Johannesburg, 22 May 2016: S’manga “Bling’ Khumalo was last night announced at the Racing Association Highveld Feature Season Awards as Champion Jockey for 2016. Khumalo has become a horseracing hero to many, with his career highlights already including a historic 2013 Vodacom July win and his subsequent 2013 / 2014 season Champion Jockey title.
30 year old Khumalo last week reached a career first 200 season wins with victory at the World Sports Betting (WSB) Poly Challenge 1600 in Port Elizabeth. Two years ago Khumalo secured his Champion Jockey win with 185 wins out of 1 381 races, putting this new achievement into perspective, with 1 087 races already under his belt this season.
Sean Tarry, who was awarded as champion trainer of the season, believes that a simple increase in confidence has enables Khumalo to realise this achievement. Khumalo has been Tarry’s chief jockey this season - A truly formidable dream team.
Last year also saw the launch of a heartwarming documentary which tells the story of how KwaMashu-born Khumalo has become one of South Africa’s best jockeys. ‘To be a champion’ tells the endearing story of how a 15 year old Khumalo was spotted by a talent scout who recognised his small stature as an ideal starting point to see if he had what it takes to become a jockey. From there Khumalo was accepted for a five year apprenticeship at Durban Jockey Academy in Summerveld and started racing professionally in 2006.
Held at Turffontein Racecourse, these awards are based on performances from the top class racing season recently enjoyed in Gauteng. This year’s judges’ panel included Vee Moodley as panel Chairman, Clyde Basel, Germaine Maharaj, Jay Harriellel, Jason Dedekind and Alistair Cohen.
Khumalo is an obvious favourite to win Champion Jockey of the Year come end July, with Anthony Delpeche over 20 wins behind. For more information go to
www.itsarush.co.za
or follow Racing. It’s a Rush on Facebook and Twitter to follow his progress as the season draws to a close.
The full list of the 2016 Racing Association Feature Season awards includes:
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion two year old filly
Cloth of Cloud
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion two year old colt/gelding
Rivarine
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion three year old filly
Juxtapose
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion three year old colt/gelding
Abashiri
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion older horse
Legal Eagle
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion sprinter
Carry On Alice
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion Middle distance horse
Legal Eagle
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion Stayer
Abashiri
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion sand specialist
Deputy Jud
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Horse of the season
Abashiri
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion Apprentice
Callan Murray
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion Owner
Chris van Niekerk
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion Jockey
S’Manga Khumalo
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion Trainer
Sean Tarry
2016 RA Feature Season Award
Champion Breeder
Summerhill Stud
2016 Champion Work Rider
Sam Mosia
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