Good Morning, Travellers and Punters!
As we head back to Pretoria, our latest road trip has come to a close—and what a journey it’s been! Sharing this experience with friends who know the ins and outs of travel made every stop even more memorable.
Highlights from the Road
Our last trip to the West Coast left us with unforgettable memories of Paternoster, but Brenton on Lake has taken the crown this time. Reuniting with old friends along the way made it even more special. Travelling by road allows you to see South Africa in all its stunning diversity, from seasides and mountain views to cities and quaint little towns.
There have been many changes since we last visited, including name changes in some areas, which made navigation an interesting challenge! The difference between the well-maintained West and the Eastern Cape’s disrepair was stark. Seeing cities like Port Elizabeth in their current state was saddening, with issues like road damage, litter, and poverty apparent.
Our route took us from Queenstown (with its new Italian-inspired name!) through breathtaking mountains to Rhodes, where we encountered a snow blizzard—highly recommended for the views. We then reached Clarens, a charming town full of memories and well worth visiting.
On the Racing Front
We were saddened by the recent passing of Shaheen Shaw, a beloved character in the racing world who will be deeply missed. Today, racing continues in Port Elizabeth, and there’s a carry-over Pick 6 to enjoy. Cruise Control stands out as a solid banker, with Luna Halo and Gimmes Lassie also showing promise.
On Saturday at Turffontein, keep an eye on Lucky Lad and VJ’s Angel 😇 as a banker. In Durbanville, we’re backing Bjorn Ironside and Zeits as bankers.
Overseas, we’re shifting focus back to jumps as the flat season wraps up and Cheltenham Festival preparations begin. Meanwhile, the Breeders’ Cup is nearly here, with exciting runners like City of Troy and our own Isivunguvungu on the radar.
To cap off this trip, here’s a classic tune to set the mood, I Shall Be Released by The Band, written by Bob Dylan. It perfectly captures the essence of travel, taking us from West to East and back home again.🎶
Good punting, all! 👍
Sent from my Galaxy
