A Tribute to Derrick Wiid   By Mike de Kock   I am deeply saddened by the passing on Wednesday night of my friend Derrick Wiid, a racing fanatic, a good man and a visionary who was pivotal in paving racing’s way forward as an executive of Phumelela Gaming and Leisure.   Derrick was instrumental not only in the decision-making progress that set the South African racing industry back on the right track, but in the development of my own career. Five years ago Derrick and Brian Mehl assisted me in setting up a satellite yard in Dubai. Derrick, in particular, went out on a limb for me, helping to find the best avenues of communication and establishing the right protocols.   I don’t need to tell you about the impact racing in Dubai has had on my own life and on the image of South African racing abroad. Let the record show that Derrick played a huge part in the marked revival of our thoroughbred industry.   Derrick will be sorely missed and my personal, heartfelt condolences go to the Wiid family. Below is a tribute to Wiid published courtesy of The Citizen’s Racing Express.   South African horseracing lost one of its great characters and industry players when Derrick Wiid died in a car accident in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening. He had been involved in thoroughbred horseracing for 40 years as a punter, bookmaker, owner, breeder and administrator but will probably be best remembered for his unique interpersonal relationships which in many circles earned him the nickname ‘Asterix’. At the time of his death he was serving the JSE listed Phumelela Gaming & Leisure as Business Development Executive charged with International Horseracing Services. Derrick Wiid’s love for horseracing started as a punter who became so fascinated with the wonderful complexities of the thoroughbred that he later extended his interest  into the world of ownership and later breeding.   While his easily discernable silks of old gold, purple sleeves and cap failed to land any of SA’s major feature races, his hopes were kept alive by talented performers such as Kiaat, Salute Her, Artificer, Le Roi, American Affair and  Ounce of Royalty. He built a training centre in Henley-on-Klip in the 1970’s and the stables were home to a series of trainers down the years including his brother Brian, and  now-veteran trainer Ormond Ferraris. Wiid’s son,,Lance, took over his father’s string some 3 years ago and they enjoyed significant success, especially in recent months when winners included Spanish Succession and Digital Speed. It was also on this farm where he established the Henley Stud. As a qualified chartered accountant and successful businessman he was elected to the GROA (Gauteng Racehorse Owners Association) in the early 1990’s and was to become one of the key roll-players in concluding the Memorandum Of Undertaking with the Gauteng Provincial Government which ultimately resulted in the birth of Phumelela Gaming & Leisure.