PURPLE PANTHER is a gelding by Coup De Grace (USA) our of the Celtic Swing (GB) mare Sweet Aria (IRE). He was bred by Ridgemont Highlands.

Name: PURPLE PANTHER
Named By: Hollywoodbets Boksburg Branch
Sex: Bay Gelding
Foaled: 03/11/2016
Sire: Coup De Grace (USA)
Mare: Sweet Aria (IRE)
Damsire: Celtic Swing (GB)
Breeder: Ridgemont Highlands
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Purchased: National Yearling Sale, 2019
Pedigree: View here
Record: 12-2-6
Status: Retired

He is out of the black-type winning mare Sweet Aria, who earned the following record during her racing career: 3 wins, R281,525, at 2 to 5, 1000 – 1400m, placed 13 times, including a 2nd Laisserfaire Stakes, L, Kwazulu-Natal Stakes, L, 3rd Olympic Duel Stakes.

UPDATES – Purple Panther

December 7th, 2021
A decision has been made to retire Purple Panther. Unfortunately he has pulled a tendon again, and can no longer race.

November 21st, 2021
Raced over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the turf. Anthony Delpech post-race comment: He ran on and it looks like he will prefer a longer run-in.

October 7th, 2021
He won the sixth race on the Vaal Classic course this afternoon. He was settled at the rear of the field and the manner in which he ran on to win was impressive. He has notched up his second career victory and there is definitely more to come. He is trained by Hollywoodbets-sponsored Clinton Binda and was ridden by Gavin Lerena. Well done to the breeders Ridgemont Highlands. 

January 7th, 2020
Purple Panther returns to handicap conditions when he lines up in the 5th race at Turffontein on Sunday 10 January. See more here.

December 10th, 2020
Great Having the Gauteng Hollywoodbet Team on course for Purple Panther’s run in Race 5 at the Vaal today. Trainer Clinton Binda and jockey Piere Strydom did a fantastic job providing the team a bit of industry insight.

December 5th, 2020
It was a smart effort to finish in 2nd place, on handicap debut today. He quickened extremely well to finish right behind Bold Jazz and may have just about won, given a better ride on the day. See the replay here.

October 30th, 2020
See more below about  what we are expecting from this progressive looking son of Coup De Grace, when he steps into Listed company in the 7th race at Hollywoodbets Greyville this Sunday 1 November 2020.

Sunday 1 November 2020
Hollywoodbets Greyville  

Race 7 – 15:45
1600m – Model Man Mile (Listed)

4 – Purple Panther
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 4 (9 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 7/1

He was an impressive winner a week ago, when finishing strongly over the top to get the upper hand over his rivals and he has taken the run very well. Making the trip down to KZN for this Listed event, he lands a plum draw here and retains the services of Calvin Habib. The plan is to transport him to KZN the day before this race and if all goes well he is progressive enough to make a good impression against this field of up and coming 3-year olds.

Winning Form Comment: Best MR:87. Finished well to shed maiden. Looks progressive and may be up to the task at hand.

October 26th, 2020
After his maiden win at Turffontein on Saturday, Purple Panther was full of beans this afternoon and it is clear he has taken his run very well. A son of freshman sire Coup De Grace, he looks to have plenty of progression in him.

October 24th, 2020
Purple Panther wins the opener at Turffontein under a commanding ride by Calvin Habib. Well done to the Clinton Binda stable and breeder Ridgemont Highlands. After finishing runner up in his first three starts, its great to see him get the job done today.

October 1st, 2020
Purple Panther returns for the second time this week, when he steps up to the mile in the 2nd race at Turffontein on Saturday 3rd October 2020. After finishing runner up in his two starts to date, he should be a very big contender. See more here.

Saturday 3rd October 2020
Turffontein Inside

Race 2 – 12:40
1600m – All To Come Maiden Plate

9 – Purple Panther
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Wgt: 58.0kg
Draw: 2 (10 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 16/10

With two solid efforts under his belt he shouldn’t be a maiden for much longer. He lands a very handy draw now for this step up in trip and on his last outing he should enjoy the mile. If he does see out the trip he should just about win this.

Winning Form Comment: Runner-up in both starts. Will enjoy the rise to the mile and can show.

 

September 28th, 2020
After that solid debut a few weeks back where the form line has worked out fairly well, this son of Coup De Grace now steps out for his follow up attempt this Tuesday 29th September. See more here.

Tuesday 29th September 2020
Vaal Classic

Race 1 – 12:40
1200m – Welcome To The Vaal Maiden Plate (3 Year Olds)

7 – Purple Panther
Trainer: Clinton Binda
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Wgt: 60.0kg
Draw: 8 (11 Runners)
Predicted Betting: 5/2

After that surprising debut when finishing second ahead of a subsequent winner, he now lines up for his follow up attempt at leaving the maidens. Despite the wide draw, the stable feel that he has come on nicely from that run and should have the credentials to be one of the leading contenders here. He should have a solid each way chance.

Winning Form Comment: Smart debut effort. 3rd horse in that race (Al Qaqaa) has won since.