MIKE de Kock is often referred to as South Africa’s Racing Ambassador – which means that Abington Place at Newmarket is SA’s Racing Embassy in the UK, right?

Senior racing personality and racehorse owner Bill Lambert, who has filled various Executive positions in KwaZulu-Natal racing over many years, can confirm our view.

The affable Mr Lambert goes by the title ‘Gold Circle Racing Ambassador’ these days – and his duties duly took him to fresh Suffolk officialdom when he entered the De Kock Domain for a courtesy visit on Thursday and Mike showed him around this picturesque estate owned by Mary Slack.

Assistant trainer Steven Jell sent us this photo – it appears he tried to add mild yellow-wash Sepia for that old British Traditional Stable Yard effect. Not sure if he got it right but thanks Steven for trying, our website readers appreciate the exclusive snaps from the heart of the thoroughbred world.