I saw some posts over the weekend on Facebook that this talented jockey is struggling to get any rides in Jhb. I wonder why this is the case? I know there are a lot of up and coming young jocks, but this guy really does have the experience and i think deserves his chances.
Later that evening when i check my Facebook again, i see that he travelled to Zim to go ride there and booted home 5 winners on the card. I know it's Zim, but still to win 5 of the 7 races is an amazing feat.
I don't know Deon at all, but that is very well done..... and to take the initiative to go and ride some winners is amazing and will also boost his confidence.
I know Deon was connected to The Goose's yard.......maybe Louis can comment. I know Louis moved to Durban, so that must have left Deon with hardly no rides.
I think he is a very much an underrated rider and this goes for Marco van Rensburg to mind as well.
I think the problem up in Jozis is that most of the stables have one or more "stable jockeys" and it becomes difficult to get rides...maybe change his agent!
All the best in your future rides...just stay positive!
Deon and I have been mates for many years. But, it has been a tough road for us at times, when you consider the following story from my side.
A few weeks ago, I hit the road up to the Nat 2yo Sales , stayed over the night and did my inspection list, the next day, then returned back to work the same afternoon. My Owners are seasoned bidders and didn't need my helping hand to bid.
On the way up, I realised that I had not booked accomm, called Deon and asked to stay over with him.
Tash made us a good meal and we had a whiskey or two. What struck me was that the majority of Deons Feature trophies were won on our horses. When I returned back to the yard, I also did a count of my own trophies and found that Deon has achieved more for us in Features, than ANY OTHER jock.
Remember that a few months ago, I carded Deon to ride Hashtag Strat in the KZN Stakes at Scottsville, because nobody rides her better than he does. It was his ONLY ride on the day . Deon got in his car, drove down to Scottsville and as he drove onto the course, the meeting was abandoned. He basically had to drive straight back home. He drove alone. No complaints.
Over the years, no matter how well Deon did for us, Piere always had first choice. So, after doing all of the hard work at home, getting the horse cherry ripe in racing....and then being jocked off when it is ready to win, was quite unfair actually. Yet, he stuck it out.
It's his commitment to a yard that is quite remarkable, though. The example of Hashtag Strat above, is nothing special, really, when you know Deon. That is who he is. When a yard goes through a quiet patch, Deon stays. He works with you, to get the form back. The problem is that many Owners do not understand the quiet times and just as the yard starts coming right and the horses start to show, running places, Deon gets jocked off again. Somehow the "bigger name" jocks get the nod ahead of him.
At work, there is no better judge. If there is, I have not met him yet. Anybody can tip a form horse if it works well. Anybody can feel that a Trip Tease or a Zen Arcade is above average at work. But, the real skill is bringing the normal horse or the immature horse along at home, together with the team .
To me, it is a joke that Deon is struggling to get rides. Yes, he has an unorthadox seat on a horse, like many jocks nowadays, but surely the results speak for themselves. Horses run for him.
Part of my plan when staying over, was to get Deon to come down for a while. But, it is not as simple as that. Shane is finishing school next year and has made prefect. Tash has a good full time job. Tash also works a 2nd job, doing books for another company.And Deon works the rest of the day, after track and when not riding, for an Oil Manufacturer. It would just not work out, for Deon to move down right now.
However, maybe it is time to just declare him on some rides and then let him know afterwards. He wont complain and will simply be at races on the day. Because that is what he is like....
And come race day, he always gives his very best, which is all that we can ask in Racing.
Last edit: 6 years 9 months ago by louisg.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Bob Brogan, Craig Eudey, Sweet Coetzee, Dean321, Tashie, Gemini
This is exactly why I posted this. In my mind I remember a lot of wins Deon rode for Louis. I knew The grey Goose would comment on this thread. I dont know Deon but I can just see the type of person he is. All the best Deon.....I hope you go from strength to strength.
Thank you again for your post Louis. Lovely to read this
Years ago I backed a filly called Tycoon Rosita that won at any price who was ridden by Deon Sampson and trained by Mr Goosen. Ended up catching a nice Jackpot that day. Wishing Deon all the best, hope things get better.
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