Devin Habib (right) seen with colleague and friend Chad Little
Jockey Devin Habib, who has been out of action since 2009, will be back in the irons at the Vaal on Thursday.
Habib was involved in a motor-car accident near Joburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and it was thought at the time that he would not ride again. He has fulfilled all the rules, has been off medication for five years and has had his licence restored.
He has two rides for trainer St John Gray – Candy Floss in Race 2 and Last Girl Standing in Race 5. There is a certain irony in the fact that he is returning at the Vaal on the sand for Gray because one of his biggest victories was aboard Alimony for Gray when the gelding won the Emerald Cup.
“I saw Mr Gray and he asked me when I was available to ride. I told him I was ready and he put me up.
“I have been working horses for Paul Peter for six days a week, but also for Geoff Woodruff and Roy Magner whenever I can,” said Habib.
The major problem Habib had to deal with was getting his weight back to an acceptable level.
“I was weighing around 65 and 66kg but I have it down to 57kg. I would ideally like to be around 55kg,” he said.
The 27-year-old has been living a new lifestyle, eating a high-protein diet, “but mainly vegetables and chicken; no sugar and no salt”.
“I have been taking lots of brisk walks every day of around 7km. All I need now is for the trainers to believe in me and give me a chance,” said Habib.
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