Picture: Tristan Godden aboard Native Ruler at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).
Tristan Godden will be having his second ride in the Hollywoodbets Durban July and will be aboard the Justin Snaith-trained three-year-old Vercingerix gelding Native Ruler from draw 18 of 18.
Tristan said about the 50/1 shot, “All is good with him. He has a wide draw, but I don’t think it’s going to be too much of a problem for him. He’s got a big action and he is a tough horse, I know he’s going to stay, and I think from the draw I will avoid all the drama that’s happening on my inside.”
He said about Native Ruler’s official Hollywoodbets Durban July day gallop, “I thought he put it in an impressive gallop. I was on the lead companion for Eight On Eigteen’s gallop earlier in the day and Native Ruler’s gallop was on par, if not a little bit under. His work has been brilliant and he has obviously taken the gallop well, so I am really looking forward to riding him.”
Tristan’s first July was in the lockdown July behind closed doors in 2020, where he finished 15th on the Andre Nel-trained Capoeira.
He said, “So this is the first time I’m actually getting the full July experience and I must say I’m very grateful to the whole Snaith team and to the owners and everyone involved, to Mr Bortz, Mr Sewgoolam, Mr Gujadhur and Ms Goldsmith and all of the owners involved, they are giving me, a young guy, a chance and I hope to repay them. As I say i’m very excited obviously to be riding for a top yard in Africa’s biggest race, I could not be more grateful and humble and I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”
Tristan’s parents as well as his fiance will be on course and he confirmed once more he was looking foward to what he believed would be a “lovely day.”
