Ntuthuko Maphumulo horse racing
The sport of kings has given 21-year-old Monnapula Denicious Smith the sort of opportunity most youngsters just dream of. He is to be the first black apprentice jockey to leave South Africa to compete in the ninth annual Macau apprentice jockeys’ race meeting on the island near Hong Kong on May 13.
At the Macau event the world’s leading apprentice jockeys compete in cup and bowl events.
Smith was chosen by the South African Jockeys’ Academy at Summerveld because of his many wins since becoming an apprentice jockey. He has a record of 48 wins, 74 second-place and 69 third-place finishes and last season won the renowned Macdonald & Hammon trophy as the top apprentice in KwaZulu-Natal.
Smith said: “It is a privilege to be selected to participate in this event and I am grateful to the Jockey Club for making it possible.”
A love and passion for horses and the aid of the Jockeys’ Academy has seen to it that the young man is well trained. Until he entered the academy in 1996, Smith had never ridden a horse but the selection committee was swayed by his enthusiasm.
The love of the sport and a determination to succeed made him repeat standard eight when he joined the academy and saw him complete matric with academic awards for Zulu and accounting.
Chief executive of the Jockey Club of Southern Africa Tony Barnes said: “We are confident that Denicious will do us and his country proud. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to gain overseas experience and become recognised as a professional jockey and he has our full support.”
Smith, who is currently the top apprentice jockey in the country, has also been offered a ride in the prestigious July Handicap by trainer Gary Alexander.
With the talent and determination he has shown so far, Smith is sure to get many rides for other leading trainers after he leaves the academy.