The South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) held its annual Prize Giving and Speech Day at the Clubhouse at Summerveld on Friday 9 December and was attend by various racing dignitaries including The honorary President of the South African Jockey Academy, Mr Ben Jonsson, the Chairman of the Academy Board, Mr Avison Carlisle, Academy Board members Dave Furness, Graeme Hawkins and Tony Rivalland, Babu Nunan, Bill and Tom Lambert, Michael Roberts, Garth Puller, Koos and Lorraine De Klerk, Leigh Adams and Veronica Jack.

It was a special and enjoyable day that began with, Mr Ben Jonsson delivering an inspiring speech to the young apprentices that stressed that they should cherish every riding opportunity they are given and to always treat the horses they ride with respect. SAJA Principal, Graham Bailey celebrated the many successes the Academy achieved in 2016 and challenged the apprentices to strive to break records.

Riding Awards Winners
• The Greg Holme Trophy was won by Jason Gates
• The Elizabeth Jonsson Trophy was won by Jaleel Lindhorst
• The Justin Bircher Most Improved Athlete Trophy was won by Tejash Juglall
• Justin Bircher Athlete of the Year Trophy was won by Jason Gates
• The Rakesh Jeewanlall Award was won by Calvin Habib
• The Robbie Thompson Award was won by Tristan Godden
• The South African Jockey Academy Ambassador Trophy was won by Kersley Ramsamy and Lyle Hewitson
• The Lindsay Family Floating Trophy was won by Lyle Hewitson
• The Happy Chimes Trophy was won by Calvin Habib
• The Bennie Norton Trophy was won by Calvin Ngcobo
• The Oric Pretorious Trophy for Esprit d’corps was won by Callan Murray
• The Ronald Khumalo Prize was won by Denis Schwarz
• Headmaster’s Award was won by Calvin Habib
• SAJA Inter-House Trophy was won by Lambert House
• The McDonald Trophy was won by Tristan Godden
Academic Award Winners
• The Racing and Equestrian Floating Trophy was won by Jason Gates
• The Racing and Equestrian Floating Trophy was won by Diego De Gouveia
• The Amanda Jonsson Trophy was won by Lyle Hewitson
• Nicky Armstrong Trophy and the Dux for 2015 is Calvin Habib