Top jockey Grant van Niekerk back in the saddle for Hollywoodbets Durbanville blockbuster

Top jockey Grant van Niekerk is back in the saddle and will have seven rides at Saturday’s double feature Hollywoodbets Durbanville race meeting.

FOR THE LATEST HORSERACING NEWS PLEASE VISIT THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEBSITE

It will be Van Niekerk’s first outing this season.

One of the Cape’s favourite sons, the charismatic and massively talented rider has not ridden since winning the Grade 1 Premiers Champion Stakes on Equus champion Cousin Casey at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 30 July.

ALSO READ | CAPE GUINEAS GETS MASSIVE PRIZE HIKE THANKS TO HOLLYWOODBETS

“I took a proper break to sort my back issues out. I have had plenty of physio and treatment and am really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things,” the Drakenstein-sponsored rider told the Sporting Post.

His seven rides include the Grade 1 WSB Cape Fillies Guineas winner Chansonette who steps out in the Grade 3 Hollywoodbets Diana Stakes on Saturday.

OFFICIAL | L’ORMARINS QUEEN’S PLATE BECOMES L’ORMARINS KING’S PLATE

“She’s all class and has been working well,” added Grant van Niekerk, who pointed out that the daughter of Vercingetorix has not run since 29 January, when beaten in a thriller in the Grade 1 Schweppes Majorca Stakes by SA Horse Of The Year, Captain’s Ransom.

After last Saturday’s blockbuster Heritage Day meeting, another bumper crowd is expected at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, 1 October.

IN CLOSING | Oh Susanna Ladies International: Ladies race for Hollywoodbets Kenilworth