WE wish Mathew de Kock a very happy 23rd birthday, somewhat belated on the evening of 2 September but only due to the fact that Mathew and his dad were sipping Pina Colada’s on the beach in Mauritius and Mike only reminded us of the lad’s birthday late (this) afternoon.

Mom Diane is also on the island to keep an eye on the two men in her life and she wrote a message of love to her boy on Facebook before the first rays of Mauritian sun could wake him.

They return tomorrow after the short break during which Mike kept a watchful eye on his group of horses en route to Dubai for the 2015 International Racing Carnival – more on that later this week.

On the photo Mat looks just comfortable in tops and tails as Mike, who is making steady progress in the UK while his son has taken the reins with confidence and much success at his Johannesburg base. Yes, the quiet young lad has grown up. He’s a big boy  now!