One of the characters in South African racing, Hekkie Strydom, has handed in his trainers licence, writes Henk Steenkamp.
Strydom has been involved with racing for many years as a jockey (qualified in 1964), trainer and owner in the Eastern Cape.
He has been struggling with his health lately and decided it is time to take a bit of a rest.
His sons, Piere and Jacques, are still involved in racing.
The legendary Piere is nearing retirement as a jockey and Jacques is a trainer
at Fairview in Gqeberha.
Jacques’s son, Kyle, is an apprentice jockey, at the moment
recovering from a broken wrist.
It is no wonder Hekkie rates himself as a great stallion.
Fairview will be much quieter without Hekkie to liven up the place with his quirks.
Enjoy your retirement Hekkie.
