Felix Coetzee
One of South Africa’s greatest ever jockeys will take up a Consultancy position with the SA Jockey Academy from 1 April this year.
This announcement was made today and followed speculation that Felix Coetzee had been considering various options withing the industry.
The 54 year old Coetzee announced his retirement from the saddle on 20 February 2014.
He rode 3508 winners in a glittering career where he was crowned SA Champion three times and won 75 Group 1 races internationally.
Coetzee put his retirement down to the fact that he was struggling with the wear and tear following hip replacement surgery last year.
SAJA, who have been through a trying time with staff changes and negative media in recent times, announced today that following a visit on Wednesday 26th February 2014, Felix who has been working with Martin Locke visited his alma mater in Summerveld. Impressed with what he saw, Felix had discussions with the Headmaster and the Chairman of the Board.
It was duly resolved that Felix would take up a position with the Academy on a fixed-term basis, commencing on 1 April 2014.
With Felix’s international as well as national experience and the fact that he has until very recently been racing at the highest level, it is believed that his consultation with the Academy would add great value.
