This week SA Horseracing took time out to find out more about the up and coming Jabu Jacobs  who is an apprentice from the South African Jockey Academy.

Do you have any family connections to racing? If yes, please elaborate.

Yes, Jockey Robert Khathi is married to my cousin.

How did you get involved in becoming an apprentice?

Robert Khathi and my cousin started taking me to watch races at Kenilworth racecourse and from going to watch and knowing Robert I became interested in horseracing and decided to apply to become an apprentice jockey. I attended the assessment and interview and was accepted into the Academy.

How long have you had aspirations to become a jockey?

From 2015 onwards, after I went to the races a few times.

Are there any special traits or requirements one needs for the profession?

You must be able to work hard and have positive attitude.

How do you keep fit physically and mentally?

I ride a lot of work in the mornings every day of the week, I even ride on Sunday mornings for Mr Puller and Mr Foster. I also do gym at the Academy twice a week.

Who, if anyone, has inspired you in racing?

Mr Puller is the person who inspires me a lot in racing, he gives me a lot of advice, encourages me to do my best and also helps me with my race rides. He also motivates me, especially when times are tough, to always do my best and have a positive attitude.

Who is your favourite jockey and why?

Muzi Yeni is my favourite jockey, he works very hard and travels all over the country to ride as many horses as possible. He is also very good with how he talks to owners and trainers on raceday. I also like his riding style and his competitiveness.

What are the qualities or attributes that an apprentice needs to have in order to be successful in this game?

You need to be positive and have a good attitude! Racing is tough and you need to be positive especially when times are hard! You can’t let everything people tell you get you down!

What race do you aspire to win, both locally and nationally?

The Vodacom Durban July and the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate are the races I would like to win!

Where is your favourite racetrack?

The Greyville Polytrack is my favourite racetrack because I have ridden a lot of winners there and I also enjoy the type of racing on the polytrack as you have to position your horse correctly and be able to make quick decisions.

What would you like to see changed in racing?

I would like for more people to come to watch racing like in the olden days. At the moment people only come for the big racedays. It will not be easy to get more people to come to watch races but I feel there are lots of people who don’t know what horseracing is and how exciting it can be to watch.

What advice would give someone keen in getting involved in becoming an apprentice?

My advice would be they must be prepared to work hard and not give up. It’s going to be tough and they must be confident and believe in themselves and listen to the Riding Masters.

How many winners have you had to date?  

I have had 8 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? 

Mr Muscutt, the Assistant Trainer for Brett Crawford has taught me a lot about pace and how to calculate fractions and times. Working with the beeper has helped me a lot, especially in races.

Where do you see yourself in the future in this racing industry?

When I qualify, I want to be one of the competitive jockeys who are travelling around the country chasing the Jockey Championship. I would also like to ride in Hong Kong one day.

What do you think of the SAJA and the work they do for you? 

I really appreciate everything that the Academy has done for me. Especially when I was injured recently, Sister Butt and Tarryn Mason our Sport Scientist took care of me and got me back to race riding fitness.