This time of the year was always my favourite to be in the Cape. It was my choice destination and it was not just because of the amazing weather or scenery, the racing some of the best around, writes Gareth Pepper.
I watched the Grand Parade Guineas day with great interest and I must commend Hassan Adams and his team – what a job they did!
It looked fantastic and I know again that the local communities were the big winners on the day.
The winner of the big race, Noah From Goah, continued to show improvement and it is just reward for a fantastic bunch of owners.
Mike De Kock again came to the fore and his son Mathhew is holding the fort like the true professional he is. What an effort from a star team and I wish them all continued success with Noah, who I hope can ply his trade on the international stage one day, because I get the impression he is far from the finished article.
Imagine if he could jet out after a few days of quarantine and head to the mighty De Kock yard in Dubai – that would be a dream result indeed. We are allowed to dream in this sport and this dream of being able to fly out within a few weeks is one I will never give up on.
With no racing on at the Turf Club I have been afforded the rare luxury of having two weekends off in a row and this has allowed me to explore.
This island continues to amaze me and I have found a few hidden gems in the food department.
Initially on arrival I was very reluctant to expand my horizons and try local favourites, but I am happy to report that I now try whatever I can (barring the odd thing here and there) and Singapore provides a sensory overload in that department.
I am not looking forward to spending my first Christmas without any family or friends from SA back home.
It is a tricky one as the majority of my friends have all jetted to various locations all over the world to spend the festive season with their loved ones.
It will be a shock to the system I am sure, but when weighing up the options, I have been blessed with an amazing opportunity to work here and these minor hurdles are worth overcoming.
In true Pepper family style we will make up for it on my next visit home- of that, I am sure!
Before signing off, I must thank the team at Sporting Post, for giving me free rein to write and discuss what I feel necessary.
They have been so accomodating and never put me under any pressure.
As for next year, I hope to bring more insights into the wonderful world of Singaporean racing and will try and get a few more different angles for readers.
Thank you for taking the time to read my contributions.
I wish you and your loved ones all the best over this festive season and hope it is one to remember for all of the right reasons.
Till next time.
