Top-notch jockey Grant van Niekerk is back in the saddle and takes seven rides at this Saturday’s double feature Hollywoodbets Durbanville racemeeting. This will be his first outing this season.
Grant Van Niekerk week’s holiday (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
One of the Cape’s favourite sons, the charismatic and massively talented rider has not ridden since winning the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes on Equus champion Cousin Casey at Hollywoodbets Greyville on the 2021/22 season finale on 30 July.
“I took a proper break to sort my back issues out. I have had plenty of physio and treatment and am really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things,” the Drakenstein-sponsored rider told the Sporting Post on Monday.
His seven rides include the Gr1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas winner Chansonette who steps out in the Gr3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes on Saturday.
“She’s all class and has been working well,” added Van Niekerk, who pointed out that the daughter of Vercingetorix has not run since 29 January, when beaten in a thriller in the Gr1 Schweppes Majorca Stakes by SA Horse Of The Year, Captain’s Ransom.
After Saturday’s blockbuster Heritage Day meeting, another decent crowd is expected at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday.
