---
title: "Mathew De Kock Returns Home To South Africa As Australian Horse Racing Spell Ends"
description: "Mathew De Kock has called time on his spell in Australian racing and returned home to South Africa, despite enjoying much success Down Under."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Sponsored Content"
author: "Gaming Media"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/gaming-media/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-02-27-mathew-de-kock-returns-home-to-south-africa-as-australian-horse-racing-spell-ends/"
published: "2025-02-27T10:25:33"
updated: "2025-02-27T10:25:35"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 398
---

# Mathew De Kock Returns Home To South Africa As Australian Horse Racing Spell Ends

> Mathew De Kock has called time on his spell in Australian racing and returned home to South Africa, despite enjoying much success Down Under.

By Gaming Media · Published 27 February 2025, 12:25 SAST · Updated 27 February 2025, 12:25 SAST

## Key points
- After a successful stint training racehorses down under, Mathew De Kock is galloping back to South Africa to join forces with his legendary father, ready to chase more Group 1 glory while dreaming of a triumphant return to the Australian racing scene.
- Mathew de Kock and wife Monique transition from Australian horse racing back to South Africa, ending their partnership with Griffiths Racing.
- The duo achieved notable success in Australia, culminating in a final victory at The Valley with horse Zourain.
- De Kock expresses gratitude to Robbie Griffiths and looks forward to reuniting with his father, Mike, to chase more local victories.
- With Mike de Kock's impressive record of 139 Group 1 wins, the family aims to make a significant impact on South African racing while keeping an eye on future Australian opportunities.

## Content

De Kock and wife Monique took the famous race horse training name to [Australian horse racing](https://www.bets.com.au/horse-racing/), and they were quickly able to transfer their talents from South Africa to another country.

The husband-and-wife had partnered up with [Griffiths Racing](https://www.griffithsracing.com.au/) and based themselves at Cranbourne in Australia. It proved to be a dream team working with leading handler Robbie Griffiths.

That partnership has now come to an end with De Kock, who learned his trade under father Mike, returning home to begin training in South Africa once again – and raising a young family closer to parents and family.

Announcing the end of the partnership with Griffiths Racing, De Kock wrote: "We are forever grateful to Robbie and Shiranee for the opportunity they gave us to join their established business.”

Robbie Griffiths added: "Mathew and Monique had a significant contribution to our business during this period. They have our understanding and support in this decision."

Together, the two training teams enjoyed a number of top-level winners in Australia including signing off with victory from the final runner. That came at The Valley and was the perfect ending.

“This is special, very, very special,” De Kock said after Zourain won as his final runner in Australia. “I love The Valley, and to have our last runner at The Valley be a winner, it’s right up there.

“I’ve loved it (Australian racing). The competitiveness of it is awesome, and makes winning extra special, and everyone’s been fantastic.

“I hope one day, my next runner at The Valley will be in the Cox Plate.”

Mathew will initially team up with his father in search of more South African success. Mike has claimed 139 Group 1 wins and there is the promise of more to come.

“It’s a great new challenge, exciting,” said De Kock. “Hopefully we can take the world by storm, and as I said, be back here in Australia one day.”

De Kock will assist his father from two locations in Randjesfontein in Johannesburg and Summerveld in Durban, as well as assisting during the Dubai Racing Carnival every year.

Father Mike’s South African record for most [Grade 1 wins by a trainer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_de_Kock) includes victories for the likes of Ipi Tombe, Mubtaahij, Variety Club, Majmu and Desert Miracle.

As well as domestic success in Group 1 events, De Kock has also saddled winners in Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. **DM**