The passing of two racing friends

In a time when we are receiving a sad an unusual number of death notices from family and friends, racing has been hit hard, again.

The prominent Koster family, in particular, have had to endure a tragic time. We lost Charles Koster last month and now we also have to report the passing of Werner Koster, father of Rosedene Stud’s Graeme Koster., to covid-related illness.

Werner Koster.

Werner is the last of the generation of Koster brothers comprising himself, Wilfred and Peter.  He ran Rosedene with his son and was well-respected in the industry. Our sympathies go to Graeme, Esme, Werner’s grandchildren and the extended Koster family in this troubled time.

Yesterday also saw the death of former top jockey Stephen Jupp, champion apprentice in 1974, an era of great riders, and later assistant trainer to Charles Laird and Academy Master at Summerveld.

Stephen Jupp.

Mike de Kock said: “Stephen was a friend to most in the industry, a gentleman from the old shool of jockey. He actually rode a few winners for me before he retired in the 1990s. He had a wonderful pair of hands on a horse, also enjoyed his golf and fishing.”

Our condolences to Stephen’s wife Lesley, sons Kelvin and Darren.

“Our prayers and condolences to Les, Darren, Kelvin and the family- Stephen you were a “top all rounder” – multiple Highveld Champ – right hand man in the building the S A Jockey Associan – apprentice trainer and mento,” said Tex Lerana of the SA Jockeys Association.

May Werner Koster and Stephen Jupp rest in peace.