Namibia-born jockey Heavelon Van Der Hoven takes leap of faith in competitive Brisbane market

On Saturday, the 32-year-old will need every blessing he can muster as he takes aim at the $160,000 Listed Recognition Stakes at Doomben, hoping to spring a minor surprise.

Van Der Hoven’s journey from the sprawling farms of Rehoboth – a town just south of Namibia’s capital Windhoek – to the humid racetracks of Brisbane has been anything but straightforward.

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Since August, he has been grinding away in Queensland’s racing hub after departing Sydney’s glittering metropolitan circuit.

The challenge has been formidable, although the man affectionately known as ‘Heavy’ hasn’t been entirely alone in the fight.

Sydney power couple Annabel and Rob Archibald have thrown their considerable weight behind the expatriate rider, providing a crucial lifeline in a brutally tough industry.

That familiar sign of the cross before each race is a cornerstone of Van Der Hoven’s Catholic faith, embedded in his psyche from childhood on the Namibian farmlands.

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“It’s just for safety. I’m a Catholic so I bless myself for protection,” he said.

“My Mum drills into me ‘don’t forget your religion’. I was brought up going to church. Touch wood though, I’ve never had a fall.”

Van Der Hoven was originally slated to partner hot prospect Midnight In Tokyo in the Recognition Stakes but the Archibalds decided instead to run the consistent mare in the Tattersall’s Classic (1200m), for which she is the $2.50 favourite, with Ryan Maloney gaining the ride.

The Namibian will now climb aboard $12 chance Swiss Exile in what shapes as a wide-open affair, although Boomtown Boss ($3.70) and Tuff Tu Mus ($4.40) look the ones to beat following the scratchings of Midnight in Tokyo and last-start Barn Dance winner So You Pence.

With just five rides this weekend – three at Doomben and two on the Sunshine Coast – Van Der Hoven needs to make every one count.

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Breaking into Brisbane’s tight-knit training ranks has proven difficult, with Van Der Hoven drawing on his patience, persistence and work ethic.

“It’s hard but everywhere is hard because there are a lot of jockeys,” he said.

“You try and ride your best but it’s about just chipping away. You get good weeks and slow weeks. There are a lot of jockeys and not enough horses, I say.

“I’m looking forward to the summer. Hopefully I can get some rides in the big races and prove a point but it won’t be easy.”

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A deep dive into Van Der Hoven’s recent form before Friday’s night meeting at the Sunshine Coast reveals seven victories from his past 50 rides: six for his loyal supporters the Archibalds and one gem for James Moore – $26 roughie Best Coffee saluted at the Sunshine Coast trainer’s home track earlier this month.

The other victories came on Waku Waku (twice), Akkadian Emperor, Zousain Bolt and Sweet Proposal (twice) at odds of $6 or under.

“It’s very competitive, especially in the metro area,” Van Der Hoven said.

“I’m always up for a challenge but it’s hard sometimes when you’re expected to come (and pick up good rides) and it’s a bit delayed I guess.”

Originally published as Namibia-born jockey Heavelon Van Der Hoven takes leap of faith in competitive Brisbane market