Tristan Godden broke the ice at Clairwood on Sunday
Eighteen year old Richard’s Bay born and raised Tristan Godden says that he went to races at Clairwood this past Sunday feeling confident of registering his career first winner. Godden rode a cracker on the Kum Naidoo trained Secret Traveller to win the opener at just his 27th ride.
Godden, who had ridden Secret Traveller at the gelding’s two previous starts, felt that he had gotten to know the 3yo and this had made all the difference.
“He ran around at his two previous starts so Mr Naidoo told me to get him on to the outside rail and keep the whip in my left hand. I did just that and at the 200m marker I knew I had the race in the bag. The thrill of the win is a feeling that is difficult to put into words but which will live with me forever,’ he said.
Tristan, who has a younger brother, said that he had heard about the SA jockey Academy from a primary school teacher of his and that he had made the move after completing Grade 9 at the Richard’s Bay Christian School, with his parents’ full blessing and encouragement.
“Unfortunately my folks weren’t there to share the special moment on Sunday but I sort of preferred it that way as I said that they might jinx me,” he laughed.
The young man, who models his riding on Anton Marcus, Brandon Lerena and Muzi Yeni, exudes a maturity beyond his years and turned 18 on 11 April. He goes to scale at 49kgs.
He proudly informed us that he has received his academic honours every year at the academy and was aiming to finish top of the class again in his matric this year.
His friend and fellow apprentice, Callan Murray, chirped in the background and suggested that Tristan would have to be at the top of his game to beat him in his studies this year.
Asked where he rides work, Godden said mainly Summerveld and to a lesser extent, Ashburton.
“I try and keep busy looking for work in the mornings but tend to ride mainly for Mr kum Naidoo, Mr Yogas Goveder, Mr Craig Eudey and Mr James Goodman. I am hungry for more riding opportunities after breaking the ice, so I will be stretching myself further!” he said enthusiastically.
He closed by saying that it was his dream to eventually ride in Hong Kong.
“I am going to take it one day at a time and improve my skills by learning from the top riders and maintaining my fitness. I also believe we can learn a lot from the guidance of an international legend like Mr Felix Coetzee. I am very excited about what the future holds and I have resolved that international performance is the benchmark to which I want to aspire, ’ he said.
