IT was a dream come true for Gqeberha racehorse trainer, Zietsman Oosthuizen, at the last Fairview meeting.
Oosthuizen is known as a man with a plan when it comes to the sport of kings and this plan came perfectly together at the Polytrack in Greenbushes.
One of the favourite horses in Oosthuizen’s stable is the old man, the eight-year-old El Romiachi, owned by Oosthuizen in partnership with Gauteng-based George Chrisochos.
Oosthuizen has done a stellar job to keep El Romiachi ticking over and at last Friday’s meeting the horse reached a huge milestone when it was his 100th race.
It is not often that a racehorse gets to run in 100 races, a wonderful achievement on its own, but Oosthuizen had a dream to take it one step further.
His aim was to prepare El Romiachi to try to win his 100th start. Oosthuizen told Chrisochos to make the trip from Gauteng for the special occasion and that their horse might just win his milestone race.
It was 490 days since his last win but the handicapper has finally dropped El Romiachi to a more competitive rating. He was in with a chance in a handicap over 1600m.
Jockey Luyolo Mxothwa was in the saddle and did a fine job of steering El Romiachi to victory, much to the delight of Oosthuizen, Chrisochos and many supporters.
“It was one of my best race days ever. Luyolo rode a cracking race, and I want to thank him and George.
“To have George at the track was just brilliant. We have been friends for many years.
“This is just an unreal feeling. Yes, dreams do come true,” Oosthuizen said.
El Romiachi was bred by Riethuiskraal and purchased for a bargain at only R5 000. He has now earned R726 025 in prize money. This was his 9th victory.
Oosthuizen is the first Gqeberha trainer since Jacques Strydom in 2007 to win a race with a horse running for the 100th time. Strydom did it with Just Dane.
Although Oosthuizen received a lot of praise for his unbelievable achievement, he said all credit must go to the horse.
“What a legend, what a horse. It is an honour to own and train this boy.
“There is no need for El Romiachi to retire now. He looks as good as ever. We will see more of him as long as he is still enjoying his racing.
“You would think he is the youngest horse of the stable. El Romiachi is naughty but in a nice way.
“He is full of fun and unstoppable when it is feeding time. One must hurry to give him his food or he will break down the stable door.
“A more genuine racehorse you won’t find. He is straightforward at the stable and at work. There are no health issues with him,” Oosthuizen explained.
The action will continue at Fairview with another Polytrack meeting this coming Friday.
