One of South African horseracing’s happiest stories of last season, Gr1-winning jockey Deryl Daniels continued his comeback from the edge of nowhere when booting Nathan Kotzen’s 8-1 Flower Festival home to win the fourth race at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.
“Even a blind chicken gets a mielie,”mused the charismatic Deryl as he told the Sporting Post that he was grateful and felt a sense of relief to have gotten the 3yo daughter of Flower Alley home.
Deryl Daniels drives Flower Festival home as Richard Fourie and Freedom Square chase hard (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“It’s hard work, the support of good people, and by God’s grace, that I am here. I am really chuffed and thanks to all the kind people who have been behind me,” he added.
Showing scant regard for Richard Fourie’s odds-on price to win the SA Jockeys Championship this season, Deryl kept his mount balanced to beat the popular favourite and many player’s Pick 6 banker Freedom Square by 0,40 lengths.
“Nathan suggested I follow Richard Fourie and that was the winning play. She’s a small filly but she showed plenty of heart,” added a delighted Deryl, who is sponsored by Indigo Equine & Veterinary Supplements.
Deryl Daniels – pleased as punch! (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Deryl had to travel North of the Limpopo to Borrowdale Park last month for his first winner since returning to the saddle in May this year after a five year absence.
He was aboard first-timer Buster Barnes for trainer Debbie Swanson in that milestone win.
The former SA Champion Apprentice has had 14 rides this season so far.
His last winner in South Africa prior to his comeback was Shizam for Glen Kotzen on 26 November 2017 at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
Enjoy the replay of Deryl’s Sunday winner:
