MIKE de Kock’s International Racing Syndicate was officially launched on Monday night at a cocktail function in Soho, Hong Kong to an enthusiastic and receptive audience, reports SIMON BURGESS.

Mike was on hand to address the audience as was Cape Thoroughbred Sales COO Adrian Todd and Mike’s bloodstock advisor Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock.

Mike welcomed his guests, saying: “We’re very excited to be rolling this unique initiative out here tonight and looking forward to welcoming participants from all around the world to race with us.”

Mike de Kock with Champion Jockey Douglas Whyte, who attended the launch.

The Mdk Syndicate is open to anyone around the world. The emphasis is on buying both quality yearlings and tried horses to race globally.It’s not just selling horses here though, its also about promoting a lifestyle.

Mike elaborated: “We want to promote the value and quality of South African bred bloodstock to the world as well as all the great lifestyle aspects of South Africa. With most currencies performing so strong against the rand, South African horses and tourism represent fantastic value.”

“With most currencies performing so strong against the rand, South African horses and tourism represent fantastic value.”

CTS COO Adrian Todd was also enthusiastic on the merits of buying and racing South African horses. “Mike has had enormous success with our horses all over the world and we’re delighted to be involved in supporting this initiative. We heavily subsidize international buyers to attend our sales every year, and are committed to continue to attract buyers to our sales. The union with such an international training icon like Mike is a perfect fit.”

On the back of the HK launch, the syndicate will be introduced around the world in the coming months with a truly “Global” emphasis.

“This syndicate is open to anyone. Apart from sourcing yearlings at the upcoming sales, we will also be proactively looking for tried horses for the syndicate’s portfolio.” Mike said.

On the back of Mike’s recent success in Hong Kong with the world’s second-highest rated horse Variety Club, it seemed the perfect launching pad for the venture.

“I’m excited to hear the news about the four new group one HKJC races recently opened up to international runners, and fully intend to target them if I have the right horses. The HKJC have been great supporters of both South Africa and myself and since May this year, we have been working on a potential solution to the existing export situation. I believe there is now light at the end of the tunnel,” the trainer added.

The Mdk Syndicate still has some shares available. For an investment of R500k, Mike and his team will select and purchase up to 5 yearlings at the 2015 CTS Premier Yearling Sale as well as look to source suitable tried horses to target the major overseas racing carnivals. Training fees for the first twelve months are included in the package.

For more information please email Jehan Malherbe – jehan@aro.co.za