3 minute read

Veteran South African jockey Karl Neisius celebrates his 58th birthday on Saturday and will be a sentimental favourite to win the G1 J & B Met at Kenilworth for the first time in his career some 37 years after he had his first ride in the race.

Neisius will partner Power King for trainer Dean Kannemeyer, hoping this may be his chance to go one better than his first ride in 1978 when he finished in a dead heat for second.

He has since finished second in the Cape’s top G1 race another three times.

Neisius has ridden more than 3200 winners and has won every top race in South Africa bar the Met and the Gold Cup.

“I am still chasing the Met trophy. It has been a frustrating race for me,” Neisius said.

“I have no plans to retire and will ride for as long as I am fit and well. I have had the odd issue with my back but otherwise I am fit.

“Power King has come well at the right time and must have an outside chance. I’m looking as forward to it as much as the first time I rode in it.”