Today is the birthday for every racehorse in South Africa.  Regardless  of what actual day they were born, after 1 August, they turn another day older today.  In other words for racing purposes if they are 4 years old and were born on 15 October, they still turn 5 today!

That ages a few of my horses – Do you Remember (who is in the UK and leaving for Australia later this month) and Master Sabina turn 5 today.  Many horses retire at that age although some can run a few years more.  Jet Jamboree who has won his last 2 races will turn 7 although he has only raced 19 times over the last 4 years.  I am hoping for him to win the biggest race on sand in South Africa, the Emerald Cup, at the end of September.  Do you Remember is my highest rated horse on the jockey club merit ratings at 105, Master Sabina and Jet Jamboree are at 104 although Jet Jamboree is rated a 109 on sand.  Horses can have different ratings for sand and grass and Jet Jamboree is clearly far better on sand.

I have had three horses who have won 6 races each – and Master Sabina and Jet Jamboree are still running so whoever of them next wins, if indeed they do, will be the horse that has had the most wins for me although that does not mean of course they have won the most money.  Sabina Park won big races for me and over R1 million in stakes in 2003/4.