JP’s Flying Start In Cape

Just two weeks after a bold move South to set up a new family home in Cape Town, JP van der Merwe celebrated the most memorable racing weekend of his career since he was called up almost eight years ago as a last minute replacement for Weichong Marwing to win the 2016 Gr1 J&B Met on Smart Call.

Chatting to the Sporting Post from his Milnerton home on Monday, the evidence of boxes tells a story of a recent interprovincial move, and exciting new beginnings for the young family of three.

“It’s never easy uprooting and moving house between provinces. Our daughter Valentyna is only three months old. And I was enjoying decent support in Gauteng, riding some really nice horses. But on the flipside, I don’t know when I will ever get a golden opportunity like this again. And I ultimately made the decision for my family. We have a lovely secure home, the beach is a stone’s throw away. Trackwork at Milnerton is around the corner – and Futura Park is 22km away!” he smiles broadly, as his attention turns to his gurgling bundle of joy.

The 32 year old JP is married to Abbi, daughter of East Cape Champion trainer Gavin Smith.

The couple have bounced back strongly from their Singapore adventure, which ended earlier than anticipated over two years ago.

“Agh, everything in life is an experience and happens for a reason. They say that what doesn’t kill one makes one stronger,” adds the talented lightweight.

The obvious question arises – ‘how did the move from Gauteng to Cape Town actually come about?’

“Greg Bortz and Justin Snaith,” adds JP matter-of-factly, as he explains that Grant van Niekerk is still Snaith’s first choice jockey, but that he will be riding the Bortz horses, and the rest.

And his big weekend?  Was it better than that sunny day in January 2016 when he booted Smart Call home to win the Sun Met at the same venue?

“Every Gr1 win is very special, believe me! Snow Pilot’s victory in the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas was the third elite victory of my career. And then to follow up 24 hours later on Sunday with the win by Gimme A Nother in the Mike de Kock Gr2 Ipi Tombe Challenge. That was magic! And she runs in the Smart Call silks too,”adds the Bryanston Auctioneers-sponsored rider, enthusiastically.

Enjoy the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas replay:

Asked to sum up the merits and prospects of his two big feature winners, JP says that Snow Pilot is ‘all quality’, while Gimme A Nother has gone from a maiden to Gr3 and to Gr2 in just four unbeaten runs – all ridden by himself – and a Gr1 surely looks a given.

“Snow Pilot is still a colt, so he is not an easy customer. But he’s obviously very smart, and, yes, as you suggest, I think he could be a Cape Derby candidate. But that’s up to the trainer and connections.”

And Gimme A Nother – is she a Triple Tiara prospect?

“She’s really good. Very special! I am not sure what the plans are for her going ahead, but she’s beautiful and yes, naturally there is no question that I would absolutely love to stick with her! She has been a pleasure to ride,” he adds.

He is already in a routine, riding work for the powerful Snaith team two mornings a week at Futura Park in the Southern Suburbs, and then moving from the Paddy Kruyer string, to Piet Steyn and Piet Botha at Milnerton.

Will the man some know as ‘Juan Paul van Damme’, apparently already a staunch ‘Province’ supporter, and his ladies be enjoying more of an outdoor lifestyle, now that they are miles away from the mine dumps, and just 300m from the beautiful Atlantic Ocean?

“I believe the family lifestyle in the Cape offers plenty. And I am looking forward to joining the jockeys in the weekly Action Cricket matches. I’d also really like to drop a line in the water. I spoke to the professional Richard Fourie over the weekend about that. So these are exciting days professionally and socially, and we intend to make the most of it,” he assures us.

The Johannesburg-born JP celebrates his 33^rd birthday just three days after Christmas.

We asked what the family’s plans were for Christmas, and his big day.

“My Mom-in-law, an excellent cook, and Abbi’s brother are joining us for Christmas. So we will be eating like royalty! I have managed to ride comfortably at around 52kgs for years, but I am getting older, so will be hard against the bit and a little bit restrained,” he laughs with a twinkle in his eye.

The likeable JP has walked a long road since the then shy teenager stood on the Clairwood podium in October 2008 after riding his first career winner, Regent’s Honour, for trainer Bennet Bulana.

We asked him to summarise his goals for 2024.

“Work hard. Ride many winners. Enjoy my beautiful family, and ultimately become a proper Capetonian!”