Mathew de Kock is set to return to his native South Africa to join forces with his father, Mike de Kock, in the launch of a new training partnership, the family announced on Wednesday.
In 2020, Mathew and his wife Monique emigrated to Australia to broaden their knowledge and skill set, training in partnership with Robbie Griffiths in Cranbourne for four years. The Griffiths/De Kock association celebrated close to 250 winners during that period, including 12 stakes winners, and regularly occupied a place in the top 10 of the Victoria Country Trainer Premiership.
Initially, Mathew's return to South Africa will see him based full-time at De Kock Racing's Randjesfontein barn in Johannesburg, while Mike oversees operations from Summerveld in Durban.
“We'll be able to devote quality time to our horses at both centres, and eventually, we'll consider a satellite string in Cape Town,” said Mathew.
“The move back to South Africa is obviously a major one for Monique and I, and several factors have played a part in our decision. The over-riding reason is that our family dynamic has changed and that we'd like to be closer to family and friends.”
He added, “We'll be forever grateful to Robbie and Shiranee Griffiths for the opportunity they gave us to join their established business. We have learnt much working alongside them and will be taking the knowledge we have gained back to South Africa with us. They have been fantastic and understanding of our decision.”
Mike de Kock, who has 141 Grade/Group 1 winners and around 3,800 career winners to his name, said that he'd come close to retiring just a few months ago.
He explained, “I was on the verge of retiring, but Mat's decision has given me a new lease on life. He is a top trainer in his own right, most capable of taking over from me in due course.
“For now, I am postponing retirement. Mat is ambitious, young and talented. We are able to continue the De Kock legacy, and he'll start off with more than I did when I was his age. I will eventually take a back seat, oversee the transition and, if all goes well, help him to set up yards in other parts of the world so we can compete in suitable races.
“From what I've seen recently from SA-breds in the US, our horses are not too far off the higher world ranks, even after the period of relative isolation. This is an exciting turning point for our family.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
