Mabaya is ready to conquer this year’s Work Riders’ Challenge showpiece

The 2019/2020 Work Riders’ Challenge kicks off at the Vaal tomorrow and one of the leading riders, Chamu Mabaya, was quick to give the credit where it was due.

“On behalf of all the work riders I would like to thank the owners, trainers and Phumelela for this opportunity. It helps us earn money and it gives us the opportunity to ride on the big stage. We’d also like to thank James Maree and the work riding school.

“It helps the young guys become jockeys. Calvin Habib started out a work rider and Lyle Hewitson too. Lyle is now riding in Hong Kong.”

“I have won the challenge before, but just once,” said Mabaya, referring to his 2014 success.

“Looking at my book of rides I think I have a good chance of leading on Thursday.”

Interestingly, he revealed that he rides work for the illustrious Mike de Kock yard and has sat on top-class thoroughbreds like Soqrat and Hawwaam.

“I can say that I ride for De Kock full-time,” he added. “I work his horses every day and that is why he gives me all these great opportunities. It is because I’m committed to the stable and work hard behind closed doors.”

To the motivated Mabaya’s advantage, he has booked a ride in each of the eight races on the card, as opposed to last season’s winner, Joe Gwingwizha’s six.

“On paper I think my horses have chances, but races aren’t run on paper. I will ride two well-bred first timers (for De Kock) who have chances, but if I have to pick two of my best, they are Arnica Montana (Race 6) and Al Ragnar (Race 7).

“Arnica Montana is a hard-knocker and has been doing very well under S’manga Khumalo – I like him a lot. Al Ragnar is a young horse (three-yearold) who is still learning. He will be going 2400m for the first time and I think he will love the distance.”

Although Mabaya hasn’t thoroughly looked at his rivals’ mounts, he believes Samuel Mosia, Goodman Dadamasi and Joe Gwingwizha are the jockeys he has to beat.

“They are all top jockeys. Gwingwizha has the support of champion trainer, Sean Tarry and Mosia rides for the Paul Peter yard. Peter’s horses are doing very well.”

Work riders are affiliated to trainers just like the professionals are and this is why Mabaya believes they should be looked at as pros.

“We are pros in our own right. We completed the work riding course and know the rules.”

When discussing what he would do with the R20 000 prize money, Mabaya said: “I am a family man and have three beautiful kids and a wife. The money will go to them.”

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