Kabelo Matsunyane, 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 Tuesday 22 May 2018, at the Vaal racecourse, in Race 7 aboard Trip To Paradise, trained by Mr. F C De Beer.
Kabelo is eagerly anticipating his first race ride, saying “I can’t wait for my first ride and I am very grateful to Mr. F C De Beer for giving me this opportunity and trusting in me. I will do my best and won’t let him down. I have had the chance to review his last few starts and hope this will help me know the horse”. National Jockey Coach, Robert Moore, who has been working with Kabelo since he moved to Gauteng said “he has been working hard at improving his riding and has shown some nice talent since arriving in Gauteng.”
Kabelo hails from Lakeside, Vereeniging in Gauteng and matriculated from Khutlo Tharo Secondary School in 2016. He has a small but close family that includes his Mom, Dad, big sister and little brother. Kabelo loves Soccer and is an avid Orlando Pirates fan who plays as an attacking midfielder. Kabelo was attracted to the sport of horseracing as he found it very interesting and unique! His favourite jockey is Pierre Strydom, who he feels is both a very successful jockey and good role model for aspiring apprentice jockeys.