Former SA champion apprentice Kyle Strydom celebrated a first winner in Britain aboard the well backed Expressionless in an 1800m Classified Stakes at Nottingham on Wednesday.
Strydom, who left his homeland only weeks ago, teamed up with former SA Gr1 trainer and now Newmarket resident Dylan Cunha who is the father of the rider’s girlfriend Emily, for his breakthrough win having recently joined Roger Varian.
Memorable day for Kyle Strydom (Pic – Pauline Herman)
The 21-year-old rode 103 winners in South Africa and was successful on just his second mount in Britain. He finished fourth on Mr Fayez for the same trainer at Lingfield last week.
Strydom told the Racing Post: “It’s a special moment and great to ride my first winner here for Dylan. It’s been challenging getting everything set up but it’s brilliant to be here and to work at a big yard in Mr Varian’s.
“When I pulled Expressionless out a furlong out I thought we were in with a chance. Thankfully he kicked on and ran straight through the line.
“It would be good to get more rides and to improve the quality as time goes on, but it’s exciting to get started with a winner.”
Strydom hails from Gqeberha and is the son of trainer Jacques Strydom, and nephew to multiple SA champion Piere Strydom.
