IONA CASTLE is a filly by Danon Platina (JPN), out of the Querari (GER) mare Joking. Purchased by Hollywood Racing privately, she was bred by Ridgemont.
Name: IONA CASTLE
Named By: Ridgemont
Sex: Grey Filly
Sire: Danon Platina (JPN)
Dam: Joking
Damsire: Querari (GER)
DOB: 04 October 2022
Breeder: Ridgemont
Trainer: Dean Smith
Previous Trainer: James Crawford (left 04/05/2026)
Record: 8-1-6
UPDATES – Iona Castle
May 4th, 2026
She will be moving to Dean Smith in the Eastern Cape this week.
April 27th, 2026
Raced over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Finished 11th out of 12 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A very poor first run out the maidens. If she doesn’t improve next time she will move to PE.
April 1st, 2026
816 – IONA CASTLE sheds her maiden tag over 1000m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth this afternoon. The daughter of Danon Platina was given a confident ride by Hollywood Racing-retained Jockey Sean Veale. She is trained by Hollywoodbets-sponsored James Crawford and was bred by Ridgemont. Race Replay / Interview.
February 14th, 2026
Raced over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Finished 3rd out of 11 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: Sean got her into a great position from his poor draw. She ran a good third and is holding her form well.
January 17th, 2026
Raced over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Finished 2nd out of 13 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A good run from her poor draw. Sean Veale had to make a lot of use of her from the poor draw. She will win next time from a good draw.
December 17th, 2025
Raced over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Finished 2nd out of 10 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She missed the start slightly and found herself out of her ground. She finished her race of well to finish second. I feel she needs further.
November 26th, 2025
Raced over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Finished 3rd out of 11 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: She was slightly slow away and was then a bit further back in the race than ideal. She ran on well and is looking for further.
November 2nd, 2025
Raced over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. Finished 3rd out of 14 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A good run, narrowly beaten. She should win soon.
October 18th, 2025
Raced over 1250m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. Finished 4th out of 12 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: A good debut. She should be hard to beat next time.
May 7th, 2024
Hollywood Racing purchased Iona Castle who is a Danon Platina bay filly out of the dam Joking (by Querari) privately. She is bred by Ridgemont.