A career first hat-trick for promising apprentice Khanya Sakayi was the highlight of an entertaining Scottsville meeting on Sunday.
Khanya Sakayi drives Miss Varlicious out to hold off Anton Marcus on Bonnie Dawn (Pic – Candiese Marnewick/Gold Circle)
The SA Jockey Academy continues to produce the talents and young 4kg claimer Sakayi, who rode 13 winners last season, opened his account this term with a cracking three timer in the KZN Capital City.
Khanya Sakayi – hardworking apprentice (Pic – Candiese Marnewick /Gold Circle)
The 4th year SAJA apprentice, who turns 20 in October, hails from the Eastern Cape, but was recruited while at High School in Cape Town. He is said to be one of the hardest working youngsters according to trainers, who say he is always on the move and looking for work in the mornings.
Getting the ball rolling, Sakayi took full advantage of the unfortunate late withdrawal of Luke Ferraris’ mount Changing Seasons when he led all the way to win the fourth for Tony Rivalland on the Bankable gelding, Reactive.
He then led champion Anton Marcus a merry dance in the very next race when he kept the classy 7yo Miss Varlicious going to hold off the consistent favourite Bonnie Dawn.
Khanya’s final winner – another Bankable – was the 6yo Silver Cent for Lola Crawford, who won from a wide draw in the final race.
He has ridden 18 winners and has just two wins to go before he loses his 4kg claim.
