It is always great to welcome a fellow countryman to Singapore, whether it is to visit or participate in the racing, and it was no different with Derreck David, writes Gareth Pepper.
On short notice, after his work pass took a few weeks to come to hand, he hopped on a plane with his lovely with Angelique and touched down at Changi.
Derreck keeps Poseidon going to win a cracker
Derreck only had two rides on Friday night a week ago and a handful the next Sunday but his first ride at Kranji proved to be his best.
The Cliff Brown trained Poseidon had reeled off two wins on the trot and came into the race with some good form.
However, he was not the only contender in the race with form as many talented four year olds were in the field.
In his toughest test to date and with a Jock that had never ridden on the course proper before, he had it all to do.
Step in Derreck David, who was lucky enough to be afforded any rides as he could only confirm his attendance on the day of race acceptances.
Derreck took him to the front, set comfortable sectionals and held off many a challenge, including the strongest one of all from Dragon Fury who again played bridesmaid.
I watched the Racing Guide Trophy from the main grandstand as I had interviews to do, but when Derreck looked like he may hold on, I was filled with immense pride that a young rider had overcome many factors to succeed in this high class event and even more so that I have known Derreck for many years and watched him improve from a 4kg claimer to going close to winning a triple crown!
Derreck made us all so proud
Just having a fellow professional flying the South African flag high again makes me proudly South African!
Derreck rode again on Friday and managed to boot Ares home for Cliff Brown in another scintillating display from the saddle.
On Saturday he jetted out to start his defence of his Champion Jockey Title on the island of Mauritius for 2016.
If you have not seen the Poseidon ride, it was a well timed and well executed front running ride that Derreck can be very proud of!
From one friend to another, it would be remiss of me not to mention my dear friend Paul Lafferty.
Paul Lafferty
Just to hear Laff had overcome cancer brought a big smile to my face and an overwhelming sense of relief. Laff has been one of the biggest influences in my career to date and from the word go was forthcoming with advice and knowledge that was priceless. Before I had the pleasure of forging a friendship with Laff he was one of my favourite presenters on Tellytrack and someone I always have and always will, look up too.
He believed in me and my ability from the beginning and when many had passed me by in preference for the newer or more established presenters, it was always Laff that encouraged me to persevere because he believed I had a bright future ahead of me.
Well done Laff, I am glad you overcame this speed bump in your life. Here is to the next “Jar” we share together my friend, please give Fenton my regards!
Till next time
