In a sequel to our editorial about assistant trainer Michael Mahiakola’s rise to prominence, it has emerged that the National Horseracing Authority of South Africa have withdrawn his winner’s name following complaints on religious grounds
‘Fortune favours the bold, so kudos to Peter de Beyer for retaining Sylvie, a moderate race filly many breeders would have shunned as a broodmare’
A race steeped in history, previous winners include champion sires Jet Master and Gimmethegreenlight, as well as multiple Equus award winning champions Pocket Power, Do It Again, Jet Dark and Charles Dickens
There was a unique South African connection in the background as the Ralph Beckett-trained Bluestocking charged to victory under Rossa Ryan to win the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday
