Two South African racing legends were in the news this week. Betway Ambassador Mike de Kock was inducted into the South African National Hall Of Fame and multiple champion jockey Piere Strydom retired at age 59, having ridden two final winners at the Vaal on Thursday to bring his career tally to an incredible 5620 winners.
Speaking at his induction, held at
HWB Greyville last Sunday, Mike de Kock noted that there were several major turning points in his career, starting with the day in December 1988 when he took over a yard full of horses from Ricky Howard-Ginsberg, who had passed away unexpectedly. “I didn’t want to train, I wanted to go overseas and travel, but Ricky’s patrons almost forced me to stay on and take care of their horses.”
More than 3800 winners and 143 Group/Grade 1 victories later, Mike said he found a new lease on life when his son Mathew returned from Australia to form their training partnership earlier this year.
Strydom suggested that time had finally caught up with him and said: “It’s still a thrill to ride winners and making trainers and owners and fans happy, but I’m not a youngster anymore and it’s getting harder. I don’t enjoy getting up for it and I know I am risking injury.”
Mike and Mathew de Kock have only a handful of runners this weekend. This is the time of year when most horses are given a short break for their required vaccinations, and a time of planning for the season ahead. The stable’s promising colt, Jan Van Goyen, raised his hand with an easy Grade 1 win on Gold Cup Day and is one of their classic prospects for 2025/6, along with the likes of Big Joe and Exocet.
There is a twilight meeting on the Polytrack at HWB Greyville, starting at 3pm on Friday afternoon. The customary Fairview meeting will take place on Monday.
Mat’s notes for Friday are:
Race 2, 1600m: “
Gota Go Eddie has been threatening to win. He found the 1200m just a bit sharp last time. When Sean Veale asked him the question, he took a long time to respond, but he he ran on well so we decided to take him straight into a mile. We think he’ll enjoy it. If he does, he’ll have a nice eachway chance.”
Race 3, 1600m: “
Gimmeanotherchance will run in this race and not on Saturday at Turffontein. He looks extremely well weighted, having taken part in races at higher levels for most of his career. Based on ratings he should be hard to beat. The concern is that he hasn’t won for a very long time, but he is doing well and hopefully he can get the job done for us.”
(Corrupt has been scratched from Race 6).
Turffontein (standside), Saturday:
Race 6, 1800m: “Wecangoallnight is doing well at home, we’re happy with him. But he disappointed last time, he was lacklustre in a race where we expected him to be in the money. If he puts his best foot forward, he is in with a chance, so it will be best to include him in your play.”
HWB Greyville, Sunday:
Race 7, 1600m: “We have two runners in this Listed race.
Forgiveness is coming off a rest, but she’s actually quite well within herself and forward enough in her work to give a good account. She has a chance of finishing somewhere in the money.
White Pearl is in a real good space. She has remained down in Durban since running on July day and she seems to be thriving. We give her a good winning chance.”
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