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Racing ahead of the field

- NADIA KHAN nadia.khan@inl.co.za

HAVING been bitten by the horse-racing bug at young ages, two Durban men are hoping to make their mark in the equine industry.

Devonne Govender, 32, of Verulam, and Rahiel Radhakrish­na,19, of North Beach, are presenters on Gold Circle’s GTV.

GTV, which is live-streamed on Gold Circle’s YouTube channel and on Tellytrack, a DStv channel, provides coverage of race meetings in the province.

Govender said he took an interest in horse racing, both on and off the track, after moving to New Zealand in 2005.

“My dad, a telecommun­ications engineer, secured a contract in New Zealand. I was 16 and racing was in my face all day, every day. It was all over the media and, unlike South Africa, New Zealand has a number of race tracks all over the country,” he said.

“After having been exposed to the world-class racing stage, I decided I had to get involved and initially, harness racing became a particular favourite.”

Harness racing is where the horses race at a specific gait (a trot or a pace). They usually pull a two-wheeled cart, occupied by a driver.

Govender said that after returning to South Africa in 2006, he contacted the South African Jockey Academy and went through the screening process.

“I spent a year at Summerveld training centre, and under the tutorship of Johan Nilsson and Dean Latimer, worked with harness horses. I drove in four of the KZN Premier’s First Harness Challenge series of races.”

Govender, who has a certificat­e in equine management, said that afterwards, while completing a five-year apprentice­ship with Harness Racing South Africa in conjunctio­n with the South African Jockey Academy, he was offered an opportunit­y with Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) in 2012. This consisted of one year’s training to obtain his Internatio­nal Reinsman Licence which he still holds.

“During this time I was based at Byford Harness Racing Complex, a premier harness-training facility in Western Australia. I was hosted by a number of licensed trainers with whom I worked closely.

“When I was initially licensed as a cadet driver, I was allowed to drive in trial races, where I did very well. Following the requisite number of approved trial drives, I was awarded a profession­al licence, which enabled me to drive in races, excluding Friday night meetings at Metropolit­an tracks."

Govender said he also worked at Aldo Cortopassi Pacing Stables for six months.

“I performed the duties of a stable hand and track-work driver and was involved in all aspects of general stable duties, including stable management and daily routines.

“I learnt so much, from feeding up in the morning, jogging horses, exercising horses on the horse-walker, grooming, washing horses, preparing them for races as well as maintenanc­e of the stable area.

“I then spent four months at Noel Keily’s Pacing Stables. Some of my duties included track-work driving, assisting with the breaking in, exercising of young horses for the first time on a horse-walker, preparing horses for races, and gearing and ungearing of horses at races.

“When my 12 months training with RWWA was completed, I returned to South Africa in September 2013 with a whole world of understand­ing, knowledge and experience of these wonderful animals.”

Govender, who joined Gold Circle in 2014, said he was also a sub-editor.

“I play a diverse role in the media department. I work with the layout of media content which includes newspapers and all media publicatio­ns by Gold Circle.

“However, I also present on GTV on race days and further to this, I’ve had the opportunit­y to express my talent as a race commentato­r which I’ve excelled in.

“I really enjoy commentati­ng as I have the best view from the commentary box and also have the opportunit­y to be up close with these majestic animals.”

Govender said his goals are to continue to grow and be an active contributo­r in the industry.

His advice to others who wish to follow the same path is: “Always believe in yourself and remember that to get respect, you’ve got to give respect.”

Radhakrish­na, who joined GTV about two months ago, said his dad introduced him to horse racing at a young age.

“My dad, who enjoys this game, would often take me to the racecourse. Through this, I started taking a liking to horse racing and I became the one that wanted to be at the races at every opportunit­y possible. However, it was only after I completed matric that I pursued it. At first, it was something I thought I would not be able to do because of the introvert that I am,” he said.

Radhakrish­na said that as a presenter he studied the racecards for each race meeting in KZN and provided commentary to the public.

“I give my thoughts on each horse’s chances in a specific race to the public, be it through the GTV selection show or on race day. I’m loving every minute of what I do. Apart from the race itself, which gives you such a thrill, I enjoy being able to look at each specific horse in the flesh.”

Radhakrish­na said his future goals were to grow as an individual and become an entreprene­ur.

“Should the opportunit­ies in this industry also present themselves, I’d want to grasp them with both hands.”

Radhakrish­na’s advice is: “Don’t allow your shyness and introverte­d personalit­y to determine your success in life.

“You can become whoever you want if you just focus and put your mind to it.”

 ?? ?? Rahiel Radhakrish­na
Rahiel Radhakrish­na
 ?? ?? Devonne Govender
Devonne Govender

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