The Eastern Cape Champion Owner aims to help keep racing at Fairview strong.
Henk Steenkamp writes that Suzette Viljoen was officially crowned as the Champion Owner in the province when the Racing Association East Cape Annual Awards for the season 2020/2021 were held during Friday’s Fairview race meeting in Gqeberha.
“If there is something that I can contribute to racing in the Eastern Cape, it will be to send quality horses there.
Suzette Viljoen with Richard Fourie (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“Racing in the Eastern Cape is very healthy. Racing takes place with big fields and it is a privilege to be the Champion Owner of the region,” Viljoen, who is also the national Champion Owner, said.
“The first time I walked into the incredibly beautiful HB Christian Room at Fairview, Basie and I were overwhelmed by the warm welcome and friendliness.
“When we left Fairview that day we felt like we had been part of this family all along.”
Viljoen is also the owner of the East Cape Stayer and Horse of the Year – Atyaab – that was trained by Zietsman Oosthuizen.
The popular gelding was sadly euthanized after injuring himself in the Gr3 Gold Vase at Hollywoodbets Greyville last season.
“With Atyaab we experienced the highs and lows of racing. He was the pride of the stable, the head boy,” Viljoen explained.
She admitted there are mixed feelings about receiving the award for Atyaab as the Horse of the Year.
“We will accept the award bursting with pride but also with tears in our eyes because we miss him.”
Atyaab’s winning of the New Turf Carriers Gr2 Western Cape Stayers at Kenilworth in January clinched the award for him.
He was bred by Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd & Planette Thoroughbred.
