The legendary Michael Roberts was an 11-time South African Champion jockey and one of the few foreigners to ever win the British championship. He revealed his philosophies on race riding to the Racegoer a few years ago and they still hold true.

Roberts said, “What the public see as bad riding is often because of instructions. If nobody gave instructions nine out of 10 rides would be better ones.”

He went on to explain that the “pace is what it’s all about and the first 50 metres of a race are in fact the most important.” It is in this narrow window that the jockey must make the split second decision to be up near the front or to drop in behind.

Roberts has never liked stereotype jockeys who lie handy in every race, as he feels this indicates a lack of pace judgement. However, he added that some top jockeys in South Africa were being gifted races by being allowed to dictate the pace without being taken on.

“The easiest races to win are the ones from the front unless you are taken on because horses can cut each other’s throats if vying for the lead.”

He acknowledged the like of Piere Strydom as an excellent judge of pace, but rated Lester Piggott by far the best tactician of all time. Roberts continued, “I would rather drop back three lengths and get on to the fence than race three wide.”

Roberts explained that horses were able to sense a jockey’s mood and this is why some hot horses would relax under certain riders. He added that while it was easier to control a horse on a short rein, a horse would tend to be more relaxed on a long rein. A nervous rider might snatch up the rein for more control and the horse, sensing the panic, would begin fighting.

He cited the late Johnny McCreedy as an absolute master of long-rein riding together with Lester Piggott and Ireland’s Pat Eddery. Jeff Lloyd was also able to control a fighting horse on a long rein, something that would normally tire a jockey out.

Some modern jockeys have begun wrapping the rein around all four fingers, rather than the traditional stronger hold with the first three, because the more sensitive small finger then takes the weight and this gives more feel overall.

Roberts said the best analogy to use in explaining race riding was to compare it to traffic. Some drivers are prepared to sit and wait whilst others will spot a nice run down the inside lane – except that there is a bus 100m further on.

“You often have to gamble,” he says, “but the best jockeys make qualified gambles.”

His judge of a good jockey “is one who is in the right place at the right time and wins races he shouldn’t have won.”

He emphasised that bad luck in a race was often due to nothing more than the jockey having not done his/her homework.

“If you are on the favourite and sit behind a horse that is unlikely to be going forward under pressure, any jockey worth his salt will simply shut the door on you.”

Roberts explained the importance of the final blow-out on the training track. The jockey should judge how clean the horse’s breathing was in the first 50 yards and if it was not slow, deep and regular he/she should give the horse a rigorous workout in order to clear the air passages. If a horse stood dead-still without fidgeting at the end of a workout, it was a sign of extreme fitness.

Roberts considered it important to walk the course before races in Britain and Ireland, as the courses are often undulating and the irrigation methods were sometimes outdated.

He recalled winning a Gr 2 with ease on an outsider at Leopardstown after finding some superior going on the far rail, which was usually too far away to tack over too, but in the large field that day he was able to reach it from his draw of one.

Recently he spoke of his hopes that the temperature of the Greyville polytrack would be made public before meetings, as anecdotal evidence around the world has suggested this has a bearing on results. According to Roberts’s observations frontrunners appear to have more chance of winning in daytime meetings on the Greyville poly and the chances of off-the-pace runners increase at night.

The start of any race is all important and Roberts said good jockeys were often able to anticipate the gates opening as most starters go through a certain routine before pressing the button. A smack on the shoulder helped a horse get going but rousting it could be risky because the horse’s head would have been in the ‘V’ of the gates a split-second earlier and it might bounce back at you. Steve Cauthen was the best exponent of a fast start that Roberts knew. He used to grab the bars and shift the horse from side to side to wake it up before the off. However, Roberts pointed out that a slow start was sometimes advantageous, especially in a distance race, as this usually meant a horse would settle immediately. “You need to find a happy medium between a good break and settling.”

In order to miss the break by half-a-length or so a jockey should just sit very quietly or, in the case of a problematically quick starter, its head can be positioned slightly to one side.

The whip is an important part of the finish. Roberts usually gave a horse a few light taps to test the response and if it was positive he would whip more freely but would otherwise use it sparingly or not at all. Fillies often don’t take kindly to the whip.

The whip hand should be changed if a horse begins hanging or floundering. In the latter case a horse will often change legs and find another gear.

In a tight finish, the jockey should attempt to have the horse’s head down on the line, and jockeys have different styles in achieving this.

Roberts said in summing up that it should be imagined that a horse was given X amount of petrol to get from A to B and it was the jockey job’s to use it in the most economical way so there would be some left for the all-important final burst.

By David Thiselton

Scottsville has an eight-race meeting on Sunday and punters will be hoping for the good results that characterised the midweek meeting on the Greyville polytrack.

In the first race over 1200m for three-year-old maidens, Goodnight Nurse caught the eye after the penny had dropped on debut over course and distance as she ran on strongly after running all over the place. Light The Fire has gone close over course and distance before, despite starting slowly and then leading, so could be a contender if starting on terms. Variable Pitch is a speedy sort who has found no extra late over 1000m, so this trip could be a concern. New Hampshire was green on debut over course and distance and could improve.

The Duck has a bit to find. There are also some interesting first-timers. Liege is by Dynasty and is a half-brother to the like of Lance and Lockheed Jetstar. Anthony Delpech is an eye-catching booking on the first-timer Executive Power, who is by Warm White Night out of the consistent twice-winning Var sprinter Vareuse.  Roy’s Saint is by Trippi and is a half-brother to the like of Red Rake and Desert Sheik.

In the second over 1200m, Gordon’s Cungee caught the eye on debut over 1000m and needed it as she only faded late, so she could be a big runner here from a favourable draw. Cyclone Sassy was backed on debut over 1000m here and finished second to a well regarded sort, so should be right there. Madame Le Roi made a fair debut and Anton Marcus is now up. Open Your Heart ran on steadily over course and distance on debut and could improve.

Roy’s Queen was backed on debut over this course and distance but hung in badly in the running and finished well beaten. She has put in some fair efforts over further since then and is interesting back over this trip with a 4kg claimer up. Aventurine is by Brave Tin Soldier out of an unplaced Parade leader mare and Anthony Delpech is an interesting booking. Diva Dance by Greys Inn is a half-sister to the useful Louvre. Lady Linda is by Lateral out of a Silvano mare who won three times from 1400-1600m.

The third race over 1400m presents a good opportunity for Killer Woman who has done well over course and distance in two career starts and doesn’t have much to beat. Roy’s Monkey has some fair form and could give some cheek with Anton Marcus up. Switched On makes most appeal of the rest.

In the fourth, a MR 70 Handicap over 1400m, Fleetfox won his maiden with a bit in hand over course and distance and is drawn well so could win with topweight.  Delray Beach won well over course and distance last time from a similarly wide draw and is a contender. Trendy Guy can never be discounted over this course and distance and is drawn well with a 4kg claimer up.

The handy-running sort Chill should be thereabouts off a competitive merit rating with Marcus up. Class Mondiale has always been well regarded and is having her third run after a long break over a suitable course and distance. Roy’s Ambassador beat a fair sort when winning his maiden over course and distance but does have a wide draw to overcome.  Excalivar is another one to consider.

In the fifth race over 1400m, Fragrant Beauty is a lightly raced mare who has shown some ability so can’t be ignored here with a light weight from a good draw. Alina is drawn well over her optimum trip. Peace Again is course and distance suited and likes to come from off them, so the wide draw shouldn’t be much of a disadvantage, although having to carry 60,5kg is going to make it tough. Surfing Belle is 2,5kg better off with Peace Again for a 4,5 length beating over course and distance and has Marcus up so could get closer. Cool Anne stayed on well over 1200m last time and might now be ready to step up in trip, so is a runner with Delpech up. Queen’s Advance and One Way Ticket have to be considered in an open race.

In the sixth over 1000m, Tonto has a fair draw over a suitable course and distance. Silver Kavalier comes back to the course and distance of her easy maiden win, having failed in a Turffontein feature in March, and Delpech is an eyecatching booking. The consistent All True Man should be thereabouts again over a suitable course and distance.

In the seventh over 1200m the classy Saratoga Dancer is a horse to follow this season and is drawn well, although he would prefer a touch further.  Triptique should love the course and distance and might prove himself a top class sprinter in the making.  Normanz has won a Gr 1 over course and distance so should be involved. Brutal Force has benefitted from gelding and has Delpech up over a suitable trip.  The raider Talktothestars is an exciting sort who goes for five in a row. Insearchofthesun and Hunting Owl are others to consider in an intriguing contest.

In the last over 1200m Treble Tot is in fine form and could win from a favourable draw. Triple ‘O Seven is now off an attractive merit rating so should go close with Marcus up from a favourable draw. Red Moon At Night won his first start in KZN over 1400m on the poly and has a favourable draw here so is one to consider. Boomsheiktheroom enjoys this course and distance and has a 4kg claimer up. Ivanovich has the ability to be involved in the finish.

By David Thiselton

Western Storm puts last season’s top Cape two-year-old form on the line in the Betting World Handicap at Kenilworth tomorrow and is expected to be a reasonable price with the sponsors.

The Glen Puller-trained gelding beat all except Tar Heel in the Somerset (when he gave weight all round) and was then third to Captain Chaos in the Cape Nursery. The handicappers have taken no chances with their 98 assessment but the capable Heavelon van der Hoven is light enough to claim all 4kg of his allowance.

The hat-trick seeking Captain Sam is the TAB sheet forecast favourite but strictly speaking Villa Del Largo is weighted to turn the tables. Muscatt holds the course record for this distance and has won in the soft.

Newcomer Bela-Bela is held in high regard and is expected to start favourite for the Land Rover Cape Town Maiden. The Dynasty filly is a half-sister to both the Cape Guineas and Daily News winner Rabiya and Secret Of Victoria (Sceptre and Southern Cross).

“She is one of my better fillies and she will give a good account of herself,” says Justin Snaith. “But she will have to be very good to win first time out.”

Don’t take too short a price – and odds-on would definitely be too short – because Sandton Rocker and Forever Alert both have strong claims. The former has the better draw but the running of Like Janis and Septima in the first will give a good guide to their relative merits.

Forever Alert was two and a half lengths further back when Septima was second last time despite not getting an entirely clear run. Like Janis had Sandton Rocker a length behind when only beaten a short head and Ronnie Sheehan is on song. That said, Septima’s form has been boosted since and she is much better drawn. She is blinkered for the first time and gets the vote.

Snaith introduces the R1.8 million Twinkle Toes, a Captain Al first foal of the Allan Robertson and KRA Fillies Guineas winner On Her Toes. “This is a much stronger race and she will need her run, more so than the other filly,” says her trainer.

Stable companion Johnny Rockets looks the one in the Jenny Morris ‘Giggling Gourmet’ Handicap after running so well over the trip last time when giving away an impossible amount of ground at the start.

Maiden winners first time in handicaps are usually a bookmakers’ benefit but the lightly raced Sea Glass fairly romped home last month and looks worth an interest in the Kitchen Aid Handicap, particularly as both Acrostar and Harvard Crimson have been scratched as they were coughing.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Justin Snaith

Newly-crowned national champion trainer Sean Tarry is already looking forward to the Cape Summer Of Champions season and the former top jockey and renowned horseman Felix Coetzee will once again be helping take care of the yard’s Cape Town string.

Coetzee is well versed in the methods of the legendary “horse whisperer” Monty Roberts and also prepares some of Tarry’s “babies” down in Cape Town.

Tarry’s string usually only arrives in Cape Town in about December, but he is planning to move them earlier this season.

Seven of his three-year-olds earned 50% of the yard’s record-breaking stakes earnings of R25,924,950 this past season, so he will obviously be in a strong position to retain the championship, considering the filly Tamaanee is the only one among them to have retired.

Tarry was amused to read a quote yesterday from outgoing champion Justin Snaith which said, “The Ready To Run races knocked the wind out of us last season but they won’t count this time and I am going to have a full go at the title.”

The restricted races indeed will not count towards the Championship this season. However, Tarry’s total earnings from the Ready To Run races this past season were R3,628,000, Championship second-placed Mike De Kock’s were R830,000 and Snaith’s were R280,000. Yet the difference between Tarry at the top and De Kock in second place was R6,308,688 and there was then a further R3,381,274 back to Snaith in third place.

Snaith is always up for some pre-season banter and Tarry jibed, “If he can’t do the math he should just check his phone I’m sure it has a calculator on it!”

Tarry said he would send either one of Legal Eagle or French Navy to Cape Town, but would not like to send both, so it might depend on which one was doing best at the time and on discussions with the owners.

Carry On Alice would be a definite as the course and distance of the Gr 1 Betting World Cape Flying Championships suits her and that race will be one of her big targets for the season. Her biggest sprinting rivals from last season, Captain Of All and Alboran Sea, have both been retired to stud.

Siren’s Call’s owner Peter de Beyer is Cape Town-based, so he would likely want to see his star filly racing down there. If she did go then Trophy Wife would likely stay in Johannesburg, but if there was any change in the former’s plans then the latter would likely travel instead.

Zambezi River appeared to love it down in Cape Town last season and he would also likely be on the float.

Tarry received the Equus Champion Trainer award at the annual ceremony to honour South African racing’s champions at the Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg on Tuesday night. He thanked his many hard working team members in his speech as well as his loyal chief owner Chris van Niekerk and all of the yard’s other supporters.

His dual Gr 1-winning colt French Navy walked away with the Champion Three-Year-Old Male award, but he there were also some disappointments and he wondered whether it was not time criteria became part of decision making process.

He said, “I am not at all aggrieved and am aware that the awards are based on the subjective opinion of the panel and I think they got it about 80% right. But everybody is always left in the dark on how the decisions are made, sometimes merit ratings count, other times they don’t, sometimes the Johannesburg form counts, other times it doesn’t, sometimes it’s the winners of the most prestigious race that gets it, other times it’s not. I think if there were criteria it would sort out the confusion.”

Tarry was disappointed to see Siren’s Call, who went close to landing the Triple Tiara, and the Mike Bass-trained Inara, who won two Gr 1 races, not even making it on to the nomination list for the Champion Three-year-old Filly award.

He said, “If a horse can receive an award without winning a Gr 1, those that win Gr 1s should at least be nominations, even if they are not going to win it, just as an acknowledgement of their achievements.” He also pointed out that the 120 merit-rated Legal Eagle’s only blemish was in the Vodacom Durban July, where he was hampered in the straight and yet still managed to finish “right on top of them”. He said, “If he is as good as his merit rating suggests, it is a surprise that he comes way from the awards empty handed.”

By David Thiselton

Picture: Sean Tarry (Liesl King)

Racegoer writer Michael Clower won the Equus Print media award at the annual ceremony to honour the champions of South African racing in Johannesburg on Tuesday night and was a thoroughly deserving recipient.

Michael admitted to getting just “as much of a kick” out of writing about racing as he did when first starting in Kenya 48 years ago. “I just love going to the racing and talking to people and then writing, I always have.” His newspaper writing reflects his enthusiasm for the game and he always keeps readers well informed with behind the scene news which they would otherwise not be able to gather.

Punters are also always eager to see his headline horse for Cape Town meetings, as he fishes out best bet winners regularly, and his other tips for the day are invariably a good guide. His magazine writing has an entertaining style and at the end of a limited space article about a racing personality the reader will be left knowing not only a lot about the subject’s career but also a bit about their personality, outward demeanour and inner psyche as well as the forces which drive them.

Michael was born and brought up in England and qualified as a chartered accountant, but realised in the first fortnight of doing his Articles that he wasn’t suited to accountancy and would never enjoy it. However, his parents would not allow him to give it up – they were dead set against racing, having lived through the experience of Michael’s grandfather, who was a racehorse trainer, losing a lot of money on horses which Michael’s father often used to ride.

Michael was advised that South Africa was the place to go to practice accountancy. However, in his first job interview the interviewer suggested East Africa. “There was no difference to me, so I went to Kenya.”

In Kenya he owned a few racehorses which he used to ride in flat races. There were no rules disallowing amateurs to ride against professionals and through natural build and “a starvation diet and dehydration” he used to weigh in at 7 stone 11 (about 49kg). He recalled riding three winners in his first six rides and was then never able to get to the line in front again.

However, he jumped at the opportunity to write when the racing correspondent for the main newspaper departed. He then combined accountancy with race writing and recalled loving the latter so much that he couldn’t wait to get to the newsstand in the mornings to read his own articles.

Michael spent six years in East Africa before departing for Ireland in 1973. Kenya had been good to him in more ways than one because he also met his wife Tessa there.  She was working for the Jockey Club, having earlier trained and ridden racehorses in Singapore.

In Ireland he quickly picked up bits and pieces of race writing work and calculated he would be able to leave accountancy behind completely after another two years. However, that eventuality never happened because he was given the sack by his accountancy company, a fortuitous occurrence in the long run. He worked as the full time Irish correspondent for the Sporting Post for 15 years and later worked for both the Racing Post and the Sunday Times.

He wrote three books in his 33 years in Ireland, one about the 13-time Irish Champion Flat Jockey Mick Kinane, another about ten-time Irish National Hunt Champion jockey Charlie Swan and a third about the legendary Aiden O’Brien-trained hurdler Istabraq, who won the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle three-times in succession and the Irish Champion Hurdle four-times in succession (Istabraq was ridden by Swan in all 29 of his races and won 14 Gr 1 races).

There was a special on course presentation for Clower when he left Ireland and he was called “one of the legends of Irish racing” over the public address system, so those moments were one of the highlights of his career.

He had decided upon Cape Town because his wife said to him one day she had spent 30 years in the sun and 30 years in the rain and she would like to spend the last period of their lives back in the sun.

In Cape Town he started the magazine SA Bloodstock News in unison with a magazine company. However, when the company began downsizing the magazine he felt it was starting to give him a bad name, so he discontinued it.

A number of breeders as well as trainer Joey Ramsden then lobbied on his behalf to become editor of Parade Magazine, but after a meeting at Gold Circle it was decided he would write for rather than edit the magazine and that suited him fine due to his love for writing. Later Gold Circle Publishing manager Andrew Harrison asked him to become the Racegoer’s Cape Town newspaper correspondent and he jumped at it.

Michael’s Equus award was the first media award he had received in his long career and he counts it as another highlight. In Ireland there were no media awards, but he did go close in the “Naps Table” on a number of occasions. On one of these occasions he was 10 pounds clear before the final meeting, but the second placed writer tipped a 20-1 winner and he was pipped on the post. “I was devastated for about five minutes and then saw the funny side!”

Michael had made it on to the shortlist of the Equus Print Media Award on a number of occasions so wasn’t expecting much when departing Cape Town on Tuesday with Tessa’s  words of encouragement ringing in his ears. He had always dearly wanted to win it and was humbled by the many words and messages of congratulations he received after being called on to the stage.

His two winning submissions were a Parade Magazine article about the popular owner Marsh Shirtliff and a Monday Racegoer newspaper page with follow up stories about the big races on Vodacom Durban July day.

Michael will be writing his preview for Kenilworth’s Saturday meeting today. His invaluable guide for the meeting can be read tomorrow in the broadsheet morning newspaper’s Racegoer supplement.

By David Thiselton