The Story Behind Owners’ Colours: Jody Van Heerden

It’s accurate to say that Jody van Heerden’s racing destiny is written in the stars, as this passionate owner has brought an element of the cosmos not only into his ownership journey, but also the way he lives his life.

Van Heerden has enjoyed 17 winners in his career, three of them in his own colours and four as part of the One World Syndicate which saw All Out For Six capture the R5-million HSH Princess Charlene Big Cap. That is one of three runners in the Syndicate which races out of Vaughan Marshall’s yard, with Gnarly also having won, while Timeline is still a maiden.

“I own shares in over 30 horses,” Van Heerden says, “and I also have the privilege of owning those horses within the One World Syndicate. Coincidentally, the syndicate colours also feature blue and stars, perfectly aligning with my cosmic theme. The success and joy they’ve brought me is immeasurable.”

In sticking with his theme of the universe, the Capetonian explains his colours. “Green represents nature to me, while blue symbolises peace. The stars on my silks represent the cosmos and reflect a deep fascination I’ve held since childhood, a love that inspired the name of my first racehorse Cosmic Rhythm.

“He was the first horse to run in my silks. Unfortunately, on his second outing he suffered an injury that sidelined him for several months. Upon his return, he struggled to find consistent form, and it was a challenging period.”

That’s when Marshall, the maestro from Milnerton, dug into his reservoir of experience and changed tack with Cosmic Rhythm. “He decided to remove his shoes and let him run barefoot, more in tune with his natural state.”

Since then, Cosmic Rhythm has had three runs without shoes. In January, as a 14-race maiden, he finished second to the highly regarded Okhavango, won his next start, and finished two lengths behind Wehaveasituation, despite the outside draw of 16 over the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 1600m.

Cosmic Rhythm was his third success in his silks. “Naushon was my first winner and won for a second time at Hollywoodbets Durbanville last November. But when Cosmic Rhythm followed on the 1st February, it was an emotional moment, and I dedicated his win to my Mom who had recently passed on.”

Reflecting on his journey, Van Heerden says: “it’s clear that my passion for nature, the cosmos, and the spirit of racing have intertwined beautifully. Every horse, every race, every victory, and even every setback, has been part of a story that is uniquely mine, and I am grateful for every moment of it.”

One could also suggest that winning and success in racing is a blessing to him from the universe. 

By Gary Lemke