3 minute read

South African jockey Derreck David is hungrier than ever for a winner this weekend, especially in the wake of the eventful past week.

David had to sit out the recent double Chinese New Year meeting due to a minor health setback, but that small hiccup was quickly forgotten when a much bigger event followed up a few days later - the birth of his baby girl Mila on Wednesday.

Indeed, the 28-year-old rider, who is already the father of a boy, had to rush to the hospital for the second time within days, but while fussing over wife Angelique and for a much happier reason this time.

“My baby girl was born pre-term but she is doing very well. Both mother and daughter are fine,” said David.

“I’ve not been riding trackwork for a while because of my condition, but I’m all good now and I wanted to ride this new Japanese colt (Istana) for Mr (Hideyuki) Takaoka this morning as I’ve been doing a fair bit of work on him.

“I missed last week’s racing and gave up 12 rides – and as some comfort, none won, but I’m on fire now, especially with the birth of my daughter and the doctor giving myself a clean bill of health.

“I’ve got two rides on Friday and eight rides on Sunday. Hopefully, I can ride at least one winner for Mila.”

The proud dad has singled out Queen’s Seven on Friday and Keen Dragon and Miss Waimataitai on Sunday as his best chances to toast to his second fatherhood experience.

“Queen’s Seven stormed home for third at her last start. I think she has a very good chance on Friday,” he said.

“I nearly won on Keen Dragon at his last start, and I hope he can run well again. It will be tougher for Miss Waimataitai as she is up in class after she won her last two races in Class 5, but she’s got only 50kgs on her back and she’s well drawn, so you never know.”