Summerveld trainer Siboniso ‘Bo’ Ngcobo became the newest Hollywoodbets sponsored trainer on Friday.
The man who resides in Zwelibomvu in the Emabhaceni district says that it’s now all systems go as he looks forward to the final four months of what has been a memorable season.
Legend Michael Roberts congratulates his colleague and fellow Summerveld resident Bo Ngcobo after his first winner (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
A gentleman with an amazing back story of a lifetime dream, family support, and gritty perseverance, the 48 year old qualified Mechanical Engineer, and former Fireman, is no stereotype generational trainer, and actually only celebrated his first ever winner when the courageous Lightning Jimmy stormed to victory at Hollywoodbets Scottsville last month.
The unique aspect about the charismatic Bo is that he had only one horse in his yard when breaking the ice.
“People ask me disbelievingly – one horse and a solitary staffmember? But that was my reality until Lightning Jimmy put me on the map – in a manner of speaking,” he laughs, as he proudly tells that he recently took delivery of a very special The United Stakes filly named Colorado Creek, who doubled his string as she stepped off the float from Johannesburg on Easter Sunday.
“Many people have congratulated me and promised me horses. I don’t expect that to happen overnight, but if I can double my string every other month, who knows!”
Bo learnt the skills needed in one the toughest professions on earth by shadowing KZN stalwarts Tony Rivalland, Peter Muscutt and Nathan Kotzen.
“If I can’t make it having enjoyed the mentorship and skills sharing of those three gentlemen, then I really don’t know!”
Bo’s first! Lightning Jimmy charges home under Smanga Khumalo at Hollywoodbets Scottsville in March (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
He added that he was thrilled to have been given the opportunity of being sponsored by Hollywoodbets.
“The purple and yellow flag has flown proudly across the length and breadth of South Africa and I cannot express how thankful I am to have been welcomed into the Hollywoodbets family. It’s a big day for me and my team, and I hope it’s the start of brighter and better days ahead,” he added.
Enjoy this post-race interview on the occasion of Bo’s first winner:
And immediate plans?
“I am travelling up to the National Yearling Sales next week in Johannesburg. I have looked at the catalogue and I hope to be buying a champion of tomorrow. It’s very exciting with the exports opening announcement, and I firmly believe that SA horseracing is set for big things!” said the happy trainer.
Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager Devin Heffer welcomed Bo and said that his amazing story had made an impact on the industry, and that it was fairytales like his that made racing the amazing sport that it is.
“Chatting to Bo is a lesson in life. An example of why we should never give up. He is a warm and wonderful character who has beaten the odds to live his dream. It’s aspirational, and we are equally proud to be part of his team and to share his journey. We wish him every success and welcome him to our purple family,” added Heffer.
