Lyle Hewitson – promising young rider
Lyle Hewitson has joined the ranks of leading Cape breeders Avontuur Estate’s sponsored jockeys.
Jockey MJ Byleveld in the Avontuur silks
With highly rated and experienced jockeys like Greg Cheyne and MJ Byleveld, Champion Apprentice Callan Murray and now Lyle in the stable, the Thoroughbred Stud Farm between Stellenbosch and Somerset West looks set for a successful Summer season.
“These sponsorships ensure that the Avontuur brand is exposed on tracks around the country and media outlets world-wide, linking into our successful stud business,” says Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh.
“Each of the jocks are ambassadors for Avontuur and we appreciate their loyalty and support. The sponsorships assist with our brand building obviously, but also supports their dreams and aspirations which makes it a win-win situation for all of us,” she concluded.
Avontuur Estate
With his family steeped in racing, Lyle Hewitson enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks.
“My dad was a jockey and is currently a trainer, so I grew up with horses. In Grade 7 I had my heart set on becoming a jockey, but it was only in Grade 10 that it became reality,” Lyle explains.
After completing matric at Kearsney College, Lyle was accepted at the SA Jockey Academy and from there it’s been a roller coaster ride towards fulfilling his dream of becoming one of SA’s best.
As Avontuur Estate is also an award-winning wine producer, it was appropriate to ask Lyle about his wine knowledge, which led to a chuckle or two.
“Before visiting Avontuur for my farm induction, which will include a wine tasting with the winemaker, I’m going to study a few YouTube video’s,” he says. “At least I’ll know the difference between sweet and dry wine, red and white wine and a little bit about the winemaking process, I hope!”.
Lyle Hewitson will be sporting the Avontuur branding from 1 November.
