Aldo Domeyer runs away with the 2014 Jockey Chase title
This year’s Charity Jockey Chase has sparked some good-natured banter on social media – as well as a reported bidding war for Aldo Domeyer – with fierce competition between KUDA Insurance and Ralphs Racing for the privilege of having the 2013 J&B Met winner and defending Jockey Chase champion carry their silks this Saturday.
Proceeds from this year’s event are all going towards the Cart Horse Protection Association, who work tirelessly to support and care for working equines across the Cape Flats. Pro-Dosa BOOST, Chrigor Stud’s Hugo Hattingh, Greenstreet Bloodstock, Avontuur Stud, Drakenstein Stud and Ian Robinson were quick to back their runners, with a host of additional sponsors joining the party this week including John Freeman (Brandon May), Soetendal Estate (Donovan Dillon), Mr Akbar Parker (Morne Winnaar), Brian Finch (Calvin Ngcobo) and Kathryn Ralphs (Anthony Andrews). The Coastal Jockeys Association are also contributing a sponsorship and a number of jockeys have kindly pledged donations as well.
But for those who haven’t finalised their selections, there are still a few jockeys up for grabs and sponsorships are available at R2,000 per runner or R4,000 per team. To sponsor a jockey (or a team!), please contact the Coastal Jockeys’ Association on [email protected].
Field
Too good even when he’s running backwards!
The new relay format has set the cat among the roosters, but while we’ve had one scratching, with Tyron Langdon gallantly stepping in to replace Grant Behr, there is a solid list of acceptors for this year’s event and 9 teams will face the starter on Saturday afternoon.
Zietsman Oosthuizen volunteered for the role of senior form analyst and having made a serious study of the forthcoming race, weighing the handicaps against Durbanville’s current firm, speed favouring surface, he shared his selections below:-
1. Aldo Domeyer & Corné Orffer
Sounds like the rabbit and tortoise team. Will start favourites but no value … Apparently Aldo’s last sprint workout didn’t stride out off fore.
2. Tyron Langdon & Brandon May
Dodgy team these 2, can upset against weaker class, rating needs to drop.
3. Richard Fourie & Bernard Fayd’herbe
My value bet, both hate losing but Bernard can weigh in a little heavy. We will see them giving 110%, but ability rating Vs weight is concern.
4. MJ Byleveld & Grant van Niekerk
First thing that went through my mind when i saw this team is …Cowboy and crook.
5. Lucian Africa & Jason Smitsdorff
Will be outclassed in this race for colts and geldings.
6. Donovan Dillon & Sihle Cele
Never seen a ginger with sprinting ability. Sihle can’t save the team.
7. Anthony Andrews & Morne Winnaar
Dark horse that can upset when in the mood, don’t leave out of quartet.
8. Robert Khathi & Akshay Balloo
Robert on his own here , Akshay a little slower than myself. Need to get pom poms for this team.
9. Calvin Ngcobo & Louis Burke
Calvin too lazy to exercise and Louis way out at the weights on wfa terms.
My prediction:-
- Team 3
- Team 1
- Team 4
It’s all in good fun and more importantly, all in support of a very worthy cause, so bring your braai, bring your family and come and shout the boys home.
