Prøve GULL - Gratis

Fortress Of Fire burns bright

The Mercury

|

January 05, 2026

GARTH PULLER, peerless in the saddle as a rider and a horseman of note.

- ANDREW HARRISON

Fortress Of Fire burns bright

The Michael Roberts-trained FORTRESS OF FIRE, with Rachel Venniker up, wins the Bet with Colossus Exclusive on www.tote.co.za CLASS 4 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday night. Picture: Race Coast/Candiese Lenferna

(Race Coast/Candiese Lenferna)

With three of the seven runners in the Progress Plate that headed the card at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Friday evening, one was never sure which was the 'right' one, all on a different agendas.Venniker

Best proved to be Cardinal Chief as Rachel Venniker booted home her third winner of the evening, the third of four, and three for Michael Roberts. It was all to play for at the top of the straight as The Marquee led the way but Cardinal Chief gradually reeled him in, going on the win comfortably.

Fortress Of Fire lost his way after showing potential in a smart debut win. He was nowhere in a couple of juvenile features that left Michael Roberts puzzling.

Six months down the line and the son of Fire Away is finally for filling that early promise as he crushed a Class 4 against some useful opposition in the first leg of the Pick 6.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA The Mercury

The Mercury

Bangladesh-Pakistan flights to resume

DHAKA: Bangladesh and Pakistan are to resume direct flights after more than a decade, Dhaka's national airline said yesterday, as ties warm and regional power balances shift.

time to read

1 min

January 09, 2026

The Mercury

Turkiye will help Syria against fighters

Turkiye's military was ready to \"support\" Syria in its battle with Kurdish fighters in the northwestern city of Aleppo if Damascus asks for help, a defence ministry official said yesterday.

time to read

1 min

January 09, 2026

The Mercury

Why new signing Mason Mushore is the key to AmaZulu's midfield balance

AMAZULU head coach Arthur Zwane has opened up on the reasoning behind the club’s decision to sign Zimbabwean midfielder Mason Mushore, describing the move as both a necessary response to recent challenges and part of a wider plan to strengthen the squad.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

The Mercury

The Mercury

Champions Cup audition for Stormers fringe players against Harlequins

WHILE the Stormers toured without their usual star-studded cast for their third Champions Cup pool clash in London, the Twickenham Stoop provides the perfect stage to highlight the depth that underpins their current success.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

The Mercury

UN chief ready to support dialogue

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres this week expressed the availability of his offices to support a possible inclusive national dialogue in Venezuela, his spokesperson said.

time to read

1 min

January 09, 2026

The Mercury

Cape Town sounds alarm as dam levels plummet after heatwave

CAPE Town authorities have issued an urgent appeal for residents, businesses and visitors to cut back on water use after dam levels dropped significantly following a surge in consumption during recent hot weather.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

The Mercury

Sesko spark masks Man Utd disappointment for Fletcher

MANCHESTER United caretaker boss Darren Fletcher hopes Benjamin Sesko's double in a 2-2 draw at Burnley proves to be the launching pad for the Slovenian striker after a tough start to life at Old Trafford.Sesko had scored just twice in 17 appearances since his £74 million move from RB Leipzig prior to Wednesday's trip to Turf Moor.

time to read

1 mins

January 09, 2026

The Mercury

Squeezing the life out of the opposition is what the Lions’ Qoma is all about

WHILE the Lions’ results remain inconsistent, their performances are on an upward trajectory, and flanker Siba Qoma reckons they are not far off a \"purple patch\".

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

The Mercury

‘A Happy New Year’? Only if we seize the controls from the captains of chaos

WHAT we term as a “year” is merely a virtual “time capsule” in which we are mostly passengers.

time to read

1 mins

January 09, 2026

The Mercury

An epic offshore season awaits – 2026 is firing on all cylinders!

Buckle up, because 2026 is rolling in hot with an offshore season that’s already showing serious promise.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size