Winning Form-sponsored jockey Richard Fourie rode his way into the South African racing history books at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday when he registered his 335th winner of a remarkable season, that has seen him displace retired champion Anthony Delpech as our winning-most rider of all time in terms of victories in a single racing season.
Jubilation! Richard Fourie salutes as Double Grand Slam joins him in making history (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The Delpech magic mark of 334, set in the 1998/99 season, shattered Piere Strydom’s existing record at the time, and has thus stood the test of a quarter of a century of intense competition featuring some of the world’s greatest jockeys.
The 38 year old Fourie produced another exemplary performance in the saddle on Double Grand Slam for the Justin Snaith yard to register the new benchmark, in the process banking the Hollywoodbets Delpech 334 Challenge Incentive bonus of R1 million. In a defining moment for South African sport, the winner is owned in partnership by golfing legend Gary Player, owner Suzette Viljoen and Dave McLean.
At the commencement of the current season, Hollywoodbets ignited unprecedented interest in the chase for a new national record when South Africa’s leading international sportsbook operator offered a record R1 million incentive for the first rider to break the Delpech record.
Hollywoodbets’ Devin Heffer presents a momento to Richard Fourie as Anthony Delpech looks on (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
With an unassailable lead on the national log, Richard Fourie is now set to become the second consecutive Winning Form-sponsored rider, after Hong King-based Keagan de Melo, to be crowned SA Champion Jockey, when the curtain comes down on the current season on 31 July.
Outgoing record-holder, and present day Hollywood Syndicate Racing Manager, Anthony Delpech was the first to step forward and congratulate the new ‘number one’.
“That was most impressive! I know how tough it is to travel and keep one’s shoulder to the wheel for so many months. It’s absolutely exhausting mentally and physically, and Richard Fourie has made us all proud and shown himself to be a champion of enormous talent and mental strength. I am thrilled for him, and all of those that supported him. And to the Hollywoodbets, team, congratulations for coming up with another winner, in what has been a fan tonic and boost for our racing. This record chase has been the talk throughout the season, and I believe it will be for many years to come. I am personally very proud to have played my small part,” added Delpech.
Father Christmas could never have known that he was posing with a future champ! Richard and his brother, Raymond get into the festive spirit(Pic -Supplied)
Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager Devin Heffer endorsed Anthony Delpech’s thoughts, and said that Richard Fourie’s’s remarkable achievement would serve as an inspiration to every young jockey graduating from the SA Jockey Academy, for many decades to come.
“On behalf of the Purple Team I would like to toast a jockey who has personified endurance, commitment, and dedication to his profession. He has broken a record that many knowledgeable racing folk suggested was a near impossible task. It’s a privilege for Hollywoodbets to have been a part of Richard’s incredible journey, and I believe the racing industry will still be talking about this achievement in 25 years from now,” added Heffer.
Air miles! Richard with colleague Louis Mxothwa spent many hours in the air! (Pic -Supplied)
A thrilled Richard Fourie paid tribute to Anthony Delpech and said that it was an honour to have taken the mantle from a true international champion.
Richard said that he could never have achieved the record-breaking target without the support of a ‘staunch team’ of wonderful people behind him.
“No matter how good a rider you are, one cannot do it without the horse. That means the unflinching support of owners and trainers countrywide. Then my sponsors Winning Form have been a major boon in terms of morale, encouragement, and incentive support, and always kept the fires of interest and passion burning brightly. Thank you so much to Hollywood for putting up the R1 million bonus. This was never about the money for me, but it’s created massive public interest and racing fans from Fairview to the Vaal have really and truly bought in with enthusiasm.”
Richard added that he could not possibly begin to name all the individuals that who had made a difference, as he clocked up the air miles in his nationwide quest for winners. But he chose to mention a handful.
The 5 year old Richard, sister Monica and big boet Raymond on their first Durban Holiday (Pic – Supplied)
“All those that made a difference and were a part of this record know who they are. I am eternally grateful, but at the same time I’d like to applaud my agent Ken Nicol, who has been different class. His insight and knowledge has meant that I was often riding the right horses. Then Gavin Govender in KZN, who fetched and carried, and allowed me to meet my commitments with minimal stress, and while resting. Alan Greeff in Gqeberha has been a major contributor to my tally, and riding for Halo Stables has been a gamechanger in the scheme of things. Then my wonderful Mom, and my Uncle Billy in Johannesburg. And my beautiful family, and my very supportive partner Andrea, who have pushed me and sacrificed down-time to allow me to pursue the dream,” he added emotionally.
Richard and his partner Andrea (Pic -Supplied)
In an age where the racing programme is substantially leaner than it used to be, it’s worth noting that Richard has ridden with unparalleled consistency, currently boasting a 23% win strike-rate.
Last season Keagan De Melo won the national title with 277 winners from 1434 mounts at a win average of 19.3%. Richard Fourie was runner-up there with 258 winners from 1170 rides at a win strike rate of 22.1%.
In the 2022/23 term, de Melo fell short of the Delpech record by 57 winners, while Fourie was 76 short.
Asked whether he ever thought it would take him 23 years to win the national title as he walked through the doors of the SA Jockey Academy back in 2001, alongside Raymond Danielson, Muzi Yeni, Keanan Steyn and Gavin Lerena, Richard nonchalantly responded: “You know, I have never actually chased the title before.”
He went on to say that he has always tried to maintain a balance in his life between work and home.
“Chasing the record and titles requires enormous sacrifices. But towards the end of last season I thought that as I am not getting any younger, let me give it a shot. The Hollywoodbets incentive has been a massive bonus and I’m truly fortunate to be the recipient,” he said.
Having ridden his first winner on Groovy Baby for Dennis Bosch at Scottsville on 8 July 2003, Richard’s first Grade 1 winner came as an apprentice when he got the Glen Kotzen-trained Badger’s Gift home to beat Jeff Lloyd and the champion Sun Classique in the TBA Gr1 Paddock Stakes on New Year’s day of 2007.
Kathi and Kuyan Kotzen look on as apprentice Richard Fourie holds his first Grade 1 trophy after Badger’s Gift won the Paddock Stakes in January 2007 (Pic – Supplied)
To this day, Richard still labels the now retired Jeff Lloyd as his toughest opponent in a tight finish.
Lucky Lad’s sensational victory in the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint was his 50th career Grade 1 winner and his fifth of the season. While Richard begs to differ, many have labelled it the ride of the season.
“I don’t think I exactly shone and that was hardly my best ride. He is a fabulous horse and should have won the Golden Horse by many lengths. Let’s just say I believe I have produced better rides this season,” he laughed.
On his highlights of the season, Richard said that while every winner counted, he had to single out Princess Calla’s courageous win in the Majorca, Thunderstruck’s scintillating effort in the Computaform Sprint, and Lucky Lad snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the Senor Santa Stakes, as rewarding moments that he would cherish when looking back on his pinnacle term.
When asked to nominate a season disappointment, he was quick to nominate missing the opportunity to ride Bless My Stars for Sean Tarry in the WSB Cape Town Met.
“There were travel restrictions that prevented her participation. She’s a fantastic filly and Mr Tarry had her in a good space. That was a blow,” he added.
Richard gets a workday visit from his siter Monica (Pic – Supplied)
Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Garth Puller, a legend of the saddle for decades, paid tribute to Richard Fourie, and said that it was a great achievement that spoke volumes of his dedication, commitment, work ethic, and, most importantly, his ‘racing brain’.
“That affinity with the horse and his ‘racing brain’ sets Richard apart and makes him a thinking jockey. That’s a vital asset in his match winning make-up. He doesn’t ride at the minimum weight, and wisely didn’t chase the light rides either. So he always came racing at full strength, albeit slightly fatigued from the travel. He has focussed on clean riding and fortunately was accident-free, which is a blessing too. Taking the leap of faith to turn down a big job at the powerful Snaith stable to chase the title and the record also took buckets of courage. I would like to doff my cap and say great respect also to Anthony Delpech, whose personal outstanding achievement in a different era will always have a place as a chapter in the history books,” concluded Puller.
SA Champion trainer Justin Snaith is the man who gave Richard Fourie his early opportunities in a powerful yard, and ironically his record-breaker today!
“Many criticised me when giving the then young and inexperienced jockey the opportunity to ride exclusively for our stable. But I never regretted that decision for a moment. In racing, luck is the dividend of sweat. I believe that jockeys mostly don’t realise that the more you sweat, the luckier you get. Richard became a champion as a result of his attitude, dedication and flawless temperament, and he has mastered his craft. The way in which he respects and cares for his horses is what I admire the most – he is a very kind rider. Frankly, he’d hold his own anywhere in the world,” added Justin Snaith.
Richard enjoys fishing with former colleague, Andrew Nienaber (Pic – Supplied)
Sean Tarry, who saddled Richard’s half century of Grade 1 winners when Lucky Lad won the Golden Horse on 1 June, said that the record achievement was just reward for the commitment and vigour with which Richard approached his goal.
“There is a saying that attitude determines altitude. And Richard certainly demonstrated that this season. He is a rider who doesn’t try and find a reason why he cant win, and approaches everything positively, always going out there to do his best. A refreshing attitude and I am not surprised that he has set the new benchmark. My congratulations and best wishes to him,” added the former multiple SA champion.
One of the greatest jockeys this country has ever produced, internationally respected champion Michael Roberts said that the dedication, focus and hard work that this record took, was ‘absolutely enormous’.
“It just goes to show what you can achieve when putting your mind to something! I hope other jockeys will take a leaf out of Richard’s book. I saw him on course some days, and he looked tired. But then he’d bounce back and ride winners. We are very proud of him and I extend my congratulations to him and wish him the best,” said Roberts.
Richard and colleagues Devin Ashby and Craig Zackey meet SA UFC Champion Dricus du Plessis (Pic – Supplied)
Richard Fourie has ridden over 100 of his winners this term in the Eastern Cape, and local multiple champion trainer Alan Greeff said that the Carletonville-born rider has shown single-minded focus and determination.
“Richard set himself a goal and has displayed true professionalism in his quest to set a new benchmark. He is the consummate professional and has balanced his journey with short breaks, while also sacrificing valuable family time. It’s a privilege for us to have been a part of the amazing journey,” said Greeff.
KZN weighing room colleague Athandiwe Mgudlwa said that Richard Fourie is a jockey that fellow professionals admired and looked up to.
“Richard is a man of character and a jock of enormous ability. It must be mentally and physically draining to do what he has done with such polish and aplomb. He is just so focussed and the key is that he makes less mistakes than most of us. I believe his record, whatever number he ends on this season, will endure beyond our lifetime. I am honoured to call myself a colleague of this champion human being and salute him,” said the Sporting Post-sponsored rider.
Hook, line and sinker! (Pic – Supplied)
Multiple past SA champion jockey Piere Strydom said that the fact that Richard Fourie had started the season slowly makes the new record even more remarkable and meritorious.
“Richard has had a season like nobody before him, with Gr1, Gr2 and Gr3 winners in the mix. With over seven weeks left of this season, it’s difficult to see anybody ever surpassing his new mark. He’s a great rider and I can only wish him every success into the future,” said Strydom.
There have been whispers of a possible Hong Kong season ahead for our champion elect. Richard just smiles when asked whether he would return to the top notch jurisdiction where he once rode 34 winners, including achieving a Grade 2 victory.
And what of the holidays and his plans for August?
Richard breaks records on land and sea! (Pic – Supplied)
The hobby fisherman, whose biggest catch remains a 97kg Yellowfin Tuna, says that he will probably be calling Jakes at Simply The Best Charters, and will also be looking at spending a bit of time with the people closest to him.
Richard’s pride – his daughters Eva, Mia and Bella are his biggest fans (Pic – Supplied)
His daughters Mia (16), Bella (12) and Eva (10) are growing up fast, and Dad is almost 40! The middle of two siblings – Raymond is 3 years older and Monica is 3 years younger – Richard says that the importance of family and loyal friends takes on greater significance as one gets older.
Never at sea! Richard bags another monster (Pic – Supplied)
So where to now for the man who lives by the maxim that one should do unto others, as you would have them do unto you?
“I will keep at it. I am too invested in this season not to go all the way and raise the bar again!”
So that means more possible Grade 1 wins, and everybody is asking who Richard Fourie will ride in the Hollywoodbets Durban July on 6 July, as he bids for his fourth win in the big one?
“I have focussed on clocking up the numbers, rather than on Grade 1 rides, so 5 is good – I’d obviously love to make it 5 more! It’s probably too early to talk about my Hollywoodbets Durban July ride at this stage. I am obviously very keen to win Africa’s Greatest race, and am very fortunate to have a few options at this stage.And thanks again to all the fans – the buzz here at Hollywoodbets Greyville today was something else! I feel extremely proud to have achieved this record. Thanks to all those that made it happen!”
Richard with his first Durban July winner, Legislate (Pic – Supplied)
