Trainer DC Pretorius

As the season closes some stats stand out.

This trainer has raced two horses this season
Bridge of spies  and Hephestus

Hephestus ran 2 twice both times 99 plus lengths behind 6 runs 5 99 lengths back and one distance behind
Bride of spies 7 runs 1 fair unplaced run The horse is turning 9 soon.

Outside of the trainer having a passion, surely NHRA has a role to protect wellbeing of horses and Punters.



 

I want to add onto the original post for a year back. 

According to Gallop he has raced 107 times since 8th October 2020. Nearly 5 years.
He has raced 13 different horses over this time. 
The closest to a win he got was Bridge of Spies back in December 2022.
He has seen an incredible 10 of the 107 runners finished Distance behind.
Another 11 finished between 30 and 40 lengths behind the winner.
Another 11 finished between 20 and 30 lengths behind the winner.
so about a third of his runners never even got close.
What was sad today was watching Bridge of Spies call it a day 600 meters from home and from the head did not look to be having any fun as a 9 year old.

Below is the Stipes extract for last three runners to be brought to track.

Apprentice G Dookhit (BRIDGE OF SPIES) did not persevere with his riding from the 500m. Thereafter, Apprentice G Dookhit reported that this gelding did not stride out freely in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine.
HEPHAESTUS (J Greyling) was slow losing three lengths. Trainer D C Pretorious was advised to reschool this gelding prior to his next engagement (GT).
BRIDGE OF SPIES lame right front. Veterinary report required prior to racing. Rule 49.7 applies. BRIDGE OF SPIES is required to perform a gallop to the satisfaction of the NHA veterinary department prior to his next engagement. Trainer D C Pretorius advised (MB)
Jockey V Jodhee reported that BRIDGE OF SPIES did not stride out freely in running. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding. 

I am happy he likes racing horses as a hobbie, but where is the NHRA oversight of this operation?
What is happenign when the cameras are off and away from the track.
Sa racing does not need this type of publicity.

And on that I would mention the SPCA has started a campaign called ‘Rein in the Pain’ CampaignNSPCA Launches ‘Rein in the Pain’ Campaign to Tackle Cruelty in South African Horse Racing Posted on 5 July 2025https://nspca.co.za/nspca-launches-rein-in-the-pain/

Can we blame them when NHRA are asleep at the steering wheel.
 

In view of the Veterinary Surgeon’s report concerning BRIDGE OF SPIES, and in terms of Rule 93.1, this
gelding is suspended from racing in any race under the jurisdiction of the National Horseracing Authority.
Trainer D C Pretorius advised (MB

Sanity has prevailed! 

They need to track where this horse ends up , hopefully to a decent home.

 

Sylvester, the Stipes are busy with 100% surveillance outside the Peter yard and cannot attend to the fire at the mo.....

Sad situation 😢