At the age of 36, and now under the Sporting Post flag as our newest sponsored jockey, Randall Simons jets into Cape Town on Friday evening, ahead of his ride on Union Square in Saturday’s R2 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
Randall Simons – out to make it his best season yet (Pic – JC Photos)
Time flies and it’s been four years since Randall and his colleague Smanga Khumalo rewrote the ‘hapless travellers’ guide to flight complications’, en route to his first winning ride – a Gr1 into the bargain – in the Mother City.
It was December 2018, an age of relative innocence in a time when none of us had even heard the ugly term, coronavirus.
“Don’t remind me! Luggage regulations and an airline overbooking had myself and Bling round-tripping from Johannesburg via the Kruger National Park. It felt like mission impossible at one stage. I saw parts of South Africa I hadn’t seen previously – but we made it and I won the Cape Guineas on that really smart colt, Soqrat, on a beautiful summer’s day,” reflects the quietly spoken Randall as he looks forward to a smoother passage via Flysafair on Friday evening!
Watch the 2018 replay here:
After a frustrating few years – he only returned this term after 18 months on the sidelines courtesy of two shoulder operations – the father of two boys is keen to pick up the Gr1 golden thread on Saturday.
“When I returned from injury I weighed 62kgs. I now ride at 54kgs. I am feeling good and determined to make the most of the opportunities,” he adds as he recalls that his maiden Gr1 victory was on the lightning fast Let’s Rock ‘N Roll in the 2006 Golden Horse Casino Sprint at Hollywoodbets Scottsville for Paul Matchett.
Randall’s next elite win came over 4 years later. It was for Mike de Kock on Flirtation in the 2010 Gr1 Summer Cup. That time frame and stable suggest the stars are aligned for Saturday!
Randall wins the 2018 Cape Guineas on Soqrat (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
He has been a soldier for De Kock as Soqrat provided his next two big strikes – in the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Super Saturday 2018, and then five months later on the same Aussie import in the Cape Guineas after that flight to nearly everywhere!
At final declarations for the Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas on Monday, Randall landed up with a 4 from 15 barrier draw on the impressive recent Jonsson Workwear Gr2 Dingaans winner, Union Square.
He says his mount is safely settled in the Cape with the Mike de Kock string.
“This will be his first run on a left-handed track. He has already galloped at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth and it went well. It would be a dream for me to win this great race again. Union Square is fit and ready, but I am obviously mindful of the fact that he is a class horse looking for slightly further, and likely to be more effective in the SA Classic and Derby.”
When questioned on who he feels he has to beat, a diplomatic Randall said he always had all the respect for his opposition.
“No doubt, Charles Dickens and Cousin Casey are top-class and very exciting prospects. And there is my stablemate Shoemaker to consider, too. It takes a top 3yo to win this race. I am so looking forward to Saturday!”
Randall’s wife Vash and sons Mason (8) and Zachary (6) will be cheering their favourite jockey from their home in Glenvista.
Randall wins the Dingaans on Union Square – the team are back on Saturday in search of Gr1 glory! (Pic – JC Photos)
In one of the toughest professions on the planet, he has leaned heavily on family support years before and ever since 14 January 2003 when the tentative apprentice Simons took his first ride to the start.
Randall’s first winner came on Gun Salute for Tony Nassif at Turffontein on 20 March 2004.
Over the years he has enjoyed a special affinity with the Mike de Kock team, with 75% of his career Gr1 winners hailing from the powerful yard.
“I have always enjoyed riding for Mr De Kock. In fact the best horse I have ever ridden was one of his. I rode the brilliant Igugu to three wins in her first four starts, including a Gr3 success. I am privileged to enjoy Mr de Kock’s support. He has the horses and the owners – and is the best trainer in the country. It is a privilege for me to be associated with a top team,” he added.
On the subject of top teams, how does he feel about his Sporting Post sponsorship?
“Really honoured and thrilled, thank you! I have three nice rides on the top day, and what a start it to would be for our association to bring home a winner!”
The R2 million Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas is run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday and is carded to jump at 15h40.
A carryover of R1 million is expected to result in a Pick 6 pool of R6 million!
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