As South Africans commemorate Youth Month, leading horse racing operator 4Racing proudly recognises the excellence of young individuals in the sport.
Horse racing is often associated with seasoned veterans who have a long tradition in the sport and as a result is often not the sport of choice for many young people.
Young jockey Kaidan Brewer helps out at the stables
However, 4Racing aims to do away with the notion that the sport is the exclusive domain of older and more affluent people by actively encouraging and empowering young people to participate in this exhilarating sport.
4Racing is appealing to young people from all walks of the country to explore their undiscovered equestrian skills and seek to achieve greatness in a sport that has captivated audiences for centuries.
In celebrating the achievements of the younger generation in the sport, 4Racing is also shining the spotlight on exceptional young jockeys who have made remarkable strides in the sport.
Rachel Venniker the first female to be crowned champion apprentice jockey of South Africa, Keratile Katjedi, a 19-year-old apprentice jockey who is following in the footsteps of his jockey father ‘LJ’ Katjedi with over 50 career wins to date, and Philasande Mxoli, a fifth year apprentice jockey with over 90 career wins, as well as the talented Kaidan Brewer with over 85 wins are among the young, rising stars in the world of horse racing who serve as an inspiration to aspiring jockeys everywhere.
Their passion, dedication, and talent demonstrate that age is no barrier to success in this thrilling sport. All of them are recognised for their impeccable riding skills and determination.
They have emerged as forces to be reckoned with on the racetrack. These exceptional individuals exemplify the immense potential that young people possess in the world of horse racing.
“I am incredibly honoured to be a young jockey in horse racing. This day holds immense significance for the South African youth, symbolising the power and potential within each one of us. As we come together to commemorate the sacrifices made by the brave youth of 1976, I am reminded of the transformative power this sport holds, not just for the jockeys but for the spectators as well,” said Mxoli.
“We believe in the untapped potential of the youth and their ability to redefine the landscape of horse racing. Through our commitment to providing platforms, resources, and mentorship, we hope to inspire and guide young individuals to discover the incredible world of horse racing.” said 4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe.
4Racing invites young people to step into the world of horse racing to unlock endless possibilities.
By embracing the sport at a young age through academies such as the South African Jockey Academy, which is the only institution in South Africa that offers youth an academic, experiential, and practical learning programme, they can qualify as professional jockeys and forge a path towards an exhilarating career in the racing industry.
- Media release by 4Racing on Thursday 15 June 2023
