JOCKEY Piere Strydom has apologised to the connections and all punters after a blatant error cost Dublin Rebel Race 3 at Turffontein on Thursday.

Riding for trainer Geoff Woodruff, Strydom had the race won and stopped riding his mount and was caught on the post by 22-10 favourite Top Shot.

“I regard this incident as the biggest mistake of my riding career and I just do not know how to apologise enough to the connections concerned, to the punters and all those involved in racing,” said Strydom.

“I got pipped at the post because I thought I had the race won and put my hands down. I had moved away from my two main dangers but did not see the horse on my inside loom up and by the time I did, we were just one stride from the post and it was too late.

“Over the years the vast majority of my winners have come without punishing the horse. I have real feeling for the horses I ride and I prefer all times not to hit a horse when I don’t have to. Part of my thinking in this regard is that when a horse has done enough to win, I will not force the horse unnecessarily.

“During the running of the race I felt Dublin Rebel had done enough to beat his two main challengers when I put my hands down. I was caught napping by not seeing or hearing the horse on the inside rail and I feel really bad about it.

“An inquiry has been announced and I will say the exactly same thing there as I have said here.

“I ride every race to win and I admit I made a mistake, which I sincerely regret,” concluded Strydom.

www.tabnews.co.za