Eight-times East Cape champion trainer Gavin Smith registered the magic milestone of his century of winners this season when the Cape-based Steyn family owned Atkinson Grimshaw won the final race at Fairview on Tuesday.
With multiple SA Champion jockey Lyle Hewitson riding a hat-trick of victories to clock his own personal mark of 200 winners for the term on the same horse, it was a double celebration for the duo who are enjoying a purple patch with a near 25% win strike-rate.
The Hollywoodbets-sponsored Gavin Smith has bounced back from a tough 2020 in fighting style and is in a rich vein of form. He holds a very commendable 9th position on the SA Champion Trainer log. He is one of only five trainers nationally to saddle 100 winners this season so far.
“We fortunately have loyal owner support base and I’m proud of my team, our horses and our jockeys. We also enjoy genuine support and encouragement from our valued sponsors, Hollywoodbets. This was an important marker for us and now it’s no releasing the foot from the pedal as we go all out for the rest of the season,” the veteran told the Sporting Post on Wednesday.
When taxed on his stable jockey arrangements, Gavin confirmed that both Hewitson and Marco van Rensburg were riding for the powerful team.
“Some horses run for some jockeys. It’s my job to put the right rider on the right horse. Both Lyle and Marco are important cogs in a terrific team effort.”
On Friday at Fairview the recent East Cape Guineas winner Jaeger Moon (Van Rensburg) and Find Me Unafraid (Hewitson) carry the Gavin Smith flag in the WSB Listed East Cape Derby.
Jaeger Moon won six on the trot recently and finished just under 3 lengths behind Heartbreak Hotel last time. He is 5kgs better off at the weights on Friday and that should be enough for the tables to be turned. The son of Capetown Noir tries the 2400m for the first time.
Gavin Smith Racing is looking forward to another big day at the office!
