Warm praise for SA racing from Pasquier

French jockey Stephane Pasquier, who was invited to ride in South Africa the week of the Sun Met, told French newspapers that riding in “the country of the rainbow nation” was an unforgettable experience.

Visiting under the wing of Dudley Kotzen, International Sales Manager for Phumelela, and with Julie Alexander arranging his rides, he participated in 19 races collectively at Turffontein, the Vaal and Fairview as well as at the Sun Met meeting at Kenilworth. Although he didn’t ride a winner, he said he found the experience exhilarating.

He said (translated): “Like many French horsemen and punters, I’d watched South African horseracing with a kind of distant interest but now that I have been there, my outlook has totally changed.

“First of all, I liked the atmosphere on the racecourses. It is much more relaxed than in France. There is not so much pressure on jockeys. And this relaxed atmosphere has an obvious impact on the horses, who are generally calm.

“I would have loved to win a race during my stay but the warm welcome of the local jockeys helped me overcome this frustration.

“As is the case in France, there is currently a big fight for the jockeys’ title and I also must acknowledge that the level of talent is particularly elevated.

“The tracks are fantastic with long home stretches so there are very few incidents of interference in the final parts of the races.

“The plastic railings and the quality of the grass provide a great feeling of safety.”

Pasquier also saw a bit of the country as a tourist, which he also enjoyed: “It would have been a shame not to go out in the parks and watch the wildlife.”

He concluded that he would enjoy repeating the experience.