New trainer Botha saddles first runner at Kenilworth in Saturday

Ken Nicol

Less than a month after finally hanging up his saddle, Piet Botha puts out his first runner as a fully fledged trainer in Race 3 at Kenilworth on Saturday.

Maiden Head Of The Pack does the honours, and comes into the bumper 16-horse event with form, boasting three places from his last four appearances.

“I’ve got him as well as I can, but he may need it slightly after four months off. He has issues with his back and knee, but should be competitive,” said the softly spoken former jockey.

Quarllo completes Piet’s complement of older horses, while he also has a sole three-year old-and eight juveniles, making 11 in total.

“I am really enjoying training, although there are a lot of cost pressures getting things off the ground. I helped Glen Puller with the training when I was still riding, but it’s different when you are doing it for yourself. I am next to Patrick Kruyer at Milnerton, and he is always very helpful when I ask for advice. In fact, everyone I have approached has been supportive, which I appreciate,” he said.