Jockey Sherman Brown has been a hard-travelling perennial in most of South Africa’s racing centres for roughly a quarter of a century.
Tabnews reports that he has temporarily relocated to Dubai to ride for trainer Rashed Bouresly, starting the stint with two rides at Thursday’s race meeting at Meydan.
Both horses are unraced maiden juveniles, so it is likely to be an orientation exercise for all parties.
“I was tipped off by Johnny Geroudis and Mike de Kock that Mr Bouresly was looking for a jockey,” explained Brown.
“He is a private trainer based an hour out of Dubai itself, and I am looking forward to the new challenge. I will be there until their season ends at the beginning of April.”
Bouresly is a Kuwaiti national who wears trademark red and white-checked ghutra headgear and is well known throughout the Middle East for his passion for owning and training horses.
Brown’s first ride is on American-bred grey colt Shanty Star in Race 2 and the second on another USA import, chestnut filly Aqqadeer, in Race 4.
Brown has spent time in the Arab emirate before – back in 2005.
“I travelled over with my now wife Danielle. I went there as work rider and jockey, but the stable had a lot of bad luck.”
Trainer Rashed Bouresly (Pic – Dubai Racing Club/Nadine Al Koudsi)
His wife is ex jockey Danielle McCreedy and they have a daughter Addison, who will be seven in January.
A little-known fact about Brown is that he is a gifted handyman.
“I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I make all my own saddles and training kit. I am designing some at the moment in Mr Bouresly’s colours – bright orange and black.”
Sherman and Danielle Brown
The jockey signed off in perfect style at Turffontein on Monday, with victory in his final ride in South Africa for the time being.
Battling maiden Regal Girl won for trainer Tobie Spies and owners Mr and Mrs Makins, trying 2400m for the first time.
Born in Zimbabwe, Brown grew up in Durban, and was recruited to the jockey academy while he was at school.
The NHA website gives his career tally of winners as a highly respectable 1,437.
He was Mauritian champion in 2008 and won South African colours in the 2011 Jockeys International against the likes of Joao Moreira and Richard Hughes.
- Tabnews
