A fractured bone in his thumb has Cape star and Drakenstein Stud-sponsored Aldo Domeyer enjoying his ‘dad-bod’ perhaps a little more than he should, as he takes a break from racing.
The incident occurred during an unfortunate training accident a few weeks ago.
Man and horse – Aldo is the complete professional (Pic- Chase Liebenberg)
“My weight has escalated a bit, so I’ll have to get into a serious routine to get back into shape. But I am enjoying the dad-bod – it’s something I’m not used to. But I am very comfortable in it!” Aldo told the Sporting Post with a chuckle.
“It’s easy to maintain the dad-bod when my favourite foods include all the foods I shouldn’t be eating!
“I just have to be patient. I was trying to make a racemeeting last week but unfortunately the doctor said I just have to wait it out a bit longer.
“It’s been a bit difficult watching the babies run without me, but I obviously will continue to support them. I just have to be patient with this journey and actually do what’s right. I’m hoping that in a few weeks’ time I’ll be able to start getting back in shape.”
With the injury keeping Aldo out for a few more weeks, he won’t be back in time to make the Vodacom Durban July. He is an eternal optimist and says the support he has received has been encouraging.
Looking back at his career, Drakenstein Stud-sponsored Aldo agrees that it was only a matter of time before he followed Dad Andrew Fortune into the sport of racing.
After joining the Jockey Academy in 2007, Aldo rode his first winner for Tyron Norton that same year. He then went on to win the KZN Apprentice Championship in his 1st two seasons of racing.
A quick year later he was riding under the guidance of Andrew Fortune, Charles Laird and Anton Marcus.
“It was a tough introduction to the industry but I wouldn’t change the experience for the world.” he tells us.
Aldo Domeyer – anxious to get back after an injury (Pic- Chase Liebenberg)
“My favourite thing about racing is attaining success with a horse you’ve bonded with – it’s rewarding beyond measure. Of course, winning is always sweet but nothing beats that bond,” he says whilst reminiscing about a few of his favourite horses over the years – namely Clouds Unfold, Silver Mountain, Rushing Wind and Free My Heart.
“Every race is special but when you get to the Gr1 and international level, things escalate and there is just a different feeling. Those are the kind of wins that only come around once in a lifetime.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to win quite a few big races. I think a turning point in my career was Martial Eagle winning the J&B Met in 2013. I always got good opportunities and support from the start of my career, but I think that win was the turning point and to elevate my career to a new level!” he enthuses.
“Things have been going pretty well since then and I started associating with some decent horses. Not long after the Met win I joined the Mike and Candice Bass-Robinson racing team.
“Clouds Unfold, who has recently retired, was the darling of the yard and I had a nice relationship with her. I think we won 5 Group races together. She’s beaten the boys and beaten the girls. Every time she was asked to step up to the plate, she did!”
Aldo Domeyer and Clouds Unfold (Pic- Chase Liebenberg)
Whilst being out with an injury, Aldo took the time to decide what he would’ve done with his career if not becoming a jockey.
“My sights would’ve been set on cricket. Watching the likes AB De Villiers, who is a star amongst stars, and Dale Steyn on the cricket field really made me fall in love with the sport.
“And well, if I couldn’t have played cricket, I would’ve been a singer. I like to think I could’ve been the next Freddy Mercury!”
With the latest restrictions placed on social gatherings, Aldo says he can’t wait for the day when the fans are allowed back at racing.
“The fans create that buzz at the races. It helps us elevate our game and you find yourself racing for them. I can’t wait for the day when the fans are allowed back, looking out and seeing those old familiar faces always there supporting us, come rain or come sunshine!
“I’m really glad the old faithful Joe Public are still supporting racing despite the fact that it’s all behind closed doors,” Aldo adds with a smile.
The Vodacom Durban July is right around the corner and Aldo’s top picks are Rainbow Bridge, Got The Greenlight, Rascallion and Linebacker – in no particular order.
