Danie Toerien
Piere ‘Striker’ Strydom is ready, willing and more than able to get back in the saddle and is hoping for a ride in this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July.
That’s the word from the maestro himself, who is only 11 winners shy of 5,500.
“Yes, I’m ready to ride, but after being out of action for about a year, it’s quite a challenge getting rides,” said Strydom this week.
“I would love to participate in the July. It still is the premier race on the South African calendar and is on every jockey’s dream list.”
With four July wins already on his resume, Strydom needs one more July winner to catch up to Anton Marcus, who boasts five.
Marcus took the honours with Dancing Duel (1993), El Picha (2000) Dunford (2005) Hunting Tower (2007) and Do It Again (2018), while Strydom won with London News (1996), Trademark (2001), Pomodoro (2012) and The Conglomerate (2016).
According to Strydom, he has already approached current champion trainer Justin Snaith about a ride in the July.
“I have contacted Justin, so I’m hopeful that I will get a positive response,” said Striker.
Snaith still has a total of nine July hopefuls in the running, and it will come as a huge surprise if he doesn’t jump at the opportunity to engage the services of a jockey of Strydom’s calibre.
“Apart from getting rides, I also have a challenge with my weight,” admitted Strydom.
“I have gained a bit of weight in the year that I didn’t ride, and I have to shake it off. But it’s part of being a professional jockey and I’m doing well.”
According to Strydom he has maintained his fitness and he is looking forward to testing himself in the heat of battle on the track as soon as possible to prove to himself and the world that he still has that winning ability.
Asked what he would do if he doesn’t get a ride in the July, Strydom was pensive before replying: “Well, I suppose that would be a signal that I should hang up my saddle. If the trainers don’t think I’m good enough anymore, then I will call it a day.”
Strydom’s sabbatical from racing was necessitated after he suffered from a semi-detached retina.
The multiple SA champion jockey was advised to refrain from racing until his eye had healed completely and he has no lingering side-effects.
“The healing process was long and frustrating. But my eye has healed completely. At least I know that when I ride now, I won’t have to worry about it, so I will be able to focus on riding without any niggling fear or reservation.”