Search

show me:

Swiss hero comeback has Placais on the moove to 'cow field'

3 minute read

It’s not just the Aussies who are having a busman’s holiday this weekend, but the French, too.

Jockey Olivier Placais
Jockey Olivier Placais Picture: Singapore Turf Club

With Sunday being race-free at Kranji this week, jockey Olivier Placais is taking the cue from Sydney-bound jockeys Corey Brown and Glen Boss by heading overseas for rides.

The bookings in his former Switzerland base may not be as high-profile as the Australians’ Group 1 missions (read other article), but the six-time Swiss champion jockey would not have missed being at country track Maienfield for anything in the world this Sunday.

“Maien-where?” we hear you ask.

The Rhine Valley canton with a population of 3,000 inhabitants is better known for popular Swiss tale Heidi than its “cow field” - as Placais good-naturedly dubs the racetrack himself – which is transformed into a makeshift racecourse once in a while, but Placais knew he had to be there, at least as a spectator with a ringside seat this Sunday.

“Jurg Langmeier is a legend in Swiss racing. He was a jumps and flat jockey and retired to become a trainer but he’s decided to make a comeback and Maienfeld is the place he’s chosen for that,” said Placais.

“I had no idea he was back until my girlfriend Astrid told me. I used to ride for Jurg before I came back to Singapore this year, and we’ve become good friends.

“Jurg is a showman, a riding lesson in itself. He and his horse become one body when he rides, and I’ve learned a lot from his riding style.

“Maienfeld is also a special place for me as even though it’s a cow field when there is no racing, I’ve won a race there with Shizun (pictured above winning with Placais), who was a champion three-year-old, but who is now deceased.

“When I told Astrid I was flying over as there are no races here this Sunday, she tried to organise some rides for me. I am booked on two rides, Reine Of Light and Runaway, but I don’t know much about them other than they are not leading hopes.

“To me, sitting in a plane for 24 hours back and forth was all about seeing Jurg back riding in a race. If I can ride a winner, that is a bonus.”

Placais flies out on Saturday and will be back in Singapore on Monday afternoon.


Singapore Turf Club

What are you really gambling with?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au