The acorn does not fall far from the tree – Devon with his racing presenter father Neil Pretorius, who is held in high esteem by punters across the country, especially for his uncanny ability to spot value horses based on the way they move to the start (Supplied).
Sporting Post
Just two months short of two years after becoming South Africa’s youngest racecaller, Devon Pretorius will bid Cape Racing and his family and friends farewell as he jets out of Cape Town on Sunday 28 July en route to an exciting career opportunity as a Race Commentator with the Selangor Turf Club in Malaysia.
The 23 year old Devon, a Wynberg Boys High graduate, got the red-tape green light with all of his visa and other approvals this week, and will start work in Southeast Asia as soon as Thursday 1 August.
Bristling with anticipation and excitement in what is a dream opportunity for a promising young professional, Devon told the Sporting Post that his boss Alistair Cohen had called him into his office about two months ago.
“It was a bolt from the blue, really. Alistair asked if I would be interested in commentating in Malaysia. Truth be told, I never hesitated and said yes straight away!” he smiles broadly, as he reflects on a day that may prove a career gamechanger in a competitive industry.
“I have been in communication with the Selangor Turf Club and had an interview just over a month ago which was thankfully successful, and I accepted their offer for the Racing Commentator position.”
Devon glances briefly out of the window, as we note that he is still pinching himself at the surreality of it all.
“As part of my function I’ll also be assisting with the barrier trials and workouts in the week and working in the racing department on declarations day, which is a Wednesday. I’ll also be involved in presenting on racedays,” he adds proudly, as we get the impression that the enthusiastic young talent would happily help out with the office filing too, if so required, on his off days!
Devon confirms that his initial contract is for a year and that he is grateful for, and will be looking forward to, the international experience and exposure that will come with it.
He tells us that he will most likely be staying in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, but his digs haven’t been confirmed yet.
“I’m still in talks with the property agent there to find a place in my first week. I am just so excited to be getting the chance!” adds the man who has travelled overseas previously to Poland and Mauritius.
As to his South African lifestyle of braavleis, rugby, not so sunny skies, and Cape Racing days, the lifetime racing fan says that he will be keeping a close eye on South African horseracing, and in touch with his family and friends.
He visited his Racing Broadcaster Dad Neil in Gqeberha to celebrate his 23rd birthday recently, and with modern technology, he will be in communication with his Mum, Carolyn in Cape Town, and his circle of friends.
“The universal golden thread that has run through all my supportive family and friends is that they are all a whatsapp away and this is an opportunity I’d be really crazy to pass by. I would love to just say thanks at this point to Mr Greg Bortz and the champion Cape Racing team. It’s been an honour and privilege to play a very small role in the renaissance of the great game down here, and I will be fondly following the wonderful things happening in the Cape,” he concluded.
Cape Racing Chairman Greg Bortz told the Sporting Post that it has been ‘a pleasure and privilege to watch Devon’s growth’ over the past months.
“His skill level and confidence have increased dramatically, and it is clear he is a natural talent with an exciting career ahead of him. We are excited that Devon will bring the Cape flair to Malaysia, and we believe this will also lend itself to closer ties between our two regions. While we are very sad to be saying goodbye to Devon, we know we will remain in close contact, and we look forward to our continued involvement and friendship going forward. Just like Alistair Cohen and others before him, we are sure that the international experience will be invaluable to Devon’s continued growth. We look forward to welcoming him home to our shores in the future. Good luck Devon!”
