Zechner tops jockeys’ chart

Zimbabwe-born jockey, Karl Zechner, is the best jockey in the country

Michael Kariati

TALENTED Zimbabwe-born jockey, Karl Zechner, is the best jockey in the country after posting 15 wins, 20 second place finishes, nine third place finishes and 14 fourth place finishes so far this season.
This is according to the latest statistics released by Mashonaland Turf Club, covering the period from August 1, 2014 to May 3 this year for Borrowdale races only.
The Financial Gazette can report that the top jockey has a 14 percent rate for a win and 40 percent for a place finish with 104 rides under his belt.
In second place is Francois Naude who carries a massive 17 percent advantage in placings.
Naude on his part has a 12 percent rate for a win and 23 percent for a place finish after having ridden 11 champions, 11 second placed and eight third placed. He came fourth in three races.
The highest-placed apprentice jockey is Wes Marwing who is fourth placed on the standings.
He has a 15 percent rate for a win and 25 percent for a place finish after 11 wins, two second placings, five third finishes and fourth places in only 52 events.
Astonishingly, the 2015 Castle Tankard winner aboard Yer-Maan, Quinton Riddle, is way down the leader board in seventh place.
Riddle has had limited appearances at Borrowdale Race Course after taking part in only 72 races in which he won eight times and finished second on nine times.
Riddle finished third in nine events and fourth in six races.
He has a 10 percent rate for a win and 31 percent for a place finish.
Riddle, who has won the top jockey title four times in the past five seasons, has been greatly affected by injuries.
He however has recovered and promised to mount a serious challenge for the top jockey title.
“I have been out through injuries but I am now back, fit and fine. I am now ready for the challenge,” he said soon after winning the Tankard last Saturday.
Former champion jockey Sherman Brown is also way down in 26th position but has also had limited action after taking part in only 28 runs.
Brown is still to win a race but has had four second placings, and has finished third in three events and fourth in one race. He has a 29 percent top place showing this season.
The next race meeting at Borrowdale Race Course is the Zimbabwe Oaks on May 31 followed by the Grade Two OK Grand Challenge on June 6.
The final acceptances for the OK Grand Challenge are set for May 25.