Welcome Calvin Ngcobo!

After almost three decades of setting the pace on the South African racing industry media landscape, the Sporting Post are now the proud sponsors of two jockeys, with more to follow.

Athandiwe Mgudlwa and Calvin Ngcobo joined the SP team this week. We spoke to comeback kid Calvin on Tuesday – next week Athandiwe is in the spotlight.

And to crown a beautiful start, they rode four winners between them at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday!

There are not too many young jockeys that have bounced back from a disrupted apprenticeship and an injury-enforced four year absence from the saddle. But soon-to-be 27 year old Calvin Ngcobo has shown remarkable character and courage in the past eleven years to get back amongst the winners.

An Umlazi-born son of an Educator Dad and Caterer Mom, the extremely polite and softly-spoken Newlands-schooled and eventual Wentworth High graduate has overcome the odds and told the Sporting Post on Tuesday that his upbringing and family support had taught him values of perseverance and resolve that have stood him in good stead.

At Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday week, the Ngcobo family – or Calvin Fan Club – were out in numbers to cheer their hero on. And he didn’t let them down, booting home American Dream for Glen Kotzen.

“That was amazing, I was so proud to have them all there. My Mom, Granny, cousins. Nothing like an air of expectancy from the family to put a bit of pressure on!” laughs a clearly proud Calvin as he recalls a memorable day.

But Calvin thrives on pressure. From that first tentative day in 2011 when he apprehensively walked through the intimidating foyer of the SA Jockey Academy, he has always stuck to his guns and self-belief, and rewritten the script.

“A teacher of mine was friends with an owner. I was small and athletic. I was keen on the performing arts and loved dancing. So I was also very fit. I was the perfect candidate to be a jockey, albeit that I didn’t know the back from the front of a horse!”

But the dream was put on hold. After two terms Calvin was sent home. He was too small and needed to develop physically.

“That was a knock, but they were right. I needed to grow up a bit. So I moved to Wentworth High School to be close to Clairwood Racecourse where I could ride work. It wasn’t easy – riding in the mornings, then showering at a friend’s house and off to lessons. It was a long day- but I had the blessing of my school and my family.”

In 2014 Calvin returned to the Academy and pursued the dream. Things went well, he loved the life and graduated.

But an injury in the starting stalls while riding down in the Cape in 2018 seemed to be the straw that would break, dare we say, the camel’s back.

“I was really low. But I needed time and held on to the dream. Naturally as the years pass, the chances of a return to the saddle diminish exponentially. My Mom has a catering business and a firewood distribution outlet for pizza restaurants. I kept myself busy helping out and trying to maintain a good lifestyle to keep my weight in check. My injury healed and on 10 July I made my return at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. I have ridden five winners since my comeback and am getting more opportunities. I am so excited!”

Calvin says that he has to mention  Glen Kotzen, Paul Lafferty, Gavin van Zyl and Yogas Govender, as his chief supporters.

“I am at Summerveld every morning. I run from ring to ring. Beggars can’t be choosers! But I have had some nice rides – I have ridden winners of varying odds. So I am really feeling good about this season and appreciate the wonderful support from top trainers. We jockeys can’t do it without support!”

As to short-term challenges, Calvin tells that he is focussed on building relationships and his confidence, increasing his fitness, and ensuring that his weight is kept in check.

“I go to saddle at 54,5kgs and regular race-riding is a definite boost all round. I feel good about this season and  loving what one does means there is no dread when the alarm goes off at 4am! I bounce out of bed and look forward to the day. It’s a good feeling!”

A single man and non-smoker, Calvin says he really has no excuses not to do well.

“Adversity builds character. I have no distractions or excuses. I am focussed and mature. My car’s engine gave up the ghost, so I need to look at buying another vehicle. But that’s not urgent. For now I’m sorted and living life, and very happy to call myself a professional jockey. I really appreciate the Sporting Post sponsorship! I hope I can make you all proud.”

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