The Hollywoodbets Grooms School at Milnerton was a hive of activity last Friday morning as eleven proud graduates from the class of ’24 were acknowledged and received their Workrider certificates, which were handed over by the vastly experienced William Bambiso, the Cape’s ‘senior statesman’ of the ranks, and the reigning Workrider Of The Year.
Riding Master Craig Du Plooy, Workrider Of The Year William Bambiso, Hollywoodbets’ Tania Van Eck and proud recipient Xumani Mangaliso at the ceremony on Friday morning (Pic – Lily Jamieson)
In a year in which the school again made great strides in upskilling a strategically vital support sector of the industry, Riding Master Craig Du Plooy told the Sporting Post that the delivery of kitchen, office, medical and stable supplies provided by the Hollywood Foundation in February had made a ‘world of difference’ to their already refurbished facilities and added impetus to what was a productive year.
“Reflecting back, I am particularly proud of this year’s graduates. It is well documented that our winter in the Cape was the bleakest in living memory. Yet the students punctually attended lessons, determined to improve their skills,” added Du Plooy, who is in his 19th year of teaching and coaching Workriders.
The former professional jockey explained some of the practical daily challenges facing a student wanting to improve his lot in life.
“The guys, many of whom walk to work, start the day very early and they attend the school after the first phase of their own daily work is done. So it’s effectively in their rest time that they learn. With the rain and inclement weather that we experienced, there was many a morning where I sat with a class full of drenched exhausted students. Yet we always had full attendance. I don’t think many comprehend the sacrifices that are made under very trying conditions. That is why I will personally go beyond the pale for each one of them. Stepping out with a certificate as they did today, is an admirable outcome for dedication and hard work, and chatting to them afterwards one gets the sense that, for many, it is a massive milestone in their lives,” added Du Plooy.
The aim of the course is to enable Grooms to become qualified Workriders, thus filling a vacuum created by the slanted ratio of the horse population to professional jockeys. This means that trainers rely heavily on the graduates of the Hollywoodbets Grooms School to perform a vital function.
The course equips the students practically and technically, and it also teaches them to assess the horse underneath them and so to provide the trainer with important feedback.
Thirteen students were enrolled with 11 graduating last week.
“The two remaining guys need a little more time, and I will be focusing on them in the next few months,”said Du Plooy, who is clearly proud of his students.
Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager Devin Heffer lauded the work being done by Craig du Plooy and his assistants Bongi Maqelana and Wiseman Mlindi, and the extraordinary commitment of the students.
“Education and coaching is key to upliftment, upskilling and self-improvement in any sphere of life and we are proud of the important role of the Hollywoodbets Grooms School. It is worth mentioning the significant progression of 50% of students from groom functions to workriders, and the remaining students progressing towards becoming race riders. The positive impact this progression has had on graduates’ earning potential and potential personal advancement, reflects Hollywood’s commitment to their professional and personal growth. This is a success story in every sense of the word,” concluded Heffer.
Not all Workriders take the quantum leap immediately into race-riding, but one graduate of the class of ’24 has already done so and some of the others will no doubt be seen in action over the next few months.
Two legs of the 2024/25 Hollywoodbets Workriders’ Series have already been completed, with the next two scheduled for 29 January and 22 February, culminating in an exciting finale on 16 March 2025, the Cape Racing Sales Day.
Congratulations to the class of ’24:
- Zubenathi Jevu
- Siyakholwa Maqelana
- Masiviwe Matiwane
- Lelethu Feni
- Masonwabe Jevu
- Asavela Mdludlu
- Sandiso Nikani
- Xumani Mangaliso
- Sithulile Geledu
- Mcebisi Sizani
- Wonga Mdludlu
