Mauritzfontein-sponsored jockey Craig Zackey became the fifth SA rider this term to reach the 100 winner marker when he booted Green Isle to victory for Milnerton veteran Eric Sands in the fifth race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday.
The Khaya Stables retained jockey raised his bat after an inspired ride to get the hanging out Green Isle home to register her maiden win at her eighth start.
Craig Zackey – 100 up! (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The red-hot Richard Fourie could have been forgiven for thinking he had the race in the bag on Sansa Stark, but Zackey let his mount drift towards the outside rail, and then pushed her out to get the verdict by half a length in a time of 102,48 secs for the mile.
The winner races in the internationally renowned yellow and black of Mauritzfontein and is a home-bred by Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) out of the Fastnet Rock mare, Carraig Aonnair.
Trainer Eric Sands confirmed that the winner is not a quirky sort, and that her hanging behaviour is a result of being slightly ‘mouthy’.
Zackey joins the 2023/24 season centurion quintet of Richard Fourie (258), Muzi Yeni (147), Gavin Lerena (119) and Calvin Habib (108) this season.
A cucumber cool and talented jockey, Craig Zackey had no idea he was on the cusp of 100 winners today.
“I’m not a numbers guy. I look for the big races. But it’s a great feeling – I just wish it was doubled,” he laughed.
He was the National Champion Apprentice in the 2014/2015 season, riding 58 winners, and scarped through the 100 winner mark the following season, riding 101 winners.
Zackey’s best season was 138 winners, and that milestone looks very attainable this term, with over three months left.
