De Kock and wife Monique took the famous race horse training name to Australian 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 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 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