South African Racing Stars Set for Breeders’ Cup Glory

For the first time in many years, South African racing heroes will be in action at the Breeders’ Cup meeting on Saturday, 2 November, held this year at Del Mar. Isivunguvungu and Beach Bomb will be our flag bearers, akin to the Springboks, Proteas, or Bafana Bafana.

At 21:40, Isivunguvungu will run in the Gr 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint under Manuel Franco. Now trained by Graham Motion, his arrival in the USA ushered in a memorable win at Colonial Downs, making this opportunity to race at the “Olympics of Horseracing” a reality. A two-time Gr 1 winner in South Africa, he captured the Computaform Sprint at Turffontein and then won the Mercury Sprint at Hollywoodbets Greyville, becoming the Equus Champion Sprinter of the season. He truly represents a triumph for the Hollywood Syndicate, who are regular visitors to the Breeders’ Cup. The dream of walking into the parade ring as connections is being realized. It will be a special moment and a justification for why the operation has been so active at the sales. Completing this full-circle moment, former trainer Peter Muscutt will also be present at Del Mar.

Beach Bomb will race at 00:25 in the Gr 1 Breeders’ Cup Fillies and Mares Turf over 2200 meters. A dual Gr 1 winner trained by Graham Motion, she will have the services of Antonio Fresu. The popular Italian rider made a name for himself in Dubai before moving to California around 18 months ago, and he has not looked back since. Beach Bomb won the WSB Cape Fillies Guineas in 2023 before famously lowering the colors of Princess Calla in the Cartier Paddock Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth at the start of this year. She is owned by Drakenstein Stud of Gaynor Rupert, and the impact of her earning some American black type will do wonders for the breed in South Africa. Her former trainer, Candice Bass-Robinson, will also be present to cheer for her beloved daughter of Lancaster Bomber.

We all live in hope that these horses will do South Africa proud. Like Ipi Tombe and Victory Moon in Dubai in 2003, they are the same door openers to the USA from South Africa, which would be beneficial to the entire industry. Here’s wishing Isivunguvungu and Beach Bomb all the best. May our latest international stars do themselves proud.