Mike De Kock
Mike de Kock is a highly acclaimed South African Thoroughbred racehorse trainer, widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential figures in modern horse racing.
Mike discovered his passion for horse racing at a young age and began his career by gaining practical experience, including learning to ride in the army’s equestrian unit and studying everything related to the racing industry.
Career and Achievements
Started as a trainer: 1987, with his first winner Evening Mist, which was also his first Grade 1 victory. Worldwide success: He has achieved more than 3,800 wins and trained winners in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Grade/Group 1 victories: Over 140 Grade/Group 1 wins — a South African record.
National Champion: 8-time Champion Trainer of South Africa.
International: A dominant figure in the Dubai Racing Carnival, known as one of the few who could seriously challenge Godolphin.
Major Horses Trained
De Kock has trained many outstanding horses, including:Horse Chestnut – one of South Africa’s most famous racehorses.Ipi Tombe – internationally successful mare.Victory Moon, Vercingetorix, Iridescence, Igugu, and many others.
Family and Later Career
In recent years, Mike de Kock has worked alongside his son Mathew de Kock, who is helping to continue the family training operation.
Recognition
On 27 July 2025, Mike de Kock was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame, honouring his enormous contribution to horse racing in South Africa and around the world.
Riza-Gene Botes
Riza-Gene Bates is a veterinary pharmacologist, equine product specialist, and consultant with a uniquely diverse skill set that bridges veterinary medicine, equine performance, and scientific innovation.
Her expertise ranges from the development of next-generation regenerative therapies, formulating medicine and performance supplements to the design and consultation of world-class equine rehabilitation and training facilities. But at the heart of everything she does lies one simple truth: the horse.
The horse has always been her compass, her teacher, and her driving force. From the resilience they embody to the silent lessons they teach about trust and endurance, horses are the reason Riza-Gene dedicates her career to pushing the boundaries of veterinary medicine.
Through Pegasus Precision, she works closely with established businesses, veterinarians, trainers, and equine professionals, offering solutions that are as practical as they are pioneering.
Her approach is rooted in science but never loses sight of the bigger picture: welfare, sustainability, and innovation. She has a knack for blending technical precision with creative thinking.
With a hint of wit and a relentless passion, Riza-Gene ensures that every project she touches feels less like work and more like purpose in motion. For Riza-Gene, the horse is always at the center. Always the reason. Always the why.