To the Leishers

something very strange happened to me today. I found myself in the rawest emotion for a long time. This was because I have been a bad friend and a poor spokesman for South African horse racing. So often I am asked who was the best jockey you ever saw? and because I've been an idiot I reply with Strydom- Cauthen- Dougie Whyte I do this because I have failed a friend and a family that I followed for a long time. A family that I used to visit almost every Friday afternoon (Xavier's)and follow almost every Saturday around the racecourses. This was a family pretty much like me, totally 100% in love with horse racing and in particular a jockey called Bartie Leisher. I have spoken about Bartie before but today on youtube I found this, its been an awfully emotional 30 minutes. For my UK racing friends, I can only tell you this , Bartie Leisher was the greatest and everything he says was true. He rode for the public.






I cannot convey how much a loss he was to the riding ranks.

To the Leisher's thank you. and Kevin Harris a huge thank you for making this FOR EVER.

Amazing will watch later, cheers

one of the many unsung heros of SA racing in the 80s when racing was really world class. Great tracks, riders, horses, trainers crowds the works. If he were riding today he would be adored as he was the people's jock.

Well done Easy and Well said CNC

Thank you Easy. That was enjoyable to watch but had it sad parts.

Can remember backing their horses, namely Light Fandango and Hot To Spot who made me me money on many occasions.

Wow brings back great memories

Excellent and great way to start the day, thank you Easy

Remember early 80's walking to the TAB in Turffontein from Storks (South Hills) one afternoon after school on a rainy day.

Had R1 on me and place a win bet, without any hesitation selected Bartie Leisher on a 4/1 shot. I got something like R4,50 back which those days were a lot of money for me. Still remember that bet till this day

Thank you easy some great memories

Sjoe ja great stuff this

I'll also state that the family Leisher much like the families

Massif
Magua
Sham
Riley

And many many others played a part in our wonderful sport I cannot recall EVER there being an acknowledgement via an equas award or lifetime award.

I suppose people have short memories.

Not that they would want an award because the other thing Bartie and family brought to racing was STYLE and class

Nice thread and a top jockey,was a favorite.

Thank you Easy, really enjoyed watching, cheers.