WE are sad to report on Monday morning the passing of Jean Cawcutt, mother of Diane de Kock, in Cape Town. She was 84.

Jean was the wife of the legendary jockey Johnny Cawcutt, lovingly known in his career as “Cawcutt-will-walk-it”, who won, among many other features, two Durban July Handicaps, two Mets and three Queen’s Plates.

The Cawcutt family name is indelibly entrenched in Cape horseracing. Johnny’s Dad Chris rode the winner of the 1922 Metropolitan Handicap. His brother Leslie – the other six siblings were all girls in true Cawcutt tradition – was a top trainer for decades in the Western Cape. His uncle Wilfred, better known as Wolfie, was a top jockey and very successful trainer.

Jean Cawcutt, as we will remember her.

Reported in a Sporting Post interview some years ago, Jean told of rubbing shoulders with stars and politicians of yore and met the likes of the late heart pioneer, Dr Chris Barnard. She had also warmed the bottles and changed the nappies of trainers Charles and Alec Laird and Dean Kannemeyer and his siblings.

On her life as a jockey’s wife, Jean was always adamant that she would not change anything, despite the notorious highs and lows of the game. She was very proud of what her family had achieved in racing and continued to follow the exploits of her extended family via Mike de Kock.

To others who had the pleasure of meeting Jean and visiting her over the years, she was as gracious and loving as one could image the best of grandmothers to be, always ready with a cup of tea, biscuits and a helping hand, wherever she could assist, with anything.

Jean suffered a stroke earlier this year, she never fully recovered and had suffered illness the last several months. She leaves five daughters, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

Our thoughts and condolences accompany the family at this time.

Rest in peace, Jean!