Greg Cheyne shows he is back with a vengeance
WINNING WAYS: MAKING REGULAR TRIPS TO THE NO1 BOX AFTER INJURY ʂ A canny rider worth following.
Jockey Greg Cheyne has returned after an injury enforced layoff, quickly resuming with a succession of winners, including four victories at Fairview on Friday.
Reviving a strong partnership with Alan Greeff in Port Elizabeth, the clever rider brought home three winners for that trainer, New Deal, Green Lantern and Star Trek - as well as winning a Pinnacle Stakes on True Master for Justin Snaith.
Cheyne got badly injured when his lower leg was crushed in a starting stall accident last year, so had not completed a race since mid-December.
“Injuries are part and parcel of the game and jockeys just have to accept it,” he said stoically. The rider endured eight months off while recuperating, diligently doing rehab work and attending the races to stay in the loop as an interested observer. Now that he is back in the saddle, he can use this up-to-date knowledge of the horses to plan race tactics with typical thoughtfulness.
He worked out at gym with a personal trainer doing three sessions a week for three months to boost strength, toning and balance in a programme designed to avoid putting on weight. The fitness regime served its purpose - ‘I got through my first rides well and didn’t feel too stiff.” Cheyne explained.
He won on Fire Master in a Pinnacle Stakes last week at his first meeting back by skilfully controlling the pace. His judgement and strategic awareness have always been particular strengths, compensating for the fact that he is not the most aggressive rider in a finish.
He and Greeff have collaborated for years, but Cheyne the freelancer won’t lack for support from Cape - based trainers given his work ethic and valued feedback after gallops or races. Since returning he has ridden for Eric Sands, Glen Kotzen, Brett Crawford, Darryl Hodgson, Vaughan Marshall and Adam Marcus. “It’s been great to be offered so many rides and I appreciate all the support.” he acknowledged.
Cheyne is chasing Eastern Cape riding honours again – a feasible goal given that association with the powerful Greeff stable, and even a Western Cape title may be attainable.
"In my best season I won over 150 races, and I’ve set a minimum benchmark of 100 winners for my comeback year.
"I’m always striving to up my tally, though Group races are especially important... all jocks are always looking for that one really good horse.”
The local colony has suffered terrible attrition recently. The tragic passing of Christopher Puller, together with routine retirements of senior jocks, and losses through emigration have reduced the talent pool.
This makes Cheyne’s raceriding skills and professional dependability particularly soughtafter right now.
Despite those attributes, Cheyne does not quite fit into the high profile category, unlike bigger-name jockeys who are pounded in the betting market due to their popularity.
Punters may instead derive some wagering value following Cheyne instead.
He has always been a canny rider and now that he is physically restored to robust shape, the reins-man is poised to take advantage of current opportunities and sustain a lengthy sequence of generously priced winners.