Rainbow Bridge

Nobody can argue with RB record - 19-8-10 with over R6 million in Stakes.

But the unusual thing about this Group horse is that it has been ridden by 7 different jockeys (BFH, Fourie, Lerena, Marcus, Moore, Kennedy) and now they using an apprentice.

They even flew a guy out from England overnight to ride in the 2020 Met.
Eric was kind enough to explain to me why he used a jockey that didnt know the horse when he previously has insisted that the big race jockeys get the know the horse. The reason he explained was to afford Moore the opportunity of riding a G1 in Africa.

Its my view that if there was jockey consistency this horse could have achieved more.
Good luck to the apprentice he is going to need it against some of those experienced shrewd jockeys.

Luke Ferraris one of my fav young jocks at the moment and riding exceptionally well.

Just thought that a regular CT jock like K de Melo who has been riding some decent horses for Eric Sands (Ottoman Empire springs to mind) might have been a better option for RB.

Rainbow Bridge is quirky and needs a specific ride and jockey to be able to perform at his best.

Richard Fourie has a soft spot for Rainbow Bridge and is unbeaten on him.
The story of their partnership is well documented.
Due to commitments with Justin Snaith he is unable to ride him.

Then we get to the talk or potential jockeys to ride him and we begin to talk about the difference between okay and great.

Keegan De Melo is a sprint jockey.
Most effective over 1000m -1400m.

He is a very bad judge of pace and race IQ is a problem.

I'd never be confident on any horse in a Grade 1 with Keegan on going a +1600m trip.

Did you see his ride on Legitimate in the last race in CPT on Saturday?
I still don't know how he is paid after such a horrible ride.

Luke Ferraris is talented and a future champion rider if he stays in South Africa.

He handled Rainbow Bridge well in the Green Point Stakes but was beaten by a superior animal.

Owner and trainer also need to start being realistic with the horse.
Is Rainbow Bridge the best horse in South Africa?
No.

Try find him a consistent pilot.
Which I think Luke is and then enjoy whatever is left of his racing career.

AJ - Interesting thoughts on Keegan de Melo - must say I have never thought of him as a 'sprint jockey' - but you could be right - I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now.

Regarding Rainbow Bridge - I agree that he needs a jock to get to know him - but I think Luke has now learnt enough about him - and anyone that thinks he will be a walk-over on Saturday, had better think again; beaten by less than a half-length in the Green Point - so the question is which horse will improve more on that run - for me chances are that Belgarion was fresh enough to win that 1600 - but he is definitely a better horse over further - so I do think that RB is a huge runner on Saturday

Rainbow Bridge's first dam Halfway To Heaven also has Golden Ducat running in the grade two glorious Goodwood Premier Trophy. Not forgetting the famous Hawwaam.

Rainbow Bridge my current favourite SA horse...always trying...irrespective of the jockey...

I think we can all have our own opinions.I think ferraris is a class jock and more than likely will ride 1 day for his dad in HK. In my opinion de melo is a class jock and people get upset if they have money on a horse they will always blame the jock. Do we ever blame or criticise snaith or fourie when with think Richard is on the right one.Happened quite often where Van Niekerk rode for snaith and we thought Richard had 1st choice. Rainbow bridge is a class horse but like we all get old how much seasons will he still have. Im quite surprised de kock never took them on with malmoos seems like his flat run in guineas de kock probably thought he was not good enough.As for rascallion very surprised Mr Marshall never did the same if i was the owners i would have love to see this in the met but i suppose the Derby would be his mission. All the best clanners.Stay safe!

Ferraris is definately highly regarded judging by the horses he has been riding, he has mount in the PS as well..

Class jockeys in South Africa:
- Hewitson
- Fourie
- Marcus

Good jockeys in South Africa:
- Khumalo
- Van Niekerk
- Yeni
- Domeyer
- Kennedy
- Lerena
- Ferraris

The rest are fighting for the minors...

AJ Yorker wrote: Class jockeys in South Africa:
- Hewitson
- Fourie
- Marcus

Good jockeys in South Africa:
- Khumalo
- Van Niekerk
- Yeni
- Domeyer
- Kennedy
- Lerena
- Ferraris

The rest are fighting for the minors...

Couldnt agree more except Anton should be on top

In my opinion Grant Van Niekerk is the best jockey in SA by miles and miles. He doesnt have a stable or retainer but his strike rate is around 23%.

At least with AM riding in Cape Town,there now wont be such a deep furrow on the outside rail( on the Poly), from the 200m mark to the finish.