The Strydom factor is about to become even bigger in South African racing.
Henk Steenkamp writes that Kyle Strydom will be making his Hollywoodbets Scottsville debut as an apprentice jockey with two rides today.
Kyle Strydom – big day today
Uncle Piere will be riding in four races at the Vaal on Thursday and the trainers Grandpa Hekkie and Dad Jacques will be saddling six and 13 runners respectively at Fairview on Friday.
Piere and Jacques are Hekkie’s sons and the 18-year old Kyle is Jacques’s son.
Kyle’s debut in Pietermaritzburg will undoubtedly be the highlight for the Strydoms.
The former Pearson High learner rode in two work riders races at Fairview, winning in his second appearance. It will be a step up at Scottsville when he does duty for the Dennis Bosch stable in races 8 and 10.
With racing in his blood and carrying the Strydom name it is a given that a bit of extra pressure will follow the young Kyle from early in his career.
Dad Jacques will be in front of the television to watch Kyle at Scottsville.
“First of all I just want to see a safe race for him and his horse. I hope he has a good race and doesn’t try too hard because that can lead to mistakes.
“The long wait for his races will probably be stressful for him. He will arrive at the track at about 11:00 and his first ride is more than four hours later,” Jacques said.
Kyle will be riding the four year-old filly Making Waves in the Track & Ball Gaming MR 91 Handicap over 1000m in the eighth race.
The three year old gelding Transonic is his ride in the tenth, the Hollywood Bets Bright Future MR 78 Handicap.
Good luck Kyle!
