Thabiso Gumede, a 2nd year Apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy, who is currently based at the Summerveld campus, will have his first race ride as an apprentice jockey on Sunday 2 September 2018, at Scottsville racecourse, in Race 1 aboard Kirav’s Tune, trained by Kom Naidoo.
Thabiso is eagerly anticipating his first race ride, saying “I can’t wait for my first ride and I want to thank Mr. Naidoo for giving me this opportunity and trusting in me. I will do my best and won’t let him down”. Academy Jockey Coach, Laurence O’ Donoghue, who has been working with Thabiso since he joined the Academy, said “Thabiso has been progressing nicely since joining the Academy 2 years ago, his first race ride will give him valuable insight and experience into what racing is all about!”
Thabiso grew up in Shongweni, very close to Summerveld and the Academy, and was introduced to horse racing by his uncle who was a security guard and used to work at the Academy. My uncle used to tell me about the powerful horses at Summerveld and the apprentices at the Academy and since I have always loved horses I have always wanted to join the Academy and become a jockey! He has a small but close family that includes his Mom an older Brother and Granny. Thabiso’s favourite jockey is S’manga Khumalo who he feels is both a very successful jockey and good role model for aspiring apprentice jockeys.