DUBAI BEHIND HIMALI’S

'For

Alistair deserve the treatment from the DRC select the co-host. It was all happening – but somewhere, somehow, the rug had been pulled from under my feet.”

A disappointed Alistair who had left behind his life, his wife, his dogs, his home, his Sunday braai routine and a host of friends, to build his international career, and enjoy the honour and privilege that few get to call a Dubai World Cup, admits that he was wounded emotionally.

He had worked his literal butt off to immerse himself in his new job. To master tonguetwisting names and new silks, and to punt the UAE on his extensive social media network, to become a part of a team. And then they gave him the middle finger.

“For my own pride and dignity, I resigned. My contract was meant to run until 7 April, but they were in breach in view of the World Cup turnaround, and I asked them to kindly release me so that I could return to South Africa. I was very worried about the collateral damage to my reputation. But given the support and communication I have subsequently received from so many corners of the globe from highly respected racing folk, a lot of my anxiety has been laid to rest and the issue has been put into perspective in my head. Bottom line is I personally did nothing wrong, I was never late or contravened any aspect of my contractual requirements. And they have said nothing and can’t tell me anything. In fact when I went to bid everybody farewell, they said they wanted me back next season! Go figure!” he laughs bravely as his brow reflects his puzzlement.

Despite the essentially bizarre decision made by the DRC, Alistair is adamant that it remains an experience of a lifetime and one he will treasure forever.

“To be afforded the rare honour of being the Emirates based caller for nearly two full seasons was sensational. And the friends I made are for life. I will not let a decision that was made behind my back, without the courtesy of consultation, that I had no control over or understanding of, poison my life. It is great to be back home with Candice and we have the Champions Season on the East Coast and The Championships up North to look forward to in the next few months. I can’t wait!”

As to his own plans, Alistair says he would like to call as many meetings as possible countrywide and is keen to impart some of the technical skills he learnt with his colleagues here, in terms of on-course presenting and other communication aspects.

“Being exposed internationally opens the mind. One learns without even realising it. It was great to be back at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last Saturday with their team. What a great vibe and morale!”

As for South African racing into the future, Alistair says his dream and wish is to have unity under one single umbrella.

“We shouldn’t be competing internally. We should be united and taking on the world. South Africa is not far behind Hong Kong, Australia and Japan. We are right up there. Just because things go wrong here and there, don’t believe the same issues aren’t happening elsewhere in the world. This is a beautiful country, with good horses, great breeders, top jockeys, serious trainers and some of the most beautiful racecourses. There is really no excuse to move forward!”