Veteran Jockey Completes Extraordinary Comeback Journey
In a story that reads like a Hollywood script, veteran South African jockey Andrew Fortune has completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in sporting history, winning one of his country's most prestigious races at the age of 58. The emotional victory in the Cape Town Met at Kenilworth represents the culmination of a journey that saw Fortune overcome drug addiction, significant weight gain, and retirement to return to the pinnacle of his sport.
From Champion to Crisis
During his earlier career, Andrew Fortune established himself as one of South Africa's leading jockeys, becoming champion jockey and riding numerous big race winners. However, his career was punctuated by significant challenges with authority and personal demons. At the height of his struggles, Fortune tested positive for cocaine during a period of drug addiction that saw him reach some of his lowest points, including living in a squatter camp.
When Fortune retired from racing in 2017, he moved to Australia to work at racing stables but was unable to secure a license as a work rider. During this period, his weight ballooned dramatically, with the jockey tipping the scales at over 14 stone, far above the typical weight for a professional rider.
The Road to Redemption
Returning to South Africa, Fortune embarked on an extraordinary physical transformation. Having been drug-free for 19 years, he set himself the monumental challenge of shedding five stone in weight with the goal of making a competitive comeback to professional racing. Over two gruelling years, Fortune worked tirelessly to regain the physical condition necessary to compete at the highest level.
His dedication paid off when he regained his racing license twelve months ago, setting the stage for what would become one of the most emotional victories of his long career. Fortune's comeback reached its dramatic climax when he rode See It Again to victory in the £230,000 Cape Town Met, securing his second Group 1 win from just four rides since his return.
Family Celebration and Emotional Response
The victory became a particularly special family moment as Fortune led a remarkable one-two finish with his son Aldo Domeyer riding the runner-up. An emotional Fortune reflected on his journey after the race, stating: "First of all, I just wanted to thank God. I came from addiction to everything, nobody wanted me, and here I stand on the biggest stage. It was so hard and I get this moment. It's just unbelievable."
Fortune added meaningfully about his winning mount: "It's amazing how his name is 'See It Again'. I know this horse is going to win because I keep coming back and doing it again and again. But this is my last run and the most amazing one. It was like it was written in the stars."
Trainer's Tribute to Remarkable Resilience
Winning trainer Justin Snaith paid tribute to Fortune's extraordinary determination, saying: "It's just incredible. If anyone out there is thinking you're at your lowest point and nothing is possible, Andrew has just proven you can come back from anything. Andrew was there every week. He worked flat out and solely deserved this. Right horse, right time and right person."
The victory represents not just a sporting triumph but a powerful testament to human resilience and the possibility of redemption, serving as inspiration to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges in their own lives.
