Strydom Joins Varian At Newmarket

While his legendary Uncle Piere ponders his choice of rocking chair and other retirement options after an illustrious four decades in the saddle, 21-year-old former SA Champion Apprentice Kyle Strydom strapped himself into an economy class seat, ready for a new challenge in of his young career when he left Gqeberha on Sunday traveling to a probably chilly London.

The 2020/21 SA Champion Apprentice will join the mighty Roger Varian Yard and will surely be his oyster to the world as a racing blueblood. Alongside Uncle Piere “Striker” Strydom, both Dad Jacques and Grandpa Hekkie are retired top trainers.

The enthusiastic Pearson High School graduate, who has embarked on the same workrider/post-baccalaureate path to saddle fame as now Hong Kong-based multiple SA champion Lyle Hewitson, was excited as he shared with the 19-year-old partner prior to his departure Emily Cunha spoke to the Sporting Post on Sunday.

Emily also comes from top racing. She is a daughter of recently emigrated SA Gr1 conditioner and current Newmarket trainer Dylan Cunha. Her grandparents on both sides are longtime racers.

After six months on the sidelines with a wrist injury that included damaging his triangular fibrocartilage discs, Kyle recently returned to the saddle and was keen to go out on a high on Friday. In the end he had to settle for two runners-up titles at Fairview.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to join Roger Varian shipyard in Newmarket. I drove there for work on a previous visit and always wanted to go back. I am very happy and grateful for the fact that SA Jockey Academy has allowed me to travel and represent the institution until I come out of my time in a few months,” added Kyle.

It’s certainly a good opportunity for young Strydom.

Roger Varian is a Classic winning trainer with over 1200 winners including 21 at Gr1 level. The team has been based at Carlburg Stables since Roger bought the farm in January 2017. This historic stable has state-of-the-art facilities and is situated in the heart of Newmarket, a stone’s throw from the world famous Limekilns Grass Gallops.

Kyle has been riding in his father’s stables since he was ten, sometimes with a lead rein. He competed in four Workrider races to prove he had what it took to be a future jockey. His first winner came on August 9, 2019 in Fairview on Flame Up for his father.

He made his pro debut in June 2020 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and won on his second pro drive when he hit Transonic for Dennis Bosch. He cites the former jockey, as well as trainers Garth Puller and Louis Goosen, as key role players and mentors in his short career.

Of above average height for a jockey, Kyle has adjusted his riding style and frames his style with lanky colleagues such as Bernard Fayd’herbe and Donovan Dillon as guides, as well as a few overseas jockeys.

“I’m happy with my weight at 120 pounds and as in golf, I want to use my size to optimize my ability to get the best out of each horse,” he notes, looking forward to building on his 103 career-winning dates .

As Kyle and Emily say an emotional goodbye to the assembled well-wishers on Sunday, they look forward to taking on the challenge.

“My father Jacques, my mother Dalene and my older sister Johane are my biggest fans and supporters and with technology we will be in touch at all times. I would like to thank all the trainers and owners for their support, as well as Ms. Suzette Viljoen and Mr. Basie Viljoen from Ludeim for their trust in supporting and sponsoring me from the start,” added Kyle.