Search
where the horse is always the hero
Article Item
Posted 2017-12-03 19:11:01  
Habib at Home in Bahrain


South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) 3rd Year Apprentice Jockey, Calvin Habib, has hit the ground running for the Al Afoo Racing Stable under Trainer Hussain Al Daylani in Bahrain. In the space of a month, Calvin has notched up for 4 winners, on “GREY Z” on the 3rd of November, on “PRINCE BONNAIRE” on the 17th and a double on the 24th aboard “LEGENDARY LUNCH” and “NEOCLASSICAL”!
The cheerful and popular young apprentice is full of praise for his new stable and trainer, saying “We have a great team and it's a real team effort which makes it a lot easier, the training methods used are similar to that of South African trainers, so it was easy for me to join the team and contribute to its success.”
However, Calvin has pointed out that initially the heat was difficult to overcome, but after a week or so adjusted to the climate and now makes sure he is always well hydrated. Calvin also pointed out that the racing is quite different to that in South Africa saying “in the beginning I found the track and the pace of the races a lot different to that in South Africa, the vibe on a raceday is also totally different to that back home. But that is horseracing and working with horses, you learn something new every day and you adapt and in no time you have adjusted to the local racing conditions.”
Calvin is also enjoying his free time in Bahrain and said “I have made friends with many of the jockeys and when we are off we go sightseeing, which is fun and interesting and we are learning a lot about the history and culture of Bahrain.” Calvin says that he also hits the gym daily to stay fit, as coming from the Gauteng Jockey Academy he used to race 4 to 5 days a week, but Bahrain they only race on Friday so the gym sessions help him to maintain his fitness levels.
When asked about his upcoming rides in the next few weeks, Calvin is very thankful for the excellent rides his stable has given him so far and is very happy racing in Bahrain. He is especially excited that two of his stables horses, including “LEGENDARY LUNCH” that he won on, are going to Dubai to race in the Carnival and that he will be riding them at the Carnival. SAJA Principal Graham Bailey said “I’m very proud of Calvin and wish him the best for the remainder of his time in Bahrain! He is an excellent ambassador for the Academy and South African Horse Racing!”
 

Rate:
Email link to a friend | Printable Version
  • S. A Jockey Academy News
    Displaying 10 ResultsSee All
    the apprentices ready to take on the three apprentice races today at vaal racecourse.2021-06-24

    Jeffrey Syster won Race 1 aboard JET CAT trained by Heinrich van der Westhuizen.    Gabr...

    View | Add Comment
    wiseman njokwe and mfanelo zuma chosen to attend the british racing school in new market 2020-02-07

    Congratulations to Wiseman Njokwe and Mfanelo Zuma who have been selected by the riding department t...

    View | Add Comment
    awards galore as jockey academy celebrate another great year 2019-12-09

    The South African Jockey Academy Awards Day was held in the Summerveld Clubhouse on Friday in anothe...

    View | Add Comment
    1st winner for apprentice gabriell pieterse2019-10-30

    Gabriell Pieterse, a 2nd year apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy, rode his 1st winner ...

    View | Add Comment
    become a jockey - saja recruitment 2019-06-18

    SAJA Apprentice Recruitment Starts on Friday The South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) will be commen...

    View | Add Comment
    syster makes his debut at scottsville2019-05-24

    Jeffrey Syster, a 2nd year Apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy, who is currently based at...

    View | Add Comment
    meet jeffrey syster2019-05-17

    Jeffery Syster is a 21 year old, 2nd year Apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy, who re...

    View | Add Comment
    pieterse makes his debut at the vaal2019-04-17

    Gabriell Pieterse, a 2nd year Apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy, who is currently bas...

    View | Add Comment
    dicken and maharaj to british racing school2019-03-26

    South African Apprentice Jockeys Cole Dicken and Tyrell Maharaj will be jetting off to the British...

    View | Add Comment
    saja apprentice recruitment starts today2019-03-22

    The South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) will be commencing its 1st Round of Recruitment Assessments ...

    View | Add Comment