Despite rationalisation amongst the local training ranks, Milnerton will soon welcome a new trainer in the shape of Gauteng based Jurgen van Heerden.
Jurgen van Heerden’s Ilitshe wins the Caradoc Gold Cup (Pic – JC Photos)
Van Heerden, who currently trains from a private complex near Randjesfontein and uses the facilities of the popular training centre, says that he has made a decision to relocate as he believes the Cape offers a lifestyle option, complemented by quality racing.
The softly spoken horseman and property developer did his apprenticeship with Alec Laird, and trained under champion Garth Puller and the now Australia based Stephen Page in the Hilda Podlas era.
Van Heerden trained the 2017 Gr3 Caradoc Gold Cup winner Ilitshe.
He is also a part owner of the smart unbeaten East Cape Nursery winner, Viking Moon.
He hopes to commence operations in Milnerton from mid August.
The Sporting Post will carry a full interview with Jurgen van Heerden in the weeks prior to the official opening of his new yard.
