Established Champions in all sports have the capacity to take success in their stride and eighteen-year-old apprentice sensation Lyle Hewitson is on the right path in this regard.

Hewitson stood by jockey Richard Fourie at Summerveld yesterday and it would have been difficult to tell who between them was on the cusp of his first Vodacom Durban July ride and who had already won the race before, such was the relaxed demeanour of both.

Hewitson said, “I am just going about life as normal at the moment as I am riding in races this week. But there is a great vibe around the July, the press have been great, it’s very exciting.”

He learnt about a month ago he would have a July ride, but did not know which horse he would be on. He added it was only when his name was revealed at the draw ceremony next to the Justin Snaith-trained contestant Dynamic it hit him and he described it as a “surreal” moment.

The reaction from his alma mata Kearsney College emphasised the feat as he received a barrage of sms’s and social media messages from pupils, Old Boys and teachers alike.

A lot of his friends attend the July every year, but are especially looking forward to Saturday’s renewal as they will have somebody to cheer home.

Hewitson admitted he had never dreamed he would be in this position just over three months ago when making his professional debut on March 6 at Scottsville.

He has already added 53 winners to the 22 he achieved as a workrider and will almost certainly lose his claim in record-breaking time. He said, “I couldn’t have mapped anything I have done so far.” Dynamic, a six-year-old gelding by Dynasty, is drawn in pole.

However, Hewitson is yet to plan his race. He said, “We have a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the race.” Dynamic has a tough task, being 3kg under sufferance according to official merit ratings, and he is rated a 33/1 chance by bookmakers. However, Hewitson has been happy with the horse’s preparation.

Dynamic finished a four length third in last season’s July  consolation race, the Gr 3 tabGold 2200, in his only attempt at the July trip. However, he was staying on strongly when runner up as a three-year-old in the Gr 1 Investec Cape Derby, so looks to have the necessary stamina reserves.

Meanwhile, Fourie was quietly confident about his mount, the Snaith-trained Investec Cape Derby winner It’s My Turn.

He was happy with the Dynasty gelding’s July gallop and said, “He was on the wrong leg but I wasn’t worried because we were going slow. When I picked it up he quickened instantly.” On his chances he said, “At Greyville if you have a Dynasty you have a big chance.”

It’s My Turn, who is coming off a possibly unlucky second in the Gr 1 Daily News 2000, is officially 2,5kg under sufferance and has a tough draw of 14 to overcome. He is 13/1 with most bookmakers.

By David Thiselton