Ahead of the 56th SA Derby (in partnership with The United Aviation Group) we chatted to equestrian Grant Langley, who is taking part in the four-day horse extravaganza that kicks off on October 3 at the Kyalami Equestrian Park in Johannesburg.
Who is Grant Langley…
I am just a normal horse-crazy guy, who is thankful every day that I have such amazing horses and people to work with. I love living in Summerveld, we are lucky to work in such beautiful surrounds daily. It’s a place that is good for the soul. Has a real country feel but close enough to all major places. It’s part of a conservancy so we have buck, monkeys and lots of bird life on our property. So, to hack out and encounter all of this is really special. I grew up in Joburg and moved here in 1998. Lots of fellow riders tell me Joburg is the hub of riding and I should be there. I don’t agree. It’s good for the horses here – I travel a lot around the country but every time I return, I know how lucky I am. We have the berg, the sea, the midlands all within an easy drive.
The riding community was small but very supportive of one another when I moved here. I made it my mission to grow our sport here and it has worked. We host one of the best shows in the country each year, The Winter Classic (this year our headline sponsor was aQuelle) previously known as the Nissan Winter Classic). Before Covid our six-bar event was an amazing experience and Shongweni Club was packed full with spectators. This is where the current height record is held… not Gauteng. Jammer hoor!!!
What gets you up in the morning…
Knowing how privileged I am to be doing what I love. The hours are incredibly long and there’s lots of blood, sweat and tears. A total addiction to equestrianism!!
Talk to us about your string at the moment…
Ok so the Derby horses are a bit thin on the ground. I think because it is quite demanding so people are cautious to introduce it to some horses. I think if it is included in the training of a younger horse when starting off, their confidence with it will grow. Who I have coming to Derby with me are two horses that I bred. Foresyte Bengston and Foresyte Buck Rogers both started as embryo transfer babies done by Carla (Equis veterinary Practice) on our property, so it has been a long road but if all goes according to plan, I will jump Bengston in the big one. This will be a real bucket list tick for me as he will be the first homebred I have produced and jumped to Derby level. He can be a bit sassy and possibly not the best at the bank so am really hoping all goes well for both of us. I just love him; he keeps me on my toes!! As for Buck Rogers, it’s his first time so I guess you get what you get and don’t get upset.
Your thoughts about Kyalami Equestrian Park…
KEP must be one of my favourite venues – I started riding there (feels like just after Noah parked the Ark!!) and it’s been amazing to see the transformation of the venue over the years. I was so impressed and proud of the venue when I went up for Easter show this year. The grounds looked amazing the gardens well attended to and the arenas well prepped. Admin staff were helpful and on the ball.
The Bob Charter arena is always a challenge with the big space and slopes and Derby fences: some horses can become very excited in there. I have first-hand experience as I have had a horse run away with me at Derby… it scarred me for life but at the same time it was a real adrenaline rush and lots of laughs!
Talk to us about Derby Day…
We work on an eight-hour trip, provided there is no nonsense on the N3. The travel logistics are not easy as we have different horses plus two junior horses doing the Youth Festival show just before Derby. It will be a two-day break between shows, so at this stage my horses might have to go up with those horses so I can keep them in work for the show. So two trucks will go up and one truck will come back Monday morning early and the other will go across to KEP. So, the planning with staff, horses, work schedules, accommodation etc can be a challenge.
What makes the Derby so difficult…
It all depends on the day. When there is a lot of activity outside the arena the horses can change. So, you just never know. (Unless you are Nicole Horwood and Don Cumarco: Such an amazing Derby team they were).
My horse can have a switch in his head and if that goes…….. hmmm hang on its going to be fast!! Not ideal as silly mistakes happen.
Is this your first Derby …
It’s not my first time. (My first time got me only halfway – stage fright for both of us but we had a blast anyway).
So, I was run away with in one Derby on my horse Patrick. It was hectic. I still wake up in the middle of the night having flashbacks. I finished two Derbies on him – he was such a special horse and as strong as an ox!
I also went round on Brandeburg Cedarwood – such a brave mare. My last Derby was with my stallion I bought as a three-year-old – Berlioz des Hauts Droits – and produced up the grades. He finished sixth that year. It was such a highlight for me, just an amazing day. I lost him to colic the following year which has still left a big hole in my heart.
Any last words…
A huge thanks to United Aviation Group. It’s so amazing to have a new sponsor involved with the Derby. After the trying times we have all had I can only wish them all the best and hope they are able to stay involved with our beautiful sport for many years.
Well without my team at home I would not be able to do what I love, so a big shout out to them. My daughters Stella and Grace (who says she just enjoys being the owner of a horse!). Carla – the best vet. My sons Ryan and Jethro who keep me on my A-game and Jocelyn who keeps us all in line at the office.
Details: You can follow the Derby @United_Derby on Instagram and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UAGSADerby
