Former SA Champion jockey Smanga Bling Khumalo has been listed at joint sixth on the latest Longines World’s Best Jockey rankings published this past weekend.
Please click here for the rankings
The 36 year old, who weighed 30kgs when he started out and hails from the KwaMashu township L section, produced a gem of a ride earlier this month to win the R5 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July on Sparkling Water for Mike de Kock and well-known owner Mary Slack.
Bling celebrates as Sparkling Water is led in after her big win (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
This was his second win in the premier event after Heavy Metal in 2013.
A natural showman, Khumalo had the large crowd roaring in approval and capped the show with his trademark Frankie Dettori dismount.
Currently at fourth position on the national log with 163 winners at a strike-rate of 14,8%, Bling was dislodged from his mount Home Of The Brave en route to the start of the first race at Turffontein on Saturday.
He suffered a sprained shoulder and hip but will be taking up his engagements today according to his agent Monty Mariemuthoo.
