Nathan Klink, a 2nd year Apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy, who is currently based at the Gauteng Jockey Academy, will have his first race ride as an apprentice jockey on Thursday 5 April at the Vaal racecourse in the 7th race, aboard Captain Chips, trained Alec Laird.
Nathan is eagerly anticipating his first race ride, saying "I’ve been waiting for this moment to arrive and I want to thank Mr. Laird and Mr. Gerber for this great opportunity to ride Captain Chips. I will do my best to please them all'. National Jockey Coach, Robert Moore, who has been working with Nathan since he moved to Gauteng said "His riding has improved and I feel he is now ready for race riding. The trainers have given me positive feedback about Nathan and I wish him well in his first ride on Thursday."
Nathan’s hometown is Macassar, Firgrove near Somerset West in the Western Cape. In 2016 Nathan was studying to become a boilermaker at the Northlink FET College in Bellville, when he decided to apply to become an apprentice jockey as he found horseracing very interesting and thought he was up for a new career challenge! Nathan is an only child, but has a very big extended family. In terms of sport, Nathan loves playing touch rugby and enjoys its fast paced action. His favourite jockey is Anthony Delpech, who he admires for his unique riding style and success, which he hopes to emulate in future.