The connection that started with Bartie Leisher still holds strong today. RacingB*tch takes a look at the South Africans that have helped shape Hong Kong racing
“These kids realise the high level of competition in Hong Kong. They are diligent, dedicated and focussed. And they realise that to compete at that level, you’ve got to give it everything. They also know things will get tougher, that they’ll have to up their game to match their claim reductions.”
Kei is looking forward to tapping into the experience of former top jockey Felix Coetzee, who will play a role in mentoring the riders at the Hong Kong Apprentice Jockeys’ School this season.
He had lots of stories to tell and he was always particularly proud of his boys. It’s a sad day for me today. He was a good man.
“What Felix did in his time here was to add value and give us direction. Riding Masters Laurence O’Donoghue and Steven Jupp are holding the reins together and doing a fine job.”
SA jockeys’ success in Hong Kong – “probably only the first few chapters of a very successful and colourful ongoing novel”
With eight Gold Cup winners to his name, Felix Coetzee holds the title of our best ever rider in this premier staying event.
“I can’t emphasise enough that the course of my entire career was decided on that visit,” Felix explained
SA Jockey Academy appoint champion jockey in consultancy capacity after market speculation proves spot on
Jockeys have been in the news lately and an international racing blog makes some interesting suggestions to utilise the skills of one of our recently retired legends of the saddle to do some much needed mentoring
He was a genius in the saddle who rode winners all over the globe and carried the South African brand with pride and glory. His shock retirement has shaken the industry but the legend lives on…
‘I called the owner and before I could even make the offer he excitedly told me that a certain South African bookmaker had just called 10 minutes earlier to make an offer of R5m’
