Thursday’s eight-race card at the Vaal (31 July) marks the end of South Africa’s 2024/25 racing season — and the close of an era. Gavin Lerena is set to officially secure his second National Jockeys’ Championship, while the legendary Piere Strydom will ride for the final time, ending a career that has spanned decades and over 5600 winners.
Lerena could kick off his title celebration early with Singleton Sam in Race 1. The Azzie-trained two-year-old was a front-running winner at Turffontein and looks hard to beat again from gate one. He teams up with the Azzies again in Race 4 with Radio Star, who ran on well last time and should relish the step up in trip.
Race 7 sees Lerena ride Too Late My Mate for Alec Laird — the filly drops in class and has been consistently competitive this season, making her one to follow. Two more live chances for Lerena come in the form of Palace Prince (Race 8) and Deal Maker (Race 9), the latter having shown promise on debut for Tony Peter.
As for Strydom, he’ll look to go out on a high. In Race 3, Xenophon should give him a straightforward shot at victory, but more finesse may be needed aboard Nkwenkwezi in Race 5 — a filly who’s finished second in her last four starts. His final ride is Summer Winter in Race 9, who performed well on Durban July day and could hand the veteran a fitting farewell win.
It’s a day of celebration and reflection — a champion crowned and a legend signs off.
