New jockey is out of Figgy’s stable

Punters browsing through Saturday’s Turffontein card will notice a new name among the jockeys – Carlos Herrera Gomez. He is from Peru, and very much like his uncle, he is looking to make his fortune in South Africa.

Gomez is the nephew of former jockey Guillermo Figueroa, who retired from riding a number of years ago. However, “Figgy”, as he was affectionately called, has been back in action over the past few months riding work for trainer Paul Peter at Turffontein.

Peter has not always been happy with the support he has been getting from local riders and he appears quite happy to give Herrera a chance while he rides in South Africa.

The National Horseracing Authority have confirmed Gomez has applied to ride in this country although he has yet to apply for a local licence.

According to an NHA representative, Jockeys can ride in other countries on their licences for three months as long as they have been given a clearance from their home jockey club.

It has not been easy to get much information on Herrera because he has ridden under another name back Peru and that is Carlos Javier Herrera.

It is clear he has had great success in his country and has won their top race – the Derby Nacional – three times, in 2009 on Koko Mambo, in 2011 with Fly Lexis Fly and in 2012 on Kung Fu Mambo.

His first ride on Saturday is aboard first-timer Algebra in Race 2, a Maiden Plate for fillies and mares over 1200m.

He also rides Birthday Boy in Race 3 and Fort Ember in Race 5, all for Peter.