Durban – After winning the Durban July, Smanga Khumalo was back at work on Sunday for another day of competition at Joburg’s Turffontein race track.
Khumalo, who became the first black jockey to win the premier horse race when he brought home Heavy Metal ahead of favoured Run For It, travelled through on Saturday night to get back to his adopted hometown for the next day’s racing.
“I race almost every day, and take all opportunities I get to race with both hands,” said Khumalo.
Originally from Durban’s KwaMashu township, Khumalo was introduced to horse racing when a scout from the South African Jockey Academy visited Mzuvele High School when he was in Grade 8 and asked him if he wanted to join.
“They approached me and said my height and weight were all in place. I told them I would like to be part of it,” he said.
“Coming from the township, I had never ridden a horse before and I did not know anything about them.”
He said he was nervous at the prospect of leaving school to join the academy, but despite their concerns, his family supported him.
”My family was a bit worried but they said I must give it a try.”
In January 2000, Khumalo began five years of training to become a jockey.
The first time he climbed on a horse was “frightening”, he said, but he was determined to work hard and impress his trainers – a quality that made him stand out.
The head riding master at the academy during Khumalo’s stay, Paul Gadsby, said the young man was “hardworking and dedicated” and showed great potential.
After he was ready to race, however, Gadsby said Khumalo battled to get a competitive ride.
“It was possibly because Khumalo was one of the first black jockeys to come through the ranks that trainers were reluctant to give him a chance,” Gadsby said.
With no opportunities locally, Khumalo went to an academy in Zimbabwe for a year, where he began his racing career. “In Zimbabwe I got my first race and my confidence.”
He then moved to Joburg to continue racing and this is where he lives today.
He reached his pre-July peak by winning the R2 million Grade 1 President’s Champion Challenge with Heavy Metal in April.
Heavy Metal’s trainer, Sean Tarry, said Khumalo’s achievement was “fantastic” and doors would open.
“He ran a perfect race and showed great temperament.”
Khumalo’s wife Petunia said watching her husband cross the line was a proud moment as he and Heavy Metal were not the favourites.
Despite his demanding schedule, Khumalo spends any free time with her, their daughter Persia, 4, and son Kaiden, 2, Petunia said.
And, the reward for winning the prestigious race?
Tarry said Khumalo would take home 10 percent of the prize purse – an industry standard – which was about R200 000. – The Star