Eric Ngwane’s rise in South African horse racing was a promising one. As a two-time champion apprentice in KwaZulu-Natal, his potential was clear from early on. By the time he qualified as a fully-fledged jockey at the end of 2018, expectations were high. Yet, as his career should have taken off, Ngwane faced an unexpected struggle.

Trainers, despite recognizing his early promise, often opted for more experienced or preferred jockeys. “I just couldn’t get into a secure rhythm,” he reflects. Rides became scarce, and opportunities that should have come his way seemed to slip further out of reach. In a sport where momentum is key, Ngwane found himself stalled, watching others rise while he waited on the sidelines.

By 2021, like many other young South African jockeys who found doors closing at home, Ngwane made the difficult decision to seek a better life overseas. “I knew I had the skills and the determination, but I needed to survive,” he recalls. Leaving South Africa wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. The racing industry’s competitive nature at home meant many talented jockeys had to seek work riding abroad just to make a living.

England became Ngwane’s new home, and while the move was challenging, it also brought new opportunities. “Since moving here, I’ve made progress in life,” he says with pride. The hard work he put in paid off, leading him to care for some of Europe’s finest horses, including recent Arc winner Bluestocking. Ngwane was seen celebrating wildly post race and so he should. He groomed Bluestocking from day one at the Ralph Beckett stable helping her develop into the filly she is today. One of the world's best horses and winning the best race on turf, surely this a one in a million story for a boy from Kwazulu-Natal. As they say, as one door closes, another opens,

“It just shows that hard work is recognized when you’re given the opportunity,” Ngwane notes, a sentiment tinged with a hint of regret. “It’s something I feel I never really got in my own country.”

For Eric Ngwane, the move to England wasn’t just about survival. It was about finding the opportunity he always knew he deserved and proving that talent and determination can eventually overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

Former Marketing Manager of the South African Jockey Academy, Leonard Strong, "I remember when Eric qualified, he was very proud, excited and determined to be a successful jockey."

Strong was also aware of the challenges the apprentices and younger jockeys faced, "However, despite riding work daily, opportunities and rides were few and far between for the young jockey. Eric and Tristan Godden had completed the International Apprentice Course at the British Racing School and had worked for William Haggas as part of their training. Both Eric and Tristan received glowing reports and both their riding skills and work ethic were highly praised. I think it was this stint at the British Racing School that gave Eric the idea to work in Horseracing in the UK, as there wasn’t sufficient opportunities for him to make a living at home!"

Strong was thrilled by Ngwane's success, "Thank goodness he made the move and seized the opportunity! His association with Bluestocking is amazing and has highlighted his passion, commitment and hard work! Perhaps Eric’s success will open the door for other talented young people struggling to make a living in horse racing in SA."

Highly respected South African Racing guru Charles Faull, "Eric, that's a rare achievement of top class horsemanship, to groom and work ride the winner of the world's greatest turf race - sad that there weren't opportunities in SAF Racing to keep you here - keep on making sporting history - congratulations."