JOCKEY ANTHONY DELPECH - PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK

With Champions being the theme of the day, Winning Form thought it fitting to profile South Africa`s record-breaking jockey, Anthony Delpech. And he is at it again; his current form has seen him head the National Jockeys log (updated log found at the back of every edition of Winning Form).  True to the adage that you only get better with experience, the rider has, since a great stint in Dubai that saw him finish fourth in their log, brushed up his already shining armour.  While it looks a tough prospect trying to break the record of most number of wins in a season, this thoroughly composed professional is set to give his fans one heck of a ride again this season.  Lennon Maharaj took time out to speak to Anthony.

Married / single: I am married to Candice and we have two children, Damon and Chelsea.

Where do you live?   Mount Edgecombe, Golf Estate.

What car do you drive?   A Jeep, Cherokee.

When and how did you get involved in racing? My family came from the Seychelles and I was sent to Glenwood High School. At the age of 13, I weighed in at just 29kgs and everyone said that I should become a jockey. When I went home and told my Dad, he said, "What`s that?" He thought being a jockey was more a hobby than a career!

Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? I would have to say the late Joe Joseph. He was hard on me but gave me the breaks, he always said that a good attitude and good manners would get me places-I guess he was right.

What is your ideal night out?  A nice supper with my wife and kids.

What is your favourite characteristic of racing?  My favourite would be winning races, especially features.

What is a true champion racehorse? One with character, temperament and a horse needs a good action.

Advice for the punters?  Just follow the in-form jockeys and trainers. Jockeys that are in form usually ride with a lot of confidence.

Had you not been a jockey, what career would you have pursued?   I would have loved to have been a soccer player. I follow British soccer and am an ardent Liverpool fan. I`d really fancy being in the limelight like Michael Owen!

Improvements in racing?  Something needs to be done about getting the people back to the courses. Looking at the eighties, Greyville used to fill up with people, nowadays just a handful of people arrive. The sport needs to be vigorously promoted. In Dubai for example, the course is always full and people cheer home the winners, even Maiden winners are applauded. Here we only get that type of crowd response on big feature race days.

Describe a typical day in the life of a jockey.  Go to work at 4:45 in the morning. Work the horses. Get back home at 10:00, have breakfast with my family and then go to the races.

What is your minimum riding weight?  My natural riding weight is 51kgs but I can get down to 50kgs if the need arises.

You have ridden abroad. Tell us about your experiences and will you be spreading your wings again?  I rode in Dubai for two seasons. My first season there was actually half a season and I managed to ride fourteen winners. I won twenty-one races during my second season there and finished fourth in the championship. I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences there and will very likely go back at the end of the season.

How are South African jockeys treated on the international stage?  Everybody is treated the same there. It`s very pleasant.

How have your experiences abroad affected your riding?  I feel that I have certainly improved. I`ve learnt a great deal by watching and competing with the world`s top jockeys. I`m also more confident now, especially when it comes to judging pace.    

What has been your memorable moments in racing?  There have been quite a few, the �July`, the �Met` and more recently the Computaform Sprint on National Currency. All Grade One victories are memorable.

Best horse/s in training?  Dynasty, Surveyor and National Currency.

What do you think racing does for the owner?   There can be a lot of joy in owning a horse but it`s a real thrill to see your horse go first past the winning post.

Tell us about your rides on Champions` Day.

Race 3: Kournikova - is a very classy filly and will be hard to beat.

Dangers?   My main worry is the �2^nd run` after a rest syndrome.

Race 5: Amphitheatre - a very decent and consistent stayer and has a winning chance.

Dangers? Fantastic Horse is a big runner and watch out for my stable companion The Badger.

Race 6: Night Diva - is the filly to beat and has proven form.

Dangers? She goes over the distance for the first time. The Moonstone won impressively last time out and needs to be respected.

Race 8: Aspen Breeze - I think this horse is looking for the distance and has a big chance.

Dangers? This race looks very competitive, Jalberry looks to be the one to beat.

Race 9: Night Watch - made a great debut and has plenty of scope, definitely one to watch and is very useful.

Dangers? Hold The Fort.