When MATADOR MAN, trained by Sean Tarry, won the KWAZULU-NATAL BREEDERS MILLION MILE at Greyville on Sunday 25 June, it gave young apprentice Eric Ngwane, the biggest victory in his career so far!
Eric got the chance of a lifetime when jockey S’Managa Khumalo was stood down after Race 4. According to Eric, it is something that happened so quickly and unexpectedly, but is a moment he will never forget in his life! Eric said “I didn’t even know that S’Managa Khumalo was injured and on the way to weigh after Race 4, Mr. Steyn, Assistant Trainer to Mr. Tarry, approached me and offered me the ride, which I gratefully accepted.
Eric said it only hit him that he was riding the favourite in the race when he entered the Jockey Room and all the jockeys and apprentices were excited for him. Eric also praised fellow apprentice Lyle Hewitson and jockey Bernard Fayd'Herbe for all the advice and encouragement they gave him before the race. Eric said “as soon as Lyle heard I was riding Matador Man he came to me and told me all about the horse and how he had won on him before. Bernard also came and spoke to me and told me I mustn’t panic and just ride it like a normal race. When we went out for the race, Lyle spoke to me again and gave me further advice and encouragement.”
According to Eric the Race worked out perfectly, saying “in the Parade Ring Mr Tarry gave me concise instructions, the horse cantered down well to the start and was relaxed behind the pens. I rode my own race and the horse won comfortably.” Eric is most grateful for this victory and said “I would like to give special thanks to Mr. Steyn for recommending me to ride the horse, Mr. Tarry for all the opportunities he has and keeps on giving me in my career and to the Owners for allowing me to ride their horse in such a big race!”
Eric has a very pragmatic approach to life and racing, saying “the harder I work the more chances and success I get” and with the chance and big win on Matador Man, it’s an approach that echoes a maxim often used by the great Gary Player, “The harder you practice, the luckier you get!” When asked about the future, Eric only has one current short term goal in mind and that is to defend the current KZN Champion Apprentice Title and with his current approach and work ethic it’s definitely a goal that is in his grasp.