The Hollywood Syndicate has taken its ownership of horses in South Africa to the next level with the acquisition of 33 horses previously raced by former SA Champion owner Chris van Niekerk.
The horses will remain under the banner of Randjesfontein trainer Sean Tarry.
The Hollywood Syndicate will thus become one of the multiple champion’s biggest patrons in terms of individual horses.
Sean Tarry – thrilled with his new big owner (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Included in the acquisition are multiple-group winners Chimichuri Run, Eden Roc, Ikigai and Warrior’s Rest.
Exciting 3-year-olds include the Pomodoro colt Indelible, and the Rafeef filly and colt duo of Mounia and Dockofthebay.
Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager Devin Heffer says the purple operator has long admired the Sean Tarry and Chris van Niekerk combination, and the incredible partnership that they have enjoyed over the last 23 years.
“We have always admired the Sean Tarry / Chris van Niekerk combination’s contribution to SA racing. Their powerful partnership has delivered incredible achievements over the past two decades, and they have raced some outstanding thoroughbreds. We wish Chris all the best for his future endeavours, and congratulate him on the legacy he leaves behind in the racing industry.”
“The acquisition of the 33 horses is extremely exciting as we are aware of the meticulous work and effort that Sean and Chris expend in selecting their thoroughbreds. The Hollywood Syndicate has long dreamed of a Grade 1 winner, and we are hopeful that the realisation of that dream will be enhanced with our acquisition today,” said Heffer.
Hollywoodbets’James Rich and Devin Heffer talk race tactics (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“When Chris told me he was withdrawing from the sport, I certainly anticipated turbulent times ahead. But Hollywoodbets’ spontaneous approach put my mind at ease. They indicated how they admired the relationship I had with Chris and what we had achieved. This told me they were getting involved for the right reasons,” added Sean Tarry, who is an existing Hollywood Syndicate trainer.
Tarry said that he believed that Hollywoodbets always had racing’s best interests at heart and, based on the well-known brand’s achievements over the past few years, it was encouraging to enjoy their backing.
“We want to get excited about racing again, and Hollywoodbets brings that unique vibe to the game. I’m really looking forward to working with Anthony Delpech and the purple team,” said Tarry.
Hollywood Syndicate racing manager Anthony Delpech rode over 100 winners for Sean Tarry, including Tarry’s first ever graded winner Golden Apple in the Gr2 Gosforth Park Fillies Guineas back in March 1999. Interestingly, Golden Apple would go on to produce Vodacom Durban July winner Pomodoro, whose progeny includes 10 horses in the newly acquired contingent from Chris van Niekerk. Such are the fairytales that only racing can script!
Delpech is excited about what is to come from the new partnership.
“I have ridden many winners for Sean in the past, and he is a gentleman to work with. The relationship he and Chris enjoyed for 23 years has been fantastic for the sport, and if we can strive to work towards what they achieved, there will be good things to come for both the Hollywood Syndicate and this top conditioner.”
Hollywood Syndicate Racing Manager Anthony Delpech – bullish about the future (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“Our mission at Hollywood has been to buy young horses, with the long-term goal of competing for the National Owners’ title. This acquisition means that we can begin competing now in feature races, and it gives us a giant leap forward in our plans,” added Delpech.
The newly acquired squad will immediately commence racing in the Hollywood Syndicate’s yellow and purple silks, with the Captain Of All filly Wokonda the first runner under the new flag, when she lines up in the 4th race at Turffontein on Saturday.
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- Media release by Hollywood Syndicate on 8 October 2021
