WHIRLYBIRD is a filly by Canford Cliffs out of the dam Samarate (Fastnet Rock). She was bred by Ridgemont Highlands. She has been leased to the Hollywood Syndicate.
Name: WHIRLYBIRD
Sex: Bay Filly
Foaled: 30 September 2020
Sire: Canford Cliffs
Mare: Samarate (Fastnet Rock)
Breeder: Ridgemont
Trainer: Dean Smith
Previous Trainer: Clinton Binda (left 24/01/2026)
Record: 22-2-6
Status: In Training
UPDATES – WHIRLYBIRD
May 8th, 2026
Raced over 1200m at Fairview on the polytrack. Finished 7th out of 9 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She is a better horse on the turf.
April 22nd, 2026
Raced over 1300m at Fairview on the polytrack. Finished 5th out of 12 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She pulled hard throughout the turn. She is better than the run. She may prefer racing without blinkers.
February 27th, 2026
Raced over 1200m at Fairview on the turf. Finished 5th out of 15 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A good first run in PE. She should win soon.
January 24th, 2026
She has relocated to the Eastern Cape and has arrived at Dean Smith Racing Stables.
January 14th, 2026
Raced over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the polytrack. Finished 10th out of 12 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She was a bit disappointing and didn’t finished off her race. She will be moving to PE.
December 23rd, 2025
Raced over 1450m at the Vaal on the Classic track. Finished 7th out of 10 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: I believe the 1450m trip is too far for her. She is better over 1200m.
November 1st, 2025
Raced over 1160m at Turffontein on the Standside track. Finished 3rd out of 15 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A good run. She should win soon.
October 16th, 2025
Raced over 1200m at Turffontein on the Inside track. Finished 2nd out of 7 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She ran on strongly from last to finish second. She wins in another stride, unlucky.
September 18th, 2025
Raced over 1200m at the Vaal track. Finished 5th out of 12 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She was running on strongly at the finish. She will be better when the ground is not as quick.
July 31st, 2025
Raced over 1450m at the Vaal Classic track. Finished 6th out of 9 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She had every chance. She should pick up a win soon. If not she needs to move to a weaker centre.
July 5th, 2025
Raced over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the polytrack. Finished 5th out of 12 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She ran on well. I feel she’s looking for further.
June 3rd, 2025
Raced over 1160m at Turffontein on the Standside track. Finished 5th out of 11 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A good run, she should win soon.
April 17th, 2025
Raced over 1200m at the Vaal. Finished 4th out of 12 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She didn’t finish too far back and should come on further for the run.
February 25th, 2025
Raced over 1000m at the Vaal Classic track. Finished 6th out of 9 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A good second run after a long break. She should go close to winning next time.
January 20th, 2024
Raced over 1160m at Turffontein on the Standside track. Finished 9th out of 10 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: I don’t feel she is up to that class.
December 28th, 2023
Raced over 1450m at the Vaal Classic track. Finished 6th out of 9 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: It was a very competitive race. I don’t think he disgraced himself finishing 3.75 lengths behind.
November 28th, 2023
Raced over 1400m at the Vaal racecourse. Finished 3rd out of 15 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A good 3rd from her after winning a race 5 days earlier.
November 23rd, 2023
482 – WHIRLYBIRD turned it on in the final furlong to fly home for the Hollywood Syndicate at the Vaal in the Lucky Last. She was given a great ride by apprentice Siyanda Sosibo and is trained by Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Clinton Binda. This daughter of Canford Cliffs was bred by Ridgemont, and is now a two-time winner.
Race Replay and Interview.
November 4th, 2023
Raced over 1160m at Turffontein on the Standside track. Finished 11th out of 14 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She missed the start and found himself a long way back. Clint felt the jockey didn’t give him the best of rides. He is better than that performance.
September 16th, 2023
463 – WHIRLYBIRD wins Race 2 over 1200m on the Turffontein Inside course this afternoon. She was ridden to victory by apprentice Siyanda Sosibo and is trained Hollywoodbets-sponsored Clinton Binda. The daughter of Canford Cliffs was bred by Ridgemont.
Race Replay and Interview.
September 6th, 2023
Raced over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the polytrack. Finished 2nd out of 9 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: Good 2nd , I feel the slow pace of the race beat her.
July 6th, 2023
Raced over 1200m at the Vaal track. Finished 3rd out of 13 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: Good run, she looks like she needs further and the turn.
June 18th, 2023
Raced over 1000m on the Turffontein Inside track. Finished 5th out of 9 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: Much improved performance. He should be competitive next time on this run.
March 9th, 2023
Raced over 1000m on the Vaal Classic course. Finished 11th out of 11 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: Needs to improve on her first outing.
October 3rd, 2022
WHIRLYBIRD has been leased to the Hollywood Syndicate by Ridgemont Highlands.