Derrick Wiid, who was involved in many aspects of South African horseracing, died in a car accident in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.Wiid had been involved in Thoroughbred horseracing for 40 years as a punter, bookmaker, owner, breeder and administrator. However, he was probably best remembered for his unique interpersonal relationships, which in many circles earned him the nickname 'Asterix'.Derrick Wiid's interest in horseracing started as a punter and later extended into the world of ownership and later breeding. While horses wearing his distinctive silks of old gold purple sleeves and cap failed to land any of SA's major feature races, he campaigned talented performers such as Kiaat, Salute Her, Artificer, Le Roi, American Affair and Ounce of Royalty.At the time of his death he was serving the Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed Phumelela Gaming & Leisure as business development executive charged with international horseracing services.Wiid was responsible for the implementation of simulcasts of South Africa Racing into the U.S> and Canada, which are now regular fixtures every Tuesday. He also assisted with the launch of English racing within the United States and was responsible for creating the international wagering pools for the Dubai World Cup races, according to a release from Phumelela.
He is survived by his wife Mel and children Lance, Kyle and Kimberley.
