What are Jockeys?
A jockey is someone who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession.
Top Jockeys In South Africa
S’manga Khumalo
S’manga Khumalo is a South African Thoroughbred horse racing jockey. He is a member of the Jockey Association of South Africa.
In 2013 Khumalo became the first black jockey to win the Durban July Handicap, South Africa’s top horse race, on his steed Heavy Metal at age 28.
Michael Roberts
Michael Roberts is a South African jockey currently a trainer in South Africa. He lives with his wife Verna and two daughters, Melanie and Carolyn.
Roberts has had a successful career, winning many English and South African races multiple times. He was the British flat racing Champion Jockey in 1992.
Weichong Marwing
Weichong C. Marwing is a Thoroughbred horse racing jockey. Based in South Africa, he has won a number of important international Group One races.
He is well remembered for riding Irridescence to victory over the great Ouija Board in the 2006 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong.
Felix Coetzee
Felix Coetzee is one of the most successful jockeys in South African horse racing history.
Lyle Hewitson
Douglas Whyte
Dougie Whyte is a former South African jockey who made a name for himself in Hong Kong.
How much do South African jockeys earn?
R209,576 (ZAR)/yr.
How do I become a jockey in South Africa?
Those wishing to become jockeys must have reached the age of 14 years but be no older than 16 years when they enter the Academy.
The completion of a three-year diploma in Horsemanship and Stable Management is a prerequisite for an apprentice to be licensed as a professional jockey.
At what age can you become a jockey in South Africa?
Complete an apprenticeship
You must be at least 16 years old to start a jockey apprenticeship, though this number could vary by state.
How long does it take to train as a jockey in South Africa?
Becoming a jockey takes years of hard work, dedication, and a love for the sport. Depending on which path you want to take –
Jockey Academy or Apprenticeship it can take between 2 to 6 years to become qualified. Even then, you will have to work your way up and build a name for yourself.