Mike de Kock has his say
“I hope this is the first of many winners for the partnership of Mary Slack and Michael Javett,” said Mike de Kock after three-year-old filly Cio-Cio had won nicely on her 1200m debut at Scottsville on Sunday.
Cio-Cio was the first runner to race for this formidable duo, who supported the stable with a few well-bred purchases at the Tattersalls Sale in Ireland last month.
“I can’t say enough how privileged we are to have owners of this calibre in the yard. I hope Cio-Cio wins more, she has promise. I believe a partnership of seasoned and knowledgeable owners like this will create their own luck. I look forward to big things for Mary and Mr Javett,” Mike added.
Cio-Cio, ridden by Warren Kennedy, had no trouble in disposing of her rivals, winning by 2,25-lengths. She’s by Danzig stallion Exchange Rate (USA), who sired 10 stakes winners around the world last year, from a mare by Woodman. Cio-Cio was selected and purchased in Argentina by Jehan Malherbe’s Form Bloodstock.
De Kock has also expressed positivity about his strength for the forthcoming Dubai International Carnival. The 2014 renewal of the UAE’s great three-month racing spectacle starts on January9, the first of 11 race meetings. The SA Champion trainer will have a string of around 50 horses to compete with in the new term, with some real firepower in the yard.
Most members of the 2014 string have been stabled or have recently arrived in Dubai. Several stayed on after the 2013 Carnival, while most runners who competed in the UK over the last few months are in quarantine will soon be back in the Blue Stable Complex in the care of long-time assistant trainer, Trevor Brown.
“Our horses here in Dubai are all healthy and well. The top-rated newcomers Mars and Flying The Flag are enjoying their new surroundings and coming along nicely. Mars is an individual with a lovely action and a great attitude. I’ve also been impressed with Al Hebayeb, Almaanqith and Mutin, the new acquisitions from Sheikh Hamdan.
“Soft Falling Rain, David Livingston, The Apache, Kavanagh, Moonfarid, Wednaan are still in quarantine, while Gale Force Ten and Daddy Long Legs have just landed,” said Brown last week.
The select band of horses en route from South Africa has settled in at Abington Place, Newmarket, where Steven Jell remains on duty. They will be shipped to Dubai within the next few weeks. Steven commented: “The horses that came from Cape Town via Mauritius are fine, there are no worries.”
