A watershed moment in the career of former Mike de Kock assistant trainer Alson Ndzilana passed without much fanfare at Turffontein on Saturday.
The lifetime horseman from Umtata saddled his first winner out of his own yard and is hoping that this is the first of many.
Alson in his yard (Pic – Supplied)
Prior to working for Mike de Kock, Alson learnt the ropes as a the long-time assistant to Joey Ramsden, and commenced operations when opening his yard at Randjesfontein on 1 May this year. He has labelled both his former bosses as his inspiration.
On Saturday, Kabelo Matsunyane steered the 4-1 Big City Girl to win the 4Racing.TV FM 66 Handicap and the ice was offficially broken!
Big City Girl storms home under Kabelo Matsunyane (Pic – Supplied)
The 6yo mare cost R11 000 on a recent BSA online auction and her form was decidedly ordinary when she arrived at the Ndzilana Randjesfontein yard. Two runs later, she has a third and first cheque in the bank.
“That should give anyone confidence who would want to send him a horse,” added former veteran trainer James Goodman who has mentored Alson.
“I am so proud of Alson. His start has been slow as he hasn’t had the support he was promised. He only has 5 horses he can race and 8 in total. He will make it as a trainer and will bring a whole new demographic of owners and fans into racing. He is racing’s biggest asset and deserves support. Thanks to Betway,CMH Motor group and Edge to Edge security who have been everything they promised. Thanks also to his current owners. They are Larry Nestadt, Laurence Wernars and family, Drakenstein Stud, Val Koterba, Gerald Sadleir and Darryl Yutar and partners who purchased Big City Girl for him to train,” added Goodman.
Owner Darryl Yutar and proud trainer Alson lead Big City Girl in (Pic – Supplied)
Alson has a life-time association with horses and more than thirty years experience in the racing industry.
He grew up riding horses and his father, Jackson, worked at Summerveld for Steve Benton.
Darryl Yutar, Alson and Kabelo Matsunyane pose for the camera (Pic – Supplied)
Mike de Kock was on record when Alson started out, commending sponsors and support structures in place to assist him.
“There have been really good, previously disadvantaged horsemen who have tried to start up but failed because they spend their time looking to pay bills. And then they don’t make it. Alson will have a proper platform to start from. His horsemanship and talent as a trainer is beyond doubt.”
James Goodman added that there are many really good owners who said they would support this initiative.
“Hopefully this victory will be the catalyst to ensure we can get horses in the yard that have some potential, so Alson can show what he can do with them.”
Alson’s website can be visited here – www.alsonracing.co.za.
Visit it for an insight into the new generation of South African trainer.
Here is a replay of Alson’s first winner if you missed it:
