Amid groom strike, well-known trainer Mike de Kock reducing string

Mike de Kock, who Americans will recognize as the original trainer of 2015 Kentucky Derby contender Mubtaahij, is reassessing his long term horse racing plans in South Africa after a groom strike caused the cancellation of races at the Vaal last Thursday and left him shaken mentally.

According to various reports, the grooms went on strike at the Randjesfontein Training Centre with help from the controversial Economic Freedom Fighters. Together, they threatened the trainers with weapons.

De Kock recently wrote on his website's blog addressing the situation in a post titled "Close to calling it a day." He defended his treatment of the grooms and horses, and went on to predict the state of South African racing.

"I predict that in the next two years the number of horses in training will be reduced by 10-20%," de Kock wrote. "There will be fewer Licensed trainers, 20% or more.

"Overseas investments will decrease, local and overseas owners do not want to be associated with violence and aggression."

He then questioned his own commitment to racing.

"Personally, I will be reducing my string by 40%. At this stage of my life I’ve been wanting to train the most beautiful animals and really enjoy it along with my son, but the situation racing is in has left me wondering why I do it and questioning my own loyalty to (South African) racing."

"Where we go from here remains to be seen."

According to the "About" section in his website, De Kock grew up in South Africa near the old Newmarket course in Alberton.

The veteran trainer has "prepared over 2500 winners, including 95 Group 1s. In the first half of 2010 alone, he had 11 Group 1 successes to his name."

De Kock regards Horse Chesnut as his best horse. He once won a Grade 3 at Gulfstream in preparation for a possible Donn Handicap (G1) start, and eventually became a stud at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky.

In addition, de Kock conditioned Master of Hounds later in that horse's career, and he trained Mother Russia to a win in the Queen's Plate at Woodbine.