Don wrote: The Racing. It’s a Rush International Jockeys Challenge takes place at Turffontein, Johannesburg on Saturday 15 November and at Kenilworth, Cape Town on Sunday 16 November.
This tournament sees a formidable team of international jockeys take on a six man South African team. S’manga Khumalo (Captain) was last season’s Champion Jockey of the Year. Known affectionately as “Bling”, S’manga is the first black jockey to win this title.
Piere Strydom, rated as one of South Africa’s all-time top jockeys, is expected to ride his 5000th winner any day now – a first for any South African jockey in history. Strydom describes the annual International Jockeys Challenge as “fantastic” and his favourite local event in which to compete.
Making up the remaining members of this talented local team are Richard Fourie, Muzi Yeni, Anthony Delpech and Bernard Fayd'Herbe. “It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of the South African team. I am honoured and cannot wait to perform”, says Fayd'Herbe.
A younger team of riders than in previous years make up the international team and includes James Doyle (UK - Captain), Martin Harley (Ireland), Adam Kirby (United Kingdom), Andreas Helfenbein (Germany), Selim Kaya (Turkey) and Gregory Benoist (France).
“The International Jockeys Challenge is the perfect sponsorship opportunity for Racing. It’s a Rush as it aligns with what our brand is trying to achieve. This is a prestigious event which brings together the thrill of horseracing, great South African and worldwide talent, offering the public a wonderful day at the races,” says Michael Varney of Racing. It’s a Rush.
The jockeys will ride in four races at each event. The team that scores the most points wins the Challenge but there are also awards for the top riders in each of the legs and the top rider overall.
In the last six years, South Africa has won four times and the international team has won twice.
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