South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) Apprentices Lyle Hewitson (sponsored by Avontuur Estate) and Kersley Ramsamy just proved why the Academy and its apprentices are considered to be amongst the best in the world!

Lyle won Race Two, the Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only over 1200m, at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club aboard “IBN HARMANY AL ZOBAIR (AE)” trained by Ernst Oertel. Lyle rode a good race beating “EXTRA HOPE (US)” by a head, who was ridden by Richard Mullen and trained by Satish Seemar.
Kersley finished 3rd in Race Four, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFHRA) Apprentice Jockey Championship at Abu Dhabi over 1600m, at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club aboard “SNAFFY (FR)” trained by Eric Lemartinel. This was an excellent result for Kersley, considering he had to overcome being drawn twelfth of the thirteen runners in the race!
Both apprentices left South Africa early last week and were confident, excited and determined to represent Mauritius and South Africa to the best of their abilities. They both didn’t disappoint and illustrated the talent and passion that exists in the current apprentice roster in South Africa!