Welsh-born jockey Karl Neisius achieved a long held ambition at Kenilworth on Monday when he rode the 3000th winner of his career.

The 55-year-old veteran was presented with a special plaque to mark the occasion by Western Province Racing Club chairman Vidrik Thurling and his deputy Rodney Dunn.

"You set goals in life and I set this one a few years ago so it was fantastic to get to it," said Neisius.

"But what is more important than anything is that I am still healthy and injury-free."

Neisius has never made any secret of his intention to turn to training but apparently that day is still some way off.

"I have no intention of turning down the throttle at this stage,” Neisus said.

"I intend to keep going while I am still getting quality rides and riding for big stables."

Neisius was born in Wales and was seven when his mother and stepfather emigrated to South Africa.

He rode his first winner when he was 16 at Kenilworth and finished his first season with five winners from 82 rides.

In 1991 he got up in the last stride on Flaming Rock to win the Durban July, beating Al Mufti. He finished second on the same horse three years later and also went close on him in the J & B Mets of 1992 and 1993.

He has been the Western Cape champion rider nine times and is renowned for his cool riding style.