One of the great characters of South African racing, Hekkie Strydom, has handed in his trainers licence.
This comes just days after Dennis Drier, another legend of the game, called it quits.
Henk Steenkamp writes that Strydom has been involved with racing for many years as a jockey (qualified in 1964), trainer and owner in the Eastern Cape.
He has been struggling with his health lately and decided it is time to take a bit of a rest.
His sons, Piere and Jacques, are still involved in racing. The legendary Piere is nearing retirement as a jockey and Jacques is a trainer at Fairview in Gqeberha.
Jacques’s son, Kyle, is an apprentice jockey, at the moment recovering from a broken wrist.
It is no wonder Hekkie rates himself as a great stallion!
Fairview will be quiet with Hekkie not there to liven up the place with his quirks and quips.
Enjoy your retirement Hekkie!
Fairview racing starts at 12h35 on Friday.
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