Diane de Kock

There is an expression “Behind every successful man is a successful woman”. In Diane de Kock’s case it would be fair to say that she stands next to her immensely successful husband. Mike in his normal generous way has always said that Diane’s handling of the ‘babies’ before they come to him in the yard is a big contributing factor to his success.

Diane is doing a great job of bringing up her son and daughter and helping to make their yard one of the most successful SA has ever had. Diane and Mike are said to be industry leaders in this country and the way they are going about running their business should ensure that this will continue for many a long day.

What is your name and age? Diane de Kock and I am 45 years young.

Where do you live? Dainfern Valley.

Tell us about your family? I have a daughter Kirsten and a son Mathew and am married to Mike de Kock.

What were your great interests at school? Dancing and horses.

How did it come about that you decided that you would like to become involved in horse racing? My late father was a jockey and trainer so it was in the blood.

Who had the greatest influence on you in deciding to become a trainer? My father.

Who was the first trainer you worked for? James Goodman.

Which were some of the really good horses you were involved with before your marriage to Mike? At James there was Turndor and Doubly Sure. In the beginning with Mike there was Gentleman Jones, Haiku and Hot Shot Harry.

As an amateur lady jockey which was the first horse you won on and who was the trainer and where did you ride it? It was Park Avenue for James Goodman at Gosforth Park.

Where and when did you meet your husband Mike? I was an assistant to James and across the road Michael was working for Robbie Sage at Randjesfontein.

Did you immediately get involved with the training in his yard or did you first settle down and have a family? I got involved immediately in 1989. We were at Turffontein.

Were you immediately involved in the actual training of the horses or did you at first help with the general running of the yard? I rode a lot of work and I was also involved in the yard.

Mike has been sure to let the racing public know what a good job you do with the young horses before they are put into hard work. Please tell us what you actually do with these horses before going to Mike? I break them in and pre-train them on the track. I try to get them to peak fitness and without any vices. They need to be well behaved and schooled in the starting stalls. I also train them on the treadmill. When I feel they are nearly ready to race they move up to the main yard.

How long, on average, do you have these horses before putting them into the main yard? It varies but about 9 to 12 months.

Which of the many horses under your care did you spot as potential champions before they went to Mike? Greys Inn, Victory Moon, Rudra, Ilha da Vitoria, Zirconeum, Musir to name but a few.

Was racing always a passion of yours? Yes there was never any doubt that I wanted to be involved in horses.

Do you ever get onto a horse’s back just to feel how it is coming along? Not anymore.

Which do you rate the best horse you have worked with thus far? Another hard question because all our horses are doing so well.

With the summer season now in full swing which horses do you think will pay to follow? Kavanagh, Gibraltar Blue, Perana and Igugu.

Which horse is your fancy to win the Summer Cup? I have to go with my sentimental choice and that’s Zirconeum.

Do you ever get nervous before that start of an important race? Yes for sure!

It is noticeable that as the wife of the man who is probably the most visible and most successful trainer in SA you keep out of the limelight and leave it to Mike. How does all the limelight and publicity affect you? I try not to let it get to me in any way.

How much of the time that Mike spends overseas do you spend with him or do you have to keep the homefire burning? I probably get to visit Dubai about 3 times during the carnival. Mostly I stay at home as I have many 2yr olds to take care of and my daughter who is still at school.

Has it been difficult as a wife and mother to keep your feet on the ground with the great success, and all it entails, going on around you and the family? No, it’s not difficult. One has to just crack on.

For you personally what has been the most exciting moment of the past year or two? I think Mike having his 2000^th winner and not to forget the most exciting finish in the Dubai World cup with Lizards Desire.

What are your short term ambitions for you and Mike as trainers? Well winners, of course, and maybe to crack the World Cup!

Racing in SA, and around the world, is going through a tough time finding new followers and punters.  Have you any ideas as to how to get racegoers back to the racecourse and how to attract more people to the game? I think the younger generation should be targeted. We should be advertising at the universities and colleges. Offering on course prizes and entertainment.

You have become close up and personal with some of the big names in world racing. Which of these personalities has had a really big influence on you in racing and in your daily life? I think Sheik Mohammed bin Khalifa has had an influence in my life in racing. Because it is amazing that a man of his stature has such humility and kindness.

Are all of your extended family as interested in racing as you are? Not all of them.

Which is your favourite course in SA? It was Gosforth Park but I suppose now its Turffontein.

 

Which is your favourite course outside of SA? Meydan is amazing.

 

 

What is your preferred way to celebrate a big win? To try to keep up with Michael!

 

How do you and Mike normally celebrate a big win? Usually in our box with friends.

If ever you have some time to have a short holiday where do you like to spend it? Mauritius, sun sea sky and relaxation..

 

 

 

What do you enjoy most about being a trainer and being so involved with horses? Everyday is a new day and a new challenge. I love the interaction with each individual horse. It is so rewarding.

 

 

If you have to name the most important lesson you have learnt about racing what would you say that is? To be humble as this racing game tames lions.

 

Which horse do you think could emerge as the ‘star’ of the summer season? Gibraltar Blue.

 

 

From where you sit do you think it is possible for any punter to make a living by backing horses? No-the game, and horses, are too unpredictable.

 

 

Apart from racing what else are you really passionate about? My children and trying to educate and help our workforce with Hiv.

 

How do spend your free time if you have any? I enjoy movies.  I try to go as often as possible to help out at an orphanage in town.

 

 

Is there a most memorable moment in your time in racing? I am very lucky to say there have been many. A very memorable day was when Ipi Tombe won the July and to witness the satisfaction and elation on Michael’s face!

 

 

Is there any particular personality, past or present, that you particularly admired and feel could be an example to all the racing game?  My father Johnny Cawcutt. He was the most humble man I have ever met. And he was a gentleman.

 

Are most of your friends connected to racing? Yes most of them.

 

 

What is your philosophy on the racing game? A person never stops learning.

 

 

From what you have observed of racing do you think the game is straight? Yes it is very well controlled and there is no profit in not trying to win.

 

 

If you had one piece of advice for your fellow associates in the racing world what would it be?  Learn to be a good winner and a good loser.