RIP Johan van Eck

Veteran Vaal based Trainer Johan van Eck passed away this morning after having been very ill and in hospital.

Johan was one of the best in his time and his huge wins, together with jockey Paul Whitmore were always the talk of the town. Paul Whitmore moved to Aus a few years ago. Whilst Johan was a natural , common sense horseman, Paul was the best judge on the back of a racehorse that I ever had the privilege to meet. Together, they were lethal.

During my 17 years at Vaal, Johan became both friend and mentor to me, as we continued to build the Vaal camaraderie and ethos, amongst the Trainers based there.

Johan never said much, but when he did, it was always worth listening to.

RUS IN VREDE, OU GROOTE.

RIP Sir. A legend. Had many great conversations together. Use to see him sleeping outside as he was claustrophobic and couldn’t sleep inside, come winter or summer. A true legend. Learned lots of lessons about life through him. He always said to me “I’ve seen many trainers train a good horse to be good but never seen a trainer train a bad horse to be good.

The Vaal will always be present with his soul.

Very sad news

RIP Johan

Thoughts and prayers to family and friends

RIP Johan.

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R.I.P Johan deepest condolences too friends and family

Got to know Mr van Eck when I worked at New Vaal Colliery, just across the way from the Vaal. There was an annual cricket match between us and the O&T - Vaal - a true doyen of racing and a lover of life. RIP