OUTSTANDING grooms from Mike de Kock’s yard are being assisted to improve their skills and further their careers as horsemen.

The latest, promising young man to emerge from Diane De Kock’s “baby” barn at Randjesfontein is 32-year-old Vengi Masawi, who will be writing the NHA’s stable employee examination in January 2012, followed by a further examn in June 2012, which will put him well on his way to becoming a qualified assistant trainer.

Vengi Masawi with Storm Crossing.

Diane tells: “Vengi was part of my team of grooms who look after younger horses and we’ve moved him now to the main stable where he is working with the older horses in training under Mike’s supervision. He has what it takes and we believe it is essential to nurture his skills, also to identify others coming through the ranks and helping them along.”

Vengi was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in the breeding region, not far from where Ipi Tombe was born. He worked for two years in the stable of Zimbabwe’s Champion Trainer Lisa Harris and was associated with Zim’s former champion runner Earl Of Surrey before the gelding was transferred to the Vaal.“I love horses, I love my work and I am thankful for this opportunity,” he said.