Rampant! Gavin Lerena has hit peak form (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The tussle at the top of the SA Jockey Championship log has turned into a fascinating three-horse race with the in-form Gavin Lerena grabbing the lead after his six winner rout at the Vaal on Thursday.
After a treblke at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 24 hours earlier, Lerena has well and truly put his head down and grabbed the lead on 212 winners with a strike rate of over 26%, 3 winners ahead of Craig Zackey on 209 (17,8%).
Zackey has ridden over 360 more starters than third-placed reigning SA Champion Richard Fourie who is on 207 winners with a 25,7% strike rate.
Zackey, who was kicked at Fairview last Friday, was stood down by the course Medical Officer at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday after his second ride, but was cleared to ride on Friday at the now polytrack racemeeting.
Richard Fourie -stood down at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth for last two races over track condition concerns (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Interestingly, Richard Fourie approached the Stipes after the eighth race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday with concerns regarding the condition of the racetrack and informed them that, in his opinion, his safety was at risk should he be held to fulfilling his remaining two riding engagements at the meeting.
The Stipes informed Fourie that as a professional licensed jockey, he had the right to give his opinion, especially concerning his safety, which ultimately would have a bearing on his remaining engagements should he be kept to them.
Consequently, they acceded to Fourie’s request and he was substituted on his remaining rides.
