Horseman Mjoka focused on making it as a jockey
Phumelela Publishing’s Patrick Nkosi had a chat to up-and-coming apprentice Mpumelelo Mjoka about what made him become a jockey, his hopes and his dreams.
Name, any nickname: Mpumelelo Mjoka, I don’t have a nickname, people just call me Mpumi.
Current position on national log: I’m currently a fourth year apprentice and third on the apprentices’ log; 36th on the national jockeys’ log.
Date of birth: 1996 (20).
Tell us about your school days: I was a regular kid, I worked hard but I wasn’t an overachiever.
What attracted you to horseracing? I went to primary school in Durban and Charles Grey, then the South African Jockeys’ Academy marketing manager, came and handpicked me at assembly saying I could become a jockey. Funnily enough I was at home watching TV and on came an advertisement about 18 December S’manga Khumalo winning the Vodacom Durban July and I was sold. I spoke to my parents and the rest, as they say, is history.
Where are you based? At the Gauteng Jockey Academy, but I’m from Durban originally.
When were you licensed? At the end of my second year at the academy.
How many races have you ridden in? 518 in South Africa.
Total winners? 36, one of which was in France, the Longines Future Racing Stars race at Chantilly, Prix de Diane Day. (The Prix Longines Future Racing Stars showcases up-and-coming young riding talent from across the world by hand picking participants from the world’s top racing schools. The event is open to riders under the age of 25 who have had 80 or more race rides and achieved between 10 and 50 wins.)
Tell us about your first ride. It was a Michael Roberts runner named Stampede over 1000m at Scottsville in the last race. I was nervous, given simple instructions and I raced according to the racing rules but I think I finished last in that outing. (He actually finished 10th of 13).
First win? Describe the experience. This is a moment I will never forget. It was a Sean Tarrytrained horse named Can You Hear Me. Sean wasn’t there, his assistant Shylock Mtwesi was. I spoke to S’manga, who had won on him before, and he said to give him a gallop so I led and honestly didn’t think I held on long enough. I don’t know if anybody else has ever dead-heated on their first win. I shared the spoils with Ryan Munger on Black Cossack. I won’t forget that day.
Best horse you’ve ridden? It has to be Talktothestars for trainer Coenie de Beer. I rode him after a rest and we finished seventh. It’s nice to see that he’s returning to his best, with seconds in the Computaform Sprint and the Post Merchants.
Big-race wins? The 2017 Longines Future Racing Stars in France.
What was the greatest moment in your life? Again, I have to say the 2017 Longines Future Racing Stars in France.
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do? Riding but not winning for a long time has to be hard for everyone. I feel like when I started that was the case – I won my first race on my 91st ride and nearly nine months after I got my licence. I’m improving now and feel like I’m not at that same place now. Any superstitions? None at all. What are your hobbies? No hobbies either, just horseracing.
What music do you like to listen to? I like hip-hop music and my favourite artist is Drake.
Favourite food? If it’s good I’ll eat. I’m not too picky.
Favourite night out? I think with friends. It varies, to be honest.
Do you follow sport? I’m a horseman.
Do you read? Yes, there’s a book I’m currently reading called “The Greatest Salesman in the World”, written by Og Mandino. It’s amazing! Do you watch TV? Not really, What car do you drive? My dad’s Toyota Corolla. I’ll get my own car soon.
Objectives for the next five/10 years? Hopefully I’ll be travelling the world doing the one thing I love most, riding horses. I want to have feature victories to my name and hopefully a jockeys’ championship or two under my belt. Not really,