Mdk Staff Profiles # 3: David Hlamine

Mdk Staff Profiles # 3:  David Hlamine

NAME:
David Hlamine, aged 43. Born in Swaziland and grew up in Mozambique

FAMILY: 
I am married to Gentaella and I have 4 children.

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU WORKED FOR MDK AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT WORKING HERE. WHAT IS YOUR POSITION?

I have worked here 11 years now as an assistant trainer.  I enjoy working with horses because when I was growing up I used to work with animals.

GIVE US SOME DETAILS OF PAST EMPLOYMENT AND INTERESTING STORIES WHILE WORKING FOR PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS.

I started in 1996 with Armando Freddi at Germiston as a groom.  I moved to Charlie Bawden at Newmarket in 1998 where I worked for six years.  After that I joined Penny Kimberley. After two years there I became an assistant trainer.  I was also a Workrider for her until a fall ended my riding days in 2005. I had ambitions of becoming a jockey.

NAME A COUPLE OF YOUR FAVOURITE HORSES

Stolen Beauty, a filly with Penny Kimberley was one of my favorites. She won a few good races.  Then there was Captains Wild, he was a very good group horse.  He had a nice character but could be difficult.  My Favourite horse here at MDK is Barahin. I picked him out as a two year old because of his good action.  He tries hard and will win a big one soon.

DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE YOU CAN REMEMBER THAT WAS A HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR CAREER?

I remember when Europa Point won the Champions Challenge, the day Mrs Slack had five winners.  I enjoy my job and would like to go further one day.