The closing chapter of the inaugural CTS Million Dollar fairytale was written last week with the news that winning apprentice Heavelon van der Hoven will be paid a more than fair and equitable commission on the enormous first stake cheque earned by the Trippi colt, Illuminator, on that glorious Cape summer’s day in January.
He ain’t our brother – but he’s Heavy! Heavelon van der Hoven (photo: hamishNIVENPhotography)
Horseracing is not unlike many other sporting codes and much in the play of soccer, cricket and athletics, we just seem to shoot ourselves in the foot every now and again.
We had a case just last week.
Trainer Brett Webber was fined a nett R2500 for failing to provide a reasonable level of care to the horses under his control. He apparently didn’t use sufficient bedding for a few days on inspection in early February.
That is fodder for the animal rights activists – and anybody who has ever loved a horse and the sport of kings.
So it was a PR victory of some note and welcome positive news to be informed that justice was served in the Heavelon van der Hoven riding commission saga, which had a happy outcome – thanks to good people.
In terms of the ‘old policy’, the 23 year old would have been remunerated as follows:
Apprentice rider’s 7% of net 1st stake – R503k split as follows:
Academy 66,67% – R335k
Heavy’s 33,34% – R168k
Tony Rivalland – driving force to assist the youngster
The Board of Directors of the South African Jockey Academy however resolved to vary its policy in respect of apportioning apprentice earnings arising from restricted sales races where the stake of such races is higher than the advertised stake of the country’s richest Grade 1 event – that currently being the R4-million President’s Champions Challenge.
“The CTS Million Dollar race is clearly an extraordinary event on the South African racing calendar and the Board unanimously agreed to recognise this,” said SAJA Chairman Avison Carlisle.
Heavelon’s SAJA account will now be credited with R387k, calculated as follows.
Gross stake of richest race – R4million
Gross 1st stake 62.5% – R2,5 million
Apprentice rider’s 7% of net 1st stake – R175,000
Academy 66,67% of R175k – R116k
Heavy’s % – R387k (R503k – 116k)
In essence Heavy has received R219k more than he was going to receive from the Academy initially and they conversely will be receiving R219k less
WPRRA Director Robert Bloomberg – played his part in ensuring sanity prevailed
Apprentices are paid out on qualification as a fully fledged jockey.
Given the defence of their original takeout, where it was argued that the Academy would not be viable as a learning institution were it not for its funding structure and that the racing industry would instead have to revert to the old system of apprentices being indentured to trainers, the decision by the board was a turnaround of some note.
And, giving credit where it is due, a victory in fair play – for once, at least.
Let’s face it – the CTS Million Dollar was never part of the national stakes pot and to suggest that any winning apprentice rider commission would ever have fallen into the SAJA pot is disingenuous and a longshot.
In betting terms, what price would anybody have offered on an apprentice rider actually being engaged to ride in the lifechanging race – never mind winning it as ‘Heavy’ did is such amazing style?
The Sporting Post has learnt that as part of the plan to find a fair solution, an idea was mooted to structure a bursary for less privileged SAJA students in Van Der Hoven’s name as part of the initial negotiations and to provide a lasting legacy that we could all be justly proud of.
The race sponsor Cape Thoroughbred Sales, WPRRA Director Robert Bloomberg as well as Gold Circle Directors Graeme Hawkins and Tony Rivalland were staunch campaigners for a better deal for the young apprentice and must take much of the credit for the favourable outcome and for ensuring that nobody could hide behind policy – or red tape.
CTS Managing Director Adrian Todd – thrilled with the good ending
CTS Managing Director Adrian Todd said that he was thrilled that the matter had been resolved and that fairness had prevailed.
He added that Cape Thoroughbred Sales had always supported the idea of the increased payout for the young apprentice jockey.
“Horseracing does not operate on one leg only and it is important that every sector comes out a winner. That was always the intention when we broke new ground with this extraordinary incentive for a new owner to acquire a lifechanging dream. In am very happy that flexibility has been shown by all stakeholders and that we could rewrite the rules, as it were. Congratulations again to all involved with Illuminator’s win. Now that final door has closed on the 2016 race, we are excitedly looking forward to 2017,” he said.
Gold Circle’s Graeme Hawkins – firm resolve to ensure a fair outcome
Van der Hoven was quietly thrilled when we spoke to him this week.
“I know it took some effort on the part of good people to secure this payout for me and I am thankful and very grateful for it. I have been overwhelmed by kindness – I really have. I hope to qualify with my 50 winners in August and will then make a few decisions.”
It is a little known fact that Heavelon took himself off to Australia at his own expense when he was suspended for contravening curfew rules of the Academy in PE some time back.
“I couldn’t lie around and had to keep in shape and fit while serving my suspension. My Mom managed to secure me a work riding job in Melbourne. I loved it – the racing, the lifestyle and the people were great. I have a few overseas options but I am taking things one day at a time,” he added.
Does he have plans for marriage and suburban moves like buying a house, to spend the boodle?
“No, marriage not. I am too young! Let me qualify first. It is too much money to sit around and think about. I have many races to win still,” he laughed.
