SA Horseracing recently took time out to find out more about the up and coming Cole Dicken who is an apprentice from the South African Jockey Academy.

Do you have any family connections to racing? If yes please elaborate.
No, I am the first in my family to be involved in any kind of sport professionally.

How did you get involved in becoming an apprentice?
Ever since I was introduced to the sport by Anthony Delpech.

How long have you had aspirations to become a jockey?
Not very long. Only a year before I joined the South African Jockey Academy.

Is there any special traits or requirements one needs for the profession?
Hard work. Dedication. Good manners. Persistence. This is the type of sport that demands your very best every single day.

How do you keep fit physically and mentally?
By riding almost everyday. Working on the equicizer every chance I get. Watching my previous races finding out what I did wrong or could have done diffrently.

Who, if anyone, has inspired you in racing?
Like everyone knows already. Anthony Delpech.

Who is your favorite jockey and why?
Since Anthony Delpech is no long riding, Warren Kennedy has been riding very well in my eyes. He has his own unique riding style.

What are the qualities or attributes that an apprentice needs to have in order to be successful in this game?
Becuase as an apprentice you start at the very bottom, so you need to be patient. Also, you need to have a good mind set.

What race do you aspire to win, both locally and nationally?
The Vodacom Durban July is obviously what everyone will be working towards. I also wish to even race in The Kentucky Derby.

Where is your favourite racetrack?
Turffontein. I rode most of my winners there.

What would you like to see changed in racing?
I would like to see more people in racedays.

What advice would give a someone keen in getting involved in becoming an apprentice?
Be prepared for anything. You will be working with animals and anything can happen at anytime. Be patient and always show initiative.

How many winner have you had to date?
16 winners so far.

Give us an example of what you have learnt about racing riding (or work riding) specific to your technique or weakness that you have worked on successfully?
As I have just started race riding I have not developed my own style of riding. I am still working on weaker areas like getting my legs to race riding fit, changing/showing my crop and hitting. Once I have mastered or gotten better at the basics then I can start developing my own style and technique.

Where do you see yourself in the future in this racing industry?
On top of my game.

What do you think of the SAJA and the work they do for you?
The South African Jockey Academy got me where I am today. They pushed me to do my best and encouraged me when I needed it. In my opinion, the hardwork they do is basically keeping the sport alive in South Africa.