Already ON THE RUN – Season 2025/2026
As the curtain was closed on the 2024/25 racing season, our team at Janse van Vuuren Racing took a moment to reflect on the standout performances, rising stars, and enduring partnerships that shaped an unforgettable year. From BAKWENA, who kicked off our 2024/25 campaign with a strong win in the season opener at Turffontein, to SAIGON SUZIE, who fittingly closed it out with a classy victory in the final race of July, the season was filled with memorable moments. Add in standout performers like CHASING HAPPINESS, CHYAVANA, and BARBARESCO, and every run became a chapter in our stable’s story of growth.
But there’s no long pause in racing, and fittingly, just days after season-end, we were ON THE RUN again. Literally.
On 2 August 2025, in the very first race of the new Highveld season at Turffontein, ON THE RUN, a bold filly by Trippi out of Almost Captured, broke her maiden in style on just her second career start. Ridden to perfection by Gavin Lerena, and owned by the Wernars Family & T. Gujadhur, she gave the new season a flying start, setting the tone for what we hope will be a season of enjoyable wins.
Performances of our horses between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.
The previous season started brightly on 10 August 2024 when BAKWENA gave us our first victory, sprinting home over 1000 m at Turffontein Standside with KEAGAN DE MELO steering. Just five days later, SAIGON SUZIE won a 1600 m event at Turffontein Inside under KEAGAN again. Little did we know then that she would also close the season ten months later, more on that below.
Through August, September and October, we enjoyed a string of competitive runs. By November, the yard hit full stride.
- CHYAVANA’s Golden Loom under SERINO MOODLEY – On 2 November 2024, the six‑year‑old CHYAVANA produced an explosive late burst to land the Listed Allied Steelrode Golden Loom Handicap at Turffontein.
- CARRY ON ALICE Stakes (Gr3) – Betway Summer Cup day saw CHASING HAPPINESS return from a break and capture the Grade 3 Betway CARRY ON ALICE Stakes under ALDO DOMEYER.
- Other November Wins – We enjoyed multiple wins from horses like COSMIC QUEEN, MONTANA LIGHTS, CHIEFTAIN, HAPPY MO and NETTLETON, pushing our early‑season tally to 22 wins from 125 runs (17.6 % strike rate).
Barbaresco’s Charity Mile run
Our consistent BARBARESCO notched victories in January and September, but his most courageous effort came in the R1 million Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile (Gr2). Carrying 60 kg, he stayed on bravely to finish third, earning R50 000 for the Epworth Children’s Home and delighting his partners. That run, against top handicappers, underlined his heart and promised more to come.
Summer and Autumn 2025 – Middle‑Distance Stars
- On 27 February 2025, KUDZU claimed the MR 84 Handicap over 1600 m at Turffontein.
- CYMRIC ended a drought on 1 March 2025, storming home in the TAB Middle Stakes over 1160 m.
- YAMADORI, our padel‑syndicate gelding, added two wins (in February and May) and has become a crowd favourite.
YAMADORI and the Padel Connection
One of the season’s feel‑good stories came from an unlikely place: the padel court. In a candid post on our website, we explained how a group of friends, many of whom met through regular padel games, decided to buy a racehorse together. They targeted YAMADORI, a son of Lancaster Bomber previously with Justin Snaith. Despite some pre‑sale jitters, we secured YAMADORI, and he rewarded the team immediately. Under a “scintillating ride from young PHILASANDE MXOLI,” YAMADORI delivered a thrilling victory in the “lucky last” at Turffontein. The padel‑playing ownership syndicate – including A Joannides, D C Stonebridge, Mr & Mrs C R Stonebridge, MGAS Bloodstock(J, S, A & T Ferreira, J P Lubbe, J Martino, F Osmanllari, F De Beer & D van Tonder) – were thanked for embracing both padel and racing. Their enthusiasm has been infectious, and the family feel they bring has enriched our yard.
Horses Retired or Rehomed
Racing is a journey; horses come and go, and some begin new chapters beyond the track. Notably, PUERTO MANZANO (ARG), our multiple Graded race winner and 2022 Gr1 Betway Summer Cup hero, retired this past season. Owner Laurence Wernars decided the seven‑year‑old had nothing left to prove; he has been taken over by 4Racing’s Vikki Lerena, who noted that PUERTO MANZANO is “a truly special horse” and will enjoy his retirement at Saddlewood Ranch in Kyalami. Beyond PUERTO MANZANO, a number of other campaigners left the yard for new homes or other trainers, while others were rehomed as show‑jumpers or lead ponies.
Winter Peaks – June and July 2025
- 5 June 2025 – Our stable celebrated a Turffontein double when debutant TOP DIVISION took the Maiden Plate (1000 m) and OBSIDIAN won the MR 84 Handicap (1600 m).
- 23 June 2025 – The R1.2 million filly ALPINE JET dazzled on debut, winning over 1000 m.
- 28 June 2025 – CHIEFTAIN recorded his third career success and 29 June 2025 ENSUING lugged 63 kg to notch his fifth career victory.
- 3 July 2025 – CURTISS CONDOR digs deep to land an 1800 m race at the Vaal
- 10 July 2025 – Two‑year‑old ROMILLY burst onto the scene on, winning the Maiden Juvenile Plate by more than two lengths. Our horses filled the frame throughout the day at Turffontein: MERRYWEATHER (1000 m middle‑stakes), CHYAVANA (Racing Today Middle Stakes) and ENSUING (MR 84 Handicap) all won making it a 4 timer on the day.
- 19 Jul 2025 – OBSIDIAN delivers the goodies again dropping to 1400 m.
- 26 Jul 2025 – a stormy debut by STORMY DAY (ARG) winning the 1160 m race with ease, also CHIEFTAIN scored backtoback winning the 1000 m sprint.
- By month‑end 31 July 2025, BLUSHING BLOOM wins, as well as SAIGON SUZIE – the same filly who recorded our second win back in August – this time returning to capture the Vaal Classic 1450 m race, book‑ending our season in style.
Stable Horse of the Season – CHASING HAPPINESS
With four victories across the season (including the Grade 3 Carry On Alice Stakes and a dominant win in October) and several placings, CHASING HAPPINESS earned our internal accolade of “Horse of the Season.” She capped her campaign with a heroic fourth‑place finish in the Grade 1 South African Fillies Sprint at Scottsville. The race produced a blanket finish, so close that the Handicapping Team adjusted her merit rating from 112 to 115 and noted that the top ten runners were separated by just 2.5 lengths. Her consistent performances, versatility between 1000 m and 1200 m, and fighting spirit embody everything we strive for.
Final Numbers & Congratulations
When the National Trainers’ Championship log closed on 31 July 2025, from a numbers perspective, we closed the 2024/25 season with 314 runners and celebrated 50 winners, giving us a proud 15.9% win strike rate. Across all placings, our horses hit the board 160 times, landing in the top five more than half the time with a 51% place rate. In total, we earned R6,164,319 in stakes, including R3,865,313 from wins alone.
These aren’t just statistics, they’re a reflection of every early morning, every gallop, and every hand that helped get our horses to the start. From our team to our owners, we share these results with deep gratitude. While we didn’t quite match last season’s tally of 68 wins, facing a few unforeseen setbacks, including a tough run of stable virus, we’re proud that the quality and variety of our successes, from listed sprints to standout juvenile debuts, reflect real growth and resilience throughout the yard.
We also pause to celebrate our colleagues. GAVIN LERENA ended the season as national champion jockey with 277 wins at a 24.80 % strike rate. On the trainers’ side, there was a historic dead‑heat: JUSTIN SNAITH and ALAN GREEF each saddled 170 winners nationwide. We salute them for their consistency and sportsmanship.
Gratitude
We owe this season’s achievements to our exceptional team. Owners such as the WERNARS family, RIKESH SEWGOOLAM, the STONEBRIDGE family, the EVERED‑HALL family, HARRY WILLSON, the Padel Syndicate and many newly joined owners who continue to invest in our horses.
A special thank you to all the Jockeys who delivered polished rides. The team behind the scenes, assistant trainers, grooms, farriers, work‑riders and breeders who ensured our horses were prepared to perform.
Another special mention goes to PIERE “Striker” STRYDOM. The multiple‑time champion jockey guided several of our horses to memorable wins this past season and added his trademark calmness to each ride. With over 5600 career victories, Striker’s retirement marks the end of an era for South African racing. We thank him for his partnership and wish him a happy and fulfilling next chapter.
From stable favourites like CHASING HAPPINESS to rising stars like SPIRITRIX, ROMILLY, TOP DIVISION, and ALPINE JET, to name a few, every horse contributed to our story. Though some have moved on or retired, each will always be part of the JANSE VAN VUUREN RACING legacy. Here’s to an even more exciting 2025/2026 season – see you at the races!
| Date | Winner | Race details |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Jul 2025 | SAIGON SUZIE | Racebook shows SAIGON SUZIE winning the Vaal Classic 1450 m race on 31 Jul 2025; ridden by Chase Maujean. |
| 31 Jul 2025 | BLUSHING BLOOM | BLUSHING BLOOM captured the 1200 m contest at Vaal Classic on 31 Jul 2025 under Gavin Lerena. |
| 26 Jul 2025 | CHIEFTAIN | CHIEFTAIN took the Turffontein Standside 1000 m sprint on 26 Jul 2025 with Gavin Lerena up. |
| 26 Jul 2025 | STORMY DAY (ARG) | STORMY DAY (ARG) won the 1160 m race at Turffontein Standside on 26 Jul 2025, ridden by Gavin Lerena. |
| 19 Jul 2025 | OBSIDIAN | OBSIDIAN scored over 1400 m at Turffontein Standside on 19 Jul 2025 with Gavin Lerena in the saddle. |
| 10 Jul 2025 | ROMILLY | Additional win: ROMILLY made a winning debut in the #Youcanbetonus! Maiden Juvenile Plate (1200 m) at Turffontein Inside on 10 Jul 2025, ridden by Gavin Lerena. |
| 10 Jul 2025 | MERRYWEATHER | Additional win: MERRYWEATHER won a 1000 m middle‑stakes race at Turffontein on 12 Jul 2025, ridden by Gavin Lerena. |
| 10 Jul 2025 | CHYAVANA | Additional win: CHYAVANA captured the Racing Today Middle Stakes (1200 m) at Turffontein on 12 Jul 2025 under Calvin Habib. |
| 10 Jul 2025 | ENSUING | Additional win: ENSUING claimed the MR 84 handicap over 1200 m at Turffontein on 12 Jul 2025 with Gavin Lerena aboard. |
| 3 Jul 2025 | CURTISS CONDOR | CURTISS CONDOR landed an 1800 m race at the Vaal on 3 Jul 2025; Gavin Lerena was the jockey. |
| 28 Jun 2025 | ENSUING | ENSUING won the 1160 m race at Turffontein Standside on 28 Jun 2025; Gavin Lerena rode him. |
| 28 Jun 2025 | CHIEFTAIN | CHIEFTAIN registered another victory over 1000 m at Turffontein Standside on 28 Jun 2025, again ridden by Gavin Lerena. |
| 23 Jun 2025 | ALPINE JET | ALPINE JET won her 1000 m debut at Turffontein Standside on 23 Jun 2025 with Gavin Lerena steering. |
| 5 Jun 2025 | OBSIDIAN | OBSIDIAN landed the 1600 m Turffontein Inside event on 5 Jun 2025; S’Manga Khumalo was aboard. |
| 5 Jun 2025 | TOP DIVISION | TOP DIVISION captured his 1000 m debut at Turffontein Inside on 5 Jun 2025 under Gavin Lerena. |
| 17 May 2025 | PRETTY PERSUASIVE | PRETTY PERSUASIVE won a 1400 m event at Turffontein Standside on 17 May 2025 with Gavin Lerena up. |
| 11 May 2025 | COSMIC QUEEN | COSMIC QUEEN captured a 1000 m sprint at Turffontein Standside on 11 May 2025, ridden by Gavin Lerena. |
| 11 May 2025 | MOUNT PINATUBO | MOUNT PINATUBO secured a 1000 m victory at Turffontein Standside on 11 May 2025, also under Gavin Lerena. |
| 1 May 2025 | YAMADORI | YAMADORI won the 1160 m race at Turffontein Standside on 1 May 2025, piloted by S’Manga Khumalo. |
| 26 Apr 2025 | CHASING HAPPINESS | CHASING HAPPINESS took the 1160 m event at Turffontein Standside on 26 Apr 2025; S’Manga Khumalo rode her. |
| 19 Apr 2025 | SPIRITRIX | SPIRITRIX sped home over 1000 m at Turffontein Standside on 19 Apr 2025 with S’Manga Khumalo aboard. |
| 22 Mar 2025 | OBSIDIAN | OBSIDIAN recorded another win (1400 m) at Turffontein Standside on 22 Mar 2025 under Gavin Lerena. |
| 22 Mar 2025 | HEMISPHERE | HEMISPHERE took a 1000 m sprint at Turffontein Standside on 22 Mar 2025 ridden by Gavin Lerena. |
| 13 Mar 2025 | HEAVYLIESTHECROWN | HEAVYLIESTHECROWN prevailed over 1200 m at Turffontein Inside on 13 Mar 2025, ridden by S’Manga Khumalo. |
| 1 Mar 2025 | CYMRIC | CYMRIC landed the 1160 m race at Turffontein Standside on 1 Mar 2025 with Aldo Domeyer up. |
| 27 Feb 2025 | KUDZU | KUDZU captured the 1600 m event at Turffontein Inside on 27 Feb 2025, ridden by Muzi Yeni. |
| 15 Feb 2025 | YAMADORI | YAMADORI won again over 1000 m at Turffontein Standside on 15 Feb 2025 thanks to a daring ride by Philasande Mxoli. |
| 11 Jan 2025 | BARBARESCO | BARBARESCO scored over 1160 m at Turffontein Standside on 11 Jan 2025 with Gavin Lerena aboard. |
| 30 Nov 2024 | CHASING HAPPINESS | CHASING HAPPINESS won another 1160 m race at Turffontein Standside on 30 Nov 2024 under Aldo Domeyer. |
| 28 Nov 2024 | NETTLETON | NETTLETON sprinted to a 1000 m victory at the Vaal on 28 Nov 2024, ridden by Pierre Strydom. |
| 23 Nov 2024 | HAPPY MO | HAPPY MO captured the 1600 m Turffontein Standside race on 23 Nov 2024; Rachel Venniker was in the irons. |
| 15 Nov 2024 | CHIEFTAIN | CHIEFTAIN claimed the 1000 m event at Turffontein Standside on 15 Nov 2024 with Craig Zackey up. |
| 14 Nov 2024 | MONTANA LIGHTS | MONTANA LIGHTS scored in a 1200 m race at Turffontein Inside on 14 Nov 2024, ridden by Craig Zackey. |
| 10 Nov 2024 | COSMIC QUEEN | COSMIC QUEEN recorded another 1000 m win at Turffontein Standside on 10 Nov 2024 with Gavin Lerena riding. |
| 2 Nov 2024 | CHYAVANA | CHYAVANA impressed in a 1000 m dash at Turffontein Standside on 2 Nov 2024 under Serino Moodley. |
| 24 Oct 2024 | HAPPY MO | HAPPY MO scored another win (1500 m) at the Vaal on 24 Oct 2024; Gavin Lerena rode him. |
| 22 Oct 2024 | NETTLETON | NETTLETON again sprinted home over 1000 m at Turffontein Inside on 22 Oct 2024 with Pierre Strydom up. |
| 19 Oct 2024 | CHESTNUT BOMBER | CHESTNUT BOMBER captured a 1600 m race at Turffontein Inside on 19 Oct 2024; Gavin Lerena was the jockey. |
| 17 Oct 2024 | SO SEDUCTIVE | SO SEDUCTIVE won over 1100 m at the Vaal on 17 Oct 2024 with Pierre Strydom aboard. |
| 5 Oct 2024 | KARANGETANG | KARANGETANG took the 1000 m contest at Turffontein Inside on 5 Oct 2024 ridden by Rachel Venniker. |
| 21 Sep 2024 | BARBARESCO | BARBARESCO won the 1600 m race at Turffontein Inside on 21 Sep 2024 with Pierre Strydom up. |
| 21 Sep 2024 | NETTLETON | NETTLETON scored again (1200 m) at Turffontein Inside on 21 Sep 2024 ridden by Pierre Strydom. |
| 21 Sep 2024 | CHASING HAPPINESS | CHASING HAPPINESS collected another 1200 m win at Turffontein Inside on 21 Sep 2024 under Pierre Strydom. |
| 7 Sep 2024 | SO SEDUCTIVE | SO SEDUCTIVE prevailed again (1200 m) at Turffontein Inside on 7 Sep 2024, ridden by S’Manga Khumalo. |
| 7 Sep 2024 | SALENIO PENINSULA | SALENIO PENINSULA won the 1200 m event at Turffontein Inside on 7 Sep 2024; S’Manga Khumalo rode him. |
| 7 Sep 2024 | MOUNT PINATUBO | MOUNT PINATUBO won the 1200 m race at Turffontein Inside on 7 Sep 2024 with Kabelo Matsunyane aboard. |
| 24 Aug 2024 | CHASING HAPPINESS | CHASING HAPPINESS captured another 1200 m race at Turffontein Inside on 24 Aug 2024 ridden by S’Manga Khumalo. |
| 24 Aug 2024 | FAR REACHING | FAR REACHING won over 1600 m at Turffontein Inside on 24 Aug 2024 with S’Manga Khumalo up. |
| 15 Aug 2024 | SAIGON SUZIE | SAIGON SUZIE won a 1600 m event at Turffontein Inside on 15 Aug 2024 ridden by Keagan de Melo. |
| 10 Aug 2024 | BAKWENA | BAKWENA prevailed over 1000 m at Turffontein Standside on 10 Aug 2024, ridden by Keagan de Melo. |