Anton Marcus (42) won the South African jockeys title for the 4th time when he edged out 27 year old Gavin Lerena for the title on the final day of the season. They both raced at Kenilworth on Tuesday with Lerena one clear of Marcus.
Marcus rode a double on the day including a win on Dean Kannemeyer's Scaky Phane and the other for Vaughan Marshall's Pirate Flag to take his score to 205 as opposed to Lerena's 204 (including his wins in Zimbabwe which are added to the title count). Lerena was blank on the day.
Mike De Kock sealed the trainers title whilst Markus and Ingrid Jooste took the owners title.
The Equus Awards next Wednesday will crown the Horse of the Year; that title is likely to be contested by the outstanding Variety Club (Gold Challenge, Cape Guineas, KZN Guineas, Winter Guineas) and the flying filly, Val De Ra (3 x Group 1 sprint wins). However, outside chances could lie with Pomodora (S.A Derby, Vodacom July) and Igugu (J&B Met).
Leading trainers
| Name |
Wins
|
Prize Money
|
| Mike De Kock |
162 |
R 21,358,325 |
| Sean Tarry |
130 |
R 14,177,305 |
| Justin Snaith |
160 |
R 11,486,052 |
| Joey Ramsdan |
99 |
R 9,050,392 |
| Mike Bass |
107 |
R 8,541,619 |
|
Well deserved, hard work & deication always pays off, congratulations & may you see a few more championships