THE Fairview race track in Greenbushes is a joyous place on Friday afternoons – but we now also know it is not a place for the fainthearted.
Last Friday’s meeting of eight races was a tough afternoon for the regular Fairview punters, as only one favourite ended up in the winners’ box.
The filly Double Destiny, which won the sixth, was the only one of the eight favourites on the day to finish in the first four in their respective races.
No wonder Double Destiny was such a popular winner.
Jockey, Aldo Domeyer, didn’t have to work very hard as Double Destiny, much to the delight of most punters, came home lonely.
Not only did the punters find it difficult to back a winner, but it was very hard work for all the stables to win a race.
Yes, the big stables of trainers, Gavin Smith and Alan Greeff, dominate most meetings, but they also have to work incredibly hard to win.
This competitiveness makes for spectacular racing, and Fairview must be the race track in South Africa that produces the most nailbiting finishes.
Every meeting is packed with thrilling finishes, and in the process racing fans are treated to tremendous riding from some of the country’s top jockeys.
Greg Cheyne has been the East Cape champion jockey for the past six years, but this season the title race is the most exciting in many years.
Cheyne (10 titles overall) dominated, but has emigrated to the United Kingdom, which has opened the door for a new champion.
Louis Mxothwa and Richard Fourie are leading the race – and both are regularly producing brilliant rides.
The battle between Smith and Greeff for the trainers’ title is always interesting, but the fight lower down is just as intriguing.
It is a big deal to finish the season in the top five on the log for most winners and Sharon Kotzen is well on her way to secure the third spot.
At least six trainers are in the running for the other two spots in the top five, including Kelly Mitchley in her first season as a conditioner.
Unfortunately, last Friday’s meeting was also a reminder of how dangerous horse racing can be and that participants, like in any other sport, can get injured.
Horse racing is very strictly policed in South Africa, to secure the safety of the gorgeous thoroughbred animals and the riders, but accidents do happen.
Popular Gauteng jockey, Chase Maujean, is a regular visitor to Fairview and had a nasty fall while riding in the penultimate race.
The strap that holds the stirrup of the saddle broke, and Maujean took a tumble. As is usually the case at Fairview, medical support was immediately available and the jockey was taken to Greenacres Hospital for treatment.
He received stitches to his chin and had some nasty bruises, but received the all-clear to return home after some X-rays. We hope to see Chase back at Fairview very soon.
