Mike De Kock – could launch an assault from UK
Korea is to stage two rich international races next September – a US$700 000 sprint and US$ 1 million 1 800m event, both with substantial travel allowances – and has invited Mike de Kock to send horses from his British base, writes Michael Clower.
The Korea Racing Association has close ties with South Africa through its sponsorship of the two Greyville Guineas races and for a time it was thought that these new international races could be the long-awaited key to opening up the protocols.
Western Province RA chapter chairman Vidrik Thurling said: “When I was in Korea in June their racing director told me they wanted to attract South African horses and I felt this could be our opportunity. However, after some discussion and deliberation, they decided that they should wait for Europe to take the lead on the protocol issue.
“I then suggested they invite Mike de Kock and I mentioned the international meeting to him. His initial reaction was positive.”
The Korea races will fill the gap left by Singapore’s decision to drop the Krisflyer International Sprint and the Singapore International Airlines Cup.
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