Any concerns that Richard Fourie, currently down with flu, will not be fit to ride the favourite Eight On Eighteen in Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, have been allayed by the Snaith stable.
The reigning SA champion jockey, Fourie went for an early shower at Hollywoodets Scottsville on Sunday and was noticeably croaky on the WSB Hollywoodbets Durban July panel discussion aired live on the same evening.
On 239 winners, Fourie is 4 winners behind leader Gavin Lerena (243) and 3 ahead of Craig Zackey on 236.
Fourie has been stood down from his planned commitments at Fairview on Wednesday.
The Sporting Post was not able to reach Fourie, but Jonathan Snaith assured us that their jockey would ‘be perfect’ by Saturday.
“He has a bout of flu,” confirmed Snaith.
Fourie has been aboard at all of Eight On Eighteen’s five victories, and has ridden him at his last eight outings.
Grant van Niekerk, who found himself with a ride after See It Again’s withdrawal today saw Litigation entering the mix as first reserve, rode Eight On Eighteen at his first two starts.
Eight On Eighteen is currently at 14-10 with Hollywoodbets.
