Jabu Jacobs and Xola Jacobs both 2nd year Apprentices at the South African Jockey Academy, who are not related to each other, will have their first race rides as apprentice jockeys on Saturday 23 June at the Scottsville racecourse. Jabu has his first race ride in Race 3, aboard KHETIWE, trained by Paul Lafferty while Xola has his first race ride in Race 8, aboard HIVA-OA KOI, trained by Gary Rich.
Jabu and Xola are both eagerly anticipating their first race rides, Jabu said "I can’t wait to have my first race ride at Scottsville and want to thank Mr. Lafferty and Mr. Waugh for giving me the opportunity to ride KHETIWE in this race!” Xola said “I’m very excited for my first race ride, especially because it’s for Mr. Rich, as he has been helping me a lot at track work in the mornings and has always told me he will give me my first race ride!”
Academy Principal, Graham Bailey, was very excited that Jabu and Xola were both having their first race rides this weekend saying “It’s marvellous to see these two young apprentices have their first race rides, Jabu and Xola are friendly and respectful young men, who have both worked very hard to get to the beginning of their race riding careers. I would like to thank the KZN Jockey Coaches, Stephen Jupp, Laurence O’ Donoghue and Nicky Roebuck, for all the hard work they have put in to get Jabu and Xola to this point!””