MIKE

Internationally renowned champion trainer Mike de Kock (60) has saddled a South African record of 141 Grade/Group 1 winners, with top-level success in 13 countries around the world. He has won eight South African National Trainer’s titles and is the second-most successful trainer in the almost 30-year history of the prestigious Dubai Racing Carnival.

Mike’s list of illustrious runners includes the Dubai Carnival winners and international stars Ipi Tombe, Victory Moon, Right Approach, Grey’s Inn, Irridesence, Sun Classique, Archipenko, Eagle Mountain, Soft Falling Rain, Irish Flame, Lizard’s Desire, Igugu, Shea Shea, Vercingetorix, Bold Silvano, Mubtaahij and Variety Club.

In South Africa, he has won all the major races at least once, including five Grade 1 Durban July’s, nine Grade 1 Summer Cups and two Cape Mets. He’s also won the Triple Crown with the legendary Horse Chestnut and Malmoos, and the Triple Tiara with Igugu. Mother Russia, Hawwaam, Rafeef and Soqrat are other notable names on the honour roll.

MATHEW

Mathew de Kock (33), joined his dad at his erstwhile high-profile Dubai stables soon after completing his scholastic career at 18, and has gained vast international exposure and experience, working with some of the best thoroughbreds in the world. He also completed a six-month stint at the National Stud in Newmarket, UK.

Between 2012 and 2020, Mathew co-trained and often travelled with the stable’s top runners including Majmu, Igugu, Mother Russia, Heavenly Blue, Rafeef, Takingthepeace, Malmoos, Hawaam, Nother Russia and Queen Supreme.

He moved to Australia in 2020, formed a partnership with Robbie Griffiths at Cranbourne and sent out 244 winners between 2020 and 2024, nine of them at black-type level including Rey Magnerio, a Listed winner at Flemington, Grade 2 winner Serasana, Najem Suhail, King Magnus, Halvorsen, Letsbefrankbaby and Hard Squeeze.