Founder of the Virgin empire, Richard Branson believes in giving manager’s and staff multiple chances. He felt fortunate to have benefitted from being gifted many opportunities to redeem himself, so has passed on that forgiving philosophy to encourage growth and bold performance amongst staff.
In the same vein, Cape based jockey Piet Botha is all set to make an unlikely return to the saddle, saying, “I’m exceptionally lucky, to have been given a second chance in life.” His riding career was seemingly over in 2010 due to serious injury, with doctors giving him a slim 5% chance of ever riding again, yet he has made an inspiring comeback and was granted an official license last Friday.
Falls that caused pain and numbness in his upper body forced Botha to stop. The exact nature of the injury baffled medical specialist’s and was initially misdiagnosed. “It turned out I had broken my first rib and callouses’ formed around it, causing nerve damage. Then, when my rib was surgically cut out, still more damage was done. It has taken loads of rehab and time to come right. But I scored 95% fitness rating in a recent strenuous test so am thrilled to be able to ride horses again, though it will take actual race-riding to get properly fit.” Botha explained.
Before the career hiatus, Botha rode mainly in the Cape, and won important Graded races during a stint in Mauritius. He’s been associated with top class horses’ – Sevillano, Diana’s Choice and Flashy Star jog the memory. At different stages in his career, the blond jock rode for Joey Ramsden, Dean Kannemeyer, Greg Ennion, Piet Steyn, Darryl Hodgson and Riaan van Reenen, though his most enduring gig has been with Glen Puller.
“Glen is like a Dad to me – we’ve had our fights, but he pushes me to excell and when I think back that has helped me grow. Glen and brother ,Garth are very good horsemen, so I’ve been able to learn from the best. ” When Botha resumes he will again be closely aligned with the Puller stable, providing astute feedback after morning work-out’s at Milnerton.
Botha is an excellent judge of equine talent. After riding Dynasty as an unraced juvenile, Piet sensed the budding star’s innate potential and immediately, and accurately as it turned out, tabbed him as the 2003 Durban July winner!
“I’ve not actually rated myself as a jockey, but my success comes from understanding thoroughbreds. I just love horses and have really missed being around them during my absence from the game. I have a feel for what the horse needs and the type of work or training schedule which will be best. It’s all about understanding their preferences and helping with their development so they can realise their full ability.”
During time away from the racehorse’s he loves so deeply, Botha bought a coffee shop, which was run by wife, Nicole, until they sold it recently. He also got involved in the technical side of the coffee business – repairing machines and training barrista’s, and still retains a stake in that venture. But the racing scene holds a special allure and Botha is elated at becoming fully involved again. “My family, (includes young son, Hayden) have had to put up with a grumpy man over the last few years. I really love horses and being a jockey – this is me!” he proclaimed.
Relatively tall for a jockey, a trim Botha reckons he can ride at 56kg’s. He is a welcome addition to the riding colony in Cape Town, which has become depleted of depth in talent over the last couple of years as senior jocks retire and younger apprentices struggle to make an impact. He will be joined by two other returnees that were granted licenses in early April – Jannie Bekker has also recovered from injury, and Keanan Steyn migrates back from India.