Strydom Joins Varian At Newmarket

While his legendary Uncle Piere is mulling over the choice of a rocking chair and other retirement options after an illustrious four decades in the saddle, 21 year old former SA Champion Apprentice Kyle Strydom strapped himself in to an economy class seat all set for a new challenge in his fledgeling career as he jetted out of Gqeberha on Sunday en route to what is likely to be a chilly London.

The 2020/21 SA Champion Apprentice will join the powerful Roger Varian yard and the world’s surely his oyster as a racing blueblood. Beyond Uncle Piere ‘Striker’ Strydom, both Dad Jacques , and now retired Oupa Hekkie, are top trainers.

The enthusiastic Pearson High School graduate, who followed the same workrider/post-matric route to saddle stardom as the now Hong-Kong based multiple SA Champion Lyle Hewitson, was excited as he spoke to the Sporting Post before his departure with 19 year old partner Emily Cunha on Sunday.

Emily also hails from top racing stock. She is a daughter of recently emigrated SA Gr1 conditioner and present day Newmarket trainer Dylan Cunha. Her grandparents on both sides are longstanding racing folk.

After six months on the sidelines with a wrist injury, that included damage to his triangular fibrocartilage discs, Kyle recently returned to the saddle and was keen to go out on a high on Friday. In the end, he had to be content with two longshot runner-up credits at Fairview.

“I am really very excited about the opportunity of joining the Roger Varian yard at Newmarket. I rode work there on a previous visit and was always keen to go back. I am very fortunate and appreciative of the fact that the SA Jockey Academy have allowed me to travel and represent the institution, until I come out of my time in a few months,” added Kyle.

It certainly is a plumb opportunity for the young Strydom.

Roger Varian is a Classic-winning trainer with over 1200 winners to his name, including 21 at Gr1 level. The team is based at Carlburg Stables since Roger purchased the yard in January 2017. This historic stable boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is situated in the heart of Newmarket just a stone’s throw from the world-renowned Limekilns grass gallops.

Kyle has been riding work, with a lead rein at times, since about the age of ten at his Dad’s stables. He rode in four workrider races to prove that he had the makings of a future jockey. His first winner came at Fairview on 9 August 2019 on Flame Up for his Dad.

He made his professional debut in June 2020  at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and duly won at just his second pro ride when scoring on Transonic for Dennis Bosch. He names the former jockey, as well as trainers Garth Puller and Louis Goosen as important role-players and mentors in his short career.

Taller than average for a jockey, Kyle has adapted his riding style and frames his style around the likes of lanky colleagues Bernard Fayd’herbe and Donovan Dillon as guides, as well as some overseas jockeys.

“I am happy with my weight at 55,5kgs and, like in golf, I want to use my height to optimise my ability to extract the best out of every horse,” he observes as he looks forward to building on his 103 career winners to date.

While Kyle and Emily bid an emotional farewell to the assembled well-wishers on Sunday, they are excited about taking up the challenge.

“My Dad Jacques, Mom Dalene, and elder sister Johane are my greatest fans and supporters,  and with technology we will stay in touch all the way. I’d like to thank all the trainers and owners for the support, as well as Mrs Suzette Viljoen and Mr Basie Viljoen of Ludeim for their belief in standing by me and sponsoring me from early on,” added Kyle.