prince in the SPORT OF KINGS

CHAMPION JOCKEY ANTHONY DELPECH HAS MADE AN IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD, BUT IT’S IN DURBAN THAT HE’LL BE HOPING TO WIN ANOTHER SPECIAL TITLE

Born in 1969 in predominantly French-speaking Seychelles, Anthony emigrated to South Africa in the early 80s and settled in Durban with his family. He attended Glenwood High School with his brother, but found the language barrier infuriating.

Desperate to escape the frustrating situation he found himself in, Anthony entered the Jockey Academy in 1984 and thus began the career of this successful, driven and committed sportsman. After qualifying from the Academy, he would spend hours in the racing yards, getting to grips with life in some of the most active racing establishments of the day, learning about horse care, injuries and training methods from some of the more successful trainers of the late 80s.

Anthony concedes that luck played a part in things. “There were a lot of good jockeys around then,” he said. “You needed a break. Some of us got a break and some didn’t.”

His break came in the form of racehorse owner, Len Salzman, who had Anthony ride a number of his string of around 150 horses, who were in training with some of the greats, like David Ferraris, Alan Greef and Herman Brown.

One of Anthony’s more memorable years was 1998. It was the first time he became South Africa’s top jockey by winning the South African Championship. He broke all previous records by riding 335 winners that season – a record that still stands today.

Another career highlight for Anthony was the time spent racing in the Far East. Together with his wife and young children, he lived in Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan at the start of the 21st century. He also rode in Dubai, battling with the best in the business and winning.

Riding in these countries is by invitation only and offers are only made to the best international jockeys. When asked how he felt about the time spent riding abroad he replied, “Incredible! The atmosphere was fantastic. Horse racing is very well supported in those countries – thousands of people attend the race meetings. It’s an occasion over there still. People take it seriously. They dress up. That makes it worth it, makes it exciting.”

Anthony spent five years in Hong Kong, two in Singapore, two seasons in Dubai and some time in Japan. A highlight was winning the “Shema Classic” on Dubai night. In the end, it was Anthony’s choice to return to South Africa. But not before he achieved perhaps some of the greatest achievements of his racing career. One of these was his relationship with easily the best horse he ever rode, the Chinese owned “Vengeance of Rain” on which he won eight Group One races.

For Anthony, life away from the track also had its high points. He met and married his lovely wife, Candice, in 1992 and they have three children. It seems good, old-fashioned family values are alive and well in the Delpech household. During my interview with their father, the children hung around unobtrusively observing.

Family was one of the main reasons why Anthony decided to return to South Africa. His children were growing up without knowing their extended family. Foreign jockeys and their families lived in the same apartment block and all of them on contract. Nothing was permanent and, therefore, it was not the most desirable environment in which to raise children.

Anthony is as busy as ever these days. He races six days a week and is in demand all over the country. It is not unusual for him to race in Durban in the afternoon and in Johannesburg the same evening. A punishing schedule successfully executed by this focused sportsman.

Over the years, Anthony has won the Durban July four times, including 2010 and 2011. Unfortunately, he will not be riding Igugu in this year’s Vodacom Durban July, as she is on her way overseas to participate in this year’s Dubai season. However, he will be riding another of Mike De Kock’s entries. Which one remains to be seen, as the draws have yet to take place, but whoever it is, one thing is for sure, it has a good chance of winning!

And what is it like to be married to such a prolific sportsman? Candice takes the risks involved in her stride, her faith in Anthony’s abilities quite apparent. She does not come from a horsey background. In fact, she is petrified of horses!

They met when she was in Grade 11, or Standard nine as it was then known. One of her few gripes is the fact that Anthony refused to take her to her matric dance. At 23, Anthony considered himself too old to attend school functions and in the end it was his brother who accompanied Candice to the dance!

Although they do spend a lot of time apart, with Anthony riding all over the country, they are in close communication with each other. Candice books all his flights, deals with his various business interests, makes sure he gets to the airport on time and runs the household. With three children to organise, there is not much “mommy time” left. When she does find time for herself, she enjoys scrapbooking, collecting roses and reading autobiographies, especially sporting ones.

Passion, loyalty and determination are virtues she attempts to instil in her children. She encourages them to try their best in everything they undertake. “Try, try and try again” is a mantra she holds close to her heart.

The family’s recent move to Hillcrest from Mount Edgecombe has been one of the best decisions they have ever made. Candice’s parents live in the area and are an essential part of her support system when dealing with the children. Anthony is also much closer to the training centre at Summerveld where he rides for Mike De Kock. As Candice says, “It’s no joke having to get up at four in the morning and travel all the way from Mount Edgecombe to Summerveld.”

Having spent nine years overseas, Candice has come to truly appreciate South Africa, our wide blue skies and natural beauty, and once again Anthony can indulge in one of his favourite pastimes – a good old South African braai. *