Summerveld excellence on full display

Five of the nine Graded Stakes races on Champions Day at Turffontein last Saturday were won by runners prepared at Summerveld. They were Better Never Ends (Bo Ngcobo, G2 TAB SA Nursery); Cats Pajamas (Nathan Kotzen, G2 TAB Hawaii Stakes), Double Grand Slam (Justin Snaith, G1 TAB Empress Club Stakes); See It Again (Justin Snaith, G1 HKJC World Pool Premiers Champions Challenge) and Curious Girl (Mike de Kock, G2 TAB SA Derby).

Summerveld trainers and visiting stables have complimented fellow-trainer Tony Rivalland, who has been doing duty as Estate Manager for the last 15 years, and Mike de Kock said: “Summerveld is one of the best training centres in the world today and Tony’s care and expertise has a lot to do with it. Perhaps the only facility we are missing here is a circular canter track, which may come in future. It’s simply a great place to train horses!”

Rivalland will be handing over to Hollywoodbets Greyville’s track manager, Kurt Groenewald, at the end of August. He said: “I am a healthy and energetic 66 years old, I’ve been here for 41 of those years and will still be training. I look forward to acquiring some new runners to compete with, and there is a chance that Race Coast will keep me on as a consultant until Kurt has settled in as the new Estate Manager. A fresh approach is always good. Summerveld has achieved excellent standards, but we can still get better. I will be here every day so we can enjoy a seamless transition.”

Rivalland coped admirably well in his dual role, sending out a steady stream of winners every year alongside his Summerveld duties. Most of his days start at 5am and some end only at 7pm. Visitors seem to run into him at every corner of the 300 hectare estate, every day, and he said: “It’s like running a farm, and in the case of Summerveld we’re dealing with over 1100 horses, 1580 stables, 600 people and six training tracks. “

He commented: “Maintenance issues arise around this large estate on a daily basis –things like broken rails and gates. Keeping the tracks in optimal condition is also vital. During periods of heavy rain, for instance, the sand can wash away, leaving the tracks unusable.

“Trainers are constantly giving feedback on the different tracks, and keeping everyone satisfied is a balancing act as the tracks vary in depth, height, and quality. Some years ago, I discovered a silica pit in Ballito, which has provided us with a rich source of sand for improved drainage, cushioning, and consistency. That has made a significant difference.”

Photo: www.onethousandhillstourism.co.za