David Mollett
18 November 2008
Johannesburg — VETERAN trainer Ormond Ferraris has moved swiftly to book Hong Kong-based jockey Weichong Marwing for She's On Fire in the R2m Steinhoff International Summer Cup at Turffontein on November 29.
Marwing has always had a strong association with Ferraris and - on her day - She's On Fire is one of the top females in the country. She was fancied to go close in the Vodacom July.
Although unplaced in the recent November Handicap, which was She's On Fire's first outing since the July, she is sure to strip a lot fitter for the big Turffontein race.
Marwing is one of six South Africans who will take on an overseas team in an International Challenge on the same day as the Summer Cup.
All six members of the South African team have, after protracted negotiations, been awarded senior national colours. The six jockeys will be presented with their Protea blazers by Phumelela Group CEO Rian du Plessis and Racing Association chairman Larry Wainstein, when the Summer Cup draw is made at Turffontein tomorrow evening.
Rob de Kock, CE of the National Horseracing Authority, had no easy task in the colours application, but his perseverance won the day.
"One issue that was raised was whether horse-racing was a sport or a business," said De Kock. "But we managed to convince them that racing itself and the betting surrounding the sport were two separate issues, as is the case with cricket and soccer where millions are bet but they still remain sports."
Other important jockey bookings for the Summer Cup confirmed yesterday were Mark Khan for Geoff Woodruff's entry, Aluminium, and Piere Strydom for last season's Gommagomma Challenge victor, Eddington.
Woodruff has booked Johnny Geroudis for the ride on Prince Asad with KwaZulu-Natal-based jockey Raymond Danielson confirmed for the November Handicap runner-up, Thandolwami. Danielson believes this inmate of Craig Eudey's Summerveld stable will be better suited to the 2000m of the Summer Cup than the November, which was run over 1600m.
Young apprentice Derek David will be delighted to have got the nod to partner Speed For Gold for leading KwaZulu-Natal trainer Dennis Drier. David has ridden 19 winners this season.
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