Peruvian jockey Carlos Herrera Gomez had his first ride on African soil at Turffontein on Saturday when partnering Algebra for the Paul Peter yard.
He has a further three rides today on the Turffontein Inside track.
Guillermo Figueroa and Carlos Gomez (Pic – Tabnews)
Gomez is the nephew of former jockey Guillermo Figueroa, who retired from riding a number of years ago.
Tainer Paul Peter has not always been happy with the support he has been getting from local riders and he appears quite happy to give Herrera a chance while he rides in South Africa.
The National Horseracing Authority have confirmed Gomez has applied to ride in this country although he has yet to apply for a local licence.
According to an NHA representative, jockeys can ride in other countries on their licences for three months, as long as they have been given a clearance from their home jockey club.
Tabnews reports that it has not been easy to get much information on Herrera because he has ridden under another name in Peru – Carlos Javier Herrera.
It is clear he has had great success in his country and has won their top race – the Derby Nacional – three times, in 2009 on Koko Mambo, in 2011 with Fly Lexis Fly and in 2012 on Kung Fu Mambo.
The first race today is off at 13h00.
