NATHAN Kotzen, as assistant to Mike de Kock, helped to prepare and led into the winner’s box literally hundreds of winners over the last 15 years. Nathan said that leading in his first success as a licensed trainer last Sunday was “unbelievable” and “a feeling second to none”!

Speaking on Wednesday, Kotzen, who has worked with more Gr1 winners than he would care to remember, commented:  “Seeing Cumulus win on Sunday gave me a wonderful sense of achievement. I’ve been here with winning horses so many times, but this was my first official winner and it’s strange how different it is!”

Cumulus, a three-year-old gelding by Toreador bred by Anton Proctor and ridden by Anthony Delpech, won a 1200m contest first time out, earning R53,125 for owner Bob Haswell.

Kotzen said: “He’s a nice sort, he’s got speed but I think he will go well over some more ground too.”

Kotzen has 24 horses in training at Summerveld, mostly unraced, and he tells: “I have several horses from different sales. Jessica Slack sent me one from the Cape sale and there are two on the way from Mary Slack. Her mare Northern Chorus retired just recently.

“Rob Scott and Larry Wainstein have sent me the raced runner Silver Sails and National Yearling Sale buy Swamp Dude, from Joe Soma’s yard. Both are by Silvano and Silver Sails has some good form, he’s won twice. I’ve also had support from Gary Lentin.”

Recently turned 50, Kotzen said he’s “just getting into stride now” and he’s looking forward to more winners. ‘I know what to do, I need the horses to do it!” – Turf Talk.