Dave The King Is Peaking: De Kock

South African Horse of the Year is aiming for back-to-back wins in GI Champions Cup

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DURBAN - Mathew de Kock is not underestimating the formidable task facing stable star Dave The King, in his quest to achieve back-to-back victories in the ZAR1.5 million (S$109,000) Grade 1 HKJC Champions Cup (1,800m) at Greyville on July 27.

After returning from a successful training stint in Australia, de Kock now trains in partnership with his father, Mike, who has accumulated the most Group 1 wins of any South African trainer.

Following unplaced runs as favourite in two races at the end of his last campaign, Dave The King has won both of his races in 2025, including his most recent assignment in the Grade 1 Gold Challenge (1,600m) at Greyville on June 7.

De Kock said the stable could not be happier with the five-year-old gelding, noting he has improved since his last-start victory when he again started favourite.

"He has come on from his last start, which is great because it was really only his second run after a rest," said de Kock.