Former dual Northern Cape Champion and now Milnerton-based trainer Corrie Lensley has been touted as an unofficial nominee in racing circles for a bravery medal as a man who clearly fears little.
The longstanding Kimberlite packed up part of his yard and headed South in January to open shop in the very competitive Cape racing arena.
He has since moved the whole show to Milnerton.
His colleagues have great admiration. “He’s a lot braver than anybody I know,” said a neighbour recently.
While the lockdown has treated everybody with the same disdain, it’s timing was diabolical for the inland champion, who was only just settling in at his new base.
Corrie told the Sporting Post on lockdown day 47 that he was fortunate to have good owners and a loyal staff, most of whom travelled the long road with him from the Northern Cape.
“My guys know – if we fall, we fall together,” he says, adding that he was, like everybody else in the industry, hoping that racing could start soon.
Corrie has an additional idea that could be supplemented into the raceday protocols.
“I would like to suggest that the authorities consider offering, as an additional control mechanism, to split the eight race meeting. So, say we have four races from 11h30 to 13h30. Then the balance from 15h00 to 17h00. In the ‘interval’, all the people, including trainers, jockeys and grooms involved in the first four races that have no further engagements, can leave the track. The facilities can then also be properly sanitised again in the break time,” he adds thoughtfully.
- Ed – The Sporting Post has submitted the idea to the NHA and the racing authorities for consideration. We will provide feedback.
As to the bleak picture facing all sectors of racing and breeding, Corrie says he is determined to drive an initiative amongst his colleagues to create more cohesion in the training ranks.
“We are not sportsmen. We are self-employed businessmen. We need to stand together – in good and bad times. There is no formal unity. We need to provide better going forward. We also need to create a benevolent fund for times like these as we all face challenges. Some are less fortunate than others.”
