With horse racing still taking place behind closed doors (due to COVID-19 regulations) at the Fairview track in Greenbushes, it is no wonder nothing gets past the television viewers.
The fans are glued to the racing channel for every bit of information about their favourite horse or jockey, and those who are placing bets keep an eagle eye on the tote indicators.
And what did they see just before the start of one of the races at last Friday’s meeting?
Well, we know the jockeys have to stick to certain weight limits and that might have been the reason why one of the riders decided to slip away for a quick comfort break, or maybe it was just a call of nature. Luckily for the jockey (and the viewers) it was not a close-up shot and everyone could focus on the racing again.
Even before the race started, the phones of the trainers and owners at the track were going crazy, as television clips were distributed to the racing fraternity, with some colourful commentary, of course.
The jockey concerned didn’t win the race but at least he made sure that he was within his required weight limit. Jockeys, and all other role-players, can’t afford to make any mistakes at the best of times, but especially now that the season is drawing to a close.
With many prestigious awards still up for grabs, it is that time of the year to pull out all the stops, even when nature calls.
Last Friday we saw the running of the Lady’s Slipper Stakes. Although Sound Check could not beat the Cape Town visitor, Homely Girl, her second place probably made sure she would be crowned as the East Cape champion two-year-old filly.
It was also good to see that Sharon Kotzen is still well on her way to become the third trainer to saddle 50 or more winners in the East Cape season. She had two winners on Friday and should get to the milestone before the end of the season. Alan Greeff and Gavin Smith are still way in front on the trainers’ log.
The Fairview highlights later this month are the running of the Gold Cup (June 18) and the Breeders Stakes (June 25).
In July, there will be the Champion Juvenile Cup and Paddock Stakes to look forward to before the season comes to a close on the 31st.
Elsewhere in the country, the focus is on the Champions Season in KwaZulu-Natal, with things building up nicely to the Vodacom Durban July meeting on July 3.
It is nail-biting times for the Fairview trainer, Zietsman Oosthuizen, who is waiting to hear if Atyaab will be one of the runners in the July.
The final field will be announced on June 22.
