Gavin Lerena and Puerto Manzano give Charity Day something to sing about

Gavin Lerena should stick to the day job. It’s not that his performance of the beloved rhapsody Hier Kom Die Bokke was worse than many millions of other renditions on that memorable day – indeed it was probably better than most – but it wasn’t great and he is so much better at the day job.

The former champion jockey felt moved to warble the famous chorale in a post-race interview after riding the third of four victories at the Allied Steelride – Onamission Charity Mile meeting at Turffontein on Saturday. And that was six hours before momentous events in Paris.

Lerena is not much mentioned when the 2023/24 championship title is discussed. Richard Fourie, Muzi Yeni, S’Manga Khumalo, Craig Zackey and Kabelo Matsunyane are more often touted, probably because, in recent years, Lerena has shown no inclination to join the cross-country flying circus the championship demands.

44 wins

But the four-timer at the Big T – which included the Charity Mile itself – has focused attention anew on the popular professional.

He currently lies in third place on the log, with 44 wins from 246 rides at a win rate of 18%. Fourie tops it with 70 wins, ahead of Yeni with 66.

After Lerena’s fourth visit to the interview enclosure on Saturday – after yet another brilliant ride – we were reminded of a much busier recent travel agenda as he was wished bon voyage for the next day’s sojourn to Cape Town. He drew a blank at Durbanville on Sunday, while Fourie notched two, but a season of drama and pitfalls has a way to go yet.

Puerto Manzano victory

Lerena started the day on the front foot, getting home Johan Janse van Vuuren-trained three-year-old San Simon in the curtain-raiser. He did it again for the trainer in Race 7, the Grade 2 R1-million Charity Mile, aboard a horse described as “a warrior” – Argentinian import Puerto Manzano; then again in Race 10 on handicapper Mo The Man.

In between, he punched out stayer Zeus for Fabian Habib in the 2400m Java Stakes (Listed).

Connections confessed to fears 1600m would be sharp for Puerto Manzano, not to mention a No 16 draw in a top-class lineup. Many a punter figured this was just a warm-up for the six-year-old’s Betway Summer Cup title defence in a month’s time, so he jumped away at a generous 20-1.

Lerena was forced to race three wide in midfield around the long uphill Turffontein bend, but the pace was brisk and to his liking.

The jockey steered his mount towards the outside rail to avoid traffic congestion as front-runner and favourite Dave The King ran out of steam. Puerto Manzano advanced relentlessly and burned off the well-regarded opposition, the manner of victory underlining how much the gelding loves Turffontein and advancing his case for a second Summer Cup.

For good measure, he earned a cheque of R75,000 for his linked charity Sarda, which offers equine therapy for people with disabilities and special needs.

The charity aspect of the popular meeting was adjudged a resounding success, with each of 21 charities benefitting to the tune of R20,000.

It was enough to put a song in the heart.