The affectionately know 'Striker' Strydom returned to the winners box in race 3 at Turffontein after a scary fall a few weeks ago that had racing fans worried.

The former champion jockey and world class talent didn't have any serious injuries and was back in the saddle onboard the Mike and Adam Azzie trained Down To Zero who turned the form around on race favourite Naafer in a 1160m Graduation Plate to win handsomely. It was a hands and heels ride from Strydom and an easy return to the saddle in his first ride back. Incidentally the race was called by long time commentator Smiley Moosa who returned briefly to the commentary booth for two races. 

South African racing fans recently saw all of Anthony Delpech, Anton Marcus, Gavin Lerena, Hunter Wrogemann and Strydom on the sidelines. We will also lose Grant Van Niekerk and Callan Murray to Hong Kong in August in a serous blow to the local riding ranks.
Marcus is expected to be back in the saddle in time for the July and Strydom is onboard Abashiri in the same race.

Abashiri, meanwhile, showed his well being for that event after running on nicely in a Pinnacle Plate at Turffontein under Sttydom. His stablemate Will Pays won the event for Azzie and owners Brett Pepper and partners. It was a distancd short of Abashiri's best and he will come on nicely for the run.