Serino – ‘I’d Go To War With Selukwe’

In an often no holds barred and cut-throat competitive world, the palpable emotion shown by Winning Form-sponsored jockey Serino Moodley, as he quelled the adrenaline rush on the WSB Gr3 1900 winner’s podium at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, was both refreshing and special.

The 27-year-old Serino had just partnered the Sabine Plattner-owned Selukwe to a scintillating victory for the Rondeberg-based Andre Nel and his team in the WSB 1900, a race that history shows can be a potential game-changer on the often-rocky road to the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Chatting to the Sporting Post on Monday, the quietly spoken Serino, a man who is seldom seen saluting at the finish, explained the host of emotions at play on a big day when riding for a powerful yard.

“Riding for a top yard is not a right – it’s a privilege and I absolutely never forget what Mrs Plattner and her entire team have done for me over the years. They gave me a break when I was knocking at unanswered doors. The loyalty has been amazing – I don’t think a top horseman like Byron Foster even realizes what a pivotal role he plays in my professional life,” adds Serino as he chats about an association that he clearly values deeply.

“I have made mistakes in a race but can come back and tell Byron, without making stupid excuses. He doesn’t hold it against me or dish out punishment. He says it’s in the past, let’s learn from it and look ahead. The loyalty and integrity is absolutely mind-blowing. And I am already hard on myself! But the support instills such enormous confidence and I want to do my best and more. That’s why I am focused – failure is not the end of the world, but it’s also not really an option for me!”

The Meyersdal-raised Serino tells how he joined the SA Jockey Academy in 2012 alongside Diego de Gouveia, Callan Murray and Tristan Godden.

“I wasn’t much of a student or sportsman at school – I suppose that’s why I became a jockey,” he laughs as he told of a tough initial experience.

“I was just too young and immature in my first year and battled to adapt. I left the Academy at the end of that same year and went back home.”

But a job riding work at the James Maree school saw him recognised by legendary now retired SA Hall Of Fame trainer, Ormond Ferraris.

“Mr. Ferraris asked me why I am not race-riding. I explained what happened. What an amazing man he is. He wrote to Martin Ball at the Joburg Academy. In a matter of months, Diego (de Gouveia) and I were race riding as apprentices in Zimbabwe.”

While in Zimbabwe, a more mature Serino says his confidence grew. He rode his first winner – Princess Kate – for present day Snaith Assistant trainer Gokhan Terzi, and also bagged another three.

He returned to South Africa in 2016, but things were not easy.

“In five months, I only had four rides, I think. But Byron Foster and Andre Nel gave me a chance. That’s why I am proudly talking to you today, almost nine years later!” he adds.

Serino came out of his time in 2019 and with the Winning Form backing he had the world at his feet.

“I must also thank Winning Form for the great moral and team support and the privilege of having me in their stable. The association with an industry-leading brand is a confidence-booster in itself. I hope I can make them proud as the Champions Season ticks over.”

Beyond Selukwe and his scope for greater things this season, Serino has enjoyed a few highlights, including that extraordinary runaway 21,25 length win by Run Rhino Run at Hollywoodbets Greyville in October 2017.

“That was an unbelievable race. We intended to give him a chance, but he was so determined, and I decided not to fight him. We were in two different races – the jockey leading the second pack assumed I was out of the race as we were all over the place. That horse was a character – but had rocks in his head, and stamina!”

Serino’s first Grade 1 winner also came at Hollywoodbets Greyville when the Robbie Hill-trained longshot Pearl Of Asia won the 2021 Gr1 Mercury Sprint.

Asked how his season has developed so far, Serino says a few suspensions have slowed his progress. He currently stands on 49 winners.

“My focus is on riding more feature winners at this stage. I am happy to travel for rides in other provinces and have done so for a number of trainers. But it’s very competitive out there!” he laughs.

Probably the best value lightweight jockey in South Africa, Serino walks around at 52kgs but can get down to 50kgs for a quality ride. He is also keen to ride overseas but wants to grow as an accomplished rider here on African soil. “I learn every day in this wonderful sport,” he quips modestly.

A very private person, Serino shares that he and his wife, a stay-at-home Mom, live with their two young children in Hillcrest. The Cityhill Church is an important focal point for the family.

Serino tells that when he is riding in KZN on a Sunday, his day starts by attending the morning service.

“I ride work 6 days in an average week, and we try and live a balanced and private life as a family as is possible. My Mom and Dad are in Joburg, and they are my biggest fans. I sadly lost my Uncle Cedric this year – he really was my most fanatical and proud supporter.”

Serino’s younger brother Tristan is an apprentice in New Zealand and doing very well for himself.

“My brother was a work rider at James Maree’s establishment, and he was signed up by Donovan Mansour. I watch his race replays as the time difference makes it awkward.”

And what about Selukwe, and his extraordinary low-key rise up the pecking order.

“Eight months ago, he was racing off a 79. I attribute every ounce of this wonderful horse’s upward mobility to Byron Foster. He is an absolute master. What a team they are – Andre Nel, Hayley Crawford, Callan Dixon, and all of their staff. There is such a great vibe at the yard. Everybody knows what they are doing, and they go about it with heart and passion. An amazing team.”

So how good is Selukwe and can we expect to see him line up in the Hollywoodbets Durban July?

“Well that is Mrs Plattner and Andre Nel’s decision. It was tough to get off Cape Eagle, but Selukwe is an amazing horse – I’d honestly go to war with him!”

Selukwe is currently quoted at 25-1 in the Hollywoodbets Durban July ante-post betting. Prices are subject to change.