One of the world’s greatest golfers Gary Player has pledged to rename a horse after a disabled racing fan.
Between 1959 and 1978, Player won nine Major championships, including the British Open and US Masters three times each.
At the same time he was amassing 159 wins on the professional golfing circuit, he also established his own stud in South Africa from which he produced the winners of more than 2,000 races.
The 88-year-old has since scaled back his interests but continues to support the sport as an owner-breeder. During a recent visit to the races at Greyville to see his filly Double Grand Slam win a Grade 3 contest, he met a young disabled racing fan named Reece.
Player said he was reminded of the the story of Cody’s Wish, the two-time Breeders’ Cup winner who was named after Cody Dorman who suffered from Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome which rendered him unable to speak or walk and communicate only by tablet.
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Dorman had formed a bond with a six-month-old colt who was given the name Cody’s Wish during a visit to Godolphin's Gainesway Farm in Kentucky. He was at the races nearly every time the horse ran before Dorman’s death in November aged 17.
Player said the inspirational story had “deeply resonated” with him because of his own love for horses.
Then he announced he would rename Double Grand Slam as a result of his encounter with wheelchair-bound Reece.
Gary Player: the 88-year-old who won the Masters three times is also a succcessful racehorse owner and breeder (Getty Images)“Last week, one of my horses that I named Double Grand Slam was set to run in a race,” he posted on his X account. “Before the race started, I met a young man named Reece from Durban who is battling obstacles in his life, but I was struck by his remarkable positivity and joy, despite these severe obstacles.
“You just can’t imagine the challenges he faces every single day. I certainly do not have as much courage as him. I invited Reece to come watch Double Grand Slam run and I was hopeful that the horse would win. The horse won comfortably, and Reece was right by my side to witness the special occasion. It was so touching to see his enthusiasm.
“Reece even joined us on TV at the prize giving to celebrate. It was one of the most touching days of my life and Reece is a massive source of inspiration to me.
“I have decided to rename this horse Reece’s Wish to honour the courage and bravery of my friend, Reece. There is something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man. GP.”
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