GAVIN LERENA
Jack Milner: When Gavin Lerena was first asked to ride Kommetdieding in Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July, he had to do quite a bit of soul searching.
Not because he didn’t want to ride the Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix-trained three-year-old, but because he would have to ride at 53kg.
His normal riding weight is 57kg so shedding 4kg would be no easy task.
“I must say that when they phoned and asked me to ride the horse, I said I would get back to them. It took me four or five days before I did,” said Lerena.
“It was more of a mental thing to get it going. I had to get myself in the right frame of mind to commit to it.
“It’s a challenge, and it’s one I’m glad to say, that I’m winning.”
To achieve the goal, he has had to cut out all carbohydrates and sugars. “The only sugar I get is from a couple from berries. It’s been a case of very clean eating – fish, fish and more fish. No more than 800 calories a day.
“My wife keeps an eye on me, and she has done an amazing job. I’m feeling very healthy, stronger than ever.”
By Wednesday morning he was down to 54.1kg. “I’m hoping to wake up on raceday around 53.6kg or 53.7kg. As long as I’m in that range I’ll be happy.”
But will all the sacrifice be worth it? Lerena believes it very well could be.
“I’ve ridden Kommetdieding a couple of times in work, as well as at the official gallops last week.
“What I felt, is what I wanted to feel. He looks to be a very game horse, still quite immature, but he has all the ability in the world.
“He is definitely going to be a better older horse, but he’s in a good space at the moment and is in great health.”
Lerena, whose best performance in the race is a second place on Rainbow Bridge in 2019, will need to overcome No 18 draw and despite a number of horses in recent year winning from wide barrier position, the jockey remains optimistic. “The draw is what it is. A bad draw is a bad draw, but I will just go out there and ride my race and place my horse where he is happy.”
Being the consummate professional, Lerena has already completed the prescribed footwork. “I walked the track on Sunday and envisaged the race and how I thought it will pan out.”
There are also a series of celebrations coming up in the Lerena family. It was son Ashton’s birthday a couple of days back and Gavin’s on Friday. “We’re planning a big celebration for Sunday,” said Lerena.
A victory on Kommetdieding and a first Durban July win for Lerena would certainly add to the festvities.
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