Trainer Sean Tarry has July jockey worries
Trainer Sean Tarry has been dealt a double body blow on the eve of his historic hat-trick bid to win Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July with both of his big-race jockeys in the wars.
Tarry won Africa’s greatest horserace in 2012 with Pomodoro, who was ridden by Piere Strydom and last year with Heavy Metal, who was partnered by S’manga Khumalo. Both horses won in the familiar blue and red of Chris Van Niekerk.
The same two jockeys do duty this year for Tarry, with Strydom engaged to ride Halve The Deficit and Khumalo on Whiteline Fever.
Both were stood down at Tuesday’s Vaal meeting.
When contacted by the Sporting Post, trainer Sean Tarry said that he was awaiting updates from his two jockeys.
“The July is an exacting and rigorous event and it demands 110% commitment from horse and rider. So I am naturally concerned to hear whether both of my guys are fit and ready. They are both true professionals and I am sure that they will make the right decisions,” he said.
The Stipes reported that Strydom was stood down by the Course Medical Officer after the running of Race 6 (influenza). He was replaced on his mounts in Races 6 and 8. Rule 25.12 applies.
Piere Strydom is hoping to be fit but isn’t feeling well at the moment
Piere Strydom said today that he would not ride at the Vaal on Thursday.
He confirmed that he had been diagnosed with a 24 hour flu virus and that he was feeling weak and lightheaded. He said he would make a final decision whether he would ride on Saturday by early Friday morning.
“This is a great race day and a highly competitive environment. So I naturally want to be at my best to perform at my optimum. I am not feeling great at the moment to be honest. But I will see how I feel by tomorrow night.”
Khumalo fell off his pick-up mount Peep Show after winning the first race. He apparently hurt his back and took a knock to the head, which has led to speculation that he suffered concussion. We have been unable to confirm the specifics.
The horse dislodged Khumalo in the pull-up area after the running of the race, resulting in him being unable to weigh in. The Board, acting in terms of Rule 66.2, and in consultation with the Clerk of Scales, were satisfied that the winner had carried the correct weight and therefore allowed the all clear to be given.
Khumalo’s agent Justin Vermaak confirmed today that S’manga had been sent for x-rays as a precautionary measure. He confirmed that there was no truth in the rumours that he had suffered concussion.
“His lower back is bruised but he appears to be fine and it is 95% that he will take up his engagements at the Vaal on Thursday. I don’t know where the story comes from regarding the concussion,” he said.
