Apprentices Are Loving The States

Dreams don’t pay the bills and the opportunities are not exactly lurking down every home straight.

Two ambitious SA Jockey Academy apprentices recently opted to take their futures into their own hands and abandoned their dreams of becoming jockeys in the land of their birth.

The scenic city of Ocala, often labelled the ‘Horse capital of the world’, is in Marion County, Florida and a literal world away from the humble beginnings of Howick and Port Elizabeth.

But for Niall Brennan Stables’ newest workriders, 23 year old Wiseman Njokwe and 21 year old Xola Jacobs, the USA has opened a whole new dimension of opportunity – and reignited their dreams of eventually riding professionally.

In February a low-key notice appeared in the National Horseracing Authority’s weekly gazette. Njokwe and Jacobs had surrendered their indentures ‘by mutual consent’. That’s typically clinical and unenlightening, so we decided to find out more.

We tracked the globetrotting duo down to their new home in Florida on Sunday evening, and learnt in double quick time that the water in the States tastes different, the locals have been really warm and welcoming,  and that just about everything, including motor vehicles, is bigger in America.

“It takes some time getting used to the helpings here. The pizza’s and burgers never leave one hungry. Thirty dollars keeps us fed for a week. The currency units are a minor challenge – especially getting used to drawing small numbers from the ATM’s. In South Africa everything seems to cost thousands of rands!” laughs Wiseman, aka ‘Wisey’, as he tells that they have relished every moment of their voyage of discovery so far.

Asked what had made their minds up to take the plunge out of their cultural comfort zone, they speak as one in outlining the difficulty of breaking through the ranks in South Africa.

When the chance came, it was just too good to turn down.

Xola, who goes to scale at 49kgs, rode his last SA winner – the 10 to 1 shot Burmese Tiara – on 12 February at Turffontein for trainer Paul Peter.

“I understand that trainers and owners want the best jockeys on their horses- but to keep riding outsiders or no-hopers is soul destroying and knocks one’s confidence. Yes, there are lucky breaks and things can change quickly. But it is important to get the regular rides and some decent chances – we cannot win races without the horse under us,” says Xola, who grew up in Port Elizabeth and was introduced to racing as his Dad worked for the powerful Gavin Smith yard.

“I met Jockey Charles Ndlovu and he helped me to join the SA Jockey Academy. I am indebted to him as it changed my life forever,” he adds.

Wisey, who like the late Ronald Khumalo was supported by the Carlisle family in his dream of becoming a jockey, confirms that it is an uphill battle securing rides in terms of numbers and quality.

And the situation has been aggravated by the smaller fields, reduced horse population and the fact that we only race once a day in South Africa these days.

“In any walk of life, the dreams don’t pay the bills – so when the opportunity arose via the SA Jockey Academy to enjoy a change of scenery and ride work in the States, we were keen and excited to take our chances.”

Debbie Butt of the SA Jockey Academy was the person instrumental in securing the positions for Wisey and Xola.

The Academy was approached by the Americans, who were looking to employ work-riders.

“Covid threw a spanner in the works as they were supposed to leave in October last year. But I’m glad it all came together in the end. They were selected for a combination of reasons – work ethic, technical ability, and general dedication to their profession. We wanted to ensure that the first guys would carry our flag with pride, and all reports are that their employers are thrilled and very happy with them,” confirmed Debbie, who said this positive response could only lead to more opportunities.

The duo work at the Niall Brennan Stables, one of the top Thoroughbred pre-training facilities in the United States.

Wisey adds that the stable and facilities are state-of-the-art and absolutely immaculate. The property is situated on lush, rich land decorated with beautiful, old oak trees and consists of a newly resurfaced 1200m dirt track with a padded 4 stall starting gate, a 1200m rolling turf course and a jogging tack. They also use a state of the art Aquaciser, European walkers, round pens, and have 4 barns accommodating up to 130 horses.

“The people are wonderful and we are just learning so much. Like, for example, here they take the babies through the starting stalls at every opportunity. So by the time they get to the training yards, the horses find the gates second nature. I found that interesting,” says Xola.

He added that they are privileged to have been given this opportunity.

“And we haven’t given up the dream of getting back to race-riding. The system in America is like the old way in SA where an apprentice does his time with a trainer. We spoke to Hector Diaz jnr, who is a successful jockey based in Tampa Downs, Florida. He spent four years in the workriders ranks. So there is hope for us!” he laughs.

They reside within walking distance of Niall Brennan Stables with a gentleman named Warren Loudon.

“We have a lovely family and we are living the American dream lifestyle!” they say in unison.

Wisey and Xola also see a lot of John Motaung, who they know well from the SA Jockey Academy.

John left South Africa in 2021 to join Becky Thomas at Sequel Bloodstock in Ocala, Florida and is involved with pre-training the 2 year olds for Sales.

“It’s great having John show us around and we can get advice as we need it. It’s just so exciting to be here and we send our best wishes to all our friends and family in South Africa. We love it here – but we still miss the wonderful country and all the great people.”