ADRIAAN and Rika van Vuuren and their daughters are spirited horse lovers who are most proud indeed to have their first runner on Dubai World Cup night on Saturday.

The big Fort Wood stayer Pylon will represent the Van Vuurens in the Gr2 Godolphin Mile over 1600m on dirt, lining up in their familiar orange and black silks.

Young Danielle van Vuuren gets a peck on the head from a friendly Pylon. Dad Adriaan and sister Kyla look on.

Mike de Kock is hoping for a decent performance from Pylon, who will find the competition tough at this level and at this stage of an interrupted preparation, but he’s decribed Pylon as game and honest and the former Mike Azzie-trained runner is not without a place chance.

Mike said:  “Of all our contenders this Carnival, Pylon needed his last run most. He was one of those who had to make the long journey from South Africa and he was knocked back even further due to injury. His preparation was nowhere near what it should have been.

“This run has come a bit soon for Pylon, but he’s come on for his first run, he’s a happy horse and I hope he gives us something to shout about. It will be wonderful to see his number in the frame and you can watch him next season.”

Mike will also saddle Prayer for Relief on behalf of US trainer Dale Romans and his patrons and he commented: “He’s a helluva good looking horse and he has some impressive US form. We’ve had a few niggles with his feet, it hasn’t been straightforward with him and we’re playing every day as it goes.”

 Prayer for Relief (from Miguel Clement on Twitter).