Syndicate has always stood for fun, flair, and the kind of shared excitement that turns a Tuesday afternoon at the races into something unforgettable. Owned and trained under the Crawford Racing banner, this syndicate has built a reputation for selecting athletic, progressive horses with potential.

The Champagne Syndicate

The beginning of April provided a wonderful boost for the syndicate, when a Syndicate graduate, Sweetsummerlove prevailed in a tight finish under an inspired Raymond Danielson to produce a winner for the owners. She showed determination in a driving finish fighting all the way to line to snatch victory in the shadow of the post.

Sweetsummerlove wins for the Champagne Syndicate under a good ride from Raymond

An exciting News Addition – an unnamed filly by Twiceasfast

Just as the celebration from that shorthead win begins to settle, The Champagne Syndicate have added a new racing prospect to their roster. Meet the beautifully balanced, yet-to-be-named filly by the sire Horizon, a stallion bred for pure speed and athleticism, out of the mare Twiceasfast. Her dam was a three-time winning mare known for her quick action and sprinting ability.

She is neat in frame, and she carries the profile of a precocious and progressive filly who will suit the proven approach of Crawford Racing. James Crawford and his team have an excellent record developing fillies of this type, athletic, forward, and mentally ready to race. From the farm to the racetrack, this filly represents everything The Champagne Syndicate embodies, fun, shared ownership, and the genuine excitement of race day success.

The Champagne Syndicate has also announced a new and exciting partnership with IDUN – the poetry of South African wine. As the exciting new sponsor for the syndicate, IDUN brings together two great South African passions, world-class wine, and the thrill of the racehorse.

Shares in the filly are now available via the Champagne Syndicate, but with limited shares open to new owners you would have to act quickly. If you have ever wanted to be part of a fast, fun filly with a sprinting pedigree and a professional team behind her and sponsored by the poetry of South African wines, this is your moment.

Contact Tammi at tammi@crawfordracing.net to get involved.

Race Your Dream Syndicate – A Once in a Season Opportunity

Now, while The Champagne Syndicate celebrates its newest addition and recent victory, the Race Your Dream Syndicate continues to offer syndication in a potentially incredibly special One World Filly. Purchased at the Hollywoodbets Durbanville Racecourse during the prestigious Race Coast 2025 Two-Year-Old Sale, this unnamed filly by One World out of Gimme Gimme Gimme was secured from Beaumont Stud. On a day when 127 lots went through the ring, R46 million changed hands, and the median sat at R300,000, James identified three prospects and she was one of them.

RACE YOUR DREAM SYNDICATE PAGE

James described her simply: “a smart, racy filly with plenty of scope, athleticism, and the kind of balance that suggests she has exciting potential for the future.” The pedigree is class. Her sire, One World, is a son of Captain Al, a Grade 1 Sun Met winner, and one of South Africa’s leading second-season sires for 2024/25. Known for his toughness and turn of foot, he produces mature, durable stock.

Her dam, Gimme Gimme Gimme, is by Gimmethegreenlight, a Queen’s Plate winner and one of South Africa’s most successful sires, capable of producing champions across sprint and mile distances. This filly brings together speed, endurance, and commercial pedigree under the Race Your Dream Syndicate model, she is available to those who want to be part of her journey from the very beginning.

How to Get Involved

Crawford Racing has built something special in Cape Town which embodies a culture of transparency, winning, and shared joy. With a satellite yard in Gauteng and family ties to Hong Kong, the operation thinks globally while racing locally.

Limited shares remain and no experience is necessary—only a love of racing and the willingness to dream.

Contact Tammi today: tammi@crawfordracing.net