Today sees the first in a series of Hollywoodbets-sponsored Workrider races to be run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
A field of ten will line up at the 1000m marker for the first race (12h50) on the bumper nine-event card.
Cape Grooms School Head Craig Du Plooy – seen in his riding days
Former professional jockey, and for some years now the head riding coach of the Cape Grooms School, Craig du Plooy kindly provided a snapshot of the riders participating in Sunday’s Hollywoodbets Workriders series opener, to assist the punting public:
- Malinois (1) will be ridden Luvo Mdiyana for Lucinda Woodruff.
Luvo works for Lucinda and this is his first ride. He has been waiting 6 months for the chance. To say he is excited, would be an understatement! He came top of the class and I can say confidently that he is one of my best pupils to pass through the school. I have told him it’s about the experience rather than winning. I think both him and Malinois will need it.
- Carriacou (2) will be ridden by Sebenzile Tamela for Eric Sands.
He is known to us all as Johnny. A man with a lot of experience, he worked for Billy Prestage for a long time and has won plenty of races. A very light and balanced rider, he must be top choice with his form ride to win this.
- Wylie Jack (3) is ridden by Bazile Nkunzi for Andries Steyn.
Bazile works for Candice Bass-Robinson and has ridden a good few races with about 6 winners to his credit. He was the first workrider home in the Jockey / Workrider challenge and picked up a big cheque. He is a lovely balanced rider.
- Gimme Gorgeous (4) will be ridden by Siphiwo Feni for Justin Snaith.
Siphiwo is built like a jockey and looks like a jockey. He has his first ride in Cape Town after starting with the Snaiths in KZN. He has ridden winners in Johannesburg and is a graduate of highly respected James Maree School.
- Rogue Male (5) will be ridden by Speedo Ngqoshani for Peter Wrensch.
Speedo has been riding for over 15 years. He is one of the few riders with international experience and works for Basil Marcus. He is a big well balanced guy and is always likely to finish in the top 3.
- Rafiki (6) will be ridden by Callum Dixon for Andre Nel.
The reigning champion workrider of the year and has enjoyed a lot of success, boasting great stats. I always tip him in first 3. A tall guy, he will have to sweat to make the weight.
- Janneman (7) will be ridden by Sawutini Qhwaba for Andries Steyn.
Sawutini has been riding for 15 years and now works for Piet Steyn. He used to enjoy good success for Andries Steyn. I am aware that Janneman is quite a difficult horse and Sawutini has been helping with his schooling. A top man for a tough customer of a horse, as he is a confident and laid-back rider.
- Granddaddy Purple (8) will be Lungisani Geledu for Vaughan Marshall.
A past workrider of the year, Lungis is a top 3 rider in Cape Town and is the closest workrider to a professional jockey that I have ever achieved. He never misses the money and Vaughan Marshall is known as a trainer who has always had outstanding riders. Lungis is a rider who always carries out his instructions to the letter. A good man to have in the saddle.
- Perfect Revenge (9) will be ridden by Mawande Ngedle for Glen Puller.
Mawande works for Glen Puller and is relatively inexperienced. He hasn’t had great opportunities, but has ridden a second. He is one of the first pupils to pass through our new syllabus, which was contributed to by Felix Coetzee. He is a very small guy with a beautiful balance.
- Cider House Rules (10) will be ridden by Andile Ndlebe for Justin Snaith.
Andile has done well with Justin Snaith. He is a beautiful rider and won our last workrider race by 5 lengths. Go and have a look at the replay! He has ridden for well over ten years and is a multiple award winner. A heavy guy, he is a very talented and a strong rider.
