Author Archives: Yegan Kander

Jockey of the Month – February 2024

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There were a couple of remarkable achievements during the month, notably apprentice James Lihaba riding seven winners at a smart 21% strike rate, matched only by seasoned rider Craig Zackey with strikingly similar stats. However, Richard Fourie was head-and-shoulders above his rivals with 15 winners in KZN alone and well on course for his record attempt at 334 for a season set by Anthony Delpech in 1998. He is assured of the National Title even at this early stage of the season and we wish him well in his quest for the record.

Richard is Gold Circle’s rider of the month for February.

Trainer of the Month – January 2024

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Byron Forster

Byron’s name does not appear on the official trainer’s log but as KZN assistant to Western Cape-based trainer Andre Nel he runs the Summerveld yard. A long-time assistant to Paul Lafferty, Byron took his chances when assistant to Nel came up as he was basically on his own. He sent out 22 runners for four win and three seconds for a healthy 18% winning strike rate.

Byron is Gold Circle’s trainer of the Month for January

Jockey of the Month – January 2024

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Serino Moodley

Serino has been in smart form of late and his services are in high demand. He is especially strong in a finish and booted home seven winners from his 50 mounts with a further seven in second. He also made successful raids on the Highveld where he teamed up with Summerveld-based trainer Lorenzo Karriem.

Serino is Gold Circle’s Jockey of the Month for January.

Trainer of the Month – December 2023

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Robbie Hill

Robbie Hill has one of the smaller yards in Summerveld and while he generally flies under the radar one can never discount his runners. Robbie was a top jockey in his riding days and was for many years associated with training legend Dennis Drier. Robbie only saddled five runners in December for two wins and a second at a 40% strike rate. A R1 win bet on each of his runners would have returned a R12.70 profit.

Robbie is Gold Circle’s Trainer of the Month for December.

Jockey of the Month – December 2023

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Rachel Venniker

Rachel Venniker walked off with a number of awards at the end-of-year South African Jockey Academy speechday, a few days before she lost her apprentice tag to become a fully fledged jockey. She had already ridden over 200 winners as an apprentice and rounded her time off with six winners at a healthy 17% winning strike rate and over 50% of her rides finishing in the money.

Rachel is Gold Circle’s Jockey of the Month for December.

Jockey of the Month – November 2023

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Tristan Godden

Western Cape-based Richard Fourie continues to dominate as he hunts for rides around the country with his agent, former NHA handicapper Ken Nicol picking the plums. Fourie banged home 14 winners in KZN in November but local rider Tristan Godden has also hit a purple patch. He went through a lean spell, as most in this sport often do, but is now riding at the top of his game. He has always been a talented rider but seldom gets chances on the big stage. However, he has built up a relationship with seasoned trainer Mike Miller and together they have been having their fair share of success. Tristan rode seven winners in November at a 16% winning strike rate.

Tristan is Gold Circle’s Jockey of the Month for November.