The South African Jockey Academy has announced the launch of the Appie Leg Up Foundation, a ground-breaking initiative that aims to provide educational bursaries to deserving students pursuing their racing careers.
Apprentices visiting Hollywoodbets Greyville (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
With the establishment of this transformative initiative, the foundation will offer crucial bursaries to deserving students, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel in their chosen field. Recognizing that many aspiring jockeys face financial hurdles, the Appie Leg Up Foundation is dedicated to breaking down barriers by addressing registration and training fees.
These inclusive bursaries aim to provide every deserving student with an equal opportunity to enter the apprentice program at the South African Jockey Academy.
Driving the strategic development of the Appie Leg Up Foundation are Adam Kethro, an experienced foundation management expert, and Tarryn Mason, the Academy’s Marketing and Athlete Development Manager.
Together, they share an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for students who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication.
To actively engage potential sponsors, Adam Kethro, has graciously funded Tarryn Mason and two apprentices to attend the prestigious Cape Yearling Sale in February. This invaluable opportunity will enable them to approach owners directly, seeking sponsorships to further bolster the foundation’s mission.
Accompanying Tarryn to the Cape Yearling Sale will be 2nd year apprentices Sfisokuhle Bungane and Jacey Botes. Together, they will fervently advocate for owners to support the foundation and make a lasting impact on the lives of aspiring jockeys.
The SA Jockey Academy extends heartfelt appreciation to Bloodstock South Africa for granting the opportunity to launch the Appie Leg Up Foundation during the Cape Yearling Sale event, scheduled for the 25th of February at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank Christine Terblanche from Equine Insurance Brokers for her invaluable assistance to Tarryn at the sales and for providing mentorship. Her support is instrumental in advancing the mission of the Appie Leg Up Foundation.
The collaborative efforts of Adam Kethro, Bloodstock South Africa and Christine Terblanche exemplify the racing community’s commitment to fostering opportunities for aspiring jockeys, and the SA Jockey Academy looks forward to a successful launch at the upcoming Cape Sale event.
“I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Appie Leg Up Foundation. The South African Jockey Academy is committed to the foundation’s mission of securing funding for apprentice jockeys facing financial barriers for registration and training fees. Over the past decades, we have dedicated significant efforts to identifying candidates from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the opportunity to pursue careers as professional jockeys. Our commitment is rooted in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that talent transcends all backgrounds within the racing community. We appeal to the racing community for their generous contributions to support this noble cause.” Mr. Marius Nel, Acting Headmaster, SA Jockey Academy.
Institution of champions! (Pic – SAJA)
For further information regarding the Appie Leg Up Foundation and how to become involved, please contact:
Tarryn Mason
Marketing & Athlete Development Manager
South African Jockey Academy
- Media release by SAJA on Tuesday 20 February 2024
