This week SA Horseracing took time out to find out more about the dynamic Khanya Sakayi who is an apprentice from the South African Jockey Academy.

Do you have any family connections to racing? If yes, please elaborate.
I don’t have any family connections at all.

How did you get involved in becoming an apprentice?
I was studying in Cape Town, doing Grade 9 and one of the Academy recruiters, Richard Sotshononda, came to my school and I was one of the students who met the requirements. I went for the recruitment assessments and interviews at Kenilworth Racecourse and was accepted into the Academy.

How long have you had aspirations to become a jockey?
I actually had no idea what a jockey was or what they did until Mr Sotshononda came to my school, but after that I found out more and was very interested.

Are there any special traits or requirements one needs for the profession?
Hard work is the key, a jockey needs the opportunity to ride good horses, but these chances only come with hard work. You have to be at track early in the mornings and ride as much work as possible for as many trainers as possible.

How do you keep fit physically and mentally?
By riding a lot of work in the mornings, 6 days a week, also by doing gym twice at week at the Academy and jogging in my spare time.

Who, if anyone, has inspired you in racing?
John Buckler, the Assistant Trainer for Glen Kotzen, inspires me a lot! He always encourages me, gives me good advice and great support. The Academy staff have also always inspired me to do my best in racing.

Who is your favourite jockey and why?
Warren Kennedy because when I first started race riding I used to do his kit and he helped me a lot to become a better rider and jockey. He is a very nice person who helps a lot of apprentice jockeys. His work ethic is excellent and puts in a lot of work at track in the mornings and is a good role model. It is wonderful to see Warren doing so well as jockey now!
What are the qualities or attributes that an apprentice needs to have in order to be successful in this game?
Hard work and communication skills!

What race do you aspire to win, both locally and nationally?
The Vodacom Durban July and the Sun Met are the races I would like to win!

Where is your favourite racetrack?
The Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse is my favourite racecourse, it’s a track I like and have ridden many winners there.

What would you like to see changed in racing?
I would like to see apprentice jockeys getting more rides, provided they work hard for it.

What advice would give someone keen in getting involved in becoming an apprentice?
To behave and follow the Academy rules and also when you need help ask for help from the Riding Masters, Jockeys and Apprentices. When you start riding work at track always follow the Trainer’s instructions.
How many winners have you had to date?
I have had 46 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?
I had to learn to use my hands to make a horse settle and relax. When I first started riding I wanted to use strength and power to try and control horses, but this is the wrong thing to do. Soft hands are the key to success when riding horses and the Riding Masters at the Academy and Warren Kennedy helped me to master this.

Where do you see yourself in the future in this racing industry?
I would love to be one of the top jocks travelling and riding around the country and chasing the Jockey Championship. Also would love to ride overseas one day in England and Ireland.

What do you think of the SAJA and the work they do for you?
The Academy is brilliant they do everything they can to make you successful and support you. If I look at myself when I came here I had never sat on a horse before and now I’m riding winners, the work that the Academy does is amazing. The Academy is like family to me and they support in everything I do and lift me up when I’m down!