Work Riders races

We have another one tomorrow at the Vaal and we had two on Tuesday. With three meetings a week in Gauteng I think these races are great for all those aspiring grooms to dream about being part of it.

However we see no races in Port Elizabeth and virtually none in Natal. What is even worse for the Natal region is when they do have one it is made up of some lady riders and the favourite is usually ridden by a work rider from Gauteng. Surely this should not be allowed.

Can Tony Rivalland rather than spending all his time an energy on keeping out of town trainers away rather not look at setting up a program similar to what they have in Gauteng.

Even Cape Town has a work riders school and a competition for a riders each season. Full marks to John Freedman and Rodney Dunn I think who help with the initiative in the Cape.

Shame on all the Natal trainers. Shame on you.

I failed to mention James Maree and the sterling work he does in Gauteng. Another point is that the Jockey's Academy is in Natal so how difficult can it be to train a dozen promising work riders so they too can compete ?

Whilst some may disagree and moan and groan about Workrider races, I actually applaud it. Imagine how great it feels to ride a horse that you look after and also the chit chat after the races between the workriders. It must feel extra special when you lead in a horse you personally take care off.

my view

In the UK i reckon a high % of trainers started their businesses with a punt/coup, that was landed and then went into the business of training horses and breaking square.


WHy have we not seen 1 workrider ever be so stute that slowly he build up a nest egg for the future. After all they work /feed/groom/love these horses everyday and now ride them in races to win. Yet never has one become a succesful trainer after declaring that he had bought a farm in cash and had build 20 boxes and now was plying his knowledge in the training ranks?

i have no problems with the workriders in gauteng in fact got much more confidence in quite a few of them to some qualified riders ..however the cape workriders are very weak and never spend a bean on their races...

the cape has the best horses, best trainers , and probably the best horseman around.... nothing wrong with the grooms riding here, at least we dont import riders to make up the numbers.... pity we too far for raids cos we would clean up ......1 time winners or maidens leave cape and win plenty in Natal , Pirates remark is from his pocket , and to hear he doesnt play cape brings tears to my eyes

When is one of the cape trainers gonna have some ''ambition'' and follow in Mike De Kocks footsteps, surely its time someone like Snaith sets up a stable in Dubai?

.....2 of the top work riders in the Cape have left top stables and now apply their trade for smaller trainers at Turffontien because they can earn a better wage and have a bonus of getting to ride in the many work rider events.....the Cape may have better horses top trainers and good riders..... but hell to have to go to Durban to make sure you get to win races speaks volumes about the way you race in your own back yard......

the politics of racing is not the question here, all i said is that the cape has TOP horse flesh, top trainers of group winners, a few of them not just a dennis drier.... top riders who are top horseman and now training or where training, not interested in the politics at all

eyesman Wrote:

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> the politics of racing is not the question here,
> all i said is that the cape has TOP horse flesh,
> top trainers of group winners, a few of them not
> just a dennis drier.... top riders who are top
> horseman and now training or where training, not
> interested in the politics at all

Also has the most farkin crookery as well, funny yl have all that but are like the bitchs of South African racing. Yl gave your ass to GC now phumelela waiting in line! Yl love to boast so much so grow some balls and handle your own racing interests instead of getting shafted in every hole

crookery is for the stipes to stop me or you........ and as for the other comments you make, yes here in the cape we enjoy getting shafted in any hole

all nuclear testing should be done in the cape