Shaya Strikes With His First Winner

A master horseman and a champion jockey and trainer, Garth Puller has kick-started many a young apprentice’s career and his latest protégé Mxolisi ‘Shaya’ Mbuto looks to be a young man of particular promise.

The delighted 17-year-old booted home his first career winner when the gutsy filly Littleblackvelvet bolted up at 25-1 at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 9 October 2024.

“Shaya rode a very nice race to win on Littleblackvelvet. He’s small but very strong, and can handle horses that some of the bigger appies can’t,” Garth Puller told the Sporting Post as he spoke of a young man, he believes has all the characteristics and attributes to go all the way in a profession that really and truly separates the men from the boys.

“It’s early days. But Shaya’s hardworking, polite and humble, and, what I admire, he is also extremely respectful of his Mom, who sells vegetables at a streetside stand. He hasn’t had things easy in life and his humility shines through. I have Siphesihle Hlengwa looking after him and helping him. The two of them, for instance, are there on Sunday mornings. That routine and commitment cultivates an ethic of hard work. He is a real trier and he is small, so he won’t have weight issues. The racing brain comes later with experience. I’d say he is a guy who can make it,” added the veteran.

Shaya’s only carded mount last Sunday was scratched, and he thus had time to chat to the Sporting Post.

He was thrilled with the snap appraisal by the highly revered Garth Puller, a man who holds iconic status amongst the jockey fraternity.

“Mr Puller is an amazing man. He never stops teaching. He has stories to tell of forty years before I was born. He gives credit when we do well. But he shoots straight from the hip when he needs to point out where we have gone wrong. He explains everything well and has unlimited patience and experience that many will never gain in two lifetimes,” tells Shaya as he goes on to talk about his victory on Littleblackvelvet.

“When taking instructions in the ring, Mr Puller said I must give her a chance. But when we jumped, she was keen and we found ourselves in front. So, I thought, let’s go with plan B. I stuck with that, even though it crossed my mind a few times that I am going to be in trouble if it goes pear-shaped. But at the 600m, I thought this must really and truly be what a winner feels like! She had pricked her ears and was going so well. What a feeling. I won’t forget that race as along as I live,” adds Shaya proudly.

Born at King Edward Hospital on 4 March 2007, Mxolisi ‘Shaya’ Mbuto went home with his Mom Nokulunga to the family’s humble Umkomaas dwelling and life was tough. He recalls that he never knew his Dad.

“We didn’t have much but there was family love. My Grandfather had a few horses and they fascinated me. So I always imagined riding them but was not allowed to,” he laughs.

Despite the economic challenges, Shaya received a good education and was at Riverdene Secondary School in Newlands West when his Mom researched opportunities for her son at the SA Jockey Academy on the web.

Shaya, whose nickname means to ‘strike’ (as in the ball), loved soccer. He recalls how he scored many goals,  and has all the attributes – size, sporting ability as a lethal striker on the soccer field, and a fascination with horses, to build a promising career in his chosen profession.

Watch his post-race interview here:

The Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund supporter joined the SA Jockey Academy in January 2023.

He admits that while the English language education medium has tested him, he has improved his communication skills tenfold, and simply loves life at Summerveld. He is currently completing Grade 11.

“We are like one large family here. My home at Ntuzuma is very small and my room is occupied. So, while I love to see my Mom and stepsister, I’m not in a hurry to rush home like some of the guys!”

On his immediate goals, Shaya says he is determined to get a full card of rides.

“Opportunities give us a chance to show what we are made of. Without chances, there won’t be winners. So I am working hard – every morning I dash from ring to ring. I need to get noticed and gain experience.”

Asked to list what he sees to be his personal strong characteristics, Shaya says ‘hard work, no weight issues, a good listener, and strong mentally and physically’.

“I’m lucky – I have played a lot of sport. So I’m fit and I can ride at 47kgs in need. I don’t panic. I am not scared to be shouted at and told I messed up. I take criticism as education. I also love the horses.My 100% commitment to horseracing can only improve my lot in life. Without a regular income, my Mom has a tough time looking after my 12 year old stepsister. Mom always made sure I had a hot meal and attended school. It’s my turn to help them. Being the best jockey I can will assist me to improve their lives, like the SA Jockey Academy has improved mine.”