World class training in SA
OVER the years South African jockeys have plied their trade world-wide and are respected as being among the best in their profession. This success is largely due to a solid grounding received at the South African Jockey Academy at Summerveld, the first of its kind in the world, and Headmaster Graham Bailey is continually entertaining officials from foreign schools interested to learn from how the SAJA goes about its business.
Bailey is always on the lookout for opportunities to expose his apprentices to international competition and promising riders Tristan Godden and Eric Ngwane will benefit from his efforts when they head over to the United Kingdom towards the end of this month to start a month-long course at the British Racing School - the U.K. equivalent of the SAJA.
“We are still finalising details at the moment but the idea is for two of our apprentices to attend the British Racing School on an annual basis,” he said.
“Grant Harris, CEO of the British Racing School, spent some time with us back in November last year and has managed to secure funding from the Childwick Trust.”
The Childwick Trust was set up by the late H.J. (Jim) Joel who was a highly successful racehorse owner and breeder based at his stud on The Childwick Bury Estate in Hertfordshire and provides funding and opportunity for people outside of Britain to attend this month-long course.
Eric Ngwane, (31 winners) is one of the most sought after apprentices and scored a double at Greyville on Friday night. At 22 years old he was a late starter at the academy, this being his third year, but his maturity is paying dividends.
“He works really hard in the mornings and deserves what he gets,” said riding master and ex-jockey Paddy Wynne yesterday.
“I got the news from Headmaster Mr Bailey,” said Eric.” “I’m very excited to have been chosen and to take on the challenge. I’m looking forward to the experience and I’m very grateful to the Jockey Academy.”
Godden (29 winners) was equally appreciative. “I think this will really help my career and will be a great experience. I’m looking forward to going to the United Kingdom to see how racing works over there and also to learn from the other jockeys.”
Apart from attending the course, Ngwane and Godden will also have the opportunity of riding work on Newmarket Heath.
South African jockeys riding overseas started way back to the early part of the last century and the legendary Harold ‘Tiger’ Wright did a stint in England.
John Gorton landed the English Oaks on Sleeping Partner in 1969 and of course 11-time South African Champion Michael Roberts took the English championship back in 1990 riding 206 winners in the season. He also won two English Classics, the 2000 Guineas on Mystiko and the Oaks on Intrepidity.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a happy hunting ground for local riders with SAJA graduates Basil Marcus and Dougie Whyte both many times champion in the former British colony where local riders are still much sort after with their latest recruit being current champion Gavin Lerena.