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WPOTA
- TRIBUTE
Stanley Llewellyn Amos - Born 1st October
1918
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Indentured as
an apprentice jockey to "Freddy" Potgieter in Durban in
the early 1930's, a 14 year old apprentice jockey already in the
3rd year of his apprenticeship, made his race rising debut aboard
a mare called "Flypaper" in a Pony and Galloway race at
Clairwood. The youngster never made it past the finishing post,
the mare dislodging him when shying from a jockey's cap that came
off the rider in front of him. An inauspicious start indeed, considering
that the unfortunate lad would in time go on to become one of the
true greats of the South African turf.
After a dismal apprenticeship in Johannesburg and Durban during
which he rode only 2 winners STANLEY AMOS moved to Cape Town in
1935, riding a winner for the legendary Syd Garrett in his first
meeting there. In his own words, the was the "turning point"
in the young jockey's life. Stanley rode the lightly weighted while
"Cookie" booted home the top weights! Syd always said
"Stanley is the best judge of pace I've ever known".
He won his first Met at age 18 the first of six victories in that
great race and remembers Moonlit as being "the greatest horse
I've ever been associated with". I won the Met on him carrying
little over 7st and "Cookie" subsequently did the same
carrying 10st 6lbs that was a horse!! Stan won the Met, followed
by the Guineas and the Derby, on Feltos. Successive Mets on Royal
Chaplain for Lady Robinson, the 1941 July on Sadri II, the Gold
Cup, JHB Summer Handicap. Stan's most memorable moment winning the
Derby on Menlo and then being presented to the Royal Family, including
29 year old Princess Elizabeth II. In about 1960 Syd Garret moved
permanently to Durban and Stanley joined "Cookie" who
had been training since the early fifties. Success in the July,
the Summer Handicap, 2 Gold Cups, 2 Guineas, 3 Queens Plates and
6 Cape Derbies would follow.
The final feature success of his illustrious career was aboard "Prince
Florimund" in the J.W.S. Langerman Memorial in 1981. In May
of that year he booted home his 2455th winner, breaking Tiger Wright's
record for having ridden the most winners on South African racecourses.
After finishing 3rd in the last race in Cape Town on July 30th 1983,
Stanley Amos retired from race-riding 3 months shy of his 65th birthday.
He then became an assistant trainer to brother "Cookie"
before training in his own right when "Cookie" retired.
Stanley joined the Western Province Owners' and Trainers' Association
in 1984, after retiring from the saddle and subsequently taking
out his Trainers license. His lifestyle has kept him lean and fit
and many aspiring jockey's (and trainers) have sought the benefits
to be derived from his advice and wealth of experience. This has
as many will vouch for always been freely given and shared at all
times.
Stanley Amos is a true "gentleman of the turf" what he
has enjoyed from racing has been returned in equal measure by the
examples and standards he has both set and maintained for those
that follow in his footsteps.
Stanley Amos has handed in his license after an incredible 72 years
of racing. Stanley, we thank you for setting the standards for all
of us in racing to aspire to. We salute you for your achievements.
May Thelma and yourself enjoy the retirement you both richly deserve.
We thank Brain Page and Stan Elley for their research on the above
Tribute.
WPOTA awards Life Membership to Stanley Amos for an outstanding
career and service to racing in the Western Cape.
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