Looking back at South African racing from the 1900s up to 1960, these are the great horses, trainers, jockeys and breeders that set the stage for the "Golden Age" of racing.
The story of Renounce is one of massive highs and terrible lows. Throughout her career she was hampered by sickness and injury, yet never stopped fighting.
As a result of the shooting, together with his dogged determination, Sea Cottage captured the hearts, minds and imagination of an entire country and became South Africa’s greatest legend of the turf.
Hawaii, the Karoo-bred son of a failed stallion, was named after one of the American states, only to be bought by an American and then go on to become an American equine champion. Was it fate?
A fledgling trainer, a broken down old horseman and their two superstars – In Full Flight and Sentinel. Stories intertwine as a legendary turf rivalry unfolds.
A fledgling trainer, a broken down old horseman and their two superstars – In Full Flight and Sentinel. Stories intertwine as a legendary turf rivalry unfolds.
The saying “horses for courses” has never been more true than in the case of Elevation. He was Johannesburg’s favourite son and earned the title of the ‘King of Turffontein’ where he reigned supreme.
The saying “it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight that matters, but rather the size of the fight in the dog” epitomises Yataghan. He was the little horse who never gave up.
Imported from New Zealand by Cyril Hurwitz, Sledgehammer was sent to trainer Fred Rickaby. A true racehorse in every sense, he cast his spell over a talented apprentice jockey named “Muis” Roberts.
Imported from New Zealand by Cyril Hurwitz, Sledgehammer was sent to trainer Fred Rickaby. A true racehorse in every sense, he cast his spell over a talented apprentice jockey named “Muis” Roberts.
Gatecrasher was the ugly duckling who grew into the swan. But despite his devastating ability, there was a chink in his armour. His main rival was Archangel who was Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Gatecrasher was the ugly duckling who grew into the swan. But despite his devastating ability, there was a chink in his armour. His main rival was Archangel who was Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
As a yearling, Politician was an incredibly ugly horse, despite being very well bred. But given time to mature, he grew into a handsome and imposing individual who became a racing machine.
Furious was initially trained by Fred Rickaby, but the horse had problems. As a true horseman Rickaby felt that he would benefit more under the guidance of lady trainer Anne Upton. How right he was.
When Fred Rickaby retired, the promising Bold Tropic was sent to trainer Buller Benton. But Rickaby struggled to let go, and proceeded to interfere with the superstar's career.