MJ – Doing His Bit For Racing

The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Festival unearthed a few gems over two superb days last weekend. One man who made an impact through his enlighteningly frank exchanges with his colleagues in the emotive heat of the post-race moments was sidelined Met-winning jockey MJ Byleveld.

In his sixteenth month out of the saddle, MJ told the Sporting Post that the privilege of the opportunity of being able to stay in touch with racing during the dark days since he shattered his ankle at work at Milnerton in September 2020, was real life therapy, and actually keeping him sane.

“When I was riding I was busy almost every day. Stables early for work, then discussing strategy and programmes with the boss. We had racing, I was in the gym. I used to travel for some meetings. One is on the go. Since this injury, I have had plenty of time to reflect – to think and mull over life. One would never believe that breaking an ankle could get one’s feet so firmly back on the ground!”he laughs.

It’s been a rough ride for the tough-as-teak Warmbaths-born 40 year old, whose no-nonsense upbringing as the son of a maize farmer and cattle trader in the Limpopo province, is a literal galaxy away from the blue and white glitz and glam of South Africa’s premier elegant raceday.

We asked the fanatical lifetime Blue Bulls supporter who his designer of choice was for his outfit on the L’Ormarins’ big day,  and whether his new glam-look spectacles were a subtle fashion accessory.

“If you class this as an outfit, I graciously accept the compliment but it came straight out of my cupboard where it’s been hanging for years. I didn’t even make the field for the best-dressed competition amongst all of those beautifully attired people. My fashion merit rating has always been on the low side!” he roars.

And as for the spectacles, MJ gets serious as he tells how he has suffered from intermittent dizziness and headaches since a neck operation.

“I had my eyes tested and they diagnosed that I was far-sighted and needed the glasses. While they took some getting used to, I have found the specs have helped a lot,” he adds.

The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Festival wasn’t MJ’s first experience of raceday television work, but he is clearly growing in stature and confidence.

“I have been given some training which has helped a lot. Let me tell you that I, like most of my colleagues, am quite used to being interviewed and thus being a guest on a race discussion is one thing. But actually conducting the interview oneself is an entirely different racing surface! When I interviewed a trainer recently, the camera rolled and I said nothing while she looked at me in anticipation. But like anything, it’s practice and I have learnt to do my homework and my Ipad has come in very handy!”

We suggested to MJ that his snap cutaway interviews on Tellytrack with the runner-up jockeys in the immediate aftermath of each race was the kind of drama and authenticity that horseracing television has been sorely lacking.

“As a start, I think it helped that the guys are comfortable with me and there is a trust relationship. A number of the jockeys even conceded that they had enjoyed the way it was done.”

We asked how he had managed to even get Anton Marcus in front of the camera twice? And how he had created the dramatic reality element. Were the questions scripted?

“There is not much time in the post-race zone, so I would find the jockey and ask him if we could chat. Some would say – ‘what are you going to ask me?’ I would respond and say you will find out now! The jockeys were brilliant and it’s effectively unscripted real-time responses. I enjoyed the experience,” he adds.

It was certainly a commendable performance from a guy who admits that he thinks in Afrikaans, and speaks in English.

“One wants to keep it entertaining and light-hearted, so I threw in a bit of banter as I know the individuals. Naturally it doesn’t always come out exactly as intended as my brain is translating, but it was fun and most enjoyable.”

And what are the prospects of his returning to race-riding?

“My most recent operation was on 30 August last year and it has been the surgery that has set me back every time. I am not 100% and have some pain and the odd niggle. I am due to visit the doctor for an assessment again on 16 February and am hard at work with the Biokineticist and Physio. I am as fit as I could be in the circumstances, I suppose.”

Jockeys on the sidelines often suffer weight increases. Has MJ put on any pudding?

“Everything in life in moderation – that includes wine and food! I can feel I am not at riding weight right now, but am not obsessed with weighing myself and am rather focussing on getting back to health,” he adds.

So when can we expect the Sun Met winning jockey back in the saddle and entertaining us with his ‘flashes’ – excuse the ‘Faf’ skants pun – of pure brilliance as witnessed by the excited crowd when One World beat Rainbow Bridge in the Cape flagship in 2020?

“It is difficult to say, but I should know more after my February consultation. I miss the camaraderie of the jockey room and the racecourse vibe of bygone years. But we certainly recaptured the on-course buzz on Friday and Saturday. There was a happy vibe on course and we all want to get racing back into the winner’s enclosure again!”

• LQP fashion pics for illustration only – courtesy of Candiese Lenferna