Dean Kannemeyer
Guests at the Dean Kannemeyer Racing sushi and cocktails evening on 20 January, were introduced to the multiple Classic and Group race winning yard’s new mascot, a piebald pony named Orinoco. The party, held at Barn 1 at the Gold Circle Koeberg Road Training Centre in Milnerton, relaunched the refreshing new Dean Kannemeyer Racing brand and was intended to introduce prospective new owners, existing patrons and a mix of non-racing folk to the spirit of a working championship yard. The red, black, silver and white DKR corporate silks dominated proceedings and guests included international visitors, local professionals and horseracing administrators.
The happiest guest on the evening was longstanding Kannemeyer patron, April Glaspie, who walked off with the unique lucky draw prize – twenty four months free keep on any horse purchased at either the Cape Premier Yearling Sale or the forthcoming National Yearling Sale in Johannesburg.
While welcoming guests, Dean Kannemeyer said that he felt that South African horseracing had much to look forward to and exciting times lay ahead. He said he was particularly excited at the internationalization of a Group 1 race he had won and felt was the most prestigious mile in South Africa – the L’Ormarins Queen’ Plate. In a reference to the relatively quiet few months experienced recently on the feature race front, he warned that this was just the lull before the storm and said that he had some exciting youngsters coming through the ranks. He also told guests about the launch of the stallion career of his stable champion Noordhoek Flyer. An announcement is imminent regarding the son of Pivotal’s new home.
The black and white Orinoco was the real star of the evening, however, and this lovable character has made the Kannemeyer yard his kingdom. While surprised guests hugged and stroked the pony, Dean told the gathering how the little fellow had been rescued by the SPCA Horse Care Unit when he was found close to death, after being undernourished and pulling a cart..He was successfully rehabilitated and found his way to a new home – sadly landing back at the SPCA, due to a lack of funds, after his three year absence.
Hearing of his plight, Dean offered to adopt him and he now passes his days amongst his thoroughbred cousins, keeping an eye on the action and generally enjoying his role as a lead pony cum mascot, and also the general centre of attention at the busy racing yard.
“ He has been assigned his own workrider and loves wandering around as if he has won all the big races in South Africa. I am really glad to be in a position to give him a good home and a square meal every day. I hope my colleagues will consider doing the same for this very good cause. Horses make us what we are. They are our livelihood and are such truly lovable animals,” he said.
