Eric Ngwane, a 2nd year apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy campus at Summerveld, who recently signed his riding papers, had his first rides as an apprentice at Scottsville on Wednesday 15 April. Eric finished 2nd on his first ride in Race 3 aboard No. 8 "ROY’S ANGEL" trained by Michael Roberts and 3rd on his second ride in Race 5 aboard No. 15 "AP STRIKE" trained by Garth Puller.
When asked about his first two rides Eric said “cantering down to the start was nerve racking but once in the pens I relaxed and when they jumped I just followed instructions and the races panned out as the trainers told me”. Academy Riding Master Nicky Roebuck said “it was a very good start for Eric, he listened to instructions very well, both trainers were extremely happy and Head Stipendiary Steward Mr. Parker also impressed and both rides qualified”