Interview: Brutally Honest De Kock
Mike De Kock is a hard man to get a hold off. The globe-trotting trainer is back in Dubai, which he fondly refers to as his ‘home away from home.’ De Kock is famously South African and direct. He is also passionate about horses and ofcourse South Africa-bred horses.
From humble beginnings Alberton, near Johannesburg, to leaving a mark in the history of most top racecourses is a feat likely to remain unmatched at least in the near future.
Several De Kock trainees have been nominated for the Dubai World Cup raceday card. He knows more than most trainers, it is an arduous journey for a horse with Dubai World Cup ambitions. He has plans to trial Light The Lights in a 1.5 mile race in the next couple of weeks. Sanshaawes (SAF) is pitted against Singapore Horse of The Year Gilt Complex.
De Kock was very happy with the second place of Silvano’s son Janoobi in Thursday night’s Gr2 Al Fahidi Fort over 1400m at Meydan.
SA bred Janoobi was only outpaced late by Jungle Cat and Mike said: “He didn’t spit out the dummy, he kept trying. I was disappointed when he finished 15 lengths off on his Dubai debut but as we noted we’ve been racing them fit and he’s come on a ton since his first start. We’ll race him over 1600m on dirt next.”
Mike loves his horses like his family. Al Sahem came in last in the recent Al Rashidiya(over 1800m)“When my horses are out of a race and can’t win I don’t like them getting hard ridden to finish a length two closer.”
He is unhappy with the quality of his Dubai string this year. With some new export rules expected later this year, he hopes to bring out a much higher quality of horses to race internationally. Again the passionate horseman commented, “South Africa is really on the verge of cracking it. South African horses can compete on an international playing field if the export and import regulations can be relaxed for more ease of travel.”
Although South Africa’s thoroughbred industry only produces 2,500 horses per year.He believes Middle East, Hong Kong and Australia are becoming huge markets for South Africa. But he believes that good horses always find a stage and a good home. With better regulations for export, many top end South African horses can be brought in for the Dubai World Cup Carnival. Furthermore, better export protocols will attract substantial foreign investment in the industry into South Africa.
De Kock is always happy to see South African horses like Shea Shea performmore often in a top international event like Royal Ascot and Dubai World Cup.
South Africa’s National Yearling Sale (BSA) will be held in Johannesburg at the end of April. He recommends taking a closer look at progeny from South African Champion Sire Silvano (Ger), South African Horse of the Year Dynasty, South African-bred international Group winner Soft Falling Rain and Equus Champion Vercingetorix.