SPECIAL AL is a gelding by Rafeef (AUS), out of the Captain Al mare Lady Al. Purchased by Hollywood Racing at the 2024 Cape Racing Sales Breeze Up & Unbroken 2YO Sale, he was bred by Mr G J Armitage.
Name: SPECIAL AL
Name Meaning: Albert was Owen’s father’s name. It works out well with the Dam being Lady Al and the Damsire being Captain Al.
Sex: Bay Gelding
Sire: Rafeef (AUS)
Dam: Lady Al
Damsire: Captain Al
DOB: 17 October 2022
Gelded: 16 January 2026
Breeder: Mr G J Armitage
Pedigree: See Here
Trainer: Mike & Mathew de Kock
Record: 2-0-0
Status: Retired (07/05/2026)
UPDATES – Special Al
May 7th, 2026
He has been retired from racing.
January 16th, 2026
He was gelded this morning.
January 8th, 2026
Raced over 1800m at the Vaal on the Classic track. Finished 8th out of 14 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: I believe the trip was too far for him at this stage.
December 7th, 2025
Raced over 1160m at Turffontein on the Standside track. Finished 8th out of 13 runners.
Anthony Delpech post-race comment: He was very green, and needs further. He will improve with racing being such a big horse.
October 26th, 2024
Hollywood Racing purchased Hold The Crown who is a Rafeef bay colt out of the dam Lady Al (by Captain Al) at the 2024 Cape Racing Sales Breeze-up & Unbroken 2YO Sale (Lot 79). He is bred by Mr G J Armitage.