Sun Giant wins for Armitage family
March 27, 2020
RA working hard during lockdown
April 2, 2020
Mike de Kock stable staff # 1
NAME:
WENGESAI MASAWI (‘Vengi”), aged 41, and born in Zimbabwe.
FAMLY
I’m married to Ivy and have three girls.
How many years have you worked for MDK and what do you enjoy about working here. What is your position?
I am an assistant trainer and have worked here for 13 years. I enjoy working here as for me it’s my hobby and passion, not a job.
Give us some details of past employment and any interesting stories while working for previous employers?
I started at 19 at Woodleigh Stud in Zim for Leigh Carey. After that I worked for Lisa Harris where I learnt a lot. I was also a work rider there. My favourite horse was Earl of Surrey. I came to Jhb with him and then started working for Gary Alexander for a short while, then returned to Lisa Harris in Jhb at Sharon Patterson’s stables. From there I joined MDK racing. Mr de Kock sent me on a course to The School of Excellence at Summerhill in 2012. I was under the guidance of Heather Morkel who taught me a lot and told me “If you give a man a fish, you will feed him for a day. But if you teach him to fish, you will feed him for his whole life”.
Name a couple of your favourite horses?
Kilrain was a favourite as I accompanied him to Zim to run third in the Tankard. And Igugu, as I used to take care of her with her groom. Today my favorite is Soqrat, I like his personality and he is a sound, solid horse.
Do you have any experience you can remember that was a highlight in your career?
My experience in my work environment is not like a job, it’s like being with my family. Mathew is like my brother and I miss him. Also working with Malan du Toit on difficult horses has taught me a lot.
