Legend ‘Striker Strydom’ calls it a day

PIERE "Striker" Strydom is generally regarded as one of the two best jockeys in South African history together with Michael "Muis" Roberts and it was a sad moment when racing fans heard this week that he had not renewed his license for the forthcoming season, especially considering his two wins on Saturday at Turffontein Standside were vintage Piere Strydom.

- DAVID THISELTON

Royal Victory

"My last ride on Gold Cup day is Royal Victory and if he wins, I will call it a day then," he chuckled.

It would be perfect to go out with a Gr 1 winner (HKJC Champions Cup), but otherwise his last meeting will be at the Vaal on July 31. There are a number of reasons Striker will be hanging up his boots.

He said, "I just came to the point where I didn't feel like getting on a horse. It's always nice to ride these winners, it still gives you a thrill, and knowing that you're doing the job right and to see other people happy. I've always been a competitive person, but how do I compete when I don't want to ride. I still do the job I need to do, but when you start thinking about the possibility of getting injured again and stuff like that you know it is time to call it."

Piere's weight was also a problem. Sometimes he was not able to ride the top horses he was associated with because he could not make the weight. For example when three-year-old Fatal Flaw, whom he rode to Gr 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas glory, ran next in the Gr 1 Maine Chance Farms Majorca Stakes she was set to carry 55kg so he was unable to ride her.