Felix to ride for Justin Snaith.

Plum job for three-time SA champ Coetzee


South Africa: Felix Coetzee has landed the plum job as stable jockey to Justin Snaith and it is looking likely that he will partner South Africa's champion racemare Dancer's Daughter when the British-bred attempts to win the Durban July for the second year running.

Coetzee replaces Richard Fourie, who won three Classics for Snaith in his 18 months in the job and has been snapped up by Basil Marcus.

Snaith has trained more winners than any other South African trainer this season.

He said: "Things went well with Richard even though there were a few hiccups but we felt we needed a change. He will still ride quite a bit for us but Felix is now number one.

"Dancer's Daughter will be ridden by either Mark Khan or Felix from now on and there is a very good chance that Felix will ride her during the Durban season."

Coetzee, 50 last Saturday, is a three-time South African champion.

He won the Durban July three times plus the J & B Met on four occasions before moving to Hong Kong, where he formed a wonderfully successful partnership with the record-breaking Silent Witness.

Coetzee returned to South Africa in December.

Fourie, 23, is managed by former East Ilsley trainer Gavin Hunter who was a stipendiary steward in Cape Town for 12 years.

Hunter said: "I believe there is another 20 per cent improvement in Richard and Basil, who was a top jockey here and in Hong Kong, can bring out that improvement. Also, Richard spent the final year of his apprenticeship with Basil."

Marcus, who trained Jay Peg to win the 2006/07 Cape Guineas and Derby, added: "Richard is a great jockey and I'm delighted to have him back."

3-0 to Richard Fourie after Saturday....but then suppose Felix had a big 50th to celebrate?

Felix goes back to Hong Kong on friday to ride Golden Ra for Tony Cruz.
As per racing.scmp.com Staying for 2 weeks
Snaiths gave their blessing as CT only has Durbanville

it must be difficult for jocks that have raced in hong kong and dubai to come back and race in south africa.like playing in the english premiership and then playing in our equivalent

Its the experience they bring back Pirates . Felix will do quiet well with the Snaith stable.

They are as well as they can be Adios . They always are. That's if you have the right trainer that is. Thanks for asking.

I passed that ages ago ..

I'll give you a yankee soon.