PIERE Strydom, who resides in Alberton, has once again received the Champion Jockey of the Season at the Racing Association Awards.
The 2015 Racing Association Highveld Feature Season Awards were held in conjunction with Phumelela on Saturday, May 16, at Turffontein Racecourse. The RA Awards acknowledge the owners, trainers, horses and jockeys during the Highveld Season.
“Striker” Strydom has won a total of 5 072 races in his extraordinary career, with 72 of these being won overseas. In combination with this, he has won a total of six championships since the 2000/2001 racing season.
The winners in the respective categories are:
Champion two year old filly: Entisaar (AUS)
Champion two year old colt/gelding: Arabian Beat
Champion three year old filly: Majmu (AUS)
Champion three year old colt/gelding: Legal Eagle
Champion Older Horse: Wylie Hall (AUS)
Champion Sprinter: Alboran Sea (AUS)
Champion Middle Distance Horse: Wylie Hall (AUS)
Champion Stayer: Legal Eagle
Champion Sand Specialist: Tommy Gun
Work Rider of the Season as per the Work Riders’ Series: Lyle Hewitson
The following categories were based on a point system verified by the NHRA:
Champion Apprentice of the Season: Craig Zackey
Champion Breeder of the Season: Highlands Stud
Champion Jockey of the Season: Piere Strydom
Champion Trainer of the Season: Sean Tarry
Champion Owner of the Season: Mr C J H van Niekerk
2015 Horse of the Season:Wylie Hall (AUS)
Racing Association Special Awards:
Penny Broodryk – 10 year service award
Ernie Anderson – 25 year achievement award
Faeeza Heuwel – Service Provider award
Derick David – Service Provider award
Best Value: Siren’s Call
Biggest winning margin on turf: Graduation Day
Biggest winning margin on sand: Mulberry Bay
Most seconds in the season: Joint Winners: Henry Higgins; Lions Emblem
Mike De Kock receives Majmu’s award
Life Members: Emilio Baisero, Tony Jarvis, Marshall Finlay, Graham Jarvis, Mrs Joan Gallimore, Altus Joubert, Mr A Rivetti, Kevin Woolward and Jonathan Witts-Hewinson.