The fairytale continues for CTS Million Dollar winning rider Heavelon van der Hoven, who has suddenly found himself in demand.

The phlegmatic youngster is grabbing the opportunity with both hands and was even afforded the opportunity to travel to Greyville for last Friday’s 20/20 meeting, where he rode one winner in three rides.

His record this season up until Illuminator’s big win had been 8 wins at a strike rate of 6,4% and since then it has been 7 wins at a strike rate of 12,5%.

The future had looked bleak for Van der Hoven.

He was nearing the end of his five year stint at the South African Jockey’s Academy and had only ridden 22 winners from his debut on April 3, 2012, until the morning of the day he will never forget, Saturday January 23.

The Academy have now allowed Van der Hoven a sixth year to ride out his claim.

He looks likely to pass the all important 50 winner mark within the year allotted as he only has 20 to go.

By David Thiselton

Picture: Heavalon Van Der Hoven (Liesl King)