Horse Chestnut, his security detail and a paint truck

This Saturday, the thundering hooves of champions will once again grace the hallowed grounds of Turffontein, as the G1 HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes over 1600m takes centre stage on Classic Day. Named in honour of the legendary Horse Chestnut, whose brilliance illuminated South African racing between 1998 and 2000, this race is a testament to his enduring legacy.

Fondly remembered as one of South Africa’s greatest racehorses, Horse Chestnut left an indelible mark on the sport with his remarkable performances. His story is peppered with moments that exemplify his greatness, and a number of incidents that almost saw him miss crucial races.

Read about it in Charl Pretorius’ Off The Record.