Fayd’Herbe to ride freelance
SIGHTS SET: ON RIDING REGULARLY IN JOBURG AND PE
Top heavyweight looking ahead.
After a long formal connection to the Snaith yard, jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe is looking forward to being a free agent during the coming season. “I’m going to be freelancing during this summer, and there could be some very exciting times ahead” the crack heavyweight said on Monday, after finishing riding work at Milnerton.
Indeed, if things had worked out slightly differently, he would not have been here at all, as a recent commission to ride during the Mauritian season was scuppered at the last minute.
“It was a bit disappointing how that worked out, but I have put it behind me and am fully focused on the tasks that lie ahead locally” he says philosophically.
Despite having seemingly been around forever, Fayd’Herbe is still in the prime of his career, as he only turns 37 on September 14.
“I have won 38 Grade 1 races, and intend to keep that score ahead of my age for many years to come” he says with a laugh.
With regard to his riding engagements, nothing is cast in stone.
“I am riding a lot of work for Mrs Plattner and her trainer Andre Nel. They have quite a few exciting young horses, including Pleased to meet you, who runs in the Sophomore Sprint at Durbanville this Saturday. He is an extremely talented colt,” he says with a conviction that could be ominous for his rivals.
Joey Ramsden is another who has always admired Bernard’s talents, and will definitely be using his services.
“Joey’s yard is now smaller, but still very powerful. He’s had a temporary setback recently with vaccinations, but that will only be short term and he will soon be firing on all cylinders” are his words about the mercurial Englishman.
“I am also riding work for Eric Sands, who has a couple of top horses, and get to Philippi whenever I can, mainly for Brett Crawford. I will also ride for the Snaiths when required, and have two first timers for them on Tuesday.”
Bernard is also keen to travel, with Joburg and Port Elizabeth firmly in his sights.
“Ideally I would like to ride regularly in both those centres, but that will depend on what opportunities present themselves. But it’s something I will be working on in the coming weeks.”
Undoubtedly one of the greatest natural talents in our jockey ranks, Fayd’Herbe would have enjoyed even greater success if it wasn’t for his physical stature restricting him to 58kg.
With a new challenge and his batteries recharged, the big race specialist is one to keep a close eye on over the coming months.