DERYL’S ICEBREAKER

South African horseracing’s ultimate comeback kid, jockey Deryl Daniels had to travel North of the Limpopo to Borrowdale Park on Saturday for his first winner since returning to the saddle recently after a five year absence.

Riding first-timer Buster Barnes for trainer Debbie Swanson, Deryl guided the Millstream Stud-bred son of Erupt to a convincing tenlength victory for the Centuar Syndicate in the opener at Borrowdale Park on Saturday.

Deryl told the Sporting Post that he was thrilled to have broken the ice and very happy to get the feel of being in the number 1 box again.

The former SA Champion Apprentice returned to race-riding in May this year after being out of action for some years due to substance abuse issues.

Deryl wrote on social media over the weekend:

So I had to go cross border to catch my first winner back. No matter , the journey here has been so so damn sweet. Hard most of the time , but also so satisfying . God is always good . Thank you to boss Pete ( Muscutt racing) for almost 3 years of friendship , encouragement – my journey started with you. Mike and Laura de Haast, my adopted family, your input in my journey continues and is valued. Mark Human doctor extraordinaire and his team at Olivedale, you gave from your hearts and it humbles me.

Also on the way friendships build , Mark ( DONT SAY ME NO ) Naidoo shot boi . Mtash mtintini . Tracy Woolard , Phillip (loadmaster) Fourie. Robbie Dawson. Special thanks Mike Shaw for getting my recovery journey going through Project Exodus.Wise counsel, Louise Els,Nick Eaves, Bernice Marjorie Nicholson , and every person in our recovery community. IT IS HARD BUT IT CAN BE DONE AND WORTH IT. To Kamal (mayor of Newcastle) Prithwirage, Vina and all my Newcastle family, much love . My parents and sisters, Don Dillon and family.

Hey wena Krispen Godden. If I’ve left anyone out forgive me but you know I love and appreciate you. Visions and goals have been set and mercifully achieved – the journey continues and looking forward to what’s ahead.