Top conditioner Mike de Kock doesn't hail from a racing background, but as a youngster, he nurtured his dreams of training thoroughbred horses and travelling the world. And travel he has.So much so that the UK’s leading newspaper Daily Mail has named Mike de Kock ‘racing’s pioneering international handler’, one who belongs to a “new breed of trainer flourishing on a belief that no race in the world is toofar away”.
De Kock is a firm fixture in Dubai's racing scene. On the eve before the US$2.5 million Super Saturday race meeting, the champion South African trainer talks to Ten Furlongs about his plans and ambitions:
Q: What can you tell us about your horses racing on Super Saturday?
A: Majestic Mambo is a powerful horse who has recently arrived in the UAE. I would have liked to give him a few more weeks to acclimatise. Marinaresco is still adjusting to Dubai, but I expect both him and Janoobi to do their best.
Q: Do you have favourite sires? If you could design a truly commercial racehorse, what characteristics would you look for?
A: From South Africa my favourite sire is Silvano and I seek out his progeny in any sale. However, outside SouthAfrica, I am neutral and will consider all horses for consideration equally.
Q: What do you look for when you choose a horse?
A: I always look at athleticism a horse. He should have a good conformation, a good eye and show a good attitude. Then we look at the Pedigree to see what he is worth.
Q: Who are your current stable stars? And where are they pointing in the season?
A: We have recently acquired along Prince. For some bizarre reason, he was restricted from coming to Dubai. He is a very good horse. I would say he is a proper horse and I expect to take him on an international campaign. I believe he is capable of winning Group One races.
Published In Tenfurlongs Journey To The Dubai World Cup Vol - VI
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