Jacey’s First Winner Joy

It’s been a red-letter few days for the Botes family. Nephew Jacey booted home the first winner of his short career at the Vaal on Thursday, while Uncle Barend is rewriting the history books down in KZN and racking up the Grade 1 winners with a champion filly.

After a couple of second places down in Durban, 17 year old apprentice Jacey Botes struck gold at his 22nd ride when he rode a confident race to get Fabian Habib’s Gimmethegreenlight filly Bushveld home by under a length in a modest FM 64 Handicap at the Vaal on 25 July.

Going to scale at 46kgs, Jacey almost looks like the horse is just a tad too big for him, but he handled Bushveld with aplomb and confidence, as the gaps opened down the inside, and he maintained his head and balance to ride a well-judged race.

“He’s a promising youngster with a nice seat,” said trainer Fabian Habib, while winning Groom Best was over the moon himself, as Bushveld was also his first winner for the Habib team.

With dental braces flashing a broad smile, Jacey told the Sporting Post that the feeling when Bushveld hit the line was ‘indescribable’.

“I’d say it’s a lifechanging and exciting moment. It was an extraordinary feeling. I’m not sure I slept on Thursday night at all!” he laughed.

A member of Gen Z, also known as Zoomers, Jacey was born in Amazimtoti on 25 January 2007 and is a member of the demographic cohort succeeding Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha.

The sports crazy youngster attended Kuswag School in Amanzimtoti, where his passions included rugby, cross-country, cricket and athletics.

Jacey tells of a devastating challenge for the family when his twin brother Chris was diagnosed in Primary School with a brain tumour.

“It’s a shock for a young person to have to deal with serious health issues, but Chris’ suffering brought our family closer together. My Dad Jacey, Mom Cristelle, my sister Chantelle and I kept our faith and today, 6 years later, Chris is cancer free,” he adds emotionally.

At the age of 16, Jacey packed up the home comforts of Kuswag and Amanzimtoti and joined the SA Jockey Academy at Summerveld.

“You asked me what instigated the decision to try a career as a jockey. I used to visit my Uncle Barend’s stables at the Vaal. The horses intrigued me. I am slightly built. It made sense for me to try and follow in his footsteps, as he was also a very good jockey in his time.”

He continues that his next target is to ride a winner for Uncle Barend.

“I had a close second for him at Hollywoodbets Greyville. I hope I get the chance soon to ride a winner for him.”

On Quid Pro Quo’s stunning victory on Sunday, Jacey says that he is very proud of his Uncle and Smanga Khumalo, for their achievement in making history with Quid Pro Quo.

“He took a chance to move from the Vaal to Durban. Getting a really good horse is rich reward for his dedication to, and passion for, these animals. And he never stops working. Believe me!”

On his time at the SA Jockey Academy, Jacey tells that he has settled in well and has some good friends, including promising apprentice Trent Mayhew. There’s not much time for partying, he says, but he enjoys a good braai.

“I have so many people to thank for this wonderful career opportunity that I have been given. Starting with my parents for their enduring love and support, the Teachers and Coaching Staff at the academy and all the trainers that have thrown me a bone. If I could give special mention to Mr Fabian Habib and the owners of Bushveld, who had the faith to put me up. We can’t ride winners without horses. And Bushveld was a quality ride,” he adds maturely.

Jacey’s Uncle, Summerveld-based trainer Barend Botes, said that he wished his nephew well, but urged him to focus and work hard.

“I suppose we were all young and 17 once, so we can’t be too hard on these ‘laaities’. But three points of advice for Jaycee. Work hard. Stay away from play-station. Don’t run wide. We call the latter going to buy bread  and milk and nothing drives a trainer more mad,” smiled Barend.

When asked about his own enormous day on Sunday with Quid Pro Quo making history, Barend said that he woke up in the morning and everything felt good.

“I knew she was well. There was a buzz in the team. Giving the Grooms a lift from Summerveld we were amped and hyped. They wanted the song Jerusalema playing loud. We were all singing along as we arrived at Hollywoodbets Greyville. The mood was good, as they say!”

Barend says that his champion is quite a handful and the news that she had spread a shoe en route to the start was not exactly what he wanted to hear.

“When the Chief Stipe phoned me and said they were battling to get the shoe on and the filly wasn’t happy, I said ‘take them off then’. Gerald and Karin Kalil were standing outside. I thought for a moment of discussing it with them. Then decided they were so happy and excited, let’s just be positive. Then when Smanga changed the tactics and took her up there, I thought, oh hell, the day started like a dream, but it’s going more pear-shaped by the minute. Then she just lifted her game and won it! I saw afterwards that only the two front shoes had been removed. I thought all four had been taken off. Look, we know Zola Budd was a champion. This filly is on her way there!”